Rumors

Despite the chilly weather, the main road was alive with a bustling crowd. Among the people, two unique disciples of the sect strolled together, engrossed in a casual conversation. One of them was slender with a rather ordinary appearance, while the other was tall and had an expression as unreadable as a poker card.

As they walked along, Ji Lian, the leaner of the two, interrupted their conversation with a prying question. "Brother Li, have you caught wind of Xu Han's recent endeavors?"

The tall one, Brother Li, responded, his voice as steady as his imposing height. "Are you talking about the fight between Xu Han and Brother Zhu?"

Ji Lian responded, "Well, yes, but there's a twist to it."

Brother Li pressed, "Ji Lian, please explain. I'm not a fan of confusing riddles."

Taking his time, Ji Lian continued, "Have you heard about the recent murder that happened within our sect?"

Brother Li nodded solemnly, "Yes, I've heard."

With an unhurried pace, Ji Lian started to narrate the story of the intense confrontation between Xu Han and Zhu Ying. He highlighted the surprising aspect of Xu Han's uncharacteristic decision not to seek revenge or take action against Zhu Ying's scheming.

As Ji Lian narrated the tale, he skillfully added some exciting elements to make it even more captivating. When the story finally reached its conclusion, Brother Li was taken aback, exclaiming, "Wait, Xu Han didn't take revenge on Zhu Ying?"

He knew Xu Han well and was aware of his tendency to hold grudges, even over trivial matters.

"Do you know why Xu Han didn't pursue the matter?" Ji Lian asked, teasingly.

"Why?" Brother Li's asked, curiosity evident in his deep voice.

"Oh, you won't believe the juicy secret I have for you!" Ji Lian exclaimed, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Xu Han, the very same Xu Han known for holding grudges over the tiniest of things, has fallen head over heels for none other than Zhu Ying!"

Brother Li's eyebrows shot up, his deep voice tinged with a mix of surprise and disbelief. "Really? Xu Han, the demon of the outer court? And he's trying to impress her? Do you think there's 'stupid' written on my face?"

Ji Lian nodded earnestly, her smile widening with every passing second. "Oh, absolutely! No, I didn't mean you are stupid but I swear what I said is true. He's going all out to cast a spell on her heart, painting himself in the best light possible just to woo her!"

But before Brother Li could respond, a voice, as cold as ice, cut into their conversation, freezing the atmosphere around them, "What did you just say?"

Their bodies trembled with fear as they slowly turned around, coming face-to-face with the chilling and imposing figure of Xu Han. His expression was as cold as ice, and his blood-red eyes bore into them with an intense gaze that sent shivers down their spines.

Xu Han had recently arrived at the bustling main road when, amidst the clamor, he caught his name being mentioned. At first, he tried to brush it off and continue on his way. Being a skilled cultivator, his senses were finely attuned, allowing him to hear conversations from a distance.

As Xu Han heard the next sentence, his composure completely shattered, leaving him utterly speechless. He couldn't believe what he had just heard, and he needed to confirm if he had understood it correctly. That's why he asked him.

"No... Nothi..." Ji Lian stammered, but his words were abruptly silenced as he saw a pale hand streaking towards his face like a lightning bolt. The speed was so astonishing that he couldn't even react in time to evade or defend himself. The slap landed with tremendous force, sending him flying through the air like a helpless ragdoll.

The brief sensation of weightlessness gave way to a harsh impact as he crashed onto the ground, disoriented and in excruciating pain.

The sudden commotion drew a curious crowd. Onlookers, with wide eyes and hushed voices, started to gather, forming a circle around Xu Han and Ji Lian. Murmurs filled the air like buzzing insects as they exchanged fearful whispers.

"Why on earth would they dare to provoke that demon?" one person dared to utter, barely above a whisper, as if afraid that even speaking of Xu Han might summon his wrath.

"I don't know, but they must have a death wish," another responded.

Ignoring the crowd's chatter, Xu Han turned his gaze to Brother Li. But before Xu Han could say a word, Brother Li knelt to the ground, avoiding his gaze. "I swear, I don't know anything. Ji Lian was the one saying that you didn't pursue the matter with Zhu Ying because you want to win her heart. I didn't do anything," he quickly explained.

Taken aback, Xu Han blurted, "What is this nonsense? Who is spreading these rumors?"

Xu Han's eyes narrowed as he shifted his attention to the now unconscious Ji Lian. Swiftly, he walked over to where Ji Lian lay and grasped him by the collar with a firm grip.

With a forceful pull, Xu Han lifted Ji Lian up and delivered a sharp slap to the uninjured side of his face. The searing pain jolted Ji Lian back to consciousness, prompting him to let out an involuntary cry. Ignoring his pleas, Xu Han demanded, "Are you the one who started this rumor?"

"No, No, it wasn't me who started it, I heard the rumors at a restaurant. Everyone was discussing it," Ji Lian quickly replied, fear evident in his voice.

With a look of disgust, Xu Han tossed Ji Lian aside, his voice dripping with coldness as he declared, "From now on, I'll slap you every time I see you."

Without uttering another word, he turned away and began walking. As Xu Han approached, the crowd willingly made room for him, and he departed, leaving them all in a state of stunned silence.

…

"Are these people seriously missing some martial arts screws in their heads?" Xu Han thought, amused at the ridiculousness of the situation. It was quite different from his usual composed demeanor. He hadn't pursued the matter with Zhu Ling, simply thinking there was no need, especially as he was planning to leave. But oh boy, did they jump to some wild conclusions!

As he continued forward, Xu Han couldn't help but chuckle, contemplating how to address these comical rumors. That's when he spotted Lingxi approaching.