Lu Zhenxing’s words were resounding, like a final decision, causing Hua Yan to be taken aback and involuntarily glance at Lu Chengsha again.
Although she felt sorry for Lu Chengsha, she was… actually quite happy.
However, as soon as Lu Zhenxing finished speaking, he was met with strong opposition from the elder of Baiya Peak. “This punishment is too light! Your Tingjian Manor is indeed sheltering him!”
Lu Zhenxing looked at him coldly.
The elder of Baiya Peak continued, “You should at least cripple his martial arts! Ensure he can never practice martial arts again! Otherwise, if he leaves the righteous path, harboring resentment, and joins the demonic sect, what then? Given his martial prowess, you should know how much of a threat he would be if he chose to do evil.”
At first glance, his words seemed reasonable. However, Lu Chengsha’s notorious reputation for killing so many demonic sect members meant that if his martial arts were crippled and he was expelled from Tingjian Manor, he would likely be killed not far from the manor. Not to mention those who might take the opportunity to attack him when he’s down.
Lu Zhenxing said nothing. He simply turned his back and slowly walked into the hall.
Some disciples from Tingjian Manor stepped forward to untie Lu Chengsha’s restraints.
The elder of Baiya Peak became more urgent in his tone, “Are you really going to shelter him to the end? Shelter the son of the former demonic sect leader? Even if he committed many great wrongs, are you going to ignore them?”
Lu Zhenxing’s imposing presence was too much. Even though disciples from other small sects found the whole situation extremely unbelievable and wanted to clarify how Lu Chengsha could be the son of the former demonic sect leader, and whether Tingjian Manor could possibly have any relationship with the demonic sect, they did not dare to speak up at this time.
As for Xu Bujing, the head of Qingcheng Sect, he had always been uninterested in managing affairs and was now just watching from the sidelines. The abbot of Fanyin Temple, Master Ciren, sighed deeply, seemingly truly believing this was indeed a tragic fate.
Chu Jun, the chief disciple of Dangshan Sect, stared at Lu Chengsha for a while before finding the whole farce uninteresting. He thought it would be better to go down and have a fight with Lu Chengsha.
The earlier all-encompassing flames had gradually dissipated, leaving only thick smoke and the smell of burning. Some disciples from Tingjian Manor came in to set the tables and chairs back upright and clean up the aftermath. This birthday banquet had ultimately turned into a farce. Lu Chengsha had been expelled from Tingjian Manor, and it seemed everything was finally settling down.
A flash of ferocity appeared in the eyes of the elder from Baiya Peak.
He had thought that, given Lu Zhenxing’s character, he would never tolerate Lu Chengsha’s collusion with the demonic sect. But he had underestimated the bond of blood.
No matter how hard Lu Zhenxing beat him, he couldn’t bring himself to kill Lu Chengsha.
Bai Yujiang had already been crippled; how could he be content if Lu Chengsha was not? To truly let him return to Tingjian Manor would only take a word from Lu Zhenxing!
“Master Lu, since you are so determined to go your own way, don’t blame me for bringing up an old matter again,” the elder of Baiya Peak said coldly. “This matter is of great importance. Originally, we intended to gather more evidence before speaking, but your attitude of sheltering him is truly disheartening. It inevitably raises doubts about whether you truly have a heart for the righteous path—Master Lu, let me ask you, did you have any dealings with the demonic sect back then? And was Tingjian Manor involved in the Miyin Dragon Cave massacre?”
At the mention of this topic, almost everyone immediately sat up straight.
Lu Zhenxing’s footsteps also halted.
Even Xu Bujing looked over with a shocked expression. Although he was only in his thirties, he had become the head of Qingcheng Sect primarily because his senior brothers had all died in the Miyin Dragon Cave massacre. Normally, Qingcheng Sect did not harbor such deep hatred for the demonic sect, but whenever this matter was mentioned, their attitude would change drastically.
He spoke up, “Do you have any evidence?”
The elder of Baiya Peak replied, “I found it suspicious back then. The Miyin Dragon Cave massacre was arranged by the master swordsmith Duan Yan, so very few people from Tingjian Manor, who specialize in swordsmithing, attended—almost only a couple of junior disciples. In this massacre, all major sects suffered heavy losses, especially our Baiya Peak and your Qingcheng Sect, where the peak master and the sect leader were lost. Yet, Tingjian Manor suffered almost no losses. In the following years, whether at the Sword-Seeking Tournament or the Five Sects Meeting, Tingjian Manor dominated, almost taking the lead. It was only in the past decade that other sects began to recover somewhat. Isn’t this suspicious?”
“Originally, I didn’t want to think this way, but I discovered that the eldest daughter of the Lu family, Lu Huaixian, who had broken off her engagement with Heng Jue, had an affair with the leader of the demonic sect and even bore a son. This son is now in Tingjian Manor, famous for slaughtering demonic sect members, yet he is entangled with that demonic witch… I can’t help but suspect that your Tingjian Manor’s claim of being irreconcilable with the demonic sect is merely a facade. Privately, you might have already colluded! And Lu Chengsha’s reputation for making the demonic sect tremble with fear—could that be a carefully orchestrated act for the entire martial world?”
His words were forceful, and his speculations sent shivers down everyone’s spines.
“Otherwise, why would Lu Chengsha, for the sake of the demonic witch, defy his superiors and become an enemy of the entire martial world? That witch has repeatedly attempted to harm righteous disciples—she admitted it herself. Even at this point, your Tingjian Manor is still treating this matter lightly, refusing to impose heavy punishment. It is hard not to overthink this.”
By this point, he was essentially forcing Lu Zhenxing to make his stance clear.
The righteous path and the demonic sect are irreconcilable. If Tingjian Manor refuses to severely punish him, it would confirm that their outward stance is a facade, hiding their true intentions. Not only would the reputation of their sect suffer greatly, but the other sects would certainly not let this go easily.
Moreover, anything related to the Miyin Dragon Cave massacre is especially sensitive. The case was pinned on Xie Changyun, and Lu Chengsha is his son. Although there is currently no evidence implicating Tingjian Manor, the elder of Baiya Peak’s words have undoubtedly sown seeds of doubt in everyone’s minds.
How could it be such a coincidence that Tingjian Manor sent so few people and suffered the least losses?
And how could it be another coincidence that two generations of Tingjian Manor have had romantic entanglements with the demonic sect?
Some even wondered in their hearts, could it be that the next generation of Tingjian Manor would be the offspring of Lu Chengsha and the demonic witch?
This was simply too absurd!
That demonic witch, with her seductive appearance, would certainly lure Lu Chengsha if he were expelled from Tingjian Manor. He might knowingly repeat his mistakes, becoming entangled with her again. By then, the righteous path would be powerless to control him. Given his ruthless killing nature, joining the demonic sect would be like a dragon entering the sea, allowing him to act recklessly, with unimaginable consequences.
Even the junior disciples of other sects couldn’t help but shout out.
“Isn’t Tingjian Manor deliberately sheltering him?”
“This punishment is too light.”
“Expelling him is like no punishment at all. With his martial skills, he can go anywhere unchallenged.”
“Could the Miyin Dragon Cave incident really be…”
The disciples of Tingjian Manor could no longer feign ignorance. They all looked to Lu Zhenxing, hoping their manor lord would say something.
Lu Zhenxing stopped and turned around.
At this moment, Lu Chengsha was not far from him, his pitch-black eyes staring at him. His hands were freed, but he still stood there, lips moving as if wanting to say something.
Lu Zhenxing called, “Chengsha.”
Lu Chengsha heard and slowly walked over, even slower than Lu Zhenxing had walked before, each step heavy.
Only now did everyone realize that the central figure of this controversy, who had been judged, scrutinized, and had his background exposed, had not uttered a single word or defended himself throughout.
In this farce, he seemed particularly lonely.
In the midst of the heated debates, no one truly cared about Lu Chengsha’s opinion or sought to ask if the accusations were true. They decided his guilt and his fate for him.
Just like the predetermined path he had walked all these years.
He was the Lu family’s sword, only meant to slay those of the demonic sect.
Lu Zhenxing spoke slowly, “For so many years, I have been extremely harsh and cruel to you, forcing you to practice martial arts in the most brutal ways, making you hostile towards the demonic sect. I had my own selfish reasons. You have the right to resent me. But you heard it yourself, how that witch treated you! She only used and toyed with you, had no feelings for you at all. When you refused to comply, she even wished for your death! By now, you should have woken up to the truth.”
Lu Chengsha remained silent.
Lu Zhenxing continued, “You once promised me that if I didn’t kill her, you would never see her again.”
Lu Chengsha seemed taken aback that he would bring this up, pausing for a moment.
Lu Zhenxing said, “I promise I will not kill her from now on. Can you keep your promise?”
Lu Chengsha was stunned.
Hua Yan was stunned by this unexpected turn of events. She hid in the corner, anxious and desperate.
That Lu Chengsha is a fool!
If he was really forced to make such a promise, he would absolutely take it seriously!
Just as she was about to move, someone placed a hand on her shoulder. Xie Yingxian’s voice whispered in her ear, “Don’t act rashly. Just watch.”
Hua Yan bit her lip and replied, “I know.”
Lu Chengsha struggled to move his lips.
Lu Zhenxing questioned him again, his voice stern, “She dared to come to Tingjian Manor today to set it on fire and humiliated you in every possible way. Do you still have feelings for her? Lu Chengsha, wake up! Do you really want to be deceived and used by her, hurt so deeply, and even lose your life before you come to your senses?”
His eyes were fixed on Lu Chengsha, his voice rising to a near roar by the end.
Everyone was puzzled about why he was saying such things at this moment, but no one dared to interrupt.
The surroundings fell silent, as if even the sound of breathing had stopped.
Lu Zhenxing suddenly lowered his voice, “Do you really want to end up like your mother?”
He no longer appeared as the high and mighty master of Tingjian Manor but as an angry and powerless elder. Even the old members of Tingjian Manor had never seen Lu Zhenxing like this.
He was always dignified, cold, and stern, but now he looked tired and old, like an ordinary old man.
Lu Chengsha, pressured by him, finally closed his eyes slightly and moved his lips, saying, “I will not.”
The elder of Baiya Peak couldn’t help but interrupt, “Master Lu, how long do you plan to talk? Can you tell us how you intend to deal with him?”
Lu Zhenxing’s expression turned cold as he slowly turned around and said, “Lu Chengsha colluded with the demonic witch, defied his superiors, attacked his fellow disciples, and disregarded the righteous path. His crimes are indeed unforgivable, and he deserves death.”
His voice was clear, and everyone was shocked.
As he spoke, Lu Zhenxing raised his Wuqian Sword.
Although everyone had anticipated that Tingjian Manor would be forced to take action and clean house, when the moment of executing justice on one’s own kin arrived, it was still daunting.
Of course, a few people also sighed in relief.
Lu Zhenxing’s Wuqian Sword, named for its unwavering advance, symbolized his life.
He had lived without fear, always moving forward, never retreating no matter the enemy he faced. When he fought his way alone into the demonic sect’s headquarters for his sworn brothers, battered, bloodied, and near death, he never thought of giving up or retreating. That was his path, his righteousness—
The blade of the sword gleamed with a cold light, and everyone held their breath.
—But no matter how resolute his advance, there were always places beyond his reach.
He could storm the demonic sect and fight Xie Changyun until the sky turned dark and neither could rest until death. Yet, he couldn’t turn back Lu Huaixian’s determined heart. Knowing she was like a moth to a flame, destined for a tragic end, he was powerless to change it. In the end, he couldn’t even retrieve her body.
Even though he was filled with regret and remorse over the years, no one could bring his daughter back.
He didn’t even get to see her one last time.
Lu Zhenxing always remembered the obedient and sensible girl who never caused him any trouble, who had the warmest smile. She never blamed him for being too busy with the manor’s affairs to spend time with her, nor did she think he was too cold and unfeeling. Instead, she constantly comforted him, racking her brain to make her serious father happy and trying her best to lighten the manor’s stern atmosphere. No matter when he saw her, she was always smiling, as if she never had any worries.
Lu Zhenxing also remembered the boy who never complained, no matter how harshly he was forced to practice swordsmanship. From a very young age, Lu Chengsha had been accustomed to silently swallowing all his pain, licking his wounds quietly on the rooftop, without confiding in anyone. Once healed, he would nonchalantly continue enduring his severe training. He never asked why or on what grounds but consistently exceeded expectations, almost never disappointing him.
“However, all of this is ultimately because of my failure in teaching my daughter, which led to his birth. It is also because I failed to fulfill my duty in educating my grandson, causing him to stray once again,” Lu Zhenxing paused, looking at Lu Chengsha, and said, “From now on, you no longer need to be the Lu family’s sword. You can leave.”
After speaking, he withdrew his gaze and looked at everyone, raising his voice, “All of this is my fault. I am willing to take full responsibility. I only ask that you spare his life for my sake and clear Tingjian Manor’s name.”
As soon as he finished speaking, Lu Zhenxing raised his sword and slashed at his own neck.
The more they listened, the more they felt something was wrong. Seeing his actions, how could anyone not understand his intent? The surrounding disciples, elders, and masters immediately rushed to stop him. Although the Wuqian Sword was swiftly knocked away, the blade still cut across Lu Zhenxing’s throat.
In an instant, there was complete silence.
Everyone was stunned by the shocking scene before them.
No one could have imagined that the venerable master of Tingjian Manor, who was over seventy years old and highly respected, would commit suicide on his birthday to protect someone associated with a demonic witch and the son of the former demonic sect leader.
The distant disciples of Tingjian Manor rushed over, crying and shouting in distress.
Even the usually composed Lu Huaitian hurried forward to support Lu Zhenxing’s body, trying to staunch the bleeding while his eyes turned red and his voice choked with sobs, “Quick, get a doctor!”
At this moment, they no longer cared about avoiding the demonic sect traitors and immediately stepped aside to let Yu Ye and several doctors from Cixin Valley through.
This towering figure in the martial world was like a deity to Tingjian Manor, symbolizing its strength for decades. Even though he had lived a reclusive life for many years, his status in the martial world remained unshakable.
For such a significant figure to commit suicide on the spot left everyone in stunned silence.
Disciples and leaders of other sects stood up, and even the aggressive elder of Baiya Peak looked bewildered. He had only intended to see Lu Chengsha dead, never expecting this outcome.
Lu Chengsha stood alone, as if his soul had been extracted, frozen in place.
Hua Yan, initially shocked, slowly regained her composure. She instinctively reached out, wanting to touch him, but was pulled back by Xie Yingxian.
Xie Yingxian said, “Don’t go… I anticipated that Lu Zhenxing wouldn’t let him die, but I didn’t expect him to go to such lengths. By doing this, the other sects can no longer hold Tingjian Manor accountable for the Miyin Dragon Cave massacre because their master has already sacrificed himself.”
Hua Yan’s expression was deeply conflicted.
Xie Yingxian sighed softly and said, “Let’s go back.”
The news of Tingjian Manor’s master, Lu Zhenxing, expelling Lu Chengsha from the sect and taking full responsibility by committing suicide at his own birthday banquet spread rapidly throughout the martial world within a few days. Although he was gravely injured and fell into a coma, barely clinging to life, he was eventually saved. This shocking event, along with the demonic witch setting Tingjian Manor on fire and the demonic sect leader causing chaos at the birthday banquet, became widely known.
Rumors and gossip spread like wildfire, turning Lu Chengsha, the demonic witch, and his lineage into legendary tales. Various versions circulated, each more fantastical than the last, rivaling the most sensational stories.
Those who had seen the demonic witch embellished their accounts, describing her as if Daji had been resurrected or Bao Si had returned to life.
For a long time, this was the hottest topic in the martial world, heard everywhere people gathered.
However, no one expected that after being expelled from Tingjian Manor, Lu Chengsha would vanish as if he had evaporated from the world, with no news of him thereafter.