Chapter 1: Prospects in the Official Sea

What kind of world is this?

When right becomes wrong, when black becomes white, when the boundaries between right and wrong are no longer clear, heaven and earth become a gray, murky expanse.

Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet—all are gone; gray is the only color remaining in the mortal world.

Once there was a man who, in those lonely years, still had scalding hot blood flowing through his veins. His gaze might have been sorrowful, his body perhaps frail, but he believed, and he persevered—he could use his own blade and sword to defend the Way he believed in.

Cold eyes proudly facing a thousand pointing fingers.

Among all living beings, the only one with color remaining was him—that blazing blood-red color.

“Chivalrous hero”—this is what he called himself.

“Madman”—this is what the world called him.

Scalding hot blood sprayed forth. In the hazy confusion, Wu Dingyuan’s body plummeted rapidly downward. With a splash, the icy river water submerged his mouth and nose, bone-chillingly cold.

Sinking into the water, his heart was surprisingly calm. Looking up, sunlight filtered through the bluish-green river water, that light dim and obscure, as if the compassionate heavenly gods had vanished without a trace… Hot blood gushed rapidly from the wound in his chest. Wu Dingyuan closed his eyes, for he no longer wished to open them.

Could only the strong and weak determine right from wrong?

Wu Dingyuan suddenly clenched both fists, his face showing indignation as he struggled with all his might, but his body simply could not rise to the surface. Deep hatred made him lose control of himself. At this moment between life and death, someone broke through the water and entered, supporting Wu Dingyuan’s body and desperately pushing him upward.

This face before his eyes was so familiar—it was Lu Yun.

“Brother Lu…”

Wu Dingyuan wanted to speak, but the cold river water prevented him from making a sound. He swallowed several mouthfuls of cold water and could no longer hold on, fainting on the spot.

“He’s awake!”

Wu Dingyuan slowly regained consciousness, finding himself lying on a soft large bed. Before he could even groan, someone had already leaned over to look at him. This person had sword-like eyebrows and starry eyes with a square face—it was indeed Lu Yun. Standing beside him was a beautiful young lady whom he had met several times before—Miss Gu.

Beside the bed, charcoal burned bright red, and the oil lamp on the table cast a dim glow. Though it was a cold winter room, it felt quite warm and cozy. Wu Dingyuan stared blankly for a while, wanting to get up but lacking the strength. Lu Yun quickly stepped forward to help him lie down, saying gently, “Rest easy lying down. You’re now in my home, perfectly safe.”

Wu Dingyuan slightly regained his senses, remembering his appointment with Zhuo Lingzhao for a duel, when he suffered a fatal sword wound and fell into the river, after which he knew nothing more. It seemed Lu Yun had rescued him. Wu Dingyuan gasped for a while, then a cold, proud face appeared before his eyes again, as if Zhuo Lingzhao was still before him, laughing coldly and mocking his overreaching ambition.

Wu Dingyuan shouted loudly, “Where is Zhuo Lingzhao? Where… where did he go?”

Lu Yun sighed softly and shook his head, saying, “After he retrieved the divine sword, he left overnight.”

Wu Dingyuan was furious beyond measure and couldn’t help but try to stand up. Lu Yun quickly held him down, persuading, “You barely saved your life—don’t move recklessly, lest your wounds break open again.” Wu Dingyuan felt a chill in his heart and looked down at his chest, immediately seeing a bloody hole. This hole was as thick as a little finger—the wound made by the “Divine Sword Dragon Capture”—and appeared bottomless, filled with cotton and medicinal powder. The sight was extremely horrifying.

Wu Dingyuan, filled with indignation, ignored this completely and gritted his teeth, saying, “Until Zhuo Lingzhao dies, I’ll never have peace of mind. This little wound can’t stop me!” With that, he pushed Lu Yun away and stubbornly insisted on getting out of bed.

Seeing this, Gu Qianxi quickly advised, “Commander Wu, as long as the green mountains remain, there’s no fear of lacking firewood. Right now, recovering from your injuries is most important—please lie back down.”

Wu Dingyuan chuckled coldly and didn’t agree. He wasn’t familiar with Miss Gu—perhaps for minor matters he might give her face, but his grudge with Kunlun was so significant, how could it be resolved with just a few words? He paid no attention and was about to roll off the bed edge.

Suddenly hearing a sigh, a voice in the room said flatly, “Zhuo Lingzhao obtained the divine sword and has long since led his disciples far from Changzhou. With your current injuries, you absolutely cannot catch up to him. Stop wasting your energy.” Wu Dingyuan glanced over and saw that the speaker sat calmly beside a table, speaking in an even, flat tone—who else could it be but Yang Suguan?

Upon seeing Yang Suguan’s face, Wu Dingyuan’s heart immediately filled with rage. At that time, Zhuo Lingzhao had openly confessed that Yang Suguan had made a secret pact with him, but this strategy wasn’t clearly explained to Wu Dingyuan, keeping him completely in the dark.

Seeing Yang Suguan suddenly appear, Wu Dingyuan immediately laughed coldly and mockingly said, “Wu’s martial arts are indeed inferior, so naturally I can’t catch up to Zhuo Lingzhao. But I wonder about your Shaolin true teachings, Physician Yang? However, you two have long since shaken hands and made peace, becoming sworn brothers of life and death, so why would you need to pursue anything? Ha ha! Ha ha!” In his loud laughter, his gaze swept over to Lu Yun with a fierce glare, his expression showing great blame.

Lu Yun’s face trembled as he coughed and said, “Brother Wu, don’t get angry first. Let everyone speak clearly, then you can rage as much as you want.”

Wu Dingyuan neither responded nor answered, his expression full of indignation, and he wanted to stand up even more. Lu Yun and Gu Qianxi exchanged glances, both not knowing how to persuade him.

Just then, a slender, delicate hand reached over to support Wu Dingyuan’s shoulder, saying gently, “A gentleman’s revenge is not too late after three years. Lord Wu, with your high martial arts skills, why must you rush things?”

Wu Dingyuan heard this voice and found it familiar. His tiger eyes glanced sideways and immediately saw a beautiful young lady. This girl had a gentle face, trembling cherry lips, and was born with a fair, oval face. Before her hand even reached him, he could already smell her captivating fragrance. Such a touching, pitiful appearance—it was naturally Yan Ting who had arrived.

Wu Dingyuan was slightly stunned, saying, “You… you’re here too?” Yan Ting nodded, saying, “I came with my master to celebrate a birthday and happened to arrive in Changzhou.” She supported Wu Dingyuan’s shoulder and said gently, “Lord Wu, you’re truly blessed with great fortune this time. You suffered such severe injuries—if my master hadn’t happened to be in Changzhou, who else could have treated you? Come, let me help you sit down.” With that, her delicate hand reached out to help Wu Dingyuan back to the bedside.

Wu Dingyuan stared blankly at her, suddenly feeling tender emotions in his heart. With her assistance, he slowly sat back on the bed.

Lu Yun watched from the side, wanting to help, but Gu Qianxi reached out to pull him back and shook her head. Everyone stood by watching as Yan Ting fluffed pillows and arranged bedding, serving Wu Dingyuan as he returned to bed to rest.

Wu Dingyuan lay down and asked, “Is your esteemed master still in Changzhou? I must pay my respects and thank him for his life-saving grace.” Yan Ting, hearing his much gentler tone, smiled and said, “My master took my junior sister back to the mountain first, but fearing changes in your condition, he ordered me to stay and care for you.” With that, she brought Wu Dingyuan a bowl of medicinal soup to his lips, wanting to feed him.

Wu Dingyuan was about to lean forward to drink when he suddenly remembered that everyone was watching from the side, and he couldn’t help feeling somewhat embarrassed. Yang Suguan coughed lightly, turned his head away, and said aloud, “Dingyuan, you rest well. I have some matters to discuss with Lu Zhichuan. We’ll go out first.” With that, he reached out to pull Lu Yun, indicating they should leave.

Lu Yun frowned and said in a low voice, “This isn’t appropriate—leaving Dingyuan alone in the room…” Before he finished speaking, Gu Qianxi was already covering her mouth and laughing softly. She shook her head and pushed Lu Yun’s back, urging him to leave. Lu Yun, being pulled by one hand and pushed from behind, reluctantly departed.

In the large room, only Yan Ting and Wu Dingyuan remained, the two silently facing each other.

Seeing everyone leave, Yan Ting set down the soup bowl in her hands and immediately began to shed tears. Wu Dingyuan lay on the bed, waiting to drink the soup, but seeing her cry without reason, he couldn’t help but be startled, saying, “Miss, why are you crying?” Yan Ting sobbed, “Lord Wu, you… you never cherish your own life. It was like this in Shenji Cave, and it was still like this on Tiger Hill… I watched you fighting with people on the cliff, then falling into the river. My heart was so frightened, worried that you would die from sword wounds…”

Wu Dingyuan saw her tearful face, looking delicate and pitiful, and his heart was moved. He sighed, “Little girl, we’re strangers who met by chance—you needn’t always worry about me.” Yan Ting knelt beside the bed, grasping Wu Dingyuan’s large hand and pressing it against her own cheek, saying, “In Shenji Cave, you traded your life for mine and saved me. Yan Ting will never forget Lord Wu’s kindness for her entire life.”

Wu Dingyuan reached out his left hand to gently stroke Yan Ting’s hair, sighing, “That day I knew I would surely die, but doing one more good deed before death was worthwhile. You needn’t keep it in your heart, understand?”

Yan Ting shook her head and brought over the medicinal soup, then helped Wu Dingyuan sit up, saying gently, “Lord Wu, right now I don’t care about anything else—as long as you recover well and stay safe, Yan Ting will be happy.”

Yan Ting sat on the bed edge, serving Wu Dingyuan his medicine. Wu Dingyuan smelled her delicate fragrance and felt her body’s warm softness. Even in his gravely injured and critically ill state, he still felt his heart stir. He took the soup bowl and drank it in two or three gulps.

Yan Ting took out wound medicine and said softly, “This medicine was carefully prepared by my master. After applying it, the wound will heal.”

She used a golden needle to pick up the wound medicine, undid Wu Dingyuan’s clothing, and applied it to the wound on his bare chest. Wu Dingyuan closed his eyes, feeling this bone-soft touch, and a smile appeared on his face.

That day on Mount Hua, Master Ling Ding had also personally suffered sword wounds and was saved by the Azure Robe Scholar’s miraculous elixir. Now Wu Dingyuan experienced it personally—the medicine felt cool upon entering his body, and with just a light application, the wound no longer burned with pain. Wu Dingyuan respectfully admired and praised, smiling, “Your master’s skill in treating injuries is truly rare and precious—he’s truly worthy of being called a wonder of the world.”

Yan Ting saw his gentle demeanor and became even more intentionally tender, afraid of causing him pain. After a long while, she fastened his garment and helped him lie down. Wu Dingyuan saw her looking at him with a face full of loving care, and for a moment felt infinite joy and great peace in his heart.

After Yan Ting finished applying the medicine, she moved a stool over to sit in front of Wu Dingyuan, saying, “Lord Wu, what are your plans for the future?”

Wu Dingyuan had originally been full of joy, but hearing her ask about his future livelihood, he couldn’t help but be slightly stunned, saying, “Plans? What plans?”

Yan Ting said, “I heard from Lord Yang that you’ve now left the capital and resigned from office, wandering the jianghu alone. I’m very worried about you.”

Wu Dingyuan laughed heartily, saying, “So it’s about this matter.” He looked at Yan Ting’s beautiful face and smiled, “Don’t worry! Your big brother Wu has extremely high skills—in the future, I’ll make my home in all corners of the world. Where can’t I go? What’s there to worry about?”

Wu Dingyuan’s words weren’t false. His current martial arts were extraordinarily high, rarely matched in the jianghu. Even someone as strong as Sa Mau would have to bow in defeat. In the future, when encountering masters like Jin Lingshuang, Tu Lingxin, or Luo Moshi, he could handle them with ease. Unless he faced the Four Great Grandmasters directly as enemies, probably no one in this vast world could do anything to him. With such abilities, he could roam the world in the future and establish his own school and sect, creating his own situation. Thinking of this, he became even more greatly invigorated.

Hearing these words, Yan Ting’s shoulders trembled and tears suddenly fell down. Wu Dingyuan was startled, exclaiming, “What’s wrong? You’re… crying again?” Wu Dingyuan had formerly been a constable in Xiliang, living his life only among flashing blades and sword shadows, with little experience interacting with women. Yan Ting’s frequent crying left him completely flustered, not knowing how to comfort her.

Yan Ting cried, “You say you want to roam the jianghu—you’re actually going to seek revenge again, aren’t you? Zhuo Lingzhao has the divine sword—can you defeat him?”

Wu Dingyuan shook his head, thinking of the life-and-death heroic spirit during the duel, and said, “Whether I can defeat him or not doesn’t matter. Heaven didn’t let me die because it wants me to fight to the end. Even if I die at Zhuo Lingzhao’s hands, I’m willing and content.”

Yan Ting’s tears fell like rain. She leaned forward and tightly embraced Wu Dingyuan. Wu Dingyuan was startled, saying, “What are you doing?” Yan Ting wept, “Lord Wu, don’t waste your life anymore. They say it’s better to live wretchedly than die gloriously. My martial uncle died so inexplicably at the hands of villains. Please, I beg you, don’t provoke Zhuo Lingzhao anymore…”

Wu Dingyuan heard her mention Zhang Zhiyue and immediately closed his eyes with a long sigh, saying, “Life in this world has more suffering than joy. How are we different from beasts? Only moral integrity matters.” These few sentences were Zhang Zhiyue’s dying words. At this moment, feeling moved, they came out naturally, and he vaguely felt the same sentiment.

Yan Ting sobbed, “Lord Wu, don’t mention my uncle’s scholarly words anymore. He died easily, but we fellow disciples must live alone in this world, suffering contempt and bullying… If you want to risk your life for revenge, you should really think about your family and friends—how sad they would be without you…”

Wu Dingyuan couldn’t help but laugh heartily upon hearing this, “My parents are both dead, and old friends have scattered. I’m afraid after I die, there won’t even be anyone to collect my corpse. Who would be sad?”

Yan Ting cried, “Lord Wu, even if you have no relatives, how can you forget about Yan Ting? You’ve saved my life several times—you’re already Yan Ting’s family. After you die, whenever I think of you lying exposed in the wilderness, my heart will ache with pain!” These few sentences had no fancy decoration, but in this situation and scene, they were perfectly appropriate and truly moved Wu Dingyuan.

Yan Ting choked with sobs, “Lord Wu, in the future you’ll drift through all corners of the world with no fixed abode—how will Yan Ting find you? Could it be… could it be you don’t think of me at all?” With that, she lowered her head, her gaze full of resentment.

Wu Dingyuan had been a bachelor for decades and had never received half a woman’s admiration or reverence. Now hearing Yan Ting’s words with deeper meaning, he couldn’t help but be stunned, saying in a trembling voice, “Miss Yan Ting, you… you… want me to think of you…”

Yan Ting said softly, “You treat me so well, saving my life two or three times—I should properly serve you. Lord Wu, I beg you to cherish yourself for Yan Ting’s sake.”

Wu Dingyuan was both surprised and delighted, saying in a trembling voice, “Miss Yan Ting, you… do you want… want to be with me…” He couldn’t hide his moved and amazed feelings, his heart extremely excited as he reached out to grasp her shoulders.

Yan Ting heard these words and immediately raised her head to gaze at Wu Dingyuan for a long, long time without even blinking. Wu Dingyuan saw her face full of tender feelings, his heart both passionate and excited, hoping she could gently nod her head and agree—then he, Wu Dingyuan, would have no regrets for the rest of his life.

After a long while, Yan Ting remained silent. After a very long time, she finally sighed once and turned her gaze away. Wu Dingyuan stared blankly for a while, removed his hand from her shoulder, wanted to speak but didn’t know what to say, only forcing a bitter smile.

Yan Ting saw his unpleasant expression and immediately reached out to tightly grasp Wu Dingyuan’s large palm, saying softly, “Lord Wu, I have an idea—I don’t know if you think it’s good or not?” Wu Dingyuan had been feeling upset, but suddenly hearing her speak this way, hope arose in his heart again as he quickly said, “What idea?”

Yan Ting said gently, “Lord Wu, shall we return to Beijing together?”

Wu Dingyuan exclaimed in surprise, “Return to Beijing?”

Yan Ting nodded, saying, “Lord Wu, you’re Marquis Liu’s beloved general—how can you leave so quietly without a word? Why don’t you return to the capital early? In the future, Yan Ting can also visit you, alright?”

Wu Dingyuan had originally been smiling, but hearing these words, his expression immediately became rigid. He thought, “Something’s not right… This little girl Yan Ting has always been quite infatuated with Physician Yang—how could she suddenly be so good to me? Could it be… could it be…” He thought of several “could it bes” and felt a sourness in his heart, unwilling to think further, just shaking his head without responding.

Yan Ting saw him remain silent and quickly said, “Lord Wu, do you agree?”

Wu Dingyuan wanted to test her. He lowered his head and sighed, “Don’t try to persuade me. If I really return to the capital and encounter Zhuo Lingzhao, I might ruin Physician Yang and their important affairs, which wouldn’t be good.”

Yan Ting took Wu Dingyuan’s palm and gently placed it against her face, rubbing it as she said sweetly, “Lord Wu, forget about Zhuo Lingzhao. You’ve finally achieved the rank of Ninth Grade Commander—for the sake of your future prospects, don’t make things difficult for yourself anymore…”

Wu Dingyuan had been suspicious of Yan Ting’s motives, but hearing this sentence, he no longer had any doubts. He knew Yang Suguan had instigated this behind the scenes, actually wanting Yan Ting to persuade him. Otherwise, when had a little girl like Yan Ting ever understood the principles of “official career prospects”? If Yang Suguan hadn’t encouraged her, why would she suddenly be so good to him? Wu Dingyuan felt sourness in his heart and immediately lowered his head, his shoulders slightly trembling.

Yan Ting saw him lower his head motionlessly and continued on her own, “When you return to the capital, I’ll definitely visit you often. I only hope you’ll take good care of your health, alright…” Listening to Yan Ting continuously trying to please him, Wu Dingyuan felt both sad and resentful. He raised his head and gritted his teeth, saying, “Stop talking… Who exactly taught you to say these things? Was it Physician Yang?”

Yan Ting was startled and quickly said, “No… no, I said it myself…”

Wu Dingyuan heard her still concealing the truth, and his heart ached extremely. For a moment, instead of getting angry, he became sad and actually raised his head and laughed loudly.

Yan Ting said in a trembling voice, “Lord Wu, what’s wrong with you? Don’t frighten me, alright?”

Wu Dingyuan laughed loudly, but his heart was extremely heavy. He gasped and said, “Miss Yan Ting, please tell Physician Yang one thing—don’t underestimate Wu Dingyuan too much! If I, surnamed Wu, had been someone who coveted wealth and honor, how could I have risked my life to save you back then? You shouldn’t have, absolutely shouldn’t have become someone’s lobbyist to try to please me.” He spoke to the point of grief and could no longer bear the sorrow and indignation in his heart. Tears flowed down his face as he pointed toward the door and shouted sternly, “Go!”

Yan Ting saw his anger and was frightened, her whole body shaking as she waved her hands repeatedly, saying, “No, I didn’t…”

Wu Dingyuan saw her not moving and became even more speechless. He got up himself and walked toward the door, not looking back even once.

Yan Ting rushed forward, calling, “Lord Wu! Don’t go!” With that, she grabbed his palm.

Wu Dingyuan snorted loudly, “Let go!”

Yan Ting still held on tight. Wu Dingyuan became furious and shook his hand once. How could Yan Ting hold onto him? Her body immediately flew out and fell to the ground. Yan Ting was both frightened and startled, felt pain and discomfort, and couldn’t help but cry loudly.

Wu Dingyuan saw that in his impulse, he had actually thrown her down in his jealous anger—he might have injured her! He stared blankly at Yan Ting crying like a pear blossom in spring rain, appearing extremely delicate and weak. Wu Dingyuan came to his senses from his rage and thought, “This is bad—I might have frightened this little girl with my anger.”

Wu Dingyuan’s tender feelings suddenly stirred, and he walked to Yan Ting’s side, saying gently, “What’s wrong? Are you hurt?” Yan Ting sobbed uncontrollably, crying, “Just go! I don’t want to see you anymore!” Wu Dingyuan crouched down and reached out to stroke her hair, saying warmly, “Good child, stop crying, alright?” Wu Dingyuan’s methods for dealing with women were even more clumsy than Lu Yun’s. He didn’t know how to comfort a girl and could only think to treat her like a baby. If he had candy nearby, he probably would have taken it out to feed her.

Yan Ting’s tears glistened as she choked out, “I was afraid you’d waste your natural abilities, so I spoke to advise you, but… but you think I have ulterior motives. I feel so sad hearing this… Don’t pay attention to me—just go quickly…”

Wu Dingyuan sighed, thinking, “Maybe she really had good intentions and I wrongly accused her. Sigh… What kind of temper am I showing her? I should find Yang Suguan and speak clearly with him—that’s what a good man should do.” He then said warmly, “Alright, big brother Wu will stay obediently, but I have a few things I must make clear with Lord Yang. Please ask him to come here.”

Yan Ting stopped her tears and said softly, “Speak nicely—don’t look for him to quarrel.”

Wu Dingyuan laughed heartily, “Physician Yang once saved my life in the past. Remembering the source when drinking water, how could I make things difficult for him? Please quickly ask him to come in!” Yan Ting nodded hurriedly and went out to find Yang Suguan.

Wu Dingyuan’s words were just to coax Yan Ting—actually, he himself had no desire to return to Beijing. At this moment, he just wanted to find Yang Suguan to make things clear, then immediately leave and fly far away, never again having any connection with the Liu faction. He sat beside the tea table, thinking about wandering the jianghu alone in the future, and suddenly felt a sense of weariness in his heart.

Wu Dingyuan turned the teapot on the table, thinking, “Back then I came from Xiliang to the capital, and now it’s time to leave. Heh heh, I’ve resigned from office and offended all my friends. Where should I go? Return to Xiliang to be a constable again? Or go beyond the pass—but what would I do there? Is this how my life ends?”

Thinking again, Zhuo Lingzhao’s cold, proud face floated in his mind, making his heart feel even more deathly gray. “Now this murderous demon king has left leisurely and taken the divine sword with him. If I want to find him for revenge in the future, I’m afraid I still can’t defeat him. Sigh… I finally obtained this level of martial arts—am I supposed to just watch these villains run rampant through the world? How can I face the Qi father and son?”

The more he thought, the more desolate his heart became, and for a moment all his heroic spirit was lost.

Just as he was pondering, Yan Ting had already returned. Wu Dingyuan raised his head and asked, “Where is Lord Yang?” Yan Ting said softly, “Magistrate Lu said Physician Yang packed his luggage and has already returned to the capital first.”

Wu Dingyuan’s face showed complete bewilderment as he clenched both fists tightly, shouting, “He… why did he avoid me?”

Yan Ting heard his anger again and saw his expression change, saying, “Physician Yang left a letter for you to read.”

Wu Dingyuan snorted and reached out to take it. Yan Ting looked at him once, afraid of his bad temper, and said softly, “Read it slowly—I’ll go out first.” Seeing Wu Dingyuan’s poor mood, she didn’t dare stay long and left the room.

Wu Dingyuan grasped the letter, gritting his teeth as he thought, “Good, you Yang Suguan! You anticipate everything and actually left one step ahead! Heh heh, I, Wu Dingyuan, have made up my mind—no matter how deep your scheming is, it’s all useless this time!” He unfolded the letter paper and saw the handwriting was hurried, the ink not yet dry, clearly written in great haste. Wu Dingyuan read with a cold smile:

“To my friend Dingyuan: You have struggled through hardships, traveling thousands of li only to seek justice and revenge for orphans—this is truly a loyal and righteous heart. Having known you for years, I have always deeply admired your noble character.”

This passage expressed Yang Suguan’s admiration and respect for him, but Wu Dingyuan knew in his heart that Yang Suguan was quite scheming, and what he wrote might not be his true feelings. He just snorted once and continued reading.

“Considering the current overall situation, the imperial court is in chaos with the Eight Tigers running rampant. Externally there’s Jiang Chong’s threats, internally there’s Liu Jing’s restrictions. I came to Changzhou shouldering diplomatic responsibilities to establish the Liu faction in an undefeatable position. Yet all my friends reproach and humiliate me, and everyone considers me shameless. I sadly examine my heart—when have I ever done wrong?”

This passage expressed his loyal minister’s single-hearted devotion, with cursive script flying between the lines as if weeping. After reading it, Wu Dingyuan couldn’t help but be moved. He stared blankly for a while, shook his head, and continued reading. He saw Yang Suguan had also written:

“I return to the capital this time. If the Kunlun people keep their word, they should meet at the Court of Judicial Review on the twentieth of the twelfth month. If they abandon the covenant, then all is lost. The river bandits are powerful, and since the Liu faction has chosen war, how can we seek survival? Surely disaster and destruction are not far off. Until Jiang Chong is eliminated, the people remain in deep suffering—this is known by all righteous men under heaven. Yet observing your actions, you let private grudges overshadow public benefit, seeing small revenge while forgetting great righteousness—how is this the behavior of a hero?”

Wu Dingyuan saw the two lines “letting private grudges overshadow public benefit, seeing small revenge while forgetting great righteousness” and felt as if struck by a thunderbolt, couldn’t help but snort as his body trembled. He lowered his head to read the final passage of the letter:

“You are naturally of noble character, pure and self-disciplined. When I face the executioner’s axe, you may come to my grave to pray and burn incense, thus fulfilling our past friendship. I, Suguan, bow with respect.”

Wu Dingyuan read it several times, folded the letter paper, and bowed his head in bitter contemplation of the causes and effects. At this time, with the two heroes at court locked in struggle, since Liu Angtian had already stepped forward to win over Zhuo Lingzhao, this dangerous chess move had been played, meaning they were already openly at war with a generation of powerful ministers. Now, if the Liu faction wanted to protect itself, they definitely needed Zhuo Lingzhao to keep his promise. If the Sword God abandoned the covenant and went far away, the Liu faction would probably, as the letter said, face disaster and destruction within days.

Wu Dingyuan sighed, thinking, “Although Physician Yang’s methods aren’t honorable, all his painstaking efforts are just to work tirelessly for the Marquis’s cause. This dedication is beyond what I, Wu Dingyuan, can match.” He stood up and paced back and forth repeatedly, then thought, “Right now the three court factions are fighting to the death. If I abandon the Marquis and leave at this time, what will he think? What will Brother Lu, General Qin, and Guard Wei think? Don’t I care about the lives of so many brothers? Is my stubborn persistence really righteousness?”

Thinking more, his heart gradually softened and he began to consider returning to the capital. Suddenly his mind flashed and he thought again, “No—they’re all lives. Why are the lives of the entire Yanling Escort Agency so worthless? Zhuo Lingzhao ruthlessly killed the old and young of the escort agency, yet Yang Suguan, as a Shaolin disciple, doesn’t take this blood debt to heart. With such coldness, can I, Wu Dingyuan, do the same? If I rashly return to the capital today, how can I face those who died unjustly?”

Thinking that despite obtaining divine martial arts, when it came to doing things he was even more constrained than when he was just a constable, falling far short of his former capabilities, Wu Dingyuan gripped the letter tightly. His powerful internal energy reached his palm, and the letter paper was completely crushed to powder.

He glared coldly with furious eyes, gritting his teeth, “Don’t blame Wu Dingyuan for being heartless, Physician Yang.” Instantly he pushed open the window and sent out his palm force, the handful of paper fragments flying out with the wind like butterflies fluttering into the courtyard.

Having made his decision, Wu Dingyuan no longer thought much about it. He breathed out a long breath and was about to close the window when he suddenly heard a sigh. Wu Dingyuan looked sideways and saw among the paper fragments filling the sky, a person standing alone quietly in the courtyard. This person wore white clothes with a travel pack on his back—it was Yang Suguan.

Suddenly seeing this person, Wu Dingyuan couldn’t help but be greatly shocked. At this time his power was godlike, barely different from Zhuo Lingzhao, Ning Bufan and others, yet Yang Suguan had quietly entered the courtyard without him sensing anything at all. Wu Dingyuan stared blankly for a while, saying, “You… didn’t you return to the capital?”

Among the flying paper fragments, Yang Suguan stood quietly. He reached out to catch a small piece of paper, lowered his phoenix eyes, and seeing it was from the letter he had written, couldn’t help but sigh. He shook his head and bent down to pick up the scattered paper pieces on the ground.

Wu Dingyuan saw Yang Suguan’s calm expression showing no joy or anger, only bending down to collect the paper scraps on the ground. Watching this, he felt slightly apologetic in his heart and wanted to leap out the window to speak gently with him. But thinking of the Yanling Escort Agency case, his heart hardened again and he forcibly restrained himself.

For a long, long time, Yang Suguan gathered all the fragments and collected them in his bosom. He walked to beneath the window and gazed at Wu Dingyuan.

Wu Dingyuan no longer felt apologetic and said coldly, “Physician Yang suddenly returned—could it be you want to persuade me to return to the capital?”

Yang Suguan’s gaze was gentle as he said, “Not at all. I returned this time only because I was afraid in my heart.”

Wu Dingyuan snorted. Yang Suguan held high position and great power with deep schemes—even Jiang Chong might not be able to do anything to him. Speaking of being afraid seemed rather affected. Wu Dingyuan frowned and said in a deep voice, “What are you afraid of?” Yang Suguan sighed, “See for yourself,” and pointed upward with his right hand.

Wu Dingyuan was slightly curious, not knowing his purpose. He looked up in the direction of his pointing and immediately his body shook as he stepped back.

In the vast starry sky, an enormous comet streaked across the heavens. The comet’s brilliant light was dazzling with overwhelming momentum, obscuring countless stars. Its long tail stretched across the sky like a broom, and even the bright moon’s radiance was dimmed by that magnificent ten-thousand-zhang glow.

Suddenly seeing this celestial phenomenon, Wu Dingyuan was filled with amazement as he looked up at this rare astronomical spectacle.

Yang Suguan gazed up at the starry sky with a grave expression, saying, “According to records, this comet appears in the mortal world once every seventy-odd years. The last time it descended, the palace suffered fraternal strife and seven hundred thousand soldiers and civilians were caught in warfare. This time it appears again, entering directly into the Purple Forbidden Imperial Palace… Sigh…” He shook his head and looked fixedly at Wu Dingyuan, saying in a daze, “Could it be that the dynasty will change again?”

Wu Dingyuan heard the four words “dynasty will change” and thought of what he had seen and heard in Shenji Cave. Despite his extraordinarily thick internal power, rarely seen in the world, he still trembled all over with extreme terror.

Yang Suguan looked up again at the stellar phenomenon, saying, “Suguan has taken vows since childhood, maintaining purity of body and clarity of spirit without attachments. But just now while walking on the road, seeing this demon star descending, I suddenly turned back… Dingyuan, do you know Yang’s intention?”

Wu Dingyuan listened quietly—how could he not understand Yang Suguan’s concern for his colleagues? He swallowed and couldn’t help but lower his head.

With their parting imminent, Yang Suguan knew there was no need for many words. He said flatly, “After I leave, concentrate on recovering from your injuries. Don’t worry about other external matters.” With that, he turned away, saying, “Whether we can meet again in the future, everything follows fate. Suguan has absolutely no intention to force anything.”

The divine light illuminated the earth, making Yang Suguan’s cheeks appear even more snow-white. He looked up at the ten-thousand-zhang comet light, suddenly gave a light whistle, shouldered his travel pack, and quietly departed northward.