“I really don’t know… when it comes to fighting with true martial skills, how many I can actually handle…” Tang Lici said ethereally. As the plum leaf blade swept toward his neck, he raised his right fist to block horizontally. With a crisp “clang,” the plum leaf blade struck his bone-washing silver bracelet, the blade cutting half an inch into the bracelet! Tang Lici held his wrist horizontally to resist while Plum Blossom Numerology struck down with full force—they were locked in stalemate! Kuanglan’s long sword followed, the blade touching Tang Lici’s clothes with the sound of tearing fabric already audible. Tang Lici’s left hand took something from his chest—”ding”—blocking Kuanglan’s long sword. The object whistled sharply through the air—it was half of a copper short flute. All three exerted force simultaneously. Tang Lici’s right wrist blocked the blade while his left hand parried the sword, his whole body full of openings. However, both Plum Blossom Numerology and Kuanglan Wuxing felt a force as fierce as blazing fire flowing backward from the silver bracelet and copper flute into their own meridians. Circulating energy to resist, the three had entered a contest of internal power. Though Tang Lici had no third hand to block attacks, Plum Blossom Numerology and Kuanglan Wuxing also couldn’t spare attention to strike again. The wind and sand on the ground became still, plum blossoms no longer fell. The supremely elegant dwelling had become like ruins after just two moves.

He deliberately engaged in an internal power contest—that was giving her a chance to lead people away. Zhong Chunji’s thoughts raced like lightning. Leave or not leave? How long could Tang Lici alone hold off Plum Blossom and Kuanglan? She unsealed Master Puzhu’s acupoints and asked quietly, “Master, what should we do?” Master Puzhu flicked his sleeve, opening everyone’s acupoints in the room. Blood trickled from his lips as he said coldly, “You all leave first!” Zhong Chunji urgently said, “Master, your true power hasn’t recovered—how can you fight? If we leave, we leave together; if we stay, we stay together.” Gu Xitan closed his eyes to meditate, urgently trying to recover several levels of power—clearly determined not to leave. Chi Yun’s face was full of anger. Tang Lici had just used deception to knock him unconscious, and his anger hadn’t subsided—he also wouldn’t leave. Shen Langhun completed one circulation of meditation and stopped, saying indifferently, “Since you won’t leave, Miss Zhong and I will take Xiao Qilan and leave first. This place isn’t suitable for the wounded.” Without saying where he was going, he picked up Xiao Qilan. “I’ll contact you all later. I’m leaving.” His figure flashed and he had already left with the person. Zhong Chunji stamped her foot, thinking how could this person make decisions on his own? She picked up Fengfeng and chased after them.

Though Gu Xitan, Chi Yun, and the others weren’t supreme martial artists, being ambushed like this was rare, especially for Chi Yun—it was the greatest humiliation of his life. After catching their breath briefly, several people opened the door. Outside, they saw the three locked in battle. Plum Blossom Numerology and Kuanglan Wuxing had white vapor rising from their heads while Tang Lici alone faced two great masters, his face flushed. Light red mist continuously escaped from Plum Blossom Numerology’s blade handle—neither fragrant nor poisonous, of unknown nature. When several people opened the door and smelled it, each felt suffocated, simultaneously holding their breath and moving upwind for fresh air.

“Leave!” Tang Lici’s face was flushed, his lips slightly curved—he could still speak. These two words were filled with true power. Though not loud, they shook the plum grove into rustling motion.

Master Puzhu’s black hair fluttered, standing in the night wind, stirring up an aura of cold sternness and killing intent. “Without killing the evil villains, I absolutely won’t leave!” He gathered force in his palm, slowly raising it behind Plum Blossom Numerology. This monk, regardless of fair play, was about to kill the enemy with one palm strike! Tang Lici’s right hand silver bracelet moved, and the plum leaf blade suddenly advanced three inches, pressing against his neck. The blade tip touched his neck, drawing a drop of blood. “Leave!” Master Puzhu’s palm momentum paused. Gu Xitan’s expression changed as he called out, “Brother Tang, you—” Why would he rather die than accept help? Why insist everyone leave? Chi Yun watched from the side. Tang Lici’s pupils turned and blinked. He ground his teeth and cursed quietly, then suddenly struck acupoints on Master Puzhu and Gu Xitan. “I’m leaving!” Tang Lici smiled slightly. “No need to see me off.” Chi Yun grabbed the two men and angrily said, “If you die, I’ll never be done with you!” He swept toward Shen Langhun’s direction and departed.

The plum grove became silent again. Not long after, a distant string sound rang out like receding tide, seeming even more distant than the previous sounds. Plum Blossom Numerology and Kuanglan Wuxing suddenly sheathed their weapons and floated away in the direction they had come.

Tang Lici finished his stance and stood upwind, taking a deep breath. His breathing circulated as he expelled a long breath of light red air. Standing with hands behind his back facing the wind, after a while, he picked up a plum petal flying in the wind and gently sniffed it at his nose. “Miss Hong, though the String-Drawing Life-Stealing technique is miraculous, it’s not without solution. Though your triple stratagem didn’t succeed, it was brilliant.”

“Sigh…” A gentle sigh came from the plum grove. “Plans are made by humans, success is determined by heaven. If it doesn’t succeed today, how do you know what will happen in the future?” This voice was melancholy and elegant—precisely Miss Hong’s tone. Tang Lici discarded the plum petal between his fingers and turned around, saying gently, “Do you know how many times I could have taken your life today?”

The female voice in the plum grove said ethereally, “Three times. When you entered the tower, when I first plucked the strings, and… now.” She spoke slowly. “But the first time you didn’t kill me because you wanted the location of the pills; the second time you didn’t kill me because Plum Blossom Numerology and Kuanglan Wuxing were in front, and Chi Yun suddenly burst out—you thought you couldn’t protect Chi Yun while breaking through the two’s interception to kill me; and now, it’s because you don’t want to kill me. Am I right?” Tang Lici smiled gently. “Mm… I greatly admire your qin-playing technique.” Miss Hong sighed quietly. “But I’m puzzled by today’s defeat. I put Burning Heaven Flame poison on Yu Qifeng’s sword, believing he could at least wound several of you. As long as someone treated injuries, they would certainly be poisoned. Since Hua Wuyan was killed by you, you must have the antidote to Burning Heaven Flame. With the antidote in hand, though your side was severely wounded, you wouldn’t die. You indeed came here to heal, so I sent out Plum Blossom Numerology and Kuanglan Wuxing, thinking you would all rush forward together, mutually rescuing each other with severely wounded bodies. The String-Drawing Water scattered from the plum leaf blade would certainly make everyone slaves under my qin. Why did you prevent everyone from coming forward to help, causing my efforts to fail?” Tang Lici walked slowly toward the plum grove, parting the white plum branches and looking at the white-clothed woman sitting and playing qin in the grove. “Using low-pitched heavy strings to play distant sounds—when you plucked the strings once, I knew you were stationed in the plum grove. With Miss Hong’s appearance and scheming, how could you risk danger without reason? If you risk danger, you must have something to gain. Sending Plum Blossom Numerology and Kuanglan Wuxing to fight shows you have no intent to kill, otherwise with our side at a disadvantage, if Fengliu Shop sent out all their masters, today would be a bloodbath.” He smiled at Miss Hong. “Since you don’t want lives, then you want people. Looking at Plum Blossom Numerology and Kuanglan Wuxing’s appearance, how could I not know what Miss Hong wants?”

The white-clothed woman played the qin with one string sound. “But how do you know the String-Drawing Life-Stealing technique?” Tang Lici said gently, “The String-Drawing Life-Stealing technique has three key requirements for success: first, the subject must have weak willpower and be easily influenced by music; second, the subject must be physically weak with blood and energy that can be stimulated by music; third, they must consume String-Drawing Water to enhance the music’s guiding power.” Miss Hong’s fingertips trembled with a “hum,” clearly shocked that Tang Lici knew the String-Drawing Life-Stealing technique so thoroughly. “Correct…” Tang Lici bent down and plucked her qin string once—”dong”—a qin sound like spring water playing in heaven, extremely beautiful. Miss Hong leaned back, about to release the qin, when Tang Lici’s hand gently pressed on the back of her hand, saying softly, “Miss has no heart to kill me—can this be understood as having considerable affection for me?” Miss Hong’s face turned cold. Before she could speak, Tang Lici’s finger moved, lifting her finger to pluck the string once, producing a crisp “ding.” After one sound, Tang Lici released his hand. Miss Hong’s face was gloomy. She had been intelligent and clever since childhood. Even serving as a maid, no one had ever dared to look down on her. Never in her life had anyone dared to be so frivolous with her. This person’s martial arts were high, he was cunning and vicious, and he seemed to understand thoroughly all the strange arts she was proficient in. Suffering this humiliation, she couldn’t decide what to do for a moment. She heard Tang Lici slowly say, “Though the String-Drawing Life-Stealing technique is miraculous, it’s actually just a kind of poison-guided hypnosis technique. It especially requires the subject to have focused thoughts, allowing the music to take advantage of vulnerabilities to leave an indelible impression in the person’s heart. Its fatal weakness is that different people understand music differently and may not all follow the caster’s wishes. Some become wildly violent after being subjected to the technique, some suddenly self-harm, and the vast majority become confused and become useless people. Subjects who can spiritually communicate with the caster are rare. To practice to the level of Plum Blossom Numerology and Kuanglan Wuxing is truly rare.” Miss Hong responded faintly. Tang Lici sat before her precious qin like good friends sitting together admiring flowers. “Does Miss Hong have expectations of me, hoping I could become the third Plum Blossom Numerology, so you only brought two people, wanting to recruit me for your use?” He said gently, “If so, Tang Lici is deeply honored.”

“What do you think?” Miss Hong’s face was frosty, with killing intent faintly emerging from her melancholy and elegant brow. Tang Lici pressed his hand on the qin strings. “I think after the Yanmen incident with Yu Qifeng, you knew I would come knocking. Setting up the poisoned sword trap and sacrificing Hua Wuyan were all to recruit Tang Lici today. Unfortunately, Tang Lici is extremely selfish and didn’t help save Xiao Qilan, avoiding the Burning Heaven Flame poison and making your calculations fail.” Miss Hong said indifferently, “My only mistake was not knowing you were actually a master of the String-Drawing Life-Stealing technique!” Tang Lici said gently, “You flatter me. When I used the String-Drawing Life-Stealing technique, you probably didn’t know it yet.” Miss Hong’s face showed anger, then became calm, saying indifferently, “I didn’t send out all my masters today to hunt you all down and kill every last one—I was already giving you a break. Even if Young Master Tang doesn’t feel grateful, you shouldn’t insult me like this!” Tang Lici’s finger moved on the qin—”zheng”—a soft sound, his lips in a half-smile. “How does Miss want me to show gratitude? I’ll do as you wish.”

“You—” Miss Hong’s anger flared. “Shameless!” Tang Lici’s finger moved again—another soft “zheng”—and suddenly her heart pounded violently, blood boiling, almost standing up. In great shock, she drew a blade from her sleeve—”clang”—cutting the qin string, covering her chest and changing color. “You—you actually—” Tang Lici’s left hand wrapped around strings while his right hand continued lightly plucking the strings several times. Ding dong ding dong, the melody was like celestial music, but to Miss Hong’s ears it was like death-summoning ghost wails. She stood up and retreated repeatedly, her face deathly pale, blood trickling from her lips. “You, you, you… String-Drawing… Life-Stealing…” Tang Lici’s right hand played faster and faster, his eyelids slightly closed, looking intoxicated. The qin sounds were like pearls falling to the ground, rapid yet melodious. Miss Hong screamed and stumbled away in flight. Instantly, Plum Blossom Numerology and Kuanglan Wuxing appeared, supporting her and sweeping away.

People gone, qin stopped, sound ceased.

Five li outside Luan Meigang, a white sedan chair waited quietly in the road. Plum Blossom Numerology and Kuanglan Wuxing helped Miss Hong to the sedan. The person in the sedan exclaimed in surprise, “You’re injured?”

Miss Hong covered her chest and stood unsteadily, first performing a bow. “Tang Lici is extremely cunning and wouldn’t easily risk danger. He didn’t contract the Burning Heaven Flame poison, and everyone couldn’t fight with Plum Blossom Numerology, so the String-Drawing Water was ineffective, making my calculations fail… Most hateful is that Tang Lici deliberately stayed behind to intercept me, forcing Plum Blossom Numerology and Kuanglan Wuxing to stay and protect me, unable to pursue enemies. Finally, he deliberately used words to distract my attention and employed the String-Drawing Life-Stealing technique, attempting to control my mind… This person… I, your servant, must kill him… Extremely hateful!”

The gentle female voice in the sedan said, “It’s good you’re unharmed. The String-Drawing Life-Stealing technique is your specialty—why does Tang Lici also know it?” Miss Hong shook her head sadly. “This technique was taught by the Honored Master. I don’t know why Tang Lici is proficient in it either. Fortunately, when he used the String-Drawing Life-Stealing technique, he had no String-Drawing Water to assist, so he ultimately couldn’t truly control me. Otherwise… truly one moment of underestimating the enemy brings lifelong regret.” The person in the sedan said gently, “Come into the sedan. We’ll discuss more when we return to Wuqin Palace.” Miss Hong stumbled into the sedan. The white sedan was lifted lightly, with Plum Blossom Numerology and Kuanglan Wuxing escorting it into the distance.

In the plum grove, Tang Lici sat cross-legged on the ground.

“With one person’s strength, able to match Plum Blossom Numerology and Kuanglan Wuxing, and in a losing situation, still able to turn the tide.” Someone in the grove suddenly spoke. “The master of Wanqiao Studio is indeed remarkable. But after several battles in one day, even Young Master Tang with supreme martial arts and intelligence is at the end of his strength…”

Tang Lici sat with closed eyes, the expression of enduring pain between his brows becoming increasingly obvious. His hand pressed his abdomen with cold sweat emerging on his forehead. “You’ve observed the battle for a long time. If you want to profit while the snipe and clam fight, you can speak up now.”

A person emerged from behind a tree in the grove—black clothes, black sword, features cold as ice and frost, around thirty-three or thirty-four years old. “I don’t care about profiting from others’ conflict. It’s just that you saved my junior brother’s life. If you had failed just now, I would have saved you.” Tang Lici’s face was pale as he smiled slightly. “Could Brother Cheng be Junior Hero Gu’s senior brother… ‘Frost Sword’s Cold Sorrow’ Cheng Yunpao?” The black-clothed man said indifferently, “Correct. Can you still stand?” Tang Lici supported himself on a plum tree to stand, smiling. “I’ve heard Brother Cheng’s swordsmanship is superb and you hate evil like an enemy. Seeing you today, your bearing is indeed magnificent.” Cheng Yunpao said coldly, “You led my junior brother into reckless behavior, killed Sword King Yu Qifeng, and stirred up endless trouble. If not for seeing you risk your life to make him leave just now, I would have severed one of your hands and feet. Enough idle talk—come with me!” Tang Lici exhaled heavily. “Brother Cheng’s character is indeed outstanding… mm…” His left hand pressing his abdomen slowly twisted his clothes into a ball. The clothing on his abdomen had somehow seeped with blood stains. With a “tap,” a drop of fresh blood fell from his clothes, splashing on the fallen plums.

Cheng Yunpao was slightly stunned and reached out to support him. Tang Lici’s right hand went into his chest and took out a gray medicine bottle. He bit open the cork, took a white pill, discarded the empty bottle, shook his sleeves to push him away, and smiled. “Let’s go.” He turned and walked forward. Drops of blood followed down his clothes, and he walked on his own blood, completely unconcerned.

Walking on his own blood trail—not just on the surface, but truly unconcerned in his heart’s depths. With severe injuries, he refused others’ support. Cruel-hearted, proud-boned, with strong martial arts and supreme intelligence—indeed someone who could win Xitan’s heartfelt admiration. Cheng Yunpao walked behind Tang Lici, a flash of killing intent passing through his heart. It was precisely this kind of person who could stir up the world’s greatest troubles and might lead Xitan into unforeseeable dangers… Though this person was on the righteous side, his actions had great evil energy. If one day he went astray, this person must be killed!

Eight li east of Luan Meigang, there was a broken temple.

Night stars were brilliant, the bright moon silent. Outside the broken temple were several large trees with vigorous branches reaching toward the clouds.

Shen Langhun had settled Xiao Qilan here. Not long after, Chi Yun brought Master Puzhu and Gu Xitan to rendezvous. After unsealing their acupoints, Master Puzhu bowed to Chi Yun in gratitude for saving him, then sat aside to meditate. Though this monk had heavy killing nature, he wasn’t unreasonable. With his current state of greatly damaged true energy, if he had struck just now, he could have killed Plum Blossom Numerology but would also have been killed on the spot by the three people’s true energy. He simply didn’t want to see Tang Lici suffer for his sake. Gu Xitan didn’t have Master Puzhu’s composure. Seeing Tang Lici’s unknown condition, how could he let others die for him? His thoughts fluctuated, only wanting to return to save people. Chi Yun moved a stool to sit at the broken temple entrance, tossing and catching a long sword—it was the hanging sword from Master Puzhu’s room at Luan Meigang. He said coolly, “Whoever wants to go back, step over my body first.” Zhong Chunji held Fengfeng, who seemed frightened with his big eyes tearful and about to cry. Hearing Chi Yun’s fierce tone, he burst into loud crying again. “Wah… wuu wuu wuu… wah…” The room was extremely noisy. Shen Langhun sat silently meditating. From earlier until now, his true power had recovered three levels—not like before when he had no strength to resist enemies.

“A rabble of disorganized people—with a small trick you’re completely defeated, yet you still presume to talk about eliminating evil and saving people. You can’t even save yourselves—who can you save?” Someone outside spoke icily. Two people entered the temple. Chi Yun pointed his sword at Tang Lici’s chest, saying coldly, “You didn’t die?” Tang Lici’s blood stains had dried and his complexion had returned to normal. He pushed the sword away with one finger. “Disappointed? Sit down and meditate properly. I don’t want to save you again—master and servant reversed goes against natural order.” Chi Yun spat and threw the sword to the ground. “I was going to save you. If you hadn’t attacked by surprise, how would it have come to this?” Tang Lici looked around at everyone, deliberately not looking at him, smiling. “It’s good everyone’s safe. How are Hero Xiao’s injuries?” Chi Yun ground his teeth, but since Tang Lici was casually asking about injuries, he couldn’t jump up and curse.

“True energy is flowing, he’s conscious but can’t speak yet.” Shen Langhun said indifferently. “We need to find a quiet place to open his chest and repair the shattered bones.” Cheng Yunpao on the side looked coldly at Gu Xitan. “Overestimating yourself, acting recklessly!” Gu Xitan’s face was full of embarrassment. He had always revered and feared this senior brother, especially since Cheng Yunpao’s reputation and status were far above his. When the senior brother spoke critically, how dare the junior brother not listen? “Come back to Qingyun Mountain with me to practice swordsmanship,” Cheng Yunpao said. “You haven’t learned even half of our school’s sword techniques, yet you dare wander the martial world and even provoke Yu Qifeng, joining others to blow up his house. Do you think the Central Plains Sword Association are blind, deaf, and mute, allowing you to bully them? On the verge of death, you still dare claim to be acting chivalrously for justice—ridiculous!” He spoke these words in an ominous tone. Gu Xitan was greatly shaken. “Senior Brother, I…” Cheng Yunpao’s figure flashed and suddenly grabbed Gu Xitan’s left shoulder three inches below—this was his weakest defensive point. Though Cheng Yunpao was thin and pale, not looking robust, he lifted Gu Xitan with one hand and said indifferently to everyone, “Farewell, everyone.” He flashed away with lightness skill rarely seen in the world.

“Good skills!” Shen Langhun said indifferently. Chi Yun sat to the side, saying coolly, “Though his skills are good, he’s pretentious and annoying.” Cheng Yunpao came and went like wind. Before Zhong Chunji could speak, he had already left. She sighed. “Generally, martial world masters all have strange temperaments.” In her heart, she thought Chi Yun’s strange habits were probably far worse than his. Seeing blood on Tang Lici’s clothes, she couldn’t help asking, “You’re injured?”

Everyone’s gaze immediately turned to the blood stain on his clothes. Tang Lici smiled slightly. “It doesn’t matter. How is everyone feeling?” Master Puzhu said, “Fine.” Seeing him return, Fengfeng broke into smiles, waving his hands, wanting to leap into his arms. Tang Lici took Fengfeng over. “Everyone is very tired today. Though Fengliu Shop has retreated, there are probably still others tracking us. If we separate, we’ll likely be defeated one by one. If we act together, our tracks will be too obvious, and we’ll inevitably face continuous pursuit like today until complete annihilation.” He glanced at Master Puzhu. “What does the Master think?” Master Puzhu’s black hair fluttered. “I can protect myself and will leave.” Tang Lici smiled. “Then the strong leave while the rest act together. Master, your cultivation is arduous—I shouldn’t try to keep you. But if you’re leaving, wait until your poison injuries heal for safety.” Master Puzhu bowed to him. “Unnecessary. Until we meet again.” His monk robes fluttering and black hair flowing, this stern monk with killing aura turned and left. The old residence at Luan Meigang and fellow sufferers meant nothing to him—like fallen leaves behind him, they neither hindered his progress nor left any trace in his heart.

“This Master really has three points of similarity with you.” Tang Lici watched Master Puzhu leave and glanced at Chi Yun. Chi Yun angrily said, “What similarity?” Shen Langhun said indifferently, “Like you, he has personality.” Chi Yun was stunned. Zhong Chunji couldn’t help but find it amusing. In terms of going their own way, Master Puzhu and Chi Yun were truly evenly matched with several points of similarity. Tang Lici said, “Miss Zhong will act with us. I have something to discuss with you.”

“What matter?” Zhong Chunji said. “Zhong Chunji will speak freely about anything she knows.” Tang Lici smiled slightly. “I heard you came from Maoyang Peak. Do you know the location of Biluo Palace?” She was startled. “Biluo Palace? Does Young Master Tang want to visit Biluo Palace?” Tang Lici smiled. “You and I have provoked the evil star Fengliu Shop and offended the pinnacle of the righteous martial world, the Central Plains Sword Association. Though everyone here fears no storms, constant fighting and killing is tiresome. If we don’t want to live days of exhaustion and hardship, we can only shift blame to others.” Zhong Chunji cried out, “Shift blame to others—do you want to frame Biluo Palace? How is this possible?” Tang Lici smiled gently. “No, I just want to borrow Biluo Palace’s prestige to live a few peaceful days.” Chi Yun frowned. “You want to take everyone up Maoyang Peak? With Biluo Palace’s mystery and legend, Fengliu Shop and the Central Plains Sword Association naturally wouldn’t dare easily go up Maoyang Peak to make trouble. But who is Wanyu Yuedan? How could he possibly let you bring such enormous trouble to his Biluo Palace? Pipe dreams!”

“Currently the martial world is divided. The Blood Sacrifice Society has perished, Jiangnan Manor has weakened and withdrawn. Righteous heroes like ‘White Hair,’ ‘Floating Cloud,’ and ‘Heaven’s Eye’ have unknown whereabouts. The major sects have no outstanding people. The Central Plains Sword Association is at its zenith, Fengliu Shop lurks in dark currents with unfathomable strength. As for you, me, and Wanqiao Studio, we barely count as one faction.” Tang Lici spoke gently. “There are still forces like the Thirteen Assassin Buildings and Frontier Hunting Riders, but in terms of strength, status, and reputation, only Biluo Palace can resist all forces and stand independent of the martial world. Whichever side Biluo Palace favors will have absolute advantage in reputation, strength, and even righteousness. Since Biluo Palace is so important…” He brushed his sleeves and gracefully turned around. “Wanyu Yuedan should understand that if people don’t provoke the martial world, the martial world will provoke people. Even if it’s not me knocking on his door today, someone else will eventually come. Who to lend strength to depends on how successful Wanyu Yuedan actually is.”

Everyone looked at each other. Zhong Chunji couldn’t help coughing lightly. “Though you say this, but he… he…” Tang Lici smiled and asked, “He what?” Zhong Chunji was slightly shocked, suddenly realizing his previous words might have been waiting for exactly this response. “He… Wanyu Yuedan doesn’t want to involve himself in the martial world again. He doesn’t want Biluo Palace to face danger.” Tang Lici smiled gently. “What if I can give him a method to avoid danger? Or—what if I have bargaining chips to make him involved in the martial world again?” Everyone was dumbfounded. Zhong Chunji looked at him incredulously, completely disbelieving. Yuedan had fame, profit, and power—even if Tang Lici used tens of millions in gold to trade, he probably couldn’t buy Wanyu Yuedan’s agreement. Besides money, what else did Tang Lici have? Chi Yun and Shen Langhun exchanged glances. Shen Langhun said indifferently, “To Maoyang Peak!”