Chapter 88: The Unveiling of Identity

Nameless wrote a letter, instructing the people of Twilight Pavilion to deliver it to Ji Muyu at the fastest speed. Meanwhile, she steeled herself for a fierce battle ahead.

When Ji Muyu received the letter, he was momentarily surprised, but quickly regained his composure. If they dared to advance their plans, then he would play along. The envelope explained: Yinyao had changed the plan at the last minute, requiring the four participants in the coming battle to enter seclusion immediately. The control of Ling Yu Pavilion was once again handed to Yin Su. The management of Li Yin Sect should fall to Li Yue and Yin Rou. Finally, he was asked whether the plan should be executed at once.

Ji Muyu didn’t hesitate for long, swiftly writing the word “Execute.” A trace of a smile crept onto his lips as he looked at those characters. The plan was set in motion; everything had begun. Yinyao, I lost the last battle and admitted defeat—but this time, I refuse to believe that you, shut away in seclusion, would risk exhausting your strength and force your way out to salvage the situation. This time, I will win.

Upon receiving Ji Muyu’s order, Yin Su smiled and burned the envelope. She walked to the window, took a signal flare from her bosom, gently pulled the wire, and a brilliant firework bloomed in the night sky. Sparks flickered, illuminating the dusky darkness. Yin Su seemed to see the unrest in the distant woods—shadows swiftly converging upon her.

She smiled faintly. Tomorrow would be a new day. She was already prepared to leave this place.

In the secret chamber of Ling Yu Pavilion, Gu Xinyu opened his eyes. Moments ago, his spiritual sense detected many unfamiliar presences. Could Ji Muyu have already acted? Wasn’t it too soon? Or had he been prepared all along, simply waiting for the news of the four entering seclusion?

If that was so, then the plan must have been leaked. Nameless, you must be the traitor. So, these three years, we truly trusted you in vain. Who are you, really?

A figure flashed through his mind—Yin Su. Gu Xinyu shook his head. Perhaps it was her. If Yin Su truly was Nameless, she had changed so much over these years, and he hadn't noticed at all. To prove her choice was right, was Yin Su really willing to go this far? Was it worth it?

He left the secret chamber and found himself on the main street, lowering his head and shrinking his presence. He hurried toward Li Yin Sect, unnoticed amid the bustling crowd, just as he wished.

Outside Li Yin Sect, Gu Xinyu had the servants announce his arrival and found Li Yue and Yin Rou. They were surprised to see him; though Yinyao had mentioned that he would visit soon, they hadn’t expected him to arrive after just one day.

“Gu Xinyu, what’s wrong? Did something happen?” Yin Rou led him toward the hall, Li Yue following closely.

Seeing their lack of surprise, Gu Xinyu suddenly felt as if they knew something, and asked, “Did you know I would come?”

Yin Rou nodded, “Our mistress said you’d come soon, and your reason would be Ji Muyu’s actions.”

“The plan has already been leaked,” Li Yue added.

Gu Xinyu nodded. Yinyao must have foreseen everything. Was this a plan within a plan? Why did she do this? Why not just tell us directly?

Seeing his pensive state, Yin Rou spoke softly, “Are you wondering about Nameless’s identity, and how our mistress managed to prepare everything ahead of time?”

In the presence of outsiders, Li Yue remained silent, letting Yin Rou handle the conversation.

“Yes. Go on. I came to see you at Yinyao’s instruction; since she’s prepared everything, tell me the whole plan.” Gu Xinyu refocused, seeking answers from Yin Rou.

“Nameless is Yin Su. Our mistress knew long ago and based the entire plan on that fact. If not for this connection, she wouldn’t have made this plan. Now, tell us—has Yin Su acted?” Yin Rou replied calmly.

So he hadn’t guessed wrong—it really was Yin Su. Gu Xinyu lowered his head to hide the emotions flickering in his eyes. After a moment, he looked up and spoke to Yin Rou and Li Yue about the situation at Ling Yu Pavilion: “I sensed many unfamiliar presences within the pavilion, and after leaving, I saw Nameless—no, Yin Su—standing atop the pavilion, gazing thoughtfully at the woods.”

“I think she’ll act tonight. She wants to coordinate from inside and out. With us gone, Yin Su alone is enough to dominate Ling Yu Pavilion. I can’t fathom her strength now. I came to you because Yinyao said, if danger arises, seek you out—you would have enough people to resolve the issue.”

After hearing him, Li Yue stood, took out a jade flute, and began to play a tune Gu Xinyu had never heard. Yin Rou signaled him not to worry, nodding reassuringly.

A short while later, a man clad in bronze and two others with silver tattoos on their arms appeared, emotionless, kneeling before Li Yue. “Greetings, Acting Sect Leader.”

Li Yue gestured for them to rise and pointed at Gu Xinyu. “You have a task: accompany Vice Pavilion Master Gu Xinyu back to Ling Yu Pavilion and deal with those intruders.”

“Yes, Sect Leader.”

The two then turned to Gu Xinyu. “Greetings, Pavilion Master Gu. If you need anything, just say the word.”

Gu Xinyu, though still with some doubts, saw that Li Yue trusted them, and felt reassured. “Alright, return to Ling Yu Pavilion with me now.” He nodded, then turned to Li Yue and Yin Rou. “Thank you both.”

“No need for thanks. If you need more help, just ask,” Li Yue said, with Yin Rou speaking for them.

“Very well, let’s go.”

Leaving Li Yin Sect, heading through the woods toward Ling Yu Pavilion, Gu Xinyu discovered that the two were captains of small squads and learned they were Li Yin Sect’s trump cards: Bronze Shadow Guards and Silver Shadow Guards.

Sixty in total, and their strength should be enough to deal with those brought by Yin Su.

As they approached Ling Yu Pavilion, Gu Xinyu raised his hand, signaling everyone to halt. The captains immediately stepped forward, and he discussed their plan in hushed tones.

Ten minutes later, both captains nodded and issued their orders. Gu Xinyu left the group and hurried toward the inner pavilion alone.

Yin Su stood by the window, her gaze uncertain, when a familiar figure drew nearer—it was Gu Xinyu.

Yin Su’s expression hardened. So that’s why things felt off before! Gu Xinyu was only pretending to be in seclusion. Judging by his demeanor, he must know everything now, and he’s come for her. Dragging things out was the only priority now.

Just as Yin Su turned to greet the approaching Gu Xinyu, a cryptic voice sounded behind her, “Imagine, Yin Su, after so long apart, we share every day together. Isn’t it ridiculous?”

Lowering her head then raising it, Yin Su smiled naturally. “Indeed, it is quite ridiculous.”

With that, she raised her hand and tore off the human-skin mask she’d worn for three years.

Seeing the familiar face and hearing the familiar voice, Gu Xinyu felt uncomfortable. “This is your proof? Hah, I’m not impressed.”

Yin Su merely smiled, “This is my proof.”

Her indifference made Gu Xinyu feel worse. Why was he still wasting words with her? Couldn’t he see she was stalling for time?

“Let’s fight.”

“Anytime.”

With those words, both unleashed their illusion-level powers, colliding with force that sent objects in the pavilion flying. Teacups shattered, and as if annoyed by the confines, they shared a look and, with perfect understanding, leapt out the window, their agility at its peak and evenly matched.

Seeing the prominent bronze figures in the woods, Yin Su suddenly understood—it was all part of Yinyao’s plan, a scheme within a scheme. But now, there was no turning back. She chose to descend, landing atop the Bronze Shadow Guard, wings unfurling behind her, suspending her in midair and illuminating the darkness.

Bronze Shadow Guard immediately sensed the danger and knew they could not contend with her. In the next moment, a bright yellow light appeared, opposing her dazzling white radiance.

“Go!” Gu Xinyu’s deep voice called from above.

Bronze Shadow Guard obeyed, retreating at once. Yin Su unleashed her feathers, trying to block them, but Gu Xinyu was not about to let her succeed. Behind him, the phantom of a tiger grew clearer, its roar shattering Yin Su’s feathers.

Seeing her efforts fail, Yin Su shifted her attack to Gu Xinyu. A white long sword appeared in her hand—the Feather Blade.

Seeing Bronze Shadow Guard safely withdraw, Gu Xinyu summoned a great saber—his illusion weapon, Tiger’s Roar. It was his first time using Tiger’s Roar, and he hadn’t expected it would be against Yin Su.

“How rare—you finally bring out your precious Tiger’s Roar! It’s an honor to be its first opponent,” Yin Su smiled confidently, recognizing their strengths as equal—both at the middle phase of illusion level, only a step from its peak.

“I’m glad as well. I believe you’re worth my effort,” Gu Xinyu replied, gripping Tiger’s Roar and smiling at her.

“Let’s fight!”