Hua Yan, like everyone else, was stunned.
Unlike the others, she actually recognized Xie Changyun. In fact, when she was a child, the former leader had held her, told her stories, and had a temperament that fluctuated between gentle and wild, always following his whims.
However, Xie Yingxian’s relationship with him was quite poor.
It should be said that Xie Yingxian was almost single-handedly raised by his mother, the former leader’s wife. The father and son were not close; they rarely communicated. In the end, Xie Changyun left behind a mess and departed alone. At that time, the sect was in turmoil, and the former leader’s wife even had to seek help from Hua Yan’s mother. Fortunately, Xie Yingxian, with his extraordinary talent and exceptional martial arts skills, managed to take over the chaotic situation.
When she was young, Hua Yan only vaguely felt something was strange. As she grew older, she learned from her mother that Xie Yingxian and the former leader’s wife were the result of one night of drunkenness. The former leader’s wife was originally just a dancer brought for entertainment. After that night, she became pregnant, and Xie Changyun’s subordinates took the initiative to buy her and brought her to Xie Changyun, who nonchalantly kept her.
Later, she gave birth to Xie Yingxian, but Xie Changyun never cared. Even the name was chosen by the former leader’s wife and Hua Yan’s mother, because the former leader’s wife liked the Huqin.
Although most of the time the former leader’s wife and Xie Changyun treated each other like polite guests, she was bold and unrestrained, which suited the taste of the Tiancan Sect. She also liked to take care of others. Not only did she painstakingly raise Xie Yingxian, Yu Ye, Ning Yin, Jiang Lan, and others, but she also liked to care for other orphaned children. Since Xie Changyun never married and always lived alone, over time, everyone came to regard her as the leader’s wife.
It was said that later, Xie Changyun even asked her if she wanted him to find her another match, but she felt free alone and did not want to be bound again.
Hua Yan’s mother and the former leader’s wife had a great relationship, often gathering to drink, chat, and have fun all night. When in high spirits, the former leader’s wife would even dance, so Hua Yan’s mother always hoped to marry Hua Yan to Xie Yingxian, even though Hua Yan was already engaged, she never gave up.
Hua Yan had no idea that there was a history between the former leader and Lu Chengsha’s mother, Lu Huaixian!
Apparently, even her mother did not know about this; otherwise, she wouldn’t have been so calm when lamenting Lu Huaixian’s fate.
If this were true, then wouldn’t it mean that Lu Chengsha was the son of Xie Changyun and Lu Huaixian, and thus Xie Yingxian’s half-brother?
Hua Yan was completely bewildered.
Before Lu Zhenxing could speak, someone in Tingjian Manor had already voiced out, “Even if we were at fault for breaking off the engagement, Baiya Peak cannot slander us without evidence. How can you expect anyone to believe baseless accusations?”
An elder from Baiya Peak responded, “Whether it is true or not, you know it in your hearts!”
“Then there is no evidence?”
Baiya Peak’s leader, Bai Henghuan, tugged at his elder’s sleeve and whispered, “There’s no need to be so aggressive…”
The elder from Baiya Peak glanced at him with frustration. Baiya Peak was known for its lofty and aloof demeanor, but this current leader, Bai Henghuan, was incredibly timid. He always wanted to downplay conflicts, regardless of the situation. They had originally hoped to groom Bai Yujiang to replace him as soon as possible, as Bai Yujiang was exceptional in looks, martial skills, and intelligence. Unfortunately, he met his end at the hands of the Demon Sect. Hearing his name being mentioned with hatred, the elder found it hard to swallow this grievance.
They had come here prepared to break ties with Tingjian Manor. Yet, Bai Henghuan was hesitant and unwilling, as if facing Tingjian Manor would be the death of him.
“There is evidence.” At this moment, a man in a moon-white robe slowly walked in. Strands of hair floated by his cheeks, and he frowned lightly, a look of concern on his gentle face. “This matter concerns Miss Huaixian’s reputation. I originally did not want to speak, but letting the truth remain hidden while Baiya Peak is wrongfully accused of distorting facts is something I cannot bear.”
Many recognized him as Yu Ye, the former traitor of the Demon Sect.
“If you have evidence, just say it!”
“Yes, speak up!”
The people of Tingjian Manor showed contempt when they saw him. Even though they knew he had turned against the Demon Sect, their disdain for anyone associated with it was evident. It was clear he hadn’t been invited and had likely snuck in amidst the chaos.
“Wasn’t he with the Demon Sect before? Can we trust what he says?”
“He’s completely severed ties with the Demon Sect! Let’s hear him out first.”
Yu Ye, under everyone’s gaze, stepped forward and said, “Over twenty years ago, the former leader of the Demon Sect, Xie Changyun, bought a house in the outskirts of a small town called Liuxian City, located between Tingjian Manor and the Demon Sect. He stayed in that house for several months. A beautiful woman was seen there by the neighbors, who still remember her and likened her to a celestial being. Though the house has long been abandoned, if searched carefully, many traces can still be found, such as notes and writings left behind. If you don’t believe me, you can go and see for yourselves.”
His tone was calm, but his words were convincing.
“Moreover, I saw it with my own eyes back then, though I did not know that the woman he met was Miss Lu from Tingjian Manor.”
Baiya Peak sought treatment for Bai Yujiang, but they were afraid of drawing attention if they went to Cixin Valley or other renowned martial doctors, fearing the news would spread. Knowing Yu Ye was well-versed in the Demon Sect’s poison techniques and wouldn’t dare to speak recklessly, they circled back and came to him. Naturally, Yu Ye didn’t refuse.
He had no idea this would uncover such secrets. He immediately recalled the things he saw and heard when he secretly followed Xie Changyun as a child. Back then, he wondered why Xie Changyun didn’t marry the woman directly into the sect and never visited again after just a few months. Knowing Xie Changyun’s nature, if he liked a woman, he would definitely bring her back to the sect with great fanfare, never compromising himself.
Now, he understood why.
While speaking, Yu Ye glanced at the young man in black with bound hands, feeling a mix of pity and subtle satisfaction.
He wondered how the young man felt now. Just moments ago, the woman he loved declared she was merely toying with him and wished him dead. And now, he learned that his lifelong enemy was actually affiliated with his father, and he himself had half of the Demon Sect’s blood. The taste must be bitter.
As soon as he spoke, the previously skeptical crowd began to discuss fervently. When exact times and places were mentioned and could be verified, the credibility of his words soared.
The most critical point was that Lu Zhenxing, who had always hated the Demon Sect, did not refute or denounce the accusations.
Such slander was tantamount to an affront to him. Normally, Lu Zhenxing would have already drawn his sword against the slanderer.
Hua Yan was also racking her brain. The time Yu Ye mentioned was before she was born. She recalled her mother once telling her that although the former leader was capricious, he wasn’t a bad leader. However, there was a time when he showed a desire to retire.
He was then in his prime, at the peak of his martial prowess, around the same age as Xie Yingxian now. Her mother couldn’t understand it and tried every way to persuade him to stay, exhausting her words but failing to change his mind. Just when her mother was almost prepared for turmoil in the Demon Sect, the former leader suddenly gave up on retirement and resumed his duties as leader, never mentioning it again.
Her mother, while recounting this, had even warned Hua Yan, “Keep an eye on the leader, lest he follows his father’s whims and decides to retreat into seclusion. What will happen to our sect then!”
Hua Yan nodded vigorously, thinking that seclusion sounded quite good. She wanted to retreat to seclusion herself.
But now, piecing everything together and calculating the ages, it seemed that the reason for Xie Changyun’s decision was precisely Lu Chengsha’s mother. Hua Yan felt a bit dizzy. Why did the story of the Demon Sect leader and a righteous lady seem so familiar?
If it weren’t for Lu Chengsha’s refusal, she would probably be thinking about finding a little house in the mountains with him, living a carefree life together.
However, she suddenly understood why Lu Chengsha’s grandfather was so relentless in pursuing her, forcing Lu Chengsha to sever ties with her. His sworn brothers and family members were killed by the Demon Sect, and not only was his own daughter taken by the Demon Sect leader, but even his grandson was almost taken away by a Demon Sect witch.
But Hua Yan felt no guilt.
It wasn’t her or Lu Chengsha’s fault!
She couldn’t help but worry about Lu Chengsha. Originally, she wanted to leave, but she couldn’t resist sneaking a look at him. Although she knew he didn’t care much about his parents, things had escalated to a point where it was no longer just a matter of indifference.
The question was whether Lu Chengsha could survive today.
Using her lightness skill, she carefully approached and peeked at Lu Chengsha. Half of Lu Zhenxing’s birthday celebration was inside the hall, and the other half was outside, with no barriers in between. It was easy to see the disarray from the previous fight. The atmosphere was so tense that everyone was whispering, and no one had even bothered to pick up the overturned tables and chairs.
Lu Zhenxing stood in the center, holding his sword, while Lu Chengsha was brought over, standing at the boundary between the hall and the courtyard.
His black eyes were downcast, unmoving, his hands bound behind him, and his lips tightly pressed together, revealing nothing of his thoughts. Yet Hua Yan felt he was holding himself very tightly, as if all his emotions were suppressed within his body.
In the distance, there was still a lot of noise from extinguishing the fire, which only made the tension here even more palpable.
The elder from Baiya Peak couldn’t help but let out a cold laugh, “The evidence you asked for is here. What else does Tingjian Manor have to say? You claim to be at odds with the Demon Sect, but it doesn’t seem so. There are deep connections between you and the Demon Sect. Wasn’t the current Demon Sect leader the son of Xie Changyun? What a scheme: one leading the Demon Sect and the other killing them to establish a reputation. What a fine act!”
This was truly intolerable.
Lu Huaitian stepped forward solemnly, “My younger sister was expelled from our family over twenty years ago. Since then, she has had no ties with Tingjian Manor. We know nothing of what you speak, and we have never colluded with the Demon Sect!”
The elder from Baiya Peak said, “Then how do you explain Lu Chengsha?”
Lu Huaitian replied, “He is my younger sister’s orphan. When he was sent to us, he only had a swaddle and a token. We don’t know who his biological father is.”
The elder from Baiya Peak retorted, “But now he’s entangled with that Demon Sect witch. How can there be such a coincidence in this world! You claim ignorance, but do you believe it yourselves? What a hypocritical Tingjian Manor, harboring filth while pretending to be righteous! Your daughter had an illicit affair with the Demon Sect leader, and now her son too…”
“Enough!”
A thunderous shout echoed through the sky, making the nearby disciples shudder and cover their ears.
Lu Zhenxing’s face was icy cold, his brows furrowed, his gaze sharp and piercing, exuding a palpable, chilling aura that suffocated those around him. Even the elder from Baiya Peak, who had been speaking so forcefully, fell silent.
A deathly silence fell over the area.
Lu Zhenxing finally spoke in a cold voice, “I made a mistake. Seeing his extraordinary talent, I couldn’t bear to let it go to waste, so I raised him, hoping to forge him into a sharp sword to exterminate the Demon Sect. But in the end, the son of a sinner remains a sinner. He still fell for that witch, defying me time and again.”
Hua Yan saw Lu Chengsha suddenly lift his head.
“He is so stubborn and incorrigible that he has disappointed me greatly. Tingjian Manor cannot keep him any longer.”
Lu Zhenxing slowly looked towards Lu Chengsha. The young man’s pupils trembled slightly, as if he had not yet recovered from the shock. His eyes showed confusion and traces of pain. At some point, this child had learned to feel pain, to struggle, and to protect those he wanted to protect. Yet Lu Zhenxing had tried to mold him in the opposite direction.
He was supposed to be cold and ruthless, like a perfect weapon. All sentiments and soft emotions were supposed to be purged from his body.
But he still turned out like this.
Just like his mother.
Lu Zhenxing could barely remember the shock, pain, and fury he felt when he scolded her, urging her to abandon that incomprehensible idea. How could he not recognize Xie Changyun? That man was arrogant and overbearing, doing as he pleased because of his high martial prowess. Today he dared to cause havoc at Baiya Peak, and tomorrow he would dare to claim the top spot at the Sword-seeking Tournament. No one could stop this madman, and he had never shown mercy to any woman.
Not to mention he was the infamous leader of the Demon Sect!
But she stubbornly insisted on her own way!
In the end, she was abandoned and died, leaving her child to be sent back to Tingjian Manor. Every time Lu Zhenxing saw that child training to exhaustion, he wanted to feel pity, but then he would remember the other half of his bloodline and feel the urge to push him even harder.
He was Xie Changyun’s son. The more Demon Sect members he killed, the more satisfied Lu Zhenxing felt.
But who could have imagined that one day, he would do the same thing as his mother? That Demon Sect witch couldn’t possibly have genuine feelings for him; she was merely using him, playing with his emotions, ready to discard him at any time, just like Xie Changyun. At that time, he didn’t even know Xie Changyun had another son, and Lu Huaixian obviously didn’t know either. She thought Xie Changyun truly wanted to live in seclusion with her, away from the martial world.
Upon learning the truth, Lu Zhenxing was nearly driven to storm the Demon Sect again in rage.
It felt like a curse, an inescapable fate.
Lu Zhenxing withdrew his gaze from Lu Chengsha’s face and addressed the crowd slowly, “Today, I, Lu Zhenxing, as the master of Tingjian Manor, hereby expel Lu Chengsha from Tingjian Manor. From this day forth, all ties of kindness and duty are severed. He is no longer a disciple of Tingjian Manor. His actions henceforth have no connection to Tingjian Manor.”