After Lu Yun and Wei Zizhuang entered the secret passage, soldiers had already surged forward behind them. Wei Zizhuang braced his shoulder against the stone door and shouted:

“Lu Yun! Help me push! Close the door!” Amid grinding sounds, the “Wu Palace Internal Energy” and “Absolute Heart Method” worked together, and the stone door finally slowly closed. No matter how fierce the killing sounds outside, not a trace could be heard within the door.

With the secret passage sealed, even if Liu Angtian possessed heaven-reaching abilities, he could not escape now. His fate seemed grim indeed. However, without him leading men to resist the imperial forces, the household full of family members could not have departed in peace. Speaking of it, the Northern Expedition Commander remained calm in crisis and died without dishonor, living up to his mighty reputation.

Wei Zizhuang covered his face, seeming to sob. Having followed Liu Angtian for so long, this sudden parting of life and death must have filled his heart with bitter sorrow. Though Lu Yun also felt distressed, he had only followed Liu Angtian for two years and wasn’t particularly close, so he didn’t feel as heartbroken as Wei Zizhuang. He immediately consoled: “Guard Wei, here are only old, weak, women and children. They can only depend on our actions. Stop grieving quickly.”

Wei Zizhuang remained silent with his face covered. After a long while, he finally composed himself. Lu Yun patted his back in comfort and asked: “When was this secret passage built?” Wei Zizhuang smiled bitterly: “When Qin Baxian had his entire household executed, which minister wasn’t constantly on edge? The Marquis secretly built this passage the following year. He arranged for an old man at the exit, most loyal, who has been waiting for this moment for decades.”

Just then, loud screams echoed from the tunnel. Wei and Lu exchanged alarmed glances, fearing ambush ahead. They hastily gathered their energy and leaped forward, making several bounds along the wall to reach the crowd. They suddenly saw a military officer crouching on the ground, clutching a blade – it was Lieutenant General Shi Ping. Wei Zizhuang angrily shouted: “Shi Ping! Why aren’t you fighting the enemy ahead? What are you doing fleeing here?” Shi Ping frantically waved his hands, gasping: “Don’t drive me away, don’t drive me away…”

When the tree falls, the monkeys scatter. Looking at Shi Ping, his entire body was bloodstained, trembling constantly as he spoke, without half his former dignity.

Lu Yun felt pity and said: “At this moment, one more helper means one more chance of survival. Don’t make things difficult for him.” Wei Zizhuang sighed. Since this man had come, even wanting to drive him out was impossible. He immediately said: “Very well. I’ll lead the way ahead. You and this Shi Ping bring up the rear.”

Wei Zizhuang took up his long blade and went forward. The group, besides Liu’s seven wives, also included many servants and attendants. These were mostly old, weak, women and children – some too delicate to endure long travel, others so frightened they constantly felt dizzy and nauseous. The group of frail elderly and young children, in the stuffy tunnel, could barely move after walking for just half an hour.

Liu’s seven wives collapsed on the ground, their cries shaking the heavens. But the tunnel didn’t contain only Liu’s household – Wei Zizhuang, Lu Yun, and the various servants all worried about their own family members too. That Shi Ping also had relatives and family. Seeing these women making such a commotion, he suddenly roared: “You cheap goods, shut up quickly! If you want to cry, wait until you get out to cry! Stop annoying people!”

One woman screamed – it was Liu Angtian’s beloved concubine, Fifth Wife. She shrieked: “Get out! You cowardly thing afraid of death! Get out!” She immediately pounced forward, biting and clawing at Shi Ping quite madly.

Shi Ping grabbed Fifth Wife and delivered a heavy slap, shouting: “The Marquis is dead, what are you prostitutes from pleasure houses still acting proud about? Stop dreaming your spring dreams! Go die!” When Shi Ping struck someone publicly, the other wives rushed to intervene. Seventh Wife screamed: “Lu Yun! Lu Yun! Come quickly!”

Everyone was overly frightened, each showing signs of madness. Lu Yun usually cultivated his mind through studying sage books, so his spirit remained relatively clear and his wits undisturbed. Hearing the call, he rushed over. His right palm shot out toward Shi Ping while his left hand flashed out like lightning, five fingers gripping Shi Ping’s right wrist. With his power applied, he had already seized the weapon.

Lu Yun hadn’t fought masters for many years, but his mastery of internal martial arts made him different from ordinary men. Indeed, within three moves he had subdued the old general. He sealed Shi Ping’s pressure points and handed the blade to Seventh Wife: “If this man shows any more disrespect, kill him with one stroke.”

Shi Ping was both shocked and afraid, angrily saying: “Surname Lu, you… you’ve also gotten involved with this cheap woman, haven’t you… you lowlife…” Several wives hearing these words all looked toward Seventh Wife. The primary wife’s gaze was especially stern. Seventh Wife’s face turned cold as she quickly shrank behind Lu Yun.

Hearing Shi Ping’s shameless words, Lu Yun couldn’t help but frown. He casually pressed a point to seal his mute acupoint.

The tunnel was narrow and dark without light. The passage was also filled mostly with women, everyone pressing against each other, struggling forward with difficulty. Sobbing sounds continued endlessly around them, making people even more irritated. However, amid the chaos, the baby never cried or fussed. Looking at him with wide eyes open, he only poked his head around curiously in Seventh Wife’s arms, seeming quite interested. Lu Yun felt greatly comforted: “Truly a tiger cub from a general’s den. This child being so brave will surely be able to avenge the Marquis in the future.”

After walking further, the ground became wet and slippery, the walls on both sides quite damp. It seemed the secret passage had been dug deep underground, reaching below the moat. Lu Yun had wandered the world and seen far more than ordinary people. He knew that the capital’s defenses were most stringent at the inner and outer city areas. As long as they could successfully escape these two checkpoints, there would be hope of leaving Beijing alive.

After walking about another half hour, the group reached the secret passage exit. Wei Zizhuang led at the front, listening carefully and hearing no sounds, then pushed open the secret passage stone door and slowly climbed out. Lu Yun had also squeezed to the front by now. Seeing Wei Zizhuang emerge, he immediately held his finger to his lips, signaling everyone to remain silent, then assumed the stance of “Peerless Continuous Fists.” If there was the slightest movement outside the door, he would rush forward to kill enemies.

After waiting a long while without hearing any disturbance, Lu Yun also climbed out. He found himself on a riverbank. In the deep autumn night chill, it was now midnight. Autumn wind blew across the river surface, stirring up waves of cold water. By heaven’s blessing, this place was already at the Yongding River bank with no pursuing soldiers.

In the distance at a small house, Wei Zizhuang was speaking with an old man – presumably the loyal subordinate Liu Angtian had arranged. Lu Yun relaxed and began helping Liu household members out of the secret passage one by one.

Everyone climbed out, each gray-headed and dirt-faced. Lu Yun released Shi Ping’s sealed pressure points and instructed: “Everyone is in the same boat. General Shi, don’t annoy people anymore. Otherwise, don’t blame me for being impolite.” Shi Ping smiled bitterly twice and just crouched on the ground without speaking.

In their overwhelming grief, the group surrounded Liu Angtian’s primary wife, each holding their heads and crying bitterly. Now with their master’s life and death unknown, that titled lady, as the household head, naturally had to make decisions. But firstly, she was old, and secondly, having lived in wealth and never experienced hardship, she could only weep and couldn’t speak for a long time.

Lu Yun was far calmer than these people. He paced back and forth several times, then called the old steward: “Did you bring money?”

In chaotic times during flight, the first most important thing was martial arts skills – this need not be worried about much. With Wei Zizhuang’s abilities and experience, even encountering ten or so bandits, he could keep the elderly and children safe. Besides this, silver was the second most important thing. This large group of refugees numbered fifty or sixty people. Daily food and drink alone would be an expense, not to mention encountering troublesome state officials or difficult prefects – they couldn’t lack money for bribes. Lu Yun had wandered the four directions, so his first question went straight to the crucial point.

The steward panicked: “We left so hastily, this old one doesn’t know what was brought.” Speaking thus, he called over a servant to fetch a large bundle. Everyone gathered around to look. Though they hadn’t had time to prepare, Liu household was wealthy, so inside were still thick stacks of banknotes plus some jewelry and ornaments.

Suddenly the primary wife screamed, taking out a jade stone from the bundle and shrieking: “Who is it? Who brought out this disaster?” Everyone looked closely – it was the imperial seal. Presumably the servant had left in such haste that when packing the full-month celebration gifts, he carelessly put the imperial seal in the bundle too. The primary wife, mad with rage, violently threw the imperial seal into the secret passage and broke into loud weeping.

Several wives came to console her, but the primary wife wouldn’t accept their kindness. She was seen jumping about furiously, screaming: “Shi Ping spoke correctly! You’re all cheap women! You married the master just for money, didn’t you! Look! Look! Here’s money – take it and get out! Get out!” Then she grabbed the bundle, shaking and smashing it wildly while crying and screaming. The women’s expressions dimmed, greatly embarrassed. Seventh Wife cried even harder. Lu Yun wanted to console her but didn’t know where to begin, could only worry helplessly.

Just then, a roar was heard, followed by a slap that knocked the primary wife unconscious. Lu Yun was both shocked and pleased, hurriedly turning to see who had acted – it was Wei Zizhuang, with an old man behind him, the loyal subordinate seen earlier.

Wei Zizhuang hoisted the primary wife onto his shoulder and sternly said: “Listen up! Here’s an example for you all! The Marquis’s life and death are still unknown. Anyone who dares cause more trouble or speak of breaking up this household must get past me, Wei Zizhuang, first!” Wei Zizhuang roared angrily. Beside him, Shi Ping laughed dryly, about to mock, when Wei Zizhuang stepped over and kicked him to the ground, then glared at everyone fiercely: “This is the second example! Anyone else wanting to try, come over here.”

Wei Zizhuang was usually smooth and accommodating, but today facing this great crisis, he first captured Gong Zhengyi with his blade to control the situation, and now suppressed the women’s disputes. It seemed Liu Angtian’s choice of him as personal chief bodyguard truly showed great insight.

Seeing the women silent as cicadas and servants not daring to breathe loudly, Lu Yun secretly admired him. He approached and asked: “All arranged?” Wei Zizhuang restrained his anger, took a breath and said: “The Marquis instructed years ago that if great trouble arose, the wives should take ship and leave, first meeting with Young Master Yunfeng, then making further plans.”

Liu Angtian’s eldest son was named Yunfeng, inheriting the noble title and long residing in his ancestral land. From Wei Zizhuang’s meaning, they were to return to the Shanxi fief to seek refuge with this eldest young master.

Wei Zizhuang gave a few instructions, and the old man went to prepare at the dock. Wei Zizhuang gazed at Lu Yun: “Will you come with us?”

Hearing this, Lu Yun’s body couldn’t help trembling. Though he had some connection with Liu household, his qualifications were still shallow. If he wanted to withdraw now, he could still escape with his whole body intact. Wei Zizhuang guessed his thoughts and immediately sighed: “Lu Yun, you’re getting married in a few days. If you want to leave, then go. We won’t blame you.”

When Lu Yun first came to the capital, he was originally a destitute, humble servant. After joining Liu household, he remained an insignificant archer and hadn’t received special favor or rewards. His current top scholar achievement was earned through his own talent and had nothing to do with Liu Angtian. He sighed, turning back to look at Seventh Wife. He saw her holding the child, looking at him with eyes full of pleading. Seeing her so earnest, she surely didn’t want him to leave either.

Lu Yun turned back toward Beijing, seeing the distant capital city towering majestically. No great fires were visible, just dark and silent as usual. Presumably the chaos hadn’t affected the entire city, so Gu household should be safe. His heart felt confused, thinking: “What should I do? Go with them? Or return to guard Qianxi?”

At this moment of military chaos, by emotion and reason he should return to guard his family. But how could these words be spoken? He stood hesitating, quite unable to decide. Wei Zizhuang didn’t force anyone. Seeing Lu Yun’s hesitation, he immediately embraced his waist and whispered in his ear: “Fool, accompanying us this far, you’ve already done right by the Marquis. While you can still leave, go by yourself. No one will blame you.”

Lu Yun looked at Wei Zizhuang, his heart aching as tears streamed down. Wei Zizhuang’s wife and children were all in Beijing, yet for Liu household’s elderly and children, he was abandoning his own family. His inner pain and helplessness surely couldn’t be imagined by outsiders. Lu Yun choked up: “Guard Wei, I… I…”

Just then the fishing boat had arrived. Shi Ping was first to rush aboard. This Shi Ping was a Liu household general, his position personally promoted by Liu Angtian. If he returned to the capital now, it would certainly be a dead end. If not leaving now, when? Indeed he was quick-handed and quick-footed, appearing efficient without the slightest hesitation. He was heard asking: “Wei Zizhuang! Where are we going now?”

Wei Zizhuang disliked this man’s callousness and without turning his head, directly shouted: “To Shanxi!”

Shi Ping meekly agreed and hid himself in the cabin. Wei Zizhuang sighed: “Brother, when great disaster strikes suddenly, everything is unpredictable, no one can trust anyone. You say… if we can’t find Young Master Yunfeng, can we seek refuge with Wu Dingyuan?” Hearing this, Lu Yun immediately shuddered. At this time, Liu household’s last elite force was in Wu Dingyuan’s hands. If he would act to save people, Liu household’s elderly and children could be safe and sound.

Lu Yun pondered for a long while: “Dingyuan is loyal and righteous by nature, he’ll surely be willing to help. This need not be worried about.”

Wei Zizhuang smiled bitterly: “Dingyuan is no problem, but you say… can Miss Yan Ting be trusted?”

Lu Yun was slightly puzzled: “Big Brother Wei, why do you say this? What’s wrong with Miss Yan Ting?” Lu Yun could be considered acquainted with Yan Ting. Though they hadn’t talked deeply, he knew this girl was honest and simple, definitely not treacherous. He wondered why Wei Zizhuang didn’t trust her, so he questioned in return.

Wei Zizhuang was about to speak when Shi Ping shouted: “Why are you dallying like old women! If you delay more, you might attract pursuing soldiers!” Wei Zizhuang wanted to speak but stopped, only patting Lu Yun’s shoulder and sighing: “Brother, there’s no time to tell you. We must go.”

Seeing him about to leave, Lu Yun suddenly felt reluctant and wanted to do something for him. He rushed over, grasped his hand and whispered: “Guard Wei, I’ll definitely look after your family and children for you. Go in peace.”

Hearing these words, Wei Zizhuang immediately wept. Lu Yun always kept his word once spoken. He had waited so long for exactly these words. Earlier urging Lu Yun to stay in the capital was somewhat motivated by this private hope. Wei Zizhuang was full of gratitude, nodding repeatedly and whispering: “The world’s human hearts are treacherous. Take care of yourself.” Without saying more, he boarded the ship.

Liu household members withdrew into the cabin. Only a few people remained on deck. Wei Zizhuang counted heads up and down but was still missing one. He sternly said: “Who else hasn’t boarded? Come quickly!”

Just as his words ended, a woman rushed out from the secret passage in panic – it was Seventh Wife, though unknown when she had run inside. She walked to the ship’s rail and stopped, looking at Wei Zizhuang with some fear in her expression. Wei Zizhuang said solemnly: “What’s wrong with you? Why haven’t you boarded?”

Seventh Wife seemed somewhat hesitant, only lowering her head to look at the ground without speaking or moving.

Wei Zizhuang saw through her thoughts and immediately jumped off the ship, pulling Seventh Wife and shaking his head: “Ruyu, being married as a woman, you must observe the three submissions and four virtues. If that man loved you, he would have married you back then. Thinking of him more is useless.”

Seventh Wife let him pull her along, her feet following, but her gaze kept returning to Lu Yun as if wanting to say something but finding it hard to speak. Lu Yun saw her pitiful appearance, her gaze toward him full of pleading. His heart suddenly impulse to board the ship too, but thinking of Gu Qianxi, he restrained himself again.

The large ship left the riverbank, heading straight toward the river center. Lu Yun stood alone on the shore, his heart filled with mixed feelings. Liu Angtian’s fate was grim – this large group of widows all depended on Wei Zizhuang’s care now. He felt both guilty and heartbroken, momentarily clenching his fists and shedding tears in a daze.

He stood for a long time, watching the large ship sail into the river and depart far away. Lu Yun relaxed and was about to turn and leave when suddenly light flashed before his eyes. The opposite riverbank actually lit up. Looking into the distance, the forest seemed to have countless torches raised high. Then ten or so small boats were launched from the shore, rowing straight toward the large ship.

Lu Yun was shocked and horrified, knowing imperial pursuing soldiers had arrived. He shouted loudly: “No! No!”

A ship full of orphans and widows – how could Wei Zizhuang and Shi Ping alone match the imperial forces? In his urgency, Lu Yun immediately jumped into the water, swimming frantically toward the river center with wild arm strokes.

Lu Yun swam desperately, but being northern-born with poor water skills, though paddling breathlessly, he couldn’t maintain direction. Swimming and shouting: “Guard Wei! Guard Wei! Escape quickly!”

As he shouted, tears streamed down. On the river, firelight lit the sky as ten or so small boats shot fire arrows, surrounding and fiercely attacking the large ship. He floated and sank in the water, wanting to swim over but the current was swift, the distance always remaining far. Lu Yun flailed his arms, crying loudly: “Your Majesty! Please spare us! Spare us!”

The large ship caught fire. From far away, black shadows on deck fell into the river water, immediately swallowed by the icy water.

Lu Yun looked up at the sky, only crying “yi yi ah ah” as his body also sank down.

As dawn approached and night faded, only scattered pieces of wood and armor remained on the river surface, along with floating corpses. In the distance, small boats came and went, still searching for survivors.

Lu Yun crawled back to shore soaking wet. He held his head in his hands, kneeling on the ground, his expression vacant like a corpse.

Over these years, though countless life-and-death events swirled around him, Lu Yun maintained his original intention, doing what was right without confusion or bewilderment. Zhuo Lingzhao died, Liu Jing died, Qin Zhonghai was crippled, Yang Suguan disappeared. Even if heaven and earth reversed, he remained the last gentleman in the world. No matter how much mud surrounded the lotus, in his view it was all light clouds and gentle wind, never shaking his aspirations.

Tonight, at this moment, Lu Yun knew he was wrong. As a Confucian scholar, as the top scholar personally selected by the emperor, as a parent official, he witnessed the Jingtai Dynasty’s final tragic case and witnessed the cruel heartlessness of political struggle. Lu Yun cried out loudly. He drew “Yunmeng Lake” and struck it forcefully into the ground. But with tear-blurred eyes, he didn’t know who he should kill.

At this moment, decades of arduous study in cold windows seemed so ridiculous. Loyalty to the sovereign and serving the country, establishing principles for heaven and earth – these moral convictions all lost their color. What remained in his heart was only gray confusion, and even he didn’t know what it was.

All was silent and deathly still. Lu Yun collapsed on the ground like this. At this moment, if he were to return to Gu Qianxi’s side to be a happy groom again, how could he possibly feel joy? When everyone under heaven suffered hardship while only he lived in peace and leisure, how could his conscience be at peace?

Lu Yun thought of his pain and could only sob softly. Just then, someone in the distance seemed to echo his cries – sobbing sounds came from within the secret passage. Lu Yun was greatly shocked. He threw aside his long sword and rolled and crawled urgently into the secret passage. In an instant, he saw before his eyes a baby laughing merrily, playing in the tunnel.

Seventh Wife hadn’t taken the child with her. She had left the child for him.

Lu Yun cried out: “Oh Heaven above!” He embraced the child tightly, tears streaming down like rain.

She trusted him more than she trusted anyone in Liu household. She wanted him to take the child away.

Lu Yun stood dazed, tears flowing, thinking: “This child has lost his parents and is now entrusted to me. No matter what, I must care for his safety.” The child still didn’t know his mother had died in the river, only crawling about on the ground. Lu Yun saw him crawl into a pile of gifts, rummaging around there. But the servants had already taken out the precious treasures, leaving only discarded empty boxes on the ground, so naturally the child couldn’t find anything interesting to play with.

Lu Yun watched blankly when suddenly he saw the child pick up a brocade box, giggling with laughter. It was exactly the gift Yan Ting had entrusted to him. The scene remained but the people had changed completely. Lu Yun took the brocade box, recalling that night’s events, his heart feeling even more bitter.

He sighed. At this critical moment of survival, he couldn’t indulge in such melancholy thoughts. He casually threw the box aside, but just then the lid flipped open, revealing the red satin lining inside, very elaborate, with a square indentation that must have previously held some precious object, now taken out.

Lu Yun exclaimed in surprise, a strange feeling rising in his heart. He looked around and saw in the corner of the tunnel a jade stone rolling about – it was the imperial seal that Liu’s primary wife had thrown into the secret passage earlier.

Lu Yun picked up the imperial seal and examined it carefully in his hand. The seal stone was also perfectly square. Lu Yun’s jaw trembled, his legs went weak as he slowly placed the imperial seal into the box.

When the imperial seal was placed inside, it immediately fit perfectly with the indentation, the size heaven-made and earth-set, not differing by a fraction.

Without doubt, this brocade box was the source of disaster.

Lu Yun’s entire body shook, tears streaming down. He raised his head and struck it hard against the wall, screaming: “Marquis! It was me! I caused your deaths! It was me!” The little baby, hearing his cries and being affected emotionally, also began to cry.

Lu Yun went mad, repeatedly striking his forehead against the wall with thudding sounds. His eyes showed both grief and rage, as if fire would spout from them. He punched the wall forcefully and roared in anguish: “Yan Ting! Why? Why did you harm us? Don’t you know how terrifying this box is? What grudge did Marquis Liu have with you? Why did you have to harm him?”

Lu Yun gritted his silver teeth, his face full of self-blame. If only he had opened the wax seal, if only he hadn’t delivered the item, things wouldn’t have turned out this way… Yan Ting… how ruthless you are, how ruthless…

Suddenly Lu Yun’s mind cleared. No… no, Yan Ting was just a young girl, what hatred could she have? Behind her was another person… Lu Yun’s legs went weak and he knelt on the ground. In an instant, he saw the answer.

“Is it you? The great restoration minister of Wu Ying Dynasty, did you make this move?”

Lu Yun looked at the baby on the ground and in despair finally opened his mouth to cry aloud. He wanted to kill his way to that person’s presence and loudly demand why he wanted that square-faced man to speak his true heart.

The true dragon in Shenji Cave, the great restoration minister of Wu Ying Dynasty – how vicious, how heartless you are!

In this moment of mental collapse, he suddenly heard footsteps approaching in the distance – a large group of people was coming. Lu Yun was shocked and horrified. At this critical moment of life and death, with his fate in others’ hands, he absolutely couldn’t act impulsively. He hid the imperial seal in his bosom, tightly embraced the little baby, and shrank into the secret passage, peering out to see indeed a large group of experts advancing along the river, seemingly searching for something.

These people weren’t wearing the uniforms of the imperial guards – they were all nameless experts. But the cold ruthlessness on these people’s faces was no different from the assassins raised by the court. This group was definitely sent by the emperor.

Lu Yun stared at the opening in bewilderment, thinking: “In this chaotic world, who can protect this child’s safety?”

If he fled back to the capital and sent this child to Gu Siyuan’s home, with his authority as Minister of War, he might be able to save the child’s life. But if word leaked out and trouble arose, the disaster of complete household execution would surely befall Gu Siyuan’s family. Lu Yun felt afraid, thinking: “No good. Even if I must die, let me die alone. I absolutely cannot implicate Qianxi.”

His only love in this life was Gu Qianxi. He would rather be cut to pieces than implicate her.

The footsteps grew closer. Where should he go ultimately? Should he return to the capital or flee elsewhere? He needed to make a decision. Otherwise, if caught by these people, not only would he lose his life, but he would also cause this little baby’s death. Lu Yun’s mind was in turmoil, not knowing where to go when suddenly a thought struck him and his eyes lit up brilliantly.

“Mount Nu Cang!”

Lu Yun was overjoyed, almost crying out. “No matter how strong the court is, it cannot conquer Mount Nu Cang. In all the world, only Zhonghai can save this child!” Thinking that Mount Nu Cang still existed in the world filled his heart with wild joy. With Mount Nu Cang’s mighty forces that even dared to fight the emperor, protecting one baby would be more than sufficient.

Lu Yun’s heart filled with joy. The more he thought about it, the more wonderful this plan seemed. The current situation was treacherous, the emperor’s mood unpredictable, ministers could be implicated at any time. During the Liu household case, he had been present at the scene, plus his deep connections with Liu Angtian – in this chaos, he should leave the capital first to avoid the storm. Otherwise, if unlucky, Gu Siyuan would surely be implicated because of him.

Lu Yun decided on his future course, intending to leave the capital. First settle the child, then make other plans. He heard the footsteps outside were still distant. Before him was a patch of grass about ten feet away. Lu Yun took a deep breath, retreated several steps, then leaped with all his might, flying into the grass. Just then the baby, shaken by the movement, was about to cry loudly.

Lu Yun held Yunmeng Lake in his left hand and covered the baby’s mouth and nose with his right, urgently crawling through the grass. He whispered in the baby’s ear: “Good child, don’t cry. Uncle will take you to eat delicious food and drink fine things, to play with beautiful fairies. Please don’t cry.”

In his panic he spoke childhood dreams. Strangely, the child actually stopped crying and tears ceased. Lu Yun crawled for a while more when suddenly he heard someone behind him shout: “Everyone look! There’s a secret passage here!”

Footsteps became chaotic as everyone crowded around. Lu Yun thought: “If I don’t leave now, when?” He immediately channeled his internal energy and rushed forward with all his might. He expected loud shouting behind him, but after running for a while, there was surprisingly no sound. Lu Yun looked back to see the large group had all rushed into the cave without leaving anyone to guard outside.

Lu Yun relaxed but still didn’t dare slow his pace. Looking down at his bosom, he saw the little baby waving his hands and feet, laughing with delight. Presumably the rushing scenery excited him greatly.

Lu Yun ran desperately for over thirty li until he was in the wilderness before slowing down to rest briefly.

By now it was near the Chen hour. The sky was overcast with heavy rain falling. Autumn wind and rain were most miserable. Lu Yun shook his head forcefully, casting aside those sorrowful thoughts. Before him was life’s greatest adversity ever encountered. One careless step would plunge him into an irredeemable abyss. He absolutely couldn’t complain against heaven and others anymore. He went under a tree and suddenly noticed he was still wearing official robes. He hurriedly removed his hat and ceremonial clothes, wrapping them in a bundle and burying them underground.

Ten years of hard study in cold windows, success at Chengtian Gate with the golden list – countless hardships and toils finally earned him these magnificent robes. They represented not just wealth and fame, but also his life’s devoted aspirations.

Lu Yun knelt on the ground, scooping soil to cover them. Watching the ceremonial hat sink into earth and slowly disappear, in his confusion he felt something inside him had died and no longer belonged to him.

Having made his decision, Lu Yun no longer thought much about it. Immediately embracing the baby, the two hastily fled, traveling over mountains and ridges. Once they reached Tianshui, he would join the mountain stronghold his good friend had established, first settling the baby before making other plans.

To avoid court pursuit, this journey took only remote wilderness paths. This route wasn’t unfamiliar – when he and Wu Dingyuan were pursued years ago, they had taken this same path. Only this time he had no companion walking shoulder to shoulder, but instead a tiny baby accompanying him.

One large and one small fled westward in panic. There were few households along the road. When hungry, they could only hunt beasts and pick fruits for food. Lu Yun was expert at cooking and food preparation, so this was easy for him. He would tear fruit flesh and cook it until it became sticky paste before feeding it to the baby. The child hadn’t grown teeth yet and couldn’t find a wet nurse for nursing, so besides this method there was no other way to feed him. Fortunately this robust little fellow had an amazing appetite and would eat anything, which comforted Lu Yun.

Food was manageable, but the burden in his heart could never be set down. Lu Yun had left the capital for several days but hadn’t sent any message back. When Gu Siyuan and Gu Qianxi learned of Liu household’s great disaster but couldn’t find him, they must be worried sick and unable to eat or sleep. On the fourth day, seeing it was the fifteenth of the eighth month – exactly the originally scheduled wedding day – Lu Yun couldn’t bear it anymore. Regardless of his own safety, he returned to a town, determined to write a letter home no matter what, even if it cost his life.

Fortunately the town was as usual without any constables or officials. Lu Yun found an inn and carefully wrote a letter. Though only a few days had passed without seeing Gu Qianxi, the worry and longing in his heart was beyond what others could imagine. As he wrote, fear and longing mixed, tears streaming down and smudging the ink. But fearing Gu Qianxi would worry, the letter instead contained only a few brief words saying Liu Angtian was involved in political struggle, he was going to Jiangnan to avoid trouble, and they would reunite in the future.

“In war’s flames for three months, a family letter is worth ten thousand gold.” The moment this letter reached Gu Qianxi’s hands, it would surely make her cry aloud. In this chaotic world, this letter was like a thin thread connecting their mutual longing. What was gold compared to it?

After writing, Lu Yun didn’t give the letter to the shop boy. Having gained worldly experience, he now understood the principle of human hearts being unpredictable. These shop boys were mercenary and profit-seeking – the more earnestly he entrusted them with gold, the more it would arouse their greed. So he found a beggar, rewarded him with a few taels of silver, asking him to deliver the letter to the Minister of War’s mansion in Beijing. He said it was from a Shandong scholar, and if he could find a girl named Xiao Hong, he could exchange the letter for silver.

The beggar was overjoyed to receive the silver, and hearing this letter was worth a hundred taels of dragon silver made him even more delighted. Anyway, he spent his days idly begging on the streets. Beijing was only about a hundred li away – one tael of silver per li, where in the world was such a wonderful deal? He immediately hurried off.

Lu Yun saw the beggar was simple and honest, thinking he would surely handle the matter well, somewhat relieving one worry. But his own future journey was uncertain, not knowing when he could meet Gu Qianxi again. Thinking of this still made him inevitably melancholy.

The two continued west for another ten or so days until both large and small looked like wild men. The big one hadn’t shaved or washed, naturally becoming ragged like a beggar. The baby was even worse – not yet a full month old, eating fruit paste daily, with the same diaper used over and over until it became too dirty to mention, finally abandoned altogether. Whenever the child needed to relieve himself, Lu Yun would hold him up with one hand at a distance, letting him defecate and urinate, then wipe him with dry leaves afterward. Anyway, in the wilderness with no one around, there was no one to be shocked.

Lu Yun had traveled the world, so eating, drinking, and sleeping naturally didn’t trouble him. But as time entered September with frost-fall season, dew heavy and wind cold, weather alternating between warm and cool, this became beyond his capabilities. He had left the capital hastily without bringing winter clothes. He himself, protected by internal energy, naturally didn’t fear mere wind and frost, but that tiny baby would suffer. Even with a tiger or leopard’s constitution, how could he endure? Indeed, as weather turned cold after just a few nights of sleeping outdoors, the baby’s face was covered with runny nose. Lu Yun carried the baby in his bosom while traveling daily, listening to his coughing all the way, his worry growing.

This day they passed through Qingyang, a small inland city that never had garrison troops. Lu Yun decided to enter the city to buy some winter clothes before continuing.

Entering Qingyang city, he saw the place was poor with few residents. Looking around in late autumn approaching winter, every household was pickling cabbage, burying jars in underground pits. For a time he couldn’t distinguish who were shopkeepers and who were common people. After searching most of the day, he finally found a run-down inn that looked like a converted civilian house. Lu Yun had no strength to be picky and immediately stayed there.

Upon entering the inn, he heard a greeting. Lu Yun looked back to see a young woman looking at him. She had freckles on her face, about twenty years old, with a swaddled baby on her back. Lu Yun now had a full short beard, disheveled hair and dirty face, so he wasn’t afraid of being recognized. Seeing the young woman holding a wooden tray, she was most likely the proprietress. He said: “Arrange an upper room. I’m staying at the inn.” Speaking thus, he walked toward the counter, first setting down the baby, then throwing his bundle and weapon on the table before catching his breath.

The young woman looked at the baby on the table and smiled: “What a cute child. Why don’t I see his mother?” At these words, seven or eight customers in the shop all looked over. Lu Yun knew that a man traveling with a baby would inevitably attract attention. He immediately coughed and said: “This child’s mother returned to her family home in Tianshui. I’m taking him to find his mother now.” While speaking, he took out an ingot of dragon silver from his bosom and threw it on the table.

The young woman didn’t seem like an ordinary money-grubbing servant – she didn’t even glance at the silver but instead reached out to play with the baby. The shopkeeper beside her, seemingly the young woman’s husband, hurriedly collected the dragon silver and smiled: “Child’s mother, the guest is tired, why don’t you quickly take him to rest.”

The young woman saw Lu Yun covered in filth as if crawled out of a mud pile and suddenly realized. She smiled apologetically and asked: “Would this gentleman like a bath?” Hearing this, Lu Yun’s whole body suddenly started itching. He nodded hurriedly, and the young woman brought a wooden tub into the room for Lu Yun and the child to bathe. Lu Yun took out more silver, asking her to help with nursing later, though this matter was somewhat awkward and required much explanation.

After much busyness, Lu Yun finally sat safely in the wooden tub with the baby, properly soaking in hot water.

With fierce wind and cold weather, after more than ten days of sleeping rough outdoors, enjoying this moment of peace was truly heaven’s blessing. Since leaving his mother, the baby had been treated like cargo, carried about daily. Now floating up and down in hot water, he was overjoyed, sometimes waving hands and feet, sometimes giggling foolishly. Lu Yun found him amusing and couldn’t help playing with him for a while.

The child before him was innocent and carefree, unaware his parents had died tragically and his family was destroyed. Now he was to be sent to Mount Nu Cang and handed over to a group of strangers. If he understood, would he cry heartbrokenly to heaven? If one day he learned his life story, would he be depressed for life, never to recover?

Lu Yun stroked the child’s cheek, his heart suddenly grieving as tears fell.

In this nameless northwestern inn, cycles repeated – once the Sword King and Wen Chang, now the prefect and baby. How life should continue depended entirely on those two words: “conscience.”

After bathing, he found the young woman to nurse the baby. The baby latched on like a vampire, biting and not letting go once he saw the breast. Lu Yun was also like a starving ghost, frantically devouring food in the main hall, finishing five large bowls of rice in one breath and still wanting more. Both large and small wolfed down food worse than refugees.

The father and son pair, having eaten and drunk their fill – the baby with his strong constitution ate then defecated, defecated then slept, truly naturally fierce with his father’s style. Lu Yun sat by the kang edge, taking out his luggage piece by piece. Though he carried many banknotes, these bore the prefect’s official seal. Once sent to banks, his identity would immediately be discovered. Though he didn’t know if the court was investigating his whereabouts, he couldn’t afford to alert anyone. He needed to find loose silver to see how much remained usable.

Opening the bundle, before finding silver, a book fell out. Lu Yun picked it up – it was that “Wordless Heavenly Book.” For a moment he couldn’t help but laugh bitterly. This book had come mysteriously, popping out of a tea canister. That day he had casually brought it out, never expecting it to “loyally” follow him in flight all the way to the northwest.

Recalling the peaceful days half a month ago, Lu Yun felt nostalgic. He wiped away tears and put the strange book back in the bundle. From the bundle he found loose silver, counting about thirty taels remaining – enough to reach Mount Nu Cang. Having been busy for many days and thoroughly exhausted, after wiping clean Yunmeng Lake, he was about to undress and rest when from the corner of his eye he spotted that jade seal again.

In the flickering candlelight, the jade seal glowed greenish-blue with ancient significance. Lu Yun, well-read in history, knew this jade seal was carved in early Tang and had been passed down through over twenty generations of rulers. Though this dynasty’s emperors all had many imperial treasures made and specially established the Imperial Seal Office to manage various official seals totaling twenty-four, these self-made bright dynasty letter-treasures had no noble significance. Speaking of orthodox legitimacy, only this “Orthodox Treasure” was worthy of being passed down through generations. Otherwise, if everyone claimed imperial status without rules and regulations, how could ministers and common people know whom to follow?

Lu Yun held his head in anguish: “Exactly why? Why did Yan Ting have someone send this jade seal over? Did she really want to harm the Marquis? But she’s just a young girl – what deep hatred could she have that required dealing with the Marquis?”

That day when he discovered the connection between the jade seal and Yan Ting, a terrible thought immediately arose in his mind – he feared Wu Dingyuan was also involved. Wu Dingyuan’s sudden departure from the capital was too abrupt. To say he didn’t know beforehand of the coming disaster was truly unbelievable. Remembering what Wu Dingyuan said about the “restoration minister” at Damo Academy that day, Lu Yun trembled all over, his heart suspended, wanting only to grab Wu Dingyuan’s shoulders and loudly demand answers.

The more Lu Yun thought, the more inexplicably angry he became, wanting to destroy the inherited imperial treasure. Whether Wu Ying or Jingtai, at this moment in his eyes they were all demon-like tyrants. He had a notion to make this jade seal disappear forever so these people could never find it again. He picked up a brick from beside the kang and was about to smash it down when suddenly he had second thoughts: “This thing is so important. If it can harm people, perhaps it can also save them. I shouldn’t be rash.”

Thinking that if something happened to Gu Siyuan’s family, perhaps he could exchange the jade seal with the emperor for their lives, he restrained himself from smashing it.

But though the death penalty could be avoided, living punishment was hard to escape. Still hatefully, he kicked out with one foot, sending the jade seal flying to strike the wall.

After thinking for a while, night had deepened. Anyway, whoever got hold of the jade seal and whoever the emperor snatched it from had nothing to do with him. Once he sent this child to Mount Nu Cang and found time to return to Beijing to check on his beloved’s situation – that was the most important matter.

Life having reached this state, having office or not having office didn’t matter at all. Even if dismissed by the emperor, being without office would actually be liberating. At that time he could take his beloved and retire together – that wouldn’t be a bad thing either. Lu Yun had learned to be much more open-minded these past years, especially able to endure adversity. He now calmed his mood, no longer thinking wildly, and was about to go to bed to sleep before continuing his journey tomorrow morning.

Just as he was about to undress, sounds of a door opening came from the neighboring room – it seemed some guest had arrived. This inn naturally had people coming and going constantly, but Lu Yun had now become like a startled bird. Seeing anything unusual made him vigilant. He thought: “It’s the middle of the night, and Qingyang isn’t some major place. How could someone be seeking lodging? I must be careful.” So he lay down with his clothes on, holding “Yunmeng Lake” in his hands, listening to the movements next door.

Footsteps in the adjacent room were chaotic, seemingly arranging luggage. It sounded like more than one person – probably passing merchants. Lu Yun saw nothing unusual and gradually his eyelids grew heavy. Just as he was about to sleep, he suddenly heard a voice from beyond the wall: “When will Sect Master Tiancheng arrive?” Hearing this, Lu Yun’s drowsiness completely vanished and he immediately opened his eyes: “Sect Master? Who are the people next door?”

That “Tiancheng” laughed: “Third Brother, put your mind completely at ease. The Sect Master is in Pingliang, only a day’s journey away. He can arrive at any time.”

The person who spoke earlier grunted and said: “When the Sect Master arrives and we Twelve Heavenly Generals gather, we won’t fear anyone.”

This Tiancheng spoke with a quite young voice but with utmost confidence. Lu Yun recognized him immediately upon hearing – this person ranked tenth in the Gao family, none other than Gao Tiancheng of the Heavenly General Mansion. “Among the Four Great Families of Fuyuan, the Heavenly General Gao of Huaixi” – from their conversation, it seemed that top expert Gao Tianwei was also in the Pingliang area and could reach Qingyang at any time. Lu Yun felt panicked, thinking: “Why would these martial world experts come to this desolate northwestern small town? Could the court be preparing to wage war against Nu Cang again? But the great Shaolin battle just ended – how could military action be so hasty?”

Tianshui, Pingliang, and Yima Pass formed a triangle as the first line of northwestern bandit suppression. If war broke out on the front lines, roads would surely be blocked, and he would inevitably be trapped. Lu Yun was filled with fear and immediately listened intently, wanting to get the news clear.

While he was confused, the person who spoke earlier coughed and said again: “Our Heavenly General Mansion has hidden dormant for decades. It’s rare that His Majesty personally issued an imperial edict. This time we must greatly distinguish ourselves, seize the thing first, and absolutely not let that Jiang barbarian suppress us.”

That “Tiancheng” laughed: “Third Brother, rest assured. Kunlun is destroyed, Shaolin has collapsed, Emei and Dian Cang are nothing at all. Who can suppress us Four Families of Fuyuan?” That Third Brother laughed heartily: “Exactly! Even that Jiang barbarian himself is like the setting sun. Look how his great power has fallen recently – he can’t even speak before His Majesty. I think this old thief is already yesterday’s yellow flowers, about to follow Liu Angtian and Liu Jing’s footsteps to the west to meet his ancestors! Haha! Haha!”

Lu Yun was both shocked and suspicious. From their conversation, it seemed they wanted to seize something. He glanced toward the jade seal on the table, his heart suddenly filled with an ominous feeling. The two people in the adjacent room were spitting excitedly and exaggerating when suddenly a figure flashed past the window, stopping in a tree with quite elegant movement. Lu Yun was startled, not knowing who had arrived, and hurriedly grabbed his sword and crouched under the window.

Having just hidden properly, he heard a woman say: “Gao Tianye, Gao Tiancheng – you two worthless little brats dare to gossip behind backs and speak ill of our Lord Jiang? If you’re really brave, why don’t you say it to Master Jiang’s face!” This voice was soft with coquettishness but quite sharp in words. Lu Yun secretly groaned: “This is Hundred Flowers Fairy. She’s come too.”

In one night, large numbers of experts had gathered – both martial world famous elders and court-raised assassins. Being alone, with two fists unable to match four hands, how could he fight them all? Hu Mei’er was a major general of Jiang’s faction. If she came here, An Dao Jing, Luo Moshi and others must be nearby. Lu Yun urgently thought of escape methods. He put his bundle on his back, gripped the sword hilt with his left hand – if the situation turned bad, he would immediately grab the baby and flee.

Though Hu Mei’er appeared suddenly, Gao Tiancheng in the adjacent room wasn’t surprised. He was heard laughing dryly twice: “Fairy, you can’t sleep either?” Hu Mei’er said sarcastically: “I didn’t accumulate virtue in my previous life, so I’m working with you pack of foxes and dogs. One brutal and shameless, two boring in speech – even worse than An Dao Jing.”

Hearing her arrogant tone, Gao Tianye immediately sneered: “Hu Mei’er, watch your words. Let me tell you plainly – An Dao Jing might fear you, but we Gao family don’t consider you anything special. If you dare speak rudely again, Divine Pellet will teach you a few moves and let you experience a real man’s true kung fu.” Lu Yun was slightly shocked. Hu Mei’er’s status was extraordinary – martial world legends said she had an affair with Jiang Chong. This Gao Tianye was merely a family descendant, yet dared to speak wildly and offend her. Wasn’t he afraid Jiang Chong would settle accounts later?

Lu Yun lowered his head in thought, his heart rising with shock. Could it be that Jiang Chong truly had fallen from power as these people’s cold words suggested, no longer favored by the emperor?

Hearing Gao Tianye’s wild boasting, Hu Mei’er didn’t refute, completely unlike her usual arrogance. Lu Yun found this even more suspicious. He heard Hu Mei’er yawn: “Fine, fine, your Heavenly General Mansion is truly formidable. This girl can’t afford to provoke you. But if you’re so brave, why don’t you settle accounts with Sa Mao instead of bullying women here? What kind of heroes does that make you?”

Gao Tianye spat: “You needn’t sow discord. We’re all traveling together following His Majesty’s orders – why calculate so much?” Lu Yun listened in complete confusion. While pondering, he suddenly heard heavy bumping sounds outside the door – extremely heavy and deep, as if an elephant was walking, shaking the door panels with creaking sounds. Lu Yun was greatly shocked: “Another expert has come.”

With such heavy sounds, the newcomer was definitely not an ordinary fat person but someone with extremely deep external hard kung fu. The footsteps paused briefly at his room door, then left after a short time. Hearing the footsteps, Gao Tiancheng said anxiously: “That’s Sa Mao. Is he… is he going to do that shameless thing again?” Gao Tianye grunted and whispered: “It’s none of our business. If he wants to do it, let him – just don’t provoke him.”

Sa Mao walking around at night was like a plague god patrolling and hunting, making everyone around silent as cicadas. This monster had high martial arts and cruel methods, capable of matching Wu Dingyuan and Zhuo Lingzhao – definitely not comparable to someone like Hu Mei’er. Now this person had actually been released – presumably the court would stop at nothing to control Nu Cang. Lu Yun thought secretly that Gao Tianjiang was manageable and Hu Mei’er not fearsome, but the truly deadly threat was this murderous brute who killed without blinking. Lu Yun stole a glance at the baby – fortunately this child was sleeping soundly without making any sound. Otherwise, if the demon was alerted, who knew what would result.

Hearing Gao Tiancheng sighing softly next door, even the sharp-tongued Hu Mei’er was silent now. These demons and monsters meeting a man-eating fiend were truly like cats and mice encountering a fierce beast – no matter how vicious and cunning, they could only be terrified and retreat.

In the complete silence, Sa Mao suddenly roared, seeming to break down a door. Then screams arose from the inn: “Murder! Help!” The screaming voice was a woman’s, followed by panicked footsteps as many guests ran out. The innkeeper’s voice came from far away, crying: “No! No! Spare my wife!”

Lu Yun gasped, remembering the young woman he’d seen during the day. Rumor had it Sa Mao was cruel and lustful, having once killed his way into the Tatar imperial palace to rape concubines. Now bored, he had definitely decided to kill and commit shameless acts. Lu Yun felt both terror and pity. Though his right hand gripped the sword hilt tightly, it still trembled uncontrollably.

Gao Tiancheng was young and upright. Hearing the screams from next door, he immediately said tremblingly: “Third Brother, are we… are we going to ignore this again?” Hearing this, Lu Yun’s whole body went cold, knowing that Sa Mao traveling from Central Plains to the northwest must have raped and killed women along the way, while Gao Tianjiang and others traveling with him all stood by and watched.

Either the court had other instructions, or these two were cowardly and knew they couldn’t win, so they allowed the atrocities to spread.

That Hu Mei’er sat in the treetop without speaking or moving, only sighing softly. Seeing her leave the inn early to climb the tree, she must have foreseen disaster would strike the inn and avoided it in advance. It seemed though this woman was cruel and ruthless, she couldn’t bear to see such unconscionable tragedies.

Sounds of tearing cloth came from next door. Amid loud crashes, someone seemed to be thrown out – most likely inn workers. Strangely, none of these people made any sound, even that young woman was the same, as if they had been struck at pressure points or had their necks broken – the silence was frightening.

Lu Yun’s heart ached with grief. If he acted now, not only could he not defeat Sa Mao, but he would also attract a large group of experts to attack together. If he died it wouldn’t matter, but this innocent little baby would also lose his life. In that lightning moment, the splendor of the capital flashed before his eyes – Gu Qianxi’s smile, the happiness characters on the wall, the prefect’s official robes… Lu Yun suppressed his voice, covered his face with his left hand, tears streaming down like rain.

Alas! The righteous path!

With a swish, “Yunmeng Lake” left its sheath. Brilliant light flashed in the room as Lu Yun’s hair and beard stood on end, roaring a challenge, his face full of deadly intent. The little baby, frightened by the shock, immediately cried out.

Lu Yun held his sword in his right hand and embraced the baby with his left, instantly kicking down the door and striding forward with great steps.

The righteous path! It’s not rewarded by the master but defended with blood!

Lu Yun gritted his teeth and came to a room door. He saw the inn’s old and young weeping like springs, all kneeling on the ground, sobbing quietly. Lu Yun followed their gaze and saw the room door wide open. A naked demon had his back to everyone, dragging a young woman by the hand toward the bed.

“Heretic…” Lu Yun took a deep breath and said this. “Stop.” His voice was unusually calm, his mood extraordinarily peaceful – even he found it surprising.

“Who’s there?” Just then the door behind him suddenly opened – it was that group of petty villains from Heavenly General Mansion jumping about. Hearing no women’s cries but a strong man’s roar, they presumably heard Lu Yun’s angry shout and hurried out to investigate.

“Scholar!”

Lu Yun swept out with his right foot. The door flew back like a projectile and closed with a bang, knocking the two Heavenly General Mansion men back inside.

Lu Yun delayed no more. With an arrow step forward, sword light slashing, he chopped diagonally toward Sa Mao. If this sword struck true, it would surely cut him in half at the waist.

Suddenly loud laughter rang out. The naked young woman flew up, and amid her terrified screams, her body crashed straight toward the sword blade. Lu Yun, deeply afraid of harming the innocent, hurriedly withdrew his sword. He heard a bang and his waist had already taken a kick.

Lu Yun, pained by the blow, rolled backward. Though the baby wasn’t crushed, being shaken, he cried even louder.

Within one move, Sa Mao forced Lu Yun back and couldn’t help laughing heartily. Seeing the woman still in mid-air, he reached out with his left hand to grab her into his embrace, then pressed her back onto the bed to continue his shameless acts.

Lu Yun was shocked and furious. He got up and raised his sword to chop at Sa Mao. Just then Sa Mao turned over on the bed, avoiding the sword. If Lu Yun didn’t withdraw and pull back, he would surely accidentally kill that young woman.

In his panic, Lu Yun hurriedly pulled back his hand. The long sword swept to one side, leaving his defenses wide open. Sa Mao sneered coldly and kicked again. Lu Yun had already taken one kick between waist and ribs with pain piercing his heart and lungs – how could he endure another? In his urgency he remained calm, shifted his steps and hurriedly dodged aside. Sa Mao was naturally cunning and crafty, his martial arts especially unexpected. Just as Lu Yun dodged, he suddenly heard the monster roar and his body bounced straight up from the bed, both feet kicking out like a great water buffalo charging head-on.

Lu Yun saw his moves were both brutal and strange, unlike anything seen before. But holding the baby, deeply afraid the child would be hurt, he couldn’t dodge in time. In his panic, he spread his legs in horse stance, channeled power to his right arm and locked it tight, forcibly receiving this earth-shattering kick. The violent impact made his internal organs turn over together, and his body immediately flew left, crashing through the mud wall and rolling straight outside the shop.

This time not only was Lu Yun injured, but the baby was also scraped and cried even more pitifully. Candlelight shone on the window frame as Sa Mao inside laughed wildly, then immediately turned back to rape the innocent.

Lu Yun lay on the ground spitting blood, wanting to get up and fight again. But his strength was depleted and he had internal injuries. Several times he tried to stand up but couldn’t struggle to his feet. While crawling and gasping, he suddenly heard a voice above his head say coldly: “Useless. This world is like this – weak people must know how to submit. The more you resist, the more miserable they become.”

Lu Yun looked up to see a woman sitting in the treetop, staring blankly at the evil shadow in the window frame – it was Hu Mei’er. Lu Yun saw her expression was dim, looking at that window with three parts helplessness and seven parts pity, completely unlike her usual coldness.

Hu Mei’er seemed not to recognize Lu Yun. He heard her say sadly: “You think you’re acting righteously! Actually you’re just getting them killed. That woman only needed to endure for a moment and could keep her life afterward. But now you’ve aroused that demon’s viciousness – all the old and young in the shop will die with her. Who do you think you protected? What do you think you changed? You, you’re really a…” She sighed softly, glanced at Lu Yun and whispered: “Fool.”

Their eyes met. Hu Mei’er covered her mouth in shock: “It’s you!” Lu Yun lay gasping on the ground but suddenly burst out laughing. He supported himself with his sword and shouted: “It’s me! Exactly me! If not me, Lu Yun, where in the world would such a fool come from? Haha! Haha!” Speaking passionately, he gritted his teeth in fury, took out the jade seal from his bosom and called to the sky: “Evil demons and heretics! All of you stop! The emperor’s orthodox treasure is in my hands! Anyone who wants it, follow me!”

With these words, he immediately embraced the baby and rushed westward with all his strength. Indeed, a figure flashed in the window frame as Sa Mao had already broken through the wall in pursuit. For a moment, stone pellets and flying knives shot through the air, all striking beside Lu Yun’s feet.

Lu Yun’s purpose was exactly to lure Sa Mao away to prevent the monster from continuing to rape and kill innocents. Indeed, once the jade seal appeared, it immediately attracted this group of demons. Lu Yun ran with his head down but laughed heartily, calling: “Come quickly! Come quickly! You evil demons and heretics! All come kill me!”

Since witnessing the Liu household tragedy, Lu Yun had been in a daze, deeply blaming himself. Only now, fighting with all his strength to protect that woman’s chastity, did Lu Yun seem to come alive again.

Though his life was now in mortal danger, he had actually swept away the depression in his heart and was quite spirited and passionate.

Several people behind were all experts, but Hu Mei’er had the highest qinggong. In just a few leaps she had caught up to Lu Yun’s back. Her whisk swept several times, nearly hitting Lu Yun’s back. Lu Yun knew her silver needles were formidable, but if he stopped to fight the enemy now, he would immediately be surrounded. For the moment he could only endure the attack on his back, waiting to take her poisoned needles.

After a while, his back felt normal without pain – that Hu Mei’er seemed to be holding back. Lu Yun was somewhat surprised and couldn’t help looking back. He saw Hu Mei’er was very close – her whisk need only strike forcefully to severely injure him. But she delayed taking action, her pair of charming eyes only gazing at him as if with some admiration.

Both were running at full speed, unable to speak. Just then, horn sounds came from the distance as if some important person was arriving. Lu Yun was feeling apprehensive when he heard Gao Tianye and others behind cheering loudly: “The Sect Master has come! The Sect Master has come!” Lu Yun’s face turned pale. Now Sa Mao and others were in hot pursuit. If there was also a formidable Gao Tianwei blocking the road ahead, how could he have any way to live?

Ahead, hoof beats were intense. In the dark night, countless torches appeared – truly a great army approaching. Lu Yun was shocked and afraid – wolves ahead and tigers behind, where could he retreat? He hugged the baby in his arms tightly, gritted his teeth and charged straight ahead. Even if trampled to pulp by horse hooves, it was better than falling into Sa Mao’s hands. Everything was fate – what more was there to say?

Halt!

Accompanied by a sharp shout, a spear was thrown at his feet. Lu Yun ignored life and death, stepped aside but continued charging forward. Just then, sand and dust flew beside his feet. Several muffled sounds came in succession, and a neat row of spears stood before him. Lu Yun knew resistance was impossible and sighed deeply, hanging his hands to await death.

Just then, the footsteps behind also suddenly stopped, no longer pursuing him. Lu Yun wondered and hurriedly looked back. He saw Hu Mei’er, Gao Tianye, Gao Tiancheng and others looking shocked, each stopping in their tracks with spears planted before them. That Sa Mao, whose martial arts far exceeded the others, caught a spear in his hand but still wore that vicious cold smile.

While puzzled, he suddenly heard thunderous hoof beats on the rolling desert. Whooshing sounds urgent, Lu Yun looked up to see through the billowing dust countless barbarians riding horses in attack, led by a general with a fierce face who seemed to be of foreign ethnicity. Lu Yun didn’t know what divine beings these were and was about to close his eyes to await death when suddenly an extremely familiar large character flew into his sight. Lu Yun cried out, and amid overwhelming excitement, had already sat down on the ground.

Yellow smoke filled the sky as a thousand swift horses clustered around a blood-red banner with the character for “Fury,” galloping toward them.

Finally arrived…

Mount Nu Cang, homeland of the world’s heroes.