Chapter Seventy-Six: The Return of the Great Hero

In the oppressive silence, Wen Rong’s voice suddenly broke through: “Grandfather, is there truly not a single shred of mercy left?” Wen Yuanren’s heart gave a jolt, his rage clearing in an instant. He slowly turned his head to look at Wen Rong, sighed heavily, and then said in a low voice, “Let’s go.”

After all, Wen Hongren had once been his most favored son. This show of force was meant for Tie Xingsheng’s eyes—to make it clear that the marriage alliance with the Ye family was Wen Hongren’s folly alone, with nothing to do with the Wen clan. Now that his objective had been achieved, was there truly a need for total annihilation?

The other children hardly mattered, but for years he had regarded Wen Rong as the family’s hope. If by chance the Ye family endured this ordeal, and Wen Rong became a cultivator, perhaps glory might one day return—however slim the possibility. But as long as there remained even a hint of hope, he ought to leave some room for maneuver.

As before, Wen Yuanren chose to retreat once the worst had passed. The conflict never fully erupted. On the other side, Grand Master Shen Wangji had already tidied up a courtyard, preparing for Wen Hongren and his family to move in. In fact, Shen Wangji was taking a significant political risk; by picking a side in this matter, he had inevitably branded himself.

After half a day of chaos, the Wen family was finally settled. Wen Rong now understood the cause and effect of everything, her emotions tangled and complex. Was she truly to be married to that Ye Xin? In truth, she felt no aversion to Ye Xin—quite the opposite, in fact. Shrouded in the aura of Wolf Commander Ye Guanhai, she had a fair amount of goodwill toward Ye Xin, much as she did toward Ye Ling. As for Ye Xin’s past mischief, she found it hard to believe, with Ye Ling always protesting his innocence.

But goodwill and marriage were two entirely different matters!

Wen Hongren, after hundreds of lashes, had drifted in and out of consciousness, his face deathly pale. Wen Rong tended to him carefully at his bedside. Each time Wen Hongren opened his eyes and saw her, he instinctively looked away.

As Wen Rong changed his medicine once more, Wen Hongren could no longer contain himself and murmured, “Was I truly wrong?”

Her hand paused in its task, but then she replied softly, “Father, I know you’ve always felt indebted to the Wolf Commander. If this can untie that knot in your heart, perhaps it’s for the best.”

“The Wolf Commander was kind to me. It was my debt alone, Rong’er. I should never, ever have dragged you into this…” Wen Hongren’s voice was beginning to tremble.

“Father, what are you saying?” Wen Rong forced a smile—however she truly felt, the smile was natural enough. “You always used to say that, without the Wolf Commander, you’d have died long ago at Erlong Beach, Mother would never have married into the Wen family, and I would not exist.”

“But… Rong’er, are you truly willing? If you’re not, I can…” Wen Hongren stammered. In truth, there was no match between Wen Rong and Ye Xin, but he did not look down on Ye Xin—it was simply a fact.

“Everyone has their fate,” Wen Rong said, her father’s words sending a pang through her heart for a fleeting moment. But reason quickly reined in her emotions. Things had escalated beyond repair. Even for the sake of her own dignity, Wen Hongren had no room for retreat. If she showed the slightest hesitation, it would only deepen his wounds. “This is my fate, I suppose… And, these past days, I have seen him often. His nature is lively, even unruly, but his character is not bad.”

“Rong’er, do you truly mean it?” Wen Hongren struggled to sit up, fixing her with an intense gaze.

“Of course I do,” Wen Rong smiled again. “At the very least, he’s far better than Tie Shudeng or Zong Yunjin. Tie Shudeng is far too scheming, and Zong Yunjin is ruthless and domineering. With either of them, I’d be exhausted.”

“That’s good… That’s good…” Wen Hongren let out a long breath.

Father and daughter were utterly in the dark. Anyone with clear eyes, overhearing their conversation, would find it laughable—Tie Shudeng too scheming? Compared to Ye Xin? Zong Yunjin ruthless and domineering? To Ye Xin, he was a mere insect!

At that moment, Shen Yunling hurried in. Seeing this, Wen Rong gently tucked the covers around Wen Hongren and quietly slipped out.

“Yunling… I… I’ve wronged you…” Wen Hongren murmured.

“Let it be, my lord. What’s done is done. There’s no point in saying more,” Shen Yunling comforted him softly, her eyes rimmed red. “Cousin spoke to me at length just now. He said that as long as he holds his position, he will ensure that child of the Ye family enjoys wealth and peace. No great achievements, perhaps, but… it’s something…”

Wen Hongren slowly grasped Shen Yunling’s hand, whether seeking reassurance or something else, he held on tightly. She let him, and gently patted his hand with her other hand.

***

The Wen household was in turmoil. Wen Rong did not come, and Shen Miao, wishing to keep her company, also stayed away. Ye Ling and Shao Xue were completely in the dark, only aware that something was amiss. The Shao family, as the leaders of the Xijing Trading Company—the largest merchant guild in the Wei Kingdom—were immensely wealthy, but wielded little influence at court, and their information network was far from complete.

The next morning, by coincidence, the four “Flowers of the Academy” all arrived at the gate at the same time. Now that Ye Xin could condense spiritual force, he still made appearances at the academy during the day, so as not to draw attention. This time, he came with Ye Ling.

Shao Xue had, after all, heard some rumors. Her gaze was peculiar as she looked Wen Rong up and down, then turned to Ye Xin. Wen Rong and Shen Miao were also staring intently at Ye Xin.

Ye Xin, ever sensitive, found it baffling. He glanced down at himself, first checking his zipper—then realized he was wearing martial trousers today, and besides, zippers didn’t even exist in this world.

“Xiao Ling, do I have flowers blooming on my face or something?” Ye Xin asked.

“No, you look just as handsome as ever,” Ye Ling replied.

“Let’s go in,” Wen Rong was the first to regain her composure.

Inside Cambrian Hall, nearly all the students had gathered. Master Xie En had not yet arrived, and the students were murmuring among themselves. When Wen Rong and the others entered, a chorus of laughter erupted.

Wen Rong frowned. At that moment, Li Chonglou strolled over, a bouquet in hand, and presented it to Shen Miao, saying softly, “Shen Miao, there’s something I’ve long wished to say, but…”

“Take it away. I don’t want it,” Shen Miao said, her brows furrowing. She’d spent all of yesterday comforting Wen Rong and had no patience left for anything else, so her tone was especially harsh.

“Shen Miao, I just…”

“I said take it!” Shen Miao snapped.

The room fell silent. In the past, Shen Miao had refused others, but always with gentle words and an apologetic smile—never had she been so blunt, offering not a shred of face.

Under all those eyes, Li Chonglou felt thoroughly humiliated. During the last Capture the Flag battle at Twin Ridge Mountain, he’d turned the tide with his clever plan, winning the day for the First Company. From that day, his confidence had soared. He even saw himself as the leader of the Fifth Company, though he’d never said as much. In his heart, he looked down on Wen Rong—she had no ability, dragged everyone down with her, costing them a fortune in contribution points and nearly losing Cambrian Hall, relying only on her pretty face.

“Shen Miao, I once thought you were a noblewoman!” Li Chonglou flung the bouquet to the ground and ground it beneath his heel. “But you reek of vulgarity from head to toe. Never mind—I see now I was blind!”

Ye Xin lowered his head, barely containing his laughter. That heroic pose—he’d taught Li Chonglou that very stance during the Twin Ridge Mountain battle. Who would have thought its influence would linger so long?

Shen Miao said nothing, so long as Li Chonglou backed down. She was afraid to affect Wen Rong’s mood and didn’t want a quarrel.

As Li Chonglou turned to leave, Shao Xue, ever sharp-tongued, couldn’t help herself. “Li Chonglou, explain yourself! What do you mean by ‘vulgar’?”

“Must I spell it out?” Li Chonglou turned, hands clasped behind his back, chest high, radiating pride. In his mind, voices echoed: You are a great hero, you are a great hero… He truly saw himself as one now. To befriend these students was, in his mind, a magnanimous gesture—these children were hardly worthy of comparison.

“Go on, say it. I want to hear what you have to say!” Shao Xue sneered.

“Heh… I, Li Chonglou, have neither power nor status, only a few coins in my belt, and an unremarkable appearance. That’s why you all look down on me,” Li Chonglou replied slowly. “Frogs at the bottom of a well… You care only for appearances and status, ignoring the true worth within. You have no idea of my grand ambitions!”

“All right, Chonglou, don’t stoop to their level. We’re not like them,” another student called out.

“Yes, come back,” echoed another.

After all, it was Li Chonglou’s strategy that had won them the Capture the Flag match. He had earned their respect, and of course they’d support him now.

“Oh, so you do care for inner worth?” Shao Xue laughed in anger. The others’ support did not make her back down; it only fueled her fighting spirit. “Li Chonglou, tell us, what exactly attracts you to Shen Miao? Her big eyes? Fair skin? Graceful figure? Sweet voice? Or is it her status as the Grand Master’s trueborn daughter?”

“Why would I care about such things?” Li Chonglou replied with a faint smile.

“Then what ‘inner worth’ draws you to her? Speak!” Shao Xue pressed.

“I…” Li Chonglou hesitated, suddenly realizing that, aside from the virtues Shao Xue had listed, there was nothing else about Shen Miao that had ever attracted him.

“It’s been years, and you’ve barely spoken to Shen Miao, let alone had any real contact. So where did you learn about her inner worth?” Shao Xue scoffed. “Well? Speak!”