Originally, Hua Yan wasn’t sure, but upon hearing him speak, she immediately guessed it.
“Are you from the Wan Gu Sect?”
Hua Yan also recalled that particular scent. Others might not notice it, but she was skilled in using poisons and insects. Even the faintest trace was enough for her to identify it as the unique smell of the Wan Gu Sect’s insect-repelling medicine.
You Weitian chuckled lightly and said, “I’ve delivered the message. Holy Maiden, take care of yourself.”
Hua Yan’s mind raced, feeling something was terribly wrong, and she blurted out, “What are you here for? Did Yin Xiangsi capture Yu Ye?”
Yin Xiangsi was the leader of the Wan Gu Sect.
The Zhengyi Sect was considered a demonic sect, but it wasn’t the only one with that label. For instance, the Wan Gu Sect mentioned now was even more notorious than the Zhengyi Sect. On the Dongfeng Buye Tower’s most wanted list, the Wan Gu Sect’s leader Yin Xiangsi was prominently ranked first.
Speaking of this, one must mention the internal strife within the demonic sects. Although they were all considered villains, the internal dynamics were far from peaceful.
In fact, after several internal conflicts, the sect had long since split into several factions. One faction was the original demonic sect, now renamed the Zhengyi Sect, known as the Tiancan Sect. Another faction was the Wan Gu Sect, and yet another had ventured far to the Western Regions, which need not be discussed for now.
The current leader of the Wan Gu Sect, Yin Xiangsi, appeared to be a young maiden, though her youthfulness had lasted several decades, making her rather eerie.
Hua Yan’s mother had once gritted her teeth in mentioning this leader, Yin Xiangsi, who spoke with a sinister tone and had a penchant for keeping male concubines. She called her an old witch pretending to be young, who maintained her youthful beauty by absorbing the essence of men. She warned Hua Yan to be very careful of her when wandering the martial world.
Later, Hua Yan learned that during her mother’s most domineering days, she had numerous conflicts with Yin Xiangsi, even nearly being killed by her twice. Of course, her mother had also retaliated successfully. After getting married, her mother focused on living sweetly with her father and raising Hua Yan, thus having fewer dealings with Yin Xiangsi.
The Zhengyi Sect and the Wan Gu Sect were located directly opposite each other, usually despising each other and often engaging in mutual sabotage.
When the former sect leader left abruptly, Yin Xiangsi tried to take advantage by secretly coercing and enticing various factions within the sect, attempting to cause a rift within the Tiancan Sect. Unfortunately, she underestimated Xie Yingxian. Xie Yingxian used her own tactics against her, somehow bribing Yin Xiangsi’s newly acquired favorite, causing havoc in her harem and forcing Yin Xiangsi to return to deal with the mess. Simultaneously, he used the opportunity to weed out those within the sect who had ulterior motives, making an example of them.
After this series of maneuvers, Yin Xiangsi’s plans backfired, while Xie Yingxian solidified his position as the leader of the Tiancan Sect.
Thinking of this, Hua Yan realized it was not surprising that Yin Xiangsi, harboring resentment, would collude with Yu Ye.
Yu Ye had once furrowed his brow and warned her that Yin Xiangsi was ruthless and cunning, extremely difficult to deal with. He advised her that if she ever encountered her, it was best to avoid direct confrontation to prevent suffering losses, as it would pain him to see her hurt.
Now that she thought about it, Hua Yan realized they must have encountered each other back then.
The more she thought about it, the more her head hurt.
At this critical juncture, the involvement of the Wan Gu Sect could create countless unforeseen complications.
What on earth were they planning? Could they not let the Sword Conference proceed smoothly?
You Weitian still smiled, “I cannot disclose that. I have other matters to attend to, so I will take my leave.”
Seeing that he was about to leave, Hua Yan couldn’t help but blurt out, “Wait, aren’t you afraid…”
Afraid of being discovered?
A member of a demonic sect boldly participating in the Sword Conference, making a grand appearance, practically wanting everyone to recognize him, and even establishing a connection with Zuo Jingshuang… Oh right, and he also destroyed her Qingcheng romance with Dangshan!
You Weitian had already turned to leave but slightly turned back at her words. The red ribbon on his forehead was as bright as if it were burning, “I am not one of those two ants, nor am I Yu Ye’s subordinate. I have nothing to fear. If I wish, I can tell Lu Chengsha your true identity at any time.”
“Then let’s see who will be more afraid.”
***
Lu Chengsha effortlessly stepped down from the martial stage, but he did not see the familiar figure.
After searching for a while, he finally found the dazed girl in a corner.
Just as Lu Chengsha was about to walk over, he paused slightly, realizing that the girl in front of him was trembling.
Hua Yan clenched the silk fan hidden in her sleeve, her knuckles turning white. Suddenly, she heard a clear yet steady voice.
“What’s wrong?”
She was stunned for a moment before raising her head in confusion.
In the corner of the venue, Lu Chengsha was walking towards her step by step, still in his black clothes, with his black hair and dark blue hairband. There wasn’t much expression on his face, but Hua Yan felt he seemed a bit worried.
Hua Yan had indeed been quite scared just now.
She was afraid she might inadvertently want to kill You Weitian.
The moment You Weitian finished speaking, a strong killing intent flashed through her mind. She had already flipped open her folding fan and even selected three types of deadly poisons that could kill instantly upon contact. She had planned to smear them on You Weitian’s wounds, ensuring he died silently and without a trace. Then Hua Yan realized…
She couldn’t!
She was a good person!
How could a good person, when threatened, immediately think of killing the other party!
But if she didn’t kill You Weitian, what if he really exposed her? Unlike the previous two spies, You Weitian had already won against Mu Xuelang and was no longer a nobody. Moreover, he had a past connection with Zuo Jingshuang. If Zuo Jingshuang vouched for him, wouldn’t she be doomed?
Thus, Hua Yan couldn’t help but think about what to do.
However, before she could come up with a solution, she saw Lu Chengsha.
“What’s wrong?”
Seeing that she didn’t answer, Lu Chengsha asked again, his clear black-and-white eyes showing some helplessness.
Lu Chengsha once encountered an injured bird. While resting by the roadside, a bird, shot by someone, landed on his shoulder. Its wing was injured and bloodied, and it was barely alive, unable to move. As a result, Lu Chengsha also remained motionless.
He could easily crush the little bird into dust, but he didn’t know how to save it. He always felt that if he touched it, it would break.
That was exactly how Lu Chengsha felt now.
Hua Yan snapped back to reality and suddenly smiled, “It’s nothing. I was just…” She made up an excuse, half-true and half-false, “I just remembered my deceased parents. They loved each other so much that they passed away together, leaving me all alone…”
Lu Chengsha listened silently, then softly said, “Don’t be afraid.”
His voice was very gentle, and after speaking, he slightly lowered his eyelashes, seemingly unsure of what to say next.
Strangely, Hua Yan felt a sense of calm.
When the cart reaches the mountain, there will be a way. The Wan Gu Sect’s arrival might not solely involve You Weitian. She could kill one, but not all of them. Besides, they might not expose her immediately; leverage is only valuable when kept secret. Moreover, even if they did expose her, as long as she denied it and Lu Chengsha believed her, she would be fine.
Thinking of this, Hua Yan couldn’t help but smile, “Thank you! Great Hero Lu, you’re really a good person!”
Lu Chengsha thought for a moment, then produced a tree branch from somewhere, and looked at her steadily, “Want to spar?”
Hua Yan instantly replied, “That’s not necessary!”
Lu Chengsha emphasized again, “It will make you stronger.”
He even looked a bit eager.
Hua Yan, with tears in her eyes, said, “Maybe tomorrow!” She quickly changed the subject, “By the way, I missed the match earlier. Did you finish your bout?”
Lu Chengsha, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, replied, “Yes.”
As expected of Great Hero Lu!
Hua Yan casually asked, “Who are you fighting next?”
Lu Chengsha replied, “Lu Chengzhao.”
The next moment, Hua Yan was already pounding the wall with laughter.
***
Lu Chengzhao was in a terrible mood. Not only did he have the worst luck in the draw, facing Lu Chengsha in the second round, but ever since that random You Weitian appeared, his father had scolded him for an entire night. The gist was that he was squandering his talents, not practicing martial arts seriously, and bringing shame to Tingjian Manor.
Damn it, how was this his fault!
He was just sitting in his room, and trouble fell from the sky!
To make matters worse, while he was being scolded, he could hear the occasional sound of a woman’s heavy breathing from outside, making Lu Chengzhao’s teeth grind in anger.
Lu Chengsha, for some unknown reason, decided to teach his lover martial arts. They were out there late at night, practicing tirelessly, with such passion that it was more absurd than the fight he had with Bai Yijiang that day.
Damn it, if you dare, fight me like that tomorrow!
Lu Huaitian wouldn’t interfere with Lu Chengsha, even if he were to tear down the roof, let alone just teaching someone martial arts, especially when it wasn’t Tingjian Manor’s techniques.
While being scolded, Lu Chengzhao also had to endure the noises from outside, cursing Lu Chengsha countless times in his heart, unwilling to admit he felt a bit envious.
After his father left, he saw Lu Chengyang peeking curiously from next door. Lu Chengzhao immediately scolded, “What are you looking at! Get back to practice, don’t you have a match tomorrow?”
Turning back, he saw Lu Chengsha’s lover standing with her sword, sweat dripping from her beautiful face. She wiped her forehead with her fair hand and, in a drawn-out, somewhat coquettish tone, said, “You promised this would be the last round!”
Lu Chengsha replied, “Yes.”
“After this, no more! Not even tomorrow!”
“Yes.”
Damn it, Lu Chengsha only said one word, but he somehow made it sound like an iron tree blossoming.
Why the hell! Not only did he have no female company, but he also had to suffer through this!
Lu Chengzhao, furious, didn’t sleep well all night. The next morning, with dark circles under his eyes, he went to his match. In contrast, Lu Chengsha was full of energy, knocking him down in just two moves, entirely different from the person who had been going easy last night!
Hua Yan didn’t sleep well either.
The inn she found last night had such good food that she couldn’t help but overeat. Remembering Xie Yingxian’s comment about her gaining weight, she touched her belly, feeling melancholic, and complained to Lu Chengsha. He then suggested they practice together.
So they practiced.
They practiced until midnight.
Lu Chengsha probably thought she was too weak, which made her afraid. His intentions were good, and she was touched, but she was genuinely exhausted.
Hua Yan rubbed her eyes and watched as Lu Chengzhao was defeated in just two moves. She couldn’t help but applaud.
Before arriving at the venue, Hua Yan noticed that there was a betting pool outside the Dongfeng Buye Tower for today’s matches in the disciple competition. There were twelve matches in total, narrowing from twenty-four contestants to twelve.
Hua Yan wanted to join in the fun. As she approached, people made way for her, and she was surprised to find that the other eleven matches were betting on the winners, but the match between Lu Chengsha and Lu Chengzhao was betting on how many moves it would take for Lu Chengzhao to be defeated.
There were bets for five moves, ten moves, and twenty moves. Hua Yan originally wanted to bet on one move but thought it might be too much, so she bet on two moves instead.
Great, she thought happily, she had won back the money for her meals for the next few days.
Feeling content, Hua Yan peeked at the bulletin board to see who Lu Chengsha’s next opponent would be, and was startled to see the name “You Weitian.”