Yusui and Mo Yan also happened to pass along the same road where the gathering had taken place. They had barely gone a short distance when they were halted from behind....stopped by the officers of Xuemo Sect.
Following behind on horseback came a long procession, but at the very front walked the Fengxian family....Master Ren Zhou, Lady Mei Ying, Miss Su Ri, and Yin Fengxian.
Their mouths were sealed by talismanic incantations, their hands bound tightly behind their backs, and they were being driven forward like prisoners.
Because some members of the Meilan Clan and Yanlog Clan were present, Mo Yan and Yusui were quickly recognized...though not by their true names.
Mo Yan was identified as Wang Gung, and Yusui as Fui Lon.
Others, too, were recognized as hailing from the same clans.
The officers ordered everyone to dismount.
In that brief moment, Yusui quietly willed his Xuan Ming Guan crown to transform into an ordinary hair ornament.....an ability unique to the Living Crown, which could alter its form at the master's command.
The reason was simple: the officials knew all too well that Wang Gung, Ming Heng, Zhi Yao, Joye, Shu Bi Suan, and Fui Lon had departed during the ritual. Thus, they were to be escorted to the Legacy of Peach Blossom Academy.
And so, the group moved forward together.
Yusui walked on foot, while Mo Yan remained mounted.
The crowd advanced slowly, but among them were commoners clutching their children in their arms, whispering to one another....voices carrying clearly to everyone's ears:
"Last night… Master Kinji Yo of the Academy was murdered. They say it was done by that young man in red....the one who's been taken captive… Yin Fengxian… that's him!"
Su Nian, Duie, Wuzu, Lao Duan, Mo Yan, and Yusui all heard it.
None of them could believe it....Kinji Yo, dead? And by this young man's hand?
Faces fell silent, a quiet disbelief etched in their expressions.
No one had expected to be met with such news.
The cold seemed to grow heavier.
The rain had softened into a light drizzle, and ahead stood the great, sacred grounds...the Legacy of Peach Blossom Academy, now stained by the blood of a supposed traitor.
Students had gathered in the courtyard.
The horses stopped at the gates; Mo Yan and the rest dismounted and entered.
Yusui, as always, supported Mo Yan with a gentle, steady touch.
Su Nian followed beside Duie.
The sight of them was like seeing warriors return from a demonic battlefield.....wounded and weary.
The officers ordered that the injured be taken inside immediately.
Thus, Mo Yan and Duie....both unwell.....were sent to their quarters.
Students stared in astonishment; those who had abandoned the ritual and vanished for so long had now returned in such a state.
Meanwhile, the officers still searched for Master Zu Gushion and Master Chang Shi.
Then....hooves clattered in the distance, slowing… stopping.
The sound of steps echoed into the hall.
Entering were Master Chang Shi, Master Zu Gushion, and.....
Lady Duan Shou.
Her face bore a serene, blooming radiance; she was dressed in exquisite rose-pink robes.
For the first time, the legendary figure...whom many had longed merely to glimpse.....stood before them in person.