“From the time I took over as the alliance master, I distributed most of my primordial spirit to the barren and desolate areas of the Immortal Alliance. This is to supplement areas with weaker spiritual energy and maintain the balance of yin and yang, so as to prevent attacks by demons and ghosts. Therefore, unless there are grave matters, I dare not easily gather my primordial spirit. Earlier, I merely hurriedly drew a comparison and came up with some possible locations…Changsheng? You’re here. ”
In the lobby of the Sky Pavilion, Ying Kai stopped speaking when he saw a medical disciple respectfully pull apart the beaded curtains. The Sword Sect Master and his nephew entered one after another. For some reason, the two of them had a strange expression, as if they just had an argument.
Ying Kai said, “What’s going on?”
The handsome face of Golden Gate’s Young Master was glum. Although Yuchi Rui tended to be expressionless, those who were familiar with him could detect a subtle guilty conscience from the corners of his eyebrows. He answered, “It’s nothing.”
Xu Shuangtze cast a glance at Yuchi Xiao’s face before he shut his eyes and muttered. He seemed to be perceiving something within the depths of the primordial spirit. Then, he opened his eyes and averted his gaze without a word.
Ying Kai was puzzled and presumed that Yuchi Rui, the head of Golden Gate had just disciplined his nephew. He changed the subject at once and said, “Changsheng, you came at the right time. I was just sharing that there are three possible locations where the war between the mechanical soldier and the immortal we saw in the illusion took place. They are Tianmen Pass, Mohe Mountain and Sha Hai Rift. Shuangtze proposes to investigate each one in person, but these three places are too far away from each other. Why don’t we split up to search separately? Once we find the mechanical giant buried in the centre of the earth, we might be able to follow the trail to find Du Kaixun.”
After all, this matter was intrinsically linked to ascension, and the great masters were naturally in a rush to investigate. Xu Shuangtze was also as anxious as the rest. Perhaps he was upset that he wasn’t able to get rid of Du Kaixun back then, or maybe it was the scene in the illusion which aroused his interest. Either way, this reaction was uncharacteristic of him.
For many years, Yuchi Rui insisted on contradicting Lord Xu’s decisions. Just as he was about to protest on reflex, he thought about the suggestion and found no reason to oppose. Some intended words got stuck in his throat and he could only utter, “…Ah?”
Mu Duozhu used his soft tone, which always gave an illusion that everything he said was polite, “I dare not let the Lotus Immortal’s body be kept on the golden ship for too long. Brother Ying, it is best you quickly bring him back to the Correctional Palace and bury him. Moreover, the restoration of Ding Xian Mausoleum may be prone to changes. This matter should not be delayed. You should not be partaking in the investigations.”
Ying Kai, “…”
“Mohe Mountain is just south of the Golden Ship’s route, so I shall head there. The Sha Hai Rift is northwest of Julu City which Artefact Sect Master will be passing through. It is also more convenient for him to dispatch disciples. What do you think of this arrangement?”
Mu Duozhu cast his gaze upon Changsun Chengfeng, and the Artefact Sect Master nodded in agreement, “Since this matter has inextricable links with the previous generation’s Artefact Sect Master, I am more than willing to depart for the Sha Hai Rift. ”
Ying Kai had been occupied with the various matters of the Immortal Alliance since he took over as the master. The energy and enthusiasm of when he travelled across the world in his youth were long gone. What was left was the crushing weight from the countless official duties of the Correctional Palace. Originally, Ying Kai wanted to take this rare opportunity to head out of Dai Mountain in person. However, Mu Duozhu dashed his hopes with a single sentence, so he sighed and added dejectedly, “This way, only Tianmen Pass is left. This place is the furthest away and most arduous to reach, for flying swords cannot be used. Fortunately, it is close to the Spring Banquet Terrace of the Guqin Master. I will send a request to him…”
“I’ll go.” Xu Shuangtze interrupted.
Before Ying Kai could say anything, Mu Duozhu euphemistically continued, “Brother Xu, your beloved… Your disciple has not recovered from his injuries. He needs you to infuse a large amount of spiritual energy into him every day. If you go, I’m afraid you can only leave him on the golden ship for me to look after. The daily medical fee…”
As soon as the word ‘medical fee’ was dished out, everyone panicked. Sounds of people coughing came from around the long table.
Xu Shuangtze calmly responded, “He will come with me.”
The profiteer with the family name Mu demonstrated his last bit of conscience, and advised solemnly, “Brother Xu, absolutely not! The patient was severely injured and remains unconscious. He cannot withstand the thousands of miles of bumps and bruises, otherwise—”
Yuchi Rui slapped the table and added, “That’s right! Absolutely not!”
Mu Duozhu, “Puu!”
Mu Duozhu had never received such enthusiastic support in his life and almost choked on his tea. Everyone looked at the Sword Sect Master in unison. Then, Ying Kai asked in amazement, “Changsheng?”
“…” Yuchi Rui gulped amid everyone’s astonished gaze, and calmly said, “I want to take Xiaoyuan back to the Golden Gate.”
Yuchi Xiao thought he had misheard the words, “Uncle?”
Ying Kai also believed he heard wrong, “Changsheng, although Xiang Xiaoyuan can’t get off the ship, he is a disciple of the Cang Yang Sect after all. How can he return to Golden Gate with you?”
We Vtejcuahf rja bc bcf rlvf. Lf gfnfjifv j wbmxlcu fzqgfrrlbc, jcv ribkis gfqfjafv, “Wljcu Wljbsejc lr j vlrmlqif bo ws Jjcu Tjcu Vfma. Qts rtbeiv tf gfaegc ab atf Xbivfc Xjaf klat sbe?”
“…”
Ktf qbbg Vkbgv Vfma Zjrafg ktb kjr cba ubbv klat kbgvr kjr bcmf jujlc rtgbevfv lc tfiqifrrcfrr. Fcvfg atf rajgfr bo fnfgsbcf qgfrfca, tlr ygjlc kjr yijcx, jcv la abbx j ibcu alwf obg tlw ab obgmlyis rdeffhf bea rbwf kbgvr, “Dfmjerf tf…tf tjr j wjggljuf mbcagjma klat ws cfqtfk, atfs beuta ab tfjv tbwf ab mbwqifaf atf mfgfwbcs.”
Surrounded by silence for a long time, Yuchi Xiao finally asked with a trembling voice that rose from the bottom of his heart, “Uncle?!”
Ying Kai was also caught off guard, “Shuangtze, is this true?”
Xu Shuangtze retracted that gaze which revealed a subtle amusement and casually answered, “It isn’t.”
Yuchi Rui was flustered, “Xu Shuangtze, you—”
“Half a month before the incident in Linjiang City, the young master of Golden Gate came to Cang Yang Sect to return the engagement scroll with their birth characters. This is the first time he proposed to break the engagement. On the eve of the Ding Xian Mausoleum incident, my disciple handed over the Qilin pendant to me, with the intention of returning it to the Golden Gate. This is the second attempt to withdraw from the engagement.”
Xu Shuangtze picked up his teacup and added, “For the disciples of major families to become cultivation partners, they must first obtain the permission of their master, then report it to the Correctional Palace of the Immortal Alliance. Today, in the presence of Lord Ying, I will officially declare the annulment of this contract. This shall be the third attempt to end this engagement. From now on my beloved disciple, Xiang Xiaoyuan, will no longer have anything to do with the Golden Gate. Now that I have spoken, I will not retract my words. May all the masters present bear witness.”
After that, he swung the cup.
Half a cup of tea was splashed on the paulownia floor and the scene was reflected in everyone’s eyes.
Xu Shuangtze stood up and declared in a condescending tone, “I have to send a letter to Wen Xiuyang to arrange some matters. I will take my leave now and return later.”
Before anyone could react, Xu Shuangtze walked straight to the door. He appeared to have some urgent business and without waiting for the medical sect disciples, he lifted the curtain and disappeared outside the corridor.
Ying Kai was puzzled and turned his head back, “Changsheng, you guys…”
Before he could finish his words, Yuchi Rui stepped forward, grabbed his wrist, and interrupted, “I have something to tell you.”
“What? ”
Yuchi Rui completely ignored the other two who stared at him like he was a monster. He emphasised with a deepened tone and added solemnly, “Let them leave quickly. I have something to tell you in private.”
Mu Duozhu, “…”
Changsun Chengfeng, “…”
Ying Kai repeated in bewilderment, “Huh?”
* * *
Xu Shuangtze swiftly crossed the veranda and turned the corner. His figure disappeared into the void.
In the next instant, he appeared on the floor where the patient ward was located. He stopped and stood on the bare white jade steps. In a tone that was neither light nor heavy—
“Cough.”
It’s Xu Shuangtze!
Gong Wei’s primordial spirit quivered and he suddenly opened his eyes. Even the hair on the back of his neck stood up.
According to the plan made earlier, he would hide in the Sword Sect Master’s room to wait for Changsheng to bring Shixiong over to rescue him. However, after waiting for half a day, not only did Changsheng not lead the great Buddha, Ying Kai, over, but Xu Bai came back first instead. What happened in the sky pavilion?
Are Ying Kai and the rest back there? What should I do now?
In desperation, Gong Wei took a risk and used an eavesdropping technique. A vague voice sounded from the sky pavilion. It was the Artefact Sect Master who said unhurriedly, “…In this case, Bai Xian and I will take our leave to Shahai Rift. If you discover anything, please contact me with a transmission talisman…”
Why is everyone still in discussion? Why was Xu Shuangtze the first to head back!
At the moment, it is too late to flee maniacally. Xu Shuangtze was blocking off the only passage to the sky pavilion on this floor. The man was now walking down the steps unhurriedly.
There were no words to describe what Gong Wei felt now. He sprung up, pushed the door open and tiptoed so lightly it was like feathers in the wind. In the blink of an eye, he expertly passed through several intricate networks of corridors.
At the same instance as when Xu Shuangtze appeared at the end of the corridor, Gong Wei had already rushed back to the room he woke up in. He barged in, undressed his robes and removed his shoes. Then, he hopped onto the bed, grabbing the outer robe placed on the bed and wrapped it around his entire head.
The faint scent of white sandalwood on the robes of the Cang Yang Sect Master instantly wafted into his nose.
With a click, Xu Shuangtze pushed the door in and walked into the room.
Gong Wei’s whole body was shrunk within the black-rimmed white sect master’s robe. He couldn’t see what was happening and only felt that Xu Shuangtze had stepped up to the bedside and now stood still.
Thump, thump.
Gong Wei could only hear his heartbeat, seemingly racing in his throat. He felt that it might leap out if he were to open his mouth now. Every moment was suddenly prolonged.
Perhaps people tend to overthink and entertain wild thoughts when they are nervous. In the suffocating blankness, countless distracting thoughts that hadn’t been processed before abruptly popped up in Gong Wei’s mind in succession.
Why did Xu Bai want to kill Du Kaixun?
Why didn’t Xu Bai dismember my corpse?
Why was Xu Bai so good to a low-level disciple who is a Mei demon? Was it just because he didn’t want to see Xiang Xiaoyuan die?
If he knew that I am not Xiang Xiaoyuan, would he…would he still want to kill me?
No one could see anything under the robe, but Gong Wei’s fingers had gripped one corner of the coat so tightly that the knuckles turned white. The sharp and tragic scratches on the arm of his corpse appeared vividly once more. A thought that was buried in the deepest part of his consciousness, one which he believed that if he ignored it, all would be well, finally forced its way out uncontrollably—
Xu Shuangtze did not cut up my flesh and drain my blood.
Then, why has the sea of peach trees in front of Xuanji Palace remained in full bloom for the past sixteen years?
Suddenly, Gong Wei’s body stiffened as he felt a familiar touch covering his temples through the robe. The hand slid down his cheeks in a movement so gentle that one could not refuse.
The surroundings were terribly quiet, and he heard Xu Shuangtze leaning over to his ears. The man whispered tenderly through the layer of clothing, “My beloved disciple.”
“This master has already broken off the engagement with the Golden Gate for you. From now on, you don’t have to worry about any outsiders coming to pester you again.”
Gong Wei’s breathing stopped, and even his closed eyelids were tightened.
But in the next moment, he relaxed.
Xu Shuangtze’s voice seemed to contain a certain magical power. As his last word fell, an unstoppable drowsiness overwhelmed Gong Wei at once.
With the last trace of his consciousness, Gong Wei felt as if his body was lifted into the air. He was pressed against another in a strong embrace and brought outside the door. Other than this, he didn’t know anything else.
* * *
An hour ago on the deck…
Ying Kai frowned and asked, “Bai Xian, why do you have to pay such gestures of deep respect to the Lotus Immortal?”
Outside the Ice Pavilion, at the end of the deck where the corpses were kept, Bai Xian bowed his head deeply until his forehead reached the ground. He was kowtowing in the direction of the Lotus Immortal’s frozen body. After getting up, he went down on the ground again in reverence, until he completed the grand kowtow of three kneeling and nine prostrations. Only then, he stood up and exhaled.
“Seventeen years ago, at the Correctional Palace, Chief Gong did all he could to stop me from cutting out my heart. His fingers were wounded in the process. After that, I had always wanted to visit and thank him. However, it was not meant to be and he and I were separated by life and death.” He lowered his head and said, “I have been regretful and resentful in my heart for this, but I finally got what I wanted.”
Since the start, Yuchi Changsheng had been following Ying Kai every step of the way. He constantly wanted to say something, then hesitated and seemed suffocated. Yet throughout, everyone ignored him. Ying Kai urged, “It’s just a formality really. Bai Xian, you do not need to take it to heart.”
“In this life, only the Artefact Sect Master and the Lotus Immortal ever shed blood to save me, this insignificant being. I will never forget their kindness in my lifetime.” Bai Xian paused, and whispered softly, “But the kind are not always rewarded.”
This was tantamount to blaming the Cang Yang Sect Master.
Everyone had a strange expression for a moment. Then, Changsun Chengfeng’s eyes flickered before coughing and saluting, “In this case, I shall bring Bai Xian along to the Sha Hai Rift. If there are any new discoveries, please send me a transmission talisman.”
Ying Kai felt a little regretful when watching them leave as he returned the salute to Changsun Chengfeng and Bai Xian.
When the Artefact Sect Master and Bai Xian left the deck on their swords, Yuchi Changsheng who was beside Ying Kai immediately grabbed his sleeve. He ignored the stunned gaze of a group of medical disciples in the distance. Yuchi Rui directly pushed open the door of the ice pavilion, shoved Ying Kai in and slammed the door shut with his backhand. Judging from this action, Yuchi Rui was on the brink of being stifled to insanity, “I have to bring Xiang Xiaoyuan…”
Ying Kai sternly reprimanded, “Changsheng! Everyone has tolerated and given in to you several times today! You were so disrespectful to the Medical Sect Master and the Artefact Sect Mast earlier, how could you—”
Yuchi Changsheng blurted, “It’s Gong Wei! He’s back!”
Before the sentence ended, Ying Kai’s face changed drastically. Ding Shan Hai was unsheathed instantly and he glanced back at the corpse on the ice bed in the middle of the rotunda.
The body did not move, and the surroundings were silent.
“He is Xiang Xiaoyuan!” At this time, Yuchi Changsheng finally had time to continue with the second half of his sentence.
“…” Ying Kai turned his head back inch by inch, with an astounded expression, as if he was wondering if he was dreaming right now, “What did you say?”
Yuchi Changsheng explained, “Xiang Xiaoyuan went off rails with his cultivation and his body ended up being occupied by Gong Wei. It has been more than a month since he woke up and Xu Shuangtze still doesn’t know! You can’t let him go to Tianmen Pass!”
The Sword Sect Master gave a highly concise summary of the events like shooting the words out of a cannon. Every word that blasted from his lips rendered Ying Kai dizzy. After a long while, Ying Kai finally squeezed out the question from the bottom of his heart, “Why didn’t you say so earlier?”
Yuchi Changsheng was shocked, “It’s obviously you who…”
Ying Kai didn’t wait for him to finish. He pushed the door open and rushed out, beckoning to a disciple of the medical school, “Go and summon Lord Xu, just say that I have a sudden and urgent matter to discuss with him, have him hurry over—”
“Brother Ying?” At this moment, Mu Duozhu happened to walk over, and asked suspiciously, “Are you all looking for Brother Xu? He just sent me a transmission talisman, saying that he and his beloved… his disciple has already alighted the Golden Ship and embarked on the journey to Tianmen Pass. Do you have an urgent matter with him?”
“…”
Sahl: ‘Guess who’s back? Back again. Gong Wei’s back. Tell a friend.’ Five points for anyone who knows the rapper I’m referencing. Also Yuchi Rui and Ying Kai – Best Friends Ever (even if they are a bit slow to get going in helping Gong Wei). Who thinks Xu Bai already knows? Also, check out Chansie’s amazing art of our Gong Wei and Xu Bai. 
Chansie: I totally feel for Ying Kai in this chapter. His hopes of travelling freely were dashed at once T.T Anyway, Sahl and I wish to thank you for your support in the past year~ I did two random pieces of fanart depicting my impressions of Gong Wei and Xu Shuangtze. I am really just a hobbyist and having fun with my new ipad~ Hope you like them
“From the time I took over as the alliance master, I distributed most of my primordial spirit to the barren and desolate areas of the Immortal Alliance. This is to supplement areas with weaker spiritual energy and maintain the balance of yin and yang, so as to prevent attacks by demons and ghosts. Therefore, unless there are grave matters, I dare not easily gather my primordial spirit. Earlier, I merely hurriedly drew a comparison and came up with some possible locations…Changsheng? You’re here. ”
In the lobby of the Sky Pavilion, Ying Kai stopped speaking when he saw a medical disciple respectfully pull apart the beaded curtains. The Sword Sect Master and his nephew entered one after another. For some reason, the two of them had a strange expression, as if they just had an argument.
Ying Kai said, “What’s going on?”
The handsome face of Golden Gate’s Young Master was glum. Although Yuchi Rui tended to be expressionless, those who were familiar with him could detect a subtle guilty conscience from the corners of his eyebrows. He answered, “It’s nothing.”
Xu Shuangtze cast a glance at Yuchi Xiao’s face before he shut his eyes and muttered. He seemed to be perceiving something within the depths of the primordial spirit. Then, he opened his eyes and averted his gaze without a word.
Ying Kai was puzzled and presumed that Yuchi Rui, the head of Golden Gate had just disciplined his nephew. He changed the subject at once and said, “Changsheng, you came at the right time. I was just sharing that there are three possible locations where the war between the mechanical soldier and the immortal we saw in the illusion took place. They are Tianmen Pass, Mohe Mountain and Sha Hai Rift. Shuangtze proposes to investigate each one in person, but these three places are too far away from each other. Why don’t we split up to search separately? Once we find the mechanical giant buried in the centre of the earth, we might be able to follow the trail to find Du Kaixun.”
After all, this matter was intrinsically linked to ascension, and the great masters were naturally in a rush to investigate. Xu Shuangtze was also as anxious as the rest. Perhaps he was upset that he wasn’t able to get rid of Du Kaixun back then, or maybe it was the scene in the illusion which aroused his interest. Either way, this reaction was uncharacteristic of him.
For many years, Yuchi Rui insisted on contradicting Lord Xu’s decisions. Just as he was about to protest on reflex, he thought about the suggestion and found no reason to oppose. Some intended words got stuck in his throat and he could only utter, “…Ah?”
Mu Duozhu used his soft tone, which always gave an illusion that everything he said was polite, “I dare not let the Lotus Immortal’s body be kept on the golden ship for too long. Brother Ying, it is best you quickly bring him back to the Correctional Palace and bury him. Moreover, the restoration of Ding Xian Mausoleum may be prone to changes. This matter should not be delayed. You should not be partaking in the investigations.”
Ying Kai, “…”
“Mohe Mountain is just south of the Golden Ship’s route, so I shall head there. The Sha Hai Rift is northwest of Julu City which Artefact Sect Master will be passing through. It is also more convenient for him to dispatch disciples. What do you think of this arrangement?”
Mu Duozhu cast his gaze upon Changsun Chengfeng, and the Artefact Sect Master nodded in agreement, “Since this matter has inextricable links with the previous generation’s Artefact Sect Master, I am more than willing to depart for the Sha Hai Rift. ”
Ying Kai had been occupied with the various matters of the Immortal Alliance since he took over as the master. The energy and enthusiasm of when he travelled across the world in his youth were long gone. What was left was the crushing weight from the countless official duties of the Correctional Palace. Originally, Ying Kai wanted to take this rare opportunity to head out of Dai Mountain in person. However, Mu Duozhu dashed his hopes with a single sentence, so he sighed and added dejectedly, “This way, only Tianmen Pass is left. This place is the furthest away and most arduous to reach, for flying swords cannot be used. Fortunately, it is close to the Spring Banquet Terrace of the Guqin Master. I will send a request to him…”
“I’ll go.” Xu Shuangtze interrupted.
Before Ying Kai could say anything, Mu Duozhu euphemistically continued, “Brother Xu, your beloved… Your disciple has not recovered from his injuries. He needs you to infuse a large amount of spiritual energy into him every day. If you go, I’m afraid you can only leave him on the golden ship for me to look after. The daily medical fee…”
As soon as the word ‘medical fee’ was dished out, everyone panicked. Sounds of people coughing came from around the long table.
Xu Shuangtze calmly responded, “He will come with me.”
The profiteer with the family name Mu demonstrated his last bit of conscience, and advised solemnly, “Brother Xu, absolutely not! The patient was severely injured and remains unconscious. He cannot withstand the thousands of miles of bumps and bruises, otherwise—”
Yuchi Rui slapped the table and added, “That’s right! Absolutely not!”
Mu Duozhu, “Puu!”
Mu Duozhu had never received such enthusiastic support in his life and almost choked on his tea. Everyone looked at the Sword Sect Master in unison. Then, Ying Kai asked in amazement, “Changsheng?”
“…” Yuchi Rui gulped amid everyone’s astonished gaze, and calmly said, “I want to take Xiaoyuan back to the Golden Gate.”
Yuchi Xiao thought he had misheard the words, “Uncle?”
Ying Kai also believed he heard wrong, “Changsheng, although Xiang Xiaoyuan can’t get off the ship, he is a disciple of the Cang Yang Sect after all. How can he return to Golden Gate with you?”
We Vtejcuahf rja bc bcf rlvf. Lf gfnfjifv j wbmxlcu fzqgfrrlbc, jcv ribkis gfqfjafv, “Wljcu Wljbsejc lr j vlrmlqif bo ws Jjcu Tjcu Vfma. Qts rtbeiv tf gfaegc ab atf Xbivfc Xjaf klat sbe?”
“…”
Ktf qbbg Vkbgv Vfma Zjrafg ktb kjr cba ubbv klat kbgvr kjr bcmf jujlc rtgbevfv lc tfiqifrrcfrr. Fcvfg atf rajgfr bo fnfgsbcf qgfrfca, tlr ygjlc kjr yijcx, jcv la abbx j ibcu alwf obg tlw ab obgmlyis rdeffhf bea rbwf kbgvr, “Dfmjerf tf…tf tjr j wjggljuf mbcagjma klat ws cfqtfk, atfs beuta ab tfjv tbwf ab mbwqifaf atf mfgfwbcs.”
Surrounded by silence for a long time, Yuchi Xiao finally asked with a trembling voice that rose from the bottom of his heart, “Uncle?!”
Ying Kai was also caught off guard, “Shuangtze, is this true?”
Xu Shuangtze retracted that gaze which revealed a subtle amusement and casually answered, “It isn’t.”
Yuchi Rui was flustered, “Xu Shuangtze, you—”
“Half a month before the incident in Linjiang City, the young master of Golden Gate came to Cang Yang Sect to return the engagement scroll with their birth characters. This is the first time he proposed to break the engagement. On the eve of the Ding Xian Mausoleum incident, my disciple handed over the Qilin pendant to me, with the intention of returning it to the Golden Gate. This is the second attempt to withdraw from the engagement.”
Xu Shuangtze picked up his teacup and added, “For the disciples of major families to become cultivation partners, they must first obtain the permission of their master, then report it to the Correctional Palace of the Immortal Alliance. Today, in the presence of Lord Ying, I will officially declare the annulment of this contract. This shall be the third attempt to end this engagement. From now on my beloved disciple, Xiang Xiaoyuan, will no longer have anything to do with the Golden Gate. Now that I have spoken, I will not retract my words. May all the masters present bear witness.”
After that, he swung the cup.
Half a cup of tea was splashed on the paulownia floor and the scene was reflected in everyone’s eyes.
Xu Shuangtze stood up and declared in a condescending tone, “I have to send a letter to Wen Xiuyang to arrange some matters. I will take my leave now and return later.”
Before anyone could react, Xu Shuangtze walked straight to the door. He appeared to have some urgent business and without waiting for the medical sect disciples, he lifted the curtain and disappeared outside the corridor.
Ying Kai was puzzled and turned his head back, “Changsheng, you guys…”
Before he could finish his words, Yuchi Rui stepped forward, grabbed his wrist, and interrupted, “I have something to tell you.”
“What? ”
Yuchi Rui completely ignored the other two who stared at him like he was a monster. He emphasised with a deepened tone and added solemnly, “Let them leave quickly. I have something to tell you in private.”
Mu Duozhu, “…”
Changsun Chengfeng, “…”
Ying Kai repeated in bewilderment, “Huh?”
* * *
Xu Shuangtze swiftly crossed the veranda and turned the corner. His figure disappeared into the void.
In the next instant, he appeared on the floor where the patient ward was located. He stopped and stood on the bare white jade steps. In a tone that was neither light nor heavy—
“Cough.”
It’s Xu Shuangtze!
Gong Wei’s primordial spirit quivered and he suddenly opened his eyes. Even the hair on the back of his neck stood up.
According to the plan made earlier, he would hide in the Sword Sect Master’s room to wait for Changsheng to bring Shixiong over to rescue him. However, after waiting for half a day, not only did Changsheng not lead the great Buddha, Ying Kai, over, but Xu Bai came back first instead. What happened in the sky pavilion?
Are Ying Kai and the rest back there? What should I do now?
In desperation, Gong Wei took a risk and used an eavesdropping technique. A vague voice sounded from the sky pavilion. It was the Artefact Sect Master who said unhurriedly, “…In this case, Bai Xian and I will take our leave to Shahai Rift. If you discover anything, please contact me with a transmission talisman…”
Why is everyone still in discussion? Why was Xu Shuangtze the first to head back!
At the moment, it is too late to flee maniacally. Xu Shuangtze was blocking off the only passage to the sky pavilion on this floor. The man was now walking down the steps unhurriedly.
There were no words to describe what Gong Wei felt now. He sprung up, pushed the door open and tiptoed so lightly it was like feathers in the wind. In the blink of an eye, he expertly passed through several intricate networks of corridors.
At the same instance as when Xu Shuangtze appeared at the end of the corridor, Gong Wei had already rushed back to the room he woke up in. He barged in, undressed his robes and removed his shoes. Then, he hopped onto the bed, grabbing the outer robe placed on the bed and wrapped it around his entire head.
The faint scent of white sandalwood on the robes of the Cang Yang Sect Master instantly wafted into his nose.
With a click, Xu Shuangtze pushed the door in and walked into the room.
Gong Wei’s whole body was shrunk within the black-rimmed white sect master’s robe. He couldn’t see what was happening and only felt that Xu Shuangtze had stepped up to the bedside and now stood still.
Thump, thump.
Gong Wei could only hear his heartbeat, seemingly racing in his throat. He felt that it might leap out if he were to open his mouth now. Every moment was suddenly prolonged.
Perhaps people tend to overthink and entertain wild thoughts when they are nervous. In the suffocating blankness, countless distracting thoughts that hadn’t been processed before abruptly popped up in Gong Wei’s mind in succession.
Why did Xu Bai want to kill Du Kaixun?
Why didn’t Xu Bai dismember my corpse?
Why was Xu Bai so good to a low-level disciple who is a Mei demon? Was it just because he didn’t want to see Xiang Xiaoyuan die?
If he knew that I am not Xiang Xiaoyuan, would he…would he still want to kill me?
No one could see anything under the robe, but Gong Wei’s fingers had gripped one corner of the coat so tightly that the knuckles turned white. The sharp and tragic scratches on the arm of his corpse appeared vividly once more. A thought that was buried in the deepest part of his consciousness, one which he believed that if he ignored it, all would be well, finally forced its way out uncontrollably—
Xu Shuangtze did not cut up my flesh and drain my blood.
Then, why has the sea of peach trees in front of Xuanji Palace remained in full bloom for the past sixteen years?
Suddenly, Gong Wei’s body stiffened as he felt a familiar touch covering his temples through the robe. The hand slid down his cheeks in a movement so gentle that one could not refuse.
The surroundings were terribly quiet, and he heard Xu Shuangtze leaning over to his ears. The man whispered tenderly through the layer of clothing, “My beloved disciple.”
“This master has already broken off the engagement with the Golden Gate for you. From now on, you don’t have to worry about any outsiders coming to pester you again.”
Gong Wei’s breathing stopped, and even his closed eyelids were tightened.
But in the next moment, he relaxed.
Xu Shuangtze’s voice seemed to contain a certain magical power. As his last word fell, an unstoppable drowsiness overwhelmed Gong Wei at once.
With the last trace of his consciousness, Gong Wei felt as if his body was lifted into the air. He was pressed against another in a strong embrace and brought outside the door. Other than this, he didn’t know anything else.
* * *
An hour ago on the deck…
Ying Kai frowned and asked, “Bai Xian, why do you have to pay such gestures of deep respect to the Lotus Immortal?”
Outside the Ice Pavilion, at the end of the deck where the corpses were kept, Bai Xian bowed his head deeply until his forehead reached the ground. He was kowtowing in the direction of the Lotus Immortal’s frozen body. After getting up, he went down on the ground again in reverence, until he completed the grand kowtow of three kneeling and nine prostrations. Only then, he stood up and exhaled.
“Seventeen years ago, at the Correctional Palace, Chief Gong did all he could to stop me from cutting out my heart. His fingers were wounded in the process. After that, I had always wanted to visit and thank him. However, it was not meant to be and he and I were separated by life and death.” He lowered his head and said, “I have been regretful and resentful in my heart for this, but I finally got what I wanted.”
Since the start, Yuchi Changsheng had been following Ying Kai every step of the way. He constantly wanted to say something, then hesitated and seemed suffocated. Yet throughout, everyone ignored him. Ying Kai urged, “It’s just a formality really. Bai Xian, you do not need to take it to heart.”
“In this life, only the Artefact Sect Master and the Lotus Immortal ever shed blood to save me, this insignificant being. I will never forget their kindness in my lifetime.” Bai Xian paused, and whispered softly, “But the kind are not always rewarded.”
This was tantamount to blaming the Cang Yang Sect Master.
Everyone had a strange expression for a moment. Then, Changsun Chengfeng’s eyes flickered before coughing and saluting, “In this case, I shall bring Bai Xian along to the Sha Hai Rift. If there are any new discoveries, please send me a transmission talisman.”
Ying Kai felt a little regretful when watching them leave as he returned the salute to Changsun Chengfeng and Bai Xian.
When the Artefact Sect Master and Bai Xian left the deck on their swords, Yuchi Changsheng who was beside Ying Kai immediately grabbed his sleeve. He ignored the stunned gaze of a group of medical disciples in the distance. Yuchi Rui directly pushed open the door of the ice pavilion, shoved Ying Kai in and slammed the door shut with his backhand. Judging from this action, Yuchi Rui was on the brink of being stifled to insanity, “I have to bring Xiang Xiaoyuan…”
Ying Kai sternly reprimanded, “Changsheng! Everyone has tolerated and given in to you several times today! You were so disrespectful to the Medical Sect Master and the Artefact Sect Mast earlier, how could you—”
Yuchi Changsheng blurted, “It’s Gong Wei! He’s back!”
Before the sentence ended, Ying Kai’s face changed drastically. Ding Shan Hai was unsheathed instantly and he glanced back at the corpse on the ice bed in the middle of the rotunda.
The body did not move, and the surroundings were silent.
“He is Xiang Xiaoyuan!” At this time, Yuchi Changsheng finally had time to continue with the second half of his sentence.
“…” Ying Kai turned his head back inch by inch, with an astounded expression, as if he was wondering if he was dreaming right now, “What did you say?”
Yuchi Changsheng explained, “Xiang Xiaoyuan went off rails with his cultivation and his body ended up being occupied by Gong Wei. It has been more than a month since he woke up and Xu Shuangtze still doesn’t know! You can’t let him go to Tianmen Pass!”
The Sword Sect Master gave a highly concise summary of the events like shooting the words out of a cannon. Every word that blasted from his lips rendered Ying Kai dizzy. After a long while, Ying Kai finally squeezed out the question from the bottom of his heart, “Why didn’t you say so earlier?”
Yuchi Changsheng was shocked, “It’s obviously you who…”
Ying Kai didn’t wait for him to finish. He pushed the door open and rushed out, beckoning to a disciple of the medical school, “Go and summon Lord Xu, just say that I have a sudden and urgent matter to discuss with him, have him hurry over—”
“Brother Ying?” At this moment, Mu Duozhu happened to walk over, and asked suspiciously, “Are you all looking for Brother Xu? He just sent me a transmission talisman, saying that he and his beloved… his disciple has already alighted the Golden Ship and embarked on the journey to Tianmen Pass. Do you have an urgent matter with him?”
“…”
Sahl: ‘Guess who’s back? Back again. Gong Wei’s back. Tell a friend.’ Five points for anyone who knows the rapper I’m referencing. Also Yuchi Rui and Ying Kai – Best Friends Ever (even if they are a bit slow to get going in helping Gong Wei). Who thinks Xu Bai already knows? Also, check out Chansie’s amazing art of our Gong Wei and Xu Bai.
Chansie: I totally feel for Ying Kai in this chapter. His hopes of travelling freely were dashed at once T.T Anyway, Sahl and I wish to thank you for your support in the past year~ I did two random pieces of fanart depicting my impressions of Gong Wei and Xu Shuangtze. I am really just a hobbyist and having fun with my new ipad~ Hope you like them
