At twenty-eight, he resolved to do great deeds, so he shouldered this burden alone and came to the capital to live those days of eating in the wind and sleeping under dew. Two years later, beneath Chengtian Gate, after experiencing countless hardships, he finally achieved his ambitions and became a court official loyal to the nation.

Ten years had passed. The court official who had traveled to the ends of the earth had finally returned to the capital to report on his duties. He looked east and west – he saw neither relatives nor old friends, nor welcoming crowds. Behind him was a cold, broken wall; before him was a dim oil lamp. In his daze and confusion, his ears faintly heard a sigh: “Ten years… finally able to…”

“Catch hold of you.” Lord Lu blinked his eyes. A young woman had crouched down before him, tears in her eyes as she tightly gripped his hand.

Hu Mei’er had come. Ten years ago at the life-and-death battle by White Water River, she had been his companion. Back then, the Hundred Flowers Fairy was on the cliff, and Scholar Lu hung suspended over the ten-thousand-foot abyss. Though both tried their utmost, their two hands could never quite grasp each other. In the end, one ascended to heaven while the other fell to earth, and thus they parted ways. Now their palms clasped together effortlessly – the cliff before them had vanished, the villains were gone, the pursuing soldiers nowhere to be seen. But Lu Yun had already grown old; he was already forty-two years old.

New dynasty, new world. On the Lantern Festival night of the eleventh year of Zhengtong, the old Scholar sat silently on the ground. At this moment, silence spoke louder than words – even tears should not be shed.

There were no great villains anymore – Jiang Chong was already dead. There was no master either – Liu Angtian had long been stripped of his property. Those who deserved to die had all died, and those who didn’t deserve to die had also perished. Now even grief and indignation could be spared. The Jingtai Dynasty had long since ended its performance, and the three great factions of Jiang, Liu, and Liu had also been declared to have vanished like smoke. Now only these two remnant soldiers remained to witness that glorious era, depending on each other for warmth…

No one spoke. Though myriad thoughts surged in their hearts, neither wanted to open their mouth. Only the lamp’s wick sighed for them with “pip pip” and “pop pop” sounds.

After an unknown length of time, Lu Yun finally spoke, saying softly: “Miss Hu, have these years been well for you?” Hearing his greeting, Hu Mei’er only shrugged her shoulders and smiled, asking in return: “What about you? Are you well?”

Ten years unseen, everything had changed. Looking at Lu Yun’s hands, they were covered with fracture scars, as if he had returned from hell. Even Hu Mei’er was different – her rouge had faded, her clothing became plain. That apricot-yellow battle robe of old had long been removed, replaced by a coarse cloth skirt. Passing by on the road, people might mistake her for a vegetable seller – who would know she was that lofty and commanding “Hundred Flowers Fairy”?

The scenery was no longer the same, and people and affairs had completely changed. Many past events, like the Jingtai Dynasty, could only be sought in dreams. Hu Mei’er finally sighed. She waved her whisk to sweep away the mud and dust on the ground, then sat down shoulder to shoulder with Lu Yun.

Lu Yun silently reminisced about the past, saying softly: “Miss Hu, how did you know I had returned to the capital?”

Hu Mei’er said: “Someone encountered you at Hongluo Temple and asked me to come here overnight to wait for you.”

Lu Yun sighed. Since returning from the waterfall, he had always concealed his whereabouts – first, he was unwilling to reveal his identity; second, he didn’t want to meet old friends again. It was only when Qiong Fang led him to Hongluo Temple that he encountered the sea of people from the Zhengtong Dynasty. Lu Yun nodded silently: “Who sent you to come? Can you tell me?”

Hu Mei’er smiled bitterly and shook her head: “It’s better not to say. You’ll be unhappy if you hear it.”

These words instead made Lu Yun realize. He slowly leaned back against the wall and said: “Did Yang Suguan send you?” Hu Mei’er neither acknowledged nor denied it, only hugging her knees and silently looking at the oil lamp she had brought.

The room was dim and shadowy. Though the lamp’s radiance was weak and desolate, it still illuminated the seat of Scholar Guanhai Yuyuan. Lu Yun stared at Yang Suguan’s high position and said softly: “He wants to see me – why doesn’t he come himself?”

Hu Mei’er shook her head: “Do I need to explain this? Lu Yun, search your heart – do you want to see him?”

Lu Yun smiled sadly. Indeed, there was no need for Hu Mei’er to say it – he didn’t want to see Yang Suguan, and Yang Suguan also found it inconvenient to rashly meet him. The reasoning behind this, these two men understood most clearly in all the world.

From past to present, the high-ranking and powerful Lord Yang was always omnipotent and divinely capable. Whether he had coaxed information from Qiong Fang’s mouth or seen him at Hongluo Temple, Lu Yun didn’t want to pursue it anymore. Hu Mei’er followed his gaze and also saw those four chairs. She asked softly: “Lu Yun, which seat did you sit in before?”

Lu Yun supported his forehead with his hand and said quietly: “People of the Liu faction were seated according to official rank.”

Hu Mei’er nodded, knowing that Yang Suguan sat in the first high position, followed by the Raging Cang master Qin Zhonghai, and lastly was Grand Commander Wu’s seat. She looked in sequence and saw that the third chair had a broken leg and was already ruined on the ground. She exclaimed and was about to go forward to help it up, but Lu Yun held her back, shaking his head: “No need to set it upright. It’s fine like this.”

Seeing Lu Yun’s desolate gaze, Hu Mei’er naturally knew his thoughts and said quietly: “Lu Yun, are you still thinking of Miss Gu?”

This question was superfluous – of course Lu Yun wouldn’t answer. He leaned his back against the wall, tilted his head to look at that dim, hazy oil lamp, with a faint smile hanging at the corners of his mouth. Hu Mei’er observed quietly from the side, feeling that Lu Yun had changed a great deal. Ten years unseen, his expression had become calm and his speech silent. Neither angry nor sad, as if he had seen through endless worldly affairs and grown accustomed to everything. Hu Mei’er, seeing his condition, felt even sadder in her heart. She sighed and silently untied a bundle, taking out a red invitation: “Come, look at this first.”

Lu Yun extended his hand to receive it – it was a wedding invitation, appearing somewhat worn. He had no heart to ask much about it, only casually opening the invitation to read: “The imperial family has joy, universal celebration. We respectfully select the eighth day of the first month of the second year of Zhengtong for Five Armies Commander Wu Dingyuan and adopted daughter Yan Ting’s wedding ceremony. Imperial banquet bestowed, Eastern Pavilion warm wine. Specially summon First-Class Scholar Lu Yun to enter the palace for the ceremony and celebrate together…”

Reading to this point, Lu Yun couldn’t help but softly exclaim: “It’s Dingyuan’s invitation.”

In his hand was a belated wedding invitation – this was the wedding invitation for Wu Dingyuan and Yan Ting. Seeing Lu Yun quite surprised, Hu Mei’er gently explained: “That year you disappeared, but Lord Wu insisted on writing this invitation. He hoped that one day he would be able to personally hand it to you.”

The bright red wedding invitation’s coloring had somewhat faded, indicating that Dingyuan hadn’t forgotten him. Lu Yun silently read the invitation, seeing that the inner page clearly listed the dishes for that day: “Golden Fish Playing with Lotus,” “Dragon Liver Braised Abalone,” “Eight Treasures Sea Cucumber”… This must have been a custom from Dingyuan’s hometown – wedding invitations wouldn’t forget to attach dish names, lest guests return empty-handed.

Lu Yun looked toward the furnishings in the room and saw that Wu Dingyuan’s seat remained as before, honestly placed in the last position, just like his earthy appearance in those days. Lu Yun lowered his head to read the invitation, imagining the liveliness of that day’s wedding, his face gradually showing warmth. Hu Mei’er, observing his expression, continued: “That year, before his wedding he was already Grand Commander of Five Armies. When news spread, congratulatory guests filled the gates. Not only did civil and military officials sincerely help him arrange and manage everything, even His Majesty exceptionally accepted Yan Ting as an adopted daughter so the two families would be well-matched.”

Since ancient times, imperial families often bestowed surnames – like the Li surname of Tang Dynasty and Zhao surname of Song Dynasty. Those who received such honors were either foreign royal nobility or national heroes. How could Yan Ting, merely a commoner woman, make the emperor exceptionally bestow a surname? Naturally, it must have been love for the house extending to the crow.

Lu Yun closed his eyes to imagine that grand scene with dignitaries gathered like clouds. The groom was the dynasty’s Grand Commander, the bride was even the emperor’s adopted daughter, and the Son of Heaven had set the celebration feast in the palace’s Eastern Pavilion – this wedding must have been unprecedented in its grandeur. For a moment, Lu Yun seemed to see Wu Dingyuan wearing the groom’s red robes, busily weaving through the guests, that square face probably tense and tight, both bashful and rustic… Thinking of this, Lu Yun couldn’t help but laugh heartily.

Rarely seeing Lu Yun laugh so openly, Hu Mei’er naturally felt somewhat reassured and continued to persuade: “In the past ten years, not only Wu Dingyuan has been thinking of you – the entire capital, the entire world has many, many people concerned about your whereabouts…” She gazed at Lu Yun and said softly: “Lu Yun, do you want to meet everyone?”

Hearing these words, Lu Yun turned his head, his gaze sweeping across Hu Mei’er’s face as he smiled: “Everyone?” Somehow Lu Yun’s gaze carried an inexplicable majesty that actually forced Hu Mei’er to lower her head and say timidly: “Everyone means… means Wu Dingyuan, Yan Ting… and… and…”

Hu Mei’er stammered but couldn’t say that couple’s name, afraid of making Scholar Lu sad. Seeing her unable to continue, Lu Yun only smiled and said: “Miss Hu, it’s alright. It’s all in the past.” Hearing him speak so openly, Hu Mei’er didn’t know what to say and could only lower her head and say quietly: “Will… will you agree?”

Lu Yun smiled faintly and casually extended his finger to point at the signature at the very end of the wedding invitation. Hu Mei’er followed his finger to look and saw a seal mark at the end of the invitation – six large seal characters met her eyes: “Imperial Seal of Emperor Zhengtong”!

Suddenly seeing this jade seal, Hu Mei’er couldn’t help but strike her wrist and sigh, knowing that all this painstaking persuasion would come to nothing.

Back then, the murderous blade that killed Liu Angtian was this “Imperial Seal of Zhengtong.” This jade seal changed the fate of everyone in the world and also destroyed Lu Yun’s life. But now that things had passed and circumstances changed, there was nothing left to hate in his heart. Since things had come to this point, what more could be desired? From now on, “those with different paths cannot work together” – their lives would be like strangers passing by, nothing more.

Everything was over. Life was like a play, and plays were like life. But this remaining play didn’t even need to begin with the gong. With departed friends scattered and righteousness exhausted, since the audience below the stage had already dispersed and past events were truly past, what was the point of him climbing alone onto this empty stage?

Lu Yun returned the wedding invitation, ready to leave at any time. Hu Mei’er knew she was powerless to persuade him and could only sigh: “Wait a moment. I have one more thing for you. After you receive it, it won’t be too late to leave.” She took something else from the bundle – this time it wasn’t a wedding invitation but an envelope.

Lu Yun said “Oh” and asked: “Yang Suguan?” Hu Mei’er sighed and nodded: “Yang Suguan.”

Yang Suguan had sent a letter. Looking at the envelope, it was bulging – unknown what it contained. Hu Mei’er, seeing him looking at her and hesitating to accept it, had to say: “Lu Yun, Lord Yang asked me to tell you that inside here is his… his small token of regard. He hopes you’ll remember old friendship and definitely accept it.”

Hearing this was Yang Suguan’s small token of regard, Lu Yun understood. Looking at how thick and heavy this envelope was, inside was either valuable treasures or bank notes and property deeds. In any case, it was for him to establish himself and make a living.

The eternally considerate Yang Suguan always left paths for others to walk. Even though his wife had once been in love with him, he still made arrangements for him, hoping his latter half of life would be peaceful and joyful, no longer living those wandering, displaced days.

Seeing Hu Mei’er offering it with both hands and still waiting patiently, Lu Yun smiled slightly and casually accepted it.

Lu Yun had changed – he actually accepted it? Hu Mei’er was somewhat surprised and somewhat incredulous. If this letter had been sent ten years ago, it would definitely have made Lord Lu tremble with anger. If he didn’t tear it up on the spot, he would certainly scold the demoness. The dignified Scholar would rather eat wind and sleep under dew than covet others’ gifts. If he really accepted it, wouldn’t he let Yang Suguan look down on him? Wouldn’t he invite ridicule and mockery from everyone in the world? When this reached Gu Qianxi’s ears, seeing her former lover with such little backbone, who knew what she would think?

Whatever. In ten years, great waves had surged across the seas, and after experiencing so many stories through life’s ups and downs, Lu Yun had long become open-minded. Whether others looked up to him or toyed with him, Lord Lu had already seen through it all.

In the lamplight’s reflection, Lu Yun silently picked up the envelope and repeatedly examined Yang Suguan’s token of regard.

At first glance, the envelope bore five small regular script characters in elegant ink, the handwriting reflecting the person: “For Lu Zhizhou.” Indeed, it was Yang Suguan’s personal authentic writing. Lu Yun smiled slightly and looked down at the sealed area, where he again saw fire wax impressed with official seals – the largest one read “Middle Pole Hall Grand Secretariat Supervisor,” followed by smaller seals like “Acting Left Vice Minister of Revenue Yang Jing” and “Acting Registrar of Personnel Ministry Yang Jing.”

Though Lu Yun had long been away from court, his knowledge and learning remained. At a glance, he knew Yang Suguan held multiple positions simultaneously, not hesitating to humble himself and damage the cabinet’s prestige. As a First-Rank Grand Secretariat, he condescended to temporarily manage positions like Vice Minister and Registrar. But looking at it from another angle, having a “Personnel Ministry Registrar” concurrently manage the “Middle Pole Hall” – mixing Sixth Rank with First Rank – ultimately disrupted proper order.

They said “those not in position should not plan its governance.” Whatever the Zhengtong Dynasty’s situation, old friends would bear the responsibility – why should he worry about it? Since it was none of his business, Lu Yun didn’t think much about it. He casually felt the envelope and suddenly sensed something square inside – like a token. Lu Yun was slightly surprised and said: “What’s in here?”

Hu Mei’er was unwilling to say much and simply said: “You open the envelope. Once you open it, you’ll know.” The most difficult task in the world was persuading stubborn Lu. Since he had finally accepted something, it was better to say less rather than more.

Lu Yun didn’t ask further and was about to tear through the fire wax when he suddenly saw another seal at the lower left signature area. Looking vaguely, it appeared to be four ancient seal characters. Lu Yun lowered his head to identify them and struggled to read: “Lingwu Xuanzhi.”

A strange seal of unknown origin – Lu Yun was naturally somewhat surprised. Hu Mei’er, seeing him looking at her, didn’t explain and urged: “You quickly open the envelope. After you open it, I’ll tell you the origin of these four characters.”

These four characters “Lingwu Xuanzhi” must be Yang Suguan’s courtesy name. Given his high official position, others didn’t dare call him by his given name directly, so they used his courtesy name instead. Lu Yun closed his eyes, holding the envelope with that square iron token inside, pondering Yang Suguan’s intention.

The thing in his hand was undoubtedly an official seal token. Since Yang Suguan had sent this item, his meaning was for him to remain in Beijing. With his high official position and important duties, obtaining a third or fourth rank position for him wouldn’t be difficult. The envelope probably contained either a Left Vice Minister of Works position or Shaoqing of the Imperial Stud – in any case, all higher than his former seventh-rank prefect position.

Lu Yun remained silent for a long time, his intentions perhaps wavering. Hu Mei’er quickly said: “Lu Yun, Lord Yang instructed beforehand that he hopes you can stay in Beijing.” Lu Yun didn’t speak, still closing his eyes. Though Hu Mei’er hadn’t spent much time with Lu Yun, she knew that when she saw him close his eyes in meditation, matters became difficult. She sighed and was about to continue persuading when she saw Lu Yun open his eyes and smile: “What about you?”

Hu Mei’er was slightly startled: “I…” Lu Yun nodded with a smile: “You – do you also hope I’ll stay?”

Hu Mei’er lowered her head and said with a smile: “Of course I want you to, otherwise why would I serve as this mediator…”

In those days, the two had lived and died together, fleeing along the way. At that time, Hu Mei’er had repeatedly risked danger all for Lu Yun’s sake. She sighed quietly and was about to continue when suddenly her hand felt warm – Lu Yun had grasped it firmly. Hu Mei’er’s heart pounded as she saw Lu Yun smile slightly and nod: “Miss Hu, thank you.”

Hearing Lu Yun express his gratitude, Hu Mei’er was naturally overjoyed and was about to throw herself into his embrace when she heard Lu Yun say softly: “Miss Hu, thank you for your kind intentions. Please go back and tell Lord Yang that Lu Yun is very grateful for his sentiment. Please thank him on my behalf.” As he spoke, he returned the items to Hu Mei’er and stood up.

Lu Yun’s meaning was already clear. No matter how prosperous and lively this Beijing was, he would not stay, because he could no longer find what he was looking for.

Seeing Lu Yun remaining silent for so long, she immediately picked up the envelope with “Lingwu Xuanzhi” seal and hurled it forcefully at Lu Yun, screaming: “You speak! You say it yourself! To be a family man, to support a wife and children, what do you need? Speak!”

Seeing Lu Yun not answer, she rushed to the noodle stand and grabbed a handful of things, screaming: “Money! Lu Yun!”

Copper coins flew out – all the noodle sales money Qiong Fang had collected that evening – viciously pelting Lord Lu’s head. Hu Mei’er shouted sternly: “Money, money, money! ‘Poor couples suffer in all things’… Without money, what love can you talk about, what affection can you speak of! You’re worse than pigs and dogs, yet you still want to seduce A’Xiu, embrace women, have children! Stinking poor scholar! You might as well castrate yourself and become a eunuch rather than waste young ladies’ bodies!”

Without money, one was a slave; with money, one was a genius. Amid the clanging sounds, over a hundred copper coins struck Lu Yun, leaving him disheveled, his entire worldly possessions rolling around on the ground, making him appear even more pathetic. But Lu Yun didn’t dodge – he let the copper coins strike his face without word or movement. Those phoenix eyes remained open, and in the dark night they truly appeared crystal bright and radiant, like stars in the sky, like priceless treasures.

Hu Mei’er, stared at by him, felt her anger somewhat diminish. She lowered her head and gritted her teeth: “Fine… you’re upright and can’t tolerate a speck of dust in your eyes, so you can’t earn money your whole life – all this I can forgive you… But I want to ask you one question…” She suddenly raised her head and shouted sternly: “Lu Yun! Are you devoted?”

Lu Yun blinked, somewhat confused in his heart. Since meeting Gu Qianxi, though he had encountered romantic opportunities repeatedly, he had never changed his original intention. This showed he was extremely stubborn – whatever he decided upon remained so. No matter how gentle like a princess or lively like Qiong Fang, no one could change him in the slightest.

Hu Mei’er, seeing him remain silent for so long, immediately said coldly: “Lu Yun, you should be very proud – why aren’t you speaking? Someone as self-righteously noble as you must be thinking: ‘Hmph, I’m the most loving husband, never stealing or straying, truly a pillar of righteousness!’ Isn’t that right?”

Though Lu Yun didn’t nod, he didn’t shake his head either. Suddenly hearing Hu Mei’er laugh loudly, she pointed and cursed bitterly: “Bah, damn you! Surnamed Lu! You think you’re devoted? Bullshit! Compared to Yang Suguan, you’re not even worthy of carrying his shoes!”

Lu Yun, scolded bloody, couldn’t help being startled. Hu Mei’er rushed forward shouting: “You think I’m speaking nonsense? Lu Yun! Think carefully – even if Yang Suguan flirts with flowers and grass, having secret meetings with concubines and mistresses for pleasure, at most he loves one mistress, two lovers. How can he compare to you… ” Speaking to the point of hatred, she couldn’t help swinging a fist at Lu Yun, crying out miserably: “Lu Yun, oh Lu Yun! You love those thousands and tens of thousands of people in the world! Who can compare to you!”

Lu Yun’s mouth fell open as he suddenly sat down on the ground, unable to speak anymore.

Hu Mei’er forcefully struck Lu Yun’s shoulders, crying sadly: “Bastard! Think for yourself! No matter how devoted you are, once you give the common people a share, how much do you have left? You pig-dog bastard worse than animals! You speak! Say it yourself!”

Lu Yun listened in a daze, then suddenly frantically turned around, anxiously and confusedly picking up copper coins everywhere. Only one thought remained in his mind – he had to quickly gather the copper coins and escape from the Liu family mansion in one go, never to return again.

Hu Mei’er knew she had wounded him, but the more so, the more she had to act unreasonably. She immediately stepped forward and kicked the copper coins on the ground, scattering them, shouting sternly: “Surnamed Lu! What exactly do you have? Speaking of money and power, you have none. Talking of love and affection, you also have none. Lu Yun, my Lu Yun…”

Lu Yun held copper coins in both hands, a bitter smile at the corners of his mouth, as tears finally began falling pitter-patter.

Hu Mei’er also slowed her assault. Her gaze became pitying as she said gently: “Poor you – you’re the best, very best good person in all the world, but you…” She threw herself onto Lu Yun, crying in pain: “Have never been a good man.”

Gone were right and wrong, forgotten was where to go. The bad man knelt on the ground, holding copper coins in both hands, tears finally falling pitter-patter. How could someone who couldn’t take care of himself take care of others? Lord Lu, with worldly attachments uncut and obstacles in his heart, had received “departed friends scattered, righteousness exhausted” – he was completely defeated in this martial world.

Hu Mei’er also cried. She embraced Lu Yun, saying sadly: “I’m sorry… I really shouldn’t have hurt you like this… It’s all my fault, all my scheming was in vain… Forget it, go back, Lu Yun… go back to your hometown, live in your little nest, peacefully living your small life, staying far, far away from those wolves, tigers, and leopards… never, ever come back again…”

At this moment of wailing, the bad man suddenly couldn’t help but burst into loud laughter. He laughed until his head shook, laughed until he searched the ground for his teeth, laughed until he beat his chest and stamped the ground, collapsing unable to support himself.

What kind of person earned heaven’s hatred and earth’s disdain? “If man doesn’t act for himself, heaven and earth will destroy him.” When Tathagata descended to the world, he said: “All three realms suffer – I shall bring them peace.” But before that were two other sentences: “Above heaven and below earth, I alone am supreme.”

Lu Yun was not Buddha, nor should he learn from Buddha. Without the supreme magical powers and divine abilities, how could he bring peace to the three realms?

Hu Mei’er’s scolding was reasonable. When the great Way was abandoned, benevolence and righteousness emerged. The great hero sacrificed his small self, but no one knew where his wife sold her body, and no one knew where the hero’s son, penniless, was begging. But everyone in the world would know that the lonely orphan figure sitting silently in darkness would soon transform, becoming the number one great enemy of all the world’s chivalrous heroes, known as “Heavenly Demon.”

After a long while, the plague god finally stopped laughing. He lay on the ground motionless, as if he had poisoned himself to death.

Hu Mei’er’s heart softened, knowing she had spoken too harshly. Just as she was about to help him up, suddenly there came a soft sound from the roof, like a small cat jumping onto roof tiles. But strangely, though the landing sound was clearly light and quiet, sand and dirt fell rustling in the study, truly as if a heavenly demon had arrived.

This sound indicated the arrival of someone with extraordinary martial arts – combining light body techniques yet possessing tremendous force. Lu Yun, suddenly hearing the strange sound, immediately opened his eyes. Hu Mei’er still hadn’t noticed the unusual sound and only sighed: “Get up, Lu Yun. Be a man – decide quickly whether you’re going or staying.”

As she spoke, a landing sound came from the courtyard – the person on the roof had already jumped down. Lu Yun’s heart tensed as he quickly rolled over and jumped up. Hu Mei’er, completely unaware of the unusual situation, was about to continue speaking when footsteps had already reached the window, calling softly: “Uncle Lu… don’t believe her… you must believe in yourself…”

Hearing this person speak so, Lu Yun was naturally dumbfounded. Before he could respond, he heard Hu Mei’er scream: “Who’s there?”

“A righteous person!”

Hu Mei’er finally sensed the ambush and was about to draw her silver needles when they heard whistling sounds from outside the window. Brilliant light flashed in the study as over a hundred throwing darts shot in through the window. Caught off guard, they were already within three feet of Hu Mei’er.

Lu Yun was greatly shocked and quickly grabbed Hu Mei’er’s sleeve, first pulling her aside half a step, then sweeping out with his right leg. With a thunderous crash, Lord Liu’s large desk flew up into the air, overturning to land as a shield in front of Hu Mei’er.

Thud, thud, thud – the throwing darts embedded in the desktop. Hu Mei’er was scared pale, and before she could turn to defend, they heard another powerful sound behind her as a long sword thrust rapidly forward!

This assassin was truly formidable – swift moves and strange martial arts, each move faster than the last. At this moment, whether Hu Mei’er turned around, threw needles, dodged, or leaped, she was a step too slow. At the moment of death, someone struck from behind, causing Hu Mei’er to shift one foot aside – it was Scholar Lu entering the fray to save her.

Wind rushed fiercely as the long sword scraped past his right arm, nearly piercing his heart – truly extremely dangerous. Poor Hu Mei’er hadn’t even caught her breath when suddenly they heard a loud clang as that sword inexplicably broke into three sections, transforming into flying knives. In the blink of an eye, it changed from straight thrust to horizontal sweep, slashing toward Hu Mei’er’s throat.

The long sword contained hidden mechanisms, each move designed to kill. As long as it cut across Hu Mei’er’s throat, not only would her windpipe be severed, but perhaps her head would be cut off as well.

At this critical moment, Lu Yun remained calm in danger. With a light whistle, he planted his left foot and kicked with his right leg in mid-air rotation. With a loud buzz, the flying knife’s tip was struck by his toe and instantly flew back like a meteor, embedding straight in the wall.

Hu Mei’er was covered in cold sweat. Though she held silver needles in her hands, how could she intervene in this battle between two great masters? She was both awed by Lu Yun’s divine skill and frightened by the assassin’s swift moves – for a moment she couldn’t speak at all.

For ten years he had used “Peerless Linked Fists” – today revealing his fist and foot techniques, their power was truly astonishing. Lu Yun landed on the ground, and instantly his left sleeve fluttered lightly. A gentle force pulled and had already drawn Hu Mei’er into his embrace.

The powerful enemy also made no more moves. In the complete silence, Lu Yun and Hu Mei’er gazed together to see a black shadow standing proudly in the room. They saw him with arms crossed over his chest, entirely deep black, standing arrogantly. Though he wore a black face mask, his pair of eyes were bright and spirited, piercing like winter stars, making people unconsciously look at him several more times.

With a light sound, the flying sword reassembled into long sword form and was sheathed behind the black-clothed person’s back. Lu Yun’s mind raced – he seemed to have seen this person before, but couldn’t remember for the moment.

In the tense atmosphere, they heard the assassin say coldly: “Wench…” The assassin’s voice was extraordinarily cold, his gaze terrifyingly fierce. He slowly raised his right arm, pointing at Hu Mei’er: “Stay away from Mr. Lu…”

Hearing the words “Mr. Lu,” Lu Yun couldn’t help but tense, as if remembering something. He took a deep breath and saw the black-clothed person’s eyes wide open, only staring at Hu Mei’er’s right arm, as if warning him of something. He also turned his head to follow the strange guest’s gaze – this look made Lu Yun’s eyes widen, unable to look away.

His eyes saw clearly – Hu Mei’er’s sleeve had been cut open, revealing her crystal-clear right arm. Though Hu Mei’er was over forty, her skin was still fine and white. But somehow, on that snow-white arm perched an eagle!

The divine eagle’s wings were fully spread, viciously clinging to that tender white skin, its form extremely brutal. The whiter Hu Mei’er’s skin, the more prominent the savage blood-red brand appeared. Lu Yun’s whole body trembled as he muttered: “What… what is this?”

The black-clothed strange guest said indifferently: “Externally commanding the Embroidered Uniform Guard, internally controlling Eastern Factory personnel spread across more than ten provinces… this is why people call him…” “State-Protecting Iron Guard!”

The black-clothed strange guest gathered his qi and shouted these four words. As soon as they were spoken, suddenly the roof thundered with a great crash. Broken bricks and tiles, smoke and dust filled the air as six black shadows dropped from the main beam, attacking the strange guest with full force.

In just the blink of an eye, six assassins attacked from all directions. These people all wore night clothing and black face masks, wielding fishing nets and long ropes. From their formation and stance, they seemed intent on capturing the black-clothed strange guest alive.

One wave hadn’t settled when another arose. The strange guest appeared suddenly, killers followed in pursuit. Lu Yun was greatly shocked, never expecting “the mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind” – this strange guest was also being hunted?

He cried out and quickly raised his right palm, rushing forward. Instantly light smoke rose, the oil lamp extinguished, and the room fell into complete darkness. Lu Yun took advantage of this moment to hide with Hu Mei’er in the darkness, avoiding being caught in the crossfire.

Oil lamps differed from candles – they had windproof covers on top with only air holes for ventilation. Though the distance was ten feet, when Lu Yun wanted to extinguish it, it was extinguished – when he wanted to put it out, it was put out, as if he still had strength to spare.

Hu Mei’er, seeing this divine skill, was naturally greatly alarmed. She never expected that though Lu Yun was as destitute as before, his martial arts had advanced tremendously, showing signs of supreme mastery.

The black-clothed strange guest disappeared into darkness, but his pair of eyes remained clearly visible like the North Star. He glanced at Lu Yun, then suddenly touched his feet to the ground, flipped backward in the air, actually flying over the heads of all the killers. Then touching his toe to the ground once more, his body flew backward, exiting through the window by the same route he had entered.

Dong dong long dong – the six killers’ momentum didn’t decrease as they continued forward in the darkness. Just as they were about to crash into the wall, all six raised their feet in unison with perfectly coordinated movements. First kicking against the wall, then like the black-clothed strange guest, they spun backward and flipped through the air, pursuing him out the window.

The black-clothed killers came and went like wind. Lu Yun also awakened – in this instant, he understood everything. That New Year’s Eve battle at Yangzhou ferry, he had also seen this group and heard their title from Qiong Fang’s mouth. The truth was revealed – why Hu Mei’er could discover his whereabouts, why she would wait here in the dead of night. The answer to everything lay in these four words: “State-Protecting Iron Guard.”

These black-clothed factory guards were called man-eating yakshas, lying low by day and active by night, controlling people’s secrets. Whether Jingtai or Zhengtong, both dynasties raised this group of demons.

Lu Yun’s eyes held loneliness. He didn’t speak, but his gaze seemed to ask Hu Mei’er: “Why?”

Hu Mei’er smiled and pulled up her sleeve to cover the brand. She didn’t speak, but her actions spoke for her… no particular reason, everything as before…

The two looked into each other’s eyes. The Hu Mei’er before him no longer seemed like a demoness – her gaze was docile and calm, more like a law-abiding old constable. Not vicious, not cunning, not hateful, only wooden numbness, going through the motions.

Lu Yun looked at the envelope and wedding invitation on the ground, suddenly shrugged his shoulders and smiled. Hu Mei’er, seeing that smile, seemed stabbed by a knife. Her eye sockets slightly reddened as she immediately turned her head away. Her gaze also returned to cold severity, and she said no more, only bending down to pick up the bundle on the ground before leaving through the room’s doorway.

Seeing Hu Mei’er about to cry, Lu Yun’s heart stirred. Though he hadn’t spent much time with Hu Mei’er, he knew this young lady had clear loves and hates and was a person of true feeling. He truly didn’t believe she would really betray him. He reached out to grab her: “You were forced?”

“How naive!” Hu Mei’er, with her back to Lu Yun, couldn’t help laughing: “Lu Yun, don’t always be so innocent and lovable. In this world, which matter is definitely voluntary? And which matter is definitely forced? Go home quickly and be a saint.”

As she spoke, she forcefully shook off his hand and had already stepped out the door.

The killers were gone, Hu Mei’er was also gone, and Lord Liu’s study became quiet again. Distant Lantern Festival firecrackers sounded. Lu Yun silently looked at the ground, seeing Yang Suguan’s official document still lying on the ground, as if smiling at him, indicating he shouldn’t take offense…