Upon hearing this, Xiang Lan'er nodded slightly, understanding the situation.
Soon after, the sound of footsteps echoed from outside, followed by a knock on the door.
The door opened, and the cloaked, masked man appeared once again.
After closing the door, he wasted no time in airing his grievances to Feng Chi, "Esteemed Envoy, what's going on with those two people on the mountain? If this frequent contact with you continues, I'm bound to be exposed sooner or later!"
The frustration was evident; both Feng Chi and Xiang Lan'er were curious about his outburst.
"What happened?" Feng Chi asked.
"Those two fools ran away, only to be dragged back like dying dogs…" The cloaked man quickly recounted the incident.
Finally, with an earnest tone, he asked, "Esteemed Envoy, are you sure these two will follow the plan? Just because they had no shoes and their feet hurt, they tried to escape. And because Wei Bian was involved in an assassination, they killed him in public! Is this not too reckless? If they continue like this, I won't be able to handle whatever absurdities they pull off next! We're all risking our lives here, and this isn't how things should be done!"
In his agitation, he even forgot to disguise his voice, inadvertently revealing his real tone.
His emotion was palpable, clearly aggravated by the situation.
Feng Chi and Xiang Lan'er were equally shocked and eager to learn what Shi Chun was up to.
After a moment, Feng Chi asked the masked man, "What do you suggest?"
The cloaked man sighed, "These two are simply not suited for the mission, having come from the Exile Lands without understanding the rules. It'd be best to send them away. If not, I'll be on edge every day until they leave, and the young lady's arrival might get entangled with them."
Feng Chi pondered.
Initially, she might have hesitated, but now with a new task at hand, it was hardly possible.
She shook her head, "We thought these two were quite shrewd after what they went through earlier. We had no idea they're so impulsive. At this point, it's too late to back out. If they don't agree to leave, we can't exactly force them out."
These were the words she could offer; some truths would remain concealed, even if the other party's cultivation level surpassed theirs.
Xiang Lan'er, who had been silent, said, "Once we reach the mountain, arrange a meeting for me to speak with them."
The cloaked man paused briefly, then nodded, "Alright, if the talk doesn't go well, we'll just keep them locked up."
Feng Chi laughed, "That's a good idea."
Within the pavilions and towers, inside the Wukang Mountain Sect Master's study, Bian Jixiong was reading messages from outside regions.
Suddenly, a moth fluttered within a lantern on a nearby stand—an uncommon spirit moth.
Upon seeing it, Bian Jixiong immediately set aside his tasks and headed straight for the forbidden chamber on the mountain.
Entering, he saw a white-robed figure seated with crossed legs on a prayer mat, bathed in the light of sandalwood incense.
Bian Jixiong knelt on a mat before the figure, "Father, why was I summoned?"
The white-robed figure asked, "I heard those two boys tried to escape?"
Bian Jixiong replied, "They've been caught."
The white-robed figure mused, "Why did they run? Have they already found the person they came to the mountain for?"
Bian Jixiong shook his head, "Father, neither their actions on the mountain nor below align with someone searching for a person."
The white-robed figure added, "Indeed, in all my years I've never seen behavior as perplexing as theirs. Have they revealed how they undid the immobilization talisman?"
Bian Jixiong replied, "Didn't you unravel it? They claimed someone freed them in secret, which must be the case. I thought it was you acting in secret."
The white-robed figure denied it, "It wasn't me. It’s not surprising if they have a powerful hidden ally. Otherwise, they wouldn't dare act so boldly in public. The situation is becoming more complicated. You must remain vigilant."
"I will," Bian Jixiong assured.
"Who could the demonic path be seeking on Wukang Mountain?" the white-robed figure pondered aloud.
Unlike Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang, who's always embroiled in conflicts, Bian Weikang and Xiang Lan'er's journey up the mountain was smooth and according to plan.
They were taken up by noontime.
Many people held strong objections to Bian Weikang's return, not your typical disapproval, but significant resistance.
After having been expelled from the sect, why bring back a courtesan? The idea seemed absurd.
Even the Sect Master strongly opposed it.
But given the respect for the old Sect Master, Bian Weikang's grandfather, anyone approached for a collective plea had little choice in the matter.
Thus, upon the elders' insistence, Sect Master Bian Jixiong reluctantly agreed.
This outcome came with one condition: Bian Weikang could return but Xiang Lan'er could never marry him.
Xiang Lan'er's brothel background was a barrier too high for Wukang Mountain's elders to overlook.
They had reputations to maintain, and future interactions required a semblance of dignity, not becoming a laughingstock.
Before being brought onto the mountain, someone even spoke to Bian Weikang about abandoning Xiang Lan'er, but he fiercely defended their relationship.
Frustrated by no success, the speakers had to allow both up the mountain.
Assigned a humble courtyard, Xiang Lan'er was left to manage life's basics herself.
Bian Weikang, starting from the lowest discipleship tier, handled the grimiest tasks.
Such leniency was due largely to the old Sect Master's clout.
Upon arriving, Xiang Lan'er requested a visit to her benefactor, and upon Bian Weikang’s insistence, a visit to the prison was arranged.
Yet before reaching the dungeon, Bian Weikang was given a task he couldn't refuse, leaving Xiang Lan'er to visit alone.
The guard escorted Xiang Lan'er into the prison, departing swiftly after.
In the dim cell, she softly called, "Benevolent Ones, are you alright?" The injured duo, absorbed in healing themselves, were initially unresponsive until recognizing Xiang Lan'er's voice.
Slowly, they crawled painfully to the iron bars, wary of eavesdroppers.
"Rest assured, no one can hear us. Keep your voices low," assured Xiang Lan'er.
Shi Chun finally asked curiously, "You’ve ascended the mountain?"
Xiang Lan'er nodded, puzzled, "You’ve been placed on the mountain. Why try to escape?"
Both Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang felt uneasy, particularly Shi Chun, who realized he overthought things.
Their original plan was to ascend the mountain; why then did they assume Elder Xia was aiding in their escape?
With a sigh, Shi Chun said, "Forget it. We can't afford to provoke the city lord. We don't want to stay on this mountain anymore. Please, find a way to get us out, so we won't trouble you further."
Wu Jinliang nodded emphatically, "Yes, we don't mean to cause you trouble."
No more games? Xiang Lan'er was taken aback.
This sudden change in attitude seemed rather capricious.
The problem was they should have spoken earlier; now that higher-ups assigned new tasks, it wasn't simple to back off.
She couldn't comply with their request, especially since relinquishing such control wasn't an option.
Firmly, she said, "Had you not attempted an escape, there might have been a chance. But now that you've startled them, no one can do anything anytime soon."
Speechless, the duo remained silent.
Seeing their pitiful state, Xiang Lan'er comforted, "You’re already on the mountain, and with tensions between you and Bian Weiying exposed, it's less of a threat. With Bian Jixiong’s interest in you, his daughter won’t act recklessly. I'll also be cautious."
Inside the cell, Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang exchanged looks, seeing the sense in it.
With Bian Jixiong overseeing things, there was little reason for fear, and there was no choice but to adhere to the original plan.
After Xiang Lan'er left, the two remained imprisoned for another three days before release.
Shi Chun’s physical resilience had him almost fully recovered, while Wu Jinliang still walked awkwardly.
On their release, they received new clothes and shoes, “servant” uniforms, and were sent to the Punishment Hall.
Upon arrival, Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang stood in the yard awaiting instructions but were instead met by Pang Tiansheng, brandishing a staff.
The windows around the courtyard opened, spectators eager to watch.
Pang Tiansheng circled the two, sinister intent easily deciphered.
Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang exchanged knowing glances. “Do you know what discipline means?”
Pang Tiansheng shouted from behind, swinging his staff at their legs.
A clear warning, he had no intention of holding back.
Shi Chun anticipated the strike, leaping and kicking Pang Tiansheng squarely in the face.
In that moment, surprise filled Pang’s eyes; he hadn’t expected retaliation.
Caught off-guard, Pang Tiansheng stumbled aside.
Wu Jinliang followed up, launching Pang to the ground where they vented their prior sufferings onto him with punches and kicks.
No matter who Pang Tiansheng was—a disciple of the Wukang Mountain Sect Master—if his skills failed him, they were undeterred.
Knowing Bian Jixiong’s interest in them, why fear mere threats now? Only a fool would take a beating they could prevent.
“Help, help!” Pang Tiansheng cried desperately.
Despite the large audience in the Penal Hall, none intervened—evidence of his overbearing demeanor.
People laughed; some shut their windows as if unaware.
However, his cries eventually attracted patrolling disciples outside.
Rushing in and seeing a sect master disciple being beaten, they jumped in, swinging back at Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang.
These disciples were Advanced Martial Realm practitioners, leaving Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang unable to resist, quickly beaten down, leading to mutual injuries.
The commotion led to windows reopening inside the hall.
Ultimately, the two, newly released from jail, were bloodied and wounded once again, clothes torn anew, miserably returned to captivity.
(Chapter End)