Hua Yan grabbed Lu Chengsha’s clothes and turned to leave. Just then, You Weitian spoke up, “Why are you in such a hurry to leave? All the other nearby stone caves are occupied. Are you sure you want to go?”
Hua Yan paused in her tracks.
You Weitian continued, “Leaving in such a hurry makes you seem guilty. Why don’t we have a chat about how…”
Hua Yan quickly turned back and interrupted him, “…why don’t we chat about how you and Miss Zuo met?”
You Weitian paused, then smiled and said, “Do you really want to know?”
Even if she didn’t want to know, now she had to be curious!
Hua Yan was afraid that You Weitian would spout nonsense and make Lu Chengsha suspicious. Initially, she thought if she couldn’t provoke them, she could at least avoid them. But now, she felt it was safer to keep an eye on them… Besides, Hua Yan was indeed a little bit curious, just a little bit!
A moment later, Hua Yan, wearing Lu Chengsha’s outer robe, sat down by the campfire.
The fire crackled as it burned.
Hua Yan’s clothes were drying together with Zuo Jingshuang’s. She suddenly realized a problem.
“Why doesn’t Miss Zuo use her internal energy to dry her clothes?”
You Weitian responded coolly, “She’s poisoned and can’t use her internal energy right now. I just fished her out of the river. If I had been a little later, she might not have made it.”
As he spoke, a slight blush appeared on Zuo Jingshuang’s somewhat pale face. She lowered her head in embarrassment and said softly, “Senior Brother…”
Hua Yan: “…”
It clearly had nothing to do with Hua Yan, but she inexplicably felt a pang in her heart.
“Where are the other members of the Dangshan Sect?”
You Weitian responded indifferently, “Who knows? They might already be dead.” As he spoke, he seemed to remember something and suddenly laughed, “That Chu Jun really lives up to his reputation. Knowing the situation, he still insisted on continuing the sect battle. Fighting in such a trap-laden place, he deserves to die if he doesn’t.”
Hua Yan couldn’t help but glance at Zuo Jingshuang.
However, Zuo Jingshuang showed no reaction.
How could this be! Aren’t they fellow disciples? Aren’t you even a bit angry?
But then Hua Yan realized, “Did she call you Senior Brother?”
You Weitian raised an eyebrow and smiled, “Are you really that curious?”
Hua Yan responded confidently, “Just asking casually!”
You Weitian casually picked up two branches and tossed them into the fire, deciding not to keep the secret any longer, “We used to be fellow disciples in Shishan Sect. She later joined Dangshan Sect.”
Hua Yan immediately felt uneasy.
They had known each other since they were young, no wonder Mu Xuelang had no chance!
She wanted to ask You Weitian if Zuo Jingshuang knew he was now with the Wan Gu Sect, but she knew this question couldn’t be asked in front of Zuo Jingshuang.
While hesitating, Hua Yan suddenly heard Lu Chengsha next to her ask, “Do you know each other?”
Hua Yan replied, “No!”
You Weitian said, “Yes.”
Hua Yan glared at him, “…”
You Weitian burst out laughing, “Didn’t we just meet? Lu Chengsha of Tingjian Manor and his confidante. After this Sword-seeking Tournament, it’s hard not to know them.”
Hua Yan asked in confusion, “Confidante?”
You Weitian raised an eyebrow, “Hmm? Is there a problem?”
Hua Yan asked, “Who?”
You Weitian: “…”
According to the many martial arts stories Hua Yan had read, heroes usually have a confidante. Typically, this confidante is a gentle, beautiful, and understanding woman who can play the zither, paint, and dance. When inspired, she might even recite poetry for the hero.
Lu Chengsha didn’t seem to have such a person by his side.
Could it be…
Hua Yan hesitantly asked, “Are you talking about Qin Muyan? But she’s a bit silly.”
You Weitian: “…!” He seemed speechless, but then he threw his head back and laughed wildly.
Forget it, she shouldn’t have talked to a lunatic.
Turning her head, she noticed that Lu Chengsha seemed to have moved a bit closer.
Hua Yan was delighted, “You’re not finding this strange anymore?”
Lu Chengsha pondered for a moment, then grabbed his own clothes and pulled her closer to himself, away from You Weitian.
Hua Yan noticed and thought that he might also have sensed the danger from You Weitian. She patted Lu Chengsha, signaling him not to worry, indicating that You Weitian’s martial arts skills weren’t that high, and killing her wouldn’t be that easy.
On the other side, You Weitian was laughing so hard it seemed he might pass out.
Hua Yan, thinking he might laugh himself to death, turned and asked Zuo Jingshuang, “How long has he been like this? Was he always this way?”
Zuo Jingshuang heard her question but remained silent, exuding a cold and aloof demeanor.
Instead, You Weitian, having laughed enough, replied to Hua Yan, “Don’t bother asking her. She has always been introverted, easily shy, not good at socializing, and not accustomed to talking to strangers.”
Hua Yan was shocked and then felt a wave of disappointment.
Her dream of a great romance in Dangshan Qingcheng was completely shattered!
“Alright, you’ve asked your questions. Now it’s my turn,” You Weitian said as he smoothed his hair and the red ribbon on his forehead, then turned to Lu Chengsha and asked, “How long have you known each other?”
Hua Yan responded warily, “What are you up to?”
“Don’t be so tense, I’m just casually asking as well,” he said, picking up another branch and poking at the fire. The bright flames made the red ribbon on You Weitian’s forehead appear even more striking, “After all, it’s quite interesting…”
His voice grew softer, and as he spoke, Zuo Jingshuang slowly closed her eyes and fell onto You Weitian’s shoulder.
Hua Yan, always alert, noticed a subtle scent in the fire. She immediately took out an all-purpose antidote pill from the Zhengyi Sect and popped it into her mouth. She turned to give one to Lu Chengsha, but heard You Weitian say, “Wait, I have something to tell you… don’t be so nervous, I don’t intend to harm you, just want to say a few words without them hearing.”
Hua Yan hesitated for a moment.
Seeing Lu Chengsha slowly close his eyes and lean towards her, she quickly reached out to catch him.
Ah… so heavy.
With the antidote pill in hand, she struggled to prop Lu Chengsha up on her shoulder.
“I have no grudge against you, truly no intention of harming you,” You Weitian emphasized.
As he spoke, he remained still, continuing to poke at the fire. Zuo Jingshuang leaned softly on his shoulder, her black hair flowing down and covering her pale face, making her look even more delicate. The firelight flickered gently. You Weitian glanced at her, then carefully brushed her hair behind her ear, his movements surprisingly tender and gentle.
The warm and tranquil firelight created an unexpectedly serene and peaceful scene.
You Weitian said, “Just a little something to help with sleep, nothing harmful. Lu Chengsha could wake up at any moment.”
Hua Yan remained cautious, “What exactly do you want to tell me?”
You Weitian looked up and smiled, “Don’t be so hostile. Sitting here, we are somewhat on the same side. Rest assured, even the one who sent me didn’t mean you any real harm. He even instructed us not to hurt you. Truly, such deep affection.”
Hua Yan replied with a blank expression, “If that’s all you wanted to say, then there’s no need!”
“Of course not, that has nothing to do with me,” You Weitian quickly clarified, distancing himself from any involvement with Yu Ye. “I’m just curious, what do you think your place is by his side now? And how long do you think you can stay with him?”
Hua Yan replied in surprise, “I don’t have anywhere else to go right now. How would I know how long I can stay with him!”
“Then let me ask you another question. What does he mean to you?” You Weitian asked.
Hua Yan thought the question was odd. She pondered for a moment and said, “He’s… a very important friend!”
She felt a bit unsure, not knowing if Great Hero Lu considered her a friend, but she certainly did.
Upon hearing this, You Weitian chuckled a few times and said, “Have you ever thought about what he would do if he knew…”
Hua Yan quickly interrupted, “I want to ask you, does she know?” She pointed at Zuo Jingshuang.
You Weitian was taken aback, then replied, “Isn’t that why I’m here, to find out?”
Hua Yan sternly said, “I’m not like you. I am a good person!”
You Weitian’s shoulders shook as if he wanted to laugh, but because Zuo Jingshuang was leaning on his shoulder, he held back and said, “Who said I’m a bad person? Have you ever seen me do anything bad?”
Hua Yan was stunned, “Then why are you here? Isn’t it for some shady…”
“Shut up!” You Weitian interrupted her before she could finish her sentence, his face momentarily darkened but quickly returned to normal. “Alright, I’ve finished my questions. You can leave now.”
This person is really troublesome!
“My clothes aren’t dry yet!”
You Weitian said, “You’d better leave quickly, or I’ll…”
Before he could finish, You Weitian suddenly felt an overwhelming sense of danger. Instinctively, he pressed down on Zuo Jingshuang’s shoulder and leaped to the side. With a “swish,” a pitch-black iron rod slammed into the spot where he had just been sitting, shattering the stone into pieces.
You Weitian’s scalp tingled as he saw Lu Chengsha had awakened, his gaze cold and terrifying.
This was completely different from their fight during the disciple battle, with an overwhelming sense of menace, making one feel as if they were staring at a dead person.
The Holy Maiden’s taste is truly remarkable, staying by such a person’s side. Doesn’t she feel scared?
At least until today, he had thought Hua Yan intentionally got close to Lu Chengsha just to ruin the most useful sword of the righteous path.
A sword is most useful when it’s just a tool.
Once emotions get involved, it becomes dull.
Hua Yan didn’t expect Lu Chengsha to wake up so suddenly.
She was startled.
He walked over, picked up his sword, and a strong killing intent emanated from him, causing the temperature around them to drop. It was clear he intended to kill You Weitian.
You Weitian shouted, “I forgot to mention something, Hua…”
Hua Yan quickly grabbed Lu Chengsha.
“Great Hero Lu, wait!”
Lu Chengsha stopped.
You Weitian seized the opportunity to grab Zuo Jingshuang’s sword robe and the Qingshuang Sword. His eyes flashed with a hint of red, and then he vanished with Zuo Jingshuang in the blink of an eye.
As he floated away, he thought to himself, you see, the sword is indeed dull.
Hua Yan breathed a sigh of relief when she saw You Weitian leave.
He shouldn’t get another chance to meet Lu Chengsha alive!
The killing intent around Lu Chengsha gradually dissipated. He turned to look at Hua Yan, his dark eyes lingering on her for a moment before he looked away. After a pause, he asked, “Are you alright?”
Hua Yan was puzzled, “Huh?”
What could have happened to her?
She realized that Lu Chengsha probably thought You Weitian had knocked him out to do something to her.
“I’m fine, really! Nothing happened to me!” Hua Yan quickly reassured him, raising her hands and spinning around to show she was perfectly healthy.
Lu Chengsha patted her head, seeming to be relieved, and said, “Alright.”
***
Now, the stone cave was theirs!
Hua Yan’s mood instantly improved.
Lu Chengsha seemed to have the same idea. Hua Yan didn’t know how he did it, but he managed to move two huge stones and some foliage to cover the entrance of the cave.
Hua Yan could finally relax and continue warming herself by the fire.
By the afternoon, her clothes were almost dry.
Lu Chengsha went out and returned with some fruits, a beehive, and two fish.
Hua Yan exclaimed in delight, “Great Hero Lu, you can catch fish too!”
Lu Chengsha hesitated, “…I guess?”
Hua Yan was puzzled by his uncertainty.
“How did you catch them?” she asked.
Lu Chengsha replied, “I just slapped my palm down, and they flipped up.”
Hua Yan was speechless.
That’s quite convenient!
Over the past few days, Hua Yan had visited various restaurants to sample dishes and often peeked into their kitchens. Normally, people would be chased out for spying, but because she was pretty and generous, the kitchen staff turned a blind eye.
She had seen a lot but hadn’t tried cooking herself. Now, seeing these two fish, her culinary enthusiasm surged. Rolling up her sleeves, she eagerly said, “Great Hero Lu, let me cook for you!”
Lu Chengsha replied, “Alright!” His voice actually sounded a bit happy.
Hua Yan felt she was gradually getting a sense of Lu Chengsha’s emotions from his usually monotonous tone.
She went to the mountain spring to wash her hands, mimicked the cooks she had seen, used the Chunhua Sword to scale and gut the fish, removed the innards, and then found a thin twig to use as a skewer. With the fish prepared, she returned to the cave and sat by the fire.
Lu Chengsha watched her the entire time. Hua Yan, her spirits high and feeling accomplished, proudly worked with a smile.
She grilled the fish until the aroma filled the air. Seeing both sides turn a crispy golden brown, she decided it was done. Hua Yan eagerly held the fish up to Lu Chengsha’s mouth and said, “Try it!”
Lu Chengsha took it, eating the fish slowly but efficiently until it was gone.
Hua Yan looked at him expectantly, “Is it good?”
Lu Chengsha nodded, “Yes.” He paused, then added, “It’s delicious.”
Hua Yan, satisfied, took a bite of her own grilled fish.
…It was fishy and tasteless.
How could this be?
She suspiciously glanced at Lu Chengsha, whose innocent eyes met hers.
She remembered that he was someone who could enjoy even cold, hard rations.
A bit disheartened, she said, “Great Hero Lu, next time, when I really make something good, I’ll let you try it.”
Lu Chengsha replied, “…But it is good.”
Hua Yan sighed, “You don’t have to comfort me!”
Lu Chengsha thought for a moment, took her half-eaten fish, and ate it with the same calm efficiency, then told her, “It’s good.”
Hua Yan: “…”
Although she was very touched, the fish was supposed to be one per person!
She also wanted to eat fish!
Noticing Hua Yan’s reproachful gaze, Lu Chengsha seemed to realize something was amiss. He promptly caught two more fish, then took them to the riverbank and started preparing them just like Hua Yan had done.
Watching him use that large, blunt sword to scale the fish left Hua Yan slightly awestruck.
Moreover, he did a cleaner job than she had.
Lu Chengsha poured some of Ming Qi’s rice wine over the fish, then coated both sides with honey before placing them by the fire to roast.
When everything was ready, he handed the fish to Hua Yan, his expression surprisingly a bit nervous.
Hua Yan took a bite.
It was less fishy, with a hint of sweetness in the crispy fish meat.
Hua Yan looked at Lu Chengsha in astonishment, “…This is better than mine!”
Lu Chengsha said, “Yours is better.”
Hua Yan retorted, “But you don’t lie!”
Lu Chengsha replied, “…It’s the truth.”
Hua Yan insisted, “Yours is clearly better!”
Lu Chengsha said, “Yours.”
Hua Yan: “It’s yours!”
Lu Chengsha finally fell silent.
Hua Yan thought to herself, this conversation is really childish!
Thankfully, no one else heard it.
Her face reddened slightly as she turned away and silently finished eating both fish.
After resting for a while, to her surprise, Lu Chengsha found a branch and asked if she wanted to practice.
Hua Yan was stunned.
Usually, Lu Chengsha wasn’t this diligent about practicing swordsmanship. Was it really necessary?
Unexpectedly, Lu Chengsha said, “Getting stronger is safer.”
Previously, he would say, “You will become stronger,” but now he changed his phrasing. She thought about it and realized it might be because of the recent encounter with You Weitian.
Hua Yan reluctantly drew her Chunhua Sword and said, “Just for a little while…”
***
After practicing their swordsmanship, the sky gradually darkened.
Hua Yan planned to spend the night in this stone cave. However, the cave was quite large; they had only explored the front area during the day, and the depth was unknown.
Feeling uneasy, Hua Yan suggested to Lu Chengsha that they explore the interior to see what was inside.
If it turned out to be a wild animal’s den, spending the night here would be quite dangerous.
Lu Chengsha agreed. They lit a torch and ventured inside.
The cave had no openings or skylights, and the darkness was impenetrable, reminiscent of the foggy day. Hua Yan grasped Lu Chengsha’s hand, noticing he stiffened for a shorter time than before, which made her want to laugh.
The deeper they went, the narrower the cave became, winding into a tunnel. The tunnel sloped slightly, and the darkness made it impossible to find their bearings. After walking for an unknown amount of time, they encountered a fork with five paths.
Hua Yan sensed something was wrong. “Maybe we should go back the way we came?”
Lu Chengsha agreed, “Alright.”
But when they turned around, they saw that their path had also split into multiple routes.
The cave seemed like a labyrinth.
Hua Yan thought, could this be another demonic trap? She was least familiar with strange and complex formations.
Lu Chengsha suggested, “Why not just get out directly?”
Hua Yan was puzzled, “How do we get out?”
They were surrounded by stone walls.
Lu Chengsha drew his bladeless sword and casually struck a stone wall. With a few loud crashes, the wall crumbled into rubble.
Hua Yan was speechless. Could it really be this easy?
She had to admit, Great Hero Lu indeed made one feel very safe.
But Hua Yan realized she had been premature in her relief. After Lu Chengsha cleaved through three stone walls, the cave suddenly began to shake as if unable to bear the weight. Even the ground beneath them started to tremble.
Sensing danger, Hua Yan’s thoughts were interrupted as the ground gave way. She lost her footing and, still holding Lu Chengsha’s hand, they both fell down.
How is it that she always encounters such things on this journey!