The aura of Lu Chengsha’s murderous intent enveloped Hua Yan, making her body go limp. Their lips touched for just a moment, but Hua Yan’s mind went blank for a long time, as if she had blacked out from drinking. By the time she regained consciousness, their lips and teeth were already entwined in a passionate kiss.
In the midst of their entanglement, they might have accidentally pulled down the curtain, obscuring the light inside, making it difficult to see clearly, and causing their minds to become even more clouded.
It also made Hua Yan recall the last time they were together under the warm glow of red candles.
Lu Chengsha had his eyes closed, one hand propped on the bed, the other holding her waist. His slight weight pressed down on her, creating a subtle yet heart-pounding sense of pressure. Hua Yan’s heart raced, feeling the heat of his body against hers. Her hand was clutching Lu Chengsha’s collar, pulling it loose with such force that it was almost coming undone.
As her awareness returned, she could hear the sounds around her. Although it was night, it was not yet late. She could hear the inn’s attendant leading guests upstairs, the sound of people passing by the door, the conversations in the inn’s lobby, and from next door… next door, Xie Yingxian had returned and was chatting with Ning Yin and Jiang Lan.
Hua Yan tried her best to suppress any sound, only letting out some difficult-to-contain nasal sounds.
“How did the investigation at the Jiang residence go? She should be back by now. I’ll go ask if she wants to eat something.”
“Don’t go yet. She might not be back.”
“Then it won’t hurt to ask. I just bought some pastries; I’ll bring some over.”
Hua Yan immediately held her breath, not daring to make any sound. She instinctively tensed her legs, but before she could close them, she inadvertently clamped down on Lu Chengsha’s thigh. She quickly spread them apart again, but Lu Chengsha’s hand, which had been on her waist, slid down and gripped her knee.
His voice came muffled through their lips: “Don’t move.”
It wasn’t like she wanted to move!
Blushing, Hua Yan transmitted her voice: “Let go of your hand first…”
Lu Chengsha also transmitted his voice: “You’ll move…”
Each of their voices sounded more troubled than the other.
Just then, Ning Yin knocked on the door outside and asked, “Are you back?”
The two on the bed instantly froze.
Fortunately, they had already extinguished the light.
Hua Yan nervously clung to Lu Chengsha’s shoulders. Although she had no real reason to be nervous—being discovered wouldn’t lead to much—she still felt inexplicably anxious. She wanted to draw her legs back to create some distance, but Lu Chengsha’s hand was like an iron clamp, gripping her tightly. The heat from his hand made the skin around her knee tremble. She reached down, trying to pry his fingers loose, but in her anxiety and the darkness, she accidentally touched another spot.
Lu Chengsha immediately let out a muffled groan.
Hua Yan quickly pressed her lips to his to silence him.
Ning Yin was still knocking on the door. “Are you not in? Then I’ll…” After a moment of thought, she said, “I’ll just leave the pastries on the table.”
Saying this, she unlocked and pushed the door open.
Hua Yan was too nervous to think of anything else. She clung to Lu Chengsha, not daring to move. However, with half of his leg still outside, Lu Chengsha swiftly and lightly twisted his body, pulling them both fully into the bed curtains. In the process, he tightened his grip on Hua Yan’s knee, drawing her closer until they were inseparably close. Relying on her inner strength, Hua Yan, who was lightly dressed, felt a bit distressed by their intimate proximity.
Through the weak light from the window, she could see that Lu Chengsha was also extremely tense. He stared unblinkingly at the door, seemingly unaware of their intimate position.
Ning Yin placed a package of pastries on the table and was about to leave when her gaze fell on a pair of embroidered shoes on the floor.
“Huh, why are the shoes here?” She looked towards the bed curtains. “Was the investigation so tiring? You came back and fell asleep right away? Let me check…”
Hua Yan was initially nervous, but seeing how tense Lu Chengsha was made her relax a bit—after all, the worst that could happen was being seen. They were still clothed, so it wouldn’t be too embarrassing!
With this thought, Hua Yan even reached out and pulled him closer. Their soft parts pressed together, and Lu Chengsha turned his head in shock.
In the darkness, Hua Yan smiled at him, her delicate fingers exploring his back.
Lu Chengsha’s entire back and body tensed up.
Ning Yin’s footsteps seemed to approach the bed curtains.
Lu Chengsha held his breath.
Hua Yan, not feeling it was enough, continued to tease him. Unable to bear it, Lu Chengsha grabbed her arms, pinning them lightly and quickly to her sides with almost no sound. His hair hung down, nearly brushing her face.
Ning Yin’s voice was now close by. “How did I get in with the door locked? Oh, the window… I’ll go close it.”
Hua Yan slightly raised her head and licked Lu Chengsha’s lips.
This time, it was Lu Chengsha who leaned down to silence her mischievous mouth.
Ning Yin closed the window and thought for a moment, then said, “Forget it…”
She then left the room, making sure to close the door behind her.
As Ning Yin’s footsteps faded and moved to the room next door, the two of them finally breathed a sigh of relief.
As soon as Lu Chengsha released her lips, Hua Yan pulled him back in. They kissed passionately on the bed, their initial tension and rising desire causing them to soon break out in a sweat.
At least now it was clear that it wasn’t that she lacked charm; it was just that Lu Chengsha had an extraordinary amount of self-control!
And he certainly reacted when aroused!
Hua Yan lifted her leg slightly, her eyes misty with desire. Though her tone was complaining, it sounded more like she was being coquettish. “…Are you still going to hold back? Let go of my hands, I want to touch your wounds…”
Lu Chengsha’s voice was hoarse. “They’re all healed.”
Hua Yan said, “I don’t believe you unless I touch them.”
Lu Chengsha said, “No.”
Hua Yan asked, “Why not?”
Lu Chengsha seemed to grit his teeth as he said, “You know… I… and besides, next door…”
Hua Yan coaxed in his ear, “Don’t worry, they won’t come back. Let’s just pretend we’re stealing some moments of passion! Isn’t it exciting… Kiss me again.”
Lu Chengsha’s resolve was indeed wavering. He soon bent down to kiss her again. However, from next door, occasional snatches of conversation could still be heard. They talked about serious matters and even started to tease the two of them.
Hua Yan’s restrained wrists were wet, and the fingers holding her were slightly slipping.
He unintentionally rubbed against her, making her body go soft and tingly.
At this point, Hua Yan finally felt shy. She dizzily wanted to ask if he wanted to continue, but felt too embarrassed to speak. In a daze, Lu Chengsha captured her breath once more.
***
The next morning, Hua Yan stepped out and was greeted by Ning Yin. “You went to bed so early last night! Was the trip that tiring?”
Hua Yan mumbled a vague reply.
Now fully awake, she realized she had been a bit out of it. Fortunately, the potential noise they might have made was kept in check, and Lu Chengsha hadn’t gone all the way last night.
Hua Yan felt that if it weren’t for Lu Chengsha’s incredible self-control, getting off her at the last moment, she wouldn’t be standing here so calmly, exchanging greetings with Ning Yin today!
It would be rather embarrassing if they had been overheard!
Especially with Xie Yingxian also being there!
Indeed, desire had clouded her judgment, but at least Hua Yan had gotten her fill of kisses.
She had been prepared not to see him for a long time, so every extra kiss felt like a bonus. She coughed lightly, adjusted her collar to hide the marks beneath, and asked, “Are we going back to the sect?”
Ning Yin replied, “Yes, the Sect Master mentioned there might be more trouble.”
Just as Xie Yingxian had said, news came a few days later that the Jiang family’s old mansion had burned down.
With all the owners deceased, even though the gatekeepers tried to summon help, the fire was too intense. It burned almost an entire day, and when it finally extinguished, the once luxurious mansion was reduced to charred ruins. All the books, scrolls, and treasures inside were consumed by the flames.
The mansion’s reputation as a cursed house was now firmly cemented.
Xie Yingxian remarked without much surprise, “Though there might not have been any clues, burning it down is safer.”
They had considered investigating the cause of death of the Jiang family members, but the deceased had been buried for a long time. Even if they disregarded their reputation and exhumed the bodies for examination, it was uncertain what they might find, and any evidence gathered in this manner could not be publicly disclosed.
Hua Yan felt a bit dissatisfied.
Xie Yingxian comforted her, “The arsonist has been captured. He turned out to be another death warrior. There are so many anonymous death warriors with decent martial skills. Investigating this is another lead. In any case, each incident is significant and cannot be entirely without evidence. However, Jiang Louyue might come looking for trouble next.”
***
In another residence.
Yu Ye arrived hurriedly, feeling a bit anxious.
He had disguised himself multiple times to ensure no one followed him before appearing here.
The residence was very tranquil, with calming incense wafting through the air. Exquisite incense burners were casually placed in the corners, including a gilded three-legged round burner, a jade-inlaid square bronze tripod, and a gilded silver bamboo incense burner. Each was extremely valuable, but to the owner, they were no different from roadside clay burners. The faint fragrance lingered like wisps of mist.
The courtyard was filled with various flowers and plants, such as magnolias, crabapples, and climbing roses, along with several towering bamboo stalks. The meticulous planting displayed the owner’s refined taste, making the place appear dreamlike amid the swirling incense.
But Yu Ye had no time to appreciate the scenery.
A masked servant led him inside. In the main hall, separated by a beaded curtain, sat a person shrouded in smoke, their figure indistinguishable.
Straightening his back, Yu Ye was about to speak when the person inside spoke first, “Are you here to tell me that Tiancan Sect is investigating me?”
The voice was indistinguishable in gender or emotion, belonging unmistakably to Jiang Louyue, the master of Dongfeng Buye Tower.
Yu Ye nodded, “Master, your information is well-informed.”
Jiang Louyue said, “They are investigating me, so how could I not know?”
Yu Ye replied, “That ex-disciple of Tingjian Manor, Lu Chengsha, is now allied with them.”
Jiang Louyue said, “I know. He attacked you for what reason?”
Yu Ye gave a bitter smile. “It might be because I was once betrothed to the Tiancan Sect enchantress, Hua Yan. He might be jealous and came to cause trouble.”
Jiang Louyue asked, “Is that all?”
Yu Ye thought for a moment and said, “He also inquired about you, but I didn’t reveal anything.”
He truly didn’t know much.
But one should never lie to Jiang Louyue; no one knows where Jiang Louyue could get information. After all, all information could be exchanged for money directly at Dongfeng Buye Tower, and false information could be fatal.
Jiang Louyue said, “Master Yu, rest assured, I will allocate funds to Yufeng Hall. You are much more sensible than Nian Yi back then. However, I will need you to make a few more kinds of medicine for me.”
Yu Ye smiled and said, “What medicine? Just let me know, Master.”
Jiang Louyue said, “I will not ignore Tiancan Sect either. The Sect Master’s reach is indeed too long.”
***
Xie Yingxian’s prediction soon came true.
Jiang Louyue’s methods of causing trouble were more malicious. A group of people, dressed as disciples of the demonic sect, exterminated two small sects in succession. All the victims had been poisoned by the demonic sect, dying in horrific conditions. From the sect leaders to the disciples, almost all were dead, leaving only one or two survivors.
The survivors harbored deep hatred towards the demonic sect and widely publicized their atrocities.
This sparked another wave of denunciation in the martial world, with people angrily condemning the demonic sect for its insanity.
Because the attacks used demonic sect techniques and poisons, few people doubted the identity of the attackers. The sect leaders whose movements were exposed found it increasingly difficult to operate. After two of them were killed, they had no choice but to retreat to the demonic sect’s headquarters.
In recent days, Hua Yan constantly heard cursing and complaints. If not for Xie Yingxian’s intervention, several hall masters and elders would have likely stormed out to massacre some small sects in retaliation.
“Why should we be falsely accused for no reason!”
“Exactly, we might as well make it real! Being cursed wouldn’t matter then!”
Xie Yingxian said, “It’s fine to fight the righteous path, but forget about massacring small sects. That would play right into their hands.”
The previous Sect Master had done similar things. When falsely accused, they had decided to confirm the accusations—after all, they were the demonic sect and didn’t care about life or death. However, since Xie Yingxian took over and made a grand gesture of changing the sect’s name, he had minimized such acts of vengeance, finding them unnecessary.
“And…” Xie Yingxian added, “The Five Sects Assembly is about to start.”
The Five Sects Assembly, held every five years, is attended by the five major sects to discuss significant matters in the martial world. Some smaller sects also participate, but their influence is limited, mostly just being present.
Decades ago, there was a proposal to establish a martial arts alliance leader, but it was abandoned as no one could command unanimous respect.
Although the event lacks the spectacular fights and excitement that attract the common people, it is crucial. Dongfeng Buye Tower often reports extensively on it.
This year’s Five Sects Assembly is also hosted by Dongfeng Buye Tower.
The martial world is accustomed to having Dongfeng Buye Tower organize such grand gatherings. Their efficiency, extensive connections, and rich experience ensure everything is handled smoothly.
The event is held at a mountain villa in a distant suburb. After the incident at the Miyin Dragon Cavern, such gatherings can no longer be held in enclosed halls.
At the center of the villa, five main seats are arranged, surrounded by another circle of seats for other sects. As representatives from Tingjian Manor, Dangshan Sect, Baiya Peak, Qingcheng Sect, and Fanyin Temple take their seats, murmurs arise.
One of the main topics this year is still how to eradicate the demonic sect.
Survivors from the two previously attacked small sects stand nearby, their faces showing unhidden resentment and pain.
Traditionally, after spring, a significant crusade against the demonic sect is organized, its scale depending on the sect’s recent misdeeds.
Other topics include sect development, martial world harmony, regulations for righteous disciples, and support for new sects. These discussions often last three to four days, sometimes five to six days. The longest session reportedly lasted half a month due to differing opinions among the sects.
This year, except for Tingjian Manor, which sent the acting manor lord Lu Huaitian, everything else seemed normal.
The major sects were exchanging pleasantries. Xu Bujing, the head of Qingcheng Sect, was busy receiving leaders from smaller sects. Bai Henghuan maintained the standard elegant smile of Baiya Peak, while Ling Tianxiao, upset over his daughter’s marriage, wore a sullen face. His prospective son-in-law sat at the edge, looking helpless.
Suddenly, masked disciples in green uniforms flew in from the sky. There were hundreds of them, some mixed with a few in purple robes, outnumbering the assembly participants.
The uniforms were instantly recognizable.
“It’s the demonic sect!”
“The demonic sect scoundrels dare to cause trouble at the Five Sects Assembly!”
Even so, most people did not panic much, as the participants of the Five Sects Assembly were renowned heroes in the martial world. It was well known that the demonic sect’s green-robed disciples were not very formidable, and no matter how many came, they would not be enough for the righteous heroes to kill.
Several heroes had already drawn their swords, ready to engage.
However…
“What happened to my internal strength?”
“Why is my internal strength gone?”
Voices of shock and confusion erupted all around.
Only then did everyone realize that many of their internal strengths had mysteriously vanished!
“The demonic sect has poisoned us!”
“When did this happen?”
No one had noticed when the poison was administered.
The green-robed disciples jumped down and attacked with their swords. The heroes, now without internal strength, struggled to defend themselves, cursing the demonic sect’s treachery as they fought. Though the green-robed disciples’ martial skills were mediocre, with their internal strength intact, they managed to hold their ground in the chaotic battle.
“The demonic sect scoundrels are truly vicious!”
“Do they think this many people can wipe us out?”
“Even without my internal strength, I won’t back down against the demonic sect!”
A few whose internal strength remained intact fought fiercely, drawing cheers from the crowd.
Among them was Yu Ye, Ling Tianxiao’s prospective son-in-law. He looked refined and delicate, seemingly frail, but when he wielded his sword against the enemy, he was ruthless. As his sword struck, blood splattered on his pale moon-colored robe, but he showed no reaction.
“This pretty boy has some skill!”
“I thought he wouldn’t have the heart to strike against the demonic sect.”
“What are you talking about? He left the demonic sect because he couldn’t stand their actions. Naturally, he’s different! As for the matter between men and women… well, that’s a minor flaw compared to his overall integrity.”
At this moment, a black-robed young man with a long sword on his back flew over the eaves.
Most people hadn’t seen him for a long time, and seeing him now, they were startled and almost dazed. However, his familiar, deadly swordsmanship was unmistakable. Moving like lightning and mist, he left no visible sword light, only the fallen green-robed disciples of the demonic sect in his wake. His overwhelming killing intent and unmatched strength were far beyond that of the other disciples.
It was Lu Chengsha.
His presence sent a wave of renewed determination through the righteous heroes. His movements were swift and precise, each strike lethal, making him a fearsome force on the battlefield.
“Lu Chengsha is here!”
“With him, we have hope!”
The demonic sect disciples hesitated, fear flashing in their eyes as they recognized the unstoppable power before them. Lu Chengsha’s intervention turned the tide, giving the righteous heroes a fighting chance against their poisoned and weakened state.
Though expelled from Tingjian Manor, Lu Chengsha’s reputation remained intact. Many disciples who had once admired him couldn’t help but cheer loudly, their voices overpowering the previous commotion. Even among the Tingjian Manor group, there were many who couldn’t hide their excitement.
But what was even more surprising was the appearance of more green-robed disciples behind him. These disciples were not masked and joined the fray with curses, but their targets were not the righteous disciples—they were attacking those wearing the same green robes!
“What’s going on? Is there infighting within the demonic sect?”
“Can we just sit back and watch them tear each other apart?”
“There’s no tiger fighting here, just dogs biting dogs! I say we kill them all!”
As this was being said, a bizarre young man in a gray robe, without even holding a sword, appeared at the back. He took a few steps forward, effortlessly landing on the ground, prompting many to exclaim, “It’s the demonic sect master!”
“The demonic sect master is here too!”
“He really wants to wipe us out!”
The young man in gray rested his hands behind his head and casually kicked away a righteous disciple attacking him. “Don’t be so hostile. I’m here to save people, not kill them. Others have been masquerading as members of our Zhengyi Sect to do evil, and I’m here to clear our name. You’ve been investigating thoroughly, so we only brought about fifty people. These hundreds of green-robed disciples weren’t brought by us.”
Lu Huaitian, holding his long sword, had just killed a green-robed masked man who attacked him. His internal strength was profound, even when sealed, he still had plenty of power. Even relying solely on his swordsmanship, it was difficult for anyone to get close, so he wasn’t panicked.
He even took a few extra glances at the black-clad youth skillfully slaughtering enemies. Although no longer part of Tingjian Manor, his martial skills hadn’t diminished and had, in fact, improved significantly over the past two years. Now, even Chu Jun probably couldn’t last many moves against him.
However, his gaze slid from Lu Chengsha to the demonic sect master in front of him… and then to the demonic enchantress hiding behind the eaves, with a complex and indescribable feeling.
“You expect us to believe that? This is probably just a charade by your demonic sect, trying to whitewash yourselves!”
“Exactly, with so many green-robed people, if not from your demonic sect, where else?”
Xie Yingxian spoke in an unhurried tone, “If you don’t believe us, you can ask Master Yu, the demonic sect traitor responsible for the poison. He should have the antidote on him.”