The Husky and His White Cat Shizun

Chapter 161: Master, Let Me Take You Flying

"Ye Wangxi is not a man at all."

"..."

A moment of silence was followed by a sudden uproar!

The guests in the grand hall paled, all their gazes fixated on Ye Wangxi. He kept his face lowered, eyes closed, and remained silent.

Not a man? !

This handsome and towering youth was actually... a maiden?

The revelation was like a drop of water falling into a boiling pot, instantly igniting a furious commotion. Someone gasped, and then whispers spread like sizzling oil, igniting a wildfire of gossip.

"Ye Wangxi is a woman?"

"God... how could this be..."

"No wonder Nan Gongsi didn't blame her just now. He clearly knew about this matter! Then Song Qiutong's actions earlier were..."

"... Purely for self-preservation and framing others!"

"That's too sinister! If you didn't do it, then why implicate someone else to clear your name?"

"But I still can't believe it. How could Ye Wangxi be a woman? There's no sign of it at all..."

Nan Gongliu's eyes flickered with cold light as he stared at the black-robed figure's dark eyes and said, "Don't make baseless accusations, sir. What evidence do you have—"

"Release Nan Gongsi if you're not guilty," the black-robed person said. "Fortunately, although your son is wild, he's still an upright gentleman, not as heartless as you."

"..."

Seeing a layer of greasy sweat on Nan Gongliu's face as he clenched his fists in silence, the black-robed figure said coldly, "Well, release him then."

Nan Gongliu waved his sleeve and said, "Disciplining my wayward son is none of your concern, sir. You have no right to interfere!"

Although he didn't admit to the black-robed person's claims, everyone present now saw through the situation like a clear mirror. Those who had initially doubted the black-robed person's words couldn't help but have their beliefs shaken. They started scrutinizing Ye Wangxi's handsome face, searching for any hints that she might be a woman.

At that moment, someone in the crowd loudly declared, "Headmaster Nan Gong, this is not right of you."

Everyone turned to look. Mei Hanxue, wrapped in a fox fur robe, stood elegantly amidst the glow of the lanterns with a gentle smile on his face. "Miss Ye may exude a heroic spirit, but she's undoubtedly a woman. As a male headmaster and an elder, you should cherish and protect the ladies. How can you bully a young maiden just to save face for the Confucian Wind Sect?"

He strolled forward, smiling. "I'm not ashamed to say that I had the pleasure of meeting Miss Ye at Peach Blossom Spring. Back then, I admired her valiant demeanor, which was distinct from the delicate willows. Unfortunately, I'm not skilled with words and ended up offending her, causing a dispute between us. After witnessing Miss Ye's remarkable skills, I couldn't help but praise the Confucian Wind Sect for its heroes and extraordinary female cultivators. However, seeing Headmaster Immortal's actions today... ah, I feel that the illustrious Confucian Wind Sect is no match for such a proud and beautiful woman."

"…Immortal Mei, given your brief encounter with Ye Wangxi, it's understandable if you made a mistake," said Nan Gongliu, his expression darkening, though he maintained a forced smile. "I'll let your misjudgment slide for the sake of Kunlun's Treading Snow Palace, but please don't make the same mistake again."

His composure was no longer as calm and composed as before.

The black-clad man chuckled softly. "Everyone knows that Mister Mei is renowned for his charm. If he can't tell whether someone is a man or a woman, there probably isn't another person in the world who could."

Hearing this, Nan Gongliu's anger flared, and he replied stiffly, "You were criticizing Ye Wangxi for mistreating Song Qiutong just now, yet now you claim Ye Wangxi is a woman. Your inconsistent statements are clearly intended to disrupt the integrity of our Confucian Wind Sect and damage its reputation!"

The black-clad man said, "If I hadn't resorted to such a tactic, how would Young Master Nan have seen the true nature of Miss Song? If he were to marry the wrong person, he'd live with disgust for half his life."

"But what you said earlier made perfect sense! Besides, if Ye Wangxi is a woman, how did the cinnabar mark on Song Qiutong's wrist disappear?"

"Ask her yourself. Why are you asking me?" The black-clad man sneered. "Moreover, the Confucian Wind Sect has thousands of male disciples. If Headmaster Immortal has the time, he can interrogate them one by one and surely find a satisfactory answer."

This matter concerns the reputation of the Confucian Wind Sect, so everyone remained silent, not daring to speak. However, their disdain and curiosity were evident in their eyes. Nan Gongliu felt needles pricking his back under such gazes. After standing still for a moment, he suddenly turned to Ye Wangxi and shouted, "Come here!"

"..."

"You tell us yourself, did Miss Song wrong you?" Nan Gongliu fixated his gaze on Ye Wangxi's face. He was taking a gamble, holding onto the most critical trump card. He knew that Ye Wangxi held deep feelings for his son and would not wish for the Confucian Wind Sect's reputation to be tarnished. "Tell everyone your true identity!"

Ye Wangxi had always been obedient, like the most compliant chess piece on his board since childhood.

He vividly remembered when Ye Wangxi, at the age of thirteen, had come to the magnificent main hall of the Confucian Wind Sect as instructed.

The doors of the hall were tightly shut, leaving only the two of them inside.

He sat on the cold, majestic throne, looking down. The thirteen-year-old girl had yet to mature, dressed in a greenish-blue jacket with her hair tied up with silk ribbons and a small silver bracelet on her wrist.

He smiled at her and said, "Wangxi, you already understand why I summoned you today."

Ye Wangxi knelt down and bowed deeply. "Yes, Lord."

"Your adoptive father has sustained severe injuries multiple times, damaging his bones. He is no longer suitable to lead the covert guards. As his adopted daughter and Shide's childhood friend, I trust no one else but you."

Ye Wangxi remained motionless, still lying on the ground in silence, her delicate neck exposed beneath her hair bun like a lamb awaiting slaughter.

Nan Gongliu said, "Your talents are exceptional, and your future is immeasurable. I have intentions of grooming you to become the leader of the Confucian Wind Sect's covert guards, eventually overseeing one of the seventy-two cities. This way, you can alleviate your adoptive father's burdens while also serving as a trusted aide to Si'er. Together, he will be in the light, while you remain in the shadows, sharing in the glory of the Confucian Wind Sect for a century."

He paused.

"However, if you're unwilling, that's fine too. Your adoptive father can still manage for some time, and I'll search for another suitable candidate. The sacrifice required from you would be significant, and I understand that. There's no need for you to force yourself."

After Nan Gongliu finished speaking, he shifted his position on the high seat, patiently waiting. Knowing that this girl was an orphan with no support, he was confident she would agree. He anticipated her nod.

Finally, Ye Wangxi straightened her back and gazed at him quietly.

For a moment, Nan Gongliu felt a chill run down his spine, as if the girl had seen through his schemes and insincere smile. But then, Ye Wangxi replied, "My life was given by my adoptive father. To repay his kindness, there is nothing I am unwilling to do."

Nan Gongliu fell silent for a moment before sighing, "In the end, it's unfair to you."

Ye Wangxi spoke calmly and detachedly, "I should be the one thanking Lord for your favor and recognition."

Nan Gongliu changed the subject, "But, the Confucian Wind Sect has always adhered to the principle of male dominance over women. Women are perceived as weak and sentimental. Only men can truly gain the respect of others and lead a city. Forget the Past, you're so clever, you must know what needs to be done."

Ye Wangxi fell silent for a moment, then, in front of Nan Gongliu, she coldly removed the silver bracelet from her wrist and the ribbon from her braid. Next, she took off her outer robe, leaving only a pristine inner garment. After that, she let down her braid and transformed it into a high ponytail. Sunlight shone upon her, highlighting her straight back and resolute expression. Despite her youthful figure, her demeanor was now as steadfast as a pine tree.

"Not bad," Nan Gongliu remarked, ensuring every detail was perfect. "This is how you should present yourself from now on. But don't forget, there's still your voice."

Ye Wangxi lowered her eyelashes, having noticed since entering that a golden pair of scissors had already been placed before her seat.

She picked up the scissors and, with determination, brushed them against her throat.

Blood dripped.

"Old voice fades, never to be altered."

Slowly, she uttered these eight words of incantation before closing her eyes and casting the scissors aside.

The bloodstains on the scissors caught Nan Gongliu's gaze, who after a moment of contemplation, said, "Very well, very good. From this day forth, you will be the successor of the Dark City's leader, young master Ye of the Confucian Wind Sect. Even Si'er will yield to you—"

Ye Wangxi spoke, but now with a different voice of a young man.

"I humbly request, Master, to no longer let my foster father face challenges alone. I am willing to share his burdens."

Nan Gongliu knew Ye Wangxi all too well.

For ten years, she had mastered the demeanor of a man, not allowing a single flaw to show. Daily, she endured the agony of secret potions to cultivate her masculine appearance.

In his eyes, she was a dog raised by the Confucian Wind Sect, one who would never betray them out of gratitude for their upbringing.

A decade ago, she slit her throat and changed her voice forever.

Tonight, she wouldn't disappoint him either.

He staked everything on Ye Wangxi's aid.

If Ye Wangxi simply admitted, "I am not a woman," even if others refused to believe it, what difference would it make?

The black-clad figure seemed to share this sentiment. Stepping forward, he positioned himself in front of Ye Wangxi, blocking her path. He said, "Nan Gongliu, Miss Ye has already bled and sacrificed her youth for your Confucian Wind Sect. Now that you can no longer deny the truth, do you intend to squander the remainder of her life as well?"

Just as Nan Gongliu was about to refute, a burst of orange-red light ascended into the distant night sky, signaling another capture of the Spirit Horn Deer.

But against this revelation, the outcome of the hunt mattered little. No one cared anymore who had come in second. All eyes remained transfixed on the central hall where tables and chairs lay toppled, a broken desk dividing Nan Gongliu and Ye Wangxi. The groom, trapped within his father's barrier, and the bride, kneeling on the ground, tears streaming down her face, her sobs echoing through the night.

It was utterly unforeseen, from the accusations of illicit affairs to the estrangement of husband and wife, then the revelation of their daughter's true identity, and now the head of the Confucian Wind Sect refusing to acknowledge the truth. This sensational drama would likely be a popular topic of discussion in teahouses and taverns for the next three to five years.

Who would still care about those poor deer?

As such, no one noticed the slow rift of dark red opening up in the dense forest sky until fireworks suddenly burst with a deafening clamor. Frightened crows took flight, squawking into the depths of the night. With twenty signal fireworks detonating simultaneously, the night sky was transformed into a horrifying sea of blood resembling the Realm of Revenants.

The occupants of the Poetic Melody Pavilion abruptly sensed something amiss and rushed to the railings to observe the spectacle—

"What's happening?"

"How can everyone's fireworks have gone off at once?"

"Look! Up in the sky! What is that?"

"...A Sky Rend!"

"It's a Sky Rend!"

Silence descended upon the hall for an instant, only to be replaced by a crescendo of gasps and screams: "A Sky Rend from the Realm of Ghosts! How can there be a Sky Rend from the Realm of Ghosts in the Upper cultivation realm?"

"Upon the Hunting Grove!"

"Senior Brother! My Senior Brother is still over there!"

"Sis——!!"

The crowd swarmed together like fish in a pond, their panic and shock rippling through the throng. At this moment, sect scandals or martial world secrets mattered not. To regain some dignity, Nan Gongliu shouted amplifying his voice, "Ladies and gentlemen, do not be alarmed. It's merely a tear from the Ghost Realm. You're within the Confucian Wind Sect, and I, Nan Gongliu, will ensure no harm comes to our guests!"

With a wave of his hand, he summoned his personal sword and stepped onto its gleaming blue hilt, soaring into the night wind.

"The five branches of the Confucian Wind Sect's guards, follow me immediately to investigate the forest. The rest of the elders and disciples, stay at the Poem and Music Platform to protect the guests!"

After speaking, he seemed to be escaping the black-robed figures' interrogation as he hastily led the five guard units towards the Howling Moon Training Field, leaving the wedding mess behind without a second thought.

"How could something like this happen all of a sudden?"

"Yes, the Upper Cultivation Realm has never experienced a tear from the Ghost Realm before. What, what on earth is going on here?"

From their jeweled and pearl-encrusted pavilions, the hearts of the cultivators were filled with unease. Accustomed to their privileged lives, they were more afraid than responsible when faced with the unexpected intrusion of the Ghost Realm's tear. They might have been willing to slay an isolated demon, but a tear was different. If it was just the upper layers of hell spewing ordinary ghosts, that would be one thing. But if, like the horrifying event in Butterfly Town five years prior, it tore open the realm of eternal suffering...

They shuddered, imagining that even a grandmaster like Chu Wanning had perished in that battle. They all felt a sense of impending danger and huddled by the crimson railings, staring at the crimson fissure in the distant sky.

Chu Wanning rose and said to Xue Zhengyong, "Lord, the color of that rift is wrong. It might lead to the lower levels of hell. I'm worried about Xue Meng and the others. I'll go take a look."

With that, his moon-white robe brushed against the ground as he walked straight to the railing. Under everyone's astonished gazes, he leaped lightly onto the neighboring green-tiled roof, disappearing swiftly into the distance.

"Yu Heng—" Xue Zhengyong tried to call after him, but Chu Wanning was already lost in the dark night.

He cursed inwardly and attempted to jump down himself, only to have his shoulder grabbed. Turning around, he met the grimacing bronze mask of the black-clad figure. The man patted his shoulder and whispered, "Uncle, stay here and look after Aunt. I'll follow Master. Don't worry."

Xue Zhengyong was startled. "Ran—"

The black-robed man raised his hand and placed it gently on his lips, shaking his head.

"..." Xue Zhengyong never expected this person to be Mo Ran, and before he could ask another question, Mo Ran vaulted over the railing with one hand, his movements as swift as an eagle diving into the darkness. His cloak billowed like ink, and soon he vanished behind the same arch as Chu Wanning.

"Master!"

Halfway along the rooftops, Mo Ran grew impatient and summoned his bonded sword. He quickly caught up to Chu Wanning with his sword flight.

He raised his hand, lifting his disguise. The grotesque bronze mask shifted to the side of his forehead, revealing an incomparably handsome face. "Wait for me."

Chu Wanning's eyes widened. "Why is it you?"

"I'll take Master on my sword. I'll explain everything on the way."

Chu Wanning took his offered hand, leaped lightly, and landed firmly on the sword. He then tried to let go of Mo Ran, but the broad and calloused palm held on even tighter. Mo Ran stood right behind him, and with every word he spoke, the distinct warmth of a young man's breath brushed against the back of Chu Wanning's ear, feeling especially scorching amidst the swift, cold night wind.

Mo Ran said, "This sword has a strong momentum and travels fast. Hold on tight, Master."

The two rode the sword through the wind. Chu Wanning asked, "Did you plan everything that just happened in the main hall?"

"Mm-hmm. In my travels these years, I've heard many stories about Song Qiutong," Mo Ran replied. "Although she doesn't have the guts to commit great atrocities like mass murder, she's the kind of person who would kick someone when they're down. If she really marries Nan Gongsi and becomes the young mistress of the Confucian Wind Sect, this sect might become even worse than it is now."

But Chu Wanning said, "The Confucian Wind Sect can't get any worse than it already is."

After he finished speaking, he frowned and glanced at Mo Ran's black cloak, a hint of doubt creeping into his mind. "... Speaking of which, how did you know that Ye Wangxi was a girl?"