When we returned, Feng Ming was still sitting in the main hall waiting. As soon as he saw us, he stood up and said, “There’s a situation!”

Yan Shao calmly replied, “Oh?”

“We just received a message by carrier pigeon from Yun Jing. Three days ago, the Seven Seas Chain Islands, which have long remained in the South Sea, suddenly appeared in the Central Plains with unclear intentions.”

I pulled out a chair and sat down, poured a cup of tea, and handed it to Yan Shao. He took it, drank a sip, and said, “I already know.”

Feng Ming was slightly taken aback.

I then explained what had happened in the evening, then poured myself a cup of tea to drink. Looking at him with a grin, I said, “Feng Ming, you’re in luck.”

“What do you mean?”

“That fellow disciple of yours is quite a beauty.”

His face reddened slightly as he glanced at Yan Shao, and finally couldn’t help but ask, “How do they know our sect’s martial arts?”

Yan Shao rotated the porcelain cup between his fingertips and pondered, “Years ago, I did indeed pass on the Fansha Sword Technique to someone. Hongyu’s sword skills might have been taught by her.”

I asked, “Who was it? A man or a woman?”

He replied, “A woman.”

I smiled and said, “Must have been a beauty.”

He gave me an amused look, thought for a moment, and then said, “That was many years ago. The Jingnan Rebellion launched by Emperor Chengzu had just succeeded, but the world was still in great chaos. Bandits were everywhere, and many wealthy people from the south sought refuge on Mount Manao. Hearing that the martial arts world of the Central Plains was full of skilled masters, I wanted to come down the mountain to see for myself. Little did I know that all I encountered on my journey eastward were green forest bandits…”

I grinned and said, “I know! You must have met a beautiful female bandit who took a fancy to you and wanted to snatch you back to be her mountain consort…”

He smiled slightly and said, “On the contrary, she was the one being robbed by bandits.”

I snorted, “Then you must have played the hero and saved the beauty. How gallant of you!”

He nodded with a smile, “Not entirely correct, but close enough.”

I was about to speak when I suddenly noticed Feng Ming’s face showing a hint of amusement, so I quickly shut my mouth.

Yan Shao continued, “Her name was Lei You Le, the daughter of an escort. Her father was guarding a shipment that was robbed by bandits from Sichuan, with both the cargo and people lost. So, she went alone to Mount Emei to find a master and learn martial arts, intending to seek revenge. That day, I happened to be exchanging sword techniques with the master of Emei. Seeing the Emei master defeated by the Fansha Sword Technique, she turned to me and asked to become my disciple…”

He took a sip of tea and continued, “Normally I would never involve myself in such matters, but I admired her father’s courage in accepting that escort job, so I taught her the sword technique.”

Feng Ming asked curiously, “What was being escorted?”

“A person.”

“Oh?” I couldn’t help but be curious as well. “Who was it?”

“He was the son of Huang Zicheng, a Hanlin Scholar. Huang Zicheng was an important minister to Emperor Jianwen. After Emperor Yongle ascended the throne, he ordered the execution of Huang’s entire clan, with all his family members sent to the teaching courtyard to become courtesans. One of his sons escaped after changing his surname.”

I exclaimed in amazement, “Wow, this Lei fellow was bold.”

Yan Shao smiled and said, “Fortunately, Lei You Le wasn’t stupid. After studying for three months and gaining some proficiency in the sword technique, she went down the mountain for revenge. We had agreed to meet at Mount Song, but two months later, when she returned, she brought another woman with her.”

My jealousy erupted, and I frowned, “You had quite the luck with women! Who was it this time?”

He let out a scornful laugh and said, “After taking her revenge, she went to rescue Huang Zicheng’s sister who had been sent to the courtyard, only to find that she had already committed suicide. However, she met another noble lady fallen into prostitution named Liang Bing and brought her back. Seeing they had nowhere to go, I had no choice but to keep them by my side for the time being. In those years, my friends in the martial arts world gave me the name ‘Yan Shao,’ largely because of the two of them.”

I imagined the scene of him back then, with two beautiful young women at his side, roaming the martial arts world with flair and vigor. My heartfelt waves of sourness. Then I heard Feng Ming ask, “And then what happened?”

He looked at Feng Ming with a smile and said, “Later I went back. On my way through Snow Lotus Mountain in the Western Regions, I paid a visit to the Four Immortals of Carefree Valley. On my way down the mountain, I encountered you as an infant, and brought you back with me.”

I snorted, “Feng Ming is asking about those two girls, don’t change the subject.”

He put down his teacup and said, “When I returned, I parted ways with them. I don’t know what happened to them afterward.”

“Didn’t you say they had nowhere to go? How could you just abandon them?”

“I was neither their parent nor their husband, so why should I be responsible for them?” He looked at me, his eyes suddenly full of amusement. “Unless you wanted me to marry them and bring them back as wives?”

I glared at him and asked, “You never saw them again?”

He grinned, deliberately misinterpreting my meaning, “Lei You Le is not the type to let herself be taken advantage of, so you don’t need to worry about her.”

I also smiled, “I’m not worried about her at all. I’m more concerned about that pretty female disciple of hers. Those two people tonight were quite skilled. I don’t think your Fansha Sword Technique would necessarily defeat them, especially with the people from the Seven Seas Chain Islands involved.”

He rose with a smile and said, “That’s right, so you can’t sleep late tomorrow. We must set off early.”

I snorted, “That depends on my mood.”

He took my hand, smiling, and asked, “You’re not in a good mood?”

I smiled artificially and said, “If you were to teach me a couple of sword techniques, my mood might improve a bit.”

His smile deepened. “Oh, what would you like to learn?”

I pretended to think for a moment, then said, “Qiankun Danuoyi, Lingbo Weibu, Six Meridian Divine Sword, Falling Petal Divine Palm—just teach me any two of them.”

He frowned with a smile, “Never heard of those.”

I said, “Then teach me whatever you like, as long as it’s easy to learn and powerful.”

He pondered briefly, “There is one that meets your requirements. However…” He leaned close to my ear and lowered his voice, “This one needs to be practiced in bed.”

My face grew hot, but I couldn’t help laughing out loud.

That night, he did indeed tell me about a sword technique. It was a unique sword art he had created after experiencing the sword techniques of the eight major sects of the Central Plains, including Emei, Qingcheng, and Diancang. It had no name yet. It consisted of eleven moves, each with nine variations, with orthodox and unorthodox forms complementing and countering each other, totaling ninety-nine forms.

I asked, “How powerful is it?”

He replied, “Since I created this sword technique, it has been many years since I’ve crossed swords with anyone. The power of this sword technique is yet unknown.”

I asked, “How does it compare to the Fansha Sword Technique?”

He smiled and said, “Naturally, it’s stronger. However, over these years, as I sit in quiet meditation each day in Liuyun City on Mount Manao, I increasingly feel that there is no invincible sword technique in the world; it’s just that the method to counter it has not yet been discovered.”

I marveled at how wondrous a person Yan Shao was. His martial arts had reached the pinnacle, yet he still maintained a sense of reverence for the world. His confidence was not arrogance.

He continued, “But my father once said that this sword technique would have no rival for the next hundred years.”

I became excited, taking out the jade sword he had given me long ago, and said, “Then teach me quickly.”

He laughed, “The key to martial arts prowess isn’t in fists and feet, but here.” He tapped my head. “Is your comprehension good enough?”

I smiled, “A master leads you to the door, but cultivation depends on the individual. Just teach me, and if I can’t learn it, I won’t blame you.”

So he recited the mnemonics and principles of this sword technique for me to hear, demonstrating with the jade sword as he spoke. The small white jade sword danced like a jade dragon; his light blue robe appeared and disappeared amid a swirl of white light. At first, glimpses of blue could still be seen, but later it seemed as if the entire room was filled with rolling white light, so blindingly intense that despite my good eyesight, I couldn’t make out his body movements or sword technique.

I watched in a trance for a while until I suddenly felt a coolness on my face—the jade sword had touched my cheek.

He tapped my face gently with the sword and smiled, “I’ve taught you everything. Did you see it?”

I honestly shook my head and said, “I couldn’t make out a single move. Show me once more.”

He chuckled, “Even if I showed you ten more times, it wouldn’t help. Let’s go to bed first, and I’ll explain it to you in detail.” He pulled me toward the bed.

I resisted, grinning, “But you look so good when you’re doing it, it’s a pleasure to watch.”

His wrist suddenly twisted downward, and there was an immediate light sound like tearing silk. My outer garment was completely split from collar to foot, as neatly as if cut by scissors.

I was startled. “Ah, so powerful even without a blade?”

He bent down to kiss my lips and joked, “This is the first move. Shall we call it ‘Gently Undoing Silk Garments’?”

I laughed. “If people knew the origin of this name, they would die of laughter.” I took off my outer garment and threw it on the chair. “You’ve ruined a perfectly good piece of clothing, you owe me a new one.”

While undressing, he laughed and said, “Is my sword technique not worth more than a piece of clothing?”

I took his clothes and folded them neatly, smiling, “I want both the sword technique and the clothing.”

He lowered his head to undo my hair bun and comb through it, saying, “Greedy little thing, let’s go to sleep.”

I obediently got into bed, and the night passed quietly.

The next day we set off early. Along the way, Yan Shao explained the essential parts of the sword technique to me in detail. I understood about half of it, but Feng Ming benefited greatly. Yan Shao laughed and scolded me as unteachable.

At noon, while stopping for a meal, we suddenly received a carrier pigeon message. Yan Shao frowned slightly after reading it and handed the note to me.

I was stunned. Because of issues related to rebellion and political stance, I had always stayed out of their message exchanges, and he had never discussed these matters with me.

He smiled and said, “This letter has nothing to do with Prince Han. You’ll never guess who those two people from last night were.”

I took the letter and looked at it, unable to hold back an exclamation, crying out, “Tang Sai’er? That peasant woman is Tang Sai’er, the leader of the White Lotus Sect?”

Influenced by television dramas, I had assumed the White Lotus leader must be a beautiful woman, sitting in an ornate sedan chair carried by many people, mysterious and unfathomable. I never imagined she would be such an ordinary peasant woman.

What on earth was in that iron box that would make Tang Sai’er personally take action?

I looked at him in surprise.

He picked up a piece of food and placed it in my bowl, smiling, “Too much curiosity can bring trouble.”

I said, “That Hongyu could be your grand disciple. Aren’t you going to do anything about them?”

He smiled without speaking. A while later, after finishing lunch, he suddenly ordered Feng Ming to ride ahead quickly.

I asked curiously, “Do you have other business? Why not travel together?”

He asked in return, “Didn’t you say you wanted to sightsee?”

I was momentarily speechless. He must be doing this deliberately.

He smiled and said, “Your injuries have just healed. Riding fast could reopen your wounds.”

So that’s why he had been accommodating me all this time. I felt both ashamed and moved, unable to speak for a moment.

He added, “Don’t worry, that thing won’t fly away.”

After thinking for a moment, I asked, “If Prince Han’s rebellion fails, what will happen to you?”

He put down his teacup and looked at me, smiling, “Do you think Zhu Zhanji would believe you?”

I remained silent, and after a long while, finally said quietly, “I don’t know. I can only do my best and leave the rest to fate.”

He was silent for a moment, then suddenly said, “I’m very sorry.”

I looked up at him.

He smiled bitterly and said, “I’m referring to the Feng Tingxie incident. Because of that, you no longer trust me.”

“I didn’t—”

“You did,” he interrupted me, his gaze suddenly becoming sharp. “You may not say it, but I know you did. That day in Yangqu County, you were eager to distance yourself from Lin Shaoci, which ultimately stemmed from your fear that I would harm him.”

I was stunned. There was a person in this world who saw through me so deeply, as clear and transparent as a bright mirror. Before him, I was utterly exposed. From beginning to end, nothing I did could escape him; he knew everything.

A gentle spring breeze blew in through the window, but I suddenly felt cold.

His face was bathed in sunlight, his silver hair gleaming with an icy brilliance. His eyes were deep and bright, but the corners of his mouth were drawn into a bitter smile.

“Have I frightened you?”

I lowered my head, not looking at him.

He held my hand and sighed softly, “I just habitually want to control the situation, not because I don’t trust you.”

I remained silent.

He continued, “Actually when I learned that you had sent Feng Jingli to Nanjing, I was somewhat angry too.”

I was slightly moved.

He looked at me intently and said softly, “Do I mean less to you than Feng Tingxie?”

I hurriedly explained, “It’s not the same. I love you, and my opposition to your involvement in the rebellion is not contradictory.”

He nodded and said, “I know that. I understand that assisting Prince Han seems quite absurd from your perspective. But I still privately hope that you would stand by my side. Haha, am I being too selfish?”

“Can we just not deal with this matter, please?”

He looked at me, his gaze gentle but firm. “In my life, I have never left anything half-done.”

I couldn’t help but get angry, “What kind of ridiculous reason is that? You might as well say you want to be emperor, I’d find that more believable.”

He stared at me, then suddenly burst into laughter.

I was startled. “You don’t have that idea, do you?”

“That would be a thankless job. I would truly be mad to want to be emperor. But—I’ve been out of seclusion, planning and preparing for over half a year…” As he spoke, he curled his finger and tapped on the carrier pigeon message on the table, saying, “This seemingly ordinary letter, do you know how many people are risking their lives behind it? Just the cost of this intelligence network alone is beyond your imagination. Now is the critical moment for success or failure, to ask me to give up, haha… I’m not willing…”

I was speechless. From last night until now, in just over ten hours, they had discovered Tang Sai’er’s identity. He was certainly not exaggerating.

I sighed, “So you’re determined to go against heaven, is that it?”

He laughed coldly, “Who is heaven? There’s a rule in this world: the victor becomes king, the defeated a bandit. When the Prince of Yan seized the throne, he became king; when Emperor Jianwen lost his kingdom, he became a fugitive. If Tang Sai’er’s rebellion succeeds, the world will bear the surname Tang.”

I questioned, “The world originally has no master; those with virtue rule it. Do you think Prince Han is a virtuous person?”

He let out a scornful laugh and said, “What is virtue? Emperor Yongle repeatedly launched northern expeditions and levied heavy taxes—was he virtuous? Haha! In the end, it’s the common people who suffer.”

I was exasperated, “If you know all this, why still help Prince Han?”

He smiled and said, “Even if I don’t help him, his rebellion is inevitable. Besides, what do the common people have to do with me? I’m not a savior.”

My head was spinning. I stood up and shouted, “Forget it, forget it, talking all this time has been pointless. Let’s not waste our breath. Let’s go.” With that, I went downstairs and asked the attendant to bring the horses.

A moment later, he came out after settling the bill, looking at me with a grin. I threw the reins to him and glared, “Are you pleased with yourself?”

He smiled and said, “It’s been a long time since you lost your temper with me.”

I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, “You enjoy seeing me angry at you?”

He smiled as he mounted his horse, “Not really, but you’re quite adorable when you’re furious.”

I responded with a straight face, “And you’re more adorable when you’re silent.”

He laughed heartily and rode forward.

As we approached the Hebei border, we frequently passed martial artists rushing by on horseback.

At dusk, we entered a place called Nanchuan Town. While I was hesitating whether to stay there for the night, I suddenly noticed a strange plum blossom-like pattern in the corner of an inn. It had only three petals, a splash of bright red carved into the pale blue brick wall, quite eye-catching even in the dim twilight.

I gestured for Yan Shao to look. He frowned slightly and said in a deep voice, “Feng Ming has encountered a formidable opponent.”

I was shocked, “What’s happening?”

“This is our contact mark. The number of petals represents the number of enemies. His brushwork is hasty and rushed, seems he left in a hurry.”

“Is he in danger?”

He smiled, “Probably not for now. Can you handle traveling through the night?”

I immediately mounted my horse.

He smiled and said, “No rush, we’ll certainly meet him tonight.”

“Hmm?”

“Several groups have passed through, clearly something is about to happen.”

“Who could those three people be? Those with martial arts superior to Feng Ming’s are rare in the martial world.”

He gave a faint smile and said, “There are still quite a few hidden masters in the martial world. The scar-faced man we met last night has martial arts no less than Feng Ming’s, and the one called Tiance from the Seven Seas Chain Islands is also quite skilled.”

“Ah! Then wouldn’t the ruler of the Seven Seas Chain Islands be even stronger?”

“Hehe, it’s a good chance to try out your newly learned sword technique.”

“I only know the first move, and I’m not even proficient at it.”

He snorted, “Hopeless.”

I laughed and said, “I’m just afraid of embarrassing you.”

He sighed and said, “Actually, Rong Shuguang’s martial arts only achieve fifty percent of their potential in your hands. First, you lack her combat experience; second, you’re not ruthless enough; and third, you tend to be timid in battle.”

He looked at me sideways as he spoke, smiling, “The only time you were completely fearless and ruthless enough was when you faced Lin Qianyi.”

Thinking it over carefully, this was indeed true. Though watching others engage in sword fights was thrilling, when it came to my turn to step up, I always lacked confidence. Subconsciously, I feared those gleaming swords and blades, afraid both of hurting others and of being hurt.

“How do I overcome this?”

He smiled gently and said softly, “It’s normal, you’ll get used to it with experience.” After a pause, he added, “Actually, I don’t want you to change. But the martial world is treacherous, and circumstances are unpredictable…” He didn’t continue.

I glanced at him.

“Is such a mindset contradictory?” he asked self-mockingly. “The ancients say that at forty-one should be free from doubts, but lately I find myself increasingly confused.”

I rode with the wind, feeling a warm current flowing in my chest, unable to speak.

He looked ahead, his expression distant and far-reaching, and slowly said, “When I was young, I was determined to comprehend all martial arts under heaven. What I wanted and didn’t want was as clear as black and white on paper. Later, I came to feel that life is but a dream—even if one is unrivaled under heaven, it’s only for a hundred years—” He suddenly stopped and softly exclaimed, “Oh?”

I was slightly startled and then heard the soft sound of hoofbeats behind us. Damn! Why couldn’t these bit players delay their entrance? Why did they always interrupt just when people were having heart-to-heart conversations?

I turned to look, but before I could even make out whether the riders were men or women, the two horses flew past like a whirlwind, moving with incredible speed.

“Are there truly such miraculous horses in the world?” I couldn’t help but gape in astonishment.

“Those are the blood-sweating horses from Dawan. There are only five in the entire world, yet these two are riding two of them?” Yan Shao’s tone carried a hint of surprise.

My instinctive reaction was: “Could these people also be after that iron box?”

He fell silent in contemplation.

Suddenly, three more fast horses approached from behind. The riders wore black short garments, and before they arrived, their shouts reached us: “Get out of the way!”

I pulled back my horse a couple of steps. As the three riders galloped near, I swung my whip and struck at the left leg of the leading rider. The horse neighed in fright and reared up, startling its rider, who swayed and leaped off.

The other two riders reined in their horses simultaneously, sweeping their whips at me while cursing, “You brat, are you seeking death?”

I swung my whip to entangle theirs, exerting strength through my arm. The two immediately tumbled from their horses.

The leader was a sturdy man in his thirties. As soon as he touched the ground, he sprang up and sent a slanting palm strike toward me. Yan Shao extended his arm, and the man immediately let out a cry of alarm, retreating several steps on level ground, his face filled with shock and suspicion.

Yan Shao smiled and said, “We’d like to ask the three of you something…”

Before he could finish, the three suddenly attacked together, with six palms forcefully striking Yan Shao. With a light sweep of his sleeve, all three were sent flying backward, falling to the ground unable to move.

I quickly said, “We mean no harm. If you just answer my questions, I promise we won’t trouble you.”

The three didn’t respond. Their faces changed from pale to red, with veins visibly pulsing on their foreheads, clearly trying to break free from the acupressure points.

Yan Shao and I exchanged amused glances and remained silent.

After a moment, the three showed looks of terror. The one who seemed to be their leader said, “My name is Qin Hu. My brothers and I are known in the martial world as the Three Heroes of Qinling. May I ask your esteemed names? Which sect are you from?”

I made up something on the spot, imitating his manner of speech, “I am Su Rong, and this is my elder brother. We’re known in the martial world as the Black and White Demons.”

Hearing this, the three were momentarily stunned, then quickly claimed to have long admired us. I was secretly amused—this name I’d just invented, where could they have possibly heard of it before?

Qin Hu asked, “What would you like to know?”

“Where are the three of you heading?”

“To the Peach Blossom Forest not far from here!”

“For what purpose?”

“In response to Old Master Meng’s invitation, we’re going to the Peach Blossom Forest to help deal with a powerful enemy.”

“Who is it?”

“We don’t know.”

“You don’t know?” I expressed doubt.

The man hurriedly said, “We only know the opponent has very high martial skills. Old Master Meng has invited quite a few skilled fighters to assist. Fearing the matter might leak, he arranged to discuss the details at the Peach Blossom Forest.”

I looked at Yan Shao. He smiled and nodded slightly.

I turned back to them and said, “We’d like to go with you to watch the excitement.”

The man’s expression changed slightly.

“Is that inconvenient?”

He replied with difficulty, “But Master Meng only invited the three of us…”

I snorted, “You have two options now. One, I kill you all and then go to the Peach Blossom Forest to watch the excitement; two, you take us to watch. I don’t want to kill anyone.”

The man’s face turned ashen. After some hesitation, he finally said, “Then, then I’m afraid I must trouble you two to temporarily pose as… attendants of us three brothers… would that be…?”

I agreed, “Fine! Let’s do that.”

As soon as I finished speaking, Yan Shao bent his finger and flicked, sending a stream of energy across the shoulders of all three men. They stared at Yan Shao in astonishment, unable to speak.

I urged, “Lead the way quickly!”

The three snapped out of their daze, mounted their horses, and led us to the Peach Blossom Forest.

We traveled for about the time it took to burn two incense sticks when a rich, clear fragrance reached our nostrils. Walking a bit further, we exited the woods, circled a small hill, and suddenly a brilliant scene opened before us.

Under the clear moonlight, thousands of peach trees were in full bloom, with light red and white blossoms adorning the branches. Surrounding trees were lush green, and a light mist lingered among the branches and leaves. A gentle breeze brought a sweet fragrance that filled our lungs, creating an indescribable sense of comfort.

We tied our horses to several peach trees and proceeded on foot.

I held Yan Shao’s hand as we walked through the flowers and willows as if traveling through a painting. After a while, we saw a courtyard enclosed by a fence ahead, with a faint light streaming out and the sound of voices growing clearer.

Qin said, “That is the courtyard of Master Meng’s beloved concubine, Lady Peach Blossom. Because this lady loves peach blossoms, Master Meng specially planted this peach forest for her.”

I said, “This Master Meng is certainly quite the romantic. I wonder which number of beloved concubine is Lady Peach Blossom?”

“The ninth. Master Meng is wealthy and generous. When seeking pleasure, he often spends lavishly…” As he spoke, his expression revealed envy.

As we talked, we emerged from the peach forest. When two men in front of the fenced courtyard saw us, they let out a short whistle. A corpulent older man flashed out from the courtyard and cupped his hands in greeting, “Brother Qin, how have you been?”

The Qin brothers called out “Master Meng” and went forward to exchange pleasantries. I looked up and saw that inside the house, a feast was being laid out, with seven or eight people already seated. We were arranged in an inconspicuous corner. Master Meng was busy making introductions—the Twin Heroes of Central Plains, Daoist Master Xuandu, the Golden Blade Invincible Sect, and so on—names I had never heard of. I quietly asked Yan Shao, who shook his head, indicating he hadn’t heard of them either.

After exchanging a few courtesies, everyone took their place.

The Daoist Master Xuandu’s expression was the most arrogant. He immediately asked, “Master Meng, who exactly is this enemy of yours?”

Master Meng put down his wine cup and said with hatred, “Actually, that wench has some background. She’s from the Yuchi Mountain Manor.”

Upon hearing this, everyone was visibly moved. I was especially shocked, not knowing how this matter could be connected to the Yuchi Mountain Manor.

Yan Shao also looked at me with slight surprise. I gazed at him, seeing my face reflected in his clear eyes, and was startled again, unable to hold back a small exclamation. Fortunately, everyone was busy asking Master Meng for details and paid no attention to me.

Yan Shao asked, “What is it?”

I pointed at my face and whispered, “I’ve only changed into men’s clothes. Rong Shuguang was the former master of the Yuchi Mountain Manor. How do these people not recognize me?”

Yan Shao indicated his confusion.

At this point, Master Meng was angrily recounting the incident to everyone. “It happened on the night of my recent concubine ceremony. I was supposed to marry Miss Yu from Mingyu House. Only when I entered the bridal chamber did I discover that Miss Yu had been replaced by that wench…”

Daoist Master Xuandu laughed heartily and said, “With a beauty voluntarily throwing herself into your arms, Brother Meng should be pleased. Was she perhaps too ugly?”

Master Meng snorted, “In terms of looks, she had some charm, but how could she compare to Yu’s coquettish allure… At the time, seeing her appearance was passable, if she had been obedient, marrying the wrong woman wouldn’t have mattered. Who would have thought she would curse me loudly, in extremely offensive terms…” As he spoke, his chubby double chin trembled incessantly.

“In my life, I pride myself on being most tender with women. I was extremely angry at that moment and wanted to slap her. Unexpectedly, this wench turned out to be skilled in martial arts, quite formidable indeed. Fortunately, several martial arts friends were present and could have captured her, but out of nowhere appeared a green youth who used some kind of drug that made everyone weak in the limbs, allowing that wench to escape.”

I nodded secretly, finding his account consistent with what Dudu Niao had said.

Suddenly, his expression changed, revealing a teeth-grinding look of hatred. He continued, “Most infuriating of all, that wench returned later that night. Not only did she kill two of my sons, but she also burned down the house and destroyed eight chests of antiques that I had painstakingly collected over decades. It nearly drove me to death with rage!”

I listened in disbelief. The antiques were more important than his sons’ lives! Truly a rare specimen—perhaps he had more sons than eight chests of antiques, so losing one or two didn’t matter at all.

At this point, Qin Hu asked, “How did Master Meng discover that the wench was from the Yuchi Mountain Manor?”

Master Meng took a sip of tea and said, “I found out at Mingyu House. The madam said that on that day, Yu was making a terrible fuss about not wanting to get into the sedan chair, and then a young woman came to redeem her. The madam was afraid I would hold her responsible and didn’t dare release the girl, but the young woman claimed to be from the Yuchi Mountain Manor and said she would bear all consequences. So the madam let Yu go, and the young woman got into the sedan chair…”

As he spoke, he suddenly changed his tone and began cursing, “That wench Yu was also truly ungrateful. Being chosen by me was a blessing earned from eight generations of her ancestors…”

I felt my mind filling with stars, utterly speechless.

Daoist Master Xuandu laughed coldly, “What’s so great about the Yuchi Mountain Manor? Just a few days ago in Taiyuan, weren’t they beaten to a pulp? Master Meng, where is that wench now? Let’s all go teach her a lesson.”

I couldn’t help but laugh coldly. Even if the Yuchi Mountain Manor had suffered a severe blow, dealing with the likes of you would still be more than enough.

Master Meng stood up and cupped his hands to everyone, “Thank you, brothers, for giving me face and coming to help! I have arranged to meet her at the hill outside the Peach Blossom Forest at midnight tonight.”

Daoist Master Xuandu slammed the table and shouted, “Good! Tonight at midnight, we will teach this wench a lesson.”

Master Meng delivered another speech of thanks, and then everyone ate and drank heartily, waiting until they were satiated before their “great killing spree.” They looked as if their opponent was already in the bag.

Yan Shao and I exchanged glances and quietly sipped some wine. I just wondered who exactly this “wench” they kept referring to was.

Soon, the moon reached its zenith in the sky. Everyone picked up their weapons, and Master Meng led the way through the Peach Blossom Forest to the meeting place—the small hill we had passed earlier on our way here.

Yan Shao and I followed the group up the hill. The bright moon hung in the sky, the night was vast, and the Peach Blossom Forest below was bathed in moonlight, incomparably beautiful and pure.

Everyone waited for a while, but no one came.

Daoist Master Xuandu was already extremely impatient. He laughed coldly, “Could it be that the wench has received news of our presence and is too frightened to come?”

Master Meng said, “I invited all of you here, but the information hasn’t leaked…”

Yan Shao suddenly smiled at me and whispered, “She’s here.”

I listened carefully for a moment and faintly heard the sound of garments cutting through the air from not far away. Then I saw a green shadow darting through the Peach Blossom Forest, the petals stirred by her powerful wind dancing in the air.

Everyone stood on the hilltop, gazing down in unison.

The woman flew up like a reborn flower goddess. Before she reached us, a blinding sword light, like lightning, slashed toward the group on the hill, causing everyone to cry out and retreat. The woman landed with a melodious laugh.

Standing behind the crowd, I couldn’t see her face, only a flowing water-green silk dress trailing on the ground. A pleasant female voice laughed, “Old lecher, are these the experts you invited? Tell me their names!”

When I heard that voice, I was stunned. I quickly moved to get a better look, and sure enough, it was her—Liu An. She had been my maid in Suzhou. Later in Wuxi, when Lin Shaoci left ahead because of the Jade Peak incident, she also disappeared without a trace. I never expected to see her here.

At this moment, Master Meng reported everyone’s titles one by one.

After listening, Liu An laughed coldly and snorted, “I thought they would be some remarkable figures, but unfortunately, I haven’t heard of a single one of these names.”

I nodded secretly—if she hadn’t heard of them, they must truly be nobodies.

As soon as she finished speaking, Daoist Master Xuandu whipped out his sword and thrust it at her, cursing, “What an arrogant little wench!”

The others all showed angry expressions and joined in the cursing.

Liu An lightly twisted her body to avoid Xuandu’s sword and laughed, “Such a temper! What kind of Dao are you cultivating?”

Xuandu was so angry his face turned purple. He thrust his sword seven or eight times in succession. Liu An raised her sword to parry, her body moving like flowing clouds.

Yan Shao suddenly said, “None of these people are a match for her.”

I took his hand and said, “Then let’s withdraw for now.”

He nodded slightly, and we immediately quietly descended the hill, retreating into the Peach Blossom Forest. Looking back at the hill, I saw the old Daoist with chaotic footwork, already unable to hold his ground, showing a sorry state. After a while, we heard Liu An’s delightful laughter as she called out, “Why don’t you all attack together? It’ll save me time.”

Immediately after, we heard the angry shouts of the crowd and the clashing sounds of weapons.

Yan Shao suddenly said, “There’s something strange about this matter.”

I asked, “What is it?”

He frowned and said, “According to Dudu Niao, Master Meng was trying to snatch Liu An’s bundle. But why didn’t Master Meng mention a word about this?”

“Perhaps Meng is hiding the truth from them? Could the iron box contain antiques stolen by Liu An?”

He neither confirmed nor denied, instead asking, “If it’s something stolen from the Meng family estate, what connection would it have to the Seven Seas Chain Islands?”

I was startled. “That’s right. That night at the Green Lotus Temple, when they searched Dudu Niao and found the makeup, Xiang Ling said it belonged to her ‘Sister Luofei’… This is very puzzling!”

Yan Shao pondered, “The premise of this whole matter is: there is such a bundle…”

A thought suddenly flashed in my mind, and I said, “This means that Dudu Niao’s words are relatively trustworthy, and Master Meng might not know about the existence of this iron box.”

“This bundle was given to Dudu Niao by Liu An, but the contents belong to the Seven Seas Chain Islands. Could Liu An have stolen something from the Seven Seas Chain Islands? But why would she then give it to someone else?”

He said nothing, the corner of his mouth curling into a playful smile.

“This item, even White Lotus Sect leader Tang Sai’er is interested in it—what could it possibly be?”

I couldn’t help but laugh out loud; this fellow had finally become curious too.

Suddenly, a loud cursing voice from Master Meng came from the hilltop, followed by successive screams of agony. Then, the world returned to tranquility, with a faint scent of blood carried by the wind, quickly masked by the rich, intense fragrance of the peach blossoms, as if nothing had happened.

Liu An glided down the hillside and put her fingers to her lips, letting out a whistle. Immediately, a white horse galloped out from the forest. She leaped onto it and rode away in a cloud of dust.

I quickly went to the trees, untied the reins, and led out our horses. If the bundle was hers, following her would certainly be the right move. Moreover, I suspected she had something to do with Rong Shuguang’s poisoning, and this was a good opportunity to clarify matters.

Liu An rode through the night under the stars, heading straight into Hebei province. By early morning, she took lodging in a dilapidated inn.

We dismounted and ate breakfast at a street stall.

As I watched the inn’s entrance, I asked Yan Shao, “Do you know the art of disguise?”

Knowing that I didn’t want to confront Liu An directly, he nodded toward the vendor’s oil pot and smiled, “Use some of the soot from that pot to smear on your face.”

I glared at him, sighing helplessly. “It’s strange, someone as famous as you, yet hardly anyone recognizes you.”

He joked with a smile, “Haha, too many enemies—I have to keep a low profile.”

I ignored him and said, “I wonder how Feng Ming is doing now?”

He replied, “We must reach Liaocheng by tonight.”

I nodded.

At that moment, a youth in a blue robe and felt hat walked out of the inn, turned left, and disappeared into a small alley.

Yan Shao suddenly said, “She’s come out.”

I was startled.

He said, “That person just now was Liu An.”

I hurriedly threw down the half-eaten sesame cake and quickly followed.

She walked briskly, turning through many corners for quite some time until she came to a blue-gray wall, over which she leaped with ease. I was about to climb the wall when I suddenly heard Yan Shao call my name.

I turned around and was startled. He was wearing a black mask that revealed only his clear, bright eyes. If not for his clothes, I would never have recognized him. He handed me a white mask, smiling, “I just bought these—now we can live up to our name as the Black and White Demons.”

I snickered, took the mask and put it on, then said, “She went inside.”

He held my hand and lightly leaped into the courtyard. Two black-clad men stood in front of the house, but before they could react, they were struck by Yan Shao’s energy and rendered immobile.

With his superb lightness skill, he held me as we glided like ghosts to the wall and stood there, making not the slightest sound.

A man’s voice said, “Has Miss Liu completed everything?”

Liu An laughed, “Those weaklings at the Meng estate were no challenge at all. What’s been happening here lately?”

The man replied, “Tang Sai’er should be reaching Liaocheng soon. The people from the Seven Seas Chain Islands have also gone there. As for the Ghost Valley Alliance, there’s no movement yet.”

Liu An snorted, “Shen Zuitian is playing it cool.”

The man asked, “Why not deploy the shadows from the Heaven Group as well?”

Liu An said coldly, “I have my reasons.”

I was shocked by this. As far as I knew, the shadows of the Heaven Group in the Yuchi Mountain Manor took orders directly from the two Hall Masters, and even the four Altar Masters had no authority to command them. Could Liu An’s position in the manor be equal to or even higher than the two Hall Masters?

I heard her continue, “The Seven Seas Chain Islands have already issued a kill order for that youth. Shen Zuitian has no reason not to believe it. Perhaps he’s already moving in secret. You should deploy more men.”

The man agreed and said, “Miss’s strategy is truly flawless. Everything is going according to plan.”

Liu An laughed coldly, “The show is just beginning. You’ll see.”

The man laughed and said, “Our brothers in the Earth Group have been stationed outside for years, unlike Miss Liu who is at headquarters and sees much more.”

Liu An suddenly sighed and said, “In the Jade Peak battle, Altar Master Mei died at Shen Zuitian’s hands. The White Tiger Altar position has been vacant for so long, it’s about time it was filled…”

“Really?” The man’s voice couldn’t conceal his joy.

Liu An smiled and said, “Chief Li has served the manor faithfully for many years. If this task is completed successfully, I think…” She didn’t continue, but her meaning was clear.

The man repeatedly agreed, “This subordinate will spare no effort, even at the cost of my life.”

The room fell into silence.

Yan Shao looked at me with puzzled eyes. I was even more surprised—from her tone, she seemed to be acting as if she were the Manor Master herself.

After a while, she spoke again, “I should not show my face for now. In Liaocheng, take two brothers personally to keep a close watch. Report any developments immediately.”

The man readily agreed.

Liu An chuckled and said, “I should be going now.”

As soon as she finished speaking, Yan Shao had already pulled me away, and we flew over the courtyard wall like birds.

As soon as my feet touched the ground, I said, “Those two guards will reveal our presence…”

“Do you think my pressure point technique can be easily undone by just anyone? Even if they figure it out, it won’t be until ten hours later.”

“Those two guards might think it was the work of ghosts.”

I removed my mask and smiled, “But what ghost would be out in broad daylight? We’d scare the children. Let’s take these off.”

He obliged and removed his mask. We returned to where we had been earlier, untied our horses, and headed straight for Liaocheng.

After carefully thinking about everything, I said, “Is Liu An doing this under Lin Qianyi’s orders?”

He asked in return, “Why not Lin Shaoci?”

I was startled, “Why would Lin Shaoci do this?”

“Lin Qianyi has even less reason to do so.”

“Hmm?”

“This matter involves the Seven Seas Chain Islands, the White Lotus Sect, and the Ghost Valley Alliance. It’s not yet clear who the ultimate target is. But obviously, the Meng estate group are mere pawns, Dudu Niao is a pawn, and perhaps even the Seven Seas Chain Islands are just another piece on the board.”

As he spoke, he turned his head to look at me, his gaze clear and penetrating. “Lin Qianyi is with the White Lotus Sect. Why would he do this? Moreover, after the Taiyuan battle, his martial arts were crippled. He should be avoiding the Ghost Valley Alliance at all costs, not actively provoking them.”

I waited for him to continue.

He smiled and said, “Now, the Yuchi Mountain Manor is taking the initiative to strike. This is very much like Lin Shaoci’s style. He knows that Shen Zuitian would never miss such a great opportunity and would certainly make a comeback, so he’s making the first move.”

I partially understood, asking with uncertainty, “Is the iron box the bait?”

He raised an eyebrow slightly, putting on an expression of deep mystery.

“Everything is still just speculation.”