Cold Fragrance Valley [Complete] - 20

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Chapter Twenty-One: Mutual Affection

However, what puzzled Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua most was that this stunningly beautiful palace mistress, "Ice Maiden," seemed familiar, though they couldn't quite place her. Looking at Daoist Qingyun, he also performed the rites of a foreign guest paying respects to a sect leader, bowing deeply. Meanwhile, "Young Master Tok" Gapwen, like the other women, was already kneeling on the ground, his initial arrogance gone. He was undoubtedly grateful for "Ice Maiden's" words that had saved his life, and was expressing his gratitude with a deep kneeling bow. After observing this, Lan Tianpeng immediately signaled Xiao Qionghua to sheathe her sword. The two then performed the rites of a foreign guest paying respects to a sect leader, standing respectfully with clasped hands and a slight bow.

After the other women finished shouting "Greetings, Palace Mistress!", "Ice Maiden" humbly gestured and said, "Distinguished guests, please excuse the formalities. Daoist Qingyun, please invite the two distinguished guests to have tea served at Ying Palace." "

Qingyun" Daoist immediately responded respectfully, then turned to Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua, saying humbly, "Young Valley Master and Lady Xiao, please."

Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua did not reply, but bowed slightly to "Bingchuan Heroine" and followed Qingyun Daoist along a flower path towards the Crystal Palace in a beautiful garden. As soon as Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua reached the flower path, "Bingchuan Heroine" immediately ordered the women to stand and instructed them to immediately collect and bury the body of the "Red-Robed Emperor," who had been cut into five pieces. Finally, she looked at "Young Master Tok," who was kneeling on the ground, and said in a deep voice, "Gapwen, I, the Palace Master, have already arrived here. Do you know why I saved you but not the 'Red-Robed Emperor'?"

Kneeling on the ground, "Young Master Tok" hurriedly said in a trembling voice, "This junior is unaware, and hopes the Palace Master will give instructions." The

Ice Maiden smiled coldly and said, "The Red-Robed Emperor is arrogant and ignorant, relying solely on brute force to oppress the people and bully women; therefore, this Palace Master will not save him. As for you, Gapvin, aside from harassing this Palace Master, you have committed no great evil; therefore, I will save you..."

Before she could finish speaking, "Young Master Tok" had already kowtowed repeatedly, saying, "Thank you for saving my life, Palace Master, and please forgive my rudeness."

The Ice Maiden nodded slightly and said, "Regarding tonight's events, I hope you will leave and not mention them again. Spreading this around would be disgraceful to Gapvin, do you understand?"

"Young Master Tok" kowtowed repeatedly, saying, "This junior understands."

"Ice Maiden" nodded slightly and said, "Hmm, you may leave." "Young Master Tok" bowed again, rose, glanced at the pile of corpses of "Red-Robed Emperor," and used his lightness skill to speed towards the icy cliff to the east.

As Xiao Qionghua advanced, she occasionally turned to look at "Ice Maiden." She thought about how "Ice Maiden" had stopped her from punishing "Young Master Tok" in a serious tone, and how she had to bow to her. Thinking about it carefully, she felt quite uncomfortable. However, she thought that the other party was a leader of a region, and a mysterious figure who had been rumored to be famous. Even if "Qingyun" hadn't revealed the secret of the Li Palace, wouldn't they still regard "Ice Maiden" as a celestial maiden? Besides, how could a chivalrous woman from the Central Plains be disrespectful to a woman from the Western Regions? Thinking of this, her heart felt lighter, and all her gloom disappeared.

Passing through the purple bamboo forest in front of them, Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua's eyes suddenly lit up. Before them stood a low, gleaming wall, its brickwork adorned with plum blossom patterns, two perched phoenixes, and a single peony—a uniquely beautiful crescent-shaped garden gate. Inside was a magnificent garden, its artificial hills and lake rocks, all gleaming like white stone or crystal, surrounded by exotic flowers and rare herbs. The main hall opposite, bathed in the bright moonlight, shimmered and sparkled, like a celestial paradise, unlike anything on earth. To the left and right of the main hall were side halls, each with its own vermilion-lacquered corridor, winding and leading to various halls deeper within. Among the towering pine trees, gleaming roof tiles and flying eaves peeked out.

The three walked along the flower-lined path, their flowerbeds filled with large, unusual flowers rarely seen in the Central Plains—vast shades of pale purple, blood red, light yellow, and pink—their fragrance filling the entire garden. On the grand platform of Ying Palace, eight female guards in red robes carrying swords stood silently, while four women in flowing robes greeted them respectfully at the palace gate. Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua, guided by the Daoist Qingyun, ascended the steps to the palace entrance. Inside Ying Palace, the lights shone brightly, as if it were daytime. The palace was resplendent in gold and jade, resembling the imperial palace of the Central Plains. The eight female guards bowed, and the four women in flowing robes greeted them with a deep bow. Upon entering the palace, they discovered layers of brocade screens illuminated by palace lanterns, their purpose unknown.

The Daoist Qingyun, walking in front, stepped aside and respectfully greeted them before the screens, saying humbly, "Young Valley Master, Miss Xiao, please." Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua, without any pretense of modesty, walked around the screens and entered. They discovered that behind each layer of screens was a lavishly furnished spacious room, each with four maids standing at attention.

"Qingyun" repeatedly gestured respectfully, saying, "Please." Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua, without further ado, proceeded into each of the rooms.

Upon entering the fifth large room, the furnishings suddenly differed from the other four. Beneath a tall, embroidered wall, four jade tables and stools were arranged, while in the center stood a large red jade chair with a brocade quilt. It was clear that this red jade chair was reserved for the palace's mistress, "Iceberg Heroine." Lan Tianpeng glanced around, finding it rather strange. Each of the other rooms had maids serving, but this one was completely empty. This room was exceptionally spacious, containing nothing but a chair, four tables, and four stools. Only on one side of the central brocade jade chair hung a crystal cloud-shaped plaque and a small velvet hammer. As they looked around, "Qingyun" gestured respectfully, inviting Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua to sit at the two jade tables on the right.

As soon as Lan Tianpeng and Daoist Qingyun sat down, he immediately said in a low voice, "Young Valley Master and Miss Xiao, please don't be suspicious. This is the Secret Discussion Palace..."

Lan Tianpeng immediately asked, puzzled, "Why are we receiving guests in the Secret Discussion Palace?"

Daoist Qingyun smiled modestly and said, "You two will understand in a moment." After saying that, he moved to the second jade table on the left and sat down.

Lan Tianpeng, however, said in confusion, "Although we have now arrived at the beautiful palace on the glacial plateau and just met the 'Glacier Heroine,' upon careful thought, even I am not clear about why we came here?"

Daoist Qingyun bowed and smiled, saying, "As I just said, you two will understand in a moment."

Upon hearing this, Lan Tianpeng had no choice but to change the subject and asked, "When we arrived, those two women in colorful robes who were fighting against 'Young Master Tok' and 'The Red-Robed Emperor' seemed to have excellent swordsmanship. Why couldn't they defeat the two unarmed opponents?" "

Qingyun" Daoist sighed and said, "To be honest, those two women in colorful clothes are the same generation of sisters as the current master, 'Glacier Heroine'. They were unwilling to kill 'Red Robe Emperor' and 'Young Master Tok' because they were afraid of making powerful enemies..."

Xiao Qionghua was shocked and hurriedly said, "Didn't I bring trouble to this place by killing 'Red Robe Emperor' tonight?" "

Qingyun" Daoist immediately said solemnly, "Miss Xiao is different. Not only have you not made enemies, but you have also rid them of two thugs who frequently harass them."

Lan Tianpeng said in confusion, "I don't understand what you mean, Daoist."

"Qingyun" explained solemnly, "These two are wicked people who frequently come to harass us, aiming to marry 'Ice Glacier Heroine' and become the palace master themselves. In fact, they don't know that the current 'Ice Glacier Heroine' is not even twenty years old..."

Although Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua already knew the secret of the Li Palace, they were still shocked to hear that the current "Ice Glacier Heroine" was not even twenty years old. They exclaimed in shock, "Really? Does that mean that every mistress of the Li Palace doesn't live past twenty?"

"Qingyun" Daoist nodded sadly and said, "That's right. Among the women in colorful clothes that you two saw just now, one of them, who was wearing a thin veil, was the sister of the previous mistress."

Lan Tianpeng asked in confusion, "Strange, why don't we see any older women serving as guards? Why are they all young girls?"

The Taoist priest Qingyun said with some emotion, "Let alone elderly women, there are quite a few even toddler girls."

Xiao Qionghua asked in surprise, "Is it because it's nighttime and they've all gone to bed?"

The Taoist priest Qingyun nodded, "That's right. Even if you two came during the day, you wouldn't have seen them."

Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua asked in unison, "Why? Are they being kept imprisoned somewhere?"

"Qingyun" hesitated slightly before saying, "That's hard to say. If they're not imprisoned, they can't just leave the palace at will. But if they are imprisoned, they can still go down the mountain to town to buy things."

Xiao Qionghua interjected, "In short, they need permission to go out; otherwise, they're not allowed to leave the palace."

"Qingyun" immediately nodded, "That's right. Their only duty is to raise those baby girls who are only a year old and can't walk."

Xiao Qionghua continued, "Then are there any middle-aged women in the palace?"

Without hesitation, Daoist Qingyun said, "Yes, they all work in the inner palace doing arduous tasks like cooking and washing clothes..."

Lan Tianpeng's heart stirred upon hearing this, and he couldn't help but ask with concern, "The older ones should have higher levels of skill than the others, so why..."

Before he could finish speaking, Qingyun smiled calmly and said, "Of course, middle-aged women with high levels of skill are often assigned to patrol and guard duties at night, like the woman in the veiled dress you two just saw."

Xiao Qionghua's spirits lifted upon hearing this, and she couldn't help but ask with concern, "Judging from her appearance, she doesn't seem..." "She looks like a middle-aged woman."

Qingyun smiled calmly and said, "That's because she's wearing the same colorful clothes as a young girl, and under the moonlight, her face is covered with a thin veil."

Lantian Peng frowned upon hearing this, asking in great confusion, "Daoist Master, please forgive my rudeness, but I'm very puzzled by your knowledge of the Li Palace. Could you please enlighten me?"

Xiao Qionghua was startled and chimed in, "Also, just now when we looked closely at 'Ice Maiden,' we felt she seemed familiar..."

Before she could finish speaking, a girl's clear voice came from afar, "The Palace Master has arrived."

Upon hearing this, Daoist Qingyun stood up first, smiling mysteriously, and said, "The mystery you two want to know will soon be answered."

Lantian Peng and Xiao Qionghua naturally didn't ask any more questions. Since Qingyun had already risen from his seat and stood up, the two of them also stood up. With the girls' calls, they finally heard a soft tinkling sound of jade pendants, which gradually approached. Behind the embroidered walls, two young women with flowing hair and trailing silver robes entered first. They greeted Lan Tianpeng and Daoist Qingyun with respectful voices, saying, "Reporting to our honored guests, Daoist Master, the Palace Mistress greets you."

They then stepped aside. Daoist Qingyun merely nodded in understanding, saying nothing. Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua stood quietly, unsure of what to do. As the sound of jade pendants drew closer, Lan Tianpeng's eyes lit up. The stunningly beautiful woman, the mistress of the magnificent palace, "Ice Blade Heroine," entered, surrounded by six silver-clad maidens. Daoist Qingyun immediately bowed slightly, and Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua reciprocated.

"Ice Blade Heroine" smiled gracefully and said with a gentle gesture, "Please, honored guests, be seated." She then walked gracefully to the jade chair, and only after Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua were seated did she bow to Daoist Qingyun before taking her seat herself on the large, red jade brocade chair. After taking her seat, the "Ice Maiden" immediately picked up her mallet and tapped it twice on the cloud-shaped clapper. Though small, the clapper produced a melodious sound that resonated throughout the entire Ying Palace. Upon hearing the sound, eight silver-clad maids bowed and filed out.

Lan Zaipeng and Xiao Qionghua took the opportunity to carefully observe the "Ice Maiden." Her beauty was indeed natural; no wonder the previous mistress of the Li Palace had chosen her, but also harmed her. Fortunately, they had encountered the Daoist "Qingyun" on their way here, who had revealed the secrets of the Li Palace and the inside story of the "Ice Maiden's" succession. Otherwise, if the two had rashly arrived and seen this stunningly beautiful young woman, not yet twenty, and mistakenly believed she was the "Ice Maiden" who had challenged the "Silver-Clad Swordsman" to a duel years ago, they would have been utterly astonished and terrified, likely addressing her with utmost respect and humility as "Senior."

In the blink of an eye, the eight silver-clad maids had already retreated. Only then did the "Ice Maiden" raise her slender fingers and gently remove the thin veil covering her face. As soon as the veil was removed, Lan Tianpeng's heart skipped a beat, and he blushed involuntarily. The young woman before him, not yet twenty, was simply too beautiful. She was almost identical to the celestial fairy he had heard Old Lan Fu tell stories of when he was a child, and even resembled Chang'e from the moon in paintings.

Of course, this wasn't because the "Ice Maiden" was more beautiful than Xiao Qionghua and Lan Ji, but because the "Ice Maiden's" beauty possessed a different kind of charm. Xiao Qionghua also secretly admired her. She felt that the "Ice Maiden" was indeed incomparably beautiful, rarely seen in the world, especially her graceful and serene temperament, which she, Huangfu Hui, Ouyang Zi, and Lan Xiangji lacked.

Amidst the thin veil, the "Ice Maiden" smiled, revealing two rows of pearly white teeth. Her eyes, bright as still water, gazed at Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua, and she said humbly, "I already know this is Young Master Lan…and this young lady's esteemed name is…?"

Lan Tianpeng immediately bowed and said, "This is my cousin, Xiao Qionghua."

The "Ice Maiden" immediately bowed slightly and said, "So it's Miss Xiao, I've heard so much about you."

Xiao Qionghua also bowed humbly and said, "I dare not presume. Please forgive my

rudeness earlier, Palace Master." The Ice Maiden immediately apologized, saying, "Miss Xiao, you are a guest. I should be the one apologizing for what happened earlier. Moreover, I must thank you for your ruthlessness in eliminating those two persistent scoundrels."

Lan Tianpeng, still pondering how the "Ice Maiden" knew his identity, interjected, "May I ask, Palace Master, how did you know my background and identity?"

Without a second thought, "Ice Maiden" smiled and said, "My elder brother told me about the Valley Master's arrival a month ago."

Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua were taken aback and simultaneously muttered to themselves, "My elder brother?" Then, they asked in confusion, "May I ask who your elder brother is?"

To their surprise, the "Qingyun" Taoist sitting opposite them stood up with a smile and said, "That is I." As soon as he said that, Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua let out a soft "Ah!" and were truly stunned. Looking closely at the "Qingyun" Taoist, their features were indeed the same as the "Ice Maiden's." No wonder they had felt a sense of déjà vu when they first saw the "Ice Maiden."

The Taoist priest, Qingyun, bowed slightly and said apologetically, "I am very sorry. Although I have broken the precepts, I had no choice but to lie in order to save my younger sister from suffering and save her life. If the patriarch knows this, he will understand that I had no other choice." Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua both regained their composure and looked at the beautiful "Ice River Heroine" again. At this moment, her face was pale and she lowered her head in sorrow.

The Taoist Qingyun continued solemnly, “Please feel free to ask any questions you may have. There are only the four of us in the entire Ying Palace right now. This is the secret council, and no one would dare to come in and eavesdrop. You can rest assured.”

Lan Tianpeng hesitated slightly and said, “I have a question, but I’m not sure if I should ask it.”

The Taoist Qingyun immediately said gravely, “In my opinion, there is no question more important than the secret of the Palace Master.”

Upon hearing this, Lan Tianpeng knew that there was no question he couldn’t ask, and immediately asked earnestly, “I would like to ask the Taoist Master to explain your relationship with the Palace Master’s younger sister.”

Upon hearing this, the Taoist Qingyun responded without hesitation with a deep voice, “It is permissible.” He then slowly sat down on the brocade stool, took a deep breath, and said with a heavy heart, “First of all, I must explain that the Palace Master’s mother is my stepmother, and I only married her after I became a disciple of the Kunlun Sect Leader, Immortal Xuanqing.” Of course, my stepmother was a disciple of the Li Palace here. In order to find happiness elsewhere, she requested permission from the previous two masters to descend the mountain and choose a husband. The husband she chose was my father, a middle-aged man who had recently lost his wife. Before marrying my father, my stepmother made it clear that her first daughter, after reaching her first birthday, must be sent to the Li Palace on the glacial plateau as a substitute.

"My father initially objected, but to gain another wife he loved, he eventually had to agree. However, when my stepmother actually gave birth to Yu Mei, he couldn't bear to send her away. My stepmother knew the harsh rules of the Li Palace. On Yu Mei's first birthday, after the family had eaten the celebratory feast, that very night, my mother and Yu Mei disappeared. My father, of course, knew what had happened. The thought of his only daughter being separated from him forever was unbearable; he wept bitterly." The Daoist Qingyun's expression darkened, his voice low. The "Ice River Heroine," seated high on the jade chair, also had her brows furrowed, her bright eyes brimming with tears, unable to conceal her grief. Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua couldn't help but feel sympathy for this pair of half-siblings.

The Taoist priest, Qingyun, continued in a low voice, “I am originally from Henan, and my father does not practice martial arts. How could he possibly keep up with the thousands of miles that are ahead of him? How could I not worry and be anxious? My two younger brothers are also away doing business, not by his side. Several months passed, and one day, my stepmother rushed home alone, weary from her journey. When my husband and I met, wept bitterly in each other's arms. This brought some comfort to my father, but after months of suffering from illness, he passed away.” At this point, Qingyun’s eyes moistened, and the Ice River Heroine was already shedding tears.

The Taoist priest "Qingyun" continued, "When my father was on his deathbed, I happened to be traveling in Henan and returning to my hometown to visit my family. I caught him in his final moments before his passing. The scene was extremely tragic. As my father lay dying, he was still holding my stepmother's hand, repeatedly calling out Guan Yumei's name, and begging her to promise him that she would bring his only daughter home no matter what. To comfort my father and ensure his peaceful passing, my stepmother and I both readily agreed to his request, promising to rescue Yumei from Liguan no matter what, so that she could enjoy the happiness and joy that a young girl should experience."

At this point, "Qingyun" continued... The man shook his head with a sigh and said, "If I had told my father this, he would have passed away with a smile of satisfaction. But this difficult and troublesome matter has dragged on until today. Moreover, she has always been honest and trustworthy, and she has never given up on saving Yu Mei because of the difficulties. For more than ten years, she has still traveled long distances without complaint, braving the wind and sun, to come to the Western Regions once a year to see me and her only daughter. Of course, the stepmother hopes that Yu Mei will come of age so that she can ask the former palace master to take Yu Mei down the mountain to choose a husband, thus fulfilling her wish and comforting my father's spirit in heaven."

At this point, Qingyun sighed sadly and said, "Unexpectedly, when my stepmother came again this spring, Yu Mei, in her ignorance, had already accepted the seal and sword of the previous palace and agreed to remain as the new mistress of Li Palace! This matter saddened my stepmother greatly and left her utterly disappointed. That's why she came to me two years ago to discuss this matter and told me the secret of the succession of the mistress of Li Palace, saying that Yu Mei's succession was tantamount to a death sentence."

Xiao Qionghua was shocked and blurted out, "Could it be that serious?" The "Ice River Heroine," with tears streaming down her cheeks, immediately nodded sadly.

Qingyun also nodded and said, "That's right, because according to my stepmother, none of the mistresses of Li Palace have lived past thirty-five."

Lan Tianpeng asked in confusion, "Why can't they live past thirty-five?" Upon hearing this question, the beautiful palace mistress sitting high on the jade chair immediately lowered her head in embarrassment, and two blushes appeared on her delicate face, like pear blossoms in the rain.

Upon seeing this, Lan Tianpeng immediately recalled what the Taoist Qingyun had told him on the way—that as long as the "Ice Maiden's" heart fluttered, her life would be doomed. Thinking of this, Lan Tianpeng felt very embarrassed, because he was afraid that the "Ice Maiden" would suspect him, making it seem like he had asked a question he already knew the answer to.

The Taoist Qingyun naturally noticed the expressions on the faces of the Ice River Heroine and Lan Tianpeng, and skillfully replied, "I had the same question at the time, but my stepmother had no choice but to make me swear an oath to heaven that I would never reveal the secrets of the Jade Palace to anyone else. Only then did she tell me about the mistress of the Jade Palace." After a pause, the Taoist Qingyun looked at Lan Tianpeng and Lan Tianpeng with a knowing look and continued, "After hearing this, I naturally asked my stepmother how she saved Yu Mei's life. That's when my stepmother mentioned that the previous mistress of the Jade Palace, the Ice River Heroine, had sent a letter inviting the Silver-Clad Swordsman to a sword duel..."

Upon hearing this, Lan Tianpeng couldn't help but interrupt in confusion, asking, "What does this have to do with my master's duel?" "

Qingyun" continued solemnly, "Because the mistress of the Li Palace drank medicine when she took over, her master must use his Vajra Divine Skill with its extremely strong and fiery true power to force out the poison in her body..."

Before he finished speaking, Lan Tianpeng said in a tone of sudden realization, "So the Ice River Heroine invited her master to a sword duel for another reason."

However, Xiao Qionghua, looking at Qingyun with a hint of understanding, asked, "So, Daoist Master, you went to great lengths to invite us to the Ligong Palace to enjoy the beautiful scenery, just so my cousin could cure your sister of the poison?" Upon

hearing this, Daoist Qingyun immediately stood up in shame, sincerely chanted a Buddhist prayer, and bowed deeply to Xiao Qionghua, saying apologetically, "I have previously stated that to comfort my late father's spirit in heaven and to relieve my stepmother's worries, I am willing to break my vows. Young Master and Miss Xiao, with your chivalrous hearts and compassionate nature, will surely not forget my filial piety and punish me." Before he finished speaking, the beautiful hostess had already covered her face and wept.

Qingyun's words were deeply moving and reasonable, and the newly appointed "Ice Glacier Heroine" was also crying sadly. What particularly touched Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua was Qingyun's filial piety. However, while healing was not a problem, Xiao Qionghua feared that she would have another roommate, and that "Cold Fragrance Manor" would have another stunning young mistress.

Lan Tianpeng, kind-hearted, felt that even if a stranger asked for help, he would readily agree, even at the cost of expending his own inner strength, not only because of Qingyun's filial piety. Therefore, he frowned slightly and hesitantly asked, "I wonder if I can remove the poison from the Palace Master's body?"

Upon hearing this, Qingyun was overjoyed, knowing that Lan Dapeng had agreed to heal his sister, and excitedly blurted out, "Yes, yes, absolutely yes..."

However, Xiao Qionghua asked calmly, "How?"

Qingyun replied, "According to my stepmother, if the 'Vajra Divine Skill' is used within a year, it only takes a short time; if it has been three years, the chances of removal decrease."

Upon hearing this, Lan Tianpeng immediately asked with concern, "How many months has the Palace Master been in office?"

The beautiful Palace Master immediately replied softly, "Not even three months." "As she spoke, her melancholy and sorrow only enhanced her allure. Not only was Lan Tianpeng captivated, but even Xiao Qionghua herself couldn't help but think to herself, 'I feel pity for her.

' Upon this discovery, Xiao Qionghua unconsciously asked with concern, 'What kind of treatment is it?'" Upon hearing this question, the beautiful palace mistress immediately lowered her head in embarrassment. Seeing this, Xiao Qionghua felt a pang of unease.

The Daoist Qingyun calmly replied, "According to my stepmother, one method involves shaving the hair off the crown of the head, making a small incision in the scalp, and then, depending on the young master's skill, placing one or two fingers on the incision to cause the blood to flow backwards..."

Lan Tianpeng was startled and exclaimed in surprise, "Forcing the blood to flow backwards is like having a thousand ants crawling in your heart! How can anyone endure that? Besides, making a hole in the crown of the head would also damage the beauty of the face..."

Hearing this, Xiao Qionghua asked with concern, "Isn't there another method?"

The Daoist Qingyun looked at Xiao Qionghua expectantly and said, "The other method requires Miss Xiao's help."

Xiao Qionghua was immediately surprised and said, "Me? What can I do? I don't know the Vajra Divine Skill!"

Upon hearing this, Daoist Qingyun sighed and said sadly, "Then the only option is to use the reverse blood-cutting method to treat the poison." The beautiful palace mistress immediately lowered her head in sorrow.

Xiao Qionghua put herself in others' shoes. The thought of having a scar on her own head, regardless of the pain of bleeding, was unbearable, especially on her beautiful face. Thinking of this, she unconsciously asked in a low voice, "Master, please tell us the second treatment method. It wouldn't hurt for everyone to hear it. Besides, perhaps there's an even more suitable method?" The

Daoist "Qingyun" looked at Xiao Qionghua gratefully, sighed, and said, "The second method of treating the poison is for Miss Xiao to place her palm flat on my sister's navel, using the 'absorption' technique to gradually draw the poison from her body into her dantian. Then, my sister should use her true energy to control the poison and prevent it from spreading until a woman's body expelles it after a certain period of time." The beautiful hostess, sitting high on the jade chair, was already blushing deeply, her face flushed with embarrassment, and she dared not raise her head.

Upon hearing that the poison would be expelled after a certain period of time, Xiao Qionghua knew it referred to menstruation, and thus, her own face also flushed crimson. Lan Tianpeng understood the meaning of Qingyun Daoist's words and also knew why the poison would be expelled from the body at a certain time. However, Xiao Qionghua felt that Qingyun Daoist was very skillful in his speech. He didn't mention that Lan Tianpeng's hand was on the "Ice Maiden's" navel, but instead referred to her as Xiao Qionghua.

It was precisely because of Qingyun's words that she had a sudden thought and asked, "I wonder if my hand is on your sister's navel, while my cousin's palms are on my Mingmen point..."

Before she could finish speaking, Qingyun Daoist said with a troubled expression, "Isn't that too dangerous?"

Xiao Qionghua asked in confusion, "Why?"

Qingyun Daoist said solemnly, "Because the young master is using the 'absorption' technique. If the poison is accidentally introduced into Miss Xiao's body, wouldn't that ruin Miss Xiao's life?" Upon hearing this

, Xiao Qionghua unconsciously frowned, her face showing worry. The Daoist Qingyun was old and experienced, and naturally he could see that Xiao Lianghua and Lan Tianpeng were not only cousins, but also lovers who had grown up together. How could he not see through Xiao Qionghua's thoughts? So, he deliberately sighed and said, "Although my sister has been cured of the poison, it can only prolong her life by a few years. As for her promise to my father, she can forget about it for the rest of her life."

Upon hearing this, Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua asked in unison in astonishment, "Why, Daoist Master..."

Daoist Qingyun sighed again and said, "The successive mistresses of the Li Palace have mostly chosen substitutes at the moment of their death. After the matter was settled, the handover was immediately completed, and they died soon after. The entire palace immediately buried them behind the palace." He paused, looked at the beautiful palace mistress, and continued in a low voice, "Although my sister has been cured of the poison, she cannot choose a husband. In the event of a major incident in the martial world, my sister must never leave the Li Palace. Just imagine, how can I and my stepmother fulfill my father's dying wish?" Upon hearing this, Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua couldn't help but sigh with sympathy.

The Taoist Qingyun looked at the new mistress and said sadly, "Sister Yu, the young master and Miss Xiao's time is precious. They are both eager to return to the Central Plains to participate in the martial arts tournament. Quickly, tell them to bring out the golden dagger." Upon hearing this, the beautiful mistress immediately burst into tears and replied, "Yes."

The Taoist Qingyun then said sadly, "Now, the only way is to use the golden dagger to cut off her skull."

Xiao Qionghua was furious upon hearing this and said angrily, "Taoist Master, you are too cunning. You should know that I did not refuse my cousin's request to treat your sister's poison, but I had to worry about your sister's future happiness..."

Before she could finish speaking, the Taoist Qingyun had already risen gratefully and bowed, saying in a trembling voice, "Miss Xiao, please calm down. It is all my fault, but I am only grateful to the young master and Miss Xiao. How could I dare to scheme against them again?" He paused, then sighed unconsciously and said, "To be honest, no..." "Even if the young master is willing to heal my sister with the young lady's permission, my sister, myself, and even the young master himself will feel uneasy."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Qionghua was deeply impressed by Qingyun's opinion, and her anger completely dissipated. However, she couldn't help but confess, "To be honest, Daoist and Palace Master, I already have several sisters-in-law. Therefore, I have to carefully consider this matter of healing your sister." The beautiful Palace Master, upon hearing that Lan Tianpeng already had several wives, assumed they were all beautiful and skilled martial arts women. Therefore, she stole a glance at Lan Tianpeng, whose handsome face was slightly flushed.

The Taoist priest "Qingyun" said solemnly, "Please rest assured, young lady. Even if your sister were to choose a husband, she would not dare serve the young master, for we have experienced the pain of her father. Given the young master's reputation in the martial world and the status of Lengyun Manor, how could the daughter of the Blue Valley Master of Lengyun Mountain be sent to this glacial plateau as a substitute disciple?" Hearing this, the beautiful palace mistress lowered her head. Xiao

Qionghua knew that "Qingyun" and her sister had already reached an understanding not to take advantage of the situation to marry Lan Tianpeng. Saving a life was more important than building a seven-story pagoda, so she urged, "Since the second method is more complete, safer, and painless, please begin." Upon hearing this, the "Glacier Heroine" immediately struck the cloud-shaped board with her velvet hammer.

After the strike, "Qingyun" immediately bowed respectfully and said, "Young master, Miss Xiao, please wait outside." Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua stood up simultaneously, and the "Glacier Heroine" also rose from her chair to see them off.

Just as Lan Tianpeng and his companions were heading towards the door, eight silver-clad maidens filed in. The Daoist "Qingyun" led Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua into a spacious room with a brocade screen. They sat down in order, and four maids immediately brought fragrant tea and fruit. After eating a pastry and drinking a couple of sips of tea, Xiao Qionghua asked with concern, "Doesn't the Daoist Master's frequent comings and goings in the Li Palace seem like his own? Do they not interfere? Or do they wait for the Palace Mistress's permission before allowing him to enter?"

The Daoist "Qingyun" smiled and said, "That's why the beautiful girls of Li Palace, even knowing they won't live long as mistresses, still agree to take their place."

Lan Tianpeng immediately seemed to understand and asked, "Does the Daoist Master mean that the mistress of Li Palace enjoys many privileges?"

The Taoist priest Qingyun immediately said solemnly, "It's not just privilege; she controls the entire Li Palace, with the power of life and death at her disposal. Therefore, her relatives have become privileged figures within the Li Palace." He paused, then sighed deeply, saying, "Fortunately, the successive mistresses of the Li Palace, as well as their trusted family members, have all been wise and discerning individuals who can distinguish right from wrong. Otherwise, the consequences would be truly worrisome."

Lan Tianpeng exclaimed in surprise, "Oh!" and asked with a hint of concern, "Does the Taoist priest think that no one dared to eavesdrop during our conversation?"

The Taoist priest Qingyun replied without hesitation, "Absolutely no one dared to enter and eavesdrop."

Xiao Qionghua, however, asked dismissively, "What if someone had eavesdropped?"

Qingyun immediately said solemnly, "Execute them immediately, without question." As soon as he finished speaking, a girl in silver robes walked in from outside the screen.

Upon seeing this, the Taoist Qingyun immediately asked with concern, "Are you ready?"

The girl in silver robes immediately replied respectfully, "Yes, please come, Young Valley Master."

Qingyun nodded in understanding and then gestured to Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua, saying, "Please." Thus, led by the girl in silver robes, the three retreated towards the Brocade Walled Room. As they approached the entrance to the Brocade Walled Room, a brocade curtain hung above the door, further enhancing the mysterious and tense atmosphere within. The Taoist Qingyun lifted the curtain with one hand and gestured to the guests with the other, saying, "Young Valley Master and Miss Xiao, please."

Lan Tianpeng glanced inside and saw that the four jade tables on either side of the main chair in the Brocade Walled Room had been moved aside. Just a few feet in front of the chair, a floor-length brocade bed was placed horizontally, high and perfectly flat. A piece of snow-white silk covered the bed, and beneath it lay a person, whose body parts were not visible. Lan Tianpeng knew without a doubt that the person lying beneath was the "Ice Glacier Heroine." What caught Lan Tianpeng's attention most was that the "Iceland Heroine" had a square red handkerchief, about a foot in size, covering her abdomen. The bright red handkerchief against the snow-white silk was particularly eye-catching and striking. In front of the brocade bed was a round brocade cushion, of moderate height, which was naturally for Lan Tianpeng to sit on while he was healing from the poison. Eight girls in silver cloaks stood quietly on both sides.

Seeing the situation, Xiao Qionghua was naturally relieved. She knew, of course, that beneath the red handkerchief lay the exposed navel of the "Ice Maiden." Based on this setup, Daoist Qingyun had already made thorough preparations, and his waiting along the way, his painstaking efforts, and his determination to succeed were truly touching. Xiao Qionghua had no doubt that the "Ice Maiden" was indeed Daoist Qingyun's younger sister, because she felt she looked somewhat familiar when she first saw her. After Daoist Qingyun's explanation, it became clear that their features were indeed similar, and Daoist Qingyun himself possessed a dignified appearance, with well-groomed eyebrows and delicate eyes, exuding an air of otherworldly elegance—undoubtedly a true Buddhist disciple.

The Taoist priest "Qingyun" beside them, however, asked in a low voice towards the brocade bed with a hidden agenda, "Jade Sister, are you ready?" This question was obviously unnecessary, but Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua desperately needed Qingyun's question to confirm whether the person under the snow-white sheets was indeed "Ice Maiden."

The person under the snow-white sheets replied shyly, "Yes, little sister is ready, brother." Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua immediately recognized the voice as that of "Ice Maiden."

The Taoist Qingyun continued, "Young Valley Master and Miss Xiao have arrived. Before the poison is cured, let's say a few words of gratitude to them! After the poison is gathered..."

Before he could finish, Xiao Qionghua asked in confusion, "What? After the poison is cured, we can't speak anymore?"

The Taoist Qingyun nodded and said, "Yes, that's because the poison has been gathered in a certain part of the lower abdomen. We must control it day and night to prevent it from returning. Otherwise, not only will the treatment be ineffective, but it will also accelerate its deterioration." As

soon as he finished speaking, the "Iceland Heroine" under the snow-white sheets immediately said humbly and gratefully, "As the saying goes, great kindness is beyond words. Today, I really don't know how to thank Young Valley Master Lan and Miss Xiao. I only hope that we will meet again in the future, and then I will express my gratitude for the great kindness of curing the poison."

Knowing that Lan Tianpeng was not comfortable answering, Xiao Qionghua said, "We will naturally meet again in the future. If you go to travel to the Central Plains, please come and stay at Lengxiang Valley in Motianling for a few days."

"Glacier Heroine" sighed and said, "I will only grow old and die here. Unless there is a major incident in the martial world, I have no reason to leave the Western Regions. Assuming that you two can come to the Li Palace again in my lifetime, we will still have a day to meet. Otherwise, this farewell just now is our last meeting in this life." Her voice choked with emotion, so poignant it brought tears to the eyes of all who heard it.

Lan Tianpeng's unease vanished completely, replaced by the feeling of saving a pitiful girl. Xiao Qionghua's jealousy and concerns also disappeared, replaced by a spontaneous surge of sympathy. Seeing that Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua were speechless, the "Qingyun" Taoist immediately bowed and said, "Young Valley Master, we can begin now. This humble Taoist and Miss Xiao will protect you outside." He then bowed to Xiao Qionghua and said, "Please."

Seeing that eight silver-clad girls remained to serve her, Xiao Qionghua felt much more at ease. She nodded slightly and walked out of the embroidered curtains of the spacious room. One of the eight silver-clad maidens, as soon as Xiao Qionghua stepped out of the curtain, immediately picked up a small mallet and lightly tapped it on the cloud-shaped clapper. Xiao Qionghua, who had stepped out of the curtain, saw a group of elegantly dressed maidens from the brocade screen quietly leaving the Ying Palace gate. Only then did she realize that Li Fu's discipline was absolute, and no one dared to disobey. Worried about Lan Tianpeng's safety, she didn't want to stray too far and sat down on a large chair in the outer

room. Lan Tianpeng, whose heart had been calmed, became uneasy again as the eight silver-clad maidens filed away. He stared blankly at the red handkerchief, constantly rubbing his hands, not knowing when he had started. Just as he was feeling uneasy, he suddenly heard the "Ice Maiden" beneath the snowflakes speak softly, "Young Master Lan... you cured my poison and saved my life. You are my savior, whom I will never forget. Although we will never see each other again, I will always remember you..."

Lan Tianpeng was startled when this beautiful palace mistress suddenly referred to herself as "concubine," and he froze. Hearing her increasingly sorrowful words, and the mention of never seeing each other again, a sense of desolation rose in his heart. Then he heard the "Ice Maiden" beneath the snowflakes continue softly, "Once we have been intimate, we have formed a close bond. Although I cannot actually marry you, in my heart, I consider myself your wife... To tell you the truth, it's not that I cannot marry, but my brother has sworn an oath not to marry the Young Master, lest you and my father follow the same painful path."

Lan Tianpeng stood quietly listening, not responding, for he didn't know what to say. The "Ice Maiden" continued softly, "In this beautiful palace, there's a special rule: if a woman chosen for a husband refuses to bring back her daughter as a substitute, she must offer a unique and profound martial art to redeem her newborn daughter."

Lan Tianpeng, though his mind was churning with emotion, could not express his opinion or make a decision. He needed to consult Xiao Qionghua. The "Ice Maiden," seeing Lan Tianpeng's lack of reaction, sighed sadly, "Young Valley Master, I know my fortune is meager. I only hope that after you return to the Central Plains, you won't forget your wife, your intimate wife, on the glacial plateau of the Western Regions. She waits for you day and night, remaining faithful to you until death..." She choked back her words, unable to continue.

Lan Tianpeng was deeply saddened and said in a low voice, "Palace Master, why are you doing this?"

Before he could finish speaking, "Ice Maiden" said sadly, "Young Valley Master, after the poison is cured, you and Miss Xiao will leave this place, and who knows when we will be able to meet again? Perhaps this time, it will be the eternal farewell of our pure love..."

Lan Tianpeng said softly, "I think we will have a chance to meet again..."

"Ice Maiden" sighed sadly and said, "That hope is too slim. I only hope that you remember my name, Hao Xiaoyu, I am seventeen years old this year, from Henan in the Central Plains..."

Upon hearing this, Lan Tianpeng said to himself, "You are only seventeen years old this year?"

"Ice Maiden" Hao Xiaoyu said, "You are misled by the name 'Ice Maiden' passed down through the generations. To be honest, if the first 'Ice Maiden' had not died, she would be a hundred years old by now." She paused, then suddenly asked in a low voice, "Don't you want to lift the snow-covered veil and see your wife, whom you have abandoned, one last time?"

Lan Tianpeng's heart was heavy. He had forgotten everything, completely overwhelmed by Hao Xiaoyu's sorrowful and desolate aura. Unconsciously, he murmured, "I want it, but I don't acknowledge this as our last meeting." As he spoke, he bent down and gently lifted her hair, revealing an exquisitely beautiful face—unmistakably Hao Xiaoyu, the beautiful mistress of the palace. Hao

Xiaoyu's delicate eyebrows furrowed slightly, her cherry lips parted slightly, her bright, autumn-water-like eyes gazing expectantly at Lan Tianpeng. Crystal tears rolled down her cheeks, soaking her hair. Hao Xiaoyu's tears flowed like broken pearls, yet she still pleaded with Lan Tianpeng, "Young Valley Master, I have only one request for you..."

Lan Tianpeng immediately said tenderly, "Please speak."

Hao Xiaoyu smiled through her tears, but said with relief, "Young Valley Master, you're crying." Lan Tianpeng nodded, tears immediately falling onto Hao Xiaoyu's delicate face.

Hao Xiaoyu smiled happily and said, "I know you won't forget me."

Lan Tianpeng nodded again and said, "I will never forget you, Xiaoyu."

Hao Xiaoyu's tears flowed even faster, but she said happily, "Young Valley Master, may we always keep this beautiful memory, keep this true love."

Lan Tianpeng immediately nodded and said, "Yes, I will. I will never forget this moment tonight, and I will never forget you." He paused, then suddenly remembered Xiaoyu's earlier words, and asked with concern, "You said you had another request, what was it?"

Although Hao Xiaoyu's eyes were filled with tears, she smiled brightly and said, "I hope that after you are cured of your poison, you will not lift the snow line to see me again."

Lan Tianpeng hesitated slightly, then finally nodded and said "Yes," gazing intently at Hao Xiaoyu. Their eyes met, and both seemed to have a thousand words to say. Suddenly, Lan Tianpeng leaned down, and Hao Xiaoyu felt his strong lips envelop her soft, tender, and perky cherry-like nipples. A wave of pleasure instantly spread throughout her body. She savored this magical feeling with a pure heart. These sensitive areas, tightly pressed together, seemed to convey a message.

Like a newly blossoming bud, this slight closing of her lips allowed her to enter a sunlit earth, and the fragrant petals of her heart were gradually opening! She had entered a brand new realm of life, a feeling that intoxicated her and would never be forgotten. A lively and agile tongue entered her mouth, exploring new continents, teasing every nerve in her lips, swirling and taking them. She parted her pearly teeth slightly, revealing her delicate lips to welcome this unfamiliar visitor, as if the flower had blossomed even more beautifully. He intoxicated her, making her heart melt.

After a long while, Lan Tianpeng finally rose, and Hao Xiaoyu immediately smiled contentedly, saying, "To receive a kiss from my beloved, I have no regrets for the rest of my life. Now, please begin."

Upon hearing this, Lan Tianpeng gazed deeply once more at Hao Xiaoyu's suddenly flushed face, and slowly covered her cheek with his snow-white handkerchief. He then sat cross-legged on the brocade mat, immediately clearing his mind and focusing his attention, slowly slipping his right hand under the bright red handkerchief. Because of their passionate conversation and kiss, the distance between them suddenly closed, and their two hearts merged. Lan Tianpeng placed his hand under the handkerchief; his palm felt smooth as cream and warm as jade. Just as Hao Xiaoyu's body trembled, his palm was already pressed against her navel.

He first calmed his chaotic thoughts, then focused his energy on his right palm, gradually increasing his power to alleviate Hao Xiaoyu's physical pain. As Lan Tianpeng's power increased, the resistance within Hao Xiaoyu's body also gradually increased, and Hao Xiaoyu occasionally let out soft moans. Due to the increased resistance, Lan Tianpeng had to increase his power as well, and Hao Xiaoyu's painful moans grew louder! Although Lan Tianpeng could hear clearly, he dared not reduce his power, because even a slight reduction would result in a powerful backlash.

Gradually, beads of sweat appeared on Lan Tianpeng's forehead, and several patches of the snow-white fabric covering Hao Xiaoyu's body became damp. "Qingyun" Daoist and Xiao Qionghua, who initially remained seated, felt that time was passing more slowly than they had imagined, and unconsciously walked breathlessly towards the curtain. Only when they approached the curtain did they hear Hao Xiaoyu's painful moans.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Qionghua immediately looked at Daoist Qingyun and whispered, "The progress seems extremely difficult. Daoist, do you think there are any other methods to assist us?"

Daoist Qingyun, hearing Xiaoyu's painful groans, was naturally anxious and said in a low voice, "Unless there are rare treasures like lingzhi mushrooms or immortal fruits to assist us..."

Xiao Qionghua didn't reply, but took out a jade bottle from her bosom, lifted the embroidered curtain, and tiptoed inside. Daoist Qingyun, unable to follow, remained outside. At this moment, a cloud of billowing white steam enveloped Lan Tianpeng's head and neck, but he remained cross-legged with his eyes closed, continuing to perform the "Diamond Divine Skill" absorption technique to draw the poison from Hao Xiaoyu's body. Hao Xiaoyu gripped the edge of the bed tightly with both hands, enduring the pain, groaning incessantly, the snow-white silk covering her face completely soaked.

Xiao Qionghua walked to Hao Xiaoyu's head, gently patted her shoulder twice, then uncorked the bottle, immediately releasing a cool, exotic fragrance. She then gently lifted the snow-white silk veil, revealing the jade bottle beneath, and held it to Hao Xiaoyu's lips. Although Hao Xiaoyu couldn't see who patted her shoulder, she was certain it was Xiao Qionghua. Although she didn't know what was inside the jade bottle, based on the cool, invigorating fragrance that immediately alleviated the pain in her body, she was certain it was a rare and coveted treasure. Therefore, as soon as the bottle was brought to her mouth, she immediately opened her mouth and sucked. Although she only sucked a little, her abdomen and limbs began to wriggle like cool snakes, and the pain throughout her body gradually disappeared.

Xiao Qionghua let Hao Xiaoyu suck on less than half a mouthful, but it was still seven or eight drops. As she put away the green jade bottle, she whispered in Hao Xiaoyu's ear, "Quickly draw the coolness from your limbs into the area where you want the poison to be absorbed." Hao Xiaoyu immediately did as instructed, and it went very smoothly.

Lan Tianpeng, who had been drawing her in with his internal energy, quickly lost all the yin energy within Xiaoyu's body, knowing that the poison had been concentrated. He immediately withdrew his hand from Xiaoyu's abdomen. Xiao Qionghua, fearing that Lan Tianpeng had expended too much of his true energy, immediately knelt down in front of him, removed the stopper from the green bottle, and put it into Lan Tianpeng's mouth. Lan Tianpeng opened his starry eyes, shook his head, and closed them again. Helpless, Xiao Qionghua could only put away the jade bottle and gracefully walked out from behind the curtain.

Upon seeing this, the Daoist "Qingyun" immediately asked with concern, "How is Miss Xiao?"

Xiao Qionghua smiled gently and said in a broad voice, "I gave your sister a small amount of 'Snow Ginseng Ice Fruit Nectar Dew,' and the poison immediately concentrated." Upon hearing this, "

Qingyun" was both surprised and delighted, and said with great gratitude, "Miss Xiao is truly a compassionate bodhisattva. I thank you." He then immediately offered a gesture of respect with one hand in a gesture of supplication to Xiao Qionghua, bowing slightly.

Xiao Qionghua quickly returned the gesture, saying, "It's nothing, not worth mentioning." "Qingyun," deeply grateful, immediately invited her to sit.

Xiao Qionghua sat down, sipping tea while reflecting on the events of the moment. Although the eight silver-clad girls were no longer in the brocade-walled room, she firmly believed that Lan Tianpeng and Hao Xiaoyu would not have any romantic entanglements. After a short while, Lan Tianpeng emerged with a smile. Xiao Qionghua and "Qingyun" hurriedly greeted him with smiles. "Qingyun" naturally expressed his gratitude to Lan Tianpeng.

Lan Tianpeng asked with concern, "Daoist Master, everything is settled here now. My cousin and I..."

Daoist Master Qingyun interrupted, "Food and wine have been prepared in the front hall. It's not too late for you two to have breakfast before you leave. Besides, you two have been working hard all night and must be hungry by now." Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua were indeed hungry, so under the guidance of "Qingyun," they went to the front hall to take their meal.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Qionghua immediately apologized to the Daoist Qingyun, saying, "I am very sorry, but my sister is suffering from a severe poisoning and is unable to manage palace affairs. I will stay here to take care of her for a few days, but I must at least personally escort you two across the river."

Lan Tianpeng smiled without any concern and said, "Daoist, you needn't be so polite. Your sister is unable to move easily, so it is only right that you stay here to take care of her."

Daoist Qingyun suddenly looked troubled and hesitated, saying, "Actually, there is another reason why I cannot accompany you two."

Lan Tianpeng gave a soft "oh," and he and Xiao Qionghua asked in confusion, "What other reason do you have, Daoist?"

Daoist Qingyun did not answer but asked instead, "Did the young master and Miss Xiao take their horses and leave immediately after descending the mountain?"

Upon hearing this, Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua were even more puzzled and asked, "Daoist, you are usually so straightforward. Why are you hesitating this time?" The Taoist

priest, Qingyun, smiled wryly and said, "If you two simply take your horses and leave, truly returning to the Central Plains, I will not see you off, and I will be at ease."

Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua mistakenly thought that the Taoist priest, Qingyun, was leaving because he hadn't accompanied them personally, so they laughed and said, "I assure you, you will leave after picking up your horses. Why trouble yourself to go back and forth, Taoist priest?"

Upon hearing this, the Taoist priest, Qingyun, immediately smiled wryly and said, "In that case, I am at ease."

Xiao Qionghua suddenly asked with concern, "Did you instruct the innkeeper at that inn, Taoist priest?"

The Taoist priest, Qingyun, smiled and said, "When I sent the horses, I described your clothing and appearance very clearly. I think you should have no problem picking up your horses." As they spoke, the three of them finished their breakfast.

Xiao Qionghua first looked at Daoist Qingyun and asked, "Should we go in to say goodbye?"

Daoist Qingyun immediately replied humbly and solemnly, "No need. My sister is currently gathering her qi to condense the poison and is unable to speak. She has already expressed her gratitude on your behalf."

Upon hearing this, Lan Tianpeng immediately said modestly, "In that case, we shouldn't disturb you any further. To save time, let's take our leave."

Daoist Qingyun immediately said solemnly and respectfully, "This humble Daoist will personally escort you two across the river on behalf of my sister."

So the three of them walked out on their own. As they passed through the passage and headed towards the palace gate, Lan Tianpeng wanted to look back several times at the curtained entrance to the last room, the Brocade Walled Hall, but he ultimately didn't dare to. Although Hao Xiaoyu's melancholy and charming face lingered in his mind as he left the Brocade Walled Hall, he couldn't tell Xiao Qionghua about it at this moment. Xiao Qionghua saw Lan Tianpeng leave so easily, striding confidently, seemingly without a trace of regret. Although she wasn't jealous, she felt genuinely pleased.

The three of them left Ying Palace at dawn, and the scenery in the garden was already clearly visible. As they emerged from the magnificent garden's bamboo grove, Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua's eyes lit up simultaneously. On both sides of the flower path leading to the ice cliff to the east, stood female guards in red and women in colorful robes, many of whom wore thin veils over their faces. As Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua stepped onto the flower path, the female guards on both sides bowed and saw them off. Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua also smiled and bowed in thanks. After the three passed through the flower-lined path, a dozen or so women in flowing robes, their faces veiled, followed behind Daoist Qingyun to see them off.

Upon reaching the icy cliff, Daoist Qingyun stopped first and addressed the veiled women, saying humbly, "Young Valley Master and Miss Xiao have urgent business to attend to; please return here."

The veiled women had no choice but to stop, but all looked at Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua with bewildered eyes, seemingly wanting to say something. Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua noticed this, but also understood that the women of the Li Palace seemed completely unaware that Daoist Qingyun had saved Hao Xiaoyu. Because the previous "Iceland Heroine" had insisted that her substitute "Iceland Heroine" take the same drug, thus becoming forever unable to marry, it was an inhumane act, so the two were unwilling to reveal it.

Especially since this beautiful woman absolutely could not approach a man; let alone experience the highest pleasures of life, even the slightest stirring of desire could lead to death from the poison—a truly abhorrent matter. Although they saw a dozen or so women in veils and flowing robes looking expectantly at them, the two men still humbly said "Farewell," and used their lightness skills to rush towards the ice cliff.

"Qingyun" Daoist, of course, dared not hesitate and followed closely behind. Upon reaching the ice cliff, although female guards bowed to see them off amidst the snow, they were not the same girls from the previous night, and Lan Tianpeng had to wave goodbye again. Reaching the end of the ice cliff plain, the three of them continued their descent without stopping. Reaching the bottom of the cliff, they were not far from the glacial riverbed.

Lan Tianpeng stopped first, cupped his hands to Daoist Qingyun, and said, "Daoist, please return. If fate allows, we will meet again in the Central Plains."

Daoist Qingyun then said with a slight embarrassment, "Young Valley Master Xiao and Miss Xiao are both exceptionally intelligent, yet they willingly listened to my earnest invitation to come. I dare to speak frankly; it is not that you are unaware of my ulterior motives, but you were moved by my filial piety and could not bear to see your younger sister Xiaoyu die young, so you generously agreed to come..." Before

Qingyun could finish speaking, Lan Tianpeng smiled elegantly and said, "Daoist, there is no need for such modesty. Although you have ulterior motives, your filial piety is touching. My cousin and I only have sincere admiration for you, Daoist. How could we be displeased?"

Upon hearing this, Daoist Qingyun immediately bowed deeply and chanted a Buddhist prayer, saying, "I am deeply grateful for the great kindness shown to Young Master and Miss Xiao. I have no way to repay you. I humbly wish to recite scriptures on the birthday of Buddha Lü Zu to pray for your blessings and longevity."

Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua smiled happily and said, "Please take care, Daoist Master. We must take our leave now." With that, they cupped their hands, turned, and sped towards the riverbank.

Daoist Qingyun quickly said loudly, "Young Master and Miss Xiao, please take care. Please forgive me for not seeing you off further." As soon as he finished speaking, Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua had already reached the glacial river. The two of them used their extraordinary "body movement steps" to cross the glacier with lightning speed. Once on

the shore, they turned back to wave to Daoist Qingyun, who was still standing on the opposite bank watching them go, before unleashing their lightness skills and speeding eastward like the wind. Without any other burdens, Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua naturally displayed their lightness skills to the fullest, their movements faster than the wind itself. As time passed and the sun gradually rose, the snow-capped mountains and ice peaks shimmered with golden light. Looking towards the cliff where they had dined with "Qingyun" as night approached, the two continued their silent, swift journey. This sight aroused Xiao Qionghua's suspicion, for girls are often perceptive.

So, she deliberately asked casually, "Cousin..." Lan Tianpeng, his brows slightly furrowed and his starry eyes gazing into the distance, responded with a numb "Hmm" upon hearing Xiao Qionghua call him.

Seeing his nonchalant expression, Xiao Qionghua immediately said in a low voice, "You seem troubled?"

Lan Tianpeng was startled, and before he could say anything, his gaze fell upon a bright light in the east. Suddenly, he exclaimed in surprise, "Cousin, look! It seems someone is coming!"

Xiao Qionghua was startled and quickly turned around. Several miles to the east, on a broad ridge, there were more than a dozen small, grayish-black dots, seemingly rushing towards them. As he observed, Xiao Qionghua suddenly speculated, "Cousin, do you think it might be that madman 'Young Master Tok,' going back to gather his gang and come again?"

Because the approaching figure was too far away, Lan Tianpeng couldn't make out the person's clothes and appearance, so he hesitated and said, "I don't think it's him..."

Xiao Qionghua immediately asked dismissively, "What makes you think it's not Gapwin?"

Lan Tianpeng replied without hesitation, "Unless he's eaten the heart of a bear and the heart of a leopard, or invited a reclusive master." As he spoke, a dozen or so small black dots that rushed towards them began to take human form, but because they were backlit, they were still impossible to see clearly.

When Xiao Qionghua was learning martial arts from the "Divine Nun," the "Divine Nun" had used "Snow Ginseng Ice Fruit Nectar" to wash her eyes, which was why her vision was exceptionally sharp. Suddenly, her phoenix eyes lit up, and she blurted out, "Cousin, you guessed right, it might not be Gapwin."

Lan Tianpeng immediately asked with concern, "Did you see them, cousin?"

Xiao Qionghua hesitated and said, "At least their clothes are the same style and color."

Upon hearing this, Lan Tianpeng also strained his eyes to look closely, and after a moment's glance, he blurted out, "That's right, judging from the situation, they all seem to use swords."

The word "sword" reminded Xiao Qionghua, and she speculated, "Cousin, do you think they might be Taoist priests? I see they all have a bit of an oath on their foreheads." As they spoke, the people approached Banli Temple, and their appearance became clearer.

Lan Tianpeng glanced at them and said, "That's right, they must be Taoists. Where did these Taoists come from?"

Xiao Qionghua immediately said calmly, "Regardless of where they came from, let's go."

Upon hearing this, Lan Tianpeng immediately objected, saying, "No, what if they're going to the glacial plateau to cause trouble? Hao Xiaoyu is recuperating from the poison, wouldn't that be a huge crisis?"

Xiao Qionghua felt she was right, but she thought, how could Hao Xiaoyu's enemies know that Hao Xiaoyu is ill? Moreover, even the disciples in their Li Palace were kept in the dark about this poison treatment, so how could her enemies know? Suddenly, a thought struck her, and she said, "This place is already within the sphere of influence of the Kunlun Sect. How dare other Taoist sects invade at will? These Taoists who came must be disciples of the Kunlun Sect."

Hearing this, Lan Tianpeng immediately felt relieved and said, "Hao Xiaoyu is the younger sister of Daoist Qingyun, so it can be said that she has established a close relationship with the Kunlun Sect. The disciples of the Kunlun Sect would not go to Li Palace to cause trouble."

Xiao Qionghua felt it was time to leave, so she urged, "Since we're not going to the Li Palace to cause trouble, let's go." With that, she used her lightness skill and sped forward, with Lan Tianpeng following closely behind. At

this moment, the dozen or so Taoists had reached the foot of the ridge, about a hundred feet high. Because the area below the ridge was covered with small trees and scattered rocks, it was even clearer to see that the dozen or so Taoists were indeed dressed in the same style as "Qingyun." Seeing this, Lan Tianpeng felt even more reassured. He then slightly gathered his inner energy and accelerated, heading northeast along the path they had come from! Just as Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua changed direction and sped away, a loud, powerful roar suddenly rang out from among the dozen or so Taoists of the Kunlun Sect. At the same time, the Taoists all sprang up and sped along the ridge extending towards them.

Seeing this, Xiao Qionghua asked in confusion, "Could these people be coming for us?"

Lan Tianpeng hesitated, "No way?"

Xiao Qionghua immediately retorted, "Then why did they turn around and chase after us, whistling to warn us to stop?"

Lan Tianpeng exclaimed in surprise, "Oh!" and said, "Then let's wait for them." As he spoke, the two stopped simultaneously, standing on a flat spot covered with fine grass.

Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua looked closely and saw that the Taoist in front was dressed the same as "Qingyun" and was older. The only difference was that his sword had a gold tassel, and he also wore a gold "Lu Zu Rope" around his waist. The next two Taoists were dressed the same as "Qingyun," but they were younger and did not carry whisks. The remaining dozen or so Taoists were all of similar age, clearly the next generation of disciples.

After observing them, Xiao Qionghua hesitated and said, "Judging from the situation, the three in front seem to be Qingyun's senior brothers." Lan Tianpeng's heart skipped a beat upon hearing this, and he suddenly seemed to realize something, saying, "

I heard from Daoist Qingyun that Immortal Xuanqing has already passed on the leadership of the sect to his senior brother, Daoist Qingfeng. Look at this Daoist in front of us, his situation is unusual. Could he be Qingfeng, the leader of the Kunlun Sect? Otherwise, why is his sword tassel made of gold thread?"

Xiao Qionghua thought for a moment, then hesitated and said, "That doesn't necessarily prove that he is the leader of a sect." After a pause, she suddenly said readily, "Who cares who they are? Let's see what they say when they arrive, and then we'll deal with them accordingly." "

In an instant, the dozen or so Taoists arrived. One stood proudly at the front, the others stood to his left and right, and the remaining dozen or so stood in a semi-circular arc. Although they varied in age and height, they all shared the same face, each with a deep and angry expression, clearly indicating ill intent.

The old Taoist at the front, carrying a golden-tasseled sword, first sized up Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua, then bowed slightly, uttered a deep 'Amitabha Buddha,' and said, 'Judging from your age, clothing, and appearance, you two must be the rising stars of the Central Plains, the young master of Lengxiang Valley in Motianling beyond the Great Wall?'" Upon seeing the other party's imposing manner and the way he asked the question, Lan

Tianpeng felt a surge of anger. However, out of consideration for Qingyun, he smiled faintly and said, "Young master, I am indeed Lan Tianpeng. May I ask what I can teach you?"

The Taoist in front bowed slightly and said, "I dare not presume. I heard that Young Master Lan once said that he would come to Kunlun specifically to fulfill the sword duel that the 'Silver-Clad Swordsman' had not yet agreed to. Now that you have already gone to the Li Palace, why did you not go to our sect's headquarters? Why are you rushing off? Are you perhaps going to return to the Central Plains?"

Lan Tianpeng smiled faintly and said, "That's right. After finishing my business here, I was just about to return to the Central Plains." The Taoist

in front stroked his beard and smiled, saying, "Young Master Lan once boasted in the Central Plains that he had traveled west to Kunlun without the orders of his elders to show off. Why are you rushing back before even meeting them? When your sect elders ask about this in the future, how will Young Master Lan answer?" Upon hearing this, Lan Tianpeng couldn't help but laugh and said, "

Judging from the Taoist's tone, he must be the new leader of the Kunlun Sect, Taoist Qingfeng." "

Qingfeng" Daoist immediately replied, "Indeed, it is I."

Lantian Peng laughed again and said, "On my way here, I heard that the Kunlun Sect Leader has been replaced, and Immortal Master Xuanqing has already begun his immortal cultivation. I was very disappointed to hear this, so I changed my route to visit Heroine Bingchuan..."

Upon hearing this, Qingfeng Daoist raised an eyebrow and asked in a deep voice, "Why did you change your route to go to Bingchuan?"

Lantian Peng smiled and said, "Among the sword masters in the Western Regions, besides Heroine Bingchuan, there is your master, Immortal Master Xuanqing. Since the Immortal Master has already begun his immortal cultivation, there is no need to go to your sect's headquarters..."

Upon hearing this, Qingyun was immediately furious and asked angrily, "Why?"

Lantian Peng also suddenly raised an eyebrow and said angrily, "For no reason, because you are not worthy to fight me. It would be dishonorable to win against you, and I fear it would damage my status."

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