Within days, the battle at Biluo Palace had spread throughout the martial world. Among them, the sixty-three people subdued by Biluo Palace tearfully confessed to their sects, many detailing the various inhuman treatment they suffered at Biluo Palace—how they were deceived into taking forbidden drugs, how they were helplessly forced up the mountain. The Romantic Shop was treacherous and vicious, even using feminine charms to seduce people, making it a great enemy of the martial world following the Blood Sacrifice Society. Of course, some disdained to explain, returning to their sects in complete silence. Cheng Yunpao detailed the true situation of the Biluo Palace battle to the Central Plains Sword Society, so the grievances between the Central Plains Sword Society and Tang Lici were lightly brushed aside. Since Yu Qifeng was from the Romantic Shop, Tang Lici leading people to kill him was naturally great wisdom and courage. With Biluo Palace defeating the Romantic Shop, they suddenly became renowned throughout the martial world. Many people recalled the Luoyang battle from years ago and couldn’t help but praise how Biluo Palace had always been a pillar of the righteous path in the martial world. Wanyu Yuedan’s reputation had reached heights no less than those of “White Hair” and “Heaven’s Eye” from years past.

Within days, the formerly mysterious and unfathomable Biluo Palace had emerged in the martial world with the bearing of kings. As for when they could return to their homeland by Luo River, presumably Wanyu Yuedan had his own arrangements. Xiao Qilan’s injuries healed completely, and he departed with thanks. From then on, the Qifeng Xiao family would spare no effort in dealing with Romantic Shop matters. Shao Yanping from the Central Plains Sword Society went to Biluo Palace to discuss besieging the Romantic Shop with momentum like a prairie fire.

“Palace Master Wanyu is accomplished at such a young age. The old Palace Master, knowing this from beneath the earth, must feel deeply comforted.” Shao Yanping laughed and spoke a few polite words, his gaze wandering around the Blue Robes Pavilion, but he didn’t see what deeply interested him. “I heard that Young Master Tang and Palace Master Wanyu joined hands to defeat powerful enemies, but I wonder where Young Master Tang might be?”

Wanyu Yuedan held clear tea in his hands. “Young Master Tang is resting in the guest quarters. He has injuries and it might be inconvenient to disturb him.” Shao Yanping was greatly disappointed and could only continue discussing how the Central Plains Sword Society would cooperate with Biluo Palace in the future, how many people could be mobilized, where the Romantic Shop’s strongholds might be located, and what plans Biluo Palace might have. Wanyu Yuedan smiled without answering, only saying that Biluo Palace could no longer remain here and was preparing to return to Luo River. Shao Yanping said this was excellent news and asked about the progress of reconstruction. Wanyu Yuedan said that Tang Lici had already helped with reconstruction matters and was currently making plans. Shao Yanping laughed heartily, saying that since Young Master Tang was involved, the Central Plains Sword Society couldn’t be stingy. Though the Central Plains Sword Society couldn’t match Young Master Tang’s financial resources, if manpower was needed, the sword society would be duty-bound. Wanyu Yuedan thanked him but politely declined. Shao Yanping insisted on helping, and in the end, he presented Biluo Palace with a plaque in the name of the sword society.

With official business concluded, Wanyu Yuedan invited Shao Yanping to rest in the guest quarters, and Shao Yanping accepted with thanks. After the time it takes to burn a stick of incense, he quietly slipped out of his room and explored the guest quarters on both sides. As a director of the Central Plains Sword Society, his behavior shouldn’t have been so childish, but Shao Yanping sighed deeply—he admitted he was just curious, that he wasn’t mature and steady enough, wasn’t steady as Mount Tai. If he didn’t see Tang Lici on this trip, he probably wouldn’t be able to sleep when he returned.

Someone who could kill Yu Qifeng, defeat the Romantic Shop, and especially fall from a peak hundreds of zhang high without a scratch—if he couldn’t see such a person, wouldn’t that defeat the purpose of Shao Yanping’s lifelong sword practice? Others practiced swords to strengthen their bodies and punish evil, but he practiced to satisfy curiosity, and this old habit hadn’t changed in decades.

The left and right guest quarters all housed people, but in his eyes they were all second or third-rate characters, mostly those poisoned by Crimson Ghost Nine Heart Pills with nowhere to go. As for where Tang Lici might be, he never caught sight of him.

From Wanyu Yuedan’s tone, it seemed he was deliberately concealing Tang Lici’s whereabouts, which meant Tang Lici wasn’t staying somewhere easy to find… Shao Yanping’s mind turned several times before he headed toward the most remote and inconspicuous small hut in the distance.

Behind Azure Mountain Cliff, there was a barren gravelly area where no grass grew. The climate here was relatively harsh, with quite a bit of unmelted snow still scattered on the gravel, though not much, and it wouldn’t form glaciers. Behind the gravel field, within a pine forest, stood a small hut built of pine wood with windows slightly open and doors tightly closed. Shao Yanping’s figure flashed as he swept to the window to peer inside. He saw a person lying on the bed, tall in stature and quite handsome, and thought to himself that this Tang Lici was indeed not bad-looking. Unfortunately, though his appearance was handsome, something seemed to be missing that prevented him from feeling amazed…

A hundred li away from Mao Ya Peak, on the Ling Province Mother River.

“After defeating the enemy, you change from open to hidden—you truly are an old fox with no equal for ten thousand generations.” On the light boat, Shen Langhun said flatly, “It’s just that it puts the first person under Biluo Palace in a difficult position. I wonder how long he must pretend to be you?” Someone in the boat smiled, “This impersonation plan was entirely devised by Wanyu Yuedan—what does it have to do with me?”

Shen Langhun held a fishing rod in hand, sitting quietly on the boat’s rail fishing. “Hmph!” If someone looked from afar, they would only see one person in a boat fishing, hardly imagining that the two people on this boat were the very figures who had turned the martial world upside down just days ago.

Under the boat canopy, Tang Lici held Fengfeng, sitting with his back against the canopy wall. His complexion still looked good, but his hand pressed his abdomen and his lips were slightly pale. Ever since receiving Liu Yan’s palm strike, his abdomen had been in constant severe pain. That palm strike wasn’t particularly heavy, but it seemed to have injured Fang Zhou’s heart buried in his abdomen, causing chaotic qi and blood. For several days, he shouldn’t circulate true qi again. And this moment was precisely the best time to track the Romantic Shop, but unfortunately Chi Yun’s whereabouts were unknown. Ever since leaping down Azure Mountain Cliff to check on Tang Lici’s life or death, he had vanished without return, suddenly disappearing.

“Chi Yun may have truly been captured by the Romantic Shop, or perhaps—he might already be dead. What do you plan to do?” Shen Langhun held the fishing rod, clearly feeling fish taking the bait on his line, but he remained motionless. In moments, the bait was eaten clean by the fish. He flicked his wrist, reeled in the hook, attached new bait, and repeated the process.

“Dead?” Tang Lici said gently from the boat, “I hate that word most.” Shen Langhun said, “Even if you hate it, you can’t guarantee Chi Yun won’t encounter Liu Yan and be killed by his pipa.” Before Tang Lici could answer, hoofbeats came from the shore. The rider seemed unwilling to go too fast, just slowly following behind the boat, hiding in the forest. “Haha,” Shen Langhun said flatly, “The young lady truly has divine foresight, actually knowing you and I would pass through here, and following us again.” Tang Lici gently stroked Fengfeng’s shoulder. The child’s skin was soft and delicate to the touch, very lovable. “This… can only be said to be her having feelings while the gentleman remains uninterested… In matters of love, both parties must be willing. Though Miss Zhong is a beauty, she’s still a child.” Shen Langhun’s mouth curved slightly, “You’re saying you think she’s too young?” Tang Lici said, “How would I dare, how would I dare.” Shen Langhun suddenly asked, “Do you have a wife?” Tang Lici smiled slightly, “I have a lover, but no wife.” Shen Langhun was startled. Tang Lici’s words “I have a lover” were completely unexpected. “What kind of woman could earn your appreciation?” Tang Lici’s gaze drifted slightly, somewhat dazed, “She… better not to speak of it. What kind of woman was your wife?”

“My wife was a simple farm woman, an ordinary woman who washed clothes, worked the fields, wove cloth, and kept house. Her life’s wish was to bear me a son.” Shen Langhun said flatly, “She was a good wife.” Tang Lici sighed softly, “Her life’s wish was to bear you a son—to have such a wife is truly your good fortune.” His words seemed to carry deeper meaning, ambiguous and unclear. Shen Langhun’s mouth curved slightly, “Your lover—could it be that proprietress of Wan Xin Bank?” Tang Lici laughed, “She’s lived half a life of hardship. If she had Tang someone as a lover, wouldn’t that make her fate utterly miserable?” Shen Langhun smiled faintly, “You do have self-awareness.” Tang Lici picked up Fengfeng, gently nuzzling his nose against the baby’s tender cheek, breathing in the soft, sweet scent. Suddenly he parted his lips slightly, taking Fengfeng’s soft ear in his mouth. Fengfeng made a little sound and struck Tang Lici’s face with his small fist. Tang Lici closed his eyes to receive the punch, holding Fengfeng’s ear in his teeth as he laughed softly.

“Chi Yun disappeared at the base of Mao Ya Peak, just when the Romantic Shop was retreating. But since the Romantic Shop lost a move and left many white-robed women with deep knowledge of internal affairs at Biluo Palace, the Romantic Shop’s stronghold must relocate in the short term. Otherwise, if Wanyu Yuedan directs Shao Yanping to bring people for a sweep, wouldn’t they be completely wiped out? So even if we find their stronghold, we might not be able to rescue anyone.” Shen Langhun changed the subject, replacing his bait again and casting it into the water. “Changing from open to hidden, letting Bi Lianyi enjoy the hero’s reputation at Biluo Palace in your place—do you already know which direction to pursue?”

“This… should I tell you or not tell you?” Tang Lici released Fengfeng, closing his eyes to enjoy the gentle river breeze. “Better not to tell you.” Shen Langhun smiled slightly, “You’ve already contacted your undercover person in the Romantic Shop?” Tang Lici exclaimed “Ah” and opened his eyes with a half-smile, “Shen Langhun truly lives up to his fifty thousand taels of gold bounty—you’re indeed different from Chi Yun.” Shen Langhun suddenly jerked his wrist and pulled up a fish. The live fish kept jumping on the boat’s rail, making crackling sounds. “What method did he use to tell you Chi Yun is safe? And what method to inform you of the Romantic Shop’s direction of movement?” Tang Lici’s red lips parted slightly, his tongue tip licking lightly at his lips, but he said, “What a fine Smooth-scale Rainbow-wing fish. I never expected the Mother River to contain such exquisite delicacy.”

Shen Langhun caught the live fish. This fish was smooth and scaleless all over like an eel, but shaped no differently from an ordinary carp, except its fins were five-colored and very beautiful. “Smooth-scale Rainbow-wing fish just needs to be roasted over fire to be delicious.” Tang Lici threw something from the boat canopy. Shen Langhun reached out to catch it—the object was jade-green and crystalline, shaped like a round pearl, extraordinarily beautiful and translucent in the sunlight. “Jade Smile Fire! The master of Wan Qiao Zhai truly carries rare tinder even for his fire starters.” This jade-green round pearl was called “Jade Smile”—it could ignite with vigorous friction, and Jade Smile fire wouldn’t be extinguished by wind, produced no smoke, and burned with bright flames. Though Jade Smile fire had many advantages, it wasn’t actually a fire-starting material but an extremely rare jewel.

Shen Langhun ignited the “Jade Smile.” The goose egg-sized jade-green pearl produced flames two feet high. Shen Langhun gutted the fish, took a three-inch silver needle from his hidden weapon pouch, skewered the Smooth-scale Rainbow-wing fish, and roasted it methodically.

The aroma of fish gradually drifted into the picturesque forest along the shore.

Zhong Chunji sat on her horse, staring blankly at the small boat on the Mother River. He was on that boat, even… roasting fish. She didn’t understand why she had left Biluo Palace, why she followed his trail, why she always reined in her horse at dusk just to catch a glimpse of him. Leaving Yuedan made her unwilling, but when Tang Lici was leaving, she couldn’t rest easy. She had to watch him constantly like this for her heart to be at peace… What… what was this feeling? Looking down at her hands gripping the reins, she saw a red mark on her snow-white palm, somewhat painful. She understood somewhat in her heart—what she most hoped for was to be with Yuedan and Tang Lici together, never to be separated, but… this was a shameful thought, an evil desire that couldn’t be mentioned. Yuedan and Lici were ultimately completely different people.

Just as she gazed at the boat on the river, lost in her own thoughts, suddenly a figure flashed lightly in the forest. She was startled into awareness, “Who’s there?”

Behind a large tree not far away, someone leaned slightly forward—black robes with long sleeves, black cloth for a hat. A gentle breeze came, and clothing fluttered lightly. Zhong Chunji’s heart tensed, “Who are you?” She applied force to her wrist. This person had hidden in the forest without her noticing at all, clearly a formidable enemy. She was already planning her retreat.

“A friend who knows your heart…” The gentle breeze swept over the black-robed person’s soft-textured robes as he spoke in a low voice, his tone deep and pleasant. Once it entered the ears, it was like speaking softly straight to one’s heart. Zhong Chunji shouted, “Stop playing tricks! Who are you?”

“I am Tang Lici’s friend.” The black-robed person said in a low voice, “I know you care about him greatly. Would you like to know his story?” Zhong Chunji was startled, “His story?” The black-robed person emerged from behind the tree, slowly extending his hand to grasp the reins of her “Little Plum Blossom.” “I’m his friend who grew up with him from childhood. If you want to know his story, come with me.” Zhong Chunji lashed her whip toward his hand, shouting, “Let go! You and I have never met—how can I trust you?” The black-robed person said in low tones, “Because I could kill you, but haven’t.” With those words, the whip struck his hand heavily with a “crack.” His hand was white as jade, and after the whip passed, a bloody mark stood out prominently. Zhong Chunji was stunned, feeling slightly guilty, “Why do you want to tell me his story?” The black-robed person said in a low voice, “Only because he’s about to do dangerous things. I don’t want to see him, but I also don’t want him to make mistake after mistake. I know you care about him greatly, so I hope you’ll go stop him from doing foolish things.” As he spoke, he led the horse, and unknowingly, Zhong Chunji had been brought deep into the forest, gradually moving away from the Mother River.

“Since you’re Tang Lici’s friend, why don’t you show me your true face?” Zhong Chunji looked up and down at this mysterious black-robed person, seeing he wore an extremely loose black robe that completely concealed his build. The black cloth on his head fluttered in the wind, also completely hiding his true appearance. However, his martial arts were superb—leading the horse step by step without revealing any true qi, yet able to conceal his presence so no one could detect his existence. The black-robed person said in a low voice, “You can see my true face. But first you must promise me that after hearing Tang Lici’s story, you’ll help me stop him.” Zhong Chunji’s curiosity was aroused. She thought to herself, I’ll just listen and see what tricks this person is playing! “Fine! If you tell me Tang Lici’s story, I’ll help you. But first you must remove your hood and let me see your true face.” The black-robed person raised his sleeve to remove the black cloth hood. In the sunlight, his lips were like vermillion, his skin pure white and lustrous, his eye lines slanting upward, his eyebrows extremely long like willow leaves. His appearance had a melancholic and bewitching quality unlike ordinary people, making one’s heart tremble upon seeing him.

Zhong Chunji was stunned. She had originally thought this person covered his face because he must be extremely ugly, but this person was not only not ugly—he was extraordinarily bewitching, with an aura that didn’t seem of this world, like a rare flower born in the ghostly underworld. “You…”

“My surname is Liu, called Liu Yan.” The black-robed person said in a low voice, “I’m a friend who grew up with Tang Lici from childhood. When we were small, he called me big brother. When we grew up, he called me A’Yan.”

“He… where did he come from?” Zhong Chunji stared intently at the black-robed Liu Yan. This person’s appearance was extraordinary, and somehow she felt he wasn’t lying. “I heard he’s the National Uncle’s adopted son, but not born into the imperial family.”

“Though he wasn’t born into the imperial family, it was almost the same as being born imperial.” Liu Yan’s voice was low with a slightly hoarse quality, yet indescribably pleasant. “His parents were extremely wealthy. From the moment he was born, he lived a life more imperial than emperors—pampered and spoiled. When he was young, he had a very bad temper. Abusing cats and dogs and injuring household servants was commonplace.” Zhong Chunji listened with half-belief, half-doubt, as Liu Yan continued, “By age ten, having exhausted all possible evil deeds at home and finding no more amusement, he ran away and befriended street thugs his age, causing trouble everywhere. Except for murder, he could be said to have done everything possible in the world, good or bad.” Zhong Chunji couldn’t help saying, “Really? It’s truly hard to believe…” Liu Yan continued in low tones, “I accompanied him in all these various deeds—why would I lie to you? Later he built his reputation among the thugs, and at thirteen he established the Three Cities Thirteen Factions, controlling the underworld scenes of three cities and thirteen towns around his home. If he had continued down that path, no one knows what he might have achieved…”

Zhong Chunji found it increasingly strange. If Tang Lici had truly been so wild in childhood, how had she never heard his name in the martial world? Liu Yan said, “So I told him that if he continued like this, it would be a path of no return. His desire for control was too strong, which wasn’t good. If he didn’t want to live such a complicated life anymore, he should wash his hands and retire, becoming a good person.” Zhong Chunji said, “It sounds like you were the good person.”

Liu Yan said in low, hoarse tones, “I saved his life, and we had deep feelings. Though he didn’t listen to nine out of ten things I said, this one thing he did listen to.” Zhong Chunji raised her eyebrows, “He withdrew from the underworld and became a good person?” Liu Yan said, “Mm… from age thirteen to twenty, he always followed my words and behaved properly. But he wasn’t naturally someone who was indifferent to desire. Deep in his heart he wanted too many things—his various desires were endless. Though his family had power and influence and was already the focus of others’ attention, he hoped to become the focus of everyone. All praise, envy, infatuation, resentment, jealousy, confusion and so forth—if these weren’t concentrated on him, he would become anxious, irritable, suspicious, and finally explode with extreme emotions. One day, his father gathered talented people from around the world and established an organization called ‘Copper Flute.’ He and I were both part of it, but after layers of selection, testing, and trials, his father chose another person as the center of the organization…” Liu Yan paused, “He couldn’t accept this reality, so he wanted us all to perish together.”