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As Zhao Yun clung to his chest, his labored breathing synchronized with the dusty breeze that swept across the desolate landscape. Though relegated to the shadows, A'Ying's intuitive faculties remained on high alert, permitting her to discern the faint whispers of her shifu's distress.

Her cognitive faculties worked in tandem, piecing together the fragmented puzzle of his enigmatic behavior. Yet, despite her growing unease, she lacked the temerity to pose the questions that lingered on her lips, hesitant to broach the sensitive topic with the man who had guided her on her journey.

Throughout their arduous travels, A'Ying had come to realize the paramount importance of her shifu in her life, as well as in the life of Mo Yan. Despite their initial antagonism, which had sparked a contentious dynamic between them, her shifu had consistently demonstrated a chivalrous demeanor, cleverly veiling his true nature beneath a facade of affability.

However, the cruel vicissitudes of their journey had exacted a profound toll on him, leaving A'Ying with a deep-seated trepidation that she might lose him, just as she had lost Mo Yan to the unforgiving vastness of their shared experiences. The prospect of being bereft of her shifu's guidance and mentorship was a daunting one, and A'Ying was determined to avoid it at all costs.

A'Ying knelt, her head bowed, hands planted firmly on the sand. "Forgive me, Shifu," she said, determination etched in her voice. "Forgive your disciple for refusing what you're about to say."

Zhao Yun's gaze narrowed, his eyes locking onto hers with a mix of curiosity and desolation. As he began to approach her, A'Ying swiftly rose to her feet, her movements fluid and deliberate.

"You—" Zhao Yun started, but A'Ying cut him off.

"I know you plan to send me to alert the sect for assistance while you stay behind to face our enemies alone." Her words hung in the air, a challenge to Zhao Yun's intentions.

Zhao Yun's eyes, initially closed in pain, slowly opened. His hand remained clasped to his chest, a testament to the poison coursing through his veins. "You're the only one I trust to deliver the message on time," he said, his voice laced with a hint of desperation.

A'Ying shook her head, her grip on her sword tightening. "I know you've orchestrated everything, Shifu. The rumors about Rong'er, the letter you sent to Ming... it all points to you. Even Jing Yi's death and Elder Jing's supposed suicide." Her eyes locked onto Zhao Yun's, a fierce determination burning within them.

Zhao Yun's gaze snapped back to hers, surprise and a hint of admiration flickering across his face. With a deep breath, he summoned the strength to respond, "You know about—"

"I don't care about your true identity, Shifu," A'Ying said, her voice filled with conviction. "All I know is that you're the one who stood up for me against all odds. Whatever your reasons for keeping me, I believe your intentions are good. And I'm willing to be used to help you achieve your goals."

Zhao Yun's eyes flickered with a mix of anxiety and relief. A'Ying folded her hands before him, her gaze unwavering. "As I said on the day you took me in as your disciple, I'll always stand by that promise."

Zhao Yun regarded her in silence, his expression a mask of complex emotions. Another debt of gratitude weighed on his shoulders, and he knew he wanted to spare her the burden. Yet, she seemed reluctant to leave.

"What about the throne?" he asked, his voice low and measured.

A'Ying's laughter was a silent, mirthless sound. She turned her back to him, her shoulders squared. "I vowed to take the throne twelve years ago, driven by revenge and a thirst for power. I've lived in Rong'er's shadow since I was three, perfecting every skill to survive. But for what? Every praise, every accolade, was bestowed upon her, while I was left to endure the whispers and scorn."

Her voice dripped with bitterness as she continued. "No one dared to teach me in the palace. No one wanted to serve my mother. Even the maids bullied us mercilessly. And when my mother was arrested and sentenced to death, I was left with the title of 'murderer's daughter."

A'Ying paused, taking a deep breath before turning to face Zhao Yun once more. Her eyes shone with anticipation and determination. "Shifu, I don't want to return to that life. Duke Wei's proposal to become your disciple was just a means for me to escape the deadly palace."

Zhao Yun's gaze faltered, memories of his own torment within the palace walls resurfacing. The scars, the pain, the endless training – it was a prison maze from which he thought he'd never escape.

"But what if Rong'er discovers the truth?" A'Ying pressed on, her voice laced with concern. "What about Duke Wei?" Zhao Yun's eyes dropped, his silence a testament to the weight of his contemplation.

"It no longer matters," he finally said, his voice low and measured. "The ministers will soon abandon Duke Wei. General Su will see to that. Once the poison is cleared from Rong'er's system, she'll ascend to the throne alongside Zhen Lan, ensuring peace in Liang."

A'Ying's curiosity was piqued. "General Su? How does he fit into this? And what poison are you talking about?" she asked, her eyes narrowing.

Zhao Yun's expression turned grim. "Blood venom. Duke Wei's plan to control Rong'er as regent. That means Zhen Lan is also in danger."

A'Ying's nervousness grew. "I lost track of him during the chase. We need to stop him from returning to Liang if that's the case."

Zhao Yun shook his head, a sigh escaping his lips. "He won't listen. He trusts Duke Wei too much, just like Yourong. The flare indicates Su Ruo and Xiao Fan have reached Rouran. We must deal with the tyrants first."

A'Ying nodded, her hands falling to her sides. She turned to her horse, sheathing her sword before jumping onto its back. Zhao Yun quickly mounted his own horse, turning to face A'Ying with a resolute expression.

As A'Ying turned to mount her horse, Zhao Yun's eyes locked onto hers, a fleeting glimpse of determination and desperation visible beneath the surface. Without warning, he reached out and tapped A'Ying's horse sharply on the flank, startling the animal into a sudden, frantic gallop.

The horse's unexpected burst of speed caught A'Ying off guard, and she found herself struggling to maintain control as the horse thundered across the terrain. She turned back, her face a picture of shock and anger, as she realized Zhao Yun's intention: to distract her and create distance between them.

The sound of pounding hooves filled the air as A'Ying's horse devoured the ground, carrying her farther and farther away from Zhao Yun. She yanked hard on the reins, desperate to slow the horse's frantic pace, but it was no use – the animal was too spooked, too panicked.

As the distance between them grew, A'Ying's anger gave way to despair. She felt betrayed, misled by Zhao Yun's words and actions. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes as she realized she had no choice but to continue on to the sects, hoping against hope that she could find help in time to save Zhao Yun from his own destructive path.

Zhao Yun charged through the gate, his horse's hooves pounding the ground. As he entered the city, he was met with a scene of utter devastation. The streets were littered with the bodies of soldiers and civilians, while the acrid smell of smoke hung heavy in the air. The burnt-out buildings seemed to loom over him, casting long, ominous shadows.

Zhao Yun's gaze swept the area, his eyes scanning the carnage with a mix of reluctance and determination. That was when he saw it – a familiar tattoo on one of the bodies. Bloom venom puppets had indeed been here. A chill ran down his spine as he wondered how many people had survived the onslaught.

His thoughts turned to Su Ruo and Xiao Fan. Were they safe? He couldn't shake off the feeling of dread that had been building up inside him. Not this time, he vowed to himself. He wouldn't let anything happen to his sister.

Clutching his chest, Zhao Yun grasped the reins with his other hand and urged his horse forward, speeding off into the unknown.

Standing at the cliff's edge, she gazed up at the turbulent sky. The wind swept across the treetops, its melancholic melody echoing through the desolate landscape. Her hanfu billowed behind her, its silk fabric dancing in harmony with the gusts. Strands of her hair, loosened from their ties, whipped about her face as hailstones fell effortlessly from the gray sky.

As she turned to face Elder Yu, her hands fell to her sides, poised for action. "I made it as promised, Bai Ling," he said, his voice even.

Bai Ling chuckled, her demeanor shifting from amusement to seriousness. "I thought you'd hide behind your sect members and refuse my invitation, especially after betraying Elder Jing. Guess I was wrong."

Elder Yu's gaze locked onto Bai Ling's, his expression unreadable. Bai Ling's eyes narrowed, her voice taking on a hint of accusation. "Zhao Yun must be incredibly resilient to live with you, considering your role in massacring his sect and framing him."

Elder Yu's eyes widened in shock, his pupils dilating as if pierced by a cold, unforgiving needle. His face, once a mask of calm authority, now contorted in a mixture of astonishment, concern, and fear. The air seemed to thicken around him, heavy with the weight of secrets and lies.

As he stepped back, his eyes darted wildly, as if searching for an escape route or a refuge from the bombshell that had just been dropped. His hands, once steady and confident, now trembled slightly, betraying the turmoil brewing within.

With a dismissive flick of her sleeve, she cast a disdainful glance at Elder Yu. Her eyes, like two glittering jade orbs, sparkled with amusement as she scoffed, "You don't know? Ha! How quaint."

Her voice dripped with honeyed venom, each word precision-crafted to cut down Elder Yu's dignity. "Su Yuchen, the eldest son of General Su of Liang," she drawled, her tone an exquisite blend of boredom and contempt.

As she spoke, her slender fingers drummed a staccato beat on the armrest, the sound echoing through the silence like a death knell. Her eyes flashed with triumph, as if she had just unveiled a long-hidden secret.

Elder Yu's stunned expression only seemed to delight her further. She leaned forward, her voice taking on a conspiratorial whisper. "Oops, looks like I'm breaking confidential news to you."

Five years of relief, of thinking he had dodged a bullet, came crashing down around him. Su Yuchen, the eldest son of General Su, was alive. And not just alive, but standing right next to him, masquerading as his favorite disciple. The implications were too terrifying to contemplate.

Elder Yu's mind reeled with questions. Why had Su Yuchen returned? Was it to exact revenge for past wrongs? Had he been manipulating events from behind the scenes, waiting for the perfect moment to strike? The uncertainty was suffocating, threatening to crush Elder Yu beneath its weight.

Bai Ling circled around him, her footsteps echoing through the silence. "You're wondering what he'll do to you, aren't you?" she mused, her eyes glinting with intrigue. "Imagine the pain of calling his sect's traitor 'Shifu', returning to the sect he despises, and biding his time for sweet revenge. I must admit, I admire his cunning."

Elder Yu's head jerked up, his breathing heavy. "Nonsense!" he spat, but Bai Ling merely smiled, a sly curve of her lips.

She flipped through a series of portraits, each one revealing a different facet of Su Yuchen's life: a childhood image, a snapshot from five years ago, and a current depiction of him wearing a mask. "My underlings have uncovered his true identity, tracing the tattoo hidden beneath his hanfu, his calculated movements, and Duke Wei's interest in him. The Guo Se sword, Jing Yi's murder, and Elder Jing's death – all threads lead to him."

Bai Ling's eyes narrowed, her gaze piercing. "What puzzles me is why he's revealing his identity, incrementally, without attempting to conceal it. It's as if he wants us to discover the truth, but at his own pace."

Bai Ling halted her pacing, her sigh a mixture of frustration and concern. Elder Yu's anxiety was palpable, despite the potentially redeeming news. One question lingered, haunting him: Had Su Yuchen's closeness been a ruse, a means to exact revenge?

Yet, forgiveness seemed an insurmountable hurdle. Elder Yu's gaze locked onto Bai Ling's, his eyes searching for reassurance.

"I understand you had your reasons for allying with Duke Wei," Bai Ling said, her voice measured. "But his lust for power has consumed him. He's manipulated and discarded countless lives, including mine, to further his ambitions. Yourong, Bai Ying, Qing, Elder Jing, Jing Yi, Yihua Palace – the list of casualties grows by the day."

Her words hung in the air, a stark reminder of the devastation wrought by Duke Wei's greed. Bai Ling's eyes bored into Elder Yu's, her expression unyielding.

"We must stop him. Zhao Yun cannot shoulder this burden alone. If you possess even a shred of decency, you will not allow Duke Wei's destructive plans to continue."

Elder Yu's head dropped, guilt etched on his face. "He's my younger brother."

Bai Ling's eyes widened in shock, her fists clenched in outrage. "We were both abandoned during the war in Qing twenty years ago," Elder Yu began, his voice laced with remorse. "Our parents died, and we were left to fend for ourselves on the streets. The harsh reality of our situation fueled his anger and aggression. He lost an ear in a street fight, and I recall an incident where he brutally attacked a trader for a simple bun."

Bai Ling's chuckle was laced with venom, her anger simmering just below the surface. "We both received training from different sects," Elder Yu continued. "I joined Luoxia, while he trained under Elder Jing in Yihua Palace. We rarely saw each other, and I believed cultivation would quell his anger. However, he became increasingly ambitious, vying for the elder title in Yihua Palace."

Elder Yu's voice cracked with emotion. "He proposed a plan to settle the Demon Sect in Liang, using Yuchen's arrival as a means to promote peace among the sects. Without my knowledge, he devised a sinister plan. I only discovered his intentions after overhearing a conversation between him and Mo Qin about the poison. But it was too late. I wanted to correct his path, but he'd already set his sights on Liang."

Bai Ling's eyes blazed with indignation. "I had no concrete evidence to stop him, and the sect was already eager to eliminate Yihua Palace," Elder Yu admitted, his shoulders slumped in defeat.

Bai Ling's sword flashed in the dim light, its tip pressing against Elder Yu's neck. Her eyes blazed with fury, her voice trembling. "Mo Qin and Feng Liu were silenced by him, and Yuchen's been framed. His true identity will soon be exposed. What are you waiting for?"

Elder Yu's Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed hard, his lips compressing into a thin line. "I accepted your request, despite risking my sect's trust, because I want to protect Yuchen. I'm willing to risk my life to ensure his safety. You must promise me you'll safeguard him at all costs."

Bai Ling's expression softened, curiosity etched on her face. "And how do you plan to stop Duke Wei?"

Elder Yu's gaze lifted, a hint of determination burning within. "Everything's unfolding as planned. The sect will soon discover Yuchen's existence. Qing disciples, kept hidden, have been found by Youlian. General Su and the ministers will revolt. I need your help to distract the elders with your disciples when the time comes. I'll handle the rest."

Bai Ling's eyes widened in confusion. "When?"

Elder Yu slowly raised his head, clutching his sword as he turned toward the sound of approaching footsteps. "Now."

As the Luoxia Sect members surrounded them, Bai Ling's jaw dropped in awe. Elder Yu grasped his sword, his eyes scanning the crowd with caution.

"Elder Yu, you've betrayed us!" Elder Ming accused, marching forward with his disciples. "How dare you secretly meet with the demoness?!"

Elder Yu's gaze swept across his trained disciples, hesitation flickering in their eyes. A faint smile crossed his lips as he tore his gaze away. He never imagined fighting against his own disciples, all for the sake of justice.

The elders, blinded by power and dominance, refused to see the importance of peace and justice – the very principles their sect was founded upon.

Elder Ming sneered. "You're aware of your disciples' negligence in keeping the princess safe. It's clear you're in league with him! Surrender and confess his plans, and we might spare your life."

Bai Ling's disgust for their hypocrisy grew as she carefully surveyed the crowd. Nodding at Elder Yu, she turned to her disciples, alerting them to step forward. They emerged majestically from their hiding spots, standing united behind her.

Before anyone could react, Elder Yu jumped off the cliff, leaving everyone gasping in shock.

"Yu Meng!" Bai Ling and Elder Ming screamed in unison.

Elder Xiao and Elder Die carefully weighed their options, peering down the cliff. Elder Yu might survive, but with severe injuries.

As Elder Die signaled his disciples to retreat, Elder Xiao and Elder Ming exchanged determined glances, ready to attack. However, in a surprising move, Elder Die approached Bai Ling, his eyes burning with determination.

Bai Ling's eyes narrowed, wary of this unexpected turn of events.

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