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

Chapter 86: Setting the Pieces Though it was the same winter, the feeling here was vastly different from the somber tranquility of Beifa Mountain. The hustle and bustle of the martial world added a distinct warmth to the cold season. In a typical teahouse frequented by martial artists, many would stop by to enjoy a cup of hot tea or a bowl of warm wine. Disciples from various sects—some carrying spears, others with swords—gathered in small groups, each sitting together. Among them were hidden masters as well as young novices fresh out of their schools, making the teahouse a melting pot of the old and new, orderly yet chaotic. At a quiet corner sat a Black-clothed Man, face completely hidden by a black veiled hat. He was accompanied by a poised Man with a Knife, both silently sipping tea while waiting for their meals. Adjacent to them were four Hua Shan disciples, clearly youngsters from the looks of their flashy, pristine white robes unique to their school. Their presence caught the attention of a few admiration-filled glances from a group of Mingxiu Palace maidens sitting across the teahouse. An older male disciple instructed the younger ones, "This is your first trip down the mountain, remember to be cautious and avoid trouble with suspicious people." "Yes, Uncle," one young disciple inquired, "But what kind of people should we avoid?" Another disciple, with nonchalant and frivolous expressions, chimed in, "Aren't you aware by now? Our master warned us about the dominant forces in the martial world today. You can't afford to provoke anyone from the Eastern Burning Heaven Gate, Central Chaos Flower Valley, Southern Mingxiu Palace, Sichuan Tang Fortress, or Northern Beifa Palace!" "That's not entirely accurate. Even within these forces, there's a divide between good and evil. For instance, Beifa Palace comprises cultivators we'd like to befriend. Chaos Flower Valley and Tang Fortress straddle both identities—it’s hard to pin them down." "In my opinion, though Mingxiu Palace is all female, it's enveloped in an aura of yin energy. Despite their recent quietude, rumor has it they're a den of seduction behind closed doors, appearing righteous yet indulging in revelry." The frivolous disciple spoke again, "Righteous or Evil—what a joke! There's no absolute purity. Those self-righteous Beifa Palace Daoists might secretly engage in disreputable activities!" "Let's not delve into such matters. Whatever happens, just avoid encounters with the Burning Heaven Gate people, especially Jiang Wan." "That's true. Burning Heaven Gate is rotten to the core, engaging in arson, murder, and looting. I heard they hold grudges against both Beifa and Chaos Flower Valley." The Man with the Knife, overhearing this, visibly tensed, slamming his cup onto the table, about to unleash his temper when the Black-clothed Man calmly placed a restraining hand over his, subtly shaking his head. "Master!" hissed the Man with the Knife angrily. "Let them babble, they're but young fools," the Black-clothed Man responded composedly, his voice deep and restrained. He lifted his teacup for a sip, a large green gemstone ring on his finger hinting at his unusual identity. While the Hua Shan disciples continued their idle chatter, another unforeseen event unfolded before the Black-clothed Man finished his tea. Into the teahouse strode a group led by a young woman in blue, around fifteen or sixteen, her features as refined and striking as an ink painting, exuding cheerfulness and spirit. Her long black hair cascaded down to her thighs, loosely bundled with a ribbon at the ends, giving her an understated elegance. Her sharp gaze and the barely suppressed anger on her face were like ripples on a serene spring day, gentle yet undeniably menacing. Such beauty quieted the teahouse, drawing all eyes to the girl and her troop of blue-clad guards, each observer harboring their thoughts. "The Young Valley Master Lin Yuxue of Chaos Flower Valley! Why is she here?" whispered a Hua Shan disciple. "It's her, Lin Yuxue... Is Chaos Flower Valley up to something? There was no news of it..." "Isn't this girl cherished by the Valley Master? Why would she appear here unannounced..." Rumors swirled around the sect world as the announcement of Qing Shuang Zun's intention to formally accept disciples spread. Intrigued by the news, people flocked to Cangjun Mountain for the apprenticeship ceremony. Ning Songwu was unfazed, continuing her reluctant cultivation of snow techniques, though she now studied some magic and medical arts. Living with Ran Fanyin, Ning Songwu found her instructor rather dull, doing nothing but cultivating or forcing her disciples to do so, causing her to shy away from such a lifestyle. The affairs of the human realm progressed without Ran Fanyin's intervention. Ning Songwu intended to approach the ceremony casually in her usual attire, but Lin Yuxue insisted on dressing her up, arriving at Chaoci Peak early to assist Ning Songwu. She wore the disciple robes issued by the sect, white with silver edges, overlaid with a matching shawl, and tied at the waist with a jade piece denoting her Cangjun Mountain disciple status. The sect prohibited wearing anything else, so Lin Yuxue had to abandon her plans for elaborate attire. Her hair was styled into a neat bun with hanging fringes, and she wore silver leaf earrings. Lin Yuxue applied a floral ornament to Ning Songwu's forehead and then delicately drew her eyebrows. Feeling stiff and tired, Ning Songwu attempted to blink but was immediately halted by Lin Yuxue's command not to move. Sensing numbness in her neck, Ning Songwu impatiently questioned Lin Yuxue as she carefully worked, "Senior Sister, why are you more excited than I am? Don't you have cultivation to attend to?" "Cultivation can wait; sit still. As the disciple of my uncle, you cannot look disheveled!" "You've adorned me like a bride. But why do you excel in these arts, yet hide behind Sister Luo in battle, lacking the poise of a true cultivator?" "Mind your own business. Who says a cultivator needs to conform to any particular image?" As they bantered, her makeup was finally completed. Lin Yuxue looked at Ning Songwu with satisfaction, presenting a bronze mirror for her to see. Ning Songwu gazed at her reflection, momentarily stunned. The person in the mirror, eyes slightly widened, lips parted, exuded a gentle charm. "Junior Sister, you look beautiful like this. You should pay more attention to your appearance—it could enchant countless admirers." Ning Songwu knew she was considered attractive but had experienced adversity due to her looks. To protect herself, she kept a low profile. Setting down the mirror, Ning Songwu nonchalantly replied, "Not as beautiful as you, Senior Sister. You're the goddess to many Cangjun Mountain disciples." Lin Yuxue was aware of her reputation. Seeing Ning Songwu's lack of enthusiasm, she asked cautiously, "What's the matter? You don't intend to take a master, do you?" Ning Songwu immediately denied the claim, "No, I just find beauty insignificant." Observing Ning Songwu's sudden unease, Lin Yuxue offered hesitantly, "You don't like the makeup? I can change it back." She reached to undo Ning Songwu’s hair when Ning Songwu turned her head to avoid it, her smile returning. "Who says I don't like it? I love it! You've burdened yourself, but for any upcoming ceremonies, I'll rely on your help." Relieved, Lin Yuxue playfully scolded, "Dream on! I'm not your servant; learn to do it yourself!" Standing just outside, Ran Fanyin watched their lively exchange. Normally stern, she intimidated Cangjun disciples, even the lively Lin Yuxue. But since taking on Ning Songwu as a disciple, Lin frequently visited Chaoci Peak, which Ran Fanyin regarded as beneficial. Despite her pleasant demeanor today, Ran Fanyin felt a watchful concern. Lacking interpersonal skills and fearing misleading her disciples, she diligently studied a book titled "Master and Disciple" from Cangjun's library, emphasizing the need to monitor disciples' mental states to prevent them from straying. Pondering these thoughts, Ran Fanyin called out, "Ning Songwu." Inside, the girls paused their jesting and immediately stood to pay respects. "Master." "Uncle." Ran Fanyin acknowledged them softly, "Ning Songwu, I wish to speak with you." Taking the cue, Lin Yuxue politely excused herself from their company. "Follow me." Ran Fanyin led the way outside, with Ning Songwu hurrying to keep pace. Standing atop the peak as the sun began to rise, distant clouds drifted, softly enveloping the green mountains. The breeze wasn't cold, but Ning Songwu felt a tinge of curiosity, unsure of what Ran Fanyin wished to discuss. "What do you wish to speak to me about, Master?" Ran Fanyin turned to face the girl, looking at her with softness. Realizing the hardships she must have endured before joining Cangjun, she felt a newfound tenderness. Ran Fanyin attempted a smile she deemed gentle, though to Ning Songwu, it seemed strained. "We haven't had a proper conversation lately. If you encounter any difficulties, you can confide in me." Ning Songwu found Ran Fanyin's awkward demeanor oddly endearing. It was hard to imagine associating the word "cute" with someone known as a fierce deity, yet that's exactly how Ning Songwu felt. With a gentle curve of her lips, she assured, "Master, I have no troubles. Everyone here at Cangjun Mountain treats me well." Ran Fanyin wasn't quite satisfied with that answer, as she was seeking something deeper. Seeing Ning Songwu's smiling face, she felt a tinge of desperation. "That's not what I mean." "Then isn't Master concerned for me?" Ning Songwu was puzzled about what Ran Fanyin was trying to convey. After some internal struggle, Ran Fanyin clarified, "I want to know more about your past." As Ning Songwu's smile gradually faded, Ran Fanyin worried she had overstepped. She contemplated whether to apologize. There were some things buried deep in Ning Songwu's heart that she was hesitant to share. However, the memories were ever-present, and left unchecked, the wounds would never heal. "It's my fault for causing you grief." Ran Fanyin eventually chose to apologize. Ning Songwu looked up, and the sight of Ran Fanyin's helplessness reminded her of the blood-covered day. Well, it's just a piece of the past. Why not tell her? Ning Songwu chuckled softly, "No need for apologies, Master. Luo You isn't that significant." Ning Songwu quietly began recounting her history. She was born in Bailu Village, to humble farming parents. Her family wasn't poor; they owned good land and two oxen. Since childhood, Ning Songwu was mischievous, adept at climbing trees and playing in the dirt. Villagers often teased her for being unladylike, and she was not the type to endure such teasing quietly, often responding with sharp rebukes. Agricultural work was arduous, and six-year-old Ning Songwu persistently begged her parents to let her help. Her mother finally relented, assigning her the task of watching over the cattle. Sitting by the fields, she listened to the bells tinkling around the cattle's necks. There was no need to hold onto the ropes constantly, as the oxen wouldn't wander far. "Songwu! Come home for dinner!" "Coming, Mother," she responded to the distant call of her mother in old clothes. Suddenly, she panicked upon realizing the cattle were still on the hill, "Mother, the cows!" Her mother laughed and reassured her, "They won't stray far. Listen for the bells, you'll know where they are." "But what if the cows can't find their way home?" Ning Mu chuckled, taking her daughter's hand. Ning Songwu glanced anxiously toward the sound of the bells. Seeing her concern, Ning Mu laughed, "The cows won't get lost. Your father and I will follow the bells to find them." "If the bell helps you find them, then I want one too." "You silly child, alright, I'll talk to your father." Yet, Ning Songwu never got a chance to receive her own bell. Disaster struck when demons invaded the eastern hills; her family couldn't escape and became prey for wolf demons. Her mother pushed Ning Songwu out of harm's way with great strength, bloodied, and screamed, "Run! Quickly!" Paralyzed by fear, Ning Songwu fell to the ground, her legs trembling. The wolf demon snapped her mother's neck with a swift bite, the scream abruptly cut off, leaving a head tumbling to Ning Songwu's feet. Staring at her mother’s unwilling expression, Ning Songwu reached out a trembling hand to close her mother’s eyes. The wolf demon, uninterested in Ning Mu, moved past to approach Ning Songwu. With each movement, it transformed into the form of a fair young man, casually wiping blood from his lips, his eyes glowing red. He leaned down, grabbing Ning Songwu's hand hard enough to draw blood, forming claw marks. The demon sniffed amusedly and remarked, "Interesting, a spiritual devourer turned prey." Her hand was pinned down, and she glared fiercely at the wolf demon. "Demon, die!" But her free hand was restrained again. Watching her struggle seemed to delight the demon. "This feels rather nice. A fine feast awaits." With that, the wolf’s head morphed back into its original grotesque form, jaws wide, ready to bite her. Overwhelmed with fear, anger, and hatred, Ning Songwu fainted, her mind spinning with emotion. "The villagers said a passing cultivator scared off the wolf demon and saved me," Ning Songwu concluded her tale succinctly. Ran Fanyin was momentarily at a loss. "Do you hate the demon clans?" Ning Songwu shook her head, disagreeing, "Not at all. Not all demons harm humans, and sometimes humans can be more terrifying. This world was hellish for me, yet my mother wished for me to live. So I lived on, unwanted and alienated, hurting those around me. Yet some wanted me dead. I didn't know what to do." "Master, those who've been kind to me often end without peace. Aren't you afraid?" Ran Fanyin regarded her smiling face, sensing the sadness behind her eyes. The book had advised treating a troubled disciple with care, prompting Ran Fanyin to gently embrace Ning Songwu. "I am strong. There are few things in this world that trouble me. You needn’t worry." With that, Ran Fanyin conjured a small, clear bell with spiritual power and hung it around Ning Songwu's neck. "No matter where you are, as long as the bell rings, I can find you. From now on, this is your home." Seeing the tiny bell, Ning Songwu was touched. She laughed through her tears, "So I'm to be your ox or nag, Master?" "... No." Ning Songwu burst into laughter, slipping gently from her master’s embrace. Wiping her tears haphazardly with her sleeve, she ruined most of Lin Yuxue’s diligent handiwork. "Master, please take care of me in the days to come." Mother, I have found a home once more. I’m sorry, Yuan’er. I still wish to seek happiness. Please forgive me. Lin Yuxue, with keen hearing, ignored the chatter of idle voices around her. Instead, her gaze surveyed the teahouse before she spoke in a calm yet commanding tone, "Has anyone here seen Wen Jing Lei?" Her voice carried a pure, forceful energy, allowing no disobedience. Suddenly, the teahouse erupted in uproar, many sprang up, gripping their weapons in nervous anticipation of battle. The air turned tense, everyone poised, simmering with latent energy. Wen Jing Lei—the infamous leader of the demonic sect, Burning Heaven Gate, known across the martial world, was a name that incited dread. Lin Yuxue’s words suggested he might be hiding in this very teahouse! The Black-clothed Man remained calm, lifting the edge of his veil to leisurely sip his tea. His companion's hand firmly gripped the hilt of his sword, eyes wide in wary focus on Lin Yuxue. "Young Valley Master, this place is crowded. We shouldn’t act rashly," a blue-clad guard whispered to Lin Yuxue. "If any brave warrior here happens to encounter Lord Wen in the future, I implore you to deliver this message from Chaos Flower Valley," Lin Yuxue's eyes flickered with a severity unusual for a fifteen-year-old, "Our Valley, from this day, stands irrevocably opposed to the Burning Heaven Gate. Anyone who aids their disciples will face our valley as their enemy!" The Hua Shan disciples exchanged knowing glances. It appeared a conflict had erupted between the Chaos Flower Valley and the Burning Heaven Gate, stirring intrigue about the unknown cause. Meanwhile, unnoticed, two Beifa disciples were leaning against the second-floor railing. "Master, I see Wen Jing Lei sitting over there in that corner," Jing Hu covertly communicated with his abdominal speech to Cheng Yun Huan, seated beside him. Cheng Yun Huan shot a sidelong glance at the Black-clothed Man, quickly zeroing in on the greenish-black gemstone ring on his right hand, alert. "Don't speak. Act as if you haven’t seen him," Cheng Yun Huan replied in kind. "Master, why not take this opportunity to kill him? This is a perfect chance. I've seen plenty of righteous disciples." "No," Cheng Yun Huan firmly denied, "Seven years ago, even with the combined strength of our three Zuns, Wen Jing Lei was not defeated. His power far exceeds your imagination." Whether by coincidence or fate, the principal factions of the martial world: Mingxiu Palace, Burning Heaven Gate, Chaos Flower Valley, and Beifa Palace, had all converged in this small teahouse. The scene was fraught with tension, like a powder keg ready to ignite, yet everyone strained to maintain an uneasy calm. Cheng Yun Huan contemplated this. There were no perpetual alliances, nor perpetual hostilities between sects, only ever-shifting interests. The divide between Chaos Flower Valley and Burning Heaven Gate suggested impending retribution from the latter, likely pulling other sects into their allegiances. She decided it was best to return immediately to Beifa Mountain to report this to the sect leader. Burning Heaven Gate, Wen Jing Lei, your next target must surely be Beifa Palace. How unfortunate it is that we failed to kill you when we annihilated your family seven years ago.