Volume 8, Chapter 539 – Just How Many Fake Identities Do You Have? (Part 4)

A few days later, the “pitiful” Huarong Sect was once again threatened by the Cao Family, demanding that they hand over their newly appointed Holy Maiden, “Huang Ling”, by the end of the month.

Hua Ruyi was so furious her liver ached. Never in her wildest dreams had she imagined that someone among Huarong Sect’s upper echelons would actually have the gall to risk their life and leak the Holy Maiden’s true identity so quickly.

The more she thought about it, the angrier she became. Thus, she summoned all the high-ranking members once more, hoping to root out the traitor and discuss how to handle the situation.

In the grand hall of Tiandu Peak, Hua Ruyi, her temper flaring, briefly explained the situation before unleashing her fury:

“I’ve repeatedly emphasized that no one, under any circumstances, is to reveal the Holy Maiden’s true identity! Yet it seems some among you don’t take this sect leader’s words seriously. Do you have a death wish? Whoever did this, step forward now!”

“I truly can’t understand who would commit such a betrayal!”

“Does she not realize that exposing the Holy Maiden’s identity will bring disaster upon the entire Huarong Sect? Have we all forgotten the devastation when the Cao Family last suppressed us with their Immortal Stele?”

“Who was it? This isn’t just harming one person, this is screwing us all over! Once we find out, we’ll tear her limb from limb!”

The high-ranking members below erupted in furious condemnation.

Elder Zhou, guilt-ridden, remained silent.

“Still not coming forward? Fine. To be honest, I already know who you are. I gave you this chance to confess voluntarily, hoping for leniency. Don’t force me to expose you myself. By then, it’ll be too late for regrets.”

Hua Ruyi’s threat was laced with intimidation. Her gaze deliberately lingered on Elder Zhou as she spoke. Even a fool could guess who the prime suspect was.

Qi Huang did the same, staring unblinkingly at Elder Zhou, deliberately applying pressure.

‘She knows who did it?’

Elder Zhou’s face paled, her mental defenses nearly crumbling. But then, in a flash of inspiration, she realized, if Hua Ruyi truly knew, given her temperament, she wouldn’t show any mercy! This had to be a bluff!

Having figured this out, Elder Zhou steadied herself, carefully controlling her expression.

When no one stepped forward, Hua Ruyi’s act fell flat. She salvaged her dignity with a reluctant concession:

“We’ve all been together in Huarong Sect for decades, if not centuries. I don’t want to be ruthless. I’ll give you a few more days to think it over. Come to me if you’ve made up your mind.”

Rеaⅾ oո ΚаtRеαⅾіոɡСаfe

‘As expected! Thank goodness I kept my cool, otherwise I’d be dead today.’

Elder Zhou exhaled in relief, only then realizing her body was ice-cold, her robes drenched in sweat.

Having preserved her authority, Hua Ruyi moved on:

“The traitor is a minor issue. Right now, our priority is overcoming this crisis. I hope everyone can contribute ideas.”

“Sect Leader, what more can we suggest? This isn’t the first time. We’ve already exhausted all options!”

“Exactly. Either we compromise like Hua Yu did, or we clash head-on with the Cao Family. What other choice is there?”

“Compromise? The Cao Family is clearly treating us like a pushover! If we yield again, we might as well skip the formalities and send all future Holy Maidens straight to the Cao Family as child brides!”

“Then what can we do? If we fight them, there won’t be a ‘future’ to speak of!”

Dozens of high-ranking members began arguing again, filling the hall with negativity.

“Everyone, calm down. Let’s proceed with my earlier plan, you all leave. The Grand Elder and I will stay behind. Even if we die, we’ll make the Cao Family pay. As long as our sect’s principles remain intact, Huarong Sect will rise again one day.”

“Sigh… Without the protection of the Immortal Stele and a Heavenly Tribulation Realm expert, how can we possibly rise again?”

Elder Jiang’s face darkened with sorrow. The others sighed in despair, some even breaking into tears.

“Oh, for heaven’s sake! I am the Holy Maiden, you know. Don’t you want to hear what I have to say?”

Qi Huang spoke up, exasperated.

“Does the Holy Maiden have any insights?”

Hua Ruyi’s voice carried a sliver of hope. After all, this girl had surprised her many times before.

“I’ll be straight with you, ‘Huang Ling’ isn’t my main body’s real name either.”

Rеαԁ оn KаtRеаԁіոgCαfe

Qi Huang dropped the bombshell without hesitation.

“What?! ‘Huang Ling’ is also fake?!”

Hua Ruyi’s voice trembled with shock. She hadn’t expected such a twist.

The gloomy expressions of the high-ranking members instantly vanished, replaced by relieved laughter. This news was nothing short of a lifeline.

Elder Zhou, however, was the opposite. Her face twisted in frustration, her teeth nearly grinding to dust. She had risked her life to leak the name, only to find out it was fake!

“Of course. As the saying goes, ‘A fall into a pit, a gain in your wit.’ Did you really think I’d reveal my main body’s real name in front of so many people?”

Qi Huang smirked.

“Wonderful! Not only is our Holy Maiden exceptionally talented, but at such a young age, she already knows to take precautions. This is truly a blessing for Huarong Sect!”

Hua Ruyi praised loudly, her eyes crinkling with genuine delight.

“Indeed! Thank goodness the Holy Maiden is so resourceful, otherwise we’d be doomed.”

“You know, this actually gives us a sustainable solution. From now on, we won’t publicly disclose our Holy Maidens’ real names. That way, no one can covet them!”

“Brilliant! Let those who dare scheme against our Holy Maidens try figuring it out themselves!”

The hall buzzed with excitement, the atmosphere shifting from despair to jubilation, like going from a funeral to a feast.

“It seems we can’t reveal your real identity, then. What should we call you from now on?”

Hua Ruyi pondered briefly before asking.

“Just keep calling me Jiang Ling. The name itself doesn’t matter, as long as you know it’s me.”

Cheng Hongling replied immediately.

“Very well. Then ‘Jiang Ling’ it is. But remember, your real name must never be exposed.”

Rеaԁ οո ΚatRеαԁіոɡСafе

Hua Ruyi instructed, and the others echoed the warning.

“Sect Leader, I’m afraid it’s not that simple.”

Elder Zhou, seeing her scheme on the verge of collapse, quickly interjected.

“Elder Zhou, do you see a problem?”

Hua Ruyi asked neutrally.

Qi Huang scoffed inwardly. ‘Jumping out now? Might as well confess outright. And here I was hoping to play with you a bit longer.’

“Sect Leader, do you recall why the Holy Maiden’s name must be inscribed on the Immortal Stele?”

Elder Zhou inquired.

“Of course. First, to signify the Holy Maiden’s noble status. Second, for her protection.”

Hua Ruyi answered without hesitation.

“Precisely. If a false name is inscribed, the Holy Maiden loses the Immortal Stele’s protection. If outsiders learn of this, countless enemies may target her.”

Elder Zhou voiced her concerns.

Silence fell once more as everyone realized the gravity of the issue.

“Elder Zhou is right. Without the Immortal Stele’s protection, how can our Holy Maiden guarantee her safety? A fake name still carries risks!”

“Risks? I’d say it’s outright unworkable! The Holy Maiden is Huarong Sect’s future, we can’t afford even the slightest mishap.”

“Then what do we do? We can’t reveal her real name, but we can’t inscribe a fake one either. We’re stuck between a rock and a hard place!”

The high-ranking members whispered among themselves, their faces etched with worry.

Rеаⅾ оո KаtRеaԁіոɡСαfе

Hua Ruyi frowned. Though Elder Zhou was highly suspect, her argument was undeniably valid.

“Thank you for your concern, Elder Zhou!”

Qi Huang smiled insincerely.

“No need for thanks, Holy Maiden. Your safety is tied to Huarong Sect’s future, it’s only right that I speak up.”

Elder Zhou replied humbly.

“Actually, there’s an easy solution. My main body can inscribe her real name on the Immortal Stele. Then, the Grand Elder can erect a Divine Sense barrier and station a few strong guards to keep outsiders away.”

Qi Huang proposed.

“That’s a solid plan! With the Grand Elder’s power, few could get close.”

“But the Grand Elder can’t guard the stele day and night. Heavenly Tribulation Realm experts are constantly under threat, she’ll be busy searching for Heaven-Deceiving Water.”

“Then let’s follow the Holy Maiden’s suggestion and assign trusted guards as well.”

The hall erupted in agreement.

“The Holy Maiden is truly wise. This elder admires your intellect!”

Elder Zhou couldn’t help but flatter, though a mocking glint flashed in her eyes. ‘You naive little fool. Do you really think secrets can stay hidden? The moment you inscribe that name, I’ll leak it to the Cao Family. Let’s see where you run then!’

‘Trying to butter me up, old hag? Well, let’s see how many names Cao Yang’s Immortal Stele can hold!’

Qi Huang stifled a laugh. She knew that even a prodigy like Cao Yang couldn’t act with impunity. If he pushed too far, his own family would turn against him, effectively sparking internal strife.

‘Dare to target my main body? Just wait, I’ll ruin you all!’

Qi Huang’s thoughts brimmed with malice.