Chapter 11

A Discovery in a Valley

In one of the courtyards of a sect where a young lady of immense standing belongs, there is an opulent and private sitting room that was laden with tasteful furnishings, decorated with ivory carvings and mother of pearls while the scent of incense clung to the air.

The owner of the room sits on one of the chairs surrounding a sizeable wooden table, her body adorned modestly in a simple but elegant cyan robe as she sips tea while reading a medical book, on her hair is a single jade pin.

Beside her, sitting in comfortable silence, was another beautiful young woman who changed out of her blue sect uniform and into a pristine dress of ivory and iris. Purplish-blue eyes trained on the notes given by her elder martial sister regarding cultivation, a content look on her face as she set her own cup down before turning another page.

Jinzhu, who was standing near them, automatically lifted the teapot and refilled both their cups, steam curling from the refine porcelains.

"Mistress, they should arrive soon." The slightly smiling servant began, addressing the Third Young Lady of Meishan Yu sect, "Shall I ask the kitchen to bring the pastries and snacks you ordered?"

Amethyst orbs raised to meet the brown ones of her maid and after a brief contemplation, Yu ZiYuan nodded once, "Very well. Do so, Jinzhu."

Once alone, Liu QingShan gazed at her elder martial sister with a smile and sedately commented, "Shijie needn't have bothered arranging everything. If you had asked me, I would have done everything for you."

With only a glance at her companion before going back to her book, the Violet Spider replied, "It's done. No need to care for it, A-Shan."

Hiding a sweeter smile at the other's awkward tone, Liu QingShan returned to her reading, trying hard not to comment on the effort her elder sworn sister put in this simple casual meeting.

Barely a fortnight after proclaiming their sisterhood, the first thing the ladies asked the daughter of Meishan Yu is to visit her as soon as Lady Wu JiaLi is fit enough to travel.

As embarrassing as it is to admit, Yu ZiYuan can't own to having many friends, her previous life's confidants being but three in the form of her two maids and her best friend, Hou MeiXiu, and even to them, she could never be truly open. Suffice to say, she doesn't know what such a gathering would normally entail but found that she's looking forward to it a bit.

At length, Yinzhu's voice announced from outside in a dignified voice, "Mistress, Madame Nie of Qinghe Nie and Lady Hou of YunXiao sect are here to see you."

"Let them in."

The door of the room slid open and the warm sunshine of late afternoon greeted her along with three slender figures. Yinzhu, who opened the door, stepped aside to allow entry to two finely dressed ladies who both have huge smiles on their faces.

"What's this, A-Yuan?" Hou MeiXiu started off with a teasing voice but paused slightly upon seeing the entirety of the room in mild surprise before the sly smile was back on her face, "Why so formal? Now that we're sworn sisters, of course you just have to set up barriers and distances between us."

Yu ZiYuan scowled at the jest, "Just because you simply waltz in here whenever you please, it doesn't mean that Sister JiaLi would be comfortable with it. Sit down."

"See, Xiu-er, A-Yuan is just thinking about me." Chuckling, Wu JiaLi settled herself on a seat in front of Yu ZiYuan, looking magnificent in her black and gold robe, "And I think she means that you can continue to do as you have."

Amidst quiet laughter, Yu ZiYuan audibly sighed but did not refute what has been said.

"So we're only waiting for Cangse?" Hou MeiXiu stated after thanking Yinzhu for the tea given to her.

Just then, the door opened once more to give admission to Jinzhu who's followed by three maidservants, each occupied with a tray of delicacies and other refreshments. As the attendants lay down the delicacies, Jinzhu reported to her master, "Mistress, Lady Cangse Sanren has arrived."

"Welcome her in."

The door was barely open to admit the last guest when said guest ran inside and hurled herself around one slim, silk-covered arm, "Lady Yu! Ah! No, Big Sister ZiYuan! You don't know the horrors I endured before coming here!" That crazy, demonic Young Lord! Why did I have to use all my time dodging death with Mister Wei when I should have been celebrating finally getting sworn sisters? We don't know if Big Sister ZiYuan had anything important for Mister Wei in the first place! And don't be jealous of me, you vinegar-filled young master! You wouldn't be satisfied with becoming a sworn sister!

"Did you encounter any trouble, Cangse?" worriedly peered Wu JiaLi at the rogue cultivator.

Clear grey eyes opened abruptly and blinked at the group of fairies gazing at her. As though regaining her sanity, she straightened and sat down with a beguiling smile that convinced no one, "Fufufufu…it's nothing."

The rest of the room except for one have an inkling as to what could have possibly happen so they decided not to comment.

Frowning, Yu ZiYuan inspected the younger woman but could see nothing out of place, "Are you alright?" she asked a little gruffly.

Teary eyes found her, "Lady Yu! To our young lord, have you perhaps a thought for mar—"

Loud, forbidding coughs came from Hou MeiXiu at this dangerous proclamation that she's certain is related to matrimony, effectively cutting off the young lady.

Feeling several scrutiny landing on her, one amused, one mischievous, one interested and one confused, the rogue cultivator forcibly tapped down her childish desperation, "I mean, the young lord, Young Master Jiang extends his greetings to you, Big Sister ZiYuan."

"Kind of him." Yu ZiYuan perfunctory acknowledged.

At this near dismissive attitude, Cangse Sanren wanted to cry for her friend, Mister Wei, I'm sorry! This hurdle is too difficult! No shortcuts!

As if reading her mind, the First Young Lady of YunXiao sect addressed the young cultivator in white and red robes compassionately, "Dear Cangse, how is Mister Wei?" the green-clad young woman poured the tea for their youngest, knowing what ails her, "Did he…survive?"

Hearing the understanding in her tone, Cangse Sanren grabbed the now free hands, "Sister Xiu! You know of our suffering now?"

"Sister Cangse!" Gripping back her hands, Hou MeiXiu declared with equal fervour, "I've always known of your suffering but instead of laughing at it internally, I could laugh at it upfront now."

"…" not knowing whether to laugh or cry, Cangse Sanren deadpanned, "You're a vicious one as well, sister."

"Who do you think my best friend is?"

Struggling to muffle a chuckle at their antics, Liu QingShan composed herself, "There, there, I'm sure an avenue for survival can soon be found."

Meanwhile, Wu JiaLi, finally getting an idea as to that jibe from her husband, looked in wonder at the rogue cultivator wiping imaginary tears from her eyes. Could Young Master Jiang be…? No, impossible. It'll be more probable if someone like Young Master Wen is coercing her to help him. Hmmmm…

In the face of all this and having the strangest feeling that logic somehow escaped the conversation, Yu ZiYuan maintained the small furrow between her brows. "What is the problem? Was Mister Wei hurt?"

"No, no, no, A-Yuan." Interjected her best friend in a knowing manner beside her, "I'm sure it's either trauma or over-fatigue. You can give him some Rejuvenating Pill or something. As for the trauma…well…time shall heal him." The young lady ended with both her hands coming together in a would-be solemn prayer. Don't do any more than that or the poor man would die.

Since Cangse Sanren was nodding in agreement, Yu ZiYuan scowled for a moment more before refusing to think more of it but did ask Jinzhu to retrieve a bottle of Rejuvenating Pill in her room to give to Cangse Sanren later.

"In such a case, you should probably give me medicine as well, A-Yuan." Hou MeiXiu raised her hand to dramatically knead her forehead.

"And what's the matter with you?" Violet eyes narrowed, feeling that a sneer is coming her way.

"I have this headache that only appears around dense people."

Her expression turning blank at the unexpected response before looking at the other side of her, Yu ZiYuan hissed, "Are you saying that about A-Shan, you rude woman."

When several bouts of giggles resounded at this statement, the Third Young Lady of Meishan Yu couldn't help but think that such gatherings are truly…

Illogical!

After wetting their lips and taking a few bites of the scrumptious pastries, Hou MeiXiu started another discussion with a serious tone, addressing the eldest of them, "Sister JiaLi, I heard about the matter of Maiden Chen from the XueShan sect entering the Nie clan as…"

Knowing where the unfinished question leads, the newly instated madam of Qinghe Nie smiled genuinely, "It was my Mother-in-Law who arranged it. My Lord kept refusing before but now, it was set as a condition in order to allow me to be elevated as the legal Main Wife." She sedately explained, eyes soft and guileless.

"How ironic is it that when your health improved at last and you finally agreed to Young Master Nie's plea to have your status promoted to be the main wife that they're being adamant in giving him a concubine."

"My last attack scared my Mother-in-Law and it'll take her a long time to be convinced that I won't suffer a relapse. But all things aside, I am happy to be getting a sister at home. Even I myself want to have a reassurance that things will be taken of properly should anything still happen to me. And even with my better health, it'll be difficult for me to conceive again. Ultimately, we should think of the future of the clan."

The four innocent maidens (three since Yu ZiYuan can't quite bear the guilt of being called innocent at this point in her existence) looked at the only married woman in the room, admiring her poise and the honest joy as well as relief swimming in her wise eyes.

With a juvenile but fetching pout, Hou MeiXiu acknowledged, "Well…of course, it's your decision and we'll support it. I'm pretty sure Young Master Nie would never treat you badly no matter. Do tell us if you have any concerns."

"I hardly think it'll ever be necessary," continued Yu ZiYuan with a contemplative look at her teacup, "but you know we'll be glad to assist should you need it."

Wanting to lighten the mood, Wu JiaLi emotionally put a hand over her chest looking absolutely moved, "Do you mean A-Yuan would gladly battle against her sworn brother for me?"

As Yu ZiYuan start to frown as she sought for a reply, Hou MeiXiu interjected, not about to miss on an opportunity to tease.

"Aren't you more dashing than most men, A-Yuan?" Hou MeiXiu uttered dramatically, "We can consider Sister JiaLi safe then!"

"Of course!" readily agreed Canse Sanren while wiping her fingers after taking a bite of a sweet dessert, "Very few would dare antagonize Big Sister ZiYuan, after all." Because it will either hurt their own chances or pit them against every one of her admirers, the young lady internally added with a giggle.

Yu ZiYuan narrowed sharp purple eyes, "I haven't given up hope that someday you two will speak sense." She deadpanned, contemplating if it'll be appropriate to pinch certain cheeks given the situation and company.

The youngest of them giggled while Hou MeiXiu affectedly replied, "Well, I'm engaged to a libertine while she's courting death every day." She pointed at herself then at the rogue cultivator, "I really wouldn't hold out much hope." She smiled sweetly at the end.

"By the by, did you finish investigating the reason for the rumors flying about regarding your exploits, A-Yuan?" Wu JiaLi chimed in with supressed laughter when she saw the slender fingers of their host twitch promisingly.

At this new subject of discourse, the ladies grew slightly more pensive.

A few weeks ago, stories about the Third Lady of Meishan Yu sect started spreading at an alarming rate to the common people. While the anecdotes all shower her with praise and admiration, it's quite unnerving how accurate the details were and the number of them. That Yu ZiYuan doesn't know where and how they started left her unsettled and embarrassed. How come they know even the small details like when she cleared up that poor excuse of an orphanage near Yunmeng or that case with the human bandits from when she just first woke up in this second life? Very few knew of those events.

This might be a leak from the inside but who would be daring enough to spread stories of their young miss outside among the disciples and staffs of their sect? And to what end?

"Not yet." The Violet Spider could hardly smoothen the crease between her brows as she took a sip of tea, "I suppose I wasn't looking at the proper places. It's concerning but I haven't had the chance to put much effort into it."

"It truly makes one curious where all these stories come from." Liu QingShan also narrowed bright eyes while remunerating.

The First Young Lady of YunXiao sect groaned inelegantly as she put down a pastry on her plate, "Just put the blame on my betrothed. I'm okay with making him the culprit." She huffed while looking at her best friend seriously, "I give you leave to beat him up and we can all be happy."

Stopping herself just in time before she let out an ungainly snort, Yu ZiYuan pointed out, "A-Xiu... that would hardly solve the problem." She wouldn't really mind beating out Jin GuanShan just for fun but there can be many occasions for it.

"What? That ought to relieve your sentiments a little."

"However true that may be, I have a need to know how this all came about." It's not of the highest priority but certainly not the lowest.

When even poetry and songs explicitly defining one's feat like the one she heard from the bard at a teahouse she went into a few days ago seems to have taken flight and flaunting her everywhere, she can't help but be irritated. Suffice to say that she's absolutely uncomfortable with this kind of attention. She doesn't understand why they still keep on spreading, such trivialities should not worthy of any kind of attention. People these days are truly too idle.

"Now that I've finished my assigned tasks, I'll be more than happy to assist you, Shijie." Liu QingShan entreated charmingly.

"I tried looking into it myself." added Hou MeiXiu, "Maybe I should just join you, A-Yuan."

Getting a sudden burst of inspiration, Cangse Sanren energetically exclaimed, "Big Sister ZiYuan, Young Master Jiang has confessed a great deal of concern for you over this. I'm sure he'll wish to be of assistance."

Averting her eyes from Hou MeiXiu's knowing glance, the young lady in white and red robes excitedly babbled, "The more the merrier! I mean, we should have as many capable hands as we can, right?" Of course, she's going to try to sell her young lord at any given opportunity. He might be the worst demon but she's still in Camp Jiang, you know?!

Scowling at the thought of being further entangled with her former husband, the violet-eyed cultivator wanted to reject the other's natural good-will, "I don't wish to make this a bigger issue than it actually is, Cangs—"

"Well, you must know that Second Young Master Lan also expressed his worries for you, Shijie." A sudden interruption in the form of her newest martial sister caught ZiYuan's attention that she missed Cangse's eyes growing wide in disbelief at this unforeseen betrayal evident at the quiet QingShan's next words, "Second Young Master Lan, in fact, entreated me to let you know that he'll do everything to aid you, Shijie."

Purplish-blue eyes refused to meet eloquent grey ones. She's not the first one to think that it'll be nice to have the Third Young Lady of Meishan Yu near even after they all enter matrimony and since she's leaning towards First Young Master Lan's courtship, no one should blame her for supporting Second Young Master Lan in his pursuit, right? Handsome, smart and distinguished! Should be a good enough match, isn't it?

"Pfft." Hou MeiXiu nearly spat the tea she tried drinking at this unexpected turn of events. These vixens! She just knew she shouldn't give up so early in having a horse in the race! Do the damn Jins really have no noteworthy young master to vie for her best friend's hand that ZiYuan might come to care for? How about any powerful sects near Lanling…

In the face of all this, Wu JiaLi blankly fluttered her lashes as she observed everything, an expression of enlightenment slowly gracing her lovely features. Yu ZiYuan thought that someone at least understands her confusion at the unexplainable sharp gazes of the young ladies in their midst.

She was about to address the older woman as a comrade in the field of wisdom and dignity when she heard the new madam of Qinghe Nie utter with an abrupt look of cunning, "Hmmm…is there anyone in Qinghe Nie worthy? Should I ask my lord for a recommendation?"

This bewildered Yu ZiYuan but not as much as when three different voices nearly blasted her eardrums with a shriek.

"SISTER JIALI, NOOO!"

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"Why are you laughing?"

Yu ZiYuan evenly addressed Yinzhu who was attending her as she readies herself for yet another social event that evening.

Yinzhu immediately removed the silly smile on her face at the recollection of yesterday's tea party, brown eyes looking at the similarly amused orbs of her counterpart but Jinzhu managed to hide it well.

The affair yesterday ended in a rather chaotic state and everyone save for the hostess could tell that a small, innocent but nonetheless real battle has begun among her sworn sisters.

'Are such meetings really so irrational, Yinzhu, Jinzhu? Why did they all look so vicious?' Yu ZiYuan had asked in silent wonder after everyone left.

The befuddled look of the third child of Meishan Yu looked extremely comical and endearing to her maids that they couldn't help but chuckle at the thought of it.

"Nothing, Mistress."

"What time will you be getting back from LaoShan sect, Mistress?" Jinzhu expertly distracted the conversation as she offered a pair of elongated earrings of silver and pearls sitting on a silk bed to her master.

White fingers took the earrings and hooked them on each soft earlobe as she answered, "I shouldn't take too long. It might be Sect Leader Li's birthday but it should be fine to leave by zi shi (23:00-1:00)."

"Understood, Mistress."

After putting on the last bangle, soft fingertips caressed the voluminous fabric of her skirt and observed the final image she's exhibiting. She supposes azure robes are better than teal but she doesn't know if it complements her skin better. She knows that purple would suit her best but she's been avoiding wearing colors of her previous life's sect for reasons she doesn't even want to think about.

She lifted slender arms to better angle the jade hairpin while having a passing question of why she's even exerting this much for such a simple gathering when she caught a spectre in violet sect robes sporting a serene smile at the corner of her eyes and she instantly put her hands down with a mighty frown.

It's not for you, she sniffed in her head. "We're going."

-0-

The LaoShan sect is a powerful sect just below of Meishan Yu in terms of prestige and wealth, located near between Lanling and Yunmeng.

The well-lit pathway gave way to a lavish banquet room and Yi ZiYuan roamed her gaze once around the place, slightly taken aback when she met eyes with several people. A moment later and she found herself surrounded by well-wishers and she had to steel herself in order not to inadvertently take a step back.

"Maiden Yu, you look lovely as always."

"Maiden Yu, if you remember what I told you the last time—"

"Maiden Yu, if there's a chance, is it possible to—"

"Maiden Yu, might I escort you to your seat?"

"Maiden Yu, may I ask permission to visit you at your sect tomorrow?"

"Maiden Yu, is it true that you wish to night hunt at Mt.—"

"Maiden Yu—"

"Maiden Yu—"

There was a dizzying amount of felicitations coming her way that even with the experience of being a sect leader's wife for two decades barely helped her in keeping up. Fortunately she was saved by her reliable sworn brother.

"I think that crowds thinned all around and gathered here. Is that you, Yuan-er?" the booming voice of one Nie Ju-Long could be heard above the crowd and when he found her rather stiff face, the Nie young master uninhibitedly laughed, "Well, now. Excuse me, Young Master Bai, Young Master Lei, and well, all you young masters, this sworn brother would have to take away my sister for some important matters." He rather jauntily smiled at the crowd at large.

Yu ZiYuan would have thanked him had he not mystified her with his next words, "You're in it for it, little sister. What happened at your little party yesterday that landed you in this mess?" Nie Ju-Long failed to fight his twitching lips upon looking at his sworn sister, torn between genuine sympathy for the young lady and uproarious laughter at the chaos she's now in.

"What mess? If there was anything that occurred yesterday, I'm the one who wants to know. Everyone was acting utterly strange." Yu ZiYuan righteously frowned at this, resisting the urge to childishly cross her arms below her chest.

"Yeah, I see, I see, I suppose a dead wood like you wouldn't have known, eh?" Nie Ju-Long nodded his head as though in complete understanding, "Just want to let you know that I already said what I needed to say to help you out but no can do. I also saw merit in it so why not, right?"

Did she just get likened to a dead wood? In near desperation, Yu ZiYuan almost grabbed the taller man's collar, "Brother Ju-Long, you have to make sense. When you speak, you have to make sense."

What's with each and everyone one them?! Why can't she understand their meaning at all?!

"And why are you looking at me with pity?" she nearly growled.

In another part of the banquet hall, another pair of eyes was looking on with pity at their companion.

Cangse Sanren, who just turned her eyes away from the older sworn sister that she spotted a moment ago, was aghast at the brown orbs trained at her. "Mister Wei! Why are you looking at me like that? You know that you're the one who suffered the most these past few days! Have you already taken the medicine Sister ZiYuan gave you?"

Putting aside the generous gift from the Madame that would nonetheless send him to the grave should his young master become aware of it, Wei Changze was wryly thinking that his young master's current tactics are really making him want to vomit blood recently.

"Have you noticed your complexion? Why is it so weird?!" Cangse Sanren exclaimed at the strange mix of blue and red on her partner-in-crime's countenance. Thinking of the root of all evil and the odd sense of competitive frustration she's feeling at yesterday's meeting, she couldn't help but want to clutch her hair. It's not like she wants to fight her other sworn sister for Sister ZiYuan but why does it feel like she'll be tremendously disappointed if she loses? And to think she's come all this way supporting that nightmarish horse in the race! This is somehow quite vexing! She went on to vent lightly, not at all serious, if just to let out some sentiments, "And now there are my sisters fighting for-! Agh! This is enough! A tyrant will inevitably fall! This is a revolution! We shall untie this shackle of oppression and sing songs of freedom—"

"Lady Cangse?" a deceptively soft voice with a hint of a smile sounded behind her, surprising her that she should have sworn her heart just broke her ribcage, "Have you seen my lady?"

Goosebumps erupted from all over her as she didn't even dare to look behind her and face that scary temper. He doesn't have that eerie smile on, right? Why does she feel that he does?! Scary!

A hand automatically shot out like an arrow, pointing at a particular direction, "Over there in the azure robes and jade cloud pin talking to Madame Li, escorted by Young Master Nie. She hasn't eaten yet and was already given plum wine." She added rapidly without prompting, her voice high and eyes unfocused.

"Thank you. Changze, you stay here with Lady Sanren."

Silence pervaded the space as the young Yunmeng Jiang heir blithely made his way towards the object of his every dream.

With sympathetic eyes, Wei Changze bit his lip as he cautiously began, "…Lady Sanren—"

"Don't talk to me please." She merely hang her head but for some reason he felt as though she's steadily shrinking in remorse that she would soon fit the palm of his hand.

The faithful servant slowly raised his hand and gingerly patted his companion's dainty shoulder. He would have liked to tell her that he would have done the same, even include who was graced with the Madam's attentions and what course of action to take but since he thought that he can't look wretched enough as it is, he just continued to comfort his friend.

Glancing at his smiling young master happily walking near their future madam, Wei Changze recalled how the past few days fleeted by with the son of Yunmeng and his new-found way of tormenting him.

'Changze, what do you think of Lady Sanren? Isn't she a nice young lady?'

'Why don't you take Lady Sanren out for a walk today?'

'Go ahead and eat at the restaurant I reserved for you and Lady Sanren. She was telling Maiden Yu about it before.'

'Do you know Lady Sanren's favourite color? You do? Hmm, I don't remember when she told us about it but it's a good thing that you do. You're really attentive to her, aren't you? Why don't you buy her a gift, then?'

The tall servant wants to mourn the dignity of his young master which seemed to have died a shameful death in his pursuit of love. Streams of tears watered his heart at this new approach filled with sly intent. Young Master, do you think I don't know what you're trying to do here?! It's a good thing that I truly adore-…! But how could you think of doing this to get me out of the way! Young Master, you really have no integrity when it comes to the Madame, do you?!

All around them conversation swirl brightly but the air here somehow became gloomy.

"That said that there's an important guest coming tonight with Sect Leader Jin. I wonder who?"

"Have you heard the story popular in theatres today?"

"Have you seen Maiden Yu? She looks absolutely breath-taking today."

"Look over there. Did you notice an attachment forming between Maiden Liu and First Young Master Lan?"

"When I happened to rest at a tea house today, the singer there was singing about…"

Clearing his throat, Wei Changze carefully cajoled his lady into liveliness, "It seems that the others have gathered around the Madame, Lady Sanren. How about we go, too? Ah…the young master told us to stay pu…"

At this, a vicious light entered the young lady's eyes and Wei Changze felt a chill down his spine and a premonition that his young master would pester him again tonight appeared in his head.

"I shall have my revenge!" Cangse Sanren whispered venomously as she hitched her skirt up a little and sprinted, with as much elegance as she can muster, towards the direction of her popular older sworn sister.

Not really knowing what his comrade has in mind but strangely felt the scythe of death upon him, anyway, the tall attendant of the Jiang heir could feel his eyes water at his misfortune and he smiled, "We're all going to die."

At the spot where disaster is bound to happen, another group is starting to form once more. The throng of eligible young masters trying to elbow their way around Young Master Nie in order to converse with the Third Young Lady of Meishan Yu.

"A-Yuan, if you remember Nie Ju-Yi? Your sworn brother's younger cousin." The newly minted young Madame of the Nie Clan, Wu JiaLi, can be heard engagingly speaking, beside her is a hardy-looking young man whose ruggedly handsome features are currently drowning in a red tinge, "Why, you must have seen him sparing in the Unclean Realms. You should know that he has been talking about y—"

"Shijie, have you seen Second Young Master Lan over here?" a recently arrived Liu QingShan hastily interrupted as though she didn't realized her elder martial sister is currently occupied, towing with her a quietly forbidding but strangely not protesting Lan Qiren, "I do believe he has a few things he wishes to tell—"

"Is this where everybody is?" Hou MeiXiu gracefully intercepted the next words with a smirk, "I'm afraid that I got lost talking to Young Master Luo here. We were conversing about you, you see, A-Yuan. And I must say that Young Master Luo here has nothing but praise for you—"

"Big Sister ZiYuan!" Cangse Sanren suddenly screamed joyously and before anyone can stop her, she barrelled through the horde of admirers and her other sworn sisters and wrapped steel-like arms around a curvaceous but narrow waist, "I missed you!"

Having the air knocked out of her, Yu ZiYuan couldn't reply even as she felt the pressure surrounding her torso. She looked down to find a pretty head stuck against her chest, "Cangse? What are you-? We just saw each other yester—"

"A-Yuan! I also missed you, you know!" Hou MeiXiu cut in and she didn't lose any time also wrapping her arms around her best friend's upper body, quite forgetting the young gentleman she was about to introduce to her best friend. "You shouldn't have any bias!"

"Oh my, shouldn't I be part of this too, then?" the young Madame Nie added as she sweetly latched on a blue silk-covered shoulder from behind with a winning smile, ignoring the expectant young man with her in favour of her own interest.

"What?" Zi Yuan began but felt another weight get added along with the quiet Liu QingShan's voice.

"If they said it like that, I should be permitted as well, right, Shijie?"

"Oh dear, is this your perfume, Sister ZiYuan? I notice you always smell so sweet!"

"I've always thought that you're so slender, A-Yuan. Why, I can confirm it as of today!"

"A-Yuan, this color suits you so well! From this distance I can see how well your skin matches it!"

"Shijie, did you use the hair oil I made for you? I can smell it from here."

Yu ZiYuan knows that her face is turning red but she can't figure out if it's due to the lack of air or the embarrassing situation. What's gotten into them?

"Th-This is inappropriate." She finally said in a measured tone, frozen at the weird stunts of her sworn sisters.

"Oh, it's fine to be sure." Hou MeiXiu giggled.

"Why mind the niggling details." added Wu JiaLi with soft eyes.

"After all, we're all," prompted Cangse Sanren with a mischievous air that doesn't lose to her future son's.

"Girls!" All four ladies chorused harmoniously.

Liu QingShan smiled a little brightly at a scowling Wen Ruohan.

Hou MeiXiu smirked at the young masters enviously looking on who happened to be facing her.

Wu JiaLi serenely looked at the crumpled face of one Lan Qiren.

But no one could have beaten the absolute shit-eating grin Cangse Sanren directed at blank-faced Jiang FengMian with a face-palming Wei Changze behind him. Because, of course, only Wei Changze was aware of the protruding veins surely showing at the back of his young master's neck.

Yu ZiYuan was wondering to herself why she can't bring herself to like these gatherings. It's as if she has an inkling now…

It is quite unfortunate, indeed, that while these ladies could truly bite each other trying to match make, they would cheerfully turn the other cheek to serve their own whims, leaving their own racehorse narrowed-eyed behind them.

Nie Ju-Long snorted inelegantly before asking the man beside him, "You think anyone ruptured a vein, yet?"

Wei Changze tremulously averted a gaze from his master before replying, "None yet, but not for the lack of trying."

Nie Ju-Long rather innocently sighed and remarked, unconcerned, "If it's just Yuan-er and my wife, I could have squeezed myself in there."

Wei Changze priceless countenance voicelessly faced the tall gentleman. Don't add to this!

It was when Yu ZiYuan was deciding whether pulling Hou MeiXiu's ear or pushing Cangse Sanren's cheek away from her would be a better way to regain her freedom, the banquet door opened once more and someone announced the arrival of the heir of Lanling Jin and the 8th imperial prince.

Huh?

Everyone was stunned at this sudden proclamation while Yu ZiYuan used the chance to gently disentangle the profusion of slender limbs surrounding her, refusing to acknowledge the one or two clicking tongues that she heard.

Why has an imperial personage come here? This didn't happen before.

But truthfully, there's no reason for her to care. The imperial family doesn't interfere with the cultivator's business. Whatever whim these royalties came here for, it couldn't be for any reason that would greatly impact the cultivation world.

From what she could see, the 8th prince is no more than a child, merely fourteen years of age or so. She highly doubts anything of note will occur.

Of course, she's bound to be wrong when she saw that dastardly Jin GuanShan spot her after greeting Sect Leader Li and immediately whispered something to their guest while gesturing towards her.

What is that fool up to? She thought with a near glare.

But before she can think of the reason, the whole entourage was upon her. Various dignified-looking imperial officers were following after their young prince without question.

"This is Yu ZiYuan, your highness." Jin GuanShan smilingly informed their guest, "Maiden Yu, this is his highness, the 8th imperial prince, Lei Fan. He's heard a great deal of your exemplary reputation and wishes to be acquainted with you." There's no need for cultivators to curry favour from royalties. However, a harmless connection wouldn't go amiss either. To the extent of his knowledge, the impressionable youth merely heard of the great deeds of the pretty young miss from operas and numerous rumours. To be able to satisfy this passing humour for an innocent bond with a member of the imperial family doesn't seem to be bad.

Yu ZiYuan has a light frown between her brows before she smoothened it out to give a little curtsy to the unusual guests. She was not able to continue, though, when white hands grabbed into one of her sleeves and sparkling eyes met hers before a joyous shriek resounded through the banquet hall, "You're the Lady of Everlasting Dawn! You're really as pretty as they say! I knew you'd make a good imperial princess for this prince!"

…what?

Stunned silence permitted the whole hall and several eyes bugged out at the ridiculous words suddenly uttered to their Maiden Yu. Hou MeiXiu managed to close her mouth before taking a look around, imagining that the gentlemen should be a second away from shouting their astonishment. What she didn't expect was for the room to turn several degrees colder and sharp eyes emerged all at once, various lips opened and uttered a word in the same tone of frigid, cutting animosity.

"What?"

Oooh, this is so much worse. The First Lady of YunXiao Sect thought with an amused smile.

As countless young master one by one expressed their dissatisfaction at this sudden offer for their beloved young lady, Wei Changze frightfully forced himself to look at his young master's countenance, but one glance at those eyes and he wants to run home screaming. Who wants to die?! That boy just raised his hand!

The calm and kind voice of Jiang FengMian was heard in a soft murmur, "It's quite alright. An 8th prince means nothing to the throne…he shouldn't be missed."

What voice of an angel?! Aren't the words uttered those of a demon?! Your Majesty! You're about to lose a son!

"Young Master, noooo!" Wei Changze moaned shakily.

Jiang FengMian chuckled, "He's just a child. Of course, it's merely a jest."

You liar!

"Maiden Yu would surely not take such an alliance seriously."

Yes, Young Master! Of course, Young Master! No doubt, Young Master! This servant really doesn't want to continue the conversation! But he can't help but ask an important question, "And if she says 'yes'?"

Deep, haunting blue-grey eyes found him and held his gaze for a moment before the heir of Lotus Pier smiled lightly.

'Here lies the 8th imperial prince' mysteriously flashed in the poor attendant's head. S-Scary!

And that's when the brown-eyed young man decided to quietly scurry away a little. You know, just close enough to lunge at his young master to prevent any suspicious activities but far enough out of choking distance.

He turned to a junior disciple next to him and hurriedly cautioned, "Fetch the priest—ah, I mean, watch the young master."

A slight tug at his sleeve had Changze looking behind him to find a stunned Cangse Sanren muttered a question for him, "Mister Wei, what did that young royalty just say?"

Gulping once, he whispered back, "I can't be too sure. But I think he said 'hang me.'"

"Oh, I thought he said 'Slice me.'"

"Or 'Burn me.'"

"'Boil me.'"

"'Kick me.'"

"'Punch me.'"

"Quite eloquent, isn't he?"

"Uh-huh."

Wei Changze caught something gripped in his lady's hand and promptly uttered, "Lady Sanren, those incense sticks wouldn't be needed."

Clear grey eyes found brown ones before the pretty young lass responded knowingly, "Then you can also put the shovel away, Mister Wei."

Yu ZiYuan raised an eyebrow in perplexity as her attention was forced to focus on what's happening in front of her.

Thankfully, she was saved from replying when the retainers who came with the young prince clamoured at their master's sudden offer.

"Your Highness, you didn't say you'll do this!"

"Your Highness, you can't! You're already affianced!"

The young prince pouted before raising his voice, "I said I want her! You all weren't listening to this prince when I said it before?!"

"You only said you want to meet her, Your Highness!"

"This can't be allowed, Your Highness!"

"NOO! You all heard the bards—"

"Your Highness, please be reasonable."

Helpless and desperate, the courtiers struggled as they urgently whisked away their thrashing prince amidst the glamour of the banquet hall.

Without another pause, they exited the room, leaving a sweating senior official to bow their excuses to the host and to the bewildered lady who just got proposed to.

And the group who entered not even a quarter of a shichen ago is already gone like that, leaving a dumbfounded Jin GuanShan.

What happened? Did they come as intermission?

~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

The supposedly gloomy air of the forest was disturbed by the unbecoming laughter of one Nie Ju-Long. As people happened to gather there to wait for their other companions for a night hunt, the usually dark copse was teeming with a large group of cultivators. And several eyes went to the hulking figure in black and golden robes who's having the time of his life.

"My lord, I hardly think this is appropriate." Wu JiaLi, who came to a night hunt for the first time in a very long while although not to participate, mildly scolded her husband who can't seem to get over the mirth of recent events.

"You should have – hahaha – seen your face last night – hahahahaha – Yuan-er."

"My lord! Seriously—" the tall woman casted an apologetic glance at her stern sworn sister, deliberating whether she should shove her handkerchief in her husband's mouth after seeing twitching eyebrows.

Unfortunately, the rejoinders to the heir of the Nie Clan didn't help her.

"True, it's not actually A-Yuan's face that is the prize. You should have seen the young masters' countenance!" Hou MeiXiu chortled after helping a senior disciple sort out the disciples from her sect.

Wu JiaLi remarked distractedly in return, "Young Master Bai looked devoid of blood." She peeked at the Third Young Lady of Meishan Yu sect and found that she's still preoccupied with scowling at her sworn brother.

Liu QingShan gave a deceptively upright glance at her youngest sworn sister before quietly noting, "I think Young Master Jiang popped a vein or two."

Eyebrow twitching with her own vein slightly throbbing in response, Cangse Sanren beamed, "Did you see Lan Qiren's frown?"

Hou MeiXiu narrowed her eyes at her two sworn sisters as though asking just what do they think they're doing before adding, "I thought Young Master Wen would grind his teeth to dust."

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

Wu JiaLi would have spoken up to shush her husband but was stopped by the lady of the hour.

"That's quite alright, Sister JiaLi." Yu ZiYuan coldly called out, "Maybe, something happened to Brother Ju-Long. I'm sure that if I press the right points, he'll cease his laughter immediately." Saying up to here, the young lady of Meishan Yu took out the longest silver needle she has from her qiankun pouch.

Nie Ju-Long stopped laughing at once.

That needle would cease his very breath as it is.

This domineering younger sister of his, really… "Haha, just a little amusement, Yuan-er." The bulky man awkwardly gulped, "Your brother will stop now."

She only replied with a deathly gaze before returning the murder weapon back.

Seeing the young lord finally joining them after advising the disciples who came with him, the rogue cultivator asked her sworn sister carefully, "What are you going to do about it, Big Sister ZiYuan?"

Trying to ignore the presence of her former husband, the Violet Spider strove to keep her expression even, "Nothing. Since it's just the blabbering of a child, I don't think it should be of any concern."

"You were never planning of a-accepting it, r-right?"

Yu ZiYuan huffed lightly at this question, "Of course not." She firmly believes that cultivators should not dabble with the mundane world and that includes the imperial family. And while she's currently 16, it'll be too much for her to accept the pursuit of a 14 year old young man whose adult form she has never seen in her previous life. He's quite the toddler in her eyes.

Since she's trying very hard not to look at his direction, Yu ZiYuan didn't see how the heir of Yunmeng Jiang brightened at her proclamation with Wei Changze crying in relief behind him.

After the party erupted in chaos with the imperial entourage hurriedly ushering their protesting young prince away, the animosity in the air, unfortunately didn't dissipate despite Nie Ju-Long's guffaw. Yu ZiYuan soon bid farewell herself due to a massive headache and the faces of the young masters soured even more. Sect Leader Li looked about ready to throttle Jin GuanShan's neck for ruining his birthday celebration.

Had the heir of Lanling Jin knew what the little miscreant was up to, he would never have set up the meeting! He swears upon it! Why would he want to be skewered by several bloodthirsty glares from various young lords?

Remembering the letter she received this morning from a royal vassal, Yu ZiYuan found out that the young prince's admiration was the result of those infernal stories circulating about her. How ridiculous!

But now knowing the kind of disaster the absurd rumours can deliver to her door, Yu ZiYuan became a lot more determined to find out what's giving flight to people's imagination like this.

With impeccable timing, Hou MeiXiu interrupted her musings with a query.

"A-Yuan, you're going to investigate things seriously this time, right? Aren't you going to go visit Lanling sometime this week to check the market and tea houses there for clues?"

The statuesque young lady looked at her best friend with a frown, "...yes, but why are you shouting?"

With feign surprise, Hou MeiXiu covered lovely lips daintily with a hand, "Am I? My voice is just naturally loud." Warm brown eyes inconspicuously peered around to find that several gentlemen are eavesdropping well and considered her mission done. Looks like this week would be entertaining for her as well.

Lazily accepting the excuse, the purple-eyed young lady faced the dense grove where they will night hunt before peering at the distant horizon to the east where Jue di Gorge is not very far out.

"Since A-Xiu is already here, we can go now, Brother Ju-Long." Upon mentioning it, it dawned on her that there were a lot of people waiting here when the norm is that cultivators would begin their night hunt as soon as they arrive. When even the Wens touched down on the same clearing, Yu ZiYuan scrunched up graceful brows, "There are a lot of people waiting here as well. I didn't know several clans also started working with each other on small scales like this." Had she known it'll be crowded here, she would have chosen a different spot to gather together.

Strangely enough, no one wanted to explain the reason behind this congregation except for Nie Ju-Long. However, a pinch at his side prevented him from excitedly clarifying.

Shrugging a little, Yu ZiYuan paid it no further regard.

"Big Sister JiaLi, you can wait at the nearest town. We'll see you later. Let's go."

-0-

Taking a deep breath of the musty forest air as though it's clean, clear and fresh, Wei Changze grinned at his young master. Tonight is a good night, the cloudy night sky seems strangely inviting, the normally imposing trees even looked quite welcoming and it's a nice thought that the shovel in his qiankun pouch need not see the light of day for a while.

"This is pretty good news, Young Master." The tall servant murmured in a conspiratorial manner, "It seems that the Madame remains unmoved."

Looking at the vision in blue walking several paces in front of him, Jiang FengMian had a warm look and a small smile gracing his lips, "I'll accept any decision from her. For as long as she's happy."

Barely stopping himself from tripping, Wei Changze has an answering cordial and innocent smile and absolutely distrustful eyes.

If Wei Changze had heard these words several months ago, he would have believed it whole-heartedly. His Young Master seems like just the kind of person who would willingly let go of his beloved just so she can chase her own happiness. But not now. Not after all the things he's seen. His Young Master, whose eyes seem to fill with both desperation and deeply suppressed madness whenever the Madame is in danger, whose eyes hold unfathomable affection that anyone can guess who lingers in his mind at that precise moment, whose every genuine smile signifies one woman these days… Young Master, forgive this servant for not believing you but if the Madame does marry someone else, there's no doubt…you'll wreak havoc one hundred one times out of a hundred right?

Cangse Sanren, who had a frankly sceptical look on her face, boldly remarked, "Ehh, I don't really want to have to help you kill someone else, you know, if the chosen groom isn't you."

Lady Sanren, don't say it out loud! Please just keep the truth in your heart!

Blue-grey eyes glanced at their guest and the rogue cultivator wanted to puff out her cheeks despite the instant shivers down her spine, what? I just paid my dues for last night's group hug with two of my masterpieces! I should be allowed this much honesty, right?

"W-what?! Young lord, I'm a sworn sister! I'm your greatest ticket in, noh?!"

The serene young master tenderly smiled at this, "Lady Sanren, Changze was telling me earlier that there's something he must give you. He was racking his brain out of sincerity for you."

"Ehhh?"

Wei Changze hiccupped in distress but his young master just gave him a signal before walking on ahead to catch up to his lady.

Giving his two friends some time alone together, Jiang FengMian speedily reached a certain group and smoothly placed himself beside a now glowering Yu ZiYuan.

"Maiden Yu, are you quite alright?"

"Yes, I am, Young Master Jiang…thank you." The young lady of Meishan Yu has a strange desire to whack that irritatingly handsome face with the sheath of her sword but Chen Luan doesn't deserve that. Why is he here again?! "I thought you were conversing with Cangse earlier."

"I was talking with Changze and Lady Sanren but they asked me to leave the two of them alone so I find myself in need of company." The young master murmured softly.

The slightly lonely tone of his voice made Yu ZiYuan directly gaze at the achingly familiar features to find the attractive and tranquil face look a little forlorn and even had the grace to smile apologetically. She immediately glared behind her to find a certain couple closely conversing with each other while marching along.

A split second decision made her turn around to separate the two harmonious individuals in order to bring Cangse Sanren at the side of this infuriatingly generous man but she was hindered by a firm arm blocking her way and, without pausing, Jiang FengMian gently stirred her back to the trail and resumed their stride.

"Now, now, let's not disturb them. I was told it's quite an important matter."

Yu ZiYuan didn't know what to do and her furrowed brows deepened in torment. "You!" she breathed in exasperation. What should she do for this man who keeps letting his happiness out of his grasp?! How could he still smile like this? Why must he always give way to others?!

Unfazed by the frustration directed at him, the amiable young master continued, "It's a little lonesome to traverse this path by myself. I hope I'm not intruding on Maiden Yu's peace."

"Do what you want." She snapped at him, unsure of what to do to the agonizing burden in her heart, "I'll leave you behind if you're slow."

His lingering hand regretfully leaving the small back, the poor, abandoned young master chuckled lightly, "I'll make sure to keep up."

Despite her feelings, the basic exchange that descended upon them after wasn't forced. As expected of a naturally amiable man, directing a conversation comes as no trouble to Jiang FengMian. But since he kept asking about her likes and dislikes, she thought it only polite to do the same and she must say that it gave her much information that no amount of observing her husband during her previous life could provide her. Whatever agony her former husband must be in now, he showed nary a sign of it and trudged on with her. His composure even amidst a situation that must harrow his heart is still quite off-putting to her.

With her lips in a tight line, flaring wine-red orbs observed her surroundings, noting how Hou MeiXiu and Liu QingShan are conversing covertly a little ways away, purposefully keeping a hovering Lan Qiyue out of the loop. With the unsettled state of her mind, she can barely hope that her best friend is not destructively influencing her junior martial sister.

"Maiden Yu." Lan Qiren approached them and greeted the two in that usual silent and subdued manner. When dark golden-brown eyes met the blue-grey eyes of the Jiang heir, a sort of cold, measuring and grim scrutiny passed between the two young men unbeknownst to the shorter lady with them before they nodded at each other in greeting.

Regarding the young woman once more, Lan Qiren asked her, "Maiden Yu, have you any other information about the disappearance of Maiden Song?"

"Nothing that you don't know about, Young Master Lan." Yu ZiYuan returned steadily.

Tonight's hunt didn't merely involve hunting for faes and monsters that might have escaped from the nearby Jue di Gorge. It has come to their attention that the only heir of the Song cultivation clan has gone missing for a week already and the family could no longer keep the issue to themselves.

The reason why Yu ZiYuan participated is due to the fact that the Song Clan is one of the biggest clans that fell under the Wen Sect's rule in her previous life. In her last life, the family only ever got to recover the skeleton of their young lady years after her disappearance and the family fell into internal dispute over the continuation of the clan which helped the Qishan Wen clan take the family under its wings.

She's not about to let that happen in her watch. She might not have been able to prevent the disappearance of the heir, but she might still be able to salvage the situation. At the very least, helping the clan now might serve her well in the future.

"Brother Ju-Long scouted ahead. Based on what was said, starting with the Eastern Forest would be better—"

"MAIDEN YU!"

Shocked at the sudden yell for her froze Yu ZiYuan, she and numerous cultivators whirled to see just who would be idiotic enough to raise their voice like this in a night hunt only to find an opulently dressed young man running through the dirt road of this dense woods.

"Your Highness Lei Fan?" Yu ZiYuan's signature frown appeared, surprise widening her dark eyes. "What are you doing here?"

"I heard you were going to night hunt and I simply have to see it for myself."

Her frown morphing to outright glower, Yu ZiYuan tried to maintain a civil tone as best as she could, "Your Highness, a night hunt is no game. Please return."

She then pierced one Jin GuanShan who was helplessly running after his guest with a death glare.

The scowl that seems to be drowning him with multiple insults internally had Jin GuanShan lowering his head in shame.

Seeing her disapproval, young masters left and right let themselves show their own objection.

"I promise not to get in your way." Lei Fan insisted earnestly, fascinatingly studying the form of his valiant heroine in her azure sect uniform that doesn't lose out to her striking splendour in a banquet.

"It matters not what you promise, Your Highness. It won't guarantee your safety." Yu ZiYuan stressed with finality before catching sight her older brother's reappearance and rushing to his side, leaving the unwanted spectator behind.

"Brother Ju-Long, did you find anything?" the blue-robed young lady asked at once.

Nie Ju-Long glanced once at the immaculate looking royalty that was with his sworn sister before scratching his head as he looked in front of him, "The Eastern forest is surrounded by ominous fog. Just as you said, there is something wrong with it." The tall young master reported, "I don't know how Maiden Song could possibly end up there though when she was last seen more than a hundred li from there." Seeing his fierce sister looking at him silently, he amended, "But you know I trust our Yuan-er so let's go and try not to get slayed."

As Yu ZiYuan couldn't possibly defend herself by saying the knowledge came from her past life, she chose to say nothing more on the subject.

"And what's with the splendidly dressed 'tail' you have, sister?"

"Your guess is as good as mine, brother. Only, Young Master Jin is being careless and irresponsible."

"Well, it's his neck."

"My thoughts exactly."

Their chat ended when they arrived at the edge of an elevated area, a foggy area drowning the space below them. This is a rarely visited area and not much is known about it since sightings of faes are uncommon here. But it certainly feels spooky with the spiritually-charged mist rising from the overgrown vegetation.

"It's my first time here."

"Me, too."

Heightening their senses to the maximum and lighting several talismans, they began their slow descent to the valley. It's not a terrible height, though, so they were able to climb carefully and without worrying about their footing.

Once they have assembled their party, the group began to slowly trek the length of the hazy terrain. Unfortunately, not even Yu ZiYuan is completely sure how things unfold here or what manner of creature would greet them. After all, Maiden Song's remains were just found in the ruins at one end of this valley.

Their search found them devoid of any prey for not a single creature could be found lurking these misty grounds.

"Proceed with caution." Yu ZiYuan called out to her companions in a whisper.

After several minutes of tense roaming, one Jin GuanShan could be heard murmuring, "There's nothing here, though."

"We haven't met any undead, spirit, faes or monsters since coming." observed Wen Ruohan with a hard frown upon his handsome face.

Scanning their murky surroundings before nodding once, Nie Hu-Long began, "And that could have two reasons. Either this is truly an empty land.

"Or something completely frightening is scaring them all away." Yu ZiYuan finished tartly. There was something in the charged air that made her refuse to drop her guard down despite the lack of adversary in their journey. There is something here.

After a shichen of walking, Yu ZiYuan thought that they should be nearing the site where Maiden Song's remains were found. It was at that moment that rustling sounds were heard and got her sharpened perception prickle in alarm.

Thankfully, it wasn't only her who perceived the oncoming guests and the young gentlemen with her gripped their swords tighter.

The curious clinking sounds as though something heavy and spindly repeatedly pounds on the rocky ground grated their ears. With bated breath, they waited and readied, allowing them to attack no matter from which direction the newcomers appear from. When the first figures showed themselves though, these young cultivators couldn't escape a second of frozen disbelief at what met their eyes.

They were human heads with a spider's body.

Their bulging, bloodshot eyes stared at them dully with an obvious lack of intelligence. Some have three or more eyes, some would have just a spider's usual insect legs while some would be swinging an arm or two in addition. Others would have drooling human mouths while most have chelicerae. They come in various sizes, the biggest ones reaching an adult's waist.

Seeing a swarm of a dozen or so of these creatures, it was understandable that half of the cultivators present uttered a scream of disgust while most could only gasp in revulsion and terror.

Even Yu ZiYuan's eyes widened in shock and repugnance but aware that a moment's hesitation could cause them their lives, she lost no time in unleashing Zidian and viciously swiping in a huge arc just as the first of the monsters jumped in an attack.

"Keep your wits about you!" she yelled to her fellow cultivators before running forward, realising Chen Luan into the air with a hand formation. "Meishan Yu disciples! Assume the Third Lightning Defence Formation!"

"Maiden Yu!" Jiang FengMian called out in alarm before regaining his mind and addressing his fellow disciples, "Yunmeng Jiang disciples, assume the 8th Advanced Formation! Support Maiden Yu!"

This caused petrified limbs to start rising once more and start attacking and defending against the horde of misshapen monsters.

After felling several of these beasts, Yu ZiYuan noticed that they don't all have human traits. As peculiar as it is, there were some with features of other animals like that of birds, wolves, bears and even other insects. But they all have a spider mix. She found this curious but knew she'll need to address that oddity a little later.

Fortunately, the convened group of cultivators were higher than normal and the monsters before them, though numerous in numbers and sporting several unique assets, were not much stronger than the creatures they normally hunt. While a few needed help, they were able to vanquish several dozens of these bizarre enemies with very little resulting injuries on their end.

Half a shichen later, Yu ZiYuan was able to take her bloodied sword from the carcass with a mix between a sparrow and a spider.

"Maiden Yu, are you alright?" the heir of Yunmeng Jiang immediately sauntered near her while flicking the grime and dirt from his own sword.

The blue-robed young lady listened intently for any on coming sounds while heightening her presence perception in order to ensure that no other foes are coming for them at the moment before answering her previous husband with a simple nod, inconspicuously eyeing him and seeing that he bore no injury then promptly ignoring him after.

She then gathered her fellow disciples and checked on them, giving medicines and examining for poisons. Thankfully, their training with her is proving useful and all are in excellent shape, brimming with energy and pride that their young lady trained them herself and are even caring for them now.

"I think there's a cave nearby on one side of the valley." She turned to her older sworn brother who was walking to her side, "If everyone's alright then—"

Her words were cut off by a blast somewhere deep in the valley and the sound of massive rocks tumbling down, causing the very earth they were standing on to rumble beneath their feet.

"What was that?!" Hou MeiXiu cried out in astonishment, "It doesn't seem to be overhead or—"

"It's coming from that cave." Yu ZiYuan frowned while peering at the direction where the devastating sound of the rockslide was heard. "We need to hurry for Maiden Song."

With hasty but guarded steps, they made their way forward. What they thought to be a shorter distance to the crevice turned out to still be worth several long minutes even with quick martial arts steps. When the fog finally thinned a little at their destination, it revealed an inconspicuous entrance that is wider than it is tall which made it more difficult to detect.

"Is this the place?" Nie Ju-Long questioned with his hawk-like eyes narrowed at the potential danger within.

"Only one way to find out." Yu ZiYuan replied with a similar countenance. She's never been to this place after all. The only thing she has to go on is the little details she heard in passing during her first life. But the welcoming pack from earlier should say much about the possible threat that awaits them going further.

"Should I and my fellow disciples scout ahead first?" Jiang FengMian stepped forward with a concern glance at the Third Young Lady of Meishan Yu.

However, a sharp glance halted his attempt when fierce amethyst orbs forbid him to take another step. Yu ZiYuan sighed lightly and internally asked herself what she's going to do with this self-sacrificing imbecile. She doesn't remember him being so forward like this. Normally, he'll be the first one reminding everyone to be cautious given what they already encountered the moment before. And here I was thinking that A-Li's and A-Cheng's prudence came from him, was I wrong?

"There's no need, Young Master Jiang." The young lady said finally, overtaking the purple-robed young man, lightly touching his shoulder in order to push him a little behind her, "Me and Brother Ju-Long should do it, instead."

"But—"

"Hahahaha, my sister is right, Young Master Jiang." One Nie Ju-Long boisterously presented himself with a smirk, "With no sect leader with us, Yuan-er and I have the highest cultivation here. It'll be safer for us to go."

Not seeing the frown that formed on one and other three dozen handsome faces belonging to various prestigious sects at this remark, Yu ZiYuan felt a bulky arm rowdily wrestle itself around her neck as the heir of Qinghe Nie cheerfully led her to the mouth of the cavity.

"Let this handsome, powerful and reliable older brother of yours lead you to our doom, sister!"

"I'll throw you in as bait if it comes down to it, brother." She deadpanned in return but allowed herself to be stirred away from a certain grousing crowd.

After debating a little, they each took out a spiritual luminous night pearl that gently gave out a faint light that would allow them to see a few feet around them. They then had to crouch down a little in order to enter the crevice.

Keeping alert, they patted their way in. It took them several steps but they were surprised to see light in the distance. The two looked at each other, nodded and slowly inched their way forward.

What met them at the end of low wide tunnel is a wide open space filled with sparkling spiritual ores that reflected the light of the moon seeping through from small but countless gaps along the rocky interior.

"Well, now, ain't this pretty?" Nie Ju-Long whistled low in appreciation.

"Quite the big space, isn't it?" Jiang FengMian uttered.

"Look at all these spiritual ores!" Cangse Sanren breathed in astonishment.

"There's no monster here that I can see." Wen Ruohan grumbled.

"The sound we heard earlier could be from those rocks in that direction." Lan Qiren observed quietly.

"Be careful with your head as you straighten, Lady Liu." Lan QiYue cautioned the following Liu QingShan.

Like little bees starting too buzz around her, murmurs broke out behind Yu ZiYuan and she irritably looked behind her to see various heads poking out from where they came from.

If they're all going to follow immediately, what's the point of scouting ahead?!

Her question must have remarkably painted itself on her countenance since Jiang FengMian happily provided her an answer, "How can we possibly send you to danger by yourself, Maiden Yu? Surely you wouldn't carelessly brush aside our concern for your safety."

"I'll pretend you meant to include me somewhere in that statement Young Master Jiang." Nie Ju-Long drily interjected but was only met with a radiant but cold smile in return.

Expelling a calming breath, the blue-robed young lady faced forward once more and let her eyes wander before she remarked, "Since it's come to this, let's look around and see if Maiden Song—" when her eyes drifted way upwards, she caught sight of something that made her catch her breath and she unconsciously grabbed onto the hand beside hers.

"W-What's wrong, Maiden Yu?" a flustered Jiang FengMian asked when he felt a soft palm hold onto him, seeing her blanched a little made him follow her gaze at once only to see a stark white colossal spider occupying a good quarter of the rugged ceiling. The color of the pale stone and its incredible height made it difficult to notice the beast sooner.

"A Colossal Twelve-Eyed Arachnid." Yu ZiYuan acknowledged in a loud whisper, catching the attention of nearly everyone in their group.

When every pair of eyes finally registered the threat lurking above them, frightened gasps erupted all around but this was all drowned by the terror-stricken shriek from one person.

Her veins nearly rupturing from the sheer stupidity of this careless shout that she barely registered the logic of finding the 8th Imperial Prince in their midst after all this time.

"Of all the moronic—" even Nie Ju-Long couldn't help but swear beneath his breath as he watch the gargantuan creature jump down at the center of the clearing in response to the echoing blare, giving out an ear-piercing screech of its own, spreading dust and debris all around.

"Meishan Yu disciples! Divide and fan out on both sides!" Yu ZiYuan bellowed urgently while running into position as well, "Proceed with the Eleventh Heavenly Strike formation. Target its eyes! Be careful of its legs! The first four are poisonous!"

Losing no time at all, the famed young lady darted forward after giving out her instructions. Releasing Zidian and readying Chen Luan, she jumped and maneuvered herself right overhead of the creature and with a spell connecting to her sword she threw it straight down, charged with purple lightning.

However, the strike that should have landed on top of its head was circumvented by fast reflexes and a speedy movement caused the hit to land on a firm abdomen, instead.

Cursing, Yu ZiYuan still let out massive amounts of spiritual qi and sent bolts upon bolts of lightning through her connection to her sword before it got cut off. Using Zidian to take her sword back, she landed back on the ground in quick succession.

Due to its monstrous size, an attack that could have vanquished several beasts ended as simply a decent slap to it.

With features resembling a wolf spider, the Colossal Twelve-Eyed Arachnid is too fast despite its size. Due to its multiple eyes, it's also able to detect a range of attacks, not to mention the venom it produces in its fangs and thorn-like bristles in four of its legs while its web has paralytic effects.

Fortunately, it doesn't have steel-like defence similar to the Black Dragon Python. But its size alone is already murderous.

"Maiden Yu!" Jiang FengMian hurried to her side upon her landing.

Not perceiving the concern in the tone, she hastily informed him, "Young Master Jiang, if we can prevent its movement, I can attack it with—"

"Little sister, are you going to use the Goddess of Divine Lightning attack?!" Nie Ju-Long interrupted from a distance while landing strike after strike on his opponent, "Go ahead, your eldest sworn sister would feel bad about missing it but we can just—"

"Young Master Nie, you shouldn't be distracting Maiden Yu in such an important juncture!" Jiang FengMian reproached the older man with a deep frown on his face.

"How about you get over here and help then?!" Wen Ruohan growled as he tries to get to their position while tackling a pair of spindly legs.

"You trying to get over here while attacking is merely leading it here!"

"And you are no help at all!"

"You're not really doing anything constructive, as it is."

"What did you say?!"

"Little sister, have you decided to call it 'Goddess of Divine Lightning attack'. You never did answer me before!"

Gritting her teeth at the idiotic exchanges surrounding her, she snapped loudly, "Enough of this nonsense!"

Wen Ruohan huffed with a scowl while Nie Ju-Long chuckled in amusement at this order. Jiang FengMian meanwhile immediately shut up as though a chastised wife and Wei Changze was sure his young master has half a mind to point at him and proclaim him the culprit just to get away from the blame and therefore hastily commented, "M-Maiden Yu, you mentioned pinning it down? We'll be glad to help."

Since just her own fellow disciples wouldn't be enough to obstruct such a hulking adversary without the help of a special spiritual tool, she nodded before raising her voice with qi, "All those who can activate a Fourth Grade Restraining Spell, please surround it!"

Heeding her words, the young masters leading their respective disciples echoed her command in a show of dignity and cooperation.

As though understanding their intent, the Colossal Twelve-Eyed Arachnid focused its attacks on one side to break their formation, its slashes coming in faster and more viciously.

Seeing this, Jiang FengMian spearheaded a retaliation, "Yunmeng Jiang disciples, commence the Eighteenth Lotus Formation!"

"Young Master!" Wei Changze simply called out in response but inside him was a whole different tirade, Young Master?! Why are we going here? We're defending the other side, right? Couldn't you have left this to the Lans? No? It's because you were reprimanded by the Madame, weren't you?! We're the ones coughing up blood here, you know?!

However, the fluid motions from flawless coordination did marvellously defend the formation and allowed the rest of the cultivators to initiate the constraining spell. Two dozen individuals formed hand seals and emitted a silver array that linked with one another to surround the gigantic creature then produced several blinding ropes that bound the spider.

As soon as it stopped moving, having done her preparations, Yu ZiYuan held out Zidian in front of her and channeled her spiritual power.

She's afraid that the move would accidentally hurt others being such a large-scale spell. But with a little imagination, lightning could also strike from the ground.

The Seventh Sanctum – Purple Lotus!

An enormous bright array appeared on the ground, dead center its target and like a violet lance piercing its victim before spreading like a purple bloom, blinding lightning crackled ferociously accompanied by a roaring heat. The desperate shrieks of the white behemoth were overwhelmed by the deafening boom of the technique.

Yu ZiYuan didn't let up though she did yell at the others to cease the Restraining Spell after a while and get away from her prey. Only when the bolts finally punctured through the solid flesh and hit the rough ceiling above did she stopped the attack, her chest heaving in consternation.

"Shijie!" Liu QingShan worriedly held her up, panicking that she might pass out.

"I'm alri—"

"Maiden Yu!" an ever-present hue intruded upon her vision once more and Yu ZiYuan looked up to see her previous husband's countenance twisted with concern.

"That attack was more powerful than last time. Did you over-strain yourself again?"

'My Lady, what use would it be to force one's body over its limit? It may bring the very opposite of success.'

The gentle voice in her recollection caused slender eyebrows to twitch in vexation.

And I say, how can you attempt the impossible without going over the limit?!

"I'm alright." she replied a little evasively, turning her head away only to be met by several admiring gazes.

"A-Yuan, do you need me to help you?" Hou MeiXiu energetically hugged one lissom arm as she continued in a whisper, "Want me to swat them away? I'll do it for you just this once. I doubt it'll work on a Jiang, a Wen, a Lan and a Nie though."

"Maiden Yu, do you need to lie down a little?" Lan Qiren had a little frown on as he lowered himself slightly beside her, "You can leave the rest to us."

"Yuan-er, you could have left a little something for this brother of yours. Why push yourself like this?" Nie Ju-Long patted her head twice before having it swatted away by Wen Ruohan.

"Hmph, I have some Restorative Pills here. You can have them."

As much as she would have liked to bark at the arrogant Wen heir and his unwelcome attentions, the rest of the cheers coming her way diverted regard to an exuberant crowd.

"Maiden Yu, it's another spectacular feat from you."

"Maiden Yu, how are you after such a powerful move?"

"Maiden Yu, are you alright?"

"Maiden Yu, I'll be more than happy to support you."

"Maiden Yu, that's still as impressive!"

"Maiden Yu, I didn't think I'd be blessed by such a sight again!"

"Maiden Yu, I've only heard of it but it's certainly unforgettable!"

"So this is the attack that earned you that famous epithet! Maiden Yu, I am absolutely moved by your regal form!" the loud praise exclaimed by a certain Royal guest caused the clamour to die down a little and more than one pair of dissatisfied eyes found a fidgeting Jin heir at the edge of the lively gathering.

Tamping down her slight confusion at the innumerable words thrown her way and the slight annoyance that she can't make proper sense of things, she drew a deep breath and addressed the assembly at large, "Thank you for your concern. I am in need of no assistance. Just please help in finding Maiden Song."

At the prompt of their original goal, the young gentlemen suddenly darted their eyes all around the cave for a sign of life, looking a little flustered.

"I'll help! I'll help!" the prince Lei Fan eagerly volunteered himself for the task, running with great alacrity.

"Your highness, please be careful! Please be careful!" a tearful servant can be seen running around after his master who stowed away, leaving him as the only attendant around.

As luck would have it, the young teen stumbled upon a big stone and ended up diving into the rocks, making the servant throw himself under the precious body, hitting their heads together and knocking them both unconscious.

Silence pervaded the area as a great deal of scrutiny was on them. This was broken by Nie Ju-Long who was clapping his hands in genuine astonishment, "Wah! That was entertaining! Little sister, do you think they can do that again?"

Shaking her head, Yu ZiYuan groaned, "Brother." She then glared expressively at a stunned Jin GuanShan, reminding him of his responsibility.

The statuesque young maiden then straightened herself and strode towards the mass of giant rocks on one side of the cavern. She observed certain details and concluded that it all came from the ceiling right above, forming a higher crevice overhead.

She then began her search around the area, coming upon a different collection of rocks. She was just about to take another step forward when an arm wrapped itself around her waist and pulled her back before releasing her.

"Please be careful. There's a pit right before you." A serene voice accompanying a mellow but masculine scent teased her senses and she raised her head while looking up to find the youthful face of her first love smiling tenderly at her. "I'm afraid the dimmer light here would make it difficult for you to make it out."

She could feel her cheeks heat up a little at the close proximity and hid it by facing forward once more, now noticing the small chasm enveloped with a strewn of white web.

"T-They might be down there." Yu ZiYuan rationalized in murmur, forcing her brain to start running smoothly again. That blasted spell must have tired her out even more than she cared to admit.

"I agree." Jiang FengMian acknowledged before calling for his subordinates and having them mindfully plough through the dense gauze to check what's beneath.

When they discovered multitudes of sizeable cocoons, they had to cautiously peel one, praying that they won't be in for a nasty surprise.

Fortunately, it was just what they were seeking and more.

Half a dozen paralyzed individuals were recovered including the sturdy daughter of the Song Clan.

They were all alive if extremely weakened but no one was dying and Yu ZiYuan was able to administer first aid on all of them before they were hastily transported from there, much to everyone's relief.

As the group departed one after the other, elated at their success, Yu ZiYuan cast another glance at the cascade of rocks at one end of the vast cavern. Her one final curiosity was yet to be satisfied and seeing that most were already gone and even that abominable Wen Ruohan was guided by his seniors out of the place, she directed her disciples outside to wait for her before climbing the uneven path, espying a big enough gap that she can slip into.

What is she doing? It's not quite like her, she'll admit. This is something that Wei Ying would likely do while dragging her son with him. But for some reason, she can't quite shake this interest away.

"So, Little Yuan-er, what do you hope to find here?" a deep voice echoed beside her making her yelp and lose her footing.

A familiar chest caught her securely, "Young Master Nie! What would you do if you had hurt Maiden Yu?!" the only son of the Jiangs admonished the elder man while gently setting his lady to her feet.

"I thought you were pretending to ignore me, Yuan-er." Nie Ju-Long laughed apologetically while scratching the back of his head, "How can you grill a monster like that but then become unseeing with concentration."

"I, for one, was perfectly aware that Maiden Yu was too focused to notice us beside her." Jiang FengMian cleared his throat before assuring the slightly surprised young lady. She looked adorable in her fascination.

Why do you sound so smug about it, Young Master? And don't think I didn't see you sticking around the Madame's side like sticky rice this whole night. A certain attendant with the surname Wei looked on with squinted eyes. He felt a pair of hands grabbing onto the back of his robes as Cangse Sanren grumbled in a whisper, "This Sticky Mian Cake is persistent tonight. I wasn't even able to converse with Big Sister ZiYuan. Good for you, huh. Do your work then and make sure I come out victorious."

"Lady Sanren, er, your original goal—"

"Please be quiet, Mister Wei."

"Ah, yes."

"Shijie, I'll accompany you. I told Senior Su to wait outside." with similarly narrowed eyes, Liu QingShan slithered to her elder sworn sister's side, a little regretful that she wasn't able to inform Second Young Master Lan of this extended excursion when they left to organize their clansmen.

"Let us see what's keeping A-Yuan here." Hou MeiXiu declared before resuming the climb up, internally grousing about the useless Jins and the dashing Young Master Luo who just had to night hunt somewhere else tonight.

Recalling a few things his wife hammered into his brain, Nie Ju-Long sheepishly began, "Er, now that I think about it. Can I call someone to come with us—"

"We're short on time." Jiang FengMian smilingly cut him off, "There doesn't seem to be any more dangers lurking beyond. We can handle whatever may come forward. And there are a few more remaining here trying to take away some spiritual ores with them."

Expressing a metaphorical apology to his young besotted cousin, the tallest in the group followed the rest through the other side of the rocky pile.

After a quarter of a shichen of walk through the dim passageway lit by small spiritual stones in random parts of the wall, they came upon a much smaller clearing. Up ahead was a rift just enough to let in a small amount of pure moonlight to shower on a lone tree growing in the middle.

They had to stop in order to ascertain their whereabouts. The tree resembled a tall, massive and sturdy wisteria tree, its trunk sporting a nice beige hue but with golden blooms, on some branches were small fruits shaped like huge silver pears.

"What kind of tree is this?" Hou MeiXiu mumbled in awe at the glowing petals.

"The spiritual concentration here is rather thick." Cangse Sanren observed with interest, "No wonder that Colossal Twelve-Eyed Arachnid is bigger than what was written in the records."

"We're lucky then it didn't evolve to something closer to half a divinity." Nie Ju-Long agreed, eyes still searching the alcoves for possible dangers.

"These spiritual ores must have formed because of the abundant flow of pure qi here." Wei Changze hummed in appreciation.

"Should we go nearer, Shijie?" Liu QingShan inquired of her older martial sister but the response was a negation.

Yu ZiYuan pointed at the ground beneath the enchanting tree. Eyes widened when they saw a few human skeletons miserably scattered underneath the shade together with some kind of rounded shells that were cut in half and hollowed inside. They look like the silver fruits above, just nearly ten times larger and more golden brown in color. There were also other carcasses littering the floor, various animals both fresh and just bones made for a revolting view.

"What in the world—"

"The ones we fought outside were a mix between spiders and other species." Yu ZiYuan articulated a guess after heeding all the factors that she knows of, "That monster couldn't have possibly done that by itself. Those shells seem big enough for a new-born to fit. Somehow—"

"Wait!" Hou MeiXiu stopped her theory, stricken, "T-That's impossible! You're telling me this tree was the key to that?" looking at the human bones under the tree, her eyes widened in dread, "A mix of—…then doesn't that mean we…" her pale hands were beginning to shake in realization.

"Don't." Yu ZiYuan calmly called out her to her friend, her vibrant eyes though didn't leave the remains of human life, "And what help could you have given them, otherwise?"

"T-that…" Liu QingShan's lips quivered in distress.

"…that's right." Cangse Sanren once again latched onto a fistful of purple robes donned by a certain attendant who was stunned to silence at the discovery.

"It's better for them to enter the cycle of reincarnation." Jiang FengMian justified softly, "It's unfortunate, if it's truly the case. But if they're being used to harm others, wouldn't it be better to free them from that?"

"…" Yu ZiYuan grimly nodded her head then felt a hand caress her jaw lightly.

"Let's not blame ourselves, shall we? So please stop biting your lip, Maiden Yu."

Realizing that he caught her doing this horrid habit again, white teeth released the red bottom lip with a sigh.

"Thank you, J—Young Master Jiang." Yu ZiYuan uttered her gratitude before taking a step back and replacing her gaze back to the resplendent tree, "To be used for something nefarious, it's a waste."

"I can create a barrier to stop animals and even faes from coming near." The composed young master offered his aid at once.

Knowing the barrier he had in mind, having memories of all the Sect's treasured secret techniques, Yu ZiYuan acknowledged that it would be helpful.

"It's better to keep this place a secret as its potential can be taken advantaged of maliciously." The rest agreed whole-heartedly so Yu ZiYuan continued, "Young Master Jiang and I would build a barrier around this place, in the meantime, please collect the bodies here so it won't get contaminated by evil qi."

Having decided on a course of action, everyone was determined to complete their task, if not in penitence then at least in good will.

A certain couple, at the same time, found a stone with considerable proportions and was carving inscriptions and symbols on the flat surface. Yu ZiYuan altered it a bit by adding the details she had suggested in her previous life before that would make it work better. She thought the stick-in-the-mud and less mature gentleman would oppose a little to any changes made on a precious Jiang formation but was surprised that the young heir has nothing but commendations at the modifications and even asked for her permission to incorporate them moving forward.

Now that she thinks on it, he never did say anything to refuse her revisions before. So accommodating, she huffed internally.

"I noticed there are bushes here and there with golden leaves, Big Sister ZiYuan." Cangse called out at one point despite a head-shaking Wei Changze beside her, "I don't think I've seen it in books before. What if you make tea from it?"

"Cangse, don't just carelessly make tea from any random plant you find." answered Yu ZiYuan with a light frown, wanting to smack the hand she's directing to make a minor change in the symbol they're making, making her grip harder on the smooth hand. This is why she said she'll just to this part herself! "If you can, get me a seedling." She added as an afterthought, "Young Master Jiang, I said connect this part to this! Give me the knife and I'll do it."

"I'm sorry, Maiden Yu. I'll do better. Please just guide my hand."

Once finished, they activated it with help from talismans and let itself become self-sustaining from the bountiful qi in the place.

It took more than half a shichen to finish but they were both proud of their work.

Seeing the place free of any signs of death, Yu ZiYuan had a fleeting smile on her face as she turned around and followed her companions out of the cave.

Hopefully, next time, it'll be used for something joyful.

-0-

Her peaceful state of mind, however, vanished when they got back to the woods where a few people are still milling about, wondering why a certain young lady hasn't come back yet and considering going back to check.

The victims were whisked away to be tended to but a number of clans remained for some reason.

After nearly arguing with a questioning Wen, purple eyes stared at an embarrassed Jin GuanShan entreating her to check up on his imperial guest lest something is wrong with him and he'll be blamed for it.

"Maiden Yu, you know it'll be to your advantage to befriend his highness." The golden-robed youth smilingly implored the majestic lady, "I'll be sure to let him know how you cared for him if—"

Not wanting to prolong the farce, Yu ZiYuan squarely watched the quivering smile and sweat pouring down that miserable faced and mutedly responded, "Young Master Jin, if you wish for me to help," recalling the trouble he has been causing her already shredded patience these past two nights, not to mention her frustration towards this skirt-chaser spanning a good two decades before, Yu ZiYuan decided to reward the gall of this man to solicit her support, "Get me a Twin-stemmed Divine Dew Flower. I saw a few over there."

"Oh! Right!" forgetting to even ask someone else to do it for him, the child of Lanling Jin scuttled briskly in search of the blossoms when a roundhouse kick hit him with painful accuracy at the back of the head, causing him to have a mouthful of mud landing face first as he lost consciousness.

The one who administered the kick put her leg down before patting the blue fabric of her uniform free of dust without so much a blink.

Of course, Yu ZiYuan made sure the fool didn't see who knocked him down, so he wouldn't know if no one will tell him. It'll be shameful for him, to be sure, but she doubts he still has any pride left to salvage. Not to mention, she's got no energy to argue with him this late.

If she can't slap him in the face then she'd rather kick him at the back of his head.

Violet eyes roamed around and boldly returned the regard of her audience before proclaiming, "A tree branch fell and hit him at the back of the head." She looked around at the stunned crowd with a raised eyebrow, "Right?"

She was readying herself for the complaints she'll inevitably receive once Jin GuanShan was told he was kicked silly anyway. However, the following rejoinders told her differently.

"Most certainly, with how the wind is blowing so strongly today."

"The strong rain this morning unfortunately damaged most of the trees here."

"Just look at the rot in these trees!"

"What an unfortunate accident!"

"You were being lenient, A-Yuan. Were you doing it for me? You didn't have to!"

"Hahahahahahaha, Yuan-er, that was the most refreshing action of this hunt."

"That was inspired, Maiden Yu."

She didn't think they'd actually cooperate. Nor did she think her previous husband would look upon her petty reactions kindly. At least, Lan Qiren doesn't seem to be planning to sermon her about the ways of virtue. Well, they are younger now.

A little relieved at everyone's rather good-natured response, she lightly inclined her head with a slight upturn of her lips, pointedly ignoring Wen Ruohan's scoff and Nie Ju-Long's booming laugh.

After applying disinfectant and a soothing balm on the light abrasions of the young prince and his aide, she handed the medicine to the meek Jin disciple and returned home with her sect members.

LATER:

A whine erupted from Jin GuanShan as the pained young man felt as though his head swelled to twice its size. He blearily opened his eyes to the stinging passing of the cold night wind, his right arm around the shoulders of a senior member of their sect as he was being transported with a flying sword.

"W-Where are we?! What happened—"

"A tree branch fell and hit you at the back of the head." Surprisingly, the cold, flat voice of Lan Qiren echoed slightly behind him where the Gusu Lan sect disciples are flying in the same direction.

Not noticing the white-robed disciples flinching at Lan Qiren's words, Jin GuanShan swept his gaze around; it seems that they just left as they are still with the others going in the same general direction.

The throbbing agony on his head seems too much for a mere branch to cause and he would have been suspicious but when his eyes met with a few other respectable young masters like Young Master Jiang and Young Master Wen, they confirmed it though in a slightly frigid manner that he has no way to doubt it.

What's more, there's no way the upright young masters of the Gusu Lan Sect would lie for anything.