Chapter Forty-Six: Who Is the Traitor of the Yun Family?

At this moment, more and more lanterns and torches lit up outside—the commotion caused by the clan leader and the man in black was not insignificant. When Yun Yufeng arrived, the battle was nearly over. The black-clad man's face mask had been knocked off, revealing his sinister vulture-like features. His hair was disheveled, and he fought on like a trapped beast making its final stand.

“Ah, that’s Chen Tianxing, known as the Ghost Enforcer Tianxing—his cultivation is said to be unfathomable. He’s been unheard of for some time, so why has he appeared in our clan?”

“He’s a respected elder of the Chen family. I saw him ten years ago. They say he’s at the sixth tier. Truly a formidable figure.”

“No matter how formidable, he’s still being beaten down by our clan leader. The clan leader is the real power here—facing opponents above his level as if it were child’s play.” Some watched with evident pride and indignation.

Yun Yufeng remained aloof and silent. No matter how glorious the past, in death all became but a handful of dust. Without life, all achievements faded like smoke.

With a sudden spurt, the man in black coughed up a mouthful of blood, mixed with fragments of his shattered organs. Though elderly, the clan leader’s palm strike was overwhelming, crushing the man’s chest and nearly breaking all his ribs.

“Chen Tianxing, what brings you here in the dead of night? You came to harm members of the Yun clan. If you are honest with us, I, Yun Feiyun, promise you a swift end and will spare you further suffering.”

Blood still dripped from the man’s lips, but his expression was calm. “Yun Feiyun, you’re mistaken. At our age, which of us fears mere punishments of the flesh? To flinch from pain would be laughable. If we feared such things, could we have reached these heights?”

The old clan leader was silent for a moment, then softly replied, “Our two families have contested for decades, with victories and defeats on both sides. Now you dare venture into our heartland—do you think the Yun clan is yours for the taking? Such audacity—your confidence is impressive.”

His demeanor was rigid, for he could not believe the Chen family would act so rashly. They must have obtained a map guaranteeing their safe passage. Only thus would they dare to come so deep by night and even attempt an assassination. Whoever gave them this map must be someone whose word they wholly trusted.

“Hmph! Enough of your lecturing. To the victor go the spoils. I’ve fallen into your hands—do as you will.” The man in black glared, his resentment directed entirely at Yun Yufeng, whose interference had led to his capture. His words bristled with hatred.

The old clan leader responded indifferently, “You said it yourself—to the victor go the spoils. Why such bitterness? Blame me for stopping you? If you do, I’ll think less of you. We are of the same generation, and you are not truly evil.”

The man in black opened his mouth but said nothing. The arrogance in his eyes faded, and he fell silent.

“Clan leader, hand him over to me. He won’t talk without a taste of punishment.”

“Yes, Yun Chao is an expert in such matters. With his seventy-two methods of interrogation, he’ll certainly make him talk…”

The clansmen clamored for harsh measures to force Chen Tianxing to reveal his purpose.

The old clan leader raised his hands, signaling for silence. The crowd quieted at once.

“Chen Tianxing, you truly refuse to reveal the mole? Your purpose means little to me.”

“Spare your breath. I will never speak,” the man in black said, glancing at the clan leader.

“In that case, forgive me.” With a wave of his hand, two clansmen stepped forward, but they hesitated, wary of the man in black, who—despite his injuries—remained dangerous.

“Clan leader, may I take the liberty?” Yun Yufeng stepped forward from the crowd.

Seeing it was Yun Yufeng, the clan leader nodded slightly, unconcerned. The assassination had failed; there was nothing to fear now.

Hands clasped behind his back, Yun Yufeng paced up to the man in black, bared his teeth in a grin, and twisted his left hand—the one previously wounded. Now, it was entirely healed, indistinguishable from his right. No one would have guessed that just a quarter-hour before, it had been drenched in blood.

The man in black’s pupils shrank, a chill running through his heart at the sight of the youth before him. He opened his mouth and rasped, “Yun Yufeng?”

“You knew already, didn’t you? Why ask?” Yun Yufeng smiled, but his eyes glinted coldly.

“But… your hand?” The man’s face showed shock. A sense of foreboding overcame him. Perhaps he truly should not have come. The balance of power in the town was about to be broken—because Yun Yufeng had appeared, and because Yun Yufeng had appeared so openly. He realized that, regardless of any interrogation, he would not leave here alive. Had Yun Yufeng not arrived, perhaps Yun Feiyun would have hesitated. But now that Yun Yufeng stood here, unscathed, the only fate for one who knew too much was death.

“Curious, are you?” Yun Yufeng blinked, showing a row of white teeth.

The man in black inhaled deeply, savoring the air with greed and longing, then closed his eyes and murmured, “Ask your question.”

He understood: if Yun Yufeng willed him to live, he could not die. If Yun Yufeng’s hand could heal, then so too could his injuries be mended. But between life and death, he preferred to die than to endure endless torment.

The clansmen stared in confusion. Just moments ago, the captive had been defiant; now he complied readily. Was there something wrong with Yun Yufeng’s hand? They scrutinized it but saw nothing amiss—it was as youthful as any boy’s hand.

“You are perceptive. That’s best for everyone,” Yun Yufeng said with satisfaction. “What did you discuss with him?”

“The answer I sought, he could not give,” the man replied, unguarded.

“Why did you come for me?” Yun Yufeng asked, unperturbed.

A look of bewilderment crossed the man’s face. “He said you would know—that it began with you. That’s why I came. But it was all for naught.”

“Not for naught. One must bear the consequences of one’s actions,” Yun Yufeng replied.

“What I regret is that, even as a prisoner, I still don’t know who is the knife he seeks—you, or me?” The man looked to Yun Yufeng, hoping for an answer.

Yun Yufeng smiled faintly. “A tragic figure you are, indeed. But you must bear that blade. Forgive me, Chen Tianxing. Enemies as we are, it’s time for your journey to end. I’ll make it swift.”

“Thank you.” With that, he gently closed his eyes.

A flash of cold light—blood burst from Chen Tianxing’s heart. He toppled backward, lifeless.

“Ah?” The crowd gasped at Yun Yufeng’s swift action, their surprise giving way to anger. They resented Yun Yufeng for overstepping his bounds.

Yun Yufeng’s face remained calm, neither sad nor joyful. “I have my answer; he has no further value. Besides, I already sought forgiveness, and the clan leader consented.” He turned to the old clan leader. “Clan leader, let us discuss this inside.”

The clan leader waved his hand. “Disperse—there is nothing more to see.” With that, he headed for the council hall.

Inside, Yun Yufeng and the clan leader took their seats, joined by several elders who’d arrived upon hearing the news. Their faces were stern—Yun Yufeng had indeed overstepped, though none said so aloud.

Yun Yufeng saw their looks but cared little.

The chief elder, Yun Feiying, was the first to speak, his tone accusatory. “Yun Yufeng, you are still a junior. How could you act so arbitrarily in such a serious matter? Even we must consult with the clan leader before making decisions. This affair is sensitive—he was an elder, and a powerful one at that.”

Yun Yufeng sat quietly, ignoring the old men. To argue with them was to fall into their trap; better to keep his roguish ways—what could they do to him?

The clan leader gave a bitter smile, interrupting, “Enough, Feiying, don’t squabble with a child. Let’s get to the point.”

Yun Feiying huffed and fell silent, blowing his beard in frustration. The old man Yun Feihe, however, was beaming, his beard trembling with delight at Yun Feiying’s defeat.

“Yufeng, tell us what happened tonight,” the clan leader said, prompting the elders to look to Yun Yufeng in unison.

Yun Yufeng shifted in his seat and raised his eyes to the elders. “They came for the matter of the wine-making, but they did not know the details—only that we were selecting disciples, so they came in the night to investigate.”

“Then how do you know they were unaware of the real reason?” an elder asked.

Yun Yufeng smiled. “Because he came to see me. Clearly, as a notorious wastrel, I would not interest him unless there was a compelling reason. It seems whoever tipped him off knew this matter began with me and that I held some authority.”

The elders nodded, accepting his reasoning. In their position, they too would avoid stirring up more trouble in another’s lair.

“So, he ran into the clan leader and was captured,” Yun Yufeng continued.

At this, the clan leader’s expression turned strange. He had fought Chen Tianxing, but a swordsman without a sword, and a crippled left hand—such a man would not have been wandering about, let alone seeking trouble with Yun Yufeng. Clearly, the wounds and the lost sword had come from Yun Yufeng’s hands. But what exactly had passed between them? The clan leader dismissed Yun Yufeng as the culprit—perhaps it had been his third brother, who alone possessed such a formidable spirit.

“Then, who is the traitor within our ranks? Who betrayed the Yun clan?”

Yun Yufeng paused, glancing at the clan leader, who met his gaze, awaiting the answer.

“He met with Yun Shangmo,” Yun Yufeng finally said, his voice heavy as he looked at the white-haired clan leader, heart aching with pity.

“Impossible! You mustn’t speak nonsense. He’s the clan leader’s grandson—why would he collude with outsiders?” Yun Feiying protested.

Yun Yufeng gave Yun Feiying a cool look. “I merely state the facts. I do not force you to believe. Whether you do is for each of you to decide.”

“But you killed him—there’s no way to confirm it now,” Yun Feiying argued, eyes wide.

The others exchanged strange glances, wondering at his insistence. Did he really want to confirm it so badly? Even if he did, was there a need to be so blatant?

The clan leader’s face was ashen. He believed Yun Yufeng; even if Yun Yufeng sought revenge, he would not use such a reason. If he said it was Yun Shangmo, then so it must be.

[End of excerpt.]