The atmosphere was heavy and suffocating. Dozens of arrows were nocked and ready, waiting only for Cloud Jing’s command, but he dared not give it.

Shen Zuitian gripped my wrist, his thumb gently caressing the back of my hand. The thick calluses on his palm, each slightly raised, created a strange sensation within me.

Lin Shaoci held his wine cup, head lowered as he gazed at the wine inside. His profile bathed in the pale moonlight, seemingly bearing a melancholic expression.

I didn’t know how much he understood about this matter. But since Willow Shadow entered, she hadn’t properly looked at him, as if she didn’t consider this young master worthy of attention. In the past, when I was still the Manor Lord, she had also been curt with me. Perhaps in her eyes, no one existed but Lin Wanci. If that were truly the case, then the matter of Rong Shukuang’s poisoning would need to be reconsidered. This opportunity was rare; I must get answers.

“Miss Liu, I have a question for you.”

She looked at me, expressionless, and uttered two words: “Ask away.”

“That day in Suzhou, I was suddenly poisoned. Do you know what happened?”

Her gaze suddenly changed, and the smile froze on her face. “You lost your memory?”

I found myself somewhat caught between laughter and tears. Something the whole world seemed to know, yet she thought I was pretending.

She said coldly: “The poison was from me.”

As soon as she said this, Lin Shaoci’s expression subtly changed. I hadn’t expected her to be so forthright and couldn’t help but be stunned.

To my surprise, she continued: “However, the person who poured the poison into the cup and drank it was Miss Rong herself.”

I was shocked again. “I poisoned myself?”

She ignored me and continued: “That day, Chu Tianyao sent people with a marriage proposal. The Ghost Valley Alliance repeatedly harassed us. The old Manor Lord had no choice but to have you marry in place of Miss Wanci. I accompanied you as part of your dowry to help you obtain that list. At that time, you were in Suzhou confronting the Ghost Valley Alliance. On the third night after receiving the news, you suddenly took poison…”

I couldn’t help but interject: “Had I lost my mind?”

She gave a cold laugh. “Your mind wasn’t broken, but your heart was dead.”

“The person you loved in your heart was the Young Master, yet you had to marry Chu Tianyao.”

I fell silent, carefully considering Rong Shukuang’s feelings at that time. Indeed, this was possible. She had lived her entire life to repay Lin Qianyi’s kindness, yet he had never considered her, taking everything she did for granted.

Willow Shadow gave another cold laugh and continued: “Although you were disheartened, you had always obeyed the old Manor Lord unquestioningly, serving with unwavering loyalty. If the old Manor Lord wanted you to steal that list, you would never abandon the task…”

Her gaze suddenly turned strange. “The person who finally pushed you to decide to commit suicide by poison was Feng Jingli.”

I didn’t understand. “What do you mean?”

A mocking light appeared in her eyes. “That night, after Feng Jingli visited the Phoenix Soaring Inn, you sat dazed for half a day, then suddenly asked me for the ‘Heart of the Red Lotus’ and sent me away… But I didn’t leave at that time. I saw with my own eyes as you poured the poison into the cup that Feng Jingli had drugged, and then drank it down. I suspect you were triggered by seeing her…”

I frowned. “Triggered?”

She said coldly: “The Young Master refused marriage for her, and you always harbored resentment towards her. Once you married Chu Tianyao, it would only please her…”

I countered: “If I died, wouldn’t that please her even more?”

She smiled. “This is where Miss Rong’s brilliance lies. After her night visit to the Phoenix Soaring Inn, you suddenly died from poison. Just for this suspicion, the Young Master could never marry Feng Jingli in this lifetime. At the same time, by refusing to marry Chu Tianyao even unto death, you declared your feelings to the Young Master, ensuring he would never forget you…”

Throughout her speech, she mentioned Lin Shaoci without any restraint, as if she didn’t consider him at all. As I heard her portray Rong Shukuang in such an unfavorable light, I felt an inexplicable aversion and couldn’t help but stop her: “Enough! All of this is merely your speculation.”

“That’s right, it’s all my speculation. Only Miss Rong herself knows what truly happened.”

As she spoke, she gave me a meaningful look, still seeming to doubt my memory loss.

I ignored her mockery and looked at Lin Shaoci. He happened to be looking at me too, his gaze as deep as a cold pond, sorrowful enough to drown someone.

I couldn’t help but give him a bitter smile.

Perhaps in this lifetime, I would never know the truth about Rong Shukuang’s death. As Willow Shadow said, only Rong Shukuang herself knew the truth, but she would never speak again.

After a brief silence, Shen Zuitian softly laughed: “Are you done asking?”

I turned to him: “What?”

“If you’re done, we should leave.” He looked up at the sky outside and sighed softly, “It’s getting late.”

His tone was too casual, sounding somewhat comical in this situation. I casually replied: “Sure, if you can leave.”

“Master Shen, I advise you to stay,” Cloud Jing stepped forward, smiling gently.

Shen Zuitian looked around coldly: “With just these few archers, you think you can detain me, Shen Zuitian? You’d better look behind you.”

At his words, before Cloud Jing could react, Willow Shadow suddenly screamed. I too was startled.

The archers around us had all been immobilized with pressure points. Behind Cloud Jing, a strange white-masked figure had appeared, extremely short and thin, with only the eyes visible – deep brown eyes like glass marbles, emitting an intimidating, strange light.

He stood behind Cloud Jing, silent as a shadow, seeming utterly natural.

Everyone in the room was considered a first-class martial artist in the current jianghu. Yet, no one knew when this white-robed person had arrived or how long he had been there.

Beads of sweat immediately formed on Cloud Jing’s forehead, the veins on the hand holding his fan visibly pulsing.

By now, the beauties around Lin Shaoci had vanished without a trace. He reclined alone on the soft couch, lazily gazing at the wine in his cup, still appearing completely uninvolved.

Shen Zuitian looked coldly at Willow Shadow, his gaze sharp and penetrating, saying each word clearly: “I said, no one in this world can deceive me, Shen Zuitian, twice.”

Willow Shadow was still smiling, but her smile lacked conviction.

“She thought that by joining forces with Chu Tianyao, I would be helpless? Go tell her that I am very angry—”

“And the consequences will be severe!” The words slipped out of my mouth almost simultaneously as I felt my wrist go numb with pain as if it might break.

Shen Zuitian stared at my face, squeezing words through his teeth, “Rong Shukuang, I’ve been repeatedly tolerant toward you because I don’t wish to offend Chu Tianyao. Now, you’d better behave yourself and not try to provoke me.”

Recognizing the situation, I immediately shut up.

Lin Shaoci suddenly said: “Master Shen, rather than using Rong Shukuang to threaten Chu Tianyao, why not use me to threaten Lin Wanci?”

Shen Zuitian raised an eyebrow slightly. “Oh?”

Lin Shaoci approached, saying meaningfully: “If Master Shen truly doesn’t want to be deceived twice, you might consider my proposal.”

Shen Zuitian’s expression remained unchanged, but his pupils contracted slightly.

I hadn’t expected Lin Shaoci to make such a move and quickly tried to signal him with my eyes, but he didn’t even glance at me.

Shen Zuitian nodded: “That’s a good suggestion. Thank you for the reminder.”

As he spoke, he suddenly flicked out a black thread. Immediately, a loud crack sounded in the air, and countless wisps of smoke spread around. Almost simultaneously, three figures darted out like lightning. Two short, muffled groans came from within the thick smoke, along with a murderous intent flowing freely.

Lin Shaoci didn’t move. His pair of clear, dark eyes coldly fixed on Shen Zuitian: “Let her go, and I’ll come with you.”

Shen Zuitian tightly gripped my wrist, smiling: “You’ll both come with me.”

Before he finished speaking, Lin Shaoci’s Chasing Wind sword had thrust out. The bright blade like a cold lightning bolt, cutting through the dense smoke, aimed directly at Shen Zuitian’s throat.

Shen Zuitian stood smiling calmly, his clear gaze gently fixed ahead, as if he hadn’t even noticed the sword. Just as the blade was about to touch his neck, Lin Shaoci’s sword tip suddenly deflected to the side.

I saw clearly that it was a finger flicking away his sword tip with perfect precision. This hand seemed to appear from nowhere, and with it came another white-robed figure, ghostlike.

Lin Shaoci, after his first strike failed, advanced instead of retreating. His sword danced like wildflowers on a raging sea, the blue light dazzling. The white-robed figure moved strangely, like a specter, a white light circling, but the sword could never pierce him.

My heart grew anxious, and I could barely contain myself.

By now, the dense smoke had thinned, and a green shadow suddenly flew away.

Shen Zuitian called out sharply: “Don’t mind her.”

I looked closely to see Cloud Jing standing motionless, a point of blood on his forehead as red as cinnabar, his face still bearing that gentle smile, though now obviously stiffened.

I couldn’t help but feel a chill. It seemed Shen Zuitian was serious this time, ready to break ties with Chu Tianyao.

Suddenly, with a metallic ring, Lin Shaoci’s sword flew sideways and embedded itself in a vermilion pillar, the blade still vibrating, its peach-red tassel swaying with a gleaming luster.

Two white-robed figures now flanked him.

Shen Zuitian let out a clear whistle, and immediately there came the neighing of fine horses outside.

In the deep of night, Jinan City lay peaceful and quiet under the moonlight. People slept soundly while Lin Shaoci and I were thrown into a black carriage, bumping along toward an unknown destination.

The carriage interior was pitch-black, the road so bumpy I felt I might fall apart. My head kept hitting the carriage walls with painful “thuds,” nearly making me lose my ladylike composure. Lin Shaoci, however, didn’t make a sound.

I couldn’t help but curse him: “I don’t know if you’re stupid or just tired of living, but is this how you rescue someone?”

He still said nothing. I couldn’t resist and kicked him.

His body jolted, and he blurted out: “You—”

I quickly raised my voice: “What ‘you’? You’re just too foolish, actually helping that bastard against your sister…”

He suddenly gripped my hand, startling me—he hadn’t been restrained at all.

Shen Zuitian knocked on the carriage and laughed: “Old lovers meet and argue instead of reminiscing? There’s a saying—’enemies are bound to meet.'”

I immediately retorted: “You don’t understand anything! The saying should be ‘hitting is love, scolding is affection’—this is how we show our love.”

At my words, Lin Shaoci’s hand stiffened slightly.

Seeing his reaction, my face grew hot. I coughed twice, raising my voice: “Hey, Shen, where exactly are you taking us?”

Shen Zuitian laughed heartily: “We’re here.”

The carriage suddenly stopped. Someone lifted the heavy dark blue curtain, blindfolded us, and dragged us out. After walking for a while, I heard someone call out “Young Marquis.”

Shen Zuitian responded, asking: “Where is my foster father?”

“The City Lord is meditating in the side hall.”

“Why?” Shen Zuitian’s voice revealed a slight surprise.

“He fought with Chu Tianyao last night and was injured.”

“Has Chu Tianyao’s martial arts reached such a level?” Shen Zuitian’s tone shifted from shock to doubt, almost mumbling to himself.

“How badly is my foster father injured?”

“This servant doesn’t know.”

After a pause, he added: “This servant wasn’t present. According to Senior Brother Qin Guang, the City Lord’s Qu Chi acupoint on his left arm was injured by Chu Tianyao’s inner force while trying to seize the iron box.”

“So the box was taken by Chu Tianyao?”

“Yes!”

“What about the White Lotus Sect and Seven Seas Island people?”

“Tang Sai’er was severely injured. Of the five Law Masters accompanying her, three died and two were crippled.”

“Three dead and two crippled? That doesn’t sound like my foster father’s style.” Shen Zuitian’s voice carried a hint of amusement.

“It was Nan Gong Junqing from Seven Seas Chain Island who did it.”

“Nan Gong Junqing…” Shen Zuitian repeated the name, muttering to himself, “What role did he play in all this?”

Just then, someone coughed softly.

Shen Zuitian immediately said: “Take these two to the next room and guard them well.”

Someone acknowledged us and led us away. After a few steps, I nearly tripped. Someone from behind grabbed me and threw me forward, then slammed the door shut. If we weren’t in such a dangerous situation, I would have jumped up to curse his ancestors.

“Foster father, your injury…” Shen Zuitian’s voice came from next door.

“It’s nothing serious, don’t worry.” An old but robust voice interrupted Shen Zuitian’s greeting, followed by the soft sound of drinking water.

Suddenly, the man sighed deeply, saying: “I fear the Prince’s great undertaking won’t succeed in the next three to five years.”

After speaking, he sighed again, the sound extremely long in the quiet room, carrying a sense of emptiness and helplessness.

“Because of Chu Tianyao?” Shen Zuitian asked.

“He is indeed a formidable opponent.” The man seemed about to sigh again but finally held back.

“Besides him, the martial artists of the Central Plains cannot be underestimated. That girl from Yu Chi Mountain Manor is not a simple character.”

“Lin Wanci?” Each time Shen Zuitian mentioned this name, something seemed off. I wondered what grudge he held against her.

The man suddenly laughed. “You’ve exhausted your wits and words, yet couldn’t convince Chu Tianyao to cooperate with you. But that girl persuaded him with just a few sentences. Heh, A-sen, I’ve known Chu Tianyao for over twenty years. He’s not easily persuaded.”

Shen Zuitian remained silent. After a while, he also sighed: “I’ve always been reluctant to admit that I once fell at a woman’s hands.”

“Don’t underestimate women, A-sen. Especially beautiful ones.”

Shen Zuitian smiled bitterly: “That day, you ordered the Four Immortals of Carefree to help me attack Emerald Jade Peak and subdue Lin Qianyi and the others. I had no intention of harming her, seeing her as just a weak woman. Who would have thought she would voluntarily come with me… Even more surprisingly, I was persuaded by her to change my plans midway and let Lin Qianyi go… Ah, I should have known her motives weren’t simple…”

“Haha…” The man laughed with great understanding. “Since ancient times, heroes have struggled to pass the beauty barrier. Your failure at her hands is not at all unfair.” He continued laughing heartily.

At this, Shen Zuitian also laughed, “She is indeed extraordinarily beautiful, but I would never harbor any feelings toward her.”

The man seemed somewhat surprised, “Oh, why is that?”

“I don’t like women who are deeply scheming and manipulate politics, no matter how beautiful they are.”

The man laughed: “A-sen, you still lack understanding of women. In this world, any woman, no matter how brilliant and outstanding, still yearns for a man’s recognition. Once she meets a man stronger than herself, she will be utterly devoted and loyal to him. A-sen, you must learn to conquer such women.”

Shen Zuitian gave a light laugh, returning to the original topic. “Zhu Gaoxu’s rebellion is inevitable, and internal strife in the Ming court cannot be avoided. The martial artists of the Central Plains are no longer a concern. This is a perfect opportunity for us to march south. Father, why do you think this won’t succeed?”

The man sighed: “You only see the internal strife of others, but have you seen your own problems?”

“Is Arughtai still not behaving?” Shen Zuitian’s voice showed slight agitation.

The man laughed coldly: “When has he ever behaved? Hmph! He was frightened by the Ming court and now turns his claws inward. Good for nothing!”

Shen Zuitian fell silent at these words.

The room was quiet for quite a while.

The man suddenly said: “By the way, I heard you captured the young master of Yu Chi Mountain Manor?”

Shen Zuitian laughed in acknowledgment: “Along with Chu Tianyao’s wife, Rong…”

The man exclaimed: “Chu Tianyao has married?”

Shen Zuitian said: “That’s right, why?”

The man was silent for a moment, then suddenly burst into laughter. His voice was strong and vigorous, making my eardrums ache. Only then did I realize that the City Lord of Yao Ling had profound inner strength, far from ordinary. No wonder Handsome Chu’s expression changed slightly at the mention of Yao Ling City; this man’s martial arts were likely not below his.

“He’s arrogant and considers no one in the world his equal, yet he would marry?” His laughter ceased. “If so, this woman might be his weakness.”

Shen Zuitian snickered: “I also counted on this point. As long as she’s in our hands, that thing won’t fly away.”

The two laughed together in tacit understanding.

I was secretly alarmed. The handsome Chu had indeed not been wrong; Shen Zuitian was interested in ruling the world, not just the jianghu. But what was this Yao Ling City? Why would they assist the Northern Yuan? And who was Arughtai?

I tried hard to recall my memories but came up empty, only wishing I could travel back in time to check the history books.

Just then, I heard light footsteps and a careful, respectful voice: “Reporting to the City Lord, Chu Tianyao has sent a calling card.”

Shen Zuitian exclaimed in amazement: “I’ve been back for less than an hour, and his card has already arrived. Truly worthy of being Chu Tianyao.” His tone was quite resigned.

The City Lord of Yao Ling said nothing, presumably reading the card. After a moment, he said: “He’s right outside.”

Shen Zuitian exclaimed: “So quickly?”

The City Lord of Yao Ling didn’t speak. The room fell into an inexplicable, unsettling silence.

Finally, Shen Zuitian asked: “Foster father, how confident are you in dealing with Chu Tianyao?”

The City Lord’s voice was old but calm: “Twenty years ago, I would have had a fifty percent chance against him. But after last night, I have none at all.”

He paused, then laughed: “In these twenty years, his martial arts have advanced rapidly, but I haven’t been idle either. Though I was injured by his inner strength last night, he didn’t gain any advantage. If we fought, he might not necessarily defeat me.”

Though injured by Handsome Chu, he spoke objectively and clearly, neither elevating others nor belittling himself, truly showing the manner of a great master.

Shen Zuitian said: “With Rong Shukuang in our hands, he’ll surely be cautious. My concern is, even if he’s willing to exchange the iron box for Rong Shukuang, if he changes his mind afterward, we…”

The City Lord laughed heartily: “Chu Tianyao is not that kind of person.”

Shen Zuitian disagreed: “Rumors in the jianghu say he’s moody and perverse. Besides, he’s now aiding the Prince of Han. Would the Prince just give up?”

At these words, the City Lord of Yao Ling fell silent, seemingly puzzled. After a while, he laughed: “Until we see it with our own eyes, nothing can be trusted. Chu Tianyao is just outside; if we delay any longer, we’ll appear afraid of him. Hahaha…”

Then came the sound of footsteps leaving.

Shen Zuitian quickly entered our room, instructing the guards: “Take them to the Hall of Martial Valor—”

I quickly called out: “Wait a moment.”

He laughed coldly. “What?”

I coughed once and said: “I need to relieve myself.”

He was silent for a moment, then came over and pulled down the black cloth covering my face. I could see again and breathed a sigh of relief, only to find him looking at me with narrowed eyes and an evil smile: “I’ll accompany you.”

I laughed nervously: “That’s not appropriate.”

He took my hand, smiling: “You’re unfamiliar with this place. Don’t get lost.”

I smiled: “Suddenly I don’t need to go anymore.”

He abruptly grabbed my chin, leaned in close, raising an eyebrow coldly: “I warn you, don’t try any tr—”

Before he could finish, I spat in his face.

He grabbed my throat, gritting his teeth: “Rong Shukuang—”

He choked me until I could barely breathe, yet I felt extremely satisfied, having finally vented some frustration.

He stared at me, his eyes frighteningly bright.

After a long silence, his hand loosened, his fingers caressing my neck. “I suddenly want to know how you please Chu Tianyao, making him unable to leave you.”

As he spoke, he tore my outer garment and lowered his head to bite my lips, extremely rough.

I tasted a hint of blood, realizing things were getting serious. I had just started to gather my inner force but hadn’t yet released it when he suddenly stopped. His exquisite features were close up, his warm breath on my face, his black pupils flickering with mysterious sparks.

The guard at the door lay against the wall, already dead.

Lin Shaoci’s left hand was against Shen Zuitian’s back. He said coldly: “Let her go.”

Shen Zuitian sneered: “What if I don’t?”

Lin Shaoci said: “This throwing star is poisoned.”

Shen Zuitian seemed unconcerned, still laughing: “I’ll bet that before your throwing star is released, you’ll fall first.”

Before he finished speaking, a white shadow ghosted toward Lin Shaoci. Lin Shaoci swiftly struck Shen Zuitian’s back with a palm, his body suddenly darting backward, but the white shadow pursued relentlessly.

Shen Zuitian laughed coldly, removing the throwing star from his back: “Merely a throwing star…”

I seized the opportunity, using the Flowing Cloud Leaving Cave finger technique to lightning-fast strike the Shan Zhong and Jiu Wei acupoints on his chest, and also gave him two slaps.

He was surprised, then laughed loudly: “So you two were in cahoots all along. Haha, good technique, good coordination!”

Ignoring his grammatical error, I tore his clothes, revealing a jet-black vest.

Shen Zuitian laughed coldly without speaking.

I nodded: “Well, wearing an impenetrable soft armor. No wonder you’re so arrogant. Hmm, this garment is nice…”

He suddenly smiled: “If you like it, I can give it to you.”

I smiled: “It is very nice, but I never wear someone else’s used clothes.”

By this time, two more white-robed figures had appeared beside Lin Shaoci. Unarmed, facing three opponents, he was losing.

I quickly grabbed Shen Zuitian’s chin and shouted: “Stop this right now!”

At my words, the three white-robed figures all stared at me, their six brown eyeballs emitting an eerie aura like wandering ghosts. Even in broad daylight, I couldn’t help but feel a chill.

Shen Zuitian glanced at me sideways: “You can’t escape.”

I smiled: “Why would I want to escape? As long as I control you, aren’t they bound to obey? Besides, it’s comfortable here with good food and service. I don’t know how much happier it could be.”

He also smiled: “Then why not marry me? I guarantee you’ll eat and drink well, enjoying yourself every day.”

I said: “Say those words to Chu Tianyao.”

He asked: “Your acupoints were freed long ago. Why did you wait until now to act?”

I said: “Because I also wanted to know which was more important—me or that thing?”

He smiled: “Then you should have let me continue to keep your acupoints sealed…”

I nodded: “I should have.”

I took the throwing star with its cold blue glow from his hand and lightly pricked the inside of his wrist. Immediately, a spot of bright red blood appeared on his wheat-colored wrist, quickly turning purple-black.

His expression changed slightly.

I smiled at him: “Now you’re poisoned. You’ll have to behave if you want me to consider giving you the antidote. Understand, Young Marquis?”

His obsidian eyes brightened unprecedentedly, his handsome face taking on an increasingly wild, bewitching, androgynous beauty.

I touched his face, imitating his tone: “When you don’t speak, you truly are an incomparably beautiful person.”

Then I changed my tone, saying sternly: “Now, take me to the Hall of Martial Valor.”

“I didn’t come here for tea. Where is Shukuang?”

Before we reached the Hall of Martial Valor, we heard Handsome Chu’s slightly hoarse voice, like icicles under winter eaves, carrying a clear, cold quality.

“Rong Shukuang is here. As long as Master Chu hands over that iron box, I will release her immediately.”

Shen Zuitian led us into the great hall at the right moment. Out of professional acting standards, my face was still symbolically covered with the black cloth. But due to the bright weather, good indoor lighting, and our profound internal martial arts giving us exceptional vision, I could vaguely see some shadowy figures. Handsome Chu’s form was the most familiar and easiest to recognize—slim, straight, and elegant like a jade tree in the wind. He had an indescribable cultured charm just standing still. Another man with a tall and robust build sat in the host’s position, surely the City Lord of Yao Ling.

From the moment I entered the hall, I felt intensely as if lying in a scanner being examined from head to toe. The one paying much attention to me could only be Handsome Chu. I heard him say coldly: “I sent that iron box by fast horse to the Prince of Han last night. By now, it should be in his hands.”

For a moment, the hall was silent as a mountain tomb.

Shen Zuitian said nothing. He had anticipated almost everything except this outcome.

Finally, he laughed coldly: “Master Chu entrusted the iron box to the Prince of Han, certain that Miss Rong would remain safe?”

“You wouldn’t, and you don’t dare. If she loses a single hair, I can’t imagine what will happen to you, but I guarantee it will be the most regrettable thing you’ve ever done in your life.” Handsome Chu’s pace was slow and calm, devoid of emotion.

Before Shen Zuitian could respond, the City Lord of Yao Ling burst into laughter, the sound as harsh as a night owl’s cry.

Suddenly, his laughter stopped, and he said sternly: “Chu Tianyao, you are too dismissive of others.”

The handsome Chu calmly replied: “City Lord’s martial arts are exceptional; I dare not underestimate you. However, I’m not accustomed to being threatened, especially by someone who casually takes away my woman. So, even without absolute confidence in defeating the City Lord, this battle is unavoidable.”

The City Lord of Yao Ling threw his head back in great laughter, repeatedly praising him. It was unclear whether from shock or anger.

Shen Zuitian suddenly said: “Master Chu’s action is surely not just for Rong Shukuang, is it?”

The handsome Chu said calmly, “You killed Cloud Jing. That account must also be settled.”

Shen Zuitian sneered: “Is Master Chu not standing up for Yu Chi Mountain Manor? Is a mere Cloud Jing worth such a show of force? Since you’ve already joined forces with Lin Wanci, why hide it?”

The handsome Chu remained silent, but I couldn’t help worrying for him. Yet Shen Zuitian hadn’t finished.

“Master Chu has always been proud and aloof. I never thought that for that thing, you would also…”

I couldn’t help but cough, immediately feeling a chill throughout my body, as if swept by a cold electric current.

Then, Handsome Chu laughed, his tone extremely calm: “Shen Zuitian, regardless of who you are or what your background is, I don’t want to hear this name again in the next decade.”

The City Lord of Yao Ling laughed again, saying: “Haha… Years ago, I read a poem from you Han people with two lines: ‘Drinking wine and singing wildly, passing days in vain; Arrogant and domineering, for whom do you show your might?’ I truly want to borrow these words ‘for whom do you show your might’ to ask you—is there anyone in this world you, Chu Tianyao, consider worthy?”

Handsome Chu said coldly: “City Lord has known me for some time and should know that I’ve always been accustomed to following my heart, disliking constraints and restrictions, focused only on what interests me.”

The City Lord’s tone changed, saying coldly: “Chu Tianyao, you are a formidable opponent. Unless necessary, I believe no one in this jianghu would willingly be your enemy. Therefore, I hope…”

Handsome Chu interrupted him, calmly saying: “Rest assured, should I unfortunately perish, Mount Mo Ye will not trouble Yao Ling City. Everyone present is a witness.”

At his words, my mind went blank. Since I’ve known him, I’ve never heard him speak like this. Was the City Lord of Yao Ling really that powerful?

“Very good!” The City Lord’s aged voice was short and forceful.

Handsome Chu didn’t respond, but the atmosphere suddenly became intriguing.

The hall grew very quiet, extraordinarily so. In the silence, there gradually arose subtle winds, rustling like spring silkworms devouring mulberry leaves. The wind was gentle and soft, like a late-coming tide, washing over the silent shore in gentle waves. If compared to music, it would be a gentle, deep classical piece, slow and lingering, light as a dragonfly touching water, passing like fleeting shadows.

Next, the wind grew stronger, with hints of metallic sounds, like the cold and solemn Guang Ling San. Iron horses, northern winds and angry snow, gloomy clouds congealing for thousands of miles, frost-heavy drums too cold to sound, a desolate killing intent fierce and unrestrained.

Everyone in the hall was silent, seemingly not daring or unable to breathe. This cruel, violent aura inevitably raised a cutting chill. I felt my chest tighten, struggling to breathe. I wanted to tear off the black cloth for a look, but this inner force was too powerful, making my limbs disobey, body and mind rebelling to a tense breaking point.

A few short, discordant notes, hastily gathered or dispersed, no discernible melody, finally becoming as thin as gossamer, seemingly about to break at any moment, unconsciously raising one’s heart to the throat. Suddenly, with a massive “hiss,” like a huge sealed container suddenly leaking, air gushing down like a river, but immediately contained by something even larger. After this sound, everything abruptly ceased. The piece ended, and heaven and earth fell silent.