Chapter 59 Poison—Part Four

Wei WuXian felt his heart pounding.  Did he see us? Should we run now? Or did he not see us?

Suddenly, a soft cry came from behind the wall. Over the sound of footsteps, a man spoke softly, “Don’t cry. Your face is covered in stains.”

This voice was familiar to Jiang Cheng and Wei WuXian—it was Wen Chao!

Not long after, Wang LingJiao snorted, “Would you not like me anymore if my face was covered in powder?”

Wen Chao, “How is that possible? No matter what JiaoJiao looks like, I will like her.”

Wang LingJiao said emotionally, “I was really, really scared… Today I really… I almost believed that I would be killed by that bitch and would never be able to see you again… Young Master Wen… I…”

Wen Chao hugged her and comforted her, “Don’t talk anymore, JiaoJiao. It’s fine now. It’s a good thing Wen ZhuLiu protected you.”

Wang LingJiao complained, “You still mention him?! Wen ZhuLiu, I hate him. If only he hadn’t been late today, I wouldn’t have suffered like this. Even now, my face still hurts so much…”

It was clearly him who had ordered Wen ZhuLiu not to blink in front of him, causing him to be beaten. However, now, he had turned the tables again. Wen Chao enjoyed listening to his pleading voice, “It won’t hurt. Here, let me touch him… You might not like how slow he is, but you shouldn’t challenge his limits. His cultivation level is extremely high. My father has said many times that he is a rare talent. I still hope to use him for a few more years.”

Wang LingJiao was unconvinced, “So what… So what if he’s talented? There are so many renowned cultivators, so many talents under Sect Leader Wen, at least thousands. What could happen if he leaves?”

He hinted to Wen Chao to punish Wen ZhuLiu to make Wen ZhuLiu feel better. Wen Chao chuckled. Although he loved Wang LingJiao dearly, he wouldn’t punish his personal bodyguard for a woman. After all, Wen ZhuLiu had foiled many assassination attempts for him. He also didn’t talk much. With such tight lips, he definitely wouldn’t betray his father, which meant he definitely wouldn’t betray him. Such a strong yet loyal bodyguard was truly rare. 

Seeing that he didn’t seem too worried, Wang LingJiao added, “Look at him. He’s clearly just your subordinate, yet he’s so arrogant. Back then, I wanted to slap that bitch Yu in the face, but he wouldn’t even let me. He’s already dead—it’s just a corpse! He looks down on me, so that means he looks down on you too, right?”

Jiang Cheng couldn’t hold on to the wall and fell. Wei WuXian quickly grabbed the back of his collar.

Both of their eyes were filled with tears. Tears streamed down their cheeks, wet the backs of their hands, and finally fell to the ground.

Wei WuXian remembered that this morning, when Jiang FengMian left, he had argued with Madam Yu. The last words exchanged between them were neither kind nor gentle. He wondered if they would ever have one last look at each other, if Jiang FengMian would have had the chance to say one more word to Madam Yu.

Wen Chao didn’t care about the matter, “That’s just his personality, a bit strange. The point is, it’s like ‘death for humiliation’. He was the one who killed him, so what’s the point of talking about such things?”

Wang LingJiao agreed, “Absolutely. What a hypocrite!”

Wen Chao was pleased to hear her agree with him. He laughed. Wang LingJiao boasted, “That bitch Yu, she deserved it. Back then, she forced him to marry her with the power of her sect. And in the end? What was the point of their marriage? He still didn’t like her. She’d been an abandoned wife for over ten years with everyone laughing behind her back. Even then, she didn’t know how to restrain herself and continued to act arrogantly. How it all turned out was indeed karma.”

Wen Chao, “Really? Her looks are quite good. Why doesn’t Jiang FengMian like her?”

As far as he knew, as long as a woman was beautiful, there was no reason for a man to dislike her. The ones who should be weeded out were those with average looks or those who wouldn’t let him sleep with her. Wang LingJiao replied, “It’s actually quite obvious when you think about it. That bitch Yu is extremely aggressive. She’s clearly a woman, but she’s always brandishing a whip and slapping people. She has no manners whatsoever. Jiang FengMian is already so burdened even after marrying her. He’s the most unlucky man ever.”

Wen Chao, “That’s right! Women, they should all be like my JiaoJiao, obedient and gentle, caring about no one but me.”

Wang LingJiao giggled. Hearing those unbearable vulgar words, Wei WuXian felt both sad and angry, his entire body shivering. He was afraid Jiang Cheng would explode, but perhaps because of the deep sorrow, he was so motionless that he seemed to have fainted. Wang LingJiao said softly, “Of course I don’t care about anyone but you… Who else could I care about?”

Suddenly, another voice interrupted, “Young Master Wen! The entire house has been searched. Over 2,400 treasures have been counted. They are all being categorized.”

It belongs to Lotus Pier, it belongs to Jiang Sect!

Wen Chao laughed, “That’s great! At a time like this, we should celebrate with great fanfare. How about we have a party here tonight? Let’s make the most of it!”

Wang LingJiao said in a soft voice, “Young Master Wen, congratulations on your move to Lotus Pier.”

Wen Chao, “Which Lotus Pier? Change its name. Take down any doors carved with the nine-petal lotus symbol and replace them with the QishanWen Sect’s sun symbol! JiaoJiao, come dance for me your best song!”

Wei WuXian and Jiang Cheng couldn’t bear to listen any longer. They jumped down from the wall. Staggering, they exited Lotus Pier. Even after running for a while, the laughter of the audience on the training ground remained unabated. A woman’s flirtatious voice sang happily above Lotus Pier. Like a knife coated in poison, the sound cut into their ears and hearts repeatedly.

They had run for over a mile before Jiang Cheng suddenly stopped.

Wei WuXian also stopped. As Jiang Cheng turned around, Wei WuXian grabbed him, “Jiang Cheng, what are you doing?! Don’t go back there!”

Jiang Cheng slapped her hand away, “Don’t go back there?! Seriously? You’re telling me I can’t go back there? My parents’ bodies are still at Lotus Pier—can I just leave like that? Where can I go if I don’t go back?!”

Wei WuXian’s grip tightened, “What can you do if you go back now? They even killed Uncle Jiang and Madam Yu. All that awaits you is death!”

Jiang Cheng shouted, “Then just die! If you’re afraid of death, then leave—don’t get in my way!”

Wei WuXian lunged at him, “Revenge is never too late. We have to bring back the bodies, but not now!”

Jiang Cheng dodged to the side before attacking, “When is it not now? I’ve had enough of you—leave now!”

Wei WuXian shouted, “Uncle Jiang and Lady Yu asked me to take care of you, so that you will be healthy!”

“Shut up!” Jiang Cheng pushed him hard, shouting, “Why?!”

Wei WuXian was pushed into the bushes. Jiang Cheng fell to the ground. He grabbed Wei WuXian by the collar and shook him, “Why?! Why?! Why?! Are you happy?! Are you satisfied?!”

He grabbed Wei WuXian by the neck with red eyes, “Why did you save Lan WangJi?!”

Under his grief and anger, Jiang Cheng lost his mind. He couldn’t control the force he was using at all. Wei WuXian grabbed his wrist, “Jiang Cheng…”

Holding him down on the ground, Jiang Cheng continued to roar, “Why did you save Lan WangJi?! Why did you have to talk?! How many times have I told you not to cause trouble! Don’t attack! Do you really want to play the hero?! Do you see what happens when you play the hero?! Huh?! Are you happy now?!

Lan Wangji, Jin Zixuan, and those people can just die! Just let them die! What does their death have to do with us?! What does it have to do with our sect?! Why did this have to happen?! Why?!

“Die, die, die! Everyone!!!”

Wei WuXian’s face turned red. He shouted, “Jiang Cheng!!!”

The hands around his neck suddenly loosened.

Jiang Cheng glared at him sharply. Tears streamed down his cheeks. His throat emitted a dying human scream, a pained sob.

She spoke while crying, “… I want my parents, my parents…”

He asked Wei WuXian for his father and mother. But no matter who he asked, he couldn’t get them back.

Wei WuXian also cried. The two of them sat weakly in the grass, watching each other cry.

In his heart, Jiang Cheng knew very well that in the Xuanwu Cave of Slaughter on Dusk River Mountain, even if Wei WuXian hadn’t saved Lan WangJi, the Wen Sect would have found an excuse to come sooner or later. However, he always felt that, if everything that happened to Wei WuXian hadn’t happened, perhaps it wouldn’t have happened so quickly, perhaps there would have been a way to turn the tables.

It was this torturous thought that filled his heart with hatred and rage. Unable to vent their anger, they sliced ​​open his insides.

When the day began to lighten, Jiang Cheng was almost numb.

Throughout the night, he somehow managed to fall asleep several times. The first reason was that he was so exhausted from crying that he couldn’t stop himself from passing out. The second reason was that he still hoped this was just a nightmare. He couldn’t wait to wake up after a short rest and opened his eyes, finding himself lying in his room at Lotus Pier. His father would definitely be cleaning his sword in the main hall. His mother would definitely be angry again and complain, scolding Wei WuXian for blinking his eyes in a strange way. His younger brother would definitely be in the kitchen, thinking hard about what to cook today. His junior brother would definitely refuse to attend their morning lessons properly and jump up and down.

Not waking up in the middle of a thicket of weeds with his head almost exploding, after a cold, windy night, and finding himself still curled up behind a small, barren hill.

The first person to move was Wei WuXian.

With his hands on his legs, he managed to stand. He spoke hoarsely, “Let’s go.”

Jiang Cheng didn’t move at all. Wei WuXian pulled him and repeated, “Let’s go.”

Jiang Cheng, “…Where are you going?”

His throat was also dry. Wei WuXian replied, “To the MeishanYu Sect. To look for shijie.”

Jiang Cheng waved his outstretched hand. A moment later, he finally sat up on his own and slowly rose to his feet.

The two of them set off for Meishan on foot.

Throughout the journey, the two of them used all their remaining energy. Their footsteps felt heavy, as if they were carrying thousands of pounds.

Jiang Cheng’s head was always bowed. He held Zidian to his chest, where his heart was, repeatedly feeling for his only remaining family member. He also frequently glanced back at Lotus Pier, gazing at the place that had once been his home, now a den of demons. Time and again, he felt insatiable, as if he had never lost that last glimmer of hope. Yet, the tears in his eyes were unstoppable.

They fled in a hurry, without bringing any provisions. From yesterday until today, they had also exhausted a lot of energy. After walking for half a day, the two of them began to feel dizzy. They left the barren fields and headed towards a small town. Wei WuXian looked at Jiang Cheng. Seeing how tired and reluctant he was, he said, “You sit down. I’ll go get something to eat.”

Jiang Cheng didn’t answer or nod. On the way here, he only said a few words to Wei WuXian.

Wei WuXian had repeatedly warned her not to move before finally leaving. He often tucked the remaining money into the corners of his clothes, and now it was useful—at least he had money to buy things. As he walked, he bought a lot of food, especially dried food, to eat on the way. In less than thirty minutes, he was back where they had parted.

However, Jiang Cheng was gone.

Holding the steamed buns, flatbreads, and fruit in his hands, Wei WuXian felt his heart pounding. He forced himself to calm down. Even after searching the surrounding streets, he still couldn’t find Jiang Cheng. He finally began to panic. Grabbing the cobbler beside him, he asked, “Sir, there’s a young master about my age sitting here. Did you see where he went?”

The cobbler licked the end of the thick thread, “The one with you?”

Wei WuXian, “Ya!”

The cobbler said, “I was working on something, so I didn’t really see. But he kept daydreaming, staring at the people on the street. Then when I looked up again, he had suddenly disappeared. Maybe he’s already gone.”

Wei WuXian muttered, “… He left… He left…”

He might have gone to Lotus Pier to steal the bodies!

As if he had gone crazy, Wei WuXian immediately ran towards their original direction.

He held the food he had just bought, its weight slowing him down. Moments later, he abandoned it. However, after running a considerable distance, he began to feel faint and weak, compounded by his panic. When his legs gave out, he fell to the ground.

As he collapsed, his face sank to the ground. He could taste the dirt in his mouth.

A mixture of hatred and helplessness welled up in Wei WuXian’s chest. He slammed his fists hard into the ground and screamed before finally crawling up. He turned and ran in the other direction. After picking up one of the fallen steamed buns, he wiped it on his clothes before devouring it in a few bites. He chewed as if he were tearing meat with his teeth. As he swallowed, he felt a lump in his throat, creating a dull ache. He grabbed a few more buns and stuffed them into his collar. Holding one in his hand, he ate as he ran, hoping to stop Jiang Cheng midway.

However, even when he arrived at Lotus Pier, when the moon and stars were shining in the night sky, he still had not seen Jiang Cheng along the way.

Wei WuXian stared at the brightly lit Lotus Pier in the distance. With his hands on his knees, he panted uncontrollably. The taste of blood crept up his chest and throat, a taste that only comes after running for so long. His mouth tasted rusty, and he felt his vision go black.

She thought,  Why can’t I catch up to Jiang Cheng? Even after eating, this is the fastest I can run. He’s more tired than I am and he’s going through something worse. How could he possibly outrun me? Is he really going back to Lotus Pier? But if he’s not coming back here, where is he going? Going to Meishan alone without me?

After resting for a while, he still decided to go to Lotus Pier to check it out first. Walking along the walls, a voice rang in Wei WuXian’s heart, praying in an almost desperate tone, ”  This time, please don’t let anyone talk about Jiang Cheng’s corpse on the training grounds. Or else, or I’ll…”

Or?

Or what can it do?

He couldn’t do anything. He was helpless. Lotus Pier was destroyed, Jiang FengMian and Lady Yu were gone, and Jiang Cheng had disappeared. He was the only one left, alone, without even a sword in his hand. He knew nothing, he could do nothing!

For the first time, he realized how small his power was. In the face of something as vast as the QishanWen Sect, his power was like a praying mantis trying to stop a chariot.

Wei WuXian’s eyes felt so warm that he almost cried again. He turned around when, suddenly, a shadowy figure cloaked in sun and fire walked toward him.

With lightning speed, Wei WuXian managed to restrain the person.

His left hand gripped both of the men’s arms, while his right hand gripped their necks. In a low voice, he threatened in the most vicious tone he could muster, “Don’t make a sound! Or I’ll break your neck right now!”

Held tightly by him, the person rushed over, “Young Master Wei, s-me!”

A boy’s voice. Hearing this, Wei WuXian’s first reaction was,  Could it be someone I know, wearing the Wen Sect’s robes to spy on them?

However, the voice was completely unfamiliar. He immediately dismissed the thought and tightened his grip, “Don’t mess around!”

The boy, “I… I’m not joking. Young Master Wei, y-you can see my face.”

Wei WuXian,  look at his face? Maybe he’s hiding something in his mouth and he’s ready to spit it out?

Remaining vigilant, he turned the man’s face. The boy’s face was delicate, and a youthful handsomeness enveloped him. He was the young master of the QishanWen Sect they had seen while peeking yesterday.

Wei WuXian was indifferent,  I don’t know him.

He turned the boy’s face around and continued to hold his neck, commanding in a low voice, “Who are you?!”

The boy looked a little disappointed, “I… I’m Wen Ning.”

Wei WuXian frowned, “Who is Wen Ning?”

However, silently, he thought,  Who cares who he is? He’s someone of rank anyway. With him in my hands, maybe I can make a trade!

Wen Ning spoke slowly, “I… A few years ago, during the Discussion Conference in Qishan, I… I… was shooting an arrow…”

Hearing how slow she was, Wei WuXian grew impatient. He grumbled, “What the hell?! Are you stuttering?!”

Wen Ning was so scared that she flinched in Wei WuXian’s arms, as if she wanted to curl herself into a ball with her arms around her head. She whispered, “Yes… Yes.”

Wei WuXian, “…”

Seeing how shy, pitiful, yet stuttering he was, Wei WuXian looked as if he finally remembered something,  The Discussion Conference at Qishan two years ago… The Discussion Conference… Shooting arrows… Ah, there really was someone like him!

Wei WuXian asked him, “You are… Wen… What Wen, the one who is good at archery?”

Wen Ning nodded quickly, beaming, “I-it’s me! Yesterday… I saw you, Young Master Wei, with Young Master Jiang, so I thought you might be back again…”

Wei WuXian, “You saw me yesterday?”

Wen Ning, “I did.”

Wei WuXian, “You saw me but you didn’t tell anyone?”

Wen Ning, “I don’t want to! I won’t tell anyone!”

This was a rare sentence where he didn’t stutter. Furthermore, his tone was so firm that it sounded like he was swearing. Wei WuXian was torn between shock and doubt. Wen Ning added, “Young Master Wei, you’re here to look for Young Master Jiang, right?”

Wei WuXian, “Is Jiang Cheng in there?!”

Wen Ning replied obediently, “He is…”

Hearing this, Wei WuXian’s mind immediately reeled. Since Jiang Cheng is inside, it seems I have to go to Lotus Pier. How? Take Wen Ning hostage? That won’t work. Wen Chao most likely doesn’t like Wen Ning. What if there’s no point in holding him hostage?! And is he really lying or not? Isn’t he someone from the Wen Sect? But yesterday he actually saw us and didn’t tell on me. If I let him go, will he betray me as quickly as he can? How could there be such a good person among the Wen dogs??? To ensure my safety, I can only…

Killing intent radiated from Wei WuXian’s face.

He had never been bloodthirsty. However, after his sect was destroyed, anger and hatred had been building up inside him for the past few days. This extreme situation prevented him from doing anything good. If his right hand were to clench, he could snap Wen Ning’s neck in half at once!

While he was thinking, Wen Ning said, “Young Master Wei, are you here to save Young Master Jiang?”

Wei WuXian’s fingers curled slightly. He spoke in a cold voice, “What do you think?”

For some reason, Wen Ning smiled nervously, “I knew it. I… I can help you get him out of there.”

For a moment, Wei WuXian thought he had heard wrong. He was shocked, “… You? You’re going to help me get it out?!”

Wen Ning, “Yes. R-right now, I can finish him off very quickly. Wen Chao and the others just happen to be out!”

Wei WuXian gripped him tightly, “You really can?!”

Wen Ning, “I can! I-I’m also a disciple of the Wen Sect. There’s also a group of disciples who follow my orders.”

Wei WuXian’s voice sounded stern, “Following your orders? Following your orders and killing people?”

Wen Ning rushed over, “N-N-No! My disciples never kill people indiscriminately. I didn’t kill any of the Jiang Sect’s people either. I only rushed here after hearing something happened at Lotus Pier. It’s true!”

Wei WuXian stared at him.  What exactly does he want? Is he lying? Is he being insincere? But this lie is ridiculous! Does he think I’m stupid?!

The scary thing was that the overwhelming joy actually grew from somewhere deep within him.

He scolded himself loudly in silence—he was stupid, useless, ridiculous, strange, inconceivable. However, he was alone, without a sword or any tools, and behind the wall were thousands of Wen Sect cultivators, probably Wen ZhuLie as well.

He wasn’t afraid of death. He was only afraid that after he died, he wouldn’t be able to save Jiang Cheng and would betray the trust left by Jiang FengMian and Madam Yu. Under such circumstances, the only one he could rely on was someone from the Wen Sect whom he had only met three times!

Wei WuXian licked his chapped lips, speaking in a dry voice, “…Then… can you… can you help me… retrieve the bodies of Sect Leader Jiang and Lady Yu…”

Without realizing it, he also began to stutter. Before he could finish, he remembered that he was still holding Wen Ning in a threatening position. He quickly let go, but he still left a way out. If Wen Ning started running or screaming the moment he let go, he would immediately split Wen Ning’s skull open. However, Wen Ning simply turned around, his voice solemn, “I… I’ll do my best.”

Wei WuXian waited, somewhat confused. He walked in the same place, thinking,  What’s wrong with me? Am I crazy? Why would Wen Ning help me? Why should I trust him? What if he’s lying to me and Jiang Cheng isn’t in there? No, it’s a relief that Jiang Cheng isn’t in there!

Before half an hour had passed, with someone on his back, Wen Ning actually walked out silently.

The man was covered in blood. His face was pale and his eyes were closed, motionless on Wen Ning’s back. It was indeed Jiang Cheng.

Wei WuXian berbisik, “Jiang Cheng?! Jiang Cheng?!”

He held out his hand. Jiang Cheng was still breathing. Wen Ning reached out toward Wei WuXian and placed something in his palm. “Young Master Jiang, Zidian. I brought it.”

Wei WuXian didn’t know what else to say. Remembering the intention to kill Wen Ning that had just crossed his mind, he said hesitantly, “… Thank you.”

Wen Ning, “Each… The bodies of Mr. Jiang and Mrs. Jiang, I have already asked people to move them. I will leave it to you later. T-This is not a good place to live. First of all…”

Without another word, Wei WuXian picked Jiang Cheng up, wanting to carry him himself. However, with just a glance, he saw the bloody whip wrapped around Jiang Cheng’s chest.

Wei WuXian, “Cambuk disiplin?!”

Wen Ning, “Mhm. Wen Chao, he got the Jiang Sect’s disciplinary whip… Young Master Jiang must be hurt too.”

Wei WuXian only felt around a few times. At least three of Jiang Cheng’s ribs were broken. He didn’t know how many more injuries he couldn’t see. Wen Ning continued, “Once Wen Chao returns and finds this, he’ll definitely start searching for you throughout Yunmeng… Young Master Wen, if you trust me, I can take you to a safe hiding place first.”

Jiang Cheng was currently seriously injured. He desperately needed medicine and rest, so they couldn’t just run around like before, not knowing when they would eat again. The situation they were in was practically impossible. They couldn’t go anywhere. Besides relying on Wen Ning for support, Wei WuXian couldn’t think of any other solution!

The day before, he certainly hadn’t imagined that he and Jiang Cheng would need the help of a Wen Sect disciple to escape, and that they might even die for refusing to surrender. However, at that moment, Wei WuXian could only say, “Thank you!”

Wei Ning waved his hand, “No… No need. Young Master Wei, this way please. I have a boat…”

Carrying Jiang Cheng, Wei WuXian found the boat Wen Ning had hidden him in earlier and placed him inside. Wen Ning first cleaned Jiang Cheng’s wounds and applied bandages and ointment. Seeing Jiang Cheng’s familiar movements, Wei WuXian couldn’t help but recall the events of the Qishan Discussion Conference.

The Discussion Conference was the year when Lan WangJi, Lan XiChen, Jin ZiXuan, and he were ranked the top four in archery.

That day, before the archery competition began, he was walking alone in Nightless City. As he strolled, he passed a small park and suddenly heard the sound of a bowstring vibrating ahead.

Wei WuXian swept away the leaves and branches. He saw a boy standing there, wearing a soft white cloth. He pulled the bow towards the target in front of him and released it.

The boy’s face looked quite handsome. His drawing posture was both standard and beautiful. On the target, a feathered arrow had a thick red center. This arrow also hit the target’s center.

Nothing comes out of the center.

Wei WuXian berseru, “Bravo!”

After the boy shot an arrow, he took out a new one from the quiver behind him. With his head lowered, he was about to nock it to his bow when he suddenly heard an unfamiliar voice from beside him. Startled, his hand trembled, and the arrow fell to the ground. Wei WuXian walked out from behind the garden, grinning, “Which young master of the Wen Sect are you? My, my, beautiful, your shooting is amazing. I’ve never seen anyone from your sect so good…”

Before he could finish, the boy had disappeared, leaving his bow and arrows behind.

Wei WuXian fell silent. He touched his chin, “  Am I really that charming? So charming that I scare her?”

He didn’t take it seriously either. He just thought he’d seen something cool when he returned to the plaza. The competition was about to begin. There was a lot of commotion on the Wen Sect’s side. Wei WuXian asked Jiang Cheng, “Why are they making such a fuss about their Discussion Conference? They have something going on every day. What’s going on today?”

Jiang Cheng, “What do you think? Space is limited. They’re fighting to get into the arena.” After a pause, he continued in a disdainful tone, “This Wen Sect’s archery skills… are just as bad. Wouldn’t the result be the same no matter who participates? What difference does it make if it’s just fighting?”

Wen Chao shouted from the side, “One more! One more, we’re still one short! The last one!”

In the crowd beside him, the boy in white was also there. Looking left and right, he finally raised his hand. However, it wasn’t high enough. He also didn’t dare shout his name like the others. After a while of pushing and shoving, someone finally noticed him and muttered, “QiongLin? You want to come too?”

The boy called ‘QiongLin’ nodded. The others laughed, “I haven’t even seen you draw a bow yet. Why do you want to come along?! Don’t waste this space.”

Wen QiongLin looked like he wanted to protest to himself. The man said, “Alright, alright. Don’t be so curious. Your rank is already recorded. If you go up there and lose face, it’s none of my concern.”

Wei WuXian,  have you lost face? If anyone in the QishanWen Sect can find face for all of you, it’s him.

The mocking tone in the man’s voice was casual. Wei WuXian looked displeased. He raised his voice, “Who says he’s never held a bow before? He has, and his archery is quite good!”

Everyone stared at him, somewhat surprised. They then turned to the boy. Wen QiongLin’s face was originally rather pale. With everyone’s gaze focused on him, his face immediately turned red. His pitch-black eyes stared at Wei WuXian. Wei WuXian walked over, his hands behind his back. “Weren’t you fine in the garden back then?”

Wen Chao also turned around, doubtful, “Really? You? Good at archery? How come I’ve never heard of this?”

Wen QiongLin’s voice was low, “… I… I only started practicing recently…”

His voice wasn’t just low, it was also shocking. It sounded like it could stop at any moment, and indeed it did stop frequently. Wen Chao interrupted impatiently, “Okay, there’s a target over there. Hurry up and shoot an arrow for us to see. If it’s good, go; if it’s not good, don’t.”

The area around Wen QiongLin instantly became empty. His hand gripping the arrow tightened as he looked around, as if searching for help. Seeing his lack of confidence, Wei WuXian patted his shoulder, “Don’t worry. Just do what you did before.”

Wen QiongLin looked at him gratefully. Taking a deep breath, he drew his bow.

Unfortunately, as he drew the bow, Wei WuXian shook his head silently,  Uh-oh.

Wen QiongLin had most likely never shot an arrow in front of others before. His arms trembled from his fingertips. The arrow shot out, missing even the target. The Wen Sect members watching from the sidelines laughed mockingly, “How can this be good?!”

“I can shoot better than this with my eyes closed.”

“Okay, okay, let’s not waste any time. Let’s quickly choose someone to enter the arena!”

Wen QiongLin’s face flushed red, reaching the base of his ears. He didn’t need anyone to call him out; he ran away shyly. Wei WuXian chased after him, “Hey, don’t run! Uh… QiongLin-xiong, right? Why are you running?”

Hearing his name called from behind, Wen QiongLin finally stopped. With his head bowed, he turned around. Shame seemed to spread from head to toe as he stammered, “…Sorry.”

Wei WuXian pondered, “Why are you apologizing to me?”

Wen QiongLin replied guiltily, “You… You recommended me… but I made you lose face…”

Wei WuXian, “Why are you making me so embarrassed? You’ve never actually shot in front of other people, right? Are you nervous?”

Wen QiongLin nodded. Wei WuXian continued, “Trust me. Honestly—you’re a better archer than anyone in your sect. Of all the disciples I’ve ever seen, only three are better archers than you.”

Jiang Cheng approached, “What are you doing this time? Three what?”

Wei WuXian pointed at him, “This one, for example, he’s not as good as you.”

Jiang Cheng raged, “Do you want to die?!”

Wei WuXian was struck by his attack. With an unchanging expression, he continued, “Really? Honestly, there’s nothing to worry about. You’ll get used to it after practicing a few times in front of others. Next time, you’ll definitely impress everyone.”

Wen QiongLin was perhaps one of the most distant disciples of the Wen Clan lineage. His status wasn’t high or low, but his personality was timid. He didn’t dare to do anything, even his speech was halting. Through much practice, he finally mustered the courage to participate in the competition, but he was too nervous to participate. If he didn’t receive proper guidance, he might have hidden himself even more and never dared to appear in front of others again. Wei WuXian encouraged him several times and touched on several areas of his development, correcting some minor issues he encountered while practicing shooting in the garden. Wen QiongLin listened so intently that he didn’t even look away, nodding uncontrollably. 

Jiang Cheng, “Where do you get all that nonsense? The competition is about to start. Get in the arena now!”

Wei WuXian spoke to Wen QiongLin in a serious tone, “I’m going to the competition now. Later, you can see how I shoot in the arena…”

Jiang Cheng dragged her away, running out of patience. He spat as he dragged her, “See how you take pictures? Do you think you’re a model or something?!”

Wei WuXian thought for a moment before answering, “Yes. Isn’t that right?”

“Wei WuXian! I’ve never seen anyone as shameless as you!”

…

As Wei WuXian remembered this, his gaze shifted from Wen Ning to Jiang Cheng, whose body was covered in blood and whose eyes were tightly shut. His fingers couldn’t help but clench into fists.

They first traveled by water and along the river. Once on land, they boarded a horse-drawn carriage that Wen Ning had prepared. The second day, they arrived in Yiling.