162 - Destroyer of Ice and Fire

Such a domineering poison that kills invisibly belongs only to the Burning Heaven Sect. Back then, Lin Yukexue's mother, the Lady of the Chaos Flower Valley, died from this poison. Ran Fanyin's expression changed instantly. "What?! How could this happen to the Master...? It's impossible. How could someone from the Burning Heaven Sect reach the Northern Punishment?" "That's why I said there’s something fishy about the matter at Yushui Pass!" Jiang Yue’s face was filled with anger. "I suspect the Burning Heaven Sect used a diversion tactic. Wen Jinglei's earlier appearance might have been intentional, causing panic in the court and resulting in us three being dispatched to Yushui Pass. The Master, who has long sat in the main hall of the sect, became an easy target! Among the numerous Northern Punishment disciples, who knows when an infiltrator could have slipped in..." Ran Fanyin thought it over carefully and found it logical. "No wonder the Burning Heaven Sect's Fiery Banner only divided with us along the Yin-Yang Paths in Luo City, always stalling but never directly engaging. It was all a facade!" Jiang Yue frowned and nodded. "Exactly. Although I've stayed in the Northern Punishment, I spend my days at the Sword-Casting Pool, unlike Brother Cheng Yunhuan, who is always by the Master's side handling affairs. A few days ago, when I visited the main hall, I noticed something wrong with the Master's complexion, and that's when the Master told me about this." "The Huangquan Poison... How is the Master now?" "Despite everything, the Master has attained the Dao and achieved longevity. His constitution is different from that of ordinary people. The Master told me not to worry, saying he could control it. However, he might be hiding something from me. If he were truly in trouble, he wouldn't necessarily tell me." Ran Fanyin furrowed his brows. "What should we do? If something happens to the Master... what will become of the Northern Punishment?" Jiang Yue cast his gaze toward the Sword-Casting Pool, sighing deeply. "Do you remember the sword I've been forging? It's complete now. It's time to see some blood." "Brother, you mean...?" Jiang Yue nodded. "I’ll personally go to the Burning Heaven Sect in the East Sea. I can't be at peace until I destroy the mother poison." "Brother, have you thought it through?" "You know how much Wen Jinglei hates us since seven years ago. Moreover... look at the pool; your sword is still there, unfinished. Have you considered how much weight you're carrying?" Jiang Yue sighed. Ran Fanyin softly replied, "It’s the duty of the sect master. Brother, how long do you plan to be away?" "How could I know? If it goes well, a day; if not, I might never return. But rest assured, I'll return as soon as possible. As for your sword, it will take at least another four years to forge. You'll have to devote some effort to it. I’ve left a book with instructions over there; read it when you can." Ran Fanyin suddenly felt exhausted, burying his face in his hands. The fresh medicinal aroma of Ning Songwu’s concoction seeped through the gauze wrapping. She felt an unbearable weight pressing down on her heart. She couldn't help but think of the long, dusty journey from Luo City to Northern Punishment, the ever-increasing pain from the scorching wound on her wrist, and Ning Songwu’s little gestures of avoidance when facing her. A metallic taste rose in her throat, but Ran Fanyin forcibly suppressed it. Her body needed rest, but she couldn't afford to stop. Chapter 64: Ambush March in the Northern Punishment arrived quickly. The stage for the Sword Test Assembly began its setup a month in advance. As in previous years, the venue was set up on the Sword Practicing Field and the Debate Platform. The Debate Platform was filled with stages for competitions, varying in height, with some perched on the ground and others suspended in mid-air. However, the highest point of the Debate Platform remained untouched, reserved for the sect leader and the three elites. Many disciples, leveraging their connections with the gatekeepers of the Debate Platform, entered early to get a feel for it. The upcoming grand event filled everyone with excitement and eagerness. Half a month before the Sword Test Assembly, disciples from various sects began arriving at Northern Punishment Mountain. Naturally, Northern Punishment’s allies, such as Kunlun and Mount Hua, were present. Even the Chaos Flower Valley sent people, and it was none other than the esteemed Young Valley Lord. For a time, the usually serene Northern Punishment was bustling with people from various sects, decked in vibrant attire that contrasted sharply with the typical sea of white-clad Northern Punishment disciples, who eagerly came out to join the fun. However, the three elite residences—Canghai Pavilion, Wanlang Pavilion, and Rongku Pavilion—remained cold and untouched. No one dared to create trouble there. Cang Min lounged carelessly on a chair, his gaze wandering over the desk beside him, expressing admiration. "Tsk tsk, Ah Yin, this red sandalwood desk of yours looks really nice..." Ran Fanyin, sitting beside him with a cold expression, sipped slowly from a tea cup. "If you like it, take it." "How could I? We haven’t seen each other in years. I came empty-handed and now I'd even take your desk from Rongku Pavilion? That’s outrageous, right?" Cang Min chuckled lightly, tapping his finger gently on the red sandalwood surface. "Why are you here instead of staying in the Northern Punishment’s guest room prepared for you?" Ran Fanyin set down the teacup, glancing coolly at Cang Min. "I'm concerned about you, get it? I heard you were seriously ill recently. Look, your wrist is still bandaged." "Thanks for your concern, but I'm fine now." "… Ah Yin, I heard you have three disciples, right? I thought Rongku Pavilion would be quite lively with them chirping around. I love lively places, but why is it so cold here, with only you?" Ran Fanyin’s first thought was of Ning Songwu, and she lowered her head in silence. Seeing her expression, Cang Min chuckled softly. "You look like a little wife." "You're talking nonsense." Ran Fanyin shot him a glare. "Alright, alright, I'm wrong. But I just checked out the guest room, and the decor is terrible. I don't want to stay there. Your place isn't bad, with all this red sandalwood furniture. I’d prefer to stay here; is that okay?" "Stay if you want. Turn right after leaving the main hall; there are plenty of empty rooms. You can take your pick." Cang Min pouted. "Is this how you treat guests? Tsk tsk…" "This is exactly how I treat guests," Ran Fanyin said flatly. And so, Cang Min indeed left the other Kunlun disciples behind and moved into Rongku Pavilion by himself.