Chapter Twenty-One: Conspiracy

“Master, hasn’t that boy returned yet?” Pei Yue’s gaze flickered, his voice cold.

Across from him, Duan Tianyi merely smiled. It had now been ten days since Long Yun’s disappearance, and in that time, nearly every disciple of the Heart Sword lineage had been mobilized in search of Long Yun, but their efforts yielded nothing.

Even Shangguan Yu, who had been secluded for a long time, joined in, and Xue Renqi’s brow had remained furrowed ever since.

“Isn’t this a good thing? If he doesn’t return, all hope for the Heart Sword lineage will be extinguished. I’d like to see how Xue Renqi can still smile then!” A gleam flashed in Duan Tianyi’s eyes.

Pei Yue’s expression flickered, a flash of hatred in his eyes before he sighed. “It’s just a pity. The humiliation he inflicted upon me can never truly be repaid.”

Duan Tianyi rose at those words, laughing loudly. “Now it’s not just the Heart Sword lineage—even the Grand Elder’s Sky Sword disciples are involved in the search. I suspect that even if he escapes from the hands of those fiends of the demon realm, he will never make it back.”

“Master…” Pei Yue, hearing the contradictory tone in Duan Tianyi’s words, couldn’t help but show a hint of confusion.

Duan Tianyi seemed to realize he’d said too much and waved his sleeve, saying, “This isn’t something you need to understand. Go now.”

Seeing Duan Tianyi’s sour expression, Pei Yue dared not ask further and quietly withdrew.

“Grand Elder, I hope you succeed. It’s best if that boy never returns. If he does… hmph!” A strange arc curled Duan Tianyi’s lips, a sharp light bursting in his eyes.

In a tranquil little village, wisps of smoke began to rise from the chimneys. This simple and peaceful life, lived for more than ten days now, made Long Yun yearn more deeply for the serenity and harmony of rural existence.

The delicate aroma of fresh fish wafted through the air as Long Yun strode to the entrance of the white-robed woman’s room. After ten days of recuperation, the woman’s injuries had improved somewhat, though the severity of her wounds and her refusal to let Long Yun help with his healing techniques meant her recovery was not swift.

Knocking gently on the wooden door, Long Yun entered.

Inside, the cottage was suffused with a subtle, soothing fragrance. Long Yun stepped in, searching for the familiar figure, but the bed was empty—she was nowhere to be seen.

“Hm?” Long Yun’s heart stirred, but he quickly understood: she must have left without saying goodbye. Staring at the empty bed, he felt a pang of loss.

As he lingered in thought, a sudden, icy murderous aura enveloped him. In an instant, a sharp, chill blade seemed to pierce straight toward his throat.

Long Yun’s expression shifted dramatically. His vast sword intent surged out, sweeping forward like a tidal wave. The incoming sword energy was affected, pausing slightly.

It was only for a moment, but Long Yun had long awaited such an opportunity. Taking advantage of the brief delay, he abruptly retreated. His idea was sound, yet the other’s strength was vastly greater; the force barely faltered before breaking through his sword intent and pressing to his throat.

“I surrender!” Long Yun raised his hands, a wry smile on his lips. “I did save your life once—even if I offended you before, surely that balances things out. No need to thank me, but let’s not get too serious here.”

The figure before him was indeed the white-robed woman. Her fingers formed a sword, sword energy flickering and extending three feet, poised at Long Yun’s throat. A slight pressure would end his life.

“Hmph. Next time you enter without warning, I won’t be so forgiving!” The woman withdrew her sword energy. Her face, veiled, was pale, her slender body trembling briefly before she seated herself again at the bedside.

“How are you feeling? There’s no one else here; you needn’t be so guarded. If you aggravate your injury, you’ll be laid up even longer,” Long Yun said, helplessly.

“No matter,” she replied coolly, beginning to circulate her inner energy, ignoring Long Yun.

Long Yun gazed at her graceful figure with a sigh. Such a perfect woman, yet as cold as ancient ice—who in this world could truly be worthy of her?

“Brother, call your wife out for dinner. Your sister-in-law made fish soup with fresh catch today—a perfect tonic!” Daimo’s voice suddenly rang out.

Over more than ten days together, though neither Long Yun nor the woman ever explained their actual relationship, Daimo and Huang Yun had begun to sense something was amiss.

Long Yun and the white-robed woman seldom exchanged words, barely communicating at all. Only when Daimo and Huang Yun were present did the woman speak more, but she never smiled, nor showed warmth or affection.

Ever cold and distant, she kept everyone at bay. Daimo and his wife worried, thinking the young couple’s relationship was troubled. Huang Yun had tried talking to the woman, but she refused to discuss it, leaving Huang Yun sighing in frustration. She even tried matchmaking the two, but with little effect.

Long Yun smiled, replying to Daimo, “She’s not feeling well today, best let her rest. After we eat, I’ll bring her some food.”

Daimo didn’t insist, instead helping Huang Yun finish preparations.

Just then, a commotion erupted at the door, making Long Yun’s brows furrow.

“What a delicious aroma! Looks like Daimo’s family had a good harvest. We’ll feast today—fresh fish soup, what a treat!” Laughter echoed from outside.

Five figures appeared at the entrance, striding straight in. All five moved with steady, powerful steps, clearly trained in martial arts. Each wore a long blade at their waist.

Long Yun’s expression darkened. He’d seen fighters before, but never in this village, which was filled with simple mountain folk with no knowledge of cultivation.

Busy with daily survival, no one here had time for martial arts. These newcomers, so aggressive, were clearly trouble.

Daimo hurried out, greeting them with a forced smile. “Brother Hu, please come in! My wife just made fish soup—if you don’t mind, let your brothers join us for a meal and fill your stomachs.”

Daimo’s words sounded warm, but Long Yun, observant, saw worry and anxiety in Daimo’s eyes.

He quickly grasped the situation and quietly moved to the kitchen to help Huang Yun bring out the dishes.

Huang Yun fell silent, sighing inwardly, her brow furrowed. Long Yun’s anger grew—clearly Daimo and Huang Yun had suffered at the hands of these men.

“Good, you’re sensible. Have you prepared this month’s rent? The brothers up the mountain are waiting to eat!” Brother Hu, the leader, sat at the table, speaking boldly.

A hint of embarrassment crossed Daimo’s face. He hurried to explain, “Brother Hu, the harvest hasn’t been good, and Huang Yun’s cousin came from out of town seeking help. This month’s rent is hard for us. I know it’s not easy for you either, but could you give us a few more days? I’ll gather what I can and bring it to you.”

“Hmph!” Brother Hu slammed the table. “End-of-month rent is the rule set by the stronghold. Don’t play dumb with me, Daimo. Without rent, you could afford to eat like this? Hmph, you think I’m a fool?”

As Brother Hu grew angry, the other four stood, ready to seize Daimo.

Hearing the commotion, Long Yun and Huang Yun rushed out. Huang Yun hurried to Brother Hu’s side, smiling ingratiatingly. “Please don’t be angry, Brother Hu. My cousin’s wife was wounded by a wild beast and is recovering, so we spent extra this month. We really don’t have enough, but we’ll make it up as soon as we can. Please, for the sake of our honest lives, grant us a few more days.”

“No! I don’t care about your reasons. The rent must be paid. If you can’t pay today, don’t blame us for being rough. Your belongings should probably be moved as well!” Brother Hu’s eyes gleamed.

Daimo and Huang Yun turned pale. At that moment, a calm voice rang out: “You should leave. Not a single thing here will be taken by you.”

A slender, graceful figure stepped out from within the cottage.