Another Story

Zhang Xiaohua, seated some distance away, heard Chen Chen's almost soundless question and froze stiffly in his chair, unable to move again. His face was a picture of utter disbelief. "Th-this Chen Chen really knew how to stir things up... She could actually do something like this? Heh heh, only something like this could tell whether she was the real Xia Zihe!"

Seeing the flush on Chen Chen's face, Zhang Xiaohua could not help secretly laughing.

Hearing veiled Chen Chen's question, Aunt Qin rose to her feet and cupped her hands. "Reporting to Esteemed Envoy, after verification by this one and my disciple Chen Chen, this is indeed my disciple, Xia Zihe!"

Veiled Chen Chen clapped her hands. "Good, very good. Since her identity has been confirmed, Junior Sister Xia, please tell everyone about what you encountered within You Lan Grand Canyon!"

At this, everyone revealed curious expressions. Zhang Xiaohu and the other two had just told one story, while Zhao Jian had told another. No one knew which was true and which was false. Yet what sort of story could this already crippled Xia Zihe tell?

Not far away, Zhao Jian's expression changed drastically several times before gradually calming. He resumed his earlier air of having everything under control and, like everyone else, wore an expression of keen interest.

Xia Zihe had already lost both eyes and could not see anything around her. Hearing veiled Chen Chen's order, she began recounting her experience. Her hoarse voice was not loud, yet it rang through the silent Misty Hall, leaving everyone who heard it shaken to the core.

That day, Zhao Jian held Xia Zihe's hand and brought her to the edge of a small grove. After ordering the patrolling disciples to return and warn Misty Hall's herb-gathering disciples, he tied