Xuan Yuanli's roar silenced everyone. The steward's heart pounded. If the Thirteenth Prince didn't go, this matter would definitely escalate. What should he do?
He knew very well that he couldn't persuade the Thirteenth Prince when he was angry. At this moment, he wished Murong Wei were still in the Li Prince's residence!
Fan Zeng and his men all lowered their heads, motionless. Although they were servants, they still had the Emperor's backing.
Xuan Yuanli coldly swept his gaze over everyone, then suddenly roared again, "Why aren't you leaving?"
"Your Highness, I am here on orders!" Fan Zeng said confidently.
"I told you to leave, didn't you hear me?" Xuan Yuanli asked coldly, his voice hoarse from the excessive roar, approaching step by step.
Fan Zeng immediately retreated. As a fellow martial artist, he immediately sensed the Thirteenth Prince's killing intent!
"Master, please calm down! I am here on the Emperor's orders, I dare not disobey!" Fan Zeng said.
"Are you trying to use the Emperor to pressure me?" Xuan Yuanli sneered.
"Your subordinate wouldn't dare, your subordinate is telling the truth," Fan Zeng protested.
"Do you believe I can kill you right now?" Xuan Yuanli asked, having already cornered Fan Zeng against the wall, stepping on his foot and staring at him!
Fan Zeng showed no fear. Xuan Yuanli's imperial guards were notoriously arrogant, often daring to offend even the Prince of Qi! Let alone the Thirteenth Prince?
He leaned against the wall, letting Xuan Yuanli step on him, his expression unchanged, "Thirteenth Prince, you can kill me, but..."
Before he could finish speaking, a loud shout came from outside the door, "The Emperor has arrived!"
Xuan Yuanli frowned abruptly, and Fan Zeng's lips curled into a cold smile, arrogantly saying, "Thirteenth Prince, if you have the guts, kill me."
It had only been a few days since they last met, but Xuan Yuanli's face was somewhat pale. Stepping into the hall, he immediately reprimanded him, "Thirteenth Prince, what are you doing?"
Xuan Yuanli looked at him, remaining silent for a long, long time, his chest heaving violently, his anger even showing signs of an asthma attack.
"Thirteenth Prince, your health is important, please calm down!" The steward hurriedly stepped forward and gently patted his back to help him breathe.
Xuan Yuanli remained silent, his breathing becoming increasingly rapid, so rapid that everyone present was terrified!
Xuan Yuanlie coldly watched him, saying nothing, seemingly observing the situation.
Seeing the Emperor's attitude, Fan Zeng inwardly sneered, wishing the Thirteenth Prince would fall ill on the spot. He whispered, "Thirteenth Prince, if you're sick, go rest. Not everyone can flaunt their power."
Suddenly, Xuan Yuanli stepped back, releasing Fan Zeng and retreating step by step.
"Thirteenth Prince, what exactly happened? Fan Zeng's troops are the most disciplined and combat-effective group in the Imperial Guard. I'm giving them to you; do you still have any complaints?" Xuan Yuanlie asked, frowning.
Xuan Yuanli sat down, one hand pressed to his chest, his face ashen.
"Your Majesty, the Thirteenth Prince must have fallen ill again! Quickly, summon the imperial physician!" The steward boldly stepped forward to plead.
"Who said I'm ill?" Xuan Yuanlie suddenly spoke up.
"It's best if you're not. Thirteenth, you're leaving tomorrow. Your seventh brother is ill, and I don't want you to make any mistakes, lest the Queen of Liusha laugh at my Xuan Yuan for having no one to rely on!" Xuan Yuanlie said coldly.
"Your Majesty, rest assured, even if I'm ill, I will still go to Liusha!" Xuan Yuanli said loudly.
Xuan Yuanlie nodded in satisfaction, glanced at Fan Zeng, and said, "Quickly select twenty people to stay. I have something to discuss with the Thirteenth Prince."
"Yes!" Fan Zeng immediately accepted the order.
"Wait!" Xuan Yuanli spoke up at the same time, "Didn't you just say that I was to choose them? Does Your Majesty think my judgment is inferior to that of a servant?"
Xuan Yuanli deliberately emphasized the word "servant"!
"How could that be? Please! Let me see what kind of judgment you have." Xuan Yuanlie smiled and sat down to the side.
Xuanyuan Li waved his hand, signaling Fan Zeng, who was blocking his way, to step aside. He coughed a few times, his breathing still unsteady, and said, "Did you train all of these people yourself?"
"Yes," Fan Zeng answered truthfully. Despite his young age, he was favored by Eunuch Liu and was practically second only to the emperor in the Imperial Guard.
"So, you're quite familiar with all of them?" Xuanyuan Li asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Exactly," Fan Zeng replied.
"Pick out ten of them first, and I'll take a look," Xuanyuan Li said.
"Yes," Fan Zeng replied smugly. With the emperor present, the Thirteenth Prince had no choice but to obey.
Soon, he picked out ten of his most trusted subordinates, lined them up in front of Xuanyuan Li, and miraculously stood at the very end.
"Just these ten?" Xuanyuan Li asked.
"Indeed, these ten men are proficient in one weapon each: knife, spear, sword, halberd, axe, battle-axe, hook, fork, whip, and mace! They can fight individually or in formation. They are the ten most skilled warriors in the Imperial Guard. They served under Eunuch Liu for five years and have now transferred to my side!" Fan Zeng introduced loudly.
"Is that so?" Xuan Yuanli raised an eyebrow, lazily walking down and carefully examining each guard from the first to the tenth.
Suddenly, he stopped and abruptly drew his dagger.
Instantly, everyone was stunned. Xuan Yuanli sat up straight, the steward's heart pounded, and Fan Zeng was also surprised. What was he going to do?
Xuan Yuanli played with the dagger, the cold blade brushing against the faces of each guard, and asked, "What are your names?"
Only then did everyone breathe a sigh of relief.
"Your subordinate, Li Jin," the attendant replied.
"Too thin, I don't like him!" Xuan Yuanli said, a smile playing on his lips, before suddenly pressing a dagger against the guard's neck and stabbing him mercilessly!
Instantly, the guard fell to the ground, his eyes wide open in disbelief, dying with unfinished business. Everyone around was stunned, unable to recover for a moment.
"And this one, too tall, I don't like him either!" Xuan Yuanli sneered, turning his hand without even glancing at the guard behind him, finishing him off with a single stroke! Bright red blood splattered, staining his white robes.
"This one, daring to hold a sword in front of me and the Emperor, what, trying to assassinate me?" He sneered again, pressing the dagger against the hand of the guard who was holding a sword.
The guard stiffened, his face deathly pale, instinctively on guard.
Xuan Yuanli's hand faltered, making only a feint, and the guard immediately drew his sword.
"Insolence!" Xuan Yuanli stepped back, shouting sternly, "Fan Zeng, is this the kind of people you trained?"
At the same time, Xuan Yuanlie slammed his hand on the table and stood up, "Thirteenth, you're being insolent!"
"Your Majesty, you asked me to choose people, and I only wanted to test their obedience. Look, after killing two, the third dared to draw his sword against me! Your Majesty, if one day you kill ten people, will five of them draw their swords against you?" Xuan Yuanli asked seriously.
This question left Xuan Yuanlie speechless!
"Your Majesty, will you let me continue choosing?" Xuan Yuanli continued.
Xuan Yuanlie clenched his fists. Losing face in front of his servants was something that had never happened before. However, this incident provided Xuan Yuanli with an excellent excuse, and it wasn't wrong.
He had the Quicksand hostages; if it weren't for the unbearable circumstances, he wouldn't have driven them to such a desperate situation!
"Dare to draw your sword before me? Kill without mercy!" Xuan Yuanlie said coldly, his long whip flashing out, instantly encircling the neck of the guard who had drawn his sword. With a fierce tug, he actually... the force was so great that he severed the head in one fell swoop, blood gushing out and splattering all over the ground!
"Continue," he said generously. With this number of men, he could afford to lose. However, he hadn't expected that the usually impulsive and hot-tempered Thirteenth Prince could actually be so composed and use this method!
It was pitiful that Fan Zeng's heart was bleeding. These subordinates were all elites he had painstakingly trained!
"Your subject obeys!" Xuan Yuanli replied. With a swift stroke, in less than the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, more than ten corpses lay across the hall, all killed by Xuan Yuanli with a single blow!
In the end, only twenty-two people remained.
Xuanyuan Li sat lazily, wiping the blood from his dagger. A cold smile played on his lips. A streak of bright red blood splattered across his handsome profile, like a scar across his still-youthful face, adding a touch of sinister cruelty.
Once the dagger was clean, he spoke, pointing to the two attendants at the front, "Brother, take these two back. I'll take the rest."
"Alright, Fan Zeng, take him away," Xuanyuan Lie said.
"Brother, I greatly admire this servant Fan Zeng. May I receive him as a reward?" Xuanyuan Li asked again.
"Of course! If you like him, Thirteenth Brother, take him away," Xuanyuan Lie said with a smile, still generous, rising to leave.
"Didn't you say you had something to discuss with me, Brother?" Xuanyuan Li asked, his initial joy long gone, his mind calm.
“It’s not a matter of ‘if.’ If I have urgent business, I’ll have a few civil officials come to discuss the mission with you later. They’re all old ministers, don’t act like children, be humble,” Xuan Yuan Lie instructed.
“Yes, I will follow your instructions, Your Majesty.” Xuan Yuan Li bowed respectfully. It seemed like many years had passed since the two brothers had been so calm and composed.
After Xuan Yuan Lie left, Xuan Yuan Li looked at the corpses on the ground, his gaze slowly falling on Fan Zeng. He calmly sipped his tea and lazily asked, “Lord Fan, wasn’t I… impressive just now?”
Fan Zeng’s hands were clenched into fists, angry but dared not speak or move.
“Answer me!” Xuan Yuan Li suddenly shouted sharply.
“Impressive!”
Fan Zeng immediately replied. Xuan Yuan Li smiled and said, “Take these men and tidy up this place. Since you’ll be following me from now on, have the steward teach you the rules here.”
“Yes!” Fan Zeng answered loudly.
Xuan Yuan Li didn’t even glance at him again, got up and left.
The steward hurried after him, asking worriedly, "Your Highness, are you alright? Are you still breathing?"
"Steward, was that fun?" Xuan Yuanli asked.
The steward was taken aback, unsure how to answer.
"Fun! Thirteenth Prince, this is the first time I've seen you so majestic! That was exhilarating!" Suddenly, a familiar voice rang out. Xuan Yuanli immediately looked in the direction of the voice and saw Ren Fan, the wealthy merchant, standing at the entrance of the corridor, dressed in a poor gray long gown and cloth shoes, smiling at him.
"Ren Fan?" Xuan Yuanli exclaimed in surprise, "Weren't you chasing after Bai Wushang?" "
Lord Wushang told me to wait for the Thirteenth Prince to go together. They're waiting for us on the official road. As for why, he'll tell you when we meet," Ren Fan said, his smile gentle, without a trace of a merchant's cunning.
Xuan Yuanli was stunned for a long, long time before a slow smile finally appeared on his lips. It's good that we're all going together!
By the time he left the Prince Li's residence, it was completely dark.
Xuan Yuanlie, his face grim, didn't take a carriage but walked towards the palace gates.
The streets and alleys were eerily silent; even the capital city was desolate in the dead of winter.
He was followed by two guards, the ones Xuan Yuanli had rejected, the ones who had survived by sheer luck.
Xuan Yuanli had repeatedly disrespected him in front of the servants; every action, every word, was tantamount to a public slap in the face!
It wouldn't be easy for him to swallow this insult!
Suddenly, he stopped. The two guards behind him were startled and stopped abruptly, exchanging bewildered glances.
"What did you just see?" Xuan Yuanlie asked coldly.
"Your Majesty, we saw nothing, heard nothing!" the guards replied in unison.
"Is that so?" he said coldly, turning around. A flash of cold light, a silent splash of crimson blood, and the two guards collapsed to the ground, both dead, their throats slit by a sword, their eyes wide open in death!
Suddenly, a black figure appeared out of thin air beside the two corpses. It was the old man who had helped them that night, dressed entirely in black, his face veiled in black, so black he could blend into the darkness, except for his striking white hair.
He was invited by the Empress Dowager Dong. Xuan Yuanlie was someone she had personally trained, and he had been the one to devise strategies for the struggle for the throne, including when Xuan Yuanli was taken hostage!
Perhaps, to be precise, he was the true decision-maker behind the royal family for the past twenty years!
Even Xuan Yuanlie didn't know his identity or his name; from childhood, he had always called him Master.
"Is the wound on your arm still not healed? This sword strike wasn't quite right!" the old man said.
"How was it not right?" Xuan Yuanlie asked coldly, his hawk-like eyes scrutinizing the two corpses.
The old man stroked the wound on the guard's neck and said calmly, "This wasn't pretty enough. It was just a hair's breadth away from entering the blood vessel. If it had hit here, blood would have gushed out!"
Xuan Yuanlie glanced at it and said coldly, "Have you found out who that man in white is?"
"Not yet. To be able to cultivate to the late stage of the third level of Cold Qi at such a young age, it took me a full twenty years!" the old man sighed
. "Who is the person beside Murong Wei?" Xuan Yuanlie frowned.
"Bai Wushang?" the old man asked.
Xuan Yuanlie suddenly sneered, "A carefree little city lord who has been offering treasures to my Xuanhuang royal family for many years, you overestimate him!"
"Not to mention the man in white, even the man in black has extremely high cultivation. One thing is certain, he is a member of the Shen family!" the old man said.
"The Shen family?" Xuan Yuanlie's eyes darkened. "Could it be Chen Zui?" "
Only a member of the Shen family could cultivate Blazing Qi to that level. Those fifty-five assassins were all wiped out!" the old man said.
Xuan Yuanlie was startled. "The Shen family, do they also want to find that thing?"
"It's best for the Shen family not to make any moves for now. Let's observe the situation first. The war in Han Kingdom is worth exploring." The old man sneered, full of contempt.
Xuan Yuanlie also sneered, understanding without saying a word, and went directly to the Qi Prince's residence.
Once the news of the Qi Prince's serious illness was made public, the women of the Qi Prince's residence finally stopped their lively chatter and busied themselves preparing for a living.
However, there were still some true-hearted people. Gu Xizhi, who had been demoted, and Consort De were unable to enter the Jingxuan Pavilion even when they tried to see the Prince every day, while the principal wife, Yelü Lingrong, could occasionally see the Qi Prince. It
was always Murong Yue who guarded the Qi Prince. After she entered the Jingxuan Pavilion that night, she never left that pavilion again.
Under the quiet moonlight, two dark figures swept by and silently landed on the roof of the Guiju Pavilion. From here, one could take in everything in the Jingxuan Pavilion.
Seeing the white-robed man leaning against the railing in the pavilion, chatting and laughing with a maid lying in a rocking chair, Xuan Yuanlie's lips curled into a smile, utterly contemptuous. "What's there to play with in someone who can't even protect his own life?"
"Didn't Long Xiao send a letter of surrender? Is he planning to station troops in Han Kingdom?" the old man asked.
"What's the rush? Before he dies, I will make sure he sees Long Xiao bow down to me!" Xuan Yuanlie said coldly.
"Is there any progress on the mine matter?" the old man asked again. The only thing that people coveted most about the Prince of Qi now was not his life, but the mines he controlled, enough to blow up the entire Divine Continent with gunpowder!
"As long as he's in the capital, I will find a way to make him hand them over!" Xuan Yuanlie said in a deep voice, his handsome face as sinister as a demon of the night...
...Chapter divider...Special training...
In the desolate wilderness, on a cliff, a sliver of dim yellow light shone through a cave in the cliff.
Bai Wushang sat lazily at the cave entrance, legs crossed. While not strikingly handsome, he possessed a captivating aura—a languid, elegant roguishness, resembling a playboy, yet not quite.
When silent, the beauty mark on his lower right cheek added a subtle, melancholic touch to his eyes.
In this sense, he seemed less like a playboy and more like a devoted lover.
He leaned against the cliff, gazing at the moon, his laziness masking a seriousness. For three whole nights, he had been intently listening to the sounds coming from the cave.
This was the Ten Thousand Bat Cave, as the name suggested, teeming with ten thousand bloodthirsty bats. Murong Wei had been thrown inside for three days and three nights; if she didn't emerge tonight, things would become dire.
The cave was deep, and with so many bats, the chirping and squeaking were constant; without careful listening, nothing could be heard.
Practicing martial arts is actually very, very tough, especially when you're following him.
Suddenly, a dark figure flashed down, slender and dressed in black – it was Liu Jian.
“Guiguzi has already gone to the post station for drinks. This is a letter from Nanzhao.” Liu Jian respectfully presented the letter and stepped aside.
“Any news of Chen Zui?” Bai Wushang asked, reading the letter with a relaxed and nonchalant air, a demeanor he maintained regardless of the matter at hand.
“He should arrive at Liusha before us,” Liu Jian replied.
“Did he send an invitation?” Bai Wushang asked.
“The Shen family has considerable influence in Liusha. Even without an invitation, the Empress will certainly give him face,” Liu Jian answered.
“Heh, would the Empress give me face, sir?” Bai Wushang chuckled.
Liu Jian didn't answer; often, he didn't understand the meaning behind his master's laughter.
Just then, a sharp cry suddenly came from the cave. Bai Wushang frowned, but hesitated to rise.
"Master, quite a few people have died in the Ten Thousand Bat Cave," Liu Jian reminded him, unusually showing concern for someone other than his master.
"Ye Bao is only six years old, and she's already in the snake pit. She can't lose to a child!" Bai Wushang said calmly, still leaning back lazily, his eyes narrowed.
Liu Jian stood to the side, not daring to speak further, lowering his gaze for a short rest.
A moment later, screams rang out again, each more agonizing than the last.
Inside the Ten Thousand Bat Cave, Bai Wushang had only tossed Murong Wei a sword, telling her that being bitten by more than ten bats meant certain death.
She had only one purpose in the cave: not to protect herself, but to kill all the bats.
Bai Wushang personally guarded the entrance, not daring a single one to fly out!
Amidst screams, Liu Jian frowned, finally speaking with chilling words, "Master, the path to Xuanyuan Mausoleum is fraught with danger. Anyone could perish tomorrow. Aren't you afraid that when you want to tell him, you won't have the chance?"
Bai Wushang laughed loudly, "Liu Jian, after following me for so long, you've finally understood that anyone could perish tomorrow!"
"Therefore, we must cherish this moment," Liu Jian said calmly.
"What about yesterday? What about the past? Liu Jian, aren't you interested in your past?" Bai Wushang asked.
"Does Master know?" Liu Jian asked.
Bai Wushang shook his head, saying, "You are interested, aren't you?"
"No," Liu Jian said.
"Then what is it?" Bai Wushang asked with a smile.
Amidst the screams echoing from the cave, the master and servant spoke for the first time about the past, about Liu Jian's memories.
“It’s not that I’m interested in the past, it’s that I want to know who I am, and why I’m covered in burns, even my face is disfigured,” Liu Jian said, speaking of his tragic past with such calm.
When his master rescued him, he seemed to have just escaped a sea of fire; hidden beneath his black clothes was a past of being utterly scarred and surviving the inferno.
Bai Wushang stood up, gazing at the mountains in the direction of the Flowing Sand Kingdom, seemingly searching for something.
Liu Jian didn’t speak; he didn’t know why he had brought these things up with his master. It seemed the closer he got to the Flowing Sand Kingdom, the more familiar he felt.
“Do you see that mountain? The bare mountaintop,” Bai Wushang said, pointing into the distance.
Liu Jian looked over, frowning in confusion.
“Right here. A few years ago, there was a great fire. I met you at the foot of the mountain,” Bai Wushang said calmly.
A sudden surge of emotion welled up in Liu Jian’s usually quiet eyes. For the first time in his life—no, for the first time in his entire memory—his heart pounded so hard.
"I know nothing else. If you can remember, that's best. If not, let's dream about tomorrow together! Even if anyone could die tomorrow, everyone can shine brightly across the land!" Bai Wushang said, laughing loudly and turning to enter the cave.
Why not tell the woman in the cave everything? Why joke with her again and again? For no reason other than hoping that the day she knows everything will be the day he can give her everything!
Step by step, he entered the cave. The stench of blood and the squeaking of bats assaulted his senses. The stench grew stronger, and the sounds became increasingly chaotic.
He stared intently, expressionless, but his pace quickened.
If she could kill the bats here and save her own life, her swordsmanship and lightness skills would undoubtedly improve, her speed, agility, and accuracy would all rise to a new level!
As for the scorching energy, unlike the cold energy he cultivated, which could be cultivated internally and relied on his own breakthroughs, she needed external assistance—the teachings of others, as well as elixirs and spirit beasts.
The deeper he went into the cave, the darker it became. In the darkness, he clearly sensed the increasing number and thickness of bat corpses beneath his feet; if he could see clearly now, they would surely pile up into a mountain!
He could even feel the blood soaking his feet. Further in, the noisy squeaking gradually subsided, like the mournful cries of wounded beasts lurking in the darkness. He
was almost at the end, yet he still couldn't hear her voice.
Finally, in the darkness, he stopped and lit a tinderbox.
The faint flame shone brightly in the absolute darkness! What rushed towards him was far more terrifying than he had imagined. Before him lay a massive pile of bat corpses reaching the cave ceiling; behind him, blood flowed like a river, and clusters of wounded bats cried out in agony.
The stench of blood was so strong it gave him the illusion of being in a vat of blood. All around him, there were nothing but bats; not a single human figure could be seen!
Where was Murong Wei?
The pitiful screams had just echoed!
He finally frowned, looking at the mountain of corpses before him.
"Weiwei, Ye Bao wrote a letter..." he murmured, unaware of his own panic. He had only meant to call her, but the words slipped out. "Weiwei, Ye Bao wrote a letter..."
There was no response; his faint voice echoed in the cave.
"Hehe, Weiwei, Ye Bao wrote a letter. Do you want to read it?" he asked again, a smile creeping onto his face. Smiling had become an indelible habit in his twenty-odd years of life.
Who said smiling necessarily meant happiness?
There was still no answer. The curve of his lips grew wider and wider, his smile so radiant that the beauty mark at the corner of his eye seemed like a tear glistening on that smile.
He'd been inside the Ten Thousand Bat Cave before; he'd trained in such caves when he was ten. He knew all too well how dangerous it was. When Murong Wei came in, he'd joked with her, saying, "Weiwei, if you can't handle it, I won't mind if you beg me!"
Didn't she understand? Wasn't this woman always slacking off? And didn't she always carry her backpack? Didn't she have all sorts of mysterious weapons?
He told her to train properly, but would she really be that obedient?
Suddenly!
"Boom... Rumble...!"
Before he could even react, he instinctively retreated, leaping into the air!
The mountain of bat corpses was instantly pushed aside, the dark bats flowing forward like a stream, spreading out on the ground!
A small figure appeared before him.
Her clothes were disheveled and tattered, her head covered in grime, her body covered in wounds, completely soaked in blood.
It was her!
She was barely recognizable as human!
She lay prone on the ground, her jaws clamped tightly onto a gigantic bat, roughly twice her size. Her mouth was a bloody mess, and her once fair face was now slick with sweat and blood. Strands of hair clung to her cheeks, disheveled and filthy.
The only clean thing was her pair of clear eyes, filled with a heartbreaking stubbornness, seemingly oblivious to Bai Wushang's approach, staring intently ahead.
The giant bat was already dead, yet she still clung to it tightly. Heaven knows what had just happened in the cave.
Bai Wushang was stunned, never expecting such a giant bat to appear in the Ten Thousand Bat Cave!
Liu Jian, hearing the commotion, rushed over. Upon seeing the bat, he instinctively retreated, exclaiming in shock, "Oh no! It's the Bat King!"
Liu Jian blurted out "Bat King," and Bai Wushang immediately froze, a scene flashing through his mind, sending a chill down his spine.
"Is it really the Bat King?" he said coldly, his hands already clenched into fists, as if ready for something at any moment.
Liu Jian didn't speak, but crouched down and carefully flipped the giant bat's carcass over. Murong Wei was still biting the bat's tail, refusing to let go, seemingly too focused to look away. She hadn't reacted to Bai Wushang or Liu Jian, her stubborn eyes still fixed on the same direction.
The icy blue sword that had been pressed down by the Bat King was now revealed, its scarred blade stained with blood.
As soon as the giant bat was flipped over, Bai Wushang's face turned deathly pale, his usual playful and roguish demeanor vanishing!
The Bat King's belly, usually sparsely furred and bony, resembled a skull. However, on this enormous bat, the ribs on its belly faintly formed the shape of the Chinese character "王" (king) amidst the sparse fur.
"It really is! Let's go!" Bai Wushang shouted sharply, hastily taking off his outer robe to wrap around Murong Wei and lifting her up. But Murong Wei still clung to the corpse, which drooped beside Bai Wushang. Only then did he realize that not only the Bat King, but even Murong Wei's body was stiff.
His heart skipped a beat, and he froze. Murong Wei's body was stiff; she hadn't noticed their arrival. What was wrong with her? His hand trembled involuntarily as he slowly reached towards her nose, but before he could touch it, Liu Jian hurriedly said, "Master, step aside! We must be quick!"
With that, he decisively drew his sword and slashed fiercely at the Bat King's corpse. However, the ordinary slash had little effect; to the Bat King, it was merely a scratch on its fur.
He raised his sword again, and in an instant, the blade blazed with a fierce light, its cold gleam sharp and clear. A chilling white light could be seen flowing along the blade as it struck the Bat King.
"Bang!"
A deafening roar followed, followed by endless echoes within the cave. "Bang... bang... bang..."
The Bat King, originally twice the size of Murong Wei, was instantly shattered by the sword's light! And Murong Wei had actually managed to bite down on a fragment!
This shattering left no trace of blood. Where was the blood that should have splattered?
Bai Wushang and Liu Jian exchanged a worried glance.
"Let's go first. You clear the way, that's for you!" Bai Wushang said, kicking up the ice-blue sword on the ground.
Liu Jian nimbly caught it, and without a word, turned and ran. With the Bat King dead, it would inevitably attract bats from all directions seeking revenge. Not to mention those in the forest, just this cliff alone had at least dozens of bat caves. If they all attacked together, they would only have one path to take: to be overwhelmed by the bats in this cave!
Both of them moved with incredible speed, Bai Wushang's expression was solemn, his grip on Weiwei's hand was almost too tight, and Liu Jian was completely focused, one hand holding a knife, the other a sword, ready for battle.
Suddenly!
The two of them stopped abruptly. Before even seeing the cave entrance, they had already sensed the abnormal atmosphere!
Liu Jian closed his eyes, feeling the wind blowing from the cave entrance, then suddenly opened them, "We're here!"
This wind was created by the flapping of countless wings, mixed with the stench unique to bats! They had arrived, thousands upon thousands of vengeful bats!
Liu Jian turned to look at Bai Wushang, waiting for him to make a decision.
The stench in the air grew stronger and stronger, and soon, they could hear squeaking sounds.
Bai Wushang surveyed the cave walls, his handsome brows furrowed. If it were just him and Liu Jian, they were confident they could escape the cave. However, they also had to protect Murong Wei. No one knew how many times she had been bitten by bats, and ensuring she wouldn't be bitten again in the dense swarm was utterly impossible!
"What do we do?" Liu Jian finally panicked and asked loudly.
"I'll leave her to you. If she gets hurt again... I'll hold you responsible," Bai Wushang said coldly, his narrow eyes filled with an extreme cruelty.
"Too risky," Liu Jian frowned, immediately understanding what he intended to do.
Bai Wushang didn't say anything more, handed Murong Wei to him, picked up his sword, turned and left. His elegant white figure quickly disappeared into the darkness of the cave.
He was going to lure away the bats alone, creating an opportunity for them to escape!
Liu Jian couldn't stop them and could only comply. However, just as he settled Murong Wei aside, a sharp cry suddenly shook the entire cave!
Undoubtedly, these bats were acting in unison, even their cries were synchronized. Lord Wu Shang had met a formidable opponent this time; it was unknown how long it would take him to lure the bats out of the cave.
Soon, sharp cries, hoarse hissing, flapping sounds, and the sharp aura of sword light all came in succession. The cave's acoustics made it seem as if the fierce battle was happening right beside them.
Liu Jian didn't care about anything else. He placed Murong Wei against the wall, letting her lean against the stone.
He didn't know what had just happened, why Bai Wu Shang had tried to check her breath. This woman was now burning hot, her body temperature far exceeding that of an ordinary person; she couldn't possibly be dead.
Even now, she was still staring straight ahead, her eyes filled with the stubbornness of her battle. With her abilities, how could she possibly kill a bat king?
Liu Jian gently tidied her hair, tapped her cheek, and seeing no reaction, hesitated for a moment before reaching out to pull out the bat king's remains she was clinging to. It was a palm-sized piece of flesh, reeking of foul odor, yet without a trace of blood.
Liu Jian tried to pull it out for a long time, but couldn't. He had been squatting, but now he was standing, his feet firmly planted in a horse stance, pulling with all his might, but still couldn't get it out.
Murong Wei showed no reaction whatsoever, like a statue. The only change was her complexion, from deathly pale to flushed red!
Liu Jian tried again with great effort, but had to give up. He checked her pulse, and although he didn't know anything about medicine, he could clearly feel the abnormality in her pulse—it was pounding very fast, as if something was about to burst out from within her!
Liu Jian frowned, hesitating for a long, long time. Suddenly, he turned to look into the darkness. The sounds of fierce fighting continued, growing increasingly intense.
He stared for a long time, a rare look of struggle on his handsome face, as if he were making a decision. What was he going to do?
After a long while, the darkness remained.
Suddenly, he turned back and unexpectedly reached towards Murong Wei's abdomen—the location of her dantian!
He only wanted to confirm one thing, not to take advantage of this woman. However, he knew that if his master, who was engaged in fierce fighting, found out, it wouldn't be as simple as just holding him accountable.
The moment he touched it, he recoiled as if electrocuted. In that instant, cold sweat clearly beaded on his forehead and temples. For someone who had never been intimate with a woman before, this level of terror far surpassed the horror of fighting a swarm of bats!
He felt it; there was indeed a burning energy in Murong Wei's dantian, surging restlessly within, unable to erupt and flow to the various acupoints on her body.
He didn't know exactly how Murong Wei killed the King of Bats, but one thing was certain: she had sucked the king's blood clean, leaving not a single drop!
There are two types of spirit beasts in the world: yang beasts and yin beasts, both coveted by those who cultivate qi.
The little green king in Ye Bao's hand was a yin beast, an extremely yin creature, a rare treasure for those who cultivate cold qi. While those who cultivate cold qi focus on internal cultivation, once they reach a certain point, the only way to quickly break through is through external force! The King
of Bats, on the other hand, is a yang beast, one of the most yang spirit beasts in the world. All yang spirit beasts are incredibly ferocious, surpassing even tigers and wolves!
It would undoubtedly be a great help to those who cultivate qi, but even a qi master like Guiguzi might not be able to withstand such a beast, let alone someone like Murong Wei, who is not even a beginner yet.
If the qi in her dantian cannot break through, Murong Wei's life will be in danger!
What to do?!
Just as he was worrying, suddenly, a sharp sword light swept out of the darkness, heading towards them with unstoppable force!
Liu Jian was shocked. By the light of the sword light, he could see that a swarm of bats had somehow surrounded them in the darkness. They were all as big as rats, their bright red eyes gleaming in the darkness, like lurking wild beasts!
The sword light was only for a moment, but it startled the bats, plunging them back into darkness. He clearly heard the sound of thousands of wings flapping, followed by squeaking and squeaks attacking from all directions. He immediately swung his sword to fight back.
Barely managing to repel the swarm of bats, a white figure flashed behind him and pulled Murong Wei up! It was Bai Wushang. At this moment, his usually spotless white clothes were covered in mottled bloodstains, his chest and arms were torn and messy, and his handsome face was splattered with countless streaks of blood. He looked like someone who had fought his way out of hell.
He shouted angrily, "They're after Murong Wei! How could this be!"
"She drank the Bat King's blood!" Liu Jian said.
"What!" He was not only shocked, but also furious.
"If we don't wake her up and let her try to regulate her breathing, she'll surely die before these bats attack!" Liu Jian said coldly, warily watching the ever-growing number of bats surrounding them. They were completely trapped at the foot of the wall!
Bai Wushang knew this even better than Liu Jian. His large hand covered Murong Wei's abdomen, his face terribly solemn.
Around them, the bats were incredibly dense. Without any major movements, they were slowly inching towards them, completely surrounding them without leaving any gaps. The dim light of the tinderbox could only barely see some of the bats. Heaven knows how many more were beyond their sight, how many more were flying in swarms at the cave entrance!
His large hand on Murong Wei's abdomen suddenly tightened. Such force was enough to make her scream in pain, but she remained as still as a wooden statue, unmoved!
The swarm of bats continued to close in, the atmosphere tense to the extreme!
"Master, we must act! We're just one step away, or we'll be overwhelmed!" Liu Jian whispered, afraid his voice would alert the bats. At such close range, a single mistake could be fatal!
Bai Wushang's face was icy cold, his grip on Murong Wei's abdomen tightening more and more!
Suddenly!
He shoved her forward, facing the swarm of bats directly!
"Squeak..."
"Ah..."
Two sharp sounds rang out simultaneously. What was happening?!
"Squeak...squeak...squeak...squeak..."
A shrill soprano voice, sharp enough to be described as a razor-sharp object scraping glass, suddenly pierced the air.
The dense swarm of bats around them retreated in unison, the deafening squeaks gradually fading.
A loud voice carries great weight—this is true in certain situations!
Bai Wushang and Liu Jian were stunned. Murong Wei had actually woken up! The moment she was pushed away, she seemed terrified by the swarm of bats before her, her jaw clenching so tightly that bits of flesh fell to the ground, and a scream escaped her lips, still lingering in a continuous "Ah..."!
"Ah...ah...ah..."
The bats retreated ten paces, finally stopping, all staring menacingly at Murong Wei.
"Ah...ah...ah..."
Murong Wei's screams continued unabated. Bai Wushang then realized something was wrong; she seemed to be venting something, not out of fear!
"Actually..." Liu Jian murmured, realizing it too.
"Ah..."
The shouts and echoes filled the entire cave, lasting for a very long time. Bai Wushang and Liu Jian had to cover their ears; if they listened any longer, their eardrums would shatter, and their minds would be thrown into chaos.
The bats in front, after a long pause, began to retreat, finally stopping at the very back.
Bai Wushang and Liu Jian exchanged glances, utterly powerless against the shouts. Murong Wei's constitution was too special; this was the first time they had ever seen someone break through the burning energy in their dantian with sound. With each shout, Murong Wei's face was no longer as red as before...
This continued for a full half hour without interruption.
The swarm of bats retreated again and again, finally all leaving the cave.
Murong Wei's mouth was still open, but she could no longer utter a sound. She stood ramrod straight, stiff as a board, her eyes tightly closed, her face gradually paling.
"It's alright, it's alright now," Bai Wushang murmured gently in her ear, his large hand gently covering her mouth, carefully closing it.
She remained motionless, her pent-up breath slowly fading, and she began to sway unsteadily.
"It's alright, it's alright," he soothed softly, gently pulling her into his arms, murmuring repeatedly, "It's alright, it's alright...it won't happen again."
Even in the warm, familiar embrace, her body remained stiff. No one knew what she had endured in the cave, how she had been forced to bite that giant bat to death.
He sighed softly, scooped her up in his arms, and gestured for Liu Jian to lead the way.
The cave, once filled with battles and terror, was now eerily silent, filled with a nauseating stench.
He stepped over the dead bats, carrying her away.
It took them quite a while to reach the cave entrance, and they suddenly realized it was already broad daylight, the sunlight blinding. He lowered his head and squinted, and in that squinting, he too felt dizzy and stumbled several steps.
Liu Jian stood by, watching silently, saying nothing.
Under the bright sunlight, his body was covered in wounds and bloodstains. His right sleeve was completely torn, revealing his powerful arm. A black scar ran from his elbow down to his wrist—a gruesome sight! On his left arm, a large patch of blood completely soaked his clothes, and blood slowly trickled down his arm and onto the back of his left hand.
Liu Jian couldn't help but speak up, "Master, let me do it."
"The Qimen Inn is nearby, isn't it?" Bai Wushang said calmly, his eyes still closed.
"It's right next to the Qimen Post Station, less than a mile away," Liu Jian said.
Bai Wushang didn't ask any more questions, hugged Murong Wei tightly, and leaped off the cliff...
The Qimen Inn was a notorious black market inn on this road. Its master didn't know the details, but he knew that for it to be located so close to the post station, it must have deep connections in both the legitimate and underworld circles.
Bai Wushang, a man well-versed in both the legitimate and underworld circles, was greeted with a smile by the old shopkeeper upon seeing him. "Lord Wushang, it's been a whole year since you last visited."
Bai Wushang, his face expressionless, remained silent and carried Murong Wei directly upstairs.
"Lord Wushang, what's wrong?" the shopkeeper asked suspiciously.
"None of your business. We've booked everything for the next two days," Liu Jian said casually, tossing a bag of gold.
"Hehe, your master and I are old acquaintances. I know these rules. If he's in a good mood later, tell him someone is consigning a treasure here, from the Flowing Sand Ancient Tomb. Ask if he's interested." The old shopkeeper chuckled, then turned and went downstairs.
"What is it?" Liu Jian asked.
"If you're interested, have your master come and see for himself!" The old shopkeeper waved his hand, not turning back.
Liu Jian, of course, wouldn't be so tactless as to disturb his master at this time, and quietly waited outside the door.
Inside, Bai Wushang placed Murong Wei on the couch and immediately went out.
Liu Jian dared not ask a single question; he rarely saw his master with such a stern face. He had been to this inn several times, and he always managed to smile at the manager. The manager was a man of the underworld, far more experienced than his master, and many treasures could be inquired about from him.
A short while later, Bai Wushang returned, and Liu Jian was so astonished his jaw nearly dropped.
Bai Wushang had personally fetched a basin of water, his handsome but pale face cold.
This…this…this master had been served since childhood; when had he ever served a cup of tea or poured a cup of water?
He…he actually knew how to fetch water!
Not only did he fetch water, but he did everything himself. What could have been done in a moment took him a full hour. He even tidied her backpack spotlessly. Standing by the bed, watching Murong Wei lying clean and comfortable on the quilt, he wiped his sweat and lazily leaned back.
No need for much observation or pulse-taking; just looking at her complexion, her even breathing, and her softened body, he knew this woman had absorbed all of the Bat King's blood.
A member of the Shen family, Shen Xiao's daughter—such a physique was born to cultivate the Blazing Qi.
He didn't know which level of Blazing Qi she was currently at; everything would only be known when she woke up.
This calamity was truly difficult to predict, whether it would bring good or bad fortune.
His taut face finally showed signs of exhaustion. He leaned lazily against the foot of the bed, his long, narrow eyes slowly… slowly closing, a warm smile unconsciously curving his beautiful lips.
Who… this sleep lasted three days and three nights!
As the sunlight slanted through the window on the fourth day, casting a warm glow on the floor, Murong Wei groggily stirred. She felt something pressing down on her, so heavy, so very heavy. She instinctively tried to push it away, but couldn't budge it. Opening her sleepy eyes in a daze, she saw the person clinging to her and was instantly jolted awake!
What… what was going on?
Her memory was still stuck in the Ten Thousand Bat Cave. She had stubbornly refused to use any weapons, hoping to improve her martial arts skills. But when she reached the end of the cave and lit a torch, she summoned a gigantic bat hanging upside down, twice her size. She was stunned, completely forgetting that she had weapons in her backpack to kill the beast.
She was slapped hard by the giant bat's wing and fell to the ground. Before she could recover, she instinctively fought back. Even using her hands and feet, she couldn't overpower it, so she used her teeth, biting down hard.
She only remembered losing control the moment she bit it; after that, she forgot everything else.
How did she get here? Did Bai Wushang rescue her? What happened to him? He was covered in blood, his clothes were disheveled, and he looked like a beggar. Was this Lord Wushang?
"Hey!" she blurted out, pushing him hard. "Bai Wushang! Wake up!" she exclaimed, her face serious and grave.
Suddenly, a bloody hand slowly reached out to her. She froze, then cried out in alarm, "Bai Wushang!"
Instantly, the bloody hand froze, and Bai Wushang, who was burying his head on her, suddenly looked up, his long, narrow eyes glazed over, and mumbled, "What happened?"
She was stunned, looking at his face, streaks of blood, scrapes, and bruises. Her eyes reddened, and she choked out, "What happened to you?"
He rubbed his temples, still very sleepy, and before she could answer, he buried his head on her again and fell into a deep sleep.
Murong Wei was completely helpless against him. She laboriously pushed him aside and carefully got out of bed. Seeing the room, she knew it was an inn.
"Liu Jian!" she called out loudly; this guy must be guarding nearby.
A soft cough came from outside the door; Liu Jian had been standing there for three days and three nights.
Murong Wei hurried out. Liu Jian, who always kept his head down and never glanced at anyone, looked her up and down.
"What's wrong with him?" Murong Wei asked anxiously.
Liu Jian succinctly recounted what had happened in the Ten Thousand Bat Cave. Murong Wei was suspicious. "You mean, I'm now..."
"Normally, those who cultivate Qi will know when they break through. You're special. You should know you're at the Blazing Qi level now. You can try." Liu Jian said, reaching for his sword. He was genuinely curious about Murong Wei's special physique.
Murong Wei immediately backed away, "No! Keep it for that guy inside to try!"
Liu Jian was immediately embarrassed, not knowing what to say or what he was embarrassed about.
"Old Bai said that those who cultivate Qi rely on external forces. Does that mean that if you find various Yang beasts, you can continuously advance in rank?" Murong Wei asked. After Liu Jian said that, she also felt that her body seemed a little different than before, but she couldn't quite put her finger on what was different. She just felt that she was much lighter. "
Spirit beasts are not so easy to encounter, and not every spirit beast is suitable for you. This time, you just got lucky," Liu Jian said.
"Hehe, I also think I was lucky. Go fetch a basin of water, I'm going to serve my other luck!" Murong Wei said with a smile.
Before Liu Jian could understand what she meant, she went into the room.
On the bed, Bai Wushang was sleeping soundly. Fortunately, it wasn't a fatal injury. Liu Jian said that he would be fine after a few days of rest.
She sat by the bed, quietly watching him, a warm feeling unconsciously rising in her eyes. His peaceful sleeping face was so beautiful, like a child who had just come back from a fight and was fast asleep.
She carefully leaned closer, whispering in his ear, "Old Bai, meeting the Bat King wasn't my luck, meeting you was my luck."
As if afraid he wouldn't believe her, she emphasized again, "Really!"
Before she finished speaking, his bloodied hand lazily rose again, embracing her, and suddenly, without warning, he turned and pinned her beneath him.
Just then, a knock came at the door, "Doctor Murong, the water has arrived. We just received news that the Thirteenth Prince is nearby!"
The next morning, when Bai Wushang awoke, he was refreshed and invigorated.
He wore a clean, tidy white brocade robe, his long hair loose, and lay lazily on the bed.
Murong Wei, like a little girl, squatted in front of the bed, her hands supporting her chin, her bright, sparkling eyes fixed on him.
Bai Wushang rolled over, leaned over, and mimicked her posture, his hands supporting his chin, his narrow eyes slightly narrowed, and smiled, saying, "Weiwei seems very happy?"
Murong Wei nodded obediently.
"Tell me, what are you happy about?" Bai Wushang said.
Suddenly, Murong Wei swiftly drew her icy blue longsword and slashed it down at him!
Bai Wushang immediately rolled away, grabbing a brocade quilt and hurling it at her. Murong Wei slashed with her longsword in one move; a faint, fiery red sword light flashed, and the quilt shredded. She stood amidst the flying cotton boots, sword in hand, grinning at him. "Did you see that?"
"My lord, my little heart can't take it! I woke up to an assassination attempt!" Bai Wushang exclaimed, then lazily lay back on the bed, showing no intention of getting up.
Murong Wei grew anxious and quickly sat down. "What level of Qi Refining is this? Tell me!"
"Hahahaha!" Bai Wushang burst into laughter. "This is the first time I've seen someone like you, so obsessed with Qi Refining that you don't even know what level you've broken through to!"
"I haven't studied systematically. You won't tell me, huh? I'm going to find Liu Jian!" Murong Wei said, turning to leave.
"Early stage of the second level. I can fight the old steward of the Chenzui family!" Bai Wushang said with a smile.
"Really?" Murong Wei asked excitedly. She had witnessed the old steward's abilities firsthand; he had utterly routed Xuan Yuanlie's imperial guards with a single move—it was so satisfying!
Bai Wushang smiled, then lazily got up and stretched his limbs.
Murong Wei looked at him, grinning foolishly, without saying a word.
"What are you laughing at?" Bai Wushang asked.
"I heard you were the one who saved me," Murong Wei said.
"Nonsense, could it be anyone else?" Bai Wushang retorted.
Murong Wei remained oblivious, secretly amused, "I heard you personally served me?"
"Nonsense, could it be anyone else?" Bai Wushang continued to ask. "
Old Bai, you're so good to me!" Murong Wei said happily.
Bai Wushang, however, was suspicious, saying, "Weiwei, you and I, who are we to each other? What's wrong? Let's talk it out."
"Nothing, I'm just really touched," Murong Wei said.
"Weiwei, you're making me...I...hehe, quite touched." Bai Wushang forced a smile, feeling this wasn't the normal Murong Wei. Normally, she would have questioned him about changing her clothes without her permission.
Murong Wei, still smiling, took his hand and left.
The innkeeper was waiting in the backyard. Bai Wushang and Murong Wei walked towards the backyard, Bai Wushang waiting for her to ask him for a favor. But Murong Wei remained silent, only saying that the Thirteenth Master was already waiting at the post station and they had to go there today. Upon arriving
at the backyard, they saw Liu Jian and the long-absent Guiguzi. Guiguzi was chatting with the innkeeper, while Liu Jian remained silent as always.
As soon as Bai Wushang arrived, the shopkeeper immediately greeted him warmly, "Hehe, Lord Wushang, have you been sleeping well these past few days?"
"How could I sleep well here? Bring me any treasures you have, sir, so I can take a look." Bai Wushang smiled, lifted his robe, and sat down. Murong Wei sat down beside him and whispered to Guiguzi, "How is the Thirteenth Prince?"
"Hehe, not bad. He has twenty-one guards with him now, most of them are close by. He originally planned to come in person, but he was being watched very closely." Guiguzi said in a low voice.
"The emperor's men?" Murong Wei asked.
"Yes, the Thirteenth Prince said he'll go over after he's settled things here, no rush." Guiguzi said.
Murong Wei nodded, relieved.
The shopkeeper had already placed the treasures that others had consigned on the stone table and sat opposite Bai Wushang. The two of them were clearly about to negotiate. Murong Wei was somewhat expectant; it was the first time she had seen Lord Wushang conduct business.
Bai Wushang remained motionless. The shopkeeper lifted the black cloth covering it, revealing an exquisitely carved, gilded brocade box.
"Hehe, this is at least five hundred years old," Bai Wushang said with a smile, clearly a connoisseur.
"Lord Wushang, take another look." The shopkeeper opened the box, revealing a rectangular inkstone, about an inch long, lying quietly on a bright yellow background. Engraved on it was a strange image, composed of several flowing lines, quite abstract, resembling a symbol or an ancient totem.
Murong Wei clearly saw a glint of determined gleam flash across Bai Wushang's eyes.
However, he remained unmoved, glancing at it only once before saying, "Either this brocade box is fake, or this thing is fake."
"Lord Wushang, the brocade box was unearthed along with the inkstone, and it contained only this one item. It's not strange to have a thousand-year-old inkstone in a five-hundred-year-old brocade box. How can you be so sure one is fake?" the shopkeeper asked.
"Hehe." Bai Wushang chuckled, then took out the inkstone and examined it, saying, "Smooth and fine, inlaid with gold, gleaming with a bluish-purple light—this is the style of Xuanyuan."
He then smelled it and added, "The ink fragrance is pure, without any added fragrance—this is the style of Shang Kingdom."
Then, he elegantly raised his hand and gently flicked the inkstone, remaining silent for a long time. Everyone was silent, their attention entirely on Bai Wushang. Not only Murong Wei and Guiguzi, but even Liu Jian looked over, listening intently to Bai Wushang's explanation. They didn't know much about inkstones, only that they were used to grind ink.
"Sir, what is this…" the shopkeeper hurriedly asked, immediately giving himself away; he was a complete novice when it came to inksticks.
Bai Wushang smiled and said, "Listen to the sound by flicking the ink. This sound is dull and unclear, greatly reducing its value!"
The old shopkeeper quickly came over, flicked the inkstick himself, noted it down, listened, hesitated for a moment, and then nodded.
Bai Wushang continued, poured a cup of water, dipped the inkstick in, weighed it in his hand, and frowned.
"What's wrong?" the old shopkeeper asked hurriedly, and Murong Wei also became nervous. After all this talk, was this thing really a treasure?
"Look for yourself, this inkstick is just hard. If it soaks for too long, it will definitely dissolve. The style is strange, and the quality is poor. I have no interest in something like this," Bai Wushang said, exchanging the item with the shopkeeper, getting up, dusting off his robe, and about to leave.
That's it?
Murong Wei followed suspiciously, and Guiguzi and Liu Jian naturally followed as well.
"Lord Wushang, what about this brocade box?" the old shopkeeper hurriedly asked.
"I have plenty of brocade boxes from five hundred years ago, sir. Do you want it?" Bai Wushang stopped, turned around, and asked with a smile.
"Oh, Lord Wushang, this isn't our first time doing business. I'll be frank. This isn't something someone consigned; I'm reselling it. I'll sell the whole set to you for thirty thousand taels. You have a wide market; even the worst items can be resold for a profit, right?" The old shopkeeper smiled and poured tea, offering it to Bai Wushang with both hands.
Bai Wushang generously accepted it and turned to ask Murong Wei, "Are you thirsty? Would you like some?"
Murong Wei was taken aback, taking a while to recover from his sudden thoughtfulness. Although she was thirsty, she blurted out, "No."
Bai Wushang drank it all in one gulp, then glanced at the box again, smiled, and said, "I need to get going, sir. Five thousand taels. If it's acceptable, I'll pack it. If not, we'll meet again next time."
The shopkeeper hesitated, looking conflicted. Five thousand taels! Even treating Bai Wushang to a meal would cost more than five thousand taels. Was this thing really worth that much? Selling it for five thousand taels would be worse than giving it away as a favor!
Bai Wushang didn't have time to wait for him. He turned and left, but after taking several steps, he suddenly remembered something, turned back, and took Murong Wei's hand.
When everyone reached the door and the two of them got into the carriage, the old shopkeeper caught up and handed the item to Liu Jian. "Consider this my humble offering to Lord Wushang. Please give me your patronage in the future."
Liu Jian took the item and drove away.
As soon as the item was handed to Bai Wushang, Murong Wei was immediately shocked!
She saw the usually obsessive-compulsive Bai Wushang hurriedly tug at his sleeve, carefully wiping the water stains from the inkstick. His usual playful expression was gone; his sword-like eyebrows were furrowed in seriousness. He repeated the steps of the appraisal: look, smell, listen, weigh! Each step was extremely careful.
Murong Wei was filled with suspicion, her intuition telling her this thing must be extremely important! But how could this guy have been so calm just now?
After examining it, Bai Wushang quietly looked at the inkstone lying in his hand, his brows furrowed, seemingly hesitant about something.
"What exactly is this?" Murong Wei asked timidly.
"It's from a thousand years ago, a fusion of the styles of the Xuanyuan Kingdom and the four vassal states of the Divine Continent. Both the material and the carving are extremely perfect. The only flaw is that it was placed in a damp place, which ruined its hardness. There's moisture inside this brocade box," Bai Wushang said seriously.
Murong Wei was surprised; this man was so meticulous. She carefully touched the brocade box, and it was indeed so.
"A thousand-year-old thing, so rare?" Murong Wei asked again, unable to understand Bai Wushang's seriousness.
However, at this moment, Bai Wushang took out something—none other than her fountain pen!
What was he doing now?
Bai Wushang unscrewed the pen cap, revealing the nib to Murong Wei, and said, "Aren't the patterns on this exactly the same as those on this inkstick?"
Murong Wei looked at it from both sides, dumbfounded. She hadn't even noticed the pattern on the nib!
This...this...these smooth lines are practically identical!
What's going on?
The two stared at each other, just then, a rapid "whoosh" came, the entire carriage immediately lurched, and the horse reared up!
"Old Bai, Weiwei, Thirteen missed you, come out!" A familiar voice came, and Murong Wei immediately lifted the curtain. She saw Xuan Yuanli riding on horseback, dressed in white, holding a long spear, handsome and dashing, like a celestial being!
Why is he here, and alone?
Wasn't it said that I'd have over twenty guards following me day and night?
Why is he here alone?
She looked closely and finally saw him clearly.
He was riding a tall white horse, clad in silver-white armor, wielding a silver-white spear. His entire body was silver-white, with a bronze-patterned elbow guard on his left arm. He was handsome, imposing, and full of spirit—a true silver-clad warrior!
He was smiling at her. She hadn't seen him for a few days, and this child seemed different, though she couldn't quite put her finger on it.
But no matter how he changed, he was still him, Xuan Yuanli!
"Hehe, Thirteenth Prince, coming all alone in this desolate wilderness, aren't you afraid your servants will worry?" Bai Wushang teased with a laugh.
"They're far behind, left far behind by me!" Xuan Yuanli laughed, dismounting.
"You're going to Liusha as an envoy, so why are you dressed like a warrior, Thirteenth Prince?" Bai Wushang asked again, a hint of heartache in his eyes that even Xuan Yuanli couldn't detect.
"Because... I... want to!" Xuan Yuanli said each word carefully, then laughed loudly, "I'm going to that place in battle armor!"
Murong Wei was shocked. Her previous suspicions and bad premonitions were all confirmed. What had the Thirteenth Prince experienced as a hostage in Liusha to harbor such hatred for it?
"Hehe, battle armor is good. This time, we really are going to fight!" Bai Wushang laughed.
"Thirteenth Prince, is Princess Qixi alright?" Weiwei finally spoke.
"Yes, she's fine. The dog emperor didn't pursue the matter any further. Did you encounter anything while you were on the underworld?" Xuan Yuanli asked.
"It went smoothly. I thought I wouldn't see you until I reached Liusha!" Murong Wei said with a smile.
"Old Bai, why didn't you take the underworld route?" Xuan Yuanli asked.
"Following the envoy, we have no worries about food, drink, or lodging along the way. Why would we choose to endure the elements?" Bai Wushang countered.
"Once those people catch up, you'll see how much better it is to sleep in the open. I'm already thinking about how to escape!" Xuan Yuanli said.
"Besides those twenty-one people, are there any others?" Bai Wushang stroked his chin thoughtfully.
"We know there are twenty-one people, and two ministers have also come: Minister Liang from the Ministry of Rites and his subordinate Minister Li, each accompanied by ten imperial guards," Xuan Yuanli stated truthfully.
"I see." Bai Wushang frowned and looked at Murong Wei.
Murong Wei, however, looked ahead, shrugged, and said, "They're quite fast; they're catching up."
Bai Wushang was still hesitant when Murong Wei said, "Thirteenth Prince, there's a saying: 'A general in the field may disobey orders.'"
"What do you mean?" Xuan Yuanli asked, puzzled.
"The most direct meaning is 'When a general is out in the field, he can beat a dog without worrying about its owner.' I hate having people watching me the most. These people don't understand. I'll go to Liusha myself, and we'll meet there!" Guiguzi appeared out of nowhere and said quietly.
"You mean... kill?" Xuan Yuanli rarely took the initiative to approach and asked in a low voice.
"The commander is Fan Zeng, right?" Bai Wushang spoke up.
"Indeed, Liu Gonggong's prized disciple, he's quite capable." Xuan Yuanli said.
Just then, Fan Zeng led twenty imperial guards to the front. They hurriedly dismounted and knelt down in unison. Fan Zeng glanced at everyone and said loudly, "Thirteenth Prince, your subordinate is ordered by the Emperor to protect your safety. Please do not act on your own next time. If anything goes wrong along the way, your subordinate cannot bear the responsibility!"
Xuan Yuanli didn't even bother to look at him, mounted his horse, and said, "Old Bai, let's go. I'll clear the way for you!"
"Thirteenth Prince, who is that man in black?" Fan Zeng not only didn't move aside but also asked.
"Get out of the way!" Xuan Yuanli said coldly.
"Thirteenth Prince, His Majesty has ordered that we must understand the backgrounds and identities of everyone accompanying you on this journey," Fan Zeng said.
"Old Bai, this dog of an emperor is ruthless! Under the guise of protection, he's openly monitoring you!" Murong Wei whispered.
Bai Wushang's lips curled into a cold smile, but he remained silent.
"What if I don't tell you?" Xuan Yuanli, mounted on his horse, looked down at him with disdain, raising an eyebrow as he asked.
"Then I can only send men to follow him to ensure the Thirteenth Prince's safety!" Fan Zeng said grandly. As soon as
he finished speaking, Guiguzi jumped up, "You dog of a servant, what are you so arrogant about? Believe me or not, I'll chop you in half with one sword!"
The twenty servants behind Fan Zeng immediately stood up, all drawing their broadswords!
Xuan Yuanli's face was as black as could be, his chest heaving with rage. "Whoosh..." He lashed out with his whip at Fan Zeng. "Insolence! This is my friend! Are you trying to commit insubordination?"
Unexpectedly, Fan Zeng dared to dodge, taking two steps back and immediately producing a token. He shouted, "His Majesty's token is here! I am acting under orders. Please understand, Your Highness!"
"You!" Xuan Yuanli was speechless with anger, but helpless. Even outside the palace, he was still bound by the relationship between ruler and subject.
Murong Wei and Bai Wushang finally understood. Fan Zeng dared to be so arrogant because he had a protective shield!
"They've gone too far! What exactly does Xuan Yuanli want?" Murong Wei said coldly.
"We can't act without eliminating these people. Perhaps that's what he intends," Bai Wushang said calmly.
“He has a token, it’s hard to move him,” Murong Wei whispered, her delicate brows furrowed as she racked her brains for a solution. Meanwhile, Guiguzi, furious, yelled, “Thirteenth Master, this is so boring! I’m not playing with you anymore, I’m leaving!”
Just as he was about to leave, Bai Wushang called out with a smile, “Brother Gui, wait!”
“Lord Wushang, is this fun? Why don’t you come drink with me?” Guiguzi laughed, his voice old and eerie. He looked at Xuan Yuanli, who unconsciously lowered his head,
utterly humiliated. “Drinking needs an atmosphere, two people are no fun!” Bai Wushang laughed, leaning close to his ear and whispering something before stepping away.
“Hehe, good, good, it’s a deal!” Guiguzi said happily, turning to bow to Xuan Yuanli, saying, “Thirteenth Master, I’m leaving, until we meet again!”
Xuan Yuanli wanted to keep him, but couldn’t find a reason. This oppressive environment made even him want to escape, let alone the carefree Guiguzi.
He watched Guiguzi's departing figure, his eyes lowered, completely devoid of the arrogance he had displayed upon their first meeting.
Fan Zeng sneered, "Your Highness, since you said he was your friend, I have no reason to make things difficult for you. Why didn't you say so earlier?"
"Get out! Get out of here!" Xuan Yuanli was furious. He had thought that once he left the capital, he could properly deal with Fan Zeng, but unexpectedly, the emperor had given him a token! "
Your Highness, please return. Everyone has been waiting for a long time. If we delay any longer, we will miss the Dharma Assembly of the Flowing Sand Buddhist Kingdom," Fan Zeng said, making way for him. Xuan
Yuanli glared at him fiercely, but refused to move.
"A young man granted the title of king, yet he lacks the demeanor of a king. What a pity," Murong Wei said calmly, getting into the carriage.
"Thirteenth Prince, let's go. Old Gui won't go with you. Weiwei and I are sticking with you!" Bai Wushang was still smiling. Everyone else was angry, but he was the only one still cheerful.
Even the smug Fan Zeng couldn't help but look at him. The legendary Lord Wushang was not an easy character to deal with!
Xuanyuan Li dismounted and said coldly, "I'll ride in your carriage."
Bai Wushang readily gestured for him to leave, not even glancing at Fan Zeng until now!
Once in the carriage, Xuanyuan Li leaned against a corner alone, head bowed, silent.
Murong Wei glanced at Bai Wushang, signaling him to leave first; when pride is wounded like this, even a man can't offer comfort.
But instead of leaving, Bai Wushang laughed, "Thirteenth Prince, even your servants are bullying you. This envoy is rather pathetic; perhaps he should take off his battle robe!"
"I didn't..." Xuanyuan Li immediately raised his head, only realizing he couldn't find an excuse halfway through his sentence. He clenched his fists, furious.
"Didn't you? Thirteenth Prince, you were made a prince at a young age, the first prince of Xuanyuan before Prince Qi. Is this all the spirit you have?" Bai Wushang raised an eyebrow at him, his face full of contempt.
"Seventh Brother has the protection of the late Emperor's edict and a good mother, while I have nothing!" Xuan Yuanli immediately roared.
"Sigh... You should know that the Emperor's surveillance of Prince Qi is no less than yours," Bai Wushang sighed, leaning lazily against the high pillow.
"That's because..." Xuan Yuanli was speechless again.
"Thirteenth Prince, there are only two ways to deal with a lackey who abuses his power. First, you have to endure it. Even if you're bullied to the point of being overbearing, you still have to keep your composure," Bai Wushang said lazily, as if talking about something unimportant.
Murong Wei saw through the situation to some extent. She leaned against the other end of the high pillow, resting her chin on her hands, observing the situation quietly.
"They've already bullied me to the point of being overbearing, and you want me to endure it?" Xuan Yuanli retorted.
“Then go fight for it, fight for it with your brain, not with that whip you just raised. Thirteenth Prince, you can’t even handle a mere Imperial Guard commander, how can you wear that battle robe to fight in Quicksand? You know, the Queen of Quicksand is a cunning old fox…” Bai Wushang said, yawning repeatedly, propping his head up with one hand, preparing to rest.
“Fight for it with your brain…” Xuan Yuanli frowned, pondering, finally calming down a bit. Bai Wushang had already closed his eyes, swaying his head with the bumps of the carriage, looking quite content.
Xuan Yuanli curled up, hugging his knees, burying his head in thought.
Murong Wei watched for a long time, smiled helplessly, and sat down. Just as she was about to speak, Xuan Yuanli suddenly looked up and shouted, “Take that token! Right!”
Murong Wei immediately smiled; this kid has finally figured it out!
Bai Wushang was still resting with his eyes closed, his mind clear, but a beautiful smile slowly curved his lips. He slowly reached out and made a countdown gesture towards them, "Three...two...one!"
As soon as he finished speaking, the carriage suddenly stopped, and Fan Zeng's voice came from outside, "Assassins! Protect the Prince!"
Bai Wushang withdrew his hand and continued sleeping.
Murong Wei and Xuan Yuanli hadn't yet grasped the meaning of his countdown when the sounds of fighting erupted outside.
This place was very close to the official road; the Imperial Guards' attire clearly indicated they were from the palace. How could anyone be so bold as to attempt an assassination?
"Assassination?" Xuan Yuanli hurriedly lifted the carriage curtain. He saw a group of masked men in black, their numbers roughly equal to the Imperial Guards, each wielding a long sword, their movements swift and ruthless.
Suddenly, several men in black dodged the Imperial Guards and thrust their swords fiercely towards them. Liu Jian immediately drew his sword to fight back, but could only stop one of them!
Xuan Yuanli leaped down with his spear, thrusting and retracting, slashing and parrying, lifting and pressing, maneuvering among the men in black. His movements were fluid and beautiful.
Murong Wei sat on the edge of the carriage, frowning as she watched the chaotic scene, filled with suspicion. She was all too familiar with the swordsmanship of these men in black.
They hadn't only shown mercy to the Thirteenth Prince, but they hadn't even gone all out against Fan Zeng's group! What were they trying to do?
At this moment, Bai Wushang leaned closer, resting his chin on her shoulder, and said with a smile, "This is a good spot, perfect for watching the fight."
"Why waste time? Be quicker," Murong Wei said softly, already guessing what was going on.
"Everyone's not even here yet, what's the rush? Look at the Thirteenth Prince's movements, although they're beautiful, there are too many feints, and his defense is weak," Bai Wushang said lazily.
"Everyone's not even here yet? What do you mean?" Murong Wei was still puzzled.
Bai Wushang remained silent mysteriously, looking at Fan Zeng. This kid was indeed quite skilled, barely at the late stage of the first level of the Cold Qi Realm.
Suddenly, one of the men in black slashed with his sword, and a bloody gash immediately appeared on Fan Zeng's arm.
"Insolence! You dare touch the Imperial Guards!" Fan Zeng roared, suddenly leaping into the air, his sword flashing, slashing down fiercely. The man in black not only didn't dodge, but actually met the attack head-on. Just as the sword light was about to strike his head, at the critical moment, his figure flashed and disappeared.
His speed was even faster than the sword light!
Murong Wei couldn't help but exclaim in amazement. Bai Wushang smiled, "The level of the third stage of Blazing Qi, when do you plan to reach it?"
Murong Wei didn't speak, watching intently. She saw the man in black appear out of thin air above Ren Fan's head, seemingly without any intention of killing him. He sheathed his long sword and carried it behind his back, then suddenly kicked him hard in the head. Ren Fan couldn't dodge in time and took the solid kick, immediately falling to the ground, staggering several steps before regaining his footing.
Just as he regained his footing, the man in black's sharp sword was already thrusting down, the sword light invisible, but the sword energy alone was sharp and intimidating, coming straight at him.
Fan Zeng immediately dodged, swinging his sword to meet the attack. The man in black, light as a swallow, darted past, landing behind him
. It was another deadly opportunity, yet the man deliberately spared him, slamming his sword hilt against Fan Zeng. Fan Zeng coughed up blood and staggered to the ground. The man in black gave a contemptuous snort and turned to charge directly at Xuan Yuanli.
Xuan Yuanli was wielding his silver spear, sweeping it horizontally across the ground, forcing several people around him to fall backward before they could react!
He leaped up, using his spear as a club, and swung it down!
Suddenly!
A longsword blocked his spear. Without even glancing at the man, he reversed the spearhead, bringing it upside down with the butt, twisting his hand to grip the spear with both hands, aiming directly for the man in black's abdomen!
The man in black retreated, performing a somersault in mid-air, landing behind him. Xuan Yuanli immediately turned, then sideways, the longsword piercing past his abdomen, narrowly missing the target!
At this moment, Fan Zeng flipped over, blood trickling from his lips, and attacked the man in black from behind.
"Get out of my way!" Xuan Yuanli roared, not wanting him to help.
Fan Zeng didn't even glance at him, thrusting his sword. He could use his power to suppress his master, but he had to live, or he would surely die!
Immediately, the three were locked in fierce combat, the man in black maneuvering between the two with ease.
However, this situation couldn't last long. The surrounding imperial guards were quickly slaughtered by the assassin in black, and at the same time, all the palace troops arrived, including Minister Liang and Minister Li from the Ministry of Rites.
Fan Zeng was overjoyed; reinforcements had finally arrived!
But just as he was celebrating, the man in black suddenly kicked him hard, then spun around, his sword pressed against Xuan Yuanli's abdomen!
Instantly, no one dared to move!
The surrounding guards and archers, poised to strike, were all stunned. The Thirteenth Prince had been taken hostage by an assassin—this was a matter of utmost importance!
Fan Zeng rolled on the ground, his face deathly pale. The man in black, holding Xuan Yuanli hostage, glanced coldly at the surrounding archers and arrogantly said, "Shoot if you dare!" No
one dared to move. Minister Liang of the Ministry of Rites, trembling with fear, nearly fell off his horse and rushed over, pleading, "Great hero, let's talk this out!"
"The Imperial Guards, right? You're the commander?" The man in black's voice was clear, sounding no more than twenty years old.
"No, no, no, he's the commander!" Minister Liang quickly pointed at Fan Zeng.
Fan Zeng frowned, his voice sharp, "Release the Thirteenth Prince, or you won't escape alive!"
"Answer my question!" The man in black's voice suddenly deepened, his sword tip severing a gleaming silver armor plate from Xuan Yuanli's battle robe!
"Yes, yes, yes, these men are the Imperial Guards, great hero. The court and the martial world have never interfered with each other. Please forgive these lackeys if they have offended you!" Minister Liang quickly said.
"Heh, the Imperial Guards are nothing special, what's with their arrogance?" The man in black raised an eyebrow at Fan Zeng.
Fan Zeng, knowing he was outmatched, had to suppress his anger. His token was useless against someone who so blatantly defied the court. He turned his head away, refusing to look at him.
However, the man in black showed no sign of letting him go, coldly saying, "What, you're not convinced?"
"Commander Fan!" Lord Liang immediately reminded him.
"Kneel three times for me, and I'll release the Thirteenth Prince! Otherwise..." the man in black said, thrusting his sword in with force. Blood immediately stained the white robes. Xuan Yuanli remained silent, his face cold.
"Kneel now!" Lord Liang shouted sternly. Anyone who could defeat Fan Zeng must be someone of considerable importance!
Fan Zeng glared at him fiercely. Lord Liang roared, "Protecting the Thirteenth Prince is your duty. Are you going to disobey the imperial decree?"
Fan Zeng, his face still cold, had no choice but to turn and kneel, kowtowing three times heavily before standing up.
The man in black was immediately smug, laughing loudly, "Hahaha, I, your humble servant..."
Before he could finish speaking, Xuan Yuanli suddenly seized the opportunity of his relaxation, broke free, and with a sidestep, let the sword tip graze his arm, escaping to the back. Without even catching his breath, he thrust his spear fiercely at the man in black, who hurriedly fled to dodge.
Seeing this, Fan Zeng shouted sharply, "Give me your life!" and
immediately struck out with a palm from the front! But to everyone's surprise! The moment his palm landed on Fan Zeng's chest, the man in black was completely unharmed. Instead, he seized Fan Zeng's wrist, twisted it sharply, and held him hostage, shouting, "Anyone who dares to move, I'll kill him!"
"Using a mere servant to threaten me, you overestimate him!" Xuan Yuanli sneered, showing no mercy, thrusting his spear repeatedly, forcing the man in black to retreat step by step while holding him hostage.
Instantly, the other men in black swarmed forward.
"Men, attack!" Lord Liang was frantic, like an ant on a hot pan. Archers were out of the question; only the guards with swords could be used.
"A bunch of useless trash, all of you stand still!" Xuan Yuanli said coldly, showing no regard for Fan Zeng's life, and swung his spear horizontally!
The man in black retreated again and again, forcing Fan Zeng to follow suit, his chest pressed forward by the Thirteenth Prince's sharp red-tasseled silver spear!
Xuan Yuanli pressed on relentlessly, his speed increasing until the man in black's steps faltered, nearly causing him to stumble!
"Thirteenth Prince, stop!" Fan Zeng cried out, his survival instinct kicking in.
"Commander Fan, isn't your mission to protect me? How can I sleep peacefully if this assassin isn't captured!" Xuan Yuanli sneered, his movements becoming increasingly swift and ruthless with each step and thrust of his spear.
At this distance and speed, the man in black was forced to retreat, retreat, and retreat again, unable to use even his most powerful instincts!
He was slightly surprised; this kid, Xuan Yuanli, had quite the potential!
"Thirteenth Prince, stop! Thirteenth Prince, I... I beg you! Save me!" Fan Zeng finally pleaded.
Xuan Yuanli sneered, "If you hadn't begged, I might have admired your courage!"
The man in black laughed loudly, still whispering in Fan Zeng's ear, "You dog slave, why are you so afraid of death?"
This voice was no longer clear; it was eerie and strange, hoarse and aged!
Wasn't it the strange man in black robes who had covered his face and head just now?
Fan Zeng was shocked and immediately understood what was happening, but it was too late. The man in black suddenly stopped, and Xuan Yuanli stepped forward, his silver spear thrusting straight into his lower abdomen!
The expression of shock was still on Fan Zeng's face, blood trickling down his lips. The man in black released his grip, and he immediately collapsed to the ground, dying with his eyes wide open.
Lord Liang was shocked. After all, this was the Emperor's man, and he was well aware of the complexities involved!
Xuan Yuanli, however, didn't even glance at him, his spear aimed directly at the man in black, instantly turning the situation into a one-against-many battle! Xuan Yuanli showed no fear, his spear sweeping left and right, slashing upwards and downwards, meeting every attack head-on! His courage was unparalleled!
Although his martial arts were inferior to Fan Zeng's, his stubbornness allowed him to fight against multiple opponents with equal skill. At least, he was still handling the crowd with ease.
Murong Wei frowned, looking at Bai Wushang with a questioning expression. Wasn't this enough?
Bai Wushang leaned lazily against the doorframe, quietly observing the battle, smiling without speaking.
"Old Bai, isn't the royal gold-embroidered vest on the Thirteenth Prince?" Murong Wei frowned; the man in black's sword had drawn blood.
"How do you know about that?" Bai Wushang raised an eyebrow and asked.
"I heard that last time I shot Xuan Yuanlie, and he was completely unharmed. That golden vest must be with him!" Murong Wei asked.
"It should have belonged to the Thirteenth Prince. Rumor has it it was bestowed upon his youngest son by the late Emperor. I don't know how it ended up in that dog of an emperor's hands. But it is indeed a powerful item; it's impervious to blades and spears, and can even melt away sharp weapons without leaving a trace!" Bai Wushang said.
"If it's not on him, then don't let those people leave!" Murong Wei shouted sharply.
Suddenly, as she spoke, Bai Wushang sat bolt upright, his face deathly pale. Murong Wei turned her head sharply, stunned!
The Thirteenth Prince!
The Thirteenth Prince actually!
How could he…
How could he do this?
He actually!
With a flick of his silver spear, he killed a black-clad assassin with a single thrust!
Everyone was stunned, Bai Wushang's face turning ashen.
In that instant, Murong Wei clearly saw the black-clad man freeze, but Xuan Yuanli didn't stop. He swung his spear to the right, killing him with another single blow!
"Good!" Lord Liang clapped his hands in encouragement!
Only then did the black-clad assassin recover, turning to flee!
The black-clad man, however, remained wary, a playful glint in his eyes, retreating but showing no sign of escaping.
"Men! Surround them! Don't let a single one escape!" Lord Liang immediately ordered, and instantly, all the guards with swords and archers completely surrounded them, trapping the black-clad man and Xuan Yuanli in the center. Xuan Yuanli
chased after the black-clad man, his handsome face always bearing a meticulously serious expression. This kid is really serious!
The same tactic as before: relentless advance, spear thrusting straight at the man in black, who retreated repeatedly without retaliating.
Suddenly!
Xuan Yuanli stopped. The man in black snorted coldly, about to draw his sword, when Xuan Yuanli suddenly leaped high into the air, his hand on the end of the silver spear, forcefully pushing it towards the man in black!
The man in black immediately dodged, but Xuan Yuanli drew his riding whip, whipping it around to catch the silver spear, circling it before bringing it in front of the man in black. The man in black immediately fell backward, using the spear to block the man in black's thrusting sword! The entire sequence of movements was so fast it took only a blink of an eye!
However, as soon as he blocked, the man in black's sword flashed brightly, unstoppable, instantly sending him flying far away, crashing to the ground!
"Hmph!" Xuan Yuanli groaned, unable to hold back any longer, spitting out blood.
"Your Highness!"
"Thirteenth Prince!"
Everyone was tense; their master was incredibly stubborn, refusing to let anyone help.
"Is Guiguzi serious?" Murong Wei exclaimed sharply, gripping Bai Wushang's sleeve tightly. The black-clad man's sword light, though not large, faintly shimmered with fire, undoubtedly indicating he was a Qi cultivator. Who else could it be but Guiguzi?
And those black-clad men must be Bai Wushang's subordinates, and undoubtedly very formidable ones, otherwise he wouldn't feel such heartache right now!
"It's Thirteenth Master who wants to play for real; Guiguzi is just playing along!" Bai Wushang said, clutching his chest, his heart aching. These twenty black-clad assassins were all trained by him personally, requiring immense effort and money!
Couldn't this blockhead Thirteen see the abnormality in these men?
Didn't he realize they hadn't actually fought?
The man in black landed lightly in front of Xuan Yuanli, stepping on his hand and coldly saying, "If you have the guts, beg me!"
Xuan Yuanli glared at him fiercely, his hand almost mangled from being trampled, blood trickling from his lips. Despite being trampled underfoot, he still wore an arrogant expression!
"Not begging me? Or, if you have the guts, stand up!" the man in black sneered.
Before the words were even finished, with a sharp "whoosh," Xuan Yuanli raised his riding whip with his left hand, striking the man's thigh accurately, instantly tearing the skin!
"Good grief!" the man in black endured the pain, still not letting go, and said coldly.
Xuan Yuanli remained silent, staring sharply at him, then with a sharp shout, suddenly raised his hand. The man in black lost his balance and immediately fell to the ground. Xuan Yuanli didn't immediately leap up; instead, he swung his spear horizontally to block the man in black who was trying to get up, using the spear as leverage to spring up!
He raised the spear and thrust it towards the man in black's abdomen!
Bai Wushang's heart leaped into the air. Guiguzi was clearly letting that kid through; surely that kid wouldn't be so foolish as to actually stab him! If
he did, given Guiguzi's temperament, he wouldn't hold back!
The spear, in the end, only touched Guiguzi's abdomen without piercing him!
"Good! Thirteenth Prince is mighty!" Lord Liang immediately cheered, ordering his servants to attack!
The man in black surrendered and was held by the guards. Xuan Yuanli, still with a cold face, walked directly towards Fan Zeng's corpse and immediately pulled out the token.
"My lord, shall we interrogate him now, or...?" Lord Liang asked respectfully, unconsciously glancing at the token in his hand. Since Fan Zeng was dead, this thing should naturally be sent back to the capital!
"Bring it here," Xuan Yuanli said calmly, weighing the token in his hand.
The man in black watched him coldly as he was being led step by step. But just as he stopped, he suddenly struggled, the force far exceeding what the guards could withstand. Before anyone could react, he had already soared high into the air, dodging the rain of arrows and swords, and disappeared into the bushes!
"Chase him! Chase him!" Lord Liang roared, "A bunch of useless fools, chase him now!"
Xuan Yuanli remained motionless, watching him coldly. Lord Liang, still grumbling, fell silent upon seeing his cold gaze and hastily knelt, "Your Highness, this old minister has failed in his duties, please forgive me!"
He knew very well that without Fan Zeng and the binding force of the emperor's token, no one could do anything to this prince! Moreover, his martial arts skills far exceeded the emperor's expectations!
He could make you live or die at will!
Xuan Yuanli's hair hung down to his eyes, blood trickled from his lips, his face filled with malice as he coldly stared at him, silent.
Lord Liang was completely baffled by his thoughts, and lowered his head, trembling with fear, not daring to speak.
Xuan Yuanli stepped on Fan Zeng's corpse, slowly wiping the blood from his lips, and then turned the token that symbolized the Xuan Yuan imperial power over and embedded it into the broken armor plate on his abdomen, the size of which was just right!
He stood up, coldly sweeping his gaze over the large group of men beside him, and said coldly, "Lord Liang, Fan Zeng failed to protect his lord, didn't he?"
"Yes!" Lord Liang hurriedly replied.
"The token bestowed by the Emperor, from today onwards, will be kept by me, won't it?" Xuan Yuanli asked again.
Lord Liang hesitated.
Xuan Yuanli hurled his spear, accurately piercing the hem of his robe and embedding it in the mud. Lord Liang snapped back to reality, nodding repeatedly, "Yes! Yes! Yes! I will obey Your Highness's orders!"
"Speak louder, I didn't hear you clearly!" Xuan Yuanli said coldly.
"I will obey Your Highness's orders!" Lord Liang shouted.
"Not loud enough," Xuan Yuanli criticized.
Lord Liang finally understood, and quickly rose, striding towards the large group of people. Leading Lord Li in front, they all knelt down together, chanting in unison, "Your subordinates obey the Prince's orders. Long live Prince Li! Long live Prince Li! Long live Prince Li! Long live Prince Li!"
The three shouts echoed through the mountains and forests.
"Return to the post station!" Xuan Yuanli coldly ordered.
"Yes!" Another earth-shattering shout rang out.
Xuan Yuanli then walked towards Bai Wushang and Murong Wei, his cold anger vanishing instantly, replaced by a confident and spirited demeanor!
Murong Wei quickly bowed and shouted, "Long live Prince Li!"
Bai Wushang leaned to the side, one hand covering her chest, looking at him with deep, resentful eyes.
"We'll rest at the post station tonight, and set off tomorrow. From today onwards, no matter how many spies are in this group, I am still the master! No one can stop me!" Xuan Yuanli said earnestly.
Murong Wei nodded vigorously, overjoyed.
"Thirteenth Prince, do you even know who that man in black was?" Bai Wushang asked weakly.
"I know, your man! That's why I didn't go too far! Bai Wushang, thank you!" Xuan Yuanli bowed very formally.
Bai Wushang's lips twitched slightly, and he nodded. "Alright, alright, my lord, I'm just helping myself. I've been eating and drinking all this way, and being constantly watched is uncomfortable. Thirteenth Prince, I have some things to discuss with you at the post station later. Find a place for me."
He said, turning around to prepare for bed.
Just as Xuan Yuanli was about to speak, Weiwei interrupted, "Thirteenth Master, even if you're his subordinate, you look especially impressive today, dressed in that battle robe like a warrior in battle! With the token in hand, things will be much easier for us at Liusha!"
Bai Wushang turned around, about to speak again.
Xuan Yuanli quickly stopped him, saying, "Old Bai, Weiwei, once we're out of the capital, just call me Thirteen! Thirteenth Master, Thirteenth Master, Ye Bao said 'Master' sounds old! Liu Jian can call me Thirteen too!"
This was what he really wanted to say, something he'd wanted to say as soon as they met, but Fan Zeng had interrupted him.
Suddenly, the carriage curtain was lifted, and Guiguzi, who had caught up unnoticed, sat outside. He raised an eyebrow at Xuanyuan Li, his aged voice displeased, "Thirteenth Master, what about me?"
Xuanyuan Li was taken aback, then burst into laughter, "Everyone just calls me Thirteen! I don't even like my name, just call me Thirteen!"
Guiguzi sat down, hooking his arm around Xuanyuan Li's shoulder, and said, "I don't like that stuff in the capital, Thirteen, buddy! I like you!"
Bai Wushang looked at Xuanyuan Li, a complex emotion hidden in his eyes, hesitated for a long time before hooking his other arm around his shoulder, and said, "Thirteenth, sir, I'm a few years older than you, how about I call you Thirteenth Brother?"
"Sure! Not Your Highness, not Master!" Xuanyuan Li said readily, in high spirits.
"Hehe, indeed, those who can roar are all straightforward people. Thirteenth Master, I watched those moves you just made, not bad aptitude, how about I teach you some techniques?" Guiguzi asked.
"You're from the Shen family, but I'm not!" Xuan Yuanli rolled his eyes at him.
"Can't someone who cultivates Qi of Blazing Cultivation teach you Qi of Cold Cultivation? Learn it or not, if you don't want to, I don't care to teach you!" Guiguzi acted like he was the best in the world.
"Learn! Of course I'll learn! One day, I won't need Lao Bai to help me like this!" Xuan Yuanli said.
"Me too, I'll call you Thirteen!" Murong Wei came over and hugged his neck from behind.
"Of course!" Xuan Yuanli said happily, it was the first time he had been hugged by someone like this, the first time he felt like he had a friend!
This trip to Liusha will definitely be exciting, it will definitely be completely different from the last one!
"Hehe, there's something, let's talk about it in the carriage!" Bai Wushang said.
"What is it?" Murong Wei asked quickly.
"After the post station is the Zhou family, Thirteen, what do you plan to do?" Bai Wushang asked.
"The Zhou family?" Murong Wei was puzzled.
"The Zhou family is the largest aristocratic family in Xuan Yuan, controlling one-third of Xuan Yuan's land, and the royal family has a tradition of visiting the Zhou family." Xuan Yuanli said.
"Is there anything to discuss about this?" Murong Wei still didn't understand.
"Our wealthy patron, Ren Fan's fiancée, is none other than Miss Zhou! The Empress Dowager has a very close relationship with the head of the Zhou family!" Bai Wushang said with a smile.
The Zhou family, the most powerful clan among the Xuanyuan aristocracy, controlled one-third of Xuanyuan's arable land, equivalent to controlling one-third of its grain. Royal custom dictated that anyone passing through the Zhou family's territory must enter, demonstrating the family's immense status within Xuanyuan.
Murong Wei had naturally heard of this family, but they were known for their low profile, and she hadn't kept track of much information about them. The
Zhou family's residence was located on the right side of the main road, accessible via a side path. The main group of people camped by the roadside; only Xuanyuan Li, along with a few others and two officials, had come to pay their respects.
When Murong Wei saw the moat in the distance, she was astonished! Was this merely a residence? It was practically a city, built against the mountainside!
Soon, a group of people came forward. Leading them was a man with white hair and a youthful face, radiant with health. Even at his age, he possessed a commanding presence. He wore a simple yet sophisticated black robe; this was Zhou Xiaotian, the head of the Zhou family. Behind him were two women: an elderly woman, adorned with jewels and exuding elegance and grace, her demeanor quiet despite her rich attire; and a young girl of sixteen or seventeen, brightly dressed and beautiful, clearly lively. She seemed somewhat subdued by the occasion, her large, watery eyes searching among them. It was certain she was looking for Ren Fan—the Zhou family's young lady, Zhou Moge!
"Greetings, Your Highness Prince Li! Long live Prince Li!" Zhou Xiaotian led his family in kneeling and bowing respectfully.
"Old Master Zhou, please rise! Such a grand gesture is too much for me!" Xuan Yuanli quickly had someone help him up.
Thirteenth Master, it's been years since we last met. I've grown old, and you've grown up! "Zhou Xiaotian stood up, smiling. Zhou Moge was about to walk over when her mother grabbed her arm, whispering a reprimand. Her face was full of anger.
"Ren Fan, is that the young lady? Your fiancée?" Murong Wei asked softly.
Ren Fan smiled but didn't speak, nor did he step forward, as if he were also a guest, a first-timer.
"Old Zhou, you're still going strong! You haven't changed at all in all these years!" "Xuan Yuanli said with a smile. After a few pleasantries and introductions, when it came to Ren Fan, Old Zhou only nodded politely, and Ren Fan didn't act like a prospective son-in-law at all, returning only a polite smile, which was quite strange!
After crossing the moat and entering the city gate, seeing the scene before her, she finally understood why Ren Fan had arranged a marriage with the Zhou family! It was a perfect match!
But why were Ren Fan and the Zhou family complete strangers? What was going on?
Inside the gate was a large garden, stretching all the way to the foot of the mountain, filled with exotic flowers and trees, neatly arranged, and many rare birds and animals could be seen everywhere, not afraid of people. Walking through the garden felt like walking in a national forest park. From the gate to the foot of the mountain was a small pebble path. Walking to the end, not only Murong Wei, but even Bai Wushang was secretly amazed.
"Is Ren Fan the richest man in the world if he includes his fiancée's wealth?" Murong Wei whispered.
"No, the Zhou family has plenty of farmland, and that fellow has mountains of gold. He just doesn't like to show off. " "Bai Wushang said calmly.
At the end of the road were wooden steps leading to the top of the mountain. Along the way, there were many branches, palaces, pavilions, hot springs, and other buildings of all sizes, scattered on the mountainside in a well-organized manner.
"How did that guy get engaged to someone?" Murong Wei asked again.
"I heard it was arranged by his parents. The Zhou family daughters don't enter the palace. In the whole world, I guess only Ren Fan is worthy of him." Bai Wushang said with a smile.
Ahead, Zhou Xiaotian and Xuan Yuanli chatted and laughed, introducing the mansion. Guiguzi, Murong Wei, and Bai Wushang whispered together. Liu Jian acted as the coachman and did not follow. Ren Fan was left alone to walk in the middle with Zhou Moge and the Zhou family's wife. The Zhou family's wife was between the two of them. Zhou Moge seemed to be trying to talk to Ren Fan, but the Zhou family's wife stopped him, holding his hand very tightly. Ren Fan was not proactive at all.
"This... is it a case of the man being indifferent while the woman is interested?" Murong Wei asked timidly.
"What prospective son-in-law? She doesn't even know him." "Guiguzi said.
"Look at Miss Zhou's eyes, she clearly likes him a lot, there must be some secret!" Murong Wei said gossipy.
Guiguzi and Bai Wushang did not answer him, but looked at the white-haired old man in front of them, both seemingly lost in thought.
"Hey, how about we go help that girl?" Murong Wei asked with a smile, seeing Ren Fan so dull, and seeing Zhou Moge being restricted by her mother, she was really curious.
"Does it look like him?" Guiguzi shielded his eyes with one hand, squinted and asked.
Bai Wushang did the same and said, "No."
"What are you doing?" Murong Wei asked in confusion, and leaned over to look at Bai Wushang. His hand was blocking the person in front of him, and he could see Zhou Xiaotian's white hair directly. Instantly, a familiar scene appeared in her mind!
It was him!?
The mysterious old man who rescued Xuan Yuanlie that night?!
"It was him?" she whispered.
"I think it looks like him." "Guiguzi muttered to himself.
"It doesn't seem like it, but rather..." Bai Wushang released his grip, put his arm around Murong Wei's shoulder, smiled, and whispered, "It's him!"
Murong Wei was startled, but Guiguzi remained calm
. He leaned closer and whispered, "How long have you been investigating, kid? What made you decide to investigate this person?" "The Xuanyuan royal family, the royal families of the four great vassal states—there's no secret that a master can't buy." Bai Wushang laughed.
"What's going on?" Murong Wei asked.
"I'll tell you later!" Bai Wushang, shrouded in mystery, led Murong Wei up the last stone step. A large open-air platform in front of the main hall was set up with a banquet table, surrounded by a row of musicians. It wasn't the time for secrets to be revealed during the banquet.
Everyone took their seats. Xuan Yuanli sat in the main seat, with Zhou Xiaotian and his wife to his right, and Bai Wushang, Murong Wei, Guiguzi, and Ren Fan to his left and right, respectively.
It was a long table, not a round one, and the seating arrangement reflected status. In terms of position, Ren Fan, as the prospective son-in-law, seemed more like a guest. He didn't seem to mind, sitting next to Guiguzi with his usual calm expression.
Everyone was seated except for Zhou's young lady, Mo Ge, who remained standing, seemingly hesitant about something.
"Mo Ge, over here," Madam Zhou beckoned.
"I'll sit here with Brother Ren," Mo Ge said, glancing timidly at Zhou Xiaotian before walking over without waiting for his nod. A
hush fell over the room. Ren Fan's embarrassment had been palpable since the Zhou family appeared, but being spoken aloud made it all the more awkward.
However, before he could even sit down, Zhou Xiaotian said casually, "Mo Ge, your seat is over here with your mother."
Mo Ge hesitated for a moment, then said, "Brother Ren, why don't you sit here? I have something to tell you."
Silence fell again.
Ren Fan looked embarrassed and instinctively glanced at Bai Wushang, who remained smiling and silent. He then looked at Xuan Yuanli, who wore a playful expression and also remained silent. Murong Wei and Guiguzi turned their heads away; none of his close friends were willing to help him out. After all, he hadn't said a word during their interrogation last night.
It would have been fine if they hadn't spoken, but Bai Wushang suddenly laughed and said, "Ren Fan, you're supposed to be a prospective son-in-law, what kind of manners are you sitting here? What are you dawdling for, go over there."
The seats were arranged by the Zhou family, and Madam Zhou had personally invited everyone to sit down. Bai Wushang's words were a public slap in the face to the Zhou family and a blow to Ren Fan's pride. This guy's mouth was truly foul!
The atmosphere was already awkward, but Bai Wushang's use of the words "prospective son-in-law" made it even more uncomfortable.
"Ren Fan, are you even a man? The young lady has already spoken, why aren't you going over there!" Guiguzi joined in the jeering. Murong Wei didn't know what these two were up to and remained silent as an observer.
Xuan Yuanli, like Murong Wei, knew nothing but liked to join in the fun. He smiled and spoke up, "Old Zhou, I only recently heard that Mo Ge is engaged. Why haven't you informed my mother of the good news?"
Were these three trying to cause trouble?
Zhou Xiaotian, still giving Xuan Yuanli face, smiled and said, "It's been an arranged marriage since childhood, your mother knows about it. It's been over ten years, I'm afraid she's forgotten." Then, for the sake of appearances, he finally inquired about his future son-in-law, "Fan'er, how have you been all these years living alone?"
"Very well," Ren Fan replied politely.
"It's been over ten years, are your parents well?" Zhou Xiaotian asked again.
Murong Wei frowned suddenly, understanding what was going on. The relationship between the two families must have grown increasingly distant after the engagement. Hearing that Ren Fan hadn't inherited the family fortune but had built his wealth from scratch, she guessed the Zhou family looked down on the Ren family.
"They've all passed away. That year, there was a severe drought and famine in Han Kingdom, many people died," Ren Fan said calmly, without sorrow, still so gentle. He didn't spell it out, but everyone immediately understood.
Murong Wei was startled, looking at his gentle smile, her eyes suddenly welling up with tears. She suddenly understood why this wealthy man lived so frugally; he must have been used to hardship since childhood!
Zhou Xiaotian was astonished. Madam Zhou spoke calmly, "I see. The deceased is gone, Young Master Ren
, please accept my condolences." Ren Fan nodded and said politely, "These past years I've been busy making a living and haven't had time to visit my uncle and aunt. Please forgive me."
"Young man, your career is important. Now you've built your own success. I'm sure the Ren family elders in heaven are pleased," Madam Zhou said.
Just then, a sob was heard. It was Miss Zhou, wiping away tears with a handkerchief. "Brother Ren, you've been gone for so many years. I thought you didn't want me anymore!"
Everyone present except for the Zhou couple and Ren Fan was stunned. Sure enough, there really was an affair!
"What kind of behavior is this in front of guests? Someone, escort Miss back to her room!" Zhou Xiaotian suddenly shouted sternly.
"Hehe, Master Zhou, you're too kind. Ren Fan is our prospective son-in-law and a friend of our Thirteenth Master. How can he be a guest? Young people should clear up any misunderstandings in front of everyone to avoid deepening them," Bai Wushang said with a smile.
"Indeed, indeed, Elder Zhou, I think Mo Ge is quite aggrieved! If Ren Fan bullies her, I will certainly not let him off easily!" Xuan Yuanli said earnestly.
Murong Wei, like Guiguzi, rested her chin on her hands, waiting for the truth to be revealed.
"Thirteenth Master, it's best not to let my family scandal spoil your drinking mood. Guards, escort Miss back to her room!" Elder Zhou said.
"I won't!" Suddenly, Miss Zhou abruptly hid behind Ren Fan, staring intently at Zhou Xiaotian, fearful yet not daring to completely resist. Since
Elder Zhou had said so, Xuan Yuanli couldn't interfere in their family affairs. He glanced at Bai Wushang, and seeing that he didn't react, he remained silent.
"Take Miss back to her room," Zhou Xiaotian repeated. A servant immediately stepped forward to escort her away. Zhou Moge struggled violently, shouting, "Brother Ren, all these years, I've been waiting for you! Do you know that it was my father who kicked you out of the Zhou family, and it was he who unilaterally arranged the marriage! Not me! Why do you hold a grudge against me? Why do you ignore me? Do you know how many years they've confined me? Do you know that since you left, I haven't left the Zhou family's gates?"
"You've completely disgraced me! Go back now!" Zhou Xiaotian roared, slamming his hand on the table. A servant immediately covered Zhou Moge's mouth and dragged her away.
Silence filled the room; it seemed like just a brief interlude.
Ren Fan, the person involved, showed no reaction, maintaining a gentle expression, utterly calm. Xuan Yuanli clenched his fists secretly, remaining silent.
"Thirteenth Master, I haven't disciplined you properly; you must be ashamed. I'll punish myself with a cup!" Zhou Xiaotian raised his cup in a toast and drank it all in one gulp.
"Old Master Zhou, matters concerning young people..." Xuan Yuanli hesitated.
"My wife will handle family matters," Zhou Xiaotian said with a smile. Madam Zhou quickly rose, nodded to everyone, and hurriedly left.
The meal was rather dull. Zhou Xiaotian asked Xuan Yuanli to stay a few more days, but Xuan Yuanli, citing his journey, only agreed to stay one night.
Back in his room, Xuan Yuanli immediately grabbed Ren Fan by the neck and roared, "Are you even a man?"
Murong Wei and Bai Wushang were taken aback, then exchanged a smile. This kid was so angry, yet he could still be so polite at the banquet. When did he learn to be so patient?
"That young lady waited for you for so long, and you didn't say a word. What are you holding a grudge about?" Xuan Yuanli questioned.
"Let him go, let him speak!" Murong Wei quickly pushed his hand away, saying unhappily.
Facing the scrutinizing gazes of the four people, Ren Fan suddenly laughed, "Haha, fiancé, my engagement with her was dissolved long ago. How can I still be her fiancé?"
"How can you say it was dissolved unilaterally?" Bai Wushang raised an eyebrow and asked.
"Back then, the Zhou and Ren families were old friends. Although the Ren family was not as glorious as the Zhou family, the friendship was very deep. Later, my family fell into decline, and I was fostered by the Zhou family. Zhou Xiaotian didn't remember the old friendship. In order to break off the engagement, he falsely accused me of stealing his Zhou family heirloom, kicked me out of the Zhou family, and dissolved the engagement. Actually, I always regarded Mo Ge as a younger sister. She was still young at that time. How could I have imagined that she would remember me all this time?" Ren Fan said.
“But you can’t do this now!” Murong Wei frowned.
“Thirteenth Master, you should know the Zhou family’s power very well. Even your mother has to give Old Master Zhou some leeway. If this matter blows up, it won’t do us any good. Our trip to Liusha is already time-sensitive. If we miss the opening time of the Liusha Palace, this trip will be a waste. I don’t like personal matters affecting everyone else.” Ren Fan said calmly.
“Back then, you suffered quite a bit, didn’t you? Didn’t you think about revenge?” Guiguzi asked with a smile.
“Compared to revenge, I’m more interested in wealth. The Zhou family used to be the richest family, but now it’s me, Ren Fan, isn’t it?” Ren Fan said calmly.
Murong Wei couldn’t help but give him a thumbs up. She admired not Ren Fan’s achievements, but his mindset—not letting hatred dictate his life goals.
Bai Wushang smiled and said, “My lord, I’m more interested in the Zhou family’s heirloom. This is the first time I’ve heard of it.”
Just then, a soft knock came at the door.
Who is it?!
"Thirteenth Master... Thirteenth Master..."
A soft call came from outside the door. Who was it?
Inside, Murong Wei and the others sat on the roof beam, smiling as they watched Xuan Yuanli.
Xuan Yuanli looked up at them, gesturing for them to come down. They all shook their heads, indicating for him to open the door.
Xuan Yuanli frowned, his face showing a storm brewing. He wasn't afraid of anyone. Bai Wushang whispered jokingly, "Thirteenth Brother, who knows, maybe a beautiful girl has come knocking on your door."
"Thirteenth Master, it's me... Madam Zhou."
Finally, the person outside recognized her. Listening carefully, it really was her. What was she doing here so late?
"Open the door!" The curious crowd on the roof beam all mouthed the same thing.
Helpless, Xuan Yuanli opened the door. Sure enough, it was Madam Zhou outside, her face still wet with tears. She immediately knelt down, "Thirteenth Prince, I've come to beg you on Mo Ge's behalf! Please save her!"
Xuan Yuanli was shocked and quickly said, "Madam Zhou, let's talk this out. Get up!"
"Your Highness, if you don't agree, I won't get up. You should persuade Ren Fan. He's fully capable of taking Mo Ge away now. I've kept that marriage contract from back then; I didn't let Master tear it up! Look." As Madam Zhou spoke, she took out a marriage contract from her sleeve. It was a red card with the handprints of the two families' heads on it.
Xuan Yuanli, holding the marriage contract, frowned and said, "Why did you only bring it out now?"
"Thirteenth Master, I came here secretly. After Fan'er left, Mo Ge and I couldn't leave the Zhou family. My relationship with Ren Fan's mother was like sisters, and we treated Fan'er like our own daughter. I wanted Mo Ge to marry Fan'er more than anyone else, but the master of this family was in charge, not me. I could only wait, wait for Fan'er to come back one day, but today! Today! Today he..." Madam Zhou became more and more agitated as she spoke, eventually choking up and unable to speak.
Xuan Yuanli was taken aback and asked angrily, "You mean, Old Master Zhou, you've actually imprisoned you and your daughter?"
"That's right, Thirteenth Master, only you can stand up for Mo Ge. Mo Ge has liked Fan'er since she was little, and she has always considered herself Fan'er's future wife. That child is stubborn. If Fan'er doesn't take her away, her life will be ruined here! Thirteenth Master, I beg you, I beg you!" Madam Zhou kowtowed repeatedly, tears streaming down her face.
"Just this marriage contract, and you think you can convince Old Master Zhou?" Xuan Yuanli asked loudly and earnestly.
"Yes, yes! Thirteenth Master, Master thought this thing was gone. He doesn't know I hid it. As long as the marriage contract isn't destroyed, the marriage is still valid. As long as Fan'er is willing, as long as Mo Ge is willing, Master can't stop it. Thirteenth Master, I beg you, you must stand up for Mo Ge! Fan'er should have married Mo Ge after he turned sixteen, but now Mo Ge is seventeen! Thirteenth Master, I beg you, if you don't stand up for Mo Ge, her life will be ruined!" Madam Zhou said, about to kowtow again.
"Madam Zhou, get up quickly, I promise you. I'll go find Ren Fan now, you wait!" Xuan Yuanli acted impulsively again, clutching the marriage contract and rushing forward.
"Thank you, Thirteenth Master, I'll go tell Mo Ge right away!" Madam Zhou was overjoyed and turned to leave hurriedly.
After a while, Xuan Yuanli rushed back, having forgotten in his haste that the wealthy Ren Fan was still in his room!
He stopped abruptly as soon as he entered, looking at the four people with varying expressions, before finally calming down. He tossed the marriage contract to Ren Fan, forced a smile, and said, "This... Ren Fan, you... I still think you should marry her."
Gui Guzi remained silent, lazily drinking to the side, having thoroughly enjoyed the banquet.
Murong Wei thought for a moment, then decided not to speak. Liking someone shouldn't be forced, and marriage even less so.
Ren Fan finally looked at Bai Wushang with a questioning gaze.
"Hehe, my lord, what I'm more interested in is whether the Zhou family's heirloom can be included in the dowry. The Zhou family's treasures are no less than those of the royal family; the heirloom must be a rare and precious item!" Bai Wushang laughed carefree.
"Why don't you marry her?" Murong Wei looked over, her eyes narrowing into slits.
"Let Ren Fan marry her. Such a good girl, it would be a waste for me to
marry her to you, sir," Bai Wushang said with a smile. Murong Wei was seething with hatred, but pretended to be indifferent, saying, "Even if you marry her, she might not marry you, rich man. Actually, that girl is quite good, quite innocent. You couldn't find one like her even with a lantern. My suggestion is that you take her in as a concubine first. As for the future, perhaps she'll see more of the world outside, and one day she might fall in love with a playboy like our Lord Wushang. Or, you might fall in love with her as time goes on. It's all uncertain."
"Weiwei's words are reasonable, rich man. After all, she's wasted her prime years in the mountains because of you. You should repay her and take her away first!" Xuan Yuanli quickly advised.
Ren Fan still hesitated, looking at the marriage contract, remaining silent.
"Are you even a man? This matter concerns you, so you have to take responsibility. Don't talk about wasting time or anything like that. Even if it takes two days here and we don't rest for several nights, I'll accept it. Make a decision quickly, I need to sleep!" Guiguzi was losing patience.
Ren Fan looked up at him, seemingly tempted.
"What are you hesitating about? Are you afraid they'll cling to you? Rich man, I think you're being particularly cowardly in this matter?" Murong Wei asked, frowning.
"Exactly!" Xuan Yuanli agreed.
"Hehe, it won't take up much time. If it does, we'll have an excuse to break away from the main force and have a horse race on that grassland at the border!" Bai Wushang said with a smile.
"Everyone agrees, what are you still hesitating about? Go find Old Zhou!" Thirteenth Master urged.
"Okay!" Ren Fan finally made up his mind, gripped the marriage contract tightly, and turned to leave. As
soon as he stepped out the door, Guiguzi immediately slammed the door shut.
"What exactly is Old Zhou's identity?" Murong Wei immediately asked, while only Xuan Yuanli was completely confused. What was going on? Murong Wei recounted the events of that night to him in general terms, but he still didn't understand. "Old Zhou has no reason to help the Emperor."
“What if he joins forces with the Emperor?” Guiguzi asked.
“If that’s the case, wouldn’t we be in danger now?” Xuan Yuanli exclaimed in alarm.
“Why are you so sure?” Murong Wei looked at Bai Wushang.
Bai Wushang glanced at Xuan Yuanli and said calmly, “Thirteen, you should have guessed this.”
“Me?” Xuan Yuanli was puzzled.
“When the late Emperor was young, he doted on Empress Dowager Li. In his old age, due to the struggle for the throne, Empress Dowager Dong framed him and sowed discord between the late Emperor and Li. Although Empress Dowager Dong was favored, she was only honored as Empress Dowager after the Emperor ascended the throne, because of her son. Even when Li fell out of favor, the late Emperor did not depose her or make your mother Empress. Why is that?” Bai Wushang asked.
“Because… my mother’s background is not as good as Li’s?” Xuan Yuanli said.
“Then do you know where your mother came from?” Bai Wushang asked again.
“You know?” Xuan Yuanli raised an eyebrow. How did this guy know something he didn’t even know?
“Here!” Murong Wei exclaimed in alarm, understanding now.
"That's right, this is the place, a maidservant by birth!" Bai Wushang smiled, enjoying the feeling of revealing a secret.
"A maidservant by birth! Wasn't she supposed to be an orphan from a noble family?" Xuan Yuanli was surprised.
"Hehe, the Xuan Yuan royal family isn't without in-laws. The Zhou family is one such in-law. Even the most powerful noble families decline with the change of the throne, but the Zhou family has remained standing." Bai Wushang said.
"So, Old Master Zhou is helping Xuan Yuanlie, and even the real mastermind behind the struggle for the throne is Zhou Xiaotian!" Xuan Yuanli narrowed his eyes, filled with hatred, and turned to leave. "I don't want to stay here anymore, let's go!"
Murong Wei quickly grabbed him. "Don't you want the hostage anymore?"
"Hostage?" Xuan Yuanli was taken aback.
"Didn't that brat Ren Fan go to marry her?" Guiguzi said drunkenly, having finished his entire gourd of wine.
Bai Wushang smiled without saying a word, put his arm around Murong Wei, and turned to leave.
"I'm going to sleep too, who knows, maybe I'll actually get to drink wedding wine tomorrow!" Guiguzi said, striding out the door, leaving Xuanyuan Li dumbfounded. These people... they're utterly rotten to the core!
That night, Guiguzi and Xuanyuan Li heard a fierce argument coming from the main hall, even sounds of fighting. Xuanyuan Li couldn't escape the noise all night, and Guiguzi, who had gone somewhere drinking again, was found drunk and asleep at his doorstep, as if he were there to guard the gate.
Bai Wushang and Murong Wei didn't have much time to rest. Murong Wei was diligently practicing her swordsmanship in the back mountain, while Bai Wushang and Liu Jian were studying the brocade map.
It was a map of the Divine Continent, but it didn't seem to indicate anything, as it was missing the quicksand section.
The Shang Kingdom had two totems, the Nanzhao Kingdom and the Han Kingdom each had one, but Xuanyuan had nothing, and the amount of quicksand missing was unknown.
“The Golden Treasure Box was obtained by the Shang Kingdom, and the Jade Box also came from the Shang Kingdom. This seems more like the maps for the lost Eightfold Treasure Boxes,” Bai Wushang said, frowning.
“So, Xuanyuan doesn’t have any, while Liuhan Kingdom and Nanzhao each have one, Shang Kingdom has two, and Liusha would have four?” Liu Jian asked calmly.
“There are two on the incomplete screen painting, one under each of the three Buddha statues, making three. We’re still missing one…” Bai Wushang hesitated, looking at the various boxes scattered on the screen painting. They had a Western Regions style, but were completely different from the Eightfold Treasure Boxes. These boxes were treasure boxes, scattered haphazardly throughout the painting, with no connection whatsoever.
They immediately ruled out the possibility that they were the Eightfold Treasure Boxes.
“I have already ordered people from all over to collect the ancient screen painting. Notify me immediately if there is any news,” Liu Jian said.
“Liu Jian, why is Xuanyuan empty? Do you think the tomb of Emperor Xuanyuan might be in Xuanyuan?” Bai Wushang leaned back lazily, biting his nails, and asked with a frown.
"Master, let's get the information first. Xuan Yuanlie and Elder Zhou are pursuing us very closely," Liu Jian said calmly. Only Bai Wushang understood the meaning behind his words. He smiled and said, "Let's go see how our big spender is doing."
...