Perhaps because Lu Chengsha was hard to approach, the old woman grabbed Hua Yan’s hand and talked to her for a long time as if she were her granddaughter-in-law. Hua Yan wasn’t annoyed, as the old woman meant well.
Having been nagged by her parents since she was young, Hua Yan genuinely felt a sense of familiarity and smiled sincerely.
Being cared for always felt comforting.
Hua Yan listened and smiled without saying much. After a while, the old woman, lost in her thoughts, seemed on the verge of tears, as if Hua Yan reminded her of another woman.
This made Hua Yan curious about what kind of person Lu Chengsha’s mother was.
The old woman then asked a peasant woman to fetch some small clothes from under the cabinet.
The small clothes seemed to have been stored for a long time, with both boy and girl outfits. The fabric was rough but the stitches were fine and detailed, with elegant patterns embroidered on them. The old woman, her hands trembling, handed them to Hua Yan and said, “These were made when she was pregnant… I’ve kept them because I couldn’t bear to use them. Although you might not appreciate them…”
Hua Yan received them with delight: “No, they’re adorable!”
They were all tiny. As Hua Yan held up one of the small outfits, she couldn’t help but imagine a young Lu Chengsha wearing it. It was so cute! She almost turned to look at Lu Chengsha to compare.
Seeing this, the old woman finally smiled: “Judging by your age, you must be married, right?”
Hua Yan blushed immediately.
People in the martial world, who practiced martial arts and strengthened their bodies, generally lived longer and married later than ordinary people. Many even remained unmarried. To others, they seemed old enough to have children.
Lu Chengsha, who had been silent, spoke up at this moment: “We are married.”
Hua Yan: “…”
Alright, he finally found an opportunity.
The old woman rummaged through the cabinet again and took out two beautifully crafted red knots. She said somewhat shyly, “My family is poor, and I don’t have anything valuable. These two knots are my wedding gift to you. I hope you don’t mind.”
Their whimsical marriage had never been taken seriously by anyone, except the two of them.
This was the first time they received what could be called a wedding gift.
The old woman was skillful, and the knots were delicately made, with hollow patterns in the middle and a red bead that looked like a date strung on them.
“Thank you, Granny!”
Hua Yan lovingly played with the object for a while before attempting to attach it to her waist. She stole a glance at Lu Chengsha and saw that he hesitated for a moment before taking off his sword. He then attached the red tassel to the hilt of his sword. Ever since he left Tingjian Manor and removed the original tassel, his sword hilt had been bare. Now, with the large red tassel attached, Hua Yan couldn’t help but burst into laughter.
The old woman, seeing the two of them like this, smiled even more warmly, “That red bead was specially blessed, originally meant for newlyweds, to wish for an early birth of a son…” Her tone grew even kinder, “With that, the clothes can also be put to good use.”
Hua Yan hadn’t expected the conversation to take this turn and stammered, “Uh, that…”
Especially since the person next to her wasn’t very cooperative!
Before she could finish, Lu Chengsha touched the tassel on his sword hilt, slightly lowered his head, and said, “…Thank you.”
Hmm?
You’re not nervous now?
The old woman finally saw him respond and, after a moment of thought, said, “…Child, don’t blame your mother too much. She… she really looked forward to your birth and wanted to watch you grow up. Unfortunately… unfortunately…” Her chest heaved several times, “Unfortunately, she didn’t have that blessing. Over the years, I don’t know how you grew up… your parents both… it’s been hard on you…”
Lu Chengsha was silent for a while, always feeling a bit at a loss with such kindness.
He didn’t think he had suffered; in fact, he felt that with her by his side now, life was too sweet.
As for his parents, he hadn’t cared much before and wasn’t interested in observing others’ parents. For him, it was just something he knew about. Now, having seen more and often hearing her talk about her parents, Lu Chengsha was slowly getting an impression.
But he still couldn’t imagine what it would be like if he had parents. No matter how he thought about it, it seemed strange.
After a long time, Lu Chengsha finally said, “If she were still alive, what difference would it make?”
The old woman was taken aback by his question, then slowly smiled, “Child, when you have children, you’ll understand.”
When they finally left, Hua Yan looked at the blooming flowers in the courtyard a few more times and couldn’t help but say to Lu Chengsha, “It would be nice if your mother were still alive…”
Lu Chengsha didn’t expect her to say that as well.
Hua Yan nodded pretentiously, “You’ll understand when you have children.”
Lu Chengsha: “…”
Hua Yan heard a noise and couldn’t help but laugh, “Aren’t you not nervous anymore?” She continued to sigh dramatically, “But this isn’t something I can do alone, especially since some people aren’t willing to make an effort! Let’s not think about it for now!”
Lu Chengsha’s voice came out haltingly, “I…”
It’s not that he didn’t want to, it’s just…
Hua Yan stopped teasing him, “You can just imagine for a moment. Suppose… I’m saying suppose…” Her face flushed slightly, “we had a child, how would you treat that child?”
Lu Chengsha had thought about this many times recently, but each time it felt like his heart would explode, leaving him restless and unsettled.
After only a short pause, he answered, still sounding a bit nervous, “I’ll… I’ll do my best.”
If necessary, he would learn anything.
Hua Yan smiled sweetly, “That’s right. Especially mothers, after carrying a child for ten months, they’d be unwilling to part with it even if it were just a ball.” She sighed, “I just feel a bit regretful that you didn’t get more when you were young. Your grandfather’s behavior was really inappropriate… You mustn’t learn from your grandfather in the future, do you hear me! How could he teach you like that! It’s pure luck you didn’t turn out worse!” As she spoke, she grew increasingly indignant.
Lu Chengsha responded seriously, “Mm.”
Hua Yan exclaimed, “…??? Mm? You admit your grandfather was wrong! Then why don’t you come over here right now!”
Lu Chengsha: “…”
Hua Yan snorted, “I knew you were just talking nicely.”
However, on the way back, Hua Yan was still puzzled. If his mother was so unwilling, why did Lu Huaixian commit suicide?
And who was chasing her before? Where did her injuries come from?
Carrying these doubts, she went to ask Xie Yingxian. He said, “Only the person who took her writings would know.”
Hua Yan sensed something between the lines, uncertainly asking, “Really… was it that person?”
Xie Yingxian nodded slowly, “Jiang Louyue told me personally. You’ve dealt with him before; do you think it fits?”
Hua Yan thought for a long time before shaking her head, “I really can’t see it… I never considered such a possibility. Maybe I should try to find him and test him, but I don’t know if he’s still at Tingjian Manor.”
Xie Yingxian, looking a bit lazy, said, “No need. Since we already know, there’s no point in alerting the snake.” He paused, “This might indeed be one of the reasons for his madness. Dongfeng Buye Tower’s current disdain for our sect has some basis, but it’s unclear why he would also target the righteous path. Framing us seems excessive.”
Hua Yan asked, “So what should we do?”
Xie Yingxian smiled, “Just go ask him directly when the time comes.”
***
This year’s Sword-seeking Tournament was held as scheduled. The location rotates, and it happened to be Baiya Peak’s turn.
Hosting the Sword-seeking Tournament at Baiya Peak is one of the most challenging tasks. Located in the northern region, Baiya Peak is surrounded by extreme cold, both on and off the mountain. Dongfeng Buye Tower began preparations almost three months in advance, expending a significant amount of manpower and resources. Besides constructing the arena and conference venue, they had to prepare enough accommodations well in advance. Unlike other major sects, where there are usually bustling towns within a few miles, Baiya Peak is truly remote, typically only frequented by hunters and herbal gatherers.
Other sects are generally reluctant to go to Baiya Peak. Apart from the severe cold, which forces those with insufficient cultivation to bundle up in layers and feel embarrassed, Baiya Peak’s disciples are known for their aloofness and indifference. Even when hosting the Sword-seeking Tournament, they maintain an arrogant and superior attitude, looking down on disciples from smaller sects. This often leads to unpleasant incidents, compounded by Baiya Peak’s tradition of staunchly defending their own.
Though many major sects exhibit this protective behavior to some extent, Baiya Peak is the only one where it’s consistently pervasive from top to bottom.
As a result, complaints were already rampant even before the Sword-seeking Tournament began.
However, this year, everyone assumed that the undisputed champion would be Chu Jun. Unexpectedly, Lu Chengsha also registered, immediately increasing the number of disciples from various sects planning to attend the conference.
Everyone loves a spectacle and was eager to see how Lu Chengsha’s martial skills had fared since leaving Tingjian Manor.
If he made a grand impression, it would undoubtedly embarrass Tingjian Manor.
Moreover, after the last Five Sects Conference, many believed that Tingjian Manor might soften its stance. This issue wouldn’t have been significant elsewhere, but holding the conference at Baiya Peak made it particularly intriguing. After all, Baiya Peak had been adamant about harshly punishing Lu Chengsha back then. Would they now allow him to shine right on their doorstep?
At the foot of Baiya Peak, there were houses left over from the conference held more than a decade ago, now refurbished and bustling with various martial heroes.
Additionally, Dongfeng Buye Tower had set up dozens of small stalls selling wine and food, and there were even blacksmiths forging and repairing swords by the fire, all filled with people chatting idly.
A crowd gathered, drinking fiery strong liquor and eating mouth-watering roasted lamb in large bites. The varying degrees of clothing worn by attendees drew attention, with those wearing less being more notable, as it signified deeper internal strength.
Dongfeng Buye Tower also pre-released this year’s list of disciples participating in the competition, posting it on a bulletin board for discussion. Among the forty-eight names, some were new and some had been dropped, but the most eye-catching name was undoubtedly Lu Chengsha.
Some were also talking about the Demon Sect. Since the last Five Sects Conference, the two sides seemed to have entered a temporary peace, still opposing each other but not actively causing trouble.
“Has the Demon Sect truly turned over a new leaf? Are they seeking to mend their ways?”
“I doubt it. Everyone knows the Demon Sect has a long history of grievances. They’re probably just lying low for a while, showing some goodwill.”
“Exactly, trusting the Demon Sect to reform is like believing pigs can fly!”
The night before the Sword-seeking Tournament is always filled with festivities, and this year was no exception. After all, the first day’s literary competition is optional viewing.
While they were talking, the sky began to lighten, and suddenly there was a commotion at the entrance of the peak. Those who were still awake hurried over to investigate.
What they saw was shocking.
“The Demon Sect is attacking!”
“Wake up, everyone! Stop sleeping!”
“The Demon Sect is here to cause trouble at the Sword Tournament again!”
The word “again” was particularly significant. The last time Tiancan Sect caused trouble at the Sword Tournament was over fifty years ago. Most people had never witnessed it, only heard stories. They all knew that the ensuing battle between the Demon Sect and the righteous path had changed the very sky and earth, shrouding the sun and moon in darkness, resulting in heavy casualties and significant losses of strength.
Early in the morning, many disciples were still exhausted from staying up late. This was not a good omen.
Immediately, some were shouting to wake others, some were grabbing their weapons, and everyone was rushing to the entrance of the peak. Some were cursing, saying that the Demon Sect was indeed treacherous.