The time of the Discussion Conference at Carp Tower came within the blink of an eye.

"Are they going to investigate on our sect?" asked Jin Guangshan.

"Well, the truth will finally be out." said Nie Huaisang.

Most of the prominent sects’ residences were built in areas of beautiful scenery, but the LanlingJin Sect’s Carp Tower sat in the most flourishing part of Lanling City. The main road used to visit the tower was a carriage path more than half a mile in length. It only opened for important events such as banquets or the Discussion Conferences. According to the LanlingJin Sect’s rules, one must not walk at a fast pace here. Both sides of the path were covered in murals and reliefs, telling stories of the Jin Clan’s leaders and other distinguished cultivators. During the journey, disciples of the LanlingJin Sect would act as guides as they drove the carriages.

"Our Jin Sect is really the most beautiful." said Jin Zixun with prides.

"Yet full of disgusting men." said Jiang Cheng.

"Much better that your Jiang Sect." mocked Jin Zixun.

"Really? At least, the people in my Jiang Sect is more respectful than you." said Jiang Cheng with a scoff.

Out of all of them the four most famous sections about the current sect leader—Jin GuangYao—were respectively “disclosure”, “assassination”, “oath”, and “kind austerity”. Of course, the scenes showed how during the Sunshot Campaign Jin GuangYao hid in the QishanWen Sect and reported important information, assassinated the Wen Sect’s leader Wen RuoHan, became sworn brothers with the rest of the Venerated Triad, and rose to the position of Chief Cultivator. The painter was quite adept at painting people’s expressions. Although nothing seemed special at first glance, a more detailed look would reveal that even when his figure was executing the assassination, cheeks dripping blood, Jin GuangYao still had the hint of a smile over his face. One could feel their hair stand as they looked.

"He looks creepy." said Nie Huaisang.

"That man can kill me?" asked Wen Rouhan.

"What if I kill him first?" he added.

"Isn't that so exaggerating? Why do they have to put that? If you did good, there is no need for such murals to show it. People will remember that in their hearts." said Wei Wuxian.

"Is that because he killed Wen Rouhan that's why he became sworn brothers with my son?" asked Qingheng-jun.

"Mn." answered Sizhui.

Immediately after it were Jin ZiXuan’s murals. Usually, in order to signify their absolute power, sect leaders would purposely lessen the number of murals for cultivators of their own generation or perhaps switch to an inferior artist, so that they wouldn’t be outshone. To these acts, everyone gave silent approval, showing their understanding. However, Jin ZiXuan had four murals as well, unbelievably standing on equal footing as Jin GuangYao. The handsome man in the paintings displayed both pride and vigor.

"That's because my son is supposed to be the one on his position." said Madam Jin.

"Only if he didn't die." she added.

Hopping off the carriage, Wei WuXian stopped in front of the murals and stared for a while. Lan WangJi also stopped, waiting for him.

From not far away, a disciple declared, “Sect Lan of Gusu, please enter here.”

Lan WangJi, “Let us go.”

Wei WuXian didn’t reply. The two walked together.

"They look so serious." said Nie Huaisang.

"Well, it's not the time to have fun." said Wei Wuxian.

"That's more better, at least he won't cause trouble in our sect." said Jin Zixuan.

Following the stairs up Carp Tower was a wide, brick-paved square, bustling with people. The LanlingJin Sect had probably been expanded and refurbished during the past few years. The extravagance was greater than what Wei WuXian had seen back then. To the far side of the square, an alabaster base sat over a flight of nine stairs in the ruyi style. On top of the base, a magnificent palace complete with a hip-and-gable roof overlooked the ocean of Sparks Amidst Snow.

Sparks Amidst Snow was the crest of the LanlingJin Clan, an exquisite type of the white peony. Not only was the flower fine, its name was fine as well. There were two layers of petals and the larger petals on the outside grew tier upon tier, becoming waves of churning snow. The smaller petals on the inside were thin and delicate, embracing golden strands of the stamen as though they were stars. If just one blossom was beyond splendid, how could one ever describe the grandeur of thousands blooming at once?

Multiple paths were situated before the square. Sects entered incessantly, yet in an organized manner.

“Sect Su of Moling, please enter here.”

"What's that?" asked Jin Zixuan.

"I never heard a sect like that." said Jiang Cheng.

"Moling? Isn't that just near Gusu?" asked Wei Wuxian.

"That place can be called as part of Gusu Lan's territory." said Lan Xichen.

"It might be a sect that is under our Gusu Lan in the future." said Qingheng-jun.

"The 'Su' is kinda familiar though." said Wei Wuxian.

“Sect Nie of Qinghe, please enter here.”

“Sect Jiang of Yunmeng, please enter here.”

As soon as he showed up, Jiang Cheng shot a sharp glance at them.

"Here comes a-niang." said Jingyi.

"You're always excited when your mother shows up on screen." Nie Huaisang commented.

"Because I missed him already." said Jingyi.

Walking over, he spoke in an indifferent tone, “ZeWu-Jun. HanGuang-Jun.”

Lan XiChen nodded as well, “Sect Leader Jiang.”

"Why are they calling each other like that?" asked a female cultivator.

"Didn't we tell you that their relationship is secret?" asked Jin Ling.

"That might have been so hard for them. They can't hug one another." said Jiang Yanli.

"It's not like every time we met we have to hug one another." said Jiang Cheng.

"You don't know." said Wei Wuxian.

Both of the two seemed preoccupied. After a few words of small talk, Jiang Cheng asked, “HanGuang-Jun, I’ve never seen you at Carp Tower’s Discussion Conferences before. Why have you gained the sudden interest?”

Neither Lan XiChen nor Lan WangJi replied. Luckily, Jiang Cheng didn’t intend for this to be a serious question in the first place. He had already turned to Wei WuXian, speaking as though he’d spit out a sword and impale the latter anytime he wished to, “If I remember correctly, wasn’t it that you two never took needless personnel with you when travelling out? What’s the situation this time? Once in a blue moon? Now who is this renowned cultivator? Could someone please introduce him to me?”

"I can hear the sarcasm." said Wei Wuxian.

"At least he didn't reveal who you really are." said Meng Yao.

"You stil have guts to talk to me when I am suspecting you in the future?" asked Wei Wuxian.

"As if I will forgive him if he really killed my brother." said Nie Huaisang.

Suddenly, a smiling voice appeared, “Brother, why didn’t you tell me beforehand that WangJi was also going to come?”

The owner of Carp Tower—LianFang-Zun, Jin GuangYao—had personally come out to greet them.

Lan XiChen returned him a smile, while Lan WangJi a nod. Wei WuXian, on the other hand, carefully observed the chief cultivator of all sects.

Meng Yao looked at his future self in awe. He really succeeded in his plans in the future.

"I can say that Zewu-jun is more closer to that man rather than his husband." said a random cultivator.

"Yeah, who would get close to such sarcastic and hot-tempered man? Maybe he only married him because of an agreement." said another cultivator.

"What rights do you have to insult my friend like that? Jiang-xiong is way more good-looking than that man, not to mention he is more taller." said Nie Huaisang.

"Is that an insult?" asked Meng Yao.

"What do you think?" Nie Huaisang asked sarcastically.

Jin GuangYao was born with quite an advantageous face. His skin was fair, and he had a vermillion mark embellished on his forehead. His pupils were distinct against the whites of the eyes, appearing lively but not frivolous. His features appeared rather clean, attractive yet also ingenious. The shadow of a smile that always perched by the corners of his lips, and his brows, revealed at once his clever character. Such a face was enough to earn the love of women, but still wouldn’t evoke the vigilance or aversion of men; the elderly would think of him as sweet, while the young would think of him as amicable. Even if one didn’t like him, they definitely wouldn’t hate him either, which was why his face was “advantageous”. Although his figure was a bit small, his calm demeanor was more than enough to make up for it. Donning a cap made of black gauze, he wore the LanlingJin Sect’s formal uniform, a blooming Sparks Amidst Snow crest over the front of his round collared robe. With a nine-ringed belt at his waist, liuhe boots at his feet, and a right hand pressing down on the hilt of the sword hung by his side, he let out a powerful aura of inviolability.

"Calm people are way more dangerous." said Wen Rouhan.

"I can't believe that that kind of a person can kill one of the most high ranking cultivator." said a random cultivator.

"That's why you shouldn't judge a person base on their physical appearance." said Wei Wuxian.

Jin Ling followed Jin GuangYao out here. He still didn’t dare meet Jiang Cheng alone. Hiding behind Jin GuangYao’s back, he mumbled, “Uncle.”

Jiang Cheng replied harshly, “So you still know that I’m your uncle!”

"Of course, I do." said Jin Ling.

"Even if how scary a-cheng is, he the most loyal person. He might be mad but he is just worried." said Jiang Yanli.

"I know." said Jin Ling with a visible pout.

Jin Ling quickly tugged at the back hems of Jin GuangYao’s robe. Jin GuangYao seemed as though he had been born to resolve conflicts, “Now, Sect Leader Jiang, A-Ling realized his mistake a long time ago. During the past few days, he’s been so scared you’d punish him that he hasn’t even been eating well. Children just like to make mischief. I know you love him the most. Let’s not bother him about it so much.”

Jin Ling hurried, “Yes, yes. Uncle can prove it. My appetite’s been bad these days!”

Jiang Cheng, “Your appetite’s been bad? Looking at how well your complexion is, I wouldn’t say you missed too many meals!”

"You can't really lie to him." said Wei Wuxian.

"He is way more healthy than those people on the street who haven't eaten for days. How did he lost his appetite? Don't tell me that he eat without appetite." said Jiang Cheng.

As Jin Ling was just about to speak again, he glanced behind Lan WangJi and finally saw Wei WuXian. Temporarily astounded, he blurted, “Why are you here?!”

Wei WuXian, “To get a free meal.”

"Typical." said Jiang Cheng.

"What's wrong with that? It's true that the meal is free." laughed Wei Wuxian.

Jin Ling was somewhat angered, “How dare you still come?! Didn’t I warn…”

Jin GuangYao rubbed Jin Ling’s head, pushing him behind himself, and smiled, “Why not? You’re our guest now that you’ve come. I don’t know about anything else, but Carp Tower definitely has enough food.” He turned to Lan XiChen, “Brother, have a seat first. I’m going to check over there and make arrangements for WangJi as well.”

Lan XiChen nodded, “There is no need for the trouble.”

Jin GuangYao, “How is this trouble? Brother, you don’t have to be so polite now that you’re at my place. Really.”

"With all that fake pleasantry." said Jiang Cheng.

"Are you by any chance, jealous of them?" asked Wei Wuxian.

"Why would I?" asked Jiang Cheng with an eye roll.

Wei Wuxian just laughed at him.

"No need to be jealous, my Wanyin. I am all yours." said Lan Xichen wich end up getting a smacked from the said man.

Jin GuangYao could remember the name, title, age, and appearance of a person after just one encounter. Even after a few years, he’d be able to greet them without any fault, often carrying out solicitous conversations as well. If he had seen someone more than twice, he’d remember all of their likes and dislikes, therefore able to cater to their needs. This time, since Lan WangJi came to Carp Tower without advance notice, Jin GuangYao didn’t arrange for his table. At the moment, he was immediately on the way to do so.

After entering Glamor Hall, the guests strolled down a soft, red carpet. Beside the sandalwood tables on both sides of the carpet were fair-faced maids, adorned with hoops, jades, and each with a genuine smile. With full bosoms and dainty waists, even their figures were similar, appearing both uniform and pleasing to the eye. Wei WuXian had never been able to help himself from looking a while longer when he came upon fair women. After he had been seated, he smiled at her when the maid was pouring him liquor, “Thanks.”

"I can't believe that." laughed Jin Zixuan.

"Wei Ying." said Lan Wangji.

"You really can't help yourself, do you? I wonder how Lan Wangji can compose himself watching you doing that." said Jiang Cheng.

"Xichen-ge is quite lucky to have Jiang-xiong who doesn't give any attention to any woman except his mother and sister." said Nie Huaisang.

"Mn. Very lucky." said Lan Xichen with a smile.

"My Lan Zhan, this Wei Ying of yours promised that from this day onwards will never flirt with anyone other than you." said Wei Wuxian.

"Mn." said Lan Wangji and held Wei Wuxian's waist possessively.

Yet, as if she had received a shock, the woman snuck a glance at him, but quickly blinked and looked away. Wei WuXian initially found this strange. He immediately understood, though, when he looked around him. As he had expected, this wasn’t the only peculiar pair of eyes. More than half of the Lanlingjin Sect’s disciples had strange expressions on their faces when they looked at him.

He had temporarily forgotten that this was Carp Tower, where Mo XuanYu harassed somebody from his own sect and was kicked out. Who would’ve expected that he’d return with such conspicuity, as if he knew no shame. He even slipped into a high-ranked seat along with the Two Jades of Lan…

"Who did Mo Xuanyu harassed making everyone looked at him like that?" asked Wei Wuxian.

"A psychopath." Jin Ling mumbled.

Wei WuXian shifted toward Lan WangJi’s side, “HanGuang-Jun, HanGuang-Jun.”

Lan WangJi, “Yes?”

Wei WuXian, “Please don’t leave me. There’s probably a lot of people here who know about Mo XuanYu. If somebody decides that they want to talk about the good ol’ days with me, I’ll have to keep on playing the fool and spouting nonsense. Please don’t mind if I end up losing your face.”

Lan WangJi looked at him and replied in a tepid tone, “As long as you do not provoke others on purpose.”

"You can simply ignore them." said Jiang Cheng.

"I'm not like you who easily ignore a person." said Wei Wuxian with a pout.

"At least, my Lan Zhan is there with me." he added with a smile.

"Mn. Won't leave Wei Ying on his own." said Lan Wangji.

At this point, with a woman dressed in lavish robes by his arm, Jin GuangYao stepped into the room. Although the woman seemed rather dignified, a trace of innocence was blended into her expression. Even her graceful features appeared somewhat childlike. This was the official wife of Jin GuangYao, the mistress of Carp Tower—Qin Su.

"That's me." said a woman in who is sitting not far from them.

"I am married in the future." she added with a smile.

"That's not something you should be happy about." said the juniors making her confuse.

The two had been the representation of loving couples in the cultivation world for the past few years, holding mutual respect for each other. Everyone knew that Qin Su was born into the LaolingQin Sect, a subsidiary clan of the LanlingJin Sect. Qin CangYe, the leader of the LaolingQin Sect, happened to be a subordinate who had followed Jin GuangShan for years. Although Jin GuangYao was Jin GuangShan’s son, the two were originally somewhat illsuited for each other due to his mother’s status. However, during the sunshot campaign, Qin Su had been saved by Jin GuangYao. She fell in love with him and never gave up, insisting that she wanted to be his wife. In the end, they finally drew the period on such a romantic story. Jin GuangYao didn’t let her down either. Even though he held the important position of Chief Cultivator, his behavior was drastically different from his father’s. He never took in any concubines, much less had a relationship with any other woman. This was indeed something that many wives of sect leaders envied.

"That's a nice husband there." said a female cultivator.

"How I wish all men are like that." said another female cultivator.

"So why shouldn't I be happy?" asked Qin Su.

"You'll know." said Jin Ling.

"You're the best aunt I ever had." he added.

"That's because she's the only aunt you have." said Zizhen.

"And you have a lot of uncles who are so overprotective of you." he added.

Wei WuXian silently agreed with such rumors as he looked at the hand that Jin GuangYao held Qin Su’s in. Jin GuangYao’s expression brimmed tenderly with care, as though he even worried that she’d accidentally trip over the jade stairs.

After the two sat before the foremost table, the banquet had officially started. The one sitting at the table of the next-highest rank was Jin Ling. When his eyes landed on Wei WuXian, they glared at once. Wei WuXian had always been used to being watched by others. During the entire time, he pretended that nothing was going on, eating and drinking among toast and chatter within Glamor Hall. It was quite a merry scene.

"Your good at it, huh." said Jiang Cheng.

"But I don't have a good feeling about it." said Wei Wuxian.

"Can we skip? I really want to know who really killed my brother." said Nie Huaisang.

Night had already fallen when the banquet ended. The Discussion Forum would officially begin the next morning. In groups of two and three, the crowd slowly exited the hall, walking toward the guest chambers that disciples had directed them to. Since Lan XiChen seemed rather absentminded, Jin GuangYao looked as though he wanted to ask what the matter was. Yet, just as he approached and called out, “Brother,” another person threw himself over and wailed, “Brother!!!”

Jin GuangYao almost stepped back from the force. He quickly fixed his cap with one hand, “HuaiSang, what’s wrong? Let’s calm down first.”

"Why are you hugging him?" Nie Huaisang asked his future self.

"He's the one who killed him and even if it's just a guess, I can feel that something is wrong. Stay away from him." he added.

Such an unbecoming sect leader could only be the QingheNie Sect’s Head Shaker. And, of course, the drunk Head Shaker was even more unbecoming. With a ruddy face, Nie HuaiSang refused to let go, “Oh Brother!! What do I do?! Can you help me again? I promise that this is the last time!!!”

Jin GuangYao, “Wasn’t last time’s situation dealt with by the people I found you?”

Nie HuaiSang cried, “Last time’s situation was done, but this time there’s a new situation! Brother, what should I do?! I don’t want to live anymore!”

"Can't you do it on your own?" asked Nie Mingjue.

"I don't want that kind of responsibility." said Nie Huaisang.

"If that was Jiang Cheng, he must have kicked you already." laughed Wei Wuxian.

Jiang Cheng just rolled his eyes at the man.

Looking at how it seemed like something few words couldn’t explain, Jin GuangYao could only turn to Qin Su, “A-Su, you can go back first. HuaiSang, let’s find somewhere and sit down. There’s no need to hurry…”

He started walking outside with Nie HuaiSang leaning on him. When Lan XiChen came to see what was going on, he was also dragged along by the drunken Nie HuaiSang.

Jiang Cheng laughed seeing that.

"That's kinda embarrassing." said Nie Huaisang.

"At least they are willing to help you. After this, I will train you on handling that kind of responsibilities." said Nie Mingjue.

"Aiyaa there's no need for that. ChengCheng and I can help him every time we are together." said Nie Huaisang.

"To cause mischief." said Nie Mingjue with a glare.

Qin Su saluted Lan WangJi, “HanGuang-Jun, I don’t think you’ve come to Lanling for the Discussion Conferences since quite some years ago. I apologize if the reception was inadequate in any way.”

Her voice was soft, truly befitting for such a sweet beauty. Lan WangJi nodded in return of the salute. Qin Su’s gaze landed on Wei WuXian next. After a moment of hesitation, she whispered, “Then, please excuse my leave.” With this, she left with her maid.

Qin Su blushed at that.

"Such a kind lady just like Maiden Jiang." said a random cultivator.

"But shijie is more better." said Wei Wuxian.

Wei WuXian pondered, “The way that everyone at Carp Tower looks at me is so strange. Just what did Mo XuanYu do? Publicly show his love while naked? What’s special about that? The LanlingJin Sect’s people really haven’t seen things.”

Lan WangJi shook his head at Wei WuXian’s nonsense. Wei WuXian continued, “I’m gonna go ask someone. HanGuang-Jun, watch Jiang Cheng for me. It’s best if he doesn’t come find me. If he does, help me hold him back a bit, won’t you?”

"Why would I look for you?" asked Jiang Cheng.

"Just making sure that I can investigate in peace." said Wei Wuxian.

"Well, Jiang-xiong might be busy with his husband." said Nie Huaisang.

"But, brother-in-law was dragged by the drunken you." said Wei Wuxian.

"Why did he do that?" asked Nie Huaisang with a teasing smile.

"Can you two, please shut up." said Jiang Cheng.

Lan WangJi, “Do not go too far.”

Wei WuXian, “Got it. If I end up going far, let’s meet in our room at night.”

His eyes searched throughout Glamor Hall, but didn’t find the person he wanted. Raising a brow, he continued searching after he left Lan WangJi. When he passed a small pavilion, someone suddenly appeared from within the rock garden on the side, “Hey!”

"It's Jin Ling again." said Jingyi.

"Oh, that time." said Jin Ling while sneaking a glance at his parents.

"Did you come into trouble or what?" asked Sizhui.

"Not really." answered Jin Ling.

Wei WuXian thought to himself, Ha! Found him. He turned around and spoke in a feeble tone, “What do you mean ‘hey’? How rude. Weren’t we all lovey-dovey when we parted? We meet again and you’re as heartless as ever. Now I’m sad.”

Jin Ling felt goosebumps climb over his body, “Shut up right now! Who’s all lovey-dovey with you?! Didn’t I warn you already not to mess with our sect’s people? Why have you come back?!”

"Can't I just visit you?" asked Wei Wuxian dramatically.

"Do you have to say such thing?" asked Jin Ling.

Wei Wuxian just laughed at him.

Wei WuXian, “Honestly, I’ve always been following HanGuang-Jun properly. I’m this close to making him grab a rope and tie me to his body. Where have you seen me mess with your sect’s people? Your uncle? He’s the one messing with me, alright?”

"He will." said Lan Xichen.

"Only time will tell." he added with a smile.

"Your focus are really strange." said Jiang Cheng.

"And why am I the one messing with you? I'm not." he added with a glare.

Jin Ling was enraged, “Go away! My uncle’s only suspicious of you! Don’t talk nonsense. Don’t think I don’t know that you haven’t given up and still want to…”

Suddenly, a few shouts came from around them. About half-a-dozen boys wearing the LanlingJin Sect’s uniform leaped out from the garden. Jin Ling stopped talking at once.

"Well, isn't this getting exciting." said Jingyi.

"Those f*ckers." cursed Jin Ling.