Chapter 621: Chapter 172: Incident Exposed_1
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Yan Shi slept lightly; awakened by Ah Dai’s shouts, he rubbed the sleep from his eyes before exclaiming in surprise, "Ah! Buddy, you’re awake. You’ve been sleeping quite long! A full three days."
Ah Dai’s voice was raspy as he asked anxiously, "Brother, Yue Yue... where is Yue Yue? She didn’t marry Ballon, did she?"
Smiling slightly, Yan Shi replied, "You wake up and the first thing you do is look for Yue Yue, you rascal! Aren’t you worried about your own injuries? If you hadn’t run off, if you’d come over earlier, would all those things have happened?"
Ah Dai uttered awkwardly, "My... my wounds are fine, brother, it was all my fault the last time, quickly tell me, Yue Yue... what happened to her?"
Yan Shi laughed, "Can’t you tell from my expression? Yue Yue didn’t marry Ballon, so don’t worry. You’ve been unconscious for three days. Yue Yue was taking care of you. She was so tired that we forced her to rest. I just recently took her place in watching over you. Only half a day’s time, how about that? Do you want me to call her over now?"
"No, no," Ah Dai waved his hands, "She is tired, let her rest more." Learning that Xuan Yue hadn’t married Ballon, Ah Dai felt ecstatic, as if his internal blockages had opened up. He thought to himself that Yue Yue must have forgiven me. As long as she didn’t marry Ballon, everything can be solved. He vowed to treat Yue Yue better in the future and cherish her feelings towards him, believing that they would have a happy life together. With these thoughts, Ah Dai couldn’t help but show a dopey smile.
Yan Shi remarked, "Look at you, so pleased. Even though Yue Yue didn’t marry Ballon, it doesn’t mean she’ll marry you! After your actions showed that you didn’t trust her, she is still upset."
Ah Dai was taken aback, and stuttered, "What? Yue Yue is still angry with me? Brother, I swear I won’t hurt Yue Yue again. When I see her, I’ll sincerely apologize to her."
Yan Shi smiled and said, "That’s right, you better put in the effort. I can see that Yue Yue cares for you very deeply! As long as you are truly remorseful and apologize to her, I’m sure she will forgive you. Oh right, after you fainted that day, the Holy Church was thrown into chaos, Ballon’s family was completely annihilated." A somber expression on his face, Yan Shi recounted to Ah Dai the series of events that had transpired. He detailed Luo Shui betraying his disguise in his rush to kill Ah Dai, Ballon’s suicidal attempt to save his wife, the revelation of the Dark Forces within the Holy Church through Luo Shui’s explanation to the Pope, and the final madness of Ballon.
Upon hearing Yan Shi’s narrative, Ah Dai couldn’t help but fall into silence. He never expected that his interruption of Yue Yue’s wedding would lead to such a tragedy. He mumbled, "I ruined their entire family!"
With a sigh, Yan Shi said, "Don’t blame yourself. Think about it. If Luo Shui wasn’t a spy for the Church of the Dark Saint, and if Ballon hadn’t tricked you away, this tragedy wouldn’t have happened. Moreover, since Luo Shui was part of the Dark Forces, his identity would eventually be exposed, and the outcome was inevitable. Now, you should rest and not overthink."
Any excitement Ah Dai had felt upon learning that Xuan Yue had not married was overshadowed by the tragic fate of Ballon’s family. Lying flat on the bed, his mind mirrored the thoughts that Xuan Yue had had back then. Was it right for him to find Yue Yue? If I hadn’t shown up, this tragedy wouldn’t have happened! No, I was right in doing so. If I hadn’t arrived, Yue Yue might have been suffering for the rest of her life, and that is definitely not the result I wanted. Moreover, there’s the reason Yan Shi mentioned. In the Holy Church, as long as Luo Shui served the Dark Forces, her identity would eventually be exposed. I’m sorry, Ballon, this isn’t the outcome I wanted to see! Please forgive me. Humans are selfish, and Ah Dai is no exception. Although he was heartbroken over the fate of Ballon’s family, he was still relieved that he was able to timely prevent Xuan Yue’s wedding and reclaim his beloved.
"Ah Dai, do you want to eat something? Shall I get it for you?" Yan Shi asked with concern. Ah Dai shook his head and said, "No need, big brother. I will practice a bit before eating."
Yan Shi smiled and said, "Brother, your performance that day was truly terrifying! In front of the envoys of the four countries and thousands of clergy of the Church, the way you manipulated the Nine Heavens God Thunder was truly astounding. Contending against three powerful Red Robe Priests all by yourself is something I can’t even imagine. You really left me far behind."
Ah Dai said, "Big brother, don’t say that. I was just lucky. As long as you continue your diligent cultivation, you’ll reach this realm one day. However, since the tragedy with Ballon’s family happened, has there been any changes in the Church? After all, Ballon’s father was the deputy judge of the Church! His death must have some impact on the Church."
Yan Shi said, "There’s definitely an impact, but the Pope’s authority in the Holy Church is irresistible. With him personally intervening, there are no problems that can’t be solved. Ballon’s parents have already been given a grand burial. As for Ballon, he has been confined to the back mountain of the Church, personally looked after by the Chief Judge Xuan Yuan. These past few days, Yan Li and I have visited Xuan Yuan to thank him for imparting the Divine Battle Aura to us. It seems that your extraordinary power that day had an effect on him; he was very kind to us, gave us lots of advice, and formally accepted us as disciples."
Ah Dai smiled and said, "Then congratulations to you. Big brother, has Master Xi Wen arrived? How are they now? Have they returned to Tian Gang Mountain?"
Yan Shi shook his head and said, "You’re not fully recovered yet, how could they leave? All your teachers came for you. They really worry about you. Not only did they come, but also the Elf Clan Princess Star, the Great Elf Envoy Audi, my father, Prophet Pu Lin, Si Si, Larthas from the Tian Jing Mage Guild, and Chairman Kary from the Continental Mage Guild. Many of them are your friends. The envoys from the four countries, except for Quan Yi from the Empire of Sunset City who left with his people in a dispirited manner, the rest are still in the Church, discussing with the Pope about dealing with the Dark Forces."
Upon hearing that Prophet Pu Lin had arrived, Ah Dai was elated, "Did the Prophet wake up? This is great news. Hasn’t his health suffered any major setbacks?"
Yan Shi laughed and said, "You mustn’t call him an old man, or he will get angry, ha ha. As for the Prophet, he looks just a few years older than me. Honestly, we of the Pu Yan Tribe should be grateful to you! If you hadn’t saved the Prophet from the brink of death, we might have lost our spiritual pillar. The Prophet is of utmost importance to the Pu Yan Tribe. On behalf of my tribe, I thank you." Yan Shi stood up and made a deep bow to Ah Dai, who had difficulty moving and said anxiously, "Big brother, don’t do this. Saving the Prophet was my duty. If it wasn’t for his guidance and the Dragon’s Blood he bestowed on me, I wouldn’t have reached where I am today, nor would I have been able to save him. That’s reaping the rewards of his own good deeds! I don’t deserve any credit."
Yan Shi said seriously, "Brother, there’s no need for modesty. How many people would risk their lives and blood to save others like you? You saved the Prophet’s life. If you ever face difficulties, our Pu Yan Tribe will fully support you. To be honest, you have quite a lot of clout. Except for the Empire of Sunset City, people from the other countries have come mainly for your wedding with Xuan Yue. If you hadn’t arrived on time that day, Master Xi Wen would have probably stopped the wedding on behalf of everyone. Ah Dai, it seems the Prophet was right; you truly are the savior of the continent. There is an inexplicable cohesion about you; whoever is with you will be attracted by your personality. For whatever reason, they will become your friend."
Ah Dai scratched his head and said, "It’s been quite a trouble this time, all because of me. I won’t run away again. Ah! Big brother, stop talking about me. How are you and Sister Zhuo Yun doing now?"
Yan Shi blushed a little and replied, "We’re doing fine. Yun Er is a good girl, being with her makes me feel like I’ve returned to the happy life I once had. I’ve learned my lesson this time, and I won’t leave her no matter what. I won’t let her suffer any harm. I’ll spend my entire life protecting her, just like how Ballon protected his wife Luo Shui, even if I have to give up my life." Yan Shi’s declaration was so determined, and his eyes were filled with love.
Ah Dai chuckled and said, "Big brother, you really love Sister Zhuo Yun! Your confession was timed right, look, Sister Zhuo Yun is moved to tears."
Yan Shi was startled, he quickly turned his head and sure enough, there stood Zhuo Yun at the doorway, gazing adoringly at him, tears streaming down her face, her body slightly trembling.
Yan Shi’s face turned red, he said awkwardly, "Yun, you...you came, I was talking to Brother Ah Dai and didn’t hear you come in."
Zhuo Yun didn’t respond, she flapped the wings on her back and pounced towards Yan Shi. Yan Shi was startled, but instinctively opened his arms and caught Zhuo Yun. Zhuo Yun began to cry loudly as she held tightly onto Yan Shi’s neck. Yan Shi glared at Ah Dai as if blaming him for not telling him that Zhuo Yun was around earlier. He gently patted Zhuo Yun’s back, saying, "Shh, don’t cry, Brother Ah Dai will laugh."
Zhuo Yun looked up through her tears and stammered, "Yan Shi, I, I..."
Yan Shi gently interrupted her, "You don’t have to say anything, as long as you understand my feelings. Everything I said earlier was from the heart. No matter what, I’ll always be by your side protecting you."
Ah Dai coughed a couple of times and laughed, "Big brother and sister-in-law, you express your love in front of a wounded person, aren’t you afraid I might relapse due to the excitement?"
Zhuo Yun wiped away her tears and sneered, "Ah Dai, when did you become so cheeky? It’s not like you from before! Dare to tease your sister, wait until I tell on you to Yue Yue." Upon hearing this, Ah Dai paused for a moment, yes! How had he suddenly become this way? Ever since honing his skills and reaching the Grandmaster realm of the Tian Gang Sword Saint, his mind seemed unusually lucid, no longer the awkward Ah Dai from before. But he hadn’t thought about it too much because he had been immersed in grief earlier. Now, having resolved Xuan Yue’s marriage and put his mind at ease, he found his words flowing naturally. Scratching his head, he said, "Sister, I don’t know why I’ve become a bit smarter."
Zhuo Yun pulled herself out of Yan Shi’s arms, flew to Ah Dai’s bedside and asked worriedly, "I came to see if you woke up, how are you? Is your injury healing?"
Ah Dai nodded, "I’m fine. Sister, I don’t need anyone here now, you and big brother can leave. I want to start my quiet cultivation, otherwise, big brother Yan Shi will scold me for being a third wheel. As soon as I’m recovered, I’ll find Yue Yue and admit my mistakes, ask her to forgive me."
Zhuo Yun blushed, "You, you should use all your smooth talk on Yue Yue. Yue Yue has been so upset ever since Ballon’s parents died. She would barely eat or drink when taking care of you these past few days, it breaks my heart. Yue Yue is a good girl, you have to cherish her."
Upon hearing Zhuo Yun talk about Xuan Yue’s sadness, Ah Dai felt a pain in his heart. He thought for a moment and said, "Big brother, I’ll start my cultivation now and then go to find Yue Yue. Please let everyone know not to disturb me."
Yan Shi nodded, took Zhuo Yun’s hand, and said, "You cultivate in peace, big brother will keep watch outside for you. Just call me if you need anything."
The Holy Church, the home of the Red Robe Priest Xuan Ye.
After half a day of contemplation and some food, Xuan Yue felt a lot better. Both her parents were at home, creating a particularly somber atmosphere. Dressed in her Red Priest Robes, Xuan Yue left her room. Xuan Ye was sitting on a chair, lost in thought, while her mother Nasha was looking worriedly at him.
"Dad, what happened to you?" Xuan Yue walked up to Xuan Ye and asked.
Xuan Ye looked up at his daughter, his eyes filled with sadness, "I never thought that your Uncle Ballon would die just like that. Ah——, it really does make one sigh!"
Nasha took her husband’s hand and said, "Ye, don’t think too much, what happened has happened and it’s already in the past, why must you keep feeling sad?"
Xuan Ye gripped his wife’s hand tightly and said, "It’s really hard for me to accept their deaths. Ballon was a friend I grew up with, among all my peers in the church, our relationship was the closest. However, Luo Shui turned out to be a spy for the Dark Forces, and because of her, the church suffered so many casualties, my father-in-law too.... To be honest, I don’t know whether I should hate or sympathize with them."
Xuan Yue lowered her head and said, "Dad, Uncle Ballon and others are dead, in the words of an old saying, ’once the light goes out, all grudges disappear.’ Mom is right, you should stop worrying about it."
When Nasha heard Xuan Ye mention her father, her eyes inevitably turned red, "All this is God’s will! It’s something we simply couldn’t change."
Xuan Ye sighed and looked at his daughter, "Yue Yue, tell me, what are you planning to do? Ah Dai came to see you, and Ballon’s gone mad, are you planning to marry Ah Dai?"
Xuan Yue shook her head, "Dad, I don’t know, I really don’t know." She knew her father didn’t like Ah Dai and, now more than ever, when her father was in sadness, how could she further upset him?
Xuan Ye said, "Initially, I lost the bet against the Sword Saint of the Tian Gang, I never expected Ah Dai would become so strong that even the Wheel of Rebirth can’t touch him. Since I lost, I should marry you off to him. But I won’t force you for this marriage, it’s entirely your decision. If you think Ah Dai can give you happiness, you should be with him. I won’t oppose it anymore. I am sincere, you don’t need to worry about me anymore, I don’t want to see you upset."
As tears welled up in Xuan Yue’s eyes, she threw herself into Xuan Ye’s arms and sobbed, "Dad, you’re so kind to me. I was terrible in the past, always making you angry. Please forgive me."
Xuan Ye gently stroked his daughter’s soft, long hair and said with a smile, "Foolish child, how could I ever blame you? You are my only daughter, I can’t wait to pamper you even more! Seeing the tragic circumstances of my brother Ballon’s family the other day, it makes me even more appreciative of you and your mother. Family warmth is the greatest happiness. Comparatively speaking, we are way more fortunate. I have a wife who loves me so much and a daughter as outstanding as you, I’m already content. Besides, during my fight with Ah Dai that day, I realized that he would truly make a great son-in-law. Though he may not be handsome, his towering height and immense power make him a suitable match for my daughter. Moreover, he has a kind heart, and if it wasn’t for him risking his life to stop the Nine Heavens God Thunder, I would be long gone by now. Prior to this, I was overly prejudiced, but I won’t hinder you two from being together anymore."
"Dad, thank you, thank you. I, I..."
"My sweet girl, stop talking." Xuan Ye opened his arms and hugged his wife and daughter close, as the three of them reveled in the warmth of their family, feeling much more relieved.
Just then, a knock came from the door, breaking the peace. Xuan Ye was perturbed and frowned, "Who is it?"
"Sir, the leader of the Yajin tribe, Miss Di Ya, wishes to meet High Priestess Xuan Yue."
"Di Ya, the leader of the Yajin Tribe?" Xuan Ye glanced at his daughter in puzzlement, "Yue Yue, do you know her?"
Xuan Yue paused, thinking about the Autumn Water Dagger that Di Ya had given her during their time with the Yajin tribe, and smiled bitterly, "Not just know, we also had a misunderstanding. It seems like I need to clarify things with her." She raised her voice and said to the attendant outside, "Let Miss Di Ya come in."
Xuan Ye asked, "What is going on between you and the clan leader of the Yajin Tribe? Do your mother and I need to step away for a moment?"
Xuan Yue shook her head with a bitter smile, "It was only a misunderstanding. You don’t need to leave."
Footsteps approached and a knock sounded at the door once more. Xuan Yue took a deep breath to gather her thoughts and said, "Come in."
The door opened and Di Ya, dressed in a long blue dress, stepped in. She seemed to have made a special effort to dress up today. Though certainly no match for Xuan Yue’s stunning beauty, she was quite pretty on her own. "The Yajin Tribe’s Di Ya greets Bishop Xuan Ye, High Priestess Xuan Yue, and White Priestess Nasha."
Xuan Ye smiled faintly, "Tribe leader Di Ya, no need to be so formal, please have a seat."
Di Ya took a few steps forward, coming to Xuan Yue’s side, and whispered, "High Priestess Xuan Yue, I, I want to talk to you alone, would that be okay?"
Xuan Yue glanced at her father, "Alright, let’s talk in my room."
Di Ya gave another respectful bow to Xuan Ye and Nasha, "I’m sorry to have disturbed you."
Xuan Ye smiled, "Don’t be so modest. To become the leader of the Yajin Tribe at such a young age is no easy feat. Off you go."
Xuan Yue led Di Ya into her room and closed the door, her heart pounding as she asked, "Miss Di Ya, what brings you here today?"
Di Ya blushed, fidgeting with her dress and stuttered, "I, I..."
Perplexed, Xuan Yue noticed that Di Ya didn’t seem to recognize her identity and smiled, "Sister Di Ya, say whatever you have to say."
Di Ya took a deep breath, appearing to gather her courage, "Well, I came here today to ask... where is your elder brother, Xuan Re?" Having said that, she shyly lowered her head. Xuan Yue could distinctly sense Di Ya’s rapidly accelerating heartbeat.
Xuan Yue secretly frowned, "Sister Di Ya, how am I supposed to answer that?"
Di Ya lowered her head and said, "I know I am being presumptuous, but I haven’t heard from your brother since I last saw him. I just want to know where he is."
Xuan Yue thought to herself that it’s better to get the pain over and done with and decided to tell her directly. She gritted her teeth and said, "Di Ya sister, in fact, I am Xuan Re."
Di Ya abruptly looked up and exclaimed in shock, "What? What did you say?"
Xuan Yue sighed helplessly and said, "Xuan Yue is Xuan Re and Xuan Re is Xuan Yue. When I left the Holy Church to find Ah Dai, I disguised myself as a man to avoid unnecessary trouble. Even Ah Dai didn’t know that I was Xuan Yue back then, it was quite embarrassing. Di Ya sister, I’m sorry."
Di Ya trembled slightly with disbelief and deep affection in her beautiful eyes. Ever since Ah Dai and others left the Yajin Tribe, the handsome face and powerful magic of Xuan Re echoed in her mind, making it hard for her to forget. She had come to the church this time to see Xuan Re, as she was getting married. But she never expected that the one she had been in love with was a woman. Dully, she said, "You, are you really Xuan Re? I don’t believe it, I can’t believe it."
Changing her voice to that of Xuan Re’s, Xuan Yue said, "Di Ya sister, it’s the truth! I am indeed Xuan Re from that day." She bent down, lifted her skirt and took out the Autumn Water Dagger. She held it up to Di Ya and said, "Look, I have been carrying the dagger you gave me all the time. Di Ya sister, I will return it to you now. We can only be sisters. You are so beautiful, you will definitely find a suitable husband in the future."
Di Ya stared dumbly at the dagger in Xuan Yue’s hand. Although she was unwilling to admit it, she knew that everything Xuan Yue said was true. With a bitter smile, she did not accept the Autumn Water Dagger handed over by Xuan Yue and said, "It seems that I really have bad luck in love! I finally fell in love with someone and they turned out to be a woman. Xuan Yue younger sister, just keep this Autumn Water Dagger, consider it a gift from your older sister."
Xuan Yue insisted awkwardly, "How can I do that? This is the token of love you give to your future husband, and the Autumn Water Dagger is so precious, how can I accept it?"
"Little sister, just accept it. Alas, I probably won’t find a suitable one in this lifetime." Di Ya looked a bit melancholy. After all, she was a clan leader and had already returned to normal after the initial surprise and disappointment. Having Xuan Yue as a sister is definitely advantageous for the Yajin Tribe. Losing some may lead to gain.
Seeing Di Ya insist on not taking back the Autumn Water Dagger, Xuan Yue reluctantly said, "Well, thank you sister. Sister, do you have any favorite items? I’ll add a light-element defense magic to it as a return gift." Di Ya gave a slight smile and said, "Okay! Please have trouble with you then." She then took a golden hairpin from her hair and gave it to Xuan Yue.
Xuan Yue took the golden hairpin, held it in her palms, and started chanting the spell. A faint golden light floated out, gathering towards her palm like a sea accepting hundreds of rivers. Under Xuan Yue’s urging, the sacred golden light was imprinted into the golden hairpin. Her current level of magic was incomparable to when she was in the Yajin Tribe, and she effortlessly compressed the light magic beyond the Magus realm. Di Ya watched Xuan Yue in amazement. She knew that the gift Xuan Yue gave her was as precious as her Autumn Water Dagger. After a while, the golden light gradually faded and Xuan Yue handed the hairpin back to Di Ya. The originally shimmering hairpin now had an additional layer of treasure light. Holding it in her hand, Di Ya could feel the warm energy within, and couldn’t help but feel happy.
Xuan Yue said, "Sister, the light magic energy has been infused into this golden hairpin. It can now absorb light elements from the air itself. As long as you carry it with you, it can naturally release energy to protect you whenever it encounters an attack from the dark energy. Though the energy is not too strong, it can still be of some help."
Di Ya put the golden hairpin back into her hair, and under the influence of its warm energy, she felt a sense of calm enveloping her mind and body. She smiled and said, "Thank you, my sister."
Xuan Yue chuckled, "Don’t mention it, sister. When we get a chance, I’ll help you find a good husband. Then you can thank me properly. Among Ah Dai’s friends, there are many outstanding figures. I’ll pick one for you."
Di Ya blushed and lowered her head, "No need. Even if they’re exceptional, they cannot compare to you, little sister!"
An idea sparked in Xuan Yue’s mind and she pictured the handsome face of Olivia. She gave a mysterious smile and reassured, "Sister, don’t set your expectations too high. Rest assured, I will definitely find someone who will make you happy."
Di Ya sighed lightly, "Love requires destiny. Let’s talk about it when the time comes. Little sister, I should return now. These past few days within the church, we have reached an agreement. When the Holy Church prepares to launch a large-scale strike against the dark forces, our Yajin Tribe will definitely contribute our strength. I’ll head back now. Goodbye."
Upon hearing this, Xuan Yue felt a pang in her heart. She had not taken part in the conference between the church and the four-country delegation as she was taking care of Ah Dai. Xuan Yue grabbed Di Ya’s hand and quickly said, "Sister, don’t rush to leave. Can you tell me about the agreement you and the church reached in the last few days? As you know, I have not been able to participate during this period." Speaking about this caused her face to blush.
Di Ya smiled gently, "Little sister, are you feeling shy or are you missing Ah Dai? How is he? Has his injury healed? Speaking of which, your relationship really has been full of ups and downs! Ah Dai suddenly appeared on the day of your wedding ceremony and spoke such heart stirring words; it really was a shocking moment for me."
Xuan Yue replied, "His condition has largely stabilized, although he has not awakened yet. I believe there shouldn’t be any issues. He just needs a few more days of rest. As for our relationship, even I don’t know how to deal with it anymore. I love him, but... let’s not talk about this anymore."
Di Ya, somewhat envious, suggested, "Don’t overthink, I truly envy you. Finding someone like Ah Dai, who is not only simple-hearted but also extraordinarily devoted. His skills are incomparable among our generation. Last time when you guys were at the Yajin tribe, it seemed that he didn’t possess such profound skills. Otherwise, the four elders wouldn’t have been able to harm you two."
Xuan Yue sighed lightly. Even though Ah Dai had come, she still didn’t understand her feelings towards him fully. Every time she thought of Ah Dai, she felt her heart flutter. After all, she had been hurt too much in the past and was afraid of experiencing such pain again, which she knew she wouldn’t be able to bear. "Sister, let’s not talk about him. Please tell me about the agreement."
Upon seeing Xuan Yue’s somewhat dispirited demeanor, Di Ya decided to not probe further and began elaborating, "You saw everything that happened at the Light Altar. The spy from the Church of the Dark Saint said that the headquarters of the dark forces might be in the Death Mountain Range, which has sparked a large controversy. Currently, people are divided into two factions, almost all your church members choose to believe her, while people from other forces maintain skeptical attitudes. After few days of negotiations, no final agreement was reached. However, today the Pope proposed a plan: to send the best from every force to investigate whether the dark forces truly exist in the Death Mountain Range. If they do, all the human forces will launch a surprise attack on the Death Mountain Range, completely destroying the base of the dark forces. If they don’t find anything, we can only wait."
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