Chapter 24: Trouble

Just awakened, Yin Tianfang’s body erupted with a terrifying murderous intent. His handsome face twisted into something fierce, and his eyes were exceedingly frightening.

Bang!

Two figures rushed quickly into the room. Seeing Yin Tianfang’s contorted expression, Qingluo was so frightened she instinctively stepped back, while Nuolan frowned slightly. With a flick of her finger, spiritual energy shot forth, summoning a series of vines that wrapped themselves around Yin Tianfang, restraining him.

A gentle flute melody arose in the room, ethereal and pleasant. Invisible notes floated with the music, entering Yin Tianfang’s mind. After a long while, his wild struggles gradually ceased; the violent killing intent faded, and his expression slowly returned to normal.

Seeing Yin Tianfang quiet down, Nuolan finally set down her jade flute, her body drenched in fragrant sweat—she had clearly expended much energy. The green vines binding Yin Tianfang slowly vanished, and he lay weakly on the bed, slipping once again into unconsciousness.

“Wasn’t that sound just now coming from here?”

“Senior Sister Nuolan, are you home?”

Outside the courtyard, a group of young women clustered at the gate, craning their necks to peer inside and calling loudly. Nuolan glanced at the unconscious Yin Tianfang on the bed, then turned and walked out of the room. Qingluo followed beside her, whispering, “Senior Sister, why not just throw him into Clearwater River? His shouting has made everyone aware there’s a man hidden in our courtyard—gossip is bound to spread.”

“You’re afraid of that?” Nuolan shot her a look. “Everyone in the Mystic Dao Sect knows you’re a hopeless romantic, always running off to where the male disciples live.”

“Besides, you were the one who fished him out of the river, and now you want to throw him back in. What are you planning?”

“Senior Sister…” Qingluo was so angry she nearly stamped her feet. Nuolan was not only her mentor but like family to her; Qingluo could only sigh inwardly, silently blaming Yin Tianfang from head to toe.

Outside, the female disciples saw Nuolan emerge from the room and immediately surged into the courtyard. Glancing at the room behind Nuolan, they clamored, “Senior Sister Nuolan, I just heard a man’s voice. Did you secretly hide that senior brother in here?”

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“Yes, I heard it too—a man’s voice! Who would have thought the talented senior brothers in the inner sect weren’t enough to catch Senior Sister Nuolan’s eye, but her heart’s been captured after all. We’re all curious—who is this man?”

“Hehe, I’m curious too. Judging by the situation, he must be living here. You two aren’t already…?”

Some of the girls spoke without restraint. Listening to their words, Nuolan’s expression remained calm. After a long silence, she sighed softly, her face tinged with sorrow.

“You don’t know. When I was separated from my family, a compassionate elder of the sect took pity on me, brought me to the Mystic Dao Sect, and taught me the ways of cultivation, enabling me to enter the path of immortality. Before I came to the sect, I had a younger brother who was lost for many years. Unexpectedly, when I went down the mountain a few days ago, I encountered him by chance. Sadly, when I saw him, I recognized him, but he did not recognize me, and his mind was unclear.” With that, Nuolan covered her face and wept softly.

The girls looked at one another in amazement. Seeing Nuolan’s tearful sorrow, some of the more innocent girls believed her story, but most remained skeptical.

“Senior Sister Nuolan, is he really your long-lost brother?” someone asked, clearly doubting the tale.

“Of course he is. If he weren’t, why would Senior Sister Nuolan let him stay here?” Qingluo replied. “You know, Senior Sister Nuolan is naturally beautiful—so many inner sect senior brothers want to become her cultivation partner, but she refuses them all. Why would she take in an unrelated man?”

Just then, the door opened and Yin Tianfang came out. Seeing so many people in the courtyard, he was momentarily stunned.

Swish!

All eyes turned instantly to Yin Tianfang, curious, scrutinizing him from head to toe.

Nuolan and Qingluo’s expressions changed slightly. Before anyone could speak, Nuolan hurried to Yin Tianfang’s side, took his arm, and asked with great concern, “Brother, you’re awake—do you remember who I am?”

The unexpected question left Yin Tianfang even more confused. Led by Nuolan before the crowd, he faced their curious gazes but, unsure what to say, simply kept silent and feigned ignorance.

“In the past, when we were separated, my brother was so clever and adorable. Who knows what he’s been through all these years, to end up so confused and dull now,” Nuolan said, wiping her tears as she spoke.

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“My brother is still injured and can’t be exposed to the wind. Everyone, please disperse. I’ll help him inside to rest.” Without waiting for their reaction, Nuolan turned and pulled Yin Tianfang back into the room.

“Stay here and don’t go out. Once you’re healed, leave as soon as possible,” Nuolan said, a bit displeased. Yin Tianfang knew he had brought trouble to Nuolan and thought it best not to argue. He silently returned to sit on the bed.

Seeing Yin Tianfang sitting quietly, Nuolan felt a trace of pity, but since they were merely passing acquaintances, she felt no obligation to be overly kind. She turned and walked out.

Deep in the night, when all was silent, the faint sound of water could be heard. Yin Tianfang quietly left the room and made his way down the mountain path.

Under the cold moonlight, the water shimmered, the clear surface reflecting the night sky’s beauty. Yin Tianfang stood by the water for a long time, then turned to look back at the small courtyard on the mountain, before tossing a wooden plank into the river. With a leap, he landed on the plank and began moving away.

“Stop!” A figure strode across the water, shouting loudly. Yin Tianfang turned to see the newcomer approaching aggressively, clearly unfriendly. Sensing trouble, he quickened his pace toward the shore.

Seeing Yin Tianfang ignore his shout and accelerate, the pursuer grew furious and sped up as well.

Under the moonlight, on the wide river, two figures—one in pursuit, one fleeing—raced toward the shore, soon disappearing into the vast expanse…

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