Inside the main hall, Cheng Yunpao and several others had already interrogated the five people from Fengliu Store. After Miss Hong released the Yinxian Sheming technique, those five only knew that they had been following Yu Furen according to Fengliu Store’s orders. After tracking her several times, they discovered that Yu Furen always disappeared near Fengming Mountain, so they turned to monitoring Fengming Mountain instead. Once when they infiltrated Fengming Mountain, they found a vast estate in the mountain valley. Upon entering the estate, they saw all sorts of strange sights but no people. These men didn’t dare infiltrate the estate again and continued waiting outside the mountain. When they saw Yu Tuan’er riding swiftly out, they followed all the way. Originally there were six of them—one had already returned to report to Gui Mudan, leaving these five here.
“These are just pawns who know nothing about Fengliu Store’s internal affairs, but at least they know where Gui Mudan is.” Meng Qinglei said, “Knowing where Gui Mudan is means knowing where Fengliu Store’s lair is.” Everyone nodded, feeling excited. After months, they finally knew the enemy’s location—training troops on the mountain was no longer shooting without aim.
Miss Hong questioned those men repeatedly several more times, then pondered for a while. “They say Gui Mudan is at Piaolin Mei Garden, which means Fengliu Store didn’t go elsewhere but returned to Piaolin Mei Garden in Bodhi Valley. Piaolin Mei Garden has complex terrain, located deep in the mountains, dense with miasma and poisonous insects. The few necessary routes are easy to ambush. With our large numbers, rashly going there would be very disadvantageous. If we want to attack Piaolin Mei Garden, it’s best to establish camps nearby, familiarize ourselves with the terrain, arrange methods to defeat the enemy, then launch a coordinated attack.” Cheng Yunpao frowned. “But if we can’t launch a surprise attack, I’m afraid Fengliu Store won’t let us camp nearby so easily—they’ll definitely obstruct us with all their might.” Miss Hong’s gaze shifted. “We can divide our forces into two groups—one focused on establishing camps and escorting troops, the other specifically harassing Piaolin Mei Garden to keep them too busy to attend to themselves, so they won’t have time or energy to target us. But the personnel harassing Piaolin Mei Garden must be absolute masters, otherwise once they encounter danger, their lives will be at risk.” Cheng Yunpao nodded. “That makes sense.”
“I hear you’ve captured several pawns from Fengliu Store. How were the interrogation results?” While everyone was discussing, someone outside spoke with a graceful smile, walking in with flowing autumn eyes and a jade face blooming like spring—it was Yu Konghou. Cheng Yunpao and Meng Qinglei both felt a chill. Miss Hong turned around, her cold gaze sweeping over Yu Konghou’s face before bowing slightly. “Miss Tao.”
Yu Konghou hadn’t come alone—behind him followed Zhang Hemo, Tianxun Zi, Liu Hongfei and others, all with displeased expressions on their faces, secretly thinking that Biluo Palace had captured Fengliu Store’s pawns but concealed it without inviting them to participate. What were the Central Plains Sword Association’s intentions?
“We just questioned them once and haven’t gotten much result yet.” Cheng Yunpao said blandly. Yu Konghou said gently, “Since we’ve captured people, at least we know where they came from. Fengliu Store’s location is now clear as day—we can march today.” Cheng Yunpao frowned and reluctantly nodded. Zhang Hemo and others laughed heartily, spirits soaring, saying they’d been cooped up on the mountain so long and could finally vent their frustration, sweep away the demons and monsters, and flatten Fengliu Store. Yu Konghou smiled radiantly, standing aside looking at the five people on the ground, beautiful as a blooming flower.
Yu Tuan’er watched Yu Konghou from the crowd. Contrary to her usual nature, she remained silent, quietly hiding behind Cheng Yunpao. When Yu Konghou’s gaze occasionally swept over her figure, a sinister killing intent flashed and vanished. Though she usually spoke whatever came to mind and clearly knew Yu Konghou was the worst person in Fengliu Store, this time she knew her mission was crucial—she absolutely couldn’t die. Yu Konghou wanted to kill her, his intentions transparently obvious. She absolutely couldn’t die.
Liu Yan’s task for her wasn’t complete yet. Speaking out here that Yu Konghou was a man and Fengliu Store’s biggest villain would certainly result in no one believing her. She had to protect herself first.
Just then, someone said warmly, “Very lively today.”
Cheng Yunpao’s face brightened with joy. Yu Tuan’er quickly ran over and hid behind the newcomer. Yu Konghou’s expression changed slightly as everyone turned to look.
The newcomer wore white robes and cloud-tread shoes, his gray hair bound with a jade band—it was Tang Lici.
“Hey,” Yu Tuan’er tugged at his sleeve and whispered, “I have important things to tell you.” Tang Lici nodded and smiled at everyone. “Senior Xue Xianzi has returned safely. I’ve prepared a room for him, but as his injuries haven’t healed, please don’t disturb him during this time.” Zhang Hemo’s spirits lifted. “The exchange was successful?” Tang Lici nodded. Zhang Hemo asked again, “Who exactly was exchanged?” Since Zhong Chunji had come with her retinue and stayed only briefly without mingling with the various sects, no one knew she was the exchange candidate.
“The one who went for the exchange was Xue Xianzi’s senior disciple, Miss Zhong Chunji.” Tang Lici said, “Miss Zhong sacrificed herself for Xue Xianzi and was taken by Fengliu Store. Her noble character should be emulated by all in the martial world.” Zhang Hemo greatly praised this, and Tianxun Zi and others nodded. Tang Lici said gently, “Miss Zhong has a special identity. Fengliu Store won’t harm her life. When we break through Fengliu Store, we can rescue her. Everyone needn’t worry.” With these words, he smiled slightly at Yu Konghou.
Yu Konghou said gently, “Aren’t you afraid Fengliu Store will harm Miss Zhong?” Tang Lici smiled again. “Miss Zhong is the current dynasty’s princess. Fengliu Store shouldn’t commit the great crime of offending imperial authority by harming the princess.” Yu Konghou said, “What if she’s not a princess?” Tang Lici didn’t blink. “If she’s not a princess, wouldn’t that be even better? Not being a princess but impersonating one—with such a tremendous handle in Fengliu Store’s grasp, how could Miss Zhong not bow her head and obediently listen? They’d be even less likely to harm her.” Yu Konghou smiled lightly. “Your calculations are airtight.” Tang Lici said, “In front of Miss Tao, how dare I claim to be airtight…” He stepped back, shielding Yu Tuan’er behind him. “Tomorrow I have important matters to explain to everyone. From now until noon tomorrow, no one is permitted to leave the mountain. Carrier pigeons, letters, and tokens are all forbidden from being sent out. Anyone violating this prohibition will be considered Fengliu Store’s accomplice and killed on the spot.”
Zhang Hemo was stunned. “Are we marching tomorrow?” Tang Lici smiled. “I didn’t say that.” Tianxun Zi frowned. “If we don’t march tomorrow, I’m afraid Fengliu Store’s defenses will become increasingly tight and impossible to break.” Tang Lici still smiled. “I didn’t say that either.” He grasped Yu Tuan’er’s right hand and looked toward Miss Hong. “Miss Hong, may I speak with you privately?” Miss Hong responded and ran toward him. Tang Lici led the two flower-like beauties and left the main hall directly.
Everyone’s gaze immediately turned to Yu Konghou’s face, secretly thinking that Tang Lici was a philanderer who loved novelty and abandoned the old. With Miss Tao being so beautiful, after failing to seduce her one night, he switched to new people—truly wasteful and regrettable. But speaking of it, Miss Hong had an orchid-like quality that wasn’t inferior to the absolutely gorgeous Miss Tao. Yu Konghou looked displeased, not because of Tang Lici’s fickleness, but because he brought Miss Hong and Yu Tuan’er with him, making killing these two more troublesome.
Liu Yan must be at Fengming Mountain. He didn’t need to wait for scout reports—from Yu Tuan’er and Tang Lici’s reactions, he knew Liu Yan was not only at Fengming Mountain but had definitely found the antidote method. Though he didn’t know how Liu Yan and Tang Lici had turned from enemies to friends and was deeply puzzled by this, Tang Lici’s friendship with Liu Yan was a major crisis for him. The countless enmities Liu Yan had accumulated could easily transfer to Tang Lici. After the Central Plains Sword Association obtained the Xinggui Nine Heart Pills antidote, they would certainly attack Piaolin Mei Garden—this was the perfect time to make major moves.
Tang Lici brought Yu Tuan’er and Miss Hong into his room. Miss Hong saw Xue Xianzi on the bed with lowered brows and closed eyes, sitting cross-legged. Miss Hong said in a low voice, “He’s been drugged.” Tang Lici nodded and released Yu Tuan’er’s hand. “Yu Tuan’er, what did you want to tell me?”
“The antidote.” Yu Tuan’er instead grabbed his hand. “He says the antidote can be made—there are two methods.” Tang Lici was slightly startled. “Two methods?” Yu Tuan’er pulled out a small bundle from her bosom. Opening the wrapped handkerchief revealed dozens of long jade needles. “This is one method. He says gold and silver needles are too soft—jade needles must be used. Insert the jade needles into the brain, damaging specific areas, to remove the Xinggui Nine Heart Pills’ psychological addiction. This method works quickly but is very dangerous—only absolute masters can perform the needling. There’s another method…” She took out a bottle of medicine. “These are pills. After taking these pills, they can control the Xinggui Nine Heart Pills’ toxic episodes, but medication must continue for over seven months with strict dosing. In the fourth month, gradually reduce the dosage, and after seven months, take another type of medicine…” She frantically pulled out another bottle from her body. “This one—this medicine must be taken continuously for half a year.”
Miss Hong’s eyes widened. She’d never heard of such a complex detoxification method. “Will it work?” Yu Tuan’er nodded repeatedly. “It works—he tested it on himself.” Tang Lici’s eyes flashed slightly. “He tested it on himself? He took the medicine?” Yu Tuan’er pressed her chest—her heart was still pounding. “He ate the most poisonous part of the Xinggui Nine Heart Pills, that… what flower thing. When the poison erupted, his whole body developed spots—very frightening. The poison would erupt twice daily. Sometimes when he couldn’t resist wanting to take medicine, he’d throw away his wheelchair and crutches, tie himself to a chair, and test all his various medicines…” Tang Lici frowned slightly. “Who performed the jade needle brain piercing in the end? Himself or Fang Pingzhai?”
“Of course it was Little Fang!” Yu Tuan’er said. “By then he was already a bit silly from taking medicine! But he’d left instructions beforehand, saying when he couldn’t control himself, telling Little Fang where to strike, how deep to insert the jade needles, in what direction. Originally the needle tips were coated with poison, but jade needles with poison were too harmful. After Little Fang gave him one needle, he was unconscious on the bed for several days before waking up. I almost thought he was going to die.” Speaking of this, her eyes reddened. “It was really scary. We’d agreed I would test medicines for him, but he secretly used himself for testing. We were all very sad…”
“Jade needle brain piercing is an extremely dangerous method.” Tang Lici said. “The Xinggui Nine Heart Pills’ toxicity is indeed stubborn.” He pondered for a while. “Medicinal detoxification takes too long, jade needle brain piercing is too risky, but there’s no other way. We must immediately spread word that the Xinggui Nine Heart Pills isn’t incurable—only then will people’s hearts be settled.” Miss Hong nodded. “After this, you must immediately hide Liu Yan so no one can find his whereabouts. With the antidote revealed, he has no value—everyone will want his life. Whoever tries to save his life becomes an enemy of justice and righteousness.” Tang Lici smiled slightly. “I’m not worried about people wanting to kill him. With Fang Pingzhai by his side, how many could kill Liu Yan? What I’m worried about is…” Miss Hong’s willow brows furrowed slightly. “What?”
“What I’m worried about…” Tang Lici said gently, “is that Fang Pingzhai is such an important figure. He accompanies Liu Yan, he wants to kill Zhu Yan, he masters the jade needle brain piercing method. If I were Yu Konghou, I’d definitely try to turn Fang Pingzhai. Once successful, this single move could achieve multiple goals, even equivalent to freely giving me half the martial world.” Miss Hong was startled. “He wants to kill Zhu Yan?” Tang Lici’s voice became even gentler. “Correct. When someone who’s reached his level of martial arts can’t conceal his killing intent, the murderous desire in his heart must be unwavering. Though I don’t know why he wants to kill Zhu Yan, Zhu Yan is in Yu Konghou’s hands, and Fang Pingzhai is an emotional person who values relationships and loyalty. Finding leverage to force his compliance wouldn’t be too difficult.”
“I see. You’re creating momentum on Haoyun Mountain, making a big show of attacking Bodhi Valley, planning to keep Yu Konghou trapped here so he has no time to target Fang Pingzhai.” Miss Hong was extremely clever and understood immediately. “But now that the antidote is out, your delaying tactics won’t work much longer. If Fang Pingzhai turns, Liu Yan falls into Fengliu Store’s hands.” Tang Lici smiled slightly. “With the antidote revealed, whose hands Liu Yan falls into no longer matters to the overall situation. But if I were Yu Konghou, after gaining control of Fang Pingzhai, I’d definitely try to accomplish one thing.”
“What thing?” Yu Tuan’er listened half-comprehendingly. “Little Fang won’t betray us—he’s a good person.”
Tang Lici heard but didn’t respond, smiling as he said, “I’d have Fang Pingzhai provide evidence, using Fengliu Store’s Diexie Chonghua name and Liu Yan’s disciple identity to claim that Tang Lici and Liu Yan conspired together—that Tang Lici is actually the king of Fengliu Store, the master of Gui Mudan. Otherwise, how could he obtain the Xinggui Nine Heart Pills antidote so quickly? Why would Liu Yan make the antidote for him? Only because he holds the antidote can he control the martial world in the name of justice. He gathered everyone on Haoyun Mountain and delayed attacking to create opportunities for Fengliu Store—this expedition is to send martial heroes who oppose Fengliu Store to their deaths. His ability to anticipate the enemy isn’t due to Tang Lici’s brilliant strategies, but because he’s originally Fengliu Store’s inside agent.” Miss Hong was shocked. “This…”
“Providing evidence would be easy. Why did Tang Lici night-raid Miss Tao? Why did Chi Yun die? Why did Shao Yanping die? All because they discovered Tang Lici’s conspiracy and thus met traps and assassination. Plus a letter from Shaolin Temple’s Abbot Puzhu, or his personal appearance to testify—who in the world wouldn’t believe? Or when Haoyun Mountain forces attack Bodhi Valley, if Gui Mudan suddenly leads everyone to kneel before me, calling me master, how many in the world would still believe in Tang Lici?” Tang Lici said.
“Miss Tao has been on Haoyun Mountain for so long—she must have found ways to plant many clues framing you.” Miss Hong paled. “This is indeed a vicious scheme that must be guarded against.”
“Miss Hong.” Tang Lici’s lips curved slightly. “I can’t guard against it… To prove Tang Lici is innocent and not Fengliu Store’s master, with no connection to the demon Liu Yan, Yu Konghou will definitely demand I publicly kill Liu Yan.” Yu Tuan’er was greatly shocked, Miss Hong’s face turned deathly pale, Tang Lici pressed his red lips together. “And I can’t kill him.”
Yu Tuan’er sighed in relief, Miss Hong’s face grew even paler. “If I were Yu Konghou, no matter how difficult this vicious scheme, it must be executed, because you have no power to retaliate.” Tang Lici smiled. “Correct.”
“Then what’s your counterstrategy? You definitely won’t just sit and wait for death…” Miss Hong said in a low voice, “Is Fang Pingzhai really so easily turned?” Tang Lici said gently, “Yu Konghou’s interest in Fang Pingzhai isn’t new—Fang Pingzhai must have other secrets that Yu Konghou is determined to obtain. But he’s an emotional person—even if turned by Yu Konghou, he wouldn’t harm Liu Yan.” Miss Hong bit her lip. “I understand that point. What about you? What’s your counterstrategy?” Tang Lici looked at her, his gaze very calm. “My counterstrategy is you.”
“Me?” A thought flashed through Miss Hong’s mind that she almost didn’t dare believe. “You want to use their own scheme against them…” Tang Lici nodded. “With the antidote revealed, Haoyun Mountain’s morale is high—the arrow is on the string and must be released. Delaying further will only let Yu Konghou take deeper root among the Central Plains righteous sects, becoming harder to remove. The battle at Bodhi Valley is inevitable. Whether I remain with the Central Plains Sword Association at that time, much of this battle’s responsibility must be entrusted to you.” Miss Hong’s face was pale, her eyes dark. “Me? How am I qualified to command the heroes?”
“Of course you are.” Tang Lici’s eyes flashed with an extremely sharp light. “You are Bi Lianyi’s wife, the person Wanyu Yuedan entrusted with important responsibilities. He made this clear in his letter to me. That letter was written by Tie Jing and bears Biluo Palace’s seal—it’s still with Tie Jing now. Besides this, Miss Hong, I hope you can explain to everyone—” Miss Hong stepped back. Tang Lici said calmly, “You are Princess Langya.”