Chapter Sixty-Nine: The Mortal World, Shrouded in Mystery

“Look at how pleased you are with yourself. So what if you have an extra red glow and some unusual markings compared to others of your kind? Is that really enough to make you this proud?” Yu Xiaoran couldn’t help teasing Xiao Yin when he saw the expression on his face. Yet, he understood this feeling well; it was exactly how he had once felt. Not long after he survived his own tribulations, a reclusive master prophesied that he was a rare genius, one seen perhaps once every half year, and that he would one day achieve great things. Ever since, everyone saw him as the chosen one, and he began to believe it himself, growing increasingly arrogant and dismissive of others. Still, none could deny his extraordinary cultivation. Only after he experienced several setbacks did he see the world clearly—there was always someone stronger, something greater. He was but a drop in the vast ocean.

“I’m in a good mood today, so I’ll take your words as jealousy and let it slide!” Xiao Yin laughed heartily, paying no mind to the strange looks from those around him. As long as he himself understood this difference, that was enough.

“All right, Brother Yu, don’t tease him anymore. But I am curious—why would Xiao Yin’s image be carved here? From the artistry and likeness of the carving, it really is you!” Yu Shang frowned and continued, “Could it be that some sage encountered you as a child, recognized your uniqueness, and predicted your future greatness, so they carved you here as a deity? Try to remember—did you ever meet anyone strange as a child, or did anything unusual ever happen to you?” Yu Shang urged, eager to know more about Xiao Yin’s past. Though he did not know where Xiao Yin was born or raised, he was certain such a person could not have come from an ordinary place.

“I only heard from the elders in my clan that the day I was born, the weather was clear. But when I let out my first cry, a red light burst from my body, shooting straight into the sky and painting it blood-red. What surprised them most was that I was born in human form, not as a snake like the others. My kin can only take human shape after long cultivation, but I only revert to my serpent spirit when my inner energy is depleted.” Xiao Yin spoke slowly, no longer boasting. In his eyes, there was nothing to be proud of. He remembered how, as a child, his own kind treated him like a monster. He could only play alone, never able to fit in.

“Why do you always mention the clan elders? What about your parents? Didn’t they tell you any interesting stories?” Lan Wu, the simple-minded girl, failed to catch the undertone and insisted on probing, leaving everyone unsure whether to scold her or not.

“I grew up under the care of the clan elders. I have no memory of my parents at all. I only heard that they left to handle some matter before I was even a month old, and never returned.” Xiao Yin said with deep sadness. It was why he felt so much empathy for Yu Shang—they both had similar childhoods. He knew what it was like to have no one to share your joy with, no one to lighten your sorrow. While others nestled in their parents’ arms, they had already weathered many hardships, standing alone against the world.

“I’m sorry, it’s my fault for being so thoughtless and making you recall unhappy memories.” Lan Wu apologized guiltily. She had never realized that her ever-smiling beloved had such a painful past. Suddenly, she felt she had neglected him, never understanding his thoughts or his history. She’d always demanded his understanding and patience, not realizing he was the one who most needed those things.

“Silly girl, I’m not unhappy at all. In fact, I should thank those hardships—they made me who I am today. And if you really feel sorry, then treat me better from now on! Instead of hitting me all the time, how about a sweet kiss now and then? Those punches hurt!” Xiao Yin slipped back into his rogueish manner, leaving everyone both amused and exasperated.

“You’re always so improper!” Lan Wu blushed, half-pouting, and then nestled into his arms, savoring her happiness.

“So, by your account, the carving at the end of the secret passage really is you. But why was it put here? Judging by the age of the carving, it’s been here far longer than you’ve been alive!” Yan Xue Su said, full of confusion. It was truly paradoxical—there were many things in this world that defied logic, but their existence could not be denied. All in all, it was utterly bewildering, and none of them could make sense of it.

“Maybe my reputation grew so much that someone took a fancy to me and, on a whim, carved my likeness here as a memento! Doesn’t it seem that my explanation is the most reasonable? I’ve said before, when I was famed throughout the land, I had many admirers. It wouldn’t be strange if one of them made it here!” Xiao Yin was now so pleased he could barely contain himself. Just thinking about his own charm sent him floating to the clouds.

“If that’s the case, the only one who fits—someone who’s seen you, can come and go in these passages, and whose timeframe matches—is the old headmaster of Yanlan Academy!” Yu Shang chuckled softly. Xiao Yin dared to imagine anything! Why would a dignified headmaster admire him, let alone come here to carve his likeness?

“No wonder that old headmaster always looks at me so strangely. I never guessed he’d heard of my fame and even admired me!” Xiao Yin laughed flamboyantly, making everyone break out in a cold sweat. Where did he get this confidence? The old headmaster’s status and his own were worlds apart. There was no way the former would ever admire the latter—Xiao Yin was simply daydreaming.

“Stop your daydreaming—why would my master ever admire such an arrogant little snake?” Meng Youyuan immediately defended her so-called grandfather. Though he hadn’t treated her well, she had always respected him, seeing him as a hero. Now, someone was suggesting that her revered grandfather would admire such an egotist and even carve his likeness in a sacred place—she simply couldn’t accept it. Besides, she knew her grandfather’s temperament too well. Other than his own master, he never gave anyone special regard.

“That’s odd. I thought you disliked that old headmaster. Why are you so quick to defend him now?” Xiao Yin taunted gleefully from the side.

“I’m only stating the facts, not arguing on anyone’s behalf!” Meng Youyuan turned her head away in annoyance, frustrated by her own loss of composure. If word got out, people would laugh at her for being sentimental. After all, her grandfather had never acknowledged their relationship, and would have preferred to be rid of her altogether. Why should she bother speaking for him? He’d never appreciate it and would only find her meddlesome.

“All right, you two, enough bickering. Still, Xiao Yin does have a point. You obviously care deeply for my senior brother—you wish you could reconcile and be a family again. But just because he’s old and set in his ways doesn’t mean you should be confused as well! I watched you grow up. Yes, my senior brother dislikes you, even wishes you gone, but do you know that along with his hatred, there is also love?” Xun Mishuang grew more agitated as she spoke, wishing she could slap some sense into the foolish girl in front of her. Even as an outsider, she could feel the faint, but genuine, familial love.

“How could he love me? Shibo, please stop trying to console me. Everyone knows he’s always wanted me dead!” Meng Youyuan’s eyes reddened and her voice choked. The thought that her own grandfather, bound by blood, would set aside family ties just to kill her stabbed her heart like needles. Why was fate so cruel to her? Others could live happily with their families, and while there might be minor quarrels, never to the extent of drawing swords. But her life was different: born an error, abandoned by her parents before her first month, reluctantly taken in by her grandfather, who wanted nothing more than to end her. Was this retribution for sins in a previous life?

“That’s enough, Shibo. Please don’t say more! Yuanyuan isn’t in the right state of mind, and this isn’t the place for such talk. Let’s save it for later.” Lan Bingxian, unable to bear seeing the woman he loved so distressed, intervened. He didn’t care what the truth was—he only wanted her to be happy, not on the verge of tears.

“Shuang’er, listen to me. Don’t continue,” Leng Huaiyi also saw that the two women were not themselves. He feared things would only get worse if this continued. Besides, their most urgent task was to reach the heart of the treasury; other matters should not distract them now.

“Don’t stop me—there are things I can’t keep silent about anymore. She deserves to know the truth!” Xun Mishuang addressed the two who tried to restrain her, her tone grave.

“Senior brothers, Shibo is right. Don’t hold her back. We’re stuck on this little boat anyway, with nothing else to do. We might as well hear her out—it’ll help pass the time.” Meng Youyuan forced a bitter smile. She couldn’t understand why Xun Mishuang insisted her grandfather loved her, nor where such love could possibly come from.

“You always say my senior brother doesn’t care for you and wants you dead, but do you know that at night, he quietly stands by your window, picking up your blankets when you kick them off, afraid you’ll catch cold? When you’re injured during cultivation, he sneaks in while you sleep to heal you. All these years, have you never wondered why your wounds healed so quickly? When students at the academy bullied you, he didn’t intervene openly, but punished them behind the scenes, making sure no one with bad intentions dared approach you again. Even your meeting with Lan Bingxian was his arrangement—he wanted his most trusted student by your side to care for you. Everything a grandfather should do, he did. He just couldn’t express his love openly. Try to put yourself in his place—if you were him, how would you treat the child of your wife’s killer and beloved daughter, born of such a tragic union?” With that, Xun Mishuang fell silent, turning away to gaze at the intoxicating scenery, leaving Meng Youyuan staring blankly, lost in thought.