Jiao Shiqiao and Yang Guihua spurred their horses in pursuit, racing madly for several li in the direction of Tang Lici’s breakthrough. They crossed two mountain ridges, but he had vanished like a wild goose into the vastness, completely without a trace. The two pursued until they could no longer determine the direction, and could only give up. They exchanged glances, and Yang Guihua sighed softly, “He could actually outrun galloping horses.” Jiao Shiqiao gazed into the distance, “Is there no possibility of even a conversation? If the Princess cannot return in time, won’t he fight to the death at Haoyun Mountain?”

“Perhaps he has his own methods of delay. Regardless, he did wait until the end.” Yang Guihua said, “Our day-and-night journey was not in vain.”

Jiao Shiqiao pondered for a moment, “Since he’s gone, finding his trail again will likely be very difficult. We’re taking charge of the thousand men of Haoyun Mountain, so we shouldn’t create additional complications. Moreover, if Yu Konghou is truly as formidable as the Princess described, he will certainly try to harm the Princess. Let’s return first.”

Yang Guihua nodded, and the two pulled their reins, riding back side by side.

On Haoyun Mountain, Yu Konghou stood gracefully before the crowd in peach-colored robes like a painting, wearing a gentle smile as she watched Miss Hong, who sat surrounded by everyone. Miss Hong wore phoenix hairpins and magnificent robes, sitting with imposing dignity. She slightly raised her sleeves, inviting everyone to take their seats one by one. Then she stood up and bowed deeply to the assembled crowd.

Meng Qinglei and the others were startled, all stepping aside, “Miss Hong, what is this…”

After completing her bow, Miss Hong said, “Little Hong was ignorant and once belonged to the Fengliu Shop, committing acts harmful to the common people. Now that my foolish dream has awakened, I am irreconcilably opposed to the Fengliu Shop. I beg the forgiveness of all you seniors.” As she spoke, tears burst from her eyes and flowed down her cheeks, reflecting against her jade-like lustrous face in a manner that was truly pitiable and endearing. The various sect leaders of the martial world hastily urged her to rise, while Emei disciples helped her up and comforted her in gentle voices.

Yu Konghou watched her tears with cold eyes. Women were indeed skilled at deception – no matter how much he could transform himself, he could never learn this art of shedding tears. Tang Lici had deliberately prolonged the battle, clearly having arranged with Little Hong to wait for her return to control the situation. Now this girl had received imperial orders to lead the Central Plains Sword Assembly. Could it be that the situation he had worked so hard to create would be handed over to others?

And by letting Tang Lici escape, his next move might very well target Puzhu. If Puzhu was persuaded by him to tear off the mask, the situation might completely reverse.

If this thousand-strong force of the Central Plains Sword Assembly were to battle the Piaozero Eyebrow Garden under Little Hong’s command, he feared—

He feared that under the command of this traitorous girl, Gui Mudan would not be able to hold out, and the Fengliu Shop might truly face complete annihilation.

And once Tang Lici persuaded Puzhu, even his own foothold would be shaken. When that time came, the accusations of thousands would not point at Tang Lici, but at himself.

Tang Lici’s planning was indeed far-reaching, but— Yu Konghou’s murderous intent suddenly blazed. Weren’t you afraid that I might turn hostile now, kill Little Hong on the spot, and burn down the Shanfeng Hall? Then let’s see how this thousand-strong force on the mountain would die when left leaderless! Haha!

He clenched his fists, calculating the opportunity to kill, when he suddenly saw several disciples from Biluo Palace beside Miss Hong stand up and bow toward the entrance. Cheng Yunpao turned around, and Meng Qinglei’s face showed joy. Outside the door, clear jade-like voices rang out as several people walked in slowly. The one leading had disheveled hair and wore white clothes that were slightly wrinkled, looking as if they had been carelessly tossed beside a bed and rolled around before sleeping, completely lacking any elegant air.

This person was naturally Fu Zhumei. Behind him walked someone in light blue clothing, elegant and gentle, appearing quite young, even more childlike than his actual age – it was Wanyu Yuedan.

Yu Konghou’s heart trembled slightly. The person in front!

This was the masked man in white who had drawn blood from him with a single sword strike from several zhang away.

His blade emerged like moonlight, snow fell to startle ghosts and gods.

But everyone else’s gaze fell on Wanyu Yuedan. The young man who had opened the door had an unfamiliar face that no one recognized, so they took him for a disciple of Biluo Palace. Meng Qinglei and Qi Xing called out in unison, “Palace Master Wanyu!”

Wanyu Yuedan smiled and nodded. Bi Lianyi quickly walked up and stood behind him. Tie Jing moved a chair for him, and he sat down comfortably. Opening his distinct black and white eyes, he said gently, “I heard that the Central Plains Sword Assembly has gathered forces to attack the Fengliu Shop. Biluo Palace, though lacking in talent, will do its utmost to contribute.”

As soon as he spoke these words, everyone present was invigorated, their faces filled with joy. Wanyu Yuedan’s single statement was truly more inspiring than the imperial edict brought by Miss Hong. Immediately, people shouted about attacking tomorrow! Exterminating the Fengliu Shop! Burning the Scarlet Ghost Nine-Heart Pills!

Wanyu Yuedan did not object, his eyes slightly narrowing. Though he could not see, his gaze was fluid and extraordinarily attractive. Miss Hong waved her hand, and Yang Guihua came over to invite Wanyu Yuedan to sit beside Miss Hong. Wanyu Yuedan stood up and said gently, “Princess, I trust you have been well.” Miss Hong smiled slightly and also bowed to him, “I am deeply grateful for Palace Master Wanyu’s care.” Yang Guihua ordered his guards to bring the finest chair in the hall, personally laying a soft and luxurious cushion, then invited Wanyu Yuedan to sit. Wanyu Yuedan did not decline and sat down leisurely. With these two seated thus, everyone’s hearts were greatly settled, and their confidence in tomorrow’s affairs suddenly increased immeasurably.

Heh! Yu Konghou slowly retreated, hiding among the crowd. With Wanyu Yuedan leading forces here and sharing common cause with Little Hong, taking action now would not give him the advantage. His heart raged furiously, but he suddenly smiled, feeling an inexplicable admiration for Tang Lici. Right under his nose, this man had silently arranged such a situation, truly leaving him in a difficult position.

Wanfu Inn.

In the deep of night, A’Shui was not sleeping. The wound in her chest no longer hurt so much – she didn’t know if this was due to the miraculous medicine from Wanqiao Studio, or because her fever had made her so delirious that she no longer felt the pain. Fengfeng slept beside her, and she could smell the faint baby fragrance and hear the shallow breathing. That tender scent and breath made her rapid heartbeat become calm. Though her heart was still not peaceful, it seemed to have quieted somewhat, as if she could find release.

“Pop” – a soft sound, like something falling to the ground. She opened her eyes, but the door burst open the instant she opened them. A cool night breeze rushed toward her face, and a large black shadow swept into the room like a falcon with swift wind, yet made no sound at all. She was startled, and the door closed again in an instant. She almost thought she had opened her eyes to see a ghost.

“Cough… cough cough…” Violent coughing echoed in the room, followed by a thud as someone fell to the floor. She was shocked, “Who?”

Almost simultaneously, the person who had fallen said, “Don’t sit up yet, how do you feel?”

A’Shui struggled to sit up and lit the oil lamp. In the lamplight, she saw someone with white clothes and gray hair, covered in blood, coughing violently while supporting himself against the table – it was Tang Lici. The person who had fallen wore black clothes – it was Liu Yan. She was greatly shocked, “Young Master Tang…”

Tang Lici coughed for a while and spat out a mouthful of blood, his face flushed red as if drunk. Liu Yan’s expression changed, “Yu Konghou’s palm strike was actually so powerful. If you hadn’t carried me while running twenty li, perhaps the situation wouldn’t be so severe.” Tang Lici smiled faintly and shook his head, saying softly, “If I hadn’t brought you back, the little girl would hate me to the bone.” A’Shui stared at him blankly. Hearing these words, her heart suddenly warmed, and for some reason her eyes grew slightly red.

“Young Master Tang.” Shen Langhun and Yu Tuan’er were awakened by the commotion. When they pushed open the door, they happened to hear this. Yu Tuan’er’s face reddened, and she said in a low voice, “I… I… I didn’t know you were such a good person before.” Tang Lici coughed several times, blood slightly staining the corners of his lips. He glanced at Shen Langhun, “Miss Hong arrived in time, the expedition against Piaozero Eyebrow Garden should proceed without hindrance… everything is as anticipated.” Shen Langhun smiled bitterly – what matter had not proceeded as he anticipated? This young master could kill with a single word, let alone a situation he had painstakingly arranged. After Tang Lici gasped several breaths, he continued, “He…”

The “he” he referred to was Liu Yan. Shen Langhun stared at the wife-killing enemy on the ground, stared at that face whose skin he had personally peeled off and was now completely disfigured, his expression slightly changing. He heard Tang Lici change his breathing several times before managing to say with difficulty, “He killed your wife because he was manipulated by Yu Konghou. Back then, Yu Konghou wanted him to kill someone to prove he was capable of the position of Fengliu Shop master. He encountered you and your wife on the road, so he…” He couldn’t finish such a long sentence in one breath and began coughing violently again, “…killed her…”

“Killing is killing, kindness is kindness, hatred is hatred.” While Tang Lici was speaking, Shen Langhun’s face became very pale, even his tone very flat, “He killed He Niang. No matter what you say, I will absolutely never forgive him.”

As soon as these words were spoken, Yu Tuan’er’s expression immediately changed. She rushed in front of Liu Yan, blocking Shen Langhun, “What do you want to do?” Shen Langhun raised his palm, and Yu Tuan’er faced him with head held high. Shen Langhun’s gaze wavered. On the day he had peeled off Liu Yan’s facial skin, he had said, “If you encounter affectionate women who don’t despise your ugly appearance, however many you meet, I will kill that many.”

But when the moment came, with Yu Tuan’er angrily standing before him, he found himself unable to bring down his raised palm. With his martial arts, killing however many Yu Tuan’ers would be as easy as lifting his hand, but he knew better than anyone how innocent Yu Tuan’er was. Her love for Liu Yan came from pure sincerity, without a trace of other motives.

A blood-stained sleeve slowly extended across, shielding Yu Tuan’er and Liu Yan behind it. Tang Lici coughed once more and spat out another mouthful of blood, “I will not let anyone…”