The Sickly Scholar was sent flying into the opposite chair by the sudden strike, immediately coughing up blood – clearly severely injured. However, everyone present understood that Mo Xiu Yao had held back significantly. Otherwise, given Mo Xiu Yao’s power from years ago when one palm strike had crippled half of the Sickly Scholar’s martial arts and nearly shattered his meridians, this strike would have left the Sickly Scholar with no chance of drawing another breath. Mo Xiu Yao stepped into the flower hall with a murderous aura, his gaze fixed on the Sickly Scholar-like ice.
While Mo Xiu Yao radiated killing intent toward the Sickly Scholar, the latter showed no gratitude for the mercy shown. He struggled to his feet and glared at Mo Xiu Yao with bloodshot eyes, his gaze so venomous it seemed he wanted to tear the man before him to pieces. Though Ye Li couldn’t understand it, she had to acknowledge that there were people in this world who, even if you offended them only slightly by accident, would hate you enough to want to destroy your entire family. The Sickly Scholar was such a person. Thinking of this, Ye Li couldn’t help but furrow her brow slightly. Only the Sickly Scholar knew the complete formula for the Azure Falling Flower. If he truly preferred mutual destruction to Mo Xiu Yao’s survival, this situation would be quite difficult to resolve.
Mo Xiu Yao sat down beside Ye Li. Seeing her furrowed brow in deep thought, he reached out to lift her chin toward him. One hand lightly touched her willow-leaf-like eyebrows as he said softly, “Don’t worry.” Knowing Mo Xiu Yao didn’t want her to worry, Ye Li smiled slightly and nodded. The intimacy and deep affection between the two deeply pained the Sickly Scholar’s eyes. He gave a cold laugh and said in a shrill voice, “Mo Xiu Yao, your body won’t last more than a few months, right? Haha… This young master thinks it would be better to let your woman worry more… *cough cough*… lest when you die, their lives as widow and orphan become difficult…”
“Third Brother, silence!” Before Mo Xiu Yao could react in anger, a commanding voice rang out as someone strode in from the doorway with dragon-like steps and a tiger-like presence. It was the Great Master of the King of Hell Pavilion, Ling Tie Han, one of the four great masters of the world, whom Ye Li had briefly met in the Southern Borderlands.
Though the Sickly Scholar was proud and unruly, he deeply respected this sworn brother. Had anyone else commanded him to be silent, they would likely have received a handful of poison powder in response. But because it was Ling Tie Han, though the Sickly Scholar’s expression darkened, he obediently swallowed his words. Ling Tie Han first nodded to Mo Xiu Yao and Ye Li before walking to the Sickly Scholar’s side to check his pulse. Finding the injury wasn’t severe, he sighed in relief and bowed to Mo Xiu Yao, saying, “Thank you, Prince Ding, for showing mercy.”
Sitting beside Mo Xiu Yao, Ye Li carefully observed this world-renowned Master of the King of Hell Pavilion. During their last brief encounter in the Southern Borderlands, circumstances had been urgent and they had barely exchanged two sentences, with no time to observe each other.
Ling Tie Han was only thirty-five or thirty-six years old, but due to his refined internal martial arts, he appeared not yet thirty. However, his steady demeanor and the casual display of heroic spirit in his movements made it clear he was indeed a mature middle-aged man. By now, Ye Li could say she had met all four of the world’s greatest masters. The eldest, the King of the Southern Garrison, need not be mentioned – in Ye Li’s view, he seemed more a politician and general than a peerless martial artist. Perhaps it was precisely because of this mindset that the King of the Southern Garrison’s martial arts cultivation had remained stagnant for years. This explained how, despite being nearly a generation older than Mo Xiu Yao and the others, he was considered their peer.
As for another master, Mu Qing Cang, he appeared to be about the same age as Ling Tie Han but had been trained to be more like a silent killing machine, hidden in unseen darkness year after year, consuming his life force. Thus, even though Mu Qing Cang might not be older than Ling Tie Han, he appeared particularly pale and weak. If the two stood together, it would be hard to believe they had once been equally spirited and proud figures in the martial world. Among the four great masters, naturally, Mo Xiu Yao was the one Ye Li knew best. Even now she couldn’t gauge exactly how powerful his martial arts were, but his reputation as a heaven-blessed genius was undeniable. Mo Xiu Yao’s elder brother Mo Xiu Wen was, true to his name, a scholarly general. Though Mo Liu Fang had once cultivated both civil and martial arts, he had only reached the level of an average master – his ability to defeat the King of the Southern Garrison without giving him a chance to fight back relied on strategy rather than direct combat. Ye Li even suspected the King’s high martial arts level might have been specifically developed in preparation for assassinating Mo Liu Fang. But Mo Xiu Yao was an exception – he had earned his place among the four great masters at only fourteen years old. Though ranked last, everyone in the world understood he was just beginning. Compared to the King of the Southern Garrison at his peak, and Ling Tie Han and Mu Qing Cang who were about to enter their prime, Mo Xiu Yao couldn’t even be said to have truly started. Such heaven-blessed talent – it was said Ling Tie Han had once publicly declared that within seven years at most, Mo Xiu Yao would be unmatched in the world. Unfortunately, fate is unpredictable, and after age eighteen, Mo Xiu Yao’s life begins to strangely tilt and sink into silence.
After comparing the four great masters one by one, Ye Li felt Ling Tie Han most embodied what people truly imagined a peerless master to be. Steady, heroic, and measured in his actions – he seemed more like the righteous leader of the martial arts alliance than the murderous head of the King of Hell Pavilion’s assassins.
“Third Brother is unwell. Might we first have someone find a physician to examine him?” Ling Tie Han glanced at his sworn brother who, though darkly proud and unruly, couldn’t speak due to his presence. Feeling this wasn’t a good place for conversation, he asked Mo Xiu Yao. Mo Xiu Yao looked down questioningly at Ye Li – since she had invited the person, naturally the decision was hers. Ye Li smiled and said, “Of course. Prince Ding’s manor has two divine physicians. If Master Ling doesn’t mind, we can send the Third Master there.” Ling Tie Han expressed his thanks and called out. Immediately two young men entered to await orders. Ling Tie Han said, “Take Third Master to see the physician. If you let him escape, you know what awaits you!” The two young men’s expressions grew solemn – they well understood their master’s meaning. The King of Hell Pavilion’s punishments were not for show.
Just as the two were about to step forward to escort the Sickly Scholar away, his eyes flashed and he said coldly, “Get lost!”
“Third Brother.” Ling Tie Han’s face darkened as he looked disapprovingly at the Sickly Scholar’s wax-yellow, somewhat pale face. The Sickly Scholar knew his sworn brother was truly angry, but having just been struck by Mo Xiu Yao and injured significantly, then being suppressed by Ling Tie Han and forbidden to speak, his heart was full of rage and frustration he couldn’t vent. Being naturally contrary, when pressed by Ling Tie Han, he disregarded even the eldest brother he had deeply respected since childhood. He gave a cold laugh and shouted at Ling Tie Han, “My life and death are none of your concern! Don’t you think I cause nothing but trouble? Wouldn’t it be cleaner if I died?” Hearing this, Ling Tie Han’s face darkened, but before he could react, a black shadow flashed in from outside. Before the figure could steady itself, there was a sharp crack as a heavy, fierce slap struck the Sickly Scholar’s face, instantly turning his previously arrogant glare at Ling Tie Han sideways.
“How dare you! Apologize to Elder Brother at once!” The newcomer’s voice was clear but somewhat cold, their black clothing wrapping a slender, graceful figure that appeared even more elegant. It was a woman in her twenties, beautiful but frost-faced. Ye Li’s brow furrowed slightly as she concluded the woman’s identity – the Second Master of the King of Hell Pavilion, Leng Liu Yue, known in her early years as the Jade Rakshasa.
Leng Liu Yue had been renowned in her early years for her lightness skills and hidden weapons. That she could enter the prince’s manor alone proved her lightness skills were indeed remarkable. She waved away the guards who had followed her pursuit. With a wave of her hand, she dismissed the guards who had followed her inside.
Being publicly slapped, the Sickly Scholar’s expression became a spectacular display of emotions. The flash of regret that had briefly crossed his face instantly vanished as he ground his teeth, refusing to look at Leng Liu Yue or apologize to Ling Tie Han. Ling Tie Han didn’t mind this, but seemed relieved at Leng Liu Yue’s arrival and said, “Liu Yue, take Third Brother to see the physician, and don’t let him run off.” Leng Liu Yue nodded, then turned to Mo Xiu Yao and Ye Li saying, “I acted hastily in the moment, please forgive me.” Ye Li smiled faintly and said, “Second Master’s lightness skills are exceptional. However, if Master visits again in the future, it would be better to use the main gate – the arrows of Prince Ding’s manor won’t always remain unloosed.” Leng Liu Yue started, looked at the smiling Ye Li, nodded, and said, “Thanks for the reminder.” Then she turned to the Sickly Scholar and said, “Come with me.”
Though the Sickly Scholar had an odd temperament, he held deep feelings for his two sworn siblings. Earlier he had confronted Ling Tie Han in a moment of anger, but now after being slapped, he had gradually calmed down. He cast a glance at Ye Li and Mo Xiu Yao, who were watching from the side, and silently followed Leng Liu Yue. Though Ye Li showed nothing on her face, she was quite angry with the Sickly Scholar. If not for the King of Hell Pavilion and Ling Tie Han behind him, Ye Li would truly have tortured him. Now seeing him so docile after being slapped, she felt extremely satisfied. She secretly cheered Leng Liu Yue’s slap: Well struck!
With the atmosphere-destroying Sickly Scholar gone, the mood in the flower hall immediately improved. Ling Tie Han somewhat apologetically clasped his hands to Ye Li and Mo Xiu Yao, saying, “Third Brother is ignorant of proper conduct. Please forgive his many offenses.”
“Master Ling need not mind. We’re keeping your brother alive not entirely for Master Ling’s sake,” Ye Li said with a smile. Ling Tie Han naturally understood Ye Li’s meaning – while the King of Hell Pavilion’s face had to be considered, the mighty Prince Ding’s manor absolutely would not fear the King of Hell Pavilion. Most important was the complete ancient formula for the Azure Falling Flower that the Sickly Scholar held. Ling Tie Han smiled somewhat helplessly and said, “To be honest, this one came to the Northwest also for this matter.” If the Sickly Scholar could learn that Prince Ding’s manor had obtained the Azure Falling Flower, naturally Ling Tie Han could as well. But Ling Tie Han was different from the Sickly Scholar – he didn’t hate Mo Xiu Yao, had no grudge or conflict of interest with him, and Mo Xiu Yao’s life or death had no impact on him. If Mo Xiu Yao truly died young, he might only sigh at heaven’s jealousy of talent. Since both sides needed the Azure Falling Flower to save lives – Prince Ding’s manor had the herb while the King of Hell Pavilion had the formula – why not each take a step back for a win-win outcome? Compared to his sworn brother’s life and health, his brother’s inexplicable hatred seemed even more worthless in Ling Tie Han’s eyes.
Ye Li raised an eyebrow and asked, “Does Master Ling also have that formula?” Ling Tie Han shook his head frankly and said seriously, “Princess may rest assured on this point – I will hand over the formula, as this concerns not only Prince Ding’s safety but also my Third Brother’s life. Setting aside other considerations, if Prince Ding truly dies, even if Third Brother doesn’t die from his illness, I fear Prince Ding’s manor won’t let him go.” Ye Li looked at him skeptically and smiled, “There’s only one Azure Falling Flower. Has Master Ling not considered what to do if there isn’t enough medicine?”
Ling Tie Han smiled and said, “This one doesn’t understand medicine and poison, but since Third Brother plans to use half the Azure Falling Flower for medicine and half for poison, presumably there will be enough. Moreover… this one doesn’t require the Azure Falling Flower, only hopes that Third Brother’s health can improve somewhat. He has suffered more than others since childhood, which is why his temperament is more peculiar than others. Since being injured, he has become even more withdrawn. It is all due to this elder brother’s inadequate guidance – I hope both of you can be understanding.” The Sickly Scholar’s problem was not as absolute as Mo Xiu Yao’s poisoning – his body’s condition was due to severe injury. Though the Azure Falling Flower was the best solution, it wasn’t necessarily the only way to save him. With Prince Ding’s manor’s capabilities, what medicinal herbs couldn’t they find, and what famous physician couldn’t they invite? Ling Tie Han had several times wanted to personally visit Prince Ding’s manor to request Shen Yang to examine and treat the Sickly Scholar, but was strongly opposed by the Sickly Scholar who even threatened to run away from home, so he could only give up the idea.
Ye Li naturally understood Ling Tie Han’s meaning and couldn’t help feeling more favorably toward this foremost assassin leader of the martial world. Regardless of what Ling Tie Han and the King of Hell Pavilion did, at least Ling Tie Han was genuinely good to the Sickly Scholar, a brother with no blood relation. Given the Sickly Scholar’s personality, he was not someone easy to like, so it was particularly admirable that Ling Tie Han could be so thoughtful of him. Moreover, with the Sickly Scholar’s temperament and ruthless methods, if not for Ling Tie Han’s restraining influence, he would likely have caused much trouble in the martial world over these years. Even though the King of Hell Pavilion was powerful, the martial world was full of hidden dragons and crouching tigers – who knew when the Sickly Scholar might provoke someone he couldn’t afford to offend?
“Master Ling is truly a good elder brother. Since that’s the case, perhaps Master Ling could stay in Li City with the Second and Third Masters for some time. As for the matter of the ancient formula, there’s no need to rush. It’s not that I don’t trust Master Ling, but this matter is too important – it would be better if Third Master willingly hands it over.” Ye Li nodded to Ling Tie Han as she spoke.
Ling Tie Han pondered for a moment before agreeing to Ye Li’s suggestion. He understood her concerns, given his Third Brother’s extreme temperament. Even with his intervention, his stubborn sworn brother might not come around and might choose death to achieve mutual destruction with Prince Ding. At that point, more than just Prince Ding and Third Brother’s lives would be lost – likely the lives of many in both Prince Ding’s manor and the King of Hell Pavilion would be forfeit. Ling Tie Han knew something of Mo Xiu Yao’s condition, and seeing Ye Li maintain such composure at this time, he couldn’t help but view her differently. “Then I’ll impose upon the Princess’s hospitality.”
Having discussed the Sickly Scholar’s situation and Ling Tie Han’s stay, Ye Li rose to leave the space to Mo Xiu Yao and Ling Tie Han for conversation, heading to Shen Yang’s courtyard. Though the Second Master of the King of Hell Pavilion had only made a brief appearance, Ye Li had suddenly developed a hint of curiosity and interest in this frost-like woman.
Only Mo Xiu Yao and Ling Tie Han remained in the flower hall, and a peaceful silence fell. Both men had extraordinary presences – Mo Xiu Yao carried more of the innate nobility and dominance of one born to a royal family, while Ling Tie Han showed more of the unrestrained heroic spirit of the martial world. In terms of appearance, Ling Tie Han was slightly inferior to Mo Xiu Yao, but his steady, heroic, yet unrestrained, and magnanimous personality made him more approachable than Mo Xiu Yao.
After quietly drinking tea for a while, Ling Tie Han raised his cup to Mo Xiu Yao in respect and smiled, “I’d long heard that Princess Ding was one of the most extraordinary women of our time. Though we’d met briefly in the Southern Borderlands, only today do I see her reputation is well-deserved. Your Highness has married a fine wife – truly blessed.”
Mo Xiu Yao accepted this straightforwardly, nodding, “A-Li is indeed a good wife. Master Ling, you surely didn’t come this time just for the Sickly Scholar? If so, there was no need. We had an agreement – as long as he didn’t truly anger me, I wouldn’t harm him.” Ling Tie Han looked at him with a questioning smile, “Yet earlier, I felt Your Highness wanted to end his life?” Mo Xiu Yao gave a light snort, “He wanted to harm A Li! I’ll spare his life. As for how much of it I spare, that’s up to him – even leaving just one breath counts as sparing a life.”
“We both know he couldn’t possibly harm Princess Ding. Setting aside the Princess’s skills, that guard standing behind her isn’t someone to be trifled with either. With my Third Brother being half-useless without his poisons, thinking he could harm Princess Ding is pure fantasy.” However, Ling Tie Han didn’t intend to dwell on this point – if someone wanted to vent anger on behalf of their beloved wife, and the King of Hell Pavilion was in the wrong, he couldn’t stop it. Otherwise, provoking Mo Xiu Yao would only make things worse for Third Brother. Sighing and pushing thoughts of his troublesome brother aside, Ling Tie Han said, “You asked why I came to Li City? The Pavilion recently received a business proposition.”
Mo Xiu Yao frowned, “Related to Prince Ding’s manor?”
Ling Tie Han nodded, “Indeed. Though the King of Hell Pavilion had long announced we wouldn’t accept business related to Prince Ding’s manor, this time they don’t want to assassinate anyone from the manor, and the price they offered is quite tempting.” Mo Xiu Yao raised an eyebrow, looking at him calmly. The King of Hell Pavilion dealt in killing – what else would anyone hire them for? For other matters, surely some could do better. Ling Tie Han smiled, “I’ve accepted it.”
Mo Xiu Yao looked at him steadily, forcing Ling Tie Han to sigh helplessly. Speaking seriously, he said, “You had that fight with Lei Zhen Ting some days ago, right? They want me to have a match with you as well. I suspect if they could find Mu Qing Cang, they’d want him to fight you too.”
“The reason?” Mo Xiu Yao asked.
Ling Tie Han shook his head, frowning, “I’ve pondered it these past days. In your fight with Lei Zhen Ting, probably neither of you used full power, hence both emerging unscathed. If you and I truly fought, it would likely end with both of us injured. However… after more than ten years, this one truly looks forward to crossing swords with Prince Ding again.” Over ten years ago, Ling Tie Han had been just a youth in his early twenties, at his most spirited time. Though the King of the Southern Garrison was famous, he was much older than them, and in all the world only Mu Qing Cang could be mentioned in the same breath. Who knew that Mo Xiu Yao, merely fourteen years old then, would emerge like a shooting star in white robes with one horse and one sword? That year’s martial arts tournament amazed countless people. Though Ling Tie Han hadn’t lost, winning by just one move – practically a draw – against a fourteen-year-old boy wasn’t particularly pleasant for him at the time. He and Mo Xiu Yao had agreed to determine a victor in five years, and he’d gone into seclusion at the King of Hell Pavilion, but who knew that when he emerged five years later, the first news he’d receive would be of his Third Brother foolishly causing trouble for Mo Xiu Yao, along with news of Mo Xiu Yao being severely injured and crippled. Ling Tie Han’s feelings then were even more complex and subtle than after their duel. It felt like spending five years preparing to finally defeat your enemy, only to be told your enemy had gotten themselves killed the day before.
“Do you want to fight?” Mo Xiu Yao asked.
Ling Tie Han smiled, “Why not? Unless your body hasn’t fully recovered? In that case, we can wait until after the Azure Falling Flower is refined. I just happened to forget to confirm the duel date with them.” He had accepted only because he wanted to cross swords with Mo Xiu Yao, so naturally the time and place would be decided between them.
Over these many years, the so-called four great masters had each gone their ways with almost no chance to meet, which had long frustrated Ling Tie Han. He needed to spar with masters of equal caliber to improve his martial arts. Among them, Mo Xiu Yao was undoubtedly the best opponent. As for the King of the Southern Garrison, after hearing about his previous match with Mo Xiu Yao, Ling Tie Han lost interest in his martial arts. The King’s skills remained at the level of ten years ago – if fighting all out, Ling Tie Han felt he had at least an eighty percent chance of victory.