Chapter Sixty-Five: If I Were to Draw My Sword Against You, Why Would I Have Saved You in the First Place?

It had to be said, the allure of the Sunflower Manual was something Yang Wenhao could not easily ignore. Indeed, in this esteemed family, the only thing that truly piqued Yang Wenhao’s interest was this peerless martial art. Thus, in the end, Yang Wenhao chose to follow Dongfang Bubai down the mountain.

He planned to join Dongfang Bubai in dealing with Ren Woxing before heading to participate in the Five Mountains Sword Alliance’s tournament. The appearance of the Sun and Moon Sect caused all who saw them to shrink away in fear. Dongfang Bubai was dressed in a fitted martial robe, while Yang Wenhao stood calmly at her side.

At this moment, a Sun and Moon Sect follower approached, dropped to one knee, and with both hands raised high, addressed Dongfang Bubai with deep respect: “Reporting to the Hierarch, Ren Woxing and the Holy Maiden are inside this courtyard.”

“Very well,” Dongfang Bubai nodded, then glanced at Yang Wenhao. “Brother Yang, are you interested in accompanying me inside?”

“I’ve come this far, do you really think I’d refuse?” Yang Wenhao responded with a helpless smile.

Dongfang Bubai gave a faint smile and instructed her subordinates, “Guard this courtyard. If anyone other than myself or Brother Yang attempts to enter or leave, spare no one.”

“Yes!” The Sun and Moon Sect boasted legions of followers; to surround a small courtyard was hardly a challenge.

“After you,” Dongfang Bubai gestured to Yang Wenhao.

Yang Wenhao nodded, gathered his strength, and with a light leap, touched down in the courtyard like a dragonfly skimming the water. Inside the deserted yard, he saw no one, but could sense three distinct auras—two familiar, one unknown.

Ren Yingying and Ren Woxing were easy to identify, but who was the third? Yang Wenhao considered, and if he guessed correctly, it could only be him.

“Ren Woxing, after all these years, are you not going to come out and greet me?” Dongfang Bubai stood with hands behind her back, exuding supreme arrogance.

A thunderous laugh erupted from the attic. Soon, three figures emerged from a nearby doorway. As Yang Wenhao caught sight of them, his suspicions were confirmed. The unexpected guest was none other than Linghu Chong, the chief disciple of Mount Hua.

It seemed Linghu Chong, now branded as colluding with the Demonic Sect, was in a difficult situation.

As the three approached, Linghu Chong, upon noticing Yang Wenhao, visibly trembled. Ren Yingying had previously told him that Yang Wenhao was now an honored guest of the Sun and Moon Sect. At the time, he hadn’t believed it—after all, Yang Wenhao had always seemed upright and righteous. How could someone like him be on such good terms with the Demonic Sect?

If he hadn’t seen it with his own eyes, he would never have believed it, but now there was no denying the truth.

“Dongfang Bubai, you are truly ruthless,” Ren Woxing said coldly, staring at Dongfang Bubai.

“Oh?” Dongfang Bubai replied with indifference. “And what makes you say that?”

Hatred contorted Ren Woxing’s face. “You usurped my position as leader of the Sun and Moon Sect while I was in seclusion. Unforgivable!”

“And what of it?” Dongfang Bubai replied with a faint smile, her sleeve flicking elegantly. “Was it not all for the sake of the Sun and Moon Sect?”

“For the sake of the Sun and Moon Sect... Ha!” Ren Woxing laughed bitterly. What he truly thought needed no further explanation.

He continued, “Let me tell you, Dongfang Bubai, your greatest mistake was entering here alone today.”

“Who says I’m alone?” Dongfang Bubai retorted with a smirk.

Ren Woxing fell silent, but Linghu Chong spoke up, “Brother Yang, it’s not too late to turn back. Dongfang Bubai is a great fiend. If we join forces, we can surely destroy her.”

Ren Yingying added, “Young Hero Yang, if you wish to study the martial arts manuals of the Sun and Moon Sect, you need not cooperate with Dongfang Bubai.”

“That’s right,” Ren Woxing nodded. “You are young and capable, and Dongfang Bubai is treacherous beyond compare. I fell into her trap because I trusted her too much. But if you’re willing, when I reclaim the Sun and Moon Sect, I will appoint you as Deputy Leader.”

The three of them took turns trying to sway him. In fact, from the moment Linghu Chong spoke, Yang Wenhao had already guessed what the three had discussed before their arrival.

Ren Woxing and Ren Yingying did not know Yang Wenhao’s true strength, but Linghu Chong was well aware—this was someone even his own master treated with utmost respect. As for Linghu Chong’s own skill, it was hardly worth mentioning. Their efforts to win Yang Wenhao over were no doubt the result of much persuasion on Linghu Chong’s part.

Upon hearing their words, Dongfang Bubai remained silent, her gaze fixed on Yang Wenhao. In truth, she was uncertain how he would choose. Despite their shared experiences, when it came to a life-or-death struggle, who could say for sure?

Still, Dongfang Bubai had faith in Yang Wenhao, for he had once saved her life. If not for him, she would have died long ago, her heart pierced through.

Sensing Dongfang Bubai’s gaze, Yang Wenhao smiled faintly. “What do you think I’ll choose?”

“That’s for you to decide, not me,” Dongfang Bubai replied, shaking her head. How could she know what Yang Wenhao was thinking?

“If I were to turn my sword against you today,” Yang Wenhao continued, “would you resent me?”

At this, the faces of Linghu Chong and the others brightened.

Dongfang Bubai shook her head. “No, I would never blame you.”

“Very well, then the answer is clear.” All four now watched Yang Wenhao, anxious for his final decision—their lives depended on it.

“If I were to draw my sword against you,” Yang Wenhao said to Dongfang Bubai, “wouldn’t that mean saving your life before was for nothing?”

Dongfang Bubai was overjoyed. When Yang Wenhao had first spoken, she’d felt uneasy, but now she realized her worries had all been unnecessary.

“Brother Yang, you—!”

“Young man, you really—!”

Linghu Chong and Ren Woxing had both believed Yang Wenhao would side with them, only to be stunned by this sudden reversal.

Dongfang Bubai turned to Ren Woxing with a cold laugh. “Ren Woxing, how ridiculous—you thought you could poach my people? If I’d known this would happen, I’d have simply had you starved to death.”

“Dongfang Bubai, don’t go too far!” Ren Woxing snapped, glaring at her.

Dongfang Bubai then faced Yang Wenhao. “Brother Yang, as promised, when we return, you shall see the Sunflower Manual.”

Yang Wenhao nodded his agreement.

At Dongfang Bubai’s words, Ren Woxing’s eyes lit up. “Young friend, don’t be fooled by Dongfang Bubai’s lies. The Sunflower Manual is a demonic art. If a man practices it, he will be left neither male nor female.”

His warning caused Dongfang Bubai’s pupils to contract. She immediately turned to Yang Wenhao. “Brother Yang, I—”

(End of this chapter)