As soon as I entered the guest hall, I saw Song Qingge and the others already there, clearly taking this news very seriously.

Upon seeing me, Lan Zixu said, “The Shanxi branch has sent word that they’ve discovered Shen Zuitian’s whereabouts. One of his companions is very likely our former Manor Master.”

“Where is Shen Zuitian now?”

“Two days ago, he departed from Linfen and is about to enter Taiyuan.”

“Are those four old monsters still with him?”

“No sign of the Four Immortals of Carefree yet. The ones accompanying him are two other leaders from the Ghost Valley Alliance.”

I pondered for a moment before saying, “I’ll go to Taiyuan to rescue my foster father. Brothers along the way should cooperate accordingly.”

Song Qingge asked, “Is the Manor Master going to Taiyuan personally?”

I put on a righteous expression, “This concerns my foster father’s life. I absolutely cannot stand idly by.”

He asked, “What about that list? The court is watching us closely. It’s mid-April now, time is pressing…”

Mid-April? I felt like lightning struck through my head.

I hurriedly interrupted him, “Wait a moment!”

They all froze, looking at me in surprise. The room fell silent.

After thinking for half a moment, I couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

They exchanged bewildered glances.

Now I was confident and said to Lan Zixu, “Go tell Zuo Wangchun that I will deliver the list in one month. Ask him to be patient!”

Then I turned to look at Yan Fufeng, “Brother Yan, come with me to Taiyuan! The rest of you, stay put.”

Song Qingge said, “Shen Zuitian is highly skilled in martial arts. Manor Master shouldn’t be overconfident on this journey. Why not let me and the three altar masters—”

“No!” I interrupted him, “Brother Yan is enough. You have more important things to do.”

He asked curiously, “More important things?”

I nodded.

As he was about to ask further, Lan Zixu jumped in first, “Pardon my intrusion, but Manor Master, your journey to Taiyuan is dangerous and unpredictable. How can you guarantee delivering the list in one month?”

I smiled, “When the time comes, I’ll have my ways. Brother Yan, go make preparations. We’ll depart tonight.”

Yan Fufeng acknowledged and left.

Song Qingge said, “Manor Master, about that more important matter…?”

The others also looked confused.

I looked at them and said slowly, “Now is not the time to discuss it. However, if we can accomplish this task, the court will never trouble us again.”

Song Qingge furrowed his brows, about to inquire further.

I raised my hand to stop him and said with unprecedented seriousness, “Within these next two weeks, no matter what happens, the four of you absolutely must not leave Jinan even a single step. However, if you receive my carrier pigeon message, you must act according to my instructions immediately. Anyone who disobeys will be expelled from the manor!”

The four were visibly shocked by my words. They exchanged glances and remained silent for a long time.

I put on a stern face and asked coldly, “Do you all understand?”

Song Qingge was the first to recover, nodding, “Yes!”

The others also said in unison, “We understand!”

I was silent for a moment, then asked, “Any news of Shaoci?”

Their expressions darkened, and Lan Zixu shook his head. I sighed. What was that boy up to? Now was when I needed him most.

Song Qingge suddenly said, “With the Manor Master going to Taiyuan, what about Chu Tianyao…?”

“Already arranged.”

His expression changed slightly, hesitating, “Then, between you and Chu Tianyao… your relationship…?”

“We’re fine!”

“But…”

“Shuang, everything’s ready!” Yan Fufeng called as he entered, “We can leave anytime.”

“Good!” I nodded, remembering to say the customary words, “I’ll leave the manor’s affairs to all of you!”

The four responded in unison, “Take care, Manor Master!”

That night, we departed from Jinan, traveling directly to Taiyuan via the Hebei border, riding non-stop for two consecutive days. By the time we entered Taiyuan City, it was already late evening. The streets were adorned with bright lanterns, presenting a unique charm.

In the early Ming Dynasty, Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang expanded Taiyuan city, making it one of the nine frontier towns to block the fierce Mongolian cavalry. He had even dispatched General Lan Yu to lead 150,000 troops deep into the north to attack the Northern Yuan, intending to clear the desert.

Just as we entered the city, we encountered brothers from the branch. According to them, Lin Qianyi had safely returned to the branch hall. I was shocked, and Yan Fufeng was also quite alarmed. We looked at each other for a moment, then immediately rode straight to the hall.

Just before entering, I suddenly felt somewhat afraid, dreading facing Lin Qianyi. I even had the wicked hope that he would die—well, since he was Rong Shukuang’s foster father and strict teacher, he probably wouldn’t be easy to deal with. I must not show any flaws. As they say, the more one speaks, the more likely to err, so I must be cautious.

A middle-aged man in gray robes was sitting quietly in the hall with his eyes closed, not lifting his head even when he heard footsteps.

Yan Fufeng stood respectfully to the side, not daring to speak.

I couldn’t bring myself to call him “foster father,” so I could only stand beside Yan Fufeng.

According to Lin Shaoci, Lin Qianyi was a person with a strong desire for power, but he didn’t look like it. At fifty-three, he appeared to be only in his forties, thin in build, with a clean and lean face. He must have been a handsome man in his youth.

After a long while, he finally exhaled softly, slowly opened his eyes, looked at us, and nodded without speaking.

His eyes were very sharp, making my heart tighten. All the questions I had were swallowed back.

“Shuang, I heard you were poisoned. Are you alright?” His voice was gentle, yet gave a sense of distance.

I quickly replied, “I’m fine now!”

Yan Fufeng looked at me in shock and blurted out, “You were poisoned? When did this happen?”

I was about to speak when Lin Qianyi suddenly coughed twice and said, “You’ve had a hard time these days. How’s the situation with Chu Tianyao?”

I was startled, not knowing how his health was and whether the poison had manifested.

“I’m talking about that list.”

Lin Qianyi emphasized, frowning slightly, “Also, he’s recently gathering masters to go to Jinan. What is he planning to do?”

Hmm? I was startled again. Is Yan Shao gathering masters to Jinan? Had he sensed something? This guy—not even caring about his health, yet so concerned about others’ affairs.

Lin Qianyi looked at me, his brows increasingly tense.

I came to my senses and hurriedly said, “The list hasn’t been found yet.”

He stared at me sharply and said coldly, “Is it not found, or found and then taken back?”

I was greatly shocked. He had been missing for two months without any news, yet he seemed to know everything about me. Truly a formidable character. But no matter how formidable, you probably don’t know that the list was forged by me, do you?

Not daring to be careless, I answered, “It was found, then taken back by them.”

He said calmly, “Then, Chu Tianyao didn’t do anything to you?”

At these words, Yan Fufeng suddenly changed expression and gave me a strange look.

I felt inexplicably cold and didn’t know how to answer, when he asked again, “What kind of person is Chu Tianyao?”

Hmm? What kind of person is he? Very complex, with multiple facets, sometimes gentle, sometimes cruel. I don’t know which one is the real him. I’ve never seen him summon subordinates; apart from Feng Ming and Fei Wu, I’ve only seen one Yuan Jing. He rarely leaves his residence, yet seems to know everything.

Lin Qianyi looked at me, his face as gloomy as a winter day about to snow.

I coughed dryly and evaded the main point, “He’s very mysterious, more terrifying than the jianghu legends say.”

His sharp eagle-like eyes stared at me. After a moment of silence, he suddenly said, “Return to Jinan immediately tomorrow and get the list as soon as possible. Remember, once you have the list, don’t give it to the court for now!”

I blurted out, “Why?”

“Do as I say.” His tone suddenly hardened. After a pause, he added, “That person in Nanjing hasn’t fully strengthened his power and won’t be too blatant. The losses in Jiangsu and Zhejiang are ones Yu Chi Mountain Manor can afford.”

I nodded, not asking more, but my heart was filled with suspicion. What had happened during his disappearance that caused such a rapid change in attitude?

He was silent for a moment, then said, “It’s late. Go and rest.”

I had to acknowledge and leave. Just as I was about to push open my room door, a gray shadow suddenly flashed before my eyes. I swiftly reached out and caught a gray pigeon. I extracted a note from its leg, opened it, and saw it was a message from Yan Shao, written in graceful yet strong handwriting.

“Follow Lin Qianyi’s instructions. Do not act rashly.”

I lay on the bed holding the note, turning it over in my mind for half a day, but couldn’t understand what these two sentences meant. And Lin Qianyi, how did he suddenly return?

But since he was safe and sound, my priority was to go beyond the Great Wall to find the antidote. How could I return to Jinan now?

At the thought of the antidote, I became extremely anxious. I kicked off the cotton quilt, got up, and packed my luggage.

Hmph! Rong Shukuang might be an obedient person, but I, Fang Yi, am not. Forget about Yu-Chi Mountain Manor or Ghost Valley Alliance, I’m going beyond the Great Wall to find the antidote.

I rushed to the stables, selected a pure black stallion, and quietly led it out. Looking up, I saw Yan Fufeng.

He looked at me silently, not speaking.

I laughed awkwardly, “Why aren’t you sleeping so late?”

He didn’t answer but asked, “Where are you going?”

I maintained my composure, “Couldn’t sleep, just planning to take the horse out for a ride.”

“The former Manor Master wants you to return to Jinan.”

“I know.” I pretended to be relaxed, “Isn’t that tomorrow? Are you coming back with me?”

He was silent for a moment, then suddenly said, “Shuang, your attempt to steal the list failed. Why would Chu Tianyao let you leave safely?”

I couldn’t help but get angry, “Are you doubting me?”

He looked embarrassed, “Chu Tianyao has always been ruthless, yet he shows you mercy repeatedly. One can’t help but find it strange.”

I remained silent.

He furrowed his brows, looking at me with caution. “Did Chu Tianyao coerce you, or did you fall in love with him?”

I felt my head grow larger. How could I explain this to him?

A spy sent by Yu Chi Mountain Manor not only failed to complete the mission but also fell in love with the enemy—truly losing both the wife and the troops. Seeing his expression, if I answered yes, he would go berserk.

I decided to take the offensive first, immediately putting on a stern face and asserting my authority as the Manor Master.

“Brother Yan, am I still the Manor Master of Yu Chi Mountain Manor?”

He was startled, “Of course you are.”

“Then why do you doubt me without reason?”

His face reddened, but his tone remained righteous, “You used to follow the former Manor Master’s every word, but now why are you leaving without even saying a word?”

I sneered, “Did I say I was leaving?”

He immediately looked awkward, “You’re just going for a ride?”

“Of course!” I snorted heavily, mounted the horse intending to leave, then suddenly remembered something.

“By the way, I have a very important letter for Song Qingge. You…”

Before I could finish, he said, “Old Song is on his way to Taiyuan.”

“What did you say?” I cried out in shock, jumping off the horse.

“The former Manor Master has already sent a carrier pigeon message, ordering him and Tianyu Wuji to rush to Taiyuan. They should be arriving soon.”

I was immediately so angry that my whole body trembled.

Lin Shaoci was right. Rong Shukuang was just a puppet Manor Master. They truly only took orders from Lin Qianyi. He told me to return to Jinan but secretly summoned them to Taiyuan, clearly having matters he didn’t want me to know about.

Lin Qianyi, what exactly are you planning?

“Good! Very good!”

I laughed in extreme anger. These three bastards dared to treat my words as mere passing wind.

Yan Fufeng was completely confused, staring at me in bewilderment.

I put the letter back into my bosom and looked at him coldly, saying word by word, “From now on, I am no longer the Manor Master of Yu Chi Mountain Manor. You and I part ways here, with no further connection.”

He was greatly shocked, “Shuang, what do you mean?”

I no longer looked at him, mounted the horse, and galloped away.

These bastards made me waste so much time and energy. From now on, you can play however you want. I no longer have time for you. What Shen Zuitian, what Prince Han’s rebellion—what the hell do they have to do with me!

I rode all night under the stars, galloping northward. If my route was correct, I would pass through Xizhou, reach Shuozhou, and then go beyond the Great Wall.

After about three hours, the stars in the sky gradually dimmed, and the night was pitch black. Suddenly, a mountain peak appeared before me. I had no idea where I was. I stopped, let the horse graze at the foot of the mountain, found a clean rock to sit on, and still couldn’t calm my anger.

Although I didn’t care about the position of Manor Master, I was still the current one. Lin Qianyi’s actions to undermine me were simply too outrageous. I don’t know how Rong Shukuang endured it. Just because of his foster father’s kindness in raising her? Ha! This investment was truly a guaranteed profit!

I calmed my emotions and thought, never mind, the most important thing now is to find the antidote to save Yan Shao! With my poor sense of direction, going beyond the Great Wall might be difficult. To ensure success, I need to hire a guide tomorrow.

I sighed, stood up, and was about to lead the horse away when I suddenly heard the rapid sound of hooves approaching.

I was startled and, following the method in wuxia novels, immediately found a lush tree to leap into and hide.

Two fast horses arrived at the foot of the mountain first, followed closely by four more. The riders all had black clothes covering their faces.

One of them said, “The horse is still here. The person can’t have gone far.”

Another drew his long sword and commanded in a low voice, “Everyone be careful!”

The six dismounted with clean, neat, and uniform movements, all appearing to be first-class masters.

I was shocked. These people had ill intentions and were targeting me. But how did they know I was here? When I left, besides Yan Fufeng, no one else knew. Could it be…

I dared not think further and couldn’t help but shiver, causing the leaves to rustle.

Suddenly, a cold light flew towards my hiding place.

I hurriedly swept it away with my sleeve and landed gracefully on the ground. “Who are you?”

None of the six answered. They all leaped towards me at once, each strike deadly, their techniques strange and treacherous.

I dared not be careless. My hands seemed not to be my own, waving unstoppably. Suddenly, my fingers touched a cold blade. I bent my fingers and flicked sharply. The opponent groaned and dropped his curved blade. I promptly picked it up, and with a weapon in hand, my power greatly increased.

After a bout of fighting, four of the six were dead, and the other two were wounded but still wouldn’t retreat, quite ferocious.

I was also feeling quite strained. I held the sword to keep the two at bay and demanded, “Who exactly are you? Why are you trying to kill me?”

They still didn’t answer, only intent on fighting to the death.

“Since you’re seeking death, don’t blame me.”

I sneered, leaped into the air, and swung the blade with all my might to slash horizontally. Killing intent surged, creating wild winds on flat ground, with fallen leaves dancing in the wind. The two immediately crumpled to the ground, their eyes wide open. A moment later, with two soft “crack” sounds, their heads rolled off their shoulders, blood gushing out.

I couldn’t help but cry out in alarm and stepped back.

Was this Cloud-Cutting Blade Technique so domineering?

Now, in the cold night wind, I sat stupidly on the mountain, still able to smell the strong scent of blood. Wave after wave of nausea came over me, nearly making me vomit.

Memories came with the wind, with Lin Shaoci’s words repeatedly echoing in my ears.

“He married you off to Chu Tianyao. If you could steal that list, he could use it to coerce Chu Tianyao. If you failed and were killed, he could legitimately continue to manage the manor. But he underestimated his opponent. Chu Tianyao was more formidable than he imagined.”

“Shuang, I hate your blind loyalty the most. He may have been good to you, but he treats you as a tool. He is such a cold-blooded and selfish person, only thinking about power. Yet you willingly let him use you…”

“Follow Lin Qianyi’s instructions. Do not act rashly.”

Yan Shao suddenly sent me this message—had he already anticipated this?

I carefully thought through everything and felt increasingly cold-hearted.

If these six men were truly from Yu Chi Mountain Manor, then Lin Qianyi was indeed terrifying.

I couldn’t delay any longer. I must go beyond the Great Wall immediately.

The horse, frightened, had long since run off without a trace. I had no choice but to follow the mountain path northward.

I crossed mountains and ridges until the eastern sky began to whiten, finally seeing a small town.

The town at dawn was silent, with only two stray dogs wandering the streets.

I knocked open the door of an inn, went to bed, and fell asleep immediately. In my dreams, there were many fragmented faces and countless dismembered limbs entangling me. I ran frantically but could never shake them off. Terrified screams were choked in my throat, unable to come out. Finally, I woke up, my body drenched in sweat.

Outside, the light was dim, with few voices. I couldn’t tell if it was dawn or dusk.

I let out a long breath and lay back down, but before my head touched the pillow, I immediately sprang up again.

In the quietness, someone chuckled.

I cried out, “It’s you! What do you want?”

Shen Zuitian gently put down his teacup. His face, as beautiful as a deity, wore an elegant smile, noble and composed.

“I want to discuss a deal with Miss Rong.”

I sneered, “What kind of deal could we possibly have?”

He leisurely drank his tea and smiled wickedly, “Miss Rong probably doesn’t know yet. Yu Chi Mountain Manor has announced to the jianghu that you’ve fallen in love with Chu Tianyao, betrayed Yu Chi Mountain Manor, and are no longer their Manor Master.”

I was stunned, then immediately felt a surge of anger rising to my head, fuming with rage. Lin Qianyi was truly despicable.

Shen Zuitian smiled, “Miss Rong needn’t be angry. The jianghu is full of deception and intrigue.”

I tried hard to control my emotions, calm down, and sneered, “Why the fuck would I be angry? I never cared about being Manor Master anyway.”

He was slightly startled. “In that case, are Miss Rong and Chu Tianyao truly in love?”

“What if we are?”

“If so, this deal will be easier to negotiate.”

“Talking nonsense.” I snorted coldly and got up to put on my shoes.

“Miss Rong will be interested in this deal.”

“Oh?” I put on my outer garment, “Let’s hear it then?”

He said leisurely, “Regarding Prince Han’s plans, I might be able to lend a hand. The prerequisite is that Chu Tianyao must convince Prince Han to agree to my terms.”

I said coldly, “What the fuck does that have to do with me? Go talk to them directly.”

“To be honest,” he sighed, “I did send people to approach Mr. Chu, but was rejected. And Prince Han only listens to Mr. Chu.”

“If he refused, then no one can persuade him.”

“I believe Miss Rong certainly can.”

“You overestimate me.” I picked up my luggage.

“Is Miss Rong refusing me?” His voice took on an unusual tone.

I stopped and turned to look at him. “Shen Zuitian, one moment you attack Jade Peak, the next you want to help Prince Han rebel. What exactly are you trying to do?”

His face still wore a smile, his handsome features comparable to a deity, yet giving people a strangely cold and eerie feeling.

“Miss Rong, I advise you to reconsider, because this deal concerns a life.”

“What do you mean?” I frowned.

“Let me be frank with you,” he stood up and said coldly, “If this deal cannot be concluded today, I’m afraid the lady’s life will end here!”

I laughed in extreme anger. “Shen Zuitian, why are you so confident?”

“Would Miss Rong like to try?”

I secretly mobilized my internal energy but felt my entire body go soft, unable to summon any strength. “What have you done to me?”

He smiled, “To deal with the lady, I indeed wasn’t completely confident. This is just ordinary weakening incense, though the dose is a bit high.”

I thought for a moment and said, “Even if I agree today, what if I change my mind later? What can you do?”

He nodded, “That’s true, but as long as there’s a sliver of hope, I’d rather not give up.”

I sat down, “Tell me your terms.”

He sat opposite me, “I will assist Prince Han. If successful, I demand to be appointed Prime Minister and enfeoffed as a marquis.”

I was startled, “If successful, wouldn’t becoming Prime Minister and Marquis be a matter of course?”

He smiled knowingly, “I’m glad Miss Rong thinks so.”

I also smiled, “However, this will not succeed, and there will not be the three characters ‘Shen Zuitian’ in Ming history.”

He was slightly startled, then sneered, “Miss Rong seems to have the ability to foretell the future. But, normally, Ming history doesn’t have the three characters ‘Shen Zuitian’ because—”

He changed his tone and said, “Shen Zuitian is not my real name.”

I was shocked, “Who exactly are you?”

He said coldly, “Who I am is not important. What’s important is this deal. Does Miss Rong agree?”

I remained silent.

Prince Han’s rebellion was already established in Ming history. Yan Shao stubbornly wanted to overturn fate, and now Shen Zuitian was also foolishly trying to get involved. Hmph! I want to see what results you two can create!

“Fine! I will speak with Chu Tianyao about this matter, but I don’t guarantee success.”

He laughed as he stood up, “I thank the lady in advance.”

I sneered, “Since I’ve agreed to your terms, shouldn’t you also show some sincerity?”

He was slightly startled, “Sincerity?”

I reminded him, “Regarding Lin Qianyi, don’t you have anything to say?”

“Oh, that matter…” He smiled indifferently, “Lin Qianyi thought he escaped on his own, but actually, I deliberately let him go.”

“Why?”

“Because I suddenly discovered that releasing him would be more beneficial than keeping him captive.”

He looked at me and smiled leisurely, “If not for him, how would Miss Rong have agreed to this deal?”

I was speechless, “It’s far from certain. You’re celebrating too early.”

He dismissed it with a smile and said, “It’s getting late. Shall we depart?”

I was startled, “We? Depart where?”

“Yu Chi Mountain Manor has placed a bounty of ten thousand taels of gold and issued a kill order for the lady. At this moment, the lady should return to Mr. Chu’s side as soon as possible. I am willing to escort you along the way and await your good news.”

I immediately felt my entire body go cold.

So those six people last night were indeed from Yu Chi Mountain Manor. Just for the position of Manor Master, Lin Qianyi was willing to have me killed—truly vicious. And Shen Zuitian—I reassessed him—he certainly was no good person either. First conspiring with Feng Jingli to injure Rong Shukuang, then releasing Lin Qianyi, and now wanting to assist Prince Han’s rebellion… What was his true purpose in stirring up the jianghu? Fine! Since you’re using me, I might as well use you too.

Having made up my mind, I smiled and said, “Then I’ll trouble Young Master Shen. But we’re not returning to Jinan.”

He was startled, “Not returning to Jinan? Where are we going?”

I stood up, “I have something to do. I must go beyond the Great Wall.”

“Beyond the Great Wall?”

“That’s right!”

He frowned, “Miss Rong, those who want your head now are not just Yu Chi Mountain Manor. Ten thousand taels of gold is enough to drive many people crazy.”

“If you’re afraid, then slowly wait for my news!”

I picked up my bundle and turned to open the door. As soon as I opened it, I immediately felt a fierce killing intent rush towards me. Several sharp arrows shot through the air, incredibly powerful.

I was about to wave my sleeves to block them, but my arms couldn’t muster any strength. In a flash, Shen Zuitian embraced me and quickly retreated. His sleeves flicked lightly, and the two doors closed with a bang. At the same time, I heard a series of sharp, piercing sounds as several arrows lodged into the door panels.

I stared with wide eyes. Shen Zuitian’s handsome face was just inches away, his starry eyes filled with a smile that seemed to say, “See, I told you so.”

Embarrassed and angry, I shouted, “Let go of me!”

Not only did he not release me, but he also pressed me to the ground with one motion. In an instant, countless short arrows shot in from windows, roofs, and all directions—a bright, cold expanse of white light, like a sudden violent storm, fierce and swift.

Shen Zuitian lay on the ground without moving, only extending his two hands to catch all the short arrows that were shooting in.

I stared at his hands, dumbfounded. I never knew a person’s hands could be so nimble.

He threw the arrows in his hands back out, followed immediately by a series of brief and miserable cries from the courtyard. A moment later, all around returned to silence.

I recovered from my shock and softly exhaled, “Can you get up now?”

He looked at me, and suddenly reached out to touch my face, “So when you’re afraid, you do have some feminine charm.”

I was startled, “What are you trying to do?”

He lowered his head, his warm breath directly on my face, chuckling frivolously, “What do you think?”

I quickly turned my head away and cried, “Don’t get any ideas! I’m a married woman!”

Before I could finish, I felt a lightness on my body. He had already stood up, laughing heartily.

I clutched my chest, breathing hard, glaring at him wordlessly.

He smiled, “Aren’t you getting up? Perhaps you’re looking forward to me—”

“Stop!” I commanded lightly, got up, and patted my bottom. “I’ve already agreed to your terms. Quickly give me the antidote to the weakening incense.”

He looked at me as if hearing something strange, “Weakening incense is the most common type. It naturally wears off after a certain time.”

“Damn, when will that be?”

He shrugged, indicating he didn’t know.

I angrily said, “You’re a leader of the Ghost Valley Alliance, yet you use such underhanded methods.”

He ignored me and went straight out the door, “If you don’t leave now, you might not be able to leave at all.”

I was startled and quickly followed him out.