Not long after Yunxi and Yu Ling returned to the Western Region's guest peak, Xian Yao arrived with Huaxian Gate disciples to deliver compensation to the sects of the Western Region.
Xian Yao handed Yunxi a spiritual vein sealed within a jade box. Yunxi accepted it without ceremony. She had earned it. Compared to her Huadian Immortal Artifact, a top-grade spiritual vein was hardly much.
Xian Yao looked as if she wanted to speak. Yunxi went straight to the point. "Xian Yao Daoyou, do you have something to say?"
Xian Yao nodded. "Ran Xi Daoyou, Martial Uncle Hua Bai truly did wrong, but it was not his intention."
Yunxi shook her head. "I do not know whether it was his true intention. I only know that because of him, the five regions lost over a hundred Divine Transformation cultivators. Huaxian Gate has paid dearly as well. Xian Xu fell right before your eyes. If you can let it go, that is your magnanimity.
I admit I hold grudges. In Baohua Mountains, his junior tried to seize my strange flame and was burned in return. To avoid trouble for Haoran Sect, I had the fire spirit display the truth to him. His junior had already been replaced by a wisp of split soul hidden within the flame, yet he still nursed hatred.
At this point, arguing right and wrong is meaningless. Our stances differ. But dragging all five regions' cultivators into it to take revenge on me, that is his fault.
In my eyes, there were no heart demons. He made a deal with evil cultivators for revenge. The result is what he could not bear. Am I wrong?"
Hearing this, Xian Yao lowered her eyes and did not deny it.
Yunxi let out a cold laugh. "Xian Yao, you fought at my side for ten years. You know my temper. He had better stay far away from me. Otherwise I will cut him down to honor the Nascent Soul cultivators of Haoran Sect who fell."
"I understand."
Xian Yao spoke only those four words.
Yunxi continued, "Also, please inform Hua Teng Zūnzhě not to try foisting the Shanhe Scroll on me. You and Xian Feng may not know its origin, nor that evil souls and an evil artifact are sealed within, but your Master certainly does."
At that, Xian Yao's head snapped up, surprise flashing in her eyes. Clearly, Yunxi knew more than she had expected.
Yunxi's fist tightened. She had only intended to test Xian Yao. She had not expected to draw out something real.
So that was why Hua Bai had only casually suggested using the Shanhe Scroll to display the grandeur of a great sect, and Huaxian Gate's seniors had agreed. There was a scheme here. But that was Huaxian Gate's matter. She had no interest in becoming one more piece on their board.
She raised a hand in a polite please gesture, making her intention to see the guest out quite clear.
Xian Yao could only cup her hands and take her leave from the Western Region's guest peak.
Watching her go, Yunxi flashed to the summit to meet the three Zūnzhěs.
The trio had received Huaxian Gate's compensation and were discussing the return to the Western Region. They planned to travel together again with Mingjian Gate and the Loose Cultivators Alliance and were fixing a departure time when Yunxi stepped into the summit hall.
Seeing her, Yu Ling beckoned. "We are discussing when to return west. Did you receive your compensation? Do not delay our departure."
Yunxi bowed to the three and took a seat. "Xian Yao personally delivered the spiritual vein. She hinted that Hua Bai's mistake was born of revenge for his junior, and that he never expected to be used by evil cultivators, which led to such severe consequences."
Yu Ling's expression did not change. "Ran Xi, pay no mind to such words. They only wish to shift blame."
"Rest easy, Master. I understand. I also tested Xian Yao. From her reaction, I am certain the Shanhe Scroll incident was not orchestrated by Hua Bai alone.
I do not believe Huaxian Gate's Ancestors were ignorant that evil souls and an evil artifact were sealed within the scroll. If, knowing this, they still agreed to Hua Bai's proposal, it means they already had a plan. They wanted to use our hands to continue suppressing Long Ya and the evil souls.
They simply did not expect Hua Bai, for selfish revenge, to collude with evil cultivators and send all of us into the sealed ground. In the end, their goal was achieved, but at a brutal price. Poor Hua Bai has become their shield."
Yu Ling, Hao Yan, and Hao Qing listened without change in expression. Clearly, they had long suspected as much and merely had not spoken it aloud.
Hao Yan narrowed her lovely phoenix eyes. "Huaxian Gate is the foremost sect of the Central Region, long styling itself the leader of the Weiyu Realm. Proud and arrogant, and with matching strength. This time, they were well and truly used by evil cultivators. I believe they regret it themselves.
Hua Bai is the sacrifice they have no choice but to push forward. He broke the greatest taboo of the Weiyu Realm by colluding with evil cultivators. Everyone understands, even if none say it."
Hao Qing added, "In our current situation, we cannot afford strife among the five regions. The evil cultivators would exploit it. The balance cannot be broken. Some things are best kept clear in your own heart."
Yunxi drew a deep breath. "I understand. I am simply angry. They made the mistake, then tried to shift the blame. Do they think I am young and easy to bully?"
Looking at the indignant Yunxi, Hao Yan smiled. "Ran Xi, you are indeed young. A Divine Transformation cultivator under fifty. Across the Weiyu Realm, there is only you. What Huaxian Gate feels is envy and jealousy.
As for bullying, they dare not. Many sects across the five regions now owe you favors. Even Xian Yao and Xian Feng are indebted to you. What Huaxian Gate feels even more is fear.
Leaders get used to being on top. The day they sense their position might be taken by someone younger and more capable, unwillingness is only natural. So they suppress by instinct."
Yunxi pointed at herself in surprise. Hao Yan nodded with a smile. She meant exactly that.
Seeing Yunxi calm, Yu Ling changed the topic. "Ran Xi, we plan to depart for the sect the day after tomorrow."
Yunxi answered at once. "Master, I agreed with Xun Kun to visit Medicine King Valley. The second poisoning of Kunmo Sect disciples is connected to Ye Chengbi of Medicine King Valley. I promised Ye Yirui I would check on her injured younger brother.
After that, we plan to travel together to the Northern Region. Han Lian said the Misty Snow Domain is about to open. We hoped to train there together."
Yu Ling said, "A trip to Medicine King Valley will not take long. I will not stop you. But the Misty Snow Domain has a cultivation cap. The highest allowed is late-stage Nascent Soul. Now that you are Divine Transformation, there is no need for that training."
Yunxi paused. That was true. Still, she had given her word. She would have to speak to Han Lian. It seemed her Master did not intend to let her run wild.
"Master, I will ask Han Lian about Misty Snow Domain. If entry is confirmed impossible, I will return to the sect with you."
"Good. Make your own arrangements."
Yu Ling waved her off, then said to Hao Yan at his side, "Huaxian Gate truly lifted a rock to smash its own foot."