Hua Ying knew at once. The closest 'safe place' to Yiling was the area of the Yunmeng Jiang Sect.
You all intend on going to Lotus Pier next? Asked Hua Ying
Why do you ask? Asked Lan Qiren
No reason. I just wanted to ask if I could go along. Said Hua Ying
Wei WuXian! You did a good deed today, but those are two separate things. Please understand that it's impossible for us to associate with you. Said sect leader Yao
For the love of the heaven and ghost realm, it's HUA H...U...A...! Hua Ying spelt out, Yin Yu started laughing and almost fell to his knees when Hua Ying stared at him with vemon.
Hua Ying sighed, don't worry, nobody's making you associate with me. Right now, though, we're on the same side, aren't we? The figure who planned the siege on you today has the Stygian Tiger Seal in his hands. Can you deal with it? Asked Hua Ying
The sect leaders looked at one another. In all honesty, what Hua Ying said wasn't wrong. If he was willing to join in, it'd be of great assistance. But people had slandered the YiLing Patriarch's name for so many years. It'd be a bit embarrassing to have him cooperate with them all at once.
Uncle, have you received any news about Brother? Asked Lan Zhan
No. Replied Lan Qiren said after a moment of silence
Maybe ZeWu-Jun is still under Jin Guangyao's control as of right now. Old man Qiren, if you're worried about me, don't be I am here for one thing only and that is the destruction of the seal, afterward you will never see me again said Hua Ying. At least let Lan Zhan participate in your next plans. It's his brother, after all.
Come if you want to. Said Lan Qiren
HUA LEE YING!!! Roared a voice as Hua Ying cringed and Yin Yu straightened immediately
Father, I called Yin Yu, I wasn't alone cried Hua Ying as he walked to his father and slightly looked up giving him the biggest puppy dog eyes and the qivering lip. Hua Cheng didn't even say anything he pulled his son into a hug.
If I had known you'd do something this foolish once again... little demon you nearly... you are an irresponsible, self-sacrificing little shit you know that said Hua Cheng as Yin Yu came over.
Hua Chen Zhu said Yin Yu and bowed
When we get back Yin Yu, I want a full report said Hua Cheng then looked down, your mother is worried will you come home and appease him please.
Daddy, if I come home A-Shi is going to kill me moaned Hua Ying I got blood on the ceremonial robe. And my aunts will kill what is left of me because of my fans pouted Hua Ying as he took them out and showed that they were indeed covered in blood that the painting drawn on them could not even be seen
So, in other words you not only painted yourself a target, but you also used the darkness growled Hua Cheng, little demon you know you can't do that. Not in your state.
Daddy, I was stabbed not crippled and Lan Zhan was a target too said Hua Ying
That is not the state I am talking about, and you know it! How many setbacks have you have in the last month? Mo Xuanyu when you saved him, Lan Zhan, A-Ning, Mingjue's corpse, his memories, A-Yu dying, finding where A-Qing died, your Wen family? How much more Hua Lee Ying growled Hua Cheng all for these fools who can't see an innocent in front of their face even if they got smacked in the head. When will it be enough?
Father I will return with you only to be squished by mother but then I will have to come back you know why, we cannot leave something like this behind even if it is useless said Hua Ying, Lan Zhan I am going. I will be back shortly, wait for me.
I will replied Lan Zhan
So, you dare go back to Lotus Pier? Laughed Jiang Cheng coldly
Jiang Cheng, listen well until the seal is broken, my son is allowed anywhere unless you want a repeat of what happened when he passed thirteen years ago sneered Hua Cheng, then turned to Hua Ying come he said as they disappeared in a forest of silver and black, red and golden butterflies
Wangji? Who was that? asked Lan Qiren
His father said Lan Zhan
And who exactly is his father asked Lan Qiren
Supreme Ghost King Crimson rain sought flower replied Lan Zhan
Lotus-phoenix hall
A-Ying, oh thank goodness. Look at you... never mind that. Are you fine? You alright? Asked Xie Lian as he held Hua Ying at arms lenght
No mommy dying, hard... to... breathe said Hua Ying and he played a fool
Xie Lian laughed as he let go, thank you for calling Yin Yu and not like the last time.
I am not like the last time said Hua Ying
Little demon, where is suibian asked Hua Cheng as Yin Yu finished with his recount on the events.
Still with Wen Ning or Lan Zhan said Hua Ying, something is wrong I tried calling for Yin Yu when we were stuck in the cavern, but he never showed.
That's when you disappeared as well, then your father lost it when you went to the blood pool and saw you reappear but calmed when Yin Yu was called by you. Said Xie Lian
Something is indeed wrong it was like a barrier said Yin Yu, I could not enter it.
I must get back said Hua Ying, looking down at his mother, I shall be careful mommy ask Aunt Shi Qingxuan to call the wind I shall answer if I can. If I disappear again. Weather masters can go anywhere.
With that he hugged his mother one last time and smirked at his father and disappeared
Back at Yiling
When the group arrived at the bottom of the mountain, it was already nighttime. As they returned to the town. Everyone was tired, both in body and in spirit. Even their square arrays looked uneven and disorganized. Fortunately, when they conjured up the energy to count the heads, they realized that there wasn't a big difference at all. Because most people's spiritual powers hadn't recovered yet and couldn't mount their swords, water paths were the quickest way to get to Lotus Pier. As Hua Ying appeared again the group, consisting of over a thousand people, set off toward the pier nearest to Yiling. The sect leaders could only rent all the boats at the pier, no matter the size, no matter the use. Crowded with the disciples from all those sects, the boats traveled along with the water.
Around a dozen disciples were crammed into the same boat. Almost all these boys grew up in comfortable environments. They'd never had to ride in such old, broken-down fishing boats before, the corners of which were piled up with dirty nets and barrels, emitting the rotten odor of fish as its wooden boards creaked. Winds were high at night. The boats rocked back and forth. A few of the boys from the North were quite seasick. After they tried for a while, they truly couldn't hold it back any longer. They rushed outside the cabin and retched before they collapsed, dizzy-eyed, on the deck.
Heavens, it's so shaky that it feels like there's a storm in my stomach. Hey, SiZhui, you're throwing up as well? Aren't you from Gusu? It's not like you're from the North. Why are you even more seasick than I am?! Said OuYang ZiZhen
I... I do not know why either. I have been like this when I ride in boats ever since I was four or five... Maybe I was born this way. Said Lan Sizhui, his face the color of ash.
As he spoke, he felt the revolting feeling come upon him again. He stood up, holding onto the rail. Just as he was about to throw up some more, he suddenly saw a dark silhouette hanging onto the part of the boat below the rail, half of its body submerged inside the river's water, staring straight at him. Lan SiZhui was so scared that he immediately gulped back the things he was about to throw up. Just as he pressed down onto the hilt of his sword, he looked carefully and exclaimed, The Ghost...
Inside of the cabin, as Jin Ling heard this, he immediately rushed out with his sword.
A ghost? Where? I'll kill it for you! Said Jin Ling concerned
Not a ghost, the Ghost General! Replied Lan Sizhui as he glanced at Jin Ling
All the boys hurried to the deck and looked in the direction that Lan SiZhui pointed at. As expected, the silhouette clinging to the side of the boat, looking up from below, was none other than the Ghost General, Wen Ning. Right after they left Burial Mound, Wen Ning had disappeared when Hua Ying left with his father. Yet, who knew that he was clinging to the fishing boat so quietly. They didn't know how long he'd been there, either. Although back on Burial Mound, Wen Ning was fighting alongside them. There were many people then, and lots of seniors as well. In the middle of the night, especially on water, Wen Ning's strange, sudden appearance still gave the boys a good shock. They stared at him for a few moments.
Why did the Ghost General come to find us alone? Asked OuYang Zizhen as he sat back on the deck
So that's why I felt this boat was going so slowly. A person is hanging on the bottom. It's so heavy. Said Lan Jingyi, why... Why is he clinging there?
Not to harm us. Or else, he wouldn't have protected us back in the day. Said OuYang Zizhen
But there's no danger right now anymore. Said Lan Jingyi Why did he come find us again... he started laughing as he watched Wen Ning cling to the boat
Jingyi, what are you laughing about? Asked OuYang Zizhen
Look at him. He is clinging onto the boat without moving at all, almost like a big, oblivious sea turtle! Laughed Lan Jingyi
Now that he said it, OuYang Zizhen came over, he indeed did look like one. But before anyone had a chance to laugh, He's coming up! Said OuYang Zizhen
Wen Ning's body emerged from the water. Hands grabbing onto a hemp rope hanging off the deck, he began to crawl slowly up. The boys scattered themselves at once. A few of the timider ones ran in circles on the deck as they panicked.
He's coming up, he's coming up! The Ghost General is coming up! They exclaimed
What is there to be afraid of? It is not like you have not seen him before! Snorted Jingyi
What do we do? Should we call someone over?! Asked one of the boys
When Wen Ning flipped over the rail, dripping with water as he landed heavily on the deck, the entire boat seemed to shake with his landing. The boys were as nervous as possible, almost all squishing to the other side of the deck. Their hearts raced, but they were too embarrassed to face him with their swords. Wen Ning stared at Lan Sizhui's face as he walked toward him. Lan SiZhui noticed that he was here for him.
Wh... What is your name? Asked Wen Ning
Lan SiZhui hesitated for a second before he stood up straight and answered, I am a disciple of the Gusu Lan Sect. My name is Lan Yuan. He replied
Lan Yuan? Lan SiZhui nodded. Do... Do you know who g... gave you this name? Asked Wen Ning
My name was of course given by my parents. Said Lan Sizhui
Then, are your parents still in good health? Asked Wen Ning
My parents passed away when I was at a very young age. Said Lan Sizhui
One of the boys on the side tugged at his sleeve, SiZhui, don't say so much. Be careful.
SiZhui? SiZhui is your courtesy name then? Asked Wen Ning
That is right. Smiled Lan Sizhui
Who gave it to you? Asked Wen Ning
Second master Lan did. He is my adoptive father Said Lan Sizhui
Wen Ning looked down, saying the word 'SiZhui' a couple of times in silence. Seeing that he seemed as if he realized something, Lan SiZhui spoke.
Gen... Mr. Wen? Is there anything about my name? Asked Lan Sizhui
Oh, no it is just that Sizhui means 'longing for someday when you will return' said Wen Ning looked up, gazing at his face. Y... You really l... look like a distant relative of mine.
R... Really? Asked Lan Sizhui
Really! Replied Wen Ning looking down, he was much loved even by his mother said Wen Ning sadly
For something, watching the 'Ghost General', a deeply sour sense of familiarity rose amid Lan SiZhui, along with a blurry thought, he seemed to have seen this face some place, some time ago. It seemed that there was a name that almost broke through some sort of a barrier. If he said the name out loud, many other things would resurface as well, and he'd understand everything.
But at this point, Lan SiZhui saw Jin Ling, who stood at the side.
Jin Ling's face was dark, extremely dark. Holding his sword hilt, his grip switched back and forth between tight and loose. The veins on the back of his hand also appeared and disappeared. He finally remembered that the Ghost General Wen Ning, who looked so harmless right now, was the one who killed Jin Ling's father.
Following his gaze, Wen Ning's 'smile' disappeared as well. He slowly turned to Jin Ling, Young Master Jin RuLan? Asked Wen Ning
Who's that? Demanded Jin Ling coldly
Young Master Jin Ling? Asked Wen Ning again
Jin Ling stared at him dead in the eye, while the other boys stared at Jin Ling, scared that he'd do something out of impulse.
Young Master Jin. Said Lan Sizhui
Move to the side. It's none of your business. Growled Jin Ling
But Lan SiZhui somehow felt that it wouldn't be none of his business. He went over and put himself between the two. Jin Ling said Lan Sizhui softly, put your sword away fir-
Don't stop me! Shouted Jin Ling
He reached out and pushed. Lan SiZhui was feeling seasick to begin with, his legs feeling wobbly. With the push, he bumped into the rail, almost toppling over and into the dark river. Good thing that Wen Ning got a grip on him and dragged him back.
Young Master Lan, are you alright? Are you still dizzy? Asked OuYang Zizhen
Wen Ning saw that Lan Sizhui's complexion was pale. Anxious, Young Master Jin, come at me. Wen Ning will not resist. Said Wen Ning, But A- Young Master Lan Yuan...
Jin Ling, why are you like this?! What did SiZhui do to you! Shouted Lan Jingyi
Yes! It's all my fault! I'm just such a terrible person! So what?! Roared Jin Ling
The other boys all shuddered, surprised by the roar. After a while of silence. What do you mean? You were the one who started it anyways... Why are you the one scolding us now? Asked OuYang Zizhen
Are you telling me what to do?! Since when is it your turn to tell me what to do?! Growled Jin Ling
Hua Ying and Lan Zhan were on a nearby boat. With the shout, Hua Ying paused in surprise within the cabin. He hurried outside and looked over across the water. Seeing that Jin Ling held his sword toward others.
What's going on? Asked Hua Ying
Seeing the two, Lan SiZhui felt that no matter what difficulties he faced, he could overcome them no matter what, beaming. Second master Lan! Senior Hua! Come over here! He asked
Lan Zhan wrapped his right arm around Hua Ying's waist and took up Bichen. Mounting the sword, the two of them landed on the boat. Hua Ying's figure wavered slightly. He only spoke up after Lan Zhan steadied him.
What happened to A-Ning? Didn't you say you were only going to look? Asked Hua Ying
I'm sorry, A-Ying. It was my fault. Said Wen Ning, I couldn't hold back from...
Jin Ling turned the blade of the sword toward him There's no need for you to act so pretentious! Roared Jin Ling
Rulan, just put down the sword first! Said Hua Ying
I won't! Replied Jin Ling
Hua Ying was just about to speak again when Jin Ling suddenly broke into tears.
As he cried, all the Juniors had frozen solid. In confusion, Hua Ying walked a step toward him, What's... What's wrong? He asked
Even as tears streaked down his face. This is my dad's sword. I won't put it down! Sobbed Jin Ling
Then don't put it down, but at least you should know the truth, Wen Ning here couldn't control himself at that time, go to the Qionqi path and see for yourself what my uncle and Lan Zhan saw there, is a dark array at the bottom of the cliff where the bridge was. He was ordered to take the binding I had made him off and kill your father and Jin ZiXun. That was the first time I had thought I had lost control. Why do you think I went after Xue Yang?
Your father was the only one that stuck up for me after we started to get along said Hua Ying softly. As Jin Ling continued to cry and hug Jin Zixuan's sword Suihua. Do you know it was me who named you RuLan? Asked Hua Ying as he hugged Jin Ling.
your mother, my Shijie... she asked me to come your father agreed all three of us never expected that would happen, his last were to me was "A-Li and Rulan are waiting for you"... he smiled at me before falling in my arms... your mother is as bad as sacrifcing as I am, she took the sword that was meant for me... said Hua Ying as the tears fell from his eyes, even in my anger i could not hurt anyone, the corpses did my bidding to disarm and knock out but she asked me to stop and I stopped... she died protecting me... the person she called in front for everyone her little brother... she was the only one that called me A-Xian... they loved you RuLan... no matter what they loved you and I am sorry it was still my fault they were taken away... said Hua Ying as the tears fell while he held Jin Ling
Right now, Jin Ling, who cried so loudly in front of the crowd, could almost make him see what Jiang Yanli looked like as she bawled her eyes out in such extreme despair. Among the boys at Jin Ling's age, some had married already, and the older ones had already become fathers. To them, crying was quite the humiliating act. To cry before such a large crowd, just how frustrated did he feel?
A voice came from across the river, A-Ling! Around half-a-dozen larger boats surrounded the fishing boat that they were on. Every one of those boats was filled with cultivators, with one sect leader standing at the foremost. The Yunmeng Jiang Sect's boat was at the right side of the fishing boat. It was the nearest, with no more than thirty meters between the two. The one who called was Jiang Cheng, who stood near the edge. Still teary-eyed, as soon as Jin Ling saw his uncle, he immediately wiped his face, sniffing. He looked here and there and finally made up his mind to fly over, landing at Jiang Cheng's side.
What happened to you? Who did this to you?! Asked Jiang Cheng
Jin Ling rubbed his eyes roughly, refusing to speak up. Jiang Cheng lifted his head, casting a nasty look at the fishing boat. His cold glare passed by Wen Ning, just about to land on Hua Ying as he stood up, Lan Zhan stepped out and blocked Hua Ying's silhouette.
Wei WuXian, why are you on that boat? Asked one of the sect leaders
I wish you'd get my fucking name right it's HUA YING NOT FUCKING WEI roared Hua Ying already annoyed
Sect Leader Yao, why are you talking in such a tone? If Senior Hua really wanted to do anything, then I'm afraid none of us could be sitting on our boats as safely as we are now. Said OuYang Zizhen
As soon as he said this, many of the older cultivators looked a bit awkward. Although it was the truth, nobody wanted to hear it spoken so frankly.
Lan SiZhui immediately followed, ZiZhen is right! Many of the other boys agreed as well.
Jiang Cheng lowered his chin slightly, Sect Leader OuYang. If I remember correctly, the one who spoke is your son, isn't he? He sure has a silver tongue. Said Jiang Cheng icily
ZiZhen! Come back, come over to Dad! Called Sect leader OuYang
Dad, weren't you the one who told me to get on this boat so that I didn't annoy you guys? Asked OuYang Zizhen
Sect Leader OuYang wiped at a few beads of sweat. Enough! Haven't you shown off enough times today? Come here right now! Ordered sect leader OuYang. His sect was located at Baling, close to Yunmeng but incomparable in power. Naturally, he didn't want Jiang Cheng to bear a grudge against his son just because he spoke up a couple of times for Hua Ying.
Jiang Cheng glared at Hua Ying and Lan Zhan one last time before he returned to the cabin, arm wrapped around Jin Ling's shoulders. Sect Leader OuYang sighed in relief. He turned to his son.
H... Ho... How dare you! You're really listening to me less and less! Are you coming over or not?! I'll go get you if you don't! Scolded Sect Leader OuYang
Dad, you should go in and take a rest too. Your spiritual powers haven't recovered yet, so you won't be able to come here. Please don't mount your sword so rashly. Replied OuYang Zizhen
Right now, most people's spiritual powers were recovering slowly. If they forced themselves to mount their swords, they might end up falling flat on the ground. This was why they could only travel by water. On top of this, Sect Leader OuYang's physically was unusually hulky. He really couldn't fly over and go grab his son. Enraged, he turned around with a flip of his sleeves and returned to the cabin. On another boat, Nie Huaisang laughed loudly. All the other sect leaders looked at him speechlessly, but most of them had already somewhat dispersed.
Seeing this, Hua Ying let out a long sigh of relief. As soon as he relaxed, heavy exhaustion suddenly passed over his face. He fell to one side. It seemed that he didn't waver because he couldn't balance himself on the boat, but rather because he really was so exhuasted spiritually, mentally and emotionally that he couldn't stand steadily.
The boys didn't care about the blood and grime on him either. In a flurry, they all went up to him, wanting to help him up like they did with Lan SiZhui. However, without requiring their help at all, Lan Zhan bent down slightly. With one hand at his arm and another behind his knees, Lan Zhan picked Hua Ying up at once. Carrying Hua Ying just like this, he walked into the cabin. Inside the cabin, there wasn't anywhere to lie down, only four long benches. Thus, Lan Zhan held Hua Ying's waist with one arm, letting his head lean on his shoulder, and with his other hand he pieced together the four benches into a platform wide enough to lie on. He gently laid Hua Ying on the benches.
Lan SiZhui suddenly realized that even though Lan Zhan was drenched in blood, the wound on Hua Ying's hand from where he had grabbed Fang MengChen sword had reopened and had left a bloody print on his shoulder and partly Lan Zhan face.
Father said Lan Sizhui what is wrong with master Hua?
Exhaustion replied Lan Zhan as he took out his handkerchief, slowly wiping away the blood clots on Hua Ying's face. Soon, the snowy handkerchief had been dyed with red and black.
Lan SiZhui immediately handed over his unused handkerchief, as the other boys had walked in, Lan Zhan took it and looked down. With a wipe of the handkerchief, his face was back to white. The boys finally eased up. As expected, Lan Zhan only looked normal if his face was so icily clean.
I thought that Senior Hua would never get tired! Murmured Lan Jingyi
The other boys felt somewhat astonished. That the legendary YiLing Patriarch could collapse from fatigue from dealing with walking corpses, they all thought that the YiLing Patriarch should be able to settle them with just a snap of his fingers.
However, Lan Zhan shook his head. We are all human.
Second master Lan has master Hua rested properly? asked Lan Sizhui
Lan Zhan looked up at Lan Sizhui, as it continued.
At Dafan mountain, he had been whipped by Zidian, when we got to home Mo Xuanyu had said that during the visit to Lan QingHeng-Jun he released the trapped souls that was in the goddess orb, then he played with you to subdue the arm knowing he used too much with the orb, then it was Yi City he did the painted eye sommoning twice on the mannequins, got stabbed by Xue Yang, at Lanling he was stabbed again by Jin Ling and now he did the living sacrifice attraction flag array while fighting off corpses said Lan Sizhui
No said Lan Zhan as he looked down at Hua Ying. It was healing the elders in the Mingshi, the voices within the Xinglu Ridge, the curse mark he had taken from Jin Ling, attacking his guardian, the Chang graveyard which he first had the corpses rise aiding me in getting the body part then he cleansed then it was Yi city where he used his resentful energy to kill the remaining corpses withing the town after retrieving Xua yang dead corpse from the grave digger we now know as Su She then empathy at Lanling while using an incantation to place his spirit within a paper man and and now the burial mounds.
Father, he did empathy at Yi city as well with A-Qing said Lan Sizhui
So much... he had done so much and only now he has fallen... the legends are true said Ouyang Zizhen as the rest agreed as they all put the events spoken by Lan Zhan and Lan Sizhui together
All the benches had been put together by Lan Zhan, so the boys could only squat in a circle, looking anxious. If Hua Ying were awake, the cabin would be so very lively. Yet, he was lying down right now, and second master Lan was the one sitting beside him, his back as straight as ever. Usually, someone would say a few things to liven up the atmosphere, but if Lan Zhan didn't talk unless needed, the others didn't dare speak up either. After they squatted for some time, it was still a dead silence within the cabin.
The boys were so bored that they began to communicate with their eyes. Why isn't second master Lan saying anything? Why hasn't Senior Wei woken up yet?
Hands cupped around his cheeks, OuYang ZiZhen stealthily pointed here and there. Is Second master Lan always this untalkative? How could Senior Hua stand being around him all the time?
Lan SiZhui nodded gravely, silently assuring him, second master Lan has indeed always been this way!
Suddenly, Hua Ying wrinkled his brows, his head tilting to the side. Softly, Lan Zhan moved his head back where it was, so that he wouldn't end up with a stiff neck.
Lan Zhan. Hua Ying murmured
Everyone thought that he was waking up. They were ecstatic, but Hua Ying's eyes were still tightly shut. Lan Zhan, on the other hand, looked just as usual, Mn. I am here.
Hua Ying was quiet again. As though he felt safe, he shifted closer toward Lan Zhan and continued to sleep. The boys stared at the two blankly. For some reason, their cheeks suddenly flushed.
S-Second master Lan, we will go out and get some fresh air. Said Lan Sizhui. They almost fled the scene, rushing to the deck. With the night wind, it seemed that their suffocating feelings from before were finally blown away.
What happened? Why did we have to come out?! Why?! Asked Lan Jingyi
I don't know what happened either, but suddenly, I just felt that we really shouldn't be in there! Said OuYang Zizhen as he covered his face
Wen Ning never stepped forward to help Hua Ying up in the first place. He didn't follow them into the cabin either, squatting on the deck. Back then, the group all wondered why he didn't go in. Now, they realized that the Ghost General really made the right decision. Not a single third person could fit inside! Watching them come out, Wen Ning made space for them to squat, almost as if he expected all this. However, Lan SiZhui was the only one who walked over, squatting down beside him.
Why does SiZhui seem like he's really close with the Ghost General? Asked OuYang Zizhen
Young Master Lan, may I call you A-Yuan? Asked Wen Ning
Sure! Smiled Lan Sizhui
A-Yuan, have you been well these years? Asked Wen Ning
Very well. Said Lan Sizhui
Second young master Lan must've treated you kindly. Said Wen Ning
Hearing him speak of Lan Zhan in such a respectful tone, Lan SiZhui felt even closer to him, second master Lan treated me as if he were my father. He even taught me how to play the guqin. Beamed Lan Sizhui
When did Second young master Lan start looking after you? Asked Wen Ning
I cannot remember either. It was probably when I was around four or five. I do not have many memories of the things that happened when I was younger, but when I was younger, I doubt second master Lan was able to take care of me. I think Second master Lan had been in secluded meditation for many years back then. Grandfather Qing taught me secretly and would tell me tales of mother, when mother was younger, but I do not remember anything about mother. Said Lan Sizhui
Inside the cabin, Lan Zhan looked up at the door that the juniors closed as they barged out. He then looked down at Hua Ying, whose head had tilted to the side again. Wrinkling his brows once more, Hua Ying turned his head left and right, as though he was feeling uncomfortable. Seeing this, Lan Zhan stood up, walked over to bolt the door, and sat back down beside Hua Ying again. He held up his shoulders and gently let him lean in his arms.
This time, Hua Ying's head finally stopped moving as he murmured, please don't leave me. Shifting against his chest, he finally found the best position to sleep in. Watching him relax again, Lan Zhan looked down, gazing at the features of the person within his arms. His Onyx hair fell from his shoulders. Suddenly, eyes still closed, Hua Ying grabbed onto his lapel. His fingers just so happened to be around his forehead ribbon. Please, come back don't leave whispered Hua Ying as the tears ran down his face.
His grip was quite tight. Lan Zhan pinched one end of the ribbon and tugged. Not only did he fail to pull it out, but he also even made Hua Ying's eyelashes tremble. He looked down and placed a kiss on Hua Ying's head, I will never leave again said Lan Zhan.
When Hua Ying finally opened his eyes, what he saw first was the wooden ceiling of the cabin. He sat up. Lan Zhan was standing before a wooden window, gazing at the glowing moon sitting atop the end of the river.
Huh, Lan Zhan, did I pass out? Asked Hua Ying
Yes. Why did you not tell me? asked Lan Zhan as he turned slightly to the side
Where's your forehead ribbon? Asked Hua Ying ignoring the question
After Hua Ying asked, he looked down. Huh, what happened? Why is it in my hand? He asked. He swung his legs down the benches and grabbed his head, I really am sorry. I like to hug things when I sleep, or else I tend to grab around. My apologies said Hua Ying as he slowly got up and tied it around Lan Zhan's head.
It is fine. Said Lan Zhan are you going to answer me he asked
What is there to answer? asked Hua Ying
You injured yourself to much and you used too much. How you are still standing Lan Zhan shook his head and wrapped his arms around Hua Ying and held him tight.
Lan Zhan, I am fine next time it happens just give me these said Hua Ying as he took out a bottle and showed it to Lan Zhan. four is enough.
Then take it now said Lan Zhan
"It won't help right now being so close to Jiang Cheng" thought Hua Ying as he did what Lan Zhan had asked and popped the purple pills into his mouth and swallowed.
Where is your Guzheng asked Lan Zhan
Back at home in cloud recesses, Father Qing has my Guqin because it keeps shattering the case wanting to be played and father couldn't separate the Zithers, so he took them both to Father Qing. replied Hua Ying
Just how many instruments do you play asked Lan Zhan
Six or seven maybe, the Guqin yang, Guzheng yin, erzhu, pipa, xiao, Hulusi and ChenQing dizi said Hua Ying as he counted seven, I play and mastered seven instruments.
At three in the morning, they reached Yunmeng. Lights burned brightly before Lotus Pier's gates and its docks, reflecting against the water to form pieces of gold. In the past, it was rare that so many boats of so many sizes could gather at the dock at the same time. Not only the guards at the gates, even the old men still at their stands selling midnight snacks were wide-eyed in astonishment. Jiang Cheng was the first to disembark the boats. He said a few words to the guards, and countless armed disciples immediately rushed out the gates. The people disembarked one after another, led inside by the Yunmeng Jiang Sect's guest cultivators. Sect Leader OuYang finally caught his son. Chastising in a low voice, he dragged him away. Hua Ying and Lan Zhan walked out the cabin and leaped down the fishing boat.
A-Ying, I'll wait for you outside. Said Wen Ning
Hua Ying sighed as he nodded. I really do not wish to be back here he said as he looked to the gates
I understand nodded Wen Ning
Mr. Wen, let me keep you company. Said Lan Sizhui
You'll keep me company? Asked Wen Ning happily
Yeah. The seniors are going inside to discuss important matters anyways. There is not much need for me to be present. Let us keep chatting. Where were we again? Did Senior Hua really plant a two-year-old child in the soil like a radish before? Asked Lan Sizhui
Although his voice was small, the two walking in the front had acute hearing. Hua Ying almost tripped on his own foot. Lan Zhan's eyebrows curved, but immediately went back to normal. When their silhouettes finally disappeared into the gates of Lotus Pier, Lan SiZhui finally continued.
Poor child. But I remember that when I was young, second master Lan had also put me in a pile of rabbits before. They are quite similar in some ways. Whispered Lan Sizhui
Before he stepped inside Lotus Pier's gates, Hua Ying took in a deep breath, trying to calm himself. But after he went in, he felt as nervous entering a place where his aunt and uncle had passed. That was why the last time he only came for a week every month before the burial mounds, he did not want to be here, the memories were too vivid, and the emotions of night was always fresh. Hua Ying kept it down along with the tightening pain of his chest he resisted the urge to massage it. Instead he massaged his head.
Too many places had been renewed. The training field was two times larger. Each new building seemed to be taller than the previous, adorned with curving roof decor. It seemed grander than before and had more splendor. But, compared to the Lotus Pier of his memories, it had changed too much. Hua Ying felt a deep sense of loss from within. He didn't know whether the old buildings from the past were blocked behind these impressive new buildings or if they were torn down already. After all, they were indeed too old. On the training field, the disciples gathered in the square arrays again, sitting in the lotus position to rest and restore their spiritual powers. Having been so busy during both the day and the night, all these people had long since worn themselves out, desperately needing to catch their breaths.
On the other hand, Jiang Cheng led the sect leaders and other important personnel into the main hall, Sword Hall, to further discuss today's matter.
Just as they entered, before anyone was seated yet, someone who looked like a guest cultivator walked up, Sect Leader. He said and shifted toward Jiang Cheng's ear and whispered a few words.
No. If there's something important, tell them to come later. Don't you see the situation right now? Asked Jiang Cheng frowning
I told them already. The two ladies said... that they were here for none other than today's matter. Replied the guest cultivator
What's their background? Which sect do they cultivate at? Asked Jiang Cheng
None. They aren't cultivators either. I am certain that that both are ordinary women without any spiritual powers. They brought with them some expensive medicinal herbs as well, but they didn't say which sect leader sent them. They only said that they had a few things to tell you, Sect Leader. From their words, I judged that what they were speaking of was no small matter. In case they feel disrespected, I already placed them within one of the guest residences. The medicinal herbs haven't been stored yet, either. They have been examined already. There are no abnormal spells or curses. Said the guest Cultivator
It wasn't that anyone could see the Jiang Sect's sect leader whenever they wanted to, even without telling him why they were there. On top of that, they were two women who lacked both spiritual powers and sects to support them. However, since they brought rare herbs, the guest cultivator responsible for receiving them didn't dare show disrespect. Even if not for the lavish gifts, the oddity of the incident itself was enough for him not to ignore them.
Everyone, please help yourselves. Please excuse my momentary absence. Said Jiang Cheng
Sect Leader Jiang, please go ahead. Said everyone
However, Jiang Cheng didn't return after just a few moments. He hadn't returned for a long while. To have unentertained guests at one's home was already disrespectful, much less during such times, when everyone was waiting to discuss important matters. Almost an hour later, Jiang Cheng still hadn't returned. Many people began to feel either anxious or displeased. At this point in time, Jiang Cheng finally came back. He looked perfectly fine when he went, but as he returned, his expression was icy cold, walking fast. He also brought with him two people, two women, probably the two who were visiting. The people originally thought that even if those were two ordinary ladies, to be able to visit with such lavish gifts meant that they had to be extraordinary in some ways. However, neither of the two ladies retained their youth. Age was spelled among the details next to the corners of their eyes and lips. One of the two looked both meek and uneasy, while the other not only looked weathered, but also had around half a dozen cuts on her face. Although the cuts seemed old, they were nonetheless so gruesome that the crowd was both disappointed and turned off. They began to mumble in silence, wondering why Jiang Cheng brought such women into Sword Hall and even pointed them to a position in the center of the hall. Jiang Cheng's face was dark. He turned to the women, who had just sat down gingerly.
You can speak here. Said Jiang Cheng
Sect Leader Jiang, you mean? Said sect leader Yao
The matter is too shocking, and I did not dare act hastily. The delay was due to careful questioning. Everyone, please quiet down, and lend your ears to these two. Said Jiang Cheng He turned around. Which of you two will speak first? He asked
The two women looked at each other. The weathered one was a bit braver. She stood up, I'll go first!
She presented them with a casual salute, What I'm about to tell you is an old story that happened around eleven years ago. She stated. My name is Sisi. In the past I sold my body. You can say that I was famous for a while. Ten-or-so years ago, I found a rich businessman and wanted to marry him, but it turned out that the man's wife was a fierce one. She got a group of hunky men and cut my face through. That's why I'm like this now. After my face became like this, my days were different from before. Nobody wanted to spare me a single glance, let alone do my business. My original brothel kicked me out. I didn't know how to do anything else, but I couldn't take in any business at all, so I joined up with the older sisters. Their customers didn't have high demands. If a job is up, I'd tag along with them. I could manage with my face covered up. One day, the sisters from our alleyway suddenly got a job, asking for all two dozen of us. With horse-drawn carriages, they brought us to a place. After those old sisters of mine finished with discussing the price, they were all ecstatic on the way there. I, however, felt that something wasn't right. Let's be honest here, they were either old, yellowed pearls or the same as me. We were paid so much, and even beforehand. How could there be such a lucky thing in the world? And the people who came to get us were fishy too. They led us into the carriages and took as a way, as soon as they came, not letting a single other person know about it. No matter how you look at it, they couldn't have had good intentions in mind! When the carriages arrived, they directly brought us to a courtyard and let us off there. None of us had ever seen such a tall, grand, glorious house before. We've all been dazzled blind, too scared to make a sound. A boy leaned against the doorway, playing with a dagger. He let us in when he saw us. He closed the door, and we entered the room. In such a large room was only two people. A man lay within the brocade sheets on a large bed. He seemed to be thirty or forty years old, probably sickened to the verge of death. When he saw that people entered, he could only turn his eyeballs.
Eleven years ago?! This was... This was...!!! Said Nie Huaisang
SiSi continued. Beforehand, someone had already told us what to do, one after another, we had to use our best skills to look after the person lying on the bed. We weren't supposed to stop for a single second. I even thought that it was some brawny hulk. Who knew it'd be a sick man? How could such a man endure our looking-after? I bet he'd give his last breath before we finished a single round. Could the dirty old man really be looking for such a death? And they were so wealthy too. It wasn't that they didn't have the money to hire younger, prettier ones. Why did they have to hire us old, ugly ones? I was thinking about this even as I crawled on top of them, when suddenly there seemed to be the sound of a young man's laugh. I jumped from the scare. Only then did I realize that there was a curtain beside the bed, and a man sitting behind the curtain! I finally realized that this man had been sitting behind the curtain the whole time. When he laughed, the man in the bed suddenly struggled, pushed me away, and rolled off the bed. The person laughed even harder, talking as he laughed. He said, Father, I brought you your favorite women. There are so many of them. Are you happy?
Although Sisi was the one who said those words, everyone felt their hair rise. A smiling face appeared before their eyes. Jin Guangyao! And the half-dead man inside the bed had to be Jin Guangshan! Jin Guangshan's death had always been a public secret within the world of cultivation. Jin Guangshan had been so amorous his whole life that he was almost obscene. He left his love everywhere; he left his seeds everywhere. The reason of his death was related to this as well.
The sect leader of the Jin Sect insisted on pursuing pleasure with women even when he was in such a weakened condition and finally died in bed. Such a story really saved him no dignity when told to others. After Madam Jin lost her only son and her daughter-in-law, she'd been quite depressed for a few years in the first place. Thinking that her husband had to fool around even when he was dying and finally fooled his life away, she was so angered that she fell ill as well, eventually passing away.
The Jin Sect tried to hide the news as hard as it could, but the world had a tacit understanding. The people sighed in grief on the surface, but they all thought that he deserved it, that such a death was only suitable for him. Yet, today, they had just heard of an uglier truth that was even more sickening than the previous one. Sharp intakes of breath could be heard throughout Sword Hall.
SiSi continued. The middle-aged man wanted to shout and struggle, but his body was weak. The boy who led us inside opened the door again, grinning as he dragged him onto the bed again and tied him up with a rope, stepping on his head. He told us, carry on, don't stop even when he's dead. Had any of us been through such a situation before? We were scared half-dead, but we didn't dare disobey. We had to continue. At the twelfth or eleventh round, that sister suddenly screamed, saying that he really was dead. I went over and checked.
He'd indeed kicked the bucket, but the person behind the curtain said, didn't you hear me? Don't stop even when he's dead! When I saw that the man was dead, I knew that we were done. We wouldn't be able to escape either. As expected, when we finished, those old sisters of mine were all killed. Not even one of them was left. Cried SiSi
Then why are you the one who lived? Asked Hua Ying
I do not know either! Back then, I begged again and again. I said that I didn't want the money, that I wouldn't say anything. Who knew that they really didn't kill me. They took me to a place and locked me inside. I was there for eleven years. Only recently did someone save me by accident, and I could finally escape. Explained SiSi
Who was the one that saved you? Asked Hua Ying as he glared at Nie Huaisang as he hid away.
I don't know. I've never seen the one who saved me. But after my savior heard about what happened to me, he decided not to let that pretentious, immoral bastard continue to fool the world. No matter how powerful he is right now, my savior said that he was going to expose all the things he did and deliver justice to all those he hurt, letting those poor sisters of mine rest in peace in the Underworld. Said SiSi
With such clear details, she isn't lying! Said sect leader Yao
I think I have seen you before. Said Lan Qiren to the woman standing next to SiSi
The woman's face was full of panic, I think... I think you have. She replied. During the Yueling Qin Sect's Discussion Conference, I often accompanied my madam.
The Yueling Qin Sect? Asked a female cultivator, you're a maid of the Yueling Qin Sect You're... Bicao, Madam Qin's personal maid Bicao! Right?
The Madam Qin whom she referred to was Qin CangYe's wife, and so the birth mother of Jin Guangyao's wife, Qin Su. Bicao nodded, but now I'm no longer at the Qin Sect.
Standing up as he slammed his table, do you have something to tell us too? Asked sect leader Yao
What I'm about to say happened a bit earlier, about a dozen years ago. Replied Bicao. I'd served my madam for many years. I watched our Maiden A-Su grow up. Madam had always cared for Maiden Su, but around the time when Maiden Su was about to marry, Madam was in an extremely bad mood. She had nightmares when she slept and sometimes cried too when she was awake. I thought that she was only finding it hard to let go of Maiden Su, since Maiden Su was about to marry. I kept on comforting her by saying that the man she was marrying, Jin Guangyao, was not only accomplished but also caring and devoted. Maiden Su would lead a very good life.
Yet, after Madam heard this, she was even worse. When the marriage day approached, one night, Madam suddenly said to me that she was going to see Maiden Su's future husband, and that she was going right now, wanting me to secretly accompany her. I said, you can ask him to see you. Why would you sneakily go see a young man in the middle of the night? If others heard of this, who knows how the rumors would go. But Madam's mind was set, so I had to go with her. After we arrived, however, Madam told me to wait outside and not go in, which was why I didn't hear anything and I don't know what exactly she said to Jin Guangyao. I only knew that a few days later, when the date of Maiden Su's marriage was set, Madam fainted as soon as she saw the invitation letter. And after Maiden Su was married, Madam was still extremely depressed.
She was sick in her heart, and her sickness worsened by day. Before she passed away, she couldn't hold it in any longer, and told me everything. Jin Guangyao and our maiden, they never were wife and husband... They were brother and sister.
WHAT?! Cried everyone in the room, Hua Ying kept his gaze on Nie Huaisang who just sat there.
My madam really was too unfortunate... Old Sect Leader Jin was a bastard. He lusted after my madam's looks, and once forced her when he was drunk outside... How could Madam resist? She didn't dare say anything afterwards either. My master was of utmost loyalty to Jin Guangshan, so she was more than scared.
Jin Guangshan might not remember whose daughter Maiden Qin was, but my madam could never forget. She didn't dare talk to Jin Guangshan, knowing that Maiden Qin was very much in love with Jin Guangyao. After a long struggle, she finally went to find him secretly before the marriage day and told him a few things, begging him to somehow cancel the marriage before things got out of hand. Who knew... Who knew that Jin Guangyao married Maiden Su even though he knew she was his younger sister! What was scarier was that not only did he marry her, the two even bore a child! Cried Bicao
The sounds of the crowd's discussion rose louder and louder. For how long has Old Sect Leader Qin followed Jin Guangshan? He even dared touch the wife of his old subordinate. Damn that Jin Guangshan!
It seems that nothing can be kept a secret for long in this world. Said Hua Ying. For Jin Guangyao to gain a strong foothold within the Jin Sect, he had to have the help of his father-in-law Qin CangYe as his backbone. How could he have chosen not to marry her?
He really is the most immoral person of all the world! Cried sect leader Yao, judging from this, I dare to guess that his son wasn't assassinated by another afterall but rather by his own hands
Hua Ying whispered to Lan Zhan, So that's why in the secret chamber he said to Qin Su, 'A-Song had to die.'
And why so? Asked Hua Ying
Most of the children born from closely related brothers and sisters end up being dull-witted. Jin RuSong was only a few years old when he died, precisely the age at which young children begin to learn. Others wouldn't be able to notice anything wrong when the child was still young, but after he grew up, it'd expose the fact that he was different from the others.
Even if they didn't doubt the relationship between his parents, if a dull-witted child really was born, it'd be inevitable that others pointed at Jin Guangyao, saying that such a child was born only because he had the dirty blood of a prostitute in him and the one who killed Jin RuSong just happened to be the sect leader who opposed his construction of the lookout towers, how could there be such a coincidence? He snorted, either way, no matter what, Jin Guangyao didn't need to keep a son who'd likely turn out to be an idiot. He killed Jin RuSong, framed the sect leader who opposed him, and crusaded against sects that refused to accept him fair and square, in the name of revenge for his son, although it was heartless, it killed two birds with one stone. What tactics, Jin Guangyao!
The night of Koi Tower's Discussion Conference, you were the one to meet with Qin Su, didn't you? Asked Hua Ying, Bicao just stared at Hua Ying
That night, in Fragrance Palace, I had snuck in looking for someone, Qin Su and Jin GuangYao were in quite a big argument. She said she went to meet someone, that this person told her a few things and gave her a letter, that this person wouldn't lie to her. Was she talking about you? Asked Hua Ying
Yes. Replied Bicao
For how long have you been keeping this secret? Why did you suddenly decide to tell her? And why did you suddenly decide to publicize all this? Asked Hua Ying
Because... I had to let Maiden Qin just what kind of person her husband is. In the beginning, I didn't want to publicize it either, but because of Madam Qin's inexplicable suicide at Koi Tower, I had to uncover this demon's real face to seek justice for my madam and Maiden Qin. Said Bicao
But have you never thought what a blow it'd be to her after you told her? Or do you not know? That it's because you went to tell Qin Su of the matter that she killed herself? Said Hua Ying
Now this I can't possibly agree with. Would hiding the truth be right instead? Asked sect leader Yao
The other people are not to blame... Madam... Qin Su was still too fragile. Said someone else
Qin Su was so pitiful. Back then I even envied her. I thought that she really had a good life. She had a good birth and a good marriage, the only mistress of Koi Tower with how devoted her husband was. But who knew? Said one of the female cultivators
Hua Ying looked down to see a bracelet of jade and gold worn on Bicao's wrist. The quality was extremely high. It was not something that a maid would be able to wear. He smiled, nice bracelet. Bicao hurried to pull her sleeve down. She said nothing.
Qin Su had not killed herself rather she was murdered Hua Ying whispered to Lan Zhan, she wanted to expose Meng Yao that night, he had locked her pressure points and dragged her to the mirror, I can only guess that the head was moved by Su She as he had Meng Yao himself had done something to his wife.
But... But who exactly is... the person who sent these two here? Asked Nie Huaisang as he avoided Hua Ying gaze
Why worry over these?! No matter who it is, there's one thing we can be certain of, he's a man of justice who's standing on our side. Said sect leader Yao
The one who saved Maiden Sisi is remarkable. Wealthy, and has time in his hands. But a man of justice? That's not necessarily true. Said Hua Ying
There are many points of suspicion. Replied Lan Zhan
If Hua Ying said this, not many people would pay attention, but since the one who spoke was Lan Zhan, the crowd quieted at once.
And where do those points lie? Asked Lan Qiren
Now there's quite a lot of them. For example, with how cruel Meng Yao is, why would he spare Sisi after having killed more than twenty people? Now we have the witnesses, but what about the material proof? Asked Hua Ying
It looks as if the criminal can get away without being punished, but he is wrong, he'll finally pay. Said sect leader Yao
Hearing this, Hua Ying smiled, and stopped speaking. He knew that right now; nobody could take in what he said. Nobody would carefully consider his suspicions either. A few more words, and maybe the others would start to position themselves against him again. Not that he cared, Hua Ying no longer had the interest in taking part in the mortal world and their problems anymore.
And so, the waves of criticism began: Who knew this person could be so ungrateful and immoral!
Back then, Jin Guangyao could climb up a step at a time only by playing up to former sect leader Nie Mingjue and ZeWu-Jun. Or else, how could a prostitute's son like him be where he is now? How dare he lay his hands on former sect Leader Nie Mingjue! ZeWu-Jun is still with him right now. Let's hope that nothing happens to him! Said someone else...
Hua Ying opened his communication array:
"A-Sang. Did you have something to do with these women?
A-Ying? Can I say that it is scary that you know me so well.
A-Sang that was a dangerous thing to do.
You weren't here, you were asleep. Brother was murdered! What else could I have done.
... I am sorry. I promised too always be there and I wasn't I am truly sorry. I was technically asleep A-Sang I was trapped in the kiln after I ascended and faced my heavenly trial. A-Frayer didn't want you to worry that's why she said that.
You mean...
If I can't get out, I'd still be stuck there. Yes. You understand why it was useless now giving the incomplete array to Mo Xuanyu?
Yes, and I am sorry for what happened to him
He is fine, he is going through his savage trials and then to my aunt to learn the dark path.
Are you ok?
Yes and no but I will be once I go home."
Not only his sworn brothers, but his brothers by blood had also it even worse. The couple of years before Jin Guangshan's death, he busied himself everywhere getting rid of his dad's illegitimate children, scared that someone would suddenly appear and fight for his spot with him. It wasn't even that bad for Mo XuanYu. If not because he lost his mind and was forced back, maybe he'd end up the same way the others did and disappear for some reason or another. Jin ZiXuan's death had to be related as well! Said sect leader OuYang
Does anyone still remember Xiao XingChen from back then? Xiao XingChen, the bright moon, the gentle breeze. And the case of the Yueyang Chang Sect. At that time, Xue Yang was protected single-handedly by Jin Guangyao as well. When Taoist Xiao XingChen first came down the mountain, didn't a lot of sects want him to be a guest cultivator at their place? Asked sect leader Yao. Jin Sect also invited him, but he politely refused. Back then, the Jin Sect was quite pleased with itself.
Having been rejected by a rogue cultivator, of course it felt like it had lost face. This old enmity had to be one of the reasons they protected Xue Yang in the future as well. They just had to see Xiao XingChen lead to a terrible end, huh? How unfortunate. Back then, I had the luck of seeing Taoist Xiao XingChen's brilliance at a night-hunt with my own eyes. His sword, Shuanghua, could move the whole world.
I heard that back when Jin Guangyao worked undercover in the Wen Sect, he wasn't genuine at all. This was what he thought: if the Sun-shot Campaign didn't go well, he'd stay at the Wen Sect and help the villain; if the Wen Sect was about to fall, he'd turn around and become a hero. Wen Ruohan is probably mad as hell in the Underworld. Back then, he trained Jin Guangyao as one of his most trusted cultivators. Almost all of Jin Guangyao's current swordsmanship was taught to him by Wen Ruohan! Said another cultivator
That's not so big of a deal, is it? I heard that the reason former sect leader Nie Mingjue failed the surprise attack was because he purposely sent out the wrong information! Said a female cultivator
Hua Ying had heard enough. It was all hearsay anyway, Wen Rouhan and his sons are currently still in his dungeons with Jin Guangshan and Xue Yang, he could most properly get the truth out if he went there for five minutes, plus it will make his mother happy, and he could get cleaned.
Mr. Hua, Jin GuangYao has got the Tiger Seal in his hands. We'll entrust this matter to you. Said sect leader Yao
I'm sorry? Said Hua Ying as he was broken out of his thoughts as he heard his name
That's right! Nobody ranks higher than the YiLing Patriarch in this path of cultivation! Said another sect leader. Now things are looking bad for Jin Guangyao.
Hua Ying immediately felt a bit speechless. The last time others praised him like this was during the Sun-shot Campaign more than ten years ago. Although somebody finally inherited his position as being the enemy of the entire cultivation world. He only doubted in silence. Dark premonition creeped up and Lan Zhan saw Hua Ying face, he gently guided him out and they disappeared
Lan Zhan, I need to go home. Are you willing to come or would you rather wait asked Hua Ying
I shall join you said Lan Zhan
Lotus-Phoenix Hall
As they stepped out of the array Lan Zhan's eyes opened wide as he looked around.
Sorry, it's just... well family was all Hua Ying could say as he saw the portraits on the walls of every god and ghost and his right in the middle above the Divan larger than life.
This is? Said Lan Zhan
My family replied Hua Ying, my aunts, uncles, guardian, mother, father and sister Hua Ying smiled as they walked through slowly letting Lan Zhan look at the portraits, as I have said I have one big family and they are all painted by A-Sang, he truly has an eye of capturing everyone. we are now in the ghost realm I wanted to bath and change, and I guess you would too if you could wait a moment.
Just as he finished speaking "well little demon I see you bought him back"
Yes father, this time however it's here and not there said Hua Ying, I need a bath
Your mother went to fetch Lan QingHeng-Jun. They should be here momentarily replied Hua Cheng as he went and sat on Hua Ying's Divan, are you going to show him?
I have no choice I need answers and be nice said Hua Ying
I am being nice oh and A-Shi IS going to kill you grinned Hua Cheng
I asked you nicely! Whined Hua Ying
Ask what?! YOU... I had that robe made especially and you go get blood and guts on it growled Hua Tianshi as she stormed in
A-Shi, said Hua Ying slyly as he slowly stepped forward, come give your twin a hug.
No... NO... HUA LEE YING KEEP YOUR DISGUSTING, BLOODY SELF AWAY FROM ME screamed Hua Tianshi as Hua Ying chased her around laughing
I missed this, said Hua Cheng as he stepped towards Lan Zhan, he hasn't been this playful since he descended you know.
I do. When he came back it was like he wasn't him and I made matters worse by not explaining myself better said Lan Zhan
At least you recognized your mistake, A-Ying he tries his best to bury the pain, when he came back after he died in the burial mounds he didn't come back, my A-Ying that was full of life and laughter wasn't seen, the person that was teasing and pranking he disappeared. All he cared about was stopping the ghosts that had gone and wreaked havoc in the mortal realm, save those from the cultivational world and his duties. He always had a smile but it wasn't the one we knew said Hua Cheng
I did that said Lan Zhan
No, no. You weren't the cause you were in the beginning but after that campaign it wasn't you. It was that bastard in the dungeon and his son and the whole of the cultivational world. You know after you and everyone had their memories sealed A-Ying thought that it would be Jiang Cheng who would stay by his side yet he received betrayal after betrayal. You know it was your brother and your uncle that joined the seige that day? It was Jiang Cheng that had stabbed him in the throat to stop him from screaming, A-Ying never screamed no matter how painful he had a smile on his face. Nie Mingjue hit Jiang Cheng because of that stab not because he wanted to take him alive. Explained Hua Cheng
Why are you digging up the past? Asked Hua Ying as he and his sister came forward
Because your father is trying to make Lan Zhan here understand that not everything was his fault said Xie Lian as he came through with Lan Qingheng-Jun
It doesn't matter, the past doesn't matter repeated Hua Ying as he crossed his arms over his chest
Hua Lee Ying! For you the past matters greatly, how much longer are you going to do this to yourself scolded Xie Lian
Did I just piss my mother off? Asked Hua Ying confused
No, but you're close to grinned Hua Cheng how about giving him a hug
Don't you dare! Exclaimed Xie Lian
Watching son chasing his mother Lan Qingheng-Jun came over. He hasn't been like this in years he commented
I just said that as he chased his sister said Hua Cheng laughing
Now I need to bath to said Hua Tianshi as she was smeared with handprints
Wangji your clothing said Lan QingHeng-Jun as he handed them over.
Thank you said Lan Zhan, thank you for staying by his side when I could not.
It was my fault Wangji and I had tried to make it up to the both of you. Said Lan QingHeng-Jun.
Now the four of us need a bath laughed Hua Ying as he caught hold of Xie Lian
YOU ARE TRULY YOUR FATHER'S SON screamed Xie Lian
Coming back to Lan Zhan, let's go clean up. I have other things to take care of said Hua Ying as he turned to his father have aunt Banyue and Jian Lan join as well please he asked
I will do that said Hua Cheng, I need to take them home first laughed Hua Cheng
Third door on the right replied Hua Ying to Lan Zhan as he walked off
After getting clean and dressed Hua Ying felt much better than he had physically anyway his spiritual energy was still flux being so close to part of his previous core not that he would tell anyone but, his parents and sister knew. Walking back out he took hold of Lan Zhan hand.
I need to... I want to... Hua Ying sighed
I won't think differently of you said Lan Zhan
Hua Ying changed into his demon ghost form, I am the fourth supreme demon ghost king of this realm and heir to the Demon realm, when I was thrown into the burial mounds, I started my descend my body was broken but it did not matter because it was my spirit that went through the trails. What you saw before the sun-shot campaign that was truly me. I punish those that have done wrong in the way they fear the most, I am black heart bleeding said Hua Ying, I am the son of crimson rain sought flower and Yama.
I guessed as much after I saw him Coffin City said Lan Zhan
Hua Ying looked up surprised, you knew? Asked Hua Ying I never said anything
I listen said Lan Zhan, the children talk... a lot and Sizhui and Jingyi followed you to father after the you went to see to your donkey
Where we are going now is considered my playground. It's not something I'd like you to see but it is where we can get answers said Hua Ying
A-Ying, I fell in love you at fifteen then again even at your worst when you came back, and I love you still. Said Lan Zhan as he wrapped Hua Ying in a hug. now let's go so we can get back.
Hua Ying led Lan Zhan to the Dungeons. On the walls were many tortured souls, many Lan Zhan had recognized as they were once part of sects in the mortal world, and they cried out as they saw Lan Zhan asking him to save them.
QUITE roared Hua Ying, you all deserve to be here. I have seen what you have done to my family and then I was considering giving you all a new life! NEITHER OF YOU DESERVE IT!!!
His voice echoed through the long hall as they were all silenced and all that was heard was whimpers, Hua Ying continued to walk till the end here they reached the door. He looked at Lan Zhan who in turn nodded then he turned the handle and the first thing that anyone saw was a black streak heading for Hua Ying
MOTHER!!! Cried Mo Xuanyu
A-Yu? Said Hua Ying confused then wrapped his arms around him and kissed his face, my A-Yu, my silly little darkness, why did you descend... why are you here?
Because I wanted to stay by you and my birth mother is here as well, I wanted my two mothers said Mo Xuanyu.
Don't worry A-Ying he is being trained and is very good with 'one soul,' said Yin Yu
How did I know you'd be part of this, tell him yet? Asked Hua Ying
A son of the demon is my job as guardian said Yin Yu
When did I become a demon now? Asked Hua Ying
New classification said Hua Cheng as he walked in with Xie Lian, to many are trying for supreme class but they are still weaker than us so Ling Wen and your mother decided Demon class for yourself, He Xuan and myself, Qi Rong is trying for it as well.
I am a demon how come I get a class of my own asked Hua Ying confused
Because the supremes want to be titled demon as well said Xie Lian
Fine I will speak to Yama sighed Hua Ying
What do we owe the pleasure this time asked Jin Guangshan.
I have two questions said Hua Ying
Just two and I see you've bought second young master Lan with, I would show respect, but I am a bit tied now he said as he laughed
Hua Ying ignored him, did you or did you not force yourself upon Madam Qin years ago while claiming to be intoxicated asked Hua Ying
Yes, I did, and she wasn't a bad fuck either, I couldn't get her again as she always kept someone with her at all times said Jin Guangshan
Did you die with a herd of woman around you asked Hua Ying
How do you know this? Asked Jin Guangshan as he paled
I never knew ghosts could pale said Lan Zhan
There is a lot you do not know smiled Hua Ying, so Sisi was telling the truth, Guangshan did you know your no-good son to kill all your children including your legitimate son Jin Zixuan? Did you know that Qin Su was in fact your daughter? If she shows up here, I will take her in if she wants and I will make sure she knows you're here as I finally know what to do with the cock between your legs. Also your son A-Yu i am sure has many stories to tell you of your brat that over threw you but just to be sure your wife who you refused to bed died of posioning and not of the heart, I knew the moment when I saw her while you were all chanting my death at the evernight I was then planning already to go and heal her but things happened and plans changed
But for now, I will make use of it said Jian Lan as she walked through the door.
Aunt Lan, it's so wonderful to see you said Hua Ying as he hugged her
Little demon I should boil you and feed you to the guests growled Jian Lan
Aunt Lan you know what the girls would do and Cuo Cuo too grinned Hua Ying
I know fully well that I cannot touch you little demon that is why I want him she said as she pointed at Jin Gaungshan. It was mostly him that had you to kill yourself the way you did Jian Lan growled; my girls want a chance.
You may have him said Hua Ying I want to ask there were a couple of older women that was murdered by Xue Yang. Are they here?
A few yes not all replied Jian Lan, they have taken up honest work in the realm.
let A-Yu fill him in in the truth before intervals and he gets to decide when it is enough said Hua Ying
Xue yang do you still not want to tell me how Mingjue died? asked Hua Ying
he died and when his body was buried we took it and used the amulet on him but is anger was strong than we originally thought, Jin Guanyao decided to fetch his sword from the ridge and he used one of your arrays as he cut his limbs and head he cut his soul as well, i wasn't deemed useful anymore as he got what he wanted... chief cultivator so he tried to kill me that loyal dog of his ran me through and left me to die... but i had stolen the amulet before they even knew and then disappeared i know not of what happened until you came to my home explained Xue Yang
Well Xue Yang is here. I have no use for him anymore so if they want him they can have their fun before my father destroys his ashes said Hua Ying
I will enquire but I know that my girls would love a piece of him as well Jian Lan grinned
What of the other three asked Xie Lian
Who? Asked Hua Ying
The Wens replied Lan Zhan
You decide said Hua Ying, the one broke your leg the other changed half your sect into monsters...
And the youngest had you locked up with a dire wolf who tore at you said Lan Zhan
Wait how do you know this asked Hua Ying
You smelled of blood that day you came back, you had fur on your clothes and Wen Ning said Lan Zhan
A-Ying, you never told us! Exclaimed Xie Lian
It wasn't important, I was alive then wasn't I and I was fine said Hua Ying
You were injured and still pushed into the cave of the Xuanwu, you saved Mian Mian and got branded instead, you climbed into the water with Jiang Cheng looking for the exit then you used the fire array to help everyone escape and then you carried me on your back to safety, with us low on spiritual energy just hanging on we both killed the Xuanwu while you were in the bowels fighting alone, you grabbed the tainted and drove it into the monster that tried to swallow, nearly drowning and you came yo with a fever! Hua Ying stop downplaying your torment! scolded Lan Zhan
Is that how you were able to fight there asked Hua Cheng
No, I had Chenqing kill them before I entered the borders smiled Hua Ying, still petrified of them, trust me.
When you get home, we are going to discuss this growled Hua Cheng
That means with the seal, right? Asked Hua Ying
Yes, little demon we won't be having this again said Hua Cheng
Daddy, I will try you know this, last time was my fault. Said Hua Ying
We know said Xie Lian, we will take care of the room and Mo Xuanyu will clean it.
But I also want to partake whined Mo Xuanyu
A-Yu, be good. I will return said Hua Ying as he hugged Mo Xuanyu, you can help your grandfather play with his new toys he grinned
Mother remember that thing we discussed asked Mo Xuanyu with a sly smile.
A-Yu... You remembered smiled Hua Ying then had Yin Yu disappeared. In you room my little darkness, waiting for you
Thank you, mother, said Mo Xuanyu and hugged Hua Ying before running off
What have you done asked Hua Cheng
I promised my son I would tie Yin Yu to the rack comfortably so my little darkness can have his way with waning moon officer grinned Hua Ying
His room isn't silenced little demon smiled Hua Cheng as they walked back into the hall and heard Yin Yu call for Hua Ying's death by his hand before the moaning started.
While your hall has beautiful woman dancing and singing, I will have my son and his lover moans whilst I am not here said Hua Ying as he grinned
I wonder will you two be joining them on my Divan? I am sure they will be busy for at least two days especially with all the comforts I provided little darkness to enjoy laughed Hua Ying
You truly are black hearted little demon laughed Hua Cheng
I try said Hua Ying
Xie Lian then opened an array which led back to Yunmeng.
Be careful, be safe said Xie Lian as he hugged Hua Ying
I shall try my best said Hua Ying smiling.