Chapter Forty: Jia Renda’s Deception

"Brother Yang, you killed members of the Qingcheng Sect, so you must be careful."
Linghu Chong meant to caution Yang Wenhao, but remembering that Yang had acted only after learning of Luo Renjie’s affiliation with Qingcheng, he merely uttered a few words.
He didn’t elaborate, believing Yang Wenhao had killed for his sake.
Yet, if Yang Wenhao could read Linghu Chong’s thoughts, he’d simply reply with three words:
"You overthink."
Yang Wenhao chose to act partly because Luo Renjie insulted him and struck first, and partly for the sake of points.
With points dangling before him, legitimate and unchallenged, why not seize them?
Beside them, Yilin intoned "Amitabha, Amitabha" from start to finish.
Linghu Chong asked, "Brother Yang, where do you plan to go next?"
Yang Wenhao replied, "I hear there’s a Golden Basin Hand-Washing Ceremony in Hengyang. I’d like to see it for myself."
"Golden Basin Hand-Washing Ceremony." Linghu Chong’s expression grew odd at the mention.
Even Yilin paused her prayers and looked over.
Yang Wenhao was puzzled. "Am I not allowed to go?"
"That’s not it," Linghu Chong shook his head, "But surely you know that every righteous sect will attend the ceremony, Qingcheng included. You’ve just killed one of their men—if you go now..."
Though Linghu Chong didn’t finish his sentence, the meaning was clear:
If you attend, Qingcheng will not let you off easily.
Yang Wenhao merely smiled, unfazed by the threat of Qingcheng. "I was worrying what to do if they didn’t cause me trouble. Now that they will, all the better."
Linghu Chong was at a loss for words, bewildered by Yang Wenhao’s unusual logic.
Linghu Chong said, "Since you’re going, I’ll inform my master. He’ll surely assist you."
Yilin chimed in, "You saved me, benefactor. I will help you as well."
Yang Wenhao said nothing in response.
Help? He hardly needed it; in fact, he hoped for even more trouble to come his way.
"We’ve arrived. This is the place."
Yang Wenhao looked up: Liu Manor.
Liu Zhengfeng was upright and honorable, though sadly hindered by stubborn companions.

Stepping into Liu Manor, Yang Wenhao and his companions saw it decorated with lanterns and banners, clearly preparing for a festive occasion.
No sooner had they entered than they attracted special attention.
From the main hall emerged three groups, each dressed differently.
All women, and those dressed like Yilin belonged to the Mount Heng Sect.
The others, unmistakably, were the Qingcheng and Huashan Sects.
"Yilin!"
Master Dingyi, whose face was troubled, hurried to Yilin’s side.
"Master," Yilin greeted her.
"Are you alright, Yilin?" Dingyi’s face was full of concern.
"I’m fine," Yilin shook her head.
At this moment, Jia Rendai, standing beside Yu Canghai of Qingcheng, spoke with hatred: "Master, he’s the one who killed Brother Luo!"
"Hmm?" Yu Canghai had been discussing the matter with Dingyi and Yue Buqun. His stance was clear: Yilin and Linghu Chong were accomplices deserving punishment, but his main concern was capturing the killer of Luo Renjie.
He’d wondered how to find him, only for the culprit to walk right into his sight—a stroke of fortune.
"You wretched brat, you dare show yourself!"
Yu Canghai reached for his sword, but was stopped by Yue Buqun.
"Yue Buqun, why are you stopping me?" Yu Canghai frowned at him.
Yue Buqun replied, "This matter involves many parties. I propose we consult all three sects before deciding. We cannot heed only your account."
Master Dingyi nodded in agreement, "Indeed, Chief Yu, we must hear their explanations before making a decision. If things are as Jia Rendai claims, we will not interfere in your actions."
Yu Canghai snorted. Outnumbered two to one, he had no choice but to acquiesce.
Master Dingyi turned to Yilin. "Yilin, tell us: how did Luo Renjie die?"
"Luo Renjie...," Yilin was torn. On one side stood her savior, on the other her master. To protect one would mean betraying the other; there was no way to satisfy both.
As she struggled, Yang Wenhao spoke, prompting her to turn toward him.
"Tell your master the truth."
Master Dingyi looked at Yang Wenhao, displeased.
It was natural—her disciple, raised for years, now trusted a stranger more.

"It happened like this..."
Yilin recounted the entire sequence of events.
After hearing her, everyone understood the circumstances.
Master Dingyi frowned, "Yilin, you must realize, there must not be even the slightest personal bias mixed in."
"Disciple swears," Yilin declared. "Every word is true. If I lie, may the Bodhisattva punish me."
Master Dingyi nodded. If so, Yilin would not lie. She turned to Yue Buqun, "Chief Yue."
Yue Buqun nodded and looked at Linghu Chong, "Wayward disciple, speak up."
Linghu Chong smiled bitterly and scratched his head. "Little Sister Yilin has already explained everything. I have nothing more to add."
"Then it’s settled," Master Dingyi said. "Indeed, Yang Wenhao killed Luo Renjie, but only because you two struck first, giving him cause. It was not, as Jia Rendai claimed, that you were protecting Yilin and were killed in turn. Is that correct, Jia Rendai?"
She addressed Jia Rendai last, her presence overwhelming him.
Unable to withstand her aura, Jia Rendai could only nod, "Y-yes."
A sharp slap echoed through the hall, drawing all eyes.
A blood-red handprint marked Jia Rendai’s cheek.
"Foolish wretch!" Yu Canghai cursed.
He was not angry that Jia Rendai lied, but that the lie had deceived him and left him humiliated when exposed.
He was furious—almost to death.
Yue Buqun smiled gently and bowed to Yang Wenhao. "Thank you, Young Hero Yang. If not for you, who knows what trouble my disciple would have caused."
Master Dingyi also bowed. "Thank you for saving my disciple Yilin."
(End of Chapter)