Candlelight flickered within Tianxiang Pavilion, and the fragrance of spirit tea rose in curling wisps. Yuyi picked up his teacup, took a light sip, and his gaze swept over the spirit cuisine delicacies on the table as he nodded slightly to Shuangtong.
The table was filled with exquisite spirit cuisine. A pot of spirit chicken soup gleamed golden and translucent, spiritual energy swirling like threads on the soup's surface, releasing an enticing savory aroma. Beside it was a steamed spirit fish, its body silver-white as snow, with faint green spiritual light visible flowing through it. There was also a dish of spirit herb stewed meat, the medicinal fragrance of the spirit herbs perfectly blended with the meat's aroma.
"Alliance Master Shuangtong, please enjoy the meal."
Shuangtong raised her eyes, her green robes flowing like water, a flash of surprise crossing her gaze. She had expected Yuyi to pursue the daytime matter, but instead he was so composed. She thought to herself: This Valley Master Yuyi is quite an interesting person, not aggressive like ordinary sect leaders. She was about to mention the daytime conflict when Yuyi raised his hand to stop her.
"Regarding today's matter, I will have those responsible personally apologize to the Alliance Master." Yuyi's voice was calm and firm. "Youyue Valley will not let the Silver Moon Alliance suffer unjust grievances."
Shuangtong heard this, and a glint of appreciation flashed in her eyes. She put down her teacup and said indifferently: "Valley Master Yuyi need not take it to heart. I am not one to hold grudges. Since the Valley Master has made his decision, I will not pursue the matter further."
Yuyi smiled slightly and raised his cup in a gesture. The two looked at each other and drank, the atmosphere gradually easing.
After dining for a while, Yuyi suddenly asked: "I heard that Linzhou's reputation is poor. May I ask the reason?"
At these words, Canglang's forehead immediately broke out in cold sweat, sliding down his cheeks. He put down his chopsticks, his hands trembling slightly, and stood up cupping his hands: "Valley Master, this subordinate has failed in management, causing the Linzhou branch's reputation to be damaged. This subordinate is willing to accept punishment." His voice carried obvious trembling, his eyes flickering, not daring to meet Yuyi's gaze directly.
Yuyi's gaze sharpened as he said gravely: "Canglang, as a protector, you allowed your subordinates to act so recklessly, behaving inappropriately without regard for circumstances—what kind of conduct is this?"
Canglang lowered his head, his voice trembling: "This subordinate knows his crime. This subordinate failed to restrain his subordinates, causing frequent incidents with brothels, ruining Youyue Valley's reputation." His entire body was stiff, cold sweat soaking his back.
Shuangtong remained silent to the side, not interfering in Youyue Valley's internal affairs.
Yuyi sighed, put down his teacup, and looked at Canglang with complex emotions: "I also bear responsibility for this matter. As Valley Master, I failed to detect the branch's problems in time, causing the people of Linzhou to suffer."
Shuangtong heard this, a flash of surprise in her eyes. She hadn't expected Yuyi to voluntarily take responsibility—this breadth of character made her see him in a new light.
The two dined for about an hour, conversing pleasantly. Yuyi spoke elegantly and was knowledgeable, and Shuangtong gradually let down her guard, discussing interesting stories from the cultivation world with him.
After the meal, Shuangtong suddenly asked: "Valley Master Yuyi, there is something I don't understand. During the day today, you were cold and distant to other faction leaders, yet you made an exception for me. Why?"
Yuyi heard this and looked at Shuangtong with a gentle gaze, answering frankly: "I have a good impression of Alliance Master Shuangtong. Though you are the master of the Silver Moon Alliance, you are proud and dignified, neither humble nor arrogant. I admire this pride."
Shuangtong was slightly startled, then smiled indifferently: "Valley Master Yuyi overpraises. Since this is the case, would the Valley Master be willing to tour Linzhou's scenic spots? I could serve as your guide."
Yuyi shook his head in refusal: "Thank you for the Alliance Master's kind offer. But I have many matters to attend to on this trip, and after handling them, I must return to Zhongzhou City overnight. When there is time in the future, I will tour with the Alliance Master."
Shuangtong nodded in understanding and rose to take her leave. Yuyi saw her to the entrance of Tianxiang Pavilion, watching her figure disappear into the night.
Returning to the inner chamber of Tianxiang Pavilion, Yuyi's expression instantly turned cold. He sat in the main seat, his gaze sharp as a blade, staring at Canglang.
"Canglang, I warn you—if this happens again, I will not show mercy."
Canglang knelt on the ground, his forehead touching the floor: "This subordinate will keep this in mind and will never offend again."
Yuyi said gravely: "Who is the mastermind behind the brothel matter?"
Canglang hesitated for a moment, then said in a low voice: "It is Hanmei, under Hall Master Moyun."
Yuyi's brow furrowed: "Moyun? The master of Hanyue Hall?"
Canglang nodded: "Exactly. Hanmei is Hall Master Moyun's trusted aide, with powerful techniques, deeply trusted by Hall Master Moyun. Hall Master Moyun takes good care of her, and the two share a deep bond."
Yuyi snorted coldly: "Canglang, as a protector, you allowed your subordinates to act so recklessly—what crime do you deserve?"
Canglang's entire body trembled, cold sweat pouring like rain: "This subordinate knows his crime. This subordinate failed to restrain Hall Master Moyun, allowing Hanmei and others to act so boldly."
Yuyi stood up, hands behind his back, his voice icy: "I give you two hours to handle those responsible. Those who deceived others—expel them from Youyue Valley. Those who laid hands on women within the valley—execute them. If you dare to protect anyone, don't blame me for disregarding past relationships."
Canglang kowtowed: "This subordinate obeys the order and dares not protect anyone."
Yuyi waved his hand to dismiss Canglang. Canglang felt as if granted amnesty and quickly left Tianxiang Pavilion, rushing back to the Linzhou branch.
Returning to the branch, Canglang immediately summoned all relevant personnel. The courtyard was brightly lit, with dozens of Youyue Valley disciples kneeling in a group, trembling. Moonlight like water spilled on the blue stone ground, reflecting everyone's terrified faces.
"Protector, have mercy! We know our mistakes!" Someone cried out begging for mercy.
Canglang's face was expressionless as he said coldly: "The Valley Master has ordered: those who deceived others are to be expelled from Youyue Valley; those who laid hands on women within the valley are to be executed. Regarding today's matter, if I protect anyone, I am seeking my own death."
With that, he waved his hand, and dozens of enforcement disciples drew their swords. Screams rose one after another, and the smell of blood filled the courtyard. Dozens were executed on the spot, their blood staining the blue stone ground. Hundreds were stripped of their Youyue Valley status, crying as they were driven out of Linzhou.
Just then, a black figure swept into the courtyard. Moyun, dressed in black combat attire, pulled a white-robed woman along and rushed straight toward Canglang.
"Protector Canglang, wait!" Moyun shouted loudly.
Canglang turned to look, his brow furrowing: "Hall Master Moyun, what brings you here?"
Moyun shielded the white-robed woman behind her and said gravely: "Hanmei is from my Hanyue Hall. I request to see the Valley Master to plead for her."
Canglang snorted coldly: "Moyun, if you dare to protect her, I'm afraid you won't even be able to save yourself. The Valley Master is angry right now—you'd best think carefully."
Moyun gritted her teeth: "Hanmei's techniques are powerful, and she is loyal to Youyue Valley. Though she erred, her crime does not warrant death. I must speak on her behalf."
Canglang sighed: "If you insist on going, I cannot stop you. But remember, we both know the Valley Master's temper."
Moyun nodded, pulling Hanmei as she rushed toward Tianxiang Pavilion's main building.
In the main building, Yuyi sat with closed eyes, his aura restrained. Moyun pushed open the door, bringing Hanmei to kneel on the ground.
"Valley Master, Moyun pleads for Hanmei!" Moyun said loudly.
Yuyi slowly opened his eyes, looking indifferently at Moyun and Hanmei.
"Hall Master Moyun, do you know your crime?"
Moyun kowtowed: "This subordinate knows the crime. But Hanmei's techniques are powerful, and she is loyal to Youyue Valley. Though she erred, her crime does not warrant death. I beg the Valley Master to show mercy."
Yuyi's gaze turned to Hanmei: "You are Hanmei?"
Hanmei raised her head, her features delicate, her gaze determined. She cupped her hands: "Subordinate Hanmei, a disciple of Tianjian Sect's Sword Sect, currently a member of Youyue Valley's Hanyue Hall. The brothel matter was indeed orchestrated by this subordinate. But this subordinate has self-cultivated to Deity Transformation early stage and is loyal to Youyue Valley. I beg the Valley Master to show mercy and allow this subordinate to atone in other ways. This subordinate does not wish for my cultivation base to become nothing."
A flash of surprise crossed Yuyi's eyes. Deity Transformation early stage—this was already a top expert in Youyue Valley. He pondered for a moment and asked: "Your sect and techniques?"
Hanmei answered: "This subordinate is a disciple of Tianjian Sect's Sword Sect, cultivating the Heaven Sword Essence sword art."
Moyun added from the side: "Valley Master, Hanmei's techniques are even higher than mine. Not only is her sword art superb, but her mental method has also reached Nascent Soul peak stage."
Yuyi nodded slightly, thinking to himself: A Tianjian Sect Sword Sect disciple with such powerful techniques—truly a talent.
He stood up and said indifferently: "In that case, let me test your techniques."
With that, Yuyi raised his hand and struck, a portion of spiritual power transforming into formless sword qi, carrying fierce killing intent straight at Hanmei. The sword qi tore through the air, emitting a sharp whistling sound. Hanmei's expression remained unchanged as sword qi surged around her, a pale green sword qi shield condensing before her, steadily blocking Yuyi's attack.
A look of satisfaction flashed in Yuyi's eyes. He withdrew his spiritual power and nodded: "Not bad, your techniques are indeed solid."
Hanmei breathed a sigh of relief and kowtowed: "Thank you, Valley Master."
Yuyi stood with hands behind his back and said gravely: "Hanmei, I promote you to a member of Tianji Hall. From now on, you will only accept orders from me and the Vice Valley Master."
Hanmei heard this, and a flash of surprise and gratitude crossed her eyes: "Thank you, Valley Master, for the promotion! This subordinate will surely give my life in service!"
Yuyi's gaze turned to Moyun, his voice stern: "Moyun, Hanmei, I impose this punishment on you: you may never leave Youyue Valley. Do you accept this?"
Moyun and Hanmei looked at each other and said in unison: "We accept and will never betray Youyue Valley!"
Yuyi nodded and waved his hand to dismiss them. Moyun and Hanmei kowtowed in gratitude and withdrew from the main building.
Canglang waited outside the door, and seeing Moyun and Hanmei emerge, he hurried forward to inquire. Moyun briefly explained the situation, and Canglang breathed a sigh of relief, secretly glad that Yuyi hadn't pursued his responsibility further.
A moment later, Yuyi walked out of the main building and said to Canglang: "I have left Linzhou. Inform everyone."
Canglang bowed: "This subordinate obeys."
Yuyi said nothing more, leaped up, his form like lightning, rushing toward the night sky, heading straight for Zhongzhou City. The night wind whistled, blowing his robes.
The night wind howled, and Yuyi's figure disappeared into the bright moonlight. In the courtyard of the Linzhou branch, the smell of blood gradually dissipated, but tonight's events were deeply etched in everyone's hearts.
Hanmei stood in the courtyard, looking in the direction Yuyi had disappeared, a complex light flashing in her eyes. She knew that from now on, her fate was tightly bound to Youyue Valley.
And Yuyi, this mysterious Valley Master, would become the most important existence in her life.