The Suhe River stretched for miles, with numerous valleys lining both banks. Lush vegetation, nourished by abundant rainfall, covered the landscape. Even from a golden-winged bird’s eye view, one would only see patches of green, unable to distinguish between mountains and valleys or spot any human settlements beneath the dense foliage.

“What a perfect place to retreat from the world,” Cai Zhao mused, looking around.

The plump sister-in-law, the eldest daughter-in-law of the Shi family, chuckled. “Father says your aunt found this place. When your uncle was ‘once again’ severely injured, your aunt discovered it while searching for medicinal herbs, following the Handat bell flowers.”

“What?” Cai Zhao exclaimed, surprised. “My aunt found it? But she told me she didn’t know where the Great Hero Shi had retired!”

The daughter-in-law shrugged. “I don’t know about that. The old man always rambles about how our peaceful life here is thanks to your aunt finding this place.”

Confused, Cai Zhao changed the subject. “Handat bell flowers? Are those the purple flower strings?”

“Yes. Without those flowers, your uncle’s old and new wounds wouldn’t have healed so quickly,” the daughter-in-law replied, her round face beaming warmly.

Four days ago, Cai Zhao and Mu Qingyan were brought here, both ill from battle and rain exposure. Mu Qingyan, more severely injured, had developed a fever. While Cai Zhao could now walk around the valley, he still lay in a daze.

Cai Zhao gazed at the distant scene of children playing, men plowing, women weaving, and smoke rising from chimneys. It reminded her of Luoying Valley, making her smile. “It’s nice to see families living happily together.”

“Well, most people can retire with just a few family members, but we’ve always had several branches living together. With uncles, aunts, cousins, and all, we’re over a hundred people. We couldn’t retire without a place like this,” the daughter-in-law sighed.

This unnamed river valley, hidden along the Suhe River, was kept secret by the Shi family. Most clan members lived here, with only a few, like the eldest son’s wife, maintaining shops outside to buy supplies and act as lookouts.

“Why is it called Seven Cherry Village? There aren’t any cherry trees,” Cai Zhao wondered as they passed a new brick kiln.

“Huh? It’s not called that,” the daughter-in-law replied, pulling back vines from a waist-high stone tablet. “Are you mistaken?”

The tablet revealed the name: Qiyin Village (Recluse’s Haven).

Cai Zhao was speechless.

As dusk approached after their walk, the daughter-in-law led Cai Zhao back, muttering, “You should give him his medicine before dinner. That young man looks so gloomy when he’s ill. My husband doesn’t dare approach him. He seemed nice when we first met, but he’s so fierce when injured. It’s terrifying…”

Cai Zhao remained silent. Back at the cottage, they found Mu Qingyan lying on the bed with a dark expression, while Shi’s elder brother stood nervously holding a medicine bowl. The daughter-in-law quickly pulled her husband away. Cai Zhao took the bowl and sat by Mu Qingyan’s bedside, helping him sit up to drink the medicine. “Why are you glaring at Brother Shi? He saved our lives!”

Mu Qingyan sipped the medicine quietly, not complaining about the taste. “If you were injured or ill, I wouldn’t leave your side for a moment.”

Cai Zhao faltered, “I watched over you all night when you had a fever. You’ve been getting better each day, so I thought it was okay to get some fresh air…”

Her voice trailed off under Mu Qingyan’s intense gaze.

“Do you know where we are or who I am? Aren’t you worried they might harm me while you’re away?” Mu Qingyan asked.

Cai Zhao sighed, “Alright, I’ll stay close from now on. If they wanted to harm you, they would have done it already. I understand… I was mainly scouting the area.”

Mu Qingyan frowned, “I’ve had people search both banks of the Suhe River before, and we’ve visited villages ourselves without finding anything. This place is so well hidden, there must be more to it. What could you discover in just two walks?”

Unable to argue, Cai Zhao resorted to her trump card, “If you keep scolding me, I’ll get angry.”

Now it was Mu Qingyan’s turn to give in, finishing his medicine in silence.

Watching his beautiful profile as he drank, Cai Zhao couldn’t help but sigh, “You’re so tough. You didn’t make a sound even when you were burning with fever that night. My mother says I used to cry and babble nonsense when I had fevers as a child.”

“I got used to it before I was five,” Mu Qingyan said flatly. “Crying or fussing doesn’t help if no one’s there. If someone is, there’s no need for it.”

Cai Zhao was stunned, feeling a pang of sadness.

Half an hour after taking the medicine, Shi’s elder brother brought in fragrant dishes: steamed pork, garlic shoots with cured meat, blanched greens, braised eight-treasure duck, and a ginger and tofu soup with an unknown fish. The flavors were exquisite, and the cooking was superb, making Cai Zhao beam with delight.

“The Qingque Sect cooks should be ashamed!” the girl exclaimed, her mouth full. “These people living in the wilderness can produce such delicious meals, while those in the top sect’s kitchen, earning the highest salaries, serve bland, ordinary dishes and still call themselves master chefs!”

“Wipe your mouth first,” Mu Qingyan said, putting down his chopsticks and giving her a reproachful look. He then frowned at the dishes. “Our meals have been mostly light these past few days. I wonder why we’re suddenly having such rich food today.”

“Because you’re leaving tomorrow,” a deep male voice came from behind the door curtain.

Cai Zhao quickly stood up.

Shi Tieqiao stood at the doorway, smiling. “Your injuries and illnesses have mostly healed. It’s time for you to go.”

Cai Zhao was puzzled. “We’ve healed? I have, but he…” She turned to see Mu Qingyan sitting upright, having pushed aside his blanket.

“You!” She immediately realized he had been pretending.

“Forgive me, Great Hero Shi, but we came here with important questions,” Mu Qingyan said, bowing.

“I know,” Shi Tieqiao nodded. “I wanted to talk to you earlier, but one of my brothers has been gravely ill, and I couldn’t leave his side. You can ask your questions tonight.”

Mu Qingyan immediately gave Cai Zhao a look that said, “See how one should stay with an ill person?”

Cai Zhao glared back, silently responding, “You faker, how dare you say that!”

Seeing the young couple’s silent exchange, Shi Tieqiao laughed heartily. “Alright, come with me.”

Shi Tieqiao’s residence was a quiet, comfortable bamboo house, isolated from others.

He lit some incense and brewed wild herb tea as they sat around the table.

“I’ve lived alone since my wife passed,” Shi Tieqiao sighed. “In my youth, I was reckless and inconsiderate, causing her much worry. She developed many ailments from the stress. At least our retirement here gave her some peaceful years. She was at ease when she passed.”

He turned to the young couple. “I know what Zhao Zhao’s aunt knows. What do you want to ask?”

Before Mu Qingyan could speak, Cai Zhao blurted out, “Who was my aunt’s true love? It wasn’t Lu Chengnan, was it?”

Shi Tieqiao laughed, “Is that what you wanted to know?”

Mu Qingyan covered his face, turning away.

“It wasn’t Lu Chengnan,” Shi Tieqiao smiled. “But I don’t know who it was.”

Cai Zhao’s eyes widened in surprise.

“Your aunt wanted to break off the engagement with the Zhou family early on. But everyone close to her was either rough or simple-minded—like your mother, who was even less perceptive than the rough men! Only my brother Haosheng and I, having married early, noticed something was amiss.”

“My father and master knew too,” Cai Zhao said softly.

Shi Tieqiao nodded, “Xiaochun has always been observant, so it’s not surprising. And your master, Yunke, was closest to your aunt, so he probably saw something.”

“I think Uncle Zhou is a good man,” Cai Zhao said sadly, remembering the gentle and refined Zhou Zhizhen.

“He is, but your aunt couldn’t live that life,” Shi Tieqiao said, pouring hot water into the teapot. “Forgive me for speaking ill of Zhou, but despite his impeccable character, talent, and background, and their childhood friendship, he never understood what kind of life your aunt wanted. He’s always been gentle and accommodating, hoping those around him would also step back from conflicts.”

Cai Zhao sighed, “But my aunt isn’t one to swallow her anger.”

“Indeed,” Shi Tieqiao said, lost in thought. “She’s like a clear wind and raging fire—the wind caresses the mountains, while the fire consumes demons.”

“Well said, both apt and elegant,” Mu Qingyan praised.

Shi Tieqiao laughed, “I’m not that eloquent. That’s what Zhao Zhao’s master said.”

Cai Zhao was stunned. “But my master isn’t eloquent either!” Great Master Qi’s literary talent was about as impressive as Great Master Song’s virtue—virtually non-existent.

“I know exactly how much learning Yunke has!” Shi Tieqiao laughed heartily. “We all guessed he must have picked up that phrase somewhere and was just showing off to us.”

Mu Qingyan redirected the conversation, “So, Sir Shi, you don’t know who Heroine Cai’s love interest is?”

“I don’t,” Shi Tieqiao shook his head again. “However, it’s certainly not Lu Chengnan—Sister Pingsu only met him for the first time when he escaped with severe injuries.”

“How disappointing,” Cai Zhao sighed, clearly let down.

Seeing the young girl’s crestfallen expression, Shi Tieqiao spoke kindly, “Did your aunt ever tell you about my place of seclusion?”

“No,” Cai Zhao pursed her lips. “Aunt even lied to me, saying she didn’t know where the Shi family had retreated.”

Shi Tieqiao stroked his beard, “That’s just like your aunt. She appears bold and straightforward, but her mind is quite intricate. When she wants to keep something secret, she can do so without leaving a trace.”

Cai Zhao sighed softly, remembering how her mother, Ning Xiaofeng, once described her husband Cai Pingchun: “Orphaned at a young age and dependent on others, how could he be without guile?” She realized this description probably applied to her aunt Cai Pingsu as well.

Looking up, she asked, “Sir Shi, I have another question—do you know that the Changer family has been massacred?”

“I do,” Shi Tieqiao lifted the teapot lid and peered inside. “Wuan Mountain is only a ten-day journey from here. How could I not know?”

“Ah!” Cai Zhao exclaimed in shock. “Then why didn’t you…”

“You’re wondering why I didn’t intervene?” Shi Tieqiao anticipated her question. “When I left, your aunt repeatedly instructed me, ‘If you’re going to leave, do it cleanly. The worst mistake when retiring from the jianghu is to leave loose ends. From now on, no matter how much bloodshed or chaos occurs in the martial world, it’s no longer your concern.'”

He poured pale green tea into a cup and continued, “Your aunt also advised Brother Haosheng—either operate like a normal sect, teaching martial arts and recruiting disciples to avoid being easily destroyed or seclude yourself completely in the wilderness like me, no longer paying attention to the affairs of the jianghu. The worst option is to be ‘half-hidden’ like Brother Haosheng.”

Mu Qingyan sighed, holding his tea, “Heroine Cai truly has keen insight. In recent years, the Chang family’s older generation of brave warriors have either aged, fallen ill, or passed away, with no new blood to replenish their ranks. The Chang family lost their ability to protect themselves long ago. Yet, Master Chang still kept tabs on the martial world, occasionally descending the mountain to involve himself in jianghu matters…”

He frowned, “Previously, when I observed your eldest daughter-in-law’s lack of martial arts skills, I thought you had overcompensated. Now I realize it was a great sacrifice and wisdom. Back in Taohua Village, if I had detected even a hint of martial arts training in you and your wife, I would have become suspicious.”

Conversely, it was precisely because the Shi couple showed no signs of martial arts training, appearing just like ordinary villagers, that he never suspected them.

“Well, those two have mediocre aptitude. Even if they learned martial arts, they’d be no better than house cats. They’re better off as ordinary people,” Shi Tieqiao waved his hand dismissively. “However, I can tell you something—the maze formation outside the Chang family fortress was set up by me and Zhao’s aunt together. Unless someone guides you through, it’s impossible to break.”

“Could there be a traitor?” Cai Zhao’s gaze drifted towards a certain person on her left.

Mu Qingyan shot her an annoyed glance.

“Whether it was an insider or an outsider, the Chang family’s formation must have been broken from within,” Shi Tieqiao explained. “Because the ‘feng shui eye’ at the center of the formation must be moved every four years, and once it’s moved, all the pathways in the formation change.”

Mu and Cai exchanged surprised glances.

Mu Qingyan bowed again, “Thank you for your guidance, Sir Shi. This narrows down our investigation considerably. Next, I’d like to ask about Lu Chengnan—why did he flee the cult, and why were you and Heroine Cai willing to accept him…”

Shi Tieqiao raised a hand, and Mu Qingyan fell silent immediately.

“This matter indeed requires a thorough explanation,” the old man said gravely.

The story goes back to when Lu Chengnan escaped. It was Cai Pingsu’s first time meeting him, but not Shi Tieqiao’s.

“There are some reasonable people in the demonic cult. For instance, your father Mu Zhengming once saved Brother Haosheng’s life. Similarly, Lu Chengnan once showed me mercy when I was severely injured. Unfortunately, later on, Nie Hengcheng’s actions became increasingly cruel and tyrannical. The righteous sects suffered heavy casualties and could barely resist. I had to keep Lu Chengnan’s life-saving grace a secret.”

As the situation grew more tense, Shi Tieqiao had just secretly relocated his family to a valley Cai Pingsu had found. He then received her urgent message via carrier pigeon, summoning him to the Chang family fortress to discuss important matters. Just two days into his journey, he encountered a blood-covered man.

“Indeed, Lu Chengnan was originally looking for me. When he learned I had left home, he pursued me,” Shi Tieqiao explained.

He initially planned to help his savior recover, but the dying Lu Chengnan kept mumbling about wanting to see Cai Pingsu in his delirium. So, Shi Tieqiao decided to bring him to the Chang family fortress instead.

“During those days, the jianghu was in a state of panic. Nie Hengcheng had sent out all his minions to search for Lu Chengnan, spreading rumors that his fourth brother had been harmed by the Six Sects of the North and was now missing. Fortunately, the demonic cult never suspected Lu Chengnan had any connection to me. I traveled in disguise and managed to bring him safely to the Chang family fortress.”

Shi Tieqiao continued, “Once at the fortress, after Lu Chengnan saw Sister Pingsu, he gave her an object and revealed a shocking secret about Nie Hengcheng.”

Mu Qingyan’s expression darkened, “Was that object the Purple Jade Golden Sunflower?”

“Exactly, it was the Purple Jade Golden Sunflower!” Shi Tieqiao slapped his thigh. “I had seen it before—when Sister Pingsu was treating her second brother’s injuries. At the time, I was surprised to see Lu Chengnan, who was on the brink of death himself, so solemnly entrusting that item to her. Little did I know… Alas, Lu Chengnan was truly a man of great courage!”

On that stormy night, in a secret chamber of the Chang family fortress, a single lamp flickered.

The once-handsome young man, now pale as paper, lay on a bed and smiled bitterly, “My master’s skills had nearly reached their peak years ago. At his age, it should have been difficult for him to make significant progress. But recently, his abilities suddenly skyrocketed. Don’t you find that strange?”

Mu Qingyan’s eyes flashed, “So Nie Hengcheng did indeed cultivate some nefarious demonic technique!”

This matter had been suspected by Yin Dai, by the father of Zhou Zhichen, Old Master Zhou, and by the father of Song Shijun, Old Master Song. However, they all failed in their investigations, with the latter two even suffering severe injuries and passing away one after another.

According to Lu Chengnan, he had noticed something amiss about half a year ago (though Cai Pingsu believed he had discovered it even earlier).

The jianghu world believed that Nie Hengcheng had suddenly gone mad, massacring martial artists across the land. Not only were the righteous sects unable to escape, but even many unsavory underworld bosses fell victim.

However, Lu Chengnan knew that the orders given to those sent out to exterminate clans were not to “kill,” but to “capture.”

It didn’t matter whether distant relatives were killed or not, but those with considerable martial arts skills were to be captured alive if possible—even if they were severely injured, as long as they weren’t dead.

Yet, given Nie Hengcheng’s notorious reputation, many believed their doom had come and fought to the death. Nie’s disciples had no choice but to use lethal force, leading the world to believe Nie Hengcheng was on a killing spree.

Nevertheless, many were still captured and sent to Nie Hengcheng’s residence. Shortly after, withered corpses were discarded. Upon examining these bodies, Lu Chengnan discovered that their meridians were completely shattered, their dantians destroyed, and all their blood essence and energy drained…

“The Spirit Leech Technique!” Mu Qingyan exclaimed.

Shi Tieqiao sighed repeatedly and nodded in agreement.

Cai Zhao looked puzzled, “Um, but… isn’t the Spirit Leech Technique supposed to harm the user as well?”

Using others’ internal energy to increase one’s cultivation was not unheard of in the jianghu, and it could be done either voluntarily or involuntarily.

The voluntary method, like that used by Cangqiong and Qiu Yuanfeng of the Taichu Observatory, involved practitioners of the same school with similar internal energy cultivation methods. The former willingly transferred a large portion of his skills to his nephew without negative consequences.

The involuntary method, the Spirit Leech Technique, involved forcibly draining the victim’s energy while they were restrained, which typically led to severe repercussions for the user.

When Lu Chengnan realized what was happening, he was shocked and immediately went to plead with his master. As an orphan, Nie Hengcheng had not only raised him but also taught him diligently and entrusted him with important tasks. In Lu Chengnan’s heart, Nie Hengcheng was both a father figure and a teacher, to whom he owed an immense debt of gratitude.

He rushed to persuade Nie Hengcheng, pointing out that just in the past two days, the discarded corpses belonged to practitioners of various martial arts styles—some from the Yin-Yang school, some specializing in external strength techniques, and even some from the Western Regions’ poison cult. If Nie Hengcheng absorbed all these different energies at once, the consequences could be dire.

To his surprise, Nie Hengcheng laughed after hearing this and looked at his anxious fourth brother with affectionate eyes.

Lu Chengnan had always been his most beloved disciple, possessing both talent and a steady, capable nature. Unlike the arrogant and domineering eldest brother Zhao Tianba, the opportunistic second brother Chen Shu, or even the loyal but reckless third brother Han Yisu, Lu Chengnan was ideal.

Nie Hengcheng had long planned to pass on the position of cult leader to him after his death.

Nie Hengcheng then revealed a secret to Lu Chengnan: he was cultivating an extraordinary, unparalleled technique that could overcome all the drawbacks of the Spirit Leech Technique. Once mastered, he would achieve a feat unseen for over a century, becoming the foremost expert in the realm, with no equal under heaven.

“But he never completed it,” Cai Zhao stated emphatically. “My aunt said that even on the day of the final battle at Tu Mountain, Nie Hengcheng hadn’t perfected his demonic technique. Otherwise, my aunt couldn’t have defeated him.”

“Correct,” Shi Tieqiao sighed. “And this was precisely what terrified Lu Chengnan.”

With the technique incomplete, Nie Hengcheng had to continue absorbing others’ essence and internal energy.

Months passed, and Nie Hengcheng’s killing spree intensified. When skilled practitioners in the jianghu became scarce and the Six Sects of the North tightened their defenses, he turned his attention to his cult members.

The first to suffer were those aligned with Elder Qiu Baigang of the Tianquan faction, who had long been at odds with Nie.

“So that’s what happened!” Mu Qingyan’s eyes flashed with cold understanding. “I wondered why, after Elder Qiu’s death, all his renowned disciples and key supporters were killed, their bodies never found. It seemed inconsistent with Nie Hengcheng’s usual preference for recruiting talent—but they were all captured for his demonic cultivation!”

Shi Tieqiao sighed, “Although Elder Qiu was from the demonic cult and often our enemy, he was upright, brave, and loyal—a true hero. His tragic end was too cruel, and we deeply regretted it.”

Even this wasn’t enough for Nie Hengcheng. He continued to hunt for skilled practitioners externally while secretly abducting cult members internally. Over time, Lu Chengnan noticed that even some of the powerful leaders from the Tiangang Dishau Army, which he had personally trained, were disappearing mysteriously.

Nie Hengcheng’s dantian seemed like an endless black hole, frantically absorbing the life force of anyone within reach, never satisfied. Lu Chengnan sensed something was wrong with this demonic technique.

Meanwhile, Nie Hengcheng’s physical condition deteriorated—his cheeks hollowed, his eyes turned bloodshot, meridians became chaotic, and he occasionally lost his sanity. Lu Chengnan tried to cover for his master while desperately persuading him to abandon this evil technique, believing that if he dispersed the energy and recuperated soon, there might still be hope.

However, Nie Hengcheng had become irritable and extreme, refusing to listen to reason.

Lu Chengnan knew he could no longer stand by. If this continued, not only would his fellow cult members face slaughter, but his respected master would also be beyond saving. He had long known that Nie Hengcheng required a treasure called the Purple Jade Golden Sunflower to absorb others’ essence and energy.

He thought that without this treasure, his master would be unable to continue absorbing others’ energy and might come to his senses.

Afterward, he planned to help his master disperse the evil energy, restore his meridians, and care for him in his old age.

However, he underestimated the corruption the demonic technique had wrought on Nie Hengcheng.

Upon discovering the Purple Jade Golden Sunflower missing, Nie Hengcheng went berserk, slaughtering servants, maids, and guards in the Palace of Extreme Pleasure. Lu Chengnan had no choice but to admit he had stolen it.

He had hoped that given their father-son-like relationship, he would face severe punishment at worst. But Nie Hengcheng’s mind had already descended into madness, and in his fury, he unleashed a lethal attack.

Outside the bamboo house, raindrops pattered, and grass rustled as people realized a light rain had begun to fall.

“What does this Purple Jade Golden Sunflower look like?” Cai Zhao asked curiously.

Shi Tieqiao took paper and brush from a nearby table. “I’ll sketch it for you.”

As he drew, he continued, “Lu Chengnan entrusted the Purple Jade Golden Sunflower to Sister Pingsu, saying that if this continued, countless people would suffer. By then, Nie Hengcheng was no longer the loving and stern master he once knew, but a madman consumed by evil…”

[The young man’s heart was already shattered, each word seeming to drain his remaining strength, yet his handsome face still smiled like a spring breeze. “Although I’ve never met Heroine Cai before, I’ve long admired her. She acts decisively and uprightly, far surpassing those old fools from the Six Sects who are bound by tradition and self-interest! The future of this world, I leave to Heroine Cai’s discretion.”]

A tear fell on the paper. Shi Tieqiao wiped his eyes and looked up at Mu Qingyan with a smile. “After hearing all this, Brother Haosheng was frantic, worried that your father might also be drained by Nie Hengcheng. However, Lu Chengnan said that not long ago, your father had been attacked by unknown assailants. After being injured, he disappeared, inadvertently escaping this fate.”

Mu Qingyan’s expression tightened. “The ones who attacked my father weren’t Nie Hengcheng’s men?”

Shi Tieqiao replied, “Brother Haosheng asked the same question. Lu Chengnan was certain it wasn’t Nie’s followers. As he managed the Tiangang Dishau Army and handled Nie Hengcheng’s affairs, his word should be reliable. What happened to your father afterward?”

Mu Qingyan lowered his eyes. “He returned a few months later, recovered from his injuries.”

Shi Tieqiao smiled faintly. “Your father is a good man. It’s a pity he wasn’t the cult leader; otherwise, fewer people would have died.”

He sighed, putting down his brush. “It’s finished. Come take a look.”

On the white paper was a black, palm-sized object.

Mu Qingyan frowned. “The Purple Jade Golden Sunflower looks like this? Where’s the gold? The sunflower? It looks like a stone… Zhao, come see… Hm? What’s wrong?” He turned to see the girl’s strange expression.

Zhao stared intently at the paper, then looked up. “Elder, the Purple Jade Golden Sunflower is black, isn’t it?”

“Yes. When Sister Pingsu first brought it to treat my second brother, I also found it strange. How could a black stone be called Purple Jade Golden Sunflower?” Shi Tieqiao found it amusing in retrospect. “But your aunt explained that it was originally a purple jade with a ring of gold inlaid in the shape of a sunflower. Over a hundred years ago, there was a fire in the demonic cult’s treasure vault. The outer gold petals melted, and the purple jade turned black, resulting in its current appearance.”

Mu Qingyan turned back. “Zhao, have you seen this object before?”

“I saw it when I was little, in a small box under my aunt’s pillow,” Cai Zhao said, puzzled. “So this was the Purple Jade Golden Sunflower. I had no idea.”

“What happened then?” Mu Qingyan asked.

The young girl looked somewhat embarrassed. “I thought it was just the right size, so I used it to play with mud balls. When my aunt found out, she took it away and warned me not to tell my parents, or I’d be punished.”

Mu Qingyan didn’t speak, but his expressive gaze conveyed his thoughts.

Cai Zhao felt wronged. “How was I supposed to know it was the Purple Jade Golden Sunflower? Even the pebbles on the ground looked better!”

Mu Qingyan felt both exasperated and amused. “So, is the Purple Jade Golden Sunflower still in your Luoying Valley?”

To their surprise, Cai Zhao shook her head. “It’s not there anymore. After my aunt passed away, I carefully went through all her belongings multiple times. I’m certain that black stone wasn’t among them.”

Mu Qingyan was taken aback.

Cai Zhao, however, remained focused on her earlier question. “Elder Shi, based on what you said earlier, it wasn’t Lu Chengnan who helped my aunt steal the Purple Jade Golden Sunflower to treat Second Brother Shi, was it?”

“Of course not,” Shi Tieqiao replied. “Before your aunt, no one knew the Purple Jade Golden Sunflower could treat injuries from the Netherworld Cold. If I had known, I would have asked Lu Chengnan for help long ago.”

Cai Zhao looked thoughtful. “Then how did my aunt know about this property of the Purple Jade Golden Sunflower?”

Shi Tieqiao shook his head. “Your aunt never said.”

The light rain showed no signs of stopping. Shi’s eldest son hurried over with a large oil-paper umbrella, panting as he spoke before even closing it, “Father, Uncle has woken up and seems to be in good spirits.”

Upon hearing this, Shi Tieqiao’s face darkened. “I see. Tell your wife she can start preparing.”

The eldest son acknowledged and left.

Shi Tieqiao turned to Mu and Cai. “We’ve talked enough. Let’s move to another place. A brother of mine is on his deathbed and wants to see you.”

Cai Zhao asked curiously, “Elder, I thought you and Second Brother Shi were the only siblings. There’s a third brother?”

Shi Tieqiao didn’t answer directly. As he took out a light bamboo umbrella from a cabinet, he said, “I promised Sister Pingsu that after retiring, I would never again involve myself with jianghu people or affairs. If it weren’t for my brother wanting to see you, you would have woken up in some village, believing you had been rescued by villagers.”

Cai Zhao realized they had intruded and felt embarrassed as she stood up.

Mu Qingyan took the largest bamboo umbrella, habitually pulling the girl to his side, intending to share it.

Before opening the umbrella, he asked one last question, “When did Heroine Cai retrieve the Purple Jade Golden Sunflower to treat Second Brother Shi?”

Shi Tieqiao paused. “It should have been about a year and a half before Lu Chengnan’s night escape.”

Mu Qingyan quietly nodded in thanks, then led Cai Zhao into the rain.