Chapter 47 – The Truth of The Past
Wu Shou turned around, looked at him calmly, and slowly shook his head. “Family Head Feng, it is not him.”
Wanderer Zihui was seriously hurt by Yun Xie. At this time, she needed help from the disciple standing besides her to stand. After listening to this sentence, she subconsciously screamed. Fortunately, at the critical moment, she remembered the identity of the person in front of her and swallowed her rebuke. Tolerantly, she said, “The master should not be deceived by the appearance of this rebel! Jiang Xunyi is a son of a prostitute, has a humble background, and he murdered his birth mother…”
“My birth mother?” Jiang Xunyi glanced at her. “That Ning Fen is uglier than you. She doesn’t look like me at all. Is she really my mother?”
Wanderer Zihui smiled anxiously and shouted, “May all the fellow cultivators listen, how can there be such a rebel! I won’t mention how you treat me, an elder, but Ning Fen took out a slip of white paper with black words and even you, Jiang Xunyi, recognized in front of everyone that it was Senior Brother Ti Ming’s handwriting. Will you turn around and deny this?”
Jiang Xunyi said, “I didn’t deny this, nor do I need to deny. In your eyes, a prostitute is the lowest person in the world, but if she really gave me this life, I will never deny it.”
When he said this, someone immediately shouted, “Huh, what a great, awe-inspiring tone. Now of course your word is law; It’s almost as if you weren’t the one who killed her!”
Jiang Xunyi felt that this voice was a little bit familiar, and when he looked to the side, he saw that it was Huang Yan. He could not help admiring the author of the book Rising Clouds, Billowing Skies for making the best use out of the characters. Huang Yan had to assume the responsibility of cannon fodder that attracts hate everywhere and is constantly imprisoned then released, captured then rescued. He was about to be squeezed dry. Who knows if they’ll add some boxed meals[1]?
Jiang Xunyi sighed from the bottom of his heart. “Junior Brother Huang, I didn’t expect you to still be alive.”
Yun Xie smiled and said, “A’Xun, haven’t you heard the phrase ‘when people are shameless, they are invincible’ before? Huang Yan was able to kowtow to you for mercy, so of course he can immediately turn around and throw himself under Martial Aunt Zihui’s skirt. Such people often live well.”
Jiang Xunyi had a strange look on his face. He felt that the unruly Yun Xie was talking about himself.
As the two were mocking Huang Yan, they saw an old man and two young men walking over from far away, soon nearing them.
Although the two young men were young and unfamiliar, the clothes they wore were extremely recognizable and they were instantly identified as disciples of the Eastern Hidden Spirit Sect. It was Wei Xiuqi and Nie Yan, and the old man sandwiched between them was Uncle Chen – this is what Jiang Xunyi requested from Jiang Molou just now.
Yun Xie was not surprised and seemed to have already guessed that this would happen. Wei Xiuqi and Nie Yan stepped forward and said, “The disciples greet Martial Uncle.”
Jiang Xunyi nodded to signal that they could rise before he turned. “…Uncle Chen.”
Uncle Chen looked even older, and his back was already beginning to hunch. He looked at Jiang Xunyi, a horrified expression on his face. He didn’t show any happiness at all to see that he was alive. His lips moved without making any sound.
The corner of Jiang Xunyi’s mouth quirked in a self-mocking way. Yun Xie looked at his side profile, heart aching, then stepped forward to hold Jiang Xunyi’s shoulder in a comforting manner.
Jiang Xunyi suddenly backhandedly smacked his hand. His gaze looked profound, stunning Yun Xie. Huang Yan said loudly, “Why did you bring Old Chen? That day we clearly saw that you killed someone. Do you think you can clear your name by coercing a handyman to testify?”
Jiang Xunyi sighed. “Huang Yan, you are too dedicated in your role as cannon fodder. I admire you.”
Before others could clearly catch his words, Jiang Xunyi’s sword had been unsheathed and rushed at Huang Yan without warning.
This move may be considered very fast in the eyes of ordinary people, but it wasn’t in line with Jiang Xunyi’s usual level, even allowing the shocked Huang Yan the chance to evade. Without pausing, Jiang Xunyi attacked again, his every move like wind, none hitting their mark.
Wei Xiuqi and Nie Yan surrounded Uncle Chen, but their eyes followed the battle – they were under the orders of their master to protect their martial uncle or die.
“This man is not Martial Uncle’s opponent,” whispered Wei Xiuqi. Suddenly, his shoulders tingled, and his entire arm felt weak. With an “Aiyo” sound, he grabbed his arm. He heard the same exclamation besides him and turned his head to find Nie Yan mirroring his actions. Uncle Chen, who was originally under their watch, immediately broke free of his bonds and quickly dashed forward.
Nie Yan looked back and saw that Yun Xie, who he labeled as bad from the beginning, was standing behind him. He immediately yelled angrily, “What are you doing?”
Yun Xie raised both of his hands and smacked each man’s shoulder. The numbness suddenly disappeared. He smiled. “You stupid kids, so worrisome. If you two were smarter, your martial uncle and I wouldn’t need to exert so much effort.”
At the same time, Jiang Xunyi knocked the sword Huang Yan was using to defend himself into the air. His Extinguished Flower sword gleamed as it streaked towards Huang Yan’s chest. Uncle Chen quickly leapt in front of him, shielding him from the blow.
Jiang Xunyi’s sword paused with an accuracy that appeared to be calculated, the tip of the sword stopping exactly above the other’s nose.
He spun his sword[2] before he sheathed it, raising his eyebrows slightly as he spread his hands.
Master Zihui saw Jiang Xunyi’s expression and her heart dropped. She couldn’t help but internally scold, “Stupid, this kid is so quick-witted that it’s impossible to recover after he finds a mistake!”
Jiang Xunyi smiled faintly, saluting Master Wushou before he respectfully and sincerely said, “Master protects virtues, Xunyi proclaims his thanks in advance. Today, Xunyi just wants to prove his innocence; May the master be a witness.”
Once he spoke, he bowed slightly, and his fingers lightly flicked a large tree besides him. The branches immediately stretched out and morphed into the shape of a seat. A vine of purple flowers even twisted around the back and armrests.
“Master, please,” said Jiang Xunyi.
Master Wushou thought for a moment, nodded, then sat down on the seat Jiang Xunyi prepared for him. By doing so, he showed that he promised to act as a witness.
Feng Xue’s face turned red and he couldn’t help saying, “Master.”
“Amitabha,” Master Wushou said calmly. “The truth will inevitably be discovered. Family Head Feng, I’m sure you also hope to find the true culprit that hurt your daughter, right? Since that’s the case, what is the harm in waiting a little more?”
Feng Xue was speechless. Jiang Xunyi ignored him and only spoke to the old man lying on the ground. “Uncle Chen, I don’t understand. Huang Yan was never close to you when he was on the mountain, and he even often spoke harsh words to the servants. Why are you trying to protect him like this?”
His voice was loud. Once he asked this question, everyone’s eyes immediately fell on the ordinary-looking old man in front of him.
Huang Yan had already stood up on his own, and Uncle Chen slowly climbed up from the ground as if he hadn’t heard Jiang Xunyi’s words. He lowered his head to brush off the dirt on his cloth shirt. His face was hidden in the shadows, his weathered silhouette exhibiting a layer of deepness.
Jiang Xunyi was surprisingly patient. After waiting a long time, Uncle Chen slowly raised his eyes and asked, “What are you talking about?”
Jiang Xunyi smiled, but his smile didn’t reach the bottom of his eyes. As if it were perfunctory, he did not repeat his question. Instead, he turned his head and began to talk about something that seemed unrelated to the current situation. “Uncle Chen is old, his ears are not good, and he can’t even clearly hear people speak. But I remember I heard my master say that when you were young, you also had a good time. You once met a famous prostitute named Ning Fen on the shore of Huizhou Lake and the two of you had a fling…”
As soon as he said this, there was an uproar. After all, few people would link Uncle Chen to something like that. Huang Yan was shocked and pointed at Uncle Chen. “Y-you are Jiang Xunyi’s father?”
Jiang Xunyi sneered. “He is your father.”
Huang Yan did not comprehend right away, instead thinking that Jiang Xunyi was cursing at him. He angrily yelled, “What are you talking about?”
“It seems that Junior Brother Huang doesn’t understand yet.” Yun Xie came from behind and stood by Jiang Xunyi, saying lightly, “Back then, Martial Uncle Ti Ming did not only adopt Jiang Xunyi. The note that Ningfen took out has neither a beginning nor an inscription. Even if it really is from Martial Uncle Ti Ming, it is not certain that the child he mentioned is Jiang Xunyi. As far as I know, Junior Brother Huang was also brought to the mountain as a baby. Until now, do you still not know who your biological parents are? If Uncle Chen is not your father, why would he block the attack for you?”
When Yun Xie lied, he never blinked. As he spoke, his face was resolutely determined, as if he had investigated the whole matter clearly. Jiang Xunyi even wondered if he believed it himself.
Huang Yan looked at his expression and immediately felt as if he was struck with a thunderbolt. He murmured, “H-how can I?… My father is a servant, my mother is a prostitute? This is absolutely impossible!” He suddenly raised his head in anger. “You have definitely made a mistake. How do I know why this old man is shielding me? Impossible! Impossible!”
Jiang Xunyi’s eyes swept over Yun Xie before his eyes silently shifted away — he wasn’t even completely sure that Huang Yan was the son of Chen Shu and Ning Fen. He made a guess based on his glance at the original story at He Deng’s place. He was testing Uncle Chen just now and Yun Xie followed up. Of course, all his words were pure guesses.
Wanderer Zihui watched Huang Yan get carried away by Jiang Xunyi with just a few words. and was furious. She had to say, “In any case, Jiang Xunyi, if you don’t have a guilty conscience, then why did you kill Ning Fen? Even if she is not your biological mother, you shouldn’t hurt innocent people! Not to mention, you also offended Miss Feng. Hmph, do you think you can easily escape this?”
“Ning Fen killed herself,” Jiang Xunyi said.
Wanderer Zihui glared fiercely at Huang Yan, who finally reacted. For the time being, he put his affairs aside and immediately said, “Nonsense! She was doing just fine, and as she was middle of talking, she just decided to kill herself without rhyme or reason? Is she insane? If you’re going to lie, at least make up a good one, alright?”
“That’s enough, shut up!” Yun Xie finally got fed up with Huang Yan’s stupid insults and interrupted him mercilessly. “I’ll find her soul, and I’ll know once I ask. What’s with the useless words?”
[1] In movies, when a character dies and the actor isn’t needed anymore they get a boxed lunch.
[2] 剑花 – basically some fancy sword moves
Chapter 47 – The Truth of The Past
Wu Shou turned around, looked at him calmly, and slowly shook his head. “Family Head Feng, it is not him.”
Wanderer Zihui was seriously hurt by Yun Xie. At this time, she needed help from the disciple standing besides her to stand. After listening to this sentence, she subconsciously screamed. Fortunately, at the critical moment, she remembered the identity of the person in front of her and swallowed her rebuke. Tolerantly, she said, “The master should not be deceived by the appearance of this rebel! Jiang Xunyi is a son of a prostitute, has a humble background, and he murdered his birth mother…”
“My birth mother?” Jiang Xunyi glanced at her. “That Ning Fen is uglier than you. She doesn’t look like me at all. Is she really my mother?”
Wanderer Zihui smiled anxiously and shouted, “May all the fellow cultivators listen, how can there be such a rebel! I won’t mention how you treat me, an elder, but Ning Fen took out a slip of white paper with black words and even you, Jiang Xunyi, recognized in front of everyone that it was Senior Brother Ti Ming’s handwriting. Will you turn around and deny this?”
Jiang Xunyi said, “I didn’t deny this, nor do I need to deny. In your eyes, a prostitute is the lowest person in the world, but if she really gave me this life, I will never deny it.”
When he said this, someone immediately shouted, “Huh, what a great, awe-inspiring tone. Now of course your word is law; It’s almost as if you weren’t the one who killed her!”
Jiang Xunyi felt that this voice was a little bit familiar, and when he looked to the side, he saw that it was Huang Yan. He could not help admiring the author of the book Rising Clouds, Billowing Skies for making the best use out of the characters. Huang Yan had to assume the responsibility of cannon fodder that attracts hate everywhere and is constantly imprisoned then released, captured then rescued. He was about to be squeezed dry. Who knows if they’ll add some boxed meals[1]?
Jiang Xunyi sighed from the bottom of his heart. “Junior Brother Huang, I didn’t expect you to still be alive.”
Yun Xie smiled and said, “A’Xun, haven’t you heard the phrase ‘when people are shameless, they are invincible’ before? Huang Yan was able to kowtow to you for mercy, so of course he can immediately turn around and throw himself under Martial Aunt Zihui’s skirt. Such people often live well.”
Jiang Xunyi had a strange look on his face. He felt that the unruly Yun Xie was talking about himself.
As the two were mocking Huang Yan, they saw an old man and two young men walking over from far away, soon nearing them.
Although the two young men were young and unfamiliar, the clothes they wore were extremely recognizable and they were instantly identified as disciples of the Eastern Hidden Spirit Sect. It was Wei Xiuqi and Nie Yan, and the old man sandwiched between them was Uncle Chen – this is what Jiang Xunyi requested from Jiang Molou just now.
Yun Xie was not surprised and seemed to have already guessed that this would happen. Wei Xiuqi and Nie Yan stepped forward and said, “The disciples greet Martial Uncle.”
Jiang Xunyi nodded to signal that they could rise before he turned. “…Uncle Chen.”
Uncle Chen looked even older, and his back was already beginning to hunch. He looked at Jiang Xunyi, a horrified expression on his face. He didn’t show any happiness at all to see that he was alive. His lips moved without making any sound.
The corner of Jiang Xunyi’s mouth quirked in a self-mocking way. Yun Xie looked at his side profile, heart aching, then stepped forward to hold Jiang Xunyi’s shoulder in a comforting manner.
Jiang Xunyi suddenly backhandedly smacked his hand. His gaze looked profound, stunning Yun Xie. Huang Yan said loudly, “Why did you bring Old Chen? That day we clearly saw that you killed someone. Do you think you can clear your name by coercing a handyman to testify?”
Jiang Xunyi sighed. “Huang Yan, you are too dedicated in your role as cannon fodder. I admire you.”
Before others could clearly catch his words, Jiang Xunyi’s sword had been unsheathed and rushed at Huang Yan without warning.
This move may be considered very fast in the eyes of ordinary people, but it wasn’t in line with Jiang Xunyi’s usual level, even allowing the shocked Huang Yan the chance to evade. Without pausing, Jiang Xunyi attacked again, his every move like wind, none hitting their mark.
Wei Xiuqi and Nie Yan surrounded Uncle Chen, but their eyes followed the battle – they were under the orders of their master to protect their martial uncle or die.
“This man is not Martial Uncle’s opponent,” whispered Wei Xiuqi. Suddenly, his shoulders tingled, and his entire arm felt weak. With an “Aiyo” sound, he grabbed his arm. He heard the same exclamation besides him and turned his head to find Nie Yan mirroring his actions. Uncle Chen, who was originally under their watch, immediately broke free of his bonds and quickly dashed forward.
Nie Yan looked back and saw that Yun Xie, who he labeled as bad from the beginning, was standing behind him. He immediately yelled angrily, “What are you doing?”
Yun Xie raised both of his hands and smacked each man’s shoulder. The numbness suddenly disappeared. He smiled. “You stupid kids, so worrisome. If you two were smarter, your martial uncle and I wouldn’t need to exert so much effort.”
At the same time, Jiang Xunyi knocked the sword Huang Yan was using to defend himself into the air. His Extinguished Flower sword gleamed as it streaked towards Huang Yan’s chest. Uncle Chen quickly leapt in front of him, shielding him from the blow.
Jiang Xunyi’s sword paused with an accuracy that appeared to be calculated, the tip of the sword stopping exactly above the other’s nose.
He spun his sword[2] before he sheathed it, raising his eyebrows slightly as he spread his hands.
Master Zihui saw Jiang Xunyi’s expression and her heart dropped. She couldn’t help but internally scold, “Stupid, this kid is so quick-witted that it’s impossible to recover after he finds a mistake!”
Jiang Xunyi smiled faintly, saluting Master Wushou before he respectfully and sincerely said, “Master protects virtues, Xunyi proclaims his thanks in advance. Today, Xunyi just wants to prove his innocence; May the master be a witness.”
Once he spoke, he bowed slightly, and his fingers lightly flicked a large tree besides him. The branches immediately stretched out and morphed into the shape of a seat. A vine of purple flowers even twisted around the back and armrests.
“Master, please,” said Jiang Xunyi.
Master Wushou thought for a moment, nodded, then sat down on the seat Jiang Xunyi prepared for him. By doing so, he showed that he promised to act as a witness.
Feng Xue’s face turned red and he couldn’t help saying, “Master.”
“Amitabha,” Master Wushou said calmly. “The truth will inevitably be discovered. Family Head Feng, I’m sure you also hope to find the true culprit that hurt your daughter, right? Since that’s the case, what is the harm in waiting a little more?”
Feng Xue was speechless. Jiang Xunyi ignored him and only spoke to the old man lying on the ground. “Uncle Chen, I don’t understand. Huang Yan was never close to you when he was on the mountain, and he even often spoke harsh words to the servants. Why are you trying to protect him like this?”
His voice was loud. Once he asked this question, everyone’s eyes immediately fell on the ordinary-looking old man in front of him.
Huang Yan had already stood up on his own, and Uncle Chen slowly climbed up from the ground as if he hadn’t heard Jiang Xunyi’s words. He lowered his head to brush off the dirt on his cloth shirt. His face was hidden in the shadows, his weathered silhouette exhibiting a layer of deepness.
Jiang Xunyi was surprisingly patient. After waiting a long time, Uncle Chen slowly raised his eyes and asked, “What are you talking about?”
Jiang Xunyi smiled, but his smile didn’t reach the bottom of his eyes. As if it were perfunctory, he did not repeat his question. Instead, he turned his head and began to talk about something that seemed unrelated to the current situation. “Uncle Chen is old, his ears are not good, and he can’t even clearly hear people speak. But I remember I heard my master say that when you were young, you also had a good time. You once met a famous prostitute named Ning Fen on the shore of Huizhou Lake and the two of you had a fling…”
As soon as he said this, there was an uproar. After all, few people would link Uncle Chen to something like that. Huang Yan was shocked and pointed at Uncle Chen. “Y-you are Jiang Xunyi’s father?”
Jiang Xunyi sneered. “He is your father.”
Huang Yan did not comprehend right away, instead thinking that Jiang Xunyi was cursing at him. He angrily yelled, “What are you talking about?”
“It seems that Junior Brother Huang doesn’t understand yet.” Yun Xie came from behind and stood by Jiang Xunyi, saying lightly, “Back then, Martial Uncle Ti Ming did not only adopt Jiang Xunyi. The note that Ningfen took out has neither a beginning nor an inscription. Even if it really is from Martial Uncle Ti Ming, it is not certain that the child he mentioned is Jiang Xunyi. As far as I know, Junior Brother Huang was also brought to the mountain as a baby. Until now, do you still not know who your biological parents are? If Uncle Chen is not your father, why would he block the attack for you?”
When Yun Xie lied, he never blinked. As he spoke, his face was resolutely determined, as if he had investigated the whole matter clearly. Jiang Xunyi even wondered if he believed it himself.
Huang Yan looked at his expression and immediately felt as if he was struck with a thunderbolt. He murmured, “H-how can I?… My father is a servant, my mother is a prostitute? This is absolutely impossible!” He suddenly raised his head in anger. “You have definitely made a mistake. How do I know why this old man is shielding me? Impossible! Impossible!”
Jiang Xunyi’s eyes swept over Yun Xie before his eyes silently shifted away — he wasn’t even completely sure that Huang Yan was the son of Chen Shu and Ning Fen. He made a guess based on his glance at the original story at He Deng’s place. He was testing Uncle Chen just now and Yun Xie followed up. Of course, all his words were pure guesses.
Wanderer Zihui watched Huang Yan get carried away by Jiang Xunyi with just a few words. and was furious. She had to say, “In any case, Jiang Xunyi, if you don’t have a guilty conscience, then why did you kill Ning Fen? Even if she is not your biological mother, you shouldn’t hurt innocent people! Not to mention, you also offended Miss Feng. Hmph, do you think you can easily escape this?”
“Ning Fen killed herself,” Jiang Xunyi said.
Wanderer Zihui glared fiercely at Huang Yan, who finally reacted. For the time being, he put his affairs aside and immediately said, “Nonsense! She was doing just fine, and as she was middle of talking, she just decided to kill herself without rhyme or reason? Is she insane? If you’re going to lie, at least make up a good one, alright?”
“That’s enough, shut up!” Yun Xie finally got fed up with Huang Yan’s stupid insults and interrupted him mercilessly. “I’ll find her soul, and I’ll know once I ask. What’s with the useless words?”
[1] In movies, when a character dies and the actor isn’t needed anymore they get a boxed lunch.
[2] 剑花 – basically some fancy sword moves
