Chapter 226: Staging A Good Performance

At midnight in Luoyang, the cold stars hung in the sky, but no bright moon could be seen. Outside the gates of Guiyi Manor, there was not a single figure in sight. However, two guards stood by the entrance — burly, strong-limbed men, arms folded, clutching their swords and knives, sweeping cold, wary gazes over Xie Wei. And also… a hint of barely concealed surprise and curiosity.

Very few within the Heavenly Sect had actually seen him; even fewer had seen him and also knew he was the legendary “Hermit of Du Jun Mountain.”

Yet lately, rumors about him were everywhere. It was said that the death of Master Gongyi was full of suspicious circumstances; that this man had not only betrayed the Sect but had repaid kindness with enmity, falling into conflict with the Sect Leader. This journey to Luoyang, they said, was the moment when the Sect Leader would finally reveal his divine might and personally deal with him.

But who could have imagined that the legendary Hermit of Du Jun would turn out like this?

Dressed in a plain Taoist robe, with some dust from travel, yet his ink-black brows and eyes carried a kind of calm indifference, as if unshaken by the world. Even arriving alone, he showed no hint of fear. And, most importantly — he was not some decrepit old man…

Compared to the late Gongyi Chancellor whom they often saw, Xie Ju’an was simply too young, so much so that it left them in disbelief.

Soon, the young Daoist boy who had gone inside to report returned. At the gate, he remained respectful — even bowed to Xie Wei — though there was a forced politeness to his smile, as he said, “The Sect Leader and the Second Lady Jiang have been awaiting you for some time. Sir, please come in.”

The empty street winds blew across the deserted avenue, stirring Xie Wei’s sleeves. Yet he remained utterly composed.

He said nothing more, lowering his eyes slightly, showing not the slightest trace of fear. Far from looking like someone who had been captured or was about to become a prisoner, he exuded a steady calm, as if walking into his own home, and followed the Daoist boy through the gate.

In the more than twenty years he had spent within the Heavenly Sect, he had rarely issued orders or offered strategies under the name “Xie Wei.” Instead, he operated under the alias “Hermit of Du Jun Mountain,” so that if one day he infiltrated the imperial court, the name “Xie Wei” would remain clean, without arousing suspicion or leaving any trace.

Thus, he had seldom visited the various branch divisions. This Luoyang division was unfamiliar to him. As he followed the Daoist boy through the winding paths, he quietly observed his surroundings, until they finally arrived at a courtyard of the manor.

Outside, bright lanterns were raised high, and beneath them, the shadows of Heavenly Sect followers gathered densely.

The Daoist boy announced: “Master Du Jun has arrived.”

In that instant, all eyes turned toward him. Then, as if parting like a tide, the crowd slowly opened a path for him, their gazes following him with sharp, predatory intensity.

Yet Xie Wei acted as if he saw none of it. He did not even glance at the crowd. He simply walked straight along the path that had opened up, entering the courtyard.

There, he saw an open door.

Wan Xiuzi had gone to great lengths, scheming to capture Jiang Xuening, believing that Du Jun held unusual affection for this woman, thinking this was a heaven-sent opportunity, and hoping he might seize upon Xie Wei’s weakness.

However, from beginning to end, this was nothing more than a conjecture.

Had Xie Ju’an received the letter left for him and still chosen to disregard the woman’s life and death, not coming today, Wan Xiuzi would not have been the least bit surprised. Thus, when he heard with his own ears that Xie Wei had indeed come — and saw him walk through the gates with his own eyes — Wan Xiuzi, seated on his chair, unconsciously tightened his grip on the young woman’s shoulder and could not help but feel a rush of excitement.

The young woman, caught off guard, let out a soft cry of pain.

But Wan Xiuzi shoved her aside at once, his eyes gleaming with a chilling, fierce light as he locked his gaze onto Xie Wei. He laughed and said, “Good, good courage! You really dared to come!”

Xie Wei stood there without offering any formal greeting.

He didn’t even glance at Wan Xiuzi first, but instead looked toward Jiang Xuening.

Ever since she heard the Daoist boy report that Xie Ju’an had arrived, Jiang Xuening’s heart had sunk. Now, seeing Xie Wei walk in, it felt as though her heart had fallen to the very bottom.

She was still bound to the pillar. After days of being drugged and rushed along unconscious, she had only recently been awakened by a bucket of cold water. Her complexion was pale and haggard, and drops of water still clung to her cheeks, sliding down in silent trails. Her dark, glassy eyes gazed at him, flickering faintly, as if she had countless things she wished to say — yet all of them remained hidden behind a heavy, aching silence.

Xie Ju’an had imagined countless times what it would be like to see her again at the Luoyang branch.

For the sake of the greater plan, he had told himself he must maintain control.

He had gone over every possible scenario in his mind, including the worst outcomes, and thought that when the time came, he would be as calm as still water, giving away not the slightest hint of emotion. Moreover, the situation now was far better than he had anticipated.

Yet with just one look — that misty gaze, tinged with a sorrow as light as a wisp of smoke — it struck him squarely in the heart, almost breaking his composure and unleashing the rage and killing intent he had buried deep within.

Wan Xiuzi watched him with great interest and said, “Looks like you really care about this little girl, don’t you?”

Only then did Xie Wei shift his gaze to Wan Xiuzi. A mere glance at the disheveled, aggrieved-looking young woman at Wan Xiuzi’s feet told him all he needed to know about what had been happening here — and thinking of Jiang Xuening witnessing all of this from within the same room, the frost in his eyes deepened. Yet he said, “The Sect Leader summoned me; how could I dare disobey? As for Jiang Xuening, she is merely the daughter of a court official who once saved my life. By reason and sentiment, she should not be implicated because of me. She’s merely an irrelevant outsider, not even a particularly favored daughter in Jiang Boyou’s household — likely of no use to you.”

He was distancing himself from her.

But…

A flicker of doubt suddenly stirred in Jiang Xuening’s heart. She didn’t know why, but seeing him so calm and composed while speaking with Wan Xiuzi made her feel strangely reassured. A man like Xie Ju’an, burdened by a blood feud yet still holding back his vengeance, surely wouldn’t walk blindly into disaster. He must have come prepared. Even this deliberate distancing… there must be deeper meaning behind it.

As expected, if Jiang Xuening could think of it, so could Wan Xiuzi.

How could he believe such nonsense?

He immediately gave a cold laugh and said bluntly, “In Xizhou, you rose with the wind and made great strides — and yet now, for the sake of an ‘irrelevant outsider with no value,’ you risked yourself by coming to Luoyang? Trying to deny your feelings only makes it more obvious. I know exactly what kind of person you are. You dared come alone — surely you’ve thought about what I might do to you. You’ve seen firsthand how the Sect punishes traitors.”

Xie Wei said nothing.

Wan Xiuzi stared at him, his eyes gleaming with venom, “It was I who saved your life back then, spared you from death under the Prince of Pingnan’s blade. There’s a saying: ‘A drop of kindness should be repaid with a fountain of gratitude.’ And yet look at you! All the years I painstakingly raised and trained you — only to nurture a great threat to myself. Repaying kindness with betrayal — truly the son of Xiao Yuan, carrying on the family tradition!”

Jiang Xuening’s heart gave a sharp jolt.

Xie Wei’s face was expressionless. He raised his eyes and met Wan Xiuzi’s gaze directly. His hand, hidden in his sleeve, clenched tightly for a moment.

But he was not someone who could be provoked into reckless anger.

Faced with such provocations, Xie Wei only said calmly, “You saved me merely to set a good piece on the chessboard, to one day humiliate the royal family and the Xiao clan. Since that’s the case, over the years, I have mediated for you at court, sent news back to the sect — all of which repaid the debt in full. Our alliance was always based on mutual benefit. Now that we owe each other nothing, how can you speak of betrayal?”

Wan Xiuzi erupted in rage. He slammed the armrest of his chair, sprang to his feet, and pointed a finger at Xie Wei’s nose, roaring, “Mutual benefit? Owe each other nothing?! If you had faithfully served the Heavenly Sect all these years, I might let it pass! But did you think I, just because I stayed out of sect affairs, was blind?! Every shady thing you’ve done behind my back — do you think I don’t know? On the surface you worked for the sect, but underneath, you schemed for yourself! Ever since you entered the capital, the northern branch halls have no longer respected me as their leader — they’re all your dogs now! In your eyes, is there still a Sect Leader? Is there still an adoptive father?!”

In his youth, Xie Ju’an had indeed been a stunning talent.

Within the Heavenly Sect, who could compare to him?

When Wan Xiuzi had first brought this child — carrying a sea of blood and vengeance — back to Jinling, he hadn’t imagined the boy would possess such extraordinary capabilities. Seeing his brilliance and cunning, Wan Xiuzi had thought he had secured a great arm for the sect, showering him with favor, even letting him help oversee sect affairs alongside Gongyi Cheng, hoping that would make him obedient and compliant.

Yet he never expected the boy to have a mind of his own: outwardly faultless, but inwardly brimming with ambition, growing into a formidable force even Wan Xiuzi himself had to fear.

The person he thought he could control, the one meant to fight and die for him — in the blink of an eye, had become a blade poised over his own throat. How could such hatred be endured?

Wan Xiuzi loathed him to the bone.

But with Gongyi Cheng dead first, and now the loss of Xie Ju’an, the Heavenly Sect was growing restless. Raising a rebellion was no simple matter. Wan Xiuzi, growing older despite his efforts at preserving his health, felt his strength fading.

In contrast, his hatred for Xie Wei only deepened.

His words now were filled with fury, the force of a superior reprimanding a traitorous subordinate.

Yet that phrase — “adoptive father” — falling into Xie Wei’s ears, only stirred a deeper, colder malice in his heart. Images of the blood-soaked palace, of mountains of corpses, rose again before him, filling him with nausea that reached to his very bones.

He actually laughed.

In a voice devoid of warmth, he reminded him: “Sect Leader must have forgotten — more than twenty years ago, Xie Wei had already cast aside his old name and identity. I have a mother but no father; if I had a father, he would already be dead. Your so-called ‘adoptive son’ — surnamed Xiao, named Dingfei — is now living a life of luxury in the capital.”

Who in the Heavenly Sect hadn’t heard of Young Master Dingfei’s infamous reputation?

At the mention of his name, even seasoned sect members shuddered in secret.

Several of the Daoist boys seemed to recall that scourge’s savage deeds, and couldn’t help but tremble slightly, lowering their heads even further.

Wan Xiuzi, hearing this, almost had a seizure on the spot, his vision swimming with rage.

That damned Xiao Dingfei — lazy, depraved, bringing disaster after disaster to himself and the sect — how many times had he caused trouble?!

Suddenly, Wan Xiuzi realized: “This wretched brat — you chose that imp on purpose! Good, very good!”

Xie Wei didn’t deny it. He simply said, “I have come as promised. If Sect Leader wishes to judge me, do as you will. As for Jiang Xuening — she has been detained for several days now. Shouldn’t you let her go?”

Wan Xiuzi turned to glance at Jiang Xuening. “In such a rush?”

He gave a cold laugh and made a gesture to the nearby Daoist boys, “Since he’s already here, and since our Heavenly Sect is no dragon’s lair, why not let her stay a few more days? She can accompany me — reading scriptures, playing chess — to relieve my boredom.”

The Daoist boys moved forward.

Jiang Xuening’s heart seized with terror. Though she knew the old demon was only using her as leverage against Xie Ju’an, seeing the Daoist boys approaching still made her blood run cold. Unable to contain the fury rising in her chest, she cursed out loud.

Gritting her teeth, she snapped, “You old fiend — if you have something to say, say it straight! You’ve been standing there flapping your mouth for half a day without ordering them to beat him — looks more like you’re the one begging him, not threatening him! What are you posturing for, you old turtle! Touch me and I’ll bite off my own tongue — let’s see what bargaining chip you’ll have left!”

Wan Xiuzi hadn’t expected the young woman to expose him so bluntly. His face immediately darkened, the air around him thick with anger.

The Daoist boys stepped forward to gag her.

At that moment, Xie Wei’s body swayed slightly — but he restrained himself, speaking in an icy voice: “Don’t touch her.”

The Daoist boys, who served closely under Wan Xiuzi, knew exactly how terrifying Xie Wei could be. At the sound of his voice, a chill ran down their spines; they instinctively froze in place and looked hesitantly at Wan Xiuzi.

Wan Xiuzi raised an eyebrow slightly.

Wan Xiuzi smiled with satisfaction. “Heartache, is it?”

Xie Wei gave no answer. Instead, he said, “It was I who killed Gongyi Cheng.”

His voice was calm, so calm that at first it sounded like he was speaking of some trivial matter.

But when everyone processed what he had actually said, it was like a thunderbolt had struck the ground — their heads spun, their vision blurred — they could hardly believe what they had just heard!

Even Wan Xiuzi froze for a moment, and when he recalled the battle in Tongzhou two years ago, a chill ran through him, followed by an overwhelming surge of fury.

He looked as if he might explode.

Gongyi Cheng had been his left and right hand, loyal beyond measure, and one of the key figures keeping Xie Wei in check.

“You dare admit it?!” Wan Xiuzi’s voice was squeezed out through gritted teeth.

“I knew it, I knew it!”

Xie Wei seemed completely unconcerned about the shock caused by his words. He simply dropped another thunderclap: “My contributions to the Heavenly Sect are evident to all. But once Gongyi Cheng arrived in the capital, he pointed fingers and barked orders, ungrateful and arrogant. It’s no wonder I dealt him a heavy hand. After killing him, from the capital to Zhili, all the sect branches fell into my hands — outwardly they obeyed the main sect, but in truth, they answered only to me.

Now that you’ve raised your forces, from south to north, if you had the northern branches supporting from within, toppling the imperial city would take but a single morning.

It’s just unfortunate — I anticipated the Sect Leader would never let this go, so I left behind a final order: if no command comes from me, then when war breaks out, they are to surrender to the court.

With a major battle looming, even if you want to settle accounts with me, now is not the time.

I trust that with Shen Lang’s abilities, he’ll first integrate those sect members into the army, then deal with them slowly after the fighting is done.”

Wan Xiuzi said, “Such scheming! To oppose me, you would even borrow the court’s and that dog Emperor’s strength. You’ve completely forgotten your sea of blood and hatred!”

Xie Wei replied calmly, “Though I have ambitions of my own, I am not so low as to willingly bow under the noses of my enemies. I had intended to raise my own forces — but now, finding myself under someone else’s roof, I have no choice but to bend.

I do not seek to threaten you, Sect Leader, only to trade: release Jiang Xuening, and I will offer something in return.

Revenge remains the foremost goal in my heart. Whether I raise arms alone or alongside you, it matters little to me.

Thus, I am willing to present the full military defense maps of the court’s garrisons across nine major cities in Hubei and Anhui provinces, to assist the Heavenly Sect in its uprising.”

As the saying goes: the enemy of my enemy is my friend.

Wan Xiuzi had once placed great trust in Xie Wei, precisely because he knew Xie Ju’an’s true identity — and how deep his hatred for the imperial clan ran. A man abandoned by his own family, used as a pawn by the royals, could never truly side with the court. To fulfill his desire for vengeance, he would stop at nothing — including serving the Heavenly Sect wholeheartedly.

Even now—

Wan Xiuzi had enough reason to believe that Xie Wei’s hatred for the court was genuine, and that when denied the chance to raise forces independently, he might indeed compromise and work with the Heavenly Sect.

The sect’s main strength was in the south. Though Xie Wei had quietly built up their presence in the north during his years in court, those northern forces were still ultimately loyal to him.

With Gongyi Cheng dead, Wan Xiuzi had effectively lost control over the north.

The rebellion seemed to be progressing smoothly — but Wan Xiuzi knew the deeper truth: the farther north they marched, the harder the fight would become.

Hubei and Anhui provinces were especially tough bones to gnaw through — yet for the Heavenly Sect, they were absolutely critical. Controlling those two provinces would mean controlling the lower reaches of the Yangtze River. Especially Hubei’s Jiangcheng, the strategic hub connecting nine provinces — it was a prize too tempting to ignore.

To say he wasn’t tempted would be a lie.

But—

If he released Jiang Xuening, he would lose his only leverage over Xie Ju’an. Though he wasn’t sure yet exactly how much this woman meant to Xie Wei, he couldn’t risk it.

Moreover…

Xie Ju’an’s arrival wasn’t entirely outside Wan Xiuzi’s expectations. Still, even though things seemed to be unfolding smoothly, he couldn’t help but grow suspicious: with such a perfect opportunity at Xizhou’s border to launch an attack, would Xie Ju’an really be willing to risk everything here alone, just for one woman?

The room fell into heavy silence.

Wan Xiuzi stared hard at Xie Wei, weighing his options.

Jiang Xuening hadn’t expected that Xie Wei, coming alone into such danger, could turn the tables so calmly, even proposing cooperation with the sect. She found it almost unbelievable.

Xie Wei, however, did not rush him — simply waiting quietly for Wan Xiuzi’s decision.

After a long moment, Wan Xiuzi finally clapped his hands and laughed: “They say even heroes cannot withstand the charms of beauty. So you too, Xie Ju’an, have a moment where you would rage against the world for a woman! Not bad, not bad. Still, this is a matter of great importance — I must think it over carefully. Since you two are both here, and everything with the uprising is proceeding smoothly, there’s no rush.”

He then smiled wickedly: “But you two — reunited at last — have spent all this time chatting with this old man. Truly, how unfortunate.”

Jiang Xuening inwardly rolled her eyes.

Wan Xiuzi suddenly put on the appearance of a kindly elder. He waved a hand to dismiss the others, then turned to Xie Ju’an and said: “Du Jun, I won’t trouble you further. I’ll leave you to rest here with the girl — have a good talk. Tomorrow, I will give you my answer.”

Having said this, he walked away smiling.

Everyone else followed him out.

Though he had said they could “rest,” as the last disciple left, he locked the door without hesitation. Sect members remained stationed outside the corridor, clearly guarding against any attempt to escape.

Inside, only Xie Ju’an — standing still — and Jiang Xuening — tied to a column — remained.

Only now did Jiang Xuening realize that her back was cold with sweat. Unknowingly, during Xie Wei and Wan Xiuzi’s verbal duel, she had been so tense that she’d broken out into a cold sweat.

Now that the others had left, the tension eased.

If it weren’t for the ropes still holding her upright, she might have collapsed completely.

Xie Wei said nothing, only walked toward her and reached out to untie the ropes.

Jiang Xuening turned her head to gaze at his cold, elegant face. In that moment, her emotions were indescribable. When everything finally quieted down, an overwhelming stillness seemed to envelop her, and a sting rose in her eyes.

He had truly risked everything for her…

She said softly, “You really are insane.”

Xie Ju’an lowered his lashes slightly, paused a moment, then replied, “Didn’t you already know?”

The ropes were tied too tightly — any movement sent a sharp pain through her wrists.

Jiang Xuening gave a small laugh, pretending to be at ease: “I thought being captured by the Heavenly Sect might actually be a good opportunity. They’d threaten you, you’d refuse, I’d become useless, and I could rely on some petty tricks to slip some information about the capital to that old demonic cultivator. Maybe by turning misfortune into fortune, I’d escape your control — gain my freedom.

But you — you would chase me to the ends of the earth.”

She said it to lighten the mood, not wanting the atmosphere to be so heavy.

But Xie Wei didn’t respond at all.

He kept working at the knot, but this time, he couldn’t immediately undo it. And in that moment, he realized — his fingers were trembling ever so slightly.

Jiang Xuening, hearing no reply, thought perhaps he was angry. But when she turned to look at him, her gaze drifted downward, and she saw his hand slowly clenching into a fist.

Yet he said nothing.

He continued untying the rope, as silent as ever.

Jiang Xuening watched him for a while, then suddenly said: “Xie Ju’an, I’m curious about something.”

Xie Wei glanced at her.

Jiang Xuening coughed lightly, then bit her lip with a mischievous glint in her eye, barely able to suppress her laughter: “That time, you seemed pretty skilled. But all this fuss — could it be that you’ve never slept with a woman before? Still a virgin?”

“……”

At first, Xie Wei didn’t react.

But once he processed what she had said, his face darkened almost instantly.

Seeing his expression, Jiang Xuening finally couldn’t hold it in — she burst out laughing.

She looked absolutely delighted, as if she had finally uncovered some scandalous secret, her whole demeanor cheeky, bold, almost unbearable.

The veins at Xie Wei’s temple twitched.

In the end, he couldn’t hold back — pressing his thin lips tightly together, he gave her a solid kick, silently telling her to behave.

The kick wasn’t too hard or too soft — it didn’t hurt.

But seeing the murderous look on his face, Jiang Xuening, despite a few suppressed giggles, finally restrained herself a little, though her face still carried a teasing, mischievous smile.

Only then did Xie Ju’an lower his head again to untie the rope.

This time, however, the faint trembling from earlier had completely vanished.

He suddenly froze.

Seeing the mottled, crisscrossing marks on Jiang Xuening’s wrists, Xie Ju’an recalled her earlier outrageous joke. In that moment, he finally understood the thoughtfulness and care she had hidden behind her words.

How could Xie Ju’an — with a heart as clear as a mirror — not realize? In just a fleeting thought, he understood: she had deliberately made that joke to distract him, to ease his emotions.

Only, Ning’er, do you know — it wasn’t fear of the danger we were in, but the lingering fear after seeing you safe and unharmed…

At last, Xie Wei undid the ropes binding her.

Jiang Xuening’s hands were completely numb — a dull ache radiated through them with the slightest movement. Inwardly, she cursed Wan Xiuzi’s ancestors across eighteen generations.

Xie Wei, however, lowered his voice and said, “Wait for me here.”

Jiang Xuening froze: “Where are you going?”

Xie Wei didn’t answer. His gaze fell on the tightly closed window to the north, and he moved toward it, peering out through a narrow crack.

Jiang Xuening, sensing his tension, didn’t dare make a sound.

It seemed Xie Wei wanted to open the window, to do something.

But just as he lifted his hand, his gaze flickered, he frowned, then turned back toward her.

Unexpectedly, he raised his thumb and pressed it against her lips.

The pad of his finger was warm, applying some force — as if he wanted to leave some kind of mark.

Jiang Xuening was first startled, then utterly confused.

Her lips were rubbed a bit roughly, causing a faint sting.

She couldn’t help but ask, “What are you doing?”

Her soft lips moved slightly under his touch. Just a finger — not as easy as he thought to leave a visible mark. And the tender, moist sensation beneath his fingertip suddenly awakened a surging, fierce feeling deep within him.

His hand stilled against her mouth.

Without warning, Xie Ju’an lowered his head and crushed his lips onto hers.

It was a devouring kiss — alternating between tenderness and ruthless force — biting, pressing, devouring.

Only after he was slightly breathless did he finally release her.

Her originally soft pink lips were now tinted with a vivid red, even slightly swollen from his roughness.

Jiang Xuening stared at him, wide-eyed.

It took her a long moment to react. She raised her hand to touch her lips, rage boiling up inside her. But fearful of being overheard by those outside, she gritted her teeth and hissed under her breath, “Are you crazy?”

Xie Wei pressed his lips together. A faint flush crept up his ears. But when he spoke, his tone was surprisingly calm: “Putting on a good show.”

Jiang Xuening was utterly baffled.

Xie Wei, feeling a little uncomfortable under her stare, turned back toward the window, asking as he walked, “Did Wan Xiuzi tell you about my past?”

Still fuming, Jiang Xuening answered coldly, “He did. Quite a bit. All about your cultivation, and whatnot.”

Xie Wei’s fingers, which were pressing against the window frame, suddenly froze. He turned back to look at her: “And how did you respond?”

Jiang Xuening answered instinctively: “I didn’t.”

Xie Wei stared at her for a moment, then said, “If he asks again about my cultivation, tell him — yes.”

Jiang Xuening: ?????????!

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