Chapter 108: Gu Maiden (21)

By the time Tong Ling turned back, Xie Xuefeng had vanished without a trace. She couldn’t help but marvel—indeed, this was none other than Xie Xuefeng; with his escape skills alone, he could likely survive in the jianghu for quite some time.

That’s perfect. If he couldn’t run away, things would become far too dull.

Xie Xuefeng may have fled, but the remaining young heroes and heroines had no intention of leaving. Having witnessed firsthand the drama of a scoundrel betraying a devoted heart, they felt immense sympathy for the wronged party. Why would they want to depart now? Moreover, this demoness hadn’t harmed anyone. Her kindness towards them, despite their intent to kill her, clearly indicated that not a single word of Xie Xuefeng’s portrayal of a “demonic enchantress” held true!

On the contrary, Xie Xuefeng himself matched the rumors—a hypocritical villain masquerading as a gentleman. They truly regretted ever trusting him!

“Young lady, why waste your thoughts on such scum? Even if you ruin his marriage pact, it’s merely what he deserves!” consoled a young hero from Diancang Sect.

“In my opinion, killing him wouldn’t be unjustified. How can you even consider dying by his hand? Please don’t do anything foolish!” added the newly appointed leader of Hua Jian Sect, a radiant heroine.

“Does that scoundrel even deserve to be Alliance Chief?” spat the young hero from the Tang Sect, his disdain for Xie Xuefeng reaching its peak.

Surrounded by a group of handsome and beautiful jianghu heroes, Tong Ling maintained a sorrowful expression. “It’s only right that he couldn’t accept me,” she lamented. “After all, I am from the demon cult…”

“I don’t care about any demon cult or not,” said the young hero from Diancang Sect, blushing. “In my eyes, you’re wonderful.”

“The demon cult has been eradicated; if you’ve never harmed anyone, you bear no connection to them!” another heroine chimed in.

“Yes, yes,” echoed the crowd in agreement.

“But given the countless crimes committed by the demon cult, it’s hard for me to escape blame…” Tong Ling began.

Before she could continue, Buddhist Monk Chengming clarified, “Xiling, the demon cult turned you into a Gu person against your will—you were their victim. Why burden yourself with their guilt?”

“Gu person? What is a Gu person?” the young heroes and heroines curiously asked.

Luo Qinghe snorted coldly. “A Gu person is someone artificially created to serve as sustenance for Gu insects; only one in ten thousand ever survives.”

He turned to Xiling. “The demon cult saw you merely as fodder for their Gu. There’s no need for you to identify with them.”

“Actually, the demon cult wasn’t always like that,” Tong Ling sighed. “Our sect was originally a Holy Order, established primarily to spread faith and protect our community. When I was taken in by the Holy Order, I felt like my life had finally improved—never expecting it would later turn out…”

Tong Ling’s eyes welled with tears, and she didn’t wish to say any more.

These young heroes were already brimming with passion, and upon witnessing Miss Xiling’s tragic circumstances, they felt not just sympathy but an even greater surge of affection toward her.

“Miss Xi…”

“Miss Xi…”

They pulled out all sorts of amusing quips, each stealing glances at Xiling while their feet seemed rooted to the ground, none willing to leave.

As Luo Qinghe watched Xiling surrounded by the crowd, surprisingly, he felt no anger in that moment.

Having witnessed Xiling’s “special” treatment of Xie Xuefeng, Chengming felt no hostility toward these individuals. Clearly, Medicine Master Luo Qinghe harbored similar thoughts; their gazes met, and each understood the other’s intent.

“You’re just going to let Xie Xuefeng off?” Luo Qinghe asked as he approached Buddhist Monk Chengming.

“What else can we do?” Chengming replied coldly. “Xiling is unwilling to harm him…”

Luo Qinghe sensed the faint aura of killing intent emanating from Chengming, slightly astonished. “I didn’t expect even you, Buddhist disciple, to entertain such murderous thoughts. The Lust Gu has truly affected you deeply.”

“And what about you?” Chengming countered. “Have you found a cure for the Gu yet?”

Luo Qinghe’s expression stiffened momentarily. ”…My medical skills fall short.”

“If not even the Medicine Sage of Medicine King Valley could resolve this Lust Gu, it seems there’s no one in the world capable of doing so.” Chengming recalled Xiling’s words about feeling unworthy of him, and his heart throbbed with dull pain once more.

“Xiling desires death—what should we do?” Luo Qinghe vehemently opposed watching Xiling willingly meet her demise, but those afflicted by the Gu couldn’t resist her requests, making the situation particularly troublesome.

“If she wishes for Xie Xuefeng to have everything, then let us fulfill her desire and grant her peace,” Chengming said, a plan forming within his mind—one that required Luo Qinghe’s cooperation as well. “Xiling wants to die, but we mustn’t allow it. Can you manage this?”

Luo Qinghe’s eyes flickered, a smile already curving his lips. “How difficult could it be?”

“Once Xiling sees Xie Xuefeng achieve success and secure a fulfilling marriage, I will take her away from the jianghu to live in seclusion,” Chengming continued. “From then on, matters of the jianghu can proceed however they may.”

Maha muttered, “What a clever feint! Are you planning to put on a show just for Xiling?” He didn’t overlook the phrase “however they may.” “By saying ‘however they may,’ do you mean you won’t hinder me when the time comes?”

Chengming neither confirmed nor denied Maha’s words; his impassive face revealed nothing of his thoughts.

Yet Maha felt quite contented, inwardly thinking, Buddhist Monk Chengming, what difference is there between you and me?

Luo Qinghe was less satisfied with Chengming’s idea of taking Xiling into seclusion. “Seclusion? Are you certain Xiling would willingly leave with you?”

Chengming ceased responding, silently reciting Buddhist scriptures in his mind until his emotions gradually settled.

“Ahem.” Suddenly there came a faint cough.

Buddhist Monk Chengming’s brows furrowed—this sound… Who else was hiding nearby?!

He couldn’t tell how long this person had been concealed, but their ability to remain undetected for such a duration indicated no small level of skill.

“Who’s lurking about?” Luo Qinghe also became cautious. He now placed utmost importance on Xiling’s safety, fearing that someone might secretly sabotage his and the Buddhist disciple’s plans.

After revealing themselves, the individual stepped out confidently. It was a beautiful youth; one glance at his face told Luo Qinghe that he suffered from a grave illness. The youth could only maintain steady health through both rare medicinal decoctions and the internal cultivation techniques he practiced.

To cultivate such remarkable martial prowess despite being gravely ill, this young man was undoubtedly exceptional.

Upon emerging, the youth cupped his hands toward them with a grateful expression. “For considering Ling-er so thoughtfully, Lianzhou is deeply indebted.”

“And you are?” As soon as Chengming heard these words, he felt somewhat uneasy.

Luo Qinghe’s reaction was more pronounced; he asked outright, “Ling-er? What is your relationship with Xiling?”

The youth glanced toward Xiling, and within this single glance lay boundless affection and adoration. “Ling-er is my beloved. Unfortunately, she fell for Xie Xuefeng’s deception and never listened to my advice—even letting him escape on his wedding day…” He sighed.

Then the youth introduced himself: “My name is Meng Lianzhou. In these past days, while I was away from Ling-er, it was thanks to you both that she was taken care of.”

Chengming and Luo Qinghe were rendered speechless.

Luo Qinghe didn’t forget to shoot a look at Chengming. These words sounded terribly familiar—what did the Buddhist disciple make of them?

With downcast eyes, Chengming spoke gently. “Since Ling-er has me, there is no need for concern.”

Maha remained silent, but internally thought, Wow, this monk changes every day—and so quickly too, even changing how he addresses her!

Luo Qinghe chuckled dryly. “It was I who took care of Ling-er, you know.”

As soon as Meng Lianzhou appeared, Tong Ling’s attention shifted to him. Leading those jianghu heroes who had been circling around her, she walked toward the trio.

Tong Ling wasn’t surprised that Meng Lianzhou would show up; wherever there was commotion, Meng Lianzhou wouldn’t be far behind—after all, he was known as the foremost stirrer of shit in the jianghu. Rather, it was impressive that Meng Lianzhou managed to hold back this long without disrupting her script, displaying remarkable restraint and obedience.

In recognition of Meng Lianzhou’s good behavior and understanding, Tong Ling adopted a cordial tone with him. “Lianzhou, what brings you here?”

Meng Lianzhou effortlessly slipped into his act. The corners of his eyes reddened, and his voice trembled as he said, “If I hadn’t arrived, were you truly willing to die at Xie Xuefeng’s hand? Ling-er, how could you be so foolish!”

Meng Lianzhou had followed Xie Xuefeng’s group to the manor. The Demon-Slaying Assembly orchestrated by Xie Xuefeng boasted quite a spectacle, and since Meng Lianzhou wanted to find Xiling anyway, he simply trailed after them, curious about their plans.

Little did he expect that this curiosity would lead him to witness such an extraordinary performance. When Xiling professed her love to Xie Xuefeng, Meng Lianzhou nearly burst out laughing.

Unlike others, Meng Lianzhou, as the “leading man” of that bridal chamber incident, knew from start to finish that Xiling’s words to Xie Xuefeng were lies. Yet these falsehoods had thoroughly stunned everyone, even Xie Xuefeng himself. If Meng Lianzhou didn’t understand that Xiling was orchestrating something significant, he would hardly be worthy of being her “husband”!

Life without Xiling was unbearably dull; only by her side did he find joy. As for the Buddhist disciple and Medicine Sage, Meng Lianzhou believed Xiling held no deep affections for them. She was always like this—seeing how many people she enticed, it was clear no one could truly bind her.

Meng Lianzhou simply needed to know that Xiling required him. Just as Xiling orchestrated Xie Xuefeng’s marriage to the “Meng Family’s Young Lady,” it wasn’t a blessing but a torment.

Meng Lianzhou was more than willing to play along with Xiling’s plans. Their brief night as husband and wife felt far too short; he yearned for a lasting union.

Tong Ling undoubtedly needed Meng Lianzhou. In the original plot, his role was substantial, and no one else could replace him. Moreover, Meng Lianzhou proved to be an exceptional actor; without Tong Ling needing to say anything, his performance alone was enough to captivate anyone.

“I…” Tong Ling turned away, her voice firm, “Don’t try to persuade me anymore; my decision is made. I must ensure that Xie Lang ascends to the position of Alliance Chief with great pomp and glory.”

“Xie Lang, Xie Lang…” Meng Lianzhou’s eyes reddened. “Is that man truly so unforgettable for you? Have you forgotten what he did?”

“Lianzhou, please stop,” Tong Ling sobbed. “Let this be considered a debt I owe him. If you genuinely care for me, then help me…”

Meng Lianzhou sighed deeply. “Y-you, what am I to do with you…”

Exchanging glances, they默契ly continued smearing Xie Xuefeng’s reputation further. Only when the young heroes and heroines erupted in outraged denunciations did they pause, beginning instead to strategize how to build momentum against Xie Xuefeng over the next two days.

Their conversation had barely begun when a cloaked figure dressed in black, wielding a curved sword at his waist, arrived alongside a group of guards led by a youth in splendid attire on horseback. Tong Ling whispered softly, “Now everyone has gathered.”

The little gongzi and Sanar had encountered each other midway, immediately descending into a heated argument that left both in foul moods.

“Why weren’t you guarding Xiling to protect her?” The little gongzi hadn’t realized that the sword wielder challenging Xie Xuefeng all these days was none other than this odd creature. What use was it for a guard to spar with Xie Xuefeng instead of focusing on his mistress’s safety?

“I have yet to fulfill Xiling’s instructions,” Sanar replied. Before leaving, the priestess had commanded him to land more blows on Xie Xuefeng. Believing he hadn’t met this requirement, Sanar naturally couldn’t simply let Xie Xuefeng go unpunished and return.

“Then why didn’t you follow him during the Demon-Slaying Assembly?” the little gongzi pressed. “Couldn’t even keep tabs on him?”

Sanar’s eyes blazed with fury. “I was obstructed.”

Ever since Sanar began challenging Xie Xuefeng, various nuisances had consistently cropped up over the following days. He knew they were undoubtedly sent by Xie Xuefeng himself. While hiding away in the Xie Manor, Xie Xuefeng covertly dispatched others to deal with Sanar—truly shameless!

The little gongzi gritted his teeth. “Xie Xuefeng also sent someone to block my path.”

Otherwise, he wouldn’t have arrived so late with their entourage.

Fortunately, Xiling seemed unharmed. As the little gongzi and Sanar observed the group of jianghu heroes doting attentively on her, only one question lingered in their minds—had they missed something significant?

Two days later.

Xie Xuefeng had spent these two days recuperating at his family’s manor, yet he hadn’t forgotten to inquire about the fate of the elite cultivators he’d brought with him. Now under Xiling’s control and harboring deep misconceptions against him, confronting them would prove immensely challenging if they turned against him.

He began to understand what it meant to hoist a stone only to drop it on one’s own foot. Every person he led away had fallen under that vixen Xiling’s sway, further bolstering her influence. How could he possibly contend with her now?

Despite this, he couldn’t easily trust her. The trauma from their aborted wedding ran too deep; Xie Xuefeng found it impossible to forget such humiliation.

“Xie Lang, I will grant you everything you desire.”

“This demoness herself shall die by your hand…”

Xie Xuefeng couldn’t help but recall Xiling’s words, feeling increasingly certain they weren’t lies. Killing him would have been effortless for her. With her ability to control so many through poison and gu, adding him to her thrall would’ve been insignificant. Why, then, did only he return unscathed? It made no sense.

Still, trusting her was not an easy choice. The shadow cast by their failed marriage lingered heavily, making it difficult for Xie Xuefeng to overcome the shame.

A knock sounded at the door, followed by a servant’s voice outside, “Young master, Buddhist Monk Chengming, the little gongzi of Wan Jian Manor, the successor of Hua Jian Sect, and others request an audience.”

“Didn’t I already say they’re accomplices of that enchantress?” Xie Xuefeng drew a small sword from his sleeve, his expression cold. “Aren’t they planning to attack the Xie family?”

Xie Xuefeng knew his resistance was futile; he couldn’t match the Medicine Sage’s poison mastery nor Buddhist Monk Chengming’s martial prowess. As for the elite representatives from major sects, their combined strength nearly represented half the power of the entire jianghu—how could the Xie family possibly stand against such forces?

After two days of apparent calm, were these people finally ready to make their move against him?

“No, young master,” the attendant replied. “They claim they’ve come to fulfill Miss Xi’s promise to you.”

The attendant hesitated before continuing, “Young master, have you heard any news outside?”

Xie Xuefeng’s face tensed. “What news?”

“They say, young master, that you found the demoness from the cult. A large crowd has gathered outside, all waiting for you…” The attendant paused briefly before adding, “…waiting for you to slay the enchantress!”

Shocked, Xie Xuefeng asked, “Is this true?”

“Young master, the election for the Alliance Chief is about to begin as well. Are you truly not going out?” The attendant struggled to understand why their young master had become so timid, hiding in his room since returning home two days ago without stepping foot outside.

Xie Xuefeng remained silent, contemplating his next move.

Xie Xuefeng walked to the window and pushed it open, peering outside.

The attendant was right; indeed, a large gathering of jianghu denizens had assembled around the Xie Manor. Their murmured conversations reached faintly into his ears.

“Can Xuezhu-gongzi truly slay that demoness?”

“How could he not? All the sects have declared they’ll follow Xie Xuefeng’s lead. With such support, how could a mere demoness stand a chance?”

“Xie Xuefeng commanding all these major sects? Does this mean everyone tacitly acknowledges him as the next Alliance Chief?”

Xie Xuefeng’s heart raced as his suppressed ambition began to resurface and spread.

Could she have been telling the truth? Was she truly going to help him?

He tried desperately to remain calm, but couldn’t manage it. With so many people gathered outside, surely Xiling wouldn’t deceive him by orchestrating such a vast charade involving the entire jianghu!

Approaching the door, Xie Xuefeng clenched and unclenched his fists several times before finally deciding to trust her once more.

With determination, he pushed open the room’s door and stepped out.