In the cold spring dawn, a little fairy slept sweetly in a warm, comfortable blanket.

The first great pleasure in life is sleeping. As the common saying goes well: sleep early, rise late, saves both lamp oil and rice. When sleeping, one need not worry about anything, can avoid hearing everything. Want anything? Have anything? Think anything? Be anything? Emperor, immortal, or Buddha – whatever the heart desires. Because of this, Juan’er loved sleeping very much. Her only worry was that dreams might be too delightful, causing her to never wake up.

“Has the Military Advisor arrived?” “Shh, speak softly, don’t wake her.” Buzzing sounds by her ears like mosquitoes disturbing her, Juan’er irritably covered her ears and turned to sleep on her right side.

“She looks quite adorable.” “Yes, of the Military Advisor’s two disciples, she’s the most innocent.” The mosquitoes followed like shadows; even after turning her face, they still buzzed annoyingly. Juan’er pulled up her cotton jacket to cover her head, but unfortunately, covering her head left her bare feet exposed, feeling quite cold. Just as she was drawing in her feet, suddenly her toes felt warm, as if bitten.

“Hey, don’t touch her feet, the Military Advisor will be angry.” “I’m afraid she’ll catch cold.” The mosquitoes harassed her bare feet, buzzing and biting her toes and ankles everywhere, seeming quite excited. Juan’er’s toes struggled, and suddenly she roared loudly: “COCKADOODLEDOO!”

Juan’er roared angrily, reached back to draw her long sword, and slashed through the air. With a loud buzzing sound, several clumps of straw floated down from mid-air, gently drifting to the ground.

Juan’er made a sound of surprise but also came fully awake. She found herself sleeping on a pile of straw, covered with a silk quilt, surrounded by broken and old miscellaneous items. Looking behind, there was a statue of Lord Guan – she had been sleeping in a ruined temple. Looking outside the temple gate, sunshine was blazing – it was already noon.

Last night was the Lantern Festival. Citizens throughout the city carried lanterns for night touring, some playing mahjong, some throwing dice, everyone staying up all night in great joy. But Juan’er was quite miserable, searching all night for Qiong Fang’s whereabouts. She had traveled northward, and seeing Anding Gate wide open, she simply came to the northern suburbs to test horses, finally sleeping in this ruined temple for a good night’s rest until the sun was high in the sky.

Beijing had nothing else in abundance, but ruined temples were plentiful. In recent years of drought and famine, the court had spent all money on warfare, naturally having no funds for repairs. Incense money decreased year by year, so monks and Daoists went to stay at large temples, making the large temples even larger while small temples became more ruined, giving Juan’er more places to shelter.

Juan’er was twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old, not her first day wandering the martial world. She was quite familiar with sleeping in ruined temples and foraging for wild food.

She stretched her arms and was yawning when she heard subtle conversation sounds behind her: “Military Advisor, you’ve come?”

There was no one in the ruined temple – where did the talking come from? Juan’er was greatly startled. Without turning around, she rolled forward, her long sword sweeping back in a move called “Inverted Pearl Curtain,” guarding her vital back points. Then she unleashed the Flying Curtain Sword Rain, sword wind buzzing loudly. Just as she was about to leap up, she saw behind her a tall divine statue looking down at her – it was Lord Guan.

Juan’er made a sound of surprise, looked left and right but saw no human figures. Thinking she must have been confused from sleep, seeing Lord Guan still looking at her, she quickly sheathed her sword, put her hands together devoutly, and bowed: “Lord Guan above, disciple Juan’er borrowed shelter here for one night, thank you for your protection.”

She bowed gracefully, wanting to make some wishes, but her mind wasn’t working well. After thinking for a long time, she didn’t know what to pray for. While being foolish, she suddenly saw a couplet carved on the temple pillar: “By green lamp reading green history, wielding green dragon and chasing moon; With red face maintaining red heart, riding Red Hare pursuing wind.”

Seeing the words “Red Hare,” Juan’er jumped up with joy, shouting: “Big Red Face! Big Red Face! Where are you?” She grabbed the silk quilt from the ground and hurried out of the hall. Just as she was shouting, she suddenly saw a dilapidated side room with doors and windows already fallen, filled with wood chips and straw, where a big red face lay sleeping warmly.

Juan’er rushed over laughing: “Big Red Face! So you’re here! I thought you had run away.”

Big Red Face neighed in startled fright, opened its eyes, saw it was that ignorant young girl who had come, then closed its eyes again and snored in sleep.

Juan’er scolded: “The sun is high in the sky! Still sleeping! Get up quickly! Quick!” She waved her hands, patting and beating like driving a son to get up. Hearing the bitter neighing, Big Red Face finally got up with a bang, hitting the door frame of the side room.

Big Red Face was a horse – a tall, large horse. Its body length including tail reached twelve feet, standing nearly ten feet off the ground. When running, it was like the morning glow rising in the east. Needless to say, this was a Red Hare horse.

Looking at this Red Hare, it truly lived up to its name as a divine steed. Ordinary horses mostly sleep standing to avoid being caught off guard by fierce beasts. This Red Hare horse, relying on its fast speed, slept lying flat when resting, snoring while not forgetting to pillow its head on the straw pile, very sweetly. No wonder it slept so deeply.

Last night in the deep of night, Juan’er had come out of the city to the northern suburbs to test horses, riding precisely this Red Hare horse. Seeing it faster than lightning, in great joy she chose a spirited name for it: Big Red Face. Juan’er’s pretty face reddened with excitement: “Big Red Face, I’ll take you to see Qiong Fang in a while to make her envious. You must behave well then!”

Big Red Face was hungry – what did it care who Qiong Fang was? It walked to the courtyard, sniffing around, but the ground was full of wild grass with no vegetables or fruits visible, naturally feeling dejected. But then it heard Juan’er laugh: “Greedy thing, I knew you were hungry. Look, what’s this?” Big Red Face lazily lifted its eyes and was shocked to see Juan’er holding a bright red apple in her hand. Immediately it neighed with joy. Juan’er laughed: “Don’t be hasty, first carry me back to the capital. When we reach brother-in-law’s house, you can eat as much as you want.”

Mounting the horse’s back, she strung the apple on her sword and was about to point south with a smile when suddenly someone patted her shoulder. Juan’er turned around and was shocked to see three ghosts standing behind her – one in azure robes, one with a short neck, one with protruding teeth. The three ghosts stood in a row, eerily beckoning: “Juan—”

“Ghosts!” Juan’er cried loudly for help, quickly waving her long sword forward and shouting: “Run quickly!” The apple appeared, and the red horse frantically chased it. After several vigorous attempts to bite, it was still half an inch short. Unknowingly, they had already galloped several li.

Juan’er feared nothing in heaven or earth except ghosts. How could she have expected that those who walk night roads often encounter ghosts, and she actually ran into ghosts? Fortunately, she rode the wind-chasing Red Hare, traveling through clouds all the way. The apple also moved like wind, thunder, and lightning, constantly being chased while scenery on both sides retreated. After running more than ten li, the apple was still safely ahead, neither far nor near.

The Red Hare horse was a divine creature; presumably even if ghosts could fly, they couldn’t catch up. Juan’er, still shaken, murmured: “What was that just now? Could I have been seeing things?” Just as she was relaxing, she heard by her ear again: “Juan—”

Juan’er’s pretty face turned pale. Looking back, she was shocked to see an azure-robed ghost flying from the forest, not forgetting to beckon to her. Immediately she cried out miserably: “How did it come again!” Big Red Horse had just bitten the apple and was chewing with closed eyes when suddenly its buttocks hurt – Juan’er had stabbed it with her sword. In pain, it cried out mournfully and transformed into a red lightning bolt, speeding away.

This Red Hare horse had an innately rebellious nature – tell it to run and it would stop, command it to slow and it would hurry. But regardless of how rebellious, when the buttocks hurt, it still knew to feel it. Now galloping at full speed, feeling the wind势狂暴, raising ten zhang of dust like a whirlwind, but Juan’er still felt it wasn’t enough, crying out: “Help! Ghosts are coming! Ghosts are coming!”

Wild wind struck her face like knives. The Red Hare horse galloped at full strength, its four hooves flying. In just a blink, they had reached an open field not far from the capital. Juan’er recognized the direction and was about to head toward Anding Gate when she suddenly rubbed her eyes and made a sound of surprise.

Looking ahead, below the northern city was a sea of flags – Divine Strategy, Divine Might, Divine Grace, Divine Virtue camps layered upon layers, stretching for dozens of li. In the center stood a great camp with a mighty giant flag, red background with gold characters reading “Loyalist Army,” with unknown hundreds of thousands of people there. Juan’er naturally opened her mouth wide, her heart filled with shock: “What… what is this about?”

Looking at last night’s Lantern Festival, so lively and bustling, citizens touring at night, ten thousand households peaceful and harmonious, how could one night pass and a great army enter the city? Just as she was staring blankly, suddenly horse hooves thundered as about a hundred swift horses intercepted halfway, shouting: “Who goes there!”

Juan’er not only feared ghosts but also bad people. Greatly alarmed, she quickly tightened her grip on the horse’s belly and pulled the reins sideways. The Red Hare horse turned its body and immediately swerved to avoid them, its hooves still thundering as it flew onward. Behind came angry roars: “Still running! Quickly dismount for inspection! Otherwise, immediate execution without mercy!”

Hearing the bad people’s fierce tone, Juan’er’s pretty face turned even paler. Immediately she urged the reins continuously, galloping straight toward Anding Gate. As long as she could meet a team of Zhengtong troops, she would fear nothing.

The Red Hare horse’s speed was incomparably fast. In just a blink, they approached the city gate. Juan’er called loudly for help: “Someone come quickly! Someone come quickly! There are bandits outside the city!” Just as she was shouting, she suddenly heard continuous whistling sounds ahead. Countless arrow feathers crossed through the air, blocking the way. Then from all directions surged countless cavalry, surrounding Juan’er completely.

Juan’er was so frightened her face lost all color, only then realizing the city gate was also occupied by bandits. Seeing no way to retreat, she could only grip the sword at her waist. But as her fingers touched the sword hilt, she heard a brushing sound as hundreds of swords and spears pointed at her, frightening her into raising both hands and saying tremblingly: “Don’t—” A soldier rushed forward and angrily shouted: “Who are you? Why do you carry weapons and wander about here?”

The approaching person was fierce like an evil spirit. Juan’er was naturally secretly afraid, saying in a low voice: “I… I am a common citizen, living in the capital, wanting… wanting to enter the city.” That soldier shouted angrily: “Audacious! Dismount and speak!” The Red Hare horse was extremely intelligent. Hearing its master insulted and scolded, it immediately became extremely agitated, neighing wildly and wanting to charge forward. Juan’er quickly held it back, saying in panic: “Don’t move, don’t move.”

Both sides were in a standoff. Juan’er dared not dismount but also dared not break through, only shrinking on the horse and trembling. The soldiers slowly tightened their encirclement. The Red Hare horse snorted through its nose, its left hoof repeatedly stamping the ground, waiting to charge and break through.

The soldiers exchanged glances, suddenly shouted loudly and surged forward together. Juan’er screamed, not knowing whether she should fight or not, when from outside the city came a sharp shout: “Hold on.” With a bang of cannon fire, a large group of cavalry galloped over, escorting a military flag marked “Leopard Strategy.” An officer rode forward and said calmly: “Miss, your horse is quite unusual. Where did it come from?”

Juan’er said timidly: “This… this was given to me by my brother-in-law.” The officer made a sound of acknowledgment: “Your brother-in-law? What’s his surname and name?” Juan’er said in a low voice: “His surname is Wu, his full name is Wu Dingyuan.” Upon hearing this, all the soldiers on the field were shocked, everyone whispering to each other in discussion. That officer took a deep breath: “You… you’re not joking?” Juan’er said timidly: “No… no, my senior sister is Yan Ting.” The officer became even more surprised and suspicious, quickly rode back to the formation. After a short while, the army parted to the sides, and from the formation emerged a general in golden armor with a dignified expression, saying sternly: “You are Grand Commander Wu’s family member?”

As the saying goes: the higher the official, the longer the face. Seeing this person with a stern cold face, his face several inches longer than even the Red Hare horse, his rank must be quite high. Juan’er carefully nodded and said in a low voice: “Yes, I’m called Juan’er. May… may I enter the city?” The general said: “Miss, do you carry any documents or tokens?” Juan’er said blankly: “No… no.”

The general shook his head: “That won’t do. Even if Grand Commander Wu came in person, he would need tokens for verification. Please dismount, miss, and come with me back to camp.” Juan’er saw he spoke with authority and dared not resist, was about to obediently dismount when someone grasped her hand. Looking down, she saw it was the officer from before. He looked up and smiled: “Miss, let me help you down.”

Juan’er said in a low voice: “No… no need.” The officer smiled: “Why be polite? Looking at your age, this isn’t the first time you’ve been held by a man, right?” Juan’er made a sound of surprise. Before she could reply, she heard the Red Hare horse neigh angrily. The Red Hare was furious, its hind legs kicked hard. With an “ah ya” of miserable crying, the officer rolled away, falling with a bruised and swollen face.

“Damn beast! Both sides’ soldiers angrily said: “The Zhengtong army wants to start a war! Everyone attack!” Immediately sword light flashed continuously, waist sabers, long spears, and heavy halberds all emerged. But the Red Hare horse was not afraid either, charging toward the group of horses. Hearing continuous clanging sounds, weapons clashed, and in front appeared a young man. Seeing him wearing black robes with a red belt, hands slightly clenched in fists, it was Wu Chongqing who had arrived.

When Big Red Face met danger, Little Red Face immediately appeared. Juan’er was overjoyed and was about to call out, but Wu Chongqing raised his hand, signaling her to remain calm. Then he blocked in front of the soldiers, took out a document from his chest, and said calmly: “This is a document signed by the Ministry of War, allowing us free passage through the North Gate. Please let us pass, officers.”

The golden-armored general said: “Who are you?” Juan’er’s heart was uplifted, about to cheer Chongqing’s name, but saw him give her a look and say: “This humble person’s surname is Zhang, an escort from the Western Regions. The one on the horse is my wife. We two want to enter the city for some business, hoping the officers will give us convenience.”

The golden-armored general examined the document and pondered: “Tongxi Escort Agency? How does she say she’s Grand Commander Wu’s family?” Wu Chongqing said: “My wife has an illness, her mind is sometimes not very clear. Please don’t pay attention to it, officers.”

The officer came over with a bitter expression: “A crazy woman with illness should see a doctor early, understand?” Wu Chongqing said: “This humble person knows.” Juan’er heard these men describe her so poorly, naturally angry in her heart, but helplessly in a dangerous situation with no way to speak, she could only swallow it silently.

The golden-armored general nodded and returned the document: “Control your wife properly. Fast horse galloping is strictly prohibited in the capital. If pedestrians are injured, you’ll inevitably face several lawsuits.” Wu Chongqing acknowledged and accepted it: “Thank you all.”

The golden-armored general said no more, shouted once, and led everyone eastward. The gate guards then came forward and shouted: “What are you standing there for? Go in!” Below the city, the crowd surged – people and vehicles. Wu Chongqing silently lowered his head, leading the horse with one hand and pushing through pedestrians with the other, leading Juan’er into the city.

After one night, the capital had completely changed. Looking at the crowds below the city gate, entering and exiting the city all required inspection, naturally crowded beyond measure. The two people and one horse walked a few steps and stopped for half a moment, making progress extremely difficult. Juan’er was afraid of causing trouble, could only sit obediently on the horse without daring to make a sound. Wu Chongqing was naturally a man of few words, so he only silently led the horse forward.

With great difficulty, they squeezed out of the North Gate and reached Zhonggu Street, no longer seeing inspection queues. Wu Chongqing looked up and said: “Aunt, it’s fine now. Come down.” Before his words ended, he heard Juan’er angrily say: “What do you mean it’s fine now? Wu Chongqing! Who is your ‘wife’? And whose head isn’t clear? You explain this clearly to me!”

Seeing Juan’er’s temper flare, Wu Chongqing said: “Aunt, don’t be angry. This was an expedient measure. If we hadn’t said that earlier, we probably couldn’t have entered the city.” Juan’er angrily said: “Coward! Seeing they were the Loyalist Army, you became a shrinking turtle! Are you still Wu Dingyuan’s son?”

Wu Chongqing said: “Both being military people, why make things difficult for each other?” Juan’er angrily said: “What military people? That person was inappropriate with me earlier, and you just ignored it?” Wu Chongqing knew he was in the wrong and immediately bowed apologetically: “It was my fault. Aunt, let me help you down from the horse.”

Just as he was about to help her down, Juan’er said coldly: “Get away, don’t touch me.”

Wu Chongqing knew he couldn’t persuade her, so he took out an iron plaque and handed it to Juan’er, saying softly: “Aunt, remember to keep this thing safe. If you encounter government troops later, let them inspect it. Understand?” Though he was younger than Juan’er, when he spoke, he was quite mature, just like a big brother. After giving instructions, he was about to leave when he heard Juan’er shout: “Wait! Don’t go!” With a hmph sound, she leaped down from the horse’s back, falling into Chongqing’s arms and letting him hold her fully.

Juan’er’s qinggong was superb – getting on and off a horse, why would she need others’ help? At this moment, she was naturally being coquettish. She fell into Little Red Face’s embrace, leaning against his strong chest, letting him hold her leg bend. Their eyes met, Juan’er suddenly blushed, remembering the word “wife,” and quickly struggled to stand up, saying coquettishly: “Wu Chongqing! How did you appear at the city gate earlier? Speak! Are you secretly following me?”

Wu Chongqing coughed: “I had some business and happened to pass by the North Gate. I didn’t expect to see government troops surrounding someone, so I came to investigate.” Hearing the words “government troops,” Juan’er also became nervous and quickly said: “Right, right, what are these soldiers doing? Why did they all run into the city?”

Wu Chongqing said: “Didn’t they tell you? The court is conducting military exercises.” Juan’er said blankly: “Military exercises? Why conduct military exercises?”

Wu Chongqing said calmly: “To discuss these major military and state affairs, quickly go ask my father. Whatever he says, you listen to.”

Juan’er would talk about anything except being lazy about discussing military and state affairs. She snorted again: “Don’t talk about this nonsense. Quick, tell me where you went last night?” Wu Chongqing was somewhat annoyed. Every time he met Aunt Juan, she would always probe and investigate like solving a case, pestering endlessly. He casually said: “I went drinking with friends.” Juan’er suspected in her heart and snorted: “What friends? Male or female?” Wu Chongqing said irritably: “Aunt, are you too full and idle? Asking about these things every day, don’t you find it boring?”

Juan’er said loudly: “I am bored! Quick, tell me who you drank with!” Just as she was pressing for answers, she suddenly saw Wu Chongqing’s collar standing up, covering his neck, rather like some fancy young master’s attire, quite novel. She looked and then stood on tiptoe to lift the collar for a look, couldn’t help but cry out in alarm: “You… how did you get injured like this?”

Wu Chongqing was seriously injured. On his neck was a gash two inches long, like a red centipede. Though sewn up with thread, it still looked terrifyingly fierce. She was both shocked and afraid. Looking again at Little Red Face’s hands and feet, some skin split, some flesh torn, also covered with fresh wounds recently sewn. She said in panic: “Chongqing! What exactly did you do last night?” Wu Chongqing said: “I told you, I went drinking with friends.” Juan’er said urgently: “Nonsense! How can drinking result in injuries all over?”

Wu Chongqing said: “When drinking, chatting is inevitable. When chatting, arguing is inevitable. You call me a dog, I curse you as a pig. Anyway, when everyone disagreed, we started fighting and killing each other.” Juan’er said tremblingly: “You… you caused trouble again. Did you kill anyone?” Wu Chongqing said: “Don’t worry, there was a friend present who was skilled in medicine. As long as the head doesn’t fall off, he can save anyone alive.”

Juan’er came from the Nine Flower Sect, which had many medical books from previous dynasties that she could never finish learning. Hearing Wu Chongqing praise someone else’s medical skills, she was naturally displeased. She snorted several times and carefully examined the sewn wound on Chongqing’s neck, seeing the stitches fine and neat, orderly like women’s needlework. She couldn’t help but say in shock: “Your… your friend is a woman, right?”

Wu Chongqing sighed: “Here we go again.” Juan’er snorted: “What do you mean ‘here we go again’? I must ask clearly! Speak! Who exactly is your lover? Is it Qiong Fang?” Just as she was investigating, Wu Chongqing yawned. Seeing him appear as if he hadn’t slept all night, looking tired, he reached out to pat Big Red Horse and suddenly his eyes widened in shock: “Red Hare horse?”

Juan’er’s eyes lit up and she said loudly: “The boy finally noticed!” She quickly hugged the horse’s neck happily: “Let me tell you, last night I was stealing apples to eat on Yangshi Street, and this Big Red Face came begging for food, then followed me all the way like recognizing its mother. Isn’t that strange!” Whenever Juan’er got happy, she would always chatter endlessly. Wu Chongqing nodded: “This is what they call ‘no coincidence, no story.'”

Juan’er laughed: “Right, right, right! Aunt also wants to ask you something. Is there a saying like ‘people something something horse something something Red Hare’? This saying is inexplicable – who can understand it?” Wu Chongqing seemed to have a telepathic connection and shrugged: “Don’t ask me about this saying, go ask the Ministry of Justice.” Juan’er said blankly: “Ministry of Justice? What would we do there? Do the people there have learning?”

Wu Chongqing was about to say more when he heard this and suddenly fell silent: “You’re right too. Going there would also be in vain, just shedding a few more tears.” He said no more and returned the reins to Juan’er: “Aunt, be careful on the road. I need to go first.”

Juan’er frowned: “Where are you going?” Wu Chongqing said: “I didn’t sleep all night, need to find a place to rest.”

Juan’er was delighted: “Great! I was just about to go home too. Come, let’s go together.” She patted the saddle: “Get on.”

When Chongqing was small, he most loved riding alongside Juan’er. After growing up, the two had never shared one horse. Just as she was about to call him up, Wu Chongqing’s face changed slightly: “Aunt, wait a moment.”

With a shout, he leaped onto a building. Juan’er angrily said: “Running away again? Is asking you to share one horse going to kill you?”

Seeing Song Tongming and Zhu Kang daily hoping to embrace slender waists, how could asking Chongqing to share reins and ride together cause him to flee in panic? The more she thought, the angrier she became. She lifted her skirt and was about to fly up when Wu Chongqing leaped down again. Juan’er’s eyes reddened as she said loudly: “Fine! Having a sweetheart, you don’t want Aunt anymore! Speak! Who exactly are you involved with? Is it Qiong Fang, Haitang, or Huang Qiaoyun from the Kongtong Sect?”

Just as she was being jealous, she saw Wu Chongqing looking around in all directions, probably wanting to change the subject. She couldn’t help being angry: “I’m talking to you! What exactly are you busy with?”

Wu Chongqing steadied himself and coughed: “Nothing, just that there was a shadow behind you earlier, seemed to be spying on you. I couldn’t help but go check.” Hearing this suddenly, Juan’er’s smile froze, her face paled, her body felt cold. Suddenly she leaped into his embrace, screaming: “Ghost!”

Wu Chongqing coughed: “Aunt, please let go. If people see us embracing like this, they’ll laugh.” Juan’er said tremblingly: “No way, that ghost keeps following me. I need to borrow your yang energy to avoid it.” Seeing Wu Chongqing’s meddling had now brought disaster, he had no choice but to pretend to hug Aunt Juan and comfort her: “Don’t be afraid. I checked – there’s no one on the rooftop. Earlier was probably just my momentary blurred vision, can’t be taken seriously.” Juan’er said fearfully: “Really?”

Wu Chongqing said calmly: “With my eyesight, how many people in the world can hide from me? If you don’t believe, look back and see.”

Juan’er heard him speak so confidently and felt somewhat relieved. She carefully turned around to look and indeed saw the surrounding rooftops empty and desolate, only white snow misty – where were any ghost shadows? She sighed in relief and laughed: “Really seeing ghosts – scaring myself almost to death.” She turned around to praise Little Red Face, but behind her the road was smooth and flat, yet this young man had disappeared again?

Juan’er raged: “Ran away again? Really treating me like a fool?” Without another word, she mounted her horse and shouted: “Wu Chongqing! Come out here!” The Red Hare horse’s speed was incomparably fast – with one glance, it could gallop a hundred feet. But who knew Wu Chongqing could really hide, disappearing to who knows where. Juan’er, furious beyond measure, drew her long sword and searched the streets, cursing: “Little Red Face, you’ve gotten involved with Qiong Fang, thinking I don’t know? I advise you to come out quickly, otherwise I’ll tell your parents about this and you’ll never have a chance to turn things around in this lifetime!”

She cursed along the way, riding a tall horse. The common people around were naturally greatly amazed, not knowing where this tigress came from, beating gongs and drums, looking for a man and making a scene? Just as they were watching, Juan’er suddenly felt a chill behind her and heard an eerie low call: “Juan—”

“Ghost!” Juan’er raised both hands and cried loudly, about to urge her horse to escape when she heard someone say: “Miss Juan, are you alright?” Juan’er looked intently and saw a person with two-foot beautiful beard, handsome features – who else but Mr. Yufeng Fu Yuanying? Immediately she flew down from her horse and leaped into his embrace, crying loudly: “Master Fu! There’s a ghost following me! Help! Help!”

Fu Yuanying was not as robust as Wu Chongqing, feeling somewhat thin when embraced, but this person had a good temperament and elegant appearance – lying in his embrace had a different flavor. Just as she was comparing, she heard laughing sounds around. Looking up quickly, left and right common people pointed and gestured, probably taking her for an idiot. Juan’er’s face reddened, and before she could speak, she heard Fu Yuanying say: “Sect Leader Juan, how are you here alone?”

Hearing the words “Sect Leader,” Juan’er’s pretty face turned even redder. Only then did she remember she was already a sect leader. Acting like this in public, crying loudly and embracing men whenever she met them – if this reached her senior sister’s ears, she would surely kill her as a sacrifice to the ancestors. She quickly let go and stammered: “So it’s Master Fu. Where… where are you going? How are you here too?” Fu Yuanying said: “I just entered through the North Gate and am returning to Purple Cloud Pavilion.”

Juan’er mumbled and stammered, her face full of blush, when she suddenly thought of something and quickly said: “Right, right, did you find Qiong Fang?”

Fu Yuanying said: “Found her. She’s at Yang Wufu’s house.” Juan’er was overjoyed: “She’s at the Yang family? When did she become familiar with Yang Suguan?” Fu Yuanying said: “That I don’t know. Anyway, Lord Yang sent word through someone saying the Young Pavilion Master went to his residence last night and is quite safe.”

Last night Qiong Fang left home in anger without a trace, alarming everyone old and young in the National Uncle’s mansion. Hearing Qiong Fang was at the Yang family, Juan’er naturally felt relieved, but didn’t know when she had made connections with the Yang family – this was worth investigating. Just as she was thinking, suddenly another team of swift horses galloped down the street. She heard officers shouting: “Make way! Make way!”

Fu Yuanying pulled Juan’er aside, and turning to look at the troop’s flags, he saw they were from Beiping – this time it was brother-in-law’s Northern Pass Four Towns who had come. Juan’er murmured: “Strange, how did all the military horses enter the city? What exactly is happening?”

Fu Yuanying said: “They say it’s military exercises, but it doesn’t seem like it. As for the real situation, you’ll probably have to ask Lord Wu.” Juan’er made a sound of acknowledgment: “Master Fu, are you afraid?”

Fu Yuanying said gently: “The Zhengtong Dynasty has lasted ten years. If it were going to collapse, it would have collapsed long ago – how could it last until today?”

Living in these turbulent times, who hasn’t witnessed some great events? Who doesn’t have their own story? Juan’er was rarely silent, lowering her head to think about her own affairs. Then she heard Fu Yuanying say: “Miss Juan, the city is somewhat chaotic. I think you should return to the residence early to avoid your senior sister worrying.” Juan’er snorted: “My senior sister is so busy – husband, son, daughter, everything is important. Where would she find the mind to worry about me?”

Fu Yuanying smiled: “What are you saying? A good girl like you – who in the world wouldn’t worry about you?” Upon hearing this, Juan’er immediately lowered her head, her face slightly red, her heart sweet and quite pleased.

Fu Yuanying before her was no ordinary person. He was the number one handsome man of Mount Hua sect. In his youth, he was called one of the Four Young Masters of Mount Hua along with Ning Bufan, Gu Mengxiang, and Lu Yingchang. Among the four, he had the best temper and was also the most handsome. Countless women loved him, but this person was also strange – he usually kept his wife and children hidden in the suburbs of the capital, not meeting outsiders. Though Juan’er had known him for a long time, she had never seen his wife.

The two walked down the street leading the horse. Juan’er suddenly said: “Master Fu, what does your wife look like? When will you let me meet her?” Fu Yuanying smiled without answering, only saying: “Miss Juan, do you want to return to the Grand Commander’s residence or come with me to Purple Cloud Pavilion?” Juan’er said: “I… I want to go find Qiong Fang.” Fu Yuanying smiled: “That’s good. Come with me first, have breakfast and then go.”

Juan’er was delighted: “Great!” Fu Yuanying was most thoughtful in his conduct. He immediately supported Juan’er’s waist and helped her mount the horse.

Just as he was about to hold the reins for her, he couldn’t help but make a sound of surprise: “This is a Red Hare horse?”

Juan’er loved hearing this phrase most. Immediately her face lit up with smiles: “Yes, this is my Red Hare horse. Impressive, right?” Fu Yuanying smiled: “Truly rare. Did Lord Wu give this to you?” Juan’er snorted: “My brother-in-law is the stingiest – how would he give me anything?” She was about to voice some complaints when she remembered more pressing matters and quickly said: “Right, right, what’s your wife’s name? Tell me quickly.”

Fu Yuanying couldn’t help but laugh and shook his head: “Miss Juan, my wife is just a country woman, not presentable.” Juan’er became even more curious: “Your wife is a country woman? Really? What’s her surname and name? How did you meet her? Do you two have children?”

In the midst of this rapid-fire questioning, Fu Yuanying stopped and said: “Someone from Mount Emei.”

Juan’er made a sound of surprise: “What? Your wife is from the Emei sect?” Fu Yuanying pointed with his hand: “Look over there.” Juan’er looked in the direction he pointed and saw several men fallen by the roadside, all around forty years old, some lying prone, some supine, all carrying swords – slender and long in design, clearly Emei Mountain’s ceremonial swords.

This place was past Zhonggu Street, with no soldiers and few common people either. Who would have thought several Emei sect members were lying on the ground? Juan’er was shocked: “What happened to these people? Were they killed?” Thinking of the chaos in the city and her own ghostly encounters, she immediately felt uneasy. Just as she was about to dismount to investigate, she heard a retching sound. One man vomited a large pile of filth, frightening the Red Hare horse into rearing up. The other men, smelling the stench, also lay down one by one and began vomiting profusely. For a moment, the street was filled with the sound of retching, quite a spectacle.

Juan’er opened her mouth wide: “These people are drunk?” Fu Yuanying covered his nose: “Yes. The world is declining – what kind of martial arts scum can’t be produced?” Juan’er frowned: “But… isn’t Emei known for strict sect rules? When did they become so unruly?” Fu Yuanying said: “Last night was the Lantern Festival, perhaps they indulged a bit. Can’t blame them.”

Mount Emei was divided into Buddhist and Daoist sects. The Buddhist sect was Baoguo Temple, one of the four famous mountains. As for the Emei sect commonly referred to in the martial world, it was the Xuling Taimiao Cave Heaven, one of the seventy-two blessed lands. The sect leader was surnamed Yan, named Song, an old established name in the martial world. Who would have thought his disciples and grand-disciples had become like this?

Juan’er was a Nine Flower disciple, Fu Yuanying was a Mount Hua elder – both had no particular relationship with Emei’s upper and lower ranks. After looking for a few moments, they were about to turn and leave when they heard a voice from the distance: “Damn bird, your daddy—” This voice was indescribably strange – not only neither male nor female, but also impossible to distinguish age, hoarse and rough yet high-pitched and sharp, with a Hubei accent. Juan’er made a sound of surprise: “Who’s cursing?”

Looking around, she only saw a row of drunk men vomiting continuously – who had the strength to speak? Yet the cursing continued endlessly, but no person could be seen. Juan’er listened and couldn’t help but start trembling, saying in a shaky voice: “Is… is it coming again? I don’t know why, but evil spirits have been haunting me all day.” Just as she was getting scared, she heard Fu Yuanying say: “Come look, it’s this thing talking.”

“Damn bird, your daddy, your daddy, damn bird!” The voice became even louder. Juan’er was slightly curious and urged her horse to follow. She was shocked to see a myna bird fallen on the ground, shaking its head and swaying unsteadily, struggling and flapping its wings while cursing crudely, as if drunk.

Just as she was surprised, Fu Yuanying helped up a man. Seeing him holding a three-section staff, also covered in vomit, it was the Hubei expert Ruan Yuanzhen.

The Ruan family of Hubei had generational ties with Mount Hua. This Ruan Yuanzhen was called Uncle Ruan by the disciples and was known for being a loyal and righteous sect member. Seeing one man and one bird fallen on the ground, reeking of alcohol, Fu Yuanying naturally couldn’t ignore it. He patted the drunk man’s face: “Brother Yuanzhen, wake up. I’m Fu Yufeng.” Ruan Yuanzhen opened his drunken eyes, saw Fu Yuanying without much reaction, but when he saw Juan’er sitting on the horse with round eyes examining him, her thighs quite well-rounded and attractive, immediately with an “ah” sound, he pounced over and grabbed Juan’er’s new boots, humming and kissing wildly.

This Ruan Yuanzhen had a heroic reputation outside, but who would have thought that after getting drunk, he became a foot-licking maniac? Juan’er’s face paled, and before she could scream, she suddenly heard the horse neigh angrily. The Red Hare horse was furious – thinking everything on its back was for its own use, and someone else wanted a share? It raised its front hooves and stepped down toward Ruan Yuanzhen’s head. Juan’er was greatly alarmed: “Don’t act rashly! You’ll trample him to death!”

With a thunderous sound, a pit was stomped in the ground. Fortunately, Ruan Yuanzhen’s martial arts were not bad and he quickly dodged. Fu Yuanying angrily said: “Yuanzhen, what are you doing? Don’t you want your lifelong heroic reputation?”

“Don’t want it, don’t want it.” Ruan Yuanzhen was despondent, staring blankly at Juan’er’s small feet and sighing: “Lifelong heroic reputation, century of fame – it’s all fake. Only wine and women are real.”

“Damn bird! Your daddy! Your daddy! Damn bird!” The myna bird flew up, excitedly calling. One man and one bird swayed unsteadily, unable to stand properly. Fu Yuanying said: “Yuanzhen, you’re drunk. Come, I’ll help you rest.”

Ruan Yuanzhen sighed: “I’m not drunk, I’m very clear-headed. Yufeng, I advise you to stop pretending to be a great hero. The ghosts have come, the ghosts are already here. Let’s quickly go find prostitutes – if we’re too late, it’ll be too late.” Fu Yuanying frowned: “What ghosts have come?” Hearing the word “ghost,” the Emei men on the street also got up one by one in anxiety: “Quickly, quickly, quickly! Let’s go find prostitutes! If we’re late, it’ll be too late.”

“Hahahahaha!” Ruan Yuanzhen suddenly looked up to the sky and laughed wildly, then ran off frantically. The others followed behind, diving into a small alley like madmen.

Both Juan’er and Fu Yuanying were dumbfounded, not knowing whether this Ruan Yuanzhen was pretending to be crazy with alcohol or had encountered a demon-revealing mirror and shown his true form. Juan’er was secretly afraid: “Master Fu, what did he mean by talking about ghosts and spirits?” Fu Yuanying shook his head: “Who knows—” His words were still in his mouth when suddenly his expression changed dramatically. His left hand gripped his sword hilt tightly, his gaze fixed intently on Juan’er’s back as if facing a great enemy.

Fu Yuanying was a Mount Hua swordsman with sharp eyes. Seeing him gathering energy and preparing to kill, he must have sensed something. Juan’er said with a crying face: “Master Fu, what… what’s behind me?” Fu Yuanying watched for a long time, then released his sword hilt: “Nothing, I was seeing things.”

Wu Chongqing saw things, Fu Yuanying also saw things – where do so many people who see things come from in the world? Watching Fu Yuanying turn and leave, Juan’er was still worried. She lowered her head to arrange her floral dress and suddenly saw something strange about the shadow on the ground. Looking carefully, there was actually an extra head!

This shock was no small matter. Juan’er was horrified and turned around, but there was no one behind her. Looking down again at the ground, she clearly saw two heads. She covered her face and said miserably: “The ghost has come!”

With an “ah ya” scream, her fingernails scratched, causing pain that made the Red Hare horse neigh miserably. Instantly it transformed into a red lightning bolt. With thunderous hoofbeats, it passed Fu Yuanying. Seeing a large residence at the end of the road with its main gate wide open, it rushed in like a whirlwind, making swooshing sounds as it crashed through bamboo groves. With a “pfft” sound, bamboo leaves flew as it leaped over artificial mountains. Juan’er also screamed as she was thrown out head-down and feet-up.

The Nine Flower sect leader’s status was at stake. In that moment, she performed a mid-air spin, turning from head-down to feet-down, knees slightly bent, arms slightly open, landing gracefully like a little fairy. She raised her sleeve to wipe cold sweat, panting: “Scared me to death, ghosts all day long—”

Just as she was afraid, suddenly someone patted her from behind. The shadow on the ground had yet another head. Immediately she roared angrily: “I’ll fight you!” She drew her sword and executed a move called “Inverted Pearl Curtain,” about to cut the evil ghost in half, when she heard a scream from behind: “Help!”

With a brushing sound, the long sword swung through empty air. Juan’er looked intently and saw a person in front of her holding an iron broom, bending over with closed eyes, sobbing in fear. Who else could it be but Chen Defu, known as Broom Fu, the bottom disciple of Mount Hua?

Chen Defu was called Broom Fu and was a floor-sweeping laborer for Mount Hua’s Yuqing. Juan’er steadied herself and only then realized that the Red Hare horse had panicked and chosen no path, actually rushing into Purple Cloud Pavilion.

The Qiong residence was the first powerful family of the Zhengtong Dynasty, so the mansion was naturally vast and boundless. Standing in the courtyard, everything in sight was pine waves, bamboo groves, artificial mountains, and spring water, hidden deep in the forest, appearing and disappearing. Yet just outside one wall was bustling Beijing – truly taking tranquility from within the noise.

The Red Hare horse had never been to such a fine place and naturally looked east and west, searching everywhere for immortal fruits to eat. Juan’er didn’t bother to pull it back and quickly said: “Chen… Chen Defu, did I hurt you?” Chen Defu had also just recovered from his shock. He felt his own head and confirmed it hadn’t fallen off before saying coldly: “No… nothing, Miss Juan. How did you come here?”

Juan’er couldn’t very well say she had encountered ghosts, so she just leaned against a tree, wiping sweat and panting: “I… I’m still looking for Qiong Fang.” Chen Defu made a sound of acknowledgment and didn’t ask more. He looked up and down at Big Red Horse and said in a low voice: “What… what kind of horse is this? So big.” Curious at heart, he came to the red horse’s rear and wanted to climb up, but heard the Red Hare horse snort through its nose, its hind hooves raised in a “returning spear” move, kicking toward the small person. Juan’er was greatly alarmed: “Don’t act rashly, you’ll kick him to death.”

Horses look down on people. This Red Hare horse was indeed proud and conceited, absolutely refusing to let vulgar people ride. Seeing Chen Defu fall and sit on the ground, Juan’er comforted him: “Don’t be sad. My horse is a Red Hare horse with a bad temper. It’s not deliberately bullying you.”

Chen Defu was amazed: “What? This is the Red Hare horse?” He walked to the front of the big red horse and looked around blankly: “Doesn’t look like it.” Suddenly hearing an angry neigh, the Red Hare horse reared up and was about to trample him to death. Juan’er was startled and said in panic: “Don’t act rashly! Don’t act rashly!”

She pulled Chen Defu away and panted: “What… what were you doing in the bamboo grove?”

Chen Defu said in a low voice: “My little black dog is missing.” Juan’er was surprised: “Little black dog? What’s that?” Chen Defu timidly nodded: “Last night I picked up a black dog from Hongluo Temple, very lively. Who knew that when I woke up, it was gone. I’ve been calling for it in the bamboo grove all morning, but it won’t come out.” As he spoke, he wiped his red eyes, seeming infinitely sorrowful.

Chen Defu had poor relationships with people and usually associated more with livestock. Juan’er knew this well and quickly said: “Don’t be sad, I… I’ll help you find it.” Juan’er usually enjoyed helping others, and moreover, at this time with evil spirits haunting her, she most needed someone to accompany her. She helped Broom Fu into the bamboo grove and called loudly: “Little black dog, are you in there? Come out quickly!”

The bamboo grove was full of dark shadows, quiet and dim. The more Juan’er called, the softer her voice became, afraid that evil spirits might jump out. Suddenly, rustling sounds came from the bamboo grove, green shadows moved slightly. Juan’er was startled and hid behind Chen Defu, saying tremblingly: “What… what sound?”

Low growling sounds came from the forest, with wild beasts crying continuously, seeming dying, seeming in pain, indescribably uncomfortable. Chen Defu said tremblingly: “Little… little black dog, what’s wrong with you?” He pushed aside the bamboo and ran frantically into the grove. Juan’er was afraid and trembling but also followed on tiptoe. Coming closer to look, she was shocked to see two large pandas lying on the ground – the one below was smaller in size, moaning pitifully, while the one above was huge, growling lowly with fierce eyes gleaming, not forgetting to bite the companion’s neck and shake its body.

Looking at these two pandas, black and white, fat in body type, with eye circles as if someone had punched them, quite honest and cute, who knew they would also learn from fierce beasts to bully the small? Juan’er stared blankly. Seeing the large one roaring excitedly while the small one was helpless and pitiful, like a senior sister bullying a junior sister, it touched her own feelings. She quickly bent down to pick up bamboo and said sternly: “Let it go!”

The large panda paid no attention and shook its body even faster. Hearing the small panda’s cries become more intense, Juan’er shouted loudly and raised the bamboo to strike. Suddenly hearing a roar, the small panda actually bared its teeth fiercely and bit the green bamboo, scaring Juan’er to step back and say tremblingly: “Don’t misunderstand, I… I’m helping you!”

The large panda seemed quite annoyed, glanced sideways at Juan’er, turned and walked away. The small panda quickly followed, rubbing against it pitifully as if begging for something. Chen Defu also felt strange and was about to approach for a closer look when he heard the small panda roar loudly, scaring Chen Defu back. Then it brought a large bunch of bamboo and placed it in front of the large panda. The two bears sat down gloomily, grasped the green bamboo, and began gnawing with lowered heads.

How strange! Chen Defu and Juan’er were dumbfounded. These pandas were fierce beasts, yet they had learned to be vegetarian like monks. They really didn’t know what kind of strange beasts these were. Just as they were about to look closer for observation, they heard low panting sounds from the bamboo grove again. The two quickly turned to look and saw two more sika deer – one smaller lying on the ground moaning, one with antlers proudly pressing down on its companion, panting excitedly.

Juan’er frowned in confusion, not knowing why the livestock in Purple Cloud Pavilion were so strange. Just as she was puzzling, she suddenly saw flowers blooming everywhere around, dancing in the wind, butterflies chasing in the grass, and birds singing playfully in the trees. Juan’er made an “ah ya” sound and realized: “Spring has arrived!”

After the Lantern Festival, all things welcome spring. It was also the season for plants and trees to reproduce. She saw bears pressing bears, birds mounting birds, flowers chasing flowers, everyone sweating profusely and busy with their work. Juan’er stared blankly and slowly moved forward. Suddenly she heard low moaning beside her. She was startled and quickly turned to look. This time she saw an iron cage.

Inside the solid large iron cage, something must be imprisoned. Looking carefully, she saw a beautiful large dog with lustrous pure white and clean fur, looking up at her as if begging for something.

“Woof!” A dog bark came from behind. Juan’er made a sound of surprise and turned to look. She saw a small beast squatting beside the iron cage – it was the little black dog.

The little black dog stared directly with drool flowing, looking straight at the beautiful white dog deep in the iron cage. The beautiful white dog was also moaning shyly, seeming to want to come out of the cage to meet. Juan’er giggled and knew she could play matchmaker. She immediately said: “Broom Fu, come quickly and look at your love dog – so embarrassing.”

After calling several times without hearing a response, she turned around and was shocked to see Chen Defu behind her with a blank stare, also gazing foolishly at her, his eyes quite similar to the little black dog’s. Juan’er said tremblingly: “What… what do you want to do?”

It was the spring season when all things welcome spring. Even the little black dog knew the seasonal cycles, let alone Chen Defu, a living person. Broom Fu tremblingly approached Juan’er, who quickly stepped back. With a bang, she hit the iron cage, and immediately the cage door opened uninvited. The little black dog jumped up joyfully, the beautiful white dog also came out of the cage shyly, and Chen Defu opened his arms wide and ran over laughing. Juan’er was greatly alarmed: “Go away! Shoo! Shoo!”

Just as she was driving them away, she suddenly heard a thunderous roar. Everyone and every beast in the field were startled awake. Juan’er turned to look quickly and was shocked to see two short-haired fierce beasts emerging from deep in the bamboo grove, about five feet long with thick paws. She couldn’t help saying coldly: “These… these are Tibetan mastiffs.”

The mastiff brothers had arrived. According to elder traditions, Tibet raised divine dogs called Tibetan mastiffs. Two dogs working together could match lions and tigers – most formidable. The brothers passed by the iron cage and suddenly saw the beautiful white dog. Immediately their eyes became blank and they stopped moving. The beautiful white dog quickly turned its head, deeply afraid of provoking the vicious dogs.

The little black dog was angry, barking loudly and desperately driving away the vicious dog brothers. The two mastiffs growled lowly, suggesting that good dogs don’t block the road. Seeing the two dogs pressing closer and closer, this time Chen Defu was angered. He roared: “Audacious! This is our territory!”

He grabbed the iron broom with his backhand and struck down at the dog’s head. Suddenly hearing a roar, the Tibetan mastiff opened its huge mouth, bit the broom, pulled hard, chewed a few times, and gnawed it like chicken feathers.

They say dog eyes look down on people. Seeing the mastiff’s eyes cruel and violent, Chen Defu became afraid and quickly said: “Miss Juan, help!”

Just as he wanted to hide behind Juan’er, he saw a slender figure gracefully walking away – who else but Juan’er? This was bad. Now Chen Defu could only bid farewell to his love dog: “Little black dog, life is important. You… you take care of yourself.” With all his support collapsed, the little black dog moaned once, knowing the general situation was lost. Just as it was about to flee in panic, it saw the mastiff brothers surrounding the beautiful white dog, licking their tongues excitedly with ill intentions.

The little black dog suddenly stopped, barked a few times, and bravely ran back. Chen Defu was greatly alarmed: “Fool! Don’t act rashly!” With a “woof” sound, the mastiff brothers bared their teeth fiercely and pounced, biting the little black dog to the ground and gnawing it like a broken cloth bag. Chen Defu was greatly shocked and grieved, shouting: “Miss Juan! Help!” After shouting several times without seeing any figure, he could only shout loudly: “Nine Flower Sect Leader! Come save someone!”

When the words “Sect Leader” were spoken, Juan’er also came back with a red face. Thinking she was the leader of a sect, together with Shaolin’s Ling Ding, Wudang’s Yuan Yi, and Emei’s Yan Song as righteous leaders, if she couldn’t defeat a dog, how could she establish herself in the martial world in the future? With a brushing sound, she drew her sword from its sheath and said loudly: “Audacious dogs! Do you think because I was bitten by a dog when I was little, I’m still afraid of you? Quickly let it go!”

The mastiffs growled lowly with fierce eyes gleaming. Juan’er snorted: “What? Comparing eye size? Let me tell you, if I get angry in a moment, you’ll be killed. If you two die, won’t your daddies and mommies be sad? Won’t your grandpas and grandmas shed tears?”

Watching Juan’er chatter endlessly with all her nonsense, not knowing whether to fight or not. Chen Defu was both shocked and angry, afraid the little black dog was about to die. Just as he was panicking, he suddenly saw a pair of giant beasts walking out of the bamboo grove – it was the panda couple coming out for a stroll. He quickly called for help: “Someone come! Help!”

Suddenly seeing dogs fighting, the panda couple was quite curious and came to stand and watch. The mastiff brothers were displeased but with just one low growl, they scared the panda couple into rolling and falling to the ground, embracing like fur balls. Chen Defu made a “hey” sound, not expecting them to be useless as well. Just as he was urgent, he suddenly saw several large iron cages in the forest, probably housing formidable characters. He quickly ran over and kicked open the cage doors with one foot, hoping to bring the dead back to life.

“Roar, roar, roar!” Thunderous roars came from the cages. Enormous creatures emerged from the cages – heads as large as water vats, bodies ten feet long, bloody huge mouths, paws as wide as sea bowls, with full manes around their necks. Wasn’t this the legendary Buddhist fierce lion?

The National Uncle’s residence was a place of spiritual excellence with cranes, peacocks, sika deer, and bamboo-eating pandas – all auspicious creatures. But who knew why they raised man-eating lions? Watching the fierce lions emerge, the panda couple’s souls flew to the heavens. They ran away on their legs, chasing straight after the Red Hare horse. Juan’er also quickly climbed up the bamboo grove, jumping along the way. Chen Defu was so scared he fainted on the ground, knowing nothing when asked.

With low roars, the lions came in groups. First they smelled Chen Defu on the ground, then licked the iron broom. Then their eyes turned and they saw the two mastiffs. Immediately they arranged their formation and in an instant surrounded the mastiff brothers.

In total there were eight fierce lions – one male, three females, and four young lions. Even the babies were comparable in size to Tibetan mastiffs. When strong enemies arrived, the mastiff brothers were not afraid either. They released the little black dog and glared angrily. The lion pride also extended their claws fully. Here were mighty and majestic Buddhist divine beasts, there were brave and skillful kings of ten thousand dogs. Both sides confronted each other, each roaring in intimidation, ready to explode into violence at any moment.

“Roar, hiss” – both sides roared for a long time when suddenly shouts came from the distance: “Xiao Fu, Xiao Xi, time for breakfast.”

Hearing the word “Fu,” Chen Defu opened his eyes and was about to respond loudly when he heard two “woof woof” sounds. The mastiff brothers wagged their tails happily and turned to leave.

The lion pride had won. This was victory without fighting – the demeanor of kings. Chen Defu was overjoyed and was about to step forward to express thanks when he saw the eight lions still staring at the two small creatures, licking their tongues and drooling, apparently also wanting breakfast.

Poor little black dog had just escaped the wolf’s mouth only to enter the tiger’s den. Fighting one against eight, the situation was even more dangerous than before. The beautiful white dog was so scared it trembled and couldn’t move. Seeing the lion pride pressing closer, the little black dog roared once and pounced forward. The beautiful white dog turned and ran. With a “woof” sound, a lion claw struck out. The little black dog flew back, hit a tree, and fell to the ground like mud, no longer moving.

“Little black dog!” Chen Defu was greatly shocked and grieved. This was also the loyalty of dog and horse to master. Regardless of danger, he took a quick step, rushed out, held the little black dog, and turned to run. Seeing the prey escaping, the lions immediately roared angrily and chased after them. Chen Defu cried out in fright: “Help!”

In the critical moment, he heard thunderous hoofbeats and someone shouting: “Hold on to me!” Looking up quickly, he saw a person straddling a Red Hare horse galloping straight toward him – the benefactor had come to save his life. Chen Defu cried loudly: “Godmother!” Before his words ended, he was already lifted by Juan’er around the waist. He heard her frequently calling: “Big Red Face! Run quickly! Run quickly!”

The lions surrounded them from different directions. Even though the Red Hare horse was naturally rebellious, it knew it needed to escape for its life. In an instant, it spread its four legs and traveled through clouds all the way, flying out of the bamboo grove. Just as the two people and one horse were catching their breath, they suddenly heard someone say: “What’s going on? Actually riding a horse in the courtyard?”

Juan’er quickly turned to look and saw a house beside them. A short, fat old man holding fried dough sticks, barefoot and casual – it was one of the Mount Hua Twin Freaks, Fat Scale Freak. Chen Defu cried loudly: “Grand-uncle! Come quickly and save us! There are lions chasing us!”

Fat Scale Freak was stunned, then burst into loud laughter: “Lions in the National Uncle’s residence? Do you take me for a fool?” Juan’er was shocked: “There really are! Right in the bamboo grove!” Fat Scale Freak yawned and walked into the bamboo grove, shouting: “Where are the lions? Come out quickly and let me see.”

With a roar, a male lion pounced from mid-air, scaring his soul to the heavens. He quickly rushed into the house, screaming: “Junior brother, run for your life! A big lion is coming!” Abacus Freak’s laughter came from the house: “Lions in the National Uncle’s residence? Do you take me for a fool?”

With roars, eight lions chased into the house. Thunderous sounds came from the room mixed with the lions’ angry roars and the Twin Freaks’ screams – their lives probably wouldn’t last much longer.

The Twin Freaks had poor relationships with people. Their deaths were well-deserved. Using the two old men to feed the lions, the young man and woman escaped. Chen Defu held his love dog, seeing it barely breathing and covered in wounds, couldn’t help crying: “Little black dog, it’s all my fault. I’m sorry.”

Juan’er scolded: “What are you crying for? With me, a Nine Flower expert here, are you afraid there’s no one to treat illness? Where are the medicinal materials stored? Quickly take me to find them!”

Chen Defu was amazed: “You… you know medical arts?” Juan’er said irritably: “Did you forget who I am? I’m the Nine Flower Sect Leader!”

Chen Defu mumbled and muttered. Though he didn’t know if this was true or false, treating a dead horse as a living horse was still a way out. He quickly said: “There’s a storehouse in the west courtyard. All our sect’s treasures are kept there. There should be usable medicinal materials.” Juan’er said: “Let’s go! Quickly take me there!”

The two mounted the Red Hare horse and galloped past the flower garden. They could already see red brick buildings. Chen Defu quickly said: “Look, it’s right here.”

In recent years, frequent troubles in the northwest made Mount Hua’s upper and lower ranks fear being affected by the fires of war, so they moved the sect’s treasures to the capital early and stored them conveniently in the National Uncle’s residence. Juan’er released the Red Hare horse to let it wander in the courtyard while she rushed toward the storehouse. But the main door was locked, and despite pushing and bumping, she still couldn’t open it. She made a “hey” sound and was about to draw her sword to break the lock when Chen Defu quickly said: “Don’t act rashly – there’s a path behind that can get us in.”

Running to the back of the house, she saw Chen Defu kick open a wooden board, revealing a dog hole. Juan’er was surprised: “Where did this hole come from?”

Chen Defu said: “This was dug by Poison Foot Immortal. His athlete’s foot was severely infected, and sometimes when it itched at night, he would come to the storehouse to steal medicine.”

As he spoke, he crawled in himself, and Juan’er followed behind, crawling all the way in.

After crawling through the dog hole, they faced a large storehouse with cabinets layered upon layers, bottles and jars scattered all over the ground, along with some ancient books. Chen Defu pointed to a wooden cabinet: “The medicinal materials are all stored here. You… you quickly treat the little black dog.”

Juan’er saw the medicinal materials were dazzling in variety – human tooth powder, human waste yellow, water lilac, prince ginseng, too numerous to mention. Afraid of using the wrong medicine, she quickly said: “Wait, let me recite the formula first.” She took a deep breath, put her hands together, and recited in a low voice: “Nine Flower Medical Classic Chapter One, Divine Farmer tasted a hundred herbs at the cost of his life. How can elixirs be only in the moon palace? Green grass can also heal a hundred wounds. Osmanthus boiled with safflower fruit has effects comparable to ginseng fruit.”

This Nine Flower Dragon Chant Pavilion was once located in the Ksitigarbha sacred ground, specifically opposing the underworld, claiming to be the supreme medical way under heaven. Since the sect’s founding, it had repeatedly produced divine healers – some calling themselves medical gods, others claiming to be ghost doctors – leaving behind countless medical texts through the generations. Since Juan’er took over as sect leader, her senior sister had ordered her to memorize the classics to prevent the unique skills from being lost. By now she had memorized a large Divine Farmer Classic and a small Yellow Emperor Classic. As long as she could think of a prescription, she could surely make the little black dog recover with medicine.

In the midst of the chattering recitation, the little black dog’s breathing gradually dimmed and it was about to die, but Juan’er was still there reciting “Divine Farmer tasted a hundred herbs,” starting from the creation of heaven and earth. Chen Defu cursed silently and opened the cabinet himself, planning to find some Spirit Strengthening Powder to use.

Mount Hua was once one of the Eight Elixir Schools, and the sect naturally had ancient elixir formulas. Though not comparable to Nine Flower Dragon Chant Pavilion’s methods, they had some reputation. For treating stomach aches there was Huayun Powder, for preventing colds there was Nourishing Yin Pills – all considered famous tonic medicines. Especially this Spirit Strengthening Powder was hard to come by. It was said to be boiled from lingzhi mushrooms, ginseng, polygonum multiflorum and other medicinal materials. Many wealthy families in the northwest kept it in stock. Legend had it that even dead people could be revived for half a day after taking it, distribute their inheritance, and then die. If the little black dog could take one dose, even if it were cooked into a pot of dog meat, it would probably still be able to bark a few times.

Rummaging through boxes and cabinets, the Spirit Strengthening Powder was nowhere to be found. Chen Defu searched repeatedly without success. Seeing several cabinets at his feet, he quickly squatted down to open them for inspection.

A cloud of dust hit his face, and Chen Defu couldn’t help but sneeze. He saw the cabinet was full of miscellaneous items – pots, bowls, ladles, basins, worn clothes, and old pants. Things like chopsticks used by Tianyin Daoist when he was alive, and the hoe he used for farming – in short, broken copper and rotten iron, everything was there.

Mount Hua was the world’s most eccentric sect. When Tianyin Daoist passed away, he only left behind a pile of waste paper without a single word of testament. Later, when the sect’s masters sorted through his belongings, they were shocked to discover that the waste paper contained a set of unparalleled sword techniques – the mighty Three Reach Swords that shocked the present age. The elders, shocked beyond measure and fearing he might have other secret manuals in circulation, collected all his belongings one by one, not daring to throw them away. The ripple effect was that all the previous generation’s junk was also treated as treasure – cotton pants, stinking socks, chamber pots – all were treasured and collected, fearing outsiders might come to steal them.

The martial world was like this – every piece of broken copper and rotten iron had secrets. Even throwing out a piece of dog feces might cause a martial world catastrophe.

Chen Defu held his nose and picked up a chamber pot, pouring it outside. With a “dong long” sound, a lump of yellow excrement really rolled out. Though it had been hundreds of years, it still stank terribly. Whether it was Tianyin Daoist’s relic or some other master’s work was unknown.

Chen Defu cursed silently, not knowing what good deeds he had done in his previous life to be born into Mount Hua sect. He quickly kicked the yellow excrement away and was about to search for elixirs again when he heard a “woof” sound. The little black dog suddenly opened its mouth, bit into the yellow excrement, and panted with satisfaction.

They say when a person is about to die, their words are kind. Seeing the little black dog at death’s door yet still not forgetting its nature, Chen Defu sighed and patted the little dog’s head, knowing this was its last wish and couldn’t bear to stop it.

Just as he was feeling sad, he suddenly heard the door lock rattle as if someone was coming in. Chen Defu was startled, knowing the storehouse was forbidden territory not to be trespassed, so he held the little black dog and hid behind the cabinet. He wanted to remind Juan’er, but she was still reciting medical texts like a fool. Just as he was anxious, footsteps came softly into the room, and someone called in a low voice: “Ruolin, Ruolin, are you here?”

The two words “Ruolin” were Master Uncle Lu’s style name. Listening to this voice with its thick Guangnan accent, wasn’t this Lu family’s three brothers’ mother, Xie Yanyan?

This Xie Yanyan came from Guangdong’s Mandarin Duck sect, wielding a pair of judge’s brushes, nicknamed “One Flower of Guangnan.” It was said her martial arts talent was extremely high – as a young woman she had already shocked Guangnan, defeating many famous masters. Not only were her martial arts far superior to her father and brothers, even Lu Yingchang admitted inferiority. If she hadn’t married and had children, interrupting her cultivation, she might have stood shoulder to shoulder with Ning Bufan, Zhuo Lingzhao and others to become the world’s fifth grandmaster.

A contemporary female grandmaster had appeared, ready to go on a killing spree at any moment. Chen Defu was greatly alarmed, waiting for Juan’er to be discovered and captured, but the room remained quiet without any sounds of interrogation or fighting. Stealing a glance, he saw an extra large bamboo cage in the corner of the room. Juan’er must have had a sudden inspiration and lifted the bamboo cage to cover herself, planning to play ostrich.

They say fools have fool’s luck. Xie Yanyan was lost in thought and actually let Juan’er get away with it. She walked a few steps into the room and said in a low voice: “Ruolin, Ruolin, are you here? I’m not angry with you anymore, come out quickly.”

Looking at Xie Yanyan without makeup, hastily wrapped in a cotton jacket outside, seeming not to have slept all night, she called several times without hearing a response. Thinking her husband wasn’t here, she sighed again: “What’s going on? Where did he go? Could he be avoiding me?”

Sighing and sighing, she suddenly became angry again: “Fine, if you won’t come back, then don’t come back for the rest of your life! Otherwise, see how I deal with you!”

To be immortal divine couples, one must first be rice and firewood husband and wife. Who knew what good deeds Master Uncle Lu had done to anger his wife?

Just as he was staring blankly, he suddenly heard footsteps. Another person walked in through the main door. That Master Uncle’s wife immediately cried out delicately: “Ruolin!” She was about to fly into an embrace when she heard a surprised voice from the doorway: “Little Yanyan? How are you here?”

Chen Defu hid behind the cabinet. Though he didn’t see the person’s face, he knew it was Xu Nanxing, a servant of the Qiong residence. Otherwise, at Madam Lu’s age, who would dare call her Little Yanyan?

Xie Yanyan, seeing the person wasn’t her husband, sighed quietly again and said softly: “It’s you, Brother Xu.” Xu Nanxing frowned: “Little Yanyan, what are you doing in the storehouse?” Xie Yanyan held back tears: “I’m looking for Ruolin.”

Xu Nanxing was surprised: “What? Ruolin hasn’t returned yet?” Xie Yanyan choked up: “I waited for him all night without seeing anyone. Tossing and turning, couldn’t sleep, and my eyelids kept twitching. I always felt there were ghosts—” Hearing the word “ghost,” the bamboo cage in the room trembled slightly. Fortunately, Xie Yanyan was preoccupied and Xu Nanxing hadn’t practiced martial arts, so no one noticed. Xu Nanxing laughed: “You’re overthinking. Ruolin went out with government officials last night – what could happen?”

Madam Lu sighed: “Brother Xu, early this morning the suona played so loudly, and there were drum sounds from the western suburbs. Didn’t you hear them?”

Xu Nanxing laughed heartily: “Don’t worry, those are military exercises. I asked early on.” Madam Lu snorted: “Really? Then why did Lord He take his belongings and leave the city?” Xu Nanxing made a sound of surprise: “Lord He left the city? This… this I didn’t know.”

Since dawn, strange phenomena had frequently appeared in the capital – suona playing in the western suburbs and great armies passing through the streets. Anyone with a bit of insight felt greatly puzzled. But there were thousands of types of people in the world – some were prescient, some learned after the fact, and those who never learned belonged to the likes of Juan’er and Xu Nanxing. Even if the capital caught fire, they would probably think the court was setting off beautiful fireworks.

Just as they were talking, they suddenly heard a light sound at the door. This sound came without trace – no footsteps had been heard before. Chen Defu’s heart awakened, thinking: “Master Uncle Fu has come.”

Someone appeared at the door, and Xie Yanyan also noticed. Immediately she cried out excitedly: “Ruolin! You’ve come!” This time regardless of everything, she leaped into the embrace and tightly hugged the man at the door, crying “wu wu,” but heard that person say: “Sister-in-law, you’ve mistaken me. I’m Yufeng.”

Xie Yanyan looked up and found herself lying in Fu Yuanying’s embrace. For a moment she cried even louder, just shrinking in his arms, sobbing and whimpering, rubbing against him. It seemed she was going with the mistake.

With great difficulty, she blew her nose clean. Xie Yanyan finally let go. Xu Nanxing came forward: “Yufeng, you’re back. Did you find the Young Pavilion Master?” Fu Yuanying’s voice was slightly tired as he sighed: “She’s at Lord Yang’s house.” Xu Nanxing was slightly stunned: “Lord Yang? Which Lord Yang?” Fu Yuanying said: “Grand Secretary of Zhongji Hall, Yang Suguan.”

Hearing the three words “Yang Suguan,” Xie Yanyan immediately let out a low cry and quickly turned around, apparently having some interest. Xu Nanxing asked in a low voice: “Is the Young Pavilion Master well?” Fu Yuanying didn’t want to say much and said directly: “She’s fine. But where’s the National Uncle? Is he up?”

Xu Nanxing sighed: “He didn’t sleep all night, just thinking about those old matters. Sigh, I’m afraid he’ll fall ill, so I quickly came to find Dragon Essence Powder.”

Dragon Essence Powder was a Daoist holy medicine, reportedly refined from snake essence and tiger penis, most effective for prolonging life and nourishing qi and blood.

Apparently the National Uncle had hit Qiong Fang last night and was himself quite regretful, resulting in a sleepless night.

Watching Xu Nanxing sighing and still worrying about this grandfather and granddaughter pair, Fu Yuanying said: “Lord Xu, don’t worry. I told Yuying the cause and effect of the matter. She will come forward to mediate.” Xu Nanxing was surprised: “What? You went out last night to see Yuying?” Fu Yuanying said: “Ying is with her.” Xu Nanxing was amazed: “Ying went to Hongluo Temple?”

Fu Yuanying wanted to speak but stopped, then waved his hand to indicate he shouldn’t ask more. Xu Nanxing read his expression and knew he had some unspeakable difficulties, probably related to Su Ying. Just as he was thinking how to probe, Xie Yanyan started sobbing again.

Fu Yuanying said: “Sister-in-law, you got up early today.” Xie Yanyan choked up: “What early rising? I didn’t sleep all night either.”

Last night everyone was busy – not only did Lu Yingchang receive an imperial summons at midnight, Fu Yuanying also went out late at night, everyone in a terrible state. He nodded noncommittally. Xie Yanyan couldn’t help crying out: “Yufeng, won’t you even ask why I couldn’t sleep?”

Fu Yuanying’s temperament was always gentle, so he said: “Sister-in-law, why couldn’t you sleep?” Xie Yanyan held back tears: “Many government officials came to court last night and invited Ruolin away. I saw he didn’t come home all night. I’m so afraid. Yufeng, do… do you know where he went?”

Fu Yuanying shook his head: “Sorry, I was at Hongluo Temple last night and didn’t see senior brother.” Xie Yanyan complained: “You’re doing well, going to curry favor with the Empress again. You pay no attention to your own sister-in-law.” She stamped her small foot, turned around, and quietly wiped tears.

Seeing Xie Yanyan throwing a little tantrum, turning away to wipe tears, just waiting for a man to come comfort her. Chen Defu watched with his hair standing on end. Xu Nanxing also laughed dryly. But Fu Yuanying had a good temper and said: “Sister-in-law, don’t worry too much. Ruolin is our Mount Hua’s senior brother. His martial arts and strategies are world-class. Even if something big happens, he can escape unharmed.”

Xie Yanyan choked up: “But… but what if something happens to him? What should I do?” Fu Yuanying comforted: “Sister-in-law, rest assured. If senior brother really has an accident, I’ll naturally take care of you mother and sons. You needn’t worry about this.” Xie Yanyan smiled through tears: “You… you can’t break your word.” The bamboo cage rustled as if someone inside was secretly laughing. Xu Nanxing also laughed dryly a few times. Just as he was about to speak, he heard hurried footsteps outside the storehouse. Several servants rushed in shouting: “Big trouble! Big trouble!”

Xu Nanxing was alarmed: “What? Fire?” Xie Yanyan said tremblingly: “What? Did something happen to my husband?” Everyone was anxiously concerned, but the servants answered irrelevantly, shouting in unison: “The lions escaped from the iron cages and bit people!”

Hearing about this incident, Chen Defu’s heart naturally trembled. But Xu Nanxing laughed: “Nonsense! These lions are tribute from Korea, raised tame from childhood. They won’t hurt people. How could they bite anyone?” The servants quickly said: “Mount Hua’s Twin… those immortals.” Xu Nanxing was amazed: “Mount Hua Twin Freaks! What did they do now?”

The servants said: “Don’t know. We only know the lions got into their bedroom and bit until even the door collapsed.” Everyone cheered in unison: “Good bite!” The servants said in panic: “Lord Xu, won’t… won’t you go look?” Xu Nanxing waved his hand and scolded: “Look at what? Haven’t you heard ‘good people don’t live long, but disasters last a thousand years’? If they could be bitten to death so easily, what would they be called Mount Hua Twin Freaks? Get lost!”

The servants were scolded for no reason and could only leave resentfully. Fu Yuanying understood the Twin Freaks’ martial arts were not weak – a few big cats couldn’t hurt them, so he wasn’t concerned either. He said: “Lord Xu, these lions are tribute for His Majesty?” Xu Nanxing sighed: “Yes, His Majesty has been in a gloomy mood these years. The National Uncle was afraid he’d be bored, so he asked friends from Korea to bring several lions, planning to present them to His Majesty for entertainment.”

The National Uncle had wide social connections. In his youth he traveled the four seas and naturally knew many overseas extraordinary people. Fu Yuanying pondered for a long time and said: “By the way, how is Zaizhi’s martial arts coming along?” Xu Nanxing sighed: “What learning? This heir is a wastrel. Zhao Laowu teaches him martial arts like wind past his ears – he hasn’t learned a single move yet.”

Fu Yuanying said: “How can this be? Yuying told me last night that His Majesty wants to summon the Eight Princes this evening, probably to see their abilities.” Xu Nanxing was greatly shocked: “How so fast? Wasn’t it said the martial competition wouldn’t be until the end of the month?” Fu Yuanying shook his head: “Imperial will is unpredictable. Who can say what His Majesty has in mind?”

These years, whenever ministers mentioned establishing an heir, Emperor Zhengtong always delayed in every way, keeping the Eastern Palace position vacant. Who knew that when the heir candidates really appeared, the emperor was rushing them like driving ducks – no one knew what he was calculating.

The room quieted down. Xu Nanxing sighed: “Let’s not talk about it anymore. The National Uncle is still waiting for medicine.” He opened a drawer to look for the Dragon Essence Powder. Chen Defu was greatly annoyed, finally realizing the elixirs were stored in the cabinet by the door – he had been looking in the wrong place.

Bottles and jars clinked and clanked as Xu Nanxing searched east and west, couldn’t help but sigh: “Sigh, when people get old, eating any amount of immortal elixir is useless. The Young Pavilion Master isn’t married, the National Uncle is getting old – our Purple Cloud Pavilion, we don’t know who to rely on in the future.”

Xie Yanyan said: “Brother Xu, how could you forget my son Deli? When he masters the Three Reach, he’ll definitely support the Young Pavilion Master.”

Xu Nanxing coldly laughed: “By the time he masters Three Reach, our heads will be white.” Xie Yanyan was furious: “What did you say?”

Xu Nanxing smiled bitterly: “Nothing, nothing. You’d better quickly find an immortal elixir for your son to eat so his martial arts training can be faster.” Xie Yanyan believed it and quickly said: “What immortal elixir? Where can I buy it?” Xu Nanxing laughed: “If it could be sold on the street, could it still be called an immortal elixir?”

The two went back and forth without conclusion. Chen Defu was anxious and looked down at the little black dog, but saw this little dog was quite tenacious – it just stuck its head in the chamber pot with something yellow in its mouth, wagging its tail quite contentedly. Just as he was surprised, he suddenly heard Fu Yuanying say: “Who says there are no immortal elixirs in the world? Our Mount Hua has one ‘Great Golden Elixir.'”

Chen Defu’s heart trembled. Xie Yanyan and Xu Nanxing also exclaimed in unison: “Great Golden Elixir? What’s that?”

Fu Yuanying said: “Legend has it that one year before Patriarch Tianyin came to the mountain, our mountain’s elders by chance refined a spiritual medicine according to an ancient formula. Legend has it this thing was golden in color, so it was nicknamed ‘Great Golden Elixir’ to distinguish it from Taihang Mountain’s ‘Small Golden Elixir.'”

Hearing that golden elixirs came in large and small sizes, Xie Yanyan said blankly: “Your Mount Hua practices swords, doesn’t it? When did you start refining elixirs?”

Fu Yuanying was surprised: “Our mountain has been listed among the Eight Great Elixir Schools since ancient times. Sister-in-law, didn’t you know?” Xie Yanyan’s face reddened. In the past, her husband talked until his mouth was dry about Elixir School, Hidden Immortal School – she treated it all as nonsense. Now she naturally knew nothing when asked.

Xu Nanxing was excited and quickly said: “Yufeng, what divine effects does this Great Golden Elixir have? Tell us about it.”

Fu Yuanying said: “According to elder traditions, the Great Golden Elixir is also called ‘Taihua Golden Elixir,’ and together with ‘Qingcheng Fire Elixir’ and ‘Dabie Black Elixir’ are called the ‘Three Elixirs of Orthodox Tradition.’ Legend says after taking it, one can wash away mortal body and gain sixty years of pure golden elixir power.” Xie Yanyan said in a low voice: “Pure golden elixir power? What’s that?”

Fu Yuanying said: “This is the ancient divine skill of the Elixir School, previously only seen in classics. It’s said to be transmitted by Patriarch Xiyi, with power approaching immortal magic.” Hearing the words “immortal magic,” Xie Yanyan’s heart fluttered, imagining her three sons soaring boundlessly. She quickly said: “Stop talking nonsense. Where is this Great Golden Elixir hidden? Let’s quickly find it.”

Fu Yuanying shook his head: “Where can we still find it? It was stolen by an unworthy disciple long ago.” Xie Yanyan was shocked: “Unworthy disciple? Was it Chen Defu?” Chen Defu was scared out of his wits, worrying about himself stealing secret treasures, when he heard Fu Yuanying say: “Sister-in-law, you’re overthinking. This theft happened a hundred years ago. It’s said the thief was a boy who, because his martial arts were low and he was bullied by fellow disciples, thought to steal the Great Golden Elixir to take revenge.”

Mount Hua had no other special products – it specialized in producing unworthy disciples. Xie Yanyan snorted: “Damn evil disciple. Who bullied him?” Fu Yuanying said: “Our mountain has several nursery rhymes passed down, one called ‘Chamber Pot Zhang,’ which was supposedly composed by this boy.”

Hearing the three words “Chamber Pot Zhang,” Xu Nanxing quickly volunteered: “I can sing it! I can sing it! Your brother Bufan often hummed this nursery rhyme when he was young.” He immediately hummed a little tune: “Dirty chamber pot, Chamber Pot Zhang. After people squat, I come to wipe. Who told me to be Chamber Pot Zhang?”

Hearing the lyrics, everyone understood and realized why this boy hated all the mountain disciples – so this was the reason.

Chen Defu heard the three words “Chamber Pot Zhang” and suddenly had a thought. He glanced over and saw a thousand-year chamber pot fallen on the ground. Beside the chamber pot lay a little dog with closed eyes, foaming at the mouth, and gradually glowing with golden light. Just as he was puzzled, he heard Xie Yanyan say: “So there was such a strange thing. What happened next? Did that disciple get revenge?”

Fu Yuanying said: “Man’s plans are not as good as heaven’s plans. This disciple was caught by the elders just after stealing the spiritual medicine. Fellow disciples forced him to reveal the Golden Elixir’s whereabouts, but he refused to confess even unto death. Later the elders searched through boxes and cabinets but found nothing, not knowing where he had hidden the Great Golden Elixir. They could only imprison this disciple in the back mountain. Since then, this Great Golden Elixir became our mountain’s second great unsolved case.”

“Second great unsolved case?” Xie Yanyan said blankly: “Then… then what’s the first great case?” Fu Yuanying said: “The mystery of Three Reach.”

After everyone heard this, they all felt regretful – who would have thought such a good spiritual medicine had disappeared without trace. Better hope it wasn’t eaten by a dog. Chen Defu was on the verge of tears, picking up the chamber pot and looking inside to see if there was anything remaining.

Hearing Mount Hua sect had so many legends, everyone marveled. Just as they were about to chat more, another servant rushed to the door, panting: “Lord Xu, you… you come quickly!” Xu Nanxing angrily scolded: “What now? Did tigers escape their cages?”

The servant panted: “Outside came several military officers saying they want to invite the National Uncle to Hongluo Temple. You come out quickly and see.”

Xu Nanxing was amazed: “Military officers?” The servant said: “They’re from the Zhengtong army. Master Gong said there’s some business in the city, requesting civil and military officials to immediately go to Hongluo Mountain to discuss the overall situation.” Xu Nanxing made a sound of surprise and looked at Fu Yuanying: “Yufeng, you… you come with me.” Fu Yuanying said: “Please Lord Xu handle it first. I’ll come in a moment.”

Xu Nanxing saw he couldn’t delay and quickly left. Only Xie Yanyan remained in the room. Just waiting for her to say goodbye and leave, who knew this woman hummed songs and swayed in the storehouse, not knowing what she wanted to do.

Fu Yuanying coughed: “Sister-in-law, is there something else?” Xie Yanyan made a sound of agreement, stopped humming, and lowered her head to arrange her hair, seeming to want to say something but unable to speak.

Now even Chen Defu was puzzled. He peeked through the cabinet crack and saw his master uncle’s wife standing at the door with a melancholy expression and strange behavior, making people guess. Fu Yuanying said: “Sister-in-law, if you have nothing else, could you please step aside for a moment? I have some sect business to handle.” After a long, long time, he suddenly heard Xie Yanyan say in a low voice: “Yufeng, that matter I asked you about… how… how have you considered it?”

Fu Yuanying made a “hey” sound and said irritably: “Sister-in-law, don’t bring up old matters again. This violates sect rules – how can I do it!”

Chen Defu blinked, not knowing what his master uncle’s wife was requesting that would violate sect rules. Just as he was puzzled, the bamboo cage moved slightly again – apparently the person inside was somewhat excited. He heard Xie Yanyan choke up: “Yufeng, you… you’re so rigid. If you keep refusing like this, don’t blame me for going to tell Ruolin.” Fu Yuanying said calmly: “Tell anyone you want – in any case, Fu cannot agree.”

Xie Yanyan burst into tears and said loudly: “Fu Yuanying, you… you’re so hateful! Wu wu…” Sobbing, she immediately turned and ran away without looking back. Chen Defu was puzzled and still guessing when he heard Fu Yuanying clap his hands: “Everyone come out.”

Chen Defu was shocked beyond measure. Seeing Master Uncle Fu’s martial arts, he had effortlessly detected himself. Just as he was about to crawl out, he touched that chamber pot again. Looking carefully, the little black dog was gone – only a puddle of dog urine remained on the ground, and the master was nowhere to be found.

Chen Defu was blessed with sudden inspiration and quickly lay down beside the dog urine, wanting to see if any medicinal properties remained, when he heard his master uncle say: “Defu.”

Seeing his master uncle still waiting for him, he could only obediently come out and bow: “Disciple is here.” Fu Yuanying smiled: “Miss Juan, you come out too.” The bamboo cage trembled: “I… I didn’t hear anything. You… you don’t trouble me.”

Fu Yuanying frowned: “Hear what?” The bamboo cage said coldly: “You… your affair with the Lu family sister-in-law. I won’t tell anyone. Please spare my life.” Fu Yuanying was slightly stunned, pondered for a moment, realized what was happening, and couldn’t help but laugh out loud. He lifted the bamboo cage and laughed: “Miss Juan, practice more martial arts when you have nothing to do. Don’t always think wildly.”

A young woman appeared from the bamboo cage – it was Juan’er. Her pretty face was slightly red: “Did… did I say something wrong? Then… then what did the Lu family sister-in-law ask you for?” Chen Defu quickly said: “Yes, and it violated sect rules too.”

Fu Yuanying smiled without answering, brought over a bundle and handed it to Chen Defu: “Stop talking nonsense. Help me watch this.”

Chen Defu had done odd jobs since childhood and was highly regarded by the elders. Seeing rough work coming, he reached out to take the bundle and suddenly said: “Ah ya, so heavy!” His hand shook and the bundle fell. Juan’er was quick-eyed and fast-handed, quickly catching it for him. Looking down, she saw the bundle was wrapped in oilcloth and looked quite familiar. She quickly said: “Wait, this… this looks like Su Ying’s thing, doesn’t it?”

Fu Yuanying coughed: “Yes.” Chen Defu was shocked: “What? This belongs to senior brother sect leader? Why… why doesn’t he keep it himself but gives it to me?”

Fu Yuanying wanted to speak but stopped, didn’t answer, and just looked at Juan’er, hoping she would avoid the situation herself.

Martial world people most valued sect secrets. If ordinary jianghu people were here listening to their sect’s private affairs, they would have walked far away long ago. But Fu Yuanying watched for a long time – Juan’er just looked blank: “Why aren’t you talking? I’m still waiting to hear.” Chen Defu also said: “Yes, master uncle, don’t keep us in suspense. Tell us quickly – where did the sect leader go?”

Watching Juan’er blink hard and Chen Defu also looking puzzled, Fu Yuanying couldn’t compete with these two fools and could only sigh: “Fine, telling you won’t matter. Ying had an accident last night.” The two said in unison, shocked: “What? An accident?”

Fu Yuanying said: “He jumped from Wanfu Tower and broke a leg.” Chen Defu was shocked beyond measure: “How could this happen? Master uncle, let’s quickly go find him!” He was about to rush out urgently when Fu Yuanying stopped him: “Don’t worry, your senior brother is safe at Hongluo Temple now.”

Chen Defu murmured: “Hongluo Temple? What’s he doing there?” Fu Yuanying said: “You don’t need to worry about that. Anyway, he’s at Hongluo Temple being personally cared for by Yuying.” Juan’er loved to meddle and became suspicious again: “Who is Yuying?”

Fu Yuanying knew he had spoken carelessly and just coughed without further explanation. But Chen Defu kept asking: “Master uncle, Wanfu Tower is so tall – why did senior brother Ying jump down? Was he testing his qinggong?” Juan’er spat: “Fool! Wanfu Tower is so high, even I wouldn’t dare jump. How would Su Ying have such courage?” Chen Defu said blankly: “Then why did he jump? Was he drunk?”

The two went back and forth with their nonsense again. Fu Yuanying said irritably: “Stop talking, all of you. In any case, your senior brother is injured and won’t be returning for the time being. During this period, you must help him safeguard this bundle.” Chen Defu heard his solemn instructions and didn’t dare fool around anymore, quickly saying: “Master uncle, what… what exactly is inside this?”

Fu Yuanying said: “The Three Reach sword manual.”

Chen Defu frowned: “Three Reach sword manual?” He murmured and pondered, then suddenly jumped up in shock: “Three Reach sword manual!”

The three swords of Wisdom, Benevolence, and Courage were called Three Reach – this was what Mount Hua’s martial arts lineage depended on, a matter of utmost importance. Fu Yuanying glanced sideways at Juan’er and coughed lightly. Even if Juan’er were ten times dumber, she would know to keep quiet now, saying tremblingly: “I… I won’t tell anyone. If I break this oath, may I be reborn as a little dog in my next life.” She was about to continue rambling when Chen Defu had already knelt down in panic: “Master uncle, Three Reach swordsmanship is our sect’s ultimate skill. This disciple’s martial arts are poor and I can’t guard things properly. You… you should find Poison Foot Immortal and the others.”

Fu Yuanying shook his head: “No. Apart from Ying alone, only you can safeguard this sword manual.” Chen Defu was amazed: “Why?” Juan’er also quickly asked: “Yes, why?”

Fu Yuanying said: “This is your master’s instruction.”

Hearing this was Ning Bufan’s intention, Juan’er was naturally shocked. Chen Defu was also amazed. His mind turned slightly and he couldn’t help but suddenly understand: “Right, if this sword manual isn’t entrusted to me for safekeeping, who else could it be given to?”

The Three Reach sword manual was vast and profound. Since its appearance in the world, disciples had never been forbidden from practicing it privately. But over hundreds of years, disciples who went mad went mad, those who became foolish became foolish – all harmed by this thing. So the elders established a rule: unless disciples had exceptional talent, they were absolutely forbidden from privately practicing Three Reach. But all the mountain’s disciples were conceited – who would admit to being a fool? Su Ying was like this, the three Lu brothers were like this, Du Dexian and Shi Dexing were also like this. In the entire mountain, only one person accepted being a fool – that was Chen Defu. No wonder Master Uncle Fu wanted to entrust the sword manual to him for safekeeping. Otherwise, if it fell into other people’s hands, they might secretly practice it.

Mount Hua was the martial world’s most eccentric sect, and there were naturally baskets full of strange incidents in the sect. Seeing Juan’er still wildly guessing there, Chen Defu said no more and said directly: “Master uncle, rest assured. Defu will definitely keep the bundle safe and never let anyone look at it.”

Fu Yuanying was very pleased and said again: “Sect Leader Juan, considering our fellowship, please bear with this matter.” Juan’er quickly said: “Don’t worry, I… I really hate practicing swords and won’t steal your treasures.”

The secret manual least feared by outsiders in the world was the Three Reach sword manual. Fu Yuanying smiled and instructed again: “Remember, absolutely don’t leak word of this. If fellow disciples know, everyone will trouble you.” Chen Defu nodded frantically: “I understand. I won’t tell anyone, not even the little black dog must know.” Juan’er quickly said: “Don’t worry, I… I won’t tell the Red Hare horse either.”

Juan’er’s nature was charming, innocent, and pure, and she was also Qiong Fang’s close friend. Fu Yuanying naturally knew this well, otherwise how could he let her be privy to their sect’s secrets? He laughed heartily and patted his disciple’s shoulder encouragingly, then turned and left.

Heaven will bestow great responsibility upon this man. Chen Defu held the bundle, his heart full of worry, afraid something strange might happen. He raised his iron broom and stood guard left and right for a while, but saw no one around – the empty room was quiet. What was there to fear? Just as he was relaxing, Juan’er came over again and said in a low voice: “Chen Defu, where’s the little black dog? It’s not dead, is it?”

Chen Defu quickly said: “It ate a big pill and seemed to recover on its own, then slipped out the door.” Juan’er made a sound of acknowledgment: “That’s a relief.” She looked left and right for a while, then said in a low voice: “Chen Defu, your bundle is quite heavy. Let me carry it for you.”

Chen Defu didn’t suspect anything and handed the bundle over. Juan’er took it and began untying the binding, murmuring: “Three Reach swords – such a famous reputation. I’ve wanted to flip through it for a long time.”

Chen Defu was greatly alarmed and quickly snatched back the bundle, shouting: “What are you doing?”

Juan’er said irritably: “What are you being stingy about? Just flipping through a sword manual won’t cost you a piece of flesh.” Chen Defu angrily said: “No way! You woman have such evil intentions! Give it back to me quickly!” He tried to stop her but heard an “ai ya” sound – he had already been pushed down. Juan’er squatted on the ground happily, about to take out the book, when Broom Fu crawled over again and pressed down on the bundle, saying tremblingly: “Wait, Miss Juan, I… I’m doing this for your own good. Your aptitude is too poor – if you read it, you’ll have qi deviation and become a fool. What would we do then?”

Juan’er was furious: “What? You say my aptitude is poor? Fine! Just for that statement, this lady is definitely going to read it!” Just as she was about to untie the bundle, she suddenly heard Chen Defu say in shock: “Miss Juan! Look quickly, there’s a strange shadow behind you!”

Juan’er jumped up in alarm: “What?”

Just as she was fearfully looking back, Chen Defu snatched the bundle and rushed out of the room with his head down. Only then did Juan’er realize she’d been tricked, and she roared: “Chen Defu! You dare deceive even this young lady? Don’t want to live anymore?” She shouted loudly, mounted the Red Hare horse, and searched everywhere in pursuit.

Chen Defu hid in the grass, watching Juan’er jumping with rage but walking farther and farther away. He thought to himself: “This woman is an idiot, even dumber than me.” He sighed in relief and thought again: “Right, what exactly happened to the little black dog? I should go check quickly.”

Earlier when eavesdropping on the adults’ conversation, he learned that Mount Hua had hidden a Great Golden Elixir. Perhaps the little black dog really ate it. If so, wouldn’t this dog become a Howling Sky Divine Dog?

Chen Defu’s heart pounded. They say when mothers gain status through their sons – if the little black dog became an immortal dog, he would certainly rise in status too. From then on, one man and one dog, practicing chivalry and justice – wouldn’t that make him a Divine Dog Young Hero? Then the court would hire him as a constable, promoting him and granting him nobility, buying buildings and land. Maybe he could even marry a beautiful girl as his wife. All of life’s hopes would be fulfilled. The more he thought about it, the happier he became. He quickly snuck to the back kitchen and stole a piece of braised pig liver – if he encountered his beloved dog later, he’d have something to bribe it with.

Coming to the bamboo grove, he saw the iron cage was completely empty – the beautiful white dog had left the cage, and the lion pride hadn’t returned home yet. Chen Defu was afraid the lions would appear and eat people, so he was naturally trembling with fear. He held his iron broom and crouched in the grass, calling tremblingly: “Little black dog, where are you? Come out quickly!” After calling several times without hearing a response, he could only slowly crawl over and tempt it with food: “Little black dog, look, this is braised pig liver, so delicious you’ll bite your tongue. If you don’t believe me, I’ll eat some for you to see.” Just as he was humming and tasting, he suddenly heard a gentle, soft call: “Defu.”

Chen Defu was greatly shocked: “The little black dog can talk now?” He turned to look quickly and saw an extra pair of embroidered shoes in front of him, with slender ankles. Looking up, he saw a green dress, and looking further up, he saw plump hips, a narrow waist, and a full bosom.

Chen Defu was wildly delighted: “Little black dog! Look at this Great Golden Elixir’s power – it actually transformed the little black dog into a fairy!” He was both shocked and delighted, about to rush forward when he suddenly saw the woman looking at him with a half-smile. He couldn’t help but gasp and say tremblingly: “Master uncle’s wife…”

Standing before him was a woman with a smile like a flower – it was Lu Deli’s mother, Xie Yanyan. Chen Defu didn’t know what she was plotting and naturally held the bundle tightly with both hands, cowering. But Xie Yanyan said with a smile: “Defu, why are you hiding alone in the grass? How strange.”

Chen Defu said in a low voice: “I… I’m looking for the little black dog.”

“Little black dog?” Xie Yanyan pondered without understanding, then suddenly clapped her hands and laughed: “Ah, you mean that little wild dog you brought back from Hongluo Mountain! I just saw it. It was chasing around with two mastiffs, very excited.”

Chen Defu was alarmed: “Did they fight? Master uncle’s wife, where… where are they?”

Xie Yanyan smiled slightly: “Don’t worry, let your aunt take you to find it.” She extended her jade hand to take Chen Defu’s arm intimately.

Chen Defu was startled: “Master… master uncle’s wife, you… what is this…” Just as he was confused, he suddenly saw Xie Yanyan bend down and frown: “Defu, how did your pants get torn? Later, master uncle’s wife will mend them for you.”

A loving mother’s hand holds the thread, a wandering son wears the clothes – but this loving mother had mistaken her person. Chen Defu’s face turned even redder: “No… no need.” Xie Yanyan came closer a few steps and said gently: “Why be polite with master uncle’s wife? Come to my room, take off your pants, and master uncle’s wife will mend them for you.”

Chen Defu had lived to his twenties and had never taken off his pants in front of a woman. Thinking of this, his face turned purple and he said tremblingly: “Really no need, I… I still have things to do.”

Xie Yanyan said disappointedly: “You… you still have things to do?” Chen Defu quickly said: “Yes… yes, I haven’t eaten breakfast yet.”

Hearing this, Xie Yanyan raised her jade finger and smiled with her pretty eyes: “I knew you hadn’t eaten. Come, your aunt has cooked a pot of Guangnan fish porridge. Let’s eat together.”

Chen Defu was even more bewildered. This Xie Yanyan most doted on her three sons. Usually, she would rather pour leftover food into the gutter than let other people’s children touch a mouthful. Who knew that today she would act completely out of character and actually treat him like a human being?

Just as he was confused, he suddenly felt an intoxicating fragrance drift near his nose. He saw Xie Yanyan staring straight at him with a face full of maternal love. Chen Defu’s face turned red past his ears: “Master uncle’s wife, why… why are you so good to me?”

“Silly child,” Xie Yanyan gently parted her vermillion lips and said softly: “We two are naturally compatible.”

“Compatible?” Chen Defu cried out in shock. Xie Yanyan said lovingly: “Yes, master uncle’s wife really wants to take you as her godson, day and night wanting to cherish you, love you, pity you, and dote on you.”

Chen Defu cried out: “Godmother!” Just as he was about to nestle in her embrace to win her affection, he suddenly felt the bundle in his arms move slightly, as if someone had grasped it.

Chen Defu made a sound of surprise: “Master uncle’s wife, what… what are you doing?” Xie Yanyan said gently: “Precious heart and liver, godmother is afraid you’re tired. Look how heavy this bundle is – let godmother carry it for you.”

Chen Defu quickly stepped back: “No… no need.” Xie Yanyan said lovingly: “Good child, don’t be shy, come here.” She pressed closer and closer, suddenly her jade hand stretched out violently, grabbing directly for the bundle. Chen Defu was already prepared and ran away. Xie Yanyan revealed her judge’s brushes and roared fiercely: “Whoever dares obstruct my son from mastering Three Reach must die! Chen Defu! Come and meet your death!”

Murder! New year, new atmosphere – just after the Lantern Festival, Chen Defu was already in a desperate situation. He ran frantically, screaming all the way toward the main residence. Seeing a study not far away with its door ajar, he had no time to think much and hid inside, hoping to escape the pursuers.

Entering the room, he saw the interior was bright, clean, quiet, and elegant, polished like a precious mirror. Chen Defu’s heart awakened – he realized he had inadvertently entered the National Uncle’s Lotus Study. This place housed countless antiques, calligraphy, and paintings worth a fortune. Usually it was locked – how was the door suddenly open today?

Just as he was puzzled, he heard light footsteps. Two old nannies humming songs walked in from outside – one holding a feather duster, one carrying a water bucket. Chen Defu was startled. Seeing a flower vase standing on the ground, huge and eight feet tall, he quickly hid behind it to conceal himself.

The two old nannies were quite diligent, coming into the room to clean and wipe. That Xie Yanyan held her judge’s brushes and stared from the doorway but didn’t dare rashly enter.

After a long, long time, the old nannies finished sweeping, locked the door, and finally left. Chen Defu also sighed in relief and stood up to look around. He saw the room was full of antiques, probably collected by the National Uncle with great care. He was filled with reverence and carefully observing when he suddenly saw a dress hanging high on the wall – the tailoring was antique, blue-indigo like jade. Wasn’t this the Lotus-Picking Green Dress that his master uncles had mentioned?

Chen Defu made an “ah” sound and quickly approached to look. His nose caught a hint of thousand-year fragrance, faintly carrying some wine fragrance. He couldn’t help but become dreamy: “Is… is this Xi Shi’s body fragrance?”

Li Bai’s poem said: “Mirror Lake three hundred li, lotus flowers.” It was said to describe this Lotus-Picking Dress. They also said that when Xi Shi assassinated King Fuchai of Wu, she wore this green dress. Later, when she retired with Fan Li to Taihu Lake to pick lotus, she still wore this blue dress. No wonder the National Uncle was obsessed with appreciating it – he probably often smelled the fragrance in this room. Just as he was thinking of learning to take a sniff, he suddenly heard the door creak several times – someone had pried it open.

Chen Defu’s heart trembled, afraid it was Xie Yanyan entering to search and capture him, so he hid behind the large flower vase again. Before he could prepare further defenses, he saw a small child swaying as he walked in, bringing a smell of alcohol – it was Xie Yanyan’s youngest son, Lu Delian!

Chen Defu was extremely surprised, not knowing why this little ghost appeared here. Could he also be here for the Three Reach sword manual? Just as he was suspicious, he saw the child yawn, close the door behind him, then suddenly cover his mouth and quickly turn around to vomit.

Lu Delian seemed to still be suffering from a hangover. After vomiting for a while, he finally straightened up. He wiped his mouth and panted: “I won’t drink next time, it’s so uncomfortable.”

The room was full of rare antiques, but Lu Delian had vomited filth all over the floor, reeking of alcohol. If someone discovered this later, it would certainly cause a big incident. But this child was neither panicked nor confused. He sighed: “Have to wipe the floor again.” He pulled down the green dress from the wall, first wiped his mouth with it, then threw it on the floor and stepped on it, using it to wipe the floor clean of filth.

Chen Defu watched with his whole body trembling – only now did he understand where the fragrance of Xi Shi’s dress came from. Just as he was horrified, Lu Delian vomited again – this time hugging the Zhou Gong tripod and vomiting everything into it.

After vomiting several times, Lu Delian finally felt comfortable. He dug at his throat and said with delight: “My internal power seems deeper.” As he spoke, he took down a fishing rod from the wall and smiled: “Haven’t fished in a long time.”

This fishing rod was extraordinary. Chen Defu had also heard his master uncle mention it – legend said that when Jiang Taigong met King Wen, he held this very fishing rod, leading to later events like King Wu’s conquest of Zhou and the deification of the three realms. But Lu Delian was indoors – what did he want to fish for?

Just as he was puzzled, he saw the fishing rod cast out and the hook flew toward his hiding place. Chen Defu’s heart jumped – he didn’t expect to be discovered. Just as he was about to duck and dodge, he saw the hook fall into the flower vase. He heard Lu Delian laugh heartily and pull with his hand, actually fishing out a bundle!

Jiang Taigong fished – those willing took the bait. Chen Defu was greatly surprised – he hadn’t expected there were things hidden in the flower vase. He saw Lu Delian squat down and open the bundle. Inside were wooden tigers, clay soldier figurines, “Jin Hailing’s Death from Indulgence” volumes one and two, and various treasures.

Chen Defu made a sound of surprise and thought: “Quite a collection.”

With the secret collection revealed, Chen Defu’s heart pounded – he was somewhat envious. But Lu Delian took out a stack of red paper envelopes from his pants pocket with names written on them: Ye Dekai, Feng Degao, Shi Dexing, and one even had “Chen Defu” written on it. Chen Defu couldn’t help but turn pale with shock: “This… this isn’t my red envelope?”

Before New Year, the master uncles had given out red envelopes – some were generous, giving a whole tael of silver at once, others were stingy and tight, only able to reward a string of coins. The brothers had looked forward to this all year, finally saving up some pocket money to spend slowly. Who would have thought it had fallen into Lu Delian’s clutches?

Chen Defu was secretly resentful: “Good boy, usually eating and drinking from me, now even taking my money. I’ll beat you to death later.”

Lu Delian didn’t know someone was spying nearby and clapped his hands laughing: “More and more things.” He poured out dozens of copper coins from the red envelopes and praised himself: “Look how good I am at earning money – no wonder mother loves me.”

Lu Delian lived up to his name, being very honest and frugal. Usually relying on his young age, when going out to eat, drink, and play, he never paid, mostly relying on his senior brothers to support him. But white eating and drinking wasn’t enough – he simply confiscated his senior brothers’ nest eggs?

Watching Lu Delian’s happy face, not knowing how many treasures he had hoarded, arranging the copper coins one by one in neat rows, carefully counting them, about to put them all in the bundle, Chen Defu really couldn’t bear it anymore. He immediately appeared and shouted: “Thief!”

Lu Delian was startled – he never expected someone was hiding behind the flower vase. He sat down in shock, stunned for a while, then looked left and right in amazement: “Thief? Who?” Chen Defu angrily said: “Still asking who? You’re the thief!” Lu Delian was confused: “What? I’m a thief? You talk so strangely.”

Chen Defu pointed at the bundle on the ground angrily: “Look! What’s this?”

Lu Delian looked down for a long time in confusion: “This is a bundle. What’s strange about it?” Chen Defu raised his iron broom like a gavel and struck the ground hard, saying sternly: “This is called stolen goods! You thief, now caught red-handed with the evidence, still want to deny it? Come! Go with me to see Fifth Grand-master Zhao! See how he’ll beat you!”

Mount Hua’s current number one elder was Zhao Laowu. He enforced sect rules extremely strictly – whenever he caught a thief, regardless of whose son they were, he would first give fifty lashes. Hearing this threat, Lu Delian showed no fear, only frowning: “You’re so strange. I just found these things in the flower vase and was wondering where they came from. How can you say I stole them?”

Chen Defu angrily said: “Nonsense! You obviously hid these things in the flower vase. Otherwise, why would you come to the study for no good reason?”

This question hit the key point. Lu Delian couldn’t help but make a sound of surprise: “That makes sense. Chen Defu, what are you doing in the study?” Chen Defu was stunned and murmured: “I… I came to…” Lu Delian clapped his hands in realization: “I know! Chen Defu, you stole all these things, right?” Chen Defu was greatly alarmed: “No! No!”

Lu Delian became suspicious: “But why are you carrying a bundle? Look for yourself – aren’t these two bundles identical?”

Coincidentally, both bundles were wrapped in oilcloth and tied with knots, like twin brothers.

Chen Defu was greatly shocked and panicked, breaking out in cold sweat and becoming speechless. Lu Delian said calmly: “I finally caught the thief.” He grabbed Chen Defu’s sleeve and shouted: “Come! Go with me to see Fifth Grand-master and listen to his judgment!”

Thinking of Zhao Laowu’s whip, Chen Defu cried: “Don’t! Don’t arrest me! I’m innocent!” Lu Delian shouted: “Utterly shameless! Still dare to resist arrest!”

The two pulled and tugged. Lu Delian was still suffering from his hangover, his feet unsteady, and he bumped into the large flower vase. With a “dang lang” sound, it shattered into pieces.

Both opened their mouths wide. Chen Defu said coldly: “Look what you’ve done.” Lu Delian cried: “It’s all your fault!”

This jade vase had a strange origin. A poem said: “Nine autumn winds and dew from Yue kilns opened, capturing the green colors of a thousand peaks.” This was a Tang Dynasty Yue kiln secret-color porcelain, called one of the three treasures of the Duke of Ying’s residence. Now it had become a pile of mud. If the National Uncle saw this, wouldn’t he die of anger?

The two cried facing each other for a while, both knowing great disaster had befallen them. Lu Delian wiped his tears: “Broom Fu, if this matter gets out, how will the National Uncle deal with us two?” Chen Defu shed tears: “Death by a thousand cuts, slow slicing execution.”

Lu Delian cried: “Good that you know! You quickly make an oath that you absolutely cannot tell anyone about this. If you speak, may you be struck by lightning and die pierced by ten thousand arrows!” Chen Defu sobbed: “Why must I swear first? Why not you first?” Lu Delian cried loudly: “You’re older, of course you go first.”

The two argued endlessly, both wanting the other to swear first, when suddenly the main door opened and someone walked in – it was Lu Deyi!

“Second brother!” Lu Delian saw his savior and immediately rushed forward crying: “Chen Defu stole things and broke the flower vase, and just now threatened to kill our whole family to silence us!” Chen Defu was shocked beyond measure and cried loudly: “You’re lying!”

This Lu Deyi, though only fourteen, was much taller than his younger brother. Usually gloomy in personality, his martial arts were unfathomably deep. If he now sided with his blood brother, what hope did Chen Defu have? He couldn’t defend himself with a hundred mouths and was sobbing sadly when he saw Lu Deyi glance at his younger brother, then look at himself and say: “Third brother, don’t make false accusations. I already know the cause and effect.”

Chen Defu cried loudly: “Benefactor!” Lu Delian wept bitterly: “Second brother! You won’t even help me!”

Lu Deyi truly knew righteousness – now he was practicing righteousness by destroying kinship. Chen Defu was about to kowtow in gratitude when he heard him say calmly: “Broom Fu, don’t be happy too early. You also deserve credit for breaking the flower vase earlier. When I report this later, you know what your fate will be?”

Chen Defu’s soul fled his body and he covered his face crying: “No!”

Lu Deyi said calmly: “For me to conceal this matter is actually not difficult. As long as you two agree to one thing, I can cover for you.” The two knelt side by side and cried in supplication: “Benefactor, what do you want us to agree to?”

Lu Deyi said: “I want you two to swear an oath of lifelong loyalty to me. If you violate this oath, you’ll be struck by lightning and turn to mud and die.” Chen Defu heard this oath was so vicious and was naturally afraid and hesitant. But Lu Delian had already cried loudly: “I swear! I swear! This humble person will definitely serve you loyally for life. If I violate this oath, Chen Defu will surely die pierced by ten thousand arrows!”

Chen Defu was both shocked and angry and quickly shouted: “I also make an oath! If this humble person has the slightest violation of your sacred will, may Lu Delian’s whole family be exterminated and die miserably!”

The two shouted and clamored randomly. Lu Deyi didn’t pay attention and just nodded proudly: “I have two slaves now.” He immediately said: “Delian, second brother is short of money. Bring all your collections.”

Lu Delian cried in refusal – he had worked hard his whole life to have this little savings. If he handed it over like this, what joy would there be in life in the future? Lu Deyi said grimly: “Won’t do it, eh?” He pushed open the door and pretended to shout: “Someone come! Someone broke the—”

Lu Delian was greatly alarmed: “Wait, wait, wait! I’ll obey!”

The bundle was brought over, totaling forty taels of silver, plus wonderful books and magazines, toy marbles – whatever you wanted, there it was. Lu Deyi was quite satisfied and said again: “Chen Defu, take down the bundle on your back and let me see what’s inside.”

Chen Defu was greatly alarmed: “No way! This is something Master Uncle Fu entrusted to me! You absolutely cannot look at it.”

“Cannot look?” Lu Deyi smiled coldly with a sideways glance: “I can look at anything in heaven and earth. Parents in bed, servant girls bathing – what haven’t I seen? Quickly bring the bundle over, or you’ll regret it.”

Chen Defu pleaded tearfully: “No way, really no way.”

Lu Deyi grinned wickedly: “No way, eh? Fine, then I’ll let the whole world know who broke the Qiong National Uncle’s flower vase.”

He turned around and was about to shout loudly toward the door when Chen Defu was already crying loudly: “Don’t! Don’t! Spare my life!”

Lu Deyi laughed heartily: “Want to fight me! That’s like fighting heaven! Quickly hand over the bundle!”

Chen Defu knew he had no luck and could only tearfully take down the bundle and slowly untie the binding. The Lu brothers fixed their eyes and saw before them was actually a book – the famous Three Reach sword manual!

Lu Deyi said tremblingly: “Three Reach swords! I… I’ve waited several years and it’s finally in my hands!” Lu Delian also panted: “With this, I don’t have to fear anything!”

The brothers were drooling with desire and about to seize the sword manual when Chen Defu quickly blocked them: “No way! Absolutely not!” The three each grabbed the book with one hand. Lu Deyi angrily said: “Chen Defu! You won’t obey? Aren’t you afraid I’ll deal with you?”

Chen Defu gritted his teeth: “Either way it’s death – today I’ll fight you to the end!” Lu Delian shouted: “Fight then!” With force in his hand, he pulled the book over. Lu Deyi was furious and grabbed with both hands. Chen Defu’s duty was at stake and he dared not let go either. Suddenly they heard a “chi” sound – everyone fell backward, each grasping a piece of torn book cover.

The Three Reach sword manual was split into three parts. Page after page of sword techniques flew in the wind, slowly falling to the ground. Lu Deyi opened his mouth wide, Lu Delian’s heart also stopped, and Chen Defu hugged the sword manual and cried loudly: “I’m dead!”

Fu Yuanying had given him ten thousand instructions to carefully safeguard the book. Who knew that in less than an hour, the ancestral sword manual was forcibly destroyed? The Lu brothers knew they had caused trouble. The two looked at each other and immediately shouted: “Run quickly!”

The Lu brothers fled in panic and disappeared without a trace. Chen Defu stood there devastated – he wanted to cry but couldn’t, wanted to shout but had no strength. If he went to Master Uncle Fu to report, those two brothers were sharp-tongued and could deceive heaven and earth together – how could he compete? Just as he was thinking of hitting the wall to commit suicide, he suddenly had a thought: “Right, I can go buy glue!”

The most easily damaged things in the world weren’t these martial arts secret manuals, but erotic books like “Jin Hailing’s Death from Indulgence.” These were passed around everywhere, each copy becoming battered and torn. Chen Defu also often glued and repaired them – he was quite experienced. He looked at the flower vase and the book, knowing that if he found paste and glue later, he might be able to glue and repair them. Then, without anyone knowing or any ghost being aware, who would know what good deed he had done?

The more he thought about it, the more reasonable it seemed. He quickly closed the room door tightly and used his iron broom to first sweep the flower vase fragments under the Zhou Gong tripod to prevent discovery. Then he picked up the scattered book pages everywhere, afraid of missing even the tiniest bit.

In the past, Chen Defu had also secretly looked at the Three Reach sword manual and knew the inner pages totaled ninety-nine – the first ninety-eight pages were all Wisdom Sword mental techniques, and the last page depicted a large duck egg called “Transform Circle to Square.” He picked up pieces everywhere, comparing them one by one, counting the book pages from beginning to end, calculating page by page. When he reached the ninety-ninth page, he finally sighed in relief.

By heavenly luck, the sword manual wasn’t missing any pages. The inner pages were generally intact, just the thread binding had come loose – probably not difficult to repair. He was flipping through the pages, about to put the book in the bundle, when he suddenly saw some scattered paper scraps still on the ground – some here, some there – not knowing what they were.

Something strange had happened. The Three Reach sword manual clearly only had ninety-nine pages. Now the page count was complete – how could there still be leftover paper scraps?

Could there be some damage to the book pages? He was surprised and uncertain, quickly bending down to pick up one of the paper scraps. He saw the brushstrokes on the paper were chaotic, like waterfalls, like angry torrents flowing wildly, as if they were splashed ink landscapes.

Chen Defu made a sound of surprise, feeling these brushstrokes seemed familiar, as if he had seen them somewhere before. Vaguely, he reached into his pants pocket and slowly took out a note, couldn’t help but say in shock: “They look similar!”

This note was also like the little black dog – both picked up from Hongluo Temple. At that time he was strolling in a grove and happened to see Senior Brother Ying. He saw him lowering his head wiping tears and casually throwing away this note. Out of curiosity, he picked it up and kept it as a memento, thinking it was useless. Who would have thought that comparing the two, it actually seemed to have some connection with this pile of paper scraps?

Chen Defu stood there blankly, unable to guess the origin of the paper scraps. He could only pick up his iron broom and first sweep the paper scraps on the ground into a pile, picking them up one by one and carefully storing them in the bundle. As for whether to use paste or pine resin glue later, he couldn’t worry about all that now.