47 Chapter 47 : Guile—Part Two (1/2)

The time of the Discussion Conference at Carp Tower came within the blink of an eye.

Most of the prominent sects' residences were built in areas of beautiful scenery, but the LanlingJin Sect's Carp Tower sat in the most flourishing part of Lanling City. The main road used to visit the tower was a carriage path more than half a mile in length. It only opened for important events such as banquets or the Discussion Conferences. According to the LanlingJin Sect's rules, one must not walk at a fast pace here. Both sides of the path were covered in murals and reliefs, telling stories of the Jin Clan's leaders and other distinguished cultivators. During the journey, disciples of the LanlingJin Sect would act as guides as they drove the carriages.

Out of all of them the four most famous sections about the current sect leader—Jin GuangYao—were respectively ”disclosure”, ”assassination”, ”oath”, and ”kind austerity”. Of course, the scenes showed how during the Sunshot Campaign Jin GuangYao hid in the QishanWen Sect and reported important information, assassinated the Wen Sect's leader Wen RuoHan, became sworn brothers with the rest of the Venerated Triad, and rose to the position of Chief Cultivator. The painter was quite adept at painting people's expressions. Although nothing seemed special at first glance, a more detailed look would reveal that even when his figure was executing the assassination, cheeks dripping blood, Jin GuangYao still had the hint of a smile over his face. One could feel their hair stand as they looked.

Immediately after it were Jin ZiXuan's murals. Usually, in order to signify their absolute power, sect leaders would purposely lessen the number of murals for cultivators of their own generation or perhaps switch to an inferior artist, so that they wouldn't be outshone. To these acts, everyone gave silent approval, showing their understanding. However, Jin ZiXuan had four murals as well, unbelievably standing on equal footing as Jin GuangYao. The handsome man in the paintings displayed both pride and vigor.

Hopping off the carriage, Wei WuXian stopped in front of the murals and stared for a while. Lan WangJi also stopped, waiting for him.

From not far away, a disciple declared, ”Sect Lan of Gusu, please enter here.”

Lan WangJi, ”Let us go.”

Wei WuXian didn't reply. The two walked together.

Following the stairs up Carp Tower was a wide, brick-paved square, bustling with people. The LanlingJin Sect had probably been expanded and refurbished during the past few years. The extravagance was greater than what Wei WuXian had seen back then. To the far side of the square, an alabaster base sat over a flight of nine stairs in the ruyi style. On top of the base, a magnificent palace complete with a hip-and-gable roof overlooked the ocean of Sparks Amidst Snow.

Sparks Amidst Snow was the crest of the LanlingJin Clan, an exquisite type of the white peony. Not only was the flower fine, its name was fine as well. There were two layers of petals and the larger petals on the outside grew tier upon tier, becoming waves of churning snow. The smaller petals on the inside were thin and delicate, embracing golden strands of the stamen as though they were stars. If just one blossom was beyond splendid, how could one ever describe the grandeur of thousands blooming at once?

Multiple paths were situated before the square. Sects entered incessantly, yet in an organized manner.

”Sect Su of Moling, please enter here.”

”Sect Nie of Qinghe, please enter here.”

”Sect Jiang of Yunmeng, please enter here.”

As soon as he showed up, Jiang Cheng shot a sharp glance at them. Walking over, he spoke in an indifferent tone, ”ZeWu-Jun. HanGuang-Jun.”

Lan XiChen nodded as well, ”Sect Leader Jiang.”

Both of the two seemed preoccupied. After a few words of small talk, Jiang Cheng asked, ”HanGuang-Jun, I've never seen you at Carp Tower's Discussion Conferences before. Why have you gained the sudden interest?”

Neither Lan XiChen nor Lan WangJi replied. Luckily, Jiang Cheng didn't intend for this to be a serious question in the first place. He had already turned to Wei WuXian, speaking as though he'd spit out a sword and impale the latter anytime he wished to, ”If I remember correctly, wasn't it that you two never took needless personnel with you when travelling out? What's the situation this time? Once in a blue moon? Now who is this renowned cultivator? Could someone please introduce him to me?”

Suddenly, a smiling voice appeared, ”Brother, why didn't you tell me beforehand that WangJi was also going to come?”

The owner of Carp Tower—LianFang-Zun, Jin GuangYao—had personally come out to greet them.

Lan XiChen returned him a smile, while Lan WangJi a nod. Wei WuXian, on the other hand, carefully observed the chief cultivator of all sects.

Jin GuangYao was born with quite an advantageous face. His skin was fair, and he had a vermillion mark embellished on his forehead. His pupils were distinct against the whites of the eyes, appearing lively but not frivolous. His features appeared rather clean, attractive yet also ingenious. The shadow of a smile that always perched by the corners of his lips, and his brows, revealed at once his clever character. Such a face was enough to earn the love of women, but still wouldn't evoke the vigilance or aversion of men; the elderly would think of him as sweet, while the young would think of him as amicable. Even if one didn't like him, they definitely wouldn't hate him either, which was why his face was ”advantageous”. Although his figure was a bit small, his calm demeanor was more than enough to make up for it. Donning a cap made of black gauze, he wore the LanlingJin Sect's formal uniform, a blooming Sparks Amidst Snow crest over the front of his round-collared robe. With a nine-ringed belt at his waist, liuhe boots at his feet, and a right hand pressing down on the hilt of the sword hung by his side, he let out a powerful aura of inviolability.

Jin Ling followed Jin GuangYao out here. He still didn't dare meet Jiang Cheng alone. Hiding behind Jin GuangYao's back, he mumbled, ”Uncle.”

Jiang Cheng replied harshly, ”So you still know that I'm your uncle!”

Jin Ling quickly tugged at the back hems of Jin GuangYao's robe. Jin GuangYao seemed as though he had been born to resolve conflicts, ”Now, Sect Leader Jiang, A-Ling realized his mistake a long time ago. During the past few days, he's been so scared you'd punish him that he hasn't even been eating well. Children just like to make mischief. I know you love him the most. Let's not bother him about it so much.”

Jin Ling hurried, ”Yes, yes. Uncle can prove it. My appetite's been bad these days!”

Jiang Cheng, ”Your appetite's been bad? Looking at how well your complexion is, I wouldn't say you missed too many meals!”

As Jin Ling was just about to speak again, he glanced behind Lan WangJi and finally saw Wei WuXian. Temporarily astounded, he blurted, ”Why are you here?!”

Wei WuXian, ”To get a free meal.”

Jin Ling was somewhat angered, ”How dare you still come?! Didn't I warn…”

Jin GuangYao rubbed Jin Ling's head, pushing him behind himself, and smiled, ”Why not? You're our guest now that you've come. I don't know about anything else, but Carp Tower definitely has enough food.” He turned to Lan XiChen, ”Brother, have a seat first. I'm going to check over there and make arrangements for WangJi as well.”

Lan XiChen nodded, ”There is no need for the trouble.”

Jin GuangYao, ”How is this trouble? Brother, you don't have to be so polite now that you're at my place. Really.”

Jin GuangYao could remember the name, title, age, and appearance of a person after just one encounter. Even after a few years, he'd be able to greet them without any fault, often carrying out solicitous conversations as well. If he had seen someone more than twice, he'd remember all of their likes and dislikes, therefore able to cater to their needs. This time, since Lan WangJi came to Carp Tower without advance notice, Jin GuangYao didn't arrange for his table. At the moment, he was immediately on the way to do so.

After entering Glamor Hall, the guests strolled down a soft, red carpet. Beside the sandalwood tables on both sides of the carpet were fair-faced maids, adorned with hoops, jades, and each with a genuine smile. With full bosoms and dainty waists, even their figures were similar, appearing both uniform and pleasing to the eye. Wei WuXian had never been able to help himself from looking a while longer when he came upon fair women. After he had been seated, he smiled at her when the maid was pouring him liquor, ”Thanks.”

Yet, as if she had received a shock, the woman snuck a glance at him, but quickly blinked and looked away. Wei WuXian initially found this strange. He immediately understood, though, when he looked around him. As he had expected, this wasn't the only peculiar pair of eyes. More than half of the Lanlingjin Sect's disciples had strange expressions on their faces when they looked at him.

He had temporarily forgotten that this was Carp Tower, where Mo XuanYu harassed somebody from his own sect and was kicked out. Who would've expected that he'd return with such conspicuity, as if he knew no shame. He even slipped into a high-ranked seat along with the Two Jades of Lan…

Wei WuXian shifted toward Lan WangJi's side, ”HanGuang-Jun, HanGuang-Jun.”

Lan WangJi, ”Yes?”

Wei WuXian, ”Please don't leave me. There's probably a lot of people here who know about Mo XuanYu. If somebody decides that they want to talk about the good ol' days with me, I'll have to keep on playing the fool and spouting nonsense. Please don't mind if I end up losing your face.”

Lan WangJi looked at him and replied in a tepid tone, ”As long as you do not provoke others on purpose.”

At this point, with a woman dressed in lavish robes by his arm, Jin GuangYao stepped into the room. Although the woman seemed rather dignified, a trace of innocence was blended into her expression. Even her graceful features appeared somewhat childlike. This was the official wife of Jin GuangYao, the mistress of Carp Tower—Qin Su.

The two had been the representation of loving couples in the cultivation world for the past few years, holding mutual respect for each other. Everyone knew that Qin Su was born into the LaolingQin Sect, a subsidiary clan of the LanlingJin Sect. Qin CangYe, the leader of the LaolingQin Sect, happened to be a subordinate who had followed Jin GuangShan for years. Although Jin GuangYao was Jin GuangShan's son, the two were originally somewhat ill-suited for each other due to his mother's status. However, during the sunshot campaign, Qin Su had been saved by Jin GuangYao. She fell in love with him and never gave up, insisting that she wanted to be his wife. In the end, they finally drew the period on such a romantic story. Jin GuangYao didn't let her down either. Even though he held the important position of Chief Cultivator, his behavior was drastically different from his father's. He never took in any concubines, much less had a relationship with any other woman. This was indeed something that many wives of sect leaders envied.

Wei WuXian silently agreed with such rumors as he looked at the hand that Jin GuangYao held Qin Su's in. Jin GuangYao's expression brimmed tenderly with care, as though he even worried that she'd accidentally trip over the jade stairs.

After the two sat before the foremost table, the banquet had officially started. The one sitting at the table of the next-highest rank was Jin Ling. When his eyes landed on Wei WuXian, they glared at once. Wei WuXian had always been used to being watched by others. During the entire time, he pretended that nothing was going on, eating and drinking among toast and chatter within Glamor Hall. It was quite a merry scene.

Night had already fallen when the banquet ended. The Discussion Forum would officially begin the next morning. In groups of two and three, the crowd slowly exited the hall, walking toward the guest chambers that disciples had directed them to. Since Lan XiChen seemed rather absent-minded, Jin GuangYao looked as though he wanted to ask what the matter was. Yet, just as he approached and called out, ”Brother,” another person threw himself over and wailed, ”Brother!!!”

Jin GuangYao almost stepped back from the force. He quickly fixed his cap with one hand, ”HuaiSang, what's wrong? Let's calm down first.”

Such an unbecoming sect leader could only be the QingheNie Sect's Head Shaker. And, of course, the drunk Head Shaker was even more unbecoming. With a ruddy face, Nie HuaiSang refused to let go, ”Oh Brother!! What do I do?! Can you help me again? I promise that this is the last time!!!”

Jin GuangYao, ”Wasn't last time's situation dealt with by the people I found you?”

Nie HuaiSang cried, ”Last time's situation was done, but this time there's a new situation! Brother, what should I do?! I don't want to live anymore!”

Looking at how it seemed like something few words couldn't explain, Jin GuangYao could only turn to Qin Su, ”A-Su, you can go back first. HuaiSang, let's find somewhere and sit down. There's no need to hurry…”

He started walking outside with Nie HuaiSang leaning on him. When Lan XiChen came to see what was going on, he was also dragged along by the drunken Nie HuaiSang.

Qin Su saluted Lan WangJi, ”HanGuang-Jun, I don't think you've come to Lanling for the Discussion Conferences since quite some years ago. I apologize if the reception was inadequate in any way.”

Her voice was soft, truly befitting for such a sweet beauty. Lan WangJi nodded in return of the salute. Qin Su's gaze landed on Wei WuXian next. After a moment of hesitation, she whispered, ”Then, please excuse my leave.” With this, she left with her maid.

Wei WuXian pondered, ”The way that everyone at Carp Tower looks at me is so strange. Just what did Mo XuanYu do? Publicly show his love while naked? What's special about that? The LanlingJin Sect's people really haven't seen things.”

Lan WangJi shook his head at Wei WuXian's nonsense. Wei WuXian continued, ”I'm gonna go ask someone. HanGuang-Jun, watch Jiang Cheng for me. It's best if he doesn't come find me. If he does, help me hold him back a bit, won't you?”

Lan WangJi, ”Do not go too far.”

Wei WuXian, ”Got it. If I end up going far, let's meet in our room at night.”

His eyes searched throughout Glamor Hall, but didn't find the person he wanted. Raising a brow, he continued searching after he left Lan WangJi. When he passed a small pavilion, someone suddenly appeared from within the rock garden on the side, ”Hey!”

Wei WuXian thought to himself, Ha! Found him. He turned around and spoke in a feeble tone, ”What do you mean 'hey'? How rude. Weren't we all lovey-dovey when we parted? We meet again and you're as heartless as ever. Now I'm sad.”

Jin Ling felt goosebumps climb over his body, ”Shut up right now! Who's all lovey-dovey with you?! Didn't I warn you already not to mess with our sect's people? Why have you come back?!”

Wei WuXian, ”Honestly, I've always been following HanGuang-Jun properly. I'm this close to making him grab a rope and tie me to his body. Where have you seen me mess with your sect's people? Your uncle? He's the one messing with me, alright?”

Jin Ling was enraged, ”Go away! My uncle's only suspicious of you! Don't talk nonsense. Don't think I don't know that you haven't given up and still want to…”

Suddenly, a few shouts came from around them. About half-a-dozen boys wearing the LanlingJin Sect's uniform leaped out from the garden. Jin Ling stopped talking at once.

The boys slowly approached them. The one leading the group was a boy of around the same age but a wider physique than Jin Ling, ”I thought I saw wrong. So it really is him.”

Wei WuXian pointed to himself, ”Me?”

The boy, ”Who other than you?! Mo XuanYu, you still have the face to return?”

Jin Ling frowned, ”Jin Chan, why did you come? It's none of your business here.”

Wei WuXian, I see. It's probably one of the kids from Jin Ling's generation. And, looking at the way of things, this was a group of children who weren't on good terms with Jin Ling.

Jin Chan, ”It's none of my business, but is it any of your business? Why do you care about me?”

As he spoke, three or four of the boys had already come over, as though they wanted to hold Wei WuXian down. With a sideways step, Jin Ling put himself in front of Wei WuXian, ”Don't mess around!”

Jin Chan, ”Mess around? What's wrong with teaching a lesson to an indecent disciple of our sect?”

Jin Ling snorted, ”Wake up! He's been kicked out a long time ago! He isn't our sect's disciple no matter how you see it.”

Jin Chan, ”So what?”

The ”so what” sounded so self-assured that Wei WuXian was flabbergasted. Jin Ling replied, ”So what? Have you forgotten who he came with today? You want to teach him a lesson? Why don't you ask HanGuang-Jun first?”

Hearing the name ”HanGuang-Jun”, the boys all seemed nervous. Even if Lan WangJi wasn't present, nobody dared to claim that they weren't scared of HanGuang-Jun at all. After a while of silence, Jin Chan responded, ”Ha, Jin Ling, didn't you also use to hate him? How come today is so different?”

Jin Ling, ”How do you have so many things to say? Does whether or not I hate him matter to you?”

Jin Chan, ”He shamelessly harassed LianFang-Zun, and you're still talking in favor of him?”

Wei WuXian felt as though he had been struck with thunder.

He harassed whom? LianFang-Zun? Who was LianFang-Zun again? Jin GuangYao?

He couldn't believe it—the person Mo XuanYu had been harassing was LianFang-Zun, Jin GuangYao!

As he was trying to overcome the shock, on the other hand, after Jin Chan and Jin Ling exchanged a few more words, they'd somehow gotten to the point of seeking a fight with each other. Neither of them saw the other in a good light to begin with. The fuse was ignited at once. Jin Ling asserted, ”If you want a fight, then let's have a fight. You think I'm scared of you?”

One of the boys shouted, ”Why not? He's only gonna call a dog to help him anyways!”

Jin Ling heard this just as he was about to whistle. He clenched his teeth and roared, ”I can beat you up even if I don't call Fairy!!!”

Although his tone was ample with confidence, two fists were hardly a worthy opponent to four hands. After he started to fight, it was clear that his abilities began to fall short. He appeared to be losing ground, forced closer and closer to Wei WuXian.

Jin Ling seethed when he saw that Wei WuXian was still standing at the same place, ”Why are you still standing around?!”

Wei WuXian suddenly grabbed his hand. Before Jin Ling had the chance to yell, he felt an overwhelming force press onto his wrist. He couldn't help but collapse onto the ground. Enraged, he shouted, ”Do you want to die?!!”

As he put down Jin Ling, who had been protecting him, Jin Chan and the others were startled. Yet, Wei WuXian asked, ”You got it?”

Jin Ling was also startled, ”What?”

Wei WuXian turned his hand again, ”Have you understood?”

Feeling a numbing pain travel from his wrist to his entire body, Jin Ling cried again. Before his eyes, however, he could recall Wei WuXian's swift, subtle movement. Wei WuXian spoke once more, ”Again. Look carefully.”

One of the boys just happened to rush over. With one hand behind his back, Wei WuXian used the other hand to snatch at the boy's wrist. He brought him to the ground in the blink of an eye. This time, Jin Ling saw what was going on. The aching part of his wrist also told him which acupoint to send his spiritual energy to. Springing to his feet, he seemed to be in high spirits, ”Yes!”

The situation was reversed in an instant. Not long later, the boys' frustrated cries sounded throughout the garden. In the end, Jin Chan fumed, ”Jin Ling, just you wait!”

A trail of curses followed as the boys fled in defeat. Jin Ling, on the other hand, split his sides laughing behind them. When his laughter finally seemed to die, Wei WuXian spoke up, ”Look at how happy you are. Your first time winning?”

Jin Ling spat, ”I've always won one-on-one fights. But Jin Chan calls a bunch of helpers every single time. He's got no face.”

Wei WuXian was just about to say that he could also find a bunch of people to help him. Fights didn't have to be one-on-one. Sometimes, the number of people in one's group could make a life-and-death difference. However, he realized that he had always seen Jin Ling go out alone, without any same-age disciples from his sect following him around. It was likely for Jin Ling to have no helpers to choose from, and thus he decided not to say anything.

Jin Ling, ”Hey, how did you learn the move?”

Wei WuXian shoved the responsibility to Lan WangJi's shoulders without showing even a hint of shame, ”HanGuang-Jun taught me.”

Jin Ling didn't doubt this at all. He had already seen Lan WangJi's forehead ribbon tied to Wei WuXian's hands anyways. He simply mumbled, ”He even teaches you these things?”

Wei WuXian, ”Sure he does. This is only a small trick, though. It's your first time using it and they haven't seen it, so the results are neat. They'll eventually get it if you use it too many times. It won't be so easy next time. How was that? You want to learn a few more moves from me?”

Jin Ling glanced at him and couldn't help but answered, ”Why are you like this? My younger uncle has always advised against this, but you're egging me on.”

Wei WuXian, ”Advised you? Against what? Don't fight and get along with others nicely?”

Jin Ling, ”Pretty much.”

Wei WuXian, ”Don't listen to him. Let me tell you—when you grow older, you'll find out that there are more and more people you want to beat up, but you'll have to force yourself to get along with them nicely. So, since you're still young, go beat up all the people you want. At such an age, if you don't have a few proper fights, your life won't be complete.”

Jin Ling's face betrayed faint yearning, yet he still sounded contemptuous, ”What are you talking about? Uncle's advice is for my own good.”

After he spoke, he suddenly remembered that the past Mo XuanYu had always regarded Jin GuangYao as a deity. He definitely wouldn't have disagreed with Jin GuangYao in any way. Yet, now, he was saying ”don't listen to him”. Was it that he really didn't hold any improper thoughts toward Jin GuangYao anymore?

Looking at his expression, Wei WuXian could guess what he was thinking of. He responded without any hesitation, ”Looks like I can't keep it from you anymore. That's right. I've fallen for someone else.”

Jin Ling, ”…”

Wei WuXian's face was as dynamic as his tone, ”During the days that I was gone, I thought about it seriously and finally decided that LianFang-Zun was neither my type nor somebody who suited me.”

Jin Ling backed away.

Wei WuXian, ”In the past, I couldn't understand my own heart, but after I met HanGuang-Jun I'm certain.” He took in a deep breath, ”I'm already incapable of leaving him. I don't want anyone else aside from HanGuang-Jun… Wait, why are you running away? I haven't finished yet! Jin Ling, Jin Ling!”

Jin Ling turned around and sprinted in the opposite direction. Wei WuXian shouted a couple of times from behind him, but he didn't even turn around. He was rather proud that, thinking to himself that this time Jin Ling definitely wouldn't keep on doubting that he held any improper thoughts about Jin GuangYao. However, as he turned around, he saw a snowy-skinned figure stand under the moon, its robes whiter than frost. About than thirty feet away, Lan WangJi stared directly at him, looking as calm as ever.

Wei WuXian, ”…”