Pulling Together a Villain Reformation Strategy

Yan Qixin was Yun Xies directShidi, and only just below Yun Xie in consistently commanding the Solar Envy Sect. At this time, he glared fiercely at Huang Yan for his comment and then turned to speak to Elder Jinghai: Jinghai-Daozhang1, our Sect Master was only seized as a hostage by Jiang Xunyi because he helped you capture this Sect Head Seal. You shouldnt sit back and ignore him being in danger, right?

Yun Xies change of loyalties had occurred too quickly. Just one moment before, Yun Xie and Jiang Xunyi had still been brothers with deep affections, trusting their life and death to one another. Now they pointed their swords and knives at each other. Under everyones eyes, Yun Xie had been captured for the greater good. Solar Envy Sect closely protected their own, so if Yun Xie was injured or lost, they would not let the matter go.

As Elder Jinghai grasped the Sect Head Seal, he weighed his options over and over. In the end, he felt that the Solar Envy Sect could not be offended. Whats more, Jiang Xunyi was now isolated and powerless, so it would not be difficult to get rid of him in the future.

With this plan in his heart, Elder Jinghai spoke clearly: Sect Master Yun is righteous and just, we of course cannot endanger him. Jiang Xunyi, let go of Sect Master Yun and leave here!

Huang Yan had always been extremely fearful of Jiang Xunyi. Hearing Jinghais words, he hurriedly said: Elder!

Jinghai coldly glanced at him. Huang Yan suddenly shivered and did not dare to speak again.

Jiang Xunyi laughed out loud: Huang Yan, you timid mouse, even upon becoming Sect Head you would still be a completely useless coward! Since you dont dare to kill me, get out of the way!

Huang Yan gnashed his teeth in hatred, but he also knew Jiang Xunyis decisiveness and determination. If Jiang Xunyi was stimulated, he wouldnt hesitate to enter a life and death struggle2. Huang Yan therefore did not dare to say anymore, and clenched his fists as he let Jiang Xunyi pass.

Openly swaggering, Jiang Xunyi drove Yun Xie down the mountain.Just as they were about to leave the formation, three silver shuttles3suddenly volleyed through the air, shooting towards his back. At the same time, a man rushed out from among the Solar Envy Sect disciples. He reached out to grab Yun Xies shoulder, apparently attempting to seize this chance to take Yun Xie back.

The silver shuttles came out of the blue and only had to travel a short distance, so they appeared simply impossible to anticipate. But Jiang Xunyi was a consistently alert and vigilant person. In the face of this imminent peril, he barely managed to hold Yun Xie and roll away in the nick of time, dodging the shuttles coming from the two sides too. He offhandedly stretched his elbow to heavily strike the incoming mans chest. The sneak attacker sprayed out a mouthful of blood and collapsed to the ground.

Jiang Xunyi picked up Yun Xie and slowly stood back up. He stepped one foot onto that disciples chest and said coldly: One hostage is enough for me to use. Even if you are this eager to recommend yourself, you should first check your own worth.

With his ability, Jiang Xunyi would only have to apply a tiny bit of strength to kill this disciple on the spot. On the side, many voices immediately began to shout and yell in fury:

Stop!

Jiang Xunyi, you are such a foul and despicable villain!

Zhang-Shixiong!

Yan Qixin braced himself to ask: JiangShiJiang Xunyi, when can you let our Sect Master go?

Jiang Xunyi spoke with indifference: I always keep my promises4. I said I would not kill him, so I will certainly preserve his life. If Sect Master Yun would please escort me along the way, all you sirs should go back and wait.

Before this, Jiang Xunyis reputation had been widely known and he had numerous admirers. At this time, his assertion was so certain that no one actually retorted back. They allowed him to go down the mountain, and he rapidly left their sight.

Jiang Xunyi walked for another stretch of road, before he suddenly released his hold of Yun Xie. He threw Yun Xie onto the ground and frowned: Do you actually know how to act or not? Im holding you hostage, not transporting your corpse! What are you doing not walking on your own, why do you keep leaning against me instead?

Yun Xie smiled mischievously as he crawled back up. He touched the bruises around his neck and sighed: You really are too cruel, pinching me to this extent. I was naturally so overwhelmed with pain that I couldnt move my legs. Now see, when I hit you that once, I didnt even dare to use force.

Jiang Xunyi rolled his eyes, but said: Im sorry, I really did hurt your sects disciple just now.

Yun Xies face turned serious: Its no matter, his hidden weapons were poisonous enough. If it werent for how quickly you dodged, the consequences would have been unimaginable. What you gave him was a fitting lesson for daring to use hidden weapons to hurt you.

Jiang Xunyi looked around, only to see their surroundings were entirely deserted. The heavens and earth before them were boundless and vast, and a sense of loss filled his heart. He sighed: Where to?

Yun Xie laughed: Young beau, come follow this slave5! As he spoke, he flew upwards on his sword, waiting with his hands behind his back in midair for Jiang Xunyi to follow.

Vexation and annoyance were written all over Jiang Xunyis face, but he still called his sword, rose into the air, and then. crashed back down.

These past few days, Jiang Xunyi had been rushing back and forth, and received continuous injuries. He had originally kept himself going with sheer grit, but now without a strong enemy to face, he immediately couldnt hold on anymore. Now after straining himself to gather his energy, he was finally completely exhausted. As a result, the Extinguished Flower sword actually didnt listen to his call.

Yun Xie was greatly frightened and his smile vanished. He collected his sword and landed back down, hurriedly moving to support Jiang Xunyi. He asked a chain of questions in succession: Whats wrong? Did your internal injuries erupt? Do you feel uncomfortable anywhere?

As he spoke, he felt stickiness on his hands. He looked at Jiang Xunyis right shoulder to see it covered in fresh blood.

Yun Xie frowned and tore off a section of his sleeve, wrapping Jiang Xunyis injuries while saying: I saw your swordplay was smoother than a street jugglers, when did you receive this injury? You didnt say a word either. If anything happens to you, how am I going to explain this toShishuwhen I go down to the Yellow Springs6in the future?

Seeing that Yun Xie had almost finished binding his wounds, Jiang Xunyi slapped the back of Yun Xies hand: Pah, like I need you to explain for me.

As he spoke, he stood up and brushed the dirt off his body, resuming his usual arrogant attitude to boss Yun Xie around7: Come here, use your Bright River sword to take me.

Holding his waist, Yun Xie called his sword to fly into the air. He spoke through gritted teeth: Bastard, this is what I get for worrying about you.

Jiang Xunyi was far too used to getting scolded by Yun Xie, and too lazy to refute him. Instead, he looked ahead of them and frowned: This direction Hey, where are we going exactly?

Yun Xie made his expression serious again: Before8, you told me thatShishu9died because of the Marrow-Washing Jade10. At that time, the situation was too urgent and I didnt have time to ask you furtherWhy do you say that?

Jiang Xunyi gave a bitter smile: When that great calamity occurred fifteen years ago, even though I was still young, the scenes from that time were deeply carved into my memory. Those who died from being sucked by the Marrow-Washing Jade10all had their meridians fragmented. Their skeletons turned soft and collapsed, and the skin over their entire body split open. They died extremely ghastly and horrible deaths. I sawShizuns remains were just like that too.

Yun Xie was doubtful: They let you see the remains?

Jiang Xunyi shook his head: I was urgently called back to the mountain. I felt something odd about the situation upon coming back, so I first circled around to come in through the back mountain trail. As a result, I sawShizuns remainsIt was the Marrow-Washing Jade, Id bet my life on it.

His description was somewhat vague and evasive. Given Yun Xies intelligence, he immediately heard something wasnt right. But since Jiang Xunyi wasnt willing to say any more, he did not ask. He only said: A few days ago, Yuele City invited my sects disciples to slay demons. But after sending a total of five disciples, all of them were lost. I originally planned to go and see the situation myself, but then an earthquake blocked the way so I did not move.

Jiang Xunyi nodded, he naturally knew this point because it was all written in the plot.

Yun Xies face turned solemn: As far as I know, those five disciples all died the same way. He turned to look at Jiang Xunyis face, and emphasized every word: Exactly the same asShishu!

Their eyes met. Both of them could see the same unconcealable shock in the others eyes: The Marrow-Washing Jade could not move on its own. The only possibility was that the Demon Sovereign Xuan Li sealed in that jade had already escaped out of it!

Jiang Xunyis mood was complex. The System had given him a task to help the protagonist eliminate Demon Sovereign Xuan Li. But this process was full of twists and turns, and was not pleasant for Yun Xie. Even if these were characters in a book, Yun Xie had always treated him extremely well all these years. The two of them had been mutually drawn to each other and become close friends. Jiang Xunyi wanted to say some more about what was going to happen, and opened his mouth a few times to speak. But as if he had been afflicted with a Silencing Curse, no words came out of his mouth. He couldnt help but feel unhappily suffocated.

Yun Xie didnt know what Jiang Xunyi was thinking. Seeing his strange expression, Yun Xie firmly declared: My sects disciples were among those who died, so this matter is inherently related to me. Given your current half-dead state, dont even think about acting on your own again!

Jiang Xun sighed: I got it, first check Yuele City out and then well talk.

Although Yun Xie loved to talk leisurely and enigmatically, his sword riding was quick as lightning. In less than half a day, the two arrived at the outskirts of Yuele City.

Yun Xie originally wanted to fly directly into the city. But upon getting close, the sword suddenly paused and began to stagnate in place, unable to go forward. Yun Xie could only choose the nearest hill to stop.

Jiang Xunyi jumped off from the sword, and asked in surprise: An enchanted boundary?

Yun Xie chose a high spot to look from, and saw a thick and dense black mist in the air above the city. He took a folding fan out from his sleeves and shook it, his air of 30% elegance leaking out 120% coquettishness. He smiled: Is the Demon Sovereign trying to stew all the people in this city in a pot? If thats how it is, things arent looking good~

His current completely unconcerned because this matter doesnt involve him appearance was really just asking for a beating. Jiang Xunyi rolled his eyes: If you maintain this accursed look of yours in front of other people, stay away from me. I dont want to get dragged in when youre getting beaten up!

Yun Xie didnt care at all: This is nothing. I have no connections to the people in this city, blood or otherwise, so in the end theres no need for me to spend any compassion11on this. I only care about you and my sects disciples. And I didnt come here for them.

The great protagonists three views12lacked morality! If someone else heard Yun Xie say those words, they would definitely reprimand and rebuke him. But given Jiang Xunyis familiarity with Yun Xies temperament, he was entirely unbothered. He only said: You can talk all you want, but dont you still have to enter the city anyway? Lets hurry, if I get any hungrier Im afraid Ill only be able to move if you carry me.

Yun Xie raised his brows: Hey, look at how Jiang-Shidis talking, as if this enchanted boundary doesnt exist!

Jiang Xunyi scoffed: This enchantment is aimed at cultivators, it does not affect ordinary people. Itll be fine if you just seal my cultivation while wearing this jade pendant on yourself.

Yun Xie knew the jade ornament he was talking about was a magical instrument of the Hidden Spirit Sect that could conceal ones cultivation. He did not take the jade pendant over, and only said: Why bother with this trouble? Just carry it yourself, and then seal my cultivation.

Jiang Xunyi chucked the jade pendant into Yun Xies arms: Im too tired right now. Everything involving fighting is entrusted to you, now hurry up!

Still bickering and arguing, the two of them entered the city. They discovered that Yuele City wasnt in the dire straits13they had imagined, but actually had numerous pedestrians weaving back and forth, bustling and prosperous.

Yun Xie had never understood the definition of low-key. He swaggered up to the restaurant with the grandest shopfront, and pulled Jiang Xunyi to sit down in the hall. He arbitrarily ordered a few dishes and called the waiter over: This little bro14, my brother and I are newcomers to this city. Were utterly idle and bored, so may we trouble you to talk about any new things that have been happening recently, to help pass the time. He placed an ingot of silver on the table as he spoke.

The waiter saw these two men had handsome faces as well as generosity to spare, so he hurriedly smiled: This young master asked the right question, there just happens to be a huge new thing going on in the city center right now.

Footnotes:

1. (Do Zhng) is an honorific used for Daoist priests. Cultivation already has such strong roots in Daoist mythology, so some cultivators with particularly Daoist origins (vs. Buddhist, Confucian, or independent origins) will be referred to as Daozhang.

2. lit. Either the fish dies or the net splits

3.(su) is literally a shuttle used in a weaving loom, probably modified a bit to be better thrown as a projectile. Shuttles fall under the classification of Hidden Weapons , which also includes things like darts, daggers, coins, needles, etc. Yes, martial artists in Chinese Wuxia tradition can use some weird stuff as weapons sometimes.

4. lit. one promise is worth a thousand gold

5.Yun Xie playfully refers to himself as lit. slave of your house, which is a humble way for female servants (and wives) to refer to themselves. Combined with how he refers to Jiang Xunyi as (something like young noble son or as I translated it, young beau), this sentence is Yun Xie continuing to act all flirtatious and girly.

6. lit. The Yellow Springs is the underworld of Chinese mythology.

7. lit. to order people by pointing the chin

8.Its implied that Jiang Xunyi explained the situation of Immortal Master Ti Mings death to Yun Xie when they were resting in the cave last chapter.

9.Yun Xie refers to Immortal Master Ti Ming as (sh sh) lit. disciple + younger uncle on the paternal side. This is because Yun Xies own master was the older disciple-brother [Shixiong] to Ti Ming. (Ti Ming and Yun Xies master werent in the same sect, but they were good friends. Its been consistently shown that Hidden Spirit and Solar Envy Sects have traditionally been so close that their disciples will cross-call each other Shixiong, etc.)

10.: = to wash, = bone marrow/pith, = jade. Of note, some Daoist (and thereby cultivator) teachings say that the bone marrow is a reservoir of ones Qi flow. As you age, your marrow becomes dirty. If you can somehow find a way to wash your marrow, your body will start to produce healthy blood once again, restoring your youth. This Marrow-Washing Jade appears to suck life force out of other people to wash your own marrow. (Again, all of this is homeopathic traditional Chinese medicine, so dont try this at home kids :P)

11. lit. bemoan the state of the universe and pity the fate of mankind

12. lit. three views refers to ones view of the world view of human lifeand view of ones values. Put together, they are ones complete worldview/outlook on life. In this case, Yun Xies worldview doesnt exactly have a normal sense of moral responsibility.

13. lit. deep water and scorching fire

14.Yun Xie calls the waiter lit. little elder-brother, which is a way to refer to a guy younger than you. Again, no blood relation here.