(Part One)
The young man in yellow turned his head to stare at the corpse of Mu Xiuquan, taking a long time to comprehend the situation. For no reason at all, he had already provoked two major factions, the Tang Clan and Xingyun Manor, in just one night.
He sighed. At his young age, he shouldn’t be sighing like this. His experience in the martial world was still too limited, and he ultimately couldn’t understand the hearts of its people.
He looked around, his eyes filled with confusion. Who had thrown the short spear? Since it had already been used twice, why hadn’t its owner revealed themselves?
All he could see were the distant, shriveled faces of a dozen onlookers, who seemed to shrink back under his gaze. Turning back, he saw his beloved dog still lying on the ground. This companion, who had been with him since childhood, was now separated from him by the veil of death. For a moment, he felt as if he was the only one left in this world, utterly alone.
Gently approaching San’er, he instructed, “Shopkeeper, please bury him. He’s poisoned, so be careful not to touch him.” He raised his right hand, dropping a large silver ingot onto the counter with a thud.
As he lowered his head, a tear fell onto the cold ground.
The plump shopkeeper couldn’t help but sigh as well. “Young master, please don’t worry. I’ll have my workers carry him to the back. Once the rain stops, we’ll bury him on the hill behind the courtyard.” He called over a few waiters, who found some wooden boards to carry San’er’s body away.
When the young man in yellow turned back, he was surprised to find that the frail boy had vanished amidst the chaos. He exclaimed softly, his delicate brows knitting together.
As he searched around, he finally spotted a small figure sneaking toward the courtyard’s main gate, clearly trying to escape in the confusion. Just as he was about to chase after him, the boy let out a terrified scream, tumbling backward as if he had bumped into something at the gate.
A horse with a flowing mane charged into the courtyard like a whirlwind, followed by a dozen soldiers.
The man sitting proudly on the horse had not yet dismounted when he shouted, “I say, Old Cai, in such heavy rain, are you still sitting inside? Has your dog’s leg broken? My men have been drenched in the rain for an hour; hurry up and make some ginger soup and hot water!” He then noticed the frail boy and continued, “Hey, you sickly little brat, are you blind? You just ran into my horse!”
The plump shopkeeper, Cai, forced a smile and hurried out to greet him, nodding and bowing. However, his smile was stiff, looking more like a grimace than a friendly gesture. He had encountered too many misfortunes that night and had already smiled too much.
“Ah, it’s Officer Feng from the Xiangyang Prince’s Manor! Officer Feng, I didn’t expect you to return so soon after visiting this morning. I was just about to report to the authorities when you arrived. You must be a living deity, able to predict the future!”
“What? Report to the authorities? Old Cai, I, Feng Shao, am a dignified officer of the prince’s manor. I’ve been running around for days to track down the prince’s wanted criminals, and you dare to bother me with trivial matters?”
“Sir, it’s not a trivial matter; it’s murder—over a dozen lives!”
With a puffed-up chest, Officer Feng dismounted. The inn’s waiters hurriedly ran into the rain to lead his horse to the stable.
“Rebellion! Rebellion! Although this isn’t Xiangyang, it still falls under the jurisdiction of the Xiangyang Prefecture. How dare someone commit such a crime here! Where is the murderer?”
As Officer Feng was about to step into the inn’s main hall, he caught sight of a young man in a short yellow coat, holding a bamboo umbrella, who had just emerged from the hall, helping the frail boy who had nearly ended up under his horse’s hooves.
His bulging eyes narrowed as he said, “Old Cai, this little brat isn’t one of your guests, is he?”
The young man in yellow raised his brows, a fleeting glimmer of killing intent flashing across his face as he turned and led the boy back into the hall. Officer Feng’s gaze swept over him, and he couldn’t help but feel a chill. The innkeeper hurriedly said, “This young master is indeed a guest of our humble inn; Officer Feng, you should go inside and take a look.”
Officer Feng was about to ask more when he noticed the young man’s extraordinary demeanor and luxurious attire, with a pearl glimmering on his collar, clearly indicating he was someone of significance. He hesitated, swallowing his reprimand. His frustration then turned toward the plump shopkeeper, “Old Cai, are you trying to rush me to my death?”
As he berated Cai, he led his men into the hall.
The stench of blood assaulted their senses.
Officer Feng quickly saw the bodies of the Xingyun Manor members!
He was momentarily stunned!
Having been in the powerful Xiangyang Prince’s Manor and having experienced countless battles, he was still shocked by the gruesome scene in the hall.
“Rebellion! Rebellion! Where are the murderers?” His voice remained firm, but his knees began to tremble slightly.
Cai cautiously asked, “Are you asking about the people who killed these men? They’ve already left.”
Officer Feng felt a wave of relief wash over him. He slammed his hand on the table, “This is outrageous! How dare you let the criminals escape?”
Cai was so frightened that he fell to his knees with a thud, “Officer Feng, it’s a misunderstanding! Those three were highly skilled and killed without blinking. How could I possibly stop them? All the guests here can testify for me; please investigate thoroughly!”
“Old Cai, why are you so scared? Officer Feng isn’t blaming you specifically.”
A soldier nearby kicked Cai, “Get up! Hurry and bring out your best food and wine. If you say a few good words, Officer Feng won’t hold it against you.”
Cai complied and went to the kitchen.
The soldier leaned closer to Officer Feng, smiling, “Officer Feng, the commander Shao is nearby. Since a murder has occurred here, it’s likely related to the prince’s wanted criminals. Why not invite him to investigate? It’ll save you some trouble.”
The suggestion reminded Officer Feng. He nodded repeatedly, “That makes sense! Quickly, someone, light the signal flare!”
A soldier responded, taking out a flare and lighting it before heading to the courtyard. With a sharp whistle, a red light pierced through the rain, transforming into a massive white sword shape that lingered in the stormy sky.
The young man in yellow had originally looked down on getting involved with the officials and was about to pull the boy away to return to his room. However, upon seeing the signal flare, he was momentarily stunned and sat back down in his corner.
Officer Feng had already instructed his subordinates to clear the bodies to the side and boldly took a seat at a table.
A waiter from the kitchen had already stoked the fire, serving ginger soup and hot tea. Cai personally attended to the guests, instructing the kitchen to prepare food and fine wine.
As the stench of blood dissipated, it was replaced by the aroma of cooking. The noise of the soldiers drowned out the sound of the wind and rain outside. If it weren’t for the corpses in the corner, no one would believe that a dazzling battle had just taken place here.
As Cai served food and wine, he smiled, “Officer Feng, now that the signal flare has been fired, I wonder if any other distinguished guests are arriving? Our inn should prepare early to welcome them.”
Hearing this, Officer Feng’s square face tilted upward, and he boomed, “Of course! When he arrives, you must serve him well. Old Cai, his rank is high and not as easy to deal with as I am.”
Cai hurriedly brought over a pot of freshly heated wine, pouring it for him and cautiously asking, “Officer Feng, who is this distinguished guest? Please let me know so I can broaden my horizons.”
Officer Feng, pleased with the flattery, boasted loudly, “This esteemed guest is none other than the ‘Bloodless’ Shao Jizu, the top official under our Xiangyang Prince!”
As soon as he finished speaking, the young man in yellow spat out a mouthful of wine, choking on it and coughing uncontrollably, his face turning bright red.
Officer Feng continued, “Not only is this Lord Shao highly regarded, but he is also a martial arts master. Moreover, he has received the emperor’s decree and will soon marry the beautiful Miss Linglong from Linglong Mountain Manor. If it weren’t for the investigation of the prince’s wanted criminals, he wouldn’t have lowered himself to come here. When he arrives, you must be on your toes and serve him well.”
Everyone else was all ears, listening intently to Officer Feng’s boastful words, but the young man in yellow grew increasingly pale.
Ever since Officer Feng had mentioned “Shao Jizu,” he felt as if he had seen a ghost.
The frail boy sitting beside him, still dripping with mud, looked at him with curious eyes, unable to contain his intrigue.
— Why was it that even when facing formidable enemies, the young man in yellow remained calm and collected, yet upon hearing the name “Bloodless” Shao Jizu, he looked as if he had encountered his nemesis?
What he didn’t know was that at this moment, the young man in yellow wished he could flee immediately, but he also understood that leaving now would draw attention. So, he continued to pour himself wine, forcing himself to appear calm, though his hand trembled slightly.
At that moment, the sound of hooves could be heard approaching through the wind and rain.
From the sound, it was clear that dozens of riders were galloping toward the inn. The people in the inn’s main hall fell silent, only the howling wind and rain could be heard.
The hoofbeats grew closer, but there was no sound of shouting, indicating that they were well-trained cavalry. In an instant, they arrived at the entrance.
Officer Feng let out a sigh of relief, exclaiming, “This must be Lord Shao arriving with his elite cavalry!” He stood up, pulling Cai and the others to welcome them.
The young man in yellow seized this opportunity amidst the commotion. He gestured to the boy with a “shh” and, taking advantage of the chaos, used his lightness skill to swiftly retreat into the inn. — Since the exit was blocked, he had no choice but to seek refuge inside.
With a flash of yellow, he moved like a startled swan, disappearing!
(Part Two)
The young man in the yellow robe sensed that the situation was turning dire and hurriedly made his way to the side rooms of the inn to hide. In his haste, he pushed open several doors to the west, only to find them locked.
Outside, a cacophony erupted, filled with the shouts of soldiers and the sound of their footsteps, accompanied by the clashing of weapons, indicating that a search had already begun.
The young man in the yellow robe felt a surge of anxiety. Suddenly, he spotted a small room in the corner of the courtyard. He rushed over and pushed the door, discovering it was unlocked. He quickly slipped inside and shut the door behind him.
Looking around, he found the room empty and devoid of any hiding places, causing him to break out in a cold sweat. The noise outside grew louder, heightening his panic. In desperation, he lowered his head and rolled under the bed.
The wooden bed was massive, with its curtains hanging down to the floor. Although it was dark beneath the bed, there was still some space. As he crawled under, he quickly made his way to the corner.
Suddenly, he felt something soft brush against his foot, startling him—there was someone else hiding under the bed!
Just as he was about to scream, a hand shot out from the darkness and covered his mouth with precision. He trembled in shock, his heart racing, and instinctively tried to shake off the hand.
The space under the bed was cramped. Although the hand was surprisingly accurate, it lacked strength. With a forceful twist, he managed to break free.
To his astonishment, just as he turned to look, two icy fingers swiftly pressed against the back of his neck, targeting a vital point, yet remaining still. A low voice whispered, “Shh, don’t make a sound!”
As soon as the words were spoken, the door to the side room was kicked open with a loud bang. Several pairs of boots entered, scouring the room as if searching for something. Two blades poked under the bed, but fortunately, the large wooden bed shielded the two hidden individuals.
One soldier remarked, “It’s raining outside, yet there are no footprints in this room. It doesn’t seem like anyone has been here; we needn’t search any further.” Soon after, the footsteps faded as several men left.
The young man in the yellow robe couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride, thinking that his lightness of foot had allowed him to deceive these men effortlessly. However, the fingers still resting on his neck quickly sobered him.
After a long while, the courtyard fell silent, likely because the patrons of the inn were too afraid to breathe. He then heard footsteps approaching. The sound of boots splashing in the puddles on the ground indicated that the newcomer was not ordinary.
After a moment, a voice slowly asked, “Have you found any clues about that person?”
The voice was slightly hoarse but very deep. The young man in the yellow robe shivered at the sound.
A respectful voice replied, “Sir, the innkeeper recognized the person in the drawing, but we’ve searched everywhere here and found no trace of him. Perhaps the innkeeper mistook the person? Or maybe that person left after committing the murder?”
The first man remained silent for a long time as if pondering, before saying, “In my opinion, the people from Xingyun Manor were not killed by him.”
Another voice questioned, “Why do you think so, sir?”
The first man explained, “He has no enmity with the people of Xingyun Manor; why would he kill them for no reason? Given his current situation, he would need to conceal his tracks and escape quickly, so why would he provoke new enemies? Moreover, did you not notice that the dead all have knife wounds, not sword wounds? Those wounds are blue, likely from the poison of the Tang Clan’s blades.”
The second man replied, “But what would the Tang Clan be doing here?”
The first man continued slowly, “The Tang Clan has always adhered to the principle of not offending others unless provoked. The Wang family of Xiangyang holds significant power, and there are members of the Tang Clan in the Jinshitang. They are certainly not here to confront us. My only suspicion lies with Mu Xiuquan’s short spear.”
The second man said, “But my subordinates have already questioned the shopkeeper Cai. At that time, no one in the hall saw where the short spear came from; it seemed to have fallen from the sky like a ghost.”
The first man replied, “The reason I suspect is that the force of that spear was quite peculiar.”
The second man asked, “What other concerns do you have, sir?”
The first man said, “This short spear is heavy; it is a family heirloom of Ge Yunfei. Mu Xiuquan, as the second-in-command of Xingyun Manor, is already a top-notch expert in the martial world. If he were to throw a spear to kill him, the throw would have to be swift, requiring great strength. However, the spear that struck Mu Xiuquan only penetrated three-tenths of an inch into his throat, not piercing through. This indicates that someone used skill to kill him with that spear. The person capable of such skill must possess extraordinary martial arts; why then would they go through such trouble instead of using brute force to kill him?”
The second man speculated, “Could it be that this person is deliberately concealing their martial arts style?”
The first man fell silent for a moment before finally saying, “Perhaps this person is unable to use powerful techniques and can only kill with skill.”
The young man in the yellow robe held his breath, a thought flashing through his mind as if he had come to a realization, but he couldn’t quite grasp what it was.
He then heard the second man say, “Does sir suspect that besides the Tang Clan, there is someone else involved?”
The first man snorted softly and replied slowly, “Whether there is another person involved is difficult to determine at this moment. You and I are currently under the strict orders of the prince; we cannot afford to be delayed by trivial matters. It is more important to capture that person. I predict that he cannot have gone far. It has been raining heavily for days, and the mountain paths are treacherous. Moreover, I have already requested the prince to issue strict orders, blocking all routes out of the city. The prince’s troops have secured all the relay stations, and all horse markets have been closed. Even if he wants to leave, he will find it impossible!”
Upon hearing this, the young man in the yellow robe felt a wave of despair wash over him. The relay stations were sealed, and the main roads were blocked; how could he reach his destination? Moreover, with the horse market closed, he wouldn’t even be able to buy a mount for the journey. His mind was in turmoil, and he could no longer hear the conversation that followed. When he finally regained his senses, the outside was filled with shouts and the sounds of horses, indicating that the soldiers were leaving.
After a while, the sound of hooves gradually faded, blending with the wind and rain. Eventually, aside from the howling wind and rain, everything fell silent. The innkeeper came in, muttering to himself as he locked the door.
The young man could no longer contain himself. Once the innkeeper had walked away, he shrank his body and darted forward. He had already calculated all the possible movements of the person behind him; he was willing to risk injury rather than be captured. Strangely, the hand that had been pressing against his neck did not follow through.
Once the young man escaped, he immediately rolled out from under the bed, pulling his hands apart, and causing the wooden bed to split silently into two pieces. He lowered his voice and shouted, “Who are you?!”
A figure slowly stood up from beside the split bed.
Amidst the swirling dust, his face was obscured, but the young man could vaguely see that he was dressed in black and held a large bamboo hat in his left hand.
The young man was taken aback. “It’s you?!”
Then a calm voice spoke, “I apologize for the earlier offense; it was truly unavoidable. I hope you can forgive me, young master.”
The young man in the yellow robe took two steps back, seemingly not hearing the words.
Before him, images flashed vividly. Those images seemed to come to life.
—Ge Yunfei’s spear flying from his hand.
—The blinding speed that pierced the skin.
—The calmness of the hand that executed the move effortlessly.
—The hand that held the spear.
—The black sleeves covering the arm.
—The wide bamboo hat that obscured most of the face.
—Mu Xiuquan’s bulging eyes.
—The spear that pierced his throat.
He blinked hard, “Is it you?!”
The dust that had been kicked up began to settle. The figure was suddenly right in front of him.
He was very young.
His face was pale and thin, looking extremely haggard and fatigued. Yet, even in his weariness and pallor, he could not hide the elegance beneath his sword-like brows and bright eyes. There was a calm composure that subtly emanated from his handsome features.
—“Who are you?”
—“Are you the one who received Ge Yunfei’s ‘Releasing Spear’? Did you kill Mu Xiuquan? Why are you hiding here?” The young man in the yellow robe bombarded him with questions without taking a breath.
The young man in black, however, merely smiled politely.
“I am an unknown person; my name is not worth mentioning. But you, young master, must be extraordinary. The legendary weapon ‘Yin Yang Hound’ is in your hands, and your ‘Surprising Glance’ lightness skill is remarkable. You must have a deep connection with Linglong Mountain Manor. May I ask for your esteemed name?”
Hearing his respectful tone, the young man couldn’t help but feel a swell of pride, momentarily feeling a bit elated, completely unaware that the other had avoided answering his series of questions.
“You even know about the Yin Yang Hound? It seems that even if I don’t tell you, you would guess it sooner or later.”
His large eyes darted around, “I, I, I am surnamed Huo, and my name is Huo Xiaodi.”
He then smiled broadly, “To be honest, Huo Xiaodi is not my real name. Alright, I’ve told you my name; now what’s yours? Who are you?”
Seeing his playful demeanor, a faint yet relaxed smile appeared on the face of the young man in black. “Indeed, you have a significant connection with the Huo family of Linglong Mountain Manor. Brother Huo, my surname is Zhan, and my name is Rifei—just to be honest, this is also not my real name.”
(Part Three)
The two young men exchanged glances and couldn’t help but smile at each other. Even though outside, soldiers were in hot pursuit, the wind and rain were fierce, and the mountain city seemed on the verge of collapse, a faint warmth began to spread in the dim little room, evoking a sense of reluctant attachment.
Huo Xiaodi was already filled with too many questions. He stared at Zhan Rifei and said, “Your martial arts are impressive! Why are you hiding from Xiao Shao?”
At that moment, a flash of lightning illuminated the room, clearly revealing Huo Xiaodi’s expression of determination, as if he wouldn’t rest until he got to the bottom of things. His prominent rabbit teeth gleamed even brighter.
Zhan Rifei’s face was hard to discern in the darkness, but his voice sounded somewhat strange. “Who is the Xiao Shao you mentioned, Brother Huo?”
Huo Xiaodi replied, “He’s the one who was talking in the courtyard just now, Shao Jizu! Don’t you know him? — Oh, if you don’t know him, why are you hiding from him?”
Zhan Rifei murmured, “So he is Shao Jizu. — Brother Huo, I’ve only heard of his reputation but have never met him. Since you call him Xiao Shao, you must know him well?”
Huo Xiaodi felt that Zhan Rifei’s familiarity with Shao Jizu implied a close relationship, so he wondered why Huo Xiaodi would want to hide from him.
Huo Xiaodi gritted his teeth and said, “I know him, but that doesn’t mean we’re friends!” He pouted and added, “Besides, what’s so great about Xiao Shao? I only know him because his ancestors burned countless incense sticks at their graves.”
Zhan Rifei remarked, “Brother Huo, your martial arts are outstanding. Just now, you faced the Tang Clan’s ‘Wuxing Hall’ expert with such ease. From your tone, it seems you don’t think much of that Shao Duzong. I’m just curious, why do you want to hide from him? Did you offend him? Is his martial arts really that formidable?” As he spoke, a thought crossed his mind, “Or perhaps you’ve offended more than just him?”
Huo Xiaodi rolled his eyes, revealing his shiny rabbit teeth, and interrupted, “You don’t need to flatter me. Indeed, I didn’t just offend Xiao Shao; I’ve also offended his master, Prince Xiangyang. Didn’t you see the soldiers from the prince’s residence everywhere? They’re looking for trouble with me — they even showed my drawing to everyone!”
He seemed to remember something and shivered, then gritted his teeth and said, “That damn Xiao Shao! I couldn’t beat him, so I had to run. I didn’t expect him to mobilize the troops of the Prince of Xiangyang to chase me down.”
Zhan Rifei frowned slightly and repeated, “—They’re looking for your drawing?”
Suddenly, a smile slowly crept into his eyes. However, this smile was fleeting, as he immediately recalled something that didn’t match the current situation. “Brother Huo, you say you’ve offended both Shao Duzong and Prince Xiangyang? But isn’t Shao Duzong supposed to marry the esteemed Miss Linglong soon? It’s said that the prince himself is the matchmaker, under the emperor’s decree. Why would you want to cause trouble for him? Aren’t you afraid of the old man Huo’s wrath?”
Huo Xiaodi dreaded hearing about this well-known matter in the martial world. He couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed, shaking his head vigorously like a vendor’s drum. “I’m looking for trouble with him because I can’t stand this marriage of his. — Our Miss Linglong from Linglong Mountain Manor is pure and virtuous; how could she possibly like Xiao Shao? Even if the Prince of Xiangyang is the matchmaker, it wouldn’t work!”
His childish words made Zhan Rifei unable to suppress a chuckle. However, his smile quickly faded, and he suppressed a light cough.
This exchange seemed to exhaust him further, so he slowly sat down in a chair. After a moment of contemplation, his voice became cautious. “I’ve heard that Shao Duzong is exceptionally handsome, skilled in both literature and martial arts and has a promising career. It’s rumored in the martial world that he and Miss Linglong are a perfect match. Moreover, there are differences between men and women; Miss Linglong rarely leaves her home. How could you be so sure that she doesn’t fancy him?”
Huo Xiaodi’s expression changed, and he angrily retorted, “You haven’t seen Xiao Shao, so how do you know he’s exceptionally handsome and skilled? Who came from Linglong Mountain Manor, you or I? Even if it’s a matter of parental arrangement and matchmaking, I know our Miss Linglong doesn’t like him. I can’t swallow this anger, so I came to settle the score with him and seek justice for our Miss!”
Although the room was dim, he could vaguely see Zhan Rifei smiling silently, seemingly unconvinced but choosing not to speak.
Unable to contain his anger, Huo Xiaodi blurted out, “I’m looking for trouble with him because our Miss already has someone in her heart. Don’t say it’s Xiao Shao; even Tang Men’s Xiao Tang would be wasting his efforts!”
It seemed he had been holding this in for a long time, and when he finally let it out, he felt an indescribable relief. However, as soon as the words left his mouth, he regretted it. Why had he unconsciously shared this with a stranger? His face turned slightly red, and he felt quite embarrassed.
Seeing that the conversation had begun to touch on personal matters, Zhan Rifei decided it was inappropriate to ask further. Not wanting to make Huo Xiaodi uncomfortable, he merely smiled faintly and fell silent.
Huo Xiaodi’s face flushed momentarily but quickly returned to normal. In the dim light, his large eyes stared at Zhan Rifei, still looking unreasonable. “What are you secretly laughing about?”
He blinked and asked in one breath, “I can’t beat Xiao Shao, so why are you hiding under the bed too? Did you offend Xiao Shao as well, and that’s why you’re hiding from him?”
“Your martial arts are quite good; you managed to catch Ge Yunfei’s lethal strike with one hand.”
“You’re probably a match for him! You’ve seen him, right? You wouldn’t be afraid of him, would you?”
Zhan Rifei’s handsome smile now held a hint of self-deprecation and mischief. “Brother Huo, you might be overestimating me. Facing such an opponent is certainly exhilarating, but I have my difficulties. Right now, I can’t afford to confront him.”
Seeing that Huo Xiaodi was still relentless, Zhan Rifei smiled faintly and said, “Indeed, I must confess, I’ve also offended not only Shao Duzong but also Prince Xiangyang.”
Huo Xiaodi felt a sense of camaraderie and nodded. “I won’t laugh at you anymore. The people of the Xiangyang residence are indeed not to be trifled with. You didn’t see how Xiao Shao drew his sword—” He suddenly stopped, realizing that he had just belittled Shao Jizu and now discussing his swordsmanship would make him look foolish.
After a glance at Zhan Rifei, he reluctantly said, “However, you knew that the soldiers from Xiangyang were nearby, yet you still stepped in to block Mu Xiuquan’s strike for me. I haven’t thanked you yet.”
Zhan Rifei replied, “But Brother Huo, you also knew that the soldiers from Xiangyang were nearby, yet you still intervened to deflect the potentially harmful flying spear and saved that child who would have died at Ge Yunfei’s hands. Such chivalry deserves my admiration. Your thanks now seem unnecessary.”
Huo Xiaodi couldn’t help but feel pleased, but his large eyes darted around, not letting Zhan Rifei off the hook. “But speaking of which, how did you know Mu Xiuquan was plotting against me?”
Zhan Rifei sighed lightly. “The treachery of people in the martial world can sometimes be unimaginable. Mu Xiuquan truly must kill you. Brother Huo, your lightness skill is unparalleled; if he wants to kill you, he can only resort to underhanded tactics.”
Huo Xiaodi scratched his head, still puzzled. “I don’t even know him, and I helped him solve a problem at Xingyun Manor. Why wouldn’t he repay my kindness and instead want to kill me?”
Zhan Rifei explained, “It’s because he has recognized that you come from Linglong Mountain Manor. You wield the ‘Yin Yang Hound’ and possess the extraordinary lightness skill of ‘Surprising Glance.’ Mu Xiuquan, being well-informed, naturally deduces that you must be a distinguished member of Linglong Mountain Manor. You must be more aware than I am of the hidden conflicts between Linglong Mountain Manor and Xingyun Manor.”
Huo Xiaodi murmured, “The conflict between Linglong Mountain Manor and Xingyun Manor? Why has no one ever mentioned this to me?”
Zhan Rifei looked at him with some surprise. The young man in the yellow robe possessed extraordinary martial arts, yet he spoke with such innocence as if he were completely oblivious to the world. How could someone like him navigate the martial world, given Linglong Mountain Manor’s great reputation?
Huo Xiaodi continued, “Even if I’m from Linglong Mountain Manor, it’s better to resolve enmities than to create them. Why wouldn’t he do me a favor instead of trying to kill me?”
Zhan Rifei sighed at Huo Xiaodi’s naivety. “If everyone in the martial world were like you, there wouldn’t be so many conflicts.”
—“This time, the third master of Xingyun Manor and his entourage were all killed by the three assassins of the Tang Clan’s ‘Wuxing Hall,’ which has already caused Xingyun Manor to lose a battle. And you have taken down the leader among the three from the Tang Clan; he can only kill you to regain his standing and suppress Linglong Mountain Manor.”
—“Since Brother Huo can see the ‘Dragon and Tiger List,’ the relationship between Linglong Mountain Manor and the Tang Clan must be quite deep. Moreover, you appeared at the scene of the treasure robbery, which would certainly make him suspect that you also intended to lay your hands on something that Xingyun Manor was determined to obtain.”
—“Since today, whether he kills you or not, he will have a grudge against Linglong Mountain Manor. It would be better to kill you first so that when he battles Linglong Mountain Manor in the future, he won’t have to expend extra effort. Therefore, he must kill you.”
A strange expression slowly emerged in Huo Xiaodi’s large eyes. He remained silent for a long time before saying, “So you secretly used Ge Yunfei’s right spear to kill Mu Xiuquan to scare off Jiao Chaogui, preventing him from seeking trouble with me after Mu Xiuquan’s death, right?”
—“I’ve only heard that human hearts can be more malicious than snakes and scorpions, and today I’ve encountered it.”
—“But how did you guess all this? Are you a worm in his stomach?”
As he spoke, a smile spread across his face, as if he found the situation amusing. All his previous displeasure had vanished.
Zhan Rifei gently shook his head. A sudden sense of desolation appeared in his eyes.
—“I may not have seen him, but I recognize his sword. After spending a long time in the martial world, one becomes accustomed to such things.”
—“Brother Huo, Jiao Chaogui’s Xingyun Manor is quite formidable. If he hadn’t been overly arrogant tonight, only bringing Mu Xiuquan with him, and had not lost his left and right arms, he would not have retreated so easily. His flustered departure was likely an act.”
—“Xingyun Manor is filled with experts, and with Ma Chaoxian as a backing in the court, this matter will certainly not end quietly. So, Brother Huo, your troubles are likely just beginning. Please be extra cautious when navigating the martial world in the future.”
Huo Xiaodi was taken aback. “What a cunning old fox!” He pouted, “He has a backing in the court; what’s so impressive about that? Don’t I have one?”
His round face was filled with defiance. “Who is Ma Chaoxian? How can his backing in Xingyun Manor compare to mine?”
(Part Four)
Zhan Rifei said, “Ma Chaoxian oversees the Fourth Value Treasury. Although it is an internal position, he is the backing of both the Bawang Manor in Hangzhou and the Dongting Xingyun Manor. His influence can be seen in this. If Brother Huo had not offended the Prince of Xiangyang, there might have been a chance for a turnaround, but—”
Huo Xiaodi had already interrupted him, smiling as he said, “You can rest assured, my backing is not from Linglong Manor. Please do not confuse the two.”
“Since that is the case, I must have been overly concerned,” Zhan Rifei slowly stood up from his chair. “Brother Huo, now that the soldiers have withdrawn, we shall part ways here. Until we meet again.”
Huo Xiaodi hurriedly asked, “What? You’re leaving?”
Zhan Rifei replied, “I have urgent matters to attend to and cannot impose on Brother Huo any longer. Since we must part eventually, it is better to do so now. However, although we have only met by chance, I have something to say. I wonder if Brother Huo would take offense?”
Huo Xiaodi chuckled, “Then please, go ahead. If it’s something inappropriate, I wouldn’t listen, would I?”
Zhan Rifei felt increasingly that this young man was quite peculiar. He was intelligent but seemed to lack understanding of human affairs; he was naive and proud yet oblivious to the dangers of the world. It was indeed remarkable that he and his ostentatious dog had navigated the Jianghu so far without encountering any misfortune.
With a slight smile, he said, “Brother Huo, the boy from Xingyun Manor is the only survivor of this incident. Regardless of who he is, both the Tang Sect and Xingyun Manor will suspect that you took that item, and they will undoubtedly go to great lengths to force him to reveal where it is hidden. Xingyun Manor is aware that the Duke of Xiangyang has already formed a marriage alliance with Linglong Manor, yet they still dared to act against you, which indicates that this item must be extremely valuable. Brother Huo, you must be very careful.”
Huo Xiaodi’s eyes darted around, driven by curiosity, still contemplating the item. However, he could not bring himself to voice this thought to Zhan Rifei.
He asked, “Don’t you want to know what that item is that has caused the conflict between Xingyun Manor and the Tang Sect?”
This innocent question made Zhan Rifei unable to suppress a bitter smile. “Sometimes, I would rather know less.”
Upon hearing this, Huo Xiaodi couldn’t help but scrutinize him from head to toe, saying, “You are quite interesting. While others are trying every means to find out, you show no interest. Yet, it seems you know a lot about the court and the Jianghu. Among the people I’ve met on this journey, you are the only one who hasn’t advised me to return to Linglong Manor to avoid trouble.”
He pretended to sigh dramatically, “If I had known this earlier, I wish I had met you sooner.”
Zhan Rifei smiled wryly, “You flatter me. I fear that meeting me today may bring trouble to you in the future. —Brother Huo, the reason I did not advise you to return to Linglong Manor is that I boldly speculate you may not be able to return there any more. Am I correct?”
Huo Xiaodi was taken aback and involuntarily took a step back. “How do you know?” The moment he spoke, he realized he had inadvertently confirmed Zhan Rifei’s speculation.
Zhan Rifei slowly replied, “Old Master Huo is a man of great authority. Since he has already agreed to the marriage with the Prince of Xiangyang, how could he allow his subordinates to cause trouble at the Prince’s residence?”
“The ‘Yin-Yang Hound’ is the treasure of Xingyun Manor, a legendary weapon. Even the young master, Huo Feng, who has roamed the Jianghu for over a decade, has never used it. When Grand Master Pang sought to see the sword, he was politely refused. Now, this sword is in your possession.”
“With such a powerful weapon in your hands, given Old Master Huo’s meticulous nature and his fondness for this sword, how could he not send someone to accompany and protect you? Yet, you are alone. Thus, I venture to guess that when you left the manor with the sword, Old Master Huo was likely unaware.”
After a long silence, Huo Xiaodi finally sighed, “You are only a few years older than me, yet your insight and foresight surpass mine by many times.” There was a hint of envy in his voice, acknowledging that Zhan Rifei’s deduction was likely correct.
Zhan Rifei said apologetically, “I truly did not mean to pry into your family matters. I have only met you by chance, and I greatly admire your character and martial skills. If I have offended you in our conversation, I hope you will forgive me.”
Huo Xiaodi replied, “I naturally do not take offense. If I did, I wouldn’t still be here talking to you.” Hesitating, he finally couldn’t help but shift to the topic he most wanted to discuss. “But Brother Zhan, now that the main road is blocked and the pursuers are closing in, it seems this trouble is far from over. What do you plan to do to break through the encirclement?”
Zhan Rifei did not answer, merely twitching the corner of his mouth.
In a daze, Huo Xiaodi seemed to catch a glimpse of a faint, indifferent smile flickering at the corner of his pale lips. In the blink of an eye, he thought he must have seen wrong in the darkness. However, Zhan Rifei’s calm demeanor suddenly gave Huo Xiaodi an inexplicable sense of confidence.
“He must have a good plan to escape.” Thinking this, he quickly offered a playful smile and continued, “I am also in a desperate situation right now, and I’ve racked my brain trying to find a way out. If you have any brilliant ideas, could you share one or two with me?”
Zhan Rifei smiled and said, “I have no brilliant plans. I simply have urgent matters to attend to in the capital, so I must take a shortcut and force my way through.”
His voice remained calm and resolute as if the perilous dragon’s den or the sunny main road were the same in his eyes.
Huo Xiaodi’s eyes lit up, smiling brightly, “You’re going to Dong Jing? That’s perfect; I’m going to Dong Jing as well. —Brother Zhan, why don’t we travel together?”
This suggestion took Zhan Rifei by surprise, and he paused, “Brother Huo is also going to Dong Jing?”
Huo Xiaodi replied, “Indeed, my purpose for this trip is to find someone in Dong Jing.”
“May I ask who you are looking for in Dong Jing?”
Huo Xiaodi grinned proudly, “Naturally, I am looking for my backing. As you said, I have already made so many enemies and cannot return to Linglong Manor, so I must hurry to find my backing.”
As he spoke, his face flushed slightly, and his voice lowered. Fortunately, it was dark, and the other party could hardly see.
When he raised his head, he found Zhan Rifei looking at him with a somewhat strange expression.
For some reason, under Zhan Rifei’s clear and calm gaze, Huo Xiaodi felt a bit guilty. —Could it be that he has already guessed who my backing is?
“Since that is the case, Brother Huo should set off as soon as possible. Meeting you today is a stroke of luck for me. If we have the chance to meet again in the future, I hope it will not be under the bed again.”
Huo Xiaodi was somewhat surprised, looking at him. “You… you don’t want to travel together with me?”
Zhan Rifei slowly shook his head, and for a moment, Huo Xiaodi still couldn’t believe it was true.
“Why not?”
—He had never been refused since he was young at Linglong Manor. Others always sought him out, but he had never turned anyone away.
—He felt he owed Zhan Rifei a favor and kindly offered to help, yet he didn’t expect the other party to seem indifferent to his goodwill.
—He still understood too little about the trials of the Jianghu.
Zhan Rifei slowly said, “If we act separately, our chances of success will naturally be greater.”
“Didn’t you say my skills are good? If we go together, we can assist each other along the way. Two of us should be able to handle Xiao Shao more easily.”
Zhan Rifei remained silent, still shaking his head.
—“It’s not just Xiao Shao; there will be others. Brother Huo, we should act separately.”
—“Your lightness skill is exceptional; you will surely escape easily, but you must be cautious along the way.”
Huo Xiaodi’s face began to show disappointment.
In truth, everything Zhan Rifei said was not without reason and was indeed for his consideration. Zhan Rifei not traveling with him was not a big deal. If it were someone else, Huo Xiaodi would likely just laugh it off.
He was not a narrow-minded or calculating person.
But tonight seemed different.
After losing San’er, he had felt fear, anger, sadness, and doubt, but now, for some reason, he felt a sense of loss for the first time. It was as if a surge of spirit had suddenly rushed to his head.
His face suddenly flushed red.
“Indeed, there are naturally others. I have not only offended Xiao Shao! You know the trouble I’ve caused this time is quite significant, and you’re worried I might implicate you, aren’t you?”
“You just said my skills are good; were you lying to me? You look down on the people of Linglong Manor, don’t you?”
Zhan Rifei remained silent.
In Huo Xiaodi’s view, silence sometimes meant acquiescence.
He stomped his foot in frustration.
“Fine, why should I beg anyone? Do you think I can’t go to Dong Jing without you? I will repay you for this favor sooner or later.”
Saying this, he cupped his hands and dashed out of the room.
Zhan Rifei watched his disappointed figure disappear into the rainy night, his pale face appearing even more haggard in the darkness. He coughed softly a few times, feeling a twinge of regret. After a long silence, a low voice emerged from the darkness.
“I’m truly sorry.”
“But I really cannot implicate you.”
However, Huo Xiaodi naturally could no longer hear his words.
(Part Five)
As dawn broke, the heavy rain finally ceased, but the wind continued to rage.
Old Meng, the head constable of Qingshui County, felt as if he had encountered a string of bad luck lately; even drinking cold water seemed to get stuck in his teeth. It seemed he should seek out the blind man Cui in the southern part of the city to complain about his recent misfortunes.
A few days ago, the Prince of Xiangyang’s residence had been clamoring to capture a wanted criminal, yet they refused to disclose the criminal’s name or the nature of the offense. This stirred not only the guards of the prince’s residence but also the peculiar figures from the renowned Jinshitang, who were all mobilized. Then, the official troops searching only relied on sketches, following the images to find the person, but they did not adhere to the usual protocols, openly issuing capture orders and publicly drawing portraits to apprehend individuals.
Old Meng had been in the public service for over thirty years and had served as the head constable of Qingshui County for more than twenty. He had seen all kinds of people. Although he did not recognize the person in the sketch, he could tell that the individual did not resemble a fierce and menacing figure. A young person could cause such a commotion at the esteemed Prince of Xiangyang’s residence, yet it seemed there was something clandestine about the way they were trying to capture him. Did this young man hold some leverage over the prince? After all, the Prince of Xiangyang was the emperor’s uncle and had always been the local sovereign of Xiangyang. Who was this young man, and how could he have the audacity to provoke the prince’s residence?
As dawn approached, while it was still pouring rain outside, he was dragged from the bed of the courtesan Xiao Fengxian in the eastern alley of the county town. The intruder held an edict from the Prince of Xiangyang’s residence, stating that he was to bring a murder suspect from the Xiaolangtou Mountain Inn to the county town, and once the weather cleared, he and Captain Feng would escort the suspect directly to the prince’s residence.
After taking two constables with him, drenched like drowned rats, they hurried to the Xiaolangtou Mountain Inn, which was over twenty miles away, only to find that the prince’s men had already left. All that remained were Captain Feng and three guards, shouting and bustling about, along with a frail, freckled boy who turned out to be mute.
Captain Feng, filled with frustration, naturally took it out on him and the already unfortunate innkeeper, Cai. It made him feel as if all the misfortunes in the world had converged upon him, like the lice in the Qingshui County jail.
After Captain Feng finished his drink, burping with a greasy face, he pointed to the mute boy, and Old Meng could hardly believe his eyes and ears.
The mute boy was dressed in tattered, thin clothes, covered in mud. If he had seen him on the streets of Qingshui County, he would have likely kicked him aside, thinking he was a beggar. Moreover, the boy had no martial skills and had an injury on his arm; anyone could easily knock him down with a single finger. How could he possibly be the suspect in the murder of over a dozen people that had occurred at the Xiaolangtou Mountain Inn last night?
Upon closer inspection, the boy’s eyes struck him as peculiar. They held both fear and a certain indifference. A twelve or thirteen-year-old child could possess such a gaze; Old Meng couldn’t help but blink his already bloodshot, rooster-like eyes, pondering the situation.
Then, after Captain Feng had gathered his spirits, he picked at his yellowed teeth while mounting his steed, leaving the inn with the plump, sorrowful-faced innkeeper, Cai, bowing and scraping in farewell.
Old Meng suddenly realized that not bringing his horse was a grave mistake. The mountain paths were rugged. Although the rain had just stopped, the cold wind had hardened the surface mud into a thin crust, and stepping on it often caused one’s boots to sink into the muck.
The road became increasingly muddy. The three men from Qingshui County had been traveling all night and were already exhausted. Hearing that they were to escort this sickly-looking mute boy only added to their woes.
With only two legs, they could not run as fast as a horse with four legs, especially not against the high-stepping steeds of the Prince of Xiangyang. Now, among these two-legged travelers, they had to add a pair of delicate little legs.
After dragging along for three hours, they had barely covered ten miles. Captain Feng was already impatient, his curses growing louder.
As they trudged along the muddy mountain path, stepping deep and shallow, chilled to the bone by the mountain wind, listening to Captain Feng’s raucous shouts, and thinking of the warm bed of Xiao Fengxian, her fair round face, and her soft, sweet words, Old Meng felt utterly miserable.
So when they turned a bend in the mountain and suddenly saw two figures blocking the road ahead, Old Meng’s anger found an outlet.
“Are you blind? Can’t you see the officials are handling a case? Get out of the way!”
However, despite his loud voice, the two figures in the middle of the road seemed not to have heard him. They stood there, unmoving.
Two people dressed in blue.
Their faces were weathered as if they had traveled a long distance. Yet their light blue garments were remarkably clean, not a speck of mud on them. Their demeanor was calm.
Old Meng then noticed that one of them was a woman.
A very beautiful woman.
Immediately, all the officials’ eyes lit up as if they had seen a piece of rotten meat.
The woman wore a loose, light blue robe, casually tied with a colorful silk ribbon at her waist. Her long, black hair was also loosely tied with the same ribbon.
Her eyes sparkled gently, exuding a charm that captivated everyone; each man felt as if she was looking directly at him, causing them to feel weak in the knees.
—It was as if, when she looked at you, she was gazing at the most handsome and considerate man in the world.
Every smile and frown of hers firmly captured everyone’s attention; no one even noticed whether the other person was tall or short, ugly or handsome.
Old Meng finally swallowed hard and stammered, “Miss, you’re blocking the road. May I ask what you need?”
The woman giggled softly, lowering her head.
On the collar of her robe, a small crescent moon was embroidered.
Her collar was turned up like a dove’s wing, revealing skin as smooth as jade, delicate and tender.
Her neck was bare, and even under the overcast afternoon sky, it radiated a primal, seductive allure.
“I simply wish to ask you gentlemen for a favor, and I wonder if you would be willing to grant me this request.”
Her voice was still incredibly enchanting, flowing like a melody that seeped into one’s bones.
Old Meng felt a surge of desire rush to his head, while Captain Feng’s drool had unconsciously begun to flow. This time, it was he who rushed to ask, “What is it, Miss? What do you need our help with?”
“I only wish to ask you gentlemen for something, and I don’t know if you would be willing to part with it.”
Captain Feng pounded his chest and said in one breath, “Of course! We are more than willing. You may speak freely. There is nothing in this world that the Prince of Xiangyang’s residence cannot provide.”
The woman raised her head, revealing a smile that showed her teeth, and with a flick of her eyes, Captain Feng’s soul seemed to fly away.
—“But I only want your heads.”
The word “heads” was pronounced with a sharp tone.
Old Meng suddenly realized that his left eye was staring at his right eye.
He was about to say, “This is truly bizarre,” when he discovered that his lips had already turned into a grimace.
As he realized he had been split in half, he was still thinking that all the misfortunes of his life had converged on this one day.
Then came the splatter of blood.
As Captain Feng’s head flew away, he still had time to see the six corpses lying on the ground, his half-body still seated on the horse, and beneath the dark clouds, a hand delicately wiping the blade with a white silk handkerchief.
He could still hear that voice, still enchanting and charming.
“Your heart is always harsher than mine.”
“All I wanted were their heads.”
Carefully wiping the blade with the white silk handkerchief, the hand then casually tossed the handkerchief onto the ground.
The knife was sheathed. A round scabbard.
The mud on the mountain road quickly soaked the handkerchief, turning it black. Then, the smell of blood began to spread in this narrow space.
“All you wanted were their heads. What I want is for them to be reborn and not dare to come near me again. Not even in their dreams should they dare to dream of my face!”
For this reason, cruelty, in his view, was the most normal means.
The wind continued to howl. The man in blue’s robe fluttered.
The pale sun was quietly moving westward.
The man in blue had his hands clasped behind his back.
In his cold expression, there was something distinctly different.
His eyes.
Those eyes resembled the eyes of a dead person, devoid of any human emotion. When they looked at you, it was as if they were gazing at a corpse.
But this time, he was looking at the boy still standing among the corpses. The boy’s eyes surprisingly moved slightly.
The boy trembled slightly. It was unclear whether it was from the biting cold of the wind or the loneliness in the gaze of the man in blue.
The woman in blue let out a gentle sigh.
Her enchanting voice echoed again.
—“You made us search hard for you.”
—“If we had been a few days later, it would have delayed Grandmother’s important matter.”
—“If Grandmother gets angry this time, no one will be able to save you.”
The pale sunlight now illuminated the boy’s freckled face.
His face began to twitch.
(Part Six)
Huo Xiaodi was dreaming. A sweet dream.
He dreamed that he was comfortably bathing in a wooden tub filled with flower petals. The faint fragrance of flowers, the warm bathwater, and the soft, gentle whispers of the maidservants made him feel drowsy, reluctant to wake up.
Then, it seemed a mosquito flew in, buzzing and disturbing him, so he slapped at it with a “smack.”
He heard the sound of “smack, smack” and found it quite strange: where did all these mosquitoes come from?
This sudden realization jolted him awake, and he understood that it had all been a fleeting dream.
Looking up at the sun, he was surprised to see it had already moved westward. Although the rain had long stopped, the wind continued to howl, and dark clouds still loomed overhead.
Then he heard the sound of “smack, smack” again, carried intermittently by the wind.
At the foot of the hill was a small grass pavilion, hidden beneath an earthen mound. Unless one stood on the mound, the pavilion was hard to spot.
Huo Xiaodi’s head quietly peeked out from behind the earthen mound.
In the distance, at the edge of the woods, stood three people. Among them was the boy he had been searching for.
However, standing beside him were two adults.
Two individuals dressed in light blue robes.
One was a tall man with eyes that resembled those of a dead person.
The other was a woman.
A woman whose collar was embroidered with a crescent moon, yet she was enchanting and smooth as water.
—Huo Xiaodi despised encountering such women the most.
The man in blue said nothing; suddenly, he struck out, delivering a series of slaps that left the boy’s cheeks swollen and blood trickling from the corner of his mouth.
The boy seemed frozen in fear, either too scared to move or unable to evade the man’s overwhelming power.
The woman in blue remained irresistibly charming, but only after the man stopped did she sweetly say, “If it weren’t for that Su fellow, we wouldn’t have known that the things we are interested in could even provoke the people from Xingyun Manor and the Tang Sect.”
She glanced back at the man in blue and continued, “It seems that Han Shui Palace has been out of the Jianghu for too long and is about to be bullied.”
Then, with a sly smile, she looked at the boy and asked, “What do you think? Have you told them the secret you know?”
The boy instinctively shook his head.
“I know you can’t speak to them, but if you want to tell them, you will find a way, won’t you?”
The boy continued to shake his head.
“Really nothing?”
Despair was evident on the boy’s face as he desperately shook his head, unsure how to make her believe him.
“That’s right. This secret can only be known by those from Han Shui Palace.”
The woman in blue said lazily, not revealing whether she truly believed him.
She lowered her head, giggling softly, her jade-like fingers gently brushing against the boy’s already red and swollen cheek.
“Little children can be naughty and run around. Grandmother doesn’t like disobedient children. So when we came out, Grandmother instructed us to remind you not to forget to take your medicine before we ask you anything. Grandmother said that only children who take their medicine will truly be obedient.”
Although the cold wind carried her words, and her voice remained soft as water, Huo Xiaodi, hiding behind the earthen mound, couldn’t help but shiver.
As she spoke, she took out a soft pouch and a jade bowl from the bundle on her back.
The boy stood frozen, his eyes filled with fear and pleading. His legs felt as if they were no longer his own; he didn’t even dare to run.
He watched as the woman poured a green liquid from the soft pouch into the bowl. The liquid writhed and moved as if it were alive.
The boy’s face turned as pale as a corpse.
Tears suddenly streamed from his eyes.
The woman in blue handed him the jade bowl, her voice still gentle, “If you don’t obediently drink your medicine, you might make Grandmother angry. You don’t want to make Grandmother angry, do you?”
The jade bowl trembled slightly, revealing that the boy’s hands were shaking.
The writhing green liquid reflected the trembling of the boy’s lips.
The woman in blue sneered, “Why aren’t you drinking? This medicine is just a bit stronger today; when the poison kicks in, it will just hurt a little more. But you surely don’t want to make Grandmother angry, do you? She might come up with more ways to make you wish you were dead.”
The boy’s tears flowed faster, and his hands shook even more violently, yet he still didn’t dare to spill the contents of the jade bowl.
The man in blue stood silently to the side, his cold eyes watching the boy, yet it seemed he had never truly seen him.
Perhaps, to him, this frail child had never existed.
Huo Xiaodi could no longer hold back.
He had vaguely heard the people from Linglong Manor talk about the stories of Han Shui Palace.
He remembered the serious expressions on their faces and the fear that could not be concealed in their eyes when they mentioned that name.
But he didn’t understand.
—How could a place as renowned as Han Shui Palace resort to forcing a boy to drink poison to extract information about something?
Knowing full well that he could not afford to provoke new enemies at this moment, knowing that the pursuers from the Prince of Xiangyang were nearby, he still could not bear to watch these two figures in blue bully a defenseless child.
Or perhaps he no longer cared.
—What if he provoked them?
—Didn’t he already have enough trouble?
When there are more lice, it doesn’t itch; when there are more debts, one doesn’t fear.
His hand had already reached into his bosom.
His fingers grasped the blood-red hilt of the “Yin-Yang Hound.”
The dark blade of the “Yin-Yang Hound” warmed under his body heat, as if it were a devil eager to drink hot blood.
He took a deep breath.
He drew his sword!
But his sword did not come out.
A strong hand gently pressed down on his arm.
He was startled.
The unparalleled lightness skill of Linglong Manor was such that a falling leaf could be sensed from a thousand miles away.
Although he focused intently, using “Listening to the Flowers in the Night” to hear the words of the woman in blue, nothing within a hundred feet—the grass, the trees, the slightest movement—could escape his notice.
Who could approach him so closely without him realizing it?
He turned sharply, and in the setting sun, he saw Zhan Rifei’s handsome yet pale face, along with his calm and serene smile.