TFOD Chapter 74

Chapter 69: On the Verge of Departure (1)

Autumn, the Hundred Phoenix Mountain hunting grounds.

Hundreds and thousands of cultivators gathered at a location known for its constant appearance of evil spirits and demonic beasts. Within a stipulated timeframe, each used their individual talents to compete for prey – this was the hunt. The Hundred Phoenix Mountain stretched for miles, with numerous prey animals and was one of the three well-known hunting grounds, having hosted many large-scale hunts. Such grand events were not only an opportunity for the major and minor sects to actively participate, display their strengths, and recruit talent, but also for rogue cultivators and rising stars to make a name for themselves.

Before Hundred Phoenix Mountain was a wide plaza. Around the plaza stood several dozen tall viewing platforms, where heads bobbed, buzzing with excited whispers. The quietest place was naturally the highest, most luxurious viewing platform. Most of those seated on the platform were elderly dignitaries and the families of sect leaders. In the back, servant girls held canopies or waved fans, while the women in the front row used fans to conceal their faces, observing the hunting grounds below with great restraint.

However, when the Gusu Lan Sect’s cavalry appeared, this restraint could no longer be maintained.

In night hunts, the pursuit of prey didn’t really rely on horses. However, horsemanship was one of the essential skills that the disciples of major sects had to learn. On such grand occasions, riding onto the scene was not only a symbol of etiquette, but the cavalry formations created a grand momentum that was very impressive. Simply put, it was about “rules” and “looking good.” Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji sat upright on two snow-white steeds, leading the Gusu Lan Sect’s cavalry forward slowly. Both had swords at their waists and bows and arrows on their backs. Their white robes and headbands flew in unison, making them appear like immortal beings. Their snow-white boots were spotless, even cleaner than the robes of other people. The Twin Jades of Lan were truly like a pair of flawless jade pieces, sculpted from ice and snow. Upon their appearance, even the air seemed to become refreshing. Numerous female cultivators were captivated. Some were more subtle, merely lowering their fans and gazing with more eagerness, while the bolder ones had already rushed to the edge of the viewing platform, throwing the flower buds and flowers they had prepared towards them, creating a sudden rain of blossoms in the air. It was customary to throw flowers at handsome men and women to express admiration. The Gusu Lan Sect’s disciples, due to their noble status, outstanding talent, and superior looks, had long grown accustomed to this. Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji, in particular, had been accustomed to this since they were thirteen years old. The two remained composed, nodding slightly towards the viewing platform in acknowledgement without pausing, and continued to move forward.

Suddenly, Lan Wangji raised his hand, intercepting a flower that had been thrown from behind.

He turned back to look and saw, in the direction of the Yunmeng Jiang Sect’s cavalry that had not yet moved forward, Jiang Cheng in the lead clicked his tongue impatiently, while beside him, a person sat on a black-maned steed, elbow propped up on the horse’s head, casually looking to the side, chatting and laughing with two graceful female cultivators.

Seeing Lan Wangji rein in his horse, Lan Xichen asked, “Wangji, what’s wrong?”

Lan Wangji said, “Wei Ying.”

Only then did Wei Wuxian turn his head, saying in surprise, “What? Hanguang-Jun, are you calling me? What is it?”

Lan Wangji held up the flower, his expression looking very cold, and his tone was also cold. “Was it you?”

Wei Wuxian immediately denied it, “It wasn’t me.”

The two female cultivators next to him immediately said, “Don’t believe him, it was him!”

Wei Wuxian said, “How can you wrongly accuse an innocent person like this? I’m angry!”

The two female cultivators chuckled and pulled their reins, returning to their own formations. Lan Wangji lowered the hand holding the flower and shook his head. Jiang Cheng said, “Ze Wu-Jun, Hanguang-Jun, I apologize, please ignore him.”

Lan Xichen smiled, “It’s alright. I thank you on Wangji’s behalf for Young Master Wei’s kindness in offering the flower.”

As they slowly rode away amidst a flurry of fragrant flowers, Jiang Cheng glanced at the handkerchiefs waving like a colorful sea on the viewing platform and said to Wei Wuxian, “Why were you throwing them too, when they were throwing them?”

Wei Wuxian said, “I think he looks good, can’t I throw a few flowers?”

Jiang Cheng scoffed, “How old are you? What kind of status do you have, and you’re still playing these childish tricks.”

Wei Wuxian looked at him and said, “Do you want one too? There are still many on the ground, shall I pick some up for you?” Saying this, he pretended to bend over. Jiang Cheng said, “Get lost!”

Just then, Jin Guangyao’s voice resounded in the plaza, “The Qinghe Nie Sect’s cavalry enters!”

Nie Mingjue was extremely tall, giving people a great sense of pressure when standing. Riding a horse made him appear even more imposing, as if he were surveying the entire scene from above. The clamor on the viewing platform immediately quieted down. When men on the cultivation ranking appeared, they were almost always showered with flowers. Nie Mingjue, ranked seventh, was an exception. If Lan Wangji was cold with a hint of ice, like frost and snow, Nie Mingjue was cold with a hint of fire, seeming like he could erupt into flames at any moment, making people afraid to provoke him. Therefore, even though the girls’ hearts were pounding wildly and their hands were already tightly clutching sweat-soaked flowers, they dared not throw them, fearing they might anger him, and that he would split the entire viewing platform with a single strike. However, there were many male cultivators who admired Chifeng-Zun, and their cheers were particularly deafening. As for Nie Huaisang next to Nie Mingjue, he was still dressed impeccably today, with his sword hanging at his waist and rings on his fingers, lightly swaying a paper fan. At first glance, he looked like a handsome young master, but everyone knew that his sword would never be drawn, and he would probably just stroll around Hundred Phoenix Mountain later, enjoying the scenery.

After the Qinghe Nie Sect, it was the Yunmeng Jiang Sect’s turn.

Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng rode onto the scene, and in an instant, they were greeted by another wave of flowers. Jiang Cheng’s face darkened, but Wei Wuxian basked in it, enjoying himself immensely. He waved towards the highest viewing platform. The best spot on the platform belonged to the Jin Madam of the Lanling Jin Sect, and seated next to her was Jiang Yanli. Jin Madam had been holding her hand, speaking with her affectionately. Jiang Yanli usually had a calm and inconspicuous demeanor, with lowered eyes and a submissive look. But when she saw her two brothers greeting her, her face suddenly lit up. She lowered her fan, said a few shy words to Jin Madam, and went to the edge of the viewing platform to throw two flowers at them.

Throwing the flowers took all of her strength. Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng were momentarily worried that she would fall. Seeing that Jiang Yanli had steadied herself, they were relieved. They both easily caught the flowers, and with smiles, they pinned the light purple flowers to their chests before continuing forward. Many women around them looked at Jiang Yanli with envy. She lowered her head and returned to Jin Madam’s side. At this moment, a row of white-clad cultivators with gold trim, wearing light armor and riding tall horses, charged out. The one leading at the forefront, with handsome features and clad in armor, was naturally the sect leader, Jin Guangshan.

Jin Madam hurriedly patted Jiang Yanli’s shoulder, then pulled her hand and dragged her to the edge of the viewing platform, pointing out the Lanling Jin Sect’s cavalry below.

Amidst the neighing of horses, suddenly, a horse took the lead and galloped around the plaza before abruptly reining in. The person on the horse was dashing and unrestrained, dressed in white like snow, with features that were even more striking than the red mark between his eyebrows. His posture as he drew his bow was incredibly heroic, immediately causing a surge of excitement on the viewing platform. The person glanced at the viewing platform, intentionally or unintentionally. Though he tried his best to keep a straight face, arrogance was evident between his brows.

Wei Wuxian snorted and nearly laughed to death while on his horse. “I am truly impressed by him, like a peacock showing off his feathers.”

Jiang Cheng said, “Control yourself, your sister is watching from the viewing platform.”

Wei Wuxian said, “Don’t worry, as long as he doesn’t make my sister cry again, I’ll ignore him. You shouldn’t have brought her here.”

Jiang Cheng said, “The Lanling Jin Sect extended a strong invitation. I couldn’t refuse.”

Wei Wuxian said, “I think it was Jin Madam’s strong invitation. She’ll definitely find a way to push my sister together with that male princess later.”

As he spoke, Jin Zixuan had already ridden his horse to the shooting range. The row of targets was a checkpoint before officially entering the mountain. Those who wished to participate in the hunt had to hit one target from a prescribed distance to qualify. There were seven rings on each target, corresponding to the seven mountain paths. The closer the arrow landed to the bullseye, the better the terrain of the corresponding mountain path. Jin Zixuan did not slow down at all, swiftly pulling out a feathered arrow, drawing his bow, and shooting. He hit the bullseye. Cheers rang out from all sides of the viewing platform.

Seeing Jin Zixuan making a grand display, Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng showed little reaction. Suddenly, a loud snort came from not far away. A person said loudly, “If anyone here is not convinced, come and try to see if you can shoot better than Zixuan!”

This person was tall and handsome, with slightly dark skin, and a loud voice. He was Jin Guangshan’s nephew and Jin Zixuan’s cousin, Jin Zixun. Previously, during the flower banquet at Jinlin Tower, Wei Wuxian had had a dispute with Jin Zixuan. He remembered this grudge and was now here to provoke him. Wei Wuxian smiled slightly. Jin Zixun, seeing that he did not respond, revealed a smug expression. When the Yunmeng Jiang Sect’s cavalry also arrived at the shooting range, Wei Wuxian said to the Twin Jades of Lan, who were on horseback and adjusting their bows, “Lan Zhan, can you do me a favor?”

Lan Wangji glanced at him and remained silent. Jiang Cheng said, “What are you doing now?”

Lan Wangji said, “What is it?”

Wei Wuxian said, “Lend me your forehead ribbon?”

Upon hearing this, Lan Wangji immediately averted his gaze, no longer looking at him. Lan Xichen laughed and said, “Young Master Wei, you may not know this…”

Lan Wangji said, “Brother, no need to explain further.”

Lan Xichen said, “Alright then.”

Jiang Cheng simply wanted to slap Wei Wuxian off his horse. This guy clearly knew that Lan Wangji would definitely not lend it, yet he still asked, simply making trouble for no reason. If it weren’t for the inappropriate occasion, he swore he would have done it. He said, “What do you want the forehead ribbon for? To hang yourself? I’ll lend you a belt, no thanks needed.”

Wei Wuxian, while untying the black band from his wrist guard, said, “Keep your belt. I don’t want your thing even without the forehead ribbon.”

Jiang Cheng said, “You—”

Before he finished speaking, Wei Wuxian quickly tied the black band over his eyes, obscuring his vision, then drew his bow, aimed, and released the arrow—it hit the bullseye!

This series of actions was completed in a smooth, lightning-fast manner. Others did not even have time to react to what he was going to do, or even see his movements clearly, before the bullseye had been pierced. After a moment of silence, a deafening roar of cheers erupted from all directions, even more enthusiastic than the cheers for Jin Zixuan.

Wei Wuxian slightly curled the corners of his mouth, twirled the long bow in his hand a few times, and then tossed it back. Jin Zixun, seeing that his display had outshone the Lanling Jin Sect’s, snorted heavily. He was displeased in both heart and face, and said, “It’s just the opening shot. Showing off these flashy things, you’re blindfolded now, can you still stay blindfolded for the entire hunt? We will meet on Hundred Phoenix Mountain later, and then we’ll see who wins!”

Wei Wuxian said, “Alright?”

Jin Zixun waved his hand and ordered, “Go!”

His subordinates quickly spurred their horses forward, wanting to be the first to rush in and seize the advantage, quickly netting all the high-ranking prey. Jin Guangshan, seeing that his own cavalry was well-trained, was very pleased. Seeing that Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng were still seated on their horses, he laughed and said, “Sect Leader Jiang, Young Master Wei, what’s wrong? Are you still not going into the mountains? Be careful that Zixun will take all the prey!”

Wei Wuxian said, “No hurry. He can’t take it.”

Everyone was taken aback. Jin Guangshan was pondering the meaning of “can’t take it” when he saw Wei Wuxian flip off his horse. He said to Jiang Cheng, “You go first.”

Jiang Cheng said, “Be careful, don’t overdo it.”

Wei Wuxian waved his hand. Jiang Cheng pulled on the reins and led the people of Yunmeng Jiang away.

Wei Wuxian, blindfolded, with his hands behind his back, strolled unhurriedly towards the mountain path of Hundred Phoenix Mountain, as if he wasn’t there to participate in a hunt but was simply taking a leisurely walk in his own backyard.

Everyone was puzzled. Could it be that he was really planning not to take off the blindfold for the entire night hunt? How would he even participate in the hunt like that?

They looked at each other, eventually deciding that it was none of their business and enjoying the show. They all set off.

As for Wei Wuxian, he walked alone for a long time and finally found a place that was very suitable for resting within the depths of Hundred Phoenix Mountain.

An extremely thick tree branch grew horizontally from the thicker tree trunk, blocking his path. Wei Wuxian patted the rough tree bark a couple of times, felt that it was very sturdy, and lightly leaped onto it.

The clamor of the viewing platform was already blocked out by the mountains and forests. Wei Wuxian leaned against the tree, his eyes, hidden beneath the black cloth, narrowed. Sunlight filtered through the gaps between the leaves, falling on his face.

He raised Chenqing, sent air through his lips, and lightly touched his fingers. The clear sound of the flute soared like a bird towards the sky, traveling far and wide within the mountains and forests.

While playing the flute, Wei Wuxian hung one leg down, gently swaying it. The tip of his boot brushed past the wild grass beneath the tree, not caring that it had been wetted by the morning dew on the green blades.

After the song ended, Wei Wuxian crossed his arms, changed to a more comfortable and relaxed position, and leaned against the tree. The flute was tucked into his chest, and the flower was still pinned to his chest, exuding a faint, slightly cool fragrance.

He didn’t know how long he had sat there, long enough that he was about to fall asleep, when he suddenly moved and woke up.

Someone was approaching.

However, this person did not carry any killing intent, so he remained leaning on the tree, too lazy to get up. He was even too lazy to take off the blindfold, just tilting his head slightly.

After a long while, he didn’t hear the other person speak, so Wei Wuxian couldn’t resist taking the initiative to speak first, saying, “Are you here to participate in the hunt?”

The other party did not respond.

Wei Wuxian said, “You won’t be able to hunt anything near me.”

The other party remained silent, but took a few steps closer to him.

Wei Wuxian became a little more alert. Ordinary cultivators were somewhat wary of him and would not dare to approach him, even in crowded places, let alone be alone with him. And they had approached so close. If this person wasn’t carrying any killing intent, Wei Wuxian would really think that the other party was ill-intentioned. He straightened up slightly, tilted his head, looking in the direction where the person stood. He curled his lips into a slight smile. He was just about to say something when he was suddenly pushed heavily.

Wei Wuxian was pushed back, his back slamming against the tree. His right hand was about to pull off the blindfold when the person immediately twisted his wrist. The strength was considerable. He tried to struggle free but was unable to. Yet, there was still no killing intent. Wei Wuxian’s left sleeve moved slightly, about to release a talisman when the other party sensed his intention and restrained him as well, pressing both his hands against the tree, with extremely forceful movements. Wei Wuxian raised one leg to kick out, but suddenly felt a warmth on his lips, and he instantly froze.

The sensation was unfamiliar and strange, moist and warm. Wei Wuxian initially had no idea what had happened. His mind was blank. By the time he reacted, he was completely shocked.

This person was holding his wrists, pressing him against the tree, and kissing him.

He struggled violently, wanting to force himself free and tear off the blindfold, but he couldn’t break free. He was about to move again, but suddenly stopped himself.

The person who was kissing him seemed to be trembling slightly.

Wei Wuxian suddenly couldn’t struggle anymore.

He thought, “It seems that this girl is quite strong, but she’s also afraid and shy? She’s so nervous.” Otherwise, she wouldn’t have taken this time to sneak attack him. She must have mustered great courage to do something like this. Moreover, the other person seemed to be a strong cultivator, so their self-respect must be even greater. If he were to rashly tear off the blindfold and let them see him, how embarrassed and awkward would this girl be?

Four thin lips brushed back and forth, carefully and reluctantly, refusing to part. Wei Wuxian hadn’t decided what to do when the gentle kiss suddenly became fierce. Wei Wuxian’s teeth weren’t clenched tightly, and he was penetrated by the other party. He suddenly became powerless to resist. He felt a little short of breath and wanted to turn his head, but the other party pinched his face and forced him back. Amidst the swirling of lips and tongues, he was also entranced and dizzy. Only after the other party bit his lower lip, lingered for a moment, and reluctantly left, did he barely regain his senses.

Wei Wuxian was kissed so hard that his entire body went limp. He leaned against the tree for a while before his arms regained some strength.

He raised his hand and suddenly tore off the blindfold. He was stung by the sudden sunlight. With great difficulty, he opened his eyes. All around him was empty: bushes, old trees, wild grass, withered vines, where was there a second person?

Wei Wuxian was still somewhat dazed. After sitting on the branch for a while, when he jumped down, his feet felt weak, even his head was light.

He quickly supported himself against the tree trunk, inwardly cursing himself for being useless. He was kissed until his legs went weak, and he couldn’t even stand properly. He looked up and glanced around, but there wasn’t a single trace of anyone. The scene from just now was like an absurd and erotic daydream. He couldn’t help but think of those legends about mountain spirits and demons.

But he was certain that it wasn’t a mountain spirit or demon. It had to be a human.

Recalling the sensation just now, a kind of ethereal itching sensation crawled directly to his heart. Wei Wuxian’s right hand went to his chest, but he realized that the flower that had been pinned there was gone.

He searched the ground, but he didn’t find it. It couldn’t have just disappeared.

Wei Wuxian was stunned for a long time. Unconsciously, he touched his lips. After a long while, he squeezed out a sentence: “This is outrageous… that was my…”

After searching the surrounding area, he still couldn’t find anyone. Wei Wuxian was filled with mixed feelings of amusement and frustration. He knew that the other party was probably intentionally avoiding him and would not come out again, so he simply began to wander aimlessly through the mountains and forests. After walking for a while, he suddenly heard a heavy thud in front of him. Wei Wuxian looked up, and the tall, white figure in front of him, who else could it be but Lan Wangji?

But this person was clearly Lan Wangji, yet the things he was doing didn’t seem like what Lan Wangji would do. When Wei Wuxian saw him, he had just punched a tree, breaking it clean through.

Wei Wuxian was confused, “Lan Zhan! What are you doing?”

That person turned around suddenly, and it was indeed Lan Wangji. But at this moment, there were slight blood vessels visible in his eyes, and his expression could be described as terrifying. Wei Wuxian stared blankly, “Wow, that’s scary.”

Lan Wangji said sharply, “Go away!”

Wei Wuxian said, “I just got here and you’re telling me to leave. Do you dislike me that much?”

Lan Wangji said, “Stay away from me!”

Apart from those days at the bottom of the Xuanwu Cave when they were killing the Tortoise of Slaughter, this was the first time Wei Wuxian had seen Lan Wangji in such a state. But at that time, the situation was unique, and it was understandable. Why was he behaving like this now, when things were fine?

Wei Wuxian took a step back, moving “a little further” away from him, still asking, “Hey, Lan Zhan, what’s wrong? Are you okay? If there’s anything, just say it?”

Lan Wangji didn’t look directly at him. He drew Bichen, and several streaks of blue light flashed. The surrounding trees were swept away by sword energy, collapsing in a thunderous crash a moment later.

He stood still with his sword for a while, his fingers clenching, his knuckles white with tension. It was as if he had calmed down slightly. He suddenly looked over again, staring at Wei Wuxian intently.

Wei Wuxian was confused. His eyes had been covered by the black band for over an hour. The sunlight was still somewhat dazzling to him. After removing the band, his eyes were still tearing up, and his lips were also slightly swollen. Wei Wuxian felt that his appearance at the moment must be unbearable to look at. He was stared at and couldn’t resist touching his chin, “Lan Zhan?”

“…”

Lan Wangji said, “It’s nothing.”

With a *clang*, he sheathed his sword, and turned to leave. Wei Wuxian still felt that something was wrong with him. After thinking about it, to be safe he followed after him. He used a grappling technique to try to grab his pulse, but Lan Wangji dodged it, looking at him coldly. Wei Wuxian said, “Don’t look at me like that. I just want to see what’s wrong with you. You were acting too strange just now. Are you really not poisoned or did anything happen to you during the night hunt?”

Lan Wangji said, “No.”

Seeing that his expression had finally returned to normal, it was likely that he was indeed fine. Wei Wuxian was relieved. Although he was puzzled about what had happened, he couldn’t interfere too much, so he chatted casually for a bit. Lan Wangji didn’t speak at first, but later he finally replied with a few words.

The lingering warmth and swelling on Wei Wuxian’s lips kept reminding him that he had just lost his first kiss, which he had guarded for twenty years, and he was even kissed senseless. And he actually didn’t know who the person was, or what they looked like. This was truly outrageous.

Wei Wuxian sighed leisurely, and suddenly said, “Lan Zhan, have you ever kissed anyone?”

If Jiang Cheng were here, upon hearing him ask such a frivolous and senseless question, he would immediately punch him.

Lan Wangji also stopped suddenly. His voice was cold and stiff, “Why are you asking this?”

Wei Wuxian smiled knowingly.

He narrowed his eyes, “So you haven’t, right? I knew it. I was just asking casually, there’s no need to get so angry.”

Lan Wangji said, “How do you know?”

Wei Wuxian said, “Isn’t it obvious? You’re always wearing such a stiff face, who would dare kiss you. Of course, I wouldn’t expect you to take the initiative to kiss someone else. I guess your first kiss will be saved for eternity, hahahaha…”

He was gloating to himself, while Lan Wangji remained expressionless, although his complexion seemed to have relaxed slightly.

After he had laughed enough, Lan Wangji asked, “What about you?”

Wei Wuxian raised his eyebrows, “Me? Is there even a need to ask? I’m naturally a seasoned veteran.”

Lan Wangji’s complexion, which had just softened, was quickly covered by a layer of frost and snow.

Just then, Wei Wuxian suddenly fell silent, and said, “Shhh!”

He listened attentively for a moment, with a vigilant expression. He pulled Lan Wangji to hide behind a clump of bushes.

Lan Wangji didn’t know what his purpose was. He was about to ask when he saw Wei Wuxian staring in one direction. Following his gaze, he saw a white and a purple figure emerge from beneath the green sky, one in front of the other.

The one in front was tall and slender, with handsome yet arrogant features. There was a cinnabar mark between his brows. He wore white robes with gold edges, with glittering accessories all around. He walked with his head held high, his posture and expression extremely arrogant. It was Jin Zixuan. The one following behind was thin and small, with small, hurried steps. Their head was bowed and they were silent, forming a stark contrast to Jin Zixuan in front. It was Jiang Yanli.

Wei Wuxian thought, “I knew it, Jin Madam would definitely call my sister and Jin Peacock to be alone.”

Lan Wangji looked at him, and seeing his disdainful expression, said in a low voice, “What is your conflict with Jin Zixuan?”

Wei Wuxian snorted.

If one were to ask why Wei Wuxian disliked Jin Zixuan so much, it would be a long and winding story.

Madam Yu and Jin Zixuan’s mother, Jin Madam, were close friends. They had agreed when they were young that if the children they gave birth to were both sons, they would become sworn brothers. If they were both daughters, they would become sworn sisters; if it was a boy and a girl, they would definitely be married.

The two families were on close terms, knew each other well, and were a good match. The marriage was truly a match made in heaven, and everyone said so. Unfortunately, the people involved did not think so.

From childhood, Jin Zixuan was a child who was always the center of attention. He was born fair and delicate, with a cinnabar mark between his eyebrows. Added to that, he was of noble birth, intelligent, and almost universally loved. He had a streak of arrogance from a young age. Jin Madam had brought him to Lotus Pier a few times. Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng didn’t like playing with him. Only Jiang Yanli always wanted to feed him what she had made, but Jin Zixuan didn’t seem to care much for her, which made Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng furious a few times.

Back then, Wei Wuxian caused a ruckus in Cloud Recesses, ruining the engagement between the Jin and Jiang families. After returning to Lotus Pier, he apologized to Jiang Yanli. Jiang Yanli didn’t say anything, she only touched his head. Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng both thought that the matter was over, and that breaking off the engagement was a happy outcome. However, later, they found out that, at that time, Jiang Yanli was probably very sad in her heart.

In the middle of the Sunshot Campaign, the Yunmeng Jiang Sect went to Langya to support the Lanling Jin Sect. Due to a shortage of manpower, Jiang Yanli went to the battlefield with them.

She knew that her cultivation level wasn’t high, so she did what she could, handling the meals for the cultivators. Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng both disagreed at first, but Jiang Yanli was skilled in cooking, she was happy doing it, she got along well with others, and she didn’t force herself to get overly tired. It was also safe, so they felt that it wasn’t bad either.

Because conditions were harsh, the food was simple. Jiang Yanli worried that her two brothers would be picky and would not eat well. Therefore, she secretly made two extra bowls of soup for Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng every day. However, no one besides herself knew that there was also a third bowl, which was sent to Jin Zixuan, who was also in Langya at the time.

Jin Zixuan didn’t know either. Although he liked that bowl of soup and was grateful for the kindness of the person who sent it, Jiang Yanli never left her name. Who would have known that all of this was seen by another low-level female cultivator. This female cultivator was a servant of the Lanling Jin Sect. Because her cultivation was not high, she did the same work as Jiang Yanli. She had pretty looks, and she was also good at being opportunistic. Out of curiosity, she followed Jiang Yanli a few times and pretty much figured out what was going on. She quietly picked a chance. After Jiang Yanli finished delivering the soup and left, she wandered around outside Jin Zixuan’s room, intentionally letting Jin Zixuan see her.

Jin Zixuan finally caught her, so of course he wanted to ask. The woman was very smart and didn’t admit it. Instead, she blushed and denied it vaguely, making it seem like she had done it, but that she didn’t want Jin Zixuan to see through her good intentions. Thus, Jin Zixuan didn’t force her to admit it, but instead started to favor this female cultivator and take care of her. He also promoted her from servant to guest. For quite a long time, Jiang Yanli did not notice anything was wrong. Until one day, after she finished sending the soup, Jin Zixuan, who had temporarily returned to retrieve letters, bumped into her.

Jin Zixuan naturally questioned Jiang Yanli as to why she was in his room. Jiang Yanli didn’t dare to say anything at first, but when he asked more suspiciously, she had no choice but to nervously confess the truth.

However, someone else had already used this excuse.

One could imagine what Jin Zixuan’s reaction was after hearing that this time.

Thus, he “exposed” Jiang Yanli’s “lie” on the spot. Jiang Yanli never expected that something like this would happen. She never flaunted her status usually. She didn’t even reveal that she was the daughter of the Yunmeng Jiang Sect. For a moment, she couldn’t produce any strong evidence. After explaining a few times, she became increasingly disheartened. Finally, Jin Zixuan coldly said to her, “Don’t think that just because you’re from a sect, you can steal and trample on other people’s feelings. Some people, even if they are of lowly birth, have a much nobler character than those of higher birth. Please respect yourself.”

From Jin Zixuan’s words, Jiang Yanli finally understood what he meant.

From the start, Jin Zixuan did not believe that a daughter of a sect with such low cultivation level could do anything beneficial on the battlefield. To put it bluntly, he thought that she was just trying to find an excuse to get close to him. She was just there to cause trouble.

Jin Zixuan never understood her, and he never thought about trying to understand her either. Therefore, he wouldn’t believe her even more.

After being scolded, Jiang Yanli stood there, and suddenly started to cry loudly. When Wei Wuxian returned, he saw exactly this scene.

Although his older sister had a good temper, except for that day when they had reunited, after the destruction of Lotus Pier and they cried their eyes out together, she never shed a tear in public, much less cry so loudly, and so aggrieved in front of so many people. Wei Wuxian panicked completely. When he asked her about it, Jiang Yanli was crying so hard that she couldn’t speak clearly. When he then saw Jin Zixuan standing there, dumbfounded, he was enraged. He thought, “Why is it this damn thing again?” and kicked Jin Zixuan, starting a fight. The two of them fought fiercely. All the cultivators in the area came out to break them up. After hearing everyone’s explanations, he finally understood the situation. He was even more enraged. While saying that one day, he was going to kill Jin Zixuan with his own hands, he called people to drag out the female cultivator. After a confrontation, the truth came out. Jin Zixuan was completely stiff. When Wei Wuxian scolded him, he stood there with a pale face, not retaliating at all. He wouldn’t even fight back when hit. If Jiang Yanli hadn’t held his hand afterwards, and Jiang Cheng and Jin Guangshan hadn’t come back to pull Wei Wuxian away, it was likely that Jin Zixuan wouldn’t have been able to participate in the Hundred Phoenix Mountain hunt today.

Later, although Jiang Yanli continued to stay in Langya to help, she only did her job properly. Not only did she never send soup to Jin Zixuan again, she didn’t even look at him directly. Soon after, the crisis in Langya was resolved, and Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng took her back to Yunmeng. On the contrary, Jin Zixuan, whether out of guilt or because Jin Madam had scolded him harshly, gradually began to ask more and more about Jiang Yanli after the Sunshot Campaign.

Most people who knew about this said that it was just a misunderstanding. Once it was cleared up, what was the big deal? But Wei Wuxian would never think like that. He loathed Jin Zixuan, the self-righteous male princess, the peacock showing off his feathers, and the blind person who only looked at appearances. He didn’t believe that this arrogant narcissist could recognize his own mistakes and suddenly start to care about Jiang Yanli. It was probably because Jin Madam had pushed him too hard and scolded him too much, and now he was unwillingly doing this just to complete the task.

However, despite his loathing, in order not to make things difficult for Jiang Yanli, Wei Wuxian had no choice but to stay quiet for now. Lan Wangji looked at him, seemingly puzzled. Wei Wuxian had no time to explain to him. He only put his index finger to his lips as a gesture of silence, continuing to look at the other side. A pair of light-colored eyes lingered on the moist and full lips for a moment, before shifting their gaze away.

On the other side, Jin Zixuan pushed aside the bushes, revealing the corpse of a thick snake monster. After looking at it for a moment, he said, “It’s dead.”

Jiang Yanli nodded.

Jin Zixuan said, “A Measure-Human Snake.”

Jiang Yanli said, “What?”

Jin Zixuan said, “A demon that has been spread from the southern barbarian lands. It’s nothing more than it will suddenly stand up when it meets a person and then want to compare lengths. If it’s longer than the person, it will devour them. It’s not that great. It’s just scary to look at.”

Jiang Yanli seemed not to understand why he suddenly started to explain these things to her. Logically, at this time, she should say something along the lines of “Young Master Jin is very knowledgeable” or “Young Master Jin is calm and collected.” However, what he had just said were extremely shallow common knowledge. He was purely finding things to say when there was nothing to say. This kind of hypocritical flattery would probably only come from Jin Guangyao without a hint of shame. Jiang Yanli could only nod her head again. Wei Wuxian guessed that she had probably been nodding all the way here.

What followed was a period of silence. An awkward atmosphere spread through the bushes and hit the faces of