CHAPTER 36 I forgive you. I don’t mind.

When the sound rang, everyone turned to look into its direction only to see a young master smiling as he walked into the main hall with his fan. Then, he bowed in respect to Jiang Yebai and said, “It is nice to meet Palace Lord Jiang.”

As he spoke, he turned to the sitting audience and bowed again. “Greetings to all Sect Leaders, Patriarches, Grandmaster Puming,” Then his gaze fell upon Fu Yulan and Fu Yushu, and smiled. “Third Uncle, Father.”

“Why are you here?”

Fu Yushu creased his brows at his appearance, and without waiting for someone to speak first, he hammered down the first series of scoldings, “Who let a young one like you come in? You even came in breaking through the door. Are you intentionally rebelling?!”

As he spoke, Fu Yushi stood and looked as if he was prepared to rush down and give him a beating. Fu Yulan urgently held him back as he tried convincing. “Yushu, Changeling is still so young. If he barged in, then he must have his own important reasons. Why don’t we listen to him first?”

As Fu Yushu and Fu Yulan played their own soap opera scolding, the rest found it inconvenient to join in. Grandmaster Puming, who sat aloft, was wearing a dark look as he tried to pacify the situation, “This little child. What do you intend to do, barging in the great hall like that?”

“This junior has been ill-mannered. Only because things happened abruptly, so I beg the seniors present to forgive me.”

Fu Changling knelt and expressed sincerity in repenting for his wrongs. Everyone relaxed, but Mingran, who was withheld by the array from the side, scolded. “Little chap, what are you waiting for instead of releasing me?! How does it make you a hero to do a sneak attack on me using relics belonging to the Fu Clan?!”

“Tsk, tsk, tsk,” Hearing Mingran creating an uproar, Fu Changling flashed him a look of disgust. “Look how proud you are, as an immortalization stage demonic cultivator, who dares to speak up when I’ve done a sneak attack on you. Even I feel disgrace on your behalf.”

Hearing these words, everyone’s expression changed. Puming slapped the table and angrily said, “What nonsense are you blathering about?!”

“Grandmaster Puming, don’t be so agitated just yet and allow this junior to slowly make his report.” Fu Changling got to his feet and flicked a speckle of dust away from his body. He walked to Qin Yan’s side and helped him up. Qin Yan seemed like he wanted to say something in declination, but Fu Changling shot him a warning glare. Qin Yan’s actions froze. Fu Changling helped him to his feet and allowed some disciples to bring him a stool, then he quietly said, “Let me do it.”

A slight crease appeared on Qin Yan’s brows. Fu Changling patted him on the shoulder before he turned to face Mingran.

Mingran shot him a warning look and coldly said, “What are you trying to do?”

Smiling, Fu Changling said nothing. He fished out a black cloth from his lapels and passed it to Mingran. “Do you recall this?”

Something flashed in Mingran’s eyes when he saw the black cloth, but he said instead, “Are you trying to ask me something you brought out yourself?”

“This series of events began one month ago. One month ago, I followed a subject of my house, Yue Mingsi, to exorcise evil spirits in the Shangguan Manor. Yet, we ran into a highly malicious object like a wraith…”

“So, it was you who accompanied Qin Yan to the Hidden Realm of Xuanji?” Puming coldly stated. He turned to Jiang Yebai. “Then, your disciple’s statement was full of lies.”

“Ah, has Qin Yan already told you lot?” Fu Changling felt somewhat curious.

Puming mockingly said, “He did, but it didn’t happen the way he said it did. He never mentioned that it was connected to you.”

“Oh?” Fu Changling smiled. “Then let me repeat it one more time.”

Fu Changling repeated the entire process once, and everyone had listened to him finish, Fu Changling said, “So may I know what has Fellow Cultivator Qin lied about? And how he should be punished?”

Everyone remained silent. In the contents that Fu Changling spoke, other than his own involvement, everything was identical to what Qin Yan had said.

Perhaps one person could have lied, but when two people had said a similar version, then it would make them more trustworthy.

When no one had expressed anything, Fu Changling continued. “After the two of us left the hidden realm, my golden core was injured and so I simply sought a place to hide while healing myself. However, seven days ago, some demonic cultivator found me. Thankfully, I managed to escape using relics from my clan. After my pursuer was injured, I tore that person’s blood-stained clothes—which is this. Two days ago, my father informed me that Palace Lord Jiang would be holding a secret conference of the seven sects. I managed to guess that the topic being discussed would be this, so if there really are demonic cultivators in this realm and that they are truly plotting something considering that they are able to even make use of the Hidden Realm of Xuanji, then these demonic cultivators are obviously spies among the high authorities of the realm of Yunze. In such a secret meeting, why wouldn’t the demonic cultivator show up?”

As Fu Changling was speaking, he turned his head around and raised the black cloth into the air. A disc of light burst from his palm and on it were sixteen directions. The one pointing into Mingran’s direction flickered, obviously hinting something.

“This is a blood-relative searching disc, and could find a person by their blood. Can I ask Grandmaster Mingran,” Fu Changling suddenly stopped in front of Mingran as he tried getting close to him, “Where were you nine days ago? Are you in the Golden Light Temple? Has any disciples of the Golden Light Temple seen you or could serve as your alibi?”

Hearing these words, expressions of members of the Golden Light Temple froze.

Mingran coldly looked at Fu Changling, and with a smile, Fu Changling continued. “The Hidden Realm of Xuanji has always been in your care, so how did it fall into the hands of a demonic cultivator? Before I left the Hidden Realm of Xuanji, I strengthened the seal on purpose. The Hidden Realm of Xuanji would not have collapsed. Whether what we said was the truth, all will be clear once you take out the Hidden Realm of Xuanji and give it a try. Why waste time here? I know you are the direct disciple of Grandmaster Puming,” Fu Changling turned to look at Puming, and smiled. “Perhaps Grandmaster Puming might choose to be on the side of reason and not imperial the walking lives of Yunze?”

At the powerful clasp of this accusation, Puming’s expression darkened in a flicker. Mingran eyed Puming, then looked around him in a circle and coldly said, “Mingran, I, have been cultivating for three hundred years and I have only been doing kind and generous deeds, never anything treacherous, nor have I thought about it before. However, today, am I to endure the accusations from a junior here? Since none of you believe in me, then why does it matter?! Today, Mingran will restore himself his own innocence with death!”

Just as Mingran finished speaking, he wanted to self-destruct his own golden core. Even so, Fu Changling had moved quicker. With a hand, he pinned Mingran against the wall on his neck. His other hand stuck a talisman fast to his stomach, and as he lowered his head, he whispered into the other’s ear, “What’s the use of playing a strategic escape in front of me?”

After he finished speaking, the talisman steeped into the other person’s stomach. Mingran’s expression drastically changed. Fu Changling pinned him down on his neck as if he wanted to push him to his death. Seeing this, Puming attacked Fu Changling with a palm and loudly yelled, “Let go of my disciple!”

“The laws of heaven and earth,” When Fu Yulan saw Puming attacking, he refused to sit back. With a tap of his golden fan to his lips, his voice resounded clearly, “Defend o’ blood relative of mine.”

Puming’s attack rammed into Fu Yulan’s timely energy barrier. As both their qi clashed, a vortex of sharp wind whirled up. With strength in his hands, Fu Changling walked forward and lowered his voice. “Do you really think I wouldn’t dare to kill you? If you don’t make your move now, you won’t get the chance ever again.”

Mingran sharply inhaled. He glowered at Fu Changling dead in the eye. With his hand on Mingran’s neck, Fu Changling jabbed his golden fan towards his golden core, and it was at that very same moment, Mingran could no longer hold back, letting out a long, ear-piercing scream.

At the moment he shrieked, everyone felt a violent burst of dark air rush to the sky. It barbarously hurled Fu Changling aside and hastily rammed against the wooden door. Amid the blustery wind, more than a dozen black shadows hasten to different directions. Everyone presently abruptly disperse into groups as they engage in pursuit of those black shadows. Qin Yan got to his feet and wanted to join the pursuit as well but Fu Changling grasped his sleeve and stopped him. Qin Yan stopped where he was, with Fu Changling grabbing his shoulder and giving it a pull, he leaned in to his ear and swiftly said, “Stay behind, let your Shifu strengthen those seals in person. I need to leave now.”

Qin Yan momentarily froze. Seeing this, Fu Changling couldn’t help smiling.

“Don’t be so silly in the future. It’ll make you easy to bully.” Panting, he propped himself up. “Look, thankfully I’ve came.”

“I’m fine.”

Qin Yan quickly replied. Fu Changling didn’t say much. He staggered to his feet, and as chaos began to unfold, he too chased after a black shadow.

Halfway into the pursuit, he rushed to a stop at a pavilion situated at the rear mountains of the Heavenly Palace of Hongmeng into the hiding of a cave, clutching his golden core as he took in agonizing breaths.

Just now as he was pitting against Mingran, he’d secretly resorted to the aid of the Soul-gathering Pagoda to pin him in place. This decision had destroyed what little improvement he’d managed on his golden core. Cold sweat beaded on his forehead, his vision flickering in and out of darkness, but his consciousness had been calling to him, reminding him that he cannot afford to pass out in a place such as this.

After the charade today at the grand conference of the seven sects, according to his manner of thought, the remaining people would inevitably begin to question his capability to open the seal. Why have the demonic cultivators chosen him? When that time comes, he couldn’t avoid having to go through a blood test. He couldn’t afford to be exposed at this moment. He couldn’t go through a blood test in front of everyone. He must pretend to pursue a demonic cultivator and feign disappearance; only could he allow himself to escape this time.

Trembling, Fu Changling changed the uniforms of the Heavenly Palace of Hongmeng, then he began applying the Thousand Faces Elixir on his face.

Every movement was taken with exceptionally great difficulty. The pain coming from his golden core surged waves after waves, until he almost lost his sense of pain.

When Fu Changling was hiding in the cave changing, the cultivators that went after the black shadows came back one after the last. The Sect Leader of the Sword Sect, Qin Nandi[6] scolded, “What things are those to disperse with a single hit? It’s even more difficult than souls.”

“They are indeed demonic cultivators from who knows where.”

The Sect Leader of the Scholarly Sect, Guo Mingfan sighed, and somewhat worriedly said, “If it is truly as both your disciples have said, then an impending doom has cast its shadow over Yunze.”

As everyone engaged in a heated debate, Jiang Yebai came back last. After he returned, everyone turned towards him, and said, “Palace Lord Jiang, perhaps you’ve caught something?”

Jiang Yebai nodded his head. He lifted a hand with a sphere in his hands. Watching that sphere, Puming exclaimed, “The Hidden Realm of Xuanji!”

Jiang Yebai confirmed his words. Puming scuttled to his side, but just as he attempted to take the sphere from him, Fu Yulan’s fan stopped him.

“Grandmaster Puming,” Fu Yulan smiled and said, “It seemed that your lot has been colluding with the demonic cultivators and using the Hidden Realm of Xuanji to harm the exemplary disciples of Yunze. Presently, I fear it’s no longer appropriate to entrust the Hidden Realm of Xuanji to your sect, wouldn’t that make sense?”

“What do you mean?”

Puming had a dirty look on him. Fu Yulan observed everyone presently, and without asking for Puming’s opinions, he only said, “To everyone here, this matter involved the crucial future of Yunze. What does everyone think to entrust the hidden realms to the care of the Heavenly Palace of Hongmeng?”

“A wise choice.” The patriarch of the Su Clan, Su Qingyang, nodded his head. Since the Su Clan had spoken, everyone else agreed with him.

Puming didn’t look too well, but in the face of an uneven balance of opinions, he finally said, “Then… Let’s leave temporarily in the care of the Heavenly Palace of Hongmeng.”

As he spoke, he added, “After this matter is resolved, the return of the hidden realm is expected.”

“Relax.” Fu Yulan smiled, “The number of hidden realms in possession of the Heavenly Palace of Hongmeng’s hidden realms are outrageous. They would not lust over one of yours that’s rendered useless.”

“You…” Puming seethe with rage.

Fu Yushu instantly added, “My apologies. My apologies.” Then he walked forwards and soothe Puming. “My Third Uncle is not very skilled in talking. Grandmaster Puming, calm yourself down. Tomorrow, let me order someone to deliver you a few gifts to express repentance. A generous person like you shouldn’t haggle with others.”

As he spoke, Fu Yushu helped Puming to one side, walking as he soothed him. After Puming was led away, everyone turned their gaze back to the Hidden Realm of Xuanji. After a long moment of silence from Jiang Yebai, he slowly said, “The Hidden Realm of Xuanji will temporarily be in the care of the Heavenly Palace of Hongmeng. The Heavenly Palace of Hongmeng will seek out a plan to reseal those seals. Should we need it, I hope every sect present here will not be thrift with assistance.”

“Rest assured, Palace Lord Jiang,” Su Qingyang nodded and said, “Regarding the affairs of Yunze, my people and myself will assuredly offer our assistance as one.”

After conceptual decisions were decided on, Jiang Yebai allowed Qin Yan to take his leave first. Qin Yan offered a respectful bow then he left the great hall. After briefly contemplating, he raised his hand to touch the incantations that Fu Changling had left on his sleeve that morning. He gave it some thought, then finally blew a whistle. In half a second, Jifeng gallopsed to his side and sat down by his leg. Qin Yan peeled the incantations off and shredded them in front of Jifeng. He knelt to pat its head then quietly said, “Look for him.”

Jifeng replied with an “Awoo”, wiggled its head, then dashed off leading Qin Yan.

After numerous twists and turns, Jifeng finally brought him to the man-made mountains Fu Changling had hidden in. When he walked into the made-made mountain, Fu Changling has already passed out on the ground. The Thousand Faces Elixir had spilled next to him. Half his face was that of Shen Xiufan’s, and the other half was Fu Changling’s.

Qin Yan walked up to him and took his hand in restrained panic. He scanned him with his spiritual energy and after assuring himself of his situation, he pulled out a few medicinal pills from his sleeve and stuffed a few into Fu Changling’s mouth. Qin Yan then poured some Thousand Faces Elixir into his palm and smeared them onto Fu Changling’s face, helping him adjust his clothes then tossed him onto Jifeng’s back.

Fu Changling could feel Qin Yan’s presence, but he wasn’t certain of it. He blearily opened his eyes and saw nothing in front of him but bundles of fur. These fur were in patches of colours, like a huge tabby cat. Through these fur, he saw the rear of something flying on his sword.

He didn’t have the strength to ponder over it before he went back to sleep in a blur. When he woke up again, he found himself lying on a bed, his injuries attended to, and Qin Yan sitting at the moon arch door not far away from him. He was bathe in the light of the moon as he leaned against the frame, one leg curled, cradling a wine jar as he quietly looked outside the moon arch door at the multitude layers of light illuminating the realm of mortals beneath the clouds.

Jifeng sprawled next to his feet, pleased as it licked its fur.

Fu Changling dazedly pushed himself up, raising his head to cusp his head where a headache was brewing. Qin Yan heard his movement, and turned, impassively stating, “You’ve woken up.”

“Shixiong?” Fu Changling felt somewhat unfocused.

Qin Yan nodded. He put down the wine jar and got to his feet. “Do what you want to do now that you’re awake. I am heading to the Reaching Moon Palace. Tonight, Shifu wants to open the Hidden Realm of Xuanji. I’ve already given him the arrays that you gave me.”

As he spoke, Qin Yan seemed to recall something. He briefly contemplated before saying, “You, Yun Yu, and Mingyan were attacked by demonic cultivators. After I brought you back, I’ve allowed Xie Shijie to bring both of them back as well. They are unharmed, you needn’t worry.”

Fu Changling quietly listened as he spoke. Then as Qin Yan left, Fu Changling finally couldn’t hold it back, and said, “You knew.”

Qin Yan stopped in his tracks. He didn’t reply.

Fu Changling found it preposterous. He turned to Qin Yan. “I am Fu Changling, you already knew, but why are you pretending like you don’t?”

Qin Yan remained quiet. In the long, painful silence that Fu Changling was in, the courage inside of his heart that he’d arduously built up began to crumple piece by piece.

He suddenly felt resentment for his own impulsiveness. If Qin Yan had been unwilling to expose him, then he didn’t want to expose him. What was he thinking when he asked that question?

What if Qin Yan hurled him out in a fit of rage? What would he do then?

“Since you are Fu Changling, then why are you passing off as Shen Xiufan?” Qin Yan finally spoke.

Fu Changling was somewhat at a loss after being asked like that. He felt a sudden pang of guilt and stuttered as he said, “You… Didn’t you dislike me? If I came to the Heavenly Palace of Hongmeng, wouldn’t I… wouldn’t I be forbidden entry?”

“Why do you come?” Qin Yan continued his interrogation.

Fu Changling said nothing. He lowered his gaze, trying to sort out his thoughts. He didn’t know what he should say, and what he shouldn’t. So he remained quiet and feigned ignorance.

After Qin Yan asked, a burden seemed to have been lifted off of him. He turned back, looking at Fu Changling, he insisted, “Why come to the Heavenly Palace of Hongmeng?”

“I…” Fu Changling clutched the quilt nervously. “I am grateful for you. I felt that after I broke the seal of the Hidden Realm of Xuanji, I owed you. I wanted to do something for you.”

As he spoke, a thought came to Fu Changling’s mind. He hurriedly said, “Of course, there are lots of things I could learn if I came to the Heavenly Palace of Hongmeng. I feel lucky that I was able to become Palace Lord Jiang’s disciple as well as your disciple. I lived my past in a blur, and I’ve never learned much. I want to learn something from you.”

Fu Changling tried his best to come up with a reason Qin Yan would like. His explanations were all over the place. Qin Yan observed him quietly with a pair of eyes that seemed to have been enlightened. He only said, “Is that all?”

“I also want to do something for Yunze. I want to be someone who can contribute to it. I also want to…”

Fu Changling continued making stories on the fly, bending all his efforts to forge himself into a young man that Qin Yan would like. As Qin Yan listened to his drivels, near the end, Qin Yan slowly walked up to him.

The moment his shadow loomed over Fu Changling, Fu Changling froze. Startled, he clutched the quilt, not saying a word. Qin Yan gently placed a hand on Fu Changling’s head.

“That you came to the Heavenly Palace of Hongmeng, was to chase after your path, was for your own cultivation, or perhaps to protect the walking lives of Yunze, to protect others.”

“If the path you follow is righteous, I am willing to guide you to your path. If you want to be my Shidu, I am willing to lead you towards your future.”

Fu Changling didn’t say anything. He felt the warmth of Qin Yan’s palm.

At that moment, he suddenly felt a somewhat sense of guilt and shame surge up his chest. He quietly spoke with a rough voice, “And if I came here because I want to redeem myself, because I’ve done many despicable things to you in the past?”

Hearing these words, Qin Yan momentarily paused. After a long time, he finally said, “If it’s truly because you did despicable things to me, then from this moment onwards, there is nothing you need to redeem.”

Fu Changling lifted his head in aghast and disbelief.

Qin Yan smiled. “You are quite nice to me. I forgive you. I don’t mind.”