Fan Xingjia’s words tumbled out, nearly causing Cai Zhao to faint on the spot.
Chang Ning stepped forward to support her, asking quizzically, “All of them were ambushed? Was Luoying Valley among them? But Madam Cai and Valley Master Cai took separate routes, and even Zhao Zhao didn’t know which paths they took. How could they have been ambushed too?”
Fan Xingjia, out of breath from running, suddenly realized his mistake and hurriedly corrected himself, “No, no, Luoying Valley wasn’t among them. Madam Cai and Master Juexing have already arrived at the Ning family’s stronghold. Master just received a flying message about it. As for Valley Master Cai, no one knows where he went, but Master received a brief note from him this morning saying he’d be back at the inn in Qingque Town in a few days.”
Cai Zhao caught her breath and couldn’t help but scold, “Fifth Senior Brother, are you trying to kill me?!”
Seeing the girl’s face turn pale with fright, Fan Xingjia repeatedly apologized.
Cai Zhao, left with no other choice, said, “Alright, alright. Senior Brother, you came to report with good intentions. Please tell us what’s happening out there.”
Just then, Furong Feicui brought in breakfast. Cai Zhao invited Fan Xingjia to sit down, and the three of them ate while they talked.
In fact, since the downfall of Nie Hengcheng and his die-hard forces, the jianghu had enjoyed a period of relative peace. Both righteous and evil factions maintained their boundaries, with minor frictions continuing but major conflicts rarely occurring. The former sought to consolidate internal unity and maintain sect dignity, while the latter was still recovering from the heavy losses suffered in previous battles.
Even when organizing joint training exercises for new disciples, both sides tried to keep the scale under control.
As a result, for this 200th anniversary of Northern Chen Ancestor’s passing, the righteous sects didn’t exercise much caution against the demonic sect. Whether high-profile like Guangtian Gate or low-key like Xuankong Temple, they all came to Jiuli Mountain openly without concealing their movements.
After being together for over a decade, where was the passion for causing trouble? The most passionate ones had already died in Nie Hengcheng’s era.
Chang Ning sneered, “Indeed, long periods of peace dull one’s vigilance. Even if Nie Zhe is useless, after such a major incident as the massacre of my entire family, the various sects should have remained alert.”
“Complacency, complacency is what erodes resolve the most,” Cai Zhao said. “Oh, that’s also something my aunt used to say.”
Because of this, no one expected the demonic sect to suddenly strike, ambushing the various sects on their return journeys.
Although the demonic sect maintained a fair but not open attitude in their surprise attacks, the extent of damage varied greatly among the sects.
“I must say, Junior Sister Zhao Zhao’s family has the best luck,” Fan Xingjia remarked with feeling. “Especially Madam Cai. The disciples sent to escort them couldn’t keep up at all, constantly getting lost and confused. When they were still a day or two away from the Ning family’s stronghold, Master Juexing told them to return and report on their own. No wonder even the demonic sect couldn’t track Madam Cai’s group.”
Ning Xiaofeng was a daughter born to her parents in their later years and was spoiled from a young age. As a child, she had a falling out with her mother over changing her hairstyle to become a nun. She hadn’t been in the jianghu for long when she met Cai Pingshu and became her sworn sister when marriage didn’t work out.
Cai Pingshu was particularly fond of this beautiful, lively, and endearing little sister, indulging her greatly.
When Ning Xiaofeng admired hair ornaments made of mermaid tears, Cai Pingshu scoured the Southern Sea’s pearl nests. When Ning Xiaofeng wanted snow lotus from icy mountains for her cosmetics, Cai Pingshu would bring her a basketful even through heavy snow.
As a result, Ning Xiaofeng developed an even more willful personality—until after the Battle of Tushan, when Cai Pingshu’s meridians were severely damaged, leaving her bedridden. Ning Xiaofeng seemed to grow up overnight, transforming into a capable and considerate Valley Master’s wife.
After staying in Luoying Valley for over a decade, this rare outing led Ning Xiaofeng to revert to her youthful habits, going wherever her heart desired.
One day, she’d see a lively town and take her children there for food and fun. The next day, she’d spot a beautiful lake and go boating with her husband for a few days. Later, upon hearing from locals at an inn about the unparalleled flavors of braised pigeon and plum wine in a nearby city, she’d take a detour of several days just to satisfy her palate…
Cai Pingchun indulged his wife’s every whim, Cai Zhao was glad for the delayed arrival at her master’s place, and little Cai, well, he had no say in the matter. As a result, the Cai family’s journey from Luoying Valley to Jiuli Mountain took three times longer than usual.
After the ceremony, on the way to the Ning family, Ning Xiaofeng unsurprisingly fell back into her old habits.
Unlike the other groups of escorting disciples who lost contact due to the demonic sect’s ambushes and injuries, those escorting the Cai family simply got lost following Ning Xiaofeng’s meandering path, barely managing to find their way back to the main road.
At this point, Chang Ning glanced at Cai Zhao, his eyes full of meaning.
Cai Zhao, puzzled by his look, turned to apologize to Fan Xingjia, “It’s all because of my mother’s whims that our fellow disciples had to take such unnecessary detours. Please, Senior Brother Fan, convey my apologies to Uncle Master Li.”
“No need, no need,” Fan Xingjia waved his hand. “Thanks to your mother, that group of disciples was the luckiest of all.”
While the other groups of disciples returned battered, injured, or even dead, those who followed Ning Xiaofeng came back with rosy cheeks and oily mouths, carrying bags full of local specialties. Apart from getting slightly lost for a few days, it was like a sightseeing trip for them.
Chang Ning pondered, “Why didn’t the demonic sect directly attack the Ning family and catch them all at once?”
Cai Zhao gave him a look, “You think my mother’s mechanisms and formations came from nowhere? They were all taught by my maternal grandfather. The Ning family’s hideout is even more secure than your Chang family’s.”
At least people knew the Chang family was in a certain mountain, but the Ning family’s location was spread across several towns and cities in a hilly forest area, all looking similar, with different entrances each time.
As for Cai Pingchun’s group, they were secretly investigating the Chang family massacre, so naturally, their whereabouts were concealed. Even Qi Yunke didn’t know where they were on any given day.
Fan Xingjia concluded, “Don’t worry, Junior Sister. The Cai family is completely safe.”
“Just lucky, just lucky,” Cai Zhao said, somewhat embarrassed. She then showed appropriate concern for the other sects, “I think the demonic sect was just annoyed by our grand ceremony for the Ancestor’s anniversary and wanted to make a statement without putting in too much effort.”
Fan Xingjia shook his head, “No, they were serious about it.”
The sect that suffered the worst ambush was Guangtian Gate.
After being mocked by Qiu Yuanfeng at the ceremony, Song Shijun decided to restore Guangtian Gate’s reputation.
Along his journey, he visited local strongmen and influential figures, always eager to form brotherly bonds over drinks and incidentally boost the local entertainment industry.
These local strongmen were far beneath the status of the Six Sects of Beichen, as different as candlelight from the moon. Having received such respect and hospitality, after three cups of wine and a couple of risqué songs, they felt Song Shijun was the world’s greatest hero who truly valued talent. With such a big brother looking out for them, what regrets could they have in life?
So those with promising nephews or disciples sent them to join the Guangtian Gate, and those without joined themselves.
Song Shijun had already brought many people to Jiuli Mountain, and after recruiting allies along the way, when they stumbled into the demonic sect’s ambush, both sides were quite embarrassed.
The demonic sect, facing this sea of people, felt their ambush was about to burst.
Song Shijun felt his image of brilliance and martial prowess was tarnished by carelessly walking into an ambush with his large entourage.
He was a bit angry.
After a fierce battle, the ambushed party surprisingly drove away the ambushers.
Although there were casualties, the numbers weren’t outrageous. Song Shijun put on another show of care and comfort, doubling the effect.
Except for young master Song Mao’s two broken toes from a meteor hammer, it was a happy ending for all.
Cai Zhao smiled, “That sounds like good news.”
“Does Song Yu know about this?” Chang Ning asked.
Fan Xingjia replied, “Fourth Senior Brother has gone to inform Third Senior Brother. Since Guangtian Gate is largely unharmed, Sect Leader Song should arrive soon after receiving the pigeon message.”
Next to be ambushed were Taichu Temple and Xuankong Nunnery.
Taichu Temple, having just suffered a setback, seemed an ideal target with its scattered morale. However, the news of Wu Yuanying’s tragic death spread like wildfire. Before the sects even left the mountain, jianghu folks had learned most of the story.
The once generous and heroic young man had been tortured for over a decade in the demonic sect’s dark dungeon. Anyone with a conscience would be moved, especially those who admired Wu Yuanying’s chivalry and reputation.
Though individually weak, these people could cause trouble when united.
They thought, that although Cangqiong Zi Qiu Yuanfeng was dead, his beloved disciples and confidants were still alive. They should at least take revenge on them for Wu Yuanying.
So Taichu Temple’s group faced constant harassment from leaving Qingque Town, ranging from verbal abuse to being pelted with dirty water, rotten fruit, and rotten eggs. Some even resorted to arson, poisoning, and physical attacks.
As the saying goes, the son pays for the father’s debts, so naturally, the disciples pay for the master’s debts.
No one would speak up for Taichu Temple against these overt and covert acts of revenge.
After suffering several setbacks, even the gentle Wang Yuanjing had to assert his authority and tighten discipline among the disciples.
They couldn’t stay at inns anymore, unable to bear the constant mockery. So Wang Yuanjing ordered the disciples to travel by night and camp in the wilderness, always staying alert.
Unexpectedly, this helped them avoid the demonic sect’s ambush. When the pursuers caught up, Taichu Temple was well-rested and managed to escape smoothly. A blessing in disguise, perhaps.
Xuankong Nunnery faced a similar situation.
Abbess Jingyuan was known for her cautious nature, and she had been uneasy since Wu Yuanying’s incident.
On their return journey, she chose to travel by water even at greater expense. The demonic sect members lying in wait on the original route were left empty-handed and had to pursue them to Xuankong Nunnery arduously. By then, Abbess Jingyuan, having caught wind of the danger, had her disciples form a defensive formation to await the attackers. They too were well-rested and managed to escape.
Siqin Gate and Changchun Temple were ambushed later.
Unlike Ning Xiaofeng and Song Shijun who wandered about causing unexpected events, or Taichu Temple and Xuankong Nunnery who were overly cautious, these two sects traveled home routinely, seemingly the easiest targets for an ambush.
However, these two sects were located at opposite ends of a vast plain, with hundreds of miles of open visibility. Not only were there no high mountains, but even small hills were rare, making it difficult for the demonic sect to set up an ambush.
In the end, they had to set up their ambush near the sects’ home bases, where the terrain finally became less flat.
When Siqin Gate and Changchun Temple suddenly encountered the ambush, they fought while retreating, eventually withdrawing into their sects.
The demonic sect members, blinded by bloodlust, pursued them relentlessly, even entering the sects’ territories, where they were ultimately surrounded.
In the end, the demonic sect members were annihilated, but both sects suffered significant damage to their buildings and courtyards.
Siqin Gate’s ancestral temple was destroyed, and Yang Heying cried bitterly while holding a pile of ancestral tablets, even more heartbroken than a newborn beaten by a midwife.
Changchun Temple’s sutra library, treasure hall, and monks’ quarters were mostly burned down. Abbot Fakong injured his shoulder and back while rescuing scriptures and inhaled a lot of smoke.
“Buildings can be rebuilt. It’s good that people are safe. They’ll recover slowly,” Cai Zhao said with relief. She didn’t care much about Yang Heying, but Abbot Fakong was so kind and benevolent. At his age, she hoped nothing serious had happened to him.
Chang Ning frowned slightly and looked at Fan Xingjia, “Aren’t you missing one sect?”
Fan Xingjia turned his face away awkwardly.
Cai Zhao was startled and asked, “What about Peiqiong Manor? How are Uncle Zhou and Aunt Zhixian?” After hearing so much about the others’ close calls, she had let her guard down.
Fan Xingjia scratched his neck, seeming unsure how to explain.
“I had a feeling that the Zhou family’s journey would be the most dangerous,” Chang Ning said slowly. “Manor Lord Zhou wouldn’t be paranoid without reason, nor would he wander about aimlessly. Peiqiong Manor also lacks geographical advantages. On the contrary, their return route is full of beautiful scenery, perfect for setting up multiple ambushes.”
Hearing this, Cai Zhao became more anxious. She grabbed Fan Xingjia and shook him, “Tell us already!”
Dizzy from the shaking, Fan Xingjia hurriedly said, “The casualties… the casualties were severe. Lady Zhou and the two young masters are all seriously injured, very seriously. Even Manor Lord Zhou suffered internal injuries. In the end, only they escaped with their lives. Almost all the accompanying disciples and followers died. They say the lake water was dyed red.”
This was the most successful attack in the demonic sect’s campaign against the six sects.
Cai Zhao was speechless for a long time, filled with worry. “I… I want to go to Peiqiong Manor to see Uncle Zhou and Aunt Zhixian.”
Fan Xingjia quickly replied, “Don’t worry, Master also said he wants to visit Manor Lord Zhou. We can go together then.”
After Fan Xingjia left, Cai Zhao turned to see Chang Ning sitting gracefully in his original spot, quietly watching her.
She sighed and asked, “What do you want to say?”
Chang Ning: “Can I say ‘Actually, your visit won’t make Zhou Manor Lord’s injuries heal any faster’?”
Cai Zhao frowned, “No, you can’t. I didn’t hear that.”
Chang Ning: “Then can I say ‘Are you using this as an excuse to see Zhou Yuqi’?”
Cai Zhao suppressed her anger, “No, you can’t. I didn’t hear that either.”
Chang Ning: “Then let me try another. Don’t you think the demonic sect’s method of ambushing the various sects is very similar to how they attacked the Qingque Sect yesterday?”
“I don’t!” Cai Zhao said irritably. “I haven’t even settled accounts with you yet! How did you describe it to me earlier? Oh, ‘The demonic sect is divided into factions with frequent internal conflicts, no longer as strong as when Nie Hengcheng was alive,’ and ‘The demonic sect is disorganized, Nie Zhe is mediocre, they don’t have much capability left’—Aren’t these your words? Huh!”
“A ‘not strong, incapable, factional, internally conflicted’ demonic sect could turn the Six Sects of Beichen, plus a temple and a nunnery, upside down. If the demonic sect becomes strong, capable, and united in the future, will we have any chance of survival?!”
“So actually, you were praising the demonic sect while appearing to criticize them?” Cai Zhao was furious. “Can we still trust your words in the future?!”
Chang Ning, unperturbed by the girl’s sarcasm, smiled as usual. “The current demonic sect is indeed divided into factions with frequent internal conflicts, no longer in its prime. What we’ve seen might be all of Nie Zhe’s resources.”
“No, why would he use all his resources for something that harms others without benefiting himself?” He tilted his head in thought.
“It’s not entirely without benefit to him,” Cai Zhao found the logic quite clear. “Didn’t you always say Nie Zhe couldn’t command respect in the demonic sect? Now that he’s pulled off such a big operation, maybe everyone will be so pleased that they’ll remove the ‘acting’ from his ‘Acting Sect Leader’ title.”
Chang Ning nodded slowly, “…That’s possible.”
“By the way, you mentioned earlier that the demonic sect’s method of ambushing the various sects was similar to how they attacked the Qingque Sect yesterday. How are they similar?” Cai Zhao asked.
“They both involve brilliant strategies with poor execution,” Chang Ning said.
Cai Zhao was taken aback.
Chang Ning continued slowly, “Their sudden attack on the various sects after the ceremony was a good strategy. However, the executors seemed incapable of adapting to changing circumstances, rigidly sticking to the predetermined plan. In the end, only Peiqiong Manor, which traveled home routinely, was successfully ambushed.”
“Yesterday was the same. The strategy was ingenious, even calculating the timing perfectly. But when it came to implementation, many flaws emerged.”
“Why didn’t Sect Leader Qi and Song Yu die? Because you warned them in time.” He looked at the girl, his gaze deep. “What was the flaw? You, me, we were the flaws.”
“The original plan didn’t account for a disciple like you, with considerable skill and concern for the Sect Leader. Nor did it account for a recently recovered patient like me.”
“But we didn’t suddenly become this way. You had already displayed your skills during the ceremony, and I had shown my abilities in the outer sect days before.” The young man’s expression was impassive. “Yet the executors didn’t adapt at all, failing to factor us in, ultimately leading to failure.”
“As I said, brilliant strategy, poor execution. Like an exceptionally intelligent strategist paired with an incompetent lord.”
Cai Zhao quietly looked at Chang Ning for a while, then suddenly said, “My father has arrived. Come with me to see him.”
Chang Ning blinked, “Don’t you have any questions for me?”
Cai Zhao glanced out the window, “My aunt used to say, ‘Ask less, listen more.'”
Because sometimes what you ask for might not be the truth—especially when you’re dealing with someone you can’t figure out.
When Cai Pingshu said this, her usually calm eyes seemed to shimmer.