C21 Yang Luoying

She had previously consulted with Lin Zhengyang. Although he had agreed, the right moment had never presented itself. Now that Yang Xiu had initiated the conversation, Aying was ecstatic.

"I'm willing, Grandpa, please say yes!" Aying's cheeks flushed with excitement as she clung to Yang Xiu's hand.

Lin Zhengyang furrowed his brow, puzzled, yet he chose not to question Yang Xiu. "Alright! If Aying is happy, I have no objections. But you must ensure her safety."

"Without a doubt. Even without your reminder, I would lay down my life to protect her."

Yang Xiu was filled with sorrow, but Aying, beaming, gazed at his profile, oblivious to his pain.

"Wow! This is wonderful! I have a brother now. Brother, brother, I have a family." Her face, alight with happiness, was streaked with tears of joy.

Yang Xiu tenderly wiped away Aying's tears. "From now on, you're part of my family. We'll share the surname Yang. How about the name Luoying?"

Aying nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! That name sounds so beautiful! I have a name now. My name is Luoying. I'm no longer just some wild child; I have a name, a surname, and a brother."

Hearing Aying's words, Yang Xiu felt a pang of pain. What kind of discrimination had she endured to be this overjoyed now?

"Indeed. From this moment forward, I'll call you Luoying. You're my sister, my own flesh and blood."

Joy radiated from Yang Xiu's face, yet his eyes betrayed a deep sadness that Lin Zhengyang noticed.

That night, Lin Zhengyang stealthily visited Yang Xiu's courtyard. Yang Xiu wasn't practicing his cultivation; instead, he was brewing tea.

"Come in, have a seat," Yang Xiu said, his spirits low.

Lin Zhengyang sat down. "Why not acknowledge the truth? You two are actual siblings, aren't you?"

Yang Xiu gave a wry smile. "He's forgotten his past. Why burden her with the truth now? She's too young to handle it." His despondency seemed to weigh down the very air around them.

Lin Zhengyang looked at him with respect. "Perhaps that's for the best. In a few years, when she's older, you can tell her the truth."

Yang Xiu nodded and poured a freshly brewed cup of tea for Lin Zhengyang.

"Give it a try! See what you think of my tea-making skills." Yang Xiu poured himself a cup as well.

"You mean Lin Yi, right? Rest assured, he's been taken care of by Aying. That significant threat has been eliminated. However, Lee Qingyuan and Wang Cheng have gone missing."

A look of distress crossed Lin Zhengyang's face; Lin Yi was a disciple he held dear.

Yang Xiu's brow furrowed. "This is troubling. We need to locate them quickly to avoid future problems." His eyes were icy with resolve.

Lin Zhengyang was well aware of the situation. "I've sent people to look for them. Hopefully, they'll return. They're to be my direct disciples, which will honor their hard work and talent."

Yang Xiu nodded. "The sect seems to have issues with me and Luoying. If it's inconvenient, I'll find a hidden place for us."

Yang Xiu's expression remained neutral, indicating he didn't consider the situation critical. What mattered more was that his location had been revealed, and such significant news couldn't stay secret for long. Leaving soon was the best course of action.

Lin Zhengyang gestured assertively, "There's no need for you to go. I can handle this. Stay here and be at peace; you don't need to leave."

Yang Xiu, harboring his own plans, chose not to disclose them. "Let's not. Given your not-so-spotless reputation, it's best not to linger. Besides, Luoying has enjoyed a year of safety thanks to you."

Without leaving room for Lin Zhengyang to object, Yang Xiu continued, "I'll take Luoying and depart first. We'll return to visit later. And please, keep my Yin Meridian safe."

Yang Xiu handed a scroll to Lin Zhengyang.

"This contains half of the Five-ghost Moving Technique. When I return for the Yin Meridian, I'll expect the other half."

With that, Yang Xiu shut the door firmly. Lin Zhengyang's face lit up with excitement at the sight of the Five-ghost Moving Technique.

Yet, in that instant, the news had already spread like wildfire. Cui Lang and Cui Yuanhai from the Three-essence Sect had gotten wind of Yang Xiu's whereabouts and knew he was at Mao Mountain.

"Uncle, Yang Xiu is currently at Mao Mountain. Our men have died in bandit territory, and Yang Xiu's traces were found at the scene. He has harmed his fellow disciples and betrayed the sect as an official disciple. We need to report this to the great elder."

Cui Lang's face was twisted into a sinister grin, as if he could already envision Yang Xiu's lifeless body before him.

Cui Yuanhai nodded, "You're right to handle it this way. But are you certain about your information? If it's incorrect, I can't guarantee your safety."

Despite their familial ties, in a world where power is paramount, Cui Yuanhai prioritized his own life above all else. That was just the kind of man he was.

Cui Lang nodded emphatically, "Uncle, this information came from one of my brothers on Mao Mountain. He's a straightforward and earnest man, and we've known each other since childhood. You know him—it's Wang Cheng."

After reflecting for a moment, Cui Yuanhai nodded, "I'm reassured then. Go get some rest tonight. Tomorrow, you'll accompany me to see the great elder."

Cui Lang's face lit up with joy, and without further inquiry, he departed.

Once Cui Lang had completely left, Cui Yuanhai contemplated briefly before stepping out into the night, making his way to the great elder's bamboo grove.

"Deacon Cui Yuanhai from the outer sect requests an urgent audience with the great elder," he announced, kneeling at the door with his identity plaque held aloft.

Moments later, the plaque soared into the air, and a voice called out, "Come in!"

The resonant voice of a middle-aged man filled the air.

Cui Yuanhai hurried inside.

After a thorough report, the great elder's anger was palpable as he slammed his hand down on the table, "This man must be executed. I will personally demand his presence tomorrow. Mao Mountain has recently suffered a significant disaster; it should be straightforward."

The middle-aged man, his face a mix of rage and haughtiness, declared, "Your diligence in reporting this matter is commendable. As a Deacon, your attention to detail is exemplary. You will join me tomorrow."

The great elder's commendation left Cui Yuanhai feeling as though he was on cloud nine. "With the great elder's involvement, we're bound to succeed. We'll show the world the might of our Three-essence Sect," he exclaimed with enthusiasm.

The great elder, however, waved his hand dismissively, a hint of impatience betraying his otherwise contented demeanor.

Cui Yuanhai made a hasty exit, eager to avoid any chance of displeasing the great elder.

The following day, Cui Lang sought out Cui Yuanhai, who then accompanied him to meet with the great elder.

"You've arrived. And who is this?" The great elder inquired, his satisfaction with Cui Yuanhai evident. He genuinely believed that Cui Yuanhai had the best interests of the Three-essence Sect at heart, which is why he had sought out the great elder at night, acting with both purpose and discretion.