Chapter 1: Heaven-Illuminating Sea

My heart seemed to stop beating with that sound, cold sweat soaked through my clothes, streaming down continuously. The black face covering clung tightly to my face, kissing my mouth, eyes, and nose, as if challenging my lung capacity.

In the silence, Lin Shao Ci’s infinitely emotional voice was light as a whisper: “Truly magnificent.”

I yanked down my face covering, glaring at him as I asked: “Why did you remove your clothes?”

He looked at me curiously: “No one forced you, so why must you wear this thing?”

Under these circumstances, I had neither the means nor the mood to explain to him the professional integrity of an actor like Stephen Chow, so I simply ignored him and turned my head to stare directly at the back of Shen Zui Tian’s head.

Lin Shao Ci snickered, saying: “Don’t worry, he’s perfectly fine…”

I immediately raised my head, meeting Yan Shao’s sharp gaze, his eyes deep and profound, with hidden undercurrents swirling beneath.

I had an ominous feeling… this seemed to be a sign of intense anger.

I hurriedly walked to him, grasping his hand: “You—”

He pressed his hand against my mouth, his thumb gently caressing my lips, staring silently.

So that was the source of his anger, I suddenly realized, and immediately offered an apologetic smile: “I accidentally took a fall…”

His expression changed subtly, staring fixedly at me. I also frowned back at him, speaking in a language only we understood.

Finally, he smiled somewhat helplessly and sighed lightly: “Be more careful when walking next time.”

I felt relieved, gripping his hand tightly and turning to look at the motionless Lord of Yao Ling City beside us. This glance left me stunned, for this city lord was a foreigner with brown hair, green eyes, a thick beard, and a high nose.

At this moment, his face bore an extremely strange expression, his gaze vacant and hollow, as if all a person’s memories had been completely stripped away by time in this instant. He sighed somewhat sorrowfully, long and heavy.

“To think there exists such an exquisite swordsmanship in the world. Today I have truly broadened my horizons, making this journey worthwhile, truly worthwhile.” His aged, deep voice now seemed to carry a mix of sorrow and joy.

“Such swordsmanship, none will surpass it for a hundred years.”

He looked at Yan Shao, and couldn’t help but sigh heavily again, with a sense of waning interest. For a martial artist to speak such words, was it not somewhat sorrowful?

I looked at Yan Shao; he showed no sign of pleasure, the corner of his lips seemingly concealing a trace of mockery.

I was slightly startled before understanding – he had long seen through that there is no undefeatable swordsmanship in this world. Though composed, he couldn’t help feeling somewhat desolate.

The Lord of Yao Ling City spoke again: “May I ask the name of this sword technique?”

“This sword technique doesn’t yet have a name.”

Yan Shao suddenly fixed his gaze on me and said, “Shu Kuang, why don’t you name it?”

I looked at him somewhat surprised, about to decline, but then remembered his brilliant intelligence, his clarity of mind that was frightening to behold. Privately, I would rather he was somewhat dimmer, so I said: “Lao Zi once said, ‘Perfect skill has no concerns.’ I think calling it the Carefree Sword Technique would be good.”

“Perfect skill has no concerns.” He repeated softly, pondered for a moment, then raised his eyes with inner radiance to look at me, nodding: “Good! We’ll call it the Carefree Sword Technique.”

The Lord of Yao Ling City silently observed us, then suddenly said something quite irrelevant: “Having witnessed this sword technique, I can truly be without concerns now.”

I was startled: “Why?”

He said: “For more than twenty years, all I’ve thought about day and night was achieving some breakthrough in martial arts. Now that he has created this sword technique, the word ‘surpass’ has become as difficult as climbing to heaven. I might as well stop thinking about it – isn’t that being without concerns?”

As he spoke, he burst into laughter, extremely bold and uninhibited, completely dispelling his earlier gloom.

Yan Shao’s face also broke into a smile.

Outside, the sunlight was bright, and gentle breezes brought waves of spring warmth. These two deadly enemies, just moments ago at each other’s throats, suddenly conversed amicably, making one feel somewhat out of place.

I laughed dryly: “It seems I chose the right name after all.”

Yan Shao held my hand, smiling silently.

The Lord of Yao Ling City’s laughter gradually subsided. His complexion changed from red to white, blue veins bulging on his forehead, his tall figure swaying slightly, like an empty scabbard leaning against the invisible edge of life.

Shen Zui Tian darted forward like an arrow, seemingly wanting to support him, but ultimately did not, only calling out: “Adoptive father!”

The Lord of Yao Ling City didn’t respond to him, but looked directly at Yan Shao and said: “That move just now, if your inner energy had shifted slightly to the left, I would have… why did you…?”

Yan Shao replied impassively: “Because Shu Kuang doesn’t like me killing people.”

The Lord of Yao Ling City’s expression changed slightly. After a while, he sighed: “Chu Tian Yao, what kind of person are you?”

As soon as he finished speaking, a line of blood gushed forth.

Shen Zui Tian supported his arm, white as paper, but tightly pressed his lips together.

After a moment of silence, the Lord of Yao Ling City slowly opened his eyes and said: “Esen, we have lost.”

Shen Zui Tian’s entire body trembled, a strange flush rising on his handsome face. Illuminated by the spring sunlight, it was truly bewitchingly beautiful. His pair of black, clear eyes suddenly became as deep as a cold pool, staring fixedly at his adoptive father, his expression remarkably similar to a poor, lonely child whose only beloved toy had been snatched away.

The Lord of Yao Ling City seemed unable to face such a gaze and turned his head slightly away.

The hall was silent. The blazing sun was high, the courtyard filled with fragrance, the intense blossoming like a raging fire, yet clearly at its peak, about to wither.

Finally, Shen Zui Tian turned around, took a sword from the weapon rack on the left, and drew it with a “swoosh.” The gleaming blade made his face appear even paler.

I didn’t know what he intended to do and instinctively gripped Yan Shao’s hand tighter.

He walked solemnly to the center of the hall and said gravely: “For the next ten years, disciples of the Ghost Valley Alliance will not set foot in the Central Plains. If this oath is broken, may it be like this sword?”

As he spoke, his wrist flicked, and the sword immediately broke into two pieces. Then, he glanced at Yan Shao.

Yan Shao remained impassive, saying calmly: “Farewell!”

Shen Zui Tian shouted: “Wait!”

Yan Shao frowned: “What is it?”

Shen Zui Tian turned to look at me: “Miss Rong seems to have forgotten something.”

I said: “The antidote is with Lin Shao Ci; he just left.”

Shen Zui Tian seemed about to become angry.

I quickly said: “Rest assured, since I promised you, I will certainly take responsibility to the end…”

Yan Shao suddenly snorted coldly, pulled me along, and walked out, his movement like a phantom.

I called out loudly: “Three days later, meet me at Daming Lake, remember.”

The bright late spring sunlight shone down from the unreachably pale blue sky, illuminating the beautiful scenery of Jinan City and its leisurely, languid inhabitants.

Yan Shao held my hand, maintaining a silent, expressionless demeanor the entire way, inevitably making me feel somewhat uneasy, so I tried to find something to say.

“Have you looked at that box? What’s inside it anyway?… What happened to Hong Yu and Du Du Niao… Oh, and Lin Wan Ci, Nan Gong Jun Qing, and the others…”

He finally interrupted me, saying coldly: “Three days later, Daming Lake, hmph! If he dies, he dies, what’s the big deal?”

I sighed and said: “If he dies, it’s no big deal, as long as it’s not because of us.”

He was about to speak.

I quickly interjected: “No matter what his background is, we’re not afraid of him, but he helped me before, so this is repaying a favor, and we’ll be even.”

“Poorly concealed.” He snorted coldly. “You know very well he has significant backing…”

I laughed hastily: “Yes, yes, yes, his backing is significant, I certainly don’t want to offend him, and I especially don’t want to bring endless trouble because of him. I hate trouble.”

He sighed and said: “I also hate trouble.” After a pause, he suddenly added resentfully: “But I hate him more. You’re not allowed to see him again.”

I suppressed a laugh: “Alright, I’ll ask Lin Shao Ci to go…”

He said angrily: “You’re not allowed to see Lin Shao Ci either.”

I protested: “Then I won’t have any freedom at all.”

“It’s the same for me,” his tone was almost petulant.

I didn’t immediately understand, but when I did, my entire being softened. The two of us walked side by side for a while, and as we approached Daming Lake, I couldn’t help feeling refreshed. Only then did I notice my hunger, and began to act coquettishly: “I haven’t eaten for a day and night, I’m so hungry.”

He said coldly: “You deserve it!”

“What?” I was shocked.

“In dangerous territory yet without any vigilance, wandering off without notice, easily falling for tricks and making me worry, being hungry serves you right.”

I looked at him, playing the pitiful victim: “Then punish me by letting me starve for another day.”

He immediately said: “No!”

I beamed with joy, holding his arm tightly: “I knew you couldn’t bear it…”

He interrupted me: “Add another night.”

I exclaimed: “Ah, domestic violence! I want to complain.”

He snorted: “Hurry back and change these clothes, they stink.”

I also snorted: “If they stink, why are you pulling me along?”

He said: “I’m afraid you’ll wander off and contaminate others. As Buddha said, if I don’t go to hell, who will?” His voice already carried a hint of laughter.

I laughed: “Ha, people will misunderstand that we have cut-sleeve tendencies.”

He laughed: “How curious, since when did you start caring about others’ opinions?”

I said: “I’ve always been very considerate.”

He pursed his lips: “Really? Haven’t noticed.”

I seized the opportunity, quickly retorting: “Oh, that shows you haven’t been paying attention.”

He let out a soft cry, sighing: “Clever tongue, and unreasonable too. Sigh, marrying you is truly asking for trouble—”

I coughed twice, putting on a Guo Fu Rong expression about to unleash a torrent, but before I could, I caught sight of Feng Ming approaching and had to stop.

Yan Shao snickered, snorting: “Planning to murder your husband?”

I simply wrapped both hands around his arm, smiling: “How could I bear to?”

At this moment, Feng Ming stood sideways, bowing slightly to me, then looking directly at Yan Shao said: “The Prince of Han suddenly sent someone over at noon, requesting that you visit his mansion before sunset.”

Yan Shao frowned: “What for?”

Feng Ming said: “The messenger didn’t say.”

Yan Shao remained silent until we entered the courtyard, then smiled: “Let’s eat quickly, someone is starving.”

“I’ll call them to serve the food,” Feng Ming said, immediately leaving.

I fixed my gaze on Yan Shao, smiling: “I think I’d better bathe first; someone is about to be suffocated.”

He merely smiled without speaking.

I couldn’t help asking: “What could the Prince of Han want with you?”

He smiled: “Most likely about that box. Let’s bathe first and not worry about it.”

I looked at him and said: “You’re so clean, you probably don’t need to bathe.”

“We’ve been walking for quite a while…” He raised an eyebrow, with a serious contemplative look: “Come to think of it, we seem to have never bathed together…”

I couldn’t help laughing out loud, “Let’s go then; I’m still hungry.”

“What do you think is inside that iron box?” I asked while helping him comb his hair.

“I don’t know.” The face in the mirror was gracefully handsome, with deep black eyes smiling directly at me.

I said impatiently: “Just guess.”

He also responded impatiently, pursing his lips: “Why don’t you guess?”

I laughed and said: “Who told you to be smarter than me? Hmm. If I were to say, this thing definitely couldn’t be a martial arts manual…”

“Why not?”

“Intuition.”

“Your intuition can be quite adorable sometimes.” He stood up smiling, taking the comb from my hand and setting it down, saying: “Whatever it is, I’ll know after meeting the Prince of Han.”

I took a steel-blue outer garment to drape over him, tied the sash, and took the opportunity to embrace his waist, pressing my face against his back to nuzzle that snow-white hair, sighing lightly: “I really don’t want you to meet that Prince of Han.”

He held my hand, saying softly: “Weren’t you hungry? Let’s go eat.”

I deliberately let out a long sigh, obediently releasing my hold.

He turned around and kissed my face, smiling: “I won’t eat with you.”

I was startled: “Hmm?”

He smiled gently: “I’ll go to the Prince’s mansion now, and try to return tonight.”

I frowned: “That won’t even take as long as a meal.”

He just smiled, ignoring me, and went straight out to instruct Feng Ming to prepare a horse. I had no choice but to let him go, and ate alone. After I finished, two maids came to clear away the leftovers.

Yawning, I prepared to return to my room to sleep. Passing through the corridor, I suddenly heard a noise from the garden in the back courtyard. I quickly walked to the garden, only to see a white figure wielding a sword under the brilliant rose trellis. The sword followed the movement, light as a butterfly, the phosphorescent sword light reflecting the sun’s brilliance, like blue lightning dazzling the eyes, startling rose petals to fall like rain, all landing on the green-clothed youth below the trellis, who stared at the sword light as if enchanted.

I watched, mesmerized, unable to resist calling out in admiration.

Suddenly, the sword light flashed, thrusting toward me like lightning, accompanied by a feminine shout: “Who’s sneaking around?”

Without thinking, I used the Flowing Cloud Finger technique to quickly seize her wrist. She deflected her sword, changing to slash at my palm. My wrist turned sharply, and my fingers had already struck the Taiyuan and Liequie acupoints on her wrist. Her sword fell with a clang, and she retreated hastily.

I caught the sword handle and returned it to her, smiling: “Are you alright, Miss Hong Yu?”

She looked surprised, then suddenly exclaimed: “Ah, you’re Rong Shu—” She stopped abruptly mid-sentence, her large eyes examining me up and down.

I smiled: “Yes, I am Rong Shu Kuang.”

Du Du Niao immediately called out: “The master of Yu Chi Manor! Then you must be very familiar with Miss Wan Ci?”

I was surprised by his question and momentarily startled, “I suppose so. Why do you ask?”

He stepped forward, about to speak, when Hong Yu suddenly moved to block him, slightly bowing as she said: “Miss Rong, I apologize for my rudeness earlier.”

“It’s fine,” I smiled and said, “Your swordsmanship seems to have improved considerably.”

She smiled, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, saying: “Last night at Ming Yu Pavilion, Master Chu gave me some pointers, and I suddenly had a breakthrough. Things I only half-understood before all became clear.”

She gazed directly at me, her bright eyes shining, her tone conveying a sense of amazement: “This sword technique was learned by my master years ago from a great expert, with many profound aspects that even my master couldn’t fully comprehend. I never expected Master Chu to understand it all after just one look…”

I couldn’t help interrupting: “Didn’t your master ever tell you the name of this expert who taught her the sword technique?”

She shook her head: “My master never mentioned it, only saying it was a senior expert.”

Du Du Niao laughed playfully, interjecting: “And also a strange person with an eccentric temperament…”

“Stop talking nonsense,” Hong Yu sternly rebuked him.

Du Du Niao laughed mischievously: “I’m not making this up; I once overheard Aunt Lei saying it, hehe…”

I secretly wondered why Yan Shao hadn’t revealed his identity to them, but since he hadn’t said anything, I didn’t feel it appropriate to ask more about Lei You Le’s affairs. I coughed and said: “By the way, what exactly happened at Ming Yu Pavilion last night?”

Upon hearing this, Du Du Niao clapped his hands in amazement: “Last night was truly unforgettable, especially Miss Wan Ci—”

Hong Yu sharply rapped his head, shouting angrily: “How many times have you mentioned that name since last night? Hmph! How much of the sword technique just now did you comprehend?”

Du Du Niao rubbed his head, looking at Hong Yu with a face full of grievance, muttering a few words.

Hong Yu looked at me, apologetically: “He’s my cousin. Orphaned at a young age without proper guidance, he’s mischievous and causes trouble all day, and at such a young age has already learned to frequent brothels…” She grew increasingly angry as she spoke, turning to Du Du Niao with a cold smile: “If not for Master Chu’s righteous assistance, our two little lives might have been lost at Ming Yu Pavilion. Yet you still don’t learn your lesson and focus on martial arts…”

Du Du Niao showed a look of shame, repeatedly agreeing.

I had many questions for him, so I looked directly at him: “Was that package really from Seven Seas Chain Island?”

He said: “I don’t know, perhaps it was.”

“Perhaps?” I frowned. “Was the woman who gave you the package from Seven Seas Chain Island?”

“No,” he shook his head, saying, “I saw several women from Seven Seas Chain Island last night, and none of them were her. When it comes to girls’ faces, I never make mistakes.”

I pondered silently. Could it be that Nan Gong Jun Qing willingly allowed himself to be used by Lin Wan Ci?

Hong Yu suddenly said: “What exactly is in that iron box that attracted so many experts?”

I asked curiously: “Who all was there?”

Before Hong Yu could speak, Du Du Niao eagerly interjected: “There were more than thirty people there last night, all top martial artists.”

I was surprised: “More than thirty? That many?”

“At least! Look—” He counted on his fingers one by one: “The ruler of Seven Seas Chain Island, with his eight Soul Captors; the White Lotus Sect Leader brought five Guardian Masters and three Grand Priests; more than a dozen experts from the Ghost Valley Alliance; also three strange Western Region people; furthermore, Master Chu and Miss Wan Ci…” At this point, he glanced at Hong Yu.

Unexpectedly, Hong Yu wasn’t looking at him. She frowned her willow-leaf eyebrows, wondering aloud: “I’ve always felt something strange about this matter as if someone deliberately lured these people…”

I couldn’t help smiling.

The trap was so obvious that even Hong Yu could see it, and though Shen Zui Tian knew it was a trap, he jumped in without hesitation. Tang Sai Er and the others were certainly not foolish either—knowingly venturing into danger—could it be that the box contained some priceless treasure?

Du Du Niao said: “If there’s any conspiracy, it must have been concocted by Nan Gong Jun Qing. That fellow, neither man nor woman, with an unpleasant demeanor, always sticking to Miss Wan Ci…”

Hong Yu snorted.

“You don’t believe me?” Du Du Niao argued vehemently: “Think about it, how did these people come? It was because he chased me all the way, drawing out people from every faction… The White Lotus Sect people didn’t even see the box before they were beaten badly by him. Now that Master Chu has the iron box, why don’t we see him coming to take it back, hmph, this fellow bullies the weak and fears the strong…”

Hong Yu smiled, asking in return: “Why would Nan Gong Jun Qing do this?”

He spread his hands, saying: “That I don’t know.”

Hong Yu laughed coldly: “In my opinion, the suspicious one is the woman who stuffed the package into you. Hmph! Whenever you see a woman with even three parts beauty, you forget your name, even your parents and ancestors…”

As soon as Du Du Niao heard this, he immediately begged for mercy: “Sister Hong Yu, please spare me.”

I laughed: “You continue practicing your sword; I’ll go inside to rest for a while.”

Hong Yu quickly said: “Miss Rong, please go ahead.”

In the silent night, the bright moon flowed across the empty sky, and the early summer night breeze carried faint traces of warmth.

In a few more hours, it would be May. This month was extremely special for the entire Ming Dynasty because Emperor Renzong Zhu Gao Zhi would die in Qin’an Palace on the twelfth day of this month.

However, would Zhu Zhan Ji believe all this?

I sighed silently, sat up, and turned my head to see a faint silhouette projected on the window paper—flowing robes, an elegant figure.

“When did you return?” I leaned against the doorframe, asking softly.

“For a while now,” he turned his head, smiling.

I walked over and held his hand, his fingertips still cool. I was startled, looking up at him: “Did something happen?”

He didn’t answer, but handed me a piece of paper, a smile gradually forming at the corner of his lips, his black eyes deep and unfathomable.

I took it, opened it, and saw it was a Tang dynasty poem. I read it softly: “Wildflowers by the Vermilion Bird Bridge, slanting sunset at the mouth of Black Clothes Lane. Swallows that once flew before the halls of Wang and Xie families now enter the homes of common people.”

I looked up at him, puzzled: “What does this mean?”

He casually stroked my hair, smiling: “Didn’t you want to know what was in that iron box?”

I was startled, looking down at the paper in my hand, astonished: “Could it be… just this…?”

He laughed lightly, responding: “That’s right.”

I was stunned, then suddenly had a flash of insight. I held the paper high against the moonlight, examining it carefully.

Yan Shao chuckled, asking: “What are you doing?”

“This paper must have some secret to it?”

“It’s just an ordinary piece of paper.”

I turned to look at him, incredulous. “So many people… just for this?”

He remained silent, his gaze in the moonlight growing darker.

I ventured: “The Prince of Han must be very angry?”

He nodded, still silent.

“What did he originally want to get from this box?”

“A treasure map.”

“What?”

“It’s said that years ago when the Prince of Yan usurped the throne and attacked Nanjing, Emperor Jianwen fled in haste, leaving many treasures from the palace in some place in Nanjing. After the Prince of Yan took the throne, he searched everywhere but couldn’t find them. Then rumors spread that he sent Zheng San Bao to the Western Seas multiple times. First, to search for Emperor Jianwen’s whereabouts, and second, to seek these treasures.”

I listened, dumbfounded, and it took me a long while to react. “This treasure map was actually in Yu-Chi Manor?”

He glanced at me, smiling slightly: “It seems so.”

I was speechless with amazement. No wonder everyone had such a determined attitude; this was indeed a business worth risking lives for. Since ancient times, rebellion and revolution have always required money, especially such a large sum. Haha! With such a big lure, Lin Wan Ci had these people taking the bait without effort. She effortlessly played the heroes of the world in the palm of her hand—truly a masterful tactic.

“By that logic, this treasure map should still be in Lin Wan Ci’s hands?”

“Unfortunately, the Prince of Han doesn’t think so.”

“Oh, what does he think?” Before I could finish, I suddenly exclaimed, “Ah? Could it be that he thinks you kept it privately—”

He remained impassive, saying calmly: “More or less that’s what he means.”

I was speechless again, and after a silent moment said: “If it were me, I’d probably think the same.”

He sighed, saying: “Yes. If I had known what was in the box, I might not have been willing to give it to him.”

As soon as he finished speaking, we both laughed.

We stood silently in the corridor, neither speaking. The night was peaceful, the moonlight clear, and where the breeze passed, red petals fell like rain, covering the small path, with fragrance everywhere.

“You haven’t slept for two nights, go rest?” I kept my voice as soft as possible, afraid to disturb this wonderful night.

He smiled: “I’m waiting for someone.”

I was startled. “Who?”

“Lin Wan Ci.”

“Did you arrange to meet?”

“No, but she will come.”

He smiled faintly, saying, “The Prince of Han suspects me, but that’s a common affliction of those in power. As for Lin Wan Ci, she deceived everyone. Haha, she’s a clever person, she should know this matter isn’t over yet.”

I laughed. “It sounds like you understand her very well!”

He smiled at me, saying: “No, I don’t understand her. At first, I thought her goal was to preserve Yu Chi Manor, but now it doesn’t seem that simple.”

I asked with curiosity: “What do you mean?”

He smiled. “I don’t know exactly what’s wrong, it’s just a feeling.”

After a pause, he continued, “She’s an exceptionally shrewd person, well-versed in strategy, knowing how to accomplish things by adapting to circumstances. With her at Yu Chi Manor, its position as the top manor in the martial world will likely continue for fifty years.”

Just as he finished speaking, Feng Ming’s cold voice came from the front courtyard: “Miss Liu, why do you visit so late at night? What brings you here?”

Liu An laughed coquettishly, saying: “By my mistress’s command, I’ve come to invite Master Chu to our manor’s villa for a chat.”

The corner of Yan Shao’s mouth curved into a meaningful smile.

In the night, Liu An wore a pale yellow spring robe, her hair coiled like clouds, her eyes smiling as she looked at Yan Shao and gracefully bowed. “My mistress has prepared a simple drink at Yao Guang Water Pavilion, awaiting your arrival, sir.”

Yan Shao said calmly: “Thank you, Miss Liu, for leading the way.”

Liu An responded and raised her head, about to turn.

I quickly said: “I’ll go too.”

She turned back, bowing slightly, smiling: “I’m sorry, my mistress only invited Master Chu.”

I was immediately frustrated.

Yan Shao held my hand, saying: “I’ll be back soon.”

Helpless, I could only glare, watching their retreating figures. Hmph! Haven’t you heard of a term called “uninvited guest”?