[Wuxia] The Free and Easy Journey of the Tang Dynasty (Complete) - 11

page views:1 Publication date:2023-03-24

Chapter 34 Lost
in thought, Dugu Feng turned her head at the sound.
A slender, graceful figure, draped in a white gauze, stood beside her. Her beautiful face, like a gentle rain in a secluded mountain, held a faint smile tinged with warmth. The serene elegance, mixed with an extraordinary noble and holy aura, left an indelible mark on Dugu Feng.
"Your...Empress,"
Dugu Feng stammered, unsure how to begin.
"Why have you become so distant after a year?"
the woman beside her asked sweetly and politely, her tone teasing.
Dugu Feng was immediately embarrassed.
During her half-month stay in Lingnan last year, Dugu Feng had become quite familiar with Yuan Yueze's wives. After learning their identities, what surprised her most wasn't the Song Clan's daughter, whom the martial arts world was closely observing, or the daughter of the Flying Horse Ranch. It was Empress Xiao Bei, the former Empress of the Sui Dynasty who had reigned for nearly twenty years.
When Dugu Feng first saw Xiao Bei, she was only slightly stunned. She didn't understand how Xiao Bei had become Yuan Yueze's sister, let alone how she had become the officiant at the wedding. Song Que was, after all, of noble birth and the head of a clan. Although Xiao Bei's status was no longer important with the death of Yang Guang and the fall of the Sui Dynasty, her years of influence still commanded respect. Yet, when Dugu Feng saw the five elders seated at the head
of the table, none of them showed any unusual reaction. Four days after Yuan Yueze's wedding, Dugu Feng was taken by Song Yuzhi to 'Tingtao Xiaozhu' as a guest and saw Xiao Bei again. At this time, Xiao Bei seemed like a completely different person; her appearance and temperament had changed considerably. A thought instantly flashed through Dugu Feng's mind: Xiao Bei must have had an affair with Yuan Yueze. Because the Xiao Bei before her had changed so much, especially that complex, otherworldly temperament, which was remarkably similar to that of Yuan Yueze's eleven wives.
"He really knows how to mess around!"
Dugu Feng sighed inwardly at that moment. She then remembered that there was a mother and daughter at Yuan Yueze's house, and felt relieved. Lost in thought
again, Dugu Feng vaguely heard someone calling her and quickly snapped back to reality.
"Your Majesty... Sister, are you calling me?"
Dugu Feng remembered Xiao Bei forcing her to change her address that day, and quickly changed her form of address.
"Why do you seem so absent-minded? What are you daydreaming about?"
Xiao Bei looked at her curiously.
"N-nothing... I just came here to enjoy the scenery..."
Dugu Feng stammered, how could she dare say she had come to see Yuan Yueze!
"What scenery is worth seeing here?"
Xiao Bei had seen all sorts of situations. Seeing Dugu Feng's expression, she deduced her thoughts, smiled slightly, and turned her gaze to their family's residence not far away, speaking with a hint of teasing.
Upon seeing her expression, Dugu Feng became even more shy: "Feng'er hasn't left the house for a year, and having heard that my sisters have come to live in Luoyang, I came out today to visit them."
"Feng'er must want to see someone else, right? I don't have that much charm!"
Seeing her embarrassment, Xiao Bei found it amusing and teased her.
This former 'Queen Mother' was particularly good at teasing people. Although Dugu Feng was usually fiery and active, she had a guilty conscience and dared not continue talking to Xiao Bei, only hanging her head in silence.
"Alright, your young master Yuan is also thinking of you. If he wasn't afraid of making things difficult for you, he would have secretly gone to the palace to meet you long ago. Let's go inside."
Xiao Bei stopped teasing and took Dugu Feng's small hand, walking towards the courtyard.
"Would Young Master Yuan even think of me? How could that be? His wife, in terms of looks and temperament, is far superior to any of them."
Dugu Feng, being led by Xiao Bei, was lost in thought, her expression shifting between joy and dejection.
Fortunately, Xiao Bei was walking in front of her; otherwise, if he had seen this, who knows what teasing remarks he might have made.
"Light fur coat and long sword, a spirited horse and a wild song. Loyal heart and righteous courage, a magnificent landscape. What a wandering swordsman, daring to stand shoulder to shoulder with emperors. Tenderness and iron will, a promise worth a thousand pieces of gold. Before and after life, stirring up waves. What a magnificent figure, rich as clouds, what can you do to me? The flash of the sword is like a lament, like a song. A heart full of blood cannot exhaust the hero's true nature, two feet have shattered the vast desert and long river, three sighs, sighs, sighs, only for home and country, people from all directions sing
the song of heroic spirit." The two women entered the courtyard and heard Yuan Yueze's deep, magnetic voice echoing in the courtyard. The style, melody and rhythm were very different from the songs of this era. The bold and unrestrained lyrics were enough to make anyone fall in love.
Xiao Bei was already used to Yuan Yueze's singing. She pulled Dugu Feng, who was still in a daze and seemed to be intoxicated by the song, and quickly entered the room.
In the room, Yuan Yueze sat cross-legged on the floor, holding a guitar, his eyes closed, his body swaying slightly, seemingly still immersed in the music. Beside him, Susu lay on a long wicker chair, resting with her eyes closed, a half-open book resting against her chest, rising and falling with her long, gentle breaths. Her ethereal beauty was untouched by worldly makeup, as natural as towering mountains, her exquisitely beautiful lines revealed.
At this moment, Dugu Feng had only one thought: if anything in this world is eternal, then this scene before her was the only answer.
"Ah! Miss Dugu, why are you here with Bei'er? It's been so long!"
Yuan Yueze, after a moment of reverie, opened his eyes and saw Dugu Feng and Xiao Bei already seated at the small table. He quickly put down his guitar and spoke.
"You have the nerve to say that! If we were assassins, wouldn't you and Susu be in trouble?"
Xiao Bei scolded, giving Yuan Yueze a reproachful look and laughing.
As mentioned before, Yuan Yueze is exceptionally engrossed in whatever he does. While others struggle to achieve a state of complete absorption in any field, he can easily reach this level in almost any area he enjoys, such as music, martial arts, or cooking.
This state of mind is admirable, but its drawback is equally obvious: his vigilance drops remarkably low.
"Why has Miss Dugu come today? Has your family been giving you trouble?"
Yuan Yueze simply smiled at Xiao Bei's words. Who dared to kill him? Who had the ability to kill him?
"I..."
Dugu Feng softened upon seeing Yuan Yueze's clear, deep eyes. Having entered in a daze, she hadn't expected him to ask such a question. How should she answer?
"She must have missed you, you big bad guy!"
Su Su, who had also woken up, sat up, pulled Dugu Feng closer, and giggled.
Yuan Yueze couldn't quite explain his feelings for Dugu Feng that day. He simply felt a greater fondness for the pitiful women of this era. It wasn't just romantic love; there was also a touch of pity.
"Haha! Susu, don't make things difficult for her. Look how embarrassed she is!"
Yuan Yueze saw Dugu Feng's blushing face, like a ripe apple, yet unable to articulate the reason, and immediately understood, laughing heartily.
"Feng'er is here to thank you, young master,"
Dugu Feng blurted out.
"Miss, don't be so formal. I'm two years older than you; just call me 'Big Brother' if you don't mind,"
Yuan Yueze said, surprised by her answer.
"Big...Big Brother, don't be so formal. Just call me Feng'er,"
Dugu Feng replied softly, clearly displeased with Yuan Yueze's distant form of address. Hearing his words, she was immediately delighted.
"Then why does Feng'er thank her husband?"
Xiao Bei asked curiously.
The feud between Yuan Yueze and the Dugu clan was well-known to those on both sides. Although Yuan Yueze's wives could see Dugu Feng's intentions, Dugu Feng was undoubtedly caught in the middle, and likely the one who would determine the outcome of their relationship. Shan Meixian and Xiao Bei had decided not to take the initiative yet, but to see what the Dugu clan would do.
Now that Dugu Feng had come, Xiao Bei wanted to find out whether she was there for him or for her family.
"Uncle Ba has decided to shave his head in a few days. His elder brother's punishment made him realize that his past crimes were heinous. Out of gratitude for not killing him, and to atone for his sins, he has decided to become a monk. Feng'er thinks this is the best outcome for him, so she thanks her elder brother for his kindness,"
Dugu Feng said cheerfully, her tone completely unpretentious.
Yuan Yueze was ashamed upon hearing this; how could he be as good as Dugu Feng made her out to be? They didn't kill Dugu Ba back then because killing him would be too easy. Only through mental torture could they inflict greater pain on him. Who knew it would create a monk who had achieved complete enlightenment!
Seeing Yuan Yueze's somewhat embarrassed expression, Su Su smiled and said, "There's no need for these words anymore. Feng'er, did you come here today for the family or for yourself?"
Su Su's simple and direct question made Dugu Feng blush immediately, and she lowered her head, unsure of how to answer.
Xiao Bei was secretly delighted, because Dugu Feng's behavior indicated that she was moved by love and had come to see Yuan Yueze. The reason of thanking Yuan Yueze was just an excuse she had made up on the spot.
"Feng'er, don't be shy. Actually, your husband also has feelings for you, but you should know the hatred between our family and your family... Your husband was afraid that you would be in a difficult position, so he hasn't made any move yet,"
Xiao Bei said.
Hearing Xiao Bei's words, Dugu Feng immediately became even more shy, and sighed inwardly, "Why is everyone in their family so direct?"
Of course, she was aware of the complicated relationship between her family and Yuan Yueze's family. Xiao Bei's words carried a hidden meaning, and Dugu Feng was also puzzled as to why her elders' attitudes had changed so drastically. Could they be using her? But then she recalled her father's loving and dignified expression, and Dugu Feng felt it didn't seem fake.
But even if they were using her, so what? How many young ladies from wealthy families in this era had the right to choose their own love? If she could gain Yuan Yueze's affection, wouldn't that be the best of both worlds? But that seemed too unfair to Yuan Yueze. His clear eyes revealed his inner simplicity and gentleness; wasn't that also using Yuan Yueze? A feeling of guilt and unease arose, and Dugu Feng's pretty face became unnatural.
"Feng'er, don't worry about anything. Your husband can't bear to part with such a beautiful woman like you!"
Su Su teased, seeing her strange expression.
Speaking of her looks, Dugu Feng immediately felt embarrassed. Yuan Yueze had twelve wives, each seemingly a celestial being descended to earth. His wives were the most popular topic of conversation in Luoyang's teahouses and taverns. Because the women always wore heavy veils, outsiders could only discern their figures and eyes, naturally不敢露过性眼神 (daring not to look too forward) in the face of their sacred aura. Yet, behind their backs, they gossiped wildly—it was a man's instinct.
Dugu Feng was indeed one of the most beautiful women in Luoyang, even holding her own against the "Twin Beauties of Luoyang." But compared to Yuan Yueze's wives, Dugu Feng paled in
comparison. Having witnessed Xiao Bei's transformation, Dugu Feng had long suspected Yuan Yueze was the key. Thinking deeper, she suspected it might be a secret within their private quarters. Dugu Feng had considered this more than once, and each time she thought of it, she would involuntarily blush. No matter how bold and lively she was, she was still a virgin.
"Sister, you're joking. How could Feng'er's beauty compare to yours? Only someone like the 'Sword-Wielding Fairy' is worthy of Big Brother!"
The human tendency to compare will never disappear, and this mentality is even more pronounced in women. Thinking of the two women before her, like fairies stepping out of a painting, Dugu Feng's jealousy would erupt uncontrollably, and she said sourly.
"Feng'er, you've also heard about the 'Sword-Wielding Fairy'?"
Yuan Yueze asked with a strange smile.
Although she couldn't understand Yuan Yueze's smile, Dugu Feng nodded: "News from Bashu a month ago said that the 'Sword Fairy,' who had been silent for over a year, reappeared in Bashu, seemingly with several disciples. In Chengdu, she killed Xi Ying, one of the 'Eight Great Masters of the Demonic Sect,' known as the 'Heavenly Lord,' who had just emerged from seclusion and whose martial arts were at their peak, in less than ten moves. This became another major event shaking the martial arts world after the 'world-shaking battle' in Lingnan a year ago. Rumor has it that the 'Sword Fairy' is a celestial being descended to earth to uphold justice, sent specifically to eliminate evil people."
Dugu Feng recounted in detail.
"Pfft!"
Su Su couldn't help but burst into laughter, completely disregarding her image.
"Does Feng'er really believe that there are celestial beings descended to earth?"
Yuan Yueze asked with a smile, seeing Dugu Feng looking at Su Su with a puzzled expression.
“I’ve never seen her myself! I’ve only heard the legend. I heard that Du Fuwei and Ren Shaoming witnessed the ‘Sword-Wielding Fairy’ in action back in Danyang. Ren Shaoming was killed by her in just a few moves because he disrespected her beauty. It’s said that the fairy’s sword-wielding skills are extraordinary, and the sword seems to have eyes and moves at her will. That’s why she’s called the ‘Sword-Wielding Fairy.’ Now she’s someone whose reputation in the martial arts world is comparable to my brother’s! That Xi Ying must have lost his head because he disrespected the fairy.”
Dugu Feng, who had loved martial arts since childhood, looked on with admiration and longing.
“Haha!”
Su Su laughed so hard her stomach almost cramped.
“Why are you laughing, Sister Su Su? What Feng’er said is true! Haven’t you heard this news?”
Dugu Feng was increasingly puzzled and then asked.
"Could it be..."
Dugu Feng noticed Yuan Yueze and Xiao Bei suppressing their laughter, and her quick wit immediately kicked in. Considering the mystery surrounding Yuan Yueze's family and the beauty and demeanor of his wife, a thought suddenly occurred to her, and she exclaimed in surprise.
Yuan Yueze nodded to her, and Dugu Feng immediately covered her mouth in astonishment, her large eyes filled with surprise.
Although she had been in contact with Yuan Yueze's family for some time, she had never seen any of his wives fight. The internal energy within Yuan Yueze's family members had become increasingly powerful, far beyond the perception of ordinary experts. Furthermore, most people's attention was drawn to their beauty and charisma upon first meeting them, leaving no room for other considerations. Therefore, Dugu Feng had assumed they were at most ordinary experts.
"Stay here for now. I'll tell you what you need to know slowly; it's too much to explain in a short time,"
Xiao Bei comforted her, seeing Dugu Feng's surprised and curious expression.
With her family's indulgence, Dugu Feng was naturally happy to stay. Leaving aside the fact that she could live with this family full of mystery, the mere thought of learning about Yuan Yueze's secrets was enough to tempt her.
※※※※※ Four days later.
As dusk settled, in the south of Dongping City, at Yuexiu Manor.
Outside the expansive manor gates, carriages and horses bustled about, a lively scene indeed. Inside and outside the gates, lights shone brightly, figures moved about, and laughter could be heard everywhere.
The manor's owner, Wang Tong, was a renowned scholar of his time. In terms of learning, no one in the world could surpass him; in terms of martial arts, he was implicitly among the ranks of masters like Zhai Rang, Dou Jiande, Du Fuwei, Ouyang Xiyi, and the heads of the four powerful clans.
Wang Tong was eccentric by nature. After achieving fame at the age of thirty, he never fought with anyone. He abandoned martial arts for literature, not teaching martial arts but only gathering disciples to lecture, and he wrote extensively. His most celebrated works were the *Yuan Jing*, modeled after the *Spring and Autumn Annals*, and the *Zhong Shuo*, modeled after the *Analects*, which he declared his ambition: "I have no place in the world to go, no place to follow, only the Way."
The vast garden, spanning a hundred acres, was brightly lit with lanterns, as if it were daytime, adorned with colorful decorations, and a hundred tables were set up for a banquet. The guests were all wealthy and noble, making it a lively and extraordinary occasion. Across the street from the mansion gate, a crowd of at least several hundred people, eager to watch the spectacle but unable to enter, had gathered. Before the banquet had truly begun, everyone was chatting and laughing in small groups.
Inside the main hall of the mansion, the atmosphere was even more intense, with everyone excitedly discussing Shi Qingxuan's flute playing and the mysterious Yuan Yueze, acting as if they were all experts on this man and woman.
Three men sat in four luxurious rosewood chairs atop the steps, while the others stood to the side, further emphasizing their status.
The man in the middle, with his white hair and beard, possessed a commanding presence, yet his clothes were tattered. Even seated, his imposing stature and imposing presence were palpable. Another man, dressed in a long robe, with graying temples, suggested he was quite old, but his appearance was that of a middle-aged man. He exuded a refined and elegant air, giving off an otherworldly aura. Accompanying the two men was a middle-aged man who appeared to be a high-ranking official, very imposing and giving the impression of shrewdness and competence.
“Old Wang, please don’t blame me, but it was truly difficult to invite Young Master Yuan. All I could do was deliver the invitation on your behalf,”
Wang Shichong
said with a smile. “To be honest, I only thought of inviting him out of curiosity. Since he agreed, he should come. Perhaps he doesn’t like such lively occasions!”
Wang Tong glanced helplessly at the empty chair beside him and laughed heartily.
"Brother Yuan is quite interesting. I met him once at Brother Shichong's banquet. He is indeed a generous and unrestrained man, full of passion and integrity,"
Ouyang Xiyi laughed.
"Where is Yuan Yueze!"
A deep voice rang out, containing domineering internal energy that could be heard within a hundred feet.
Following the sound, a tall and handsome man stood on the roof ridge. Although his face was slightly long and narrow, his features were distinct, as perfect as a marble statue. His skin was smoother than a girl's, yet he did not have any effeminate air. On the contrary, his sharp eyes gave him a powerful and domineering masculine charm. He had a red cloth tied around his forehead, and under his plain blue robe was a tight-fitting yellow warrior's outfit, plus a leather vest, which made him appear even broader in shoulders and narrower in waist. A sword and a knife hung at each of his waists. He was about twenty-four or twenty-five years old, with an extremely imposing appearance.
Everyone in the courtyard was attracted by this man above and quietly observed him.
Hearing his domineering and arrogant tone, the three men at the table turned cold, realizing he must have come with ill intentions; good people don't come. However, all three were seasoned veterans, and their expressions changed in an instant.
Upon hearing the voice, Wang Shichong lowered his head, took a sip of tea, and as his head drooped, a strange smile appeared on his lips.
"Haha..."
A loud laugh rang out from Wang Tong's mouth: "Are you perhaps the rising star of the Turkic youth known as 'Lone Wolf' on the northern grasslands, Ba Feng Han?"
The handsome man smiled coldly, completely disregarding the gazes of the crowd, and clasped his hands, saying loudly, "That's right! I am Ba Feng Han. I came to the Central Plains a year ago with the purpose of exchanging skills with the martial arts masters of the Central Plains to improve my martial arts. I have come to the Prince's Mansion this time because I heard that the world-renowned Yuan Yueze will also be here. Therefore, please forgive my rudeness!"
"That sounds nice! Did you come to the Central Plains to escape the pursuit of the 'Martial Venerable' Bi Xuan's disciples?"
Ouyang Xiyi was very dissatisfied with Ba Feng Han's attitude and also spoke sarcastically.
"If Yuan Yueze doesn't come tonight, then I might be a little interested in you, Ouyang Xiyi."
Ba Feng Han was not angry at all, and glanced coldly at Ouyang Xiyi.
"Here he comes!"
Ouyang Xiyi, his anger rising, was about to reply when a soft, melodious voice rang out from outside the door.
Everyone turned to look, then parted like a tidal wave, clearing a large space near the door. All eyes were on the entrance, tense with anticipation.
News of Wang Tong's invitation to Yuan Yueze had practically spread throughout Dongping.
"Boss, is it Young Master Yuan?"
someone in the crowd was already excited.
"Shh, shh, keep your voice down,"
someone else said impatiently.
A purple figure slowly appeared in the doorway, tall and imposing, with crystal-clear skin and a flawless face. His composed demeanor and slightly azure eyes, like a deep, unfathomable pool, possessed a captivating, enchanting charm. His ethereal, otherworldly aura was utterly captivating. A gentle night breeze stirred, causing his long robe to billow in the wind, exuding an air of effortless elegance.
Yuan Yueze, sword in his left hand and a cardboard box in his right, ignored the stares of the crowd and walked directly to the three men on the steps. He nodded and said, "I'm late, you three have been waiting for me."
Wang Tong, seeing Yuan Yueze for the first time, was slightly taken aback by his impolite words before bursting into laughter: "Young Brother Yuan, you truly despise etiquette as Brother Xiyi said. I've humbled myself to meet such a legendary figure today. You are indeed a dragon among men, a rare talent!"
"No need for formalities. This is my gift, please accept it."
Yuan Yueze handed over the cardboard box.
Wang Tong quickly accepted it and thanked him.
Opening the box, he took out a transparent glass bottle, uncorked it, and a rich aroma of wine quickly spread out, making everyone's stomachs rumble. The crowd's attention, which had been on the glass bottle, was immediately drawn to the wine.
"You are Yuan Yueze?"
Ba Feng Han, annoyed that Yuan Yueze didn't even look at him, said coldly.
"What brings you here?"
Yuan Yueze glanced up at Ba Feng Han and said calmly.
"I, Ba Feng Han, am a martial arts fanatic. How could I let someone like you slip by? I've come today to learn from you!"
Ba Feng Han leaped down from the roof and walked a few steps to the bottom of the steps, raising his head to speak.
Yuan Yueze smiled slightly, took a few steps forward, cupped his hands, and said loudly, "Please enlighten me."
A smug look flashed in Wang Shichong's eyes.
The people in the courtyard were extremely excited: they had finally seen this legendary figure in person, and indeed, his appearance and temperament were impeccable. Regarding his strength, they had heard of his earth-shattering roar four years ago, and later there were rumors that he had lost all his power, and that he had once fought with 'Heavenly Blade'. However, very few people had actually seen him fight. Although there were rumors about him in the Wagang Army, they became more and more fantastical, with various versions of the story. Therefore, people had only been able to imagine it all along. Now, they were able to witness him fight with their own eyes, and everyone present was eagerly anticipating it.
Yuan Yueze and Ba Feng Han arrived at an open space of over fifty zhang (approximately 33 meters) cleared by the surrounding guests, arranged by Wang Tong.
Ba Feng Han looked at Yuan Yueze, who was about three zhang (approximately 10 meters) in front of him. A smile played on his lips, but his eyes flashed with a chilling light from time to time.
A strange look flashed in Yuan Yueze's eyes, and he said, "Brother Ba, you must have arrived in the Central Plains a year ago. What have you experienced during this time?"
Yuan Yueze hadn't been present when Ba Feng Han was talking with Wang Tong and the others, so upon hearing Yuan Yueze's words, he was taken aback for a moment before laughing, "That's right, Brother Yuan is actually concerned about my whereabouts. However, when I first entered the Central Plains, I was ambushed by a group of mysterious people. To recover from my injuries, I went into seclusion for nine months."
Yuan Yueze nodded in sudden understanding, his eyes narrowed, and he extended his left hand in a gesture of invitation, saying calmly, "I see. Please make your move."
The smile on Ba Feng Han's lips vanished abruptly, replaced by a solemn expression. His hands, hidden behind his back, pulled up the hem of his outer robe, gripping the hilt of his sword and the handle of his saber, making it unclear whether he intended to use a saber, a sword, or both.
The instant Yuan Yueze reached out, Ba Feng Han clearly felt Yuan Yueze's aura envelop him, Yuan Yueze's narrowed eyes seemingly able to see through Ba Feng Han's every thought.
The mental pressure mounting forced Ba Feng Han to take the initiative, lest he be defeated before the battle even began.
"Clang!"
In an instant, Ba Feng Han's saber was drawn, transforming into a long rainbow, launching his attack.
Yuan Yueze smiled faintly, not even glancing at Ba Feng Han's fierce saber strike. His left hand, without drawing its longsword, calmly swung it.
Ba Feng Han, Wang Shichong, Wang Tong, and Ouyang Xiyi were immediately taken aback.
Yuan Yueze's simple action, to them, seemed completely illogical.
Because they clearly sensed that although Yuan Yueze's movement occurred after Ba Feng Han's, all four felt that the distance Yuan Yueze's sword traveled must have exceeded that of Ba Feng Han's blade when he made his move.
This meant that Yuan Yueze's sword had broken through the limitations of time, allowing him to strike first despite being behind.
This was truly bizarre, yet the feeling was incredibly real.
"Clang!"
After a clear sound, Yuan Yueze's clothes fluttered lightly a few times, and he remained motionless.
Ba Feng Han suddenly took two steps back, standing with his blade horizontally.
"Your cultivation is truly astonishing, to be able to strike first despite being behind!"
Ba Feng Han praised.
How could Yuan Yueze's cultivation have stagnated over the past year, especially after witnessing the great battle between Song Que and Fu Cailin? His gains were extraordinary.
Although Ba Feng Han admitted that he was at a disadvantage in the first move, he remained calm and composed, with a smile on his face, and his body remained stable and strong. Therefore, no one felt that he had been forced back by his opponent.
He clearly felt the pressure from Yuan Yueze's aura, and thus tried his best to overcome and shake it off.
Wang Shichong and Wang Tong exchanged glances, not only seeing the shock in each other's eyes but also the murderous intent that had arisen.
They were shocked by Yuan Yueze's abilities and also by the fact that Ba Feng Han could hold his own under Yuan Yueze's locked-on attack.
Wang Tong's murderous intent was simple: Ba Feng Han was an outsider, and if this boy wasn't eliminated, he would surely become a great threat in the future.
Wang Shichong's murderous intent was much more complex, partly targeting Ba Feng Han, but mostly targeting Yuan Yueze.
Ouyang Xiyi was extremely impressed by the exquisite sword strike Yuan Yueze had just delivered. Suddenly noticing that Wang Shichong's aura was a bit off, he glanced at him and then thoughtfully looked at Ba Feng Han. Based on his ability to judge people, he knew that this boy was a naturally ruthless and cold-blooded individual, and his cultivation was not simple either. If such a person were to commit evil, he would be the most destructive. At that moment, a murderous intent also arose in his heart.
All three hoped Yuan Yueze could defeat Ba Feng Han, as they could tell from their eyes that Yuan Yueze was far superior.
"Hmph!" Ba Feng Han
snorted coldly and launched another attack, his longsword slashing straight at Yuan Yueze's shoulder from the upper right.
Yuan Yueze felt the fierce aura emanating from the blade, his eyes suddenly flashing with divine light. He flicked his thumb against the hilt of his sword, drawing it an inch and a half from its sheath to meet the longsword. To outsiders, this sword strike appeared unremarkable, but in reality, it was a masterful feat, possessing the ability to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary.
Ba Feng Han's eyes gleamed, his feet moving with strange footwork, only a few feet apart, making it seem as if he wasn't attacking in a straight line, but constantly changing angle and direction, yet simultaneously appearing to be advancing in a straight line. This indescribable feeling gave the onlookers a headache.
Yuan Yueze smiled slightly.
Before the swords even touched, Ba Feng Han drew his sword and dodged, and at what he deemed the perfect moment, he slashed fiercely at Yuan Yueze's chest.
Seeing that the blade was about to pierce Yuan Yueze, Yuan Yueze's only option was to retreat. However, Ba Feng Han believed that, given a martial artist's pride, Yuan Yueze would never retreat. Therefore, there was only one outcome: Yuan Yueze would be struck.
Yuan Yueze indeed wouldn't retreat, but not because of any martial artist's pride.
A look of horror suddenly flashed in Wang Shichong's eyes as he watched the battle.
Yuan Yueze vanished into thin air, appearing as if emerging from the ground a few inches to Ba Feng Han's left front, not only dodging Ba Feng Han's blade but also ramming his shoulder directly into Ba Feng Han's left shoulder.
"Bang!"
Ba Feng Han was knocked back several steps, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth.
"Excellent swordsmanship, excellent footwork!"
Ba Feng Han shouted, drawing his longsword. Using his strange footwork, he lunged forward, unleashing eight consecutive sword strikes, each from a different angle, with varying force, sweeping around Yuan Yueze.
Yuan Yueze remained motionless.
He was waiting for Ba Feng Han to build up his momentum.
As expected, a perfectly executed slash swept horizontally towards Yuan Yueze midway through the Eight Swords.
Blade light flashed, sword energy filled the air.
The onlookers were immediately struck by Ba Feng Han's power, yet puzzled as to why Yuan Yueze remained motionless.
"Clang!"
Yuan Yueze's long hair suddenly danced against the wind, his thumb flicking again, drawing his longsword two feet from its sheath. The hilt, like an arrow released from a bow, transformed into two long rainbows, one above and one below , meeting the attack.
In the instant the clear sound rang out, everything in heaven and earth seemed to vanish, even Yuan Yueze's figure became blurry. The only thing clear was the half-drawn sword.
Suddenly, everyone's hearts pounded, for the two bolts of lightning slowed instantly, inexplicably so. The sudden change in speed made it seem as if only vomiting blood could bring some relief.
Ba Feng Han's sword light grew brighter and brighter, almost blinding.
"Clang, clang!"
After two crisp sounds, the surroundings returned to calm.
Everyone looked towards the arena.
Pale-faced, with even more blood staining his nostrils and mouth, Ba Feng Han's hands hung limply, his gaze somewhat vacant as he looked at Yuan Yueze.
Yuan Yueze stood half a foot in front of Ba Feng Han, his right hand behind his back, his left hand gripping the scabbard, the half-drawn sword resting against Ba Feng Han's neck.
"Go ahead!"
Ba Feng Han's tone was devoid of any weakness, his gaze towards Yuan Yueze filled with unwavering determination and resolute resolve. For someone like him who made his living through martial arts, dying in battle was far better than admitting defeat.
How could Yuan Yueze kill him? The person Yuan Yueze was determined to kill had to be someone with whom he had a grudge.
Before Yuan Yueze could even withdraw his sword and speak, a mysterious flute melody drifted in, seemingly both near and far. The melody was extremely wondrous, unpredictable, with no fixed tune, as if it were an impromptu creation. The breath between notes, the transitions between phrases, were seamlessly conveyed through the flute's melody. Even with interruptions, the listener felt an endless, lingering, and poignant connection. The skill and mastery of the flute had truly reached the pinnacle of flute artistry.
As the flute's notes soared and generous, then sank and murmured, reaching infinite heights and endless depths, everyone was captivated.
Yuan Yueze gently withdrew his longsword, listening quietly.
Ba Fenghan, on the other hand, seemed lost in thought, completely oblivious to his surroundings. The flute's notes, initially hesitant and fragmented, became a persistent, lingering melody, yet softening and becoming more delicate. Though filling every inch of the still, silent courtyard, it possessed an ethereal, unpredictable quality emanating from an infinite distance. The enchanting music was like a celestial melody murmuring in a mysterious, solitary realm, stirring up deep-seated pain and joy in everyone, evoking unbearable sorrows, worthy of lamentation and reflection.
The xiao (vertical bamboo flute) melody shifted again, and a deeply restrained passion blossomed through the bright, clear notes, as if gently whispering the stories in everyone's heart.
The magic didn't stop there; the flowers in the garden seemed moved by the xiao's sound, their buds bursting open, releasing their fragrance. Humans are not plants or trees; how could they be without feelings? The heavenly music touched the deepest emotions and thoughts within, captivating everyone. Wandering in the gentle waves of sound,
regardless of their stance—enemies or friends—everyone became a part of this harmonious world of perfect harmony, without distinction.
After the xiao's melody faded, no one in the hall could speak.
Seeing many people around him with tears streaming down their faces, Yuan Yueze was curious. The xiao's sound was indeed heavenly, but compared to Shan Meixian's zither playing, it always seemed to lack something. Glancing at Wang Shichong, he saw that Wang Shichong, too, seemed to have been stirred by some painful past, tears streaming down his face.
While Yuan Yueze was pondering, Wang Tong and Ouyang Xiyi were already calling for Shi Qingxuan to come out and meet them.
"It's better not to meet than to meet. Qingxuan, following her mother's dying wish, has come to play a tune for you two. Now that this matter is settled, Qingxuan will depart."
A sweet, gentle female voice, indescribable in words, entered the hall.
After a pause, it continued, "Young Master Yuan, would you mind stepping aside to speak with Qingxuan?"
These words immediately caused a stir in the hall; people expressed a variety of emotions, yet dared not show them.
Yuan Yueze's expression was slightly strange. He glanced at Wang Shichong, who was still reminiscing about the past, nodded to Wang Tong and the other man, and flew towards the direction from which Shi Qingxuan's voice came.
The silent Ba Feng Han had been moved by the flute music; his usually cold face showed a rare, subtle expression of bitterness, as if recalling unbearable past events. He recovered after a long while.
Today's blow was too great for him. Disheartened and disappointed, he turned and left, his back looking incredibly lonely and desolate.
"Our experiences are different, don't be discouraged. If you're interested in the future, we can fight again!"
Yuan Yueze's voice, already a hundred feet away, reached Ba Feng Han's ears.
Ba Feng Han paused, his eyes flashing brightly. He wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, glanced back in the direction Yuan Yueze had disappeared, and then laughed loudly as he left.
※※※※※ A grove of trees several miles behind Yuexiu Manor.
Yuan Yueze followed the sound and rushed towards it. He didn't need any kind of aura sensing to find Shi Qingxuan; the telepathic connection between them was enough to find her.
Entering the forest, a dreamlike, idyllic scene instantly filled Yuan Yueze's eyes. Under a sapphire-blue night sky, in the lush pine forest, the verdant pine branches swayed gently in the breeze. Golden moonlight filtered through every gap in the branches, softly scattering the tenderness of the moonlit night. Shi Qingxuan, beautiful as if a fairy born of heaven, sat gracefully on a tree branch, holding a jade flute as if cradled by the bright moon. Her deep, clear eyes, bright as stars, seemed to hold a thousand unspoken words, yet she knew not to whom they were spoken, as she gazed at Yuan Yueze who had entered the woods.
"We meet again,"
Yuan Yueze said with a smile, also gazing at the beautiful woman on the treetop.
"Qingxuan hasn't yet congratulated you on your wedding, young master!"
Shi Qingxuan gracefully descended from the treetop like a butterfly, approaching Yuan Yueze, her beautiful eyes fixed on him, her breath sweet as orchids, her voice playful.
As she gracefully approached, her long, flowing hair swaying in the breeze, and the sweet, intoxicating fragrance wafting towards him, Yuan Yueze, completely captivated, was caught off guard by her words. He awkwardly scratched his head and said, "Hehe, I always thought you preferred a secluded life. If I had known you were interested, I would have personally come to 'Youlin Xiaozhu' to fetch you for the wedding."
Shi Qingxuan was also taken aback. "You seem to know everything."
Very few people knew the location of Huanglong's 'Youlin Xiaozhu,' hence her comment.
"I know a lot, and I don't know a lot, like your measurements,"
Yuan Yueze said with a wicked smile, his mind racing as he uttered such a flippant remark.
"What are measurements?"
Shi Qingxuan, having noticed his wicked smile, still asked curiously.
Yuan Yueze laughed loudly, gesturing with his hands to his body. He wasn't bold enough to dare lay a hand on Shi Qingxuan.
Seeing his gestures, Shi Qingxuan's pretty face immediately turned bright red, and she said coquettishly, "You...you actually...Qingxuan will never talk to you again."
As soon as she finished speaking, both of them were stunned. Wasn't this a scene of a woman flirting with her beloved?
This ambiguous atmosphere lingered between them for a long time. Shi Qingxuan became increasingly embarrassed, while Yuan Yueze took the opportunity to feast his eyes. The beautiful woman's embarrassed and shy demeanor, as fragrant as an orchid blooming
after a spring rain, was truly breathtaking. After a long while, Shi Qingxuan finally forced herself to calm down, turned around, and sat down on a nearby rock. Her dreamlike eyes fixed on Yuan Yueze, and she slowly said, "Qingxuan came today to thank you, young master."
"Thank you for what?"
Yuan Yueze asked, somewhat confused.
"Thank you, Madam, for killing Uncle Yue's sworn enemy, 'Heavenly Lord' Xi Ying."
Shi Qingxuan's eyes unconsciously welled with remembrance and affection as she spoke of Yue Shan.
"How do you know it was my wife who killed him?"
Yuan Yueze asked curiously.
"Because people can guess! The 'Sword-Wielding Fairy' that's been rumored outside must be one of your many wives. People have personally witnessed your wife and her sword-wielding skills, and after thinking about it carefully, they understand."
Shi Qingxuan smiled.
After saying this, she herself was somewhat puzzled: she never spoke to outsiders in such a tone, let alone to a man!
"I may have many flaws, but there's one thing I'm proud of: honesty. I won't lie to you anymore, it was indeed my wife who killed Xi Ying."
Yuan Yueze nodded.
"But didn't your family already live in Luoyang? Why did your Madam come to Bashu?"
Shi Qingxuan seemed to appreciate Yuan Yueze's honesty, and smiled.
"Those women couldn't stand staying here any longer and wanted to travel at sea. I didn't stop them. I suppose they must have run into that short-lived Xi Ying in Sichuan!"
Yuan Yueze said with a smile.
Shi Qingxuan didn't say anything more, but nodded with an appreciative expression.
Yuan Yueze was remarkably different from people of this era. Just considering his views on gender equality and mutual respect between husband and wife, it was enough to earn the admiration of women everywhere. He wouldn't restrict his lover's freedom; as long as she wasn't harming anyone, she could do whatever she wanted.
Yuan Yueze suddenly asked, "Why are you performing at Elder Wang's residence, young lady? Shouldn't you have been performing around this time last year?"
According to the original story, Shi Qingxuan's appearance in Dongping should indeed have been last year, before Yang Guang's death. That's why Yuan Yueze asked why Ba Feng Han was there. Was it all just a coincidence?
Shi Qingxuan was taken aback, a hint of shyness and slyness flashing quickly in her beautiful eyes. She smiled and said, "Last year, Qingxuan was traveling abroad. When she saw Elder Wang's invitation, it was already too late, so she postponed her visit for a year. But you are really capable, knowing such trivial matters?"
Yuan Yueze couldn't explain to her at the moment, so he smiled awkwardly and said, "It's a long story. I'll explain it to you later."
After a moment, Shi Qingxuan sighed, "Qingxuan originally intended to give you the secret manual left by Uncle Yue as a token of gratitude, but then I thought that you are incredibly capable and have no need for such things. However, I don't want to owe you a favor."
"Repaying your kindness is not difficult. Just promise me one thing, young lady,"
Yuan Yueze replied simply, knowing that Shi Qingxuan had kept her heart closed for too long and rarely revealed her feelings to outsiders.
Shi Qingxuan seemed to have misunderstood something. Two red clouds rose from her jade-like figure as she whispered, "Then what is it you want me to say? How can I answer you if I can't do it?"
Yuan Yueze, momentarily distracted by her beauty, laughed loudly, "I want you to tell me not to take unnecessary risks, like killing those four scoundrels from the Demon Sect. If you trust me, leave it to me. Perhaps you're thinking of something else?"
Hearing Yuan Yueze's concerned words, Shi Qingxuan nodded slightly, then feigned anger, "Do you enjoy putting people in awkward situations?"
Yuan Yueze quickly apologized, "Just kidding, please don't take it to heart. Such a beautiful scene, wouldn't it be a waste if you didn't play a tune?"
"Greedy!"
Shi Qingxuan smiled and gave Yuan Yueze a reproachful look. Turning her pretty face away, she revealed her stunningly beautiful profile, slowly raising her jade flute, her slender fingers pressing the air hole, her posture indescribably beautiful.
As the sound of the xiao (vertical flute) began, a myriad of indescribable feelings spread throughout Yuan Yueze's body, a feeling akin to sitting on a cloud.
Suddenly, he realized that his surroundings had transformed into a self-contained kingdom, an independent and closed world. Anywhere outside the borders of this kingdom had no connection to him anymore.
Even with all the words in the world, he couldn't describe even a fraction of the feeling and imaginative space bestowed by Shi Qingxuan's xiao music. The xiao's sound was like a lament from the infinite depths of the soul, melodious and poignant. Completely unrestricted by any known melodies or clichés, it almost instinctively connected with all the moving and wondrous sounds of the world, masterfully leading you into its enchanting musical world. It also allowed the listener to step into the forbidden realm of the soul, a realm usually unattainable or too dangerous to tread.
The melody was ever-changing. At its highest and most uplifting points, it seemed to emanate from beyond the heavens. At its lowest and most subdued points, it was like a deep, unfathomable abyss. The transitions between notes were seamless, without the slightest flaw.
Compared to the sound of her flute, all words seemed empty and powerless. The captivating music stirred deep-seated emotions, making them impossible to suppress. Yuan Yueze stared blankly at her solo flute performance, a surge of tenderness and admiration welling up within him. The flute music revealed the deepest bewilderment and loneliness in the jade-like woman's heart, soaring in some lost wasteland. In the vast, mysterious, and winding musical paradise, Yuan Yueze's imagination was led to extend infinitely, sometimes seemingly transcending the limitations of life and death, sometimes seemingly unable to escape the labyrinth of emotions.
From the warm family she had since childhood to the passing of her mother, Shi Qingxuan's tragic life was like an endless nightmare, images flashing through Yuan Yueze's mind one after another. Yuan Yueze's emotions and the flute music were closely intertwined, like masters sparring, advancing side by side, bravely venturing into the infinite depths of the jade-like woman's heart. A moving melody emerged, crystal clear like dewdrops glistening on a lotus leaf, then, as if the sky had collapsed, darkness descended, and the stars adorning the boundless sky seemed to weep tears of blood.
Suddenly, the flute's melody shifted abruptly. A series of hoarse, low notes resounded from the jade flute, its tone deliberately overflowing, producing a worn, trembling timbre, containing a strange, eerie power that conveyed the heavy, suppressed pain within her heart.
The melody shifted again, sinking lower and lower, leading to a nightmare-like, inescapable abyss of darkness, drawing the listener into a desolate abyss of despair.
The melody then seemed to break off, as if exhausted, no longer controllable. The jade flute appeared to rely solely on its own strength, transforming its remaining life into a final, desperate lament.
Yuan Yueze could clearly feel his entire soul trembling with the melody, Shi Qingxuan's heartbreaking past transforming into a torrent of blood and tears.
The sound of the flute had ceased sometime earlier, and Yuan Yueze gazed up at the deep starry sky.
Time seemed to stand still when a small, cool hand brushed across his handsome face, gently wiping away his tears. A slightly trembling voice said, "A real man shouldn't cry. Aren't you ashamed if word gets out?"
Yuan Yueze remained silent, letting her wipe his tears, still gazing at the boundless sky.
Shi Qingxuan wasn't offended by Yuan Yueze's attitude, and sighed softly, "This is the first time Qingxuan has wholeheartedly dedicated herself to another person. For some reason, seeing you makes Qingxuan want to open her heart."
"I'm not crying for myself. Although I've never seen my parents, I've never been sad, because they owe me nothing. I saw in the flute music a little girl, orphaned at a young age, suffering hardship, lacking parental love, her lonely heart bleeding with tears, each note a accusation."
Yuan Yueze's gaze shifted to Shi Qingxuan, his eyes filled with sorrow, and he spoke softly.
Shi Qingxuan could no longer hold back her tears; the deepest wounds in her heart were triggered, gushing forth like a torrent.
Yuan Yueze instinctively pulled the beautiful woman, now sitting beside him, into his arms, gently comforting her.
There was no romantic love between them.
The woman before him was simply someone who had suffered immense emotional trauma, experiencing the true meaning of life in her own way. Others might think she was escaping, but in reality, she wasn't avoiding the world; she was engaging with it. She wanted to escape the conflicts and troubles of the world, to have the most intimate contact with nature, and to experience the beauty that others had no time to appreciate.
The relationship between the two was extremely subtle. Even when Yuan Yueze was studying, he hadn't felt much for this beauty, after all, she had a happy ending.
But after seeing her with his own eyes and hearing her accusatory flute music, Yuan Yueze realized how ignorant he had been before.
Even the flood of tears eventually runs dry. Shi Qingxuan realized her lapse in composure, hurriedly pushing Yuan Yueze away and straightening up, but not daring to look up at him. She whispered, "Qingxuan has lost her composure."
"There's no such thing as losing composure or not. In this life, all we seek is freedom and ease. Cry when you want to cry, laugh when you want to laugh. Things can't always go as planned, but we should strive to have a clear conscience,"
Yuan Yueze said with a smile.
His cheerful smile and infectious energy were extraordinary.
Influenced by him, a pure smile appeared on Shi Qingxuan's jade-like face. She then tilted her head curiously and asked, "Well said. Why are you so different from others? What kind of person are you?"
"Does Qingxuan want to know about my background?"
Yuan Yueze's deep, clear eyes gleamed.
Hearing Yuan Yueze address her so intimately and naturally, Shi Qingxuan felt no strangeness whatsoever. At this moment, she finally understood why she had lost her composure whenever she saw Yuan Yueze.
The subtle spiritual connection between the two was one aspect. More importantly, it was Yuan Yueze himself. Though he seemed strange—sometimes profound, sometimes impulsive, sometimes eccentric, sometimes innocent—Shi Qingxuan, in the past year or so, always remembered Yuan Yueze most vividly for his eyes. Those eyes were pure and untainted. Some thought he was eccentric because their own complex thoughts and limited perspectives led them to view him differently. But when outsiders tried to see him with a childlike heart, they discovered that Yuan Yueze was incredibly simple. His inner self was written on his face, reflected in his gaze. This childlike innocence and carefree nature possessed an almost magical attraction and warmth, making one unconsciously treat him with the utmost sincerity.
Human curiosity is paramount. Hearing Yuan Yueze discuss his most secretive past, even Shi Qingxuan couldn't contain her curiosity. This man before her was like an inexhaustible treasure trove, shrouded in mystery.
Shi Qingxuan was taken aback for a moment, then giggled, "You can't expect me to play a tune for you as a reward after you finish telling your story."
Yuan Yueze glanced at the woods not far away and laughed loudly, "I wasn't the only one listening to your tune just now!"
A gentle breeze blew by, and under the moonlight, the trees swayed gently, casting shadows.

Chapter 035 Discussing the General
Situation Shi Qingxuan followed Yuan Yueze's gaze to the distant woods with a strange expression. She released her aura to probe, but found no human presence.
However, she didn't doubt Yuan Yueze. She knew his strength very well, especially his spiritual cultivation, which was almost omnipotent. She had also witnessed Yuan Yueze effortlessly dealing with Ba Feng Han at the Prince's mansion.
Shi Qingxuan's delicate body suddenly trembled, as if she remembered something. Yuan Yueze suddenly shouted loudly, "If you don't come out, we're leaving!"
"Hehe, you've found me again, you rascal. Can't you give way to me?"
A gentle and moving voice, seemingly both reproachful and resentful, rang out.
A white figure, as elusive as a ghost, landed beside Yuan Yueze without warning.
Wanwan!
This was the first time Shi Qingxuan had seen Wanwan, and even she, a woman of her stature, felt an unprecedented sense of awe. Wanwan's beauty was truly unique; her face possessed a pure and flawless elegance, breathtakingly beautiful, like a spirit that only appeared in the night.
Most captivating were her misty eyes, seemingly containing endless sweet dreams, expectantly awaiting your discovery. Every subtle expression of hers was so alluring, making it difficult to resist. Her graceful figure and elegant demeanor ensured her beauty was flawless.
The two women were almost equally beautiful, the difference lying solely in their aura. And it was precisely this difference in aura that was most mesmerizing.
"Do you know each other? This is Wanwan from the Yin Gui Sect, and this is Shi Qingxuan."
Yuan Yueze noticed another aura, far superior to Wanwan's, gradually fading away in the forest.
He gave a helpless wry smile and introduced the two women to each other. "Although I haven't met Sister Qingxuan before, that song you just played... I'm afraid only you in the whole world could play it!"
Wanwan flattered him directly.
Shi Qingxuan's jade-like face remained expressionless, like a snow lotus from the Tianshan Mountains
. Although she hadn't met Wanwan, she knew most things about both the righteous and the wicked, especially since her parents had once been the most outstanding people in both worlds. Seeing Shi Qingxuan's unfriendly expression, Wanwan wasn't annoyed. Her attention was entirely focused on Yuan Yueze: "My darling, have pity on me, please give me the Sacred Relic!"
Mentioning this only made things worse, as it ignited Yuan Yueze's anger.
After Yuan Yueze's family settled in Luoyang, Wanwan visited them three times, ostensibly to apologize to Shan Meixian and as a guest. Her true motives were
threefold: first, to gather information about the impending upheaval in Luoyang; second, to prepare for the battle between the demonic sect and the righteous path; and third, to uncover Yuan Yueze's secrets. Wanwan's acting skills were exceptional; in later times, she would be considered a 'Best Actress'. Yuan Yueze, a simpleton, was no match for her. He was tricked into revealing the whereabouts of the 'Evil Emperor's Relic' by Wanwan.
She then returned twice more, using various methods to force Yuan Yueze to give her the relic. Having witnessed Yuan Yueze's cultivation progress at an unimaginable speed, she abandoned her plan to fight. The shrewd little witch, realizing that Yuan Yueze wouldn't harm her or kill her, became even more brazen.
Yuan Yueze was a fool, but not everyone in his family was stupid. Shan Meixian began dealing with Wanwan, who, unable to gain any advantage over the former "Holy Maiden" of the Demonic Sect, had no choice but to give up. Seeing her put on an act as soon as she appeared today, it was clear that she had never given up her ambition for the "Evil Emperor's Relic."
Shi Qingxuan's expressionless face finally softened, and she thought to herself: The "Evil Emperor's Relic" was actually in Yuan Yueze's hands, so why didn't Master Lu tell me? They should be father-in-law and son-in-law...
Thinking about this, Shi Qingxuan began to ponder.
"Why do you want the relic so much?"
Yuan Yueze suppressed his anger and cooperated with Wanwan's performance.
"Young Master should know that the Holy Sect and the successor of Jingzhai will have a decisive battle. I don't know if my skills are enough to defeat Shi Feixuan, the worldly successor of Jingzhai, so I want to use the Holy Relic to strengthen myself."
Wanwan said softly with a bitter expression. The 'Heavenly Demon Sound' combined with the 'Heavenly Demonic Appearance' showcased all available techniques.
When the word 'power' was mentioned, the somber expression seemed natural, without any pretense.
"If my estimation is correct, your power should be comparable to that of the righteous path successor! Why then do you need to strengthen it?"
Yuan Yueze asked curiously.
Upon hearing the mention of power again, Wanwan's gaze towards Yuan Yueze turned cold, as if he had wronged her. However, it vanished in an instant, and she sighed again, "What if we're comparable? If I want to win, I must rely on external forces to improve within the next month or so. It's difficult to make a breakthrough in a short time relying solely on myself."
Shi Qingxuan remained silent, her expression slightly changing when she mentioned Jingzhai, but quickly returning to normal.
"Judging from your expression just now, it seemed like you lacked confidence! I guess your power is currently below Shi Feixuan's,"
Yuan Yueze grinned.
Wanwan, who had been wearing a sorrowful and resentful expression, seemed to have been hit where it hurt. She could no longer maintain her composure and 'performance.' Her face turned cold, and her beautiful eyes flashed with intense hatred. She gritted her teeth and launched a frenzied attack on Yuan Yueze, unleashing the Heavenly Demon Belt, the Heavenly Demon Blade, and the Heavenly Demon Field without reservation.
Affected by the powerful and bizarre force, Shi Qingxuan glanced worriedly at the still motionless Yuan Yueze and was forced to retreat several feet.
"Boom boom boom!"
All of Wanwan's attacks were unimpeded, striking Yuan Yueze squarely.
If it had been anyone else, they would have been torn to pieces on the spot!
After her outburst, Wanwan finally stopped. With her twelve-tenths of her power activated by the emotional turmoil, she could no longer remain calm, and her breathing became erratic.
Not far away, Shi Qingxuan, having withstood the scalding pain of the energy, looked at Yuan Yueze.
Yuan Yueze's clothes were slightly disheveled, and his face was only slightly pale, but he quickly recovered and remained seated motionless.
"Have you vented yet?"
Yuan Yueze looked at Wanwan with a harmless smile.
To Wanwan, that smile was utterly despicable, utterly wicked.
"Wah!"
Wanwan, still catching her breath a few feet away, heard Yuan Yueze's words and immediately rushed into his arms, bursting into tears.
Not only was Yuan Yueze momentarily stunned, but even Shi Qingxuan was confused, unable to understand the relationship between the two.
Yuan Yueze would have preferred Wanwan to be as fierce as possible, but her current weak and weeping appearance made him reluctant. Although he couldn't tell if Wanwan was genuinely upset or still acting, in the current situation, Yuan Yueze simply couldn't bring himself to continue provoking her. He didn't actually dislike Wanwan; it was just that this little devil was mischievous and quirky, quite adorable, and Yuan Yueze had gradually come to enjoy playing pranks with her.
After a while, having vented her emotions, Wanwan stood up and pushed Yuan Yueze away, her expression still filled with gritted teeth: "I will never let you go! Even if you are stronger than me, I will use every trick in the book to find someone I can rely on to kill you, even if it means selling my soul!"
The intense hatred in her words was chilling.
"You hate me just because I didn't give you the 'Evil Emperor's Relic'? Is it really that bad?"
Yuan Yueze felt the intense chill and asked, somewhat puzzled.
Wanwan didn't answer, a hint of panic flashing in her eyes.
"If you're afraid you can't defeat Shi Feixuan, I'll help you break through your martial arts now, how about it?"
Yuan Yueze suggested when she still didn't speak.
Upon hearing this, Wanwan's face changed instantly, like the weather in June. She threw herself into Yuan Yueze's arms, her face full of surprise: "Is what you said true, my darling?"
Yuan Yueze couldn't help but laugh when he saw her like this, and pinched her small, delicate nose: "Hold your breath, close your eyes and concentrate, prepare to absorb my power. Don't bite off more than you can chew."
Wanwan nodded hurriedly in agreement.
Yuan Yueze turned back and gave Shi Qingxuan, who was still staring blankly at the two of them, a reassuring look. He placed his palms on Wanwan's jade-like back and channeled his vast true energy into her.
The Heavenly Demon Art emphasizes self-interest at the expense of others; almost all external power can be used as 'nourishment' to improve one's cultivation.
Sure enough, Wanwan immediately felt a vast, bottomless ocean of icy true energy flowing through her back, slowly circulating throughout her body along familiar routes. After the icy energy passed through, Wanwan felt her meridians become incredibly comfortable; the cool, refreshing sensation made her involuntarily open her mouth and sigh softly.
Wanwan had clearly forgotten Yuan Yueze's warning, frantically absorbing the true energy from him like an infant in the womb. Gradually, her face contorted in pain. Yuan Yueze
made a helpless expression, coughed lightly, interrupting Wanwan's attention, and then withdrew his hand, ending the practice.
After absorbing the true energy for half an hour, Wanwan sat upright to digest it. When she opened her beautiful eyes again after a while, they flashed with a sharp light, as if she had benefited greatly.
"Smack!"
Wanwan seemed extremely excited, turning around and planting a sweet kiss on Yuan Yueze's face. The touch was intoxicating, exhilarating, and Yuan Yueze chuckled, savoring the lingering fragrance of her soft, sweet lips. This little devil always did things unexpectedly.
Ignoring Shi Qingxuan, whose face was slightly flushed beside her, Wanwan stood up, giggling, "My rascal, consider this your compensation to me! Next time we meet, you're not allowed to be with other women!" Even
after her cultivation improved, Wanwan still didn't forget to tease Yuan Yueze. She could see the subtle connection between Yuan Yueze and Shi Qingxuan; a kiss and a few words directly hit the nail on the head, intending to ruin their relationship.
"Hey, girl, your breasts are so soft! Remember to bring a few more undergarments next time!"
Yuan Yueze watched Wanwan get up and walk several feet away, raising his right hand and waving it; a white undergarment fluttered in the breeze.
"You! I hate you to death!"
Wanwan, seeing the object in Yuan Yueze's hand, snapped out of her excitement. A chill ran down her spine, and her pretty face flushed red. She covered her chest with her hand, stamping her foot in annoyance.
With just one sentence, she turned and flew away.
"Qingxuan, do you think my actions were a bit excessive?"
Yuan Yueze asked awkwardly, seeing Shi Qingxuan looking at the undergarment in his hand with slight shyness.
Shi Qingxuan also sensed the subtle, playful banter between them, and remained silent, shaking her head with a smile.
As Yuan Yueze and Wanwan grew closer, he couldn't help but tease her, finding pleasure in seeing her embarrassed.
"Am I becoming a pervert?"
Yuan Yueze wondered to himself, thinking of how he had just made Wanwan cry, before chuckling to himself.
Looking up at Shi Qingxuan, who still wore a faint smile, Yuan Yueze shrugged, curled his lip, and reached out to place his hand on her delicately sculpted shoulder. With
a soft cry, Shi Qingxuan felt a dazzling light flash before her eyes, and when she opened them, she found herself in a paradise on earth.
Everyone who enters the bracelet for the first time is astonished. After waiting for Shi Qingxuan to calm down, Yuan Yueze led her into a spacious living room.
Life inside the bracelet was more comfortable than life outside, but less real. The women were all busy with their own affairs. At this moment, only Shang Xiuxun was studying the *Tianyan Gua* and Dugu Feng, eager to know everything about Yuan Yueze, remained in the bracelet. Wei Zhenzhen and the other women were all in Luoyang, busy
with their own things. Dugu Feng, who was listening to music, heard the door open and turned around. She saw a strange woman enter the room with Yuan Yueze. The woman was far more beautiful than herself, and Dugu Feng immediately felt awkward.
"Sit down, I'll tell you everything you want to know."
Yuan Yueze gestured for Shi Qingxuan, who was staring blankly at the brightly lit, modernly furnished room, to sit down on the sofa and began.
"You might not believe it, but I swear it's all true. When I was four years old..."
Seeing the expectant looks on the two women's faces, Yuan Yueze began to recount his story.
※※※※※ Xiangyang, City Lord's Mansion.
In the large garden of the inner courtyard, pavilions, bridges, and flowing water created a serene and beautiful scene under the moonlight.
City Lord Qian Duguan, Dugu Feng, and a tall man with unusual features and long, flowing hair led the way, followed by more than ten people, walking along the corridor towards the study. Qian
Duguan, Dugu Feng, and the tall man entered the quiet study. Qian Duguan opened a hidden compartment in the study, and the three of them entered the narrow secret room and took their seats.
"The arrival of the clan lord and Lord Mi should have been a grand welcome for all the servants of the household, but I believe this matter is of utmost importance, and the clan lord's whereabouts with Lord Mi should be kept absolutely secret. Therefore, please forgive my lack of courtesy,"
Qian Duguan spoke first, merely offering polite words.
"Brother Qian, your thoughtfulness is truly appreciated,"
Dugu Feng nodded in thanks.
"Li Mi is the same. Brother Qian, this place should be safe; no outsiders will overhear our conversation,"
the tall man said, his voice deep and resonant, clearly a master of internal martial arts.
It turned out that Li Mi of the Wagang Army had arrived.
"This Cangqing Villa is serene and elegant, like a paradise in the bustling city. Brother Qian truly knows how to enjoy life,"
Li Mi sighed again.
Qian Duguan laughed heartily and said, "Lord Mi has a discerning eye, seeing right through me. I've never had any great ambitions since I was young; I only wish to live a peaceful and happy life in the arms of a gentlewoman. Please don't laugh at me."
Li Mi and Dugu Feng were both ruthless warlords in this chaotic era. How could they easily believe Qian Duguan's words?
If Qian Duguan were truly that kind of person, he wouldn't have become the lord of Xiangyang. He said this merely to show Li Mi and Dugu Feng that he wouldn't compete with them for the throne, and on the other hand, to put himself in a more advantageous negotiating position—killing two birds with one stone, quite shrewd indeed.
Li Mi smiled and said, "Lord Qian is truly modest. I've heard that you are extremely busy, once working for seven days and nights without sleep, without stepping out of your office. Your boundless energy is truly admirable."
These words were ostensibly flattering Qian Duguan, but in reality, they implied that the Wagang Army was fully aware of Qian Duguan's situation, warning him not to resort to underhanded tactics.
Qian Duguan coughed lightly, somewhat surprised, and said, "That was when I first took over Xiangyang. I didn't expect Lord Mi to be so well-informed."
Li Mi said calmly, "That's because we have very high expectations for Lord Qian, so we pay special attention to his situation."
Dugu Feng, shrewd and calculating, remained silent and nodded in agreement with Li Mi.
Qian Duguan laughed heartily, "To have Lord Mi's attention is truly an honor. I just hope I won't disappoint Lord Mi."
Then he sighed and said, "I thought I could present two great gifts to Lord Mi this time, but unfortunately, I failed at the last minute, and those two lads slipped away."
A cold glint flashed in Li Mi's eyes: "Brother Qian, there's no need for that. Those two lads were not my main purpose in coming here. I will capture them myself. Their assassination attempt on Luo Yan will not end so easily!"
"However, I still thank you for your concern, Brother Qian. Those two lads are not simple. You must not harm yourself because of them, otherwise I will have no face to face the clan leader."
Li Mi quickly regained his composure and said calmly.
His words were neither humble nor arrogant, displaying humility within his composure—truly befitting the most charismatic and prestigious leader in the world. With a few words, he flattered the other two people in the room, narrowing the distance between them and establishing a bridge of communication, demonstrating Li Mi's exceptional talent.
Qian Duguan let out a loud and pleasant laugh, and sighed, "To be able to sit and chat with you two so openly is truly a joy in my life. Come! Let me offer you both a cup first."
After a few cups of wine, Li Mi said casually, "Du Fuwei has already taken Jingling and will soon head north along the river, but Xiangyang has become his only stumbling block. What are your plans for this situation, Lord Qian?"
Qian Duguan secretly thought how sharp Li Mi was. He got straight to the point, and every sentence hit his weak spot, leaving him with no way to dodge or defend himself.
Even the shrewd Qian Duguan couldn't withstand such a simple attack. After a long pause, he smiled bitterly and said, "With the strength of my city alone, life is naturally not easy. But I have a question I'd like to ask Master Mi."
Li Mi said in surprise, "Please speak
frankly, Master Qian." Qian Duguan said in a deep voice, "The reason Jingling fell was because the Flying Horse Ranch was attacked by the Four Great Bandits at the same time and was unable to provide assistance. According to the news I heard from Tu, the Four Great Bandits have a close connection with Master Mi. If this is true, wouldn't Master Mi have asked the Four Great Bandits to do Du Fuwei a great favor?"
Mentioning the Four Great Bandits seemed to have touched a nerve. Li Mi's expression gradually shifted from unnatural to pain, then to indignation, as he sighed deeply, "After Luo Yan returned to Xingyang, she told me that Lu Miaozi was still alive and had married the owner of the Flying Horse Ranch. Li Mi was greatly miscalculated; he never expected Lu Miaozi to be such a martial arts master. He single-handedly wiped out the Four Great Bandits in one night."
He could have easily made up excuses about his connection to the Four Great Bandits, but by speaking frankly, admitting his mistake, and not dwelling on the loss, he gave the impression of being courageous, honest, and exceptionally sincere, making him seem even more cunning.
Qian Duguan was also taken aback. He had been expecting Li Mi to use every trick in the book to evade the issue, but now that Li Mi had spoken frankly, Qian Duguan was at a loss for words.
"It's just that I don't understand why the Flying Horse Ranch didn't offer any assistance to Jingling; it's quite puzzling,"
Dugu Feng finally spoke.
The Pegasus Ranch is now a coveted prize for all factions in this chaotic world. Its relationship with Jingling is interdependent; the principle of "if
the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold" is clear to everyone. However, the Pegasus Ranch's inaction leaves everyone racking their brains without finding a solution. Li Mi is a strategist renowned throughout the land, and his ultimate goal is, of course, to unify the world. But the most pressing issue is how to conquer Wang Shichong in Luoyang, and then use his power to attack the Li family in Guanzhong. This would secure the empire.
Currently, although Li Mi holds Xingyang, his westward advance, whether by land or across the Yellow River, is blocked by Wang Shichong's army, rendering him immobile. Furthermore, Wang's army's constraint prevents him from attacking other rebel forces.
To the north lies the territory of Liu Wuzhou and Dou Jiande. The former is backed by the Turkic army, while the latter's power is no less than Li Mi's. A hasty war with them would only benefit Wang Shichong, allowing him to seize the opportunity.
Therefore, Li Mi's most important task now is to defeat Wang Shichong and capture Luoyang, the eastern capital; everything else is secondary.
However, Luoyang is a famously fortified city, strategically located with both land and water advantages. Furthermore, Wang Shichong is highly skilled in martial arts and military strategy, backed by the Dugu clan, and his troops are mostly well-trained regular soldiers inherited from the Sui Dynasty. Therefore, even with Li Mi's abilities, he has yet to defeat Wang Shichong.
Under these circumstances, if Li Mi wants to take Luoyang, he must create a new situation: isolating Wang Shichong and turning Luoyang into a solitary city. Only then can the Wagang Army hope to succeed.
Li Mi, a shrewd military strategist, took a risky gamble, secretly instructing the four bandits to cooperate with Du Fuwei's operation. Although the plan failed, by sheer coincidence, Feima Ranch did not come to Jingling's aid, inexplicably breaking the seemingly impenetrable bond between Feima Ranch and Jingling, leading to Jingling's fall.
Li Mi's original plan was to have the four bandits he supported occupy the Flying Horse Ranch and several nearby major cities, thus containing Du Fuwei's Jianghuai Army. However, an unexpected turn of events occurred: the four bandits were all wiped out by Lu Miaozi. This drastically changed the entire situation in the north and south.
Du Fuwei had secured a strong foothold for his northward advance, allowing him to attack or defend as needed, and directly threatening Xiangyang and Wang Shichong's territory.
Previously, Qian Duguan was able to maintain Xiangyang's independence because the various forces were locked in a stalemate, allowing him to survive in the gaps between them. But now, the situation had changed so drastically that Qian Duguan had no choice but to align himself with one side for protection, making it difficult for him to remain neutral.
This was precisely the situation Li Mi wanted to create. By subtly hinting at the interdependent relationship between the Flying Horse Ranch and Jingling, he forced Qian Duguan to make a choice, then lured him with substantial benefits, thus achieving his goal of taking Xiangyang without bloodshed and gaining an important military stronghold directly south of Luoyang.
Du Fuwei suffered heavy losses in the attack on Jingling and was temporarily unable to advance north, but he would not give up on encroaching
on nearby territories. Therefore, as long as Li Mi captured Xiangyang, making Wang Shichong feel attacked from two sides and have to deal with two fronts in the southeast, it would be of great benefit to Li Mi. Li Mi's plan was indeed both vicious and ruthless. This also explained why Li Mi had withdrawn from this situation.
"Does Lord Mi intend to target Luoyang but his ambition lies in Guanzhong?"
With his mind racing like lightning, the cunning Qian Duguan had figured everything out in an instant. He also vaguely sensed that the Wagang Army must have secretly reached some kind of cooperation plan with the Dugu clan, so he asked directly.
Li Mi was also surprised by Qian Duguan's directness and was taken aback. He replied with pleasure, "Brother Qian is indeed a straightforward person. However, one can only hope for Shu after gaining Long. Li Mi understands the principle of proceeding step by step and will never act rashly."
Dugu Feng also admired him inwardly. If Qian Duguan was such an ordinary person, how could he have secured the position of Lord of Xiangyang!
"Please forgive my rudeness, Lord Mi," Qian Duguan said, "but I still have some questions. Two years ago, you decisively defeated the Luoyang army, and your westward advance was unimpeded. Why didn't you lead your army straight into Guanzhong, like Qin Shi Huang, and seize the strategic advantage of Guanzhong's mountains and rivers to establish your imperial dynasty? Wasn't that a missed opportunity?" Li Mi laughed
heartily and said
, "Brother Qian, your question is very insightful. The answer is not that I didn't want to, but that I couldn't. I've thought about seizing Guanzhong for a long time, but at that time, the emperor was still in power, and there were still many soldiers. The Wagang army was mostly composed of people from Shandong. Seeing that Luoyang hadn't fallen, who would be willing to travel such a long distance to Guanzhong? If I rashly entered Guanzhong, I'm afraid I would lose Henan and Shandong. At that time, although Guanzhong had its natural defenses, what would I rely on to contend for the world?"
If someone unaware of the situation heard these words, they would be completely bewildered and unable to understand what he was saying. Li Mi's biggest obstacle at the time was Zhai Rang. If Li Mi entered Guanzhong, Zhai Rang would definitely stay in Henan. At that time, how could Zhai Rang let Li Mi go? As long as the attack on Luoyang was stopped, and the Sui soldiers in Luoyang cut off Li Mi's return route, then Li Mi would no longer be occupying Guanzhong, but would be trapped in Guanzhong.
"Another reason should be that the tyrannical emperor and his army had already arrived in Jiangdu. Guanzhong had lost its role as the core at that time. The target should be Jiangdu, not Chang'an,"
Dugu Feng also interjected.
Qian Duguan said calmly, "The situation at that time was indeed as Lord Mi and the clan leader said. But looking at the current situation of the world, in terms of prestige, no one can match Lord Mi and the clan leader. However, in terms of the situation, the Li family father and son have the advantage. It is a situation of sitting on the mountain and watching the tigers fight."
The meaning behind his words was crystal clear: his praise of Li Mi was genuine, but his inclusion of Dugu Feng was merely a matter of saving face and avoiding any sense of propriety; it was simply flattery of Dugu Feng.
Dugu Feng, of course, understood perfectly well. He smiled without a care in the world, though inwardly he felt a deep resentment. His family's reputation had been tarnished even more by Qian Duguan's words of praise.
Li Mi sneered, "Li Yuan was just a lecherous fool; only Li Shimin was somewhat decent. When Li Yuan raised his army in Taiyuan, aiming to conquer the Central Plains, he only had two paths: one was to go west into Guanzhong, and the other was to go south into Henan. But even if he had the guts, he wouldn't dare to attack me. The only option left was to enter Guanzhong. However, this fellow was fortunate enough to receive the help of the Turks, and because the Guanzhong troops came east to attack me in an empty formation, he was able to take advantage of the situation. Otherwise, how could he have competed with me?"
These words revealed his strong confidence, maintaining his status as a hegemon and his arrogance, and even arousing admiration, fully demonstrating his awe-inspiring charm.
"Now, Lord Mi has defeated Yuwen Shang and gained his surrender, greatly enhancing his prestige. As long as we take Luoyang again, what can that brat from the Li family in Guanzhong do? Lord Mi has come to Xiangyang today to ask Brother Qian for a word. As long as Brother Qian agrees, I guarantee that Lord Mi will not treat Brother Qian poorly after gaining the throne," Dugu Feng added.
The situation was somewhat strange. Dugu Feng was by no means a member of the Wagang Army, yet he spoke as if he were one of Li Mi's subordinates.
Qian Duguan exclaimed inwardly, "They're here!"
Qian Duguan became increasingly certain that Li Mi and Dugu Feng must have secretly reached an agreement, and it was very likely that the two had agreed that the benefits given to Dugu Feng after they gained control of the country would be extraordinary.
After a long silence, Qian Duguan finally spoke, "The Lord's words are reasonable, but the current situation is clearly unfavorable to Lord Mi. What countermeasures do you have, Lord Mi?"
Li Mi smiled confidently, "Wang Shichong is merely a defeated general of mine; he is hardly worthy of praise. Now that he has led his troops here, Luoyang will be vulnerable. I, Li Mi, only need to divide my forces to guard his eastern route, making it difficult for him to advance an inch. In addition, I will send tens of thousands of elite troops to the west bank of the Yellow River to pressure Luoyang. At that time, Shichong will surely return, and we will retreat to the south and remain stationary. If Shichong comes out again, I will press him again. In this way, I will have more than enough strength, and he will be wasting his time.
We will surely defeat him." The meaning of these words was crystal clear: Xiangyang was of paramount importance to Li Mi. Under these circumstances, Xiangyang became Li Mi's logistical base for supplying provisions, providing support and supplies to the Wagang Army that was harassing Luoyang. Therefore, Xiangyang was a city that Li Mi was determined to capture.
Li Mi continued, "Wang Shichong has moved his troops east to attack us. His supplies are insufficient, and he aims for a swift victory. If we build deep trenches and high walls to defend against him, in just two or three months, Wang Shichong will run out of food and retreat. Then we can pursue him relentlessly. If Wang Shichong manages to return to Luoyang alive, it will be a blessing for his family. Moreover, hey!" Before he finished speaking, his gaze shifted to Dugu Feng, revealing his cunning and shrewd nature.
There was no need for further words; this one glance was a clear message to Qian Duguan: Dugu Feng would act as an inside agent, working in concert with Li Mi. When Wang Shichong retreated to Luoyang to defend it, that would be the day the Wagang Army captured Luoyang.
After a few moments of silence, Qian Duguan sighed, "Just from what you've said, Lord Mi, I know the Wagang Army is assured of victory, and Wang Shichong is in trouble."
He didn't mention Dugu Feng in his words, because it was unnecessary; everyone understood.
"However, I still have one last question. What is your opinion of Yuan Yueze, Lord Mi? He moved into Luoyang a few months ago, surely not for leisure or to enjoy life!"
Qian Duguan, with his meticulous mind, touched upon a common concern among all the forces coveting Luoyang.
"As for this man, Luoyan and the clan leader's son have both met him personally. He is capricious; as long as you don't provoke him, he won't provoke you. Moreover, he has broken with the Song clan, which is now split in two. A few days ago, there was news that Song Shidao could no longer agree with Song Zhi's advocacy of war and had fled to Shancheng with some of his men,"
Li Mi said with a smile.
"But who can be sure they are not just putting on an act, trying to deceive the world? The Song clan, as one of the stronger of the four great clans, has dominated the south for a long time; how could they not have ambitions to contend for the world?"
Qian Duguan still asked with unease.
“Brother Qian’s words make sense, but you’ve overlooked a crucial issue. The Song Clan once had the ‘Heavenly Blade’ guarding their territory, naturally making them a force to be reckoned with. Song Que was indeed a formidable figure, a master of military strategy. But after he and Fu Cailin vanished into thin air, the Song Clan was preoccupied with its own survival! Without the ‘Heavenly Blade,’ how desolate the world is!”
Li Mi sighed.
A true hero is ruthless towards his enemies, but at the same time, he also shows a sense of mutual respect and camaraderie towards those who can rival him. Li Mi, a man who had never even fought Song Que, was naturally filled with感慨 (gǎnkǎi, deep feelings) and sighs of regret.
"The Song Clan's military intervention is inevitable, and the timing is unpredictable. But as long as we occupy Luoyang, the Song Clan will be powerless. If we encounter Song Zhi in the North-South War, Li Mi will surely make him regret ever vying for the throne! As for what Brother Qian said about whether they are colluding to put on an act, Li Mi cannot be entirely certain, but he and the clan leader have already discussed a strategy to deal with Yuan Yueze. He guarantees that this man will not disrupt our plans!"
Li Mi laughed heartily, his face full of praise and a profound air.
For someone like Li Mi, Wang Bodang's death was like the death of an ordinary soldier, something he didn't care about at all. Of course, it wasn't that Li Mi was ruthless, but rather that Yuan Yueze had such a powerful influence on him. Weighing hatred and praise, Li Mi prioritized his greater cause, and naturally, he didn't care about Wang Bodang's grudge.
But was that really the case?
"Oh? Could you please tell me in detail, Master Mi?"
Qian Duguan asked curiously, seeing Li Mi's confident demeanor.
"Brother Qian, do you know this man's only weakness?"
Li Mi smiled mysteriously, sipping his wine.
※※※※※ Lingnan, Ningyue County, Nanbin City.
The backyard of the city's largest brothel, 'Wenxianglou,' was ancient, quiet, and elegant, seemingly incongruous with its name.
"Second Brother, I'm going back to Luoyang. Staying here is so boring!"
A clear, melodious female voice faintly echoed from the string of guesthouses.
"Do you think I'm comfortable like this? Let's wait until Third Uncle returns!"
Another male voice rang out, tinged with a hint of teasing.
"If Third Uncle can capture that strategist, it would be a great help!"
the woman added.
"Everyone else seeks out talent through legitimate means, but we're using a completely different path,"
the man said with a wry smile.
"Don't complain! Even your husband, who dislikes hypocrisy, is working so hard for you. Once this charade is over and the hidden forces are revealed, Second Brother can finally leave openly,"
the woman comforted him.
"Girls really are more inclined to seek outside,"
the man said helplessly.
"Oh, right, this is a letter from your second uncle. I'm going to bed now! To think that a dignified young lady like me would be reduced to a messenger!"
the woman continued to complain.
Watching the woman's departing figure, the man shook his head, opened the letter, and began to read it carefully.
※※※※※ Yuan Yueze's handsome face was deathly pale. He leaned back on the sofa, panting heavily, staring at the two women before him with expressions of shock.
"You...you actually fooled the entire world!"
Dugu Feng was the first to react, exclaiming in astonishment.
"Impossible. There are countless capable people in the world, and many with exceptional intelligence. We couldn't possibly fool them all. We only hoped they wouldn't be able to figure out our true nature,"
Yuan Yueze explained.
"But why put on an act? The Song Clan isn't weak!"
Dugu Feng was still puzzled.
“Because on the day my father-in-law fought Master Fu, two extremely well-hidden, suffocatingly powerful auras appeared in Lingnan, carrying a hint of evil. These must be the forces operating in the shadows! These forces are far stronger than the overt powers. 'It's easy to dodge a spear in the open, but hard to guard against an arrow in the dark'! Moreover, these 'dark arrows' are no ordinary ones!"
Yuan Yueze sighed.
Shi Qingxuan was still in shock, unable to recover. Yuan Yueze's background far exceeded the limits of what ordinary people could accept, almost completely overturning the beliefs she had held for nearly twenty years.
Just now, to further convince herself that his words were true, Yuan Yueze had channeled a peaceful energy into her body, allowing her to directly advance to the same 'telepathic connection' realm as her mother had achieved in her childhood cultivation of the *Cihang Sword Manual*. Combined with the room they were in, everything was definitely not a lie.
But why did he tell her this? Was he just worried about her, afraid that she would secretly eliminate those four scoundrels from the Demonic Sect? "That wouldn't mean he'd tell me his biggest secret, would it?"
Shi Qingxuan thought to herself with a strange expression.
Dugu Feng, on the other hand, was shocked but also relieved. Having Hu (non-Han) ancestry and influenced by the open customs of the Central Plains, Dugu Feng was far less reserved than women from the Central Plains. Although Yuan Yueze hadn't fully expressed his opinion, his trust in her today, revealing such a big secret, showed that she was already 'family' in his heart. But her sisters were right; could the family truly let go of their hatred? Or were they just using her relationship with him? Over the past few days, this thought had become increasingly clear to Dugu Feng.
While she wouldn't say she fully understood Yuan Yueze's character, she knew about seven or eight parts of it. Hearing about the Imperial Star today, she knew the fate of the world was sealed; the only uncertainties were time and the inevitable losses. But how many outsiders knew this? Even if she told them, no one would believe her! How could she persuade her father and nanny to abandon their ambitions for power?
Dugu Feng also began to have wild thoughts.
Seeing the changing expressions of the two women before him, Yuan Yueze stopped talking. These things needed a buffer period to gradually digest.
He had just been wondering why the strange power in his mind could help Zhu Yuyan break through to the highest level of the "Heavenly Demon Great Art," but couldn't help Shi Qingxuan break through to the highest level of the "Compassionate Sword Manual."
After thinking about it carefully, he finally understood. Whether it was the "Heavenly Demon Great Art" or the "Compassionate Sword Manual," the highest level required mental cultivation, which was definitely something that strange power couldn't help with. The reason why Zhu Yuyan could achieve it in one fell swoop was because her mental cultivation was there. But Shi Qingxuan's mental cultivation was obviously not enough, especially the flaws in her mind, which were too great. That was why Shi Qingxuan's "telepathic connection" was not perfect.
"Qingxuan, what do you think of this bracelet compared to your little abode? Would you like to stay for a while and experience things that only exist a thousand years later? There are many books here, you can browse them."
After a while, seeing that the two women were still silent, Yuan Yueze spoke up. This was tantamount to an invitation.
Shi Qingxuan thought about it for a while, and finally nodded: "Then I'll trouble you, young master. I'll stay for a few days."
"What are Feng'er's plans? Things are about to change in Luoyang City, and I need to rush back to discuss the next steps with Bei'er and the others. I'm afraid I can't accompany you for the next few days. Please make yourselves at home, don't be shy."
Yuan Yueze then asked Dugu Feng.
"Brother, aren't you afraid I'll tell the family about your affairs?"
Dugu Feng asked tentatively.
"If I were afraid, why would I tell you without any scruples?"
Dugu Feng, this silly girl, was thrilled by Yuan Yueze's trust. Actually, if you think about it carefully, who would believe such words if they were spoken to outsiders, unless they witnessed Yuan Yueze's supernatural abilities firsthand? Yuan Yueze was indeed rumored to be very powerful, but with the spread of various rumors, his strength was underestimated. Even though he easily defeated Ba Fenghan, his strength was considered by the world to be at most a top-tier expert, still some distance from a grandmaster.
"Thank you for your trust, brother. Feng'er swears that she will never tell a second person about what happened today,"
Dugu Feng said, her body trembling slightly.
"Haha!"
Yuan Yueze looked at the cute girl in front of him, who was trying her best to suppress her wild nature, and patted her head like an elder, laughing loudly.
"The storm is coming..."

Chapter 36 The Power of the Yin Queen
Five days later.
He easily set off from Dongping back to Luoyang, stopping and starting along the way. That night, Yuan Yueze finally arrived at a hill ten miles outside Luoyang.
Looking into the distance, the brightly lit 'Eastern Capital' was exceptionally conspicuous under the night sky, like a huge luminous pearl embedded in the vast land.
“Feng’er grew up in Luoyang, but has never seen the city at night from afar. Nor has she ever realized how magnificent and awe-inspiring Luoyang could be,”
Dugu Feng said, standing beside Yuan Yueze, gazing at the distant city.
Shi Qingxuan, having spent only a day inside the bracelet, seemed bewitched, constantly flipping through various books, classics, and musical scores. Dugu Feng had no interest in those things, and since she could keep Yuan Yueze company, she decided to travel with him and share their time together.
At her request, Yuan Yueze had to slow down his journey. She wasn't too worried about Luoyang; Shan Meixian and the other women could handle everything.
“If it weren't for that foolish Emperor Yang Guang’s greed for pleasure and moving the capital to Jiangdu, leaving Luoyang as the only option, his fate might not have ended!”
Yuan Yueze also sighed.
"Brother, Feng'er must part ways with you first. If we go into the city together, it will surely cause you trouble, and Father will probably blame me too,"
Dugu Feng said softly.
The relationship between the two was ambiguous, and Dugu Feng didn't blame Yuan Yueze. She knew she couldn't be as alone as Su Su or Wei Zhenzhen. She was connected to a powerful family, and no matter how devoted she was to Yuan Yueze, she wasn't willing to abandon her family and everything to be with him.
In a peaceful and prosperous era, Dugu Feng might have truly done so. But now it was a chaotic time, and Luoyang had become the focus of the world's attention, a place teeming with all sorts of people, with impending turmoil. She couldn't possibly worry about the safety of her family. Currently, she only wanted to go back and sound out the elders' opinions, so it wasn't appropriate for her to go into the city with Yuan Yueze.
Yuan Yueze wasn't stupid; his silence was due to the many forces involved. How many members of the Dugu family were easily dealt with? If there wasn't a deep-seated grudge between them, things would be fine. But the fact that Yuan Yueze had tormented Dugu Ba for four years was something no one with a conscience could easily forget. Just because he didn't dare openly cause trouble didn't mean he wouldn't secretly plot against her.
Sensing Dugu Feng's unease and inner conflict, Yuan Yueze simply chuckled, pulled her slender waist close, and pecked her smooth, delicate cheek, comforting her, "Don't worry about anything. Just say what you need to say when you get back. After dealing with the other forces, leave everything to me."
Dugu Feng's face was already flushed, incredibly alluring. Slightly recovering from Yuan Yueze's kiss, she nodded silently, her shyness undiminished, and turned to flee as if her life depended on it.
Yuan Yueze used his lightness skill, heading towards Luoyang alone from another direction.
Under the night sky, the scenery was exceptionally enchanting, a different sight from the daytime. Humming a little tune, Yuan Yueze walked through a grove of trees, and suddenly a serene pool, like a paradise on earth, appeared before him.
Suddenly, Yuan Yueze froze, his eyes widening as he stared intently ahead.
In the pool, a breathtakingly beautiful image of a woman emerging from her bath, enough to eclipse the stars and moon, was vividly displayed before him.
The night was made beautiful by her presence, the entire night becoming so enchanting as if it had fallen into a dream!
Under the slanting moonlight, the night mist drifted lightly, and a naked woman, her exquisite curves fully displayed, was humming a tune as she washed her crystal-clear skin. Only half of her naked body was exposed on the water, water droplets like pearls clinging to her long hair and soft skin. Her full breasts and stunningly beautiful face were enough to make any normal man lose his mind.
She was like the legendary goddess of the Luo River, self-pitying because of her longing for the mortal world, her youthful vitality overflowing and her deeply rooted bewitching aura breathtaking, beyond description!
Although Yuan Yueze had shed much of his old-fashioned and pedantic air, he was still not a truly top-notch lecher. If he encountered an ordinary stranger like this, he might have calmed down and turned away. But the woman before him was no ordinary woman.
Wanwan!
It's her again.
Yuan Yueze chuckled inwardly. Already accustomed to suppressing his inner energy, he wasn't worried about being discovered by Wanwan. He tiptoed towards the pool under the cover of night, intending to give her a scare and embarrass her.
Wanwan was immersed in the cool pool, completely absorbed in washing her skin, smoother than silk.
He approached closer and closer, until he stopped about ten feet from the pool's edge behind a large rock, continuing to admire the alluring scene before him. After a few glances, Yuan Yueze was already marveling at how devastatingly beautiful this little devil was! Lost in thought, his breathing became uncontrollably heavy.
Although Wanwan's vigilance had lowered, her long-established habits prevented her from forgetting to pay attention to her surroundings. Suddenly sensing a strange change in the airflow not far away, Wanwan frowned, crouched down, and only her head was above the water. She shouted angrily, "Who's there?"
Yuan Yueze was only stunned for a moment before Wanwan noticed him. A mischievous thought arose, and he pinched his nose and said with a strange, lewd laugh, "Little girl, I am the Western God known as 'One Pear Blossom Overwhelms a Begonia,' who sleeps with a hundred women in one night. Meeting you today is fate. Just submit to me!" Wanwan
was unable to fight at this moment and was already at a disadvantage. In a flash, she giggled and said, "Then please come out, old master! Let me see your face. If you're not bad looking, I'll submit to you."
Yuan Yueze wasn't stupid enough to be lured out by Wanwan. He continued with a laugh, "I was quite handsome when I was young, but more than a hundred years have passed, and I'm old now. However, my skills in bed are not bad!"
Wanwan saw that he wasn't falling for it. If this dragged on, the outcome might be beyond her imagination. Considering that he could approach her so easily, his strength was probably not simple either. Suddenly, Wanwan's lips curled up slightly, and she smiled mysteriously, shouting loudly, "Help! Someone is molesting me!"
Yuan Yueze wondered: In the dark of night, in the middle of nowhere, how could you possibly call for help?
"Whoosh!"
While Yuan Yueze was still thinking about how to continue teasing Wanwan, he heard a sharp sound, like the sound of an object flying through the air at high speed.
"Who dares to peep at Miss Wanwan bathing! Are you tired of living?"
A strange voice rang out behind Yuan Yueze, and he immediately felt an overwhelming pressure on his shoulder.
Without turning around, Yuan Yueze leaned back, elbows bent, to meet the attacker.
"Bang!"
The figures parted.
"You little thief, you must die today!"
After the two stood about five zhang apart, Yuan Yueze turned back to sizing up his opponent. The person forced to the edge of the pool was handsome, with long golden hair that fluttered in the wind. He looked to be about twenty-four or twenty-five years old, a head taller than Yuan Yueze, with slightly blue pupils. He wore a traditional Hu-style outfit, suggesting he wasn't from the Central Plains. What was most unforgettable was a two-inch scar on his forehead, which, far from detracting from his good looks, added a touch of eerie charm.
The attacker also sized up Yuan Yueze, then shouted again, seemingly enraged.
"Your Excellency misunderstands. I'm an old acquaintance of that young lady; I was just joking,"
Yuan Yueze explained. He wasn't against fighting, but he first needed to clarify the relationship between Wanwan and the strange man before him. From the man's words, Yuan Yueze vaguely sensed that this man's relationship with Wanwan was unusual.
"Gado, don't listen to him! I don't know him! He's ruined my innocence! Waaah!"
While the two were fighting, Wanwan quickly put on her clothes. Seeing that the person spying on her was Yuan Yueze, a cunning glint flashed in her beautiful eyes. Standing beside the blond man, she covered her face and sobbed. Her pitiful appearance was heartbreaking, making one want to hold her in their arms and comfort her.
Upon hearing the man's name, Gado, Yuan Yueze thought to himself, "That's a really strange name; I've never heard it before." Hearing Wanwan's words, he realized she was using the blond man to get revenge on him. Yuan Yueze didn't say much, but laughed loudly, "What is your relationship with this young lady?"
"He is my..."
Wanwan hurriedly interrupted, intending to say "he is my confidant," but before she could utter the word "confidant," she met Yuan Yueze's fierce gaze. Wanwan's heart trembled inexplicably, and she tightly shut her mouth, daring not to continue.
"I am Miss Wanwan's friend. You lecher, I will not let you off today!"
The blond man replied immediately when he saw Yuan Yueze's eyes turn cold.
Without waiting for Yuan Yueze to continue, his palms transformed into a raging torrent of palm shadows, pouring down like a great river towards Yuan Yueze!
Through the interaction of their qi, Yuan Yueze had already sensed Ga Duo's strength. He was somewhat puzzled; this person's name was strange, and he had never heard of him before.
Yuan Yueze had already sensed that Wanwan's relationship with this man seemed more than just casual, but they had only been separated for a few days. How could Wanwan have already met such a man? Yuan Yueze couldn't help but feel jealous.
Seeing that this man could actually strike first despite his aura locking on, Yuan Yueze's expression grew even colder. He flashed forward and struck out with a palm.
A look of horror flashed in Ga Duo's eyes as he watched Yuan Yueze's palm grow larger and larger, seemingly without any strength, making it impossible to fathom its power.
Even more impressive was the angle of Yuan Yueze's palm strike, which constantly changed with his ghostly forward movement.
Ga Duo's palm shadow vanished abruptly, and he changed his fist midway, seemingly without any strength, striking Yuan Yueze softly.
How could Yuan Yueze not see through his trick? His two fists appeared to be striking simultaneously, but there was a subtle difference in their timing, with the force being weaker in the front and stronger in the back.
With a cold snort, Yuan Yueze leaned to the left, his forward-slashing palm suddenly shifting to a striking motion, ignoring Ga Duo's right fist and striking his left fist with all his might.
Ga Duo was unable to change his move. Watching Yuan Yueze's palm strike, which followed an inexplicable and mysterious trajectory, suddenly transforming from light and weak to extremely fierce, forcibly pushing aside the surrounding air, he had no choice but to grit his teeth and block with his left fist, his right fist's attack completely neutralized.
"Bang!"
Ga Duo was knocked back, and Yuan Yueze's figure flashed again, his fist aimed straight at Ga Duo's chest.
Ga Duo felt that Yuan Yueze's figure was not elusive, but rather that it was impossible to distinguish between near and far. That illusion of being extremely far away, yet seemingly close at hand, caused Ga Duo's composure to crumble once more.
His pupils contracted, Ga Duo's martial arts attire bulged, his golden hair danced wildly, and even while retreating, he managed to gather his strength to launch another attack, also unleashing a punch that seemed slow but was actually fast, its power seemingly endless.
Boom!
In a flash, their fists clashed and separated instantly.
*Thud!*
A flash of red light appeared and disappeared, and Yuan Yueze took a small step back. Ga Duo was thrown into the air above the pool, spitting out blood as he plummeted down.
Wanwan, captivated by the fight, stared blankly.
Yuan Yueze was astonished by the man's skill. The instant their fists clashed, he had forcibly channeled his own vital energy into Ga Duo's meridians, yet Ga Duo had only coughed up blood.
But Yuan Yueze's surprise didn't end there.
Ga Duo floated as if weightless, slowly rising to his feet. His toes touched the water's surface, and suddenly, with lightning speed, he lunged at Yuan Yueze.
"Screech!"
Ga Duo's fists struck again, accompanied by a roar. The sound began short and powerful, stimulating the eardrums, then instantly became like a raging storm, overwhelming Yuan Yueze's ears.
Even with Yuan Yueze's cultivation level, he felt a sudden disorientation, as if the world was spinning.
Gado transformed into a golden ray of light, its trajectory exquisitely beautiful.
The rift in his mind flashed and then closed again; Gado's elusive, mysterious fist, like a gazelle leaping from its horns, was already half a zhang in front of Yuan Yueze, its astonishingly concentrated energy completely enveloping him.
Yuan Yueze's left hand, still scabbard, drew a graceful arc with his longsword, the tip of the sheath striking the strongest point of force in the center of Gado's fists.
"Bang!"
Yuan Yueze staggered back several steps, blood streaming from his nose. Gado tilted his head back and shot towards the water's surface.
"Clang!"
The longsword was drawn; Yuan Yueze, moving like a ghost, became one with his sword, transforming into a naturally formed long beam of light, pursuing Gado. The longsword pierced through with an irregular, winding path, like spring mist spreading, shimmering with countless lights, penetrating the air.
Sensing Yuan Yueze's powerful aura, a spiritual force strong enough to kill, Ga Duo miraculously stopped in mid-air. After spitting out another mouthful of blood, he unleashed a powerful punch with his left fist. Each punch seemed to fill the entire world, instilling a sense of utter helplessness and inescapable despair. The air within a foot of his fist seemed to be completely sucked out, creating a vacuum. The
moment his fist collided with the tip of Yuan Yueze's sword, a piercing, eerie sound erupted, utterly incongruous with the slow, dynamic rhythm.
Ga Duo was terrified.
He felt as if Yuan Yueze's sword had led him into a state of complete upside down, a state of weightlessness and disorientation. In the dizzying spin, Ga Duo felt dizzy and disoriented, experiencing a series of distorted illusions.
With a cold snort, Ga Duo's right hand transformed into a palm, unleashing a chaotic and disorderly slash. This move was the culmination of Ga Duo's life's work, a chaotic yet profoundly philosophical attack, shifting left and right, attacking from above and below, like a black bird gliding across the sand, possessing the power to traverse heaven and earth and pierce the universe.
The energy filled the air, whistling continuously.
After a dozen or so clashes, the figures separated, one above the other.
Yuan Yueze swiftly darted to the shore, while Ga Duo, exhausted, fell into the water with a "plop."
Yuan Yueze gathered his energy, reuniting himself with his sword, and attacked Ga Duo again. The sword tip trembled, creating a beautifully circular vortex, its momentum fierce and unparalleled, perfectly natural.
The instant the two separated, Wanwan regained her composure and leaped to Ga Duo's rescue.
She sensed the power emanating from the small ball of energy on Yuan Yueze's sword tip—power exceeding ten thousand pounds, yet as light as a willow catkin, both immense as a mountain and ethereal as the void. Wanwan felt a wave of helplessness and despair wash over her. She was already standing before Yuan Yueze's sword, her hand still unable to reach Gado. Utterly hopeless, she closed her beautiful eyes.
Sensing the sword about to pierce Wanwan, Yuan Yueze hurriedly withdrew it, abruptly withdrawing the energy from the blade.
"Pfft!"
The consequences of forcibly withdrawing his energy were immediate; Yuan Yueze's blood surged, and he spat out a mouthful of blood.
Wanwan, soaked to the bone, had already rescued Gado.
Gado was severely injured, but the glint in his eyes remained undiminished. His gaze, fixed on the closed-eyed Yuan Yueze, was filled with resentment.
"It's my fault for dragging you into
this," Wanwan said apologetically to Gado, who was barely able to stand.
"It's alright. You...you really know each other?"
Gado felt as if his body was about to split apart. Seeing the way Wanwan looked at Yuan Yueze, which didn't seem like a stranger, she waved her hand.
Wanwan didn't speak, only nodded silently.
Yuan Yueze, who had almost recovered, opened his eyes, glanced coldly at Ga Duo and Wanwan, and turned to leave.
Wanwan was about to chase after him, but seeing that Ga Duo seemed injured, she hesitated about what to do. Ga Duo gave a bitter smile: "He must be the one you said made your heart flutter, right? Don't worry about me, I can still walk. Go."
Wanwan's face showed even more guilt. She only wanted to tease Yuan Yueze, but she almost killed Ga Duo in the end. Although people in the Demonic Sect were used to killing people indiscriminately, the situation just now was clearly not an ordinary one.
"I hope to see you again in Luoyang, Miss. I must go and recover first."
Gado forced a smile, turned and left first, leaving Wanwan standing there blankly.
After Yuan Yueze left, he wondered why he had lost his composure so much, as if he wouldn't be able to calm down until he killed Gado.
Then he remembered the blond man's protection of Wanwan, and Yuan Yueze felt a pang of jealousy. He gazed at the starry sky for a while, then sat down on a large rock nearby, beginning to plan his next move.
Wanwan had appeared beside Yuan Yueze at some point, sitting down gracefully, her elegant posture enough to make one's heart flutter.
Yuan Yueze didn't even look at her, his actions and expression unchanged.
"Are you... are you hurt?"
Wanwan asked softly.
Seeing her like this, Yuan Yueze was taken aback. This was completely different from his usual witchy image.
"Aren't you going to worry about your little lover?"
Yuan Yueze asked coldly, his tone tinged with jealousy.
"Pfft!"
Wanwan chuckled, then wrapped her slender arm around Yuan Yueze's, her voice sweet and alluring, "Are you jealous, my darling?"
Hearing this, Yuan Yueze froze again. His behavior and words just now were indeed signs of jealousy.
"You...you shouldn't talk nonsense. I just like teasing you."
Yuan Yueze looked away, his tone wavering.
"Hmph!"
Wanwan snorted sweetly, her eyes practically saying: I'm waiting for you to admit defeat and fall at my feet.
"Who surrenders first is still uncertain! Besides, I've practically seen your body!"
Yuan Yueze glanced at her, secretly amused.
Then he remembered the seemingly unusual relationship between the blond man and Wanwan. His expression immediately darkened, and he ignored Wanwan.
Wanwan, with her keen intuition, sensed Yuan Yueze's thoughts. A sweet feeling welled up in her heart, and she said, "Your strength is truly terrifying. I wonder what it would be like if you encountered my master? My master's cultivation is already the greatest in the Holy Sect in a thousand years!"
Wanwan's mention of Zhu Yuyan stirred up Yuan Yueze's longing. It had been over a year since they last met; he wondered how she was doing.
Yuan Yueze became increasingly absorbed in his thoughts, his affectionate gaze altering the atmosphere around them. Seeing this, Wanwan assumed he was missing his wife at home, and a surge of displeasure rose within her. She thought to herself, "This rascal! He has someone here, yet he's thinking of other women! Humph!"
Wanwan abruptly stood up, not even glancing at Yuan Yueze, and flew away with hatred in her eyes.
Yuan Yueze was still lost in thought when he came to his senses. Wanwan was already gone. He had no choice but to gather his thoughts and head straight for Luoyang.
※※※※※ Liangdu, City Guard's Mansion.
Yuwen Shang, the head of the Yuwen Clan, one of the four great clans of the old Sui Dynasty, stood respectfully in his study. Behind a screen not far away, a figure could be vaguely seen whispering instructions.
"That old scoundrel Li Mi is indeed cunning, but no matter how hard he tries, he could never have guessed that the Empress's scheme was so ingenious."
Yuwen Shang, who was seventy years old but looked around fifty, had a cold, emotionless gaze that revealed the demeanor of a peerless master. Having been high above for many years and influenced by his cultivation of the Ice Profound True Qi, he seemed to be the source of all coldness in the world, an unmelting ice that would make people tremble and shrink back. He spoke respectfully to the figure behind the screen.
"Hmm, thank you for your trouble, Lord. I have planned everything, so you need not worry. Li Mi left you here to guard the area because he fears your strength. Just obey him. I have come here only for the He Shi Bi. After obtaining the He Shi Bi, they will all be nothing but ants." A
soft voice sounded from behind the screen.
"If Your Majesty needs my help, please speak up. I will do my utmost to serve you."
Yuwen Shang added.
"No need. There are no more than three powerful people in Luoyang who can obtain the He Shi Bi. I have already arranged everything. I have not set foot in the Central Plains for more than ten years. I am very grateful for your hospitality this time. I will definitely investigate the matter of Hua Ji to the end."
The voice from behind the screen sounded again.
"Yes, I take my leave. If Your Majesty has any instructions, please do not stand on ceremony."
Yuwen Shang bowed and withdrew.
※※※※※ It was almost the beginning of the 7 PM hour. Many houses in the city had already turned off their lights and gone to sleep.
Yuan Yueze moved swiftly, slipping into his family's courtyard. The main house was brightly lit, filled with the sounds of laughter and chatter.
Before he even reached the door, several women came out to greet him.
Xiao Bei, Yun Yuzhen, Fu Junzhuo, and Wei Zhenzhen rushed out, and then the Twin Dragons appeared before Yuan Yueze.
"They've come to join the fun too?"
Yuan Yueze thought to himself.
Unable to think any further, he embraced the women, showering each of them with passionate kisses. Amid their blushing protests, he glanced at Kou Zhong's raised thumb, and then walked smugly into the living room.
"When did you arrive? Why are you here now?"
Yuan Yueze took Wei Zhenzhen's teacup, took a sip, and asked the Twin Dragons.
The Twin Dragons had indeed matured a lot in the past year; their future seemed limitless. Yuan Yueze nodded approvingly at them.
“Hey, when we were wandering around Xingyang, we overheard that ‘pretty strategist’ talking about the He Shi Bi jade and Cihang Jingzhai. I’m also a bit interested in the struggle for power, wouldn’t it be a shame not to join in the fun?”
Kou Zhong replied.
Mentioning Xingyang, Xu Ziling’s expression became somewhat unnatural.
“What are you doing in Xingyang? I heard from Yuzhen that you’ve been working under Li Zitong for the past year, haven’t you? With your abilities, Li Zitong should have been sidelined, right?”
Yuan Yueze asked curiously.
“Brother Yuan, you don’t know, the people in the martial world are hunting us brothers extremely fiercely these days. The ‘Yang Gong Treasure Vault’ and the ‘Longevity Manual’ are enough to drive them crazy. We brothers only managed to escape to Xingyang by accident,”
Kou Zhong explained.
“That bastard Li Zitong, he only treated us politely to force us to reveal the whereabouts of the treasure vault. Afterwards, Zhong Shao and I killed him in a fit of anger!”
Xu Ziling interjected.
"What? Then why isn't there a whisper of it outside?"
Yuan Yueze asked in surprise.
"It must be a puppet installed by Fu Gongshi who's in power! It's also our fault for being too secretive when we killed Li Zitong. Fu Gongshi has long been dissatisfied with Li Zitong, but he didn't dare to act recklessly because of Du Fuwei. I suppose once he completely breaks with Du Fuwei, news of Li Zitong's death will spread."
Kou Zhong thought for a moment and said.
"However, we've caused too much trouble along the way. In Xingyang, Li Mi mistook us for the assassins who killed that 'pretty strategist,' and even issued the 'Pushan Duke's Decree' offering a reward for our capture!" Xu Ziling added. "Is Shen Luoyan in danger?" Yuan Yueze asked. "It's probably the work of the rumored 'Shadow Assassin' Yang Xuyan. Although Shen Luoyan's martial arts skills aren't great, she has skilled protectors in secret." Xu Ziling replied. Yuan Yueze smiled slightly and nodded. “Brother Yuan, you’re really not being fair! We brothers have no idea where the treasure vault is. Now everyone knows Mother married you, so no one dares to mess with you. You’re taking it out on us brothers, don’t you think… heh!” Kou Zhong said, winking. Seeing him playing the emotional card like a clown, Yuan Yueze smiled wryly, “Even if you don’t know the treasure vault, the allure of the ‘Longevity Manual’ is enough to make everyone drool! Don’t try to play the poor card with me.” Kou Zhong’s face turned red. The four women in the room, seeing even someone as shameless as him blush, immediately burst into laughter. The two dragons were momentarily stunned. “I don’t care if you want to join in the fun. Tell me about the big and small things that have happened in Luoyang these past few days,” Yuan Yueze turned to Yun Yuzhen and asked. “The successor of Cihang Jingzhai, Shi Feixuan, will arrive in Luoyang soon, and we’ll soon see who will ultimately own the He Shi Bi. And with all the forces gathered in Luoyang, it’s far more complicated than when we got married,” Yun Yuzhen replied. For the past few months, she had mainly been in charge of the intelligence network. "It's said that whoever possesses either the 'Yang Gong Treasure Trove' or the 'He Shi Bi' will rule the world. Is it really that mysterious?" Xu Ziling asked curiously. "Weren't you eavesdropping on the He Shi Bi in Xingyang?" Yuan Yueze asked. "We only overheard a few words, nothing in detail. And then Yang Xuyan suddenly appeared, so we couldn't listen any further," Kou Zhong explained. Xu Ziling remembered that Kou Zhong's ambition was in the process of conquering the world, not in caring about who ultimately ruled. Although he understood, he still sighed inwardly and asked, "I heard that the He Shi Bi is the national seal, a symbol of imperial power. Does it have any other value or significance?" Xiao Bei, having grown up in the royal family, naturally knew more. She frowned slightly and said, "Just from the fact that Ning Daoqi also made a three-year agreement with Cihang Jingzhai to borrow the jade, we can tell that the He Shi Bi is not just a precious jade. Otherwise, how could it have moved even a transcendent master like Ning Daoqi?" Kou Zhong said in astonishment, "So, you mean... " "Hasn't the He Shi Bi been hidden in Cihang Jingzhai all along? How did you know, sister-in-law?" Then, as if suddenly realizing something, she chuckled dryly, "I almost forgot, nothing in the world can be hidden from your family, hehe!" Xu Ziling frowned and said, "If this is true, then the widely circulated rumor in the martial arts world that Ning Daoqi would return the He Shi Bi to Shi Feixuan in Luoyang wouldn't be fabricated. Are Ning Daoqi and Shi Feixuan being so ostentatious because they think the world isn't chaotic enough already?" Yuan Yueze scoffed, "Quite the opposite. This is precisely the condition Cihang Jingzhai agreed to lend the jade to Ning Daoqi—that he assist in restoring order to the world and bringing benefits to all people."

Noticing Yuan Yueze's unusual expression, Wei Zhenzhen said, "If the fate of the world could be decided by a piece of jade or a treasure, wouldn't all the powerful figures be unworthy of the title 'powerful figures'?"
Shuanglong nodded in agreement.
"As Sister Zhen said, the He Shi Bi itself is a small matter, but with the combined strength and prestige of Cihang Jingzhai, represented by Shi Feixuan, and Ning Daoqi, how will the heroes of the world react if they publicly announce that they are giving the He Shi Bi to someone?"
Xu Ziling frowned.
"What you said makes sense, but I'm sure the He Shi Bi won't be easily delivered to the 'wise ruler' she has chosen by Shi Feixuan. I suspect Ning Daoqi is just a decoy to divert people's attention, and the real He Shi Bi has always been hidden in Cihang Jingzhai."
Yuan Yueze said solemnly.
“Indeed, as my husband said, Yu Zhen has been gathering information these past few days, and there are many overt forces in Luoyang, almost encompassing representatives of all ambitious forces outside the Central Plains. These are not a problem; what's worrying is the hidden forces,”
Yun Yu Zhen said with slight concern.
Yuan Yueze laughed, “Don't worry about these things. Let's eat and drink to our hearts' content; after all, the He Shi Bi has nothing to do with us!”
This was Yuan Yueze's thought. However, what he didn't understand was why the hidden forces were trying to seize the He Shi Bi. Was there truly a secret hidden within the He Shi Bi, or was seizing the He Shi Bi a pretext, their true intention being to occupy Luoyang? If so, which overt force was instigating them?
The more he thought about it, the more his head ached. Yuan Yueze simply stopped and pulled the women back to their room for a ‘battle.’
The two dragons seemed to understand him perfectly, their faces full of teasing as they rose to take their leave. The four women, their faces flushed with embarrassment, were left inside and began to playfully 'massage' Yuan Yueze.
The next day, after Yuan Yueze and the women greeted Shi Qingxuan, he went out alone to find Shuanglong, as instructed by Wei Zhenzhen.
After Shuanglong arrived in Luoyang, Kou Zhong was attracted by the most prestigious brothel in the area, 'Manqing Courtyard,' and the two of them checked in directly.
Yuan Yueze was extremely famous in Luoyang; aside from his appearance and demeanor, his talent and character were praised behind his back. In particular, the good deeds he had done over the past few months were all admirable.
Walking through the long corridor on the first floor of 'Manqing Courtyard,' ignoring the seductive glances of the alluring women, Yuan Yueze, led by a servant, headed straight for the north wing.
This was his first time entering a brothel; in all his time in Luoyang, he had only heard of it and seen it in books.
The servant, seeing the world-renowned Young Master Yuan arrive on his turf, excitedly introduced the place as they walked, his mouth talking non-stop like a machine gun.
The main hall is backed by a large courtyard pavilion named 'Tingliu Pavilion'. It consists of four three-story buildings facing east, west, south, and north, enclosing a central garden spanning fifty zhang (approximately 150 meters). Each floor of the buildings contains more than ten side rooms, with windows and balconies facing the garden, allowing occupants to enjoy a panoramic view of the central garden. Compared to southern architecture, Manqing Courtyard is clearly distinguished by its grand scale and luxurious opulence, a stark contrast to the elegant, simple, and refined residences and gardens of the Jiangnan region.
'Tingliu Pavilion' fully embodies the combination and application of separation and openness, perfectly capturing a sense of vastness, solidity, and enclosure. Although the buildings are the main structure, the central garden is its soul, integrating the inner and outer spaces into a unified whole, creating boundless artistic conception within limited space. The side of each building facing the central garden features interconnected semi-corridors, enhancing the sense of space within the garden and further connecting the four buildings. At the heart of the garden stands a large fishpond, adding a delightful vitality to the space. Surrounding the pond are lush green grasses and artificial streams, with pebble paths winding around it. From a higher vantage point, the patterns formed by the paths and grasses are even more pleasing to the eye.
Where the paths cross the streams, they form arched bridges, ensuring the garden is never monotonous or dull. Whether there are performances or duels in the garden, people in the surrounding buildings and rooms can watch simultaneously.
"These two lads really know how to pick a spot!"
Yuan Yueze chuckled.
Suddenly, he wondered, "Aren't they being hunted by various forces? How can they be so audacious?"
After a while, a servant led Yuan Yueze to a room on the top floor of the north wing. Evenings are the busiest time for brothels; the daytime should be quiet. Yet, in this 'Tingliu Pavilion,' every room was filled with people drinking and making merry. Yuan Yueze was puzzled for a moment, but then he understood: all the various factions had sent people, scheming against each other, and the brothel was their perfect meeting place.
Entering the private room reserved by the Twin Dragons, he found that the two boys had already prepared human skin masks; no wonder they dared to come to the brothel so openly.
Kou Zhong was drinking and laughing heartily with a scantily clad woman. Xu Ziling silently enjoyed his food and drink alone.
"You two are really courting death! If you're discovered, how will you leave safely?"
Kou Zhong waved away the woman beside him as Yuan Yueze entered the room. Yuan Yueze sat down and frowned.
"Let's not even talk about whether anyone can see through our disguise. Even if they can, who in Luoyang would dare to oppose Brother Yuan? Our mothers married you, we're related, we should at least show some respect!"
Kou Zhong chuckled dryly.
Yuan Yueze shook his head helplessly; he had ultimately been outmaneuvered by the two of them.
Seeing Yuan Yueze's bitter expression, Kou Zhong quickly changed the subject. Yuan Yueze disliked such occasions and, after only a few words, was about to lead the two away.
"Kou Zhong, get down here!"
A voice, imbued with powerful internal energy, rang out, its sound reverberating far and wide, drawing the attention of the hundreds of people in the Listening Pavilion. They all emerged from their rooms and went to the balustrade facing the central garden, looking around.
Yuan Yueze and the Twin Dragons also came out, their eyes fixed on the garden below. They saw a man standing on the gravel path about three zhang away from the fishpond, holding a dragon-headed steel staff, exuding an imposing aura. This man was around fifty years old, with prominent ears, not tall, yet giving off a strong and solid impression. His eyes gleamed with a sharp light, concealing a sinister aura, suggesting he was no weakling. However, his fine clothes, coupled with his pale face and swollen eyes, clearly indicated that he had long indulged in wine and women.
"You've messed with Shangguan Long?"
Yuan Yueze had known almost everyone of importance in Luoyang during his months there. He frowned and turned to Kou Zhong, asking.
The man in the central garden was indeed Shangguan Long, the leader of the Luoyang Gang.
"Hey! Brother Yuan, you don't know, this Shangguan Long is from the Demonic Sect. My brothers and I have seen Wan Yaonu contacting his men. Yesterday, on our way to your house, we encountered the Luoyang Gang and gave them a 'small' punishment..."
Kou Zhong chuckled.
Judging from his expression and Shangguan Long's anger downstairs, it was clear how serious the conflict between the Twin Dragons and the Yin Gui Sect had become.
"Oh! Isn't that Young Master Yuan? He comes to a brothel? That's quite a sight!"
Someone in the crowd recognized Yuan Yueze and exclaimed when he saw him watching the commotion.
At this moment, the attention of hundreds of people was drawn to Yuan Yueze, and no one paid any attention to Shangguan Long anymore.
Yuan Yueze gave a wry smile, nodded to the people who greeted him, and glanced around. He saw Li Shimin, Liu Heita, and Fu Qian, whom he had met before, among them, as well as many strangers who were also sizing him up.
"It seems Shangguan Long discovered our whereabouts, but he actually didn't give Brother Yuan any face. Has he eaten the heart of a bear and the gall of a leopard?"
Kou Zhong said, somewhat puzzled.
"Chief Shangguan, Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling are my wife's adopted sons. Could you please give me face? It's not convenient to fight under the circumstances today. Let's not spoil everyone's fun."
Yuan Yueze cupped his hands in greeting to Shangguan Long.
Even if Shangguan Long was powerful, he wouldn't dare speak ill of Yuan Yueze. He must have something to rely on today; otherwise, with his cunning and calculating nature, why would he be so arrogant?
"Young Master Yuan is quite right. However, my superiors have arrived today. I'm merely here to deliver a message,"
Shangguan Long replied in a low voice, cupping his hands in greeting.
The hundreds of onlookers were utterly bewildered. Shangguan Long had superiors? And who was he, a pawn planted in Luoyang by some powerful force?
While everyone was still trying to figure it out, they suddenly noticed a shadowy figure, seemingly real yet illusory, radiating demonic energy, appearing before Shangguan Long. An inexplicably intense pressure caused many onlookers in the surrounding pavilions to freeze, unable to move, cold sweat pouring down their faces!
"My God! Is that the Demoness Wan? How could she become so powerful!"
Kou Zhong asked, his voice trembling slightly.
Shuanglong and Wanwan had fought many times, and they could sense the unique aura of the Heavenly Demonic Art just by looking at it. However, this aura was far stronger than Kou Zhong could have imagined!
"Shangguan Long is a member of the Demonic Sect?"
Li Shimin muttered to himself.
Many of the onlookers were highly skilled, and based solely on the eerie aura emanating from the figure that had just appeared beside Shangguan Long, they already knew his approximate identity. However, Li Shimin spoke it aloud, while the others only thought it to themselves.
"Youngster, do you know that your 'Demonic Sect' name will cost you your life?"
A melodious, alluring voice rang in everyone's ears.
"Pfft!"
Li Shimin's true energy suddenly surged uncontrollably, his body trembled violently, and he spat out a mouthful of blood. The dozen or so subordinates from the Tian Ce Mansion immediately surrounded and protected Li Shimin, their weapons drawn, on high alert.
"Whoosh!"
The crowd was momentarily stunned as a black figure appeared out of nowhere in mid-air. Her face was veiled, her bright eyes radiating an otherworldly coldness. Her long hair flowed freely, her figure slender and alluring. Her movements were lightning-fast, her feet barely touching the ground, as if she were floating on clouds. Her lightness skill alone was astonishingly high! The newcomer
slowly descended until she merged with the phantom beside Shangguan Long. The scene was indescribably eerie and astonishing. The onlookers felt breathless and their hearts pounding!
"Your subordinate greets the Sect Master. Those two lads are over there,"
Shangguan Long said respectfully, pointing to the location of the Twin Dragons and Yuan Yueze upstairs after kneeling.
Yuan Yueze already knew it was the Empress Yin. Having not seen her for over a year, Yuan Yueze trembled with excitement.
Zhu Yuyan's gaze fell on Li Shimin and the others, her veil fluttering slightly.
Just as Yuan Yueze was about to rush forward, he suddenly heard a telepathic message. He had no choice but to suppress his lustful thoughts and silently recite the "Concentration Technique." "So it is Sect Master Zhu of the Yin Gui Sect who has personally arrived . I, Shimin, have been quite offensive with my words. Please forgive me, Sect Master ."
Li Shimin, his face slightly pale, pushed aside the head of the guard beside him and bowed in apology.
"!" Li Shimin's words reminded everyone that the newcomer was none other than the legendary Grandmaster-level expert of the Demonic Sect, the Sect Master of the Yin Gui Sect, known throughout the martial arts world as the "Empress of Yin," Zhu Yuyan! The Empress of Yin's actions were always unpredictable, and very few people had ever seen her in person. Today, everyone was able to witness this female demon who had dominated the martial arts world for over forty years. How could they not be shocked! Although they could not see the Empress of Yin's true appearance, judging from her graceful figure and captivating, bewitching aura, she appeared to be no more than twenty-five years old. Further speculation reveals that his demonic internal energy has undoubtedly reached a high level of mastery! However, no one in the room dared to show even a hint of lewdness, for no one knew if they would still be alive the moment they did! With a little thought, it was clear that the two ordinary-looking burly men beside Yuan Yueze were the Twin Dragons in disguise. Everyone's gaze involuntarily turned to Yuan Yueze and his companions. Kou Zhong was completely stunned by the Empress's imposing presence; his legs were cramping. He forcibly suppressed the inexplicable fear in his heart, his mind racing. "Those two brats are in trouble!" Li Shimin thought to himself, "Wait a minute!" He then remembered that everyone's attention was completely drawn to the Empress, and they had forgotten that a powerful figure like Yuan Yueze was also present. Just by looking at Yuan Yueze standing with the Twin Dragons, one could imagine that Yuan Yueze wouldn't easily abandon them. "I am fortunate to have the presence of the Empress today. Would you be so kind as to spare these two lads?" Yuan Yueze asked Zhu Yuyan, bowing respectfully. "These two lads have offended many within my sect. Why should I let them go based solely on your word?" Zhu Yuyan coldly replied, staring at the Twin Dragons. Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling were deeply moved; Zhu Yuyan had nearly terrified them. The difference in their strength was simply too great. They had always thought Yuan Yueze didn't care about them, but today, in this moment of crisis, he had suddenly stood up for them. How could these two young men not be incredibly excited! "Since the Sect Master says so, then I have nothing more to say. These two are yours to handle," Yuan Yueze sighed. "Ah!" The onlookers were stunned. They had expected Yuan Yueze to stand up for the Twin Dragons, or even directly engage the Empress in battle, to show them what a spectacle. But instead, Yuan Yueze softened his stance after just a few words, seemingly disregarding the lives of his brothers! Disappointment was written all over everyone's faces. Shuanglong almost fainted from anger; Yuan Yueze's words were far too irresponsible. "However..." Seeing Shuanglong's pleading expressions, Yuan Yueze glanced at them, then turned back to Zhu Yuyan. "However, if Empress Yin removes her veil and lets me see your face, I might agree to ignore these two boys!" Yuan Yueze stared at Zhu Yuyan with a lecherous look. Everyone was stunned again. Was this Young Master Yuan also attracted by Empress Yin's charm? But the two were at least two generations apart! Rumors in the martial arts world said he was capricious, and it was indeed true! Li Shimin, Liu Heita, and others who had attended the Lingnan wedding had all heard that Yuan Yueze seemed to have some ambiguous feelings for Empress Yin, but hearing him say such frivolous words in public made them blush with embarrassment. "Insolence!" A fleeting glint of allure flashed in Zhu Yuyan's eyes as she rapidly closed in on Yuan Yueze. Her sleeves billowed, the ribbons seeming to weigh a ton, yet her movements were heavy as she aimed directly at him. "Slap!" Yuan Yueze, like a ghost, dodged two almost invisible black streaks of light, appearing behind Zhu Yuyan and lightly slapping her buttocks with his large hand. "Heh! Fighting here, who can afford to pay for the damage? How about we go outside?" Yuan Yueze chuckled lewdly, drifting away like a weightless willow catkin towards the wide street in the distance. Zhu Yuyan was almost rendered powerless by his slap, yet she had no choice but to endure it, composing herself and following Yuan Yueze into the street. Hundreds of onlookers witnessed Yuan Yueze's public display of thuggery, his rogue-like behavior earning the admiration of those who were eager but lacked courage. The moment the two figures disappeared, the crowd snapped out of their daze and swarmed after them. Missing this fight might be a lifelong regret. When they rushed out of Manqing Courtyard, the crowd of onlookers had grown to three or four hundred after word spread. Upon reaching the street, Yuan and Zhu were already locked in a fierce battle, their robes billowing in the air. The scene appeared to be flirtation, but in reality, it was extremely dangerous.

"Wan the Demoness's demonic arts are ever-changing, making them impossible to guard against. But the Yin Queen's cultivation has reached a level of complete control, omnipotence, and divine perfection!"
Kou Zhong sighed, staring at the two fighting several feet away.
"Brother Yuan is invincible; even several Yin Queens wouldn't be a match for him!"
Xu Ziling seemed to have complete faith in Yuan Yueze's strength.
"Young Master Yuan's tactics are excellent,"
someone in the crowd said, feigning experience.
"Look, he touched it again!"
Others were only focused on Yuan Yueze's demonic hands, completely oblivious to the battle.
"The Yin Queen is truly a seasoned veteran; look, she's completely unaffected by Young Master Yuan's tactics!"
"Sigh! I also want to go up and touch it a few times..."
Some had completely forgotten how dangerous the fight was, only indulging in daydreams.
Yuan Yueze suddenly snorted coldly, his footwork shifting rapidly. His right hand, with a sword-like finger, met Zhu Yuyan's Heavenly Demon Belt, which swept towards his face. After deflecting and parrying three attacks from different angles, he struck forward with his left palm, meeting Zhu Yuyan's jade-like hand that emerged from her sleeve.
"Pfft!"
Zhu Yuyan's power was almost entirely hidden in a lightning-fast kick from under her skirt aimed at Yuan Yueze's abdomen; her hand attack was merely a feint. Yuan Yueze was struck and sent flying several feet, losing consciousness.
"I'll spare you today, but if you ever offend my disciples again, you'll only die!"
Zhu Yuyan, her hands behind her back, seemed to be speaking to Yuan Yueze, yet also to herself. Her voice was so cold it sent chills down one's spine.
After speaking, she didn't even glance at the two dragons before flying away like lightning.
Shangguan Long, a smug look on his face, glanced arrogantly at the two dragons and hurriedly followed.
The two dragons frantically carried Yuan Yueze away, while the others whispered amongst themselves.
"Isn't Young Master Yuan invincible? How could he lose?"
"He must have been overcome by lust and didn't use his full strength!"
"How could that be! He's about to die, how could he still remember lust?"
"Wasn't it said that Young Master Yuan defeated the new generation Turkic master, Ba Feng Han, in Dongping in two moves? He couldn't possibly be that weak, could he?"
"Even if Ba Feng Han is powerful, he's still a novice. How can he compare to the Empress Yin?"
"Is Young Master Yuan still alive? It would be such a pity if such a kind person died!"
"Young Master Yuan isn't as powerful as the rumors say. I'm truly disappointed!"...
Next chapter preview: Jinqiao's Five Questions

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