He spoke lightly, yet instantly drew everyone’s attention to Yu Ye.
Yu Ye was gripping his sword, killing enemies. Hearing this, his movements paused, then he smoothly swung his sword down, bitterly smiling, “The Sect Leader hates me so much, he resorts to such framing and slander.”
He spoke with both helplessness and righteous indignation.
For a moment, everyone was unsure whom to believe, having to fend off enemies while keeping a watchful eye on developments.
Xie Yingxian moved like a fish through water, weaving through the crowd with the grace of a flower drifting through a field without touching a single leaf.
He picked up a cup from the table, the white porcelain filled with tea. Xie Yingxian swirled it, then poured it on the ground, speaking casually, “When you betrayed the sect back then, it was with this kind of poison, colorless and tasteless, yet it can make one’s inner strength vanish without a trace. Truly insidious and impossible to guard against… But after all this time, you haven’t even had the time to make a new drug? That’s rather insincere.”
Yu Ye suddenly realized, “So we were poisoned with this kind of toxin. Sect Leader Xie indeed understands.”
Xie Yingxian smiled abruptly, “Are you so certain because you think I have no evidence? I’ve long said, your way of ruling subordinates won’t work.” He snapped his fingers.
Qi Xiusi dragged over a man in his thirties who looked somewhat fearful and threw him to the ground.
Yu Ye’s expression shifted slightly.
Many from Dangshan Sect recognized him as Wang Chuiyang, a close aide who often handled affairs for Yu Ye. He was always obedient and capable, though somewhat unremarkable in demeanor.
Wang Chuiyang got up carefully, “Young Master Yu, my conscience can’t take it. You asked me to put drugs in the teapots of all those heroes. I didn’t even know what kind of drug it was. What if it killed someone…”
Yu Ye’s expression turned stern, “Don’t speak nonsense. When have I ever ordered you to drug anyone?”
Wang Chuiyang took out a packet of powdered drugs from his robe, “This is the drug! You gave it to me yourself! Have you forgotten?”
Yu Ye’s gaze grew even sterner, “When did you collude with the demonic sect? I had no idea. I have always treated you well, yet you conspire with the demonic sect to harm me.”
Xie Yingxian clapped his hands, laughing, “What a performance.”
As they spoke, suddenly a large number of disciples screamed.
“It’s the demonic sect’s poisonous insects!”
Unnoticed, many centipedes, spiders, lizards, and other poisonous creatures had crawled onto the ground. Some were so bizarrely shaped they had no name, and they pounced on people nearby, crawling into their bodies through sleeves and collars.
Most of the experienced heroes here could normally repel these creatures with their inner strength, but now it was more troublesome. They had to use sword energy to flick and slash at them. The younger disciples were even more flustered, not only having to face these creepy poisonous insects but also struggling to deal with the masked men in green robes.
Angry curses against the demonic sect resounded all around.
If they hadn’t come, this tactic could be considered extremely vicious. How many people died was secondary; the sheer audacity of slapping the righteous sects in the face like this would surely lead to another fierce battle between the two sides soon.
The Five Sects Assembly happens once every five years, a perfect opportunity.
Hua Yan hid behind the eaves, feeling more and more terrified as she thought about it. Now she finally understood why Xie Yingxian insisted on coming no matter what.
Of course, coming here hadn’t been easy.
Jiang Louyue set up strict barriers along the way, even stricter than those at the Sword-Seeking Tournament. It was almost impossible to bring a large number of people through. The few dozen people present had sneaked in by disguising themselves, including Lu Chengsha.
He was also within the limits set by Jiang Louyue.
It was said that he was very resistant but was still disguised by Xie Yingxian’s people as a hunched old woman. Initially, he drew his sword, his face cold, refusing to comply. However, Xie Yingxian exaggerated the dangers, claiming that since only a few could go, there might be heavy casualties, and he couldn’t protect her. After much struggle and provocation by Xie Yingxian, Lu Chengsha finally agreed.
Xie Yingxian even found someone to teach him how to play the role of an old woman, and it was said that Lu Chengsha nearly drew his sword again.
All these “it is said” are because Hua Yan hadn’t seen Lu Chengsha in his disguise. He originally refused to see her, and now, he was even more adamant about not letting her see him. Thus, she could only hear Xie Yingxian’s amused comments: “It’s quite amusing!”
Hua Yan hesitated, “Are you sure it won’t give him away?”
Xie Yingxian replied, “His face is so dark with anger as if he wants to kill someone. Who would dare stop him?”
Hua Yan laughed, “Wouldn’t that give him away immediately?”
Xie Yingxian said, “Not really, I’m there to cover for him.”
Hua Yan doubted, “Is this really the only way?” She put her hands on her hips protectively, “Stop bullying him!”
Xie Yingxian smiled slightly, justifying himself, “I’m merely fulfilling my duty as an elder, teaching him to grow and learn to adapt. A true man can bend and stretch, don’t carry too much burden, especially when asking for help.”
All in all, Hua Yan felt that their relationship was beyond repair, regardless of their statuses.
At the moment, Hua Yan was also very hesitant about going out.
Xie Yingxian glanced around and said, “These poisonous insects and gu worms from Yin Xiangsi aren’t cheap, are they?”
Mentioning Yin Xiangsi, it immediately caused a reaction from the Baiya Peak people.
“You are indeed in league with that Yin Xiangsi!”
“And you claim not to be from the same group!”
“Clearly all from the demonic sect!”
Their hatred and disgust for Yin Xiangsi were so intense that they couldn’t help but react at the mention of the name. Disciples from other sects, some with friends and family who had suffered at her hands, couldn’t help but voice their agreement.
Xie Yingxian turned his gaze back to Yu Ye and said, “Hand over the antidote first.”
Yu Ye instinctively took a step back and said, “I don’t have it…”
Before he could finish his sentence, Xie Yingxian had already floated in front of him. Yu Ye raised his sword to meet him, but Xie Yingxian slipped past him with a graceful move, striking Yu Ye’s elbow with a backhanded palm. Yu Ye’s wrist shook, and the hilt of his sword jolted upward.
In a fluid motion, Xie Yingxian performed a maneuver that seemed like an acrobat’s trick, snatching the long sword from Yu Ye’s hand. This seamless sequence left no trace of its slick execution.
In an instant, Xie Yingxian was standing, holding Yu Ye’s long, ornate sword. He turned his wrist slightly, testing the sword, and said, “You really like these flashy but impractical things. Oh well, it’ll do.”
As he spoke, his sword strikes were already sweeping toward Yu Ye with extreme ferocity.
Yu Ye, now without his sword, was somewhat panicked. Abandoning his usual decorum, he quickly grabbed a sword from a nearby person to parry Xie Yingxian’s attack.
“Ah, Young Master Yu, that’s my sword!”
In the past, Yu Ye had sparred with Xie Yingxian and, despite always being defeated, he had grown up with him and understood his martial techniques enough to hold his own for a while. But this time, Xie Yingxian’s sword moves seemed unfamiliar and, within that unfamiliarity, carried a ruthless brutality, as if each strike intended to dismember him. After just a few exchanges, Yu Ye could no longer defend himself. Yet, the sword technique seemed vaguely familiar.
A wild thought came to Yu Ye.
He exclaimed, “Tiancan Sword Technique? But isn’t it supposed to lack a heart method?”
Xie Yingxian, casually wielding the sword and pressing his advantage, replied, “Yes, it’s the one you always wanted to master but couldn’t due to the missing heart method. Now that the heart method has been found, but you left.”
Yu Ye couldn’t help but ask, “Where did the heart method come from? Have you been hiding it all along?”
Xie Yingxian laughed, “I’m not that petty. Perhaps it was fate. You searched high and low in vain, but soon after you left, our young mistress found it. This sword technique indeed holds immense power. Had you mastered it back then, you wouldn’t have been so constrained.”
He spoke lightly, but every word struck a nerve.
Yu Ye, his voice bitter, asked, “How did she find it?”
Xie Yingxian replied, “That’s no longer your concern.”
The others who heard this couldn’t help but exclaim, “Which Tiancan Sword Technique? It couldn’t be that Tiancan Sword Technique, could it?”
“Of course, it’s that one. The demonic sect is called the Tiancan Sect! Naturally, it’s the very foundation of their sect! But it’s said this sword technique had long been lost. How did they find it…”
“It’s said that this sword technique is extremely violent and terrifying, with unparalleled power. The internal strife within the demonic sect was all for this sword technique! They say whoever masters it will be invincible in the world!”
“Then isn’t the current leader of the demonic sect…”
As the crowd gossiped, Xie Yingxian had already inflicted several wounds on Yu Ye, forcing him into a corner. With a mocking demeanor, he flicked away Yu Ye’s sword, then grabbed him by the throat with one hand, lifting him off the ground.
Casually, Xie Yingxian responded, “Yes, I am indeed powerful now… Where is the antidote? If you don’t tell me, I’ll cut off your limbs right here.”
Yu Ye, hoisted up and choking, his face turning a ghastly shade, struggled desperately with both hands.
He couldn’t defeat him before, and he certainly couldn’t now.
Struggling to speak, Yu Ye gasped, “I don’t know…”
Xie Yingxian laughed, “Stubborn until the end, huh? Do you think I’m someone who shows mercy?”
With that, he raised his sword and slashed forcefully at Yu Ye’s right arm. The blade sank in deeply, and Yu Ye let out a gut-wrenching scream, blood gushing out instantly.
Xie Yingxian added, “I told you your sword is flashy but impractical, didn’t I?”
Some of the onlookers, unable to bear the sight, wanted to step in but were halted by Xie Yingxian’s cold gaze. “This is an internal matter of the Zhengyi Sect. It’s not your place to interfere.”
At this moment, another person couldn’t hold back and rushed forward. She was a dark-skinned, heavy-set woman with a conflicted, pained expression on her face. Though her movements were clumsy, the concern in her eyes was evident.
From a distance, Ling Tianxiao shouted, “Aoxue, it’s dangerous! Stay back! Don’t worry about him!”
Xie Yingxian merely smiled and gestured to Wang Chuiyang.
Wang Chuiyang immediately understood, “Miss Ling! Don’t pity him! Young Master Yu told me himself that he finds you dark and fat, as stupid as a pig. He can barely stand to be near you, let alone kiss you. If it weren’t for your father, he wouldn’t even want to see you! He also said that even if he marries you, he plans to find a way to get rid of you and marry a pretty new bride within a few years.”
His voice was loud, intentionally making sure everyone could hear.
Yu Ye, in excruciating pain, tried to speak, but Xie Yingxian’s grip on his throat was too tight.
Even if Yu Ye had truly thought such things, he would never have said them to a close aide!
At least in the eyes of others, he had always been noble and upright!
Wang Chuiyang was indeed spouting nonsense!
Xie Yingxian leaned closer and whispered in Yu Ye’s ear, “How does it feel to be slandered? Although what he said may not be entirely false.”
Ling Aoxue stood there, stunned for a long while, her expression dazed. She opened her mouth, asking, “…Is that true?” She no longer had her usual pride, only a humble plea, “He’s lying to me, right?”
Ling Tianxiao fought his way through the crowd, grabbing Ling Aoxue, “Hide behind me!”
“Father, he’s lying to me, right…” Ling Aoxue turned, her voice growing more urgent, “Yu Ye! You said you liked me! You said you liked my straightforward and unpretentious nature! You said you didn’t care about a woman’s looks! You…”
Wang Chuiyang, now a traitor, added fuel to the fire, “Ah, those are all lies! Men will say anything to woo a woman! I did the same with my wife! But you believed it because Young Master Yu is handsome!”
Out of nowhere, Ling Aoxue found the courage. She broke free from Ling Tianxiao and rushed to Yu Ye.
Xie Yingxian was slightly surprised but let go, allowing Yu Ye to fall to the ground.
Ling Aoxue ignored the demonic sect leader, grabbing Yu Ye’s collar and shaking him desperately, “Is this really what you think? Did you lie to me?”
Yu Ye, his arm half-severed and throat in agony, couldn’t speak and was being shaken by this crazy woman.
Xie Yingxian, leaning on his sword, said, “Our sect has a type of truth-telling gu, very fragile, requiring the person’s voluntary acceptance. It enters the heart through the bloodstream, and thereafter, any lie will cause excruciating heart pain, making it impossible to breathe. For the rest of their life, they can only speak the truth. If you’re willing, I can plant it on him.”
Ling Aoxue looked up, “Is there really such a gu?”
Xie Yingxian replied, “Ask him yourself. The gu exists, but I doubt he dares.”
Yu Ye, sweating from pain, tried to bandage himself, but Ling Aoxue clung to him, giving him no chance. If this continued, he would faint from blood loss. He raised his hand to apply pressure to his acupoints, but Ling Aoxue grabbed him again, “If there’s such a gu, let him plant it on you, then I’ll believe you.”
He wasn’t listening to her, just feeling extremely irritated. Why, at this moment, did he still have to placate her?
Yu Ye used his other hand to shove her away, “Get out of the way.”
He used significant force, and Ling Aoxue, unprepared, was pushed aside, her face hitting some gravel, instantly breaking the skin and bleeding, making her face look even more pitiful.
Yu Ye didn’t even glance at her, biting his teeth as he quickly applied pressure to several acupoints, taking out medicine and bandages to treat himself.
Xie Yingxian’s sword blocked his way, “Who said you could bandage yourself? Where’s the antidote?”
Yu Ye looked up, faced with a choice between ruin and disability. Ultimately, it came down to the fact that he couldn’t beat him.
Originally, according to the plan, the demonic sect’s ambush on the Five Sect Conference was supposed to be his moment to shine. Whether in killing enemies on the spot or detoxifying and dispelling gu afterward, it should have been his time to bask in glory. Even if Xie Yingxian showed up, outnumbered and with a tarnished reputation, there might have been a chance to eliminate him.
It was supposed to be like that.
Xie Yingxian turned the blade and stabbed it into Yu Ye’s leg, saying, “Will you speak or not?”
At that moment, Ling Aoxue suddenly rushed over again. Both were stunned as she collapsed, screaming, “You hit me! You actually hit me! You really dared to hit me!”
She then started hitting Yu Ye.
Xie Yingxian, never having seen such a scene, found it baffling and did not intervene.
Yu Ye, already in severe pain with multiple wounds, his lips turning pale, couldn’t endure her blows. Since his childhood, he had learned to be likable and had never suffered such treatment from a woman. Or rather, how could such a woman exist in this world?
Ling Aoxue’s bizarre behavior was entirely due to being spoiled by Ling Tianxiao!
Looking at this madwoman, Yu Ye felt nothing but disgust. If this continued, he would be beyond saving. Given his current situation, it was unlikely he could recover. Xie Yingxian would not spare him. As Ling Aoxue pummeled him, Yu Ye, in pain, pulled the sword from his leg. Ling Aoxue didn’t notice, but her father, Ling Tianxiao, did. He shouted, “Watch out! Get away from him!”
Yu Ye gently thrust the sword forward.
Only then did Ling Aoxue feel the sharp pain in her chest. She was just about to speak when someone yanked her away.
Hua Yan had been hiding and watching the drama unfold. She hadn’t expected Yu Ye to suddenly attempt murder. Although Ling Aoxue had a bad temper, she didn’t deserve to die.
Seeing Yu Ye’s expression, Hua Yan sensed something was wrong. She rushed over just in time to pull Ling Aoxue’s hefty body away. The sword tip barely penetrated, not causing a fatal wound.
As Hua Yan landed, pulling Ling Aoxue with her, Ling Tianxiao immediately followed.
“Aoxue, are you okay?” His dark face looked even darker, but his concern was evident.
Hua Yan’s appearance caused a stir among the onlookers.
“That’s the demonic sect witch!”
“Which demonic sect witch? The one who caused Lu Chengsha to betray Tingjian Manor?”
“Who else could it be! I didn’t expect her to be here too!”
“Did she just save Ling Aoxue?”
“This… she must have ulterior motives…”
Hua Yan was already used to the reactions. She pursed her lips and handed the injured Ling Aoxue to Ling Tianxiao, preparing to leave. However, as she turned, she heard Ling Tianxiao’s stiff, fleeting voice, “Thank you.”
She turned back in surprise.
Behind her, Xie Yingxian’s leisurely voice chimed in, “Saving your daughter’s life, and that’s all the gratitude you can muster? Is this how you righteous people behave?”
Ling Tianxiao, busy applying medicine to stop his daughter’s bleeding, knew Xie Yingxian well enough to restrain his anger. He asked, “What exactly is your purpose here?”
It was evident to everyone that most of the heroes present had their internal energy sealed and were no match for the demonic sect leader. If he intended to massacre them, no one could stop him. Yet, he only targeted Yu Ye.
And indeed, Yu Ye had proven to be problematic.
Xie Yingxian replied, “I said from the beginning, someone is being framed, and I’m here to clarify.”
He grabbed Yu Ye’s shoulder, preventing his escape, “Where is the antidote? Do you really want me to stab you a few more times? Out of respect for my mother, I might spare your life, but you know there are many ways to make living worse than dying.”
No one expected that at this moment, Ling Aoxue, having somewhat stopped her bleeding, would come forward again. She drew her sword, ignoring the bloodstains on her body, and walked toward Yu Ye, “You really wanted to kill me! I’ll kill you first!”
Everyone was shocked by her relentless spirit.
Yu Ye, sweating profusely, gritted his teeth and said to Xie Yingxian, “Kill her, and I’ll tell you!”
Before Xie Yingxian could respond, Ling Tianxiao cursed, “You beast!”
Yu Ye retorted angrily, “Isn’t it because of your well-raised daughter!”
This was the first time he had lost his temper. Even Hua Yan, who had never seen him angry before, was taken aback.
Ling Tianxiao pulled Ling Aoxue back, shouting, “My daughter’s behavior is not for you to judge!”
Yu Ye sneered, “Then control your daughter, or don’t blame me…”
Xie Yingxian patted Yu Ye’s face with his sword, smiling dangerously, “The antidote.” He prepared to stab Yu Ye again. Already injured, Yu Ye could barely stand. Xie Yingxian, showing no patience, slashed Yu Ye’s already bloody arm again, causing sweat to pour down Yu Ye’s face. He knew Xie Yingxian’s patience was wearing thin; if not for Ling Aoxue’s earlier interruption, he might already be…
“The antidote is in a hidden compartment under the third drawer in my room,” Yu Ye said through gritted teeth. “I need to treat and bandage my wounds.”
Yu Ye, drenched in cold sweat, said, “But my hand will be crippled.”
Xie Yingxian replied, “Better than losing your life. Make no mistake, I’m only sparing you out of respect for my mother, not because I can’t kill you. Anyway, you’re useless now. Whether these righteous heroes survive or not, it doesn’t matter much to me.”
The Five Sect Conference had arranged accommodations, and Yu Ye had a hidden compartment in his room. Wang Chuiyang, being quick-witted, knew how to retrieve it and hurried off under Qi Xiusi’s supervision.
Meanwhile, the masked people in green were almost dealt with.
There weren’t many left, and when the masks of those wearing green disciple uniforms were removed, their disfigured faces were revealed. Comparing them with the demonic sect disciples they had just fought side by side with, it indeed seemed peculiar.
Without the comparison, they would have simply thought the demonic sect was truly evil, even using disfigured disciples for ambushes.
Since Hua Yan had shown herself, she decided to help deal with the poisonous insects on the ground. She carried plenty of poison powders and toxins, but to avoid suspicion, she had left Xiao Hei with Lu Chengsha. Now she had to painstakingly deal with the insects bit by bit.
When she reached the Tingjian Manor area, the disciples there looked at her with complicated expressions.
Hua Yan, smiling sweetly, said, “Long time no see!” She hadn’t caused trouble at Tingjian Manor for a while. But as soon as she spoke, the disciples quickly backed away, wary despite her efforts to help.
It was Lu Huaitian from the crowd who spoke, his expression darkening, “What exactly…”
Before he could finish, Hua Yan suddenly turned, “Hey, why are you running again? In this situation, you don’t need to avoid me, right!”
A black shadow, having sheathed his sword, swiftly darted past.
Lu Huaitian called, “Chengsha?”
Lu Chengsha stopped instantly, as if he had been waiting for him to call.
He stood there, his gaze perfectly aligned with Lu Huaitian’s direction, and extending further behind him was Hua Yan.