Starting With The Martial Arts Holy Fire Order

Chapter 31: Dai Qisi’s Affection

“But before that, let me kill a few more of these Ming Sect scoundrels!” Cheng Kun placed Lady Yang’s body gently to the side and, using his internal energy, unleashed the Hunyuan Skill against the approaching Ming Sect disciples.

Seeing Cheng Kun still resisting, Ling Yihan sneered, “Still unwilling to accept defeat…”

Just as he prepared to make a move, Xie Xun quickly interjected, “Leader, there’s no need for you to dirty your hands with this stubborn fool. Leave it to me!”

Without waiting for Ling Yihan’s response, Xie Xun leapt forward to engage Cheng Kun.

“Master, you can’t defeat us. Seize me, and I’ll help you escape from Bright Summit,” Xie Xun whispered as he feigned combat with Cheng Kun.

Cheng Kun, quick-witted, understood his intent. He exploited the opening Xie Xun left on purpose and captured him, using Xie Xun as a shield to retreat.

The Ming Sect disciples hesitated, not daring to act rashly.

“Leader, what should we do…” Yang Xiao, aware of Xie Xun’s intentions, turned to Ling Yihan for guidance.

Ling Yihan gave Cheng Kun and Xie Xun a brief look, said nothing, and turned to walk back to the Sacred Fire Hall.

Yang Xiao and Fan Yao exchanged helpless glances, watching as Cheng Kun escaped Bright Summit with Xie Xun’s help.

In the Sacred Fire Hall, Xie Xun knelt before Ling Yihan, biting his lip. “Leader, I acknowledge my guilt and am ready to accept punishment!”

Ling Yihan sneered, “Oh? And what crime have you committed, Golden Lion King, that has me so confused?”

Flushing with embarrassment, Xie Xun stammered, “Just now, I pretended to capture Cheng Kun but secretly helped him escape. This was a betrayal of the Sect!”

Ling Yihan glanced at him. “Ah, you’re quite self-aware! I know of your bond with Cheng Kun and understand that you, Golden Lion King, are loyal to those you care about. You couldn’t bear to see him die by my hand, so you intervened. But did you consider that in doing so, you not only endangered yourself but could also implicate your entire family?”

“What? Leader, as the saying goes, punishment should not extend to family. I alone am at fault—take my life if you must, but please, leave my family out of this!” Xie Xun exclaimed, fearing Ling Yihan might target his loved ones.

“Leader, Golden Lion King simply acted impulsively. I beg you, show mercy and spare his family!” White-Browed Eagle King Yin Tianzheng quickly pleaded on his behalf.

“Have mercy, Leader!”

…

The Left and Right Emissaries of Light, Yang Xiao and Fan Yao, along with the Protectors Yin Tianzheng, Wei Yixiao, and the Five Wanderers, knelt to plead for Xie Xun.

“Leader, please show mercy for Brother Xie!” Dai Qisi, standing beside Ling Yihan, also implored him.

Ling Yihan looked over the disciples kneeling before him, sneering, “Who would have thought my Ming Sect brothers were so united? How touching. But did I ever say I would punish Xie Xun and his family? Why are you all so anxious?”

Everyone knelt in stunned silence, not understanding the meaning behind his words.

“Then, Leader, what do you mean?” Dai Qisi asked, confused.

Ling Yihan sighed, “What I mean is, it’s not I who intends to harm Xie Xun and his family—it’s Cheng Kun.”

“What? That’s impossible! Xie Xun risked his life to help him escape Bright Summit. Why would Cheng Kun repay kindness with betrayal?” Dai Qisi shook her head in disbelief.

Xie Xun nodded, “Indeed, Leader, Cheng Kun, despite his crimes, still cares for me as his disciple. He wouldn’t harm me.”

Knowing they wouldn’t believe him, Ling Yihan replied, “Since you doubt me, I have nothing more to say. But Xie Xun, though you’ve committed a serious offence, I’ll spare your life. Instead, you’re to relinquish your duties temporarily and spend half a month in self-reflection at home. No objections, I assume?”

Relieved, Xie Xun gratefully replied, “Thank you for your mercy, Leader. I am sincerely grateful.”

“Thank you, Leader!”

The others were also pleased with Xie Xun’s light punishment and expressed their gratitude to Ling Yihan.

The next day, the Ming Sect held a funeral for the former leader Yang Dingtian on Bright Summit. Following tradition, the sect cremated his remains. Since Yang Dingtian had always cherished Lady Yang, even though she had betrayed him, Ling Yihan didn’t hold grudges against the dead and had her cremated alongside Yang Dingtian. Their ashes were buried together, with a single tombstone to commemorate them both.

“Master, it was never my intention to drive Mistress to her death. I simply couldn’t bear to see her leave Bright Summit with that scoundrel Cheng Kun while you died with unresolved resentment. I wanted her to stay by your tomb and repent. I hope you won’t blame me.” Ling Yihan stood before Yang Dingtian and Lady Yang’s grave, sighing.

Dai Qisi walked up beside him and comforted him, “Leader, you don’t need to feel so sad. I’m sure that if Leader Yang’s spirit watches over us, he will understand your intentions. Lady Yang’s death was not entirely your fault. Don’t blame yourself too much.”

Ling Yihan nodded, “Daiqi, when we’re in public, call me Leader. But in private, you may call me as you used to.”

Hearing this, Dai Qisi blushed. “Wh-what did you just call me?”

Ling Yihan replied casually, “I called you Daiqi. Is there a problem?”

“Daiqi? Why are you calling me that?” Dai Qisi’s heart was full of sweetness as she smiled.

Ling Yihan gently wrapped an arm around her waist, smiling. “Your name isn’t quite like that of our people, so I wasn’t sure if your surname was Dai and your name was Qisi, or if it was all one name. I thought it would be easier to just call you Daiqi.”

Blushing, Dai Qisi protested, “Dai Qisi is my name. My surname in Persia is Shavaidi. Besides, you know my true identity. We shouldn’t…”

Ling Yihan tightened his hold and laughed, “What’s there to fear? With my martial skills unmatched and my position as the Ming Sect Leader, if the Persian Sect dares to cause trouble, I’ll crush them completely!”

With that, he gently kissed her alluring lips.

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