64 - Crazy! Criticizing the Prime Minister for Being a Servant

### Chapter 64: Interception The month of March, filled with Northern Punishment, arrived swiftly. The Sword Testing Conference began preparations a month in advance, setting up the stage just as in previous years. The venue was prepared at the Sword Training Ground and the Sword Discourse Platform. Various sizes of dueling platforms were erected on the Sword Discourse Platform, some directly on the ground and some elevated in mid-air. However, no one dared occupy the highest point of the Sword Discourse Platform, as it was reserved for the sect leader and the three lords. Many disciples managed to enter the Sword Discourse Platform early through their connections with the disciples guarding it, eager to stand on it and feel the forthcoming grand event. The anticipation had everyone's blood boiling with excitement. Half a month before the Sword Testing Conference, various sects began sending their disciples to the Northern Punishment Mountain. The Kunlun and Huashan sects, well-known allies of Northern Punishment, were of course present, and even the Chaos Flower Valley sent someone, their highly esteemed young valley master. Suddenly, the originally serene Northern Punishment became crowded with people from various sects, dressed in blacks and greens, creating a bustling spectacle that excited the Northern Punishment disciples, who typically saw only a field of white. However, the residences of the Three Lords—the Blue Sea Pavilion, the Reined Waves Pavilion, and the Glory and Desolation Pavilion—remained cold and still, as no one dared to loiter there. Cang Min lounged nonchalantly in a chair, her eyes roaming over the red sandalwood table nearby, looking appreciative. "Tsk tsk, Lan Fanyin, this red sandalwood table of yours is quite impressive..." Beside her, Ran Fanyin sipped tea slowly, his expression icy. "If you fancy it, take it." "How could I do that? We've not seen each other in years. You see, I came empty-handed this time, and to take away your table from the Glory and Desolation Pavilion would be quite unbecoming, don't you think?" Cang Min chuckled softly, tapping the red sandalwood table with a curved index finger. "Why aren't you staying in the guest rooms prepared by Northern Punishment? What brings you here?" Ran Fanyin placed his cup down and gave Cang Min a light glance. "I'm concerned about you, understand? I heard you were quite ill recently, and you still have bandages on your wrist." "Thank you for your concern, but I am better now." "...Lan Fanyin, I heard you have three disciples. I thought your Glory and Desolation Pavilion would be lively with their chatter. I love a bit of bustle, but why is it just you here, so quiet?" Cang Min's fingers unconsciously brushed the table. "..." Ran Fanyin couldn't help but think of Ning Songwu at those words and lowered his head silently. Noticing Ran Fanyin's expression, Cang Min chuckled, "You look like a little wife worrying about her husband." "Nonsense," Ran Fanyin shot Cang Min a glare. "Alright, alright, I'm just joking. But I did look at the guest rooms, and they are in a terrible state. I don't want to stay there. Your place here is quite nice, with all this red sandalwood furniture. I'll stay here, alright?" "Suit yourself. Head right from the main hall; all the rooms there are empty. Take your pick." Cang Min pouted, "Is this how you treat your guests? Tsk tsk..." "This is my way of treating guests," Ran Fanyin replied coolly. With that, Cang Min indeed left the other Kunlun disciples behind and moved into the Glory and Desolation Pavilion alone. Lin Yu Xue was quite busy, for as the young valley master of Chaos Flower Valley, she had many responsibilities waiting for her. Yet, as the Sword Testing Conference approached, she still traveled a long way to Northern Punishment. Wujii, Wugong, and a third bodyguard were her three close guards, all martial arts experts personally assigned to her by the old valley master. Lin Yu Xue sat quietly in her guest room at Northern Punishment. At twenty-three, her demeanor had become more refined and elegant than seven years ago. Dressed in green, she looked radiant and charming, her features clear and serene like a finely drawn ink painting. Her hand, hidden in her sleeve, was caressing and playing with something—upon closer inspection, it was a half-face white jade mask intricately carved with Cen patterns. The thin layer of white jade shimmered and felt cool to the touch. Wujii spoke in a solemn tone, "Young Valley Master, a message just came from the Valley Master that spies from the Burnt Heaven Gate have been found in the valley." "Have they all been identified?" "No, only a few were captured. The Valley Master suspects there are still some hidden threats." "Pass down my command: the valley will temporarily stop accepting new disciples. All disciples who joined in the past three years are to be expelled, and those who joined in the past five years are to be thoroughly investigated," Lin Yu Xue said casually, raising the white jade mask and examining it. "Young Valley Master, won't this cause unrest among the disciples?" Wugong interjected. "Let it be chaotic. Only when they are struck with fear will they know when not to be manipulated by villains," Lin Yu Xue spoke slowly. "The Valley Master shares this view. Additionally, the Valley Master has specifically instructed that during this visit, you should meet with the Northern Punishment sect leader or the Three Lords to discuss matters related to the Burnt Heaven Gate," Wujii added discreetly. Lin Yu Xue immediately understood the Valley Master's intent and smiled, "Perfect timing; it's been a while since I've seen the Northern Punishment Lords. Who can we visit right now?" Wugong responded, his voice monotonous like a machine, "The sect leader, Hong Chengzu, is in seclusion. For-Lord Cheng Ranhua is busy with the conference preparations, and Lord Jiang Yue is at the Sword Forge Pool, which might be inconvenient..." "So, our only option is to visit Ran Fanyin?" Lin Yu Xue's smile deepened. "That's great. It's been years since I last saw her. I'd love to see her." Wujii respectfully said, "Yes, I'll lead the way to the Glory and Desolation Pavilion for the Young Valley Master." When Lin Yu Xue arrived at the Glory and Desolation Pavilion, Ran Fanyin and Cang Min were under an ancient tree, with a small table between them, making tea and playing chess. Wujii asked, "Young Valley Master, shall we..." "You three can leave; I am safe here and simply wish to have a good chat with Ran Fanyin," Lin Yu Xue said, still toying with the white jade mask in her hand, looking at Ran Fanyin with a smile. Cang Min, sitting across from Lin Yu Xue, raised an eyebrow and chuckled at Ran Fanyin, "Well, this girl you've hooked?" Ran Fanyin turned around in confusion and, seeing Lin Yu Xue, squinted her eyes. Who was this? She looked somewhat familiar... Ran Fanyin bit her lip and tried to remember, but if she didn't make an effort to remember something specifically, she usually forgot it quickly. This person should have been away for quite a few years, otherwise she wouldn't have forgotten their name and identity. Lin Yu Xue stepped forward and said, "Ran Fanyin, long time no see." Ran Fanyin was still musing over who this person could be. Seeing Ran Fanyin's dazed expression, Cang Min laughed and said to Lin Yu Xue, "How could she be well? She's been ill on and off these past years. Look at her hand, still injured." Lin Yu Xue frowned, "Ran Fanyin, how could the injury on your wrist from seven years ago still not be healed?" Ran Fanyin suddenly recalled that Lin Yu Xue had once bandaged her injury seven years ago and had even gifted her a mechanical bird and mouse. "Ahem... It's a new injury. So, it's you, the Young Valley Master. Please, have a seat," Ran Fanyin answered politely. Lin Yu Xue sat down beside her and raised an eyebrow, asking, "What do you mean by 'so it's the Young Valley Master'? Did you not recognize me?" Noticing Ran Fanyin's slightly flushed ears, Cang Min laughed and interjected, "She must have forgotten. She always had a bad memory." Lin Yu Xue placed the white jade mask on the chessboard and pointed at it, "Ran Fanyin, do you remember this mask? Seven years ago, we both fancied it. Later, I bought it. Do you still want it now?" Ran Fanyin replied coolly, "I'm sorry, I forgot. The Young Valley Master should keep it. What brings you here?" Cang Min cut in, "Oh! I get it, the Young Valley Master must also find those shabby guest rooms unsuitable. So, she thought to come and cozy up to you to get a place to stay, and you, the forgetful and ungrateful person, forgot all about her..." "Cang Min!" Ran Fanyin interrupted Cang Min's rambling, looking a bit embarrassed at Lin Yu Xue. "If that's the case, it's my fault. Young Valley Master can also pick a room to stay in." Lin Yu Xue widened her eyes slightly; this was an unexpected benefit. However... she really couldn't find a reason to refuse. "Thank you, Ran Fanyin. Actually, I have a few things to discuss, but now might not be the best time to trouble you. You should continue with your tea and chess." Ran Fanyin nodded, poured Lin Yu Xue a cup of tea, and turned back to continue her chess game with Cang Min. Lin Yu Xue sipped her tea calmly while observing Ran Fanyin's focused and tranquil demeanor as she played chess, her hand still caressing the white jade mask. There were still ten days until the Sword Testing Conference. In the early evening, Ning Songwu put down the book he was reading, picked up his sword, and headed towards a small bamboo grove. Helan Mianmian happened to come back, holding a paper bag, her mouth busy chewing something. Seeing Ning Songwu, she grabbed him, "Hey, where are you going? It's dark... munch munch..." "What are you eating? It smells strong," Ning Songwu waved his hand, looking disgusted. "Sister Cenran brought me some chive dumplings... Hey, what's with that face? Are you looking down on my chive dumplings?" "I'm not looking down... You go on eating. I've given the room to Senior Sister and you. See you later," Ning Songwu said, his face dark, and walked away. **Helan Mianmian** still holding Ning Songwu's arm, said, "Oh, what's with that look? You've been obsessed with practicing your sword skills lately; take a break. You haven't seen the lord in nearly two months, right? Now that you have some free time tonight, why don't you go to the Glory and Desolation Pavilion and visit her?" "Master won't want to see me," Ning Songwu pouted. "Oh, stop guessing. I've noticed how restless you’ve been lately. Go see the lord, maybe it'll help you relax. Just take a peek at her, consider it a little reward to yourself." "You're right. Sounds like a good idea," Ning Songwu nodded, watching Helan Mianmian chew away lustily, clucking her tongue twice before turning to leave. Helan Mianmian, holding the chive dumpling bag, called out to Ning Songwu, "Come back early, okay!" Ning Songwu suddenly remembered something and turned back, "Hey! Don't take that stuff into the room to eat, or I'll kill you!" "Oh..." Helan Mianmian took another chive dumpling out of the bag and stuffed it into her mouth, obediently standing at the door to eat. Satisfied, Ning Songwu nodded and left with peace of mind. Not long after, Cenran arrived. Seeing Helan Mianmian standing at the door eating dumplings, she couldn't help but ask, "What are you doing here? Waiting for me?" "Of course not... Ning Songwu said she'd kill me if I took these inside to eat," Helan Mianmian rolled her eyes. Cenran chuckled and patted Helan Mianmian's head, "You’re quite obedient when it suits you. Usually, you're not this well-behaved. Go inside now; standing out here, you might catch a cold." "What if Ning Songwu kills me? Will you avenge me?" Helan Mianmian teased, winking at Cenran. "Has the world turned upside down? I'll stay outside the Glory and Desolation Pavilion tonight and see if she dares," Cenran joked. "Ah, Cenran," Helan Mianmian burrowed her head into Cenran's embrace, nuzzling like a little kitten. The night deepened. The chess game had long ended, with Cang Min cleaning up and returning to her room. Ran Fanyin and Lin Yu Xue stayed behind, brewing tea under the ancient tree. As night fell, the surrounding snow reflected the bright moonlight, creating a cold yet tranquil scene. Lin Yu Xue drank quite a bit of tea, savoring its rich flavor and lingering aroma on her tongue. She remarked, "Ran Fanyin, your tea-brewing skills are truly impressive. Is there some special technique?” "In a Taoist retreat like Northern Punishment, the mountain’s spiritual energy nourishes everything around it. Water from a spiritual mountain, nourished lotus flowers, and dew collected from the tips of lotus petals—all contribute to the exceptional flavor of the tea. Had it not been for Northern Punishment, I might never have tasted such tea in my life." "Who would have thought you were a tea enthusiast as well?" Ran Fanyin gave a faint smile. Ran Fanyin seldom smiled; at least, Lin Yu Xue had rarely seen it. In the darkness, against the backdrop of the vast snowy landscape, that slight, faint smile on Ran Fanyin's lips was like a solitary lotus blooming in the snow—a beauty beyond the mundane, serene and ethereal. "Ran Fanyin, have you changed your bandages?" Lin Yu Xue asked gently. Ran Fanyin paused, shaking his head, "Not yet..." Lin Yu Xue took Ran Fanyin's wrist. Instinctively, Ran Fanyin tried to pull away, but Lin Yu Xue insisted, "Why are you avoiding? A few years ago, wasn’t it I who bandaged your hand? This time, I didn’t bring the mechanical mouse to coax you." Ran Fanyin’s ears reddened, and he lowered his head, "No... no need to trouble you, Young Valley Master..." "Since that incident, I've always carried ointment for external injuries with me, just in case. If you get hurt again in the future and I'm around, at least I'll have medicine," Lin Yu Xue said, opening the ointment bottle. Crack. A barely audible sound of a breaking branch resonated in the otherwise quiet surroundings, grabbing immediate attention. Ran Fanyin frowned, her acute hearing pinpointing the source instantly. She pulled her hand away and stood, moving towards the sound. "Who's there?" Ran Fanyin waved her sleeve to part the bushes, her frown deepening. Ning Songwu stood there, biting his lip, staring at her intently. Lin Yu Xue came over, "What's wrong? Who's there?" Ning Songwu shifted his gaze to Lin Yu Xue, chuckling lightly, "Sorry to intrude." Ran Fanyin coughed lightly, turned to Lin Yu Xue, and said, "My apologies, Young Valley Master. This is my disciple; he might have been watching us talk and hesitated to come over." "Your disciple? Hmm..." Lin Yu Xue nodded, a bit puzzled, feeling there was a hint of jealousy in Ning Songwu's earlier words. "Young Valley Master, it's late. Perhaps we should meet again another day," Ran Fanyin suggested politely. Lin Yu Xue smiled softly, "Of course, it's late. You should rest, and don't forget to change your bandage." "Yes, I will." Ran Fanyin nodded courteously. Lin Yu Xue then bid farewell and left the courtyard. Ning Songwu snorted lightly and turned to leave as well. Almost instinctively, Ran Fanyin stepped forward and grabbed Ning Songwu's hand. In the cold night, Ran Fanyin’s slightly chilly fingers gently touched Ning Songwu's warm hand, like a snowflake lightly falling, causing a moment's daze. ...