Chapter 28: Affairs of the Heart

When Bian Lingyu spoke those words, he had already considered the consequences.

He glanced at Wei Changyuan.

The bone spurs in his sleeves writhed violently, brimming with barely restrained killing intent directed at Wei Changyuan.

Frowning, Bian Lingyu struggled to suppress the spurs, which repeatedly slipped from his control. The scene from earlier on the way here resurfaced in his mind.

In truth, Bian Lingyu had set out for the Punishment Hall earlier than Shi Luoyi. When he left, it had begun to rain. As soon as he stepped outside, Ding Bai, frightened, rushed to inform Bian Qingxuan. But Bian Lingyu paid no heed to the boy’s actions.

Over the past three years, Bian Lingyu rarely ventured beyond the courtyard, and he hadn’t worn the robes of an outer disciple. Along the way, many disciples curiously watched him, speculating about his identity.

By the time he reached the Punishment Hall, Bian Qingxuan had caught up to him.

Bian Lingyu said coldly: “Are you here to fight me?”

Bian Qingxuan smiled faintly: “Of course not. I simply wanted my dear brother to witness a good show. After pondering all night, since you told me to stop, I’ve decided to temporarily comply.”

Following her gaze, Bian Lingyu saw Wei Changyuan handing the qiankun pouch to Shi Luoyi in the distance.

Some things were unclear to those directly involved but crystal clear to outsiders.

Bian Lingyu’s eyes briefly swept over Wei Changyuan and Shi Luoyi before settling on the qiankun pouch.

“I’m almost moved,” Bian Qingxuan taunted. “You probably don’t know this, Brother—within the Unchanging Toad’s qiankun realm, the first person Wei Changyuan saw was Shi Luoyi. He was only momentarily deceived by my illusion. Tell me, if I were to release him now, what do you think would happen? Would he remain so calm, or would he regret leaving her?”

She observed Bian Lingyu’s unwavering gaze, his eyes cold and distant, betraying neither joy nor anger, as though he cared little for the matter.

This indifference reminded her oddly of their father—a man she’d never met but whose legendary exploits she had heard often.

It was said that he had once been untouchable, unmoved even by the collapse of the three realms. Yet when Bian Lingyu’s mother bore a child with another man, upon returning from the battlefield, he had the adulterer hanged and ordered him tortured alive, sparing neither body nor soul, feeding every inch of him to dogs. He then imprisoned his wife, forcing her to watch.

From that moment, Bian Lingyu’s mother began her descent into madness and vengeance.

Bian Lingyu, after all, was the only heir of that man, sharing the same bloodline. Could he truly be so magnanimous, completely unaffected?

“How blinding, isn’t it?” Bian Qingxuan coaxed. “So why continue? If she truly reconciles with Wei Changyuan, what can you do? Look at me—I’ve been with you for ten years. In this world, only I will never betray or harm you.”

After speaking, she realized Bian Lingyu was staring at her.

Under his penetrating gaze, she instinctively took a step back and tilted her head. “Why are you looking at me like that, Brother?”

“Qingxuan,” his dark eyes fixed on her, and he abruptly asked, “Is the person you truly love… really me?”

Her smile faltered slightly, and her voice carried an unperceived tremor yet hardened with resolve: “Of course.”

Bian Lingyu gazed at her, then let out a cold, mirthless laugh.

He had always made his own choices, never manipulated by Bian Qingxuan. In the end, he still proceeded to the Punishment Hall.

But because of his words, Bian Qingxuan remained rooted to the spot for a long while, only to discover her fingers had unknowingly sunk half an inch into the stone, leaving bloody marks.

Head bowed, she realized she had forgotten to stop him from leaving after he asked that question.

________________________________________

Back in the Punishment Hall.

The presiding elder frowned at Bian Lingyu, vaguely recalling his name: “Bian Lingyu?”

“Yes.”

That name elicited surprise from many disciples. Three years ago, Hengwu Sect had opened its gates to recruit new disciples. During the trials, Bian Qingxuan emerged victorious. On that day, the seven stars in the sky displayed extraordinary colors, and dragon qi surrounded her, declaring her the destined child of fate.

Bian Qingxuan rejected offers from numerous sects, ultimately joining the Alchemy Pavilion and pleading with the sect to take in her brother as well.

Such benevolence and loyalty earned her widespread acclaim. Many had only heard of Bian Lingyu’s name but never seen him.

Bian Qingxuan had kept him well-hidden, and he rarely left the courtyard. This was the first time many had laid eyes on him.

They hadn’t expected him to be so striking—or for his first words to declare that Shi Luoyi had spent the previous night with him.

The survival tactics of outer disciples were an open secret among inner disciples. Lacking talent, they often prolonged their lives by trading favors for resources, and those with beauty sometimes sold themselves. Thus, the expressions of those present grew subtly complicated.

Everyone had initially been concerned about the infiltration of demonic cultivators within the sect, but now they found themselves privy to such private matters! The mortal brother of Little Sister Bian had willingly degraded himself to become the plaything of an inner disciple! And to make matters juicier, Senior Brother Wei Changyuan was present too! Goodness, old flames and new lovers—what a spectacle!

All eyes turned to Wei Changyuan’s reaction.

Wei Changyuan furrowed his brow but remained silent. After all, he and Shi Luoyi were no longer connected.

Shi Luoyi had steeled herself to resist the spirit test, but she had never anticipated that Bian Lingyu would come forward to vouch for her. Regardless of the outcome today, his actions amounted to self-destruction of his reputation.

Bian Lingyu’s frailty had been carefully concealed by Bian Qingxuan. This was his first time standing before everyone, and he had done so to testify on her behalf.

His unexpected loyalty stirred something complex within her. Amidst the situation, she couldn’t help but muse that if Bian Qingxuan found out, she would surely be furious.

The elder’s face darkened. He despised such sordid affairs, wishing to trample these self-degrading outer disciples into the mud. His tone dripped with disdain: “Then explain yourself—what was Shi Luoyi doing with you last night?”

He wanted to see what this mortal could possibly say—would he brazenly admit it here in the hall?

All eyes turned to Bian Lingyu, who suddenly glanced at Wei Changyuan.

Shi Luoyi couldn’t help but feel a knot of anxiety tighten in her chest. Seeing Bian Lingyu’s unchanged expression, she felt both exasperation and concern.

She assumed he wasn’t skilled in speech, incapable of defending his own reputation or understanding the repercussions of testifying.

She had already resolved not to undergo the spirit test. As the daughter of Shi Huan, Mingyou Mountain couldn’t force her compliance. However, bearing the suspicion of harming a fellow disciple would make her life harder and give the sect leader more leverage against her.

She would be fine, but Bian Lingyu was different. Mingyou Mountain wouldn’t respect an outer disciple; his testimony might not be trusted, and it could tarnish his reputation and worsen his position.

Shi Luoyi suddenly felt grateful that she hadn’t spoken harshly to him because of Bian Qingxuan in this life. She hadn’t hurt this young man again. His timely arrival proved that he had never intended to let her bear false accusations. He was kind—completely unlike Bian Qingxuan.

Shi Luoyi prepared herself for the possibility that his testimony might not be believed and planned to cover for him.

Unexpectedly, Bian Lingyu rolled up his sleeve.

A large, burned wound was revealed, marked with a bluish hue.

Not only the elder but even Shi Luoyi was momentarily stunned—how had this happened?

The elder looked at her wound in astonishment, nearly rising to his feet: “You encountered a Cangwu Beast ?”

Bian Lingyu replied: “Yesterday, while gathering herbs on the mountain, I encountered a demonic beast. Fortunately, the Unyielding Fairy returned from her trial and saved me.”

“And where is the Cangwu Beast now?”

Everyone turned their gaze to Shi Luoyi. The Cangwu Beast had been the cherished companion of a powerful cultivator who ascended long ago. Left unattended, it roamed into the wilderness and eventually arrived at Mingyou Mountain. Every few decades, it caused trouble, stealing valuables and injuring disciples, all while hiding exceptionally well. The sect found it incredibly troublesome.

To make matters worse, the old creature was shameless—it could spew phosphorous flames.

As for where the Cangwu Beast had gone, Shi Luoyi didn’t know. She silently looked toward Bian Lingyu, realizing she couldn’t help him cover up the story now. All she could do was wait for him to speak.

Bian Lingyu said: “I don’t know where it went.”

After speaking, he opened his palm, revealing a tuft of red fur unmistakably belonging to the Cangwu Beast.

“I picked it up,” he added simply.

With that, everyone fell silent.

Even Jiang Qi hadn’t anticipated such a turn of events. He chuckled and remarked: “It seems you and Junior Sister Luoyi were quite fortunate. As long as there’s no threat to your lives, that’s what matters.”

Bian Lingyu glanced at him, his gaze cold and unyielding, saying nothing.

That single look sent a chill down Jiang Qi’s spine, diminishing his smile. Never had he felt this way when Bian Qingxuan looked at him.

He lowered his eyes, wondering: What exactly is the origin of these siblings?

The elders also saw no point in continuing the interrogation. A mortal wouldn’t dare fabricate an encounter with a Cangwu Beast—such wounds couldn’t be faked. If Bian Lingyu spoke the truth, and Shi Luoyi had indeed saved him from the Cangwu Beast last night, then her innocence regarding Zhang Xiangyang’s death was clear.

The elders waved dismissively: “In that case, you may all leave.”

Their gazes toward Bian Lingyu softened, no longer filled with disdain. They realized he hadn’t engaged in any sordid dealings and instead felt pity for him. After all, injuries inflicted by the Cangwu Beast rarely healed completely. For a mortal like him, if he couldn’t endure, he would only suffer for a few days before succumbing to death.

No wonder he appeared so pale.

Bian Lingyu nodded. Having completed his testimony, he saw no reason to remain. Turning, he walked out. The disciples, startled by the wounds on his arm caused by the Cangwu Beast, instinctively made way for him.

Seeing Bian Lingyu leave, Shi Luoyi hurried after him.

Outside, a light drizzle was falling.

The rain pattered softly, dampening the ground. Bian Lingyu’s tall figure paid no heed to the rain, walking steadily onward.

The wind lifted his sleeves and robes, his presence still exuding an aura of solitary coldness.

Shi Luoyi ignored the rain as well, rushing to catch up with him. Fearing further injury, she gently tugged at his sleeve to stop him. Her voice carried urgency: “Bian Lingyu, how did this happen? Were you really injured by the Cangwu Beast? Let me take you to Elder Hanshu.”

She dared not pull too hard, afraid of worsening his wounds. She assumed she wouldn’t be able to stop him, but even this gentle force caused him to pause.

Looking at her, he had already regained control of his emotions and spoke calmly: “No, it just looks that way.”

“But your wound…” She recalled the ghastly bluish burn, her rare concern evident as she urged: “Let me see if it’s alright!”

Shi Luoyi’s voice softened amidst the rain, tender and sincere. Her hair clung to her face, her lashes dampened, and her earnest gaze was difficult to resist.

Bian Lingyu’s brows furrowed slightly as he remembered the grotesque wound. He shook his head.

If he refused to show her, she couldn’t force him.

“It’s raining. I’ll escort you back.”

The journey from the Punishment Hall to the outer disciples’ courtyard was long, passing through a small forest. She followed behind Bian Lingyu, aware of his frailty, and erected a barrier to shield him from the rain.

Bian Lingyu paused briefly, the bone spurs in his sleeves trembling as if yearning to extend backward and touch the girl behind him. But he restrained them, refraining from looking back at Shi Luoyi.

He disliked seeing gratitude or obligation in her eyes. Scornful of such things, he understood what true affection and indulgence meant—not merely duty or repayment.

Though he had cornered Bian Qingxuan earlier, he realized he was treading the same path as their father.

Bian Qingxuan’s cultivation was weakening, and Bian Lingyu wasn’t sure whether, if she ultimately favored Wei Changyuan, he would descend into the same monstrous state as their father.

When they reached the courtyard gate, Ding Bai was sheltering from the rain. After Bian Lingyu entered, Shi Luoyi hesitated before saying: “If you’re still unwell, have Ding Bai come find me. I’ll take you to Elder Hanshu.”

Given her temperament, she would have preferred to drag him there herself. But having forced him once before, she vowed never to do so again.

“Alright,” Bian Lingyu replied. Enduring the journey, the venom from the Cangwu Beast’s wounds nearly overwhelmed him, and he could barely suppress the scales threatening to sprout on his face. Nodding, he instructed Ding Bai to close the door.

Shi Luoyi watched as they shut the door, dispelling the barrier she had used to shield him from the rain. She herself was indifferent to the rain, allowing it to soak her hair and shoulders.

Still uneasy about Bian Lingyu’s condition, she didn’t return immediately. Instead, she turned and headed toward Elder Hanshu.

At this hour, the Alchemy Pavilion’s main hall was quiet, with disciples occupied in their respective alchemy rooms.

Pushing aside the bead curtain, she made her way to Hanshu’s chambers. However, Hanshu wasn’t inside. A young attendant, seeing her, informed her: “Senior Sister Luoyi is looking for Elder Hanshu? She’s in the alchemy room treating Senior Sister Qingxuan’s injuries.”

Shi Luoyi acknowledged this with a soft thank-you and turned toward the alchemy room.

Though she didn’t want to encounter Bian Qingxuan, the urgency of the situation took precedence. She was more concerned about Bian Lingyu’s wellbeing.

As the disciple had said, Hanshu was indeed in the alchemy room. Though a strict teacher, she was also a kind-hearted cultivator.

Shi Luoyi knocked lightly on the door. Hanshu turned and called out: “Luoyi?”

At the mention of her name, Shi Luoyi showed little reaction. However, Bian Qingxuan, seated before Hanshu and covered in injuries, stiffened visibly.

Turning her head away, she blocked Hanshu’s hand from applying medicine, her voice hoarse: “I’m fine, Master. Since you have a guest, please attend to them first.”

Her wounds were all the result of Shi Luoyi kicking her into the icy ravine.

In the past, whenever she encountered Shi Luoyi, Bian Qingxuan always played the victim to provoke anger. But this time, her expression remained cold, avoiding Shi Luoyi’s gaze entirely. Without another word, she brushed past her and left.

Shi Luoyi frowned. Why was she acting so strangely today?