Hua Yan’s visit to Dangshan was now a familiar occurrence. The usually serene and temple-like Dangshan was now bustling with guests, filled with joy and laughter.
The wedding, also known as the dusk ceremony, was supposed to take place at dusk. Since Yu Ye had no parents, Dangshan had to prepare everything. However, no one expected to hear an enraged scream before the auspicious time arrived, followed by a series of angry shouts. Although the voice was feminine, it carried a momentum not inferior to that of a man, startling all the guests. Even Hua Yan, who had already run far away, couldn’t help but find it jarring.
Hua Yan had witnessed Ling Aoxue’s temper before. When she went to capture her, she saw Ling Aoxue scolding her maid for choosing an unflattering hairpin that didn’t suit her. She even took the opportunity to make a fuss about the maid looking at Yu Ye too many times. Despite the maid being quite robust, she was on the verge of tears from Ling Aoxue’s berating.
Imagining Yu Ye’s current predicament, Hua Yan couldn’t help but feel a tinge of sympathy—wait, hold on, why should she feel sympathetic? It was simply a case of reaping what one sowed.
Dangshan was now in utter chaos.
Ling Aoxue was screaming and shouting in a state of near breakdown, completely losing her composure. She should have been dressed in her wedding attire and ready to board the bridal sedan chair by now, but instead, she was disheveled, hurling curses at Yu Ye and throwing anything within reach at him!
The floor was already covered with shards of vases, teacups, and teapots. Even the chairs were smashed into pieces. Although Ling Aoxue’s martial skills were not on par with other personal disciples of Dangshan, her strength was definitely beyond that of ordinary women. The sharp-edged objects she threw at Yu Ye were swift and deadly. Yu Ye couldn’t fight back and could only dodge awkwardly. His forehead was already bleeding, with blood trickling down his cheek, and his body bore several wounds. He looked pale and pitiful.
Yu Ye seemed to want to persuade her with words, but Ling Aoxue was not listening at all.
There were other Dangshan disciples outside, but none dared to step forward.
They initially planned to wait until Ling Aoxue calmed down a bit before intervening, but her tantrum was reminiscent of her father’s rage, with her eyes burning red with fury and a seemingly endless source of strength.
Finally, in the midst of this chaos, Ling Tianxiao arrived personally.
Upon seeing her father, Ling Aoxue rushed over and cried loudly, “Father! I don’t want to marry him! He deceived me! He has another woman! He did indecent things with another woman and lied to me about it!”
Ling Tianxiao asked, “Is this true?”
Everyone turned their gaze to Yu Ye.
Sweat and blood were mingling on Yu Ye’s forehead. His expression was faintly sorrowful. “That’s all in the past. Now…” he gritted his teeth, “I am devoted to Aoxue.”
Ling Aoxue immediately shouted, “That woman said you told her the same thing back then!”
Yu Ye replied, “But I didn’t marry her.”
Ling Aoxue retorted, “What about that witch from the demonic sect? Weren’t you originally going to marry her? You treated her so tenderly! I think you still have feelings for her; you never cared about me!”
Yu Ye, who had maintained his composure, felt a sharp sting at these words.
Yes, he was supposed to marry her.
Why was he entangled with this madwoman now?
Ling Aoxue continued her tirade, her face contorted with rage. Her dark complexion made her look even more menacing. She was plump, with coarse skin and rough features. If it weren’t for her noble birth, Yu Ye wouldn’t have given her a second glance.
If it weren’t for her noble birth…
Those words haunted him like a nightmare.
If he hadn’t been born an orphan, of low status, why would he need to strive so hard? What others had at birth, he had to fight for tirelessly, and even then, he might not achieve it. In the demonic sect, he was an outcast; in the righteous path, he was also an outcast.
He had neither status nor martial talent—only his wits.
After all his scheming, it still ended in this absurd situation.
Ling Aoxue yelled, “Speak! Why aren’t you saying anything? Are you still hung up on that demonic witch? And what about your other confidantes? You’re only with me for my father’s power, you don’t love me! Is that it? Answer me!” Tears streamed down her face as she spoke.
Yu Ye wanted to say, yes, I am still hung up on her.
After all, he had watched Hua Yan since her birth, seen her grow from a tiny pink bundle to a girl with pigtails, then into a graceful young lady. She was neither aggressive nor troubled, and though her parents adored her, she wasn’t spoiled. She lived brightly and innocently. He couldn’t bear to harm her and wished she could always remain that way.
Marrying her was indeed a strategic move for the former Holy Maiden’s faction, but he also genuinely liked her. He eagerly awaited the day he could marry her; it was no empty promise.
But one wrong move, and he lost everything, unable to win her back.
Even earlier, knowing Hua Yan came to harm him, her clumsy and awkward acting still struck him as endearing.
If he had been more patient, waited until they were married before taking action, would the outcome have been different?
But there are no “ifs” in this world.
Yu Ye took a deep breath and said slowly, “Since I defected from the demonic sect, I have no feelings for her, nor is there any possibility. Aoxue, why don’t you believe me?”
As their conversation continued, hushed whispers spread among the crowd.
“Is the demonic sect witch really here?”
“She really came? What’s she here for?”
“What else? To sabotage this marriage! She can’t stand to see others happy!”
“Hah? This could be considered a good match? This Yu Ye probably…” The speaker trailed off.
“How can I trust you! How can I believe you! You liar!” Ling Aoxue shouted, throwing things again, “I’m not marrying you!”
She couldn’t forget what she had seen and heard just now. That woman had clung to her fiancé, speaking of their intimate affairs and the sweet nothings they shared—details even she, Ling Aoxue, hadn’t known. The woman had also listed Yu Ye’s past romantic entanglements, making Ling Aoxue tremble with rage, wishing she could tear Yu Ye apart.
Seeing Ling Aoxue so furious, Ling Tianxiao’s expression was equally grim.
He glared at Yu Ye with a dark, menacing look. If Ling Aoxue weren’t still crying in his arms, he might have already struck Yu Ye.
Yu Ye knew that with Ling Aoxue in such a fury, there was no way to pacify her anytime soon. This wedding couldn’t proceed now.
Sure enough, despite everything being ready for the bride to board the sedan chair, Ling Aoxue’s refusal to marry meant Ling Tianxiao would halt the wedding for her.
Ling Tianxiao personally faced the guests, explaining the situation. No matter how absurd or laughable they found it, none dared show it in his presence, instead offering understanding and concern for Miss Ling.
She truly had a good father.
Yu Ye changed out of his wedding attire, tended to his wounds, and donned his moon-white robe again.
Yet overnight, he felt like he had become a stray dog again, with everyone around him gossiping and pointing fingers.
Ling Aoxue’s harsh words were heard by the guests, who began criticizing him for his misconduct, saying he was all show and no substance, truly a product of the demonic sect, and a libertine. No one from the demonic sect could be a decent person.
Yu Ye not only had to endure these accusations silently but also had to keep smiling.
The female disciples who once blushed at the sight of him now looked at him with a mixture of emotions, as if he were tainted.
As Yu Ye walked quickly towards the temple exit, his gaze paused at a corner.
There sat a shapely, curvaceous woman, eating a plate of wedding banquet pastries. Though her face was disguised, her actions were unmistakably familiar. When she ate pastries, she would subconsciously curl her lips, lick her fingers, and then squint her eyes in delight. When happy, her legs would bounce, as if savoring every bite with her entire being.
At that moment, she seemed extremely content. Despite being alone, she was constantly muttering something to herself, her posture and expression relaxed and at ease, like a cat that had just stolen a fish. Occasionally, she displayed a hint of playful dissatisfaction, making her appear extraordinarily lively and animated.
Yu Ye slightly curled his fingers, feeling a twinge of pain.
***
Hua Yan was thoroughly enjoying the spectacle. Dangshan’s pastries were quite good, and she had stealthily taken a plate of walnut crisps to eat in a corner, wishing she could share them with Lu Chengsha.
Everyone was abuzz with the sudden cancellation of the wedding, so no one paid her any attention.
Ling Aoxue was still crying in her room, her sobs filled with energy and echoing throughout, audible even outside. Her intermittent wails were so mournful and tragic that the festive banquet resembled a funeral, causing the guests to refrain from showing any joy—though the situation was indeed quite ridiculous.
Hua Yan said, “I’m not looking at you, come down and have something to eat! Dangshan’s food is quite good.”
Lu Chengsha replied, “I’m not hungry.”
Suspicious, Hua Yan asked, “What did you eat today?”
After a pause, Lu Chengsha said, “Dry rations.”
Angrily, Hua Yan exclaimed, “Why are you eating dry rations again! If I don’t prepare something for you, do you just make do with whatever?”
Guiltily, Lu Chengsha mumbled, “…not really.”
Hua Yan retorted, “I think you do! If you’re afraid of being seen, just go to the back kitchen of Dangshan. I know the way there. Last time, I… anyway, take better care of yourself. I’ll save you some walnut crisps for later; make sure to come down and eat.”
Just as she was speaking, Hua Yan sensed something amiss. She immediately set down her plate, pushed open the window she was leaning against, and swiftly escaped.
“That’s the witch from the demonic sect! Don’t let her escape!”
“She’s running fast; chase after her—”
Hua Yan couldn’t fathom how she had been exposed!
But they wouldn’t catch her anyway. She darted left and right, relying on her superior lightness skill, evading her pursuers with ease. In no time, she had left most of them far behind.
Reflecting on the situation, Hua Yan figured only Yu Ye could have orchestrated this. She even checked herself for traces of powder or poisons but found nothing. Yu Ye was known for his cunning, and who knew what new tricks he had up his sleeve. The more she thought about it, the angrier she became!
“Are you still there?” she called out into the air.
After a moment, Lu Chengsha’s voice responded, “Yes.” Hesitantly, he added, “Do you still want the walnut crisps?”
Hua Yan exclaimed in surprise, “…Did you bring the plate with you?”
Lu Chengsha said, “Mm.”
How is he so capable!
Hua Yan asked, “How much is left?”
Lu Chengsha replied, “About half.”
Hua Yan said, “Good, you eat all of it! No need to leave any for me!”
Lu Chengsha seemed stunned.
Hua Yan continued, “I told you to leave some for me, but hurry up and eat! I’m going to trouble Yu Ye later, just giving you a heads up!”
Lu Chengsha asked, “Teach him a lesson?”
Hua Yan just hummed in response, then heard Lu Chengsha say, “I’ll go.”
Just two words, but he spoke with a hint of killing intent.
Hua Yan couldn’t help but say, “Don’t kill him!”
Lu Chengsha paused and asked, “Are you worried about him?”
My god, what kind of thinking is this!
Hua Yan said, “I’m worried about you! He almost became Ling Tianxiao’s son-in-law, if Ling Aoxue still wants to marry him, killing him would be a big problem! Besides, I have something to force out of him.”
Lu Chengsha asked, “What do you want to ask?”
Hua Yan couldn’t help but say, “Sha Sha, are you talking a bit much now?”
Lu Chengsha: “…”
He could feel Lu Chengsha’s aura instantly diminish.
Hua Yan suppressed an unkind smile and said, “I’m not blaming you, I’m just… expressing my surprise! It’s nothing really, just want to ask if he has any collusion with Jiang Louyue. We couldn’t get anything from Jiang Louyue, so we can only try prying it out of him. When he’s down and out, there’s still a chance. He’s very pragmatic… I always feel there’s something odd about Jiang Louyue.”
Lu Chengsha said, “I’ll go.”
Hua Yan thought for a moment and said, “… You’re not going to help me force him to talk, are you?”
Lu Chengsha said, “Mm.”
Hua Yan doubted, “…Are you sure you can handle it?”
One shouldn’t question a man’s capabilities. Lu Chengsha finished eating the walnut crisps and left.
***
Yu Ye had been a guest official at Dangshan for a long time, so he naturally had his own room. Despite the current awkward situation, no one would chase him away.
He pondered on how to salvage the situation. Although Ling Aoxue was angry now, her feelings for him ran deep, and they had been intimate. She wouldn’t give up so easily, but…
Why was his Yan’er so heartless?
Even her smile had become a stabbing reminder. There were times when she laughed just as happily by his side, and he would deliberately show difficulty or make mistakes just to make her smile more.
She had fallen for Lu Chengsha and kissed him… something that was supposed to be his.
Yu Ye quickly forced himself to stop thinking about it. Thinking too much would only add to his worries. Just then, he felt someone behind him and turned abruptly, stunned again.
What was this? Whoever he thought of would appear?
A young man in black exuded an overwhelming presence. A long iron sword blocked his way, and though his face was expressionless, his aura was menacing.
Who could have thought Lu Chengsha would appear here?
Yu Ye’s mind raced, and he forced a faint smile. “Young Master Lu…”
But before he could finish, Lu Chengsha had already swung at him.
Yu Ye barely had time to defend himself before a blow to his chest sent him crashing into a medicine shelf behind him. The shelf shook and collapsed on him, scattering drawers and herbs everywhere.
He couldn’t have won in a fair fight, especially not while injured.
Lu Chengsha clearly hadn’t gone all out; he didn’t even use his sword. Yet, despite Yu Ye’s best efforts to defend himself with his own sword, he was still getting beaten badly.
Times had changed. Before, calling for help from Dangshan Sect would have brought assistance, but now it would only make him a laughingstock.
Yu Ye endured several more hits in silence before finally asking, “Young Master Lu, how have I offended you?”
The young man in black replied calmly, “I find you unpleasant.”