Wuxia Across the Heavens: I Collect Side Effects

Chapter 103 Confession

Ning Zhongze's expression instantly turned solemn, her eyes filled with disbelief. Then, the disbelief turned into deep heartache. She gently took Ning Xin's hand, her voice choked with sobs: "Xin'er, it's your aunt's fault. It's your aunt's fault for neglecting you, which allowed Zuo Lengchan to take advantage of the situation and make you suffer."

"Aunt, it's not your fault." Ning Xin gently shook her head, her tone softening.

"I came here this time to make everything clear. When I learned that I have an aunt and a cousin, I was very happy because I was finally no longer alone. But the Songshan Sect has raised me for many years, and I cannot forget this kindness. Therefore, I can only choose to remain neutral, neither helping the Songshan Sect against the Huashan Sect nor helping the Huashan Sect against the Songshan Sect."

Upon hearing this, Yue Buqun suddenly realized what was happening, and his vigilance eased slightly, but he was then caught in a new dilemma.

He hadn't expected Ning Xin to say such a thing, and for a moment he didn't know how to handle it.

Essentially, what he was struggling with was whether he should believe Ning Xin's claim of "not helping either side."

If we believe this, and it turns out to be Ning Xin's scheme, Mount Hua will only fall into an even greater crisis.

If they don't believe him and simply drive Ning Xin away, it will not only discourage Ning Zhongze, but also give Zuo Lengchan an excuse to cause trouble.

Ning Zhongze, who was standing to the side, could no longer hold back. She held Ning Xin's hand tightly, her eyes filled with tenderness and determination: "Xin'er, you've worked so hard. Your aunt thanks you for telling us all this. Don't worry, in the Huashan Sect, no one will force you to do anything you don't like, and no one will force you to choose sides. Just focus on practicing martial arts on Huashan. As for Zuo Lengchan, your uncle and I will help you deal with him. We will never let him make things difficult for you."

She always felt guilty because she had failed in her responsibilities as an aunt, which allowed Ning Xin to be used by Zuo Lengchan.

Yue Buqun remained silent for a moment, then slowly raised his head, his gaze falling on Ning Xin. His eyes still held a degree of caution, but also a hint of relaxation.

He said slowly, "I understand about this matter. You should stay on Mount Hua for now and cultivate diligently. As for what happens next, I will make further plans."

He had to be cautious because the safety of the entire Huashan Sect rested on his shoulders, and he could not afford to make the slightest mistake. He could only observe for a while longer to see Ning Xin's true actions.

Ning Xin breathed a sigh of relief upon realizing that his goal had been achieved.

As long as Yue Buqun doesn't immediately expel him from Mount Hua, there's still a chance.

In the future, he only needs to send back some trivial messages to deal with Zuo Lengchan:

If Yue Buqun needed information about Zuo Lengchan, he could go along with it; it wouldn't be a bad thing for him.

He knew in his heart that he could not immediately pledge allegiance to Yue Buqun.

Yue Buqun is cautious and suspicious by nature. If I were to show my loyalty too hastily, it would only arouse his suspicion, which would be a loss.

The current situation, where neither side takes sides, preserves their own room for maneuver and also lowers Yue Buqun's guard to some extent, is undoubtedly the best outcome.

His ultimate goal was never to get involved in the conflict between Mount Hua and Mount Song, but to reach the highest point step by step.

Enjoy the process of practicing martial arts and experience the wonders of martial arts.

As for leaving Mount Hua directly, he was worried that Zuo Lengchan wouldn't agree, as Zuo Lengchan wasn't as particular as Lao Yue.

We're still too weak; we need to play it safe in the early stages.

Ning Xin bowed and took his leave, gently closing the door behind him as he walked out of Yue Buqun's room. At that moment, the heavy weight in his heart was completely lifted, and his steps became much lighter.

After being completely honest, there's no need to pretend anymore, nor to worry about the risk of his identity being exposed. From now on, he can simply stay on Mount Hua and cultivate in peace, which is the best outcome.

Inside the room, however, Yue Buqun and Ning Zhongze were unable to sleep. Ning Xin's confession had stirred up their emotions like a stone thrown into a calm lake. The flickering candlelight illuminated their different expressions, and the atmosphere in the room became somewhat somber.

After a moment of silence, Ning Zhongze spoke first, her tone pleading yet firm: "Senior brother, let's be nicer to Xin'er from now on."

She felt a mix of guilt and pity, always believing that it was her negligence that allowed Ning Xin to fall into Zuo Lengchan's hands and become a pawn.

Yue Buqun frowned slightly, his tone tinged with caution and worry: "But he is ultimately a spy sent by Zuo Lengchan. You can't judge a book by its cover, so we have to be on guard."

He was not heartless; it was just that as the head of the Huashan Sect, he could not only consider his personal feelings. The safety of the Huashan Sect was his top priority.

"Didn't he say that he would remain neutral, neither helping Songshan against us nor helping us against Songshan?"

Ning Zhongze hurriedly defended herself, her tone tinged with urgency, "The fact that he was willing to confess everything shows that he still cares about us and this family. He didn't deceive us."

Yue Buqun remained hesitant, gently shaking his head: "But—what if? What if this is just his scheme, that Zuo Lengchan deliberately made him confess so that we would lower our guard and take the opportunity to investigate Huashan's secrets? In that case, Huashan would truly be in grave danger."

He had seen too much of the dangers of the world and the unpredictability of human nature, so he had to make the worst-case scenario plan.

"There's no chance of anything going wrong!" Ning Zhongze's voice rose a few decibels, her eyes filled with determination.

"That's my own nephew. If I had paid more attention back then and found him sooner, he wouldn't have been taken advantage of by Zuo Lengchan and wouldn't be in this situation. Anyway, I don't care, I must treat him well and make up for what I've done to him all these years."

After saying that, Ning Zhongze stopped looking at Yue Buqun, turned around and faced away from him, her shoulders slightly tense, clearly she was in a bad mood.

She knew Yue Buqun's concerns, but in her heart, Ning Xin was just a child who had been used and wronged, and deserved to be treated kindly.

Yue Buqun watched Ning Zhongze's retreating figure, swallowed the words that were on the tip of his tongue, and could only sigh softly in his heart.

He understood Ning Zhongze's nature: gentle, kind, loyal, and once she made up her mind, she wouldn't easily change it.

He remained silent for a long time, and the turmoil in his heart gradually dissipated.

Yes, at least Ning Xin was honest, unlike Laudenuo who pretended to be someone else and deceived everyone.

Perhaps, he really does deserve to be believed;

Perhaps, giving Ning Xin a chance will also give Huashan a chance.

Yue Buqun walked to the table, blew out the candlelight, and gazed at the dark night sky outside the window, pondering to himself:

Let's observe for now. I hope this child really will stay neutral as he says, and I hope I haven't misjudged him.

Su Xin had already begun practicing the Evil-Repelling Sword Manual, and only got up to rest when his meridians started to feel uncomfortable.

He couldn't help but look forward to tomorrow's sword practice, which would be his first time encountering swordsmanship.