Many years later, people would speak of that heart-stopping battle in Liaocheng. They said that night under the stars of Liaocheng, almost all the top masters of the martial world gathered, apart from the experts from Seven Seas Chain Islands, White Lotus Sect, Yu-Chi Manor, and Ghost Valley Alliance, there were also three mysterious individuals with superb martial arts.

They also said that battle influenced the martial world’s structure for hundreds of years afterward. After that battle, the White Lotus Sect disappeared without a trace, and the Ghost Valley Alliance promised not to contend for supremacy in the Central Plains for ten years. The ruler of Seven Seas Chain Islands came with high spirits but left in defeat, vowing never to set foot in the Central Plains again in his lifetime.

That is a story for another time.

At that moment, while Yan Shao and I were rushing to Liaocheng without stopping, there was another person traveling in a luxurious carriage pulled by eight fine horses, also making haste toward the same destination. It was this person who had orchestrated this great battle, giving the severely wounded and dying Yu Chi Manor a chance to catch their breath, and in the near future, regain control over the lifeline of the martial world.

This person’s name would, many years later, become a legend in the jianghu.

Unfortunately, I did not have the opportunity to witness that earth-shaking battle firsthand. When all the great masters of the world gathered in Liaocheng, I had to leave.

However, at that time, I knew nothing of all this.

According to records, the Ming and Qing dynasties were Liaocheng’s most glorious periods in history. Generally speaking, in prosperous places, the entertainment industry is quite developed. As the crown jewel of the entertainment industry, Ming Yu House was known to everyone in Liaocheng. So, we found the place with almost no effort. From this scene of revelry and prosperity, one could not see any sign of the superstorm about to make landfall.

When we found Feng Ming according to the contact mark, he was sitting in an elegant chamber drinking wine, letting two beautiful courtesans peel fruits beside him, looking bored.

Upon seeing us, he immediately dismissed the two women and said solemnly, “Strange things have been happening.”

Yan Shao asked calmly, “What kind of strangeness?”

He said, “Du Du Niao was suddenly abducted. The kidnapper had excellent martial arts and disappeared in the blink of an eye.”

Yan Shao asked, “Was there a fight?”

Feng Ming nodded and said, “I used all my strength but could only last thirty moves. After thirty moves, I would have certainly lost, but their goal was just to take the person.”

I was quite moved by this.

Yan Shao pondered, “Who in the current martial world has such skills?”

Feng Ming said, “The martial arts style doesn’t seem to be from the Central Plains sects, it’s extremely peculiar, especially the lightness skills and body techniques, which seem to come from…” He hesitated slightly, looking at Yan Shao, and said in a deep voice, “Yao Ling City.”

Yan Shao’s eyes tightened, and his expression suddenly became grave.

I had never seen him with such an expression before and was stunned.

After a moment of silence, he asked, “What about Tang Sai’er?”

Feng Ming said, “They had two encounters with the people from Seven Seas Chain Islands on the way, and Du Du Niao was kidnapped during the chaos. Currently, both parties are in Ming Yu House.”

I asked, “Has the ruler of Seven Seas Chain Islands appeared yet?”

He shook his head.

“What about Lady Hong Yu? Have you seen her?”

“I saw her on the way, but after Du Du Niao was kidnapped, I haven’t seen her.”

As he spoke, he took out a letter from his pocket and handed it to Yan Shao with both hands, saying, “I received a secret letter from Prince Han at the hour of shen.”

Yan Shao took it and looked, suddenly smiling. “This matter is getting more and more interesting.”

I couldn’t help but ask, “What did Prince Han say?”

He smiled and said, “He also wants this iron box, and he is determined to get it.”

Feng Ming asked, “What exactly is this iron box?”

Yan Shao shook his head slightly, lost in thought.

I lifted the pearl curtain of the elegant chamber and looked around upstairs and downstairs, sighing, “There are at least thirty rooms here. Where on earth did Du Du Niao hide that box?”

The two men in the room remained silent.

Feng Ming suddenly said, “The people who captured Du Du Niao probably also want this iron box. This way, we have to deal with three groups of experts.”

I said, “I’m afraid it’s not just three groups, there’s also the Ghost Valley Alliance.”

Feng Ming was startled, “We haven’t detected anyone from Ghost Valley Alliance yet.”

I said, “That kid Shen Zui Tian must have arrived already, he’s just hiding and not showing himself.”

Just as I finished speaking, I heard a clear, resounding laugh that made the embroidered pearl curtain jingle continuously.

A young man in white appeared at the door. The pale glow of the pearl curtain illuminated his exceptionally handsome face, making it radiant and dazzling. His bright eyes looked at me as he smiled and said, “Miss Rong truly understands me well.”

I smiled and said, “Young Master Shen has become even more handsome and suave.”

He looked at me with a half-smile and said, “Miss Rong has become even more charming.”

Yan Shao gave a slight cough.

Shen Zui Tian immediately turned to him and said, “Has Mr. Chu’s health recovered?”

Yan Shao remained composed and smiled, “Thanks to you.”

Shen Zui Tian laughed heartily. His eyes swept over the table, and suddenly he clapped his hands and said, “Someone come!”

A maidservant in blue clothes bowed her head and asked, “What does the young master command?”

Shen Zui Tian said, “Go tell Sister Feng to prepare a table of fine wine and dishes to be sent to Zhe Gui Pavilion, and also have Qin Cao go there to burn incense and play the zither. I want to entertain two distinguished guests.”

The maidservant acknowledged and left.

I looked at him and teased, “You sound like you’re the owner of this place?”

He looked at me steadily and smiled, “Indeed I am.”

This time I was genuinely surprised.

He smiled, turned to Yan Shao, and said, “Mr. Chu, please do me the honor of moving to Zhe Gui Pavilion.”

Yan Shao did not decline, rose with a smile, and said, “Gladly!”

Zhe Gui Pavilion was located on the third floor with an excellent view, perfectly overlooking the hall and chambers below. It was decorated with elegant seclusion, and before we even arrived, we could hear the melodious sound of a zither and smell the delicate fragrance.

The pavilion was named “Plucking the Laurel,” so those poor scholars would naturally flock to it—truly a thoughtful design.

I couldn’t help but smile.

Shen Zui Tian asked, “What is Miss Rong smiling about?”

I said, “Running a brothel is indeed a good business, especially for someone like Young Master Shen, it couldn’t be more suitable.”

He was surprised, “Oh, how so?”

I straightened my expression and said, “Young Master Shen has the beauty of flowers and moon, unmatched elegance. If you were to take the stage and make a call, I fear the whole city would go crazy for you. Even selling portraits of the young master would surely bring considerable income.”

I watched his handsome face gradually darken as I smiled and said, “Tell me, is there anyone in the world more suitable than you, Young Master?”

He stared at me for a while, then suddenly laughed, “That’s an excellent suggestion. I wonder if Miss Rong would also buy a portrait of mine to collect?”

I was immediately at a loss for words.

Yan Shao seemed not to have heard anything. Feng Ming, however, couldn’t help but smile, as if he were pleased to see me at a disadvantage, the disloyal creature.

I cleared my throat and changed the subject. “I think your Ming Yu House probably can’t be saved.”

He smiled and said, “That doesn’t matter, after all, I’ve only been the owner for three days.”

I asked curiously, “Only for three days? Why?”

He smiled and said, “Because I only paid for three days.”

“You paid to take over Ming Yu House?” I realized, “For that box?”

“Is Miss Rong also interested in this item?” He was talking to me, but his eyes were fixed on Yan Shao.

“Yes, I’m dying of curiosity. Where is that thing?”

He looked at me as if I were an idiot and said, “If I knew where that thing was, would I need to rent the entire Ming Yu House?”

Damn, I have never had the upper hand when talking to this kid. No wonder this bastard hadn’t shown himself along the way; he had already secured the place early on and was waiting for people to come. This move was truly brilliant.

“Since you’ve taken over Ming Yu House, haven’t you searched it?”

“Indeed I have searched, but didn’t find it.”

“Was Du Du Niao captured by people you sent?”

“You could say yes, and you could say no.”

“Yes means yes, no means no.”

“He was taken by my adoptive father, so you could say yes, and you could say no.”

Yan Shao’s expression suddenly changed, and he said, “You were trained in Yao Ling City?”

Shen Zui Tian said, “That’s correct.”

Yan Shao nodded and said, “No wonder.”

Shen Zui Tian looked straight into his eyes and said, “Let’s not beat around the bush. For an item like this, I am determined to obtain it. So, I must ask, what is Mr. Chu’s purpose in coming here…?”

Yan Shao sighed lightly, “I’m afraid I’ll have to disappoint Young Master Shen.”

Upon hearing this, Shen Zui Tian’s face changed, and he fell silent.

A strange atmosphere developed and spread. The room was silent except for the melodious, graceful sounds of the zither.

I couldn’t help but ask, “What exactly is in that box?”

Shen Zui Tian seemed quite surprised. He looked at me, then turned to Yan Shao and asked, “So, Mr. Chu doesn’t know what’s in the box?”

Yan Shao said, “I don’t know.”

A strange expression appeared on his face, and after a moment of silence, he said, “Then, why does Mr. Chu…?”

Yan Shao said calmly, “Prince Han is determined to have it.”

Shen Zui Tian stopped talking. The room fell back into silence.

I had been traveling day and night for the past two days without a proper meal, so I took the opportunity to bury my head and eat vigorously.

Shen Zui Tian gave a bitter laugh and said, “I don’t want to be enemies with you, sir. I could have provided some assistance with Prince Han’s matter. I wonder why you always reject my goodwill?”

Yan Shao remained composed and calmly said, “Because I am a Han Chinese.”

Shen Zui Tian froze for a moment, then burst into laughter. “I thought Mr. Chu was an exceptional man with extraordinary insight. I never expected that you would also…”

“Are you kidding me…” I swallowed my food and continued, “Just because someone won’t cooperate with you, you mock them?”

He stared at me, his gaze as cold and sharp as a blade.

I smiled and said, “Haven’t you seen a beautiful woman before?”

He sneered, “I’ve never seen a beautiful woman who eats like a cow.”

Feng Ming burst out laughing.

I immediately glared at him and asked angrily, “Whose side are you on?”

Yan Shao suddenly asked, “May I ask Young Master Shen, where is the young man you captured now?”

Shen Zui Tian smiled and said, “His lips are very tight. No matter how we torture him, he won’t open his mouth. Perhaps Mr. Chu has some method to make him talk?”

Yan Shao smiled and said, “Young Master Shen has misunderstood. I have some connection with this person. I hope the young master can show mercy.”

Shen Zui Tian was surprised and said, “No wonder he was so fearless. So it turns out…”

Suddenly, there was a commotion downstairs, screams arose, and the crisp sound of porcelain plates breaking, like jade falling on plates, came one after another. He immediately flashed out of the door. I quickly followed to see the excitement. Downstairs, all the men and women were crowded in the corners, and in the center of the hall stood a woman in white holding a sharp sword—it was Hong Yu.

She called out crisply, “Who is the owner here? Come out quickly.”

A very seductive woman walked down the stairs and smiled, “Young lady, we only do business with men here.”

Hong Yu coldly said, “I’m not here to do business with you. I’m here to find someone.”

The woman gestured around the hall and said, “Then please look for them here. But, young lady, rushing in like this, look at all these things on the floor… how are we supposed to do business?”

Hong Yu ignored her complaints and sneered, “He’s hiding here. If you’re smart, you’d better hand him over. Don’t force me to take action.”

At this moment, I suddenly saw a face in the crowd downstairs blinking repeatedly at the upper floor. I was stunned and looked back to my sides. Shen Zui Tian had disappeared without a trace. Yan Shao was still sitting inside, lost in thought, seemingly oblivious to the disturbance outside. Then I realized that person was making eye signals to me. But when I looked back, he had suddenly disappeared.

I quickly looked around and glimpsed a figure dashing out the door. Without even telling Yan Shao, I hurried after them.

At that time, the night was clear, the streets were brilliantly lit, and pedestrians were bustling about. The person wore a light cyan long robe, walking unhurriedly among the crowd, occasionally looking back, as if deliberately leading me to follow.

I found this very strange but followed closely, wanting to see what trick they were up to. Unexpectedly, after winding through many turns for quite some time, the person circled back to a small alley behind Ming Yu House.

Seeing that there were few pedestrians here, I immediately leaped to block his path and said coldly, “Why did you lead me here? What do you want?”

The person wasn’t alarmed at all, raised his head with a smile, and said, “I’ve been ordered to invite Manor Master Rong to meet someone.”

I was startled, “Who?”

The person smiled and said, “Manor Master Rong will know once you go there.”

You’ll know once you go there, hmph! Such arrogance!

I coldly replied, “First, I am no longer Manor Master Rong; second, I am not someone anyone can see whenever they wish.”

The person’s face showed slight embarrassment, and suddenly he drew out a dagger.

I sneered, “What? You want to fight?”

The person smiled, flipped his wrist, and pointed the dagger at his chest. “If I can’t invite Miss Rong, it’s a dead end for me. Please have mercy, Miss Rong.”

I almost laughed. “You’re threatening me with your own life?”

The person pointed at a quiet, ash-gray small building to the left and said solemnly, “Miss Rong only needs to walk into that pavilion, and my life will be saved.”

After contemplating for a moment, I said, “Fine! I’ll wait for you to die, then I’ll go in.”

Without hesitation, the person stabbed the dagger toward his chest. I hurriedly waved my sleeve to knock away his dagger, but even so, blood appeared on his chest. I couldn’t help but wonder if his brain was damaged. Without another word, I went over and kicked open the door, walking in.

The courtyard was quiet and secluded, with a kind of long-accumulated sense of decay, as if rarely inhabited. A layer of lush green grass sprouted on the small path paved with bluestone bricks, swaying in the night breeze. Two red lanterns hung under the eaves, looking extremely out of place and eerie in this desolate courtyard.

The door of the house was wide open. A tall, elegant figure stood with his back to the door, hands clasped behind him, his shiny black hair loosely tied at the back of his head. His crescent-moon white silk robe hung straight to the ground.

Four young women stood silently on either side, heads bowed, eyes downcast, as if they hadn’t even noticed a living person like me standing at the door.

I’ve always lacked interest and patience for pretentious people. “I’m here, just say what you have to say.”

The person slowly turned around, his crescent-moon white robe reflecting the moonlight, rippling subtly like water.

When I saw his face, I couldn’t help but gasp. I had seen this face before—a face impossible to forget.

“You are—”

There was no expression on that face so beautiful it was bewitching, but his voice had an indescribable languidness.

“The ruler of Seven Seas Chain Islands, Nan Gong Jun Qing.”

Ha! The big shots are finally surfacing one after another. But why is he looking for me? Was Rong Shu Kuang familiar with him?

“What do you want with me?”

“I was entrusted to deliver a message to you.”

I sneered, “Just to deliver a message? Why make it so mysterious?”

His face remained expressionless as he said flatly, “Because I like it!”

I was at a loss for words and raised my voice, “Someone almost lost their life just because you like it?”

At this moment, a young woman in yellow on the left suddenly raised her head and smiled, “Even for my lord’s visual pleasure, blood can splatter like flowers.”

I was dumbfounded. A group of lunatics, truly unbelievable.

“What’s the message?”

He said indifferently, “Shen Zui Tian is about to attack Bi Yu Peak.”

I was stunned, “What did you say?”

He stood in front of an exquisite screen painted with blooming crabapple flowers, looking at me impassively. With that expressionless face, I estimated he wouldn’t be moved even if his parents died.

I sneered, “Shen Zui Tian is in Ming Yu House. I just saw him.”

Though I expressed disbelief, I couldn’t help but worry: this was indeed an excellent opportunity to attack Bi Yu Peak.

He said calmly, “At this moment, he’s already on his way to Bi Yu Peak, thirteen fast horses, left Liaocheng the time it takes to burn an incense stick ago.”

I remained silent for a moment, then couldn’t help but laugh.

“What does that have to do with me?”

“Perhaps, he thinks Miss Rong is a sentimental person.”

I sneered, “Is that so? Unfortunately, I haven’t discovered this virtue in myself.”

“I’m just delivering a message. The decision is up to Miss Rong.” As he spoke, he slightly turned his body to look at the screen, no longer looking at me.

Damn it. Aren’t transmigrated female protagonists supposed to be loved by everyone, charming everything and everyone? Why is it that I alone face obstacles everywhere? Who could have sent this message? Someone who knows Shen Zui Tian’s movements so clearly. Not only that, but someone who can make a person like Nan Gong Jun Qing deliver messages for them?

With such magical abilities, there’s only one person in the world, and that’s Yan Shao. But perhaps even Yan Shao couldn’t manage this.

I looked up at Nan Gong Jun Qing. He was still looking at the screen, with a hint of rapture on his face.

Something stirred in my heart, and my first instinct was—there’s someone behind the screen!

The room was silent. A breeze passed through, and suddenly I caught a faint scent, like orchid, like musk, yet neither, just a slight trace that made one intoxicated.

Now I was almost certain there was someone behind the screen, and it was a woman.

So I asked, “Who asked you to deliver this message?”

He remained silent, only slightly turning his almost perfect profile, as if looking at me one more time would kill him.

I emphasized, “If you don’t tell me who it is, I won’t get involved in this matter.”

After a moment of silence, he finally said, “Liu An.”

I was stunned. How could it be her?

He slowly said, “According to Miss Liu, after Young Master Lin returned to the manor, he has been drowning his sorrows in alcohol daily, listless and depressed. Shen Zui Tian comes well-prepared this time, and most of the top fighters of Yu Chi Manor are still recovering from serious injuries. She hopes Miss Rong can consider old feelings…”

I interrupted him, “Why doesn’t she come to see me herself?”

He seemed unaccustomed to being interrupted, slightly furrowing his brow, and said coldly, “She is on her way back to Bi Yu Peak.”

I smiled, “She’s so formidable, everything within her expectations, does she still need my help? If there’s nothing else, I should get back.” As I spoke, I deliberately looked up and yawned.

He finally looked directly at me and asked, “Does Miss Rong plan to stand by and do nothing?”

I countered, “What does that have to do with you?”

His expression changed, and his eyes suddenly became dark and inscrutable. “Luo Fei, see the guest out.”

A beautiful young woman in yellow stepped forward and said, “Miss Rong, please.”

Luo Fei! A flash of light suddenly crossed my mind, and I stared at her.

She said coldly, “Miss Rong, my lord asks you to leave.”

I slowly turned to leave, but my mind was racing.

The people from Seven Seas Chain Islands were hunting Du Du Niao because of that package—which Liu An had given to Du Du Niao—and the item inside belonged to this Luo Fei—and now, the ruler of Seven Seas Chain Islands was delivering a message for Liu An.

Was Seven Seas Chain Islands just a pawn? Or were they joining forces to set up such a scheme?

According to Yan Shao’s speculation, the purpose of this scheme was to preserve Yu Chi Manor. Now, Shen Zui Tian was taking people to attack Bi Yu Peak.

Wouldn’t this scheme fall apart on its own?

Could Nan Gong Jun Qing’s words be trusted? Had Shen Zui Tian gone to Bi Yu Peak? Was Lin Shao Ci truly in danger?

Unable to make up my mind, I decided to go back and ask Yan Shao for his advice.

At this time, the alley was empty. I walked quickly, suddenly feeling a cool breeze behind me. Turning back, I saw it was Yan Shao. I quickly took his arm and smiled, “You’ve come at the right time. I’ve encountered something strange.”

He looked at me with a smile, silent.

Just as I was about to tell him what had happened, I suddenly remembered the situation at Ming Yu House and changed the subject, “How’s it going inside? That Hong Yu—”

Before I could finish, he suddenly pressed me against the wall and lowered his head to kiss my lips.

My brain heated up, well, why was he suddenly so passionate?

His kiss gradually deepened, his hands moving up from my waist, lingering on my chest. I vaguely felt something was wrong, then suddenly my whole body went numb as the acupoints on my chest were sealed.

After a while, he reluctantly lifted his head, his eyes clear and bright, impudently touching my face, seductively saying, “Did that feel good?”

I widened my eyes, “It’s you, you bastard, you dare—”

He raised his hand to seal my mute acupoint, looked up at Ming Yu House with a mysterious smile, and said, “Chu Tian Yao, borrowing your wife for a while.”

He picked me up, leaped onto a fine horse in the backyard, and galloped away.

While trying to circulate my energy to release the sealed points, I cursed this bastard in my heart. He held my waist tightly and laughed loudly, “Don’t waste your energy.”

I was furious, swearing that the first thing I would do when free would be to chop off this bastard’s ten claws.

He rode swiftly on what must have been a blood-sweating stallion. I felt gusts of wind hitting my face, making it almost impossible to breathe. He pulled a cloak over my head. After who knows how many hours, I finally felt the horse slowing down. After a while, he removed the cloak and carried me down from the horse.

Looking around, I found we were in Jinan City.

At that time, the night sky was vast and deep blue, with a crescent moon hanging like a hook. The city’s lights were sparse, with only entertainment venues still bustling with activity.

I couldn’t help but wonder, why did he come here instead of going directly to Bi Yu Peak?

I soon learned the reason—Lin Shao Ci was drowning his sorrows in the pleasure district.

When I saw him, I could hardly believe this was the same ice-cold Lin Shao Ci.

He wore a bright coral-colored robe, half undone, his hair disheveled, thoroughly enjoying being surrounded by beautiful women as he laughed and talked loudly. The woman in his arms said something, and he threw his head back in hearty laughter. His smile was as clear as a May sky, his clear voice flowing through the air like rippling water, as if one could see the shimmering colors of those sound waves.

Only now did I finally understand why those women in the jianghu were so infatuated with him?

At this moment, he seemed full of a kind of evil charm, a temptation between man and boy, both innocent and dissolute, both gentle and unrestrained.

So this kid had been putting on a cold and profound act in front of me, while behind my back, he was so carefree and uninhibited. Liu An must have had her eyes on her backside to think he was drowning his sorrows in alcohol. He looked happier than ever, not listless at all, but more energetic than before.

I looked at Shen Zui Tian, who had now removed his disguise. His handsome face wore a malicious smile as he taunted, “Seeing your old lover embraced by women on both sides, doesn’t feel good, does it?”

I couldn’t speak, only glare at him.

He touched my face, his tone extremely impudent, “When you don’t speak, you can barely pass as a beauty.”

I glared at him angrily.

He rested his chin on his hand, looking at me with a smile, sitting motionless.

I was still confused. After the battle in Taiyuan, Yu-Chi Manor’s Song Qing Ge and Yan Hai Xiao were all seriously injured. Currently, only Lin Shao Ci and Lan Zi Xu can still fight. Since he had brought experts with him, shouldn’t he strike quickly?

Shen Zui Tian poured a cup of wine and smiled, “Are you wondering why I haven’t made my move yet?”

I didn’t look at him.

He drained his cup and answered his question, “Bi Yu Peak is surrounded by water on all sides, with treacherous terrain. It must be heavily guarded now, and attacking it won’t be easy. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have left Jinan so confidently.”

As he spoke, a hint of resentment appeared on his face.

I became even more puzzled.

Lin Shao Ci was right in front of us, so who was he referring to? Lin Qian Yi? Impossible, his martial arts were crippled, so he shouldn’t pose a threat.

He fell silent, seeming to recall something, then suddenly sneered, “She thinks that your coming to Jinan will certainly distract me. Hmph! How could I, Shen Zui Tian, be played by a woman in the palm of her hand twice?”

A woman? Could it be Liu An?

Surprised, I couldn’t help but want to laugh. So he had already been played by someone, he wasn’t pure anymore. Haha!

He seemed unable to let go of this matter and coldly asked, “What are you laughing at?”

I tried to look at him mockingly.

Suddenly, he also smiled, “But I should thank her for the reminder. It’s just right to capture you to threaten Lin Shao Ci. Sometimes old tricks work quite well.”

Now I understood his intention. It was remarkable how confident he was in my charm. I should thank him.

At this moment, the distant sound of hoofbeats could be heard.

Shen Zui Tian couldn’t help but smile. Lin Shao Ci was still embracing beautiful women, lost in revelry.

I was anxious while trying to break the sealed points.

Shen Zui Tian stood up, released my mute acupoint, and smiled, “Let’s go meet your old lover.”

He put his arm around my waist and walked toward Lin Shao Ci under everyone’s strange gazes… Ahem, I should mention that this pose was quite intimate, especially since I was dressed as a man at the time.

But Lin Shao Ci seemed not to have noticed us at all, with women’s sleeves and hair covering most of his body. Well, he already knew I wasn’t Rong Shu Kuang, so Shen Zui Tian’s move probably wouldn’t work.

“Young Master Lin…” Shen Zui Tian began with meaningful emphasis.

“You’ve arrived.” Lin Shao Ci didn’t look at him, just said softly, “I’ve been waiting for you.”

Shen Zui Tian smiled, “Where are the others? Ask them all to come out.”

Lin Shao Ci raised his head from the woman’s satin-like black hair, gazing at Shen Zui Tian with misty eyes, saying hoarsely, “They haven’t arrived yet. Would Young Master Shen mind waiting a bit longer?”

This look, this tone—if not for those distracting women in the background, I would have suspected they had an unusual relationship.

Shen Zui Tian gripped my shoulder and sat down opposite, smiling, “It’s better if they all come together, so I don’t have to look for them everywhere.”

Lin Shao Ci remained composed and asked, “Is Young Master Shen willing to give up that item?”

Shen Zui Tian smiled, candidly saying, “I am determined to get that item, even knowing it’s a trap, I jumped in without hesitation. Now, my adoptive father has personally arrived in Liaocheng, so my presence or absence makes no difference. Besides, with Chu Tian Yao there, that item might not be obtained, but the opportunity to attack Bi Yu Peak is rare… hehe, I never like to miss any benefit I can see.”

“By taking Rong Shu Kuang hostage, aren’t you afraid of angering Chu Tian Yao?”

“I certainly am afraid! But for that item, I can’t worry about so much.”

He glanced at me and smiled, “If that item truly falls into Chu Tian Yao’s hands… well… then it depends on how much he loves Rong Shu Kuang!”

I was secretly shocked. So he had this additional motive for capturing me. This bastard was exceptionally cunning and devious.

Lin Shao Ci said nothing, but a mocking expression appeared on his face.

Shen Zui Tian asked, “May I ask Young Master Lin, how did your manor obtain that item?”

Lin Shao Ci smiled faintly and said, “You’re asking the wrong person. That belongs to Seven Seas Chain Islands…”

“You might fool others, but not me, Shen Zui Tian.” Shen Zui Tian coldly cut him off. “Let’s speak frankly. That day in Taiyuan, if not for this item, I would never have let the old manor master leave so easily…”

I was secretly shocked. What could this item be, worth letting Lin Qian Yi go?

Shen Zui Tian sneered and continued, “Now you’re going back on your word, not keeping your promise, luring out Seven Seas Chain Islands and White Lotus Sect to fight for this item, with the ultimate goal of dealing with my Ghost Valley Alliance… But you’ve underestimated me, Shen Zui Tian.”

He snorted twice, stood up proudly, and declared, “After tonight, the name Yu Chi Manor will no longer exist in the jianghu.”

Lin Shao Ci didn’t get angry, just smiled slightly.

Suddenly, a crisp voice interjected, “Young Master Shen, that’s quite boastful.”

Hearing this voice, I knew Liu An had arrived.

Shen Zui Tian laughed loudly and asked, “What, you came alone?”

“I’m enough by myself.” Liu An’s tone was very relaxed.

“Hahaha…” Shen Zui Tian laughed in anger, emphasizing, “You alone are enough?”

Liu An smiled and said, “To watch a show, I only need two eyes, so of course I’m enough.”

Shen Zui Tian’s eyes tightened, “Watch a show?”

A water-green long dress swept by. Liu An looked at me, then at Shen Zui Tian, sighed deeply, and said, “Shen Zui Tian, you think yourself extremely clever, but all your actions are within my young lady’s expectations.”

Hearing this, Shen Zui Tian’s face, as handsome as a deity’s, suddenly turned pale.

He said word by word, “What did you say?”

Liu An smiled and said, “My young lady predicted that you would seize the opportunity to attack Bi Yu Peak and that you would hold Rong Shu Kuang hostage, so…”

She paused, her smile deepening, “Why don’t you look outside and see if those men are still yours?”

As soon as she finished speaking, there was a tremendous crash. The two main doors of Yi Yan Tower were blown off, smashing through the vermilion railings upstairs, causing a large section of the floor to collapse. With that thunderous sound, countless arrows emerged from all directions, their tips sharp and black.

Shen Zui Tian was slightly moved but remained calm in the face of danger.

At this time, more than a dozen people poured in through the main door. The leader was holding a feather fan, wearing a light cyan robe, with an elegant and refined smile on his face—it was none other than Yun Jing.

Shen Zui Tian pressed his hand on my shoulder and asked coldly, “Who might you be?”

Yun Jing smiled and said, “I am Yun Jing. Three hours ago, I received an oral command from Mr. Chu that the brothers from the Three Halls, Seven Societies, and Thirteen Provinces would spare no effort to ambush and kill the Ghost Valley Alliance at all costs.”

Shen Zui Tian’s face turned ashen. He turned to Liu An and said, “I see, so this was her calculation.”

Liu An nodded and said, “That’s right. When you took Rong Shu Kuang hostage and left Liaocheng, Miss Lin Wan Ci had already reached an agreement with Mr. Chu Tian Yao. In this battle, Yu-Chi Manor won’t need to use a single soldier. Others will do it for them.”

I suddenly understood. So all of this was Lin Wan Ci’s scheme, and Liu An was her person.