Chapter Thirty: An Unexpected Discovery, Divergent Thoughts

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“This sword is indeed formidable. Even with all of us working together, we still can’t break its seal!” Yu Xiaoran looked approvingly at the sword in his hand and smiled, showing not a trace of frustration or anger at having been injured by it.

“Yes, it seems we’ll have to wait for the other three to rejoin us before we can think of another way to reunite the swords.” Xiao Yin gazed at the sword in her hand with a tinge of disappointment, her tone resigned.

“Brother Yu, why do you look so troubled? Has something happened?” Yan Xue Su, noticing Yu Shang’s silence and furrowed brow, asked in confusion.

“Oh, it’s nothing. Perhaps I simply expended too much strength just now, and the injury from the seal has left me more fatigued than I realized.” Yu Shang replied mildly.

Yet, when he had just attempted to control the main sword, he had sensed something—could it be that one of the other three was nearby, perhaps even within the Yanlan Academy itself? There was a familiar sensation when all seven sword-bearers were gathered in one place, and what he felt from that person was strikingly similar. From earlier, Yu Shang had wondered if that individual was hidden within the academy, but unable to sense the main sword’s call without their own sword, they could not reveal themselves.

But then, he had seen very clearly the spot where Meng Youyuan had been standing—she should not have been struck by the backlash of the seal at all. That force had specifically sought her out and injured her. Why? Could she be one of the three? Was it that only the sword could truly discern its chosen one, and so had deliberately wounded her?

It was all so bizarre. If he hadn’t witnessed it himself, he would never have believed that a seemingly ordinary force could seek out its destined wielder and harm her. Should he tell the others? But this was only his speculation—would it be right to excite everyone over nothing? Moreover, Meng Youyuan had yet to find her sword. Perhaps it would be better to wait until all was settled before explaining anything.

“Has Brother Yu discovered something? Why does he look so preoccupied? Did he uncover some secret within the sword, and if so, why doesn’t he share it?” Leng Huaiyi, ever perceptive, noted Yu Shang’s odd behavior but, wisely, refrained from pressing further, instead letting his mind turn over the possibilities.

“Yuanyuan, are you all right? Why do you look so pale—did that force injure you?” Lan Wu asked anxiously, pulling at Meng Youyuan’s sleeve and inspecting her for any wounds.

“Don’t worry, Sister Lan Wu, I was only struck once. It’s nothing serious. I just need a little rest.” Meng Youyuan replied weakly.

When that force had struck her, it had not only injured her but also surged into her body, flowing slowly through her meridians. One moment she felt icy cold, the next unbearably hot. Yet, whenever the force reached her heart, she felt an inexplicable comfort—like a cool breeze in the heat of summer, or the sudden warmth of sunlight on a winter’s day. Though these sensations were extremes, they perfectly mirrored her inner state now: two contradictory yet coexisting forces pressing against each other within her heart. She felt her body changing ever since, though whether for better or worse, she could not say.

“Are you really all right, Yuanyuan?” Lan Bingxian looked at her with deep concern. He had a strong intuition that something about her had changed profoundly in this very moment. He couldn’t name exactly what had shifted, but he hoped fervently it was for the better. That was the only reassurance he could give himself.

“Don’t worry, Brother Xian. I’m really fine—see?” Meng Youyuan forced a smile and, despite her discomfort, turned in a circle before Lan Bingxian to assure him she was unharmed.

“All right. But if you feel unwell later, you must tell me—don’t hide anything, do you understand?” Lan Bingxian gazed at his innocent junior sister with heartfelt tenderness. He always felt that if even he could not protect her, she would be left truly helpless and alone. From the moment he first met her, he had resolved to shield this lovely girl from all harm and never let her shed a tear of sorrow again.

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“Yes, I understand, Brother Xian.” Meng Youyuan smiled softly. No matter how much pain she endured, or how hard the days ahead, as long as he was by her side, she feared nothing. He was like a shining star in the night sky, guiding her way; as long as she saw him, she would never feel lost. Whatever difficulties lay ahead, with him there, she would always find a way through.

“Yuanyuan, why don’t you come stay with us in the cottage behind the bamboo grove? That way, we can all look after each other if anything happens.” Yan Xue Su, too, sensed that something was amiss with Meng Youyuan and was uneasy about leaving her to live alone, so she urged her to move in with them, at least for the time being.

“This… I’m not sure if that’s appropriate.” Meng Youyuan hesitated, worried she was imposing. She had already come here without her master’s permission and disturbed everyone; now, moving in with them seemed even more improper. If her master found out, wouldn’t he be furious?

“I think it’s best if you move in with us, especially since you’re injured and need care. How could we let you stay alone? If you’re worried about your master’s anger, I’ll take the blame—you know he’d never punish me.” Lan Bingxian’s tone was resolute; he insisted that his junior sister move in no matter what.

“Yes, if not for yourself, then do it for those two as well. Come and keep them company!” Yu Xiaoran added his encouragement.

“If your master truly blames you, just say it was at our urging. We all want you to come, so don’t refuse and disappoint us!” Xiao Yin saw how much Lan Wu wanted to stay by Meng Youyuan’s side and could only join in persuading her.

“All right, then—thank you, everyone.” Meng Youyuan was moved. Whatever their reasons, they were all thinking of her. For the first time, she felt so much care and warmth from so many people—it felt just like family.

Meanwhile, Yu Shang and Leng Huaiyi had remained silent. After exchanging a meaningful glance, they both smiled knowingly, as if silently reaching an understanding, and began to communicate in secret.

“Did you sense a demonic presence eroding and possessing someone’s body?” Yu Shang didn’t specify whom he meant, but seemed quite confident that Leng Huaiyi would know.

“I sensed it too. Could she possess the blood of the demon clan from another world? But why didn’t we notice before?” Leng Huaiyi asked, puzzled by the many mysteries.

“Perhaps she herself is unaware. If she truly carries demon blood, then the old dean’s treatment of her would make sense.” Yu Shang smiled as he gazed at the distant figure.

“You mean the backlash force injured her, but in doing so, it accidentally awakened the demon clan consciousness within her? Even if she is of demon blood, why would Master treat her so cruelly? There have always been all kinds of people in Yanlan Academy—he’s never shown prejudice before!” Leng Huaiyi still couldn’t fathom their master’s motives.

“Perhaps the dean bears some old grudge against the demon clan, or perhaps her origins are just too extraordinary. There are too many possibilities. In any case, this confirms my intuition from that day—she was never meant for a small pond.” Yu Shang’s lips curled into a strange, cold smile.

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“Perhaps you’re right, Brother Yu. The connection between her and Master is too deep and tangled for us to ever guess. Still, I wish she could go her whole life without ever learning her true identity—after all, the demon clan is hardly virtuous, and I would not want those pure eyes of hers to become tainted.” Leng Huaiyi sighed, as if feeling an ever-deepening affection for his little junior sister.

“Alas, people always change. Even eyes as clear as a still pool will one day become clouded. The ways of the world are never ours to control. I just hope her transformation won’t be too great, and that her heart will not grow too complicated.” Yu Shang spoke with a hint of helplessness. He always expected the worst, perhaps because he had been hurt too much to ever again believe in innocence, kindness, or purity.

“There’s no need to see everything in the worst light. Everything has its limit. I’ve always believed that when a person or a thing reaches the depths of darkness, it will turn for the better. And some burdens shouldn’t be borne alone—don’t forget you have us. Try entrusting your heart to those you trust. Otherwise, you’ll be crushed by the weight of endless secrets. Try opening up—believe in those who deserve it, and you won’t be disappointed.” Leng Huaiyi patted Yu Shang’s shoulder earnestly.

“You truly are as perceptive as dust—nothing escapes your eyes.” Yu Shang gave a wry smile.

“I only care about true friends and real enemies. The rest don’t matter to me. You should know where you stand in my heart. I hope you can truly accept us, the way you once accepted Xiao Yin. Of course, everyone is entitled to their secrets, but if something affects us all, don’t bear it alone—it’s far too tiring. Remember, whatever happens, you have friends who share your heart.” Leng Huaiyi spoke with a calm voice, but his feelings ran deep.

“I understand, my good friend!” Yu Shang smiled, and this smile was unlike any he’d shown before. It was filled with trust, relief, and understanding—the kind of smile that comes when someone, instead of stomping on your wounds, gently shields them, touching you to the very core.

“Since we’re being so open, let me tell you exactly what I saw and thought just now. You probably noticed my strange expression after the seven swords failed to unite. The ensuing force was never meant to harm Meng Youyuan, but it seemed deliberately directed at her. And when I was controlling the main sword, I sensed that at least one of the remaining three was already nearby. All this leads me to believe that Meng Youyuan is one of those three. As for why her sword has not yet appeared, I do not know—she must seek it out in her own time.”

“From what you say, it’s highly likely she is the chosen one, just not yet able to respond. Things are getting more complicated, and while we can’t prove anything now, it’s good to be prepared. Let’s not tell the others yet—the two women are too attached to her, and if something goes wrong, their feelings might get in the way.” Leng Huaiyi pondered.

“Indeed, your thoughts match mine.” Yu Shang nodded solemnly.