Chapter 2, the Second Chapter: The Great Misunderstanding Appears

Chapter 2, the Second Chapter: The Great Misunderstanding Appears

Zeng Xuan felt a chill run down his spine. If what Lou Yuqing said was true, wouldn't that prove that he had personally introduced such a rebellious disciple to his martial uncle?

Zeng Xuangan transmitted his voice to Qingxuzi.

"Sect Leader, save me!"

Qingxuzi cast a sympathetic glance at him.

—Good luck to you.

Immortal Venerable Zixiao was not as angry as Zeng Xuangan had thought. Based solely on Lou Yuqing's words, he felt no connection whatsoever.

Leaving aside how she knew about Zeng Changfeng's past, since the two of them were completely unrelated, how could she possibly predict the future?

He hasn't accepted Zeng Changfeng as his disciple yet; what she said refers to things that will happen after he does.

Immortal Venerable Zixiao felt that the most important thing right now was to confirm the accuracy of Lou Yuqing's words. If she was lying, then there was no need to listen; if she was telling the truth...

Thinking about his future fate, Immortal Venerable Zixiao's blood pressure began to rise, and he found it hard to accept.

He closed his eyes briefly and said to Zeng Xuangan, "Go ask the Zeng family's Grand Elder if this is true."

Like them, Zixiao Immortal Venerable was unable to speak out about matters of the heart, and he also discovered that Zeng Changfeng, the person involved, could not hear his own thoughts.

Zeng Xuangan immediately replied, "Yes, Uncle-Master, I will definitely ask clearly."

He hoped his performance would overshadow the previous revelations made by Lou Yuqing.

Of course, he wished none of this had ever happened.

[Zeng Changfeng returned to his old ways, causing trouble for his own master. Is this a sign of moral decay or a distortion of human nature?]

Qingxuzi's lips stiffened: "Yuqing, little girl."

Lou Yuqing came to her senses: "Grandmaster, what's wrong?"

It's okay, I just interrupted your thoughts.

Qingxuzi cleared his throat: "Don't get distracted."

Lou Yuqing: Oh dear, we've been discovered.

"Yuqing understands." Lou Yuqing naturally had to give face to her grandmaster and temporarily left the gossip panel.

At this moment, Zeng Xuangan contacted the Zeng family's Grand Elder using a communication jade slip and said in a heavy tone, "Grand Elder, I have a question that you must answer truthfully and without concealment."

Upon hearing the patriarch's solemn tone, Elder Zeng instantly reviewed his entire life, trying to find out what he had done wrong, but to no avail.

"Ancestor, please ask," the Zeng family's eldest elder said nervously.

Zeng Xuangan asked, "Tell me exactly how Zeng Changfeng returned to the family. If there is any falsehood, I will not forgive you."

Lou Yuqing: Huh, is there a plot twist?

In the main hall, Zeng Changfeng frowned. Why did the patriarch suddenly think of asking about this? Did he sense something? Even so, couldn't he wait until after he became a disciple to say so?

Zeng Changfeng felt a growing sense of resentment.

He didn't think he was wrong, but he couldn't stand that others liked to judge a person's mistakes with worldly standards.

On the other side, the Zeng family's eldest elder felt a sense of relief. When introducing Zeng Changfeng to the patriarch, he deliberately concealed the other's shameful deeds, successfully getting the patriarch to take Zeng Changfeng back to the Wendao Sect.

He knew things would eventually come to light, but he didn't expect it to happen so quickly. The gossip spread even faster than he imagined, and even the patriarch of the Wendao Sect knew about it.

The Zeng family elder spoke frankly, “Ancestor, you are wise. I found Changfeng at a cultivator’s birthday banquet. The scene was somewhat awkward, but it wasn’t entirely Changfeng’s fault. That cultivator was more at fault. He couldn’t control his partner, allowing her to have an affair. Changfeng is still young; it’s normal for him to make mistakes. I don’t think it’s a big deal…”

Hearing the Zeng family elder's sophistry, Zeng Xuangan's heart, which had been hanging in suspense, finally died.

You've done nothing wrong, but you've really put me in a terrible situation.

How could my martial uncle possibly accept a disciple with such a bad reputation!

[What a brilliant example of victim-blaming! This elder is quite the character.]

That's right, the Zeng family can't afford someone like that!

"Elder, you don't need to sit in this position anymore!" Zeng Xuangan angrily cut off the conversation, letting the other party do whatever they wanted, ignoring the lit communication jade slip.

"Please punish me, Uncle-Master."

Zeng Xuangan felt deeply ashamed and knelt down on the ground with a thud. His knees made a dull thud, and he knelt firmly without any hesitation.

Lou Yuqing's account of Zeng Changfeng's past has been verified to be true or false, so her predictions about the future are most likely true as well, given Zeng Changfeng's criminal record.

In other words, if Lou Yuqing hadn't been there today, following the normal trajectory, Immortal Venerable Zixiao would have taken Zeng Changfeng as his disciple at his strong recommendation, only to be betrayed by this disciple and end up as a laughingstock in the entire cultivation world.

When Zeng Xuangan thought about this, he felt sorry for his uncle. He had meant well by introducing a disciple to his uncle, but he had inadvertently harmed him.

Immortal Venerable Zixiao offered a gentle support, and a soft force lifted Zeng Xuangan, saying, "There's no need for that. I know you didn't mean it."

After Lou Yuqing entered the main hall, she heard the Purple Cloud Immortal Venerable speak for the first time, and couldn't help but look over curiously.

With his refined features and composed demeanor, he clearly held a high position for many years. Why would Zeng Changfeng have managed to seduce such a charismatic person's partner?

Although Zeng Changfeng is handsome, he was still easily defeated in front of Zixiao Immortal Venerable. Perhaps he was used to eating rich and delicious food and wanted to try some simple porridge and side dishes.

Everyone: "..."

If you don't speak, no one will think you're mute.

Qingxuzi coughed lightly: "Yuqing, what do you think?"

Lou Yuqing asked cautiously, "Shall I stand and watch?"

“No, you must eliminate distracting thoughts in order to see the essence of things,” Qingxuzi said profoundly.

Lou Yuqing nodded as if she understood, but her mind was racing.

I don't know what the essence is, but I see that Zeng Changfeng still shows no remorse after discovering that his ancestor had exposed himself. I'm very curious where his courage comes from.

Qingxuzi subconsciously looked over and saw Zeng Changfeng looking quite self-righteous. He couldn't understand the ancestor's "humble" actions at all.

Is this really such a serious matter? There was no murder or arson, no rape or kidnapping. Why make such a big deal out of it?

If Qingxuzi knew what Zeng Changfeng was thinking, he would probably give him a good beating: "You think you're so great? Go and mess with other people's women. If you're so tough, don't come back to the Zeng family. See if that Golden Core cultivator will beat you to death."

Zeng Xuangan's old face was full of apology: "I have caused trouble for my uncle. I will take him away now. He will not appear in Wendao Sect again, nor will he be a member of my Zeng family."

This statement was both an expression of his own attitude and an attempt to protect Zeng Changfeng.

Zeng Xuangan's confidence stemmed from the fact that the future events had not yet occurred, and there was still room for maneuver. If his martial uncle was willing to show leniency, Zeng Changfeng could escape this calamity.

However, Zeng Changfeng is of low character and should never be allowed to remain a member of the Zeng family. Expelling him from the family is my last act of mercy and also an explanation to my uncle.

Although he had never seen his martial uncle argue with anyone, Zeng Xuangan was not naive enough to think that the other party had no temper at all, or that his martial uncle did not hold a grudge because he was magnanimous.

The Purple Cloud Immortal said calmly, "It's good that you have this determination."

Zeng Xuangan felt relieved; his martial uncle had agreed.

"Ancestor..."

Zeng Changfeng didn't mean he didn't want to defend himself, but the conversation between the two powerful seniors was something he couldn't possibly get involved in. By the time he realized what was happening, everything had already been settled.

"Shut up! Aren't you embarrassed enough already!" Zeng Xuangan scolded sternly. Just a day ago, he was so satisfied with Zeng Changfeng, but now he was just as dissatisfied.

Could a normal person do such a thing? Zeng Changfeng not only did it, but he was not ashamed of it; on the contrary, he was proud of it.

Zeng Changfeng clenched his fists. He was unwilling to accept this. He could have easily obtained the position of Zixiao Immortal Venerable's disciple. He could also see that the other party recognized him.

Why did things change so quickly? Just because of such a small matter!

Zeng Changfeng hurriedly said, "Senior Zixiao, I..."

Zixiao Immortal Venerable looked at Zeng Changfeng and uttered words that sent a chill down Zeng Changfeng's spine: "You and I have no master-disciple relationship."

Zeng Changfeng froze; he had been personally rejected.

When he learned that he had a chance to be chosen by the Purple Cloud Immortal Venerable, he was incredibly excited. The other party was a very famous figure, and getting close to him would be like ascending to heaven in one step.

Now, the ladder to heaven, which was only one step away from him, suddenly collapsed, causing the suppressed emotions in his heart to erupt. His eyes turned red as he said, "Why? I want a reason!"

Zixiao Immortal Venerable smiled coldly, his aura fully unleashed: "My decision needs no reason, but since I'm in a good mood today, I'll mercifully tell you, it's because I don't like you."

I don't like you?!

Zeng Changfeng was struck dumb, looking at Zixiao Immortal Venerable in disbelief, but was startled by the other party's expressionless face, and his emotions quickly subsided.

How could he forget that the person in front of him was a powerful cultivator?

Zeng Changfeng's face turned pale, cold sweat dripped from his forehead, and he knelt down, stammering, "Senior Zixiao, this junior... this junior is not questioning you, but I just can't accept the facts and lost my composure. After all, I have always hoped to be your disciple and take you as my role model. Please forgive me."

There's no need for that. It's a misfortune for Immortal Venerable Zixiao to have an admirer like you.

Upon hearing Lou Yuqing's complaints, Zixiao Immortal Venerable nodded in agreement. He thought to himself that he must have been incredibly unlucky to have taken Zeng Changfeng as his disciple.

Fortunately, it was not too late to salvage the situation.

Zixiao Immortal Venerable suddenly said, "Tang Xueyao, you've arrived."

Zeng Changfeng was startled and reflexively turned around to look, but there was no one at the door, as if mocking him for being tricked.

Zeng Xuangan looked grim. He had been dawdling when told to leave, but now his martial uncle had tricked him into coming out.

"You know Tang Xueyao," said the Purple Cloud Immortal Venerable with certainty.

Zeng Changfeng lowered his head, his eyes revealing hatred mixed with reluctance. Finally, he gritted his teeth and said, "This junior...does not know her."

[Don't recognize him? Your reaction is so strong, only a fool would believe that. I never expected that Immortal Venerable Zixiao's Daoist partner was Zeng Changfeng's childhood sweetheart. No wonder she chose the latter between the two; it turns out she has a first love filter.]

[So, one of the reasons Zeng Changfeng became Zixiao Immortal Venerable's disciple was because of Tang Xueyao; he wanted to steal his master's wife from the very beginning.]

I hereby declare that Immortal Venerable Zixiao is the biggest victim of this whole mess!

Purple Cloud Immortal Venerable: "..."

"Whether it is true or not, I will make my own judgment." Immortal Venerable Zixiao confirmed his conjecture.

Just then, a boy's voice came from the doorway: "Disciple greets Grandmaster Xueyao."

What? Another party involved has arrived?

This is practically a pre-ordained battleground.

Lou Yuqing's eyes lit up, and like a tigress, she looked curiously towards the doorway, where she saw a woman dressed in a moon-white robe walk in.

[Blind student, I've noticed something important! Immortal Venerable Zixiao and his Daoist partner are wearing matching outfits and look very well-matched. They must still be in their honeymoon phase right now.]

Zixiao Immortal Venerable subconsciously glanced at the color of Tang Xueyao's clothes, and sure enough, it was exactly the same as his own. His expression immediately turned strange.

"Husband, why didn't you tell me you were leaving seclusion? If someone hadn't told me, I, as your Daoist partner, would still be completely in the dark." Tang Xueyao walked straight towards Zixiao Immortal Venerable, her tone naturally filled with affection.

Zixiao Immortal Venerable looked to be around thirty years old. Tang Xueyao standing in front of him didn't seem out of place at all; on the contrary, it made people feel that the two had a good relationship.

As for Zeng Changfeng, her childhood sweetheart, she naturally ignored him completely, or rather, she couldn't see anyone except for Zixiao Immortal Venerable.

Zeng Changfeng clenched his fists, gritted his teeth, and lowered his head. Under the current circumstances, he would rather Tang Xueyao not have recognized him.

[Tsk tsk tsk, so heartbreaking. What must it have felt like for Zeng Changfeng to witness the woman he loved showering attention on another man? It must have been excruciating for him.]

Zeng Xuangan: Please, please, don't add fuel to the fire.

He didn't dare to look at how ugly his martial uncle's face was.

Faced with Tang Xueyao's approach, the Purple Cloud Immortal Venerable remained calm, his tone even somewhat impolite: "Didn't I say that no one is allowed to inquire about my affairs? Anyone who can't control their mouth will be kicked out of my Hidden Heaven Peak."

Tang Xueyao paused for a moment, then composed herself.

"It's just a small matter. Sect Leader, Elder Zeng, you two should judge this. Don't I have the right to interfere?" Since becoming the Daoist partner of the Supreme Elder of the Wendao Sect, everything had gone smoothly for her, but she had repeatedly run into obstacles with him.

In the past, Zi Xiao would give her face in front of others, but now she doesn't even pretend anymore.

Qingxuzi and Zeng Xuangan, who were mentioned, were speechless.

This is a difficult issue to assess.

In the past, they wouldn't have thought anything was wrong, but after hearing Lou Yuqing's true feelings, Tang Xueyao's image in their eyes had completely collapsed.

[Finally found it! Why is it at the very bottom? Is it because this is Zeng Changfeng's gossip, so they didn't describe the matter of Zixiao Immortal Venerable in detail?]

Never mind, let's eat first!

[It turns out that Immortal Venerable Zixiao once owed the Tang family a favor. Later, the Tang family repaid the favor by making him marry Tang Xueyao. After the marriage, Tang Xueyao was neglected. She happened to meet Zeng Changfeng, and the two hit it off and decisively cuckolded Immortal Venerable Zixiao.]

Qing Xuzi and Zeng Xuangan: "..."

When their martial uncle announced his marriage to a woman from the Tang family, they thought he had found true love. However, there was neither a grand ceremony nor any invitations to relatives and friends, which left them completely baffled.

"No matter how small the matter is, it has nothing to do with you. From today onwards, you and I are no longer Daoist partners." The sharp words of the Purple Cloud Immortal Venerable pierced Tang Xueyao's heart.

Tang Xueyao was startled at first, then pretended to be coquettish and said, "I can tell you're angry. If I did something to upset you, you can tell me, and I'll change it. You guys can also try to persuade him."

Everyone: We can't persuade them at all.

Was the gossip from the senior appetizer delicious? It was delicious, but not so delicious.

None of them would dare to openly gossip in front of Immortal Zixiao; they would have to do it secretly in private.

Therefore, when Tang Xueyao tried to get everyone to step in and support her, they all remained motionless, like wooden figures.

"Say something! He's from your sect, aren't you going to do anything about it?" Tang Xueyao had a bad feeling; she sensed that Zixiao might be serious this time.

Everyone: We can't control a thing.

"Sect Leader!" Tang Xueyao stared at Qingxuzi.

Qingxuzi pondered for a moment before speaking, "I think my uncle's decision was too arbitrary..."

Tang Xueyao seemed to have found her people and interrupted him, saying to Zixiao Immortal Venerable, "You see, the sect leader's eyes are sharp. What you're doing will definitely attract criticism. Let's go back and talk about it later."

Regardless of the circumstances, we should try to persuade the other party to go back.

Qingxuzi chuckled: "I haven't finished speaking yet. Martial Uncle should announce to the entire sect that he and you have severed their Daoist partnership. That's the proper procedure."

"You...you're all in cahoots!"

Tang Xueyao realized she was isolated and helpless, so she abandoned her gentle demeanor and asked forcefully, "Zixiao, the Tang family has been incredibly kind to you. Are you going to be ungrateful now?"

Lou Yuqing curled her lip in disapproval.

If the Purple Cloud Immortal Venerable is ungrateful, then there are no loyal and righteous people left in the cultivation world. Back when the Tang family faced annihilation, he offered to resolve the matter for them without hesitation.

[As a result, the head of the Tang family stopped him, demanding that he agree to marry a woman from the Tang family, so that the enemy would know that the Tang family was under his protection and would not dare to act rashly.]

[It sounds plausible, but it's utter nonsense. He could easily kill your enemy with his own hands, yet you insist on him marrying a Daoist partner.]

[That old bastard has a really good plan. Ever since everyone learned that the Tang family's daughter married the Purple Cloud Immortal Venerable, they've been extremely polite to each other, willing to give up as much profit as possible in business, which has allowed the Tang family to expand their territory considerably over the years.]

Fortunately, the Purple Cloud Immortal Venerable had a good temper and tolerated the Tang family using him as a shield to flaunt their power.

After learning the whole story, Lou Yuqing was greatly impressed by the Tang family's behavior.

Qingxuzi and Zeng Xuangan shared the same sentiment: they had already gone to such lengths, what more did their martial uncle want?

"I have long since repaid the Tang family's kindness." Faced with Tang Xueyao's unreasonable questioning, Immortal Venerable Zixiao said calmly.

Tang Xueyao immediately shouted, "This is not the same thing. The Tang family's kindness is kindness, but did you marry me back then only for the sake of kindness? I don't believe you have no feelings for me at all!"

"I told you before that if you could accept a life without interference, I would agree to marry you, but you have been trying to interfere in my life all these years," said the Purple Cloud Immortal Venerable coldly.

Tang Xueyao shook her head and said, "No, that's not how it is!"

She has always considered herself Zixiao's Daoist partner and enjoyed the benefits that this identity brought. If she were to sever her Daoist partnership with Zixiao, everything she currently possesses would disappear.

A note from the author:

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