The next morning, the sky was clear and bright, without a trace of haze. It was a perfect day for all sorts of activities.

Many activities, indeed.

In the side study of Qingjing Studio, Chang Ning slowly opened his eyes. He felt the qi in his body flowing swiftly through his meridians like a warm current. His dantian was warm, and his channels were clear. He gazed at his pale fingertips, sensing a faint energy gathering there.

He raised his hand, fingers together, and gently waved. The teapot on the table ten paces away shattered instantly, cracking like ice.

Chang Ning frowned slightly. After a moment of concentration and breath control, he waved his hand again, this time aiming at the three teacups lined up on the table. They all cracked simultaneously. He went to inspect them—each cup had split evenly into three parts as if cut by a knife or axe.

This was more like it.

However, Chang Ning was still not entirely satisfied.

If he hadn’t been injured and poisoned over a year ago, he should be capable of more than this by now. Back then, he had been too hasty.

Now he needed to quickly clear the last blockage in his qi circulation and restore his previous level of power.

…

At Broken Bamboo Pavilion, Ding Zhuo rose early to practice his sword techniques three times in the small bamboo grove in front of his house. Then he bathed, changed into his best clothes, applied three layers of clear musk incense, tightly combed his hair, and finally solemnly picked up his beloved sword before slowly walking out.

The air was fresh and clear. He took a deep breath, filling his lungs with the scent of dew from the bamboo grove.

Fan Xingjia was already waiting in the courtyard. Ding Zhuo had specially invited him to witness the duel.

“Senior Brother, you look full of energy today, with your fighting spirit high. It seems you’re determined to win,” Fan Xingjia said with a smile.

Ding Zhuo nodded modestly. “As martial artists, we must always approach a duel with respect.”

As a child, he had heard many stories about swordsmen. The one he admired most was about a nameless warrior. He was called nameless because he was so obsessed with martial arts that he had forgotten his name, family, and friends. He spent his entire life searching, only to seek one defeat.

While other children dispersed after hearing the story, he remained, lost in thought.

Seeking defeat for a lifetime and never finding it—what a lofty and noble state to achieve.

Ding Zhuo closed his eyes, imagining the loneliness at such heights.

A loneliness to be envied.

He had dueled Song Yuzhi three times before, resulting in one draw and two losses.

Song Yuzhi was more talented than him, and not only that, but he was equally diligent and hardworking in his practice. Ding Zhuo greatly respected Song Yuzhi and hoped Cai Zhao wouldn’t disappoint him either.

Of course, he hoped to win, but even if he lost to Cai Zhao, he wouldn’t be discouraged or disheartened.

Because what he truly yearned for was the exhilarating pain of a peak confrontation between masters.

…

In the inner chambers of Chasing Moon Pavilion, Dai Fengchi was still bedridden, taking medicine for his unhealed injuries. He said to Qi Lingbo, “That little girl is no pushover. She won’t let you off easily for spreading those rumors.”

“I’m not afraid,” Qi Lingbo said, eating some freshly delivered fruit. “What can she do? Kill me? Beat me half to death? Heh, she can’t do either, can she? At worst, she’ll complain to Father. With Mother around, Father can’t punish me too severely.”

Dai Fengchi was still worried: “I feel Cai Zhao won’t give up easily. She might have some powerful counter-move.”

“Let her bring it on!” Qi Lingbo said carelessly.

…

At Qingjing Studio, Chang Ning finally completed the last cycle of his qi circulation. After tidying himself up, he pushed open the door.

The sunlight was bright, making people feel particularly comfortable.

Outside the door stood Gua, Zao, Zui, and Sai, who had been waiting for a long time. They were holding clear tea, a water basin and towel, fragrant porridge, and various snacks. As soon as they saw Chang Ning come out, they eagerly rushed forward to flatter him.

Chang Ning glanced around. “Where are Furong and Cuiwei?” He wanted to ask about Cai Zhao but didn’t want to appear eager.

They answered, “Sister Furong is airing the bedding, and Sister Cuiwei is airing the books.”

Chang Ning smiled slightly. “I guess Sister Cai instructed you to do this. A few days ago, she mentioned that ‘last month’s humidity was severe, and the bedding and books in the room were almost moldy.'”

He pretended to be troubled. “Cai Zhao is attentive, remembering even casual remarks.”

A Gua, the quickest-witted among them, immediately chimed in: “Young Master Chang is right. Miss Cai is always focused, especially when it comes to your matters. She’s particularly concerned about every little thing!”

A Zao followed suit: “That’s right! Who is Young Master Chang? He’s the most important person in Miss Cai’s heart. She pays attention to everything from your food and clothing to your living arrangements!”

A Zui added creatively: “Miss Cai is usually easy-going, not remembering other people or things. But what can she do? When someone is in your heart, they’re always on your mind and lips.”

The three of them spoke one after another, making Chang Ning beam with joy. Only A Sai stood there dumbly, unable to join in, getting increasingly anxious.

“After all this talk, where is Cai Zhao?” Chang Ning asked, trying to appear dignified.

A Sai finally had his chance and quickly blurted out, “Early this morning, Miss Cai made a pot of fragrant pork trotter soup and just took it to the training ground!”

Chang Ning frowned. “What pork trotter soup? What a mess.” He paused, then asked, “Why did she go to the training ground?”

Gua, Zao, and Zui hesitated to speak, but A Sai, being simple-minded, said fearlessly, “To bring soup to Senior Brother Song. She’s done it three times yesterday.”

“What did you say?!” Chang Ning’s expression instantly turned from sunny to cloudy.

…

At Chasing Moon Pavilion, Dai Fengchi was still worrying: “Yesterday, Cai Zhao left you with a harsh threat. Who knows what she’s planning? We should be prepared. Just in case…”

“In case of what? She was just talking tough. With her limited abilities from Luoying Valley…”

Before Qi Lingbo could finish, her trusted maid rushed in, stumbling.

“Miss, Miss, it’s terrible!” The maid panted.

Qi Lingbo scolded her: “Don’t you know how to speak properly? What do you mean by ‘terrible’? Go receive ten lashes later!”

The maid fearfully said, “Yes, yes, it’s my fault! But, Miss, you should quickly go to the training ground!”

“What’s happening?”

“Miss Cai is at the training ground, seducing Young Master Song!”

Qi Lingbo dropped a teacup with a crash.

…

At Broken Bamboo Pavilion, wisps of smoke rose from the precious white jade incense burner, forming beautiful arcs in the air.

One circle.

Two circles.

Three circles.

Four circles.

Five circles…

Ding Zhuo turned his head: “Why hasn’t she come yet?”

Fan Xingjia: “Haha, haha, she’ll be here soon.”

Ding Zhuo: “You said the same thing an hour ago.”

Fan Xingjia started to sweat: “Maybe, maybe in a little while, she’ll come?”

Ding Zhuo: “A little while later, it’ll be time for lunch.” Fighting on a full stomach with hiccups wouldn’t be lonely, lofty, or legendary at all.

Fan Xingjia couldn’t help but suggest: “Senior Brother, have you considered that Miss Cai might have forgotten?”

Ding Zhuo was incredulous: “For forgotten?!”

“Yes,” Fan Xingjia spoke frankly. “Miss Cai is quite carefree and casual. Master says she’s somewhat like that great-uncle of her family. As a child, when he wandered around Luoying Town, he either got lost or forgot to bring money, yet he was always carefree—back then, the great hero Cai Changfeng was so happy roaming outside that he even missed his elder brother and sister-in-law’s funeral.”

“So, Senior Brother, did you send someone to remind her yesterday?” He watched Ding Zhuo’s expression carefully.

Reminding someone not to forget a duel before it happens—

Searching endlessly, seeking defeat for a lifetime, the peak confrontation, the exhilarating pain that only masters could understand…

Ding Zhuo suddenly felt betrayed by the world’s malice.

…

At the training ground, the sun was high, and everyone’s enthusiasm was as fiery as the scorching sun.

People pretended to drink water or rest, using various odd postures to steal glances at the far end of the field—

Song Yuzhi returned the empty soup bowl to Cai Zhao: “First it was chicken feet, then duck feet, now pork trotters. Can’t you stop fixating on their legs and feet? Can’t you make some more sophisticated soups?”

Cai Zhao responded positively: “How about we stew some brain next time?”

“…” Song Yuzhi, “Let’s stick with the trotter soup.” Its taste was quite good, salty, savory, and tender.

Cai Zhao apologized: “I’m sorry for troubling you, Third Senior Brother. Furong only knows how to make sweets, and Cuiwei likes to make medicinal pills and decoctions. *cough cough* I don’t know how to make much. Xia Jiao… I mean Shuijing is good at making dumplings, but she got married early and didn’t come this time…”

She thought for a moment, “Actually, Chang Ning is a great cook. The first time he made chicken soup dumplings, they were as good as Uncle Sandpot next door, who has thirty years of experience. Why don’t we let him cook when he’s out of seclusion?”

Song Yuzhi felt a surge of emotions, unsure if it was due to all the tonic soups he had been drinking lately.

He almost blurted out, “Are you trying to poison me?” But his upbringing as a noble prevented him. According to his old habits, he should have turned and left. But he remembered that when he first met Cai Zhao, he had driven her away like this, and the next time he saw her, she was already inseparable from Chang Ning. So he tried hard to restrain himself.

“Apart from bringing soups, don’t you have anything else?” he suddenly asked.

Seeing that he wasn’t angry, Cai Zhao sighed in relief. “This should be enough, right? I can’t think of any other tricks. We just need to wait for the Senior Sister to come and confront us angrily. Then our mission will be accomplished, and you won’t have to drink any more soup…”

She secretly rejoiced, “Early this morning, I specifically asked someone to gossip loudly about coming to the training ground in front of Xianyu Linglong Residence. I guess Senior Sister Lingbo will come storming here today.” She knew that pestering Song Yuzhi was improper, but since he had agreed to cooperate, she was full of excitement while hoping to end this farce quickly.

Song Yuzhi raised an eyebrow, seemingly disagreeing. “Do you have a handkerchief?”

“Huh? What? Oh, oh, a handkerchief. Yes, I do.” Cai Zhao hurriedly took one out.

“To wipe my sweat,” Song Yuzhi said.

“?” Cai Zhao looked at the young man’s smooth, jade-like forehead, thinking she had misheard.

“It’s a trick I thought of for you.”

Cai Zhao understood immediately and greatly praised Song Yuzhi for being like-minded. She quickly stood on her tiptoes, holding the pink and white floral handkerchief to Song Yuzhi’s handsome forehead—

Whether this trick was particularly powerful or not, after just two wipes, Qi Lingbo arrived like a storm, followed by Dai Fengchi lying on a stretcher.

“What are you doing?!” Seeing her fiancé standing intimately with her sworn enemy, with skin contact no less, Qi Lingbo felt as if her entire body was burning up, her eyes red with rage as if she could devour someone.

This loud shout immediately stirred up the entire scene—

On one side was the parents’ arrangement, on the other was mutual affection. How should Young Master Song choose?

The disciples excitedly clenched their fists in their hearts, piling on top of each other, squeezing and pushing to watch this drama unfold.

Cai Zhao was overjoyed; this was exactly the effect she wanted.

“Oh my, isn’t this Senior Sister Lingbo? Why have you deigned to come here under this hot sun?” This time it was Cai Zhao’s turn to speak in a coquettish, sarcastic tone.

“Cai Zhao, you shameless little hussy! You’re so indecent, fickle, and brazen! How dare you try to seduce Brother Yuzhi!” Qi Lingbo was so angry she could barely catch her breath.

Cai Zhao smiled weakly: “How can Senior Sister say such things about me? You must have misunderstood. I only see Third Senior Brother as a brother… Oh, I can’t even finish saying such nauseating words.”

She got goosebumps first and decided to tear off the facade, speaking coldly, “Let me be frank with you, Senior Sister. I did this on purpose. You cut off my path, so why should I care about my face? Senior Sister Lingbo, you reap what you sow! This is what you deserve! Hmph, you kick over my bowl and still expect me to eat well? Dream on! Don’t you know I can snatch food from your bowl too?”

Qi Lingbo screamed, “What do you mean I reap what I sow? You’re just blaming others for your shamelessness! I won’t let this matter rest… Ah you…!”

Cai Zhao was tired of arguing with this stupid woman and decided to add more fuel to the fire. She turned around and smiled, wiping Song Yuzhi’s sweat again.

Qi Lingbo was fuming, about to lunge forward and claw at Cai Zhao’s face, but Song Yuzhi blocked her in advance. With her heart shattering, she was about to tearfully question her fiancé’s loyalty when—

“What are you doing?!” The same question, but this time in a thunderous, cold voice.

As the words came, so did the person. Chang Ning arrived, his long robe and wide sleeves fluttering, his figure like a startled swan or lightning, dazzlingly fast, leaping from outside the training ground in an instant.

This aura immediately subdued some people and delighted others—was this a bumper harvest in the melon field? Oh yeah!

Cai Zhao was stunned, “Huh, weren’t you in seclusion? Oh, right, you were supposed to come out today. Haha, haha, congratulations.”

Chang Ning’s face was ashen as he yanked the girl from Song Yuzhi’s arms. “What exactly are you doing?!”

Cai Zhao wanted to explain, but looking at Song Yuzhi, and then at Qi Lingbo, she didn’t know where to start. Finally, she said helplessly, “It’s not what you think. I can explain.”

Qi Lingbo screamed, “What is there to explain? You were seducing my Brother Yuzhi!”

Cai Zhao immediately didn’t want to explain anymore and said with a half-smile, “Indeed, there’s nothing to explain. We’re all fellow disciples, caring for each other, loving each other, like one big family…”

Song Yuzhi narrowed his eyes: “Brother Chang, it seems you’ve fully recovered your strength.”

Chang Ning sneered: “Third Young Master Song, it seems you’ve been quite blessed these past couple of days.”

“Indeed, indeed.”

It seemed as if sparks were flying in the air, and Cai Zhao felt an inexplicable chill down her spine.

Qi Lingbo couldn’t let this go and shouted, “You shameless hussy, do you know what shame is? Seducing one man after another, you’re disgracing our Six Northern Zhen Sects!”

Cai Zhao thought to herself that Qi Lingbo’s mother was even more colorful in her youth, and this was nothing compared to that—but the experience from hundreds of novels told her that this was not the time or place to speak up, and it was better to slip away first.

Qi Lingbo’s words made Song Yuzhi frown: “In the Six Northern Zhen Sects, neither men nor women are forbidden from marrying multiple times. As long as it’s done openly and honestly, what’s wrong with that?”

Chang Ning laughed coldly: “That’s true. There are quite a few romantic men and women in the Song family.”

Qi Lingbo knew she had misspoken, but being put down by her fiancé in front of so many people still made her eyes red with tears.

Dai Fengchi, eager to protect the beauty, immediately shouted, “Third Junior Brother, Lingbo is just a girl. How can you speak to her so harshly…”

“Junior Sister Cai!” An irritated voice suddenly cut in from the side. “Where are you going?”

Ding Zhuo had appeared out of nowhere, standing ramrod straight in the middle, like an unyielding flagpole. Following his voice, everyone turned to look, only to see Cai Zhao, who had just tried to sneak away, stopping awkwardly in her tracks.

“Haha, hehe,” Cai Zhao laughed nervously, trying to change the subject. “Oh, Senior Brother Ding, why are you here? Aren’t you practicing in the Bamboo Breaking Pavilion today?” This senior brother was rarely seen throughout the year; if he wasn’t currently practicing, he was preparing to practice.

Ding Zhuo was so angry he couldn’t utter a word.

Fortunately, Fan Xingjia arrived, panting, and spoke for him, “Senior Brother came to find you, Junior Sister.”

Cai Zhao was puzzled. “What for?”

“For the duel, of course!” Fan Xingjia replied, exasperated.

Cai Zhao felt a chill down her spine. “Wasn’t it supposed to be in ten days…”

“Today is the tenth day!” Ding Zhuo’s face turned iron-blue with anger.

Cai Zhao’s mouth gaped open. It took her a while to remember, and she was genuinely apologetic. She repeatedly said, “I’m so sorry, Senior Brother, I’m truly sorry… Shall we find a place to duel now?”

Chang Ning sneered, “Young Master Ding, there’s no need to be angry. Junior Sister Cai has been busy being ‘close as a family’ with Young Master Song these past few days, so she forgot about her appointment with you.” He glared at Cai Zhao.

Cai Zhao shrank back.

Song Yuzhi was displeased. “Brother Chang, there’s no need to speak so harshly.”

“Fine, let’s talk about something else then,” Chang Ning retorted. “Men with fiancées should be more careful in their actions than ordinary people. Those who don’t firmly reject women other than their fiancées are all philanderers!”

“The engagement was arranged by our elders,” Song Yuzhi couldn’t hold back anymore. “If it’s not suitable, it’s better to end it early rather than misleading each other. These are words I’ve long held in my heart.”

Qi Lingbo, listening nearby, bit her lip and began to tear up.

“Haha, according to Young Master Song’s logic, if you find it unsuitable after marriage, you can just end it anytime?” Chang Ning pulled Cai Zhao closer. “Look, the Song family is full of philanderers. If it were me, once I’ve set my heart on someone, I’d remain faithful until death. Our ashes should even be placed in the same urn!”

Cai Zhao was shocked, frightened, and confused. She didn’t understand what ending things early or sharing an urn had to do with her. After all, her fiancé’s surname was Zhou, neither Song nor Chang.

“Ah well, haha, so the Chang family prefers cremation? The Falling Petal Valley has always practiced burial…” She could only laugh awkwardly.

The most prominent young disciples of the sect were arguing heatedly, creating a chaotic scene. Some were furious, others were jealous, and there was plenty of laughter. The surrounding disciples watched with great interest, whispering and betting among themselves, thoroughly enjoying the spectacle.

Many, many years later, when they were old and gray, they would look back and realize that this was the last joyful moment of their carefree youth.

…

In the distance, a low rumble echoed, deep and far-reaching, like the call of an underground demon.

Everyone was stunned.

Song Yuzhi was the first to react, his face changing dramatically. “That’s the warning horn!”

Fan Xingjia tilted his head to listen carefully, then exclaimed, “Three long, two short blasts. This is bad—enemies are attacking the sect!”

“What?!” Cai Zhao jumped in fright. “Wasn’t it said that the Thousand Waters and Mountains Cliff was impregnable, that no one could break through?”

Chang Ning lowered his eyes, his expression calm. “There’s no truly impenetrable fortress in this world.”

Cai Zhao wasn’t the only one who thought this way. The other disciples also began to panic, having believed, like her, that the Thousand Waters and Mountains Cliff could never be invaded by outside enemies.

Song Yuzhi looked up and realized that six of the seven personal disciples of Master Qi Yunkuo were here squabbling. Knowing the situation was dire, he shouted, “All disciples, listen to my orders! Everyone form into groups of seven and create sword formations!”

As he held the highest prestige among his fellow disciples, everyone obeyed his command.

“Junior Brother, take two groups and warn everyone along the way. Tell the servants and attendants to hide in the back mountains. Then go assist Master Li at the outer gate. Many young disciples have just joined the Red Scale Gate—you must ensure their safety!”

Ding Zhuo saluted crisply and turned to leave.

“Fifth Junior Brother, lead two groups to the Medicine Pavilion. You must protect Master Lei at all costs. If you can’t hold out, abandon the pavilion and retreat immediately to the Hot Spring Pass in the valley. There are formations there for protection!”

Fan Xingjia gritted his teeth, accepted the order, and left with his chest puffed out.

“Second Senior Brother, you…” Song Yuzhi saw that Dai Fengchi was still injured. “You and Junior Sister Lingbo lead a group to the Twin Lotus Palace. Protect the Master’s wife and retreat to the Hot Spring Pass in the valley.”

Dai Fengchi struggled to respond, while Qi Lingbo trembled in fear.

The distant horn blasts grew more urgent, like ghosts crying for lives. The disciples who had formed sword formations became restless, an unspoken sense of impending doom pressing upon them.

Song Yuzhi called out loudly, “The rest of you, follow me to the Twilight Palace. The Master, First Senior Brother, and the sect’s sacred texts are all there!”

The disciples shouted their acknowledgment in unison.

Qi Lingbo, with tears in her eyes, tried to speak several times but couldn’t. Finally, Dai Fengchi pulled her away.

Everyone knew that the Twilight Palace would be the most dangerous place.

Song Yuzhi planted the practice sword he had been using into the ground. He then turned to the weapons rack at the edge of the training ground and took two ornate swords adorned with ancient patterns and inlaid with gold and emerald. One was named Green Rainbow, its sharp blade almost visible through the scabbard. The other was called Bai Rainbow, elegant and serene, leaving no trace even after slaying thousands.

These were originally the precious weapons that Yin Dai had prepared for his two young daughters, sparing no effort. Unfortunately, neither girl had the chance to use them.

Now they were in Song Yuzhi’s hands.

Song Yuzhi strapped Bai Rainbow to his back and offered Green Rainbow to Cai Zhao. “Take this to protect yourself.”

Cai Zhao shook her head, smiling. “Third Senior Brother, don’t be chivalrous at a time like this.” She pulled out the long sword Song Yuzhi had planted in the ground earlier, held it level in front of her, and plucked the blade, making it hum.

She said, “This is a good sword too. Senior Brother should use the weapon you’re most familiar with.” She simply didn’t want to use something from the Yin family.

Song Yuzhi didn’t insist further.

Cai Zhao held the sword in a reverse grip against her arm. She and Song Yuzhi both looked at Chang Ning.

Chang Ning smiled slightly. His right hand made a grasping motion in the air, and a long sword from the weapons rack shot out of its scabbard, landing directly in his hand.

“This is sufficient for self-defense,” he said, lightly turning the blade. “Young Master Song, there’s no need to assign me a task. I’ll adapt as needed. The sect has shown me kindness, so I’ll kill any invader I see.”

Song Yuzhi looked at Cai Zhao, wanting to say something but holding back.

Cai Zhao understood and volunteered enthusiastically, “Third Senior Brother, I’ll go with you to the Twilight Palace.”

However, Chang Ning pulled her to his side and said to Song Yuzhi, “Let her come with me. She hasn’t bloodied her hands yet.”

Song Yuzhi nodded, picked up Green Rainbow, and looked at Cai Zhao one more time. He said softly, “Junior Sister, be careful.” Then he led the remaining disciples away swiftly.

Cai Zhao wanted to follow, but Chang Ning held her back.

She said in a muffled voice, “I know I have no combat experience, but I can’t just stand by and do nothing.”

Chang Ning’s expression remained calm. “Who said you’d be standing by? We just need to go somewhere else first.”

“Where?”

“The Thousand Waters and Mountains Cliff.”