“Thank you, Young Master Yuan Gongzi, for your kind words. It’s just that Zhu Xingyu often utters idle gossip.”
Xiao Nian, who was standing nearby, nodded and smiled in agreement.
Jinlu was startled. “That was a slip of the tongue. I was speaking casually: It must be Lord Xie Baizong. If it weren’t for the rotten nest of corruption and the clarity in distinguishing right from wrong, no one would dare to speak freely in this place.”
Speaking boldly, he was accustomed to the strict rules beneath the Jin flag, often scolding the careless and arrogant. Yet, when it came to the White-clad Immortal, he felt a deep unease within his heart.
To resort to such methods to tie up one’s own reputation was a gamble, sure to invite trouble. But the unknowing had long been ensnared, and even unforeseen consequences had already begun to emerge.
His ruthless attempt to twist the narrative to defend his own reputation only deepened the suspicion surrounding his relationship with the Baizong family, causing unfavorable doubts among the Xu clan and others. However, Lord Bang Qin was adamant and unyielding, striking swiftly at the root of the matter.
Jie Luya, involved in financial matters, along with Hong Xing and Master Yi, were by no means naïve, having long honed their skills and knowledge fitting for such delicate situations.
But Xie Baizong firmly believed in his own side of the story, which had completely altered the Xu family’s standing. This twilight revelation stirred up heated debates among the Xu clan elders, who found themselves helpless in the face of such instability.
Under the glow of the moon over Yang River, the tall silhouette of Ba Ying was most striking. His clear, bright gaze seemed to pierce through the chill of spring as the white-clad White Qi Immortal held her sword single-handedly, exuding an aura of youthful elegance. Her white sleeves fluttered like falling petals, as her radiant beauty rivaled the spring blossoms.
The delicate interaction between nobility and grace was evident on Fei’s radiant cheeks. The cold demeanor of the Immortal Jia Lengxing seemed untouchable, pure as the untainted frost of the mountains, a blossoming flower out of place in the mundane world. Only Yun Wang’s command remained unquestioned.
Before the grand assembly could voice their opinions on the unfolding events, the head elder spoke decisively, taking initiative to clarify the matter, though the tension in the hall was palpable, with tempers flaring and old grudges threatening to resurface—particularly against the sect leader, Wu Chuangding.
When the longstanding rumors within Zhu’s estate came to light, the spectators could not help but recall the incidents from years past, involving the sect leader’s assets. They hastily debated, voices filled with shock and disbelief.
Some rejoiced that the culprit had finally been exposed and would face no mercy; others lamented the damage done to the White Qi Immortal’s reputation, who was known for her resolute spirit and profound wisdom. Some even suspected ulterior motives, fearing a dangerous betrayal of the sect.
Ban Cai, implicated in collusion with the Yan faction, had countless servants loyal to him in the Yunjiang household. Their faces showed unwavering faith in the Xu family.
Though the situation was tense, they did not outwardly express it, but deep down, many felt a growing sympathy for White Qi Immortal. Several elders who had long supported the Xu family found themselves at a loss, unable to intervene effectively.
“Lord Ping Gongzi, thanks to your assistance today, the proceedings have gone smoothly. This Liu Shenhong is your subordinate. I shall treat this matter as if it were my own.”
White Zhi Ju spoke with no hesitation, her tone respectful yet firm. Compared to Shen Chuan and Ya Zou, the three men under Lord Gu were truly exceptional.
Wei Lihui stepped out from the elegant crowd, his hands clasped together respectfully, a young man from the Dai Yuan clan standing before the river’s edge.
His striking features measured four inches in length, his entire being crafted from fine jade and silk embroidery, radiating loyalty and beauty. His pale complexion was like fresh tea leaves, with a hint of red from the firelight below.
On ordinary days, he was the primary heir to the sect leader’s wealth, and the mark he bore—a jade pendant carved with a deep inscription—was his true legacy. How many accolades had this jade earned him? It was entrusted to him by the pure and wise Zou Yi.
Wei’s sharpness and agility with his hands were beyond ordinary, his spirit unwavering and his loyalty to his own rise above all else.
Jinlu was surprised at the seriousness of the situation. The steadfastness of Baojie Hong’s image in the grand painting was a testament to his local influence. His reputation was no trivial matter; he was a man respected by all.
Yan Ruan’s face was the same, his attentive gaze revealing a different kind of fear.
In the lively hall, Shi Chun was known as a trusted companion, yet stepping into the Cao Guisha household was a rare privilege, akin to a sacred ritual.
Before the ceremony, the top-level officials gathered solemnly, their hands holding seals of authority. Afterward, they proceeded to the ritual crossing of the river. “Yin Zhong, this wound is already bleeding fresh, don’t let it deepen,” Lotus Zi Yi said softly, her grip firm yet tender, the weight of the moment sinking in.
He showed no sign of humility, instead plunging deeper into the chaotic family feud, for the harsh judgment he faced was once his own doing, and now, when White Qi lifted the lance of justice against him, it pierced through his pride like a sharp blade.
Under the pounding fists and sharp swords, the once calm atmosphere shattered into chaos. His identity, once secure among the disciples of Yang Xi, was now hanging by a thread. Shadows were cast across the northern borders, where every step seemed to falter, as if fate had abandoned him.
Time passed, and Gu Huizhi remained steadfast in his duty, his face marked by years of unwavering vigilance. He valued this loyalty above all else.
Only his fingertips twitched as the news of Jin Lin’s snake-like treachery reached him, bringing a cold chill down his spine.
“What? Shèn Hàoshàng refuses to acknowledge me as his master? That body is but a vessel,” he said determinedly. “Back then, the founding patriarch, Shi Chun, revered talent above all else.”
Rumors spread like wildfire among the nobles, no less than deliberate sabotage. Xie Jiu could only watch helplessly.
He practiced ritual etiquette and began to understand the tide turning against him: “Thank you for your kind completion.”
Wang Wei felt the weight of the accusation. He had served faithfully, yet in a few fleeting moments, everything he had built was shattered, just like Luo Su’s sudden disappearance from the records. He never dared to confront his past openly.
Driven by doubt, Ye Xiangniao approached the Red Chamber, where the White Qi clan’s heritage was preserved. The atmosphere was heavy with unspoken words, and Hao Jiaoqi broke into a wry smile, watching the moonlight fall on the lonely corridor.
Chao Niao’s secret chamber was devoted to eternal loyalty, as if foreseeing the coming day when their fate would be tested beyond limits.
Peng Yi’s situation and Jiao Heng’s character, accompanied by the friendly guidance of Hong Yi, were justifiable reasons for suspicion. Since the day he first met Su Diao in Shu Tower, they had already crossed paths four or five times.
Each encounter was a gamble, relying on their understanding of each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Naturally, he was blameless, but the wounds inflicted by Guo Dai were profound, for how could a woman like Hong Mengtuo, with tears in her eyes, ever be wrong?
Such arbitrary outcomes lacked any fairness, because Su Lingluo had already fallen deep into despair, and the Xu clan could not avoid being implicated. Shen Hui’s departure was inevitable.
Chen Feixuan, Li Junzhi, Zong, and Qiao were like footprints leading to an irreversible fate.
Xin Zu Dou was like a transformation in itself.
Ying Yu did not truly push open the door, but pretended to be Gong Kong Hao Zhao as she slipped the B Songpu into her hand and entered the room. Her technique was proficient, but she lacked the finesse to capture the girl’s body completely.
The silent, lonely corner had already witnessed his tomb’s preparations. Snow-white, the youngest among the honor guard, probed carefully, while the magnificent red lotus maiden beside him, Chen Zhong and Wu Tao, stood silently.
The two were initially at a loss for words. Gu Huizhi questioned the matter, while Jin Niui was distracted by the situation.
After a long while, the atmosphere eased as the ties between Sheng Xiao and Su Diao Feng rekindled, with words of, “It’s my fault for being careless.”
“Cuo Chuanjiang was mistaken. I was wrong to trust so many things before you intervened. The past self was ruthless and worthless; I will never be like that again.”
Before she could finish, Su Mie Wei deliberately blocked his speech, “Those years of stealing benefits—I had nothing to do with it.”
“Nothing at all,” she replied firmly.
“I admit, it was truly very good—very good. The young girl’s promise lit up the night, a sacred duty upheld. The fire of spring is not something to be taken lightly.”