Since parting at Dazhao Temple, Mingyue Zhou had sent people to the Central Plains multiple times to search for Changling’s whereabouts. Unfortunately, his subordinates were incompetent, and several groups returned empty-handed.

Not long after, Eighth Sister returned from Jinling and told him about her recent situation—things like “she tricked me,” “even dragging her to be sister-in-law she refused,” “she’s been very close to the young Marquis He,” and so on. After listening, that phrase “very close to the young Marquis He” echoed in his ears, lingering endlessly and refusing to fade.

However, he was exhausted by the struggle for the throne in Dayan and truly couldn’t break away to rush to Eastern Xia. Yet he also couldn’t completely remove her from his mind. In his anxiety, even his chronic indecisiveness was cured. After a series of thunderous maneuvers, he successfully suppressed the Second Prince and seized the position of Crown Prince.

Coming to the Central Plains this time, their disguised infiltration into Dragon Gate Mountain naturally had ulterior motives. But as a prince of a nation venturing personally into this endeavor could be considered entering the tiger’s den—if he wasn’t careful and was captured alive by these Central Plains people who deeply hated him, that wasn’t impossible either. It must be said, this risky trip was partly motivated by the small hope that “perhaps I’ll see her.”

Unexpectedly, one moment his heart was still unsettled from glimpsing her from afar while hiding in a corner, and the next moment, she appeared before him without warning, asking if he remembered her.

Mingyue Zhou froze, nearly blurting out “How can you ask that? I came here precisely to find you,” but fortunately, what little rationality remained pushed those middle words back down his throat. He stammered: “You… what are you doing here?”

“I just sensed someone watching us and thought it was the assassins we encountered before, so I followed,” Changling stated frankly. “As soon as I heard them call you ‘Third Prince,’ I recognized you… These two are Tianhun and Tianpo, right?”

Tianhun and Tianpo had both crossed hands with her and knew this great beauty’s weight in their master’s heart. Naturally, they retreated a step, yielding the space to Mingyue Zhou. Changling naturally didn’t notice these details, but seeing Mingyue Zhou walk forward two steps in an awkward, stiff manner, he asked: “You encountered assassins before? Who were they? Is it because you’re with He Yu that your situation became dangerous?”

Changling hadn’t expected him to immediately show concern for her circumstances. She couldn’t help but pause, then smiled and said: “No. However, you disguised yourselves like this to infiltrate here—surely it’s not just to tour Xiaoyao Valley’s scenery, is it?”

Just as he was about to speak, he faintly heard footsteps approaching from behind. Tianhun reminded: “Your Highness, someone’s coming.”

Mingyue Zhou hurriedly said to Changling: “Tomorrow at this time, let’s meet here again to talk in detail. I’ll take my leave first.”

With those words, regardless of whether she agreed or not, Tianhun and Tianpo whisked him away in a flash. By the time Zhou Qin and Fu Yanyang caught up, they had already vanished into the distance.

Ye Qi looked at the disappearing black shadows and glared fiercely at his two little disciples. “I told you not to follow. Your footsteps were so loud you scared them off.”

Zhou Qin asked: “Who were those people? I saw Master chasing all the way here and thought they were bad people.”

Changling smiled without responding to this question. Seeing that only the three of them had come, she couldn’t help but ask: “Xu Laifeng didn’t follow?”

“He said he was hungry and wanted to eat first, and would catch up later.” Seeing her give him a “let’s talk privately” look, Ye Qi understood and waved his hand. “Alright, let’s head back early too. Right now, Xiaoyao Valley isn’t suitable for moving about after sunset.”

After nightfall, the entire Hundred Flower Forest quieted down. Apart from Xiaoyao Sect disciples making routine patrols, most people nestled in their own rooms to rest and recuperate, consciously following the jianghu code of “maintain peace when major events are imminent.” The entire Xiaoyao Valley exuded an atmosphere of precipitous valleys and an approaching storm.

“That person was Mingyue Zhou?” Ye Qi had just secured the door when, hearing Changling briefly recount the evening’s events, he asked: “Why did he come?”

“I don’t know.” Changling poured herself a cup of tea. “I didn’t have time to ask before you arrived. He arranged to meet me at the same place tomorrow, so I’ll ask then.”

Ye Qi sat down with a displeased expression, snatched the cup from her hand, took a sip of water, and muttered quietly: “My fate is truly bitter. Wherever I go, I can’t escape your romantic entanglements…”

Changling looked at him sideways. “What did you say?”

Ye Qi coughed. “I’m saying that this Yan Kingdom prince, hiding his identity and playing mysterious games, immediately arranging a private… meeting with you alone—his intentions are truly sinister and must be guarded against.”

Changling picked up another cup and poured again, saying: “Ah, you do this sort of thing all the time, don’t you?”

“How can I be the same as him?” Ye Qi gulped it down in one go, then reached for more water only to find the pot empty. He set down the teapot and emphasized in a low voice: “I’m your fiancé.”

Changling said leisurely: “Oh, that was just to fool Shen Yao. Your engagement is with Miss Jing—I’m not surnamed Jing.”

Ye Qi couldn’t maintain his composure. “No, you clearly said that once we find the Grandmaster’s secret manual, then…”

“Where’s the manual?”

“…”

Seeing he had taken it seriously, Changling finally couldn’t hold back her laughter. “I didn’t say I wouldn’t bring you along. When the time comes, you can listen to whatever he says yourself, so I don’t have to relay it a second time only to have you twist my words and confuse the meaning.”

Upon hearing this, the young marquis’s expression instantly softened. He coughed into his fist. “Nonsense. Am I that kind of person? I naturally trust you. It’s just this Third Prince who…”

Seeing Changling glance over, Ye Qi knew when to stop and quickly changed his tune: “What I mean is, he’s a prince of Dayan who commands troops. His appearance at Xiaoyao Valley must have a complex reason. Nine times out of ten, he’s looking for an opportunity to cause trouble.”

Changling’s brow furrowed slightly. “I thought of this too, but what could he do? With that disguise of his, he’d probably be exposed halfway through a fight. He can’t possibly win the arena himself and become this Central Plains martial world’s Alliance Leader, can he?”

“Usually when Dayan meddles in Central Plains martial gatherings, it’s nothing more than wanting to capture everyone in one net while the heroes are assembled, dealing a major blow to our morale. However, this is Yuzhou territory—his troops are far away across mountains and waters. Even if he had the will, he probably lacks the ability…” Ye Qi pondered for a moment. “I actually think he must have insider support in Xiaoyao Valley and may have other objectives for this trip.”

Upon hearing this, Changling immediately understood. “You mean… someone in the Central Plains martial world is colluding with Dayan?”

Ye Qi nodded slightly. “Otherwise, how could they easily infiltrate and brazenly participate in the martial gathering under the identity of Yunyan Escort Agency?”

Changling frowned with considerable vexation—they still hadn’t found her master. First there was the black-clad figure with the longevity lock appearing, then the martial gathering suddenly changed its competition format. Not to mention Island Lord Xu descending from the heavens, now this Yan Kingdom Crown Prince had also shown up right on cue. Could they possibly make things any more complicated?

“So what do we do now?” Changling asked quietly. “Should we drive them out?”

“Not necessary for now. I actually think Mingyue Zhou’s appearance is more beneficial than harmful to us…” Ye Qi thought for a moment and suddenly raised his eyes. “Exposing them is just a matter of ripping off the beards, but for him to continue staying here, he must ensure no one notices… From the moment you discovered him, his weakness has already fallen into your hands, hasn’t it?”

The next evening, Changling arrived at the grove as agreed. After sitting and waiting just a short while, she saw Mingyue Zhou appear, with Tianhun and Tianpo stopping five paces away. He looked left and right, and seeing no one else, couldn’t help but ask with some surprise: “Just you alone?”

Changling said coolly: “Didn’t you arrange to meet me privately?”

Mingyue Zhou scratched his head sheepishly. “I thought you would tell He Yu about this…”

“I did tell him.” Seeing Mingyue Zhou’s face darken, Changling smiled noncommittally. “But we have no intention of revealing your identity. After all, at Dazhao Temple, we still owe you a favor. Pushing you out now to put you in a difficult position wouldn’t be the act of a friend…”

Mingyue Zhou froze. “Friend? You… consider me a friend?”

Changling looked at him strangely. “Do you consider me an enemy?”

“No, of course not.” Mingyue Zhou shook his head repeatedly. “If I viewed you as an enemy, I wouldn’t have given… entrusted the gilt ring to you for safekeeping that day…”

“Speaking of which, I still want to apologize. After I left Dazhao Temple, I was injured and fell unconscious. When I woke up, I’d been captured by the Five Poisons Sect Leader. She took all the items on my person, including your gilt ring. When I escaped, it was too hasty—I couldn’t retrieve it, so I can’t return it to you.”

Mingyue Zhou didn’t mind, only asking: “No wonder Eighth Sister said you would disguise yourself as Nanxu—so you were captured by her… I don’t know if she poisoned you? My younger sister also comes from the Five Poisons Sect. If you’ve been poisoned, feel free to speak up—she can cure it.”

Hearing this, a bit of warmth floated into Changling’s heart. “I’m fine. However, you and I have different positions after all. You’re a prince in power in Dayan—you can’t possibly have come to Xiaoyao Valley just for the excitement, right?”

“Coming to Xiaoyao Valley, I do have my reasons, but I can guarantee I won’t harm you…” Mingyue Zhou lowered his head slightly. “If I told you I’m only here to investigate some matters and have no intention of infringing on the Central Plains martial world, would you believe me?”

Seeing his sincere tone, Changling nodded. “I believe you.”

Mingyue Zhou raised his head, his eyes brightening. “Truly?”

“I won’t hide it from you either. I came here today to see you because there’s something I’d like to ask your help with.” Changling leaned in and whispered a few words to him, then asked: “I wonder if the Third Prince would be willing to consider this proposal?”

On the ninth day of the eighth month, the day before the martial gathering officially opened, almost all the sects with any reputation in the jianghu had arrived. Since ancient times, grand events have always had ceremonies. On this day, the Ten Elders of the Martial Alliance assembled everyone at the competition grounds—first to have all the heroes formally meet face to face, and second to arrange the draw for matchups, so everyone could prepare somewhat for the first round of combat.

This competition ground was established beside Qiong Lake at the mountain’s base, precisely where Xiaoyao Valley’s scenery was most magnificent. Five competition platforms, each several zhang in length and width, were built in the lake water, suspended above it. Brocade banners waved on the platforms, clearly visible from the shore—quite an imposing sight.

The lakeside seating was divided into five formations, each facing one competition platform. When the time came, people would sit according to their drawn numbers, and each sect’s leaders could also observe the matches up close.

However, seating hadn’t been assigned yet. Everyone sat with the major prestigious sects in front and the minor ones consciously behind. The two nations’ imperial court factions naturally took the foremost seats without hesitation—no matter how many sects there were, they were all clearly separated into two major camps, one eastern and one western.

Old Man Shu handled matters early rather than late. Many people hadn’t yet arrived when he’d already had the martial students seated and in position. By contrast, the Western Xia camp had most seats empty. Even though the Martial Alliance elders had all assembled, there was still no sign of them.

Zhou Qin, baked by the hot sun, whispered to Fu Yanyang: “These Western Xia sects really have airs. Making everyone wait—aren’t they afraid of being criticized?”

Fu Yanyang, seeing she was overheated, opened his fan to share the same cool breeze. “They already dislike each other anyway. Coming late might exhaust a few more opponents with the heat, which is beneficial and harmless to them… Hey, they’re here.”

At that moment, a group approached from the diagonal rear, and the surroundings instantly quieted. Several youths in their prime walked at the front, followed by martial artists who were all broad-chested and imposing.

Changling turned her eyes and immediately spotted the young man wearing a jade crown and dark patterned robes.

“That’s Wei Shaoxuan.” Fu Yanyang explained in a low voice to Zhou Qin and the others. “He’s Wei Xingyun’s son. Though only twenty-five this year, he already commands a hundred thousand troops and leads the heavy forces of Western Xia’s eight prefectures.”

Ye Qi wasn’t particularly concerned with the Western Xia people. Seeing Changling’s expression change slightly, he reached out and patted the back of her hand. Changling smiled faintly and said softly: “I’m fine. Just suddenly feeling somewhat emotional.”

Once, when Wei Shaoxuan was still a reckless youth, he constantly caused trouble and was beaten by Wei Xingyun in various ways. Knowing his father would listen to the Yue brothers, he would often bring dried fruits and corn to curry favor with Changling. Sometimes when Changling was in a good mood, she would teach him a move or two. Unexpectedly, in the blink of an eye, even he had grown into such a commanding general.

“Then who’s that person behind him?” Zhou Qin pointed toward another finely dressed youth and asked: “He’s remarkably handsome.”

Upon hearing the word “handsome,” Fu Yanyang immediately objected: “That person should be Murong Manor’s young manor lord Murong Fei, and he’s not that handsome at all—just wearing flashy clothes. If we’re comparing handsomeness, how could he compare to me…” Seeing the surrounding listeners about to cast scornful looks, Second Young Master Fu quickly corrected himself: “…our young marquis?”

Upon hearing this, Ye Qi, quite pleased, patted Fu Yanyang’s shoulder and said: “After all, Murong Fei is known as Western Xia’s number one handsome man. Let’s keep a low profile and not engage in meaningless disputes over appearances.”

Following behind Murong Fei was a charming and captivating young lady. Her pink gauze skirt stood out particularly among that pile of men. Zhou Qin was just about to inquire in detail when she heard Fang Zhuyi behind them say: “Then she must be Murong Fei’s younger sister, Murong Sheng.”

As she spoke, Murong Sheng happened to look over as well. When beauty regards beauty, there’s always a flavor of sparks colliding, but Murong Sheng only glanced once before effortlessly curving her lips into a smile—in terms of looks, although Fang Zhuyi was attractive, she was far from possessing her own enchanting beauty.

Murong Sheng quietly muttered to the youth beside her: “They say Jiangnan produces beauties, but I see it’s nothing special…”

Before she finished speaking, she suddenly caught her breath, because the woman sitting in Eastern Xia’s chief seat, who had been facing away from them all along, turned around, revealing that elegantly transcendent countenance.

A hint of displeasure surfaced in Murong Sheng’s eyes. “Who… is she?”

Wei Shaoxuan, Murong Fei, and the others were about to take their seats when, hearing this question, they all naturally looked over. Seeing that Eastern Xia’s chief seat was actually occupied by an absolutely stunning beauty of seventeen or eighteen years, more beautiful than a fairy in a painting, they were all momentarily stunned.