Chapter 114: Return to Xingyang

Made a mistake? Those words indeed caused Xia Wuyai’s posture to falter for a moment. Although he wasn’t present at the martial arts gathering, it was an event known to everyone in the martial world. Over the past three years, perhaps his heart had grown more fearful, which was why he never dared to bring up this matter in front of the old man. Silence was perhaps the best way to cope. In this aspect, he was certainly less carefree than Qiu Wan’er. That young girl, bold in love and hate, was enviable just for that. Now, the Daoist Tianji had asked the question—though not explicitly, Xia Wuyai clearly understood the implication deep in his heart.

The crucial point was how to answer. He had envisioned this countless times before. Perhaps with time, the chances of siding with Hantan Yi would increase. After all, even if a disciple made mistakes, the worst consequence might be expulsion from the sect. To take such a ruthless measure was excessive. Yet now, he dared not speak his mind. After a brief hesitation, he slowly turned around, forcing his expression to appear normal, and softly said, “Master, how could you have made a mistake? At that time, circumstances forced our hand. Besides, senior brother himself was at fault, too!”

The word “too” was whispered so low it was almost inaudible. Whether it was the weight of his words or the mood they stirred, Daoist Tianfeng’s thoughts deepened, his expression growing heavy. He waved his hand gently and said no more. Xia Wuyai understood the meaning clearly, quickening his steps as he turned to leave. For some reason, the atmosphere within the grand hall felt oppressively thick, even making it difficult to breathe.

Watching his disciple depart, Daoist Tianfeng naturally understood his thoughts. The intimacy they once shared had been completely eroded over three years. Sometimes he wondered if his past actions had been worth it. Whether it was Hantan Yi or Qiu Wan’er, even the entire foothills of the Qilian Mountains no longer resembled their former glory. In this, he felt that schemers like Shen Wansan, who tirelessly pursued greater fame and status, were no match for him. Perhaps fate was truly fair: the more it gives, the more it takes away. No blessing comes without a price.

“Tanyi, forgive your master. I too have my unavoidable hardships. As a father, I owe him far too much, and so I can only apologize to you. Master apologizes here!” Watching Xia Wuyai’s figure quickly disappear beyond the hall, only Daoist Tianfeng remained in the vast space. He muttered softly under his breath, a hint of a smile mixed with sorrow on his face. Indeed, even a hundred years from now, one ascending to heaven and the other descending to hell would never have the chance to apologize—how ironic. With this thought, Daoist Tianfeng slowly sat back down, his entire body heavy with fatigue, a distinctly aged aura as if he had suddenly grown older.

Within Yingyang City, the crowds remained dense. It was a sizable city, though far from the likes of Qingzhou or Chang’an. In an era where travel depended solely on foot and horse, nearby residents naturally congregated here. Moreover, under the decades-long stewardship and protection of the Mingyue Manor, Yingyang City had long outgrown its modest origins of just a few streets. Stretching across a dozen or more miles, it sprawled in every direction. From the mountain peaks nearby, one could gaze down upon the city’s entirety and feel a stirring sense of awe.

Where there is life, anything is possible. This truth held everywhere, whether in the Qilian Mountains or Yingyang City. At this moment, the bustling street was alive with commerce, the air filled with shouting and haggling, a cacophony of noise. A man and a woman moving amidst the throng could easily go unnoticed—a perfect way to hide.

“You really thought this through? Dressing like this, how are we any different from those country girls or blacksmiths? It feels so awkward!” The woman wore rough linen clothes, her hair tied back in a simple ponytail. Dirt and grime smeared her face, making her resemble a village girl so well that she wouldn’t attract much attention. Yet, upon closer inspection, subtle differences emerged: her face was fair and delicate, the pores fine and smooth despite the grime, and her figure graceful and refined—clearly not someone accustomed to hard labor. The man, on the other hand, bore the look of a blacksmith. His gaze swept around cautiously as if searching for something. Prompted by the woman’s words, he returned to himself. “Awkward, yes, but you have a unique charm, fresh and pure. As for me, I’m a blacksmith by trade, just playing my part. Honestly, if I dressed otherwise, I’d feel out of place.”

“Nonsense, you look awful!” The two were none other than Hantan Yi and Shui Linglong. Perhaps it was the praise hidden within his words that caused Shui Linglong to blush, her voice softening. Hantan Yi spoke plainly, indifferent to her reaction, his gaze resuming its survey of the surroundings. The bashfulness quickly faded, and she noticed the unusual look he wore. Changing her tone, she asked, “From the moment you entered the city, your eyes haven’t stopped scanning around. What exactly are you looking for?”

“A tavern,” he replied abruptly, without hesitation. To him, nothing seemed more important. Shui Linglong was puzzled. Disguised as they were to conceal their identities and infiltrate Yingyang City quietly, why seek a tavern? Her face clouded with doubt. “Could it be that your craving for alcohol has flared up again? Now’s not the time for such things. We’re here to rescue someone. Let’s focus on the task first!”

“I am focusing on the task.” His footsteps suddenly halted. His gaze fixed on Shui Linglong, carrying a strange, almost reproachful tone, as if annoyed by her question. This was hardly a good sign. The confusion deepened in her eyes, perhaps because her doubts hadn’t fully vanished, or because his reaction was unexpected. “To rescue someone, we first need to know exactly where Butterfly is imprisoned. If we wander aimlessly, blindly searching, the Mingyue Manor is full of experts. We might never find the person. Even if your martial skills allow you to come and go freely, hiding someone in such a vast manor isn’t easy.”

She understood the reasoning well enough, but wished he had spoken more gently. His demeanor was so unlike before, almost as if he had changed into another person. She chose not to comment, perhaps because the closer they got, the more urgent her heart felt. Relieved somewhat, she asked, “You mean we should try to gather information inside the tavern?”

“What’s there to say—never mind. Taverns are chaotic places, full of all sorts of people. If you want to hear strange tales, they’re perfect. But this matter involves Mingyue Manor and the Qilian factions. It’s not time for open conflict yet. Shen Wansan will certainly be cautious. Whether he takes personal charge or entrusts his most trusted men, do you think these people would be careless?”

He had meant to call her foolish, but the word wouldn’t leave his lips. Old grudges could remain unspoken, but unwarranted accusations felt wrong. Despite his hidden motives and unavoidable hardships, he held back.

“So, what do you propose?” Shui Linglong wasn’t overly concerned by his subtle reactions. To her, they were merely fleeting emotional fluctuations, nothing worthy of special attention. Besides, her mind was occupied with more pressing matters. As Hantan Yi’s words paused, she asked eagerly.

Just then, ahead of them, a large banner emblazoned with the character for “wine” hung slantwise before a shop. Clearly, this was the tavern Hantan Yi sought. At that moment, his earlier expression softened into a faint smile. “Since we can’t get information outside, I’ll mingle inside. Now, lend me the sword you carry.”