A moment of silence, and then Feng Yinwan's face was filled with astonishment.
"Uncle, is it true?"
She had been in the Xuanmen for three years and had never heard of any other branches within the sect. If this were true, why had her uncle never mentioned it?
As if sensing her thoughts, Luo Qingyi's eyes narrowed, and he spoke in a deep voice.
"I had intended to tell you this after Chenchen recovered. Since you already know, so be it."
He sighed almost imperceptibly and then looked up.
"Do you remember the secret auction at Xianle Tower in Jiangzhou?"
Feng Yinwan nodded. "I remember."
At that time, she had followed Ye Tingyan there, unexpectedly discovering the Qi Ling Pill that could awaken her bracelet. It was also there that she had seen two groups of people in black. One group was the one snatching the Zi Shen Xuan Dan with Ye Tingyan, and the other was the Qixian and Jianye she met in the inn. She hadn't thought much about it then, as she was trying to escape Feng Wuxi's pursuit. Now, it seemed, the ones fighting Ye Tingyan and his group outside the city were likely another force within the Xuanmen. But what power did they represent?
"Uncle..."
Luo Qingyi turned his body, a faraway look in his eyes.
"The Xuanmen has existed for a hundred years. Cultivating elixirs and refining medicine, hidden from the world. In the beginning, everything was normal, but as time passed, it was inevitable that some ambitious individuals would become dissatisfied."
"Forty years ago, a disturbance split the Xuanmen into two factions: the righteous and the unrighteous. The righteous faction adheres to the ancestral teachings, focusing on elixirs and not harming others without cause. The unrighteous faction, however, specializes in poisons and harbors malicious intentions. Even after being expelled from the sect, they showed no remorse, instead becoming more extreme and arrogant."
"For many years, the sect's successive Holy Masters have made it their mission to eradicate these rampant forces. Your mother, too, was committed to this cause."
Hearing about her mother again, Feng Yinwan's heart stirred slightly, and then she heard him continue.
"One of the reasons your mother left the Yue Kingdom for the Jing Dynasty was related to this matter."
"Mother actually went there to investigate this?" So, her relationship with her father...
Luo Qingyi shook his head. "Not entirely."
Feng Yinwan's heart suddenly trembled. She pursed her red lips for half a moment before speaking again.
"Uncle, does mother's death have anything to do with this matter?"
As the Holy Master of the Xuanmen, she couldn't have been without martial arts. But from her memory, according to Yuping, her mother seemed to have died suddenly of illness. Thinking back now, such a sudden death, what kind of illness was it, or perhaps... what poison! Her slender fingers clenched into fists almost instantly.
Luo Qingyi looked up, but shook his head.
"Wan'er, the events of that year happened in haste. I was unable to leave the imperial palace, so I cannot definitively say."
After Luo Qingyu went to the capital, they had always communicated through a single channel. By the time the news reached him and he led his men there, nearly three months had passed. Three months, and Luo Qingyu was already buried. Even if he had doubts, he couldn't disturb the grave. However, he had searched the general's mansion before leaving and found nothing suspicious.
"Your father should know the most about what happened back then."
Feng Yinwan's heart ached again. Yes, her mother had stayed in the general's mansion after arriving in the capital. No one knew better about the events of that year than Old General Feng. But...
"Uncle, regarding the Hundred Wood Lingxi matter this time, I witnessed the methods of the unrighteous faction at Prince Mo's residence. Their poisons are indeed difficult to deal with."
"I implore you to allow me to remain in the capital this time to investigate this matter and eradicate them completely!"
Luo Qingyi closed his eyes, his knuckles lightly tapping his jaw. He then asked, "I heard that Prince Mo willingly offered the Hundred Wood Lingxi to detoxify Chenchen? Wan'er, you..."
"Uncle, there is nothing more for me to say to him."
Feng Yinwan's brows were lowered, her pretty face a mask of coldness.
Luo Qingyi pondered for a moment and nodded.
"Alright. When you return this time, bring Qixian with you. He and Jianye will assist you."
Feng Yinwan subconsciously started to nod, but then something occurred to her, and she stopped. Receiving her slightly doubtful gaze, Luo Qingyi waved his hand and added,
"Don't worry, if I need anything, I will send for you to return and help."
"Yes."
...
Prince Mo's Residence.
Having neglected Feng Jinchen's studies for two days, Ye Tinglan intended to head directly to Hengwu Courtyard upon his return. However, just past the decorative gate, a frail figure, supported by a maid, walked towards him. It was Yun Shu, whom he hadn't seen in days.
Seeing him, Yun Shu's figure paused slightly. The maid beside her immediately stepped back.
"Lan... Your Highness."
The words reached her lips but, upon touching the hint of coldness in Ye Tinglan's eyes, suddenly changed. Ye Tinglan nodded, his expression unreadable.
"You're back."
His tone was so indifferent, as if she had merely gone out for a few days, rather than having been abducted.
Yun Shu's face faltered for a moment. She curtsied, "Yes."
"It's good that you're unharmed. You are unwell, go back and rest."
With that, he moved to leave. Just as they were about to pass each other, the woman beside him suddenly spoke, disregarding propriety.
"These past few days, has Your Highness truly not worried at all?"
The cold, stern brows before her furrowed instantly. The woman's heart pounded like a drum. She clenched the hands clasped in front of her, yet still spoke stubbornly.
"Your Highness is not an unfeeling person. Your delay in rescuing me must be due to pressing matters, is that... correct?"
"Chao'an."
The phrase was neither light nor heavy, but it clearly carried a tone of reprimand. The woman pursed her lips, her head drooping even lower.
"I will have a maid escort you back to rest."
With that, the long legs before her strode forward again. Behind him, the woman's bowed posture was restrained and忍耐, a hint of unwillingness flickering in her eyes.
...
Hengwu Courtyard.
Life without Ye Tinglan was simply paradise for Feng Jinchen! Taking advantage of the fact that he had been too preoccupied to check on him these past two days, Feng Jinchen had boldly slept until the hour of the snake before waking. Not only that, but he could eat whatever he pleased, and he didn't have to recite any texts!
"Young master, the Drunken Fragrance Chicken is back! Freshly baked, and it smells wonderful!"
As soon as the door opened, Jianye entered quickly, carrying several paper-wrapped parcels.
"And matcha sticky rice balls and taro pastries! Hurry and wash your hands to eat!"
He didn't need Jianye to say it; Feng Jinchen could already smell it through the paper. Upon hearing this, he excitedly hopped towards the washbasin.
"Wait for me! I'm coming!"
He quickly scrubbed his small hands and then hurried back. On the table, Jianye had already poured him milk, and the pastries were arranged on plates. Feng Jinchen took a sip of the jasmine-scented milk and popped a taro pastry into his mouth. His small face was filled with bliss, and he felt as if he were floating to heaven.
Boohoo, so satisfying! This was hardly a den of villains; it was clearly paradise! He flapped nonexistent small wings on his back and shed tears of happiness.
"Brother Jianye, it's so good to have you!"
These words came from the bottom of his heart. After all, he had been oppressed under the clutches of that wicked old king for so long, he was almost depressed. He stroked his face, which felt thinner by the day, and sighed. Just as he was about to invite Jianye to eat with him, he opened his eyes to find that Jianye, who had been standing beside him moments ago, had vanished.
Feng Jinchen blinked in surprise, his small brows knitting.
"Strange, he was just here. Where did he go..."
He muttered softly, his round eyes fixed on the plate before him, his mouth watering.
Never mind, he'd eat first! With trembling hands, he was about to reach for the Drunken Fragrance Chicken when his small hand was intercepted by a pair of long, slender fingers before he could even touch it. Immediately after, a large shadow, carrying a chill, fell before him. Feng Jinchen's small body trembled slightly. He looked up and met the icy, dark face, and immediately began to shiver uncontrollably.
"Uncle... Uncle Wang...!"
What was going on! It was the wicked old king! Ahhhhhh!
He glanced back and saw Jianye peeking from behind a pillar.
"Jian..."
He had only uttered one word when there was a rustle at the windowsill. Jianye, that scoundrel... he had jumped out the window and fled!
Feng Jinchen's face turned pale, and he was instantly petrified.
Ah! How could he do this! How could he do this!!!
However, before he could voice his protest, Ye Tinglan made his move. The fingers gripping his wrist tightened. The wicked old king actually used internal force to send him flying. Feng Jinchen was both shocked and terrified, his small face turning completely pale. He was truly flying this time! Although it was only for a second or two, Ye Tinglan still caught him by his collar and suspended him in mid-air. The heavy chill pressed against him, rustling his hair.
Feng Jinchen swallowed, purely out of fear.
"Uncle... Uncle Wang, why have you suddenly come today? Heh heh..."
He forced a smile, trying his best to relax his small face. But Ye Tinglan's expression was too terrifying, making his smile stiff and uglier than a cry. Ye Tinglan's gaze swept across the plates on the table, then turned to glance at him, his eyes becoming even more fearsome.
"Did you memorize everything I made you recite that day?"
His voice was so cold it made Feng Jinchen's hair stand on end.
"I... I memorized it."
He memorized what?! He had forgotten it all!
"Very good."
Ye Tinglan glanced at him but had no intention of exposing him. Instead, he lifted the hem of his robe and sat down in a good mood. He didn't, however, loosen his grip on Feng Jinchen. As his height lowered, the Drunken Fragrance Chicken on the table came directly in front of Feng Jinchen. He even felt that if he tried hard enough, and pouted, he might be able to eat the chicken...
With the delicious food right in front of him, the little dumpling, forgetting his fear, swallowed. This time, it was with anticipation. Ye Tinglan cast a stern glance, scoffed coldly, and directly swapped the plates. Unexpectedly, Feng Jinchen's small mouth landed on the chicken's backside. Before he could react, he heard Ye Tinglan's cold voice again.
"Since you've memorized it, let's begin. I'll listen right here."
Feng Jinchen: "???"
Did this wicked old king want him to recite like this?! No, was there really no one to speak up for him!