Chapter 133: True and False Mistveil—Hard to Tell Which Is Real

"It is my fault that the timing was too rushed back then, and there was never a proper moment to explain it to you. Later, after we had been through so much, I simply set the matter aside. Who would have thought that tonight, as if guided by some unseen force, I would be brought back to this place filled with sorrow, hearing the echoes of the truth I witnessed back then." Yushang let out a deep sigh, his brows furrowed; it was clear how heavy his heart was. Though living in a chaotic world meant he had long become accustomed to life-and-death struggles, the pain of remembering those innocent students who had met such tragic ends only deepened the ache within him.

"You brat, is the truth you speak of related to this small academy? What is really going on here? You must explain it clearly!" For some reason, Xiaoyin was incredibly curious about this so-called truth—or more precisely, he felt a subtle connection to this small academy. Although it had never appeared in his memories, he felt a sense of familiarity the moment he laid eyes on it. He could not put his finger on what exactly felt reminiscent, but a pull—an invitation to explore further—resonated within him.

"I will discuss this with you in detail later; after all, this is not the place for such talk. Furthermore, do not forget our true purpose in coming here. If we delay the best chance to save Lanwu just to satisfy your curiosity, not only you, but I too will be branded a historic sinner. You wouldn't want to lose the bond of others while also losing the one you love, would you? Let us search around and see where Lanwu might be!" Yushang did not intend to reveal everything in this eerie place, so he used the excuse of searching for Lanwu to deflect Xiaoyin's questioning.

In truth, it was not that Yushang did not want to share his experiences with Xiaoyin; it was simply that this place was too ominous to linger in for even a moment. Moreover, the Great Elder could appear at any time, so they had to resolve the matter of Lanwu and return as quickly as possible. Regardless of anything else, this place was considered a forbidden zone of the Yanlan Academy. If others were to see them trespassing so recklessly, they would not be able to clear their names even with a hundred mouths. Furthermore, Yushang could vaguely sense Xiaoyin’s curiosity, which he did not see as a good thing. To prevent tragedy, he had to take Xiaoyin and Lanwu away quickly to ensure everyone’s safety.

"You are right; nothing is more important than Lan'er right now. We must find her as soon as possible; who knows what might happen if we delay any longer!" Only after hearing Yushang’s words did Xiaoyin snap out of his dazed state. What had come over him? Why was he so single-mindedly obsessed with exploring this dilapidated academy? How could he have pushed Lan'er to the back of his mind? If something were to happen to her because of this, he feared he would live the rest of his life in self-reproach, unable to find peace.

Yet, when they searched the dilapidated academy inside and out without finding any trace of Lanwu, a sense of panic arose. The flying blade had clearly landed here; why couldn't they find anything? What was going on? Had Lanwu truly met with misfortune? No—if that person truly wanted to use Lanwu to strike at them, he would not discard his pawn so quickly. Yushang firmly believed that Lanwu was surely safe and sound. Xiaoyin, however, thought otherwise; he was truly panicked, his mind filled with bleak images of Lanwu in danger.

Xiaoyin knew all too well that the fate of a pawn had always been miserable, and a pawn who betrayed her friends suffered even more. Although he did not understand why the simple and kind-hearted Lanwu would betray her friends, he knew that no matter how wicked or evil she might seem, he still loved her and would always love her. From the day he had saved her, their fates had been intertwined. No matter the hardship or sorrow, Xiaoyin believed it was worth it. Even if he lost everything else, he still had love—the most precious thing they shared.

Just as they were at an impasse, a dark shadow emerged from the darkness. Yushang and Xiaoyin were stunned to see the face of the figure: it was Lanwu, the very person they were so desperate to find. Yet, this Lanwu felt slightly different from usual. They could not quite put their finger on what was wrong, but the aura she inadvertently exuded caused the two men to falter. It was a domineering, powerful presence that forced those around her to step back, clearly shaken. It was strange—how could she have changed so much in such a short time? It was truly perplexing.

"Why have you followed me here? Do you not know that such behavior is that of rats?" Lanwu said loudly, her voice filled with anger. Her sharp tone sent the vampire bats hiding in the corners flying out of the windows. Under the moonlight, framed by the bats, the scene felt even more uncanny. When Xiaoyin looked at Lanwu through the slivers of moonlight, he felt a sense of alienation; she seemed entirely unlike the Lanwu he knew. The contrast was too great.

"We only followed you because we were worried about your safety. But Lan'er, why have you come to such a terrifying place alone? Let us return quickly; this is no place to linger!" With that, Xiaoyin stepped forward, intending to take Lanwu away. But just as his hand was about to touch her arm, she deftly dodged and stepped aside. Xiaoyin was bewildered; why was she so resistant to him? She hadn't been like this just moments ago. How had everything changed in the blink of an eye?

"I merely came out for some fresh air because the room was too stuffy. How could such a common action draw those with ill intentions? It is you two who are lurking about like thieves; it seems to me that you are the ones with bad intentions!" Lanwu looked at the two with deep disdain as she spoke, her demeanor appearing incredibly arrogant. What had happened? Why had Lanwu become this way? Xiaoyin asked himself this question more than once. Where had his simple, kind-hearted Lan'er gone? Why had this version of her taken her place?

"You are not Lanwu. Speak—who are you? Do not try to test my patience, or if you push me too far, I will not hold back. You had better weigh your options!" Yushang frowned at her, his anger evident. It would be one thing if Lanwu had betrayed him for her own gain, but the appearance of a fake Lanwu to confuse them was truly infuriating. Yushang, however, had a sharp eye; even though Xiaoyin had not realized this person was not the real Lanwu, Yushang had already seen through the facade and exposed the truth.

"Some words cannot be taken back once spoken. Regardless of whether I am real or fake, you must at least produce evidence! Words are empty; I could just as easily say you are not the real Yushang. If you are capable, show me the proof to expose me!" Lanwu raised her brows, smiling provocatively. She wanted to see how these two would expose her, and she wanted to see if Yushang was as truly brilliant and observant as the legends claimed—if he was truly worth entrusting with important matters.

"I once had the fortune to use Lanwu’s fire whip to repel a dark shadow. I still vividly remember the handle of her whip; it was carved with beautiful patterns. I cannot name the flower, but it was exceptionally beautiful and striking. But looking at your whip now, while the craftsmanship is fine and similar to the real one, the handle is worlds apart. Yours is perfectly smooth, with nothing on it. Lanwu would never use such an inferior whip, so this so-called Lanwu must be a fake!" Yushang looked at the fake Lanwu and smiled with disdain.

"I may not be as observant as this brat, but my intuition tells me you are not Lanwu. I trust my intuition; it does not lie. You are truly different from Lan'er. You feel too like a stranger to me. The real Lanwu would never look at me with such contempt. Speak the truth—who are you, and where have you hidden the real Lanwu?" Xiaoyin suppressed his rage, feigning composure, though his heart was already in turmoil.

"As expected of the sons of two high-ranking beings who ascended to another realm. Yushang is indeed Yushang; nothing can deceive you. And you, little blood-red snake spirit, are far more formidable than I imagined. I have truly had my eyes opened today!" As he spoke, the so-called Lanwu revealed his true form. His real face left Yushang and Xiaoyin in shock. How could it be him? It was unbelievable. Who would have thought that someone of such high status would lower himself, discarding his dignity to dress as a young girl to deceive them?

"I never expected it to be you, Great Elder. This really has given this junior quite a shock!" Yushang smiled at the Great Elder, who had regained his true appearance. In truth, Yushang had suspected it might be him, but he hadn't been certain. He never imagined the Great Elder would resort to such tactics. What was his intention in going to such lengths to lure them here? Did this matter involve Lanwu? Were they accomplices, or had Lanwu been deceived by him as well? These questions filled Yushang’s mind, leaving him unable to think clearly.

"I never thought you would be the old man who enjoyed dressing up as Lan'er to trick us! How disgusting! Enough talk—hand over my Lan'er at once, or don't blame me for being impolite!" Xiaoyin sensed a conspiracy; if he didn't rescue Lanwu now, it would be too late. This old man had surely brought them here for no good reason. He had heard that compared to the old Dean, this Great Elder was even more cunning and treacherous!

"Keeping that little girl was of no use to me, so I have long since sent her safely back to the Bamboo Cottage. If you don't believe me, you can go back and check!" The Great Elder smiled meaningfully at Xiaoyin. This little snake was truly interesting; he lacked the cold-bloodedness of his kind and instead possessed a fire in his heart. What he couldn't understand was why this little snake, with his bright future, would follow this boy so loyally. If it were merely because of a blood-oath, it would be a poor excuse. With the abilities of a blood-red snake spirit, no oath could truly hold him. If he wanted to leave, no one could stop him.

"You had better be telling the truth. If I find out you are lying to us, the consequences will be more than you can bear!" With that, Xiaoyin ignored the Great Elder and looked quietly at Yushang, waiting to see what strategy he would use to deal with the old man. Since they had already fallen into his trap, it would not be so easy to get out. He wanted to see what this old man was really planning!