Young and Ignorant

There was no helping it. Everyone present had turned to look at Qin Ziyan, so Qin Jian could only nod at her, silently praying that this girl would watch her words. This was not the Sword-Imperial Pavilion, not a place where he alone could call the shots.

Qin Ziyan did not put on airs. She stepped forward directly, appearing perfectly composed and open. "Reporting to the Vice Sect Master, Palace Masters, and Elders. That day, this junior first went to the sword-forging chamber to accompany a friend in forging a sword. I remained there until dusk. Just as I left the forging chamber and prepared to return, I discovered a suspicious person..."

"Later, this junior saw those people enter the Hundred Herbs Garden. In my anxiety, I followed them inside. My friend did not enter, and after I went in, I found two senior brothers already collapsed unconscious on the ground. I did not dare venture deeper and immediately withdrew. Later, I saw someone emerge from within and flee at once. This junior was unable to give chase. Looking back now, it was fortunate that I was somewhat timid. Otherwise, at this moment, I fear..." Her story was indeed flawless. There was no need to conceal certain things out in the open, since a simple investigation would uncover them anyway. Yet Qin Jian's hair stood on end as he listened. Even if Qin Ziyan had not gone to the main peak because she was following the man in black, the events afterward were probably true. His precious granddaughter had truly taken a trip through the gates of hell this time. Several Palace Masters had personally examined those disciples who had been drugged unconscious, yet they could do nothing. They were still in comas. If Qin Ziyan had been poisoned as well, he did not even dare imagine it.

Ye Wan was also watching Qin Ziyan. She clearly knew this was not the truth. This had to be the work of her little boyfriend again. It seemed this girl now owed him another life. Sigh, after this, this little miss would probably become even more wholeheartedly devoted to Chen Fan. It had to be said that women often approached matters from unusually unconventional angles. Still, both of them were clearly deliberately concealing matters related to Chen Fan, so they were now in the same trench. Ye Wan could not help thinking further. Chen Fan and this girl had entered the Hundred Herbs Garden. Since they had emerged from it, they had most likely encountered the remaining man in black. Why had they been able to retreat unscathed? Or perhaps there had never been an eighth person at all? Then where had the herbs gone? At that thought, Ye Wan could not help drawing another sharp breath. He really was capable of such a thing. Chen Fan, Chen Fan, you really were something else. Thinking that he was her man made her a little happy again. A woman's heart truly was impossible to fathom.

After Qin Ziyan finished speaking, everyone fell into thought and analysis. Suddenly, Liu Wushuang spoke. "After hearing all this, have none of you noticed a problem?"

Everyone present turned their gazes toward Liu Wushuang.

"Does the Vice Sect Master believe there is something improper?" an Elder asked.

Liu Wushuang chuckled. "I merely find it strange. After an outer sect disciple finished forging a sword, he did not return to the outer sect, but instead went to the main peak. Even if he was following a suspicious person, Ziyan is an inner court disciple, so it would be understandable for her to enter. But where did an outer sect disciple get the nerve to violate sect rules so openly? And with an outer sect disciple's cultivation, he still dared venture into such a situation?"

Hearing this, everyone secretly felt she had a point. No one had questioned this before. The Vice Sect Master truly lived up to her position. But Qin Ziyan and Ye Wan both trembled inwardly. It was over. Had they still failed to hide it? Ye Wan's mind began racing wildly, analyzing every possibility. It seemed some things would have to be explained clearly. But how could she conceal Chen Fan's matters to the greatest extent possible?

Qin Ziyan was even more flustered. She had brought Chen Fan inside. Now there was no way to explain it away. If she had known, she would not have gone today. Yet there was no medicine for regret in this world.

Before anyone could respond, Liu Wushuang continued, "And why did this disciple choose to forge a sword today, rather than a day earlier or later? His sword was just completed, and then he encountered such an incident. Don't you find that too much of a coincidence?"

It was over. Qin Ziyan's heart turned to ashes. She did not believe this matter had anything to do with Chen Fan, because going to the main peak had entirely been her idea. While Chen Fan had been forging his sword, he had not even known where they would be going afterward. But could there truly be such coincidences under heaven? Moreover, she had already concluded that Chen Fan was from Black Dragon Pool. As long as they investigated further, Chen Fan's identity would be exposed beyond doubt, and then even a hundred mouths would not be enough to clear him. What should she do?

"Then does the Vice Sect Master believe that outer sect disciple was an accomplice in this incident? A spy from another sect?" Qin Jian suddenly spoke. Naturally, he said this to separate Qin Ziyan from the matter.

The moment those words fell, several people present shuddered, including the Elders of the Sword-Imperial Pavilion. They had permitted Chen Fan and Qin Ziyan to break rules on many occasions. When they first heard of today's incident, they had known Qin Ziyan had once again been causing trouble together with Chen Fan. If Chen Fan really was a spy, and all their previous actions were settled together, those few Elders would likely have no good days ahead.

Ye Wan was also frantic. That brat spent all day fooling around with the Little Witch. Fooling around would have been one thing. But now that he had stirred up such trouble, no one could save him.

Yet she had no choice but to help her own man. Besides, there was another teammate present, so it was not entirely hopeless. After a brief consideration, Ye Wan said, "Reporting to the Vice Sect Master, this junior once encountered this disciple at the foot of the mountain. At that time, he was attacked by a man in black. This junior acted in time and saved his life, then returned to the sect with him. This junior believes that he is absolutely not a spy from another sect. As for why he chose to forge a sword today, it was because he had previously gone down the mountain specifically to purchase sword-forging materials, and only made an appointment for sword forging after returning to the sect. Therefore, today's incident should truly have been nothing more than coincidence. As for why he dared enter the main peak to investigate, it was because he shared a close friendship with Junior Sister Ziyan."

Ye Wan barely dared breathe as she spoke these words. Everyone was speechless after hearing them. Some people's attention had actually landed on this—Ye Wan was protecting an outer sect disciple so fiercely? Was that normal?

Before they could react, Qin Ziyan suddenly took over. Ye Wan had assisted her to this extent; how could she fail to understand? "That is right. This junior believes the same. That outer sect disciple is named Chen Fan. A year ago, he once saved this junior's life. We can be considered friends who have entrusted our lives to one another. Furthermore, he was seriously injured and suffered a great decline in cultivation after being attacked while down the mountain. That was why I took the initiative to accompany him in forging a sword, so he could make up for some of his lost strength. When he saw this junior enter the main peak, of course he would accompany me. That is what a true friend is. If he chose to protect himself in a time of danger, then I would have misjudged him. How could such a person possibly be a spy? If you say he is a spy, then I am one as well." Qin Ziyan's tone was utterly unreserved, completely frank and upright. To everyone's surprise, they were somewhat moved. In the cultivation world, sincere friends were truly rare. It was already good enough if one did not stab another in the back. How many would risk their lives to protect a friend?

Ye Wan was also astonished inwardly. This Little Witch truly came through at critical moments. What Ye Wan had said earlier had merely been intended to prove that Chen Fan was not a spy. Yet Qin Ziyan had immediately elevated Chen Fan's image several levels higher. If she knew those precious herbs were currently in Chen Fan's room, what would she think?

"You foolish girl! What are you saying? Hurry and apologize to the Vice Sect Master!" Qin Jian panicked. Earlier, his precious granddaughter had spoken quite properly. Why had she suddenly become so worked up? And that Ye Wan—had she not been called the Ice Beauty? Normally, she would not say one extra word. What was going on today?

Liu Ruyu was equally shocked. Ye Wan was her youngest direct disciple. Although Liu Ruyu had spent most of her time traveling outside and had not interacted much with her, everyone knew Ye Wan to be cold and proud, rarely communicating with others. Why had she spoken up for an outer sect disciple today? How strange! It would have been one thing if Ye Wan alone had done so, but even Qin Ziyan, the famous Little Witch, was behaving completely out of character. What exactly was happening?

Everyone else thought the same. These two women were clearly defending Chen Fan with particular fervor. What did that mean? Had he poisoned them? But was that possible, with his cultivation? Then again, if Chen Fan wanted to poison someone, he truly had the ability. But he did not need poison. He had stolen their hearts directly, and that worked far better than any poison.

At that moment, Liu Wushuang gave a soft laugh. "No matter, no matter. I actually think Ziyan spoke very well. If that disciple truly once saved her life, then naturally she should speak up for him. That is true temperament. People always say the young are ignorant, yet they do not know that though the young may be ignorant, they cherish loyalty and righteousness. I fear old fellows like you can no longer understand that."

The older people present were indignant inwardly. Who was she calling old fellows? No one even knew how many years she herself had lived. She understood best? She could relate most?

Still, it seemed Chen Fan's crisis had eased somewhat. Qin Ziyan and Ye Wan both secretly let out a breath of relief.

At that moment, Liu Wushuang was staring fixedly at Ye Wan, as though she wished to see straight through her. Then an almost imperceptible expression appeared between her brows, as though she were slightly surprised. Afterward, she looked toward her younger sister and the Elders of Swordheart Hall and asked, "This Martial Niece Ye's talent and cultivation are indeed quite good. Has she been promised in marriage yet?"

Huh? What did that mean? Why ask such a question? Everyone present was baffled, but Qin Ziyan thought of that man upon hearing it. Those two could not be in that kind of relationship, could they? If they were, what should she do? It had to be said that a woman's sixth sense was truly sharp.

"Elder Sister, what do you mean? My disciple has devoted herself wholeheartedly to the Dao since childhood and has never had such thoughts. How could there be any talk of marriage?" Liu Ruyu asked in return.

"Oh? Is that so? It was nothing. I merely asked because she is not exactly young anymore, and her appearance is so exceptional." As Liu Wushuang said this, she looked at Ye Wan with a meaningful smile. Under that gaze, Ye Wan's cheeks actually reddened slightly.

At this point, everyone who needed to report had finished reporting. It was time to make a final decision. Liu Wushuang's smile vanished as she said, "All right. I have basically understood this matter. You may all withdraw for now. I still need some time to consider a response."

Hearing this, everyone slightly bowed in salute before filing out of the hall.

"Martial Niece Ye, stay behind." Liu Wushuang suddenly spoke.

Ye Wan's heart tightened. Sure enough, something had still been discovered. Fine. What was meant to come would always come. She turned around and walked back toward Liu Wushuang.

After everyone else had left, Liu Wushuang gently waved a hand, and the hall doors closed. She walked down from her seat and came before Ye Wan. "Let me tell you a story."

Ye Wan remained silent and simply listened.

"Once upon a time, there was a young girl. She had a childhood sweetheart who grew up beside her. The two were a talented man and beautiful woman, deeply in love, and so they secretly pledged themselves to one another..."

"That girl was you, and that young man was the one you loved. But later, you achieved success in cultivation and your cultivation became too high. The gap between you became too great, ultimately leading to a sorrowful ending." Ye Wan's mouth truly ended conversations before they could begin. Chen Fan had commented on that long ago.

Interrupted mid-sentence, Liu Wushuang blanked for a moment. "Little girl, my story has only just begun. It would have been one thing for you to interrupt, but you directly spoiled the ending too. Very rude." There was no anger in her tone, however.

"Then it seems you know what I wish to say to you." Liu Wushuang said. Since they were both intelligent people, there was no need to keep beating around the bush. Because she had once cultivated a peculiar beauty-preserving art, she could faintly sense whether a woman's primordial yin body remained unbroken.

"Yes." Ye Wan's expression was calm, yet she was utterly frank.

Liu Wushuang stared at Ye Wan for a while longer before suddenly asking, "That person... are you certain he is the one?"

Ye Wan looked at Liu Wushuang and solemnly nodded. Her gaze was incomparably resolute, even carrying a faint glimmer of moved tears.

Seeing this, Liu Wushuang smiled again. "Since that is so, I have nothing more to say. I only hope you will not regret it in the future. Still, I am becoming more and more curious about that boy." With that, she waved at Ye Wan, signaling that she could leave.

Ye Wan acknowledged the order, said her farewell, and walked out of the hall.

Just as she stepped outside, she suddenly heard Liu Wushuang's voice from within again. "Also, that romantic rival of yours is no easy opponent either!" Her tone carried amusement, clearly as though she were waiting to watch a good show.

Ye Wan was speechless beyond measure, but fortunately, the matter of the Hundred Herbs Garden had at least been preliminarily settled. Hmph, that fellow was probably lounging comfortably in his room right now, while they had spent an entire night here trembling with fear. She raised her head to look at the sky. By then, the heavens had begun to glow faintly white.