劍問蒼天 - 第243章 喜訊 - 清風書屋

Lu Xueling helped Wen Pei to her feet. Master Shui Jing's eyes were soft as she looked at Wen Pei. "As for what comes in the future, your master can no longer decide for you. From now on you must learn to look after yourself."

A sudden ache rose in Wen Pei's heart. For so long she had regarded Master Shui Jing as both teacher and mother, and she could not help choking back a sob. Master Shui Jing waved a hand. "Enough. You have run back and forth today and must be tired. Go back and rest."

Wen Pei's voice was choked as she said, "Yes. Your disciple takes her leave."

With that she slowly withdrew, Lu Xueling following behind to see her a long way off before returning.

In the hut, master and disciple faced each other in silence. After a good while, Master Shui Jing suddenly gave a bitter laugh. "Was I wrong about everything before? I made her suffer the torment of longing, and I harmed you as well."

Lu Xueling went over and gently knelt before Master Shui Jing. She said in a low voice, "Master, we were both raised and taught by your hand. If anyone has done wrong, it is we. We would never dare harbor the slightest resentment toward you."

Master Shui Jing reached out and gently stroked Lu Xueling's soft black hair. She sighed. "Get up."

Lu Xueling assented and rose. Master Shui Jing closed her eyes to rest and said no more. Lu Xueling was silent for a moment, then suddenly said, "Master, there is something I wish to speak of."

Master Shui Jing opened her eyes and looked at her, her expression composed. She said calmly, "You mean to speak of the matter at Jietian Peak, I suppose?"

Lu Xueling nodded and said, "Exactly. With Uncle Tian and Uncle Su of Dazhu Peak both gone one after the other, and Uncle Daoyan... I fear there is truly no bringing him back. Why do we still not tell the others the truth? Even if it is for the sake of Canglan Sect's reputation, we should at the very least inform the heads of the other six branches and Senior Brother Xiao Yichen of Jietian Peak."

Master Shuijing was silent for a moment, then said, "You are right. I have thought of all this as well."

Lu Xueling started, and said, "Master, then why do you still..."

Master Shuijing gave a bitter laugh and said, "You mean, if I have thought of it, why have I not told them? Silly child, have you considered how many people would believe us if we spoke of this?"

Lu Xueling was struck dumb, unable to speak for a moment.

Master Shuijing sighed and said, "You said it yourself just now. Of the thousands in Canglan Sect, only your Uncle Tian, your Uncle Su, and I—and you—knew this secret. Now those two have passed away, and only the two of us remain who know. But even if we spoke out, do you think anyone in Canglan Sect would believe it? Would anyone believe that the sect's great treasure, the Ancient Sword of Immortal Slaying, actually harbors a demonic spirit and malevolent aura? Would anyone believe that the sect master, whose cultivation reaches the mysteries of heaven and who has saved the world time and again, has become a fiend of violent temper who kills without blinking?"

Lu Xueling stared blankly, speechless.

Master Shuijing said in a low voice, "This secret was meant to be passed down only among the heirs of each generation of sect masters. If we spoke of it, not a single person in all of Canglan Sect would believe it—and what is more, we have not the slightest evidence. So how can we speak?"

Lu Xueling clenched her teeth, and after a long while said hoarsely, "But in the present situation, I fear Uncle Daoyan's matter cannot be concealed for long. Even if we say nothing, there may come a day when he suddenly charges out on his own. What then?"

Master Shuijing gave a long sigh and closed his eyes. "What then? I do not know what is to be done either."

Lu Xueling was silent, and the room fell into a deep hush.