Lu Huaitian’s expression changed as he looked down to see a woman approaching from behind Lu Chengsha. In the night, her face was indistinguishable, but her figure and voice unmistakably identified her as the demoness from the Demon Sect.
He immediately drew his sword, his face hardening.
Hua Yan, having dealt with him several times before, saw that there was finally no one else around and immediately said, “I’m not here to fight, I just want to complain a little… Can you go back and talk to your father? I won’t harm him, can you let me see him? After all, he’s already been expelled from Tingjian Manor. You might as well show some magnanimity and help him out!”
Lu Huaitian, still wary, replied, “I’m afraid that’s impossible.”
Hua Yan retorted, “Do you really intend to restrain him for the rest of his life? You haven’t treated him well, so why keep controlling him? Is it too much to ask to see him?” Her voice grew increasingly aggrieved.
Lu Huaitian only felt her words were deceptive, yet Lu Chengsha, standing in front of him, subtly shifted his stance as if to shield her.
He had no doubt that if he attacked now, Lu Chengsha would block him just as he had once blocked Lu Zhenxing—he couldn’t bear to see her harmed even slightly.
Lu Huaitian found this incomprehensible. Pointing his sword at Hua Yan, he said, “You heard what she said that day, and you still believe her?”
Lu Chengsha deflected the sword tip slightly and said, “That was a lie.”
Lu Huaitian responded, “Do you know what she’s been up to these past two years and how much trouble she’s caused for Tingjian Manor?”
Lu Chengsha paused slightly, looking somewhat embarrassed, and replied, “I know.”
Lu Huaitian shouted, “Knowing that, you still protect her?”
Hua Yan, disliking seeing him being scolded, immediately said, “If you want to scold, scold me. Why be harsh to him? I take full responsibility for my actions! Besides, I haven’t killed anyone. If you’re unhappy, fight me. And… if your father agrees to let him see me, I promise I won’t cause any more trouble for Tingjian Manor! Apologizing is not out of the question.”
Lu Huaitian genuinely felt a bit confused at this moment.
Like Lu Zhenxing, he didn’t trust the Demon Sect. He believed this demoness’ arrogant demeanor when causing trouble was her true self, and now she was just putting on a show to gain Lu Chengsha’s trust.
But this act seemed so genuine, as if they were witnessing a love affair being torn apart.
Seeing him silent and seemingly deep in thought, Hua Yan pressed on, “Let’s discuss it… If you have conditions, name them. I’ll agree to anything.”
Lu Huaitian replied, “The head of Xie Yingxian?”
Hua Yan blurted, “That’s impossible! Can we negotiate something else…”
Lu Huaitian said, “Then there’s nothing to talk about.”
His attitude remained cold and unyielding, showing no sign of softening, but he eventually sheathed his sword.
As the sword slid back into its scabbard, Lu Huaitian noticed Lu Chengsha’s body slightly relaxing, as if he had let out a breath of relief.
He had initially intended to offer more warnings, such as the cunning nature of the Demon Sect, which might be treating him well now only to exploit him later, or the sect’s notorious heartlessness, which would eventually lead to betrayal. Past lessons were numerous and bitter, but Lu Huaitian doubted that Lu Chengsha would listen to any of this now.
They had fought, argued, and driven him away.
What else could be done? Killing him wasn’t an option.
Huaixian only had this single bloodline left.
Lu Huaitian sighed inwardly.
Seeing him about to leave, Hua Yan grew anxious. Who knew when she would have another chance like this? She took two steps forward and said, “Do you really have to be so biased against me? I truly love him! I don’t want to hurt anyone or do evil things. It was wrong of me to deceive him about my identity, but I won’t lie to him again or use him… Can’t you give me a chance? Why judge me solely based on my origins? My parents were deeply in love and never had anyone else. Why could they get married, but I can’t?”
Her tone started off righteous but gradually softened into that of a young girl.
Lu Huaitian thought to himself, “No wonder Lu Chengsha fell so hard for her, with her mix of soft and hard tactics.” Without turning back, he said, “The sins of your Demon Sect are countless and beyond pardon. Blame your birth in the Demon Sect.”
How could flowers truly bloom in the mire? At best, she was a carnivorous plant.
Such deep-seated beliefs couldn’t be changed with a few words. Hua Yan stood there, not without dejection.
Lu Chengsha floated down from the tree, still with his back to her.
Hua Yan said, “Let me hug you. You don’t have to turn around, just let me hug you…”
As she spoke, she had already rushed forward and hugged him from behind. Before Lu Chengsha could react, she had wrapped her arms around his waist, holding him tightly as he had held her.
She had indeed tried her best. What more could she do?
Lu Chengsha could feel her small head burrowing into his back, gradually stopping. Her breath carried a hint of wetness. He stood rigidly, his Adam’s apple bobbing, aware of every little movement behind him—the softness and fragrance of her, and the emotion of trying her best yet feeling powerless, seemed to seep through his clothes.
If it weren’t for the shadow of guilt that followed him everywhere, and the memory of Lu Zhenxing’s suicide before his eyes, he would have turned around, cupped her face, and kissed her passionately.
This desire was so strong it was almost uncontrollable. He had to clench his fists and exert all his willpower to restrain himself from doing what he had longed to do for so long.
Hua Yan took deep breaths, her nose filled with Lu Chengsha’s scent. She lay on his back for a long time before letting go, wiping her slightly damp eyes, and said, “I’m fine now. You can go.”
Lu Chengsha didn’t move, his voice low and rough, “Are you really okay?”
Hua Yan nodded, “Mm! I’m fine!”
Although she wanted to see him, she could still endure it. When the day came that she truly couldn’t bear it anymore, she would deal with it then.
Hua Yan added, “Make sure to eat well, okay? Don’t make me worry about you even when I can’t see you.”
Lu Chengsha nodded with difficulty, “Mm.”
—
Hua Yan naturally wanted to return directly to the Demon Sect, but the gu left by You Weitian became active. She had once agreed to owe him a favor, and he had left her this gu, saying that when he needed her, the gu would guide her to him.
After a moment’s thought, she decided to check it out first.
She entrusted the document Lu Chengsha had forced Yu Ye to write to someone to deliver to Xie Yingxian, then set out immediately. The gu was restless, and she didn’t know what had happened. If it had been a simple voice transmission gu, it would have been much more convenient, but gu kings were rare and difficult to obtain, and Yin Xiangsi probably wouldn’t part with hers.
After a day and night of traveling, she finally approached the location of the gu, a forested area.
Hua Yan hesitated, fearing an ambush, but saw a shadow dart ahead into the forest. “Wait a minute… what if…”
She sighed. “Never mind, he’s highly skilled and daring.”
Not long after, Lu Chengsha returned and said, “There are people searching the area, and someone injured is hiding.”
Hua Yan asked, “Where is the injured person? How many people are searching?”
Lu Chengsha briefly explained the situation, giving her an idea of what to expect.
When she reached the spot, she saw You Weitian hiding in a hollow, concealed by low shrubs. She parted the branches with her hand to find You Weitian severely injured, in a sorry state. His eyes were bloodshot, and the red ribbon on his brow was askew. Upon seeing her, he raised an eyebrow and said, “Holy maiden, you’re slow.”
Hua Yan snapped, “Be grateful I came at all! What happened to you?”
“Chased, as you can see…” You Weitian hissed in pain. “And my gu backfired half a day ago. Thought I was going to die here.”
Hua Yan took out a bottle of medicine that could barely restrain gu poison. Before she could toss it to him, You Weitian said, “It won’t work. It’s an old problem, and regular medicine can’t suppress it. Thanks for the silver-ringed snake fruit, though. It bought me some time.”
She sighed, “So how do you want me to help you? Remember, this is the one favor you get.”
You Weitian smirked, “You’re really stingy. First, get me out of here. Who knows when they’ll find this place.”
Hua Yan said, “Alright, let’s go then.”
You Weitian shrugged, smiling, “Holy maiden, I can’t move. It took all my strength just to hide here.”
Hua Yan’s voice was incredulous, “You expect me to carry you out? Why didn’t you call Zuo Jingshuang for help?”
You Weitian countered, “With a gu to call her?”
Hua Yan remembered that Zuo Jingshuang still didn’t know he was from the Wan Gu Sect.
She asked, “What about Yin Xiangsi then?”
You Weitian replied, “She has over thirty male attendants. Do you think she’d come here just for me? Besides, I came here without telling her. Holy maiden, hurry up…”
Hua Yan felt conflicted.
She could carry him, but…
Seeing her hesitation, You Weitian extended a hand, reaching for her wrist, “At least pull me up. Let me lean on you for a while.”
Before Hua Yan could react, a cold voice echoed from the air, “I’ll pull you.”
You Weitian suddenly looked up, “Who!… Wait, isn’t that…”
Hua Yan shook off You Weitian’s hand, saying, “I’ll wait for you outside.”
With that, she turned and left.
You Weitian was still stunned when a man in black jumped down.
A few moments later, far outside the forest.
You Weitian was panting heavily, his tone mocking, “Young Hero Lu, you have quite the arm strength, pulling me out with just one hand.”
Hua Yan said, “You’re lucky to be rescued. Don’t expect too much!”
I don’t even have the chance to hold his hand right now!
You Weitian asked, “Where did he go?”
Hua Yan replied, “Because he doesn’t want to see me.”
Despite his severe injuries, You Weitian couldn’t help but smile, “Doesn’t want to see you but keeps following you? He can’t stay hidden forever. You two have quite the interesting relationship.”
Hua Yan’s expression was blank, “You still haven’t explained what happened and why they are chasing you. Then I’ll decide whether to continue helping you.”
“Alright, I’ll tell you,” You Weitian finally straightened up and said, “I was investigating the Miyin Dragon Cave case, remember?”
Hua Yan nodded.
You Weitian continued, “For the past two years, I’ve been secretly asking around various sects under the guise of normal visits, but I found nothing. Eventually, I found a survivor of the Miyin Dragon Cave case. The hero had gone mad, rambling incoherently and locked up by his sect to prevent harm. With no other options, I used drugs and gu to force him to regain his sanity and recall what happened that day. I didn’t have much hope, but surprisingly, he remembered something else…”
Hua Yan couldn’t help but ask, “What was it?”
You Weitian said, “His initial account matched what was commonly known, except for one thing. Before he lost consciousness from his severe injuries, he vaguely saw someone in the sea of corpses.”
Hua Yan felt a sudden tension, “Who was it?”
You Weitian replied, “A man. He was gravely injured and his eyes were almost covered in blood, but he could hear this man walking through the corpses, with every step crushing bones. The man seemed completely unfazed by the horrific scene, muttering ‘Why are they all dead?’ and ‘Which one is it?'”
If he had just said this, the righteous sects would likely think it was Xie Changyun.
Hua Yan quickly asked, “Is there more? But isn’t the Miyin Dragon Cave sealed?”
You Weitian’s expression turned grim, “It’s sealed from the outside, but who knows about the inside? He could have entered after the death scent dissipated, making it safe. As for more? Yes, he saw a corner of a bright red robe.”
Hua Yan glanced at You Weitian’s red clothes.
You Weitian said, “He was shaking and trying to say more, but people came and killed him on the spot. I barely escaped and was chased here. I realized that even in his madness, he was being watched. If I hadn’t acted quickly, I wouldn’t have gotten even this much information.”
Hua Yan stood up, “What about the pursuers…?”
You Weitian said, “Forget it. I killed one of them. They were all black-clad with disfigured faces and had poison in their mouths.”
Hua Yan asked, “Was the bright red really bright red, or was it just the blood in his eyes?”
You Weitian replied, “I don’t know. There shouldn’t be many men who like to wear red in this world.”
Hua Yan suggested, “Like you?”
You Weitian laughed, “Don’t joke.”
Hua Yan said, “He could have worn red on purpose.”
You Weitian said, “There’s no need for that. If he wanted to frame someone, there are plenty of ways. Besides, he’s already succeeded in framing someone, and Xie Changyun wears purple, not red… Red is too conspicuous. If he wanted to hide his identity, he should wear black. Plus, he thought everyone was dead, so he would naturally wear what he usually wears.”
Hua Yan thought for a moment and asked, “Who do you suspect?”
They exchanged a glance for a moment before You Weitian suddenly felt a wave of killing intent. Leaning on the nearby tree, he struggled to stand up. “The pursuers are here.”
Hua Yan, puzzled, said, “No, they’re not. Do you feel it?”
You Weitian asked in surprise, “You can’t feel it?”
Hua Yan realized, “Oh, you mean the killing intent you felt just now. It’s him.” She pointed upwards. “He’s been very jealous lately, so don’t get too close to me.”
You Weitian looked somewhat bewildered. “Then who’s going to apply the medicine to me?”
Hua Yan said, “Hmm? You still need medicine?”
You Weitian naturally pulled open one side of his clothing, revealing his injured body. “I’m injured and don’t have much strength now. Since you’re helping me, you might as well help all the way. You can’t let me die halfway.”
Just then, the cold voice from above said, “I’ll do it.”
You Weitian’s lips twitched, “No need to trouble you, Young Hero Lu.”
Hua Yan said, “I’ll step aside for a while and keep watch. You two apply the medicine quickly.”
You Weitian tried to stop her, “Wait!”
But it was no use. Hua Yan left the medicine and walked away quickly, muttering enviously, “He hasn’t applied medicine to me yet…”
You Weitian couldn’t call her back, and the black-clad young man with the long sword on his back appeared before him again. Weitian tried to smile, but his body instinctively trembled, “Young Hero Lu, never mind, I’ll skip the medicine, you…”
The young man in black picked up the medicine bottle, rolled up his sleeves, and approached.
For the next while, Hua Yan could hear You Weitian’s screams, like a pig being slaughtered.
She suddenly didn’t feel envious anymore and even felt a bit worried. Could it be that Lu Chengsha applied medicine to her like this too? That was too rough! This wouldn’t do. Next time, she would have to talk to him about how to apply medicine properly.
After a while, the screams subsided. Hua Yan returned to find You Weitian slumped against a tree. His clothes were neat, but he looked as if his soul had left his body.
Just as she was about to ask how he was, You Weitian leaned back a bit and forced a stiff smile, keeping his distance. “Holy maiden, please don’t come any closer!”