Chapter 48 Deception—Part Three

One more rant:

So many people have been asking about the raw version, it’s getting a bit annoying. First, let me emphasize—I’m using the author’s raw version and not “altering” it. The difference between “my version” and “the author’s version” arises because the author has written three versions: the original, the edited version, and the published version. The original version is no longer available through “legal” means and can only be found in text files. 

I don’t mean to condemn anyone who reads the raw text (people have their reasons, and I understand that), but out of support for the author and in light of his edits, I personally chose to translate his edited version. Since the author decided to edit his work despite knowing it would overwrite the original, I assume he intended readers to read his current edited version.

If you can read a little Chinese and want to get a feel for what the original text sounds like, I recommend purchasing the raw version at jjwxc.net. If you can’t afford it or really don’t want to pay, you can find the raw version through platforms like Baidu Cloud.

However, this is just to clarify that I haven’t changed anything for my own benefit. Translation is a process prone to deception. For example, a translator who doesn’t fully understand the original language might inadvertently deprive the reader of certain information. As translators, I believe all of us at ExR strive to translate as accurately as possible to the original text. 

As Wei WuXian expected, the last part of Nie MingJue’s body, his head, was indeed kept by Jin GuangYao.

Nie MingJue, the man who almost seemed to be going berserk uncontrollably during the Sunshot Campaign, was sealed layer upon layer within a cramped and gloomy room, unable to see any light at all.

If Wei WuXian simply removed the seal on his head, ChiFeng-Zun’s corpse would sense it and come to him on its own. As he examined the helmet’s limitations, deciding how to overcome them, he suddenly felt a strong pull. His weightless, paper-like body was pushed forward, pressing against Nie MingJue’s forehead.

On the other side of the Goldfish Tower, Lan WangJi continued to stare at Wei WuXian’s face, who was sitting beside him. A moment later, his fingers twitched. With his eyes lowered, he gently touched his lips.

It was so soft, as soft as when the paper man hit them.

Suddenly, Wei WuXian’s hands jerked slightly, clenching into fists. Lan WangJi’s expression hardened and he helped Wei WuXian hold him. Holding his face, he saw that, although Wei WuXian’s eyes were still closed, his brows were tightly knitted together.

In the secret chamber, Wei WuXian didn’t need to react at all. Dead people who harbored deep grudges radiated that resentment energy and projected it onto the living, defusing their anger and diffusing their emotions. This was the cause of most ghost cases. In fact, it was the mechanism behind Empathy. If Wei WuXian were using his physical body, a line of defense for his soul, the resentment energy wouldn’t have been able to touch him if he didn’t want it to. However, at that moment, he was holding a thin piece of paper, which significantly weakened his defensive capabilities. Not only was it close to his head, but Nie MingJue’s resentment energy was also incredibly powerful. Wei WuXian was affected for only a moment because he wasn’t focused. One second he was thinking “oh no,” and the next he could already smell the scent of blood.

He hadn’t smelled such a strong odor in years. Something buried deep within his bones suddenly awoke, boiling and seething. As soon as he opened his eyes, he saw before him the flash of a sword, the image of spilled blood, and a man’s head soaring high into the sky, along with his fallen body.

The beheaded man was wearing a robe with a fire and sun pattern, the clan’s emblem. Wei WuXian watched ‘himself’ sheathing his sword, a low voice coming from his mouth, “Take the head. Hang it so the Wen dogs can see it.”

Someone answered from behind him, “Yes!”

Wei WuXian realized who the beheaded man was.

He was the eldest son of Wen Xu, the leader of the Qishan Wen Sect, Wen Ruo Han. He was killed by Nie Mingjue in Hejian. His head was cut off with a single blow and hung in front of the troops as a demonstration to the Wen Sect cultivators. His corpse was dismembered by the enraged Nie Sect cultivators, then ground into pieces and smeared with dirt.

Nie MingJue glanced at the corpse on the ground and kicked it aside. His hand holding the hilt of the sword, he calmly observed the surroundings.

ChiFeng-Zun was quite tall. When he empathized with A-Qing last time, Wei WuXian’s field of vision was a bit short, but this time it was even higher than usual. Looking down, he saw countless casualties. Some wore robes of sun and fire; some had the QingheNie Sect’s beast-head emblem on their backs; some wore no uniforms at all; each made up about a third of them. With such a gruesome scene, the scent of blood filled the air. He scanned his surroundings as he stepped forward, as if still checking to see if any of the Wen Sect cultivators were still breathing. Suddenly, a crashing sound came from a tiled house next to him. 

With a wave of her sword, a fierce wind blade swept past. Breaking through the door of the humble house, a mother and daughter were revealed, both panicked. The shabby house had few belongings, and the lack of hiding places allowed the two of them to take cover under the table, holding their breath. As the young woman’s round eyes caught sight of Nie MingJue, covered in blood and looking murderous, tears immediately flowed. The girl in her arms had already opened her mouth, terrified and speechless.

When Nie MingJue saw that they were just an ordinary mother and son pair, likely two ordinary people who had failed to escape before the battle broke out, his furrowed brows softened slightly. A subordinate, unaware of what had happened, approached from behind him, “Sect Leader?”

The mother and son only knew that several groups of cultivators had invaded their work lives and were fighting each other to the death. Neither of them knew what was right or wrong. Fearing the sword wielder, they thought they were doomed, their faces contorted in fear. Nie MingJue looked at them and suppressed his killing intent. “It’s fine.”

He lowered his sword-holding hand and stepped to the other side of the room. The young woman immediately fell to the floor, still holding her daughter. A moment later, she couldn’t hold back her sobs.

A few steps later, Nie MingJue suddenly stopped, asking his subordinate behind him, “Who is the cultivator guarding the end of the final battlefield clearing?”

The subordinate hesitated for a moment, “Guarding at the end? I… I don’t seem to remember.”

Nie MingJue frowned, “Tell me when you remember.”

He continued to walk forward. The cultivator hurriedly asked the others. Not long after, he followed up, “Sect Leader! I have already asked. The cultivator who was on guard at the end of the final battlefield cleanup is named Meng Yao.”

Hearing that name, Nie MingJue raised his eyebrows, as if feeling somewhat surprised.

Wei WuXian knew why. Before Jin GuangYao was accepted into the clan, his name was Meng Yao, after his mother’s surname. This wasn’t a secret at all. In fact, it used to be quite a “famous” name.

Although not many people witnessed how Jin GuangYao, the man who would later become LianFang-Zun and stand at Koi Tower with unrivaled power, first arrived there, the rumors have largely explained it. Jin GuangYao’s mother was renowned in one of Yunmeng’s brothels. Back then, she boasted a reputation as one of the most talented courtesans. It was said that she was skilled at playing the guqin and wrote exquisite calligraphy. She was so learned that she could almost pass for a young mistress of a wealthy family. Of course, no matter how similar she looked, in the eyes of the people, a courtesan was still a courtesan. 

When Jin GuangShan happened to visit Yunmeng, he naturally didn’t dare miss such a famous courtesan. He lingered near Lady Meng for days and returned satisfied, leaving her a memento. Upon his return, he naturally behaved as he had countless times before, completely forgetting about the woman he was in love with.

In comparison, Mo XuanYu and his mother were somewhat favored. At least Jin GuangShan still remembered that he had such a son and brought him back to Koi Tower. Meng Yao, on the other hand, was not so fortunate. The son of a prostitute, far from a well-to-do family. Just like Madam Mo, after giving birth to a child for Jin GuangShan, she waited devotedly for the cultivator to accept her and her child back. She carefully raised Meng Yao, preparing him for his future entry into the world of cultivation. However, even after he had passed the age of ten, there was still no news of his father, and Lady Meng was already seriously ill.

Before he died, he gave him Jin GuangShan’s keepsake and asked him to find a way out of Koi Tower. Thus, Meng Yao finished packing and left Yunmeng. After a tiring journey, he arrived in Lanling. Upon arriving at Koi Tower, Meng Yao was refused entry, so he took out the keepsake and requested that the sect leader be notified.

Jin GuangShan’s keepsake was a pearl button. This item was by no means a special item in the LanlingJin Sect—such items could be found everywhere. Its most common use was as a gift to beautiful women, when Jin GuangShan traveled to seduce them. He would pretend such a beautiful item was a rare treasure, often accompanied by promises and vows. He would give and forget as he pleased.

Meng Yao truly came at a very bad time. That day happened to be Jin ZiXuan’s birthday. Jin GuangShan and Madam Jin, along with several relatives, were celebrating their beloved son’s special day. Six hours later, it was already late at night. Just as they were about to leave to light the lanterns, the servant finally found a free moment to inform them. When Madam Jin saw the pearl button and remembered Jin GuangShan’s history, her face immediately darkened. Jin GuangShan hurriedly crushed the pearl into dust and severely reprimanded the servant, ordering him to chase away anyone outside if they encountered him while out and about.

Thus, Meng Yao was kicked off the Koi Tower. He rolled down the stairs, from top to bottom.

It is said that he didn’t say anything after standing up. He wiped the blood from his forehead, then brushed the dust off his clothes, then packed his things and left.

Right after the Sunshot Campaign began, Meng Yao joined the QingheNie Sect forces.

The cultivators under Nie MingJue’s command, both rogue cultivators and those from the QingheNie Sect, were stationed at various locations. One of them was a nameless mountain range in Hejian. Nie MingJue climbed the mountain on foot. Even before he reached the station, he saw a boy dressed in rags leaving the emerald forest with a bamboo tube in his hand.

The boy looked as if he had just finished fetching water, his legs showing a hint of fatigue. Just as he was about to enter the cave, he suddenly stopped. He stood outside the cave entrance and listened for a moment, as if considering whether to enter. Finally, with the bamboo tube still in hand, he silently walked in the other direction.

After walking for a while, he found a spot on the side of the road and crouched down. He took some white food from his lunch and washed it down with water.

Nie MingJue walked towards him. As the boy was eating, his head bowed, he suddenly found himself shrouded in a tall shadow. He looked up, put his food away, and stood up. “Sect Leader Nie.”

The boy’s figure was rather small. His skin was fair and his eyebrows were dark, exactly the same as Jin GuangYao’s, which many people loved. Back then, he hadn’t been accepted by his clan at Koi Tower, which was why he didn’t have the bright red mark on his forehead. Nie MingJue remembered that face clearly. “Meng Yao?”

Meng Yao replied respectfully, “Yes.”

Nie MingJue, “Why don’t you rest in the cave like everyone else?”

Meng Yao opened his mouth, but only smiled awkwardly, as if he didn’t know what to say. Seeing this, Nie MingJue passed him and walked towards the cave. Meng Yao looked at him as if wanting to pull him back, but he didn’t dare. Nie MingJue held his breath so that no one would notice him even when he reached the cave entrance. The people inside were still chatting loudly.

“… Yes, that’s it.”

“Impossible! Jin GuangShan’s son? How could Jin GuangShan’s son live like us? Why doesn’t he go back and find his father? He would be free from such suffering with just one of his father’s fingers.”

“You think he doesn’t want to come back? What do you think he was doing bringing the memento from Yunmeng to Lanling?”

“Then he chose the wrong thing. Jin GuangShan’s wife is scary.”

I mean, Jin GuangShan has a lot of children outside, at least a bunch of sons and daughters. Have you ever seen him accept anyone? Making a fuss like that would be the same as embarrassing him.

“Well, people shouldn’t place their hopes on a desperate man. He was beaten to a pulp, and who’s to blame? He can’t blame anyone. He dug his own grave.”

“He’s such an idiot! With Jin ZiXuan around, would Jin GuangShan ever consider having another child? Especially the child of a prostitute who’s been courted by thousands of men. Who knows whose offspring he is? I think Jin GuangShan probably doesn’t dare accept him because he has his own doubts! Hahahaha…”

“Oh really? I bet he doesn’t even remember having that kind of relationship with that woman.”

“I actually feel very happy because the Jin GuangShan seeds have resigned themselves to taking water for us, hahaha…”

“You resign, you bastard. He’s put so much energy into this. Don’t you see how hard he works? Every day he goes around trying to gain everyone’s sympathy. He’s sick of hoping to achieve something so his father will accept him.”

The fire of anger flared up in Nie MingJue’s heart and burned all the way to Wei WuXian.

His hand immediately gripped the hilt of his sword. Meng Yao rushed to stop him, but failed. His sword was already drawn, and a large boulder in front of the cave collapsed. Dozens of cultivators who had been resting inside the cave all jumped up and drew their swords, shocked by the falling boulder. The bamboo tubes in their hands scattered to the ground. 

Without hesitation, Nie MingJue scolded, “Drinking the water he brought while saying such spiteful words! Did you join my army not to kill Wen’s dogs, but to make small talk?!”

The entire cave was in chaos. Everyone knew ChiFeng-Zun’s personality—the more someone tried to explain, the angrier he became. Seeing that they might not escape punishment and would have to tell the truth, no one dared to say a word. Nie MingJue laughed coldly. He didn’t enter the cave either. Instead, he turned to Meng Yao, “You, follow me.”

He turned and walked toward the foot of the mountain. Meng Yao followed him. As they walked, Meng Yao’s head lowered even further. His steps slowed.

He only spoke after a moment of hesitation, “Thank you, Sect Leader Nie.”

Nie MingJue, “A real man should carry himself with pride and righteousness. There’s no need to care about the talk of those lazy people.”

Meng Yao nodded, “Yes.”

Even though he answered that way, his face still showed worry. By helping her, Nie MingJue was able to hold off the others for her today. However, in the future, the cultivators would surely make him pay a price tens or hundreds of times greater. How could he not be worried?

However, Nie MingJue continued, “The more these people talk nonsense behind your back, the harder you’ll try to silence them. I’ve seen you on the battlefield. Every time, you’ve been on the front lines and stayed behind to help the common people in the end. Very good. Continue.”

Hearing this, Meng Yao fell silent for a moment, his face blank. His head lifted slightly. Nie MingJue added, “Your sword technique is quite agile, but not yet powerful enough. It needs further practice.”

This was already a clear push. Meng Yao hurried over, “Sect Leader Nie, thank you for your advice.”

However, Wei WuXian knew that his cultivation wouldn’t be solid no matter how hard he practiced. Jin GuangYao wasn’t like the other disciples. His foundation was so weak that he never reached a higher level. Therefore, in his cultivation, he could only pursue quantity, not quality. This was why he gathered all the sect leaders and studied their techniques. It was also why he was criticized as a “technique thief.”

Hejian was not only a crucial location for the Sunshot Campaign, but also Nie MingJue’s primary battlefield. Like an iron wall, Hejian stood by the QishanWen Sect, preventing them from invading. The QingheNie Sect and the QishanWen Sect had been enemies from the start, but they had always managed to suppress it. Once the war began, both sides turned on each other. No matter how small the clashes, each battle was deadly, often resulting in great bloodshed. The common people of the Hejian region suffered heavy losses. The QishanWen Sect naturally didn’t care, but the QingheNie Sect had to.

Under such circumstances, Meng Yao, who had been tirelessly cleaning up the battlefield and helping the common people after every battle, received more and more attention from Nie MingJue. Several times later, Nie MingJue directly promoted him to his side to become his deputy. Meng Yao, on the other hand, also seized the opportunity, completing every task given to him perfectly. And thus, the current Jin GuangYao was not like his future self, always being scolded by Nie MingJue. In fact, he was thought of quite highly. Wei WuXian had heard too many jokes about how “LianFang-Zun runs away every time he hears that ChiFeng-Zun is coming.” Every time he saw Meng Yao, who spoke with Nie MingJue peacefully, even imposingly, he always felt that it was somewhat incredible.

On this day, the Hejian battlefield welcomed a certain guest.

During the Sunshot Campaign, tales of praise were told of the three Honorable Triads. ChiFeng-Zun’s story was of how he swept away all obstacles, leaving not even a trace of Wen-dog behind after he was done. However, ZeWu-Jun—Lan XiChen—was different. After the situation in Gusu County calmed down, Lan QiRen was able to defend it with incredible tenacity. Because of this, Lan XiChen often traveled to aid others, saving lives from danger. Throughout the Sunshot Campaign, he had repeatedly reclaimed lost territory and helped those who had narrowly escaped. This was why people were overjoyed whenever they heard his name, as if they had gained a glimmer of hope, a powerful trump card.

Every time Lan XiChen passed Hejian while escorting other cultivators, he would take a short break, with Hejian acting as a sort of transit station. Nie MingJue led him to a spacious, brightly lit hall. Several other cultivators were also seated within the hall.

Although Lan XiChen looked almost exactly the same as Lan WangJi, Wei WuXian could tell them apart at a glance. However, when he saw their faces, he still couldn’t help but notice their resemblance, thinking to himself,  I wonder what’s happening to my body right now. If this paper body is possessed by the energy of resentment, will something happen to the real body as well? Will Lan Zhan notice something is wrong?

After exchanging pleasantries, Meng Yao, who had been standing beside Nie MingJue, walked over and offered everyone cups of tea. At the front, one person was treated as if there were six; there was no room for maids and servants at all. Thus, this everyday pleasantry was gladly accepted by Jin GuangYao, his deputy. Several cultivators hesitated upon seeing his face, their expressions varied. Jin GuangShan’s “intimate stories” had always been a great conversation starter. Meng Yao had been the butt of a famous joke for some time, which was why some people recognized him. Perhaps thinking that the son of a prostitute might also be carrying some unclean things with him, the cultivators didn’t drink from the cups he offered them with both hands. Instead, they set the cups aside and even took out white handkerchiefs. As if it felt too uncomfortable, they repeatedly wiped their fingers that had touched the teacups, whether intentionally or not. Nie MingJue wasn’t someone who was sensitive to such things. However, Wei WuXian caught this out of the corner of his eye. Meng Yao acted as if he didn’t see anything, his smile unwavering as he continued to pass around the tea. 

As Lan XiChen accepted the cup, he looked at her and smiled, “Thank you.”

He quickly took a sip of his tea. Only then did he resume his conversation with Nie MingJue. Some cultivators began to feel uneasy at the sight.

Nie MingJue had never been one for humor. However, in front of Lan XiChen, his expression became calmer. “How long will you be staying?”

Lan XiChen, “Brother MingJue, I have to stay at your house tonight. I’ll leave tomorrow morning and meet up with WangJi.”

Nie MingJue, “Ke mana?”

Lan XiChen, “Kepada Jiangling.”

Nie MingJue frowned, “Isn’t Jiangling still in the hands of the Wen-dogs?”

Lan XiChen, “Not since a few days ago. Currently, it is in the hands of the YunmengJiang Sect.”

A sect leader said, “Sect Leader Nie, I don’t think you’ve heard. The Yunmeng Sect Leader, Jiang, is quite powerful in this area.”

Someone else added, “How could he not be afraid? Wei WuXian alone can take on millions of people, so who is he afraid of? He can just sit there controlling his territory, unlike us who are always running for our lives. With luck like that…”

Someone noticed that his words weren’t in a good tone, “Well, luckily ZeWu-Jun and HanGuang-Jun helped everyone. Otherwise, I don’t know how many innocent sects and commoners would have fallen into the hands of the Wen-dogs.”

Nie MingJue asked, “Is your grandfather there?”

Lan XiChen nodded, “He took over the people at the beginning of the month.”

Nie MingJue, “Your brother’s cultivation is quite high. He should be fine on his own. Then why did you still go?”

Hearing Nie MingJue praise Lan WangJi’s cultivation level, Wei WuXian felt a strange surge of happiness,  ChiFeng-Zun, what great eyes!

Lan XiChen sighed, “It is indeed a bit embarrassing, but after WangJi left, it seems like he had a small conflict with Young Master Wei of the YunmengJiang Sect.”

Nie MingJue, “What happened?”

Someone said, “I think HanGuang-Jun clashed with Wei WuXian simply because his methods were too unnatural. It was said that HanGuang-Jun had criticized Wei WuXian in front of him, telling him how he humiliated corpses, how cruel and fond of killing he was, how he forgot his original intentions, and so on. But over there, everyone was talking about the Battle of Jiangling. Wei WuXian was portrayed in a magnificent manner. I’d like to see it for myself if I’m lucky.”

This person’s story wasn’t as bad as the others. The more exaggerated tales even told of how he and Lan WangJi fought each other on the battlefield, killing the Wen-dogs. In reality, their relationship wasn’t as bad as the rumors suggested, but there were some minor disagreements. Back then, Wei WuXian was always digging graves, while Lan WangJi always chose the most irritating words, such as how it wasn’t the right path and was harmful to both body and mind. He would even sometimes openly obstruct Wei WuXian. Furthermore, they fought against the Wen-dogs every few days, both directly and secretly. Both of them were easily angered back then, so they often parted on bad terms. Now, listening to others talk about this, Wei WuXian felt like it was a long time ago, though he suddenly remembered—it was indeed a long time ago.

Someone said, “I don’t think HanGuang-Jun really needs to do this. Even the living are almost dead, so why should we care about the corpses?”

Others agreed, “Yes, we are in difficult times, right? Sect Leader Jiang is right. In terms of evil or not, who is more evil than the Wen-dogs? After all, he is on our side. I think it’s okay as long as he kills the Wen-dogs.”

Wei WuXian thought,  Well, that’s not what you guys said when you surrounded me.

Shortly after, Lan XiChen and the others stood up. They were escorted to the rest area by Meng Yao. Nie MingJue, on the other hand, returned to his room. He took out his slender sword and went to look for Lan XiChen.

However, before he even got close, he could already hear the two of them conversing inside the room. Lan XiChen said, “What a coincidence. You joined MingJue-xiong’s army and became his deputy.”

Meng Yao, “I am very fortunate to have obtained ChiFeng-Zun’s approval.”

Lan XiChen smiled, “MingJue-xiong has a fiery personality. It must have been very difficult for you to gain his approval.”

After a pause, he continued, “Lately, the LanlingJin Sect Leader, Jin, has been managing the Langya region with great difficulty. Currently, he is trying to recruit more personnel.”

Meng Yao immediately hesitated, “ZeWu-Jun, you mean…”

Lan XiChen, “There’s no need to be so silent. I remember you once telling me that you hoped to secure a proper place in the LanlingJin Sect, and to gain your father’s approval. Now that you have a position and a future under MingJue-xiong’s branch, does your wish still stand?”

Meng Yao seemed to consider the question carefully, holding his breath. After a moment of silence, he replied, “Yes, that’s true.”

Lan XiChen, “I assumed so too.”

Meng Yao, “But now, I’ve become Sect Leader Nie’s vice sectmaster. I owe Sect Leader Nie a great debt. No matter what my remaining desires are, I can’t leave Hejian.”

Lan XiChen paused for a moment, “That’s true. Even if you want to leave, it might be difficult for you to bring it up. However, I’m sure if you decide to ask, MingJue-xiong will respect your decision. If he’s unwilling to let you go, I can try to convince him.”

Nie MingJue suddenly asked, “Why don’t I let you go?”

He pushed open the door and entered the room. Lan XiChen and Meng Yao sat opposite each other, their expressions serious. Seeing his appearance, they were somewhat surprised. Meng Yao immediately stood up, but before he could speak, Nie MingJue said, “Sit.”

Meng Yao didn’t move. Nie Mingjue spoke again, “I’ll write you a letter of recommendation tomorrow.”

Meng Yao, “Sect Leader Nie?”

Nie MingJue, “You can take the letter to Langya and find your father.”

Meng Yao rushed over, “Sect Leader Nie, if you heard everything, then you should have also heard me say that…”

Nie MingJue interrupted, “I didn’t promote you because I wanted you to repay me. I just think you should stay in this position, since you’re quite capable and your behavior is to my liking. If you really want to repay me, just kill a few more Wen dogs on the battlefield!”

Hearing this, Meng Yao fell silent, even though he usually used words like that. Lan XiChen grinned, “Look, I told you MingJue-xiong would respect your decision.”

Meng Yao’s eyes turned red, “Sect Leader Nie, ZeWu-Jun… I…”

He lowered his head, “…I really don’t know what to say.”

Nie MingJue sat down, “If you don’t know what to say, then don’t say anything.”

He placed the other sword in his hand on the table. Lan XiChen smiled at him, “HuaiSang Sword?”

Nie MingJue, “Although he’s safe there with you, he shouldn’t neglect his studies either. Have the others keep an eye on him when they’re free. Next time we meet, I’ll examine his sword scripture and his heart.”

Lan XiChen tucked Nie HuaiSang’s sword into his qiankun sleeve, “HuaiSang has been using excuses for leaving his sword at home. Now he has no excuse to be lazy.”

Nie MingJue, “Speaking of which, have you two met before?”

Meng Yao, “ZeWu-Jun, I have met him before.”

Nie MingJue, “Di mana? Kapan?”

Lan XiChen smiled as he shook his head, “Let’s not talk about that. This is a lifelong disgrace. MingJue-xiong, don’t ask anymore.”

Nie MingJue, “Why are you afraid of losing face in front of me? Meng Yao, speak.”

Meng Yao, “If ZeWu-Jun doesn’t want to say it, then I have to keep it a secret too.”

The three of them chatted back and forth, sometimes seriously, sometimes lightheartedly. Their conversation was much more relaxed than it had been in the living room. Listening to their conversation, Wei WuXian often wanted to join in, but he couldn’t.

He thought,  Right now, their relationship isn’t actually that bad. ZeWu-Jun is actually quite good at talking, so why is Lan Zhan so bad? Well, even so, silence is good too. I do the talking, and he can listen while adding a few ‘mnn’s. What do you call it… 

A few days later, carrying Nie MingJue’s recommendation letter, Meng Yao set off for Langya.

After Nie MingJue left, he switched to another deputy. However, Wei WuXian felt that the new deputy was always a little slower. Meng Yao was an exceptionally intelligent talent. He could understand what wasn’t being said, and he was able to give his best with even the simplest of orders. He was efficient and never slacked off. Anyone who was familiar with him would inevitably compare him to others.

Some time later, the LanlingJin Sect in Langya was on the verge of collapse, barely holding on. Lan XiChen happened to be assisting another region. Jin GuangShan requested assistance from Hejian, and Nie MingJue arrived shortly after.

After the battle ended, Jin GuangShan came to express his gratitude, still in a miserable state. Nie MingJue spoke briefly with him, then quickly began, “Sect Leader Jin, what is Meng Yao doing now?”

Hearing him mention that name, Jin GuangShan replied, “Meng Yao? Uh… Sect Leader Nie, I don’t mean to offend, but who is she exactly?”

Nie MingJue’s brows immediately furrowed. The story of Meng Yao being kicked off Koi Tower had been circulating for quite some time. Even the general public knew about such jokes, so it was impossible for the person involved to not remember his name. Only the thickest of people could pretend to be ignorant in such a situation. However, it just so happened that Jin GuangShan was just such a person.

Nie Mingjue said coldly, “Meng Yao is my former deputy. I wrote a letter for her.”

Jin GuangShan continued to feign ignorance, “Really? But I’ve never seen such a letter or such a person here. Oh well. If I had known Sect Leader Nie was sending a representative, I would have welcomed him. But, did any accidents occur during the trip?”

He simply made excuses, saying he couldn’t remember hearing that name before. Nie MingJue’s expression grew even colder. He felt something was definitely wrong, so he left without hesitation. After asking other cultivators, he still found nothing. Nie MingJue chose a few places and began to wander around.

On his way, he came across a small forest. It was rather quiet and secluded. The forest had just experienced a surprise attack, and the battlefield had not yet been cleared. Nie MingJue walked along the path. Along the path lay the corpses of cultivators, dressed in the uniforms of the Wen Sect, the Jin Sect, and several other sects.

Suddenly, from in front of him came the sound of  tch  ,  tch  .

Nie MingJue placed his hand on his sword hilt and approached silently. Among the branches and leaves, he saw Meng Yao standing among the pile of corpses. With a twist of his wrist, he pulled a longsword from a cultivator’s chest.

His expression was completely calm. His attacks were swift and steady, and he was careful not to let a single drop of blood stain his clothes.

The sword wasn’t his own. Its hilt was adorned with flame-shaped iron—it was the sword of a Wen Sect cultivator.

His sword technique is also a Wen Sect technique.

And the person who died under his sword was wearing a Snow Spark robe. He was a cultivator of the LanlingJin Sect.

Nie MingJue watched the entire scene unfold. Without a word, he drew his sword inch by inch. A sharp ring pierced the air.

Hearing the familiar sound of the sword, Meng Yao immediately trembled. He spun around, his soul nearly evaporated, “…Sect Leader Nie?”

Nie MingJue drew his sword from its sheath. The blade gleamed brightly, but the blade itself faintly shimmered with a blood-red tinge. Wei WuXian could sense the anger seething from him, along with disappointment and hatred.

Meng Yao knew Nie MingJue’s character better than anyone. He dropped his sword with a clang, “Sect Leader Nie, Sect Leader Nie! Wait, wait! I can explain!”

Nie MingJue shouted, “What do you want to explain?!”

Meng Yao flopped down, half rolling and half crawling, “I have no other choice, I have no other choice!”

Nie MingJue grumbled, “What else don’t you have?! What did I say when I sent you here?!”

Meng Yao knelt at his feet, “Sect Leader Nie, Sect Leader Nie, listen to me! I joined the LanlingJin Sect. He is my superior. During my time here, he has always hated me. He often humiliates and beats me…”

Nie MingJue, “So you killed him?”

Meng Yao, “No! It’s not because of this! What humiliation can’t I bear? What can’t I bear, if it’s just a beating and a scolding? It’s just that every time we take one of the Wen Sect’s strongholds, I strategize with all my might, I fight with all my might, but with just a few weak words, just a few light strokes of the brush, he’ll make it his own, saying that it has nothing to do with me. This isn’t the first time. It happens every time, every time! I reason with him, but he doesn’t care. I turn to other people, but no one will listen to me. Just now he said that my mother, that my mother… I’ve really reached my limit—that accident only happened because I was in a moment of anger!”

Amidst shock and fear, he spoke as if his words were flying, afraid that Nie MingJue would interrupt him before he could finish his explanation. Nevertheless, his explanation remained logical. Every sentence highlighted how terrible others were, how terrible he himself was. Nie MingJue grabbed him by the collar and lifted him up, “You’re lying!”

Meng Yao shuddered. Nie MingJue stared into his eyes, saying word by word, “You’ve reached your limit and are so angry? Would anyone who’s angry kill someone with an expression like yours? Would they deliberately choose a hidden forest where a battle had just taken place? Would they kill those people with the Wen Sect’s sword, a Wen Sect technique disguised as a Wen dog’s attack to blame someone else? You clearly planned this on purpose!”

Meng Yao raised his hand confidently, “I’m telling the truth! Every sentence!”

Nie MingJue raged, “Even if that’s true, you still shouldn’t have killed him! It was just a trivial achievement! Do you really care about that handful of glory?!”

Meng Yao muttered, “Some trivial accomplishments?” He spoke with a trembling voice, “…What do you mean, some trivial accomplishments? ChiFeng-Zun, do you know how much effort I put in for such trivial accomplishments? How much suffering I suffered? Glory? Without that handful of glory, I have nothing!”

Nie MingJue stared at her, shivering with tears welling in his eyes. The contrast between that scene and how he had calmly killed someone was too stark. The impact was so great that the image still hadn’t faded from his mind. He said, “Meng Yao, let me ask you this. The first time I saw you, did you deliberately act that pathetic for me, so that I would come save you? Otherwise, would you have done what you did today and killed all those people?”

Meng Yao’s Adam’s apple bobbed, a drop of cold sweat dripping down his face. Just as he was about to speak, Nie MingJue ordered, “Don’t lie to me!”

Trembling, Meng Yao swallowed hard. Kneeling on the ground, his entire body trembled. The fingers of his right hand dug deep into the ground.

After a while, Nie MingJue slowly put his sword back into its sheath, “I won’t do anything to you.”

Meng Yao immediately looked up. Nie MingJue continued, “Go confess to the LanlingJin Sect and accept your punishment. Let them treat you however they see fit.”

Hesitating for a moment, Meng Yao replied, “…ChiFeng-Zun, I can’t give up now that I’m here.”

Nie MingJue, “To get here, you took the wrong path.”

Meng Yao, “You will send me to my death.”

Nie MingJue, “If your words were true, that wouldn’t have happened. Go, reflect, and turn over a new leaf.”

Meng Yao whispered, “…My father hasn’t seen me yet.”

It’s not that Jin GuangShan didn’t see it.

He just pretended not to know where she was.

Finally, under Nie MingJue’s pressure, Meng Yao still answered “yes”, albeit with difficulty.

After a moment of silence, Nie MingJue said, “Stand up.”

As if his body had lost all energy, Meng Yao stood there in a daze. He staggered a few steps forward. Seeing him about to fall, Nie MingJue helped him up. Meng Yao muttered, “…Thank you, Sect Leader Nie.”

Seeing her lifeless figure, Nie MingJue turned around. However, he suddenly heard her say, “…I still can’t.”

Nie Mingjue turned around. For some unknown reason, a sword was clutched in Meng Yao’s hand.

He pointed his sword at his stomach, his face full of despair, “Sect Leader Nie, I am not worthy of your kindness.”

As he spoke, he thrust it out forcefully. Nie MingJue’s pupils suddenly constricted. He reached out to grab the sword, but it was too late. Instantly, the sword in Meng Yao’s hand pierced through his abdomen and into his back. His body collapsed in a pool of another person’s blood.

Nie MingJue was startled for a moment, then stepped forward. Half-kneeling on the ground, he turned Meng Yao’s body around, “You…!!!”

Meng Yao’s face was pale. He looked at Nie MingJue weakly, then forced a smile, “Sect Leader Nie, I…”

Before he could finish his sentence, his head slowly lowered. Holding his body, Nie MingJue dodged the sword’s blade and pressed his palm against Meng Yao’s chest, channeling spiritual energy into him. However, Nie MingJue suddenly felt his body tremble. A relentless stream of cold energy flowed from his abdomen.

Wei WuXian had already expected a bluff, so he wasn’t too surprised. However, Nie MingJue likely never expected Meng Yao to actually hurt him. Therefore, when he saw Meng Yao standing calmly before him, still unable to move, he was more shocked than angry.

Meng Yao had probably carefully considered how to avoid any vital areas. Carefully and calmly, he pulled the sword out of his abdomen, producing a series of small splatters of blood, and applied pressure to the wound—that was all he did to treat it. Nie MingJue, on the other hand, remained in the same posture as when he had tried to help Meng Yao. Half-kneeling with his head raised, their gazes met.

Nie Mingjue didn’t say anything. Meng Yao didn’t say anything either. He sheathed his sword, bowed towards Nie Mingjue, then ran away without looking back.

He had just admitted his guilt and agreed to accept his punishment before faking his own suicide and setting up a trap. Now, he was long gone. This was probably the first time Nie MingJue had seen such a shameless person, especially one who had just become his trusted aide, whom he himself had promoted. Because of this, he became extremely angry, especially during the battle of the Wen Sect. Even when Lan XiChen had helped Langya several days later, his anger hadn’t subsided one bit. As soon as he arrived, Lan XiChen laughed, “MingJue-xiong, you look so angry. Where’s Meng Yao? Why hasn’t he come and put out your fire?”

Nie MingJue, “Don’t call people that!”

Without exaggeration, he told Lan XiChen how Meng Yao had killed and planned to blame it on someone else, then pretended to be dead and escaped. After hearing the story, Lan XiChen was also shocked, “How is that possible? Could there be a misunderstanding?”

Nie MingJue, “I caught him on the spot. Could there be some misunderstanding?”

Lan XiChen thought for a moment, “From his words, the person he killed was clearly guilty. However, he shouldn’t have committed suicide. We’re in difficult times, so it’s quite difficult to determine who’s at fault. I wonder where he is now.”

Nie MingJue spoke harshly, “He should be hoping I don’t catch him. If I do, I’ll sacrifice him to my sword!”

However, as if his words had turned into a prophecy, over the next few years, Meng Yao seemed to suddenly disappear, as if she had sunk like a rock into the ocean. Not a trace of her remained.

Now, Nie MingJue hated him as much as he once cherished him. Every time the name was mentioned, he would put on a furious face, expressing things that were hard to put into words. When he was sure no information could be found, he refused to discuss Meng Yao with anyone else.

Nie MingJue had never been close to others. He rarely opened up to anyone. Although he finally managed to acquire a competent and trustworthy subordinate whose character and abilities he recognized, he discovered that his subordinate’s true nature was not what he had imagined. It was understandable that his reaction was so extreme.

Just as Wei WuXian was thinking, his head suddenly ached, as if it were about to explode. His bones felt as if they had been crushed by a chariot. He couldn’t move at all—the slightest movement made his body creak and groan. When he opened his eyes, his vision was so blurry that he could only vaguely make out numerous figures lying helplessly on the cold, muddy stone floor of the hall. It seemed Nie MingJue had injured his head. The wound had already gone numb. Dried blood pooled around his eyes and face. With a slight movement, warm blood flowed down his forehead again.

Wei WuXian tercengang.

During the Sunshot Campaign, Nie MingJue won almost every battle. The enemy couldn’t even get close to him, let alone seriously injure him.

What kind of situation is this?!

A soft movement came from beside him. Wei WuXian glanced up and saw a few faint figures. With difficulty, he focused his gaze and saw that they were two cultivators dressed in robes patterned with sun and fire. They were moving forward, kneeling on the ground skillfully.

Wei WuXian, “…”

Suddenly, a bone-chilling pressure enveloped him, spreading through Nie MingJue’s body to Wei WuXian. Nie MingJue slightly raised his head. At the edge of the jet stone tiles was a large jade chair. A person was sitting on it.

The distance wasn’t close, and Nie MingJue’s vision was obscured by the blood, so he couldn’t see who it was. However, he could guess who it was without using his sight.

The palace door suddenly opened. Someone entered.

All the disciples in the palace knelt down, but this man simply nodded in greeting upon entering. Unlike the others, he stepped forward nonchalantly. At the end of the hall, he appeared to bow and speak a few words to the seated person before turning to this side.

With slow steps, he approached, silently gazing at Nie MingJue, who was still standing upright despite being covered in blood. He seemed to laugh, “Sect Leader Nie, long time no see.”

And who could that person be, if not Meng Yao himself?