65. Deceit

The others, who had been unconscious, gradually began to awaken as well.

Since the World-Subduing Spirit Lantern was now missing, Master Puming and Master Pudu decided to head for Jinshan Temple and had no intention of lingering any longer. Li Xintian did not mention that the spirit lantern had transformed into a small sword; even if he had, Puming and Pudu would not have been able to discern it.

At the same time, the truth about Yang Surong’s identity came to light. She was, in fact, a manifestation cultivated by Hu Xingniang herself—a split soul, so to speak. She was more than just Hu Xingniang’s reincarnation.

“I never imagined that my reason for coming to the mortal world was a vain attempt to change your life, and in doing so, I lost even more of my precious humanity and kindness,” Hu Xingniang said softly.

“It’s all my fault. I didn’t listen to Granny’s advice and nearly made a grave mistake,” Yang Surong admitted, astonished to discover she was merely a fragment of Hu Xingniang.

“No, you are me, and I am you,” Hu Xingniang replied. “The reason you turned out this way is because of the resentment in your heart. It is not just you—resentment dwells within me as well.”

“But Granny, why do you say that?” Yang Surong asked.

“Because the resentment I harbored kept me from entering the immortal realm, despite my cultivation and ascension. That is why I wished to return to the mortal world and change the course of your life, which led to all that has happened in this life and the last,” Hu Xingniang explained.

“I deeply regret my actions. The resentment in my heart is gone now,” Yang Surong said. “Granny, if you kill me, and once I am dead and begin my cultivation anew, then you, Granny, will be able to attain true immortality.”

Yang Surong now knew she had become a mere puppet.

“If you have truly come to such an awakening, then what would it matter to cultivate again and become immortal? Rather, let me use my immortal arts to give us both another chance—to let us walk this path once more,” Hu Xingniang shook her head gently.

“To walk this path again? Then… Granny, what will happen to you?” Yang Surong asked, her heart moved.

“If you have truly found your way, you will no longer seek your own destruction, and then I—who am but a shadow of your pain—will cease to exist,” Hu Xingniang said with a nod.

“Thank you, Granny,” Hong Tianyun said with a respectful salute from the side.

“Aunt, farewell until we meet again,” Li Xintian added, not having expected that Hu Xingniang would use her own life to save Yang Surong.

“Qiu Yan, I never thought our final meeting as mother and daughter would be under such circumstances. Take good care of yourself,” Hu Xingniang said as she embraced Hu Qiuyan.

“Mother…” Hu Qiuyan clung tightly to her.

As Hu Qiuyan held her close, Hu Xingniang transformed into a white ray of light, which entered Yang Surong’s body. Two other points of light flew into Xiaodie and Hong Tianyun.

“Mother!” Hu Qiuyan cried.

Hu Qiuyan watched as her mother vanished, tears streaming down her face. She broke down, sobbing, in Li Xintian’s arms. Li Xintian’s heart, too, was heavy with sorrow.

Only after dawn did they set out, reaching a fork in the road. Hong Tianyun, Xiaodie, and Yang Surong rode in the carriage, while Li Xintian and Hu Qiuyan each rode a horse.

“Tianyun, after this, who knows how long it will be before we meet again. Until we meet again!” Li Xintian raised his hand in a respectful gesture.

“Farewell, Brother Zhixian. Until we meet again,” Hong Tianyun replied, having now received his leave to retire and return home. Li Xintian took the right path, while Hong Tianyun went left.

“Where are we headed this time?” Hu Qiuyan asked, riding beside Li Xintian.

“This time we’re going to Jiangcheng, to visit Master Jiang. That’s near the capital,” Li Xintian had already planned the route.

“Is there anything the two guests need?” a middle-aged man hurried out from the teahouse to ask.

“Two steamed buns and two cups of tea,” Li Xintian said, dismounting.

“Right away.” The man hurried back inside.

Li Xintian and Hu Qiuyan had traveled until midday before reaching the teahouse. Nearby sat three shifty-eyed fellows and two scholars, one of whom, though dressed as a man, was clearly a woman in disguise—Li Xintian could see it at a glance.

“I’m going to the back for a moment,” one of the scholars said.

“Alright,” the disguised woman nodded.

“Here are your buns. Please enjoy,” the middle-aged man said, placing the food and tea on the table before leaving.

The three ruffians exchanged glances, signaling one of their number to approach the table where the disguised woman sat.

“Brother, could I ask a favor?” one of them said.

“What is it?” the woman asked, not suspecting anything.

The man produced a bundle and, opening it, revealed gold ingots.

“There must be at least…” she began, but was cut off.

“I’m in a hurry to get home to save my wife and child. I’m carrying too much silver, and I’m afraid of bandits on the road,” the man interrupted.

“Why not exchange it for a banknote? It would be safer to carry,” the woman in disguise asked, frowning.

“I was in too much of a rush when I left home, so I had no chance to exchange it,” the man replied, feigning distress.

“So, how can I help you?” she asked.

“Brother, judging by your clothes, you must have some banknotes on you. Could you exchange some for me?” the man asked with a forced smile.

“I don’t have much on me—only these,” she said, producing at least several dozen banknotes from her chest.

“That’s plenty, plenty!” The man reached for the banknotes, but suddenly a chopstick pierced through the back of his hand, clear through the palm.

“Aaah!” he howled in pain.

“Did you think you could fool me with such a cheap trick?” she sneered. “Are you alright?”

Just then, the other scholar returned from the back, saying, “Tao Wangsan, it’s you again! How dare you hurt me this time!”

Clutching his injured hand, the man glared viciously.

The other two ruffians slammed the table and stood up, both convinced that Tao Wangsan was to blame.

At that moment, two more chopsticks flew out, piercing through the backs of their hands. They screamed in pain, finally realizing who was responsible.

“Please, hero, spare us!” the three of them, ignoring their pain, knelt in terror before Li Xintian.

“Get out of here. Let this be a lesson. If I catch you swindling again, you won’t get off so lightly,” Li Xintian said without even looking at them.

“Yes, yes, we’re leaving!” The three scrambled away, wishing they could sprout extra legs to flee faster.

“Thank you. May I ask your name, brother?” the woman in disguise saluted, still believing it had been Tao Wangsan, but realizing now it was someone else.

“Li Xintian,” he replied, rising and returning the salute.

“I am Tao Wangsan, and he is my esteemed younger brother,” Tao Wangsan quickly interjected.