In the following days, everyone gathered information and investigated the area around Xiliang. Yang Suguan and Wu Dingyuan found the old border markers and compared them one by one with the boundary lines drawn on the sheepskin. However, first, since Yexian had long been destroyed, most border markers were desolate and obliterated, making comparison difficult. Second, the red line positions were strange – judging by the terrain, some red lines penetrated deep into the nation’s borders, drawn into China’s mountains and rivers. Even if Khan Yexian had taken these lands, they would be indefensible – this truly defied common sense. Looking at several other red lines drawn even further west than the old border markers made even less sense for treasonous activities. After several days of observation, both men felt bewildered.
Wu Dingyuan shook his head, “According to Lord Liang’s memorial, Jiang Chong should have ceded a thousand li of territory, but these red lines are truly too strange – it’s really hard to see the logic. What should we do?”
Yang Suguan sighed, “Never mind all that. First let’s find someone to translate the text on the sheepskin completely, then make judgments!”
While Yang Suguan and Wu Dingyuan made no progress, Wei Zizhuang had already gathered information about Yexian’s former subordinates. When everyone returned to the mansion to discuss, Wei Zizhuang said, “According to elderly people in the city, over ten years ago a group of people submitted to our dynasty and now all live together in a small town thirty li away. These people make their living herding sheep and maintain barbarian customs – they might be Yexian’s remnant people. Let’s go have a look tomorrow!”
Yang Suguan and others were delighted. Early the next day, Wei Zizhuang led everyone toward that small town. Ling Zhen had been confined to the room these days – hearing he could go out, he jumped up with joy. Everyone seeing his appearance found it amusing.
By noon they had reached that market town. Wei Zizhuang asked for directions and learned all the Muslim people lived in the town’s west, so everyone went to visit. After walking a short while, they indeed saw countless tents by the roadside with residents dressed very differently from Han Chinese. Yang Suguan, knowing the Muslim language, took out the sheepskin and asked local residents. After questioning several people, all the Muslims looked blank – not one person recognized the text above.
While they were troubled, a man came over to look. After observing for a while, he suddenly said in Chinese, “Are you gentlemen from the Central Plains?”
Everyone suddenly hearing Chinese words were all delighted. But Wei Zizhuang was quite alert. Seeing this man dressed as a merchant with a face full of martial world dust, he might be a spy sent by Jiang Chong. He squinted and said, “What advice does brother have?” As he spoke, he secretly gathered his power, his attitude quite hostile.
The man saw worry on his face and smiled, “Don’t be suspicious, sir. I’m also a Han person – only because my ancestors settled here have I always lived in this place. It’s rare to see compatriots arrive, so I came to show concern – no other intention.”
Yang Suguan stepped forward and smiled slightly, “This big brother is so kind-hearted – I thank you first. But I wonder if big brother knows any elderly respected elders here who could introduce us?”
The man laughed heartily, “You want to find elders? Meeting me, you’ve really found the right person.”
Seeing everyone’s faces full of suspicion and quite disbelieving, he quickly explained, “I’m not boasting – my father is over eighty years old and once followed the late Emperor in the great battle of Hulu Valley. Speaking of knowing classical stories, within a hundred li probably no one is stronger than him.”
Yang Suguan hearing the three words “Hulu Valley” immediately felt alarmed, thinking of what Liu Angtian had said about the Emperor’s personal campaign. He exchanged glances with Wu Dingyuan and said, “Please trouble big brother to lead the way so we can pay respects to your honored father.” He bowed deeply, took out a hundred-tael silver note and pressed it into the man’s hand, “The New Year approaches – we visit hastily with nothing to show respect. Please accept this, big brother.”
The man laughed and shook his head, returning the silver note, “My father loves most to recount his youthful heroic deeds. He’d be too happy having you come to listen – how could he take your silver?”
Everyone seeing his generous and straightforward manner, quite like a frontier hero’s style, respected him even more.
The man then led everyone into the village. That tribe was quite simple with cloth houses and tents everywhere – clearly local life must be difficult.
After walking a short while, they reached a tent house. The man lifted the cloth curtain and called loudly, “Father! Distant guests have come!” He shouted several times before an aged voice said, “Coming! Coming!”
The man turned to Yang Suguan and others with a smile, “My father is advanced in years and somewhat hard of hearing – without shouting like this, he can’t hear speech.”
An old man slowly emerged from the tent. They saw he was tall and robust – though stooped with age, he was still half a head taller than ordinary people. Everyone felt alarmed, thinking, “Looking at this old man, he must have been a brave general on the battlefield in his youth – his son wasn’t boasting.”
The old man looked at Yang Suguan and others, then said to his son, “These are the people who want to see me?” The son raised his voice, “It’s them! They’re from the Central Plains with questions for father!”
The old man laughed heartily, “Come neither early nor late, but wait until this old head is about to be buried to come. Really damn it!” Everyone felt embarrassed by his random scolding. Yang Suguan quickly said, “As they say, ‘Those with affinity meet across a thousand li’ – our coming to visit you now isn’t too late.”
The old man looked him up and down and smiled, “Hearing you speak so politely, you must be a scholar!” Ling Zhen hearing this just snorted loudly, “Let me tell you! My Junior Brother Yang is none other than the current dynasty’s…” Hearing Ling Zhen about to reveal his identity, Yang Suguan quickly stopped him, “I’m a merchant who happened to come west for business and just passed through your precious land.”
The old man was dubious and lowered his head to carefully examine Yang Suguan’s clothing. Suddenly he stepped back and exclaimed, “Good fellow, you’re from the Ministry of War!” Everyone hearing this were greatly shocked – no one expected a village old man could see through Yang Suguan’s background.
The old man pointed at Yang Suguan’s waist and shouted, “Quickly tell me where this token came from!”
Yang Suguan looked down at his waist to see the Ministry of War token hanging properly there – he hadn’t removed it. This place was remote and desolate with mostly barbarian residents who completely didn’t understand Chinese artifacts, so he hadn’t taken it off beforehand. He never expected someone could recognize the token’s origin. Knowing he could no longer hide, he said frankly, “Old sir has good eyes – you saw my identity at once. I am Yang Suguan, Secretary of the Ministry of War’s Geographic Section, paying respects to you.”
The old man was both shocked and afraid, “You’re really from the Ministry of War… I… I left the military many years ago. Are you… are you going to arrest me?” His voice trembled, completely unlike his previous boldness. His son was also frightened – father and son huddled together, both trembling.
Yang Suguan didn’t know why they were so terrified and quickly said, “Please don’t worry – my coming here this time is purely to investigate an old case with no other intention.” Wu Dingyuan seeing the father and son still afraid also interjected, “Yes! We’re meeting for the first time – if your son hadn’t revealed your identity, we wouldn’t even know who you are. How could we have come specifically to arrest someone?” Wu Dingyuan, with his constable background, best understood criminals’ psychology – in a few words he had the old man nodding repeatedly.
The old man breathed a sigh of relief, “That’s best. I’m old and can’t withstand turmoil.” He wiped sweat from his face, looking like he hadn’t recovered from the shock.
The son coughed and lowered his voice, “Honestly speaking to all of you – years ago my father’s superior committed grave crimes and became a court fugitive. Though my father has lived here many years, he still fears court people coming to arrest him, so he lost composure just now. Please don’t blame him.”
Wu Dingyuan hearing this quickly said, “The court fugitive you speak of – could it be the former Grand Commander of Western Conquest, Marquis Wude?”
The old man jumped up in alarm, “You know about him too?”
Wu Dingyuan glanced at Yang Suguan – both nodded slightly, knowing they’d found the right person.
Wu Dingyuan said quietly, “Since you followed Marquis Wude, you must have fought Khan Yexian, right?”
The old man had originally been worried and afraid, but hearing the four words “Khan Yexian,” he suddenly nodded vigorously, his eyes gleaming as he said loudly, “Of course! I fought life and death with the Grand Commander, battling those Yexian bandits for over ten years. Even if those robbers turned to flying ash, I could recognize them at a glance.”
Yang and Wu were delighted. Yang Suguan pointed at the tent house and said to the son, “Big brother, I have something important to show your father. Could we borrow the house?”
The son nodded, “Please don’t be formal – come right in.” He gestured for them to enter, leading everyone inside.
As soon as the son entered, Yang Suguan instructed Wei Zizhuang and others, “Please Guard Wei and both senior brothers guard outside the tent – absolutely don’t let idle people approach.” The three agreed and went outside to guard.
Yan Ting was also quite perceptive, knowing Yang Suguan and Wu Dingyuan had important matters to discuss. She said, “It’s stuffy inside – we sisters won’t go in.” She took Juan’er outside.
Only four people remained sitting in the tent – Yang Suguan, Wu Dingyuan, the old man, and his son. As soon as everyone was seated, Yang Suguan took the sheepskin from his chest and placed it in the old man’s hands, “Can you recognize the text above?”
The old man held the sheepskin and examined it repeatedly. Wu Dingyuan and Yang Suguan’s hearts both pounded – they feared he’d say “no,” which would make this western frontier trip completely fruitless.
After a long while, the old man hesitated, “Yexian’s script isn’t very hard to understand – roughly not much different from Muslim text. But the writing on this skin really doesn’t look like Yexian script to me – I don’t know if it is or not.”
Yang Suguan sighed deeply and said in frustration, “This is terrible – even you don’t recognize this script. What should we do?”
The old man pondered for a long time, muttering, “This script is very strange, but I seem to have seen something similar…”
Wu Dingyuan quickly said, “If you have any ideas, please speak.”
The old man frowned, “Previously our Grand Commander carried a sword with him – the script on that scabbard seemed somewhat similar to this sheepskin, all these crooked curves and circles. I couldn’t figure out what it was either.”
Yang Suguan hearing his strange talk couldn’t help frowning. That Grand Commander Marquis Wude had long been dead – asking him to come inquire about details would be like burning this sheepskin. Wu Dingyuan saw his gloomy expression and quickly asked, “Besides you, who else in the world today can recognize Yexian script? Could you introduce us to a few people?”
The old man sighed quietly, “Sha Jin might… Lord Sha Jin might understand…”
Yang Suguan hearing the two words “Sha Jin” didn’t know what kind of person this was and quickly asked, “Sha Jin? Who is he?”
The old man looked at the ground, hesitating to speak. For a very long time, he finally shook his head and sighed, “Yexian is dead, the Grand Commander is dead – all the heroes of those days have become passing clouds. Heh… even our Lord Sha Jin has gone to serve enemy countries… What’s the point of talking about this?” He was gloomy for a while, then went to lie down in a corner of the tent and closed his eyes.
Yang Suguan and Wu Dingyuan called several times, but the old man paid no attention and just slept by himself.
The son, seeing his father’s rudeness, said apologetically, “Sorry – my father always says whatever he thinks and has always had this temperament. Please make yourselves comfortable!” Yang and Wu sighed and had to get up and leave the tent.
Everyone left the tent with the son escorting them out. Yang Suguan asked, “Just now your father mentioned ‘Sha Jin’ and seemed to have something to say – but who is this person?”
The son asked curiously, “You don’t know ‘Sha Jin’?”
Wu Dingyuan seeing his strange expression quickly said, “Forgive our ignorance – please speak directly.”
The son smiled, “Speaking of this Sha Jin, within a hundred li you could say everyone knows him. This ‘Sha Jin’ in Muslim language means the world’s greatest martial hero – he’s the great general who claims to be undefeated throughout the Western Regions. Because he often has people provide aid to local Han people, he’s deeply loved by everyone. The people here all regard him like a living Buddha.” He pointed to a roadside tent, “Go look inside – even this household worships this person.”
Wu Dingyuan and Yang Suguan peered in to indeed see a portrait posted in the tent with offerings of goat milk and dried meat below – it seemed local residents truly worshipped this “Sha Jin” as a living Bodhisattva. Wu Dingyuan saw this person in the portrait had a beard reaching his chest, imposing divine might, with two long swords strapped to his back – quite an extraordinary appearance.
Suddenly Wu Dingyuan felt a strange sensation in his heart – this “Sha Jin’s” appearance seemed somehow wrong. Yang Suguan saw his eyebrows raised as if he’d noticed something and asked, “What’s wrong? Is there something improper?”
Wu Dingyuan’s thoughts raced, but for the moment he couldn’t sort them out. He said, “Nothing – I just saw his appearance like a heavenly general, so I looked a few more times.” Yang Suguan nodded and didn’t ask more, waving goodbye to the man.
The two left the tent house and rejoined everyone. Juan’er saw their gloomy expressions and asked curiously, “What’s wrong? Didn’t find anything out?”
Yang Suguan shook his head, “I’m afraid this trip was in vain.”
Wei Zizhuang said, “What exactly is this sheepskin about? How can it be so strange?”
Yang Suguan shook his head and sighed, “I think besides Jiang Chong, no one knows this sheepskin’s secret.” Everyone felt discouraged and had to return to town.
Reaching the small town, it was already afternoon. Everyone hadn’t eaten all day and was hungry, so they wanted to find an inn to rest. They saw a waiter standing at the shop entrance who, seeing everyone approach, shouted loudly, “Honored guests, quickly come in! Our shop’s braised beef is famous far and wide – truly unmatched in Gansu!” Though near New Year, this place had Muslim residents with different customs from the Central Plains – even during the big New Year, business continued as usual.
Wei Zizhuang saw this waiter had distracted eyes and weak lower body, clearly no martial arts, so he relaxed and asked, “We have two masters here – do you have vegetarian food?”
The waiter quickly said, “Yes! All vegetarian food for nearby Baolai Temple is handled by our shop – what dishes don’t we know? Guarantee satisfaction!”
Wei Zizhuang nodded and had the waiter prepare two table settings – one meat, one vegetarian – for the seven to eat at separate tables.
Soon the waiter brought fragrant dishes. Just as everyone was about to eat, Wei Zizhuang suddenly said, “Wait!” He took out silver needles and tested every dish first. Only after seeing the food was non-toxic did he relax.
Yang Suguan asked, “Is there something strange about this shop?”
Wei Zizhuang shook his head, “Not that – I’m just worried Jiang Chong sent people to cause trouble, so I’m adding extra precaution.” Everyone remembering the Hundred Flowers Fairy’s vicious methods all agreed.
Ling Zhen was large-bodied and by now starving front to back. Seeing the food was non-toxic, he quickly grabbed chopsticks, picked up vegetarian food and ate while praising, “Good taste! Even better than our Shaolin vegetarian food!”
Juan’er seeing his greedy eating appearance couldn’t help laughing, “I thought all monks were thin old men who only knew how to beat wooden fish and chant Amitabha. Really seeing Master Father opened my eyes.”
Ling Zhen while chewing messily said, “Little girl, what do you understand? When this monk is truly hungry and fire rises, I’ll eat all the offerings first – what’s to fear! Even if Buddha blames me, I’ll shout ‘One Buddha emerges, two Buddhas enter nirvana – when grandpa’s hungry, I’m the greatest’ – so what?”
Juan’er couldn’t help laughing heartily. Ling Zhen with his mouth stuffed with food said loudly, “Why aren’t you eating? Don’t let this monk finish everything!”
Ling Ding seeing his junior brother’s crude behavior and rude speech was quite angry and turned his head away, no longer acknowledging him.
In moments Ling Zhen had finished three big bowls of rice but still felt insufficient. While eating, he suddenly felt his palm slightly itchy and extended his left hand to scratch, but his mouth continued chewing unconcernedly. It seemed even if heaven struck three thunderbolts, he’d keep chewing regardless.
Everyone smiled but weren’t hurried to use chopsticks, discussing future plans instead.
Ling Ding asked, “Junior Brother Yang, we came to Xiliang but gained nothing – how will you explain to your superior?”
Yang Suguan pondered for a while, “Before leaving, I discussed with the Marquis – he said this sheepskin was evidence of Jiang Chong selling out the court, with a map of national borders drawn above. But our investigation found no secrets at all. I think this sheepskin is different from rumors – it may not truly be treasonous evidence and needs further study.”
Wei Zizhuang pondered, “If this sheepskin isn’t evidence of Jiang Chong’s treason, why would it attract so many martial world experts to fight over it? Why would Jiang Chong and Liu Jing value this sheepskin so much? Could there be other hidden circumstances?”
Wei Zizhuang’s words were very reasonable – if the sheepskin had nothing to do with Jiang Chong and wasn’t treasonous evidence, why would he mobilize forces to send large teams to seize it?
Yang Suguan shook his head, “Not necessarily. I studied this sheepskin with Zhonghai – according to him, the border between our dynasty and Yexian was just wasteland with useless territory. If Jiang Chong wanted to trade this desolate land for his life back then, it would be hard to convince the Khan. From this perspective, what Liang Zhiyi and Wang Ning said may not be credible. This sheepskin definitely has other strangeness.”
Ling Ding sighed, “If this sheepskin is nothing at all, wouldn’t we have made this trip for nothing?”
Yang Suguan said, “That’s not worrying. I heard that old man mention a name called ‘Sha Jin’ – perhaps this person knows the sheepskin’s origin. I think we should start with this person.” Seeing Wu Dingyuan consistently silent, he asked, “What do you think, Envoy Wu?”
Wu Dingyuan had harbored a strange notion since seeing this “Sha Jin’s” portrait, feeling Sha Jin had some special qualities but couldn’t pin it down. Now Yang Suguan spoke to him and he just came to awareness, grunting but not replying.
Yang Suguan saw his furrowed brow and sensed something amiss, asking, “Envoy Wu, you seem troubled – is there really something strange about this ‘Sha Jin’?”
Wu Dingyuan lowered his head and pondered for a while, “This Sha Jin looks somewhat familiar.”
Everyone was delighted and quickly said, “Could you know him?”
Wu Dingyuan shook his head, “Not that – I heard a friend’s account and felt this person was somewhat unusual.”
Secretary Yang said “Oh” and asked, “A friend? Who is he?”
Wu Dingyuan sighed sadly, “He was the last survivor of Yanling Escort Agency – Qi Bochuan.”
Everyone hearing this all cried “Ah!” Wu Dingyuan sighed, “Whether this ‘Sha Jin’ recognizes the sheepskin’s script, I don’t know. But seeing this person’s portrait just now and repeatedly thinking of what Young Master Qi said that year, I fear this ‘Sha Jin’ is related to the person who commissioned the escort.”
Yang Suguan’s spirits lifted as he quickly said, “Please speak, Envoy Wu.”
Wu Dingyuan said, “The reason the Yanling Escort Agency case was so hard to solve was that we couldn’t find the person who commissioned the escort. That year I learned from Young Master Qi that the client was about fifty years old with a beard reaching his chest and two long swords strapped behind his back. Master Qi even called him ‘the one who uses three swords.’ At that time, hearing this person’s extraordinary appearance, I secretly paid attention…”
Before he finished speaking, Yang Suguan was already startled, “You say that person who commissioned the escort also had two long swords strapped behind his back – this… doesn’t Sha Jin also look like this?”
Wu Dingyuan nodded, “Exactly. Seeing ‘Sha Jin’s’ portrait with two long swords strapped behind his back, plus a beard reaching his chest and age around fifty-plus – it’s really too similar to the escort client, so I made this connection.” With his constable background, he’d always been observant and indeed saw what others couldn’t.
Yang Suguan was delighted and nodded, “What Envoy Wu says is very reasonable. That year the sheepskin was a valuable escort worth a hundred thousand taels of silver – if not a great general of the Timurid Khanate, who could afford such a price?”
Wei Zizhuang pondered, “Hearing you speak like this, could this ‘Sha Jin’ be the person who commissioned the escort? But what connection does he have with Prefect Liang?”
Wu Dingyuan shook his head, “I don’t know about this either. We can only investigate thoroughly, first find this ‘Sha Jin,’ then plan everything carefully!” Yang Suguan nodded, “Exactly so. Anyway, Zhonghai is ordered to escort the peace mission. Our two groups might as well meet early – then we can enter the Timurid Khanate and find ‘Sha Jin.'” Everyone agreed.
Everyone chatted excitedly, but Ling Zhen only focused on eating, paying no attention at all.
After eating for a while, he was full and satisfied. He burped and was about to pick his teeth when he suddenly noticed something strange about his right palm. He looked down carefully and immediately broke out in a cold sweat.
On the back of his hand crouched a small spider, wood-yellow in color, continuously sucking blood – no one knew where it had crawled from.
In moments, Ling Zhen’s palm had turned from black to swollen, from swollen to painful, as if soaked in ink water – showing how vicious the spider poison was. Ling Zhen was extremely shocked and disgusted. He immediately cried out, shook his hand vigorously to throw off the poisonous insect, then stomped it to death, shouting loudly, “Everyone be careful! The food has been poisoned!”
The others had been gathered talking when they suddenly heard Ling Zhen’s loud cry. They quickly turned around, and seeing Ling Zhen’s palm, all cried out in alarm. Wei Zizhuang was greatly shocked, “How could this happen? I just tested this food and drink with silver needles – everything was clean!”
Ling Ding understood and overturned the chopstick container. Over ten pairs of chopsticks fell out. Everyone was puzzled, not knowing his intention. Ling Ding shouted, “Everyone look!”
Everyone looked carefully and saw each wooden chopstick had a small spider clinging to it. The spiders were wood-colored, extremely similar to the chopsticks’ color – nearly impossible to detect without close examination. Dozens of spiders, seeing light and being startled, immediately crawled all over the table. Juan’er screamed and quickly stood up to avoid them.
Wei Zizhuang stepped onto the table and stomped several times, killing all the spiders. He said urgently, “This shop is strange – everyone be extremely careful not to touch anything in the shop!”
Wu Dingyuan saw the waiter still standing stupidly to one side. He snorted, leaped forward in one stride, grabbed him firmly and shouted, “Why did you poison us? Confess quickly!”
The waiter was so frightened he trembled, quickly saying, “Sir, you wrongly accuse me! We… we never do such harmful things…”
The situation was urgent – if delayed even a moment, Ling Zhen’s life would be in danger. Wu Dingyuan remembering Zhang Zhiyue’s death, how could he tolerate the waiter’s evasions? He used force to pull the waiter before him and shouted, “Still dare to lie! Look what you’ve poisoned that master into! Quickly hand over the antidote or I’ll take your dog life!” He channeled his power, internal energy reaching everywhere. The waiter immediately felt pain and cried out repeatedly, “Help! Help!”
The waiter’s cries immediately alarmed other customers in the shop. Everyone gathered to watch, calling out, “What are you people doing? Beating a waiter so viciously!” All showed indignation.
Wei Zizhuang quickly said, “Fellow customers, this inn poisons people – it’s a black shop. They’ve already harmed one of our friends, and we must seek justice!” One customer cursed, “Bullshit! I’ve eaten here since childhood – when has there ever been a problem? You outsiders must want to eat for free! Making trouble here!” Over ten customers watching the excitement joined the commotion, all shouting.
Wu Dingyuan saw Ling Zhen’s right hand swelling larger and larger – fearing delay would miss the treatment opportunity, he ignored others and said coldly to the waiter, “Boy, if you don’t hand over the antidote, don’t blame me for being merciless!” He applied force with his fingers, crushing the waiter’s hand bones with crackling sounds.
The waiter, crushed until he couldn’t bear the pain, only cried out loudly. While screaming miserably, his head suddenly tilted and the shrill cries abruptly stopped. In an instant he collapsed softly to the ground, already unconscious.
Wu Dingyuan snorted, “This boy fainted. Let’s find the shopkeeper first.” He used his skills to revive the waiter with massage. But after long massage, the waiter remained stiff and motionless, as if dead.
Wu Dingyuan was suspicious and quickly turned the waiter’s face over, reaching to check his breathing. He saw the waiter’s face was black – he had mysteriously died. Wu Dingyuan looked at everyone and said quietly, “Everyone be careful – he was also poisoned.” Everyone hearing this couldn’t help being greatly shocked and quickly stood up, fearing ambush.
The watching customers, seeing someone had died, all cried out, “Someone’s dead! Murderers! Let’s quickly report to the authorities!” Their words treated Wu Dingyuan and others as the killers.
It was nearly New Year, so customers in the shop had been drinking and playing finger-guessing games happily. Seeing someone die horribly in the shop, they were greatly terrified and instantly in chaos.
Wu Dingyuan released the waiter and shouted, “Don’t make random noise! This waiter was poisoned to death!”
Before his words finished, he suddenly felt slight pain on his back, like being stung by a bee. He turned around to see his companions staring at him, seemingly not understanding why he suddenly turned. Wu Dingyuan was puzzled when he suddenly heard Yan Ting call, “Be careful!”
Wu Dingyuan turned to look and saw customers in the shop shouting loudly – someone had thrown a stool at him. Wu Dingyuan wanted to dodge but suddenly felt dizzy. With heaven spinning and earth turning, he collapsed to the ground.
Yan Ting cried out in alarm and was about to help Wu Dingyuan up when Ling Ding, sharp-eyed, quickly stopped her, “Don’t touch him first – he seems poisoned!” He borrowed Yan Ting’s sword and with a swish had cut open Wu Dingyuan’s back clothing. His sword mastery was extraordinary – though cutting clothes and fabric, he didn’t injure the skin at all.
Everyone quickly looked at Wu Dingyuan’s back to see a colorful centipede biting a piece of flesh on his back, working hard to gnaw, treating Wu Dingyuan as delicious food. The two young women seeing this disgusting sight couldn’t help screaming shrilly, breaking out in cold sweat.
Ling Ding raised his sword to pick up the poisonous insect, but the insect bit fiercely, firmly clamped in the flesh. Ling Ding sighed deeply, chanted Buddha’s name, and his long sword trembled, immediately stabbing the poisonous insect to death. He touched his foot and turned Wu Dingyuan’s body over. Everyone quickly looked at his face color – seeing his face showing black qi, no different from the waiter, he was probably near death.
Yan Ting was shocked and afraid. Just as she was about to speak, suddenly over ten centipedes crawled out from under the waiter’s corpse, moving around the shop. Yan Ting’s pretty face went pale as she quickly retreated. Wei Zizhuang, fearing the poisonous insects would harm people, rushed forward and stomped them all to death in two or three steps.
Now two of their own had inexplicably been poisoned, while countless watching customers were still shouting loudly, all treating their group as villains. Though Yang Suguan was experienced, he could hardly find who to target. Seeing that government forces would arrive soon, even escaping would be difficult.
Yang Suguan called Wei Zizhuang over and whispered, “According to my guess, these poisonous insects must be trained and placed in the shop to harm people. The poisoner is probably still here. Please guard the injured with Master Ling Ding while I go root him out!”
Wei Zizhuang agreed and guarded the injured with Ling Ding. Customers in the shop kept throwing wooden chairs and stools, all easily deflected by the two. Yang Suguan hid in a corner, coldly observing, wanting to find the poisoner in the chaotic crowd.
As Yang Suguan was watching, he suddenly saw several reckless fellows shouting loudly, charging toward him as if wanting to grab him. Yang Suguan said “Hey!” and drew his long sword, using the supreme mental technique of “Bodhi Thirty-Three Heavens Sword.” In an instant he pointed out seven times seven – forty-nine cold stars flying toward those dozen customers.
Yan Ting saw those customers’ lives in danger and couldn’t help crying out in alarm. Just as she was about to speak to stop him, Wei Zizhuang nearby had already shaken his head at her and whispered, “Don’t worry – Secretary Yang strikes with measure.”
Yang Suguan, as a court official, always acted prudently. Now his attacking moves weren’t meant to injure people but to force out the poisoner. According to his thinking, this poisoner possessed martial arts and would act very differently from ordinary people. In life-threatening moments, he would certainly dodge and flee, revealing his true form, and then definitely couldn’t escape his sharp eyes.
As the long sword flashed, this group of customers didn’t even have time to blink – they only felt sword light flash and their chests turn cool. In their amazement, they all looked down at their chests. Seeing their clothes had been cut open and looking at the gleaming white thing in Yang Suguan’s hand, they couldn’t help crying out in fear. Instantly their souls flew and spirits scattered as they urgently ran toward the door. Whether someone was killed or murdered for money was none of their business.
Yang Suguan’s sharp eyes saw that when the long sword attacked just now, most customers in the shop were completely unaware, but only one person dodged sideways, clearly possessing martial arts. But first, there were too many customers in the shop; second, when the sword struck, it was only an instant – very hard to see that person’s appearance clearly, so for the moment he couldn’t find him.
While looking, he suddenly saw one person lowering his head and covering his face as he passed, appearing panicked, but his chest clothing was completely unbroken. Yang Suguan’s mind moved as he shouted, “Where are you going!” Following this, sword light flashed and he had surrounded that person.
That person was greatly alarmed, “Hero, spare my life! I’m just a passing customer with no grudge against you – please don’t kill me!”
Yang Suguan’s long sword trembled, slicing past his neck as he said coldly, “Stop pretending to be crazy – quickly hand over the antidote!” That person was scared silly and didn’t dare fight back, only kowtowing and begging for mercy.
Yang Suguan saw his lowly appearance didn’t seem fake and thought silently, “I mustn’t be rash – let me test him!” The long sword flashed, thrusting toward that person’s head and neck.
That person saw cold light flashing before his eyes and only cried “Ah!” loudly, covering his face with both hands and waiting for death. Yang Suguan seeing his expression quickly thrust his long sword aside, thinking, “It seems this person truly knows no martial arts – definitely not faking.” Those with high martial arts, no matter how skilled in fighting or nimble in fists and feet, relied entirely on a pair of sharp eyes. This person closed his eyes tightly in the critical moment – he truly knew no martial arts at all.
Yang Suguan pondered for a moment, thinking he’d indeed found the wrong person, and said, “Get up! I’ll let you pass.” That person kowtowed repeatedly with endless gratitude and quickly ran out of the shop. Yang Suguan turned to look in the shop and saw several customers still hiding under tables, trembling continuously – perhaps the poisoner was among them.
Yang Suguan said sternly, “You several people all come out – I have questions for you.”
Those customers looked at each other hesitantly, not coming out. Yang Suguan was about to step forward when he heard Ling Ding call, “Watch out for hidden weapons!” Yang Suguan without thinking immediately shot up three feet. He heard urgent wind behind him, followed by “thud thud” sounds as the nearby screen wall was filled with blue gleaming silver needles.
Yang Suguan in mid-air quickly turned to look and saw the person who had just left the shop with a fierce smile, somehow having snuck back into the shop. Yang Suguan sneered – so the poisoner was this person. He hadn’t expected to be deceived by this man. If not for his considerable martial arts foundation, wouldn’t he already be lying dead?
While feeling angry, he saw that person’s ten fingers were full of silver needles, obviously about to use more hidden weapons. With Yang Suguan’s abilities, how could he allow him to act presumptuously again? Before his body could land, he gave a clear whistle and drew his sword from its sheath in mid-air, slashing down rapidly at that person.
That person saw Yang Suguan change moves so quickly and was also alarmed – his hidden weapons couldn’t be released in time as he retreated toward the door. Wei Zizhuang nearby shouted loudly, “Where are you going!” His figure flashed and he arrived first, already blocking the door.
That person was attacked from front and back – the situation was very unfavorable. Yang Suguan shouted, “Quickly hand over the antidote and we’ll spare your life!” That person cursed, “Even if you cut me into a thousand pieces, I have nothing to give you!”
Wei Zizhuang extended his palm toward that person’s back. The man dodged sideways and kicked back toward Wei Zizhuang’s chest. Wei Zizhuang laughed, “Well done!” He channeled internal energy and pointed at that person’s leg, already sealing his acupoint. The man’s whole body went numb as he fell to the ground.
Wei Zizhuang stepped on that person’s chest and shouted, “Take out the antidote!” That person sneered and completely ignored him.
Wei Zizhuang sneered, “Acting tough before me – you’ll suffer for it.” He pointed at that person’s armpit, sending true energy through his body. The man immediately felt itchy all over and began laughing loudly.
Wei Zizhuang said calmly, “I don’t need to cut you into pieces – just tickling you will make you very obedient.”
That person rolled on the ground from the itching, even biting through his lower lip. It seemed Wei Zizhuang’s interrogation methods were unique – in an instant he had tortured the man half to death.
Wei Zizhuang said sternly, “If you hand over the antidote, I’ll unseal your acupoints and stop the itching. How about it?” That person laughed continuously with tears flowing from his eyes, gasping, “I don’t have… antidote…” Wei Zizhuang shook his head and sighed, “Then I can’t help you.” He was about to turn and leave, letting that person laugh himself to death.
That person amid loud laughter said, “I… I really… really don’t have… haha…” Wei Zizhuang’s eyes brightened, “Then where is the antidote?” That person said, “At… haha… at my master’s place… haha…”
Wei Zizhuang’s heart stirred as he urgently asked, “Who is your master?”
That person was about to speak when suddenly a thin blue light flashed. The man’s body trembled and blood immediately appeared at his throat. Without time to say a word, he died. Everyone seeing this hidden weapon’s vicious approach were all greatly alarmed and took defensive positions.
Suddenly they heard a loud crash outside the window as someone flew into the shop. Everyone quickly looked to see a beautiful woman – it was the “Hundred Flowers Fairy” Hu Mei’er they had seen that day. She wore an apricot-yellow Daoist robe with a fly whisk in her hand, her brow showing a faint murderous aura as she looked coldly at everyone.
Yang Suguan’s expression changed as he and Ling Ding exchanged glances – both knew the real culprit had arrived.
The two young women saw the “Hundred Flowers Fairy” arrive and, remembering their uncle died at her hands, immediately rushed forward with expressions full of hatred.
Yan Ting said sadly, “It’s you again! Watch me avenge my uncle!” She drew her sword and was about to fight desperately. Though Juan’er’s martial arts were weak, she also had tears in her eyes as she raised her sword.
Wei Zizhuang, fearing their rash action would lead to ambush, quickly blocked them and whispered, “Young ladies, please stay calm and don’t rush to attack.” Yan Ting wiped tears from her face and stared fiercely at the “Hundred Flowers Fairy,” her beautiful eyes full of grief and anger.
The Hundred Flowers Fairy smiled slightly, “My worthless disciple was truly useless, moaning and groaning there. I couldn’t stand watching, so I freed him.” Wei Zizhuang sneered, “They say even tigers don’t eat their cubs – the Hundred Flowers Fairy’s poison techniques are truly remarkable, making even beasts retreat three points.”
The “Hundred Flowers Fairy” named Hu Mei’er was by nature most domineering and vicious. Hearing Wei Zizhuang’s mocking words, she glared at him, her eyes full of hatred and poison.
Ling Ding heard this “Hundred Flowers Fairy” acted viciously – a few days ago she had ruthlessly killed Zhang Zhiyue of Jiuhua Mountain, and now she had harmed Wu Dingyuan and Ling Zhen. He wouldn’t allow this woman to commit more evil. He immediately gathered internal energy, qi surging, walked forward one step, put his palms together and said, “This humble monk Ling Ding of Shaolin requests the female benefactor hand over the antidote. Otherwise, if the injured delay rescue time, the benefactor’s sins will be even heavier.” His hands formed circles, ready to strike at any moment.
Yang Suguan saw his senior brother take action and gave Wei Zizhuang a look. The two also stepped forward simultaneously, standing with Ling Ding on three sides. Three great experts formed a tripod, completely surrounding this “Hundred Flowers Fairy.”
Nearby, Yan Ting held her sword – at this moment she was like a small leopard, constantly sharpening her claws, waiting to strike at any opportunity. Though gentle in appearance, her nature was quite resolute, always able to remain calm and patient, hoping to personally avenge her sect’s great grievance. Though Yan Ting’s martial arts weren’t high, her appearance couldn’t be underestimated. Wei Zizhuang, fearing her rash action, kept signaling her to stay calm.
This Hu Mei’er was poison incarnate with sinister hidden weapons. Ordinary martial world figures facing her often couldn’t even complete one move before dying mysteriously at her hands. Plus she was quite intelligent, so these past years righteous people had repeatedly tried to capture her but she always escaped calmly. This time three great experts joined hands to surround and attack – they were determined to succeed. No matter how great Hu Mei’er’s abilities or evil schemes, she would be captured.
Hu Mei’er saw her situation was extremely unfavorable but didn’t care. She smiled lightly and actually walked two steps closer to Ling Ding, the strongest in martial arts, saying coquettishly, “You three big men bullying me, one weak woman – if word gets out, won’t Master be laughed at in the martial world?” Ling Ding kept an iron face and waved to Wei Zizhuang and Yang Suguan, indicating they should step back. He said sternly, “The female benefactor is also considered a generation’s master. This humble monk fighting one-on-one should be acceptable.”
Hu Mei’er smiled slightly, “Think of it – you, a seventy or eighty-year-old monk, picking on me, a small weak woman. Isn’t that still a joke?”
Though surrounded by strong enemies, her voice remained coquettish and tender with infinite charm. Everyone saw her fair skin with a light blush and thought, “Though this woman is strange, she’s actually quite a beauty.”
Hu Mei’er saw the men in the field had slight throat movements, knowing they were all shocked by her beauty. She smiled even more lightly, showing infinite charm.
Juan’er saw her still showing off seductively and immediately cried out, cursing, “Old demon witch! More treacherous than anyone yet still pretending to be delicate! You ugly hag, old thief woman! No woman in the world is uglier than you!”
That day Zhang Zhiyue had died horribly just for a few words offending her. Juan’er’s heart was full of indignation and naturally cursed freely.
Hu Mei’er was extremely angry and furious, “Little girl, I should have let you die cleanly that day to save today’s trouble!” A silver light flew out – it was her famous hidden weapon “Soul-Chasing Needle” shooting toward Juan’er’s throat.
Ling Ding, as Master of Luohan Hall, how could he let her succeed again? He immediately shouted and struck out with a palm. Where the palm wind reached, the silver needle immediately turned direction and shot into the ground.
This palm’s power was deep, actually able to use invisible, intangible palm wind to deflect a tiny silver needle. The internal energy contained could be said to be vast and mighty. All observers were both shocked and admiring, thinking silently, “Shaolin Temple leading the masses is indeed extraordinary!”
Wei Zizhuang knew that having killed Hu Mei’er’s disciple, the hatred between them was already established. He wanted to take advantage of their superior numbers to settle this grudge once and for all. He said, “Master, wait a moment – let me discipline this demon witch!”
Before Ling Ding could answer, Wei Zizhuang had already raised one foot high, pulling his right palm back. With a whoosh, his whole body spun and his flying foot kicked toward Hu Mei’er. This move was exactly the “Wudang Crane Nods Thirteen Forms” – an ultimate technique for capturing enemies.
Hu Mei’er saw his leg force was fierce and retreated backward. Wei Zizhuang wouldn’t let her catch her breath – his right foot had just landed when his left foot interjected and kicked out, attacking continuously without falling behind.
Though Hu Mei’er was continuously attacked, relying on her excellent lightness skills, she didn’t seem panicked. She smoothed her forehead hair and still appeared leisurely, laughing coquettishly, “Guard Wei! Even if you want to fight with this lady, you’ll get your turn eventually – why be so monkey-urgent? Could you be afraid Shaolin Temple will overshadow your Wudang Mountain’s glory?”
As soon as these provocative words came out, Ling Ding’s face immediately flashed with shadow, and Wei Zizhuang also felt quite embarrassed, actually stopping his attacks. Hu Mei’er laughed heartily, quite delighted.
It turned out there was considerable friction between Shaolin Temple and Wudang Mountain. Since Wudang’s founding patriarch Zhang Sanfeng, it had lasted nearly a hundred years – this was known throughout the martial world. Though relations between the two sects were improving daily, being suddenly provoked by Hu Mei’er still made people feel embarrassed and awkward.
Wei Zizhuang roared loudly, “Thief slut! Stop pointing fingers there – let’s see the truth with our hands!” Fearing Ling Ding really thought he had ulterior motives, he shouted continuously with fists and feet attacking together, showing even more killing intent. Hu Mei’er sneered and dodged sideways, already avoiding Wei Zizhuang’s attack.
Seeing Hu Mei’er didn’t dare face him directly, Wei Zizhuang spread both hands using “Crane Spreads Wings,” pointing at thirteen acupoints on Hu Mei’er’s upper body with unparalleled speed. This move went from outside to inside with both hands as if embracing.
Hu Mei’er saw this move was quite improper and couldn’t help blushing, cursing, “You claim to be from a famous family yet specifically use such lewd moves – who knows what filthy thoughts are in your dirty mind! Truly despicable and boring!” She snorted and her figure flashed as she was about to dash out of the shop.
Wei Zizhuang saw she wanted to leave and immediately shouted, “Don’t think of leaving without handing over the antidote!” He struck with a palm. Hu Mei’er touched her feet and quickly flew onto the roof. Ling Ding was even faster – in an instant he had gotten ahead of her, then brought both palms together and shouted, “Go down!” Fierce palm wind burst out, forcibly pushing Hu Mei’er down.
Hu Mei’er fell to the ground and immediately spat, saying loudly, “You agreed to one-on-one – how did another old monk come?”
Ling Ding said calmly, “If the benefactor wants single combat, this humble monk will accompany you.” He brought his palms together – exactly the starting form of “Great Compassion Thousand-Leaf Hand.” Where his power reached, dust within three feet around his body all drifted outward, immediately forming a perfect circle three feet across at his feet.
Hu Mei’er seeing such momentum was also alarmed in her heart, thinking, “This old monk is so formidable – who in the martial world could do anything to him?” She knew the two before her were first-class experts in the martial world. If she relied on her true abilities, she probably couldn’t beat even one, let alone with Yang Suguan watching like a tiger from the side.
Wei Zizhuang sneered, “Thief slut, if you want to live, quickly hand over the antidote. Otherwise we’ll dismember you later to make you pay for Hero Zhang’s life.”
Seeing Ling Ding approaching step by step, Hu Mei’er knew she couldn’t match him and immediately leaped back, sneering, “You want the antidote? Fine, this lady will give it to you.” She took out over ten bottles from her chest – red, green, long, flat, of every variety – and said loudly, “Take them all!” With a wave of her hand, the dozen bottles flew toward Wei Zizhuang.
Wei Zizhuang was about to reach out to catch them when Yan Ting, fearing the bottles were poisoned, quickly stopped him, warning, “This woman is full of tricks – don’t trust her!” Wei Zizhuang quickly withdrew his hand, letting the small bottles fly past his face. He thought anxiously, “Lucky I’ve walked the martial world for many years, yet today I’m saved by a child.”
The dozen small bottles crashed to the ground but didn’t break, just rolling around – for the moment they couldn’t tell which bottle contained the real antidote.
Hu Mei’er, seeing no one dared catch the antidotes, couldn’t help laughing heartily, “Guard Wei, why be so stingy? All my dozen bottles are antidotes! Why should you fear?” Wei Zizhuang snorted, “Stop your nonsense – quickly say which bottle can cure the poison!”
Hu Mei’er giggled continuously, “Guess for yourself!”
Ling Ding angrily said, “If the female benefactor sincerely wants to bestow the antidote, why not do it properly instead of putting on such airs?”
Hu Mei’er laughed, “How am I putting on airs? It’s just that I have so many bottles on me that I’ve forgotten which one cures poison.” This woman was always bold and never took people seriously – she actually acted coquettishly before two great experts.
Wei Zizhuang angrily said, “Speak quickly and stop toying with us!”
Hu Mei’er smiled, “Mm, I remember now – it’s the red bottle.” Seeing Wei Zizhuang about to go pick it up, she suddenly said, “Wait, it seems to be the green one.”
Wei Zizhuang was furious beyond measure and roared, “Be careful!”
Ling Ding snorted and shook his head, “Don’t mind her. Let’s try every bottle – one of them must be real!”
Hu Mei’er laughed, “Fine! I have over ten different antidotes here – you might try them bottle by bottle. But this lady is kind-hearted, so I’ll warn you first – once you use the wrong antidote, your two friends will die bleeding from seven orifices. Want to try?”
Wei Zizhuang and Ling Ding looked at each other, both knowing she spoke the truth. This Hundred Flowers Fairy’s poisoning techniques were extraordinarily formidable – once poisoned by her strange toxins, only her personal antidote could save them, otherwise treatment was nearly impossible. From her expression, unless she willingly handed over the antidote, even killing her would be useless.
Everyone saw Ling Zhen sitting cross-legged on the ground, doing his utmost to drive out poison with energy circulation, while Wu Dingyuan’s face was pitch black – soon he would follow Zhang Zhiyue’s footsteps and die alive at this vicious woman’s hands.
Ling Ding’s thoughts raced. Knowing that if both sides fought hard, it would definitely be mutual destruction, he said, “Benefactor, many people here have grudges against you. If we continue fighting, you certainly won’t benefit. Heaven has virtue in loving life, and this humble monk doesn’t want to kill excessively. Why don’t you hand over the antidote first, and we’ll naturally let you leave safely?” He had originally wanted to capture this woman alive to send to Jiuhua Mountain for judgment, but given the current situation, he had to yield a step.
Hu Mei’er extended her index finger to lightly touch the dimple on her face and shook her head, “Master Father, this idea isn’t good.”
Ling Ding’s face darkened, “The monk’s idea isn’t good? Then according to the female benefactor’s meaning, what should we do?”
Hu Mei’er extended her slender white hand toward Yang Suguan and smiled, “Lord Yang, as long as you hand over what’s in your chest, I’ll naturally give you the antidote.” Everyone’s faces changed color – truly “an innocent man becomes guilty when he possesses a treasure” – she wanted that piece of sheepskin.
Ling Ding saw her pushing for more and frowned, “What if we don’t give it?”
Hu Mei’er glanced at Wu Dingyuan and Ling Zhen and smiled, “Then these two will only die.”
Wei Zizhuang nearby jumped over angrily, “You can barely protect yourself yet dare bargain?”
Hu Mei’er laughed heartily, “I can barely protect myself? You really underestimate this lady!”
Before her laughter ended, Hu Mei’er’s right hand slightly raised and a cluster of extremely fine silver needles shot out, flying straight toward Wei Zizhuang’s face. This “Hundred Flowers Fairy” carried a hundred poisons – no one knew her martial arts depth, but regarding hidden weapons, she was a first-class expert, both poisonous and vicious, killing anyone hit. Though Wei Zizhuang’s martial arts were high, first he stood too close, second he was caught off guard – how could he dodge?
Just as Wei Zizhuang was about to be ambushed in his carelessness, this person was a lay disciple truly taught by Wudang’s Xuanwu Temple – how could his martial arts be ordinary? He used an iron bridge technique, his two feet firmly planted on the ground while his upper body suddenly leaned back, dodging countless tiny silver needles in the nick of time.
Hu Mei’er spat, “At such an old age using such techniques? Aren’t you afraid of straining your back?” Seeing Wei Zizhuang leaning backward with his chest and abdomen wide open, how could she miss this opportunity? Her fly whisk swept down toward his lower abdomen.
At this moment Wei Zizhuang’s upper body was leaning backward, his feet planted on the ground, his chest and abdomen undefended. Ling Ding nearby was greatly alarmed and quickly struck out with his palm to attack, but his momentum was insufficient. Just as the “Hundred Flowers Fairy’s” fly whisk was about to sweep his body, at this critical moment Wei Zizhuang pressed both hands on the ground, his fat body stood inverted, and his legs kicked fiercely into mid-air. Hu Mei’er cried out in alarm and nearly got kicked in the jaw, quickly dodging aside.
Now both sides had engaged in close combat and both understood clearly – if Ling Ding and others wanted to kill Hu Mei’er outright, it wouldn’t be difficult, but this woman’s poison techniques were sophisticated, and capturing her alive would be quite challenging.
The current situation was one where neither could overcome the other – Wei Zizhuang and others couldn’t force her to hand over the antidote, but Hu Mei’er also couldn’t escape. Both sides were at an impasse.
Ling Ding angrily said, “Female benefactor, you’re so unreasonable! Do you think you can leave alive today if you don’t hand over the antidote? Give up the antidote early to avoid harming yourself!”
Hu Mei’er laughed heartily. She looked sideways at Ling Zhen and Wu Dingyuan and smiled, “Without my exclusive antidote, these two definitely won’t live past tonight. Anyway, having two experts accompany me in death is already a profitable deal – what’s there to fear?”
Everyone was both anxious and angry but didn’t know what to do. To say they’d hand over the sheepskin for nothing – how could they swallow this grievance? But if they didn’t surrender the sheepskin, Wu Dingyuan and Ling Zhen might truly die mysteriously here. Everyone looked at each other without any solution.
Just as they were panicking, suddenly someone said calmly, “Senior Brother Ling Ding, Guard Wei, please go outside. I have words to speak with this woman.” Everyone hearing this elegant voice recognized it as Yang Suguan’s and couldn’t help being startled, not knowing why he suddenly spoke thus. Even Hu Mei’er was slightly curious, not understanding Yang Suguan’s intention.
Ling Ding walked to Yang Suguan’s side and whispered, “Junior Brother Yang, we finally have the upper hand – how can you ask us to leave? Don’t let this woman escape by chance.”
Yang Suguan gently shook his hand, indicating everyone needn’t say more. Wei Zizhuang had known him for many years and knew Yang Suguan was prudent in his actions, always planning before acting. His speaking thus now must have his reasons. He pulled Ling Ding and whispered, “Since Secretary Yang instructs thus, let’s go outside first.”
Ling Ding felt very strange but couldn’t openly object, so he followed Wei Zizhuang in leaving. Though the two young women were eager for revenge, the current situation was tense and didn’t allow them to speak much – they could only follow them out of the shop.
Everyone filed out, leaving only Yang Suguan and Hu Mei’er standing face to face in the large inn. The waiters had long since fled somewhere, and except for Xiliang’s unique whistling wind sounds, there was momentary silence.
Hu Mei’er was a battle-tested female demon who, though seeing Yang Suguan’s strange behavior, wasn’t afraid. She smiled lightly, “Secretary Yang keeps me here alone – aren’t you afraid I’ll fly away like smoke? Or do you have private words to tell me that you fear outsiders hearing?” Her voice was soft and seductive, soul-stirring – these few sentences were spoken with extra charm, making one’s heart inevitably flutter.
Yang Suguan smiled slightly and suddenly removed his weapon, throwing it on the table.
Hu Mei’er raised her pretty eyebrows and sneered, “What are you doing?”
Yang Suguan didn’t answer but sat down directly, then said, “It’s rare to have this opportunity – sit down for a cup of tea before leaving.” He pulled out a stool for Hu Mei’er, indicating she should sit beside him.
Now even if Hu Mei’er were ten times calmer, she couldn’t help being extremely astonished. A few days ago she had ruthlessly killed Zhang Zhiyue, and now she had poisoned two of their generals – yet Yang Suguan was completely unguarded and invited her to drink tea together?
After a while, seeing Hu Mei’er still hesitating, Yang Suguan said calmly, “Miss Hu, please sit down. After drinking tea, if you want to leave, please do as you wish – I absolutely won’t stop you.”
Hu Mei’er widened her charming eyes and couldn’t help saying, “Are you serious? Aren’t you afraid your friends will die for nothing?”
Yang Suguan didn’t respond but took a tea bowl, poured water, and waited for Hu Mei’er to come drink.
Hu Mei’er saw his confidence and thought, “This Yang fellow doesn’t know what tricks he’s playing – let me see how this lady responds.”
She slowly walked to the wooden table but didn’t sit on the stool – instead she sat directly on the table, then crossed her powdered legs and said sweetly, “Secretary Yang wants me to sit – how could this servant not sit? Here I am.”
The two were only inches apart. Hu Mei’er had applied fragrant powder, and all her seductive fragrance drifted toward Yang Suguan’s nose. Hu Mei’er thought secretly, “This Yang Suguan is only in his twenties – before this lady, no matter how strong his determination, he can’t maintain composure.” She leaned down even more, revealing her bosom enticingly.
While being seductive, Yang Suguan had already poured her a cup of clear tea and offered it to her. Hu Mei’er thought, “Why is this boy so polite? Could he have put poison in the tea?”
She herself was a master poisoner with rarely any rivals under heaven – even if Yang Suguan truly poured a large bowl of arsenic into the tea, she wouldn’t necessarily fear it. She just smiled lightly, reached out to take the tea bowl, wanting to see what scheme Yang Suguan had.
Yang Suguan picked up his own tea bowl, took a sip, and said, “Miss Hu, you and I have never met before – we have no grudges or enmity. I don’t know why you want to steal my sheepskin?”
Hu Mei’er drank some tea, smoothed her hair, and smiled, “What do you think, Secretary Yang? Why do I want to steal this sheepskin?”
Yang Suguan smiled slightly, “Two words: Jiang Chong.”
Hu Mei’er burst into laughter, her waist swaying, “You’re right! It’s exactly for Lord Jiang! If he hadn’t come to ask, why would this lady wade into these muddy waters!”
Yang Suguan sat quietly. After she finished laughing, he said, “Miss, have you ever thought what benefits you get from following Jiang Chong?”
Hu Mei’er sneered, “Secretary Yang, aren’t you asking the obvious? Jiang Chong is below one person and above ten thousand, holding military and political power with universal respect! I, Hu Mei’er, have always only served the strong – in the whole world, no man surpasses Lord Jiang! If I don’t follow such a person, wouldn’t I be foolish?”
Hu Mei’er was about to chatter on when she suddenly saw Yang Suguan bend down and pick up a pebble from the table leg, holding it in his palm. Hu Mei’er snorted, “Secretary Yang, if you want to hurt me with hidden weapons, you’re completely wrong.”
Yang Suguan smiled slightly but didn’t speak. He flicked his middle finger and the pebble shot upward with great force – with a “bang” it actually broke through the roof and flew out.
Hu Mei’er wondered, “What is this boy trying to do? Is he creating a diversion?”
While thinking, she saw Yang Suguan look up at the roof. Afternoon sunlight streamed through the roof crack into the previously dim inn, filling it with light. Hu Mei’er found it increasingly strange, fearing someone was ambushed on the roof, so she followed his gaze upward.
Hu Mei’er looked up to see a square-foot hole opened in the roof, with deep sapphire sky visible outside like the ocean. Apart from this, no one was hiding there. She was dazed for a while, not knowing what this person intended, then looked down at Yang Suguan with questioning eyes.
Yang Suguan sipped his clear tea and said calmly, “Miss Hu, what did you see?”
Hu Mei’er was startled, looked up at the deep ocean-like blue sky, and said blankly, “The sky… I saw the sky…”
Yang Suguan put down his tea bowl, his handsome eyes turning sideways as he smiled, “Miss Hu, could the sky be smaller than Jiang Chong?”
These words held infinite deep meaning, shocking Hu Mei’er’s heart.
The inn was completely dim with only a ray of sunlight illuminating Yang Suguan, making him appear especially solemn, like a deity descended to earth.
Yang Suguan stood up and slowly walked to Hu Mei’er’s side. In an instant their four eyes met. Hu Mei’er felt the man before her couldn’t be stared at directly. Despite her bold nature and hundred battles in romance, her heart now pounded rapidly and she could only turn her head away, not daring to look more.
Yang Suguan slowly extended his hand to gently stroke Hu Mei’er’s cheek. What kind of seductive nature did Hu Mei’er have? Usually seducing men was like daily routine, but now she felt bewildered and at a loss. Her whole body went soft as she said tremblingly, “What… what do you want to do?”
Yang Suguan lowered his head to look into her eyes and said gently, “Miss Hu, following Jiang Chong in his work will definitely ruin your reputation. Why not join Marquis Liu’s service instead?”
Hu Mei’er, hearing these words, was both shocked and amazed. She said dazedly, “I… I killed your friend – how could I still work for you?”
Yang Suguan said calmly, “With me here, don’t worry about anything.”
Hearing these words, Hu Mei’er suddenly felt calm and secure in her heart, as if this person’s casual sentence had enormous power making her unable to resist. She stared blankly at Yang Suguan, suddenly blushing all over, wanting to speak but stopping.
Yang Suguan was waiting for her response when he suddenly heard extremely faint footsteps in the shop. He couldn’t help being startled and quickly looked up to see a long sword thrusting rapidly, striking straight toward Hu Mei’er’s back!
Yang Suguan was shocked and quickly pushed Hu Mei’er away. Hu Mei’er hadn’t yet detected the danger when the long sword reached her back. Though Yang Suguan acted quickly, the sword came too fast and still tore the clothing on Hu Mei’er’s back.
Hu Mei’er was startled and quickly rolled on the ground, then turned and stood up to see a tall beautiful woman standing before her – it was Yan Ting. Her eyes were full of tears as she glared angrily at Yang and Hu, three parts angry and seven parts sorrowful – apparently she had seen all their conversation and behavior.
Hu Mei’er was covered in dust and felt very embarrassed, but immediately turned angry. She pointed at Yan Ting and cursed, “So young yet already so vicious! What will become of you in the future!”
Yan Ting ignored her and continued thrusting with her sword. Hu Mei’er angrily said, “Presumptuous!” A cluster of silver needles shot out. Yan Ting saw the needles’ fierce momentum and her face paled. Full of hot blood and only knowing to kill enemies for revenge, she had lost her guard and was about to die under the poisonous needles.
At this moment, Ling Ding, Wei Zizhuang, Juan’er and others all rushed in. Juan’er saw her senior sister’s life in danger and frantically rushed out crying, “Senior sister!” Yang Suguan stood nearby, seeing the critical situation, grabbed Yan Ting around the waist. Using his lightness skill, they both flew up to the beams. The handful of silver needles whooshed past under their feet and embedded in the wall.
Yan Ting looked up to see Yang Suguan’s handsome face right before her eyes. Pillowed against Yang Suguan’s chest, she couldn’t help blushing and her heart racing, but thinking of his behavior toward the Hundred Flowers Fairy just now, her heart suddenly filled with anger as she struggled, “Let me go!”
Yang Suguan, fearing her rash actions, tightened his arms and held her firmly, saying, “When this woman retreats, I’ll naturally let you go!” He feared that once he released her, with her revenge obsession, who knew what she might do? Yan Ting felt both ashamed and angry, struggling repeatedly, but Yang Suguan completely ignored her.
Hu Mei’er, seeing their state, sneered, “So this little girl is your sweetheart? Very good, very good!” Her words carried great jealousy. She sneered and put on a cold expression, “Since that’s the case, we have nothing more to say. If you want the antidote, bring the sheepskin to trade!” She was about to leave.
Wei Zizhuang reached out to block her and shouted, “Can’t let you go without handing over the antidote!”
Hu Mei’er’s pretty face showed anger as she said sternly, “If this old lady doesn’t show her power, you really think I’m a sick cat?” Having overturned her jealousy jar, her methods became extremely vicious. In an instant she waved her hand and an elegant fragrance immediately filled the inn. Everyone, not knowing if it was poisonous, quickly held their breath, but in this brief moment Hu Mei’er had already leaped out the window lightly and skillfully.
Wei Zizhuang called, “Where are you going!” He flew up in pursuit, seeing Hu Mei’er’s back toward him with vital points exposed. He suddenly took a deep breath of true energy and used his “Eight Trigrams Wandering Body Palm” technique to strike, but at this moment his lungs burned – that fragrance had actually been inhaled into his lungs with the true energy breath. Once the scent entered his body, it burned like fire, making Wei Zizhuang cough loudly as his true energy dispersed and he fell to the ground.
Hu Mei’er snorted and waved her hand – another handful of silver needles flew out toward Wei Zizhuang. Ling Ding nearby saw the bad situation, removed his monk’s robe and shook it. Under his internal energy, the robe became like a shield protecting Wei Zizhuang, and in moments had caught countless silver needles.
Hu Mei’er sneered, “Monk, what excellent technique! But no matter how high your martial arts, you can’t cure poison administered by me, the ‘Hundred Flowers Fairy’!”
Yang Suguan stood on the beam and called, “What exactly does the fairy want? Please speak clearly!”
Hu Mei’er said coldly, “Lord Yang, you’re a very good person and I’d very much like to be your friend. As long as you bring what Lord Jiang wants to the pavilion ten li outside the city before the third watch tonight, this lady will naturally offer the antidote.” She looked at Wei Zizhuang and Ling Ding and said sternly, “But remember this well! If these bald donkeys and bull-noses cause more trouble, your poisoned friends probably won’t live past this time tomorrow!” Before her words finished, she had already vanished like smoke.
After the strong enemy left, Ling Ding quickly checked Ling Zhen and Wu Dingyuan’s injuries. Ling Zhen sat cross-legged on the ground circulating energy to drive out poison, with water vapor swirling around his head like a steamer – clearly his energy circulation had reached a critical moment and absolutely couldn’t be disturbed.
Yang Suguan brought Yan Ting down from the beam. As soon as they landed, he released Yan Ting and bowed, “I have greatly offended you – please forgive me, miss.”
Yan Ting was very angry. Thinking that their sect’s great revenge was unavenged, and she as senior sister not only couldn’t protect her junior sister but was also looked down upon by Yang Suguan like this – how could she face her dead uncle? Her heart filled with sorrow, feeling utterly incompetent, she couldn’t help crying out in tears.
Originally Hu Mei’er had intended to defect, but Yan Ting’s interference had ruined everything. But considering Yan Ting’s unrevenged master’s death, she couldn’t be blamed. Yang Suguan sighed, “Miss, don’t be angry – I absolutely didn’t mean to offend.” He wanted to step forward to comfort her.
Juan’er rushed forward and pushed him away, saying coldly, “Go find your ‘Hundred Flowers Fairy’! Calling her fairy this and maiden that – aren’t you ashamed!” She supported her senior sister with gentle comfort.
Yang Suguan saw the two girls were very hostile toward him and couldn’t help sighing deeply, knowing he would definitely need to spend great effort mediating in the future.