The Yu Chi Mountain Estate was built in a magnificent style, with uniform white walls and black tiles, exuding the ancient and powerful spirit of Korea.

The sprawling estate showed very few signs of human presence.

Jade Peak was surrounded by water on all sides, embraced by five-colored streams. The clear, jade-like waters encircled the Yu Chi Mountain Estate, forming a jade-like circle. Three mountain peaks surrounded the area and looking up, one’s eyes were filled with lush greenery—truly a picturesque landscape, fresh and pleasant.

If one wanted to escape from this place, excellent swimming skills would be necessary. If one’s lightness in kung fu were extraordinary, perhaps they could fly across the water’s surface, provided that the strong and agile archers outside the estate were all blind.

How on earth would Lin Shaoci get to Jade Peak?

At this moment, I couldn’t help but worry for myself. According to Feng Tingxie, Rong Shukuang’s martial arts should be slightly superior to Lin Shaoci’s, but even she was defeated by Shen Zuitian. Lin Shaoci wasn’t his match. What’s more, there were the so-called Four Immortals of Carefree. If he came, wouldn’t it be like walking to his death?

People say the jianghu is dangerous, which is true. Unfortunately, I’ve lost all my martial arts; otherwise, I could still put up a fight. Even more unfortunate is that Shen Zuitian is so ruthless despite his handsome appearance…

“Why do beautiful flowers always have thorns? It’s truly a pity,” I sighed deeply, looking at a wild rose in my hand.

Someone behind me laughed softly and then said: “If Lin Shaoci doesn’t come in three days, a flower-face beauty like Miss Rong might also become a pity.”

I blurted out: “Really?”

His face darkened: “Do I, Shen Zuitian, look like someone who makes jokes?”

“Thank you! You’re the first person to compliment my appearance.” I bent down to look at my reflection in the jade-green lake, feeling quite pleased with myself.

While admiring my reflection, another figure suddenly appeared in the lake water. His handsome features seemed carved from jade, like a unique masterpiece forged from crystalline ice and snow, beautiful enough to make one feel ashamed. However, this face wore an expression I often saw—disbelief.

He grabbed my wrist, his face as cold as frost.

“Rong Shukuang, which of your nerves is misfiring?”

“You’re the one with nerve problems,” I broke free from his grip. Does being handsome give him the right to insult people at will?

He paused slightly, seemingly surprised that I could break free, then immediately grabbed my wrist again, even tighter.

“It hurts! Let go!” I couldn’t help crying out.

He released me with a puzzled look, then said with a cold laugh: “You’d better pray Lin Shaoci comes quickly. My patience is very limited.”

I rubbed my wrist. “Don’t worry, I’m crucial to Lin Shaoci. He’ll come to rescue me and, by the way, eradicate the Ghost Valley Alliance.”

He laughed as if he’d heard something absurd. “Crucial? So Miss Rong is quite confident in herself!”

I laughed back defiantly. “Of course.”

Lin Shaoci still needs me to steal that list, so he won’t abandon me. Besides, given his childhood friendship with Rong Shukuang, he’ll come to rescue me.

Shen Zuitian sneered: “If I remember correctly, three years ago, Miss Rong was publicly rejected for marriage by him right here, becoming the laughingstock of the entire jianghu. Any ordinary girl would have died of shame.”

I was stunned. Lin Shaoci publicly rejected her for marriage.

He looked at me and continued his mockery: “Miss Rong truly lives up to being a heroine among women. Not only did you feel no shame, but you became even more confident. Admirable, truly admirable.”

Damn. This guy is indeed a poisonous rose—his words are so venomous. But the one who was rejected was Rong Shukuang, what does that have to do with me, Fang Yi?

“His rejection of me had hidden reasons. What do you know?” I said.

“So you’re also good at self-comfort.” He laughed again. “Rong Shukuang, I can’t help but be curious about you now.”

I sneered: “Please don’t! Many disasters between men and women start with curiosity.”

He paused slightly: “Do you think I might… Haha, Rong Shukuang, you’re certainly confident, haha…”

Damn, this stupid bird is hurting my self-esteem.

“If you have so little confidence in me, why bring me here?” I said coldly. “You’d better prepare yourself—beware of losing your life, perishing like jade and fragrance!”

He sneered without speaking.

By now, darkness had gradually descended, and clouds and mist swirled around Jade Peak. My heart was also shrouded in clouds of doubt.

Could what Feng Tingxie mentioned about Jade Peak refer to Rong Shukuang being rejected for marriage? Even for jianghu people who are unrestrained and carefree, Rong Shukuang is still a girl after all. Lin Shaoci was too disrespectful. Hmm, this matter must be connected to Feng Jingli. I’m curious and want to ask for clarification, even at the risk of being mocked by him.

“Hey—” I turned around only to find that Shen Zuitian had already disappeared.

I found someone who looked like a minor leader at the estate and asked: “Where’s Shen Zuitian?”

To my surprise, he ignored me like a wooden block, which angered me into searching by myself.

The estate’s people were all guarding outside. I wandered around several places inside the estate without seeing a single person. Just as I was about to go back and rest, I suddenly saw a white figure dart across the night sky and enter a room to the left. A lamp was suddenly lit inside.

“Why haven’t you killed Rong Shukuang?” a cold female voice asked.

“She’s still useful alive,” Shen Zuitian’s voice sounded somewhat languid.

“Whether she lives or dies, Lin Shaoci will certainly come as agreed. What use is there in keeping her alive?”

“She has lost all her martial arts now. What difference does it make whether she’s killed or not?”

“This doesn’t quite match our original agreement?” The woman’s voice had a suddenly tense undertone.

I felt dizzy. Who is this woman? Why does she hate me so much?

“The situation has changed.”

“Oh?”

“I received a message warning me not to harm a single hair on her head.”

“Ridiculous! Would the renowned Shen Zuitian be threatened by someone?” The woman laughed coldly.

“I might ignore warnings from others, but this person’s words cannot be ignored, nor do I dare to ignore them.” Shen Zuitian surprisingly didn’t get angry; his tone even carried a hint of helplessness.

“Who exactly is it?”

“Chu Tianyao!”

The room fell silent, and the atmosphere suddenly became heavy and oppressive.

I was startled. Chu Tianyao? Why would he protect me?

Shen Zuitian was the first to break the silence: “Your ultimate target is Lin Shaoci anyway. It’s not worth offending Chu Tianyao over someone like Rong Shukuang.”

The woman laughed coldly: “If Rong Shukuang is truly so important to Chu Tianyao, aren’t you afraid he might help Yu Chi Mountain Estate against the Ghost Valley Alliance?”

Shen Zuitian chuckled softly: “That’s not something Miss Feng needs to worry about.”

Miss Feng? Feng Jingli? How could it be her? Isn’t she Feng Tingxie’s sister? If so, she should be allied with the Crown Prince, so why is she working with Shen Zuitian to put me in danger?

Never mind, I’ll go in and get some clarity.

Just as my foot moved, Shen Zuitian suddenly shouted: “Who’s there?”

A stream of freezing energy carrying a flash of icy light shot toward me at an incredible speed. I was greatly startled and instinctively raised my hand to block it. There was a thunderous boom, like angry roars of thunder, and the ground shook. Countless roof tiles fell, and Shen Zuitian retreated three steps before stabilizing himself.

I stood there dumbfounded, still trying to understand what happened. My hand was still raised in midair, except now my wrist was being held by another person.

Lin Shaoci looked at me, and his usually cold face wore a gentle smile.

His black clothes fluttered lightly, with muscles flowing like beads beneath his garment. Every inch of his body was filled with explosive power.

Shen Zuitian suddenly smiled: “Rong Shukuang, it seems your confidence wasn’t without reason.”

He shifted his focus to Lin Shaoci and said: “You came faster than I expected. I’m curious, how did Young Master Lin get up here?”

Lin Shaoci released my hand, stepped forward, and said coldly: “Estate Master Shen shouldn’t forget that Yu Chi Mountain Estate is Lin family territory. I, Lin Shaoci, can come up from wherever I want.”

Shen Zuitian smiled: “Surely Young Master Lin didn’t come up the peak alone? Where are your men? Call them all out.”

Lin Shaoci also smiled: “They’re busy dealing with your subordinates outside.”

As he finished speaking, flames shot up to the sky outside, and battle cries erupted.

Shen Zuitian’s expression changed. He suddenly let out a clear whistle and darted out like lightning.

Lin Shaoci didn’t try to stop him. He looked at the slender figure in the doorway and called out: “Jingli.”

Feng Jingli’s beautiful face was expressionless. She slowly raised her sword and said: “Draw your sword!”

Lin Shaoci smiled bitterly: “Why do you do this to yourself?”

Feng Jingli’s long sword left its scabbard with a clang. The bright blade reflected her frost-cold face as she said word by word: “I told you to draw your sword!”

I quickly said: “Wait a moment.”

“You have no right to speak here.” She shouted angrily, her sword sweeping up a cold light as she thrust it at me.

Lin Shaoci blocked with his sword and cried: “What exactly do you want?”

Feng Jingli laughed coldly: “It’s either me or her—you choose.”

Suddenly, a piercing laugh rang out in midair. “Today’s youngsters are getting more and more verbose. Let this old man help you settle this once and for all.”

As the voice fell, a powerful, chilling gust of wind swept down. The laughter made the roof tiles rattle and fallen leaves fly. I felt like I was in the center of a violent tornado, unable to see or speak, my clothes flapping wildly, about to fly away.

As soon as I had this thought, my body did indeed fly up, landing directly on the roof, causing the blue-gray tiles to fall.

The view from the roof was excellent. After adjusting my position, I looked down and saw a skinny old man, thin as a bamboo pole, swiftly striking at Lin Shaoci with both palms, forming a powerful circle of light. Lin Shaoci held his sword with glinting cold light but only could defend himself without counterattacking. He retreated step by step—the situation didn’t look good. Feng Jingli stood to the side with her sword, her bright eyes following the two men, her expression changing unpredictably.

This old man must be one of the Four Immortals of Carefree, and his skills were extraordinary.

Seeing Lin Shaoci about to be defeated, I quickly picked up a roof tile, ready to lend him a hand—a case of beauty saving the hero. Unfortunately, Feng Jingli beat me to it. This girl’s words were harsh, but it was all pretense.

Her sword movements were light and nimble, her white clothes like a butterfly, forming an interesting contrast with Lin Shaoci’s black attire. Their floating movements were beautiful to watch. With her joining in, Lin Shaoci was much less pressured.

With no immediate danger on this side, I turned to look at the outside of the estate and couldn’t help but cry out in surprise—could these be the legendary bird-men?

I saw dozens of people flying over from the opposite peak, with huge black wings on their backs like the sails of small boats. As they flew, they scattered shining hidden weapons, and the black-clothed men who were hit all died with terrible screams.

Has Ming Dynasty technology already advanced this far? These are truly heavenly troops! Shen Zuitian, let’s see how arrogant you can be now!

Amidst the flames, Shen Zuitian stood with his hands behind his back in front of the estate, his handsome face expressionless. Suddenly he shouted: “Splitting bombs!”

Immediately, dozens of black bombs the size of ping-pong balls flew into the air. Before I could see clearly, there were successive huge explosions, brilliant flames burst forth in succession, and the dense smoke and acrid smell of gunpowder quickly spread. Many people were blasted into the water with splashing sounds. Although I couldn’t see them, the water splashes must have been significant.

Despite the intense explosions, several people still landed safely, including Yan Wuduo and Song Qingge. Yan Fufeng’s martial arts were better than Song Qingge’s; he killed three men as soon as he engaged. This wasn’t surprising—military advisors like him usually have weaker martial arts.

I was sitting comfortably in the best spectator seat when I suddenly felt a chill on my neck. Looking down, I saw a cold, frost-like precious sword.

“Everyone stop!” Feng Jingli’s clear voice had a certain penetrating quality.

Everyone was startled and looked up. Wasn’t this girl just helping Lin Shaoci fight the enemy? How did she find time to attend to me?

Looking sideways, I saw that a man in white robes, about fifty years old, had appeared from nowhere and was competing in internal energy with the bamboo-pole old man. Both had sweat-soaked faces with clothes clinging to their bodies, clearly at a critical moment.

“Feng Jingli, what exactly are you trying to do?” Lin Shaoci’s voice became sharp.

Shen Zuitian called out at the same time: “Miss Feng, please reconsider your actions.”

Feng Jingli’s body trembled slightly, but her tone remained extremely cold. “Lin Shaoci, I’ll give you one last chance. Do you want her or me?”

I was getting more confused. Lin Shaoci had already rejected Rong Shukuang, so why was she still jealous? It was simply absurd—a truly crazy girl, living up to her name.

I cleared my throat and called out: “Hey, Lin Shaoci, what are you still hesitating for? Are you trying to get me killed? Quickly choose this Miss Feng, and go to the bridal chamber tonight.”

Before I could finish, my face received a slap that made me see stars.

Rage! In my twenty-some years of life, this was the first time I’d been slapped.

This girl was biting the hand that feeds her, truly deserving a lesson. I decided to be a hero for once—a hero who avoids immediate harm! With her sword at my throat, what could I do? I could only let myself fall downward—though I am the master of Yu Chi Mountain Estate, I currently have no martial arts and am physically weak, so no one should laugh at me. Besides, broken bones would be better than being beheaded.

However, there was no bone-breaking as I had anticipated. Someone caught me.

When I saw who it was, tears immediately filled my eyes. I touched his face and cried: “Husband, your sister has such a cruel heart—she almost took my life!”

With these words, everyone was in an uproar.

Feng Tingxie’s handsome face immediately turned bright red, and he said softly: “How can you still joke at a time like this?”

“Did you come alone? What about Miss Tang and the others…” Before I could finish, someone pulled me away.

Lin Shaoci looked pale, his lips tightly pressed, with an inexplicable anger flashing in his eyes: “Mind your image!”

This stallion nearly cost me my life and still dares to talk to me like this? I shook him off and shouted: “Image? Do you have the nerve to talk to me about an image? If it weren’t for you flirting around, attracting bees and butterflies, and creating so many romantic entanglements, would I have a sword at my throat today? I think you’re the one who should be most mindful of your behavior.”

Everyone fell silent. There was a strange, eerie atmosphere in the air.

I didn’t know my words would have such a powerful effect, leaving them all stunned. It seems Rong Shukuang still commands some authority as the estate master!

I looked around proudly and saw that the forces from both sides had somehow flowed in and automatically divided into two camps. Lin Shaoci’s face was ashen, while Yan Fufeng and Song Qingge stood woodenly behind him, as if dazed.

Shen Zuitian’s face wore an evil smile, completely relaxed, like a cat watching a dying mouse.

Suddenly, a group of women rushed in from outside. Upon seeing Lin Shaoci, they immediately swarmed around him, their concern pouring forth like a tide.

I couldn’t stand these fangirls, so I took Feng Tingxie’s hand and said: “Husband, let’s go to Cangzhou. Young Master Lin is wise and brave, with exquisite martial arts. He doesn’t need our help for such a small matter.”

Before Feng Tingxie could respond, Shen Zuitian laughed and said: “We respectfully send off Miss Rong!”

Feng Jingli suddenly flew over to block our way: “You can’t leave! Rong Shukuang, you can’t leave until everything is clarified today.”

Feng Tingxie exclaimed sharply: “Jingli!”

“Brother, don’t interfere! Today there must be a resolution.” Feng Jingli said.

As she spoke, her sword shot out like a rainbow, directly at my throat, with extremely fierce momentum.

Damn! This girl doesn’t even listen to her brother—she’s really out of control.

Feng Tingxie blocked with his sword and forced her back several steps, angrily saying: “Stop this nonsense.”

Feng Jingli was on the verge of tears: “Brother, you’re helping her?”

I couldn’t hold back any more: “Miss Feng, please understand the situation. Your rivals are all over there—” I pointed at Lin Shaoci surrounded by women, “Deal with them first! I’m about to get married, so please leave me alone. After all, I’m the one who was rejected, and I’m not as resentful as you. Why put on such a face? Who are you trying to impress?”

Feng Jingli’s face turned red to her neck, and her whole body trembled.

“Also—” I continued, “Please have some self-respect, okay? Since he doesn’t want you anymore, quickly find someone else. There’s no point in being hung up on one tree. You know, youth and beauty fade quickly, don’t be so stubborn.”

I looked at her with sincere eyes, believing my words were heartfelt and kind, returning good for evil. Even Qiong Yao’s heroines couldn’t have done better. But why was everyone looking at me like I was an alien?

Lin Shaoci’s expression became increasingly strange, like a thousand-year-old ice block.

Feng Jingli suddenly smiled: “Rong Shukuang! Today’s humiliation I’ll never forget—”

I exclaimed: “You call this humiliation? I’m doing this for your good so that your future husband…”

“Silence!” Lin Shaoci suddenly shouted.

He looked directly at Feng Jingli and declared: “Miss Feng after tonight’s matters are settled, I, Lin Shaoci, will submit to whatever punishment you deem fit. For now, please spare Shuang.”

Feng Jingli laughed in extreme anger: “Fine, fine, you all protect her, I—”

She paused for a moment, then suddenly turned her sword toward her neck—

This sudden change caught everyone off guard, and they all cried out in alarm.

I was shocked. Could she be this fierce? Without thinking, I immediately reached out to grab the sword—

Then something strange happened—with a “ding” sound, Feng Jingli’s long sword flew away, and her body was thrown several yards away, landing far off.

This turn of events surprised everyone again, and they exclaimed in unison: “The Cloud-Emerging Orchid Finger!”

I was stunned, staring blankly at my right hand, my heart filled with immense disbelief.

I clearly intended to grab the hilt of the sword, but somehow, just before reaching it, this hand suddenly acted beyond my control. Like a nimble snake, it inserted itself between her neck and the sword, fingers curved like an orchid, with the middle finger lightly tapping the blade and the thumb pressing on her collarbone—and then, that’s what happened.

Lin Shaoci exclaimed in shock: “Shuang, you—”

Shen Zuitian suddenly said: “Rong Shukuang, your acting skills are truly first-rate. Even I was deceived by you.”

“Hmm?” I looked up at him.

He sneered: “Your martial arts are fully intact, yet you pretend otherwise.”

My martial arts are intact? Did my martial arts return? How is this possible? Could it be…

I suddenly turned around and stared at Feng Tingxie.

He was also shocked, then his eyes suddenly lit up, and he blurted out: “Yan Shao—it must be him, definitely him.”

I was so excited that my whole body trembled. I rushed over to hug him and laughed aloud. The old lady’s martial arts have returned! Let’s see if you a bunch of grandsons still dare to bully me.

I was so excited I wanted to shout when suddenly someone slapped me hard on the back.

Yan Fufeng laughed loudly: “Shuang, your martial arts have recovered—that’s wonderful! Today we’ll completely eradicate the Ghost Valley Alliance, hahaha…”

He burst into laughter.

Suddenly, a sharp voice came from the air, someone speaking with an odd intonation: “Such big words. Let this old man see how capable you are.”

Three figures descended from the sky, slender in form, with long-sleeved robes in green, red, and yellow colors like fluttering brocade flags. They did indeed have an immortal air, though their appearances left much to be desired.

A yellow-robed old freak in mid-air swept his long sleeves like a dragon, heading straight for Yan Fufeng.

At the same time, Shen Zuitian suddenly made his move. A deep chill arose around him, and icy white mist spread in the cold moonlight, swirling like walking strands of hair, gradually gathering toward Lin Shaoci. His palm force was slow and steady, but the surrounding air had an indescribable oppression and constriction. I felt as if a huge stone was pressing on my chest, making it difficult to breathe.

Lin Shaoci stood proudly, as firm as a mountain by an abyss, unmoved. The white mist stopped about three inches from him.

Shen Zuitian’s face changed slightly, and a blue vein faintly appeared on his snow-white forehead. His palm moved slightly, and the white mist inched forward almost imperceptibly.

Lin Shaoci’s pupils also contracted slightly. Suddenly, he drew a half-circle in front of him with his hand, and the white mist stopped again.

Damn. I couldn’t appreciate their constipated fighting style, so I turned to watch Yan Fufeng.

One look left me greatly shocked.

Yan Fufeng’s upper body was almost bare, his clothes slashed into strips by the old freak’s palm wind. There were more than a dozen wounds on his chest and arms, with blood beads rolling out, soaking the strips of cloth, making him look like a Christmas tree decorated in red and green.

But this didn’t affect his morale at all. He still gritted his teeth and persevered, not even letting out a groan.

This was a true hero of the jianghu, a man of iron and blood. I should lend him a hand.

“Hey, old man, bullying the young doesn’t make you much of a man,” I shouted and aimed a palm strike at his back.

Another strange thing happened—this time it was my turn to fly diagonally through the air. I didn’t even touch the edge of his clothes before I was flung like a kite with a broken string, landing far away. My buttocks hurt so much I couldn’t even groan.

Feng Tingxie was greatly alarmed. He leaped over to help me up and asked: “What happened?”

I was also dumbfounded: “I don’t know. My martial arts seem to have disappeared again. I can’t exert any strength at all.”

After my fall, everyone seemed to wake up and join the battle, grabbing their weapons. Good grief, what a chaotic scene!

Let me give a brief review: Lou Qianmo’s martial arts were as cold and fierce as her personality; Xia Xiaoxi’s sword style was traditional and methodical; Yu Linglong, true to her Linghu Sect, was cunning and agile; Liu Xiner looked beautiful but her martial arts weren’t that impressive, requiring protection from two elders; the Martial Arts Master of Haitang had the highest skills, handling everything with ease. The one who killed the most enemies was Tang Yingluo, despite her low martial arts—every black-clothed person who came near her died in a strange and bloody manner.

The man in white robes was of unknown origin, yet he had been battling one of the Four Immortals of Carefree—the bamboo-pole old man—for so long without being defeated. Song Qingge was locked in a deadly battle with two other figures, and for the time being, it wasn’t clear who was superior.

At this rate, Yu-Chi Mountain Estate was destined to lose. The remaining two of the Four Immortals of Carefree hadn’t even joined the fight yet. Even if Feng Tingxie were willing to help, he would be no match for them.

I was secretly anxious. Why did my martial arts suddenly disappear at this critical moment? Surely it couldn’t be like Duan Yu’s Six Meridian Divine Sword? This wasn’t good at all. Once those two join the fight, everyone will lose their lives here tonight.

Suddenly, with a “bang,” a cold current exploded, white mist swirling, and two figures shot apart within the mist. Lin Shaoci retreated seven steps before steadying himself, with clear footprints on the blue stone slabs.

Shen Zuitian remained motionless, his handsome face as white as paper. After a while, a trace of blood flowed from the corner of his mouth.

He laughed loudly: “The Lin family’s Shocking Wave Palm truly lives up to its reputation. Let me experience it again.”

As soon as he finished speaking, his slender figure shot up, directly attacking Lin Shaoci, swift as cold lightning, his palms opening and closing like the appearance and disappearance of stars. Lin Shaoci wielded his long sword, with light and ethereal sword techniques, cold light glinting, majestic radiance flowing. The two abandoned their previous slow pace, moving as quickly as divine light, making it impossible to follow with the naked eye.

“At this rate, how long will they fight?” The green-robed old man finally spoke.

“Yes, I’d like to get some sleep tonight,” the red-robed freak yawned, looking up at the sky.

“So who should we deal with first?”

“You take care of that Lin fellow, I’ll help Old Three face that white-robed one.”

The two were about to make their move.

I immediately called out: “Elders, you are lofty recluses, how can you act like street thugs, two against one?”

They both turned to look at me. I felt like I was being watched by two venomous snakes and couldn’t help shrinking behind Feng Tingxie.

“Haha, this little girl’s finger technique just now was interesting. Let me see what other skills you have!” The green-robed freak extended his claw-like hand toward me, though his body seemed not to move.

Feng Tingxie pulled me back several steps and raised his sword to slash at the other’s palm. The opponent swept his sleeve, lightly brushing his wrist, and his long sword immediately fell.

The green-robed freak laughed loudly, his five fingers like claws, coming straight at me. I felt a cool wind like a cold mask attaching to my face, sealing my mouth, nose, and eyes, about to suffocate me to death.

In that split second, a seven-colored rainbow suddenly appeared before my eyes, cutting through the night sky, brilliant and splendid like a gorgeous sunset, magnificently beautiful, even eclipsing the bright moon.

The green-robed freak let out a muffled groan and quickly retreated, giving a light “hmm” of surprise, as if unable to believe someone could harm him.

Looking closely, I saw that Lin Shaoci was standing in front of me, with a faint white handprint visible on his black-clothed back.

“Brother Feng, please take Shuang away immediately—” Before he could finish, his body stiffened, and a mouthful of fresh blood gushed out.

The green-robed freak laughed strangely and advanced again. Shen Zuitian initiated a cold light attack, joining the assault. Lin Shaoci’s long sword waved like raging sea flowers, but he was clearly at his last strength.

Damn, no holding back now, let’s all fight to the end.

“Weapon, weapon?” I frantically patted myself, searching. My fingers suddenly touched something hard. Pulling it out, I saw it was a small white jade sword.

At this point, I couldn’t care about posture or stance anymore. I aimed at the green-robed freak’s back and lunged with all my might, sword in hand.

If a person disregards death and is determined to fight to the end, the impact can be quite astonishing.

The green-robed freak was stabbed by me. With a terrible scream, his sleeve swept past like a hurricane sweeping away clouds, and once again I was sent flying, landing hard on the ground. I felt my spine had broken—yet those long sleeves continued to pursue me relentlessly, like a shadow.

“Shuang—” Lin Shaoci’s cry was miserable and terrified, as if certain I was beyond saving.

I also almost believed I was beyond saving.

But the fact wasn’t so.

The green sleeve swept past my cheek. I touched my face; thank the Buddha, all my facial features were intact, completely undamaged.

The only loss was the jade sword in my hand, which had been snatched away by that cursed green-robed freak. He played with it as if examining a priceless treasure, his face wearing a strange expression that we usually call greed.

Damn it, I know it’s a treasure, but at your age, aren’t you ashamed to snatch a child’s toy?

He suddenly raised the jade sword in his hand and called out loudly: “Second Brother, Third Brother, come quick and look!”

His call stunned everyone.

“The Playful Wave Sword!” The yellow-robed freak exclaimed.

Hearing this, the bamboo-pole old man and the white-robed man who had been fighting suddenly separated. Both had extremely shocked expressions.

The yellow-robed freak brushed off Yan Fufeng with a palm and flew over to take the jade sword. After examining it for a while, he suddenly recited in a low voice: “A dashing young master, hunting beauties in youthful fields.”

The bamboo-pole old man muttered: “Could it be that Yan Shao has reappeared in the jianghu?”

In the silence, Feng Tingxie and I exchanged glances. His face showed a very strange expression, probably remembering how Yan Shao had called him narrow-minded. I had also thought this name was something he made up to deceive me, never expecting that he was called Yan Shao.

The red-robed man had remained silent, but now he suddenly bowed to me very respectfully and said: “Young lady, may I ask where you obtained this jade sword?”

By now, Lin Shaoci had helped me up. I dusted off the dirt on my buttocks, lifted my head proudly, and said: “This was given to me by a friend. Please return it to me.”

The four men looked at each other but didn’t speak.

All around was silence; all the noisy fighting had now disappeared without a trace.

Emboldened, I added another sentence: “If you don’t return it to me, he definitely won’t let you off.”

The red-robed man suddenly sighed deeply and said: “So be it. If Yan Shao is present, we four brothers shall never enter the Central Plains again.”

The green-robed freak obediently walked up to me, presenting the jade sword with both hands, then said to Shen Zuitian: “Young Master Shen, the Four Immortals of Carefree owe you a favor, which we’ll repay next time.”

Shen Zuitian’s godlike face was filled with doubt and suspicion. “Elder, who exactly is this Yan Shao? Would you have me fail when success was within my grasp just because of him?”

The bamboo-pole old man suddenly said: “Young Master Shen, while green mountains remain, there’s no fear of lacking firewood. Let’s go.”

As he spoke, he suddenly made his move. He and the green-robed freak flanked Shen Zuitian on the left and right, lifting him into the air. The other two men lightly swept their long sleeves, their forms rising rapidly upward, following behind like divine cranes, and in an instant, they disappeared without a trace.