Chapter 586: Chapter 334: Qi and Martial Arts Sealed, Besieging the Lady, Li Xian Appears, Defending Her Alone (Part 3)

The qin music lingered softly, green water lakes, willow smoke drifting. This picturesque scene seemed at odds with the surrounding atmosphere filled with killing intent. Xiao Wanjian cursed angrily: "Demonic music! How can it dare enter our ears? All disciples, plug your ears!"

Wen Caishang played elegantly, and the music floated softly. Zhou Shijie was among the crowd; since the first meeting in Prefecture City, he had harbored a secret affection for Wen Caishang. When they met again in Flying Dragon City, by chance, a few words were exchanged. His admiration had unknowingly grown beyond measures in admiration, worship, and love.

He followed the disciples of the Sword Sect into the tomb, encountering the "Palace Thundercloud," and was later rescued by He Wentian. When He Wentian scolded Wen Caishang and urged the Sword Sect to confront her, he dared not say a word.

Yet thinking of opposing Wen Caishang filled him with reluctance. Along the way, they pursued her, passing through various dangers, with many disciples suffering losses. He still dared not speak out. When the Sword Sect surrounded the lake to attack, he dared not reveal himself. 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂

Upon hearing the melodious qin music, his heart was filled with deep emotion. Zhou Shijie thought: "If... if this lady were to die, where would this music still be heard? Now, we all seem devoid of cultivation. If I were to speak a few words on behalf of this lady, could she be... could she be leniently dealt with? In which case, this lady would be grateful for saving her, perhaps..."

"Besides, everyone has no cultivation; my ethereal fortune can offer a slight measure."

He stepped forward and shouted: "Everyone, wait."

The Five Mountains Sword Sect all turned their eyes towards him. Zhou Shijie said: "Everyone... sword sect brothers, sisters, elders, would you allow Mr. Zhou to speak a few words?"

Xiao Wanjian hesitated for a moment, feeling somewhat displeased, yet he said: "Young Hero Zhou is not of our Sword Sect, yet he aids us righteously, and Master Wen has taught Fu Haoran, naturally he is qualified to speak. But now that the moment is upon us, what more is there to say?"

Zhou Shijie said: "Though Mr. Zhou is a Martial Artist, he has grasped a strand of fortune. Seeing the situation becoming increasingly difficult to reverse, at this juncture, though a minor figure, I must speak a few words."

Hu Yueyue said: "Oh? Does Young Master Zhou wish to exonerate this demoness? Could a few strands of qin music have enchanted you?"

Zhou Shijie blushed, feigning composure, said: "No, no. Fu Haoran, Master Fu once told me, we are all bearers of fortune, and when faced with unjust matters and principles, we should weigh it ourselves. Otherwise, fortune upon us is of no use."

"At this critical moment, if both sides engage in battle, unavoidable casualties will ensue, and when brothers and sisters die because of this, it will only add to the victims."

He anxiously glanced at the five elders. Xiao Wanjian’s face was cold, Hu Yueyue seemed thoughtful, while Wang Zongzheng and others were hard to read.

The elder Wang Tiexin of the Sword Sect asked: "Ha, should we just pass this matter over according to Young Master Zhou, allowing this demoness to leave to prevent additional casualties?"

Zhou Shijie quickly replied: "Certainly not, certainly not. Please listen to the rest of what I have to say." For Fu Haoran’s sake and the ethereal fortune, everyone suppressed their anger, listening further: "Elders of the Sword Sect, many disciples of the Five Mountains Sword Alliance have died from dark path mechanisms. Although this lady has used mechanisms to harm, she ultimately did not act directly. Compared to directly killing, there indeed lies a layer for a turnaround."

"Moreover, exploring the tomb and encountering mechanisms is inherently unavoidable. The disciples’ losses may not solely be blamed on this lady."

Seeing the Sword Sect’s angered expressions, fearing they might stir up and kill him as well, Zhou Shijie hurriedly continued: "Yet ultimately, this lady should bear the responsibility. It seems at this juncture, she might harbor thoughts of repentance. If we give her a chance to repent, it could avoid casualties and also offer comfort to the souls."

Xiao Wanjian said: "Tell us, how should this lady repent to console the souls?"

Zhou Shijie observed the factions’ expressions and said: "If... if this lady surrender herself, and then..." He gritted his teeth: "Then deplete her cultivation, spending the rest of her life repaying her crimes. This should suffice as restitution, right? Besides, being wealthy, monetary compensation, can these grievances be resolved."

The elders found it reasonable; avoiding casualties and redemption naturally seemed best.

Xiao Wanjian nodded slightly and said: "I think it’s inadequate; if another condition is added, it might barely suffice." He said: "She must also sever her hand and foot tendons, only then will it barely suffice as repayment."

Zhou Shijie breathed a sigh of relief and said to Wen Caishang: "Madam Wen, at this juncture... this moment, you indeed acted wrongly. Mr. Zhou has sought for you a thread of vitality, if you... if you sincerely wish to redeem yourself, then..."

Wen Caishang remained unfazed, continuing to play the qin with a calm demeanor. Though the situation was precarious, she would not be thrown off balance.

Zhou Shijie urged: "Madam Wen, you must not act impulsively. Despite your cultivation, facing the Sword Sect’s many sword arrays and dozens of elders united, it will be difficult to escape. Currently, due to the bell’s influence, none of us possess our cultivation. You are a woman; how can you resist the heroes? Shijie has found a way out for you, please... please do not..."

Wen Caishang sighed: "Five Mountains Sword Sect, mere rodents, I hold elegant interests but can only play to bulls and oxen, truly tedious beyond compare." The slow qin sounds gradually ceased.

Zhou Shijie grew worried and helpless. Wang Tiexin, Hu Yueyue, and others shook their heads and sighed. As the qin music stopped, disciples could not help but miss it. Suddenly, someone in the crowd spoke loudly: "Madam, please continue playing."

Wen Caishang recognized the voice and raised her eyes to see a young man emerge from the crowd and step onto the White Jade Corridor leading to Lake Heart Pavilion. Wen Caishang was taken aback, seeing the young man’s jade-like face and calm demeanor approach, then he gathered his loose hair.

Her beautiful eyes shone with light; without needing to ask, she responded to his words by playing the qin. The music gained even more joy.