Cold Fragrance Valley [Complete] - 16

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

Chapter Sixteen: Night Raid on Kongtong Mountain

It was late afternoon, the sun long since obscured by the towering mountains to the west. As night fell, Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua entered the mountains, using the eastern sixth moon as their guide, and sped northward. They carried provisions and had already decided to travel through the night, for the sooner they could rescue Lan Xiangji, the sooner they could relieve her suffering. Every hour or so they would find a clean spot with a spring and water to rest, observe the terrain, discuss their plans, or eat. For two days and two nights, using this method, they successfully reached the southern foot of Kongtong Mountain.

Taking advantage of the early sunset and before dusk, they quickly found the cave based on the directions given by "Rope Whip." Outside the cave, a fallen pine tree obscured the entrance. Beyond the pine, there was a sloping passage, extending about ten feet inward, seemingly very secure. Upon entering the cave, they found an oil lamp lit on a stone platform at the entrance. Lan Tianpeng lit the lamp, revealing the interior.

Xiao Qionghua glanced around; the cave wasn't deep, but it contained a bed and other furniture. There was a reed mat on the bed, but no blankets. She asked, puzzled, "Strange, why did Yan Qi and the others know about this secret cave, but the Kongtong Sect didn't?"

Lan Tianpeng explained, "This place is forty li from the Kongtong Sect's headquarters, 'Chunyang Palace,' in the mountains. There are over a thousand caves of varying sizes in the mountains. This cave is on the mountainside; even if it had been discovered earlier, it wouldn't have attracted much attention."

Xiao Qionghua asked, still puzzled, "The presence of a bed and furniture inside shouldn't be noticed."

Lan Tianpeng pondered for a moment and said, "I think this is a recent development; these things weren't here before."

Xiao Qionghua said dismissively, "How so?" "

Lan Tianpeng said without hesitation, "According to what Uncle Yan said, 'Liaoyin' seems to know about this secret cave, but he has been practicing swordsmanship diligently in recent years and rarely goes down the mountain, so we judged that these beds and tables were placed recently."

Xiao Qionghua asked with increasing confusion, "Who placed these beds and tables?"

Lan Tianpeng immediately said with certainty, "Of course, it was Yan Shiyan and the others who placed them."

Xiao Qionghua asked again, "You don't think Lan Xiangji and 'Liaoyin' were involved."

Lan Tianpeng said without hesitation, "If they were doing this to prevent 'Liaochen' and the others from rebelling, they would certainly know."

Xiao Qionghua immediately said with confusion, "That's strange. Since 'Liaoyin' and Lan Xiangji share the same interests and jointly resist 'Liaochen' and the others' conspiracy, why didn't they meet here to wait for Senior Yan after rescuing Lan Xiangji, but instead went all the way to meet at Wang Qiaohu's house at the foot of Liupan Mountain?"

Lan Tianpeng thought for a moment and said, "I think it was to prevent 'Liaoyin' from chasing after us."

Xiao Qionghua immediately disagreed, saying, "That's not right. 'Liaoyin' should be happy that Lanxiangji has been rescued." Lan

Tianpeng immediately explained, "That's his contradiction. Although he wants Lanxiangji to be rescued, he also feels that having someone rescued from the main altar's water dungeon by outsiders is a huge blow to his reputation and the honor of the Kongtong Sect. To save face, he must bring Lanxiangji back."

Xiao Qionghua coldly smiled and said, "I'll cover their retreat then. I want to see what 'Liaoyin' is capable of." Upon hearing this, Lan

Tianpeng did not object. The two ate some food, sat cross-legged to regulate their breathing, and then planned their route to the back of the Kongtong headquarters. They blew out the oil lamp and went outside. It was dark outside the cave, with twinkling stars in the sky and lights dotting the surrounding towns; it was already time to light the lanterns. After determining their location, they used their lightness skills and sped deeper into the cave.

Lan Tianpeng wore the silver robes of the "Silver-Clad Swordsman" and carried the "Silver Rainbow Sword" of the former Earthly Witch, both inlaid with sparkling gems. As they flew through the starry night, their movements created a fleeting glint of light. From afar, Lan Tianpeng's swift figure resembled a shooting star. Although Xiao Qionghua did not wear a bright silver robe inlaid with gems, her sword tassel also had a bright red gem the size of a walnut, which created a faint red line as she sped along. After a swift dash, they found themselves amidst a cluster of peaks. Reaching a summit, they looked north and saw several lights dotting the landscape several miles away, while the central area remained shrouded in darkness.

Lan Tianpeng, puzzled, remarked, "Strange. The branch altars surrounding the 'Pure Yang Palace' all have lights, yet the main altar, located in the very center, is completely dark." Before he could finish, Xiao Qionghua speculated, "The Pure Yang Palace is situated in the vast forests, surrounded by ancient trees, making it difficult for lights to escape and thus harder to spot. The branch altars, however, are newly built and naturally easier to see."

Lan Tianpeng turned to Xiao Qionghua, seeking her opinion, "Cousin, could we first check out the nearest branch altar to see what's going on?"

Xiao Qionghua immediately replied solemnly, "Of course, but we absolutely cannot let them discover us, otherwise, rescuing Lan-mei will be difficult."

Lan Tianpeng nodded knowingly, "I understand." With that, he sped off ahead.

The two descended halfway down the mountain, where a deep, winding ravine descended, gradually rising to form a ridge that ended at a peak. Reaching a wide vantage point, they saw a cluster of lights just a mile or two away, and a neat row of houses built of wood and stone on the broad, flat cliff halfway up the mountain. Xiao Qionghua, after observing this, immediately suggested, "We should ascend from the bottom of the cliff, or approach through the woods on the left, because I'm very worried about the jewels on your silver robe and scholar's cap."

Lan Tianpeng, from the very beginning of inheriting the silver robe and sword, had resolved that under any emergency, he would never damage the "Silver-Clad Swordsman's" attire and sword, even at the cost of his life, to uphold the lofty reputation of the "Silver-Clad Swordsman." At this moment, although he understood his cousin Xiao Qionghua's subtle hint to remove the jewels from the sash of his scholar's cap, he pretended not to understand. So, he nodded slightly in agreement and said, "Cousin is absolutely right. Let's climb up to that flat cliff from the foot of the peak." With that, he sped forward, and Xiao Qionghua had no choice but to follow closely beside Lan Tianpeng.

Reaching the foot of the peak, they crossed a valley and arrived at the foot of the flat cliff. Although Lan Tianpeng was reluctant to remove the jewels from his silver robe, he was particularly careful to remain hidden, as his discovery was crucial to the rescue of Lan Xiangji. The two looked up to assess the situation, then immediately leaped up and began climbing the flat cliff. Seeing that they were halfway up the cliff, they immediately made a hand gesture, and simultaneously held their breath, slowly ascending. Reaching the top, they first cautiously peered out and discovered that although the surrounding area of several dozen feet was filled with scattered rocks and small bamboo groves, there were no hidden stakes or guards.

The two glanced at each other, puzzled. Based on their observation from the peak, the nearest houses were no more than twenty or thirty feet from the cliff edge. It was truly perplexing that no spies were stationed so close to the branch altar. So, they leaped down the cliff, using the trees and rocks as cover, and nimbly flew towards a group of houses about twenty feet away. As they advanced, they observed the activity inside and looked for anything suspicious. This branch altar, though its houses were neatly arranged, lacked walls. Some houses were completely dark, while others were brightly lit. Upon closer inspection, they found many people moving about inside—all burly men in tight-fitting clothes, talking and laughing loudly, acting casually, like travelers staying in an inn.

Lan Tianpeng shook his head at this sight. "Master Yuxu's" idea of using these underworld figures as a backer to dominate the Central Plains was nothing short of a pipe dream. Because anyone could see through it. This was a motley crew, merely a temporary refuge for notorious bandits to commit their crimes. Seeing this, Lan Tianpeng could have walked in without a second thought, but because of Xiao Qionghua, he had to find a way to sneak in from the shadows.

Just as he was about to take a step, Xiao Qionghua coldly snorted and whispered, "I thought the mighty Kongtong Sect would be so well-organized and powerful, but it turns out they're so disorganized and lax."

Upon hearing this, Lan Tianpeng immediately urged, "We can enter through those houses without lights." He pointed to several small, dark houses in the southwest corner; based on their architectural style, they were clearly the warehouses of this branch sect.

After entering several warehouses, the two cautiously ventured deeper, gradually moving into brightly lit areas. Lan Tianpeng subtly pointed upwards, and the two leaped onto the doorways. They surveyed the area; similarly, there were no hidden stakes on the facades. In the center of the dozen or so warehouses, a large building stood out, its interior brightly lit, seemingly the main hall of this branch altar. After observing, Lan Tianpeng immediately looked at Xiao Qionghua and whispered, "This situation is completely different from what Uncle Yan described. I wonder what organization it is?"

Xiao Qionghua replied dismissively, "Whether it's a powerful organization or not, it's just some desperate thugs recruited by 'Jade Void.'" The

two cautiously observed and carefully approached, until they reached a rooftop from which one could see into the inner chambers. They immediately concealed themselves. Lan Tianpeng peered inside and saw six or seven people sitting and talking over tea. At the head of the table was a white-haired, one-eyed old man and a thin old man, both holding pipes and puffing smoke. To their left sat a middle-aged man in a long robe with his ears cut off, another middle-aged man with triangular eyes, bushy eyebrows, rat-like ears, and a hooked nose. There was also a burly man with a leopard-like head and round eyes, bare-chested and with a prominent scar on his face, his ruddy skin gleaming brightly under the lamplight. The faces of the three men to their right were obscured by Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua's position on the rooftop. However, one of them looked familiar; he seemed to be Hu Hu, the wicked servant of the "Twin Demons of Lishan," the scoundrel who had stirred up trouble.

After reading this, Lan Tianpeng immediately nudged Xiao Qionghua and whispered, "Cousin, did you see that middle-aged man in the gray-green robe?" Xiao Qionghua glanced at the outer room of the main house and nodded immediately.

Lan Tianpeng continued, "That fellow is Hu Hu, the wicked servant of the 'Twin Demons of Lishan.'"

Xiao Qionghua said "Oh," with some regret, "This fellow is lucky. For the sake of the overall situation, let him live a few more days." As she spoke, everyone in the main house suddenly burst into laughter, seemingly discussing something amusing.

Just then, a person hurriedly walked out of the dark passage not far away. Although it was dark, Lan Tianpeng immediately recognized him as a Golden Hairpin-level figure from the Kongtong Sect because of the golden shadow on his head. So, he stared intently and blurted out, "Cousin, that person is 'Liao Chen.'" Xiao Qionghua stared intently and saw "Liao Chen," dressed in a gray robe, a long sword slung across his back, and a gold hairpin tucked into his hair ornament, hurrying towards them with a smug expression.

Seeing this, Xiao Qionghua immediately whispered, "Liao Chen is probably here to report some good news."

Lan Tianpeng nodded in agreement, saying, "Very likely..." Before he could finish, "Liao Chen" had already turned the corner and arrived in front of the main house.

Upon seeing him, everyone inside rose and said humbly, "Daoist Liao Chen has arrived."

Upon seeing everyone, "Liao Chen" immediately bowed respectfully at the door, smiled, and chanted a Buddhist prayer, continuing humbly, "Please sit! Please sit." Thus, the one-eyed old man who had been sitting at the head of the table remained in his original position, while another thin old man with a pipe offered his chair to "Liao Chen."

As soon as Liao Chen sat down, the one-eyed old man at the head of the table smiled and asked, "Daoist Master, what news has come from the main altar?"

Liao Chen, looking pleased, nodded immediately and said, "Indeed, there is some good news for everyone." Everyone exclaimed "Oh!" and stared intently at Liao Chen.

Liao Chen stroked his few yellow whiskers and said with a smile, "The main altar just received news from the Nanzheng branch. That brat Lan Tianpeng and another woman in green, who had just arrived in the south of Nanzheng, suddenly disappeared..."

Before he could finish, everyone in the room exclaimed "Oh!" again, puzzled. The thin old man asked, "Why did that brat surnamed Lan suddenly disappear?"

Liao Chen laughed and said, "This proves they encountered Yan Qi."

Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua were shocked; they feared that Yan Qi, the "Luozibian," and Lan Xiangji were using a scheme. However, many facts proved their ideas wrong. Yet, the "Liao Chen" before them spoke of Yan Qi with a cunning expression and tone, which couldn't help but arouse their suspicion. In their minds, they heard "Liao Chen" continue smugly, "As long as they encounter Yan Qi, that brat surnamed Lan will definitely come to rescue Lan Xiangji..."

The one-eyed old man nodded and said, "Daoist, you mustn't underestimate Yan Qi. He might not let Lan Tianpeng fall for his trick." Upon hearing this, Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua immediately felt relieved, because based on the one-eyed old man's words, they had concluded that Yan Qi and Liao Chen were enemies.

Before the thought was even finished, "Liao Chen" said seriously, "They will definitely come. That brat surnamed Lan is already infatuated with Lan Xiangji. Even Yan Qi couldn't stop him, let alone Yan Qi

, who is also eager to rescue Lan Xiangji." The gray-haired old man beside him interjected, "So, Lan Tianpeng is definitely coming?" "

Liao Chen" said without hesitation, "Of course."

The thin old man said dismissively, "When did the Nanzheng branch discover Lan Tianpeng and his group's whereabouts?"

"Liao Chen" immediately explained, "The first batch of carrier pigeons just arrived. They discovered Lan Tianpeng and his group this morning. It is said that the people there are keeping a close watch, and there will definitely be a second batch of news before dawn."

Upon hearing this, Lan Dapeng immediately understood that this was a "feint" used by Yan Qi. By the time the Kongtong Sect knew that they had arrived in Nanzheng, they had actually already arrived at the main altar. In terms of time, they would have a two-day lead, making the rescue much easier. With this trick, Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua gained another layer of understanding of Yan Qi's wit and resourcefulness. As he pondered this, he heard "Liao Chen" continue, "I just discovered another large number of carrier pigeons. I've notified all the branch camps from the main altar to Nanzheng that no one is allowed to cause trouble for that scoundrel surnamed Lan. They must pretend not to know anything and hasten his arrival."

Another burly man with a thick beard asked loudly, "Master, how many more days do you think Lan Tianpeng will take to arrive?"

"Liao Chen" pondered for a moment and said, "I think even if that brat surnamed Lan travels day and night, it will take him at least four days to arrive."

The one-eyed old man asked with concern, "What if Lan Tianpeng sends a formal letter to the mountain, openly demanding someone? Didn't you just say that you're infatuated with Lan Xiangji? What if he insists that Lan Xiangji has secretly pledged her life to him and is his future wife?"

Before he could finish speaking, "Liao Chen" said angrily, "That would require some proof."

The one-eyed old man shook his head with a sigh and said, "Master, you've been wandering the martial world for decades. Don't you understand the rules of the martial world? Whoever has the higher martial arts skills is right. When that time comes..."

Before the one-eyed old man could finish speaking, Liao Chen suddenly said angrily, "Then the 'Supreme One' will naturally deal with it."

Seeing Liao Chen's anger, the one-eyed old man's face also darkened, and he said unhappily, "Daoist Master, Lan Tianpeng and I are neither related nor acquainted. I'm reminding you this so you're mentally prepared. Lan Dapeng comes up the mountain relying on his skills to demand people; you should be prepared."

Seeing the one-eyed old man's displeasure, Liao Chen's expression softened, and he said tactfully, "This humble Daoist hates that brat to the bone, so I can't help but feel angry whenever Lan Tianpeng is mentioned. My angry words just now were absolutely not directed at you, hero; please don't take it to heart."

The one-eyed old man also forced a smile and said, "This old man won't be angry with you, Daoist Master, but you should still think of some clever plans to deal with Lan Tianpeng and that woman in green..."

Liao Chen snorted coldly, his voice arrogant and deep: "All sorts of plans and ingenious schemes have been prepared and arranged, just waiting for that brat surnamed Lan to come and die."

The gaunt old man suddenly interjected, asking: "So, even if Lan Tianpeng were to launch a prison break, you, Daoist, would be prepared?"

Upon hearing this, a smug smile appeared on Liao Chen's gloomy old face as he said: "That's the best strategy in the Daoist way, but if that brat surnamed Lan dares to attempt a prison break, he's doomed. Even Buddha can't save him. The problem is, he might not dare to come." Upon hearing this, Xiao Qionghua nudged the murderous-looking Lan Tianpeng with her elbow.

Then the burly man with a full beard appeared and said in a gruff voice, "Daoist, what kind of ingenious plan did you use to be sure of killing that little boy?"

"Liao Chen" smiled coldly and glanced at everyone in the room with resentment in his eyes. He said somberly, "Since you are all on our side, even if I were to reveal this, I wouldn't be afraid of it leaking out."

The one-eyed old man and the others nodded in unison, saying, "Of course."

"Liao Chen," even more relieved, said, "I have Lan Xiangji tied to the iron stake on the central rock of the water prison, only two or three feet above the water. The venomous water snakes, even if they leap out, won't be able to bite her feet. When Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua hear that Lan Xiangji isn't tied up and submerged, they won't be able to find the entrance to the secret passage. They must first find a way to enter the watchtower above the water prison, knock out the disciples inside, and then enter the prison via the rope ladder."

The one-eyed old man immediately dismissed this, saying, "Would that Lan brat be so stupid? He'll definitely go down and rescue Lan Xiangji."

Without hesitation, Liao Chen said, "When that fellow saw Lan Xiang tied up in the middle of the water, with water snakes leaping out to bite her, his mind went blank. He must have rushed in to save her without thinking. It was the disciples lying in ambush outside the arrow slits that saw this and, with a shout, unleashed a volley of arrows..."

Before he could finish, two people suddenly exclaimed in surprise, "Ah!" and said, "Wouldn't Miss Lan also be killed by the arrows?"

Liao Chen smiled coldly and said smugly, "She was going to be executed by the 'Master' anyway. Now, using her as bait, we've killed one of our sect's greatest enemies. She's atoned for her sins."

Upon hearing this, Lan Tianpeng was furious and immediately stood up to leave. Xiao Qionghua, who was lying beside him, was already prepared and immediately reached out to hold him down. At the same time, she whispered, "Have you forgotten the ancient saying, 'A small act of impatience can ruin a great plan'?"

Lan Tianpeng trembled slightly, his voice filled with hatred as he gritted his teeth, "This is a beast in human skin, a wolf in sheep's clothing." As

he spoke, the man in the long robe said, "The Taoist's plan is indeed brilliant; it truly kills two birds with one stone."

Before he could finish, the gray-haired old man cautioned, "Taoist, don't be too optimistic. What if it's not Lan Tianpeng who goes down, but that girl in green..."

Liao Chen immediately affirmed, "Absolutely not. That young Lan will surely rush down without hesitation upon seeing Lan Xiangji."

The thin old man added, "If Lan Tianpeng and Lan Xiangji's relationship isn't as close as the Taoist claims, it will definitely be that girl in green who goes down to save Lan Xiangji."

The one-eyed old man immediately chimed in, "That's right. Lan Tianpeng brought a girl with him; it's highly likely she's there as an assistant during the rescue."

Liao Chen stubbornly insisted, "Since leaving Mount Fanjing, this young man surnamed Lan has never lacked beautiful young women by his side. This time, I wonder where he's met another amorous one..."

Before he could finish, the thin old man interrupted him in a tone of sudden realization, "That's right, if that's really the case, the one who went down to save Miss Lan must be that girl in green. You know, that girl isn't sour, how could she watch her beloved go and embrace another beautiful young woman?" Upon hearing this, Xiao Qionghua blushed involuntarily, and cursed inwardly: "Old devil."

In a flash, the one-eyed old man appeared, saying solemnly, "Daoist Master, I advise you to hurry back. There's still plenty of time; you can make arrangements tomorrow or the day after."

The one-eyed old man continued enthusiastically, "Also, you can't underestimate Yan Qi's intelligence and resourcefulness. I know his strength all too well."

Liao Chen was already starting to feel anxious, but he still arrogantly said, "Is he

some kind of Sun Wukong from the Journey to the West?" Seeing that Liao Chen was becoming somewhat incoherent, the one-eyed old man could only shake his head and say, "What I'm worried about is the secret door to the water prison. Can't you be sure Yan Qi doesn't know?"

Liao Chen suddenly said solemnly without hesitation, "If he knew, he could tell Lan Tianpeng to break into the prison through the secret door! Wouldn't your 'best strategy' of being pierced by ten thousand arrows be wasted?" Upon hearing this

, Liao Chen's expression changed drastically, his eyes flashing with alarm. He could no longer remain seated and abruptly stood up, nodding slightly and anxiously saying, "Thank you for the reminder, old hero. I must take my leave now."

Just then, a young Taoist in a grey robe rushed in, hurrying into the main room. Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua were startled, both feeling a sense of foreboding. The young Taoist, upon seeing Liao Chen, gasped and said urgently, "Senior Uncle, something terrible has happened! The news has changed!"

Liao Chen's expression changed again, and he froze. The others also stood up, some exclaiming in alarm. The one-eyed old man, relatively calm, immediately asked with concern, "What changes have occurred in the news?"

The young Taoist priest, panting, said urgently, "Just now, another message arrived from Nanzheng, saying that the first letter was forced out by Yan Qi. Lan Tianpeng and that woman in green arrived at Kongtong two days ago, and that girl in green even killed 'Flower Butterfly' with a flurry of swords." Before he could finish speaking, Liao Chen and the others were all stunned.

The one-eyed old man was the first to regain his composure, hurriedly patting Liao Chen's shoulder and saying anxiously, "Taoist priest, it's bad! Quickly to Niu Shui Prison! Lan Xiangji has probably already been rescued by Lan Tianpeng."

The stunned Liao Chen quickly regained his composure, shouted angrily, and leaped out of the house, rushing back along the path he had come from like a madman, disappearing into the night in the blink of an eye. Lan Dapeng and Xiao Qionghua, hidden on the rooftop, naturally knew they should immediately follow Liao Chen when they saw him rushing away. However, the one-eyed old man and the others in the main house also leaped out and chased after Liao Chen.

Upon seeing this, Xiao Qionghua immediately said with annoyance, "These people are so meddlesome."

Hearing this, Lan Tianpeng immediately stood up and whispered, "Ignore them, the opportunity is fleeting, let's hurry and chase after Liao Chen." With that, he sped off along a row of long houses.

Xiao Qionghua followed closely, warning, "Cousin, we absolutely cannot get too close. If they discover us, all our plans will fall apart."

Lan Tianpeng immediately replied, "I know." Although he said this, his speed remained undiminished.

Outside the branch altar was an artificial mountain path built along the cliff edge, seemingly between several peaks a few miles away, judging by the current terrain. Lan Tianpeng glanced around; in just a short while, Liao Chen was already a hundred feet away, while the one-eyed old man and the others, hurrying after him, were still right in front of him. Seeing this, Lan Tianpeng had an idea and immediately whispered, "Cousin, let's go through the woods and escape their sight." With that, he darted to the right, his figure as swift as lightning, instantly becoming a silver streak.

Xiao Qionghua knew she couldn't stop him, so she could only run quickly with Lan Tianpeng. If they were discovered by "Liao Chen" or the hidden agents, they could simply go to "Yu Xu" and openly demand their release. Because Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua were incredibly fast, they quickly caught up to "Liao Chen." Since "Liao Chen" was quite powerful, the two dared not advance too far. Looking back at the one-eyed old man and his group, still chasing hurriedly, the distance had increased.

Seeing this, Xiao Qionghua said worriedly, "Cousin, you should be especially careful to conceal yourself. If you keep pushing like this, even if 'Liao Chen' doesn't notice, the one-eyed old man and his group chasing behind will." As they spoke, they saw "Liao Chen" ahead, who had already sped northwest, following the corner of a peak, accelerating rapidly. Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua, seeing this, deduced that "Liao Chen" had gone to check out the water prison first; judging from the waterfall cascading down the peak, the prison was probably not far away. Just as they were observing, sure enough, "Liao Chen's" figure flashed ahead and immediately disappeared into the shade of the trees.

Upon seeing this, Xiao Qionghua immediately urged in a low voice, "Cousin, hurry! If we lose 'Liao Chen,' we won't be able to find the back entrance to the water prison!"

So, the two followed the trail to where "Liao Chen" had disappeared. It was a flat cliff covered with trees, and lights emanated from the depths of the forest. At that moment, the deafening roar of a waterfall filled the air, a strong wind blew, and a chill permeated the air. Looking around, the two had already entered the forest. Xiao Qionghua took the opportunity to look back and noticed that the one-eyed old man and the others hadn't followed yet, presumably having lost track of "Liao Chen" and gone to the main altar. Entering the forest, amidst the roaring waterfall and the rushing water, they deduced that the water prison was nearby. As they moved forward, they suddenly saw a circular stone chamber ahead, with triangular stone windows on all sides.

Xiao Qionghua was startled and quickly whispered, "Cousin, stop!"

Lan Tianpeng seemed to have noticed as well, immediately stopping and whispering, "Cousin, the water prison is just ahead."

Xiao Qionghua nodded and said, "Because we came with 'Liao Chen' and didn't follow Senior Yan's map, based on the shape of the stone chamber and the waterfall on the peak, the water prison must be ahead." Lan Tianpeng nodded in agreement, and the two immediately moved nimbly towards the circular stone chamber.

Before they had gone ten paces, a reassuring voice came from within: "It's alright, Lan'er is still down there. Quickly inform the archers to get into position. Tonight, or by tomorrow morning, that Lan brat will definitely be there." Then, a young Taoist in grey robes carrying a sword leaped out of the chamber and sped eastward.

Upon seeing this, Xiao Qionghua immediately nudged Lan Tianpeng and whispered, "You intercept him; I'll monitor Liao Chen." As soon as the word "Chen" was uttered, the two, with lightning speed, pounced on the right-hand chamber and the young Taoist. Just as Lan Tianpeng's figure glided past the young man, he struck the man's "Black Resting Point." Immediately afterward, she turned back, picked up the unconscious young Taoist, leaped onto a lush tree, placed the young Taoist on a four-pronged branch, and gracefully descended, heading towards the stone chamber.

Before even reaching the chamber, she heard "Liao Chen" laughing arrogantly inside, saying, "You girl surnamed Lan, just wait patiently. In two or three hours, your sweetheart, Lan Tianpeng, will come to die alongside you... Hahaha..." Before he finished speaking, Lan Tianpeng had already arrived at the stone chamber.

Hearing this, Xiao Qionghua turned her head and immediately pointed discreetly towards the triangular window. Lan Tianpeng peered through the window and saw four young Taoists inside. "Liao Chen" was looking at a round hole in the ground and speaking. Seeing this, Lan Tianpeng concluded that Lan Xiangji was below the round hole. Overwhelmed with excitement and anxiety, Lan Tianpeng wanted to rush in and kill "Liao Chen" instantly, but Xiao Qionghua gestured for him to stop.

Liao Chen, staring at the round hole in the ground, continued to laugh and said, "Lan girl, why don't you speak? Are you afraid your sweetheart will come to save you, only to be buried here, riddled with arrows?"

Before he finished speaking, Lan Xiangji's angry and hateful voice came from below: "Liao Chen, you are unworthy of being the eldest disciple among the second generation! You are treacherous, cunning, and vicious. How can someone as virtuous and incompetent as you be worthy of being the supreme leader of a sect? How will you command respect?"

Upon hearing Lan Xiangji's words, Lan Tianpeng glanced at Xiao Qionghua again, but Xiao Qionghua still told him to wait patiently. Helpless, Lan Tianpeng could only look into the room again. Liao Chen, his expression grim and his face contorted with rage and resentment, paced around the round hole, pointing hatefully downwards and snarling through gritted teeth, "You little brat surnamed Lan, you dare to spout such nonsense even before I die..."

Before he could finish, Lan Xiangji below interrupted him with a hateful cry, "Let me tell you, I won't die, and Lan Tianpeng won't come..."

Liao Chen immediately chuckled and said, "According to my information, Lan Tianpeng and a beautiful girl in green have already arrived under the cover of night."

Lan Xiangji paused for a moment, seemingly trying to figure out who the beautiful girl in green was. Finally, she coldly said, "Let me tell you, Liao Chen, you'd better hurry to Chunyang Palace and wait for Lan Tianpeng. He's with the girl in green, and he will never come here..."

Before she could finish speaking, Liao Chen, his face cold, gave a cold laugh and said, "You girl surnamed Lan, don't even think about trying anything funny with me. These past few days, I've been determined to stay here, not leaving your side for a moment, and I'm determined to make you and Lan Tianpeng die in the water dungeon."

Lan Xiangji coldly smiled and said, "Whether you go or not is up to you, but don't regret it later."

"Liao Chen" said indignantly, "This humble Taoist's mind is made up, and I will never waver or regret it."

Lan Xiangji smiled coldly and said, "After Lan Tianpeng tells my eldest cousin about your and 'Liao Jing's' conspiracy, it will be too late for you to regret it..."

Before she could finish speaking, "Liao Chen" pointed at the round hole like a madman, repeatedly shouting, "Shut up, shut up, I don't want you to say it, I don't want you to say it!" After saying that, he turned to look at the four young Taoists standing to one side and said sternly, "All of you, get out, get out and stand further away." The four young men bowed at the same time, respectfully agreed, and filed towards the door of the room.

Upon seeing this, Xiao Qionghua immediately waved a hand to Lan Tianpeng. Lan Tianpeng nodded in understanding, and as soon as the four young Taoists walked out of the room, he immediately followed them. When they were about two zhang away, Lan Tianpeng flew forward and, just as he stretched out his hands, pointing his halberd fingers at the two nearest Taoists, a green shadow flashed, and Xiao Qionghua also knocked down the other two. The two looked around and saw several large rocks nearby. Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua each placed one of the four young Taoists behind the rocks.

Xiao Qionghua turned to Lan Tianpeng and whispered, "We must act according to circumstances. Unless absolutely necessary, we must not encounter 'Liao Chen' and the others."

Lan Tianpeng nodded in understanding, and the two walked towards the circular stone chamber. When they reached the triangular window of the chamber, they heard Lan Xiangji still speaking. They heard Lan Xiangji say sarcastically, "Back then, Li Shan the Second openly told me that you, 'Liao Fan,' and 'Liao Jing' were secretly plotting to imprison my eldest cousin, kill 'Liao Yin,' and me, and jointly control the Kongtong Sect. If I had agreed to Li Shan's plan, he and his brother would have guaranteed that the three of you would never kill me."

Before he could finish speaking, Liao Chen, who had been listening intently above, paced anxiously around the round hole like an ant on a hot pan, repeatedly cursing, "You wicked child! You wicked child, you deserve to die!" Then

, Lan Xiangji below snorted and said mockingly, "Believe it or not, Lan Tianpeng always strives for success on the first try. He would never come here to save me first and then go to find my cousin, 'Master Yuxu.'"

Liao Chen suddenly stopped and asked the round hole, "How do you know?"

Lan Xiangji replied without hesitation, "This can be proven by the fact that the 'Dragon and Phoenix Society' sent a large number of elite experts to capture Lan Tianpeng to avenge the two deceased branch leaders of Changsha. Upon hearing this, Lan Tianpeng immediately went to Kuocang Mountain and defeated 'Golden Thread Shadowless' in one fell swoop, thus resolving the feud between the two sides."

Before she could finish speaking, Liao Chen sneered, "He must have come to challenge Master to a sword duel..." Lan

Xiangji immediately chimed in, "That's right, but if he runs into Uncle Yan Qi, he'll ask for help first, then ask for the duel. Perhaps he'll be spared because he saved me."

Liao Chen asked in a low voice, puzzled, "Why?"

Lan Xiangji replied without hesitation, "If Lan Tianpeng reveals your secret with Liao Jing and the others to my eldest cousin, he naturally won't believe that I passed on the sword techniques to Lan Dapeng anymore."

Liao Chen snorted venomously and said hatefully, "Now that Hu Hu is here to testify, I'm not afraid Master won't believe me."

Lan Xiangji sneered, "What I'm afraid of is that Hu Hu has already been killed by Liao Jing, leaving no witnesses. Even if he comes out alive to testify, I doubt he has the guts to lie in front of my eldest cousin." "

Liao Chen" asked, puzzled, "What are you talking about?"

Lan Xiangji snorted and said, "What are you talking about? It's naturally about Brother Li Shan forcibly taking Master Jiang's daughter to the temple to marry her..."

Before she could finish, "Liao Chen" shouted, "Nonsense!

Don't make false accusations!" Lan Xiangji smiled coldly and said, "I'm not wronging Brother Li Shan. Whether 'Liao Jing' and 'Song Feng' will be punished, and whether your three-way conspiracy has been exposed, all depends on what Lan Tianpeng says after he arrives."

Liao Chen listened with surprise, his gaze shifting. Finally, he resolutely said in a hateful voice, "Fine, I'll see how that brat surnamed Lan tries to talk to Master. Heh heh, as long as I, Liao Chen, am here, their scheme will never succeed." With that, he leaped out of the room and sped eastward, glancing left and right as he angrily shouted, "Go back and keep a close eye on things!"

Xiao Qionghua, seeing this, was greatly alarmed. She immediately picked up a pine cone, flicked it, and sent it flying straight at Liao Chen. This pine cone, seemingly slow, was actually incredibly fast. Just as no one answered, it abruptly stopped, striking Liao Chen precisely on his acupoint, Heiqi. Liao Chen groaned, staggered, and collapsed to the ground.

Xiao Qionghua immediately urged, "Cousin, quickly take Liao Chen behind the stone as well. I'm going to the stone chamber to rescue him." Lan Tianpeng responded with a "

Yes," and leaped to where Liao Chen had fallen. He bent down, picked up Liao Chen, and ran straight behind the rocks. Reaching the rocks, he placed Liao Chen with the young Taoist priests. As he leaped back into the stone chamber, Xiao Qionghua had already lowered the thin rope prepared by Yin Wu down. Knowing there were no archers in the hidden chamber, Lan Tianpeng felt somewhat relieved, but he still couldn't be careless. He immediately leaned down to look, and what he saw filled him with unease. Below the round opening of the stone chamber was a large, surging water prison. Without peering down, one couldn't see the surroundings or the size of the water prison. However, Lan Xiangji was bound to the iron pillar of the central boulder, her entire body bound with ropes made of ox sinew and leopard skin. Even her legs, which were sitting on the stone bench, were tightly bound. Seeing this, Lan Tianpeng's anger flared. He wished he could immediately rush out and kill Liao Chen with a single blow.

However, Lan Xiangji, who was bound to the rock in the center of the water dungeon, looked up at Xiao Qionghua, who was descending along the rope, and asked with delight and surprise, "Sister, are you... did you come here with Brother Peng?" Xiao Qionghua

nodded as she slid down, saying, "Yes, my cousin is up there."

Before she finished speaking, Lan Xiangji seemed to realize something and said, "Are you Qionghua, the daughter of Aunt Lan from beyond the Great Wall?"

When Qionghua heard Lan Xiangji call her mother "Aunt Lan," a surge of affection immediately ran through her body. She then floated down to Lan Xiangji's side and said with a smile, "Sister, I dare not accept such a title. I am probably younger than you." As she spoke, she flipped her jade wrist, and a burst of azure sword light flashed. The "Azure Nether Sword" had already been withdrawn.

Knowing that the ox-tendon rope needed to be cut, Lan Xiangji continued excitedly, "Three years ago, when my mother and I went to your mansion, you happened to be visiting Lengxiang Valley. Aunt Lan said that you were born six months earlier than me."

Xiao Qionghua carefully cut the ox-tendon rope while smiling and saying, "You remember so clearly."

Lan Xiangji immediately said excitedly, "How could I forget? I was unhappy for several days because I didn't see you."

Seeing Lan Xiangji's sincerity, Xiao Qionghua smiled and said, "Really? That's so rude of me." As she spoke, she cut the last loop of rope around her ankle and said with concern, "Stand up and move around a bit."

Upon hearing this, Lan Xiangji's smile vanished, and she shook her head sadly, saying, "My spinal acupoints have been fixed by 'Liaochen' with needles. If I don't use my true power to draw them out, I'm completely unable to walk and can only crawl on my hands and knees." Upon hearing this, Xiao Qionghua immediately looked up at Lan Tianpeng.

Lan Tianpeng, who had been pleased to see Xiao Qionghua and Lan Xiangji talking so intimately, was both shocked and angry upon hearing this. He looked at Xiao Qionghua and urged, "Time is of the essence! Quickly rescue Sister Lan!"

Xiao Qionghua, finding this reasonable, immediately picked up Lan Xiangji and instructed her to climb the rope. Although Lan Xiangji had been trapped for several days, aside from her legs being immobile, her inner energy was still abundant. With time running out, she gripped the thin rope tightly with her delicate hands and began to climb. Xiao Qionghua encouraged her from below, fearing she wouldn't be able to climb up. If Xiao Qionghua also climbed up to support her feet, she feared the rope might break. Lan Tianpeng, equally worried about her own progress, encouraged her while simultaneously reaching down to help.

Lan Xiangji, relying on her girlish pride and will to survive, finally gritted her teeth and... Having endured until the very end, when she immediately grasped her hand, a surge of emotion welled up within her. A mixture of tenderness and gratitude arose, along with a sweet aftertaste – that was love. Lan Xiangji could no longer suppress the excitement and gratitude rising from the depths of her heart. Her blurred vision could no longer see Lan Tianpeng, who had reached for the hole, for tears streamed down her face.

Lan Tianpeng felt they should leave as quickly as possible, so without thinking, he embraced Lan Xiangji and whispered urgently towards the hole, "Cousin, cousin, come up quickly!"

The word "come" had barely left his lips when a green shadow flashed at the hole, and Xiao Qionghua had already ascended. Xiao Qionghua had been eager to come up to embrace Lan Xiangji, and seeing her already in Lan Tianpeng's arms, she generously waved her hand and urged, "Cousin, you carry Lan Xiangji first, I'll cover you from behind."

Lan Xiangji, who had been weeping with her eyes closed, felt a surge of shame and anxiety upon hearing Xiao Qionghua suggest carrying her away first. She hurriedly said, "Sister Qionghua, I know the way. Let's go together. If we run into them, two people will be easier to handle than one." Xiao

Qionghua, finding this reasonable, immediately nodded and said, "Let's go, let's leave this place first."

So, the two of them, carrying Lan Xiangji, leaped out of the stone chamber and headed west. After a rapid journey, they had descended a slope, crossed a deep valley, and reached a high peak. Lan Tianpeng, carrying Lan Xiangji, moved with incredible speed, maintaining his usual pace. Xiao Qionghua led the way, observing for any hidden agents or skilled fighters lurking in the shadows. As they hurried northwards, Lan Xiangji, nestled in Lan Tianpeng's arms, suddenly asked, "Sister Qionghua, where are we going?"

Xiao Qionghua, assuming Lan Xiangji knew, replied in confusion, "Aren't we going to Wang Qiaohu's house?" Upon hearing this, Lan Xiangji immediately shook her head and said, "

Wang Qiao's house is still twenty li away from here, and the roads are all rugged mountain paths..."

Lan Tianpeng looked at Xiao Qionghua and asked, "Cousin, what do you think we should do?"

Lan Xiangji immediately said, "Go around the south side of the peak, there's a mountain god temple on the sloping ridge. Let's go there first to remove the needles from my sister's spinal acupoints, and then we can go together. Wouldn't that be better?"

Xiao Qionghua nodded and said, "Okay, let's head to the mountain god temple now." So, she turned back and headed south along the peak. After going around the peak, there was indeed a wide sloping ridge to the southwest.

Upon seeing the situation on the ridge, Xiao Qionghua couldn't help but ask with concern, "Sister Lan, do you think there are any people in the mountain god temple on the ridge?"

Lan Xiangji said without hesitation, "No, because this place is far from the 'Pure Yang Palace,' and it's in the back mountain. Unless the situation is urgent, they never set up spies there." "After this pause, she added doubtfully, 'Since my younger sister was imprisoned in the water dungeon, I don't know if anyone has been assigned to guard her.'

Upon hearing this, Lan Tianpeng immediately affirmed, 'Judging from the fact that no archers were stationed in the water dungeon, there couldn't possibly be anyone in the mountain god temple either.'

Xiao Qionghua found this reasonable and immediately nodded, saying, 'Alright, then let's head towards the mountain god temple.' So, they used their lightness skill and sped towards Guangling in the south. Just as the two of them started moving, several exclamations suddenly rang out from the direction of the water dungeon in the east.

Lan Tianpeng was startled and hurriedly said, 'Cousin, they've discovered that Sister Lan has been rescued.'" Upon hearing this, Xiao Qionghua waved her hand to signal them to stop, so the two of them halted.

Lan Xiangji, still unable to move from her waist down, was quite frightened and anxiously said, "Since they've discovered us, we must escape. There's a cave ahead; Sister Qionghua, you can hide me inside. You and Brother Peng go first..."

Before Lan Xiangji could finish, Xiao Qionghua immediately objected, "How can we do that? What if they search us and take us back? Wouldn't all our efforts be wasted?" Then, looking at Lan Tianpeng, she said in a deep voice, "Cousin, I think we should simply argue with them and take the opportunity to demand our people back."

Lan Tianpeng also felt that coming back tomorrow would not only waste the time spent going to the Lao Jun Temple to find the two thieves from the Bian family, but also be too physically demanding. Therefore, he resolutely nodded and said in a deep voice, "Yes, since we're going to argue with them, let's wait here."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Qionghua immediately objected, saying, "You can't face them now..."

Lan Tianpeng was startled and hurriedly said, "How can that be? Sister alone..." Lan Xiangji, fearing to hurt Xiao Qionghua's pride, couldn't interrupt, but judging from her expression, she clearly also thought Xiao Qionghua couldn't handle it alone.

Xiao Qionghua immediately explained, "I'm doing this only to deal with 'Liaochen.' Of course, I can't handle so many of them alone. What I mean is, we should do it this way." She then immediately explained her plan.

Lan Tianpeng and Lan Xiangji didn't express any opinion, clearly both concerned about whether their plan would succeed! Just then, shouts and cries came from the direction of the water prison! Lan Tianpeng and the other two turned to look and saw dozens of torches lit on the cliff in the direction of the water prison, being shouted and swaying as they approached.

Upon seeing this, Xiao Qionghua immediately commanded in a deep voice, "Quickly give me Sister Lan." "With that, without giving Lan Tianpeng a chance to explain, he took Lan Xiangji away and urged, "You must act according to my plan, otherwise, from now on, don't even think about me paying attention to you." "Having said that, he turned around, carrying Lan Xiangji, and sped towards the Guangling Mountains.

Lan Tianpeng, at this point, had no choice but to take a risk. Using the trees for cover, he used his lightness skill to rush towards the high cliff. The pursuers from the direction of the water prison, carrying dozens of torches, had already reached the foot of the cliff, and in the flickering firelight, they could vaguely see about two hundred people. As the pursuers drew closer, the firelight reached the foot of the ridge, while Xiao Qionghua, carrying Lan Xiangji, was running through barren, treeless areas.

Determined to be discovered, Xiao Qionghua leaped onto a large rock and stopped to look around. Because of the blood-red pearl on Xiao Qionghua's sword tassel, and her bright green satin short sword cloak, she was spotted by the Kongtong people within two tries. When the pursuers spotted her, a noisy shout immediately erupted.

"Hey, look! There she is!"

"Ah, it's a woman!"

"Quickly split into two groups and chase after her! Don't let her get away! "

"Yes, she's still holding Miss Lan in her arms." "

How dare she come alone to rescue someone!"

"Quick, chase after her! It's the green-clad girl mentioned in the report!"

Amidst the clamor and shouts, their speed increased instantly. However, just as the noise subsided, a powerful, resounding Buddhist chant suddenly came from behind them: "Amitabha! Well done, well done! This humble Taoist has reached his goal, will you not stop, benefactor?"

Before Xiao Qionghua could speak, Lan Xiangji cried out in alarm, "Sister Qionghua, something terrible has happened! My eldest cousin is here!"

Xiao Qionghua smiled coldly and said, "He's just in time. It saves us from having to come again tomorrow." As they spoke, they reached a wide meadow and a pebble field and decided to stop.

At this time, dozens of torches had crossed the deep valley and were hurrying towards Lingnan. Especially after hearing the chant of "Master Yuxu," everyone seemed very excited, yet they were all trembling with fear. Behind dozens of torches, a swift gray shadow rushed towards them with lightning speed. Following behind were four more figures, closing in on them rapidly.

Xiao Qionghua first placed Lan Xiangji on a rock, saying, "Lanmei, don't worry, no one can harm you in the slightest. If I weren't confident, I wouldn't have dared to take this risk." Lan Xiangji had already disregarded life and death; her only worry now was for Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua, wondering if they could make it down the mountain.

In that instant, a figure flashed, and a gray-robed old Taoist priest with white hair and a silver beard, wearing a jade bridle, and with a ruddy complexion like a baby appeared. The gray-robed old Taoist, his eyes like lamps, holding a silver whisk, stood imposingly, exuding authority without anger. He first gave Xiao Qionghua a stern look, then glanced at Lan Xiangji, who was looking at him with tears in her eyes, and asked in a deep voice, "Lan Xiangji, aren't you coming over?"

Upon hearing this, Lan Xiangji only whispered "Big Brother" before immediately covering her face and crying. Just then, four swift figures arrived behind them. Although each of them was angry, they all stood respectfully five feet behind "Master Yuxu." Immediately afterward, dozens of torches and more than two hundred people arrived as well. Xiao Qionghua stood proudly on the right, calm and fearless, casually glancing at "Master Yuxu" and the four golden-haired Taoists behind him.

She recognized "Liaochen" and "Liaojing." The young and strong one must be the astonishingly skilled swordsman "Liaoyin," and the other, with a triangular face, monkey-like cheeks, and a few tufts of mustache, was naturally "Liaofan." Among the two hundred people holding torches and forming a semi-circle, apart from some second and third-generation disciples of the Kongtong Sect, most were underworld figures recruited by the Jade Void Clan. The one-eyed old man and his group were also among them.

Xiao Qionghua, seeing this, identified the one-eyed old man and rushed to the Chunyang Palace. Finding Liaochen missing, she reported the news to the Jade Void Master before going to the water dungeon and discovering that Lanxiang Ji had been kidnapped. While pondering, Xiao Qionghua suddenly heard the triangular-faced "Liaofan" angrily say, "You, female benefactor, are utterly ignorant of the rules of the martial world! Our sect leader asked you your name, why did you turn a deaf ear and deliberately ignore him?"

Xiao Qionghua glanced at "Liaofan," smiled coldly, and said, "This young lady will answer those who truly do not know my name. If it is a rhetorical question..."

Although "Master Yuxu" was already angry, in front of so many underworld figures, he had to maintain his dignity as an elder and the respect of his sect. Therefore, he calmly asked, "Does the female benefactor mean that this humble Taoist is asking a rhetorical question?"

Xiao Qionghua calmly said, "If Master truly does not know, you can also ask your esteemed disciple, 'Liaojing.'" "

Liaojing" was most afraid of Xiao Qionghua mentioning him, and upon hearing this, he was greatly surprised. Master Yuxu slowly turned around and asked in a deep voice, "Liaojing." Liaojing,

already sweating with fright, quickly bowed and said, "This female benefactor is named Xiao Qionghua, known as 'The Beautiful Rakshasa'..." The moment the words "The Beautiful Rakshasa" were uttered, everyone present gasped in surprise. Not only was Master Yuxu moved, but even Lanxiangji, lying on the large rock, was startled. This truly was a case of "a person's name casting a shadow on a tree"—almost half of the people present had lost their arrogance, and many even showed fear.

When questioned, Liao Jing dared not reveal that he was at the Xuanzhen Temple, and could only lie, saying, "This disciple encountered this Miss Xiao on the way, but we did not fight."

Xiao Qionghua smiled coldly and said, "Why not say it was at the Xuanzhen Temple in Laolongtan?"

Just as Yu Xu Shangren's expression darkened and he was about to speak, Liao Fan, with his triangular face, angrily said, "Laolongtan is also a place that must be passed through to get here, so it can naturally be called the way. You broke into our sect's headquarters at night, kidnapped a traitorous disciple, and then met an elder without showing respect. You have already violated a major taboo in the martial arts world..."

Before Liao Fan could finish speaking, Xiao Qionghua smiled coldly and said, "This young lady respects those virtuous elders and pays respects to those kind seniors."

Upon hearing this, "Master Yuxu" could no longer remain calm and angrily retorted, "You say I am without virtue? Without benevolence..."

Xiao Qionghua nodded slowly and said, "Indeed, if you were a kind and virtuous elder, you wouldn't have imprisoned your cousin in a water dungeon, not only binding her body tightly with old tendons..."

Before she could finish speaking, "Liaochen" suddenly shouted sharply, "She colluded with the enemy and betrayed our sect, secretly teaching our sword techniques!"

Xiao Qionghua waved her jade hand and said sarcastically, "Daoist Liaochen, why are you so tense? Do you have something to hide?"

Upon hearing this, Liao Chen went berserk, flipping his wrist to withdraw his sword and shouting, "You just ambushed me and kidnapped Lan Xiang Ji! I wish I could eat your flesh and sleep on your skin!" As he spoke, his sword was already drawn, and he leaped forward, thrusting forward.

Many present were startled by Xiao Qionghua's complete lack of preparation. Even Master Yu Xu couldn't help but sternly try to stop him, saying, "Liao Chen, come back—"

Before he could finish the word, Xiao Qionghua's delicate body flashed mysteriously, a dazzling azure light appearing, followed by a sharp cry: "You dare to fight me?"

With a sharp cry, a burst of azure light suddenly surged, followed by a series of questions like a startled rainbow. "Liao Chen" howled and retreated three zhang—but at the same moment, everyone's eyes darkened as Xiao Qionghua's Azure Nether Sword was sheathed. Looking at "Liao Chen" who had retreated three zhang, not only was his Taoist beard gone, but his Taoist robe was also torn in two or three places by Xiao Qionghua's sword. Everyone present was stunned, even "Master Yu Xu" was taken aback.

Xiao Qionghua smiled coldly and said, "'Liao Chen,' although I won't kill you, you won't live for half an hour."

Seeing his eldest disciple shave his head and tatter his clothes in a single encounter, Master Yuxu's old face naturally lost its luster. He coldly smiled and said, "No wonder Benefactor Xiao Qionghua is so arrogant and rude, showing no respect for elders..." Before

Master Yuxu could finish, Xiao Qionghua interrupted him, saying calmly, "Master, let's not talk about that now. I haven't finished discussing your lack of benevolence and virtue."

Upon hearing this, Master Yuxu could no longer contain himself and retorted sharply, "Did I lack benevolence and virtue by binding Lanxiang Ji in the water dungeon?"

Xiao Qionghua also suddenly raised an eyebrow and angrily said, "But you even had people closely guarding her and used steel needles to fix her spinal acupoints." The words caused a stir among the crowd; both Master Yuxu and Liaoyin were stunned. Master

Yuxu's face turned pale, and he felt a chill run down his spine. Suddenly, he shouted, "Nonsense! I don't believe it!" He then strode forward.

Upon seeing this, Xiao Qionghua immediately raised an eyebrow and angrily said, "Wait!"

"Master Yuxu" was already wary of Xiao Qionghua, as he hadn't yet fully grasped the profound sword technique that had just slain "Liaochen." Hearing Xiao Qionghua's command, he had no choice but to stop and ask in a low voice, "What else do you have to say?"

Xiao Qionghua coldly smiled and said, "Since you don't believe me, why don't you ask your eldest disciple, 'Liaochen'? When you called for Miss Lan earlier, why didn't she obey? Why did I carry her all the way here?" These words immediately stirred up a murmur of discussion and commotion among the underworld figures present.

"Master Yuxu," upon hearing this, immediately turned angrily to look at "Liaochen." Turning her head, she couldn't help but angrily ask, "Liao Chen, how dare you! You secretly tied up Lan Xiangji, and not content with that, you even dared to use steel needles to fix her spine! You have deceived your master and acted recklessly; your crime is unforgivable! Why don't you just kill yourself?"

Before the word "kill" could even leave her lips, a strong, resonant voice rang out, "Master, please be lenient." Xiao Qionghua looked in the direction of the voice and saw it was the one-eyed old man.

She saw "Master Yuxu" and deliberately softened her voice, asking, "What advice do you have, benefactor?"

The one-eyed old man bowed slightly and said humbly, "I dare not. I believe that Daoist Liao Chen's treatment of the young lady, while somewhat excessive, was a last resort to stop Lan Tianpeng from breaking into the prison..."

Before he could finish, Xiao Qionghua coldly smiled and said, "Lan Tianpeng has decided to climb the mountain early tomorrow morning to deliver a petition, openly demanding the release of the young lady. How could he possibly come to break into the prison?"

The one-eyed old man immediately asked in a deep voice, "Then why have you come?"

Xiao Qionghua smiled coldly and said, "This young lady and Sister Lan will be sisters in the future. In order to save her from a night of suffering, I came here to rescue her. " The triangular-faced "

Liaofan" suddenly interrupted, his eyes darting around, "So, you came alone?"

Before he finished speaking, "Master Yuxu" glared angrily and said, "No need to say anything more to her. Quickly help Miss Lan back and remove the steel needle first."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Qionghua immediately raised an eyebrow and said in a deep voice, "Wait! Anyone who dares to take a step forward will have their blood spilled here. I already said that Miss Lan is my sworn sister, and she is the future young mistress of Fragrance Valley on Mount Motian. We will remove the steel needle ourselves; there's no need for you to trouble yourselves."

Upon hearing this, "Master Yuxu" suddenly asked angrily, "You say Lan Xiangji is the future young mistress of Fragrance Valley? Who has given permission for this marriage?"

Xiao Qionghua smiled coldly and said, "Of course, it's Heroine Ji. Could it be your cousin who has already entered the Xuanmen sect?"

Upon hearing this, Liao Fan and Liao Jing seized the opportunity to angrily say, "Master, this girl has killed a disciple of our sect without permission and has always been an enemy of our sect. Now she has offended you, showing no respect for elders. She has committed a grave taboo in the martial arts world."

Before they could finish speaking, the one-eyed old man and the others also angrily said, "Master, Daoist Liao Fan is right. If we let this girl live today, how can you face the martial arts world? Besides, to avenge our friends in the underworld who died unjustly under her sword, we are willing to be surrounded and attacked together to kill this girl and spare Miss Lan." With such shouts, Liao Jing, Liao Fan, and Liao Chen, who hated Xiao Qionghua to the core, let out a fierce cry and simultaneously drew their swords.

Just as Liao Chen and the others drew their swords, a melodious long howl suddenly rang out from the eastern peak. As the whistle rose, it soared into the heavens, shaking the peaks and echoing through the night. Everyone present, including "Master Yuxu," was greatly startled. Following the sound, they saw a bright shadow on the eastern peak, moving like a shooting star, carrying the melodious whistle, hurtling towards the front of the ridge. The shadow grew faster and faster, multiplying from a single point to several, finally transforming into a silver streak, while the whistles became increasingly deafening. Everyone present was secretly astonished, their expressions changing drastically, realizing that a top expert had arrived, though they didn't know which sect's elder it was. The silver streak was incredibly fast; in the blink of an eye, it was upon them. Although the whistles had ceased, their echoes lingered among the peaks in the night sky. A flash of light, and before Xiao Qionghua appeared a handsome young man in silver robes and carrying a silver sword, his bearing as refined as jade.

Liao Chen and Liao Jing stared intently, their expressions changing drastically. They blurted out, "Lan Tianpeng..." The words were met with gasps of surprise from the crowd. Even the old man, Yu Xu Shangren, turned grim.

Lan Tianpeng, his sword slightly drawn, his eyes gleaming coldly, swept his gaze across the room with a chilling smile, saying, "All of you are eager to fight, and there are even three Daoist masters wielding long swords. Are you planning to put on a show of gang fights, the kind of frivolous brawls common among martial arts enthusiasts, right here at the Kongtong Sect's main altar?" Upon hearing this, Yu Xu Shangren panicked and quickly uttered a prayer of "Amitabha Buddha."

Xiao Qionghua, seeing this, immediately said calmly, "Cousin, this Daoist master with the jade hairpin in his hair and the whisk in his hand is none other than Yu Xu Shangren, the head of the Kongtong Sect." Seeing that Xiao Qionghua had already pointed it out, Lan Tianpeng

, out of respect for martial arts etiquette, stepped forward, bowed, and said loudly, "So you are Master Yuxu. Senior Yuxu, I am Lan Tianpeng. I was unaware of your identity and my words were offensive. Please forgive my ignorance."

Master Yuxu was naturally somewhat displeased that Lan Tianpeng, though polite, addressed him as "younger" instead of "junior." However, compared to Xiao Qionghua, who completely disregarded him, Lan Tianpeng felt far more dignified. Then, he chanted a Buddhist prayer again, saying, "Young Master Lan, a young and talented man, relies on his extraordinary martial arts skills to traverse this mountain as if it were empty."

Upon hearing this, Lan Tianpeng immediately bowed and said, "Senior, along with your four esteemed disciples and heroes from all over the country, are all here to intercept us in the lower group. The entire Kongtong headquarters is practically useless, so naturally, I can traverse it at will."

Upon hearing that the Kongtong headquarters was practically useless, "Master Yuxu" blushed. Immediately, he asked in a deep voice, "Young Master Lan, there's no need for further words. Please speak plainly. I'll be happy to hear your explanation."

Lan Tianpeng naturally bowed slightly and said, "I wouldn't dare. I originally planned to go up the mountain early tomorrow morning. Since we've met here, I'll save myself the trouble of coming again tomorrow. Please explain the reason and process for confining Sister Lan in the water dungeon, senior."

Upon hearing this, "Master Yuxu" immediately said angrily, "She secretly taught you the sword techniques I've painstakingly studied. According to the law, she should be executed immediately. I only confined her in the water dungeon out of kindness because of her youth and ignorance..."

Before he could finish speaking, Xiao Qionghua suddenly said in a deep voice, "If you're being so kind, how do you explain binding her with dragon tendons and fixing her acupoints with steel needles?"

Lan Tianpeng, thinking of how "Liaochen" had used such cruel methods against Lan Xiangji, couldn't help but feel a surge of murderous intent and anger. He couldn't help but smile coldly and say, "Senior, is this what you call being kind?"

When asked, "Master Yuxu" blushed and said angrily, "These were all done by 'Liaochen' in private. I will definitely punish him severely for deceiving his master. However, Lanxiangji's crime of privately teaching you swordsmanship is even worse than 'Liaochen'."

Lan Tianpeng sneered, "To say that using a special technique to defeat an enemy in order to protect one's life and the reputation of one's sect is a crime against the sect's secret arts..." Before Lan Tianpeng could finish, "

Master Yuxu" interrupted sharply, "But she used only one sword technique repeatedly."

Lan Tianpeng nodded slightly, "That's right. That night, Sister Lan dealt with the two Li Shan brothers alone. Every time she was in extreme danger, she used a profound sword technique to force them back. However, the Li Shan brothers saw that Sister Lan was afraid to kill them because of their kinship with Master Yuxu, so they became even more persistent..."

Master Yuxu immediately said angrily, "But she used several different sword techniques in succession."

Lan Tianpeng sneered, "As far as I know, there was only one sword technique."

Master Yuxu insisted, "Several sword techniques? I have a witness here."

Lan Tianpeng sneered, "Then please call him out and explain it to everyone."

Upon hearing this, "Master Yuxu" immediately looked around at the two hundred men and shouted in a deep voice, "Where is Hu Hu?" However, none of the two hundred underworld heroes noticed that Hu Hu had followed them. Only Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua knew that Liao Chen had fallen for Lan Xiangji's scheme and secretly let Hu Hu go.

Seeing that no one responded, "Master Yuxu" felt embarrassed and immediately looked at "Liao Fan" and the other three, asking sternly, "Where is Hu Hu?" The four men, including "Liao Chen," all bowed their heads and remained silent.

"Master Yuxu" concluded that he had probably been fooled by "Liao Chen" and the others. Just as he was about to say something, "Liao Yin" resolutely said, "Reporting to Master, I have something to say, but I don't know if I should say it?" Upon hearing this, "Liao Chen," "Liao Jing," and the others all glared at "Liao Yin" with resentment, their swords poised to strike.

"Master Yuxu" immediately understood what was going on and angrily said, "We'll talk about this later."

Lan Tianpeng coldly smiled and said, "Senior Yuxu, this is why Daoist Liaochen used the dragon tendons to bind Sister Lan and used steel needles to fix her acupoints. Because Miss Lan is your..."

Before he could finish speaking, Liaochen, knowing that the situation was hopeless, suddenly shouted, "I'll fight you to the death!"

The word "Liaochen" came out, and his expression became like madness. He gripped the sword hilt with both hands and thrust at Lan Tianpeng, sword and all. Lan Tianpeng smiled coldly. Without any apparent movement, he slightly dodged, and his right hand shot out like lightning, twisting his wrist and grabbing Liaochen's wrists. Immediately afterward, taking advantage of Liaochen's momentum, he swung his arm back and said in a deep voice, "Go." The word "go" came out, and Liaochen's body was forcibly pulled in a semi-circle, and with a whoosh, he was thrown back.

Upon seeing this, Liaoyin shouted and leaped forward, catching Liaochen with his outstretched arm! Despite catching Liaochen, Liaoyin was still thrown back three steps by the powerful momentum. The heroes present were all stunned, for the Kunlun Sect's Golden Hairpin-level figures, each possessing extraordinary skills, had been thrown back like a chicken by Lantian Peng. How could they not be shocked and horrified? Looking at Liaochen, whom Liaoyin had placed on the ground, he saw he had already fainted. Amidst

this tense and chaotic scene, Liaojing and Liaofan quietly retreated into the crowd, and taking advantage of the moment when no one was paying attention, they turned and fled. Lantian Peng feared that if he were exposed, Master Yuxu would surely pursue Liaojing and Liaofan, causing chaos on the spot. He also worried that his journey to the Laozi Temple in Ganxi the next day would be delayed. Therefore, he immediately bowed to "Master Yuxu" and said, "The matter of Sister Lan secretly teaching me her sword style has now been clarified. Although someone secretly made arrangements with ulterior motives."

"Master Yuxu," having been humiliated by "Liaochen's" two attacks, was already furious. At the same time, he believed Lan Xiangji's advice: as long as Lan Tianpeng was in the martial world, he, "Master Yuxu," could not dream of dominating the Central Plains or leading the martial world. However, he didn't believe Lan Tianpeng's swordsmanship was truly as astonishing as Lan Xiangji had said. Therefore, he coldly smiled and said, "Young Master Lan, you and Miss Xiao raided the mountain overnight to abduct people. If you defeat my disciple 'Liaoyin,' I will let bygones be bygones."

Lan Tianpeng bowed slightly and said gratefully, "Thank you very much, Senior Yuxu. But what will you and Daoist Liaoyin compete in?" "

Master Yuxu smiled faintly and said, "Of course, it's swordsmanship."

Upon hearing this, Lan Tianpeng's handsome face showed hesitation. After a slight pause, he finally smiled and said, "I have inherited my master's sword and robes. I will never withdraw my sword unless I am the leader of a sect or a top master. Fortunately, Daoist Liaoyin is the future successor of your sect."

Before he finished speaking, many of the heroes present exclaimed in surprise, immediately causing a commotion. Even Lan Xiangji, who had been covering her face and weeping, couldn't help but look up in surprise. Although Master Yuxu privately harbored this intention, he did not wish for it to be publicly revealed. Upon hearing this, he glared and angrily said, "Young Master Lan, you have committed a grave offense against the martial world..."

Lan Tianpeng smiled faintly and said, "Of your four esteemed disciples, three are plotting to kill your junior brother and betray your master. Shouldn't you appoint him as the head of your sect?"

Master Yuxu was shocked and blurted out, "You... what did you say?" He turned around and saw that besides Liaochen, who was unconscious on the ground, Liaojing and Liaofan were nowhere to be found. Seeing this, Master Yuxu understood that the assembled heroes were once again in turmoil and whispering among themselves.

"Master Yuxu" was both surprised and angry, ashamed and anxious. He looked at "Liaoyin" and asked, "Why didn't you stop Liaojing and the other two from leaving?"

"Liaoyin" quickly bowed and said, "After I put my eldest brother on the ground, I looked up and my second and third brothers were gone."

"Master Yuxu" swept his domineering gaze over the assembled heroes and asked in a deep voice, "Which heroes passed by the two traitors of our sect?"

Several underworld figures standing not far behind "Liaoyin" said loudly at the same time, "When the two Daoists saw Daoist Liaochen fail and looked anxious, they exchanged a glance and gesture, and then let us go ahead." "

Master Yuxu said with annoyance, "Why didn't you all intercept the two traitors?"

The others unanimously explained, "We thought the two Daoists had gone to find another way, but who knew they escaped?"

Master Yuxu smiled coldly, his face full of resentment, and said, "I will not only notify all my disciples to capture them separately, but also send out notices throughout the martial arts world, requesting all major sects to join forces in their capture."

Lan Tianpeng immediately interjected, "Songfeng of Tiantai, Songyun of Laolongtan, and the wicked servant Hu Hu, there is also someone here who knows their secret..."

Upon hearing this, Master Yuxu blurted out urgently, "Who is it?"

Lan Tianpeng turned and pointed at Lan Xiangji, solemnly saying, "It's Sister Lan." Master Yuxu, Liaoyin, and the assembled heroes were all stunned. Although Lan Xiangji saw that the matter had been exposed, she still did not want Lan Tianpeng to point it out in front of everyone. Now that her beloved had spoken, she could only cover her face and weep to acknowledge it.

Lan Tianpeng immediately continued solemnly, "This is why Daoist Liaochen used the dragon tendons to bind Sister Lan and why he inserted steel needles into her acupoints."

Upon hearing this, Liaoyin immediately looked at the grief-stricken and angry Master Yuxu and bowed, saying, "This disciple humbly requests that the removal of the steel needles from Miss Lan's spine be of utmost importance. I respectfully request that Master grant me special favor and allow me to stop the sword fight."

Upon hearing this, Master Yuxu immediately said in a deep voice, "The esteemed leader of a sect cannot speak lightly."

Lan Tianpeng understood Master Yuxu's true intention and immediately smiled coldly, saying, "What do you mean by 'speaking lightly'? Many sect leaders have retracted their orders due to circumstances; the purpose of your insistence on the sword fight was merely to see if I would use the sword techniques you passed on to Sister Lan during our exchange..."

"Master Yuxu" didn't mince words, immediately nodding frankly and saying, "Indeed, that's exactly what I meant."

Upon hearing this, Lan Dapeng laughed arrogantly, saying, "The 'Silver-Clad Swordsman,' renowned throughout the martial world for his swordsmanship, rarely encountered an opponent. He's far superior to your current disciple; why bother stealing ordinary sword techniques..."

Before he could finish, "Master Yuxu" was already furious, angrily slamming his fist: "Very well, if you hadn't mentioned it, I would have forgotten. Now that you've brought it up, I'd like to ask you for a few of the secret techniques the 'Silver-Clad Swordsman' of yesteryear didn't pass on." Lan

Tianpeng smiled calmly, saying, "My purpose in coming here is twofold: first, to save someone, and second, to fulfill a promise my senior master missed years ago..."

Before he could finish, "Master Yuxu" nodded and said in a deep voice, "Very well, let's begin." He then gestured to "Liaoyin."

"Liaoyin" had no confidence in winning, because he firmly believed that Lan Xiangji hadn't lied to him; Lan Tianpeng's swordsmanship was indeed far superior to both Lan Xiangji and himself. Seeing that his master, "Master Yuxu," had already gestured for the sword duel to begin, he had no choice but to leap into the arena, flick his wrist to sheathe his sword, and the longsword, gleaming brightly in the torchlight, was clearly a treasure. "Liaoyin," sword in hand, immediately tapped the sword with one hand and clasped his hands together with the other, bowing slightly and saying, "Young Master Lan, please draw your sword."

Lan Tianpeng, seeing "Liaoyin's" extraordinary appearance and humble demeanor, already felt a certain goodwill towards him. Furthermore, "Liaoyin" shared similar interests with Lan Xiangji, and "Liaoyin" was now the undisputed future leader of the Kongtong Sect, so he had to treat him with some courtesy. Therefore, he raised his elbow to sheathe his sword, lightly pressed the spring, and with a "click," a resounding dragon's roar echoed. At the Rainbow Gate, the "Silver Rainbow Sword" was already drawn from its sheath. At this moment, everyone in the arena held their breath, and apart from the soft crackling of dozens of torches, no other sound could be heard.

Because one was Liaoyin, who had just completed his period of seclusion and was personally taught the secrets of Guangchengzi by the "Jade Void Master," while the other was the heir to the legendary swordsman "Silver-Clad Swordsman," a figure who had caused a sensation in the martial arts world. Their duel was sure to be the most exciting, exquisite, and thrilling sword fight they had ever witnessed.

Lan Tianpeng withdrew his sword, bowed, and smiled humbly, saying, "Daoist Liaoyin, please grant me your challenge."

Liaoyin, no longer bothering with formalities, decided to go all out for the sake of the Kongtong Sect's reputation, determined to win with the ultimate technique he had mastered during his seclusion. He drew his sword and loudly proclaimed, "Please forgive my impatience." With the word "immortal" uttered

, he leaped forward, first performing the "Immortal Points the Way" move, then, seeing the move was nearing its end, suddenly switched to "Flowers Sprout a Hundred Buds," the sword tip flashing with countless silver blossoms as it hurtled towards Lan Tianpeng's upper, middle, and lower body. Lan Tianpeng's intention was to warn "Master Yuxu." Therefore, "Liaoyin's" sword strike unleashed countless silver blossoms, his figure spinning with lightning speed, instantly creating five or six gleaming silver sword shadows. Simultaneously, a "Rain of Flowers" attack filled an area of several feet with dazzling colorful light, its radiance reaching the assembled heroes, including the fallen "Liaochen."

The heroes felt the dazzling light and the chilling aura on their faces, instinctively retreating, many exclaiming in surprise! Upon seeing this, "Master Yuxu's" expression changed drastically, and he could only shout, "Young Master Lan, please stop! I have already conceded defeat!" As soon as he finished speaking, the colorful light vanished, and Lan Tianpeng not only sheathed his silver sword but remained standing in the same spot. "Liaoyin" regained his composure and flew back. Many of the heroes who had just retreated still looked extremely shocked.

Lan Tianpeng first bowed to Liaoyin and said humbly, "I am grateful for your courtesy, Daoist."

Liaoyin was surprised that Lan Tianpeng's swordsmanship and movement were both so amazing, and felt that he had nothing to say. He simply bowed and returned the greeting. After the two completed the proper etiquette following the martial arts competition, "Master Yuxu" immediately looked at Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua and solemnly said, "Young Master Lan, Miss Xiao, what brings you here tonight besides rescuing my cousin Lan Xiangji?"

Lan Tianpeng thought for a moment. He saw that "Master Yuxu" was dejected and had no ambition to lead the martial arts world anymore. Therefore, he smiled faintly and shook his head, saying, "No, thank you, senior."

"Master Yuxu" immediately smiled bitterly and said, "It is I who should be thanking you. Young Master and Miss Xiao, you not only saved my cousin, but also saved the foundation of our sect's long-term cause. I have not been strict with my disciples and have failed in my teaching. I am even unable to manage the affairs of my own sect. How can I still allow the Yanshe Sect to lead the martial arts world?" Upon hearing this, the crowd of heroes immediately stirred up a discussion and commotion.

"Master Yuxu" sighed and continued, "I am old and have almost destroyed the foundation of our sect for thousands of years. I am ashamed to face our ancestors. Starting tomorrow, I will disband the branch organizations in various places and within one month, I will give the position of sect leader to Liaoyin."

Upon hearing this, Liaoyin hurriedly bowed and cried out, "Master... this disciple is incompetent..." Upon

hearing this, Master Yuxu immediately waved a hand and continued to humbly ask Lan Tianpeng, "We would appreciate it if the young valley master and Miss Xiao could both attend the ceremony."

Lan Tianpeng quickly replied, "Because I have not yet avenged my family feud, I'm afraid it will be difficult for me to make it."

Master Yuxu said regretfully, "If the two of you are not present, it will certainly lose much of its glory." He paused, then pointed to Lanxiangji and asked with concern, "My cousin Lanxiangji..."

Lan Tianpeng immediately understood and said, "We two will fetch the steel needles on her behalf."

Master Yuxu smiled and said, "She is now the young mistress of your Lengxiang Valley, so of course she should accompany you."

Lan Tianpeng's handsome face turned red, and he was momentarily stunned. Upon seeing this, Master Yuxu's expression changed instantly, and he asked with concern, "What's wrong, Young Master Lan?"

Lan Tianpeng, certain that Xiao Qionghua had just said something, immediately blushed and said awkwardly, "Oh... this junior doesn't know how senior knows about this... so I'm surprised..."

Master Yuxu laughed heartily upon hearing this, saying, "This is what Miss Xiao just said..."

Xiao Qionghua, remembering it was time to leave, hurriedly lifted Lan Xiangji from the rock. Lan Xiangji gazed longingly at Master Yuxu and couldn't help but call out softly, "Big Brother." Master Yuxu laughed again, saying, "Xiangji, I've already told you, you are the most blessed person in our Lan family." Upon hearing this, Lan Xiangji naturally knew it referred to her marrying Lan Tianpeng, and her delicate face flushed crimson with embarrassment.

Taking the opportunity, Lan Tianpeng bowed deeply, saying, "Senior, please take care. This junior will take his leave now." After bowing, he straightened up and, amidst the cries of "See you later" from "Master Yuxu" and "Liaoyin" and the others, turned and sped away with Xiao Qionghua into the depths of Guangling.

Lan Xiangji, nestled on Xiao Qionghua's shoulder, sobbed incessantly. She was deeply moved and filled with indescribable gratitude towards Xiao Qionghua. Xiao Qionghua was Lan Tianpeng's cousin, with whom he had grown up. Given their families' circumstances—one an only son, the other an only daughter—they were practically a married couple. She knew that although she hadn't yet told her mother, she was certain her mother would not only not object but would be overjoyed. As Xiao Qionghua carried Lan Xiangji on their journey, although she didn't fully understand why Lan Xiangji was sobbing, she believed it was somewhat related to their marriage. Therefore, she refrained from offering any words of comfort.

Lan Tianpeng, who had been speeding ahead, suddenly saw a stone wall appear in the gap of the forest ahead. He blurted out, "Sister, that might be the Mountain God Temple." Turning around, he saw Lan Xiangji, who was secretly weeping, also looking up.

Lan Tianpeng was startled and asked with concern, "Sister, why are you crying? Did the steel needle in your spine move?" Lan Xiangji didn't want to reveal her own worries, but she also didn't want to add to Lan Tianpeng's anxiety, so she simply shook her head.

Xiao Qionghua, seeing this, immediately suppressed a laugh and said gently, "Go and see if anyone is in the Mountain God Temple." Lan Tianpeng glanced at Lan Xiangji again with concern and then turned and sped towards the temple entrance.

Upon reaching the entrance, he saw that the gate was still intact, the temple walls hadn't collapsed, and the courtyard was small, with only a large stone-built, high-ridged room in the center. Entering the room, he saw that apart from a large cypress wood altar and one or two long wooden benches, all the other furnishings for the Mountain God were gone. The underground area was relatively clean, with a makeshift stove made of stacked stones that could be erected at any time. On the stove was a perfectly functional earthenware pot, clearly used by someone assigned to act as an undercover agent there. As they were looking around, Xiao Qionghua carried Lan Xiangji inside.

Upon seeing this, Lan Tianpeng immediately blew away the dust from the offering table and said urgently, "Put Sister Lan on the table." Xiao Qionghua immediately did as she was told and placed Lan Xiangji on the offering table, helping her to lie down comfortably.

Lan Xiangji, while lying on the table, said anxiously, "Just two days ago, I knew where the steel needles were. Now my lower back is very painful, and I don't know where they're stuck."

Xiao Qionghua immediately said reassuringly, "It's alright, I'll loosen your back garment and see clearly before removing them."

Lan Xiangji hesitated, saying, "Sister...shouldn't you let Brother Peng...?"

Xiao Qionghua naturally understood Lan Xiangji's meaning and said seriously, "Of course, Brother Peng will remove them for you. You know I don't have that kind of skill."

Xiao Qionghua immediately said, half-jokingly and half-seriously, "Nowadays, who doesn't..." "Your younger brother Peng is already your fiancé, what are you afraid of?"

Upon hearing this, Lan Xiangji immediately looked at Xiao Qionghua with gratitude and sincerely said, "This is all thanks to you, sister. I will never forget you in my life..."

Hearing this, Xiao Qionghua naturally felt better, so she smiled happily and said, "Don't say such things. From now on, as long as we share happiness and hardship, and serve your younger brother Peng well, we will be happy. What's there to talk about gratitude?" As she spoke, without giving Lan Xiangji a chance to say anything, she untied the silk ribbon around her slender waist and immediately lifted the yellow-green silk robe behind her back. Then, she untied her inner garment and the undergarment that clung to her skin, revealing the blue and red needle marks on her spine.

After examining the area, Xiao Qionghua immediately reassured her, "It's alright, it hasn't worsened, just some redness and swelling." Then, she turned to Lan Tianpeng and called out, "Hey, it's your turn to collect it."

Lan Tianpeng glanced at Xiao Qionghua again, then gently placed his right palm on Lan Xiangji's slender waist, his palm slightly convex, gripping the needle mark, and immediately channeled his inner energy. With a sudden surge of energy, he slowly began to use the "absorb" technique. As Lan Tianpeng's energy intensified, Lan Xiangji occasionally let out a soft moan. Lan Tianpeng gradually increased his strength, slowly drawing in the needle until his palm touched it, then he suddenly increased the force, lifting his right palm. As his right palm lifted, Lan Xiangji couldn't help but let out a soft "woof," instinctively showing her inner comfort. Xiao Qionghua, who had prepared a small green jade bottle beforehand, immediately placed it near the needle mark on Lan Xiangji's waist and dripped a drop of a mercury-like, fragrant liquid.

Lan Tianpeng was looking down at the two-inch steel needle he had just removed from his palm, secretly cursing Liao Chen's cruel heart. Suddenly, he smelled a familiar fragrance and couldn't help but exclaim, "Ah, Snow Ginseng Ice Fruit Nectar Dew!"

Lan Xiangji was startled upon hearing this and turned to look at him. At the same time, she asked in surprise, "Sister...you..."

Xiao Qionghua gently massaged Lan Xiangji with her slender hands while smiling and saying, "I only dripped one drop. I'll give you two more drops later. After an hour, we can set off..."

Upon hearing this, Lan Xiangji immediately shook her head gratefully and said, "The Divine Nun's 'Nectar Dew' is a secret martial arts treasure. A drop to heal is understandable, but how can a healthy person take several drops casually?"

Before she could finish speaking, Xiao Qionghua said seriously, "Lan sister, don't underestimate Liao Chen's steel needle. If it's not handled properly or the treatment isn't careful, your lower body might be ruined." Taking the opportunity, Lan

Tianpeng showed Lan Xiangji the two-inch steel needle in his hand. Lan Xiangji, with her keen eyesight, noticed a few traces of dark purple blood on the needle. Thinking of Liao Chen's ruthlessness, she said bitterly, "If Liao Chen had known this would happen, perhaps he wouldn't have been so frantically plotting to seize the sect leader's position, willing to bear the stigma of betraying his master."

Xiao Qionghua continued massaging Lan Xiangji's wounds while asking, "Lan-mei, how do you think Master Yuxu will deal with Liao Chen?"

Lan Xiangji hesitated slightly before saying, "When I returned and saw my eldest cousin, although he was extremely angry that I had displayed Guang Chengzi's sword style in front of my younger brother, he listened to my strong defense. My eldest cousin himself said that he still has no intention of appointing Liao Yin as the next sect leader."

Lan Tianpeng immediately asked with concern, "Does Liao Chen know about this?" "

Lan Xiangji said, 'I'm afraid they don't know yet. Even if they did, they've already stirred up trouble, and it's too late to change anything.'

Xiao Qionghua asked, 'How do you think Master Yuxu will deal with Liaochen and the other two?'

Lan Xiangji replied without hesitation, 'Since this matter has been exposed in front of so many underworld figures, my eldest cousin no longer needs to announce the crimes of Liaochen and the other two to the martial arts world. It's enough for those disbanded underworld figures to spread the word. I think by tomorrow at the latest, Liaochen will probably be tied up and brought before the ancestral tablet for punishment.'

Upon hearing this, Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua exclaimed in surprise, 'So fast?'

Lan Xiangji said seriously, 'Although my eldest cousin is getting on in years, he is still extremely impatient and hot-tempered when he does things.'

As she spoke, Xiao Qionghua had already restored Lan Xiangji's robe and asked with concern, 'Sister Lan, do you think you can sit up?'" Lan

Xiangji subtly felt a surge of energy; although her inner energy was flowing smoothly, it still couldn't circulate freely. However, she couldn't directly express her worries about Jia Lantian and Peng, so she smiled and said, "The needle prick doesn't hurt anymore." As she spoke, she sat up, clearly with some difficulty.

Xiao Qionghua raised her head and immediately smiled, saying, "My silly sister, why don't you take a few drops of 'Jade Dew'?"

This time, Lan Xiangji didn't insist, only humbly saying, "One or two drops will be enough for me."

Xiao Qionghua nodded happily and said, "Alright, there's no cup here, so I'll just have to drip it into your mouth." "Saying this, he gestured for Lan Xiangji to sit cross-legged and removed the small stopper from the green jade bottle. Knowing her injuries were serious, Lan Xiangji sat cross-legged and immediately opened her mouth. As soon as Lan Xiangji opened her mouth, Xiao Qionghua, without hesitation, brought the jade bottle close to Lan Xiangji's cherry lips and poured some. Lan Xiangji felt as if she had drunk a large mouthful of icy nectar, its fragrance filling her mouth. Knowing that Xiao Qionghua had poured quite a lot, she was startled, but it was too late to close her mouth. She

felt a cool sensation go down her throat, chilling her to the bone. Just as she was about to say something, Xiao Qionghua patted her fragrant shoulder and said with a smile, "Sister Lan, start practicing your internal energy cultivation and gather your spiritual energy into your body. Brother Peng and I will protect you outside the door." Lan Xiangji was both flustered and grateful. Just as she was about to say something, Xiao Qionghua and Lan Tianpeng had already happily walked towards the door. She had no choice but to close her eyes and cultivate her internal energy as instructed.

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