| The Paternity Guard (PATERNITY) |
Sobs...
Why is my life so miserable...
Father died, and I was accused of being a demonic cultivator.
My elder brother disappeared after an incident and my other older brother never liked me, especially after they were almost executed and accused of being demonic cultivators themselves and then eventually eliminated by Martial Artists.
Using this as an excuse, they kicked her out and ended up in this unknown place, penniless. She only hopes to find her brother soon and escape this sorrowful fate.
Yan Caixia walked with tears streaming down as if they were free. She was no longer the pampered young miss. She wore rough clothes and her fingers roughened from labor along the way. With a little silver in hand, she arrived at Jingxin Town and hoping to find her brother, who mentioned owning property here from his past business dealings. Maybe she could find her brother here.
With a heart full of hope, Yan Caixia asked around as she walked. But even after walking the length of a long street, she found no clues. Yan Caixia squatted down in despair as her tears falling onto the ground. Suddenly, a group of dark figures surrounded her. Startled, Yan Caixia turned around, only to be gagged and dragged into an alley.
Who was it?
Struggling with all her might, Yan Caixia tried to break free.
"Don't scream, it's me, Your Brother!" a low, hoarse voice sounded in her ear and Yan Caixia stopped struggling.
At a corner, there was a small house, somewhat quaint but abandoned for a long time. Yan Caixia looked at her dejected brother Yan Yunsheng in front of her with her tears falling again. Yan Yunsheng, feeling annoyed, looked at her and then patted her head to try to comfort her, "Stop crying. I'm fine. What are you doing here?"
"Sob... I was kicked out by elder and second brothers. Brother, what are you really doing? Why are they saying all these things about you..." Yan Caixia recounted the wicked deeds of Yan Da and Yan Er and in the end, unable to hold back her questions.
Yan Yunsheng cursed them and vowed to have revenge in his heart but he still comforted Yan Caixia, "Stop crying. Women should stay at home. The less you know about the Martial Arts World, the better. Listen, stay indoors for a few days while I'm recovering. Can you help me with that?" Yan Caixia nodded, relieved to see her brother.
Yan Yunsheng had a tough few days. Although he had found a place to stay temporarily, he hardly dared to go out. He was severely injured by Xing Beiming last time and fled several times without a chance to heal properly. Also, he had been hunted down by unknown assailants, causing his nerves to be stretched to the limit. And these days, the mysterious person who was after him hadn't made any moves. He didn't know if they were watching him closely or had given up.
It was really tormenting for him...
"Oh? Someone in Jingxin Town is using Blood Devil Palm? Do we have anyone there?" Informed by a subordinate, Yin Ji pondered.
"No, although there are many branches in the Central Plains, there is none in Jingxin Town," Zuo Wuxiao said, also intrigued.
"Interesting. Send a word to find that person and learn about their background. I remember there's a traitor in the palace who even tried to tarnish my reputation. How can I let them off easily?" Yin Ji commanded.
"Yes, Your Highness," Zuo Wuxiao acknowledge.
In fact, he have a good idea in mind. This blood-sucking healing technique must have originated from someone's hands and I'm sure World's Supreme Fortress wouldn't easily let this person off. If caught by them, one might die a quicker death. If caught by the Palace Master, alas, one can only pray for a less gruesome death.
Yan Caixia felt more at ease after finding her brother. As she walked through the streets, she could finally look around and see things she liked. Passing by a fruit stall, she overheard people talking about recent events in town. She couldn't help but think of the dark red stains in their courtyard but just assumed that they were animal bloodstains. Now, with the rumors she heard, she couldn't help but fear.
How could her brother become like this? Was it all just her imagination?
Although there were troubles in town, it didn't stop the weddings from happening.
Yan Caixia watched a joyful wedding procession pass by with a red sedan chair while feeling sorrowful.
If Father were still alive, she would still be the Young lady of the Yan family and would have married someone much better than her current fate. Her husband would have been exceptional, just like... just like Lord Xing. Handsome and extraordinary with impeccable character and background.
She wonders if he still remembers her?
Yan Caixia blushed at the thought, feeling as though she had already boarded the bridal sedan chair. Suddenly, firecrackers brought her back to reality.
She returned to the courtyard on where Yan Yunsheng hadn't come out for a long time. Since Yan Yunsheng strictly prohibited her from entering his room, Yan Caixia restrained her curiosity and worries.
As the sky darkened, Yan Caixia sat by a small pond and picking up a twig to sketch her ideal partner. Soon, a man with long hair appeared by the pond. Before Yan Caixia could express her joy, her brother, Yan Yunsheng, sneered from behind, "Little sister, who is this gentleman you're drawing? Could it be your sweetheart?"
Yan Caixia blushed and stood up while scolding, "Brother, don't talk nonsense! Actually, it doesn't look anything like him; he's much more handsome in person!"
Yan Yunsheng, feeling slightly better from his injuries, took the opportunity to talk to her, "Then tell me who he is? Should I go propose on your behalf when I'm better?"
Yan Caixia hesitated, "What are you saying? He is the Lord of World's Supreme Fortress. How could he be interested in me?"
Yan Yunsheng's expression changed, "What did you say? The Lord of World's Supreme Fortress?"
Yan Caixia was startled. "Brother, what's wrong with you? Why do you look so terrible? What happened to Lord Xing?"
Yan Yunsheng sneered and angrily stomped on the ground a few times to crush the figure. "What's wrong?! I want him dead!"
"Brother! What are you doing?" Yan Caixia stopped Yan Yunsheng's frenzied actions. "Lord Xing is such a good person, how could he..."
"You know nothing! He's the culprit who destroyed our family! He caused father's death and turned your brother and me into this miserable state! I can't stand anyone liking that scoundrel!" Yan Yunsheng's hatred surged out.
Yan Caixia was stunned as she was speechless for a moment and then said in despair, "You're talking nonsense!"
Yan Yunsheng sneered. "Nonsense? Why don't you go inquire around in the Martial Arts World? If father finds out, he'll jump out of his coffin in rage!"
Thinking of the rumors, Yan Caixia wiped away her tears and said with resentment, "Do you think I haven't investigated? They all say father was part of the demonic sect, causing many deaths. Lord Xing upheld justice! Is what they say true? And brother, why are you hiding here? Can you tell me?"
Yan Yunsheng widened his eyes incredulously. "Nonsense! How dare you speak ill of father and your brother! Have you lost your mind? Even if father did wrong, he's still our father. That's an unchangeable fact!"
Yan Caixia, with dried tear streaks on her face, looked at Yan Yunsheng and pointed to the ground at the corner. "Then tell me, where did that blood come from? I may be weak as a woman but I can see through this! Don't try to deceive me!"
Yan Yunsheng's face turned ugly and wished he could slap her.
What was he doing, revealing so much to an outsider at this time?!
Clapping sounds suddenly echoed in the courtyard, followed by a happy voice, "How intriguing. Are the siblings turning against each other? Yan Yunsheng, you've reached this point, so it's better to end it yourself now. Maybe your obedient little sister can shed a few tears for you. If it's too late, it'll be vengeance~"
Yan Yunsheng tensed up while Yan Caixia, afraid, stepped aside and then stared at the man in white before her. Yan Yunsheng said, "Humph! I knew you wouldn't be fooled by what's happening here. Didn't expect you to arrive so soon! So, does Yin Ji, want you to kill me?"
"That's because your hiding spot is too close to the Palace Master. Palace Master naturally won't go easy on traitors, especially since you dared to harm the Palace Master. If you don't want to die a gruesome death, better end it yourself, right?" Zuo Wuxiao smiled lightly.
Yan Yunsheng secretly gathered energy causing a red glow appearing in his palm. "Only a fool would wait for death. Even in death, I'll drag you down with me!" With that, he attacked.
Zuo Wuxiao dodged with a smile. "First time someone wants to drag me down. Interesting! Do you think your skills can match mine?"
His initially cheerful expression turned grim, and the tip of his white jade fan gleamed mysteriously. A lethal move was blocked and the black-clothed figure surrounded by darkness spoke in a deep voice, "Apologies, this is my mission."
Zuo Wuxiao looked surprised. Although the face was hidden behind a copper mask, he knew who it was….
He thought before saying, "Alright, he's yours. No need to hold back." He stepped aside and pointed at Yan Caixia's neck, causing her to faint without a sound.
Zuo Wuxiao swiftly left after ensuring everything was in order before departing.
———
Elegantly dressed figures flew in from the dim sky. Yin Ji grabbed Zuo Wuxiao, asking, "Where's the person?"
Zuo Wuxiao pointed to the courtyard gate behind him. Yin Ji pushed him aside and entered the room but found only Yan Yunsheng's corpse and the unconscious Yan Caixia. There was no one else in the courtyard. Yin Ji looked at Zuo Wuxiao with a stern face. Zuo Wuxiao shyly smiled, "I underestimated his skills. Didn't expect him to be this good."
Yin Ji glanced outside and casually said, "Forget it, the appointment for June is almost here. I don't mind this delay. Take his body back. He died too easily..."
Zuo Wuxiao immediately agreed while wondering why Yin Ji rushed here if he wasn't in a hurry. But he wasn't foolish enough to expose his Palace Master's weakness. He took Yan Yunsheng away and ignored how Yan Caixia would react upon waking up.
The two of them left the courtyard and outside the courtyard wall, a person finally exhaled the breath he had been holding for a long time. He speculated that since Zuo Wuxiao easily let go, there must be some action planned.
Indeed...
Was what he mentioned the June agreement with his Master? There was a firm determination in his eyes as he subtly shifted his posture and the dark figure vanished on the spot.
The mountain road was rugged and a heavy rainstorm was approaching. There were no nearby villages to seek shelter, so Xing Beiming took out a coat from his bag and draped it over Shi Qi's shoulder while asking thoughtfully, "This place seems somewhat familiar? It's been a long time since I wandered the Jianghu; I'm quite rusty."
After carefully observing the terrain of the hill and connecting it to the town ahead, Shi Qi deliberated before speaking, "Master, this is the territory of the Fufeng Sect.”
.jpg)