Chapter 56: Thunderstorm |
入夜后的天色，没一点落日余白的过渡，骤然漆黑如墨，一阵狂风后，跟着就是一场暴雨。
Crackling! Gradually becoming clattering!, murky water began to overflow successively in the mountains.
For Bian Weikang, kneeling before the Mountain Gate, it was even harder; not only the Sect, but it seemed even heaven itself didn't want to show him a kind face.
A piece of Tanjin lay on the steps before him, its purple flame aura unaffected by the rain, still providing illumination. His body was already soaked like a drenched person, water streaming down his face, his entire being chilled.
What was colder was his heart; he had knelt for so long, and his parents truly refused to even see him.
But what could he do? To earn his parents' forgiveness, to prevent his beloved woman from suffering any longer, he could only continue to kneel, until his parents were willing to see him.
Wukang Mountain had no vegetation and couldn't retain water. The rain flowing down the mountain quickly converged into streams of varying sizes, and the sound of water beside the Mountain Gate steps roared like a rushing torrent.
The three large characters "Wukang Mountain" on the Mountain Gate Archway were forceful and vigorous, still clear in the flickering lamplight.
Standing beneath the archway were two Disciples wearing bamboo hats and straw cloaks.
There was no alternative; the Sect Master had personally given the order that this person had been Expelled from the Sect and had no further connection with Wukang Mountain.
He was forbidden from stepping through the Mountain Gate, and no one was allowed to pay attention to him, or they would be Punished Severely.
The Disciples never expected the Sect Master to be so resolute towards his own son, which further made them appreciate the strictness of the Sect Rules.
Bian Weikang, kneeling and unmoving, occasionally looked up at the brightly lit area on the Mountain Peak, and occasionally looked back at the City Lights of Linkang City. Anxiety also gnawed at his heart, thinking that since he hadn't returned, Lan'er must be worrying about him by now.
But he couldn't give up halfway; he could only continue to endure the enduring hardships.
On the mountain, flashes of thunder and lightning illuminated Glazed Tile Roofs.
Within the Magnificent Buildings, in the Elegant Residence deep within the Jade Steps and Palace Gates, Wafting Sandalwood Incense curled, and the lights flickered indistinctly.
Under normal conditions, people with means wouldn't use Tanjin's flame aura for illumination, as its purple lighting distorted object colors, making it unpleasant.
Before a round, secluded window, a Beauty in a Dark-colored Long Dress, with a Face Like a Peach Blossom, stood gracefully sideways, watching the swaying wind and rain outside the window, observing the faint Aura from the Mountain Gate below.
She knew her son was kneeling there; she was Yin Huixin, Bian Weikang's Mother.
From time to time, wind and rain drifted inside, dampening her dress and scattering the curling blue smoke.
The Potted Plants around, regardless of whether they were Exotic Flowers and Rare Herbs, green, red, or pink, were all fake.
This was because the mountain was very strange; no plants could grow there, and any plant placed on the mountain would decay within three days.
Her clear, cold eyes occasionally withdrew from the window, turning towards the door directly opposite.
Inside the window lattice of the hall opposite the door, Figures moved. She knew her Husband was Discussing Matters with the Sect Elders.
She, too, was a Sect Elder, but she didn't participate, in order to Avoid Suspicion, because they were discussing her son's affairs.
Someone suggested a good method for educating her son to her Husband.
After gaining her Husband's tacit approval, he immediately took the lead in gathering some people to Plead for Mercy with her Sect Master Husband, asking him to give the Former Sect Master's Unfilial Child another chance out of respect for the Former Sect Master's sentiment.
She could hear her Husband's angry roar even from here.
His words repeatedly expressed firm refusal and the need to Set an Example.
She knew her Husband's "refusal" couldn't change the outcome; the result was already predetermined, and "refusal" was just a necessary process.
She waited here for the result.
Later, the hall became quiet, and the Figures Dispersed.
Not long after, a stalwart man strode through the doorway. His build was sturdy but not overly tall, with a slightly plump face adorned with a short Beard.
His gaze, as he looked around, carried the Dignity of someone long accustomed to a high Position. He also wore Dark Robes; this was the Uniform of Wukang Mountain High-ranking Officials.
The only Wukang Mountain High-ranking Official who could enter the Sect Master's Wife's room so late could only be her Husband, Bian Jixiong.
He walked to the window, looking at the Mountain Gate below.
The rain that drifted in clung to his beard, sparkling. He said calmly, "I can't even disagree.
They are going to Seek an Audience with the Former Sect Master. Father's End of Life is not far, and he is at a Critical Period for Breakthrough.
Whether he can overcome that Hurdle is crucial. How can I disturb Father over that Unfilial Child's matter? I had no choice but to agree."
Knowing the outcome, Yin Huixin remained Composed, her tone as clear and cold as her person, "As long as you're happy.
Why bother explaining such Illusions to me?"
Bian Jixiong: "Still angry with me? I said this was Father's decision. A Jade Not Carved is Not a Utensil; Hardship Reveals Truth.
If he can't truly awaken himself, how can he bear the entire Sect in the future? Do you think the Non-Direct Lineage Members in the Sect are truly not interested in the Sect Master's Position at all?"
"All the men of your Bian Family are the ones to Make Decisions and take charge. You don't need to explain to me, A Mere Woman; anyway, nothing I say is useful."
Yin Huixin finished speaking, turned, and walked away.
Too close to the Sect Master for too long, she had long lost her due reverence.
Boom!
Outside, a flash of lightning streaked across, illuminating Bian Jixiong's face through the window. The rain on his eyes and beard sparkled even more.
He suddenly turned and looked at his departing wife, shouting loudly, "Let him kneel for another night; we'll talk about the rest tomorrow!"
The imposing force of his voice seemed to want to overpower the Thunder, yet it sounded Vacant.
Because Yin Huixin did not turn back, nor did she respond.
Her figure silently Departed, her long hair draped over her back gleaming green in the lightning.
Outside, wind and rain raged; inside, silence fell.
Bian Jixiong stood by the window, motionless for a long time…
The entire Linkang City shimmered and swayed in the wind and rain. Under the eaves, Lanterns swung everywhere, and the water in the gutters rushed with a clattering sound, yet they didn't overflow.
The Drainage Efficiency was extremely high, showing it was a place well-tested by wind and rain.
Outside Anle Inn, Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang pulled up a Bench and sat Side by Side under the eaves on one side of the inn's entrance, watching the scenery.
In this regard, they were unique in the entire city.
It wasn't that the two had such a Leisurely Mood; they truly had never seen the city's appearance during rain.
Initially, they had planned to walk around the city and see the Night View. Now that it was raining, they had to make do.
At least it was a scene they hadn't witnessed before, which could be considered Broadening their Horizons.
They had taken off their shoes, rolled up their pant legs, and were Barefoot, welcoming the water flowing down from the Tiled Eaves—a delight that was unimaginable in the Land of Exile.
Wu Jinliang occasionally touched his own Cheek, and later couldn't help but reach out and touch Shi Chun's Cheek.
Shi Chun immediately turned his head and glared at him, "What are you doing?"
Wu Jinliang chuckled, "You know, our rough faces actually seem much Smoother."
Is that so? Shi Chun immediately touched his own face, then touched Wu Jinliang's, feeling carefully, savoring it.
It did feel smoother.
A massive Wild Boar, measuring One Zhang in length, with menacing tusks, walked along the Stone Slab Road in front of the two.
The Stalwart Man riding on the Wild Boar's back held an umbrella and turned his head, staring in a Dazed manner at the scene of the two men at the inn's entrance mutually touching each other's faces. He continued to walk, turning his head back to Look at Each Other, seemingly Expecting the next scene in his bewilderment.
Not long after, another Large Black Snake, thick as a Water Bucket, with faint scales, glided smoothly down the Street, head held high. Its eyes occasionally flashed green light, flicking its tongue.
Its raised head could pass above the eaves of a first-floor building.
One after another, unfamiliar things passed by.
Shi Chun watched them go. Although the wind and rain were heavy, his heart felt much calmer, simply because a Big Stone that had weighed on his mind had been removed.
He had told Wu Jinliang about his discovery that he was a Demonic Path Cultivator, because he felt there was no need to hide it from Wu Jinliang anymore, especially at this critical juncture. His Demonic Path Identity had been exposed, and he might have to Take a Risk at any moment.
He wanted Wu Jinliang to make his own choice. If Wu Jinliang decided to Depart, he would give him the fifty thousand Tanjin as well.
Wu Jinliang was indeed Shocked, then asked a barrage of questions. In the end, he didn't have much of a reaction, feeling there was no need for them to go their separate ways.
He even offered Comfort to Shi Chun, saying, "Who cares about the Righteous Path or the Demonic Path? Just walk whichever path is viable."
Well, it was still the pragmatism of the Land of Exile.
Shi Chun realized he had overthought things.
In the inn room, Xiang Lan'er re-donned her Cloak, preparing to go out.
Feng Chi stopped her, advising, "Kneel for a whole night? Is it necessary to suffer this with him?"
Xiang Lan'er: "Since I like him, both rationally and emotionally, he still hasn't returned, so I must go and see him. And once I see him, of course, I can't let him suffer alone.
Naturally, I must kneel with him; that's how it should be. As for you, that Disheveled Old Man might have come looking for you, so you must be more careful."
Feng Chi was not very worried, "The Situation has already been Transmitted Message.
If nothing unexpected happens, the Master sent by the Higher-ups to Deal With that old man should be arriving soon. Their flying speed is very fast."
Xiang Lan'er nodded slightly, then opened the door and went out.
Feng Chi also found it inconvenient to go out and See Off.
At the inn's front desk, Xiang Lan'er borrowed an umbrella.
As soon as she exited the Main Gate, she and the two men sitting at the entrance Looked at Each Other. She shook her head slightly at them, then opened her umbrella and stepped into the rain.
The two men at the entrance Looked at Each Other in Dismay.
Wu Jinliang was puzzled, "Where is she going?"
Shi Chun squinted slightly, "She's probably going to find Bian Weikang; she might have to join him in kneeling."
Wu Jinliang instantly understood, clicking his tongue twice, "She's gone to your rival-in-love.
Aren't you going to chase her?"
Shi Chun had already told him what was about to happen.
At the City Gate, a Gaunt Man in Green Robes, with a clean face and no beard, profound eyes, and hands as thin as chicken claws, emerged from the darkness.
He walked unhurriedly into the city through the rain.
The rain splashed against his shoulders and body, creating a mist.
Under the city lights, his body seemed enveloped in an Aura. His clothes and hair were not stained by any water.
Walking to the Intersection inside the City Gate, the man in green robes suddenly stopped in the middle of the Intersection, looking coldly at a Beggar sleeping under the eaves of a house.
The Beggar was precisely the Disheveled Old Man with the red nose.
He had gathered a pile of dry grass for bedding, his Wine Gourd tucked under his armpit, and was propped on one arm, feigning sleep. His fingers, resting on his thigh, were gently tapping, unbothered by the fierce wind and rain, utterly at ease.
Suddenly, his tapping hand stopped, he frowned, and his eyes snapped open. He saw an Ox Cart carrying passengers clattering! through the Intersection in the rain, with no other Figures.
He then slowly closed his eyes again, feigning sleep…
On the City Wall, a Large Pavilion in one corner was Brightly Lit, with wine, dishes, and a lone Beauty—City Lord Bian Weiying—sipping wine and watching the wind and rain.
Wukang Mountain occasionally revealed itself under the Thunder, appearing to Bian Weiying like a giant beast with menacing tusks.
Suddenly, a Black-clad Masked Man leaped up from outside the city, swiftly moving to her side, and handed her a Wax Pill.
Bian Weiying crushed it, took out the folded paper inside, and unfolded it to read.
As she read, a charming smile appeared on her face, and she Muttered, "After going around in such a big circle, it's still all to pave the way for him. Didn't you say he was unforgivable? Didn't you say you could only rely on me, this daughter, now? You incited me to strive with all my might, but deep down, it's still a Daughter is Inferior to Son, no matter how useless this son is.
Helping others Rob a son's woman, how could you all come up with such a thing? Haha…"
Her laughter grew louder, eventually making her sway like a branch in the wind, laughing until tears streamed down her face. She suddenly grabbed the Wine Cup, tilted her head back, and drained the bitter wine, then conveniently slammed it onto the table, shattering the Wine Cup into powder.
She turned abruptly and declared, "Save the Sect Master and them some trouble; Deal With those who came from Anle Inn!"
(End of Chapter)