It was a few days later when they went to watch the sparring at Qingcheng Sect again.
The disciples of Qingcheng Sect were notoriously lazy and undisciplined. Even with their senior brothers and sisters present, they maintained their usual slothfulness. However, perhaps due to the overwhelming rumors in the martial world, the moment Lu Chengsha walked by with his sword on his back, the Qingcheng Sect disciples instantly became as silent as cicadas in winter, standing straight as if terrified he might suddenly attack them.
The disciples of Dangshan Sect were better behaved, as they were known for their strict discipline. Their leader was Zuo Jingshuang, and each of them looked at the Qingcheng Sect disciples with silent disdain and contempt. It seemed that if it weren’t for their elders’ presence, they would have already started a brawl.
Hua Yan found it amusing and stood by watching.
It seemed the two sides often sparred together. After only a few words of pleasantries, they quickly got into the routine and began one-on-one sword duels.
Although these young disciples were not highly skilled, they used flashy sword techniques in their fights. As the fights progressed, they resorted to underhanded tactics—for instance, a Qingcheng Sect disciple pretended to be seriously injured, lying on the ground until a Dangshan Sect disciple approached, then suddenly sprang up. The Dangshan Sect disciple, not to be outdone, kicked the Qingcheng Sect disciple’s butt as soon as he pretended to be defeated.
The disciples watching from below the stage immediately started arguing.
“Your Qingcheng Sect is too sneaky!”
“And you Dangshan Sect, what’s the deal with kicking people in the butt!”
Hua Yan watched two matches and couldn’t help but burst into laughter.
Lu Chengsha, who had been watching seriously, turned his head at the sound. Hua Yan, still laughing, leaned on him and said, “It’s nothing, you keep watching, don’t mind me!”
However, Hua Yan didn’t expect that after casually mentioning to Lu Chengsha about giving some swordsmanship guidance, he would take it seriously and start instructing right then and there.
As the two disciples finished their match and were about to step down, Lu Chengsha walked over. He didn’t use his sword, but simply took the other disciple’s scabbard and launched an attack. The Qingcheng Sect disciple was startled and hurried to respond, only to realize that Lu Chengsha was using the sword techniques he had just used. However, Lu Chengsha’s precision and sharpness were incomparable, and he added a bit of killing intent in places where the disciple’s technique had been wrong or flawed.
The Dangshan Sect disciples watching from the side were sweating profusely. Since it was a demonstration, Lu Chengsha’s swordsmanship wasn’t fast, but the terrifying precision made it all the clearer. Being so close and bathing in Lu Chengsha’s sword intent, they felt insights just on the verge of realization.
A moment later, Lu Chengsha returned the scabbard and turned back.
The two disciples, coming to their senses, repeatedly thanked him.
Hua Yan, who had been laughing earlier, now couldn’t help but smile, her eyes shining as she recalled the past. She always felt he was most charming when using his sword—after all, she was initially attracted by his intense, unrivaled aura during combat.
Though it was a bit unconventional for a disciple from Tingjian Manor to come and instruct the disciples of Qingcheng Sect, even by invitation, there were no objections simply because it was Lu Chengsha. Instead, many disciples who had previously been nonchalant became serious, eager to showcase their skills. Their focus was akin to the intensity they displayed during the Sword-seeking Tournament. After their matches, they eagerly looked towards Lu Chengsha.
Senior Sister Tao, watching from the side, exclaimed, “If they were half this serious normally, we wouldn’t have any issues at the Sword-seeking Tournament…”
Hua Yan, however, wasn’t paying attention. She said, “Quick, quick… lend me a handkerchief!”
Her sleeves usually held either poisons or hidden weapons.
Senior Sister Tao, puzzled but compliant, pulled out a handkerchief from her sleeve and handed it to her. Hua Yan then stepped forward, and as Lu Chengsha finished instructing and returned, she theatrically stood on tiptoe to wipe away his nonexistent sweat.
Hua Yan felt very virtuous!
Lu Chengsha’s eyes showed a hint of surprise, but he remained still, letting her wipe.
“…Isn’t this too much trouble for you?” She asked.
“Not at all.” Lu Chengsha replied, then added, “It’s quite easy.”
In truth, Lu Chengsha actually quite enjoyed it. He had never cared much before, but since she mentioned teaching her cousin, he had considered it for a while and thought it was worth a try, so he came to give it a go.
Aside from killing, he found he could do more than he had imagined.
Hua Yan’s fingers lightly touched Lu Chengsha’s forehead. Upon hearing his words, she smiled, her large eyes filled with laughter, making Lu Chengsha’s heart tighten. He had to grab her wrist to stop her, so she withdrew her hand, but she was still smiling.
For a moment, everyone around them fell silent. Even the disciples who were about to spar paused, feeling a subtle sense of, “Does getting married make you special?”
In the martial world, people typically married late. Young disciples focused on their training, and even if childhood sweethearts were mutually fond, they would wait until they had made a name for themselves before becoming a couple. Those less attractive had an even harder time. Even someone as powerful as the Dangshan Sect’s leader, Ling Tianxiao, didn’t find a partner until he was well into his thirties. Marrying late didn’t mean they weren’t yearning for love. Just moments ago, these disciples were eager to impress, but now they found themselves distracted… wishing they could make a name for themselves sooner and then marry…
However, many Qingcheng Sect disciples calmed down when they saw their senior brother Mu Xuelang.
Their senior brother was handsome and famous early on. He had secret admirers among the junior sisters, but he was always busy taking care of his junior brothers and sisters and handling sect affairs, never responding to any of them, thus remaining single until now.
If their senior brother was still single, why should they be in a hurry?
After Hua Yan finished her virtuous act, she remembered the ill-fated love between the Dangshan Sect and Qingcheng Sect disciples. She used to think that relationships across sect lines had no good outcomes. Now that she was content with her own life, she couldn’t help but hope that the couple she once rooted for would have a happy ending.
Currently, one was the leading disciple of Dangshan Sect and the other of Qingcheng Sect. There was little opportunity for them to converse amidst the competition.
Hua Yan went to Senior Sister Tao for more information.
Tao Caizhou was clutching her chest, and after a while, she regained her composure and said, “Just as you saw, everything is very proper. That one time on Baiya Peak, Lady Zuo was exhausted, and he took care of her for a day. When she woke up, the first thing she asked was ‘Where is my senior brother?’ Chu Jun was fine; she must have been asking about that Young Master You. We didn’t know where he had gone, but we promised to keep an eye out for him. She thanked us and that was it. She seems to have been looking for Young Master You ever since…” Tao Caizhou’s tone showed a hint of irritation. “I advised her not to bother our senior brother about it anymore. He’ll definitely agree to help her if she asks, but it’ll drive me mad… Everyone has feelings, even our good-natured senior brother isn’t a saint!”
Hua Yan pondered for a while.
But she didn’t expect Zuo Jingshuang would come to her for help.
Despite having supported their relationship for so long, Hua Yan and Zuo Jingshuang had little interaction. So when Zuo Jingshuang, looking desperate, asked if she had seen You Weitian, Hua Yan was taken aback.
She did know something, but she couldn’t say.
You Weitian had severed his meridians to help Xie Yingxian kill Yin Xiangsi, rendering him a cripple. After lying in bed for over a month, he could finally get up, though his martial arts were entirely lost, and he was weaker than an average person. The only silver lining was that the mark Yin Xiangsi left on him was completely gone. Xie Yingxian didn’t mind taking care of another person, but You Weitian, with his strong sense of pride, refused to be a burden and insisted on leaving. Xie Yingxian gave him a generous reward and let him go.
When he left, Hua Yan went to see him off.
You Weitian’s face was pale. He wore not his usual red robes, but an ochre long gown, saying it was the color of his former small sect, the Shishan Sect. He wasn’t fully recovered, still using a cane to walk. Despite this, his expression showed no resentment or regret, and his tone remained nonchalant. “I’ve avenged my grievances and killed the person. There’s nothing to regret.”
Hua Yan asked, “Are you really not going to find Zuo Jingshuang?”
You Weitian looked at her with that strange gaze and said, “Why should I? I have no martial arts now, and I can’t be her senior brother anymore.”
“But she…”
You Weitian interrupted, “She’s just momentarily confused. Over time, she’ll realize not everyone is stuck in the past. She’ll have her life, and I’ll have mine.”
His pride was indeed astonishingly strong.
However, since it was someone else’s business, Hua Yan couldn’t intervene too much. She just said, “Take care. You’ve helped our sect by assisting the Leader. If you ever need anything, just let us know.”
You Weitian thanked her and reminded her to say she didn’t know if Zuo Jingshuang asked, then walked away with his cane.
Now he might return to an ordinary life. You Weitian had gained fame for his formidable knife skills for a few years, but once he stopped appearing, he would gradually be forgotten. The martial world never lacked heroes who shone briefly.
Few would know the story of a young man from a destitute sect, who, despite begging and crying, was rejected by the Dangshan Sect for lack of talent, ultimately resorting to evil methods to exact his revenge.
Now that Zuo Jingshuang had come asking, Hua Yan, having promised You Weitian, didn’t reveal anything.
Though she had hoped for a chance, she felt that Zuo Jingshuang and You Weitian were unlikely to be together. She probably didn’t even know about his time in the Wan Gu Sect.
Zuo Jingshuang’s expression was openly despondent. She softly thanked Hua Yan and left.
She had asked many people recently, but the answers were surprisingly consistent—no one knew. She had even inquired at Dongfeng Buye Tower, but it was in chaos and couldn’t provide any information on You Weitian’s whereabouts. Since their parting at Baiya Peak, he seemed to have vanished.
She had once mistaken someone for her senior brother, seeing a new pharmacy owner outside the Dangshan Sect’s gate. His appearance was different, but his build and movements were somewhat similar. Unfortunately, the owner had a lame leg and no martial skills. He calmly said, “Miss, you’ve mistaken me for someone else.”
Zuo Jingshuang felt embarrassed. Her senior brother had no lame leg and was skilled in martial arts; he couldn’t possibly be the man in front of her.
Perhaps he simply didn’t want to see her.
This realization left Zuo Jingshuang a bit dejected, but she didn’t want to give up. Despite being at the Dangshan Sect for so long, the only person she considered family was her senior brother. Though things seemed to have changed, she stubbornly believed he must have his reasons, and they could eventually clear things up.
After all, they were the last two from the Shishan Sect in this world.
***
Hua Yan and Lu Chengsha stayed at Qingcheng Sect for a day. After Lu Chengsha finished giving guidance, seeing him less aloof than usual, many sought his advice, especially the Dangshan Sect disciples.
During the day, due to Qingcheng Sect’s invitation, Lu Chengsha only guided their disciples, which made the Dangshan Sect disciples envious. Their own senior brother Chu Jun was also difficult to approach and had been even more irritable recently, being ordered around by Sect Leader Ling Tianxiao. He never gave guidance and would scold anyone who sought him out.
This level of guidance was extremely beneficial to young disciples. They could return and gain insights, potentially advancing rapidly and making a name for themselves at the next Sword-seeking Tournament. So, many thick-skinned disciples came to seek guidance, with some reportedly rushing over from the Dangshan Sect upon hearing the news.
Hua Yan’s plans to explore Qingcheng Sect with Lu Chengsha were instantly dashed. She was reminded of the time in Lishan City when Lu Chengsha was besieged by people seeking his advice.
Being a hero truly isn’t easy.
Hua Yan had to wander around by herself and unexpectedly ran into someone she wasn’t sure if she should call an acquaintance.
The Qingcheng Sect disciple was staring at her, his eyes filled with unspoken sorrow, as if he and Hua Yan had some sort of past. Hua Yan distanced herself and said seriously, “I’m married, I don’t know you well.”
Zhao You nodded silently and said softly, “I know…”
He still remembered more than two years ago when she delivered an antidote to Qingcheng Sect. He hadn’t paid much attention until the poison in his body acted up, making him feel like thousands of spiders were gnawing at his heart. The pain was unbearable, and only then did he realize she had truly poisoned him and had no genuine feelings for him. Zhao You was deeply disheartened and saddened for a while—he realized belatedly that his first love had ended unceremoniously.
Her heart was always with Lu Chengsha!
Seeing her now, Zhao You felt a mix of emotions. He moved his lips and said, “Last time, there were too many people, so I didn’t get to congratulate you and Young Hero Lu on your wedding…”
Hua Yan sighed in relief and said, “Thank you.”
Just then, a younger disciple came over and called out, “Senior Brother, aren’t you going to… ah…”
Hua Yan couldn’t help but reflect that three years ago, everyone called him Junior Brother, and now someone was calling him Senior Brother. Times had indeed changed… She saw the young disciple looking at her with a mix of excitement and curiosity.
“Have we met?” Hua Yan asked.
The young disciple immediately nodded and said, “You… intercepted Dangshan’s escort. We had a brief encounter, and I even asked if you really hated Young Hero Lu to the core…”
Hua Yan thought for a moment and vaguely recalled the incident. She said, “Oh, so you joined Qingcheng Sect?”
“Yes!” he responded excitedly. “I felt something was off back then, and I didn’t expect you two to actually get married afterward!”
Hua Yan remembered that he hadn’t shown any hostility toward her at the time.
She hadn’t paid much attention then, consumed by her own frustration, and hadn’t listened to anything. Now, looking back, she felt that there was always a bit of kindness in the world.
Hua Yan smiled again and said, “Thank you too!”
***
She wandered around for a long time, but Lu Chengsha still hadn’t finished.
For a moment, Hua Yan regretted asking him to give guidance, especially as night deepened and Lu Chengsha was still held up in the training ground!
When would they let him sleep!
Finally, Hua Yan, hands on her hips and fuming, stood by Lu Chengsha. The others weren’t scared off by her, but Lu Chengsha himself realized the issue and very coldly interrupted the next disciple, saying, “That’s enough for today.”
The disciples still in line immediately showed expressions of great regret, but when they saw the beautiful girl beside him happily linking arms with him as they left, their expressions became even more indescribable…
### Leaving Qingcheng Sect
After leaving Qingcheng Sect, Hua Yan and Lu Chengsha stayed in Baijiang City for a while, exploring everything it had to offer before heading to other parts of Qingzhou. Her second uncle’s family, reluctant to part with them, packed many things for them, including food and supplies, filling up half a carriage.
The family truly treated them well, and Hua Yan felt the warmth of family she hadn’t experienced in a long time. Even Lu Chengsha seemed to be touched by the experience. As they were leaving, he said to her, “Let’s come back next time.”
Hua Yan, smiling, said, “My family is pretty good, right?”
Lu Chengsha nodded, “Yes.”
Hua Yan continued, “Much better than your family, huh?”
Lu Chengsha had no choice but to nod again, “Yes.”
Hua Yan leaned against him, laughing heartily.
They spent their days traveling, enjoying the scenery, helping those in need along the way, living a carefree life like deities.
One morning, some days later, Hua Yan woke up feeling unwell, with a slight urge to vomit. She suspected she might have eaten too much the previous night, given all the delicious food recently and her tendency to overeat. Stomachaches weren’t surprising.
Seeing her discomfort, Lu Chengsha was concerned and began to gently massage her stomach.
Hua Yan, held in his embrace, felt his arm around her waist, and his gentle massage on her lower abdomen was quite intimate. They were both lightly dressed, and Hua Yan’s breathing softened, feeling Lu Chengsha’s breath near her ear, slightly uneven. His hair fell, the tips brushing against her cheek. Hua Yan pressed his hand, about to whisper something, and then—
She felt like retching again.
Such a mood killer!
Lu Chengsha also sensed something was wrong, so the atmosphere dissipated. They got up and decided to go to the clinic to get some medicine.
Hua Yan, familiar with remedies for digestion and stomach care due to her frequent indulgence, was about to grab some medicine when the clinic assistant insisted she needed a prescription. Hua Yan decided to find a doctor to get a prescription. The elderly doctor, after feeling her pulse, looked slightly serious and glanced at Lu Chengsha, asking, “You two are…?”
Hua Yan, quite straightforward, replied, “We are married. He is… my husband.” However, a blush crept onto her face.
Lu Chengsha nodded, “Yes.”
There was a subtle, bashful tension between them. The old doctor, hearing this, smiled and said, “You two haven’t been married long, have you? Madam, have you had your menstruation recently?”
Hua Yan, not good at keeping track of dates, shook her head, “I don’t think so…”
The old doctor smiled even more and said, “Congratulations to you both.”
Hua Yan said, “Huh?”
Lu Chengsha was equally confused.
“From my many years of experience,” the old doctor explained, “the madam is pregnant, though it’s still early.”
Hua Yan, still dazed, said, “Pregnant?”
The old doctor glanced at Hua Yan’s belly, his meaning clear.
Before Hua Yan could respond, there was a sudden clattering sound as Lu Chengsha, in his nervousness, accidentally crushed the table beside him.