Chapter Sixty-One: Secrets Unveiled, Someone's Secret Delight

“Fine, since things have come to this, do as you please. I won’t say another word to stop you. But I refuse to wade through this mess with you—set me free at once, and I’ll leave on my own. I won’t utter a word about today to anyone; I’ll forget it all, every detail, as if it never happened!” Leng Huaiyi spoke with icy detachment, clearly angered; gone was the gentle tone he once showed to his companions. Yet, in his heart he bore no grudge against Xun Mishuang’s audacious actions. Though he firmly opposed their request moments ago, internally he was torn and unwilling. Now that she had made the decision for him, it spared him the remorse he would otherwise feel.

“No one else matters, but you cannot leave. Don’t forget—right now, you’re still at my mercy. Wherever I go, you go, without a shred of resistance! Besides, only you know how to disarm the mechanisms inside. If we don’t take you along, do you mean for us to walk in and die for nothing?” Xun Mishuang leaned close to Leng Huaiyi’s ear, speaking slyly. The proximity made him blush, shy and flustered, while the girl herself was unabashed, greedily clinging to him as if he were her pillow, content to nestle against him.

“And what makes you so certain I’ll help you dismantle those traps? Don’t forget, I’m the one most determined to keep you out of that place!” Leng Huaiyi tried to calm himself, deliberately lowering his voice to a cold sneer. His tone was frigid, colder than the glaciers, his gaze tinged with mockery—clearly waiting to watch their folly unfold. It seemed her beauty had failed to sway him.

“If you really have the heart to watch us die, then stay out of it. And let me warn you: I’ll risk my own life, testing every trap myself. If you truly despise me, then keep your eyes open and watch as I get what’s coming!” Seeing her ploy fail, Xun Mishuang reluctantly disentangled herself, feigning indifference as she spoke. She knew Leng Huaiyi’s nature well: though he claimed he’d stand by and watch, whenever danger struck, he was always first to shield his brothers and the woman he loved. His heart could never turn cold against them, which was both his greatest virtue and fatal flaw.

“Hmph, we’ll see about that. But let me remind you—if you lose your life there, don’t blame me as a ghost. After all, I never promised to help you!” Leng Huaiyi’s words remained unyielding, yet he couldn’t help but smile wryly inside. The little girl had already realized he could never be so heartless; when the moment came, he would surely help them enter the treasury. But how would he explain it to his master? And would the fate of Yanlan Academy truly unfold as she predicted, unable to escape disaster? Ah… fate cannot be defied; all he could do was his best and leave the rest to destiny.

“Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s go!” Xiaoyin couldn’t hide his excitement, impatiently urging everyone onward. He was eager to rush into the treasury, to experience firsthand the allure that drove people to fight to the death, willing to risk everything for its treasures. Surely, beyond the ancestral scrolls, there must be other priceless artifacts. If he could snatch one or two, he’d make a fortune! Lost in wild daydreams, he forgot to rein in his greedy grin. Yushang, seeing this, gave him a helpless knock to snap him back to reality—Xiaoyin’s covetous look was too much for even him.

“Hey, what wicked scheme are you plotting? Let me warn you: the treasury is full of rare treasures, but none are within your reach. Put aside your other desires and focus on retrieving the scroll with me. Otherwise, your greed might leave you empty-handed—and dead, which would be unfortunate.” Xun Mishuang said with a hint of exasperation, but her voice was laced with danger. This young woman was indeed remarkable—not only able to read minds, but foresee outcomes and pierce through hearts with her words. Though her tone sounded cold and unwelcoming, it had a warmth that could comfort the soul. Perhaps she wasn’t truly as aloof and solitary as she appeared—it was merely a mask she’d worn too long.

“I think Sister Shuang is right. Stop coveting what’s inside, and concentrate on helping Brother Yu find the ancestral scroll. Then, stomp that wretched Ye Wangchen—who deserves to die a thousand times—underfoot, and it will be truly satisfying!” Lanwu added, her eyes burning with the determination to avenge her dear friend, valuing it above gold or jewels.

“I’m not interested in the stuff inside. I’ve traveled the world for years—seen all kinds of treasures. Why would I be tempted by a mere treasury?” Xiaoyin’s words were clearly insincere, prompting everyone to lower their heads and laugh softly.

“What did you just call me?” Xun Mishuang was startled by the affectionate term, then couldn’t help but ask again. It had been so long since anyone addressed her with such warmth. Ever since her romance with Leng Huaiyi became the talk of the academy, she’d resolved to ignore all opinions, good or bad. Her heart belonged to Leng Huaiyi alone; he was both her joy and her sorrow. But who would have thought he’d abandon her so callously after a few words from his elders, leaving her to face the cruel gossip alone? Since then, she kept her distance from everyone, believing their gazes were either mocking or pitying, feelings she hated and could only avoid by becoming cold herself. Yet today, hearing this heartfelt address moved her deeply.

“Of course I called you sister! Why should I call you master like the others? You’re a breathtaking beauty, so why use that old-fashioned title and make you sound ancient?” Lanwu replied mischievously, but everyone could tell her praise was sincere, not mere flattery.

Xun Mishuang smiled with genuine delight and said, “Alright, follow me.” As she turned to lead the way, she flashed Lanwu a dazzling smile, clearly fond of the girl. To drop her icy mask for her was truly rare.

The group was filled with excitement along the way, save for Leng Huaiyi, who wore a troubled expression, visibly ill at ease. Yet none of them knew how happy he felt inside. Though confined and unable to resist, he could now openly allow Xun Mishuang to cling to him, savoring their shared tenderness. Was this not a case of loss and gain? Sacrificing temporary freedom for sweet moments to cherish a lifetime. No matter how this game ended, it seemed he would always come out ahead.

“You’ve given so much for Brother Leng and received nothing in return. Is it really worth it?” Yushang pondered for a long time but couldn’t find a convincing answer, so he asked the lovestruck girl beside his brother. Yet as soon as the words left his lips, he regretted it—thankfully, it was only a secret transmission, and the only one who could overhear, Leng Huaiyi, had his cultivation sealed, sparing him the embarrassment. Yushang truly regretted his impulsiveness; how could he so abruptly ask such a personal question of a girl he’d only met a few times?

“What do you mean by that?” Xun Mishuang was startled by the sudden message, but she kept her composure and replied. Since he’d chosen this method, he likely didn’t want their conversation overheard. So she continued walking, nestled against her lover, while secretly discussing this awkward topic.

“I believe the repayment you spoke of is none other than Leng Huaiyi himself. You must have been listening in on our conversation for some time. If it weren’t for Leng’s dilemma between me and the academy, you wouldn’t have appeared so quickly.” Yushang spoke calmly, as if he’d already seen through everything.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about. Perhaps you’re nervous before your duel with that master, and now you’re hallucinating! I was merely passing by, not spying!” Xun Mishuang denied Yushang’s guess, but the blush on her cheeks betrayed her. It was the shyness of having her heart seen through—adorable and alluring, far more beautiful than her cold facade.

Yushang paid no mind to her denial, continuing his secret message: “Your willful words and actions were all to spare Brother Leng from a painful choice. That’s why you confined him and made the decision yourself, disregarding his feelings. You know whichever side he picked, he’d feel guilty for betraying the other. So you took on the burden of betraying the academy for his sake. You’re truly devoted!” At this moment, Yushang sincerely envied Leng Huaiyi: though forced apart by societal pressure, both lovers still thought only of each other. No matter how swiftly time passed, it could not erase their pure affection.

“I’m not doing this for him. I entered the treasury for my own reasons. Besides, he and I have nothing to do with each other anymore—why would I foolishly do so much for him?” Xun Mishuang replied, but her words were meant more for herself. She had tried to sever ties with Leng Huaiyi, to never think of him, never see him, never love him again. But she couldn’t help herself. At the mere news of his return, she rushed over just to catch a glimpse, yet dared not show herself for fear he’d think she hadn’t moved on. People say pain brings release, but she believed that pain only made letting go impossible—it entwines itself around you for a lifetime, never to be forgotten.

“But I’m really curious—you know the treasury inside out and could easily go alone. Why bring us along, even though we’ll only slow you down? And you say you have nothing to do with Brother Leng, yet you won’t let him go. Stop being stubborn; I can see right through you. After all, I’ve been through this myself.” Yushang smiled, thinking the little girl was indeed stubborn.