After eating and drinking their fill, the three returned to the tavern to discuss important matters.

Qian Li had booked two rooms, with Ming Li having one to herself. At this moment, all three had gathered in one room.

“We’re running out of money. Before the Jiang Clan discovers we’ve arrived in Zhu Que State, we should go to Nan Que Qi Zong for the mountain challenge, no later than tomorrow,” Qian Li said dejectedly, slapping his ticket money on the table.

Ming Li stood by the window, observing the market below.

Fang Hui turned to look at her: “What about you?”

Without turning around, Ming Li replied: “I need to find Jiang Wuyue.”

“She’s probably desperately searching for us right now,” Qian Li scratched his head. “Is that bell so important that you must get clear answers about it?”

Ming Li nodded, her expression unwavering: “I can go alone. You two head to Nan Que first.”

Qian Li immediately protested: “How can we let you go alone!”

“The Jiang Clan is after you, not me. It’s more convenient if I go alone,” Ming Li said. “The two of you going together wouldn’t be ideal.”

Qian Li: “Then I’ll go with you, without Fang Hui.”

Ming Li shook her head: “That’s not convenient either. If you get captured, I’d have to divide my attention to rescue you.”

Qian Li clutched his chest and collapsed on the table: “I’ve never been so unwanted in my life. To be honest, I was also called a genius when I was a child.”

Ming Li: “You’re grown up now.”

Fang Hui laughed mockingly without restraint.

Qian Li sighed: “Only after growing up did I discover there’s something in this world called ‘someone else’s genius.'”

“Qian Li and I will wait for you here. If you don’t return by nightfall, we’ll think of something,” Fang Hui interjected.

Ming Li had just opened her mouth to speak when Qian Li interrupted: “Don’t say things like ‘you don’t have to wait for me.’ I insist on waiting.”

“All right,” Ming Li closed the window.

Fang Hui flipped through the book in his hands: “How do you plan to find her at the Jiang Clan tomorrow?”

It certainly wouldn’t be easy for outsiders to enter the Jiang residence.

Seeing Ming Li’s calm and composed demeanor, Qian Li had a bad premonition: “Genius, you’re not planning to fight your way in, are you?”

This was indeed Ming Li’s first choice.

After all, that’s how she used to do things.

But that wouldn’t work now.

Considering her identity and current strength, it would be fine if she wasn’t recognized, but if she were recognized, it would be both embarrassing and dangerous.

With only her Circulating Qi meridian at full boundary, it would be quite difficult.

Qian Li shook his head repeatedly: “That definitely won’t work. The title of King of Zhu Que State isn’t just for show. Although you’re impressive, genius…”

Ming Li replied with an inscrutable expression: “I have a way.”

Qian Li: “What way?”

Ming Li: “I’d rather not say.”

End of topic.

Qian Li and Fang Hui were experienced enough by now to know that whenever Ming Li responded with “I’d rather not say,” it meant she absolutely would not tell them, no matter how much they pressed.

Since Ming Li wouldn’t elaborate, the two didn’t push further. After discussing some other matters, they left early to give her time to rest.

During the past seven or eight days, they had been traveling through the dark underground passage, unable to eat or sleep properly. Now that they had finally reached the surface, Qian Li took the bed while Fang Hui made a bedroll on the floor. Both fell asleep quickly.

Ming Li, however, found it difficult to sleep.

She leaned by the window, observing the streets of Zhu Que State through a finger-width gap, watching as they transitioned from bustling to silent, with only lanterns accompanying the night breeze.

Finally resolving herself, she pushed open the window and slipped away.

*

Parts of Zhu Que State remained brightly lit, buzzing with activity—night was when these areas truly came alive.

Ming Li walked through the streets filled with wine, lights, and revelry, reaching the end of an alley that was still lively. The shops here only opened after nightfall, selling various peculiar items.

Those who came here were all cultivators, mostly seeking medicinal herbs, weapons, and items beneficial for cultivation.

Ming Li visited three medicine shops without finding what she wanted. Just as she was wondering if Bei Dou had truly withdrawn its outposts from Nan Que, she suddenly spotted a familiar code mark in front of a bustling weapons store.

The young shop assistant was enthusiastically greeting passing customers, holding a notice and shouting: “Today only! First-grade weapons for just 9.9! Waiting for one lucky person! First come, first served. Miss today, and the chance is gone!”

“Coming, coming!”

“Make way! Don’t block me from getting Wu Xiu Pavilion’s discounted weapons!”

“Hey, don’t just look! Hurry! The weapons next door are reduced to just 9.9!”

People who had been wandering the streets, unsure which shop to visit, all rushed toward Wu Xiu Pavilion.

Ming Li silently observed the thriving business.

It seemed that her sect’s outpost hadn’t withdrawn but was flourishing in Nan Que.

Ming Li lowered her head and slipped silently into the crowd.

*

The shop owner was happily humming a tune as he went to the back weapon storage to count inventory. After opening the door, he spun his keys as he walked around looking.

He checked the inventory daily when opening the shop because business was so good that items moved quickly. He needed to know what was out of stock and needed replenishing, and what wasn’t selling well and needed special attention.

Every day, he diligently developed his side business while waiting for the organization’s summons.

Today, as the owner rounded a shelf corner, he was suddenly restrained from behind. Ming Li used Word Circulation to immobilize him, and a longsword flew from the shelf, its blade pressing against the owner’s neck.

Though startled by the sudden attack, breaking out in a cold sweat, the owner sneered: “Who the hell are you with such audacity to rob my Wu Xiu Pavilion!”

Just as he finished speaking, he saw a black jade token floating before his eyes with the words “Seven Star Command” inscribed on it. The owner’s expression immediately changed.

“Yao Guang Academy disciple, on a mission and unable to reveal my identity,” Ming Li said from the other side of the shelf, withdrawing the sword from his throat.

The owner carefully reached out to touch the Seven Star Command token. After confirming it was genuine, he bowed slightly and respectfully asked: “Senior Sister, what can I do for you?”

Ming Li said: “I’ve been isolated due to my mission, communication cut off. Only recently did I learn of the sect’s tragedy.”

The owner sighed: “Could it be that you were sent to mine in the Ice Desert and have only just returned?”

Ming Li: “…”

She thought of her junior brother who had gone to the Ice Desert with her brother, and asked: “I want to know how my fellow disciples who remained at the sect are doing.”

The owner nodded: “I understand. Most fellow disciples who come here ask about this.”

Ming Li asked: “How is the Senior Brother of Yao Guang Academy?”

“Senior Brother Chen was severely injured in the battle at Bei Jing Gui Yuan, fell into a coma for two years, and has not left the mountain since awakening two years ago,” the owner paused. “However, perhaps due to the severity of his injuries, he woke with memory loss, forgetting many people and events.”

Ming Li frowned upon hearing this, the first answer being bittersweet.

She then asked: “How is Yao Guang Academy disciple Qing Ying?”

“This senior sister… alas, please accept my condolences,” the owner sighed. “She unfortunately perished in the battle at Bei Jing Gui Yuan five years ago.”

Qing Ying… dead?

Ming Li was momentarily stunned, finding it hard to accept this sudden, tragic news, yet the bell in her hand made it impossible to deny.

Before her emotions could deepen, the owner continued: “But strangely enough, years ago Senior Sister Qing Ying came to Zhu Que State for training, so I had crossed paths with her.”

“Last year, while out purchasing goods, I saw someone who looked exactly like Senior Sister Qing Ying.”

Ming Li’s brow twitched slightly, asking: “Who?”

The owner said, “The lady of the royal Jiang Clan of Zhu Que State, named Jiang Ying.”

Jiang Ying, Jiang Wuyue.

Ming Li asked: “What is her relationship with Jiang Wuyue?”

“Jiang Ying is Jiang Wuyue’s legitimate elder sister,” the owner explained. “Out of curiosity, I investigated and found that Jiang Ying is a lady from a branch of the Jiang family. She rarely appears in public, supposedly due to poor health, and has been recuperating at home. A few years ago, after recovering, she began cultivation and has now entered Nan Que Qi Zong.”

If her junior sister had died in Bei Jing Gui Yuan, there was no way the silver bracelet could have ended up in Jiang Wuyue’s hands.

Moreover, her legitimate elder sister Jiang Ying looked identical to her junior sister.

Such coincidences couldn’t possibly exist in this world.

The owner continued, somewhat dejected: “I always felt that such coincidences are impossible. After all, although Senior Sister Qing Ying died in Bei Jing Gui Yuan, her remains were never found. Though my thoughts might seem absurd, last year I still reported this matter back to the sect.”

He had specifically chosen to report during a period when Bei Dou had stabilized after its turmoil. But from his tone, it was clear Bei Dou hadn’t taken the matter seriously, dismissing it as his imagination.

Moreover, since Jiang Ying was now at Nan Que Qi Zong and out of reach, the owner had let it go. Had Ming Li not asked today, he would have forgotten about it.

Ming Li asked: “If her remains weren’t found, why are you certain she’s dead?”

The owner sighed: “Senior Brother Chen saw it with his own eyes.”

Ming Li fell silent upon hearing this.

She didn’t speak for a long time.

The owner was very understanding, offering condolences and telling her not to grieve too much.

Ming Li lowered her eyes and pressed her lips together, asking: “What about Zhou Zixi?”

The owner sighed after hearing the name.

Ming Li’s heart skipped a beat.

“This senior brother… remains without news, his whereabouts unknown,” the owner said dejectedly. “I heard the last place he went was the Ice Desert, but many disciples were sent to search for him without success.”

Whereabouts unknown.

Compared to Qing Ying’s fate, Ming Li found this could barely be considered good news.

Ming Li inquired about several academy heads, receiving a mix of good and bad news. Finally, she asked: “Is there any news about the stolen sect treasures?”

The owner’s tone became more serious: “This matter is still under investigation.”

Ming Li: “Are there any suspects?”

The owner hesitated: “The Sect Leader has ordered that this information can only be disclosed to disciples responsible for the investigation.”

Ming Li didn’t press further. At that moment, a knock came from outside: “Boss! Many people are waiting for you to set prices and bring out merchandise!”

The owner shouted: “Tell them to wait! Everything’s 9.9 already, what’s the hurry!”

After shouting, he turned back to find that the floating Seven Star Command token had disappeared, and the Word Circulation binding him had been released.

The owner scratched his head, walking around the shelf twice, confirming that his fellow disciple had left.

*

Ming Li walked against the crowd, her mind unsettled. She looked up toward Nan Que Qi Zong, her gaze growing cold against the night breeze.

It wasn’t just the coincidence with Qing Ying, but also her junior brother from her nightmares, trapped on an altar bearing Nan Que’s mark.

Perhaps tomorrow she should go not to the Jiang Clan, but to Nan Que Qi Zong.

Ming Li returned to the tavern, silently returning the Seven Star Command token she had taken from Qian Li.

As she was leaving, she accidentally stepped on Fang Hui, who was sleeping on the floor. Without thinking, Fang Hui slapped out, and Ming Li dodged with Shadow Flash, but Qian Li happened to roll to the edge of the bed and caught the slap.

It was quite loud.

Ming Li, hiding in the corner, looked up at the ceiling.

Qian Li, rubbing his slapped face, sat up confused and asked: “Why did you hit me?”

Fang Hui said, “You stepped on me first.”

“You must be sleepwalking!”

“Then let’s all stay awake!”

The two began fighting, throwing pillows and flipping blankets.

Ming Li quietly waited until they had finished fighting and fallen back asleep before finding an opportunity to leave.

Perhaps by sleeping now, she could see her junior brothers and sisters in her dreams.

Ming Li closed her eyes.

Tonight was a nightmare.

Bloody bones and dismembered flesh were piled on the steps, making it impossible to distinguish between human and beast forms. Black iron chains hung from the ground, surrounded by churning black mist and piercing wind.

Twisted, misty shadows filled every visible space, floating as they sought shelter, only to scatter in panic at a low laugh.

After the black mist dispersed, she could see the figure on the high platform who had shed the shackles, standing slowly while massaging bleeding wrists.

*

Ming Li didn’t sleep well and woke early. The condition of her junior brother in the dream troubled her, but upon waking, much of the information faded and became difficult to recall.

Even the appearance of Nan Que’s mark on the stone platform seemed blurry and unclear.

This made it hard for her to fall back asleep, so she rose to cultivate, drawing star power from the natural circulation of spiritual energy.

Running the Eight Meridians in cycles, she focused on breaking through the Body Technique meridian to reach the full boundary. This would give her a better chance against the Eight-Eyed Demon Pupils the next time she encountered Gray Scorpion.

However, her cultivation situation differed from others. To advance her star meridian level, she needed to expend twice the star power.

Ming Li lowered her gaze to look at the fire lines appearing in her palm, each one burning.

For now, she had no solution for this Pilgrimage Fire. It blocked her original Eight Meridians Seven Boundaries power, separating her present self from her past self, giving her this new body and new Eight Meridians.

Although her new body’s Eight Meridians had awakened, none were at full boundary from birth, creating an enormous gap compared to her previous starting point of Seven Meridians at full boundary from birth.

Ming Li’s talent was exceptional, enviably so.

In the past, some believed she became a pilgrim merely due to luck.

Luckier than anyone with Seven Meridians at full boundary from birth, she supposedly didn’t need to spend time diligently cultivating, yet they criticized her for taking six years to complete one meridian to full boundary as too slow.

Others’ opinions didn’t matter, but the first to propose this view was Nan Que’s pilgrim.

These words were spoken directly to Ming Li’s face.

Afterward, they fought a duel witnessed by Shu Sheng and others. Ming Li won and decreed that Nan Que’s pilgrim could not enter the northern border for ten years without her permission.

Unless she could defeat Ming Li.

Although only a few pilgrims knew about this incident and it wasn’t widely spread, looking back now, the enmity between North and South might have begun at this point.

After all, when Ming Li died, Nan Que demanded that Bei Dou withdraw all outposts from the south, a request even more excessive than Ming Li’s demand.

The next morning, Fang Hui was the first to rise, ordering breakfast before coming to find Ming Li. Discovering she was already awake, he asked with surprise: “Don’t tell me you didn’t sleep?”

“I woke up already.” Ming Li followed him downstairs for breakfast.

Although it was just simple steamed buns with porridge, remembering Ming Li’s fondness for spicy sauce from the previous night, Qian Li went to the kitchen and brought her two bowls of sauce.

Dawn was just breaking, but people were already busy outside.

Ming Li, feeling the cool morning breeze, asked Qian Li: “Do you know about Jiang Wuyue’s sister?”

Qian Li, absorbed in eating, was momentarily confused before responding: “Her sister? Let me think, she has many sisters.”

Ming Li said, “Named Jiang Ying, her legitimate elder sister.”

Qian Li thought carefully, then shook his head: “There is indeed such a person. I’ve heard her mention this sister before, but I only remember that her sister was in poor health and rarely went out, so I’ve never seen her.”

“However, I do recall that Jiang Wuyue was originally a lady from a branch family, not so powerful before. Now she has servants like Gray Scorpion protecting her. I wonder how she caught the attention of the main family.”

Qian Li found it increasingly perplexing: “The Jiang Clan values star meridian talent even more than my family. They would never value someone like Jiang Wuyue, who only has one awakened meridian.”

But if she had a sister who had gone to Nan Que Qi Zong—

Ming Li bit into a steamed bun, deep in thought.

Fang Hui suddenly said: “You think the silver bracelet was given to Jiang Wuyue by her sister?”

Qian Li exclaimed: “Is that it?”

Ming Li asked with surprise: “How did you know?”

Fang Hui raised his bowl of porridge: “Just a wild guess.”

“So are you still going to the Jiang Clan today?” Qian Li asked.

Ming Li shook her head and said, “Let’s go directly to Nan Que Qi Zong.”

Qian Li: “You’re not looking for Jiang Wuyue anymore?”

Ming Li said, “I think she’ll be waiting for you at Nan Que Qi Zong.”

Qian Li looked bewildered: “No way…”

“If she’s uncertain whether you’ve entered Zhu Que State, then she’ll wait at your intended destination. The Jiang Clan would certainly think of this strategy,” Ming Li said, dipping her steamed bun in spicy sauce. “The Jiang Clan wants to capture you alive, perhaps to find your father through you, but Jiang Wuyue… probably wants you dead. Since she harbors such hatred for you, she’ll likely be waiting at Nan Que Qi Zong personally.”

After all, she was willing to travel to Ji Dan Guo City just to watch the spectacle, so the probability of her going to Nan Que Qi Zong was very high.

Qian Li held his head and sighed.

Fang Hui asked him: “Didn’t you say we should disguise ourselves?”

Qian Li said dejectedly: “Even with a disguise, we can’t escape the Eight-Eyed Demon Pupils of that old man beside her.”

Ming Li said, “Don’t you believe Nan Que won’t hand you over to the Jiang Clan?”

Qian Li paused briefly, then contemplated: “That would only apply after I’ve entered Nan Que Qi Zong. If I don’t pass the mountain challenge, I won’t be considered a Nan Que disciple, and Nan Que certainly won’t protect me.”

He said, “I need to think of another way.”

Having come this far, he absolutely couldn’t give up.

If Jiang Wuyue weren’t targeting him, things wouldn’t be so complicated.

Before Qian Li could think too long, Ming Li, having finished her breakfast, said: “I have an idea.”