At the foot of the Golden Tower.

“It’s over.” Su Changhe wiped the blood from his blade, looking at Tang Lingzun who lay bloodied on the ground. Gone was Tang Lingzun’s earlier calm pride as he smiled bitterly: “Even if you’ve defeated me here, nothing will change within the Tang Clan.”

“Is that so?” Su Changhe shook his head, glancing at Su Zhe.

Su Zhe lifted his head to the sky, where a command arrow exploded in the clear daylight. He smiled: “What a coincidence.”

Su Changhe lowered his head to look at Tang Lingzun again: “It seems the outcome disappoints you.”

In the Tang Clan, Tang Lianyue slowly walked out of Lianyue Pavilion. The Tang disciples surrounding the pavilion were startled to see him. Their leader asked in confusion: “Envoy Lianyue, you’ve emerged from seclusion?” Though Tang Lianyue held no official position in the Tang Clan, he served as the Vermillion Bird Envoy in Tianqi, so people generally called him Envoy Lianyue.

Tang Lianyue called out clearly: “Among you, how many are acting under the orders of Tang Lingzun, Tang Lingkui, and the others?”

The crowd outside Lianyue Pavilion was shocked. Some were ordinary Tang disciples who, like Tang Lian initially, were kept in the dark and merely following orders. They were both shocked and confused by these words. Others who had been bought or coerced by Tang Lingkui and his allies through various means were now terrified.

Though Tang Lianyue’s personality was aloof, he was gentler compared to Tang Lingkui and the others. Yet everyone knew that when it came to taking action, even among the Four Guardians of Tianqi City, the Black Tortoise Envoy was the swiftest, most decisive, and even the most ruthless.

“I can overlook all of this,” Tang Lianyue continued after looking around. “You need not concern yourselves with matters here. Continue preparing for Second Elder Tang’s funeral. I hope there will be no issues at tonight’s bean soup banquet!”

“Yes… yes, sir!” Though many remained confused, Tang Lianyue’s expression told them not to ask questions. After a moment’s hesitation, many disciples withdrew.

“You, stay.” Tang Lianyue leaped to a disciple’s side, gripping his shoulder. The man’s legs nearly gave out.

“Envoy Lianyue…” the man smiled bitterly.

“You’re from the Execution Hall, one of Tang Lingkui’s men,” Tang Lianyue’s tone revealed nothing of his feelings.

The man shook his head: “I strongly advised the Master against this plan, but he insisted…”

“Spare me the nonsense,” Tang Lianyue snapped.

“Yes,” the man quickly responded.

“Where have you imprisoned the Vice Clan Leader?” Tang Lianyue asked.

“Execution… Execution Hall…” the man replied.

“Take me to him.” Tang Lianyue pushed the man forward. The man dared not complain, hurrying ahead.

“Such a heartless man,” Mu Xuwei sighed helplessly, watching Tang Lianyue’s retreating figure. “Upon waking, he couldn’t even spare a greeting, going straight to his official business.”

“With Tang Linghuang imprisoned, every moment brings more danger. Even now, it might already be too late,” Su Muyu said flatly, then suddenly turned to look at the sky.

Bai Hetai asked in confusion: “What’s wrong?”

“Such powerful sword energy,” Su Muyu frowned slightly.

As he finished speaking, a woman in plain white clothes descended from the sky with her sword. Su Muyu stepped forward, swinging his sword to meet hers. Their blades clashed, releasing a violent burst of sword energy. Mu Yumo quickly grabbed Bai Hetai’s shoulder, pulling her back ten paces. Through the settling dust, Su Muyu raised his head slightly to look at the newcomer, his expression unchanged as he said flatly: “So it’s the Azure Dragon Envoy.”

Li Xinyue looked at Su Muyu: “The Umbrella Ghost of Dark River, you’re also involved in this Tang Clan upheaval?”

Su Muyu sheathed his sword and clasped his hands in greeting: “The Azure Dragon Envoy must be here to aid the Black Tortoise Envoy. He has already broken free and headed toward the Execution Hall—you can find him there.”

“Can I trust you?” Li Xinyue said flatly.

“Whether you trust me or not, we of Dark River have accomplished what we came to do.” Su Muyu turned: “Let’s go.”

“Not staying to watch?” Mu Yumo asked.

“No need. With even the Azure Dragon Envoy here, the Tang Clan situation won’t change further. We need only wait for Tang Lianyue to seek us out.” Su Muyu patted her shoulder. “Don’t worry, we all remember your matter.”

The next day, at the Contemplation Teahouse.

Su Changhe still sat improperly on the long chair, casually cracking melon seeds. Su Zhe sat beside him, silently smoking. Bai Hetai sat with Madam Mu, studying mahjong tiles with apparent interest. Mu Yumo wore elegant makeup and purple clothes, sitting there somewhat nervously. Su Muyu sat beside her, comforting her: “Don’t worry, he’ll be here soon.”

Indeed, someone arrived quickly, but it wasn’t Tang Lianyue—it was another Tang Clan disciple.

“Who are you?” Su Muyu asked.

“I am Tang Xuan,” the arrival bowed respectfully.

“Where is Tang Lianyue?” Su Muyu asked again.

Tang Xuan lowered his head: “The Vice Clan Leader was taken away before Lianyue reached the Execution Hall. Upon receiving this news, Lianyue and the Azure Dragon Envoy gave chase. Before leaving, he asked me to convey his gratitude to the Dark River members.”

“Is that all?” Su Muyu’s expression grew more serious.

Tang Xuan raised his hand: “Bring in the master.” As he finished speaking, several Tang disciples were carried in a sedan chair.

Bai Hetai immediately stood up: “Is it my nephew?”

Tang Xuan nodded: “Medicine King Xin was imprisoned in a secret chamber. When the Vice Clan Leader was taken, Medicine King Xin was deliberately released.”

“It seems my other nephew’s doing. He must have taken Tang Linghuang because he’s an ideal vessel for a medicine man.” Bai Hetai said gravely.

Su Muyu, still looking grave, nodded: “Thank you.”

Tang Xuan clasped his hands: “The Dark River members must have other business here. With the Old Master away and both the Vice Clan Leader and Lianyue gone, you can discuss matters with me.”

“Discuss with you?” Su Changhe suddenly stood up. “What position do you hold that gives you the right to discuss with me?”

Tang Xuan’s expression changed: “Clan Head, what do you mean?”

“Nothing at all.” Su Muyu waved his hand, his qi force driving Tang Xuan back into the courtyard.

He was usually the most courteous person, but now he suddenly didn’t feel like being courteous.

Bai Hetai walked to Mu Yumo’s side, gently holding her shoulder.

Tang Xuan shouted: “What is the meaning of this!”

Su Muyu raised his head: “My meaning is the same as Changhe’s—what position do you hold that gives you the right to discuss with us? Get out! And tell Tang Lianyue.”

“What?” Tang Xuan asked.

“Next time he wants to see us,” Su Muyu slowly spoke two words, “Dark River.”