Chapter 72: Carelessness—Part One

To install Menara Koi.

Side by side, Lan XiChen and Lan WangJi walked along the endless waves of Sparks Amidst Snow.

With a twist of his wrist, Lan XiChen caressed one of the snow-colored flowers, its petals in full bloom. His movement was so gentle that not a single drop of dew fell. He said, “WangJi, is something bothering you? Why are you so tense?” 

Of course, in most people’s eyes, that ‘tension’ might seem no different from Lan WangJi’s other expressions.

Lan WangJi’s brows furrowed as he shook his head. A moment later, he replied in a low voice, “Brother, I want to bring someone back to the Cloud Recesses.”

Lan XiChen was surprised, “Bring someone back to the Cloud Recesses?”

Lan WangJi nodded, his expression pensive. After a pause, he continued, “Take  him  back… and hide him somewhere.”

Lan XiChen’s eyes immediately widened.

Since their mother’s death, his younger brother had gradually become more withdrawn. Besides hunting at night, he locked himself in his room all day, reading, meditating, practicing calligraphy, playing the guqin, and cultivating his cultivation. He never spoke much to anyone except himself, his older brother. However, this was the first time such words had escaped his lips.

Lan XiChen, “Hide him somewhere?”

Lan WangJi frowned slightly. He began again, “But he doesn’t want to.”

Suddenly, a chorus of chatter could be heard from ahead of them. Someone spat, “Is this a path for someone like you to walk? Who let you wander around?”

A young voice replied, “Sorry. I…”

Hearing this, Lan XiChen and Lan WangJi looked up simultaneously. Beside the wall relief stood two men. The man who had just scolded someone was Jin ZiXun, followed by several servants and cultivators. The man being scolded was a young man dressed in white. When the man saw Lan XiChen and Lan WangJi, his face immediately turned pale. He couldn’t even continue what he wanted to say. While Jin ZiXun maintained his arrogant facade, Jin GuangYao arrived just in time to save him.

He approached the man in white, “The way around Koi Tower is a bit tricky. Young Master Su, it’s not your fault you got lost. You can come with me.”

Seeing them appear, Jin Zixun sneered and walked around them. However, the man in white hesitated, “You know me?”

Jin GuangYao smiled, “Of course. Why not? Haven’t we met before? Young Master Su, Su MinShan, your swordsmanship is quite impressive. Ever since the Phoenix Mountain hunt, I’ve been thinking about how unfortunate it would be if such a young talent didn’t join our sect. But in the end, he’s joined. I’m overjoyed. This way, please?”

There were many cultivators seeking help by going to the LanlingJin Sect like Su She had. He hadn’t thought many would recognize him, having never expected Jin GuangYao to remember him so clearly, even to the point of praising him, after just one brief encounter. Su She instantly felt a sense of relief. He stopped staring at the Lan brothers and followed Jin GuangYao away, afraid that they would mock or point fingers at him.

In the Hall of Glamor, Lan XiChen and Lan WangJi sat side by side. In the hall, it seemed inappropriate to continue their current discussion. Lan WangJi had returned to his usual cold and frosty demeanor. The GusuLan Sect was renowned for its strict adherence to alcohol. At Jin GuangYao’s arrangement, there were no glasses of liquor on the table for the two of them. There were only cups of tea and a few delicious, fresh dishes. No one came to offer them a toast, so everything was quiet.

Unfortunately, just as the calm was beginning to settle, a man in Sparks Amidst Snow robes suddenly approached them, each holding a glass of liquor, “Sect Leader Lan, HanGuang-Jun, a toast to each of you!”

It was Jin ZiXun, who had been toasting everyone for a while. Jin GuangYao knew that neither Lan XiChen nor Lan WangJi liked liquor, so he hurried over, “ZiXuan, ZeWu-Jun and HanGuang-Jun grew up in the Cloud Recesses. There are over three thousand rules on their stone walls. Instead of asking them to drink, why don’t you…”

Jin ZiXun glared at Jin GuangYao with hatred. He felt that his background was lowly and he was ashamed to be part of the same clan. He interjected, “The Jin Sect and the Lan Sect have always been like one family. We are all equal. My two Lan brothers, if you don’t drink this, you’ll be looking down on me!”

In addition, some of his followers praised, “What a brave act!”

“That’s how a respectable cultivator should act!”

Jin GuangYao continued to smile, though he sighed softly as he rubbed his temples. Lan XiChen stood up, wanting to politely decline the offer. Jin ZiXun continued to pester, turning to Lan XiChen, “Don’t talk. Sect Leader Lan, our two sects are not strangers. Don’t treat me like you would a stranger! Just tell me one thing—are you drinking this or not?”

Jin GuangYao’s smile began to twitch. He glanced at Lan XiChen, his eyes filled with apology. He tried to speak gently, “After this, they’ll be returning with their swords. Drinking might affect…”

Jin Zixun didn’t mind, “They won’t get drunk with just a few glasses. Even if I drink eight big bowls, I can still fly!”

A wave of cheers erupted from all around them. Lan Wangji remained seated, staring coldly at the glass of liquor Jin Zixun had forced before him. He appeared to be about to speak when a hand suddenly snatched it away.

Lan WangJi froze in shock, his furrowed brows immediately unraveling. He looked up.

The first thing that caught his eye was a black robe. A flute hung from his waist, blood-colored tassels dangling from one end. The person who came stood with his hands behind his back. Lifting his head, he downed the liquor and showed Jin Zixun the empty bottom. “I drank it for him. Are you satisfied?”

Laughter filled his eyes and his words. His handsome face accentuated his slender body.

Lan XiChen, “Tuan Muda Wei.”

Someone called out in a low voice, “When is he coming?!”

Wei WuXian put down his cup. With one hand, he adjusted his collar, “Just now.”

Just now? But, just now, it was clear no one had even noticed the room, let alone greeted him. While surprising, it was true that no one had noticed when he had managed to sneak into the Glamour Hall. The crowd couldn’t help but shudder in disgust at the sheer power of his abilities. 

Jin GuangYao reacted immediately, his enthusiasm still warm, “I didn’t know Young Master Wei was coming to Koi Tower. My lack of welcome is my fault. Would you like to sit? Oh, yes—do you have an invitation?”

Wei WuXian didn’t beat around the bush either, getting straight to the point, “No, thank you. I don’t want to.” He nodded slightly at Jin ZiXun, “Young Master Jin, may I speak to you for a moment?”

Jin ZiXun, “If you have anything to say, come after our meal is over.”

In truth, he didn’t want to talk to Wei WuXian at all. Wei WuXian could see this, too, “How long do I have to wait?”

Jin ZiXun, “Probably about six to eight hours. Or maybe ten to twelve hours. Or until tomorrow.”

Wei WuXian, “I’m afraid I can’t wait that long.”

Jin ZiXun’s voice sounded arrogant, “You have to wait even if you can’t.”

Jin GuangYao, “Young Master Wei, what do you need ZiXun for? Is it an urgent matter?”

Wei WuXian, “It is indeed urgent. There can be no delay.”

Jin Zixun turned to Lan Xichen, holding up the other cup, “Sect Leader Lan, here, here. You haven’t drunk this cup yet!”

Seeing him deliberately stalling for time, a dark cloud crossed his face. He narrowed his eyes, the corners of his lips curling up, “Alright. Then I’ll leave it at that. Young Master Jin, have you ever heard of someone named Wen Ning?”

Jin ZiXun, “Wen Ning? Belum.”

Wei WuXian, “You must remember him. Last month, while you were night hunting in the Ganquan area, you chased the eight-winged bat king to the gathering place, or detention camp, of the Wen Sect’s remnants and brought a group of Wen Sect disciples. The one leading was him.”

After the Sunshot Campaign, the QishanWen Sect was destroyed. Its expanded territory was divided among the other sects. The Ganquan region was handed over to the LanlingJin Sect. The remnants of the Wen Sect were herded into a small corner of Qishan, less than a thousandth of the territory it once held. They crowded into the space and struggled for survival.

Jin ZiXun, “I don’t remember, I mean I don’t remember. I’m not lazy to remember Wen’s dog’s name.”

Wei WuXian, “Alright. I don’t mind explaining it in more detail. You didn’t manage to capture the bat king and happened to run into some Wen Sect disciples who were investigating the same thing. So, you threatened them with bringing a spirit-attracting flag as bait. They didn’t dare to do so. One person stepped out and tried to reason with you. That’s the Wen Ning I was talking about. After a while, the bat king escaped. You beat up the Wen cultivators, took them away by force, and the group disappeared. Need I explain in more detail? They still haven’t returned. Besides you, I don’t know who else I can ask.”

Jin ZiXun, “Wei WuXian, what do you mean? You came for him? You’re not defending Wen-dog, are you?”

Wei WuXian grinned widely, “Since when is it any of your business whether I defend him or behead him? Just leave him to me!”

At the last sentence, the smirk on his face vanished. His tone turned cold. It was clear he had lost his patience. Many people in Glamour Hall shivered in fear. Jin ZiXun also felt his scalp tingle. However, his anger soon soared. He shouted, “Wei WuXian, you’re too bold! Did the LanlingJin Sect invite you today? And you dare to act so rashly here. Do you really think you’re invincible, that no one dares to stand up against you? Do you want to overturn the heavens?”

Wei WuXian smiled, “You’re comparing yourself to Heaven? Excuse my language, but your face is a bit too thick, huh?”

Although Jin Zixun had already begun to regard the Lanlingjin Sect as a new paradise in his heart, he also knew that his words were too rash. His cheeks flushed slightly. Just as he was about to rebut, Jin Guangshan, who was sitting in the front seat, spoke up.

His voice was gentle, “It’s nothing too important anyway. Young people, why get so worked up? But, Young Master Wei, I must be fair. Barging in while the LanlingJin Sect is holding a private banquet is simply inappropriate.”

It was impossible to say that Jin GuangShan didn’t care about what happened on Phoenix Mountain. That was why he only smiled when Jin ZiXun fought with Wei WuXian, but didn’t stop him, and only spoke up when Jin ZiXun was at a disadvantage.

Wei WuXian nodded, “Sect Leader Jin, I never intended to interrupt your private banquet. I apologize. However, the whereabouts of the people Young Master Jin brought are still unclear. A little delay might be too late. One of my group members saved me before. I definitely won’t stand idly by. Please don’t feel pressured. I’ll make it up to you later.”

Jin GuangShan, “Whatever the case, we should be able to wait a little longer. Come on, come on, you can sit down first. Let’s talk about this without rushing.”

Silently, Jin GuangYao prepared a new seat. Wei WuXian said, “Thank you, Sect Leader Jin, but I won’t be staying long. This matter cannot be delayed. Please resolve this as soon as possible.”

Jin GuangShan, “There’s no need to rush. If we discuss things one by one, there are indeed some matters between us that haven’t been resolved, matters that can’t be postponed. Since you’re here, how about we take this opportunity to resolve them as well?”

Wei WuXian raised his eyebrows, “Explain what?”

Jin GuangShan, “Young Master Wei, we’ve discussed this with you several times. You haven’t forgotten, have you? … During the Sunshot Campaign, you used a certain item.”

Wei WuXian, “Oh. You mentioned it before. Tiger Seal?”

Jin GuangShan, “It is said that the Stygian Tiger Seal was made from the sword iron you obtained in the Xuanwu Cave of Slaughter. You once used it on the battlefield. Its power was terrifying, even some of our cultivators were affected by its residual power…”

Wei WuXian interrupted, “Please get straight to the point.”

Jin GuangShan, “This is the point. In that battle, besides the Wen Sect, our side also suffered heavy losses. I think such a weapon is quite difficult to control. If it were in the hands of only one person, perhaps…”

Before he finished his words, Wei WuXian started laughing.

After laughing a few times, he continued, “Sect Leader Jin, let me ask you one more thing. Do you think that, since the QishanWen Sect has disbanded, the LanlingJin Sect has the right to replace it?”

Everything was quiet inside the Glamour Hall.

Wei WuXian added, “Everything has to be given to you? Everyone has to listen to you? Seeing how the LanlingJin Sect operates, I almost think it’s the QishanWen Sect’s empire all over again.”

Hearing this, a hint of embarrassed anger flashed across  Jin GuangYao’s square face. After the Sunshot Campaign, criticisms of Wei WuXian cultivating the ghost path that had once been hidden by the sects had begun to surface. He mentioned the Stygian Tiger Seal here with the intention of threatening Wei WuXian, reminding him that they still had something against him, that others were still watching him, and that he shouldn’t be so bold as to want to surpass the LanlingJin Sect. No one had expected Wei WuXian’s words to be so direct and harsh. Although he had long harbored the intention of succeeding the Wen Sect, no one had dared to express it so fearlessly, even to the point of mocking him. 

A visiting cultivator to his right shouted, “Wei WuXian! Watch your mouth!”

Wei WuXian, “Did I say something wrong? Forcing living people to be bait and beating them every time they refuse to obey—is this any different from what the QishanWen Sect does?”

Another visiting cultivator stood up, “Of course it’s different. Those Wen dogs did all sorts of evil. Their ending like that is simply karma. We’re simply paying back a tooth for a tooth, letting them reap the rewards of their own sowing. What’s wrong with that?”

Wei WuXian, “Take revenge on those who bit you. The Wen Ning branch doesn’t have much blood on their hands. Don’t tell me you think they’re guilty of being involved?”

Another person said, “Young Master Wei, don’t they have a lot of blood on their hands just because you say so? These are just your one-sided words. Where’s the proof?”

Wei WuXian, “You think they killed innocent people—isn’t that also your one-sided statement? Shouldn’t you be the first to show proof? Why are you asking me for proof instead?”

The man shook his head, the words ‘this person refuses to reason with me’ written all over his face. The others sneered, “Back then, when the Wen Sect massacred our people, it was thousands of times crueler than this! They didn’t treat us fairly and morally, so why should we treat them the same way?”

Wei WuXian grinned, “Oh. The Wen dogs committed all sorts of crimes, so anyone with the surname Wen can be killed? Isn’t that right? Many of the clans that defected from the Wen Sect are now quite prosperous, right? In this hall, aren’t there several sect leaders from clans that used to be under the Wen Sect’s protection?”

When the sect leaders realized that he recognized them, their expressions immediately changed. Wei WuXian continued, “Since anyone surnamed Wen can be used as a vent for anger at will, regardless of whether they are innocent or not, does that mean it’s okay if I kill them all now?”

Before he could finish his words, he placed his hand on Chenqing’s waist. Instantly, a flash of memory flashed through everyone’s minds, as if they were back on the battlefield where darkness turned into sky and corpses became mountains. Instantly, people stood up from the crowd. 

Lan WangJi lowered his voice, “Wei Ying!”

Jin GuangYao was the closest person to Wei WuXian, but he remained calm and spoke in a gentle voice, “Young Master Wei, please don’t overdo it. Everything is still open for discussion.”

Jin GuangShan stood up as well, his face filled with shock, anger, fear, and hatred, “Wei WuXian! Just because… Sect Leader Jiang isn’t here doesn’t mean you can be reckless!”

Wei WuXian’s voice was hoarse, “Do you think I wouldn’t be reckless if he were here? If I wanted to kill someone, who could stop me, and who would dare to stop me?!”

Lan WangJi spoke one by one, “Wei Ying, put Chenqing down.”

Wei WuXian stared at him. Behind those glass-like eyes, he saw his own terrifying reflection. He turned around and shouted, “Jin ZiXun!”

Jin GuangShan bergegas, “ZiXun!”

Wei WuXian, “Stop your nonsense. I’m sure everyone knows my patience is limited. Where is he? With so much time wasted on you, I give you three. Three!”

Jin ZiXun wanted to fight back, but when he saw Jin GuangShan’s face, his heart skipped a beat. Wei WuXian started again, “Two!”

Jin ZiXun finally shouted, “… Alright! Alright! It’s just a few Wen dogs. Take them if you want. I’m not messing with you anymore! Just go find them on Qiongqi Street!”

Wei WuXian laughed coldly, “If only you had said so earlier.”

He came like the wind and then left like the wind. When his silhouette finally disappeared, the storm above everyone’s heads finally subsided. Inside the Glamor Hall, most of those who were standing sat back down. Almost everyone was covered in cold sweat. On the other hand, Jin GuangShan, who had been standing blankly in his seat, finally lost his patience and kicked the table in front of him. All the gold and silver plates rolled down the stairs. 

Seeing her disappointment, Jin GuangShan wanted to defuse the situation, starting, “Fa-“

Before he could finish his sentence, Jin GuangShan had already left. Jin ZiXun also felt that by giving in, he had lost face in front of everyone. Furious and resentful, he wanted to leave. 

Jin GuangYao bergegas, “ZiXun!”

Jin ZiXun was at the peak of his rage. Without thinking, he threw the glass of liquor he had poured straight at Jin GuangYao’s chest. The liquor sprayed onto the Sparks Amidst Snow that were blooming vigorously on his white robes. It was beyond embarrassing, but due to the chaotic atmosphere in the hall, no one really paid any attention to the serious offense. 

Lan XiChen was the only one who called out, “Brother!”

Jin GuangYao, “I’m fine, I’m fine. Brother, please sit down.”

It was inappropriate for Lan XiChen to comment on Jin ZiXun, so he took out a snow-colored handkerchief and handed it to him, “Go rest and change your clothes.”

Jin GuangYao took the handkerchief, wiping it while forcing a smile, “I can’t leave, right?”

He was the only one left to clean up this mess. How could he leave the scene? He reassured the crowd while grumbling, utterly exhausted, “Young Master Wei is truly too impulsive. How could he speak like that in front of so many sects?”

Lan WangJi spoke coldly, “Was he wrong?”

Jin GuangYao paused almost imperceptibly. He immediately laughed, “Haha. Yes, he’s right. But since he’s right, he can’t say it in front of them, right?”

Lan XiChen looked thoughtful, “Young Master Wei’s heart has truly changed.”

Hearing this, pain flashed through a pair of bright eyes beneath Lan WangJi’s furrowed brows.

After leaving Koi Tower, Wei WuXian turned from corner to corner until he arrived at an alley. “I know where he is. Let’s go.”

Wen Qing was sitting in the alley, lost in thought. Hearing this, she immediately rushed out. Her body was still quite weak. Her head was spinning, and she felt her ankle twist before Wei WuXian supported her with one hand. He suggested, “Shall I take you somewhere to rest? It’s fine if I go alone. I’ll definitely bring Wen Ning home.”

Wen Qing immediately hugged him tightly, “No! No! I’m going, I have to go!”

After Wen Ning disappeared, she ran from Qishan to Yunmeng almost without rest. She hadn’t closed her eyes for days. When she saw Wei WuXian, she begged and pleaded as if she had gone mad. Now, with pale lips and a blank stare, she looked like a shadow. Seeing that Wen Ning couldn’t hold on any longer, and without time to eat slowly, she bought some steamed buns from a vendor to eat. Wen Qing knew she was almost at her limit and needed to eat. With disheveled hair and red eyes, she took a bite of the buns. Her appearance reminded Wei WuXian of himself and Jiang Cheng when they were on the run. 

He promised again, “It’s okay. I will definitely bring Wen Ning back.”

Wen Qing sobbed as she ate, “I know I shouldn’t have gone… But I had no choice. They forced me to go to another city. When I came back, Wen Ning and the whole group were gone! I knew I shouldn’t have left him alone!”

Wei WuXian, “He will be fine.”

Wen Qing was starting to despair, “She won’t! A-Ning has been a coward since she was little. She’s both cautious and fearful. She doesn’t even dare to hire someone with a quick temper to be her subordinate—they’re all like rats! She doesn’t know what to do in an emergency when I’m not around!”

When Wei WuXian, with Jiang Cheng on his back, bid farewell to Wen Qing, this is what he said, “No matter what the outcome of this campaign, from now on, we don’t owe each other anything anymore. Everything is settled.”

Wei WuXian could still picture her proud expression. However, last night, she refused to let go of his hand, almost kneeling in front of him as she begged, “Wei WuXian, Wei WuXian, Young Master Wei, please help me. I really can’t find anyone else to help me. You absolutely must help me find A-Ning! I have no other choice but you!”

There is no more pride left.

Qiongqi Pass is an ancient road that traverses a valley. According to legend, this is where the founder of the QishanWen Sect, Wen Mao, achieved fame in a single battle. Hundreds of years ago, he fought a divine beast for eighty-one days, ultimately taking his own life. The divine beast was Qiongqi, a chaotic divine beast known for punishing good and encouraging evil, devouring the faithful and righteous, and rewarding the wicked. Of course, it’s impossible to say for certain whether this legend is true or exaggerated by subsequent QishanWen Sect leaders.

Hundreds of years later, the valley has transformed from a dangerous crevice into a place of praise and tourism. After the Sunshot Campaign, the sects divided the territory once controlled by the QishanWen Sect, and Qiongqi Pass was taken over by the LanlingJin Sect. Originally, all the high walls of the valley were engraved with the life story of its founder, Wen Mao. Now that the LanlingJin Sect has taken over, they naturally cannot allow the QishanWen Sect’s glorious past to continue. The valley is currently undergoing reconstruction, meaning all the reliefs on both sides will be carved away and new ones will be added. Of course, eventually, the valley will be given a new name that will emphasize the heroism of the LanlingJin Sect.

Such a large-scale project would undoubtedly require a large number of workers. And, for these workers, there were naturally no better candidates than the Wen Sect’s prisoners of war, who had become stray dogs after the Sunshot Campaign.

By the time the two arrived at Qiongqi Pass, it was already nighttime. Behind the dark veil, cold raindrops fluttered in the air. Step by step, Wen Qing followed Wei WuXian closely, trembling as if she were cold not from the outside but from within. Wei WuXian had to help her every now and then. In front of the valley stood a row of huts built temporarily for prisoners of war to spend the night. Leading Wen Qing, Wei WuXian saw an old, hunched figure in the distance. Shrouded in the rain, the figure walked slowly, carrying a large flag. As the figure approached, it became clear that the person carrying the flag was an unsteady old woman. She was carrying a toddler who was only paying attention to the biting of his fingers, which were held together by some cloth. Old and young walked back and forth across the path. The old woman found the flag quite difficult to carry. She had to rest after walking a few steps, lowering it. 

Seeing this, Wen Qing shouted with red eyes, “Grandma! It’s me!”

The old woman probably couldn’t see or hear very well. She couldn’t recognize the person by sight or hearing. All she knew was that someone was approaching and shouting something at her. She hurriedly picked up the flag again, her face full of fear, as if she were afraid of being caught and scolded. 

Wen Qing ran over and snatched the flag from him, “What is this? What are you doing?”

A large sun, the symbol of the QishanWen Sect, was painted on the flag. However, a blood-red cross was emblazoned on it. The flag itself was also torn to pieces. From the end of the Sunshot Campaign until now, many people had been labeled as ‘leftover Wen dogs’. Various methods were used to torture them, even the euphemism ‘self-reflection’. Wei WuXian knew that it was most likely because he was too old and couldn’t work as a laborer like the others, so the leader here had devised such a method to torture him. He had to carry the tattered Wen Sect flag and walk around humiliating himself.

Startled, the old woman gasped at first. When she finally realized who it was, her jaw dropped. 

Wen Qing asked, “Grandma, where is A-Ning? Where are Fourth Uncle and the others? Where is A-Ning?!” 

The old woman looked at Wei WuXian who was standing next to her, and didn’t dare to say anything. She just stared towards the valley. Helplessly, Wen Qing ran over.

Torches were set up on both sides of the valley. The flames flickered occasionally through the faint raindrops, but their flames still illuminated hundreds of heavy silhouettes on the path.

The prisoners were all pale, their steps faltering. They were not allowed to use any spiritual powers or tools, not only because of the LanlingJin Sect’s precautions against them, but also because the punishment was to be severe. More than a dozen inspectors, carrying black umbrellas, rode through the rain on horseback, grumbling. Wen Qing hurried through the rain, her eyes frantically scanning every tired and dirty face. 

One of the inspectors noticed him, raised his hand and shouted, “Where did you come from? Who let you wander around here?”

Wen Qing urged, “I’m here to find someone, I’m here to find someone!”

The inspector approached, pulled something from his waistband and waved it, “I don’t care if you’re looking for someone or not—just leave! Otherwise…”

At that moment, he saw a man in a black robe walk up from behind the young woman. His tongue seemed to be numb, his voice fading.

The young man was handsome, but his gaze was somewhat cold. She couldn’t help but shiver under his gaze. Soon, she realized that the young man wasn’t staring at her, but at the iron he was brandishing.

The iron stamp on the inspector’s hand was the same as the one used by the QishanWen Sect servants, except that the top of the stamp had been changed from a sun symbol to a peony symbol.

As Wei WuXian noticed this, a cold light flashed in his eyes. Many of the inspectors recognized him. They slowly halted their horses, whispering to each other. No one dared to stop Wen Qing anymore, and she shouted as she searched, “A-Ning! A-Ning!”

No matter how quiet his voice was, no one answered. He hadn’t found any trace of his brother, even after searching the entire valley. If Wen Ning were here, he would have rushed over long ago. Silently, the inspectors dismounted. The entire group stared at Wei WuXian, as if hesitating whether to greet him or not. 

Wen Qing rushed over and asked, “Where are the Wen cultivators who were sent here a few days ago?”

The people looked at each other. After a while, a rather honest-looking inspector spoke in a friendly tone, “All the prisoners here are Wen Sect cultivators. New ones are sent here every day.”

Wen Qing, “That’s my little brother, sent here by Jin Zixun! He’s… about this tall. He doesn’t talk much, always stutters whenever he speaks…”

Inspector, “Hey, Miss, look. There are so many people here. How can we remember whether any of them stutter or not?”

Wen Qing stomped her feet anxiously, “I knew he would be here!”

The inspector was round and plump. He grinned apologetically, “Miss, don’t worry. Actually, other sects often come to us looking for cultivators. Perhaps someone else has taken him in the past few days? When we take roll call, we sometimes find someone who has also run away…”

Wen Qing, “He won’t run away! Grandma and the others are here. My brother won’t run away alone.”

Inspector: “Then, would you mind taking the time to look for him? Everyone is here. If you don’t find him, there’s nothing we can do.”

Suddenly Wei WuXian said, “Is everyone here?”

As he spoke, their faces froze for a moment. The inspector turned to him, “That’s right.”

Wei WuXian, “Alright. For now, let’s assume all living beings are here. Then, what about the others?”

Wen Qing’s figure swayed.

The ‘remainder’ when compared to the ‘living’ can only be interpreted as the ‘dead’.

The inspectors quickly replied, “That’s not the way to talk. Even though all the Wen cultivators are here, we would never dare do anything fatal.”

As if hearing nothing, Wei WuXian took out the flute at his waist. Several prisoners beside him, who were limping forward, shouted before throwing the heavy objects on their backs and fleeing. Within the valley, a large circle instantly formed, with him at the center. 

In truth, the captives didn’t recognize Wei WuXian’s face, as the Wen Sect cultivators who encountered Wei WuXian on the battlefield of the Sunshot Campaign only met one end—total annihilation. Therefore, most of the Wen Sect cultivators who recognized his face became the ferocious corpses in his army, which he had to lead. However, the flute made of dark wood, adorned with crimson tassels, and the black-clothed youth who wielded it had become their nightmare. 

From everywhere, people exclaimed, “It’s Chenqing’s ghost flute!”

Wei WuXian brought Chenqing to his lips. The clear sound of the flute first cut through the night sky and the curtain of rain with the force of an arrow. Soon after, its afterglow echoed throughout the valley. Just one note, and Wei WuXian returned Chenqing. He stood with his arms hanging down, a cold smirk on his lips, letting the raindrops wet his hair and clothes.

Shortly after, someone suddenly spoke, “What is that sound?”

A startled cry suddenly rang out from the edge of the crowd. Scrambling, people quickly cleared the area they had used to surround him. In that area stood crookedly a dozen or so ragged figures, tall and short, male and female. Some of them exuded the stench of rotting flesh. Standing at the front was Wen Ning, whose eyes were still open.

Her face was as pale as wax, and her pupils were dilated. The blood at the corners of her lips had dried and turned dark brown. Although her chest wasn’t rising or falling at all, it was clear that half of her ribs had collapsed. No one would have guessed she was still alive, but Wen Qing remained unyielding, feeling for her pulse with trembling hands.

After hugging him for a while, she finally broke down in tears.

She was both terrified and anxious, running like crazy, but she was still too late. She didn’t even get to see her brother one last time.

Wen Qing cried as she touched Wen Ning’s ribs, as if she wanted to put them back together. With vain hope, she clung to a possibility that didn’t exist. Her sweet face was distorted, becoming unsightly, even ugly. However, when someone is in the deepest sorrow, they can never cry gracefully.

In front of his younger brother’s stiff body, not a shred of the self-respect he had tried to maintain remained.

The shock Wen Qing received was too great. Finally, she couldn’t hold on any longer and fainted. Standing behind her, Wei WuXian caught her wordlessly, letting her lean against his chest. He closed his eyes, then opened them again a moment later, “Who killed her?”

His tone was both hot and cold. It seemed as if he wasn’t angry, but rather pondering something. The village chief inspector, thinking that he still had a chance, replied in a rebuttal tone, “Young Master Wei, you shouldn’t say that. We don’t dare kill anyone here. He was the one who was careless while working, fell off the valley wall, and died.”

Wei WuXian, “No one dares to kill a single person? Is that true?”

The inspectors swore in unison, “Of course!”

“None!”

Wei WuXian smiled, “Oh. I understand.”

Immediately after, he continued calmly, “That’s because they’re Wen’s dogs, and Wen’s dogs aren’t human. So, even if you kill them, it doesn’t count as killing a human. That’s what you mean, right?”

This was what the chief inspector was thinking when he said this. His thoughts were read, and his face paled. Wei WuXian added, “Or do you really think I don’t know how someone dies?”

All the inspectors fell silent. As if finally realizing the situation was not in their favor, they seemed to back away. Wei WuXian maintained his smile, “You’d better confess everything honestly. Who killed him? Come forward yourself. Otherwise, I’d rather kill the wrong person than let them get away. Killing all of you will ensure that no one gets away.”

The group felt their scalps tingle and their blood run cold. The chief inspector stammered, “The YunmengJiang Sect and the LanlingJin Sect have reconciled. You must not…”

Hearing this, Wei WuXian glanced at him, his tone amused, “You’re quite bold. Are you threatening me?”

The chief inspector rushed, “Of course not, of course not.”

Wei WuXian, “Congratulations, you’ve successfully exhausted all my patience. Since you don’t want to talk, let her answer it herself.”

As if it had been waiting for his words for a long time, Wen Ning’s frozen body suddenly moved, raising its head. Before the two nearest inspectors could scream, their necks were each strangled by a hand as strong as iron.

Expressionless, Wen Ning lifted the two short-legged inspectors high into the air. The empty circle around them grew larger. The chief inspector shouted, “Young Master Wei! Young Master Wei! Please don’t be too harsh on us! Doing this in the heat of the moment will have inevitable consequences!”

The rain was falling harder and harder, and drops of water continuously dripped down Wei WuXian’s cheeks.

He suddenly turned around, placed his hand on Wen Ning’s shoulder before shouting, “Wen QiongLin!”

As if in retaliation, Wen Ning let out a long, thunderous roar. Everyone in the valley’s ears ached.

Wei WuXian said word by word, “Whoever caused you all to be like this, let them suffer the same fate. I give you the right to do it. Finish it all!”

Hearing this, Wen Ning immediately slammed the two inspectors he was holding down. Like exploding watermelons, their heads exploded with a loud bang, sending red and white flying everywhere.

The scene was terrifying and haunting. Screams rang throughout the valley. Horses neighed and prisoners fled—it was beyond chaotic. Wei WuXian carried Wen Qing. As if nothing had happened, he passed through the panicked crowd and grabbed the reins of a horse. Just as he was about to turn around, a thin prisoner called out to him, “…Lord Wei.”

Wei WuXian turned towards him, “What?”

The prisoner’s voice trembled slightly as he pointed in a direction, “There… There’s a house on the side of that valley. They used it to… lock people inside and beat them. Anyone who died would be dragged out and buried. Some of the people you’re looking for might be there…”

Wei WuXian, “Thank you.”

He followed the direction the man pointed and indeed saw a hut that seemed to have been temporarily erected. Holding Wen Qing with one hand, he kicked the door open. In the corner sat about a dozen people, all bruised and bleeding. They gasped in surprise as he violently kicked the door open. When some of them saw Wen Qing, lying in Wei WuXian’s arms, they rushed over, ignoring their own serious injuries. “Miss Qing!”

One of them seethed, “Who… Who are you? What did you do to the Office Leader?”

Wei WuXian, “It’s nothing. Who are the cultivators under Wen Ning? Stop talking nonsense and come out now!”

The group glanced at each other, but Wei WuXian had already left, Wen Qing in his arms. They couldn’t help but force themselves to follow, supporting each other. As soon as they left the house, before they could realize what chaos was happening in the valley, Wei WuXian ordered, “Get the horses. Quickly!”

A middle-aged man protested, “No, Young Master Wen Ning…”

Suddenly, a severed head flashed before him. Everyone turned around just in time to see Wen Ning slam the still-twitching corpse to the ground. With his bare hands, he grabbed its internal organs. 

Wei WuXian shouted, “Enough!”

A low growl came from Wen Ning’s throat, as if he still wasn’t satisfied. Wei WuXian whistled and said again, “Get up!” 

Wen Ning could only stand. Wei WuXian, “What are you waiting for? Get on your horse! Don’t tell me you’re waiting for me to find your sword?”

One of the group members remembered the elderly man. He hurried to the old woman and the toddler, helping them onto the horse. Carrying the still unconscious Wen Qing, Wei WuXian also mounted his horse. The group of dozens of people found a dozen horses amidst the chaos. About two or three people rode on one horse, despite the discomfort. The old woman couldn’t ride herself and had to carry the child. 

Seeing this, Wei WuXian reached out his hand, “Give him to me.”

The old woman shook her head repeatedly. The child hugged his grandmother’s neck tightly, nearly falling over. There was undisguised fear in both of their eyes. With a single outstretched hand, Wei WuXian lifted the child and pinned him down. 

The old woman was scared to death, “A-Yuan! A-Yuan!”

Although the child named A-Yuan was still very young and already knew fear, he still didn’t cry. He just continued to chew on his finger and glanced at Wei WuXian a few times. 

Wei WuXian shouted, “Let’s go!” He slammed his foot on the horse’s back and led the group. A dozen or so horses followed behind him, galloping through the night rain.

Translator’s Notes

He  : In Mandarin, there’s actually no way to tell whether this refers to a man or a woman. At this point, Lan XiChen still couldn’t tell that his sister wanted to imprison another man.

Square-shaped  : For anyone who follows donghua, Jin GuangYao is portrayed very differently compared to how he is portrayed in donghua. I was also surprised by the handsome guy in donghua, but then again, Jin ZiXuan, Jin GuangYao, and Jin Ling inherited his genes…