TFOD Chapter 76

Madam Jin’s brows tightened, scolding, “Zixun!”

Upon hearing this, Wei Wuxian’s smile suddenly vanished.

He said, “Family education?”

He slowly turned his head, saying, “Demonic path?”

Lan Wangji said in a deep voice, “Wei Ying.”

Jin Zixun and the others also sensed the unusual atmosphere and held their breaths, watching him. Wei Wuxian smiled again, saying, “Want to know why I don’t carry a sword? It’s fine to tell you all.”

He turned around, saying each word clearly, “Because I want you all to know, even without a sword, relying solely on what you call the ‘demonic path,’ I can still leave you all in the dust, making you utterly unable to catch up.”

These words stunned almost everyone present.

Such an arrogant statement had never been uttered by any aristocratic disciple in front of so many people. After a long while, Jin Zixun finally recovered and shouted, “Wei Wuxian! You’re just the son of a servant, you’re too arrogant!!!”

Hearing those four words, Lan Wangji’s gaze sharpened, Wei Wuxian’s pupils contracted, and his right hand seemed about to reach for Chenqing. Just as the air was thick with the smell of gunpowder, ready to ignite, someone suddenly called out, “A-Xian!”

Hearing this voice, Wei Wuxian’s heart relaxed, and he turned his head, saying, “Shijie?”

Jiang Yanli waved at him, saying, “A-Xian, stand behind me.”

Wei Wuxian was stunned. Before he could move, Madam Jin quickly grabbed her hand, saying, “A-Li, don’t interfere in their affairs.” Jiang Yanli, however, smiled apologetically at Madam Jin, walked forward, stood in front of Wei Wuxian, and bowed to Jin Zixun and the others.

Jin Zixun and the others didn’t know how to react. Some returned the courtesy sparsely, while others didn’t. Jiang Yanli said softly to Jin Zixun, “Young Master Jin, according to what you just said, A-Xian took three-tenths of all the prey in Baifeng Mountain by himself, disregarding the rules and being too arrogant. I… have also never heard of such a thing, and it must have troubled you all. I apologize to you all on his behalf.”

Having said that, she genuinely bowed again, a sincere apology. Wei Wuxian said, “Shijie!”

Jiang Yanli didn’t rise, looked at him, and shook her head almost imperceptibly. Wei Wuxian could only clench his fists and remain silent.

Jin Zixuan watched from afar, his expression complex. Jin Zixun and the others made no effort to hide the triumphant expressions on their faces, feeling extremely pleased.

Jin Zixun chuckled, “Miss Jiang is indeed generous and understanding, very sensible. Your shidi’s actions were indeed very improper and have caused a lot of trouble. But since you know it was improper, for the sake of Miss Jiang and Sect Leader Jiang, there’s no need for an apology. The Yunmeng Jiang Sect and the Lanling Jin Sect are originally like brothers.”

He was practically bursting with arrogance, ready to burst into loud laughter. Wei Wuxian’s anger soared, his clenched fists crackling, and just as he was about to speak, Jiang Yanli finished bowing, straightened up, and said earnestly, “However, even though I haven’t participated in the hunt, I do know one thing – throughout the history of hunts, I’ve never heard of a rule that forbids someone from hunting too much.”

The triumphant smiles on the faces of those around her froze.

Jiang Yanli said, “So, when you say that A-Xian doesn’t follow the rules, which rule are you exactly referring to?”

This time, it was Wei Wuxian who burst out laughing.

Jin Zixun’s face turned green, but he didn’t retort. There were two reasons. First, he had never seen Jiang Yanli speak up like this, so he didn’t know how to respond appropriately. Madam Jin and Jiang Cheng both valued Jiang Yanli very much, and he didn’t dare to offend her casually. Second, if he tried to investigate, he wouldn’t be able to find such a rule!

At this moment, someone in the crowd couldn’t hold back any longer. In such situations, Sect Leader Yao was always the first to jump out. He said, “Miss Jiang, what you’re saying isn’t right. Some rules, although not written down, are clear in everyone’s minds, and everyone follows them.”

Someone yelled, “How many prey are there in Baifeng Mountain in total? Five hundred? There are more than five thousand people participating in the hunt! It was already fiercely competitive, and he alone used unscrupulous means to take so much prey, what about the rest of us?”

Wei Wuxian chuckled, just about to speak, Jiang Yanli stopped him and whispered, “Don’t say anything.”

Someone said unhappily, “Yes, otherwise I wouldn’t still have failed to catch even one!”

Jiang Yanli said, “But… it’s not his fault that others can’t hunt.”

The man choked. She continued, “Isn’t hunting only about strength? Even if there are no ghosts, aren’t there still the remaining demons and monsters? Even if he didn’t take that one-third, or didn’t even participate in the hunt, those who can’t hunt would still not be able to hunt. Although the methods that A-Xian used are different from others, it’s his own skill that he cultivated. We can’t call him a demon just because others can’t obtain that one-third of the prey, can we?”

Many of those who were joining Jin Zixun in heckling now had faces ashen, but they were also concerned about Jiang Yanli’s status and didn’t dare to directly refute her.

Jiang Yanli added, “Moreover, hunting is hunting. Why bring up family education? A-Xian is a disciple of the Yunmeng Jiang Sect. My younger brother and I grew up together, our relationship as close as siblings. I cannot accept you casually calling him ‘the son of a servant’. Therefore…”

She straightened her back and said loudly, “I hope that Young Master Jin Zixun can apologize to Wei Wuxian of the Yunmeng Jiang Sect!”

If it weren’t Jiang Yanli saying this, but just anyone else, Jin Zixun would have probably slapped them a long time ago. His face was dark green, and he kept silent. Jiang Yanli also quietly stared at him, never shifting her gaze. Madam Jin said, “A-Li, why are you taking it so seriously? It’s a small matter, don’t be angry.”

Jiang Yanli said softly, “Madam, A-Xian is my brother. When others insult him, to me, it is not a small matter.”

Madam Jin glanced at Jin Zixun and snorted coldly, “Zixun, did you hear that?”

Jin Zixun said, “Aunt!”

For him to apologize to Wei Wuxian was absolutely impossible. How could Madam Jin not know his character? But the situation had already become unpleasant. Thinking that after apologizing Jin Zixun would definitely cause a big scene back in the Golden Carp Tower, she was even more annoyed. She wished she could press his head down and make him apologize so that they could be done with it. Just then, two sword lights flew over, and it was Jin Guangyao and Lan Xichen who had arrived.

Lan Wangji said, “Brother.”

Lan Xichen was puzzled, “Wangji, why are you here too?”

Jin Guangyao said, “Everyone, what’s going on here?”

As soon as they arrived, the anger in both their hearts found an outlet. As soon as Jin Guangyao landed, Madam Jin scolded, “You’re still smiling! After such a big incident, how dare you smile! This is the hunt you organized, you good-for-nothing!”

Jin Guangyao always had that smile on his face. Who knew that as soon as he arrived he would be scolded? He quickly pulled back his smile and said honestly, “Mother, what exactly happened?”

Madam Jin glanced at him and said, “Can’t you see it yourself? Aren’t you good at reading faces?”

Jin Guangyao didn’t speak. Jin Zixun said, “One-third of the prey in the entire Baifeng Mountain hunting grounds is gone. What are the other five thousand people going to hunt for?!” Taking this opportunity, he avoided having to apologize to Wei Wuxian, and was about to berate him again, but Lan Xichen said, “Lianfang-Zun is already arranging to expand the hunting area. Please, everyone, wait patiently.”

Since Ze Wu-Jun had spoken, Jin Zixun knew his words were inappropriate. He couldn’t get angry at Jin Guangyao either. He slammed his bow and arrow on the ground, and said coldly, “This hunt is simply a farce! Fine, I won’t participate. I’m withdrawing.”

Jin Guangyao was stunned. “Zixun, it’s almost ready, you just need to wait another half an hour…”

Sect Leader Yao also said, “Young Master Jin, there’s no need for that!” Jin Zixun said, “The hunt has no fairness at all. What is there to wait for? I won’t accompany you!” After saying that, he was about to lead his fellow disciples to leave on their swords. Jin Guangyao quickly stepped forward to persuade them. Some were making a fuss about leaving with Jin Zixun, and some were not willing to give up so easily, hesitating and indecisive. Suddenly, it was a chaotic mess. Jiang Yanli shook her head and said to Madam Jin, “Madam Jin, we’ve caused you trouble.”

Madam Jin waved her hand and said, “Why are you being so polite with your aunt? If you want to scold that silly boy Zixun, just scold him. I don’t care about him. If you’re still not relieved, I’ll help you beat him up.”

Jiang Yanli said, “No, no… then, I’ll go back now.”

Madam Jin said quickly, “Go back to the viewing platform? I’ll ask Zixuan to escort us back.”

As she spoke, she kept giving Jin Zixuan, who had been standing in the distance for a long time, a look. Jiang Yanli said quietly, “No need. I have something to say to A-Xian. He can escort me back.”

Madam Jin’s eyebrows rose. She sized up Wei Wuxian a few times, a hint of wariness in her eyes, seemingly slightly displeased, and said, “You two young men and women, how can it be good for you to stay together without anyone watching?”

Jiang Yanli said, “A-Xian is my brother.”

Madam Jin said, “A-Li, please don’t be angry. You can tell me what foolish thing this stubborn and rigid boy did, and I’ll make him apologize to you properly.”

Jiang Yanli shook her head and said, “It’s really not necessary. Madam Jin. Don’t force him.”

Madam Jin said urgently, “Where is the forcing! There is no forcing!”

Wei Wuxian nodded and said, “We shall take our leave, Madam Jin.”

He and Jiang Yanli bowed slightly, and were about to turn and leave, but Madam Jin held onto Jiang Yanli’s hand, not letting her go. As they were pulling and tugging, suddenly, Jin Zixuan rushed out and shouted loudly, “Miss Jiang!!!”

Wei Wuxian pretended not to hear him, and pulled Jiang Yanli along, saying, “Shijie, let’s go quickly.”

Jin Zixuan shouted again, “It’s not like that, Miss Jiang!!!”

This time, it was impossible to pretend not to hear. Wei Wuxian had no choice but to turn back with Jiang Yanli. Even Jin Zixun and the others who were making a commotion were attracted over. Everyone was wondering what Jin Zixuan meant by saying “it’s not like that.” Jin Zixuan took a few steps, seemingly wanting to catch up, but stopped. He stood where he was, panting for breath, and the veins on his forehead were throbbing.

After a long moment, he suddenly yelled, “It’s not like that, Miss Jiang! It’s not my mother! It’s not her intention! It’s not forced, I’m not forcing it at all!!”

After holding it back for a moment, he roared, “It’s me! It’s me! It’s myself who wanted you to come!!”

Jiang Yanli: “…”

Wei Wuxian: “…”

Madam Jin: “…”

Jin Zixun: “…”

After yelling these few sentences, Jin Zixuan’s fair face immediately turned a blood-red color.

He staggered back a few steps, grabbing onto a tree to steady himself. He looked up, and was stunned. It was like he had only just noticed that there were so many people here, and just remembered what he had said in front of so many people. After a long moment of blankness, he suddenly realized, yelled loudly, and ran away wildly.

After a long silence, Madam Jin was furious and said, “This idiot! Why are you running!”

She grabbed Jiang Yanli and said, “A-Li, we’ll continue talking on the viewing platform later! I’m going to catch him first!” She immediately left, leading a group of cultivators as she flew off on her sword, chasing after Jin Zixuan as she shouted. Wei Wuxian also never expected such a development. After such a scene, he felt both amused and frustrated, and said, “What is he doing! Shijie, let’s go.”

Jiang Yanli was stunned for a moment, then nodded. Wei Wuxian waved to Lan Wangji, saying, “Lan Zhan, we’re leaving.”

Lan Wangji slightly nodded, not saying anything, silently staring at him and Jiang Yanli’s backs as they slowly disappeared into the forest. On the other side, Jin Guangyao was finally unable to stop Jin Zixun and the others. They all left on their swords, complaining and chattering. The originally crowded gathering of people immediately dwindled to half, and the remaining people, after they had nothing to watch, gradually dispersed. Jin Guangyao wiped the sweat from his forehead and said with a wry smile, “This is really…”

Lan Xichen patted him on the shoulder, saying, “Today’s events are not your fault.”

Jin Guangyao sighed, rubbed his temples, and said, “I’m afraid I won’t be able to settle it in an hour.”

Lan Xichen said, “Why?”

Jin Guangyao said, “Actually, it’s not just that Young Master Wei took one-third of the prey, but my older brother also swept away almost all the demon and beast-type prey.”

Hearing that, Lan Xichen smiled and said, “Truly worthy of being our older brother.” Lan Wangji, however, seemed lost in thought. Jin Guangyao said with a headache, “So the hunting ground area probably needs to be expanded.”

Lan Xichen said, “Then let’s start working on that now.”

Jin Guangyao said apologetically, “I’m sorry, Second Brother. You came to participate in the hunt, and you have to trouble yourself by helping me out.”

Lan Xichen smiled, “It’s no problem. Wangji, shall we go ahead, or will you help us too?”

Lan Wangji silently summoned Sweep Away the Dust, saying, “Assist.”

After they had left on their swords, there were only a few scattered people left in the forest, still chatting. Soon after, a person strode out of the forest, slightly stunned at the sight.

The person who arrived was Jiang Cheng. He had heard people in Baifeng Mountain talking about seeing the sword light of Lan Wangji and Jin Zixuan, and that it seemed like they were fighting. He was worried that Jiang Yanli was also with Jin Zixuan, so he came to check. Who knew that he had missed it and everyone had dispersed? Jiang Cheng saw that among these few people only Sect Leader Yao was someone he was familiar with. He asked, “Sect Leader Yao, what happened here just now?”

Sect Leader Yao glanced at him and said meaningfully, “Sect Leader Jiang, Wei Wuxian of your sect is indeed a remarkable person.”

Jiang Cheng frowned and said, “What do you mean?”

Sect Leader Yao laughed and said, “I wouldn’t dare say what I mean. Sect Leader Jiang, there is no need to take my words to heart.”

Jiang Cheng’s face darkened. He knew that it wouldn’t be anything good. He thought that he had to find Wei Wuxian and settle the score with him later. He no longer wanted to deal with people who tried to be mysterious. He turned and left the forest. As he was walking, he faintly heard whispering behind him, seemingly trying to avoid him, very quiet. But his five senses were sharp and he still heard what they were saying clearly.

One sect leader said enviously, “Lotus Pier is really in the limelight this time, almost all the fierce corpses and resentful spirits have been summoned into the Yunmeng Jiang Sect’s camp. Many cultivators will definitely go after their house.”

Sect Leader Yao said, “What can be done, who told us our houses didn’t have a Wei Wuxian?”

“Having a Wei Wuxian is not necessarily a good thing, I wouldn’t want someone like him in my house causing me trouble all day long.”

“This Wei Wuxian is too arrogant… anyway, I won’t go to any night hunts that he participates in in the future.”

One person laughed coldly, “Hey? Go after the Jiang family? Not necessarily. To be honest, aren’t they just going after Wei Wuxian? Wasn’t the Sun Shooting Campaign entirely reliant on Wei Wuxian, and the Yunmeng Jiang sect was able to become so famous because of him…”

Jiang Cheng’s whole body went gloomy.

As if something had cast a shadow on his face and heart, a shadow that wouldn’t go away.