Chapter Sixty: Mi Shuang Steps Forward, Settling Huai Yi

“There are some things in life that will come no matter what; even if you try to run or take every precaution, you can never escape their grasp. Instead of hiding, it’s better to open your heart and face them. In the end, Yushang will still enter that treasury, and the Yanlan Academy will inevitably engage in a deadly confrontation with the outside world. Since the outcome is set, why bother delaying? Sooner or later, we must face it.” Suddenly, Xun Mishuang emerged from the shadows and spoke these weighty yet perplexing words to the assembled group. As she stepped forward, she waved her hand and cast a barrier, isolating everyone from the outside world—it was clear that what she was about to say next was not meant for prying ears.

“Why are you so certain that I will enter the treasury in the end? What secrets do you know?” Yushang asked, his gaze fixed on this woman, who, though about his age, exuded an ancient and weary air. He could not understand her unwavering certainty that he would return. Could it be that she could foresee the future?

“There are some things you’ll understand when the time comes. Not everything is to your benefit if you learn it too soon. If I were you, I’d follow my own path and not be concerned with anything else.” There was an enigmatic undertone in Xun Mishuang’s words, which made Yushang fall into deep thought.

“Hmph, this girl certainly knows how to keep people guessing!” Xiao Yin mused to himself upon hearing their exchange, though he agreed with her point. Truly, some things are better left unknown; it is easier to live freely according to one’s own will, which may lead to unexpected outcomes.

“Sister Yan, is that woman who calls herself ‘Xun Mishuang’? She’s truly remarkable—even though she’s about our age, she carries a maturity far beyond her years. She seems so aloof, yet she’s approachable; no wonder Brother Huaiyi can’t let her go!” Lanwu whispered excitedly to Yan Xuesu, her hopes of rekindling the relationship between the two seemingly within reach. She could clearly see the affection in both their eyes. What are lineage, prejudice, or convention compared to love? She would make sure they reconciled!

“It should be her. She is indeed captivating.” Yan Xuesu didn’t lavish her with praise, but the admiration in her eyes was clear.

“Greetings, Grandmaster Aunt!” As soon as Leng Huaiyi and several disciples of Yanlan Academy saw Xun Mishuang, they greeted her with utmost respect. Strangely, when others addressed her thus, it elicited little reaction—just a gentle smile at how young a grandmaster aunt she was. But when Leng Huaiyi uttered those words, a surge of indescribable sorrow and helplessness welled up. Heaven truly delights in toying with people. Such a perfect pair, torn apart by the arbitrary dictates of seniority. Are some people fated to be close yet remain apart?

“As long as you remember I am your grandmaster aunt. Now, take them into the treasury. Know that I am not asking for your permission—I am commanding you as your elder!” For some reason, Xun Mishuang had chosen to stand with them. Was she not afraid Yanlan Academy would be endangered?

“I beg your pardon, Grandmaster Aunt, but in this matter, only my master has the right to command me,” Leng Huaiyi replied, refusing to yield even to his former beloved.

“Have you forgotten my prophecy in your dream? Since fate is sealed, why struggle? The will of heaven is not for you to defy; resisting is futile and will change nothing.” Each word from Xun Mishuang was laden with hidden meaning, but none present could discern it.

“You needn’t try to persuade me any further. Perhaps it will all come to pass, but I do not wish to be the one responsible for it!” Leng Huaiyi’s stubbornness would not bend, no matter what others said. Whether this trait was a blessing or a curse was impossible to tell—each thought weighed with purpose, entangled with forces beyond one’s control. What seems the best solution now may conceal unimaginable destruction.

“It seems nothing I say will sway you. Very well—do not blame me then!” With that, Xun Mishuang turned, seized Leng Huaiyi’s arm, and struck his chest with her other hand. Before anyone could react, he was immobilized. Yet Yushang saw it was no simple paralyzing technique—she had, in a moment of distraction, sent a current of true energy into his meridians, blocking the flow of his own energy. If he tried to resist, he would suffer excruciating pain. Now, Leng Huaiyi was no different from an ordinary person, unable to muster any strength—a mere passerby could subdue him.

“What are you doing? Stop this game and let me go!” In his anxiety, he forgot about seniority and shouted at Xun Mishuang. He did not know what earth-shattering thing she intended, but he was sure it would not be good. Yet he could not break the shackles inside his body—he felt his body was no longer his own. No matter how he bore the pain and tried to gather his energy, it scattered like loose sand. His heart felt oppressed, as if shrouded in mist. Nothing in his body belonged to him anymore—he was now merely an individual, no longer governed by anyone, not even himself.

“Grandmaster Aunt, what do you intend to do to Senior Brother Leng?” Meng Youyuan hurried to stand before her trapped senior brother, blocking whatever her grandmaster aunt might be planning. Was she going to torture him to force out the treasury’s location? That could not be—Senior Brother Leng always put the Academy first; how could she treat him so cruelly?

“Step aside. With me here, no one will release him. But don’t worry—I do not mean to harm him. I only fear that when the time comes to go where we must, he will refuse. I have no choice but to restrain him so he must come along!” Xun Mishuang grinned at the frowning, indignant Leng Huaiyi. She knew his stubbornness better than anyone—once he made up his mind, no one could change it. With someone so set in his ways, a little trickery was sometimes necessary. He was truly foolish: after all these years, he still fell for the same technique, never learning to guard against her—even now, it worked flawlessly. Was it because her cultivation had grown, or because he would never guard his heart against her?

“What place? Do you also know where the treasury is located?” Yin Boxuan suddenly realized, surprised that the grandmaster aunt, who always seemed indifferent, was also interested in the treasury. Knowing his master, she would never break the rules and lead her there—Xun Mishuang must have used some covert method to follow secretly. Clearly, he was not the only one eager for chaos; even this young grandmaster aunt had a restless heart!

“Grandmaster Aunt, you must not open the treasury on your own, or Yanlan Academy will be plunged into bloody chaos! Didn’t Senior Brother Leng say that opening the treasury could endanger many innocent lives? Please, reconsider!” Meng Youyuan quickly interjected, unwilling to let the old headmaster or the Academy take such a risk.

“I doubt your concern is for those countless innocent lives, but rather for my senior brother—your grandfather. But I am curious: why do you care for him so deeply, when he has treated you so coldly? Is such devoted selflessness truly worth it? Still, rest assured—I am doing this for the Academy’s future, not to harm your grandfather. After all, he raised me from childhood; I would never be so heartless as to send him to his death,” Xun Mishuang saw through Meng Youyuan’s thoughts and spoke bluntly, leaving her at a loss for words.

After a long silence, Meng Youyuan finally asked, “Can you truly guarantee no harm will come to him or the Academy?”

“You already trust me, don’t you? Otherwise, you wouldn’t ask. I have one principle: I never betray those who trust me. Set your heart at ease,” Xun Mishuang replied quietly, but with resolve.

“But the Academy is riddled with spies from other families. If we all act together, it will cause a huge commotion. If we’re discovered, it’ll be trouble!” Lan Bingxian expressed his concern, doubting that this young grandmaster aunt could elude so many watchful eyes and lead such a group to the legendary treasury. If she were truly so capable, why not go alone? Why drag them along—unless she was luring them into a hidden trap, and they were willingly walking in.

“I am your grandmaster aunt, after all. If I can’t even shake off a few small fry, it would be too embarrassing. Besides, to reach the treasury, there’s no need to wander all over the Academy. I have my ways—I’ll get you there without anyone noticing,” Xun Mishuang said with a smile, her demeanor warm and cheerful, a far cry from her usual coldness. Yet the only flaw in her smile was the hint of intrigue lurking within, sending a chill down everyone’s spine.

“But why are you helping us? What do you want in return?” Xiao Yin asked bluntly, feeling this woman was anything but harmless.

“What I want is beyond your means, so I won’t trouble you for payment. Consider this a favor from me. I’ve paved the road for you—all that remains is for you to choose whether to walk it. I ask only one thing: if you stay, remember the favor I grant you today. Never harm Yanlan Academy in the future.” Xun Mishuang spoke with the certainty of one who already knew how it would end, her tone grave as she addressed them all.