A night with strong winds.

Within the heavily guarded Tang Family Fortress.

A figure in purple robes quietly landed in an empty courtyard – it was Mu Yumu.

She exhaled softly, whispering: “They say the Tang Family Fortress is a dragon’s pool and tiger’s den, but entering doesn’t seem so difficult.” As soon as she finished speaking, a vermillion arrow flew past. Mu Yumu dodged sideways as the arrow grazed her brow before embedding itself in a nearby tree.

“Who dares intrude upon Tang Clan’s forbidden grounds!” a young voice called out.

Mu Yumu looked up to see a teenage boy standing there, holding a transparent weapon and frowning at her. Mu Yumu smiled gracefully: “Oh, just a young lad.”

The boy leaped forward, his finger blade striking at Mu Yumu. She dodged sideways and lightly tapped the blade, sending it flying. The boy hurriedly chased after it, catching it after a few steps.

“Your reflexes are quite good.” A coy voice whispered in the boy’s ear. He was startled, but his shoulder was already in someone’s grip. “Don’t move. Otherwise, big sister won’t be so gentle.”

The boy froze, asking sternly: “Who are you?”

“That finger blade of yours is impressive. It looks familiar – who taught you?” Mu Yumu asked softly.

The boy frowned slightly: “Why do you ask?”

Mu Yumu’s finger curved up, a spider landing on her fingertip. The boy glanced at it and nervously swallowed: “Are you threatening me?”

Mu Yumu shook her head gently: “Actually, I’ve already guessed – you’re Tang Lianyue’s disciple, aren’t you?”

The boy was startled: “How did you know?”

Mu Yumu sighed lightly: “Like master, like a disciple – too simple. One little probe and you revealed everything.”

The boy clenched his fists: “You tricked me?”

“You asked me a question earlier, didn’t you?” Mu Yumu suddenly said.

The boy froze: “What question?”

Mu Yumu repeated with a smile: “You asked who I am?”

The boy looked confused: “So what?”

“I can answer you now.” Mu Yumu leaned close to his ear, smiling as she said, “I’m your future master’s wife.”

“What!” The boy broke free from Mu Yumu’s grip in shock. He looked up, carefully examining her. Even in the darkness, he could tell she was strikingly beautiful.

“Shh!” Mu Yumu placed a finger to her lips in a silencing gesture. “Don’t alert the others. Don’t worry, I’m not a bad person.”

The boy was bewildered. Mu Yumu didn’t seem like a bad person, and her tone didn’t sound like she was lying. But his master – could he have someone he liked? It seemed far-fetched. Then again, if someone like his master did have someone he liked, he probably wouldn’t tell anyone, so it made sense that he wouldn’t know.

“Little disciple, what’s your name?” Mu Yumu asked directly, her tone already showing familiarity.

“I’m Tang Lian, the ‘Lian’ from lotus flower,” the boy replied.

“A good name. Your master is Tang Lianyue, and you’re Tang Lian.” Mu Yumu smiled. “Take me to see him. Where is he?” Her tone was completely natural as if this was the most reasonable request.

“Wait… wait…” Tang Lian’s mind was spinning. “What proof do you have that you’re the woman my master likes!”

“You need proof?” Mu Yumu leaped toward Tang Lian, who hurriedly raised his finger blade to block. A clear “clang” rang out as the weapons collided. Tang Lian stared in shock: “This… this is Master’s finger blade!”

“Familiar, isn’t it? Your master gave it to me,” Mu Yumu withdrew her weapon. “He said it would be our token of love. Surely you don’t think a weak woman like me could steal your master’s weapon?”

The finger blade wasn’t given to Mu Yumu by Tang Lianyue – she had secretly stolen it during the time he cared for her. But Tang Lianyue never tried to retrieve it afterward. With his abilities, how could he not know Mu Yumu had stolen it? So Mu Yumu believed this was his tacit approval, and she decided it was their token of love.

Because Mu Yumu believed it so deeply, she spoke with such sincerity that Tang Lian truly believed her.

“Alright. But Master is in seclusion recently,” Tang Lian answered. “Even I haven’t seen him for a long time.”

“Seclusion?” Mu Yumu frowned slightly.

“Yes. Master entered Lianyue Pavilion to practice in seclusion and hasn’t come out,” Tang Lian pointed to a small tower nearby. “It’s over there.”

“He’s in seclusion because he doesn’t know I’m here. Once I see him, won’t he come out?” Mu Yumu stepped forward.

“Three inner chamber instructors guard Lianyue Pavilion. You won’t get through. They enforce rules strictly and won’t care about your relationship with Master. I’ve been refused several times when I requested to see him,” Tang Lian shook his head.

“I see.” Mu Yumu stroked her chin.

“Who’s there!” A stern voice called from afar.

Tang Lian turned: “It’s Uncle Qisha.”

Mu Yumu whispered: “Quick, strike me!”

Tang Lian hesitated only briefly before striking at Mu Yumu.

“Simple when needed, clever when required – truly a good disciple.” Mu Yumu received Tang Lian’s strike and deliberately retreated five steps.

Tang Qisha landed beside Tang Lian, asking sternly: “Tang Lian, who is this person!”

“I’m here to raid the Tang Clan – why would I reveal my identity? How amusing.” Mu Yumu leaped onto the courtyard wall. “Don’t worry, we’ll meet again soon.” With that, she spun around and vanished.

“After her!” Tang Qisha waved his hand, and several dark figures immediately pursued. He then turned to Tang Lian: “What did this woman say to you?”

Tang Lian shook his head: “I asked her identity, but she wouldn’t answer. Then we fought. Her martial arts are formidable – if Uncle Qisha hadn’t arrived in time, I wouldn’t have been her match.”

“What’s frightening isn’t her martial arts, but that she could infiltrate the Tang Clan. This shows she’s highly skilled in assassination!” Tang Qisha said gravely. “It seems Brocade City isn’t so peaceful anymore.”