Afterward, the two men drank half of the wine jar in Shanfeng Hall’s kitchen. Dawn was breaking when a cook staggered into the kitchen to prepare breakfast. The two men exchanged glances and smiled. Shen Langhun supported Tang Lici’s elbow and they swayed away together. The cook stared at the messy table, with more than half the wine gone, and stood stunned for a while, “This… this… Master Shao, Master Shao…” He turned and ran outside, shouting along the way, “Someone stole wine! Someone stole wine!” People in the Central Plains Sword Assembly had always followed rules strictly – naturally no one would ever enter the kitchen, much less steal wine in the middle of the night.

Shen Langhun and Tang Lici laughed heartily as they returned to their room. Chi Yun had already risen. Fengfeng was lying on the table crying loudly, but when he saw Tang Lici return, he broke into smiles, waving both hands, “Wu… wuwu…” Tang Lici picked him up. Though he reeked of wine, Fengfeng wasn’t afraid and hugged him tightly, his little mouth that had just grown two teeth gnawing at his clothes.

“What’s wrong?” Tang Lici smiled, “How did he provoke you again?”

Chi Yun looked at him coldly, “Your injuries aren’t healed yet, and you dare to drink.”

Tang Lici said gently, “If I can’t drink wine, what’s the point of living?”

Chi Yun angrily said, “Do you live just to drink wine?”

Tang Lici smiled, “Drinking wine and eating meat, fruits and vegetables – these are life’s great matters.”

Chi Yun was so angry his face turned pale, “Shao Yanping is looking for you. Last night the Huo Family’s Thirty-Six Route Boxing was annihilated – again by white-robed women from the Romantic Shop.”

Tang Lici walked toward the back, “After I wash and change clothes, I’ll go.”

In the front hall, Shao Yanping, Jiang Wenbo, Pu Kuisheng, Shangguan Fei and others were all present. A bloody corpse lay on the ground, and anger showed on everyone’s faces.

“The Huo Family’s Thirty-Six Route Boxing was considered superior among boxing schools. It’s a pity their recent inheritors weren’t particularly talented. The Romantic Shop killed the entire family, and we have no idea why,” Shangguan Fei said loudly. “We must quickly discover the Romantic Shop’s lair and destroy it in one strike – that’s the only solution.”

“Even if you find the Romantic Shop’s lair, with your nine arrows that can’t hit mice or cats, do you think you can destroy it?” A thin, small elder among them said coolly. “Not knowing the enemy’s details and acting rashly – whoever acts will be captured.” Shangguan Fei was furious, but this person was the eldest-qualified and longest-serving elder in the Central Plains Sword Assembly – “Sword Critic” Dong Hubi, a senior who couldn’t be offended. He could only contain his anger and remain silent. Shao Yanping smiled to smooth things over, “Haha, destroying the Romantic Shop should be planned carefully. Both of you speak very reasonably.”

“Finding the Romantic Shop’s stronghold isn’t very difficult.” A gentle voice came from outside the door. Everyone turned to see Tang Lici in a lotus-colored long robe, walking slowly forward. Compared to yesterday, his complexion was much better. Shao Yanping’s eyesight was excellent – he immediately noticed the new shoes on his feet, finding it increasingly peculiar. This person wore ordinary clothes, but his shoes were ten times more expensive than his garments – what was the reason for this? “What excellent method does Young Master Tang have?”

“Excellent method… this junior naturally has none.” Tang Lici smiled slightly, “I have a clumsy method.”

Jiang Wenbo said, “We’d like to hear the details.”

Tang Lici walked slowly to the table in the hall. His finger moved, and something slid into his palm. Even with so many masters watching, no one could see his movement clearly. They only saw him use that object to draw a dot on the table, “This is Haoyun Mountain.”

After he drew the dot, Jiang Wenbo recognized it was a short piece of ink block, with a soft and delicate texture that could write freely on the smooth table surface. He inwardly felt ashamed – Tang Lici’s movements were extremely fast, rarely seen in the world. He was indeed the master who had once defeated the Romantic Shop’s leader. He continued, “Recently destroyed sects include last night’s Huo Family, Qing Family Stronghold, and Shuangqiao Manor. The martial arts masters killed total two people – ‘Azure Flood Divine Sword’ Shang Yunqi and ‘Wind-Hearing Mad Deer’ Ximen Ben.” He marked a dot east of Haoyun Mountain, “The Huo Family is here,” then marked another dot south of Haoyun Mountain, “Qing Family Stronghold is here, Shuangqiao Manor is here… Shang Yunqi lived at Yunyuan Ridge, only fifty li from Haoyun Mountain. Though Ximen Ben lived far away, he came from the north and died ten li from Haoyun Mountain. Based on his traveling speed, if he had died half an hour later, he would have reached Haoyun Mountain.”

“You’re saying – the Romantic Shop’s annihilation of entire families isn’t random killing of innocents, but specifically targeting Haoyun Mountain?” Cheng Yunpao said coldly, “What’s your evidence?”

Tang Lici said mildly, “Evidence… these sects or heroes are all within a hundred li radius of Haoyun Mountain, and a hundred li distance can be covered by martial artists in one day and night.”

Cheng Yunpao asked coldly, “So what about one day and night?”

Tang Lici said, “One day and night… is the time the Romantic Shop predetermined to destroy Haoyun Mountain’s Shanfeng Hall.” He said slowly, “To destroy Haoyun Mountain, they should first eliminate Shanfeng Hall’s wings, first destroy reinforcements. When the Romantic Shop attacks, Haoyun Mountain will be isolated and helpless within one day and night. If the Romantic Shop’s strength is truly profound and Shanfeng Hall is defeated, the martial world’s situation will be decided.”

Everyone looked at each other, all feeling a chill run up their spines. Jiang Wenbo said, “So that’s it – the Romantic Shop has been scheming, specifically targeting our Assembly.”

Shangguan Fei sneered, “I don’t believe the Romantic Shop has the strength to do anything to our Assembly!”

Shao Yanping said, “If the Romantic Shop only targets our Assembly, a third party will benefit.”

Tang Lici smiled gently, “If the Romantic Shop doesn’t have confidence in forcing Biluo Palace out of the game, it definitely won’t dare rashly attack Haoyun Mountain. If it really comes to kill, it must have countermeasures for Biluo Palace. Otherwise, after the battle, the Romantic Shop would be severely weakened, and Biluo Palace would certainly strike first – how could it trap itself?”

Cheng Yunpao said coldly, “How easy is it to force Biluo Palace out of the game?”

Tang Lici slowly drew all the dots on the table into a circle, “That depends on how Wanyu Yuedan calculates in this game… whether he avoids or doesn’t avoid.”

“Avoids or doesn’t avoid?” Cheng Yunpao asked indifferently, “What do you mean?”

Tang Lici’s eyes drifted slightly as he reached for a cup of tea on the table – it was Shao Yanping’s tea, but he picked it up very naturally. “Avoiding… means Biluo Palace has ambitions to rule independently. Wanyu Yuedan would want the Central Plains Sword Assembly to perish first, then destroy the Romantic Shop… he would cooperate with the Romantic Shop, tacitly allowing it to attack Haoyun Mountain, quietly awaiting the results of their battle.”

Shao Yanping nodded, “But if Wanyu Yuedan calculates this way, there’s risk.”

Tang Lici smiled slightly, “Any gamble has risks. Making such a choice, Wanyu Yuedan must be certain of two points: first, in a battle between the Romantic Shop and Central Plains Sword Assembly, the Romantic Shop will definitely win; second, Biluo Palace has the strength to defeat the Romantic Shop in one strike.” Everyone pondered and nodded. If the Central Plains Sword Assembly won this battle and Biluo Palace chose to remain neutral, it would become the Assembly’s enemy, which would be very disadvantageous to Wanyu Yuedan’s path to supremacy.

“What if he doesn’t avoid?” Shao Yanping listened carefully to Tang Lici’s words, becoming increasingly interested in this person. “If he doesn’t avoid, wouldn’t he have to face the Romantic Shop first? Wanyu Yuedan always seeks complete success – he probably wouldn’t make such sacrifices.”

Tang Lici picked up his tea and gently set it down, “If he doesn’t avoid, he must believe there’s an understanding between the Assembly and him… currently, there isn’t.” His gaze lightly passed over Shao Yanping’s face. Shao Yanping couldn’t help feeling somewhat ashamed – as the Assembly’s strategist, he hadn’t seen through the key point of this situation. “Young Master Tang means… if the Assembly could let Wanyu Yuedan know that the Assembly has grasped this situation’s key point and has the will to fight together, perhaps…”

Tang Lici smiled at him gently, “Perhaps? How so?”

Shao Yanping said, “Perhaps he would restrain the Romantic Shop for some time.”

Tang Lici raised his hand and wiped away what he had drawn on the table, “If I were Wanyu Yuedan, I absolutely wouldn’t make such sacrifices because of ‘perhaps.'”

Shao Yanping felt somewhat parched, “Then—”

Tang Lici erased the drawing, turned around, and gazed out the window, “Unless the Central Plains Sword Assembly strikes first before the Romantic Shop acts, breaking their strategy of distant alliance and close attack, I absolutely wouldn’t sacrifice myself to restrain the Romantic Shop’s strength.”

Everyone fell into silent contemplation. Cheng Yunpao slowly exhaled a long breath, “How to break the situation?”

Tang Lici didn’t answer this question first. He gazed into the distance and smiled slightly, “To have Biluo Palace restrain the Romantic Shop and delay their timing, the Assembly’s preemptive strike must succeed – there’s no retreat…” After a slight pause, he didn’t look at Cheng Yunpao, “Breaking the situation… the Assembly doesn’t necessarily need to go to great lengths to break it. When prepared backup moves are seen through, the chess player will naturally change the game. This isn’t difficult.”

Pu Kuisheng had been listening intently and suddenly said, “The Assembly only needs to intercept their next surprise attack, and the Romantic Shop will know their scheme has been exposed. They’ll either act immediately or change the game.”

Tang Lici nodded, “There are still two martial sects around Haoyun Mountain. The Assembly can send scouts to test the situation.”

“Hehe, you’re not bad, boy.” Shangguan Fei looked Tang Lici up and down, “Though somewhat eccentric, you’re not stupid. But if I remember correctly, when you entered just now, you said finding the Romantic Shop’s stronghold wasn’t difficult. If you can guess the Romantic Shop’s lair just by guessing, I’ll submit to you.”

Tang Lici slowly picked up Shangguan Fei’s tea, slightly lifted the lid, and looked into the cup, “Since the Romantic Shop wants to destroy Haoyun Mountain’s Shanfeng Hall within one day and night, its stronghold naturally must be very close to Haoyun Mountain…” Everyone felt slightly chilled. Jiang Wenbo exclaimed, “It’s nearby?”

Tang Lici set down the teacup, “Near Haoyun Mountain, where are there lakes and streams that can provide fresh drinking water?”

Shao Yanping said, “There are nine places in total: Yunxian Valley, Yangui Mountain, Shuangqi Riverside, Weilong Well, Dianxing Platform, Pu Mountain, Yuan Mountain, Bifeng Forest, and Xianqi Waterfall.”

Tang Lici smiled slightly, “Then it’s Bifeng Forest.”

Everyone looked at each other. Shangguan Fei exclaimed, “How can you be certain it’s Bifeng Forest?”

Tang Lici smiled at him, “As senior said, just a guess.”

Shao Yanping said, “Recently there have indeed been many mysterious figures entering and leaving Bifeng Forest. Though few in number, their martial arts are extraordinary. Once my nephew Yu Furen tracked one person to the forest edge but was escaped from. I’m also investigating this matter.”

Pu Kuisheng snorted heavily, “This old man is willing to visit Bifeng Forest.”

“I think this matter still needs thorough investigation,” Shao Yanping pondered. “Tonight…” His gaze turned to Tang Lici. He had originally planned to assign personnel, but thought it better to ask first, “I wonder what Young Master Tang’s plans are for tonight?”

Tang Lici placed the piece of dark ink on the table and smiled slightly, “Master Shao’s deployment of troops far exceeds mine. For tonight’s reconnaissance, if you have orders, Tang Lici will not decline.”

Shao Yanping was slightly shocked – what a big hat placed on his head. “This… tonight let nephew Yu and Master Jiang make the trip. No need to trouble everyone.”

Tang Lici nodded, “Young Master Yu’s skills are extraordinary and he’s alert – he’s indeed the best choice.” After a slight pause, he said, “My injuries haven’t healed. I’ll return to my room to rest. If you have matters to discuss, please come to my room to talk in detail.”

Cheng Yunpao looked at him coldly, his lips moving as if wanting to say something, but ultimately didn’t speak. Shao Yanping’s thoughts turned as he only smiled at Tang Lici with bared teeth. Everyone asked him to rest well. Tang Lici walked away slowly with composed steps.

“This congealed fat ink is probably worth quite a lot of money.” Shao Yanping glanced at the dark ink he’d left on the table and sighed, “This gentleman is truly lavish.”

Pu Kuisheng said, “How much money he has is his own business. The richer someone is, the more difficult they probably are to serve.”

Shangguan Fei said, “I find this lad quite agreeable. Compared to those ‘White Hair’ and ‘Heavenly Eye’ types, this lad is much more clever and smooth, and still knows to respect elders and honor the worthy.”

Shao Yanping couldn’t help laughing heartily, “Haha, he respects elders and honors the worthy, making you feel very comfortable, yet letting you clearly know he looks down on you from the bottom of his heart. I really don’t know what that feels like.”

Cheng Yunpao, who was always cold, now curved his lips slightly as if smiling. Shao Yanping was greatly surprised – this person could actually smile? It was truly like a crow laying eggs in an ant nest.

“For tonight’s matter, I need to discuss it briefly with nephew Yu.” Jiang Wenbo cupped his hands and left, “I’ll go first.”

The other men remained in the hall, continuing to discuss various matters in detail.