Fine snow fell in continuous threads, draping the Anlu Mountains beneath the cloud-covered sky with another layer of gleaming white. Within a hundred li, not a trace of human presence could be found.

A troop of armored cavalry advanced northward in grand procession. Whether due to strict military discipline or the bone-chilling cold that stole away their energy, apart from the sound of hooves treading through snow, no one made any unnecessary noise.

Following closely at the rear of the formation were several supply carts. Though fitted with anti-slip gears, they still struggled to advance through the snowy terrain. The driver would occasionally crack his long whip, causing the cart to jostle violently. In one careless moment, a boy of less than ten years who had been lying in the cart was jolted off and tumbled into the snow. An elderly man sitting in the cart let out a cry of alarm upon seeing this, hastily jumping down to scoop up the boy and gesturing for the convoy behind to halt temporarily.

The boy had been caught completely off guard as he plunged into the snow. His entire body shuddered and he jolted awake. Seeing the old man continuously brushing snow from his sable fur, he asked somewhat bewilderedly, “Guan Bo, where are we… What about the bandits?”

Guan Bo replied, “Young Master, do not be afraid. The bandits have all been killed. These military gentlemen saved us.”

Upon hearing this, the boy poked his head out and gazed at the seemingly endless mass of cavalry ahead, furrowing his brow slightly. “That group of bandits were no ordinary bandits…”

His words had barely fallen when he heard someone smoothly interject, “But we are also no ordinary military gentlemen.”

The boy turned toward the voice and saw a young man in a sapphire blue robe riding toward him on horseback, followed by more than ten people in flowing garments who looked like wandering heroes of the martial world, quite out of place among the surrounding armored cavalry. The boy noticed the sword in the young man’s hand—its blade was inlaid with jade filling dark patterns, clearly of extraordinary value. He asked the young man, “Did you kill the bandit leader?”

The young man paused slightly. Just moments ago, hearing that the boy had awakened, he had come over to show concern, never expecting that this child still wet behind the ears would first inquire about who had killed the bandits. This caught him quite by surprise. “Indeed. He did die by my sword.”

The boy lifted his extremely long and thick lashes, straightened his spine, and cupping his fists like an adult roaming the martial world, he performed a salute and said, “Wang Xun thanks Alliance Leader Shen for saving my life.”

The surrounding people had been chuckling at this little fellow’s serious manner, but upon hearing him say this, they all tensed. The young man asked, “How did you recognize me?”

Wang Xun simply said, “The bandit lair was originally a Demonic Sect stronghold. That you gentlemen were able to rescue us from their hands means you are naturally among the top experts of the current martial world. These heroes all treat you with utmost respect, and combined with the Biluo Sword in your hand, if you are not the new Martial Alliance Leader Shen Yao, then who would you be?”

Shen Yao reexamined Wang Xun. His facial features had not yet fully developed, but one could already see they would become refined and handsome. Though his face bore a layer of sickness, his eyes were bright black, revealing an air that did not match a child of this age.

A bearded elder behind Shen Yao laughed heartily and said, “You have quite keen eyes, boy. Where is your home?”

Guan Bo, who had remained silent until now, was about to speak when Wang Xun answered first, “My father is Wang Yuting.”

Guan Bo showed slight surprise, but the crowd had already revealed expressions of understanding and no longer pursued the reason for his capture. Shen Yao said, “So you are a young master of the Jinling Wang Family. No wonder you possess such bearing at such a young age.”

The Jinling Wang Family—able to stand unshaken in this chaotic wartime era, wealthier than all under heaven, they were also a coveted prize in many people’s eyes.

The bearded elder exchanged glances with the others and said with a chuckle, “This makes things difficult. Alliance Leader Shen had originally planned to send you home with a soldier escort once you awoke, but since you are from the Wang Family, we cannot be careless with you. Unfortunately, we still have urgent matters to attend to…” Before he could finish speaking, Wang Xun began coughing violently, coughing until he could barely catch his breath. Guan Bo hurriedly patted his back, and Shen Yao frowned. He immediately dismounted and took the boy’s pulse. “The illness is quite severe. Even if we turn back, I’m afraid we won’t find a physician within a hundred li…” He paused. “Can you ride a horse?”

With Wang Xun’s sickly constitution, he naturally could not hold the reins steady alone. Fortunately, with Guan Bo’s assistance, the two of them sharing one mount, they could barely keep pace with the main force.

Shen Yao told him that as long as they persisted until evening and reached the main camp at the base of Beiming Peak, there would be military physicians to treat him. Upon hearing mention of Beiming Peak, Guan Bo’s face showed unease. “Isn’t Beiming Peak precisely where our forces are battling the northern barbarians…”

“So what of it?”

Seeing that Wang Xun was unconcerned, the bearded elder laughed heartily and said, “You’re a lad after my own heart! I won’t hide it from you, little brother—even adding our twenty thousand reinforcement troops, we only have one hundred thousand men in total, but the northern barbarians have brought one hundred eighty thousand! If not for keeping our promise, I certainly wouldn’t set foot on this path of near-certain death.”

A Daoist-robed figure beside the bearded elder spoke up in rebuke, “What do you mean ‘near-certain death’? Kong Buwu, if you’re afraid of death, leave now. Don’t stand here spouting nonsense and shaking the army’s morale.”

Wang Xun thought to himself: Kong Buwu, Sect Master of Feiying Sect. It follows that the remaining seven must also be respected figures in the martial world. From their tone, it seems they did not come to the front lines at Shen Yao’s invitation.

The Daoist stroked his beard and said, “I firmly believe that as long as those two from the Yue Family hold the fort, this battle already has a fifty percent chance of victory.”

“Which Yue Family are you talking about?” Wang Xun asked.

Kong Buwu said, “You seem to know quite a bit, boy. How is it you haven’t even heard of the Jiangdong Yue Family?”

The Jiangdong Yue Clan—how could he not have heard of them?

The current Liang Dynasty’s ruler was incompetent and useless. The Yan Kingdom of the northern desert eyed them covetously, and within just a few years, vast swaths of the Central Plains had been painfully lost. With beacon fires rising everywhere, local warlords claimed territories as their own kingdoms. In this standoff among various powers, the Jiangnan Xie Family, Jinling Wang Family, and Luoyang Shen Family could be considered as spectators watching from across the mountains. The one truly capable of contending with the century-old He Family was the recently emerging Jiangdong Yue Clan.

The Jiangdong Yue Clan had initially been just a volunteer army. The legends of how they defeated superior numbers to sweep away the Yan Army and recover Bashu varied wildly, but after that battle, the two brothers who commanded the Yue Family Army became famous throughout the realm.

From childhood, Wang Xun had heard many tales circulating about the Yue brothers. Most of those from common folk were greatly exaggerated. As far as his knowledge went, it was truly difficult to imagine such absurd scenarios as the Yue Family’s eldest brother using an illusion in an empty city to frighten away fifty thousand troops.

Kong Buwu couldn’t help but laugh at this point. “Alliance Leader, is this little brother talking about the battle where Young Master Yue was at Huai River?”

Shen Yao nodded. “That battle was indeed brilliantly won, but the enemy forces numbered less than twenty thousand, and Huaishui City was not an empty city. It’s because the common people are grateful for Brother Changsheng’s merits that the tale has been passed down so fantastically.”

Wang Xun continued, “I heard that Second Young Master Yue is only seventeen this year, yet some say he single-handedly fought a bloody battle for two days and nights, causing over a thousand northern vanguard troops to flee in panic…”

“It’s not a rumor,” Shen Yao said. “It’s fact.”

Wang Xun seemed choked with surprise. “This… how is that possible?”

Shen Yao said, “That day, Father ordered me to lead troops to support Brother Yue. I personally witnessed the devastating casualties among the northern vanguard forces.”

“Then, then at the martial arts assembly, when he single-handedly challenged ten barbarian sorcerers…”

“That’s also true.” Kong Buwu clapped his hands together. “If not for Second Young Master Yue’s timely assistance, our Central Plains martial world would surely have been unable to escape this catastrophe.”

Wang Xun was stunned for a long while before finally saying, “To think that a mortal body of flesh and blood could reach such a realm…”

“He learned from Tianzhu, and the Shimo True Scripture he practices has reached the ninth level.” Shen Yao’s gaze passed over the distant mountain peaks. “Second Young Master Yue’s reputation as the world’s greatest is absolutely not gained in vain.”

“Shimo True Scripture?”

“It’s Sanskrit. We Central Plains people have another name for this martial art…” Shen Yao’s voice paused here, his calm tone taking on a heavier weight. “Hero’s Tomb.”

Wang Xun shuddered, listening as Shen Yao spoke word by word.

“But when encountering this martial art, the ground becomes a tomb. All heroes under heaven are no exception.”

“The only person in a hundred years to have mastered this art is he, Second Young Master Yue, Yue Changling.”

The cold wind rustled, and the snowflakes drifting through the air seemed to carry a bloody scent with those words, gradually permeating the atmosphere.

For a moment, no one spoke further.

The Yue Clan’s main camp was stationed in Taixing City, near the base of Beiming Peak. Travelers passing through were strictly inspected, and the entire city had implemented a curfew. The garrison soldiers, upon seeing the command token in Shen Yao’s hand, immediately opened the city gates. On the road to the main camp, one could see many local righteous warriors and marketplace heroes helping with city patrols—most had come at the Yue brothers’ summons to resist the enemy.

Along the way, Wang Xun gazed distantly at Shen Yao’s back, his thoughts drifting uncertainly. Now even the Shen Family had come to pledge allegiance to the Yue Clan. If this battle were won decisively, the Yue Clan would certainly gain even more popular support. Would the great trend of the realm become even clearer?

Shen Yao was ultimately a figure of significance.

Setting aside his identity as Martial Alliance Leader, the Luoyang Shen Family’s position among the clans alone was not to be underestimated.

As soon as he entered the military camp, before he could even dispatch the stationed soldiers to make an announcement, he heard someone call out in a clear voice, “Alliance Leader Shen! Honorable Sect Masters! We’ve finally awaited your arrival!”

The newcomer wore imposing armor and carried a long blade at his waist, yet exuded an air of openness and amiability. The martial artists all dismounted, and Shen Yao was first to walk toward him, cupping his fists. “Brother Changsheng!”

This man was the Yue Family’s eldest brother, Yue Changsheng.

Wang Xun had originally thought that with Shen Yao’s bearing, he was already an outstanding talent among men, but upon meeting Yue Changsheng, he understood there were always higher heavens. This man commanded vast armies and could be called a regional hegemon, yet he conducted himself with such measured propriety that one couldn’t help but feel drawn to him.

Shen Yao said, “We should have arrived yesterday, but the cold weather in Jiangbei and the snowstorm these past two days delayed our journey. We’ve kept you waiting!”

“As long as the barbarian army doesn’t breach Taixing City within a day, anyone who arrives is not late!” Yue Changsheng laughed. “Gentlemen have traveled far and worked hard. I’ve already had people prepare camp quarters and lodgings. Shall we discuss strategies to resist the Yan after the evening meal?”

Everyone nodded in agreement. Yue Changsheng was about to have his personal guards lead them when, turning his head, his eyes caught sight of Wang Xun and he suddenly shouted, “Watch out!”

Wang Xun had been standing in a corner secretly stealing glances at Yue Changsheng, puzzled as to why he would notice this way, when he turned around only to see a startled horse charging toward him. Caught completely off guard, Wang Xun closed his eyes, then suddenly heard a horse’s long neigh. Someone had managed to rein it in just in time, making the horse circle in place before finally steadying.

The newcomer’s movements were so swift that before anyone present could react to intervene, the horse had already settled down docilely and quietly.

“Shen Yao, I told you to bring some troops, horses, and provisions…” That person used their fingers to gently smooth the horse’s mane, asking with a smile, “How did you end up bringing your son?”

The corner of Shen Yao’s mouth twitched almost imperceptibly. “Second Young Master Yue, Shen has not yet married. Where would I get a son? This child was rescued by us from Qianlong Stronghold. He is the young master of the Jinling Wang Family, son of Wang Yuting.”

Second Young Master Yue… Yue Changling.

Wang Xun slowly opened his eyes.

This was the first time he saw Yue Changling.

At that moment, the western sun was sinking, dusk falling thick and heavy, and that person wore a crimson red battle robe that snapped sharply in the cold wind.

To be fair, Yue Changling had dark, dusky skin, slightly swollen eyelids, and wore a silver mask covering half the face—absolutely not remotely connected to the word “handsome.”

Yet Wang Xun somehow felt dizzy and dazed, unable to return to his senses for a long while.

Yue Changling naturally would not pay attention to a child’s myriad thoughts. However, Yue Changsheng, learning the full story from Shen Yao, immediately summoned a military physician to take Wang Xun for thorough examination. In these times, it was better to forge connections than create enemies, and the more prominent the background, the more cautious one must be.

Thus, Yue Changling instead felt that Shen Yao had brought along a troublesome burden. With that arrogant temperament, he couldn’t be bothered to say more. After walking a few steps, he turned back and glanced at Shen Yao. “By the way, there’s someone who’s been wanting to see you.”

Yue Changsheng glared at Yue Changling. Shen Yao, not understanding, could only quickly follow.

But he soon understood.

Just stepping into the tent, he heard a familiar plaintive voice, “Alliance Leader Shen, you must save me…”

Shen Yao stared dumbfounded at a man wearing a felt cap and possessing refined, elegant features, bound tightly with ropes to a grand master’s chair. “Liu… Brother Liujing?”

The man’s face was the picture of misery, his eyes fixed on Shen Yao like a drowning man clutching at straws. “It’s me, it’s me. I’ve been kidnapped and brought here for a full seven days. These seven days I’ve been wishing upon stars and moon, hoping you’d come save me from this dire situation…” He was halfway through when he caught sight of Yue Changling toying with a long sword, swallowed, and abruptly stopped speaking.

Shen Yao said, “Second Young Master Yue, we’re all old acquaintances. I wonder what offense Brother Liujing has committed…”

Yue Changling sheathed the sword, stating matter-of-factly, “My elder brother said, ‘Fu Liujing possesses unparalleled wisdom and strategic talent. If such a person could be enlisted to our cause, he would surely aid our great enterprise.’ So, I invited him here.”

Fu Liujing looked at Yue Changling with an expression of complete devastation. “You’re certain this was an invitation?”

“If you weren’t constantly trying to escape, why would I waste a rope?”

“Waste…” Fu Liujing clicked his tongue. “My unwillingness to remain in a military camp living this blade-licking life is my choice. Alliance Leader Shen, you speak some justice—how are they any different from mountain bandits and brigands?”

Shen Yao coughed lightly, saying tactfully, “Actually… Young Master Yue could well appeal to reason to move Brother Liujing. Using force like this is somewhat…”

Yue Changling seemed to take this to heart. Looking toward Fu Liujing, he said expressionlessly, “Master Fu, when the nation faces great calamity, every common man bears responsibility…”

Fu Liujing replied swiftly, “Right, every common man bears responsibility, but I’m not a common man.”

Yue Changling continued leisurely, “The northern army destroys our territory. How can we turn a blind eye and await destruction passively?”

“But we also absolutely cannot throw eggs against stones and court our own destruction.”

Yue Changling picked up a teacup. “Since ancient times, who in life escapes death…”

Fu Liujing squinted. “Dying early or late makes a huge difference!”

“…” Shen Yao immediately felt that keeping Fu Liujing tied up might perhaps be a practical solution.

The moonlight was cool as water, and the night beneath Beiming Peak was even more bitterly cold.

The small tent naturally couldn’t ward off much of the freezing air. Wang Xun wrapped himself in a blanket, curling up entirely beside a brazier to warm himself, rubbing his hands together while asking, “Are you certain you heard correctly? That person is truly Fu Liujing?”

Guan Bo used iron tongs to add another piece of charcoal, nodding.

Wang Xun furrowed his small brow slightly. “To be able to find such an elusive strategist, it seems the Yue Family has expended considerable effort.”

Guan Bo said, “Using such methods, I fear Fu Liujing may not necessarily be willing to offer them counsel and strategy.”

“Not necessarily so.” Wang Xun lowered his voice. “I’ve heard Father say that Fu Liujing is not only someone who fears death exceedingly, but also a person with an extremely soft heart. Bound in the military camp, seeing the enemy army attack, he will exert himself to assist even just to preserve himself. Otherwise, Yue Changsheng would have long since stopped this seemingly absurd action.”

If someone else were present at this moment, they would certainly be shocked that such analysis came from the mouth of a nine-year-old child. But Guan Bo seemed accustomed to it, only saying, “Young Master falsely claims to be from the Wang Family. Aren’t you afraid someone will detect the discrepancy?”

“The young master of the Jinling Wang Family has been weak and sickly since childhood, rarely appearing before others, seven or eight parts similar to my situation. Moreover, even if Shen Yao becomes suspicious, he won’t easily let us go. Otherwise, how could we so naturally enter this Yue Family main camp?”

Guan Bo sighed. “Young Master’s actions are far too risky… If the old master were still here, he certainly would not…”

Wang Xun raised his hand, indicating there was no need to continue, then slowly walked to the tent entrance, lifting the flap to discover the wind and snow outside had stopped. “If you don’t enter the tiger’s den, how can you catch the tiger’s cub?”

Having said this, he began coughing violently again. Guan Bo quickly draped the blanket over him. Touching Wang Xun’s hands, cold as ice water, he sighed. “Young Master’s wind-cold illness grows increasingly severe. Earlier I discovered several hot springs near this military camp…” Seeing Wang Xun furrow his brow, he emphasized, “You must warm your body thoroughly to endure these coming days.”

Having a hot spring at the base of the mountain where this main camp was stationed was naturally an excellent place for soldiers to relax body and mind.

However, with the battle situation tense these days, the northern army could launch a surprise attack at any moment. The entire army was in a state of sleeping on their weapons in wait, so naturally no one dared sneak off in the dead of night to soak in hot springs.

Guan Bo carried Wang Xun all the way to the forest entrance before setting him down, arranging his fur cloak properly and indicating he would keep watch outside, cautioning him not to soak for too long.

The moonlight was soft as wadding, hanging in the night curtain like a celestial lantern, adding a halo of light to this misty, vaporous place.

A pure natural sulfur scent drifted through the air. Wang Xun stepped through the shallow snow, and a cool breeze brought warmth. He walked to the steaming hot spring, crouched down, and tested the water temperature with his hand. The spring water was hot yet clear, making one rather impatient to plunge into the pool to drive away the cold.

Just as he was about to remove his outer garment, in the blink of an eye he saw a crimson red battle robe scattered beside the pool along with half a silver mask.

Before Wang Xun could react, he heard a “splash” as someone suddenly stood up from within the pool.

Beneath the bright moon, a head of ink-black hair slightly curled and cascaded down. That person’s upper body emerged from the spring mist, the entire form presenting flexible, graceful lines. Though the night was deep, one could still see a layer of rouge color faintly showing through beneath that skin.

As if sensing movement behind, that person turned slightly, glancing over with a lazy, incomparably haughty expression.

Everything before his eyes seemed unreal. He could only see a luminous pearl hanging from that person’s neck, emitting a faint ethereal glow, making the entire countenance radiant as morning blossoms, while a flame-like crimson birthmark beside the right eye captivated the gaze, impossible to look directly at.

In that instant, Wang Xun was shocked into stillness like a stone, standing there half-dazed and half-foolish.

Never, never had he imagined such an absurd thing could exist in this world.

Yue Changling was a woman.