Chapter 110

Chapter 110: Hidden Edge Part 22 (4)

Wei Wuxian said, "Coffins are naturally meant for the dead. I suspect that what was originally buried here was the body of Jin Guangyao's mother, Meng Shi. He came here tonight to retrieve his mother's body and take it with him to the Eastern Lands."

Lan Xichen remained silent, while Nie Huaisang let out an "Ah" and said, "Oh, that makes a lot of sense."

Wei Wuxian continued, "What do you think the person who dug up Jin Guangyao's mother's body will do with it?"

Nie Huaisang replied, "Wei Wuxian, why do you keep asking me? No matter how many times you ask, I truly don't know."

After a pause, he added, "But then again..."

Nie Huaisang slowly gathered his rain-soaked hair and said, "I think, since this person hates Jin Guangyao so much, they would be merciless and particularly cruel to something he holds dear."

Wei Wuxian said, "Like dismembering the body and scattering the remains in different places, just like what was done to Chifeng-zun?"

Nie Huaisang was shocked and took a few steps back, saying, "This... this is too cruel..."

Wei Wuxian stared at him for a while but eventually looked away.

After all, speculation is just speculation, and no one has any evidence.

Nie Huaisang's current expression of confusion and helplessness might be a disguise. He might not want to admit that he has been using others as pawns, treating their lives as insignificant, or his plans might go beyond this, hiding his true intentions to achieve greater goals. Or perhaps it's not that complicated at all, and someone else sent the letter, killed the cat, and reunited Nie Mingjue's head and body, while Nie Huaisang is genuinely a coward.

Perhaps Jin Guangyao's last few words were just lies he made up on the spot after Nie Huaisang exposed his sneak attack, aiming to distract Lan Xichen and drag him down with him. After all, Jin Guangyao is a notorious liar, and it wouldn't be surprising for him to lie at any time.

As for why he changed his mind at the last moment and pushed Lan Xichen away, who could know what he was really thinking?

Lan Xichen's veins bulged on the back of his hand as he held his forehead, muttering, "...What does he really want? I used to think I understood him, but then I realized I didn't. Before tonight, I thought I understood him again, but now I don't."

No one could answer him. Lan Xichen said in confusion, "What does he really want?"

But even he, who was closest to Jin Guangyao, didn't know, so how could anyone else have the answer?

After a moment of silence, Wei Wuxian said, "Let's not just stand here. Let's send a few people out to find help, and leave a few here to guard this thing. This coffin and these strings won't be able to contain Chifeng-zun for long."

As if to confirm his judgment, loud banging sounds came from the coffin again, filled with an inexplicable rage. Nie Huaisang shuddered. Wei Wuxian glanced at him and said, "See? We need to replace this coffin with a more durable one, dig a deeper pit, and rebury it. It must not be opened for at least a century. If it's opened, the restless spirit will definitely linger, causing endless trouble..."

Before he could finish, a loud and deep bark came from the distance.

Wei Wuxian's expression changed instantly. Jin Ling, however, perked up slightly and said, "Xianzi!"

The thunder had passed, and the heavy rain had turned into a light drizzle. The darkest part of the night had passed, and the sky was beginning to lighten.

The wet, black-maned spirit dog charged in like a black whirlwind, its four legs carrying it straight to Jin Ling. Its round, wet eyes gleamed as it stood on its hind legs, paws resting on Jin Ling's legs, whimpering softly. Wei Wuxian saw its bright red tongue sticking out between its white fangs, licking Jin Ling's hand repeatedly. His face paled, his eyes widened, and he opened his mouth, feeling as if his soul might escape as a wisp of smoke. Lan Wangji silently stepped in front of him, blocking his view of Xianzi.

Shortly after, hundreds of people surrounded Guanyin Temple, swords drawn, their expressions alert, as if ready for a fierce battle. However, when the first few who rushed into the temple saw the scene before them, they were all stunned. Those lying down were dead; those not dead were half-lying, half-standing. In short, corpses were scattered everywhere, and the place was in utter chaos.

Leading the charge with swords were, on the left, the Yunmeng Jiang family's steward, and on the right, none other than Lan Qiren. Lan Qiren's face was still filled with shock and suspicion, but before he could even ask a question, the first thing he saw was Lan Wangji standing almost pressed against Wei Wuxian. In that moment, all his questions vanished, replaced by a surge of anger. His eyebrows knitted together, and he exhaled heavily, his beard quivering as it rose. The steward rushed forward to assist Jiang Cheng, saying, "Sect Leader, are you alright..." Lan Qiren, however, raised his sword and shouted, "Wei..."

Before he could finish, several figures in white robes rushed out from behind him, shouting, "Hanguang-jun!"

"Wei Wuxian!"

"Senior Ancestor!"

Lan Qiren was jostled by the last young man and almost toppled over, shouting in fury, "No running! Keep your voices down!"

Only Lan Wangji acknowledged him with a call of "Uncle," while everyone else ignored him. Lan Sizhou grabbed Lan Wangji's sleeve with his left hand and Wei Wuxian's arm with his right, saying happily, "Thank goodness! Hanguang-jun, Wei Wuxian, you're both safe. Seeing how frantic Xianzi was, we thought you were in some dire situation."

Lan Jingyi said, "Sizhui, you're overthinking it. How could there be a situation that Hanguang Jun can't solve? I told you not to overthink it."

"Jingyi, it seems like you're the one who's been worrying all along the way."

"Go away! Stop talking nonsense."

Lan Sizhui, catching sight of Wen Ning finally managing to get up from the ground, immediately grabbed him and pulled him into the circle of the younger generation, all chattering about what had just happened.

It turned out that after Xianzi bit Su She, it ran all the way and found an affiliated family of the Yunmeng Jiang Family stationed near the town, barking nonstop at their doorstep. The young family leader, seeing the special collar, golden emblem, and family crest on its neck, knew it was a spiritual dog of considerable origin, and its owner must be of high status. Noticing the blood on its teeth, claws, and fur, it was clear that it had been through a fierce battle, and fearing that its owner was in danger, he immediately sent a message by sword to Lotus Pier to inform the true leader of the area, the Yunmeng Jiang Family. The head steward immediately recognized it as the spiritual dog Xianzi of the young master Jin Ling and promptly dispatched a rescue team.

At that time, the Gusu Lan Family was about to leave Lotus Pier, but Lan Qiren was blocked by Xianzi. It jumped up, bit off a narrow piece of white cloth from Lan Sizhui's hem, and with its paw, tried to form it into a circle on its head, then lay down pretending to be dead. Lan Qiren was baffled, but Lan Sizhui suddenly understood: "Sir, doesn't it look like it's mimicking our forehead ribbon? Is it trying to tell us that Hanguang Jun or someone from the Lan Family is in danger?"

Thus, the Yunmeng Jiang Family, the Gusu Lan Family, and a few other families that had not yet left gathered their forces and came together to assist.

Lan Jingyi marveled, "We've always called it Xianzi, but who knew it was actually a spiritual dog!"

But no matter how spiritual it was, to Wei Wuxian, it was still a dog, the most terrifying thing in the world. Even with Lan Wangji blocking in front, he felt all his hair stand on end. Since the younger generation of the Lan Family entered, Jin Ling had been sneaking glances over there, watching them surround Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji, making a lot of noise. Seeing Wei Wuxian's face getting paler, he patted Xianzi's butt and whispered, "Xianzi, go out first."

Xianzi wagged its tail and continued to lick him. Jin Ling scolded, "Go out quickly, aren't you listening to me?"

Xianzi gave him a pitiful look, wagged its tail, and ran out of the temple. Wei Wuxian finally breathed a sigh of relief. Jin Ling wanted to go over but felt too embarrassed. While he was hesitating, Lan Sizhui suddenly noticed something at Wei Wuxian's waist and was stunned for a moment, saying, "...Senior Wei?"

Wei Wuxian said, "Hmm? What?"

Lan Sizhui said in a daze, "Your flute... can I take a look at it?"

Wei Wuxian took it off and said, "Is there something wrong with this flute?"

Lan Sizhui took the flute with both hands, slightly frowned, and looked somewhat confused. Lan Wangji looked at him, and Wei Wuxian looked at Lan Wangji, saying, "What's wrong with your Sizhui? Does he like this flute of mine?"

Lan Jingyi exclaimed in surprise, "Eh? Did you finally lose that out-of-tune broken flute of yours? This new flute is really nice!"

He didn't know that this "really nice" new flute was the legendary ghost flute "Chenqing" that he had always wanted to see, just secretly happy: "Great! At least now when he plays with Hanguang Jun in the future, it won't be too embarrassing for Hanguang Jun. Oh my! His original flute was really ugly and sounded terrible!"

Lan Wangji said, "Sizhui."

Lan Sizhui then came back to his senses, handed Chenqing back to Wei Wuxian with both hands, and said, "Senior Wei."

Wei Wuxian took the flute, remembering that it was brought by Jiang Cheng, turned to him, and casually said, "Thank you." He waved Chenqing and said, "So, I... can keep this?"

Jiang Cheng glanced at him and said, "It was always yours."

After a moment of hesitation, his lips moved as if he wanted to say something more, but Wei Wuxian had already turned to Lan Wangji. Seeing this, Jiang Cheng also fell silent.

Among the people present, some were cleaning up the scene, some were reinforcing the coffin's seal, some were considering how to safely move it, and some were angry. Lan Qiren angrily said, "Xichen, what exactly is wrong with you!"

Lan Xichen pressed his temples, his brows filled with indescribable gloom, and said wearily, "...Uncle, I beg you. Don't ask. Really. I really don't feel like talking right now."

Lan Qiren had never seen Lan Xichen, whom he had raised himself, in such a restless, uncharacteristic state. Looking at him, and then at Lan Wangji who was surrounded by Wei Wuxian, he became more and more furious, feeling that these two originally flawless and proud disciples were no longer under his control, and both were causing him endless worry.

The coffin containing Nie Mingjue and Jin Guangyao was not only unusually heavy but also had to be handled with extreme care, so several family heads volunteered to move it. One family head saw the face of the Guanyin statue, was stunned for a moment, and then, as if discovering something new, pointed it out to others: "Look at this face! Doesn't it look like Jin Guangyao?"

Others looked and marveled: "It really is his face! Why would Jin Guangyao make such a thing?"

Sect Leader Yao said, "He's self-proclaimed as a god, so arrogant and conceited."

"That's really arrogant and conceited. Hahaha."

Wei Wuxian thought to himself, that might not be the case at all.

Jin Guangyao's mother was seen as the lowest kind of prostitute, so he deliberately carved a statue of Guanyin in her likeness, to be worshipped and offered incense by countless people.

But now, all this talk is meaningless. No one knows better than Wei Wuxian that no one cares, and no one will believe it. Everything related to Jin Guangyao will be met with the most malicious speculation and widely spread among the masses.

Soon, this coffin will be encased in a larger, sturdier sarcophagus, nailed with seventy-two peach wood nails, buried deep underground, with a warning monument erected to suppress it beneath a mountain.

What is sealed inside will also be eternally condemned under layers of restrictions and endless curses.

Nie Huaisang leaned against the door, watching several family heads carry the coffin out of Guanyin Temple. He looked down and brushed the dirt off the hem of his clothes, seemingly noticing something, paused for a moment, and Wei Wuxian also looked over. What fell to the ground was Jin Guangyao's hat.

Nie Huaisang bent down to pick it up, then leisurely walked out the door.

Xianzi was anxiously waiting for her master outside, letting out a couple of barks. Hearing this, Jin Ling suddenly remembered when Xianzi was still a clumsy puppy, not even reaching his knees, it was Jin Guangyao who brought her over.

He was only a few years old then, fighting with other children on Jin Lingtai. Even though he won, he wasn't happy, throwing things around in his room and crying loudly. The maids and household servants dared not approach him, afraid of being hit. His little uncle, smiling, appeared and asked, "A Ling, what's wrong?" He immediately threw five or six vases at Jin Guangyao's feet. Jin Guangyao said, "Oh my, so fierce, scared to death," shaking his head as if genuinely frightened, and left.

The next day, Jin Ling sulked, refusing to leave his room or eat. Jin Guangyao lingered at his door, and Jin Ling, leaning against it, shouted not to bother him. Suddenly, from outside came the sound of a puppy's bark.

He opened the door to find Jin Guangyao crouching at the doorway, holding a small black puppy with round, shiny eyes, looking up at him with a smile, "I found this little thing, not sure what to call it. A Ling, do you want to give it a name?"

That smile was gentle and sincere, and Jin Ling couldn't believe Jin Guangyao was pretending.

Suddenly, tears streamed down his face again.

Jin Ling always thought crying was a sign of weakness and incompetence, and he looked down on it. But aside from shedding tears, there was no other way to vent his pain and anger.

He wasn't sure exactly what was happening. He couldn't blame anyone, nor could he hate anyone. Wei Wuxian, Jin Guangyao, Wen Ning—each was more or less responsible for his parents' death, and each had reasons for him to deeply hate. But it seemed each also had reasons that made it difficult for him to hate them. But if he didn't hate them, who could he hate? Was he just supposed to lose his parents so young? Couldn't he not only fail to avenge but also not even hate purely and thoroughly, without holding back?

He always felt unwilling. He always felt wronged. Wished he could just die and be over with it.

Sect Leader Yao saw him silently crying as he stared at the coffin and said, "Young Master Jin, why are you crying? For Jin Guangyao?"

Seeing Jin Ling silent, Sect Leader Yao scolded in the tone of an elder lecturing a junior, "Why cry? Wipe your tears. Your uncle, such a man, is not worth crying for. Young man, I must say, you can't be so weak? This is womanly kindness. You need to know what's right and what's wrong, you need to straighten your..."

If it were during the time when the Jin family of Lanling was the Supervisor of Cultivators, uniting all sects, these family heads from other sects would never dare to act as elders and lecture the Jin family's disciples. Now that Jin Guangyao was dead, the Jin family of Lanling had no one to hold up the banner, their reputation was almost ruined, and it was unlikely they would rise again, so those who dared came forward. Jin Ling's heart was already a tangled mess of emotions, and hearing Sect Leader Yao's lecturing, a surge of anger rose in his heart, and he roared, "I just want to cry, so what! Who are you? What do you count for? Do you even have the right to control my crying?!"

Sect Leader Yao, not expecting to be scolded instead of scolding, immediately pulled a long face. Others whispered to persuade, "Forget it, don't argue with a child."

Only then did he suppress his embarrassment and anger, snorted coldly, and said, "Of course. Hmph, why bother with a brat who doesn't understand right from wrong, black from white?"

Lan Qiren watched as the coffin was loaded onto the cart, turned around, and was startled, "Where's Wangji?"

He had just been planning to take Lan Wangji back to Cloud Recesses for a heart-to-heart talk for a hundred and twenty days, and if that didn't work, to confine him for a while longer. But in the blink of an eye, he was gone. He walked around a few times, calling out, "Where's Wangji!"

Lan Jingyi said, "Just now I mentioned that we brought Little Apple, tied outside the temple, and Hanguang Jun took... took... went to see Little Apple."

Lan Qiren asked, "And then?"

What happened next, needless to say. Outside Guanyin Temple, where were the shadows of Wei Wuxian, Lan Wangji, and Wen Ning?

Lan Qiren looked at Lan Xichen, who was slowly following behind him, still distracted, sighed heavily, and left in a huff. Lan Jingyi looked around in surprise, "Jingyi? What's going on, when did Jingyi also disappear?"

Hearing that Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji were gone, Jin Ling rushed out, nearly tripping over the threshold of Guanyin Temple. But no matter how urgent, he couldn't catch up to the shadows of these two. Xianzi happily circled around him, panting with her tongue out. Jiang Cheng stood under a tall, straight tree inside Guanyin Temple, looked at him, and coldly said, "Wipe your face."

Jin Ling vigorously wiped his eyes and face, ran back, and asked, "Where are they?"

Jiang Cheng said, "They're gone."

Jin Ling exclaimed, "You just let them go like that?"

Jiang Cheng sneered, "What else? Stay for dinner? Say thank you and then apologize?"

Jin Ling, anxious, pointed at him, "No wonder he left, it's all because of you! Uncle, why do you have to be so annoying!"

Hearing this, Jiang Cheng raised his hand in anger and scolded, "Is this how you talk to your elders? You're asking for a beating!"

Jin Ling ducked his head, and Xianzi tucked her tail. However, Jiang Cheng's slap didn't land on the back of his head but was weakly withdrawn.

He snapped irritably, "Shut up, Jin Ling, just shut up. Let's go back. Everyone to their own place."

Jin Ling paused, hesitated, and then obediently fell silent.

With his head hung low, he walked a few steps alongside Jiang Cheng, then looked up and said, "Uncle, were you about to say something earlier?"

Jiang Cheng said, "What? No."

Jin Ling said, "Just now! I saw it, you wanted to talk to Wei Wuxian, but then you didn't."

After a long pause, Jiang Cheng shook his head and muttered, "There's nothing to say."

What is there to say?

Say, back then, I wasn't caught by the Wen family because I insisted on going back to Lotus Pier to retrieve my parents' bodies.

In the small town we passed through during our escape, when you went to buy provisions, a squad of cultivators from the Wen family caught up.

I spotted them early, left my seat, and hid at a street corner, so I wasn't caught, but they were patrolling the streets, and soon they would have run into you while you were buying provisions.

So I dashed out and drew them away.

But just as Wei Wuxian, who had given him his golden core, couldn't reveal the truth, Jiang Cheng now found himself equally unable to speak of it.