Pearl Order [Complete] - 10

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

Chapter Thirteen. The leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang

slept soundly. When he awoke, it was already bright daylight. He dressed, got up, and opened the door. Xin Yi was already waiting outside. Seeing Ling Junyi, she immediately smiled sweetly and bowed, saying, "Good morning, Master Zhu."

Ling Junyi nodded, "Good morning, Miss."

Xin Yi bowed again, saying, "Master Zhu, please don't address me like that. I don't deserve it. Just call me by my name." Then she hurriedly said, "I'll fetch Master Zhu's wash water." She turned and ran towards the back of the house. A short while later, Xin Yi returned with the wash water. After Ling Junyi finished washing, she was already in a small guest room outside, having prepared breakfast. She said sweetly, "Master Zhu, please have your breakfast." Ling Junyi stepped out of the room, and Xin Yi immediately pulled out a chair for him and helped him sit down.

Ling Junyi thought to himself, "This girl is very young. Although she wears a mask, she looks graceful and elegant, so she can't be too ugly. Moreover, she is very attentive to people's needs and serves them meticulously. She must have been rigorously selected and trained by the Hundred Flowers Gang." Thinking this, he didn't stand on ceremony and sat down on a chair, finishing his breakfast. Xin Yi then offered him a clean white face towel. Just then, a series of light footsteps came from the courtyard, and a beautiful woman in a white dress walked in gracefully. The woman had long, black hair, and her entire body was as white as snow. Even her hair was tied with white ribbons of fragrant flowers. She looked slender and ethereal.

Xin Yi saw the woman in white at a glance and said softly, "Master Zhu, the steward has arrived." Upon hearing that this woman in white was Yulan, the steward of the Hundred Flowers Gang, Ling Junyi immediately stood up.

In that instant, the beautiful woman in white stepped into the guest hall and curtsied to Ling Junyi, saying, "I am honored by your arrival, Master. Please forgive my lack of hospitality."

Ling Junyi hurriedly cupped his hands in return, saying, "You flatter me, Miss. How could I possibly accept such a compliment?"

As they faced each other, Ling Junyi noticed her delicate eyebrows, almond-shaped eyes, and graceful figure. Her features were perfectly proportioned, and she possessed an elegant and refined air. However, in the morning light, her complexion appeared slightly pale. Ling Junyi secretly admired her, thinking, "The Hundred Flowers Gang is indeed full of talented people. Take this steward, for example. She is so beautiful, like a fairy. Why does she always wear a human skin mask?" It should be known that fifty years ago, the Master of Reversal of Hands was renowned in the martial arts world for his skill in disguise. Ling Junyi was his only successor. Naturally, he could tell at a glance whether someone was disguised or wearing a mask.

The beautiful woman in white smiled brightly and said, "My humble name is Yulan. I am honored to be the head steward of our sect. I hope Master Zhu will give me much guidance."

Ling Junyi clasped his hands in greeting

and said, "I have long admired you." Yulan's eyes were fixed on him, and she smiled faintly, "Master Zhu, who have you heard of me?" Ling Junyi was taken aback by her question. He stroked his beard and smiled, "This is the first time I have heard your name, young lady. But your sect has risen to prominence in the martial world, and your women are extraordinary and unique, bringing brilliance to the martial world, yet remaining unknown to the public. This is something that ordinary people in the martial world cannot achieve. It is naturally due to the efforts of your head steward in managing the sect's affairs. I have indeed long admired you, head steward."

Yulan's starry eyes blinked. A look of delight appeared on her face, and she smiled sweetly, saying, "Master Zhu is not only witty but also very good at joking. You've flattered me too much." She paused, then continued, "Our leader was overjoyed to hear of Master Zhu's arrival and specially ordered me to invite you to a meeting."

Ling Junyi said, "Now that I've arrived at your esteemed sect, it's only right that I pay

my respects to your leader." Yulan said, "Our leader is already waiting for you at Xianchun Pavilion. I will lead the way for Master Zhu."

Ling Junyi said, "I wouldn't dare. Please, young lady, go ahead."

Yulan smiled and bowed her head, saying, "Master Zhu, please follow me." She turned and walked outside.

Ling Junyi didn't speak, following her out of the courtyard. They walked through the corridors, the mansion a labyrinth of buildings, the corridors winding and turning. Yulan clearly wore an exquisitely crafted human skin mask, concealing her true face. She walked ahead, and Ling Junyi saw that the back of her neck was as smooth as jade, and her hair was as light as clouds. Her slow gait and graceful figure made her seem like a fairy. Her white, floor-length dress swayed with her steps, and one could vaguely see her slender waist, so delicate it seemed one could encircle it with one hand. Anyone following behind her would be filled with longing! Moreover, the faint fragrance emanating from her was refreshing and invigorating. Ling Junyi, a man who had often indulged in forbidden pleasures, couldn't help but feel his mind wander and become somewhat hazy. He didn't even notice where they were passing.

In a short while, they arrived at a secluded building surrounded by flowers and trees. Painted beams and carved pillars, red and green hues complementing each other, were visible. Above the door was a small plaque with the three ancient seal characters "Xianchun Pavilion". Yulan stopped and turned around, saying, "We've arrived. Please come in, Master Zhu."

Ling Junyi smiled and said, "Please go first, Miss."

Yulan smiled back and led Ling Junyi inside. Wandering through the winding corridors and vermilion railings, beyond which lay a flowerbed courtyard planted with various precious bonsai and flowers. Three open rooms with low-hanging bamboo curtains stood before the doors, where two young women in green robes and carrying swords stood. Seeing Yulan leading Ling Junyi in, they bowed in unison and said softly, "The Chief has been waiting inside for some time. Steward, please accompany our distinguished guest inside." With that, one reached out and lifted the curtain on each side.

Yulan raised her hand and said, "Please, Master Zhu."

Ling Junyi nodded slightly and slowly stepped inside. A spacious and exquisite guest room lay before him, bright and clean, spotless, even the yellow lacquered floor gleaming. The walls were adorned with calligraphy and paintings by famous figures, the furnishings elegant and refined, yet tasteful. Seated in a rosewood chair was a woman dressed in a pale yellow dress, her face veiled. At this moment, seeing Yulan accompany Ling Junyi in, she gracefully rose from her chair, parted her cherry lips, and said, "I am honored by your presence, Master Zhu. I apologize for my lack of hospitality." Her voice was delicate and melodious, like a nightingale's song.

Ling Junyi was secretly taken aback. This woman in yellow was undoubtedly the leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang, but judging from her voice, she seemed very young. Yulan was already beside Ling Junyi and said softly, "Master Zhu, this is our gang leader."

Ling Junyi chuckled and clasped his hands in greeting, "The gang leader is a great leader among beauties. It is an honor to meet you."

The Hundred Flowers Gang leader gently raised her left hand and said, "Master Zhu, please sit."

Ling Junyi stroked his flowing black beard and bowed slightly, saying, "Thank you for sitting." He sat down without any hesitation in the chair to her left. After the gang leader sat down, Yulan also took a seat in the chair to her left, and a maid in green brought her fragrant tea.

Ling Junyi coughed lightly, raised his eyes, and cupped his hands to the leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang, saying, "The leader asked Miss Yu Rui to bring this old man from Juechen Manor to your esteemed gang. May I ask what brings you here?" The word "brought here" implied "abducted." He sat opposite the leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang, whose face was covered by a light veil, making it impossible to see her features clearly. He only noticed that her pair of clear, bright eyes shone through the veil.

The leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang said sweetly, "I dare not presume to offer guidance. Yu Rui invited Master Zhu to our gang without his prior consent. As the leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang, I apologize to Master Zhu here, for our gang has a request of you. I hope you will forgive us."

Her voice was gentle and melodious, so pleasant to the ear that even an angry person would turn to joy, let alone Ling Junyi, who had come with a purpose and showed no anger whatsoever. Hearing this, he stroked his beard and smiled slightly, saying, "Chief, you flatter me. I only wonder what it is. Please speak plainly, I am all ears." His gaze was intense, fixed on her veil.

The Hundred Flowers Chief seemed to sense something, and her clear eyes, hidden behind the veil, avoided his gaze as she slowly said, "This matter is of utmost importance to our chief. We have invited Master Zhu here, hoping for your assistance."

Ling Junyi said, "Since this matter is so important to your chief, I am willing to serve to the best of my ability. Chief, please explain the details so I can consider it."

The Hundred Flowers Chief said happily, "Master Zhu has agreed?"

Ling Junyi said, "Chief, you haven't yet said what it is?"

Yulan, sitting beside him, interjected, "Master Zhu has already achieved remarkable success in this matter, so it shouldn't be too difficult for him."

The Hundred Flowers Chief gave a soft "oh," and said, "If Master Zhu is so kind as to grant our assistance, our chief will reward you handsomely."

Ling Junyi smiled faintly and said, "As I just said, as long as it's not something immoral or unethical, I'm more than willing to help within my capabilities, and I won't ask for any reward."

The Hundred Flowers Gang Leader seemed slightly embarrassed and bowed her head, saying, "Master Zhu is magnanimous; please forgive my indiscretion."

Yulan said, "Gang Leader, perhaps I should tell Master Zhu about this?"

The Hundred Flowers Gang Leader nodded and said, "Very well."

Yulan glanced at Ling Junyi and said, "The Black Dragon Society kidnapped Tang Tianzong from Sichuan, Wen Yifeng from Lingnan, and Master Leshan from Shaolin, and they've been researching an antidote for the 'poison' at Juechen Manor for half a year with no progress. Later, they invited Master Zhu, and it's said that Master Zhu only took three days to turn the 'poison' into water. Is this true?" Wasn't this a rhetorical question?

Ling Junyi stroked his beard and smiled, "That's right, it's true, but..." He suddenly fell silent.

The Hundred Flowers Gang Leader asked, "But what?"

Ling Junyi said, "That's something I never expected." Yulan

blinked and asked, "What do you mean by that, Master Zhu?"

Ling Junyi said, "To be honest, I had no confidence at the time. I just randomly took some antidotes, boiled a few together to try, and ground a few into powder to try. Unexpectedly, it dissolved the 'poison.' Haha, by the time the 'poison' turned into clear water, I couldn't remember which herbs had worked together to neutralize it."

Yulan said, "That's easy. Master Zhu at least has some basic experience in dissolving 'poison.' It won't be difficult to find an antidote later."

Ling Junyi shook his head repeatedly and said, "Difficult, difficult. As I said, I only found it by chance at the time and had no confidence whatsoever."

Yulan smiled slightly and said, "Master Zhu used a total of seventy-one kinds of medicines during his three days at Juechen Manor. Our gang has obtained a detailed list of the names and quantities of each medicine." The antidote for the "poison" is naturally among these seventy-one medicines. If Master Zhu studies them carefully, he won't have much trouble finding it.

Ling Junyi already knew that when Yu Rui exchanged him from Juechen Manor, she had obtained the prescription from Xinghua, who managed the medicine room at Jiegu Zhai. He also knew that Xinghua was a member of the Hundred Flowers Gang. But he feigned surprise, saying, "Your gang even knows that I obtained seventy-one medicines in three days at Juechen Manor?"

Yu Lan chuckled, "Although the Hundred Flowers Gang rarely travels in the martial world, nothing in the world can be hidden from us. Whatever our gang wants, even the most secret information in the world, we can obtain."

Ling Junyi looked at the two in astonishment, stroking his beard, and hesitantly asked, "What exactly does your gang want from me?"

Yu Lan smiled brightly, "Master Zhu is learned and capable, with abundant experience. Why not guess?"

Ling Junyi deliberately scratched his head and asked, "Could it be that your esteemed gang also wants me to research the antidote for the 'poison'?" The

leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang smiled sweetly, "Master Zhu's insight is indeed keen; you guessed it right away."

Ling Junyi's heart stirred, and he asked, "Why do your gang and Juechen Manor both seek the antidote for the 'poison'?"

Yulan said, "We must keep this a secret for now, but I can represent the leader and, with the honor of our gang and the lives of all our sisters, assure Master Zhu that this is solely to neutralize the 'poison' and has no intention of harming anyone. If this is even slightly false, may the Hundred Flowers Gang's reputation be ruined, and may all our sisters die a horrible death. Now that I've said this, Master Zhu can surely believe me, right?" These words were tantamount to a solemn oath.

Ling Junyi quickly replied, "You flatter me, young lady. I believe you."

Yulan smiled and said, "Does Master Zhu agree?" Ling Junyi

's primary purpose in allowing Yu Rui to transport him from Juechen Manor to the Hundred Flowers Gang was to find his mother, but now it had piqued his curiosity! Juechen Manor—no, the Black Dragon Society—had gone to great lengths to kidnap Tang Tianzong, Wen Yifeng, Shaolin Master Leshan, and Qianlong Zhu Wenhua in search of the antidote for the "poison." Now, the Hundred Flowers Gang had emerged, also going to great lengths to bring him here, their purpose also being the antidote for the "poison." Why did they want to cure the "poison"? What exactly was the "poison"? Where did it come from? Could there be a great secret hidden within, causing this open and covert struggle between the two gangs? His mind raced, still unable to fathom the mystery of why both sides were vying for the antidote.

Seeing him remain silent, the Hundred Flowers Gang leader couldn't help but ask, "Master Zhu, are you unwilling to help because you don't speak?" Her voice was soft and gentle, possessing a power that made it impossible to refuse, and one couldn't bear to disappoint her.

Ling Junyi was searching for his mother's whereabouts, wondering if she had been kidnapped by the Hundred Flowers Gang. Now, he had another matter on his mind: investigating the source of the "poison" and what their (referring to the Black Dragon Society and the Hundred Flowers Gang's) motives were in vying to neutralize it. Both matters had to be handled secretly and would take time. Naturally, he wouldn't refuse her request; otherwise, there would be no need for her to come. He hesitated for a moment, then slowly raised his head and said, "Alright, this old man agrees."

The Hundred Flowers Gang Leader's bright, watery eyes, visible through her veil, revealed her delight. She smiled radiantly and asked, "Really?"

Ling Junyi replied, "Since this old man has agreed, it's true."

The Hundred Flowers Gang Leader extended a slender, jade-like hand, gently touching her veil, and said, "That's wonderful! I knew Master Zhu would agree."

Ling Junyi's gaze fell upon the Hundred Flowers Gang Leader's delicate, boneless hand, and he thought to himself, "This Hundred Flowers Gang Leader's skin and demeanor are both exquisitely beautiful. I wonder what her appearance is like?" This wasn't to say that Ling Junyi was lustful; any man who saw a girl like the Hundred Flowers Gang Leader would have such thoughts.

Yulan asked, "Does the Gang Leader have any further instructions?"

The Hundred Flowers Gang Leader said sweetly, "Master Zhu has already agreed. The rest is up to you." Yulan respectfully replied, "Yes."

Seeing that the conversation should end here, Ling Junyi slowly stood up, clasped his hands in a bow, and said, "Chief, if you have no further instruction, this old man should take his leave." Yulan, as the steward, had accompanied Ling Junyi in; when Ling Junyi stood up, she naturally followed suit. But as she stood, she secretly gave the Hundred Flowers Chief a meaningful look.

The Hundred Flowers Chief suddenly glanced at Ling Junyi and said softly, "Master Zhu, please have a seat."

Ling Junyi had no choice but to turn and sit down, asking, "Chief, is there anything else you wish to say?"

The Hundred Flowers Chief said to Yulan, "You sit down as well." Yulan smiled slightly and sat down as instructed.

The leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang turned to Ling Junyi and slowly said, "This humble servant has another matter to ask the Master, but I don't know if I should speak."

Ling Junyi stroked his black beard and smiled slightly, "What does the leader want to ask?"

The leader hesitated for a moment and said, "If this humble servant speaks, will Master Zhu take offense?"

Ling Junyi chuckled and said, "If the leader thinks it necessary to speak, then speak freely."

The leader said, "This humble servant feels that since Master Zhu has generously agreed to help, we should cooperate sincerely. So this humble servant will speak frankly, but if Master Zhu encounters any difficulties, this humble servant has no intention of forcing him."

Ling Junyi thought to himself, "I wonder what she wants to ask, but she's beating around the bush like this." He stroked his long beard and laughed heartily, "A true man has nothing he cannot say to others. As long as this old man can tell you, there is no reason to hide anything."

The leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang softly said, "Oh, that's good." Her eyes, brimming with tears, gazed at Ling Junyi's face through her veil, and she slowly said, "I heard that the Black-Clad Rakshasa helped capture an old man at Dragon Gate. After using a face-washing potion to remove the medicine from his face, I learned that he was actually Master Zhu of Dragon Sleep Manor. At that time, they had already invited you from Dragon Eye Manor. Now there are two Master Zhus at Absolute Dust Manor. Moreover, the Black-Clad Rakshasa even specially invited you to the Sword-Viewing Pavilion to meet that Master Zhu. This matter is naturally true." Yu Rui was a member of the Hundred Flowers Gang, so naturally, the members of the Hundred Flowers Gang already knew all these things.

Ling Junyi nodded and said, "What the leader said is indeed true."

The Hundred Flowers Gang Leader giggled, "Then what this humble concubine wishes to ask is whether the two Lord Zhus are telling the truth?" She added, "As I said before, if Lord Zhu is unwilling to answer, this humble concubine will not force her."

Ling Junyi coughed lightly and smiled, "The leader is intelligent and insightful, a leader among beauties; why not try to guess?"

The Hundred Flowers Gang Leader bit her cherry lips and giggled sweetly, "If Lord Zhu doesn't tell me, this humble concubine cannot guess. " Coming.

Ling Junyi smiled slightly and said, "Even if the gang leader doesn't say it out loud, he already has doubts in his heart."

Baihua Gang Leader said: "What do you think I suspect?"

Ling Junyi said: "It is not Zhu Wenhua who suspects the old man. "

The leader of the Baihua Gang asked: "Then are you Zhu Zhuangzhu?

Ling Junyi said: "No." "

The leader of the Baihua Gang seemed slightly surprised, his eyes lit up, and he said anxiously: "Are you really not the Zhu Zhuang Master? Then what are you..."

Ling Junyi said: "I am Ling Junyi.

The leader of the Baihua Gang said softly: "You are Mr. Ling. If you say that, your face will definitely change, right?"

Ling Junyi said: "Yes, I pretended to be the owner of Zhu Villa and sneaked into Juechen Villa just to find someone." "

The leader of the Baihua Gang didn't seem to pay attention to his words. He just looked at Ling Junyi and said, "Since Mr. Ling is willing to tell me frankly, now that he has joined our gang, he doesn't seem to have to pretend anymore. I wonder if he is willing to meet this concubine with his true face? Ling Junyi

thought to himself: "I only think that this leader of the Baihua Gang rarely goes out. Judging from her tone, which sounded very young, she was actually quite cunning, pushing her luck and speaking in a very tactful way, making it impossible for anyone to refuse her request. Thinking this, he laughed and said, "Alright, but after I wash off the disguise, will the leader also appear before me in her true form?"

The leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang said, "Does Elder Ling want me to remove my veil?"

Ling Junyi said, "I think that's fair." The leader of the Hundred

Flowers Gang giggled and said, "Very well." She slowly removed the veil from her face. With the veil removed, a beautiful and delicate face appeared before Ling Junyi, with delicately drawn eyebrows, bright eyes, and cherry-like lips. She looked to be about twenty-three or twenty-four years old. The leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang, a leader among beauties, indeed possessed an elegant and refined air, a graceful and wealthy appearance. While not a peerless beauty, she was still as lovely as a flower!

Ling Junyi suddenly stroked his beard and laughed, saying, "I disguised myself as Master Zhu and fooled Qi Chengchang.

I wonder if the Chief and Steward could spot the flaws?" The Hundred Flowers Chief, with her clear, bright eyes, carefully examined Ling Junyi's face for a while, then smiled sweetly, revealing a set of neat, white, pearly teeth, and said, "Old Master Ling's disguise skills are truly divine; this humble servant couldn't see through them at all."

Ling Junyi smiled faintly and said, "Since the Chief knows I am skilled in disguise, then no matter how exquisitely made the human skin mask is, it cannot deceive me."

The Hundred Flowers Chief was taken aback upon hearing this and said, "Old Master Ling..." " Your eyes are indeed sharp as lightning, sir. I am indeed wearing a mask. This is a rule of our gang; we do not show our true faces."

Ling Junyi said, "Like Yu Rui and the others, when they infiltrated Juechen Manor, weren't they also not showing their true faces?"

Yu Lan said, "That was a special case;

naturally, they were showing their true faces." Ling Junyi said, "But we are exchanging conditions. If the gang leader wants me to show my true face, then naturally I must remove my mask."

The leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang pondered for a moment and said, "Since you insist that I remove my mask, sir, I have no choice but to show my true face." After saying that, she reached out and peeled off a human skin mask thinner than a cicada's wing. As soon as she removed the mask, Ling Junyi's eyes suddenly lit up, and his heart pounded.

The girls he knew, like Wen Wanjun, were elegant and serene; Fang Ruping, delicate and graceful; and Tang Wenqing, bright and cheerful—all were stunning beauties. But the leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang before her possessed a different kind of noble air, as beautiful as a flower, radiant and captivating—truly a national beauty, a leader among beauties! "Like a dragon parting the night rain, her delicate form is enhanced; like spring breezes bestowing their sweet fragrance!" The leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang removed her mask, two rosy clouds rising on her cheeks. She said shyly, "I'm not afraid of being laughed at by Elder Ling, but among my men, only a handful have seen my true face..." Her clear, watery eyes glanced at Yulan, and she said, "To show our honesty with Elder Ling, I've made an exception and removed my mask. You should also remove yours so Elder Ling can see." Yulan replied

, "Yes, Your Majesty." With that, she also removed her mask. If the leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang was a vibrant, opulent peony, then Yulan was a true magnolia blossom. With skin as white as ice and a face as white as snow, she was like a graceful fairy from the heavens; in a jade palace, she was like a ethereal celestial maiden from the moon!

Ling Junyi was stunned again, secretly thinking, "It seems that the Hundred Flowers Gang and its leader, Yulan, are only nineteen or twenty years old. Such young and beautiful girls, establishing their own Hundred Flowers Gang and competing with bloodthirsty martial artists—isn't that extraordinary?"

Yulan was slightly more experienced than the Hundred Flowers Gang leader, but even she blushed when she removed her mask in front of outsiders. She glanced at Ling Junyi and said, "Old Master Ling, are you satisfied now? How can I remove the disguise from your face?"

Ling Junyi smiled slightly and said, "I carry a face-washing pill with me." With that, he ripped off his false beard, reached into his robes, took out a small wooden box, took out a honey-colored pill, and gently rolled it in his palm. He put away the box, rubbed his hands together, massaged his face for a while, and then took out a white face towel to gently wipe it clean. In the blink of an eye, a middle-aged man with a black beard reaching his chest suddenly transformed into a handsome young man with sword-like eyebrows, bright eyes, red lips, and white teeth! The leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang had just been calling him "Old Master Ling," but now, seeing him like that, her eyes flashed, her face flushed, and she couldn't help but exclaim in surprise, "Ah!"

Yulan was equally surprised, gazing at him tenderly with affection, and smiled softly, "Young Master Ling is so young; it's quite unexpected."

Ling Junyi smiled dashingly, "Aren't you two ladies younger than me? One is the leader of a gang, the other the general manager, both standing out in the martial arts world. Heroes emerging from among women—isn't that even more surprising?"

The Hundred Flowers Gang Leader's heart finally began to settle. She held the mask, hidden like a cicada's wing, but didn't immediately put it on. Raising her eyes, her gaze lingering, she spoke softly, "Young Master Ling is a man of great talent and learning. May I ask who your master is?"

Ling Junyi replied, "The Gang Leader inquires, but my master lives in seclusion in the mountains, preferring to remain unknown. I am deeply sorry, but I cannot disclose that information."

The Hundred Flowers Gang Leader gracefully... However, she smiled and said, "Your master must be a reclusive master. Since Young Master Ling has any difficulties, it's best not to mention them." She then turned to Yulan and said, "Young Master Ling is a distinguished guest of our gang since you've just arrived. Have you arranged a welcome-home banquet?"

Yulan bowed and said, "I was just about to ask the gang leader whether the welcome-home banquet should be held at noon or in the evening."

Ling Junyi hurriedly shook his head and said, "Gang leader, you're too kind. How could I dare to accept such an honor?"

The Hundred Flowers Gang Leader smiled brightly and said, "Now that you've arrived here, I, your humble servant, will act as your hostess and host a welcome-home banquet. This is merely fulfilling my duty as a host, especially since our gang still needs Young Master Ling's generous assistance." She then turned back and said, "Noon will be fine then." Yulan responded with a "Yes," then picked up her mask, covered her face, and gently pressed it to her temples with her palm before getting up and walking outside.

In the small hall, only the Hundred Flowers Gang Leader and Ling Junyi remained. Because their true identities had been revealed—one young and handsome, the other beautiful and charming—both were somewhat uneasy and less at ease than before. After a while, the Hundred Flowers Gang Leader raised her hand to smooth a strand of hair at her temple and looked up, saying, "I seem to recall Young Master Ling mentioning that you disguised yourself as Master Zhu and infiltrated Juechen Manor to find someone. Who are you looking for?"

Ling Junyi replied, "My mother."

The Hundred Flowers Gang Leader asked in surprise, "You're looking for your mother?"

Ling Junyi frowned slightly and answered, "My mother has been missing for several months, and there's still no news."

The Hundred Flowers Gang Leader's gentle, watery eyes gazed at Ling Junyi, and she smiled, saying, "I think Young Master Ling..." "Her inner beauty shines, her eyes are clear and bright, clearly she possesses extraordinary skills, unlike someone who has been poisoned by the Juechen Manor and lost her martial arts. You allowed Yu Rui to take you out of Juechen Manor, does that mean you suspect your mother is in our gang?"

Ling Junyi was secretly taken aback, thinking, "I only thought this Hundred Flowers Gang Leader was delicate and beautiful, very young, not someone who often travels the martial world. It seems she is quite formidable." After all, for a girl in her early twenties to lead a group of beauties and become the leader of a gang, she is naturally no ordinary person. His mind raced, and he smiled, saying, "Does the leader suspect me of having ill intentions?"

The Hundred Flowers Gang Leader shook her head slightly and said, "No, I have no suspicions whatsoever." Then she said softly, "This humble servant can see that you, Young Master Ling, are a gentleman."

Ling Junyi said, "The leader flatters me."

The Hundred Flowers Gang Leader smiled faintly and said, "This humble servant is confident in my judgment." She blinked and asked, "Since Young Master Ling has come to find your mother, would you be willing to stay in our gang and help us?"

This was indeed a difficult question. How could he have really developed an antidote for the "poison"? However, he currently knew nothing about the source of the "poison," so he naturally couldn't tell her directly. Hearing this, he laughed heartily and said, "Since I've already promised, I'll keep my word."

The Hundred Flowers Gang Leader said happily, "Thank you very much, Young Master Ling. Regarding your mother's disappearance, I will secretly order the sisters of our gang in various places to work together to investigate and record the matter, to repay Young Master Ling's kindness. I think we'll have news in three days at the earliest, and seven days at the latest..." She paused slightly, then asked, "But I don't know your mother's surname and given name. How should I address her?"

Ling Junyi said, "My mother's surname is Tie. " "I don't know her name,"

said the leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang, pondering. "So, your mother is just Ling Tieshi? Although I rarely travel in the martial world, I've heard of almost everyone with a bit of fame. But I've never heard anyone mention your mother's name, Ling Tieshi."

Ling Junyi replied, "My mother doesn't know martial arts and has never left the house. How would the leader know?"

The leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang asked curiously, "Your mother doesn't know martial arts and isn't a member of the martial world. How did she disappear?" Ling Junyi, his face as delicate as a spring flower, showed concern as he asked, "Does your mother have

any enemies?" Ling Junyi replied, "My mother is kind and gentle. Besides being diligent and thrifty in managing the household, she has never made any enemies.

How could she have any?" The leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang sighed softly, "That's strange. How old is your mother? What does she look like? Could you tell me in more detail, young master, so I can instruct the sisters in the gang to inquire around for you?"

Seeing her earnest expression, Ling Junyi spoke very seriously. He then said, "My mother is forty-six years old this year, but she is usually frail and sickly, so

she looks like she's in her early fifties. Her face is thin, and her temples are already gray." The leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang nodded and said, "Young master, please rest assured. I will do my utmost to find your mother." She frowned slightly and continued, "However, your mother is not a member of the martial arts world, so finding her will be more difficult. But I believe that our gang has eyes and ears all over the martial arts world, and we will eventually have news." Although these were words of comfort, she spoke with great sincerity.

Ling Junyi said gratefully, "I am very grateful for the leader's kindness."

The leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang suddenly blushed, glanced at Ling Junyi, and said softly, "Young master Ling, if you don't mind, would you consider me your friend?" She seemed to have put a lot of effort into saying these words, and after speaking, she was so shy that she couldn't lift her head.

Ling Junyi's heart skipped a beat, his handsome face flushed slightly, and he forced a smile, saying, "Chief, you flatter me. I am already honored to know you. Aren't we friends now?"

The Hundred Flowers Chief's gaze was fixed on the ground, her hand gently rubbing the human skin mask, and she said softly, "I mean..."

Before she could finish speaking, Yulan walked in slowly, bowing and saying, "Chief, Young Master Ling, the banquet in the hall is ready. Please take your seats."

The Hundred Flowers Chief did not put on her mask again, but simply covered her face with a veil, stood up gracefully, and said, "The banquet is ready. Please, Young Master Ling." Her voice was soft and still carried a hint of shyness.

Ling Junyi hurriedly cupped his hands and said, "I am truly unworthy of such a grand hospitality from your esteemed sect. Please, Chief."

Then, accompanied by the Hundred Flowers Chief and Yulan, Ling Junyi left the "Immortal Spring Pavilion," walked along the corridor, and entered a flower hall. The banquet had already been set up in the hall, and four young girls dressed in blue silk stood at their sides. Seeing that the distinguished guest accompanying the gang leader was actually a handsome young man, they were momentarily stunned, then immediately stepped forward and bowed in greeting. The leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang raised her hand to gesture to the guest and said in a low voice, "Young Master Ling, please take a seat."

Ling Junyi repeatedly said "I dare not," but had no choice but to sit in the guest seat. The leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang also calmly took the main seat, and Yulan followed suit, sitting down to the left of the leader. Two young women in green immediately brought silver pots and filled the wine in front of the three of them. The leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang raised her wine cup first, her eyes sparkling, and said in a sweet voice, "Young Master Ling has come from afar. Our gang has nothing to offer in return. This cup of wine is just a small token of my appreciation." After saying this, she brought her fragrant lips to the cup and drank it all in one gulp.

Ling Junyi hurriedly picked up his wine cup and said, "I should toast the leader." He then drank a cup with her.

The Hundred Flowers Gang Leader and her maids refilled the wine cups, raised them again, and smiled brightly, saying, "Young Master Ling has generously granted your assistance. This cup of wine is my way of expressing my gratitude on behalf of our gang."

Ling Junyi said nervously, "I have no confidence in the 'poison,' and I truly dare not accept such thanks from the Gang Leader."

The Hundred Flowers Gang Leader giggled, "Young Master Ling has already made initial progress, and the antidote will be ready soon. I merely wish you success. Please drink it."

Ling Junyi smiled, "Gang Leader, your kindness is too much for me to refuse. However, I have a low tolerance..."

Before he could finish, the Hundred Flowers Gang Leader interrupted, "I also cannot drink. These two cups are the limit. What do you think?"

Ling Junyi said, "Since the Gang Leader says so, I have no choice but to drink. " "Having said that, they drank it down in one gulp.

Yulan stood up and said, "Young Master Ling, the leader only offers two cups. This cup I'm offering you is not within those two. I hope you'll do me the honor. I'll drink it first as a sign of respect." With that, she raised her cup to her lips and downed it in one gulp. Ling Junyi looked at her and had no choice but to drink his cup as well.

The leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang raised her jade chopsticks and said, "Young Master Ling, please have some food. I wonder if it suits your taste?" Her voice was soft and sweet as she drank two cups of wine. Her face was slightly flushed, and her starry eyes were like water. She spoke with deep affection, as if she cared a lot about Ling Junyi.

Faced with the two beautiful women's attentive urging to drink, Ling Junyi felt uneasy. Hearing this, he quickly said, "The leader is too kind. I can eat anything, and the food and wine are so plentiful. This must be the best banquet I've ever had."

The leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang smiled sweetly and said, "Then you should eat more." Four

young women in green robes served dishes in quick succession, each one a feast for the eyes, nose, and palate. The three guests and host chatted as they ate. After a few drinks, Ling Junyi's earlier restraint and unease gradually eased, and he began to chat and laugh freely with the two women. However, having been impersonating Zhu Wenhua for several days, he habitually stroked his long, flowing beard as he spoke, eliciting light laughter from the Hundred Flowers Gang Leader and Yulan. Suddenly, several shouts rang out from afar! The Hundred Flowers Gang Leader's expression shifted, and he frowned slightly, asking, "What's going on outside?"

Yulan quickly stood up and said, "I'll go out and see..." Before she finished speaking, a young girl in green rushed in, looking flustered.

Yulan greeted her and asked, "What's the matter that you're in such a hurry?"

The girl in green replied, "Reporting to the steward, enemy traces were discovered in the garden just now..."

Yulan was stunned and said, "Such a thing? Who is it that infiltrated the garden?"

The girl in green said, "The intruder's martial arts are extremely high. It seems they didn't alert anyone in front; they came from the waterway..." Just then, two girls' voices rang out from outside the flower hall, shouting, "Where did you come from? Stop right there!"

Then a strong, cold voice said, "The three of us were passing by the lake and found this large garden. We just came in to take a look. You girls, just because you know a few moves, dare to be so rude to us?" The voices were now outside the flower hall.

It was broad daylight, and this was the most important place for the Hundred Flowers Gang; someone had easily broken in! Magnolia had no time to ask further questions and hurriedly walked outside. The leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang, whose face was as beautiful as a spring flower, also changed color slightly. She reached into her bosom, took out a mask, and resolutely removed her veil, putting it on her face. Although Ling Junyi didn't know who the visitor was, he guessed that the Hundred Flowers Gang had a powerful enemy seeking their help, so he said, "Gang Leader, please feel free to come."

The Hundred Flowers Gang Leader looked at Ling Junyi with eyes as clear as autumn water and asked, "Is this your friend?"

Ling Junyi shook his head and said, "No, he is not my friend."

The Hundred Flowers Gang Leader breathed a sigh of relief and said, "That's good." Then she turned her head and asked, "Would Young Master Ling like to go out and take a look?"

Ling Junyi said, "Is it convenient?"

The Hundred Flowers Gang Leader smiled slightly and said, "If you want to go out and take a look, this humble concubine will accompany you."

Ling Junyi's heart stirred, and he smiled nonchalantly, "As long as it's not inconvenient, I would like to go out and take a look."

The Hundred Flowers Gang Leader smiled gently, stood up gracefully, and said, "Then let's go." She turned back and whispered to a maid behind her, "Quickly pass down the order: before we ascertain the identity of the visitor, tell the people in front not to come in." A maid bowed and accepted the order, then darted towards a door on the left.

The leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang, acting as if nothing was amiss, walked side-by-side with Ling Junyi to the entrance of the flower hall, then stopped. Ling Junyi peered through the curtain and saw Yulan, dressed in flowing white robes, standing on the steps. On a lawn before the steps stood three figures facing the flower hall. The one in the middle, dressed in a long black robe, had a ruddy face, thick eyebrows, a sparse white beard, and a long sword slung over his shoulder. His eyes were piercing, and he appeared to be over fifty years old. To his left was a man dressed in a half-length hemp garment, with an extremely ugly appearance and a strange blue glint in his eyes. To his right stood a middle-aged man in blue robes, also carrying a long sword on his back, his face pale, but bloodless. The three men's expressions were unsettling, clearly indicating ill intent. Not far from them, four or five young women in blue robes, wielding short swords, surrounded them; they were undoubtedly members of the Hundred Flowers Gang.

Yulan remained calm, her gaze sweeping over the three men before settling on the red-faced old man. She slowly asked, "In broad daylight, what brings you three into my private residence?" As expected of the head of the Hundred Flowers Gang, her tone, though accusing, was neither servile nor arrogant, giving the impression of a refined lady.

The red-faced old man chuckled sinisterly, "Are you the owner of this garden, young lady?"

Yulan smiled slightly and replied, "This is my family's garden, so naturally I am the owner."

The red-faced old man asked, "What is your surname, young lady?"

Yulan coldly said, "We are strangers, so there seems to be no need for us to exchange names. What brings you three into our home?"

The red-faced old man said, "As I just mentioned, the three of us were simply passing by the lake when we saw this garden. We thought it was quite beautiful and decided to come in for a look."

Yulan sneered, "My garden gates are not even open. How did you three get in?"

The red-faced old man said, "We were just on a whim. A mere wall cannot stop us."

Yulan angrily retorted, "We are just kind people. You three have barged in!" "What are you plotting?"

the red-faced old man asked. "Are you implying, young lady, that we three are not kind people?"

Yulan replied, "You climbed over the wall in broad daylight; naturally, you have ulterior motives."

The red-faced old man chuckled sinisterly, "These girls under your command are quite skilled."

Yulan smiled coldly, "So, the three of you have come here intentionally to cause trouble?"

The red-faced old man's eyes flashed, and he chuckled, "What you say is quite true. I've heard rumors that a group of young girls have recently appeared in Poyang Lake, causing trouble in the martial world. I've come specifically to see if it's true." Ling Junyi thought to himself, "So this is Poyang Lake."

He then heard Yulan sneer, "Poyang Lake..." "Yanghu Lake is vast; you've probably come to the wrong place."

The red-faced old man laughed and said, "I originally thought this garden, with its exquisite pavilions and towers, was perhaps the domain of a retired official family or a wealthy household, and I was just taking a look. But now my opinion has changed."

Yulan asked, "How so?" The

red-faced old man said, "I've been in the martial world for decades; do you think I'd misjudge you?"

Yulan said, "So what?"

The red-faced old man said, "I want to see what kind of person you are."

Yulan said, "It seems you've come here intentionally to provoke us?"

The red-faced old man said, "That's right."

At this moment, the leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang interjected, "Since you've come here, let's not do things in secret. Could you please see..." "Tell me your identity?"

The red-faced old man glanced at the leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang and said, "And who are you?"

Yulan said, "She is the true owner of this manor."

The red-faced old man said, "The owner of the manor should have a name, shouldn't she?"

Yulan said, "Telling you is no problem. The owner of this manor is surnamed Hua. Now that I have told you, shouldn't you also tell me your name?"

The red-faced old man laughed and said, "Good! I am Hao Feipeng, the third hall master of the Black Dragon Society." He then pointed to the person to his right and said, "This is my sworn brother, Bai Qihan." He then pointed to the person to his left and said, "This is also my sworn brother, Lan Hao." Ling Junyi thought to himself, "The Black Dragon Society has actually come to our door so openly." He couldn't help but glance at the leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang.

The leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang said, "The Black Dragon Society? I've never heard of it."

Hao Feipeng chuckled dryly and said, "No need to play dumb. We all seem to know each other, don't we?"

The leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang said, "Is that so?"

Hao Feipeng said, "Isn't it?"

The leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang said, "Since you insist on this, we can't do anything about it. But what brings you here, Hall Master Hao?"

Hao Feipeng said, "It's clear. I don't need to beat around the bush anymore. I'm here to find someone."

The leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang said, "Who are you looking for?"

Hao Feipeng said, "The Master of Dragon Sleep Manor, Qianlong Zhu..." "Wen Hua," Ling Junyi thought to himself, "Their information network is quite impressive."

The Hundred Flowers Gang Leader smiled faintly and said, "That's strange. If you're looking for Master Zhu of Longmian Manor, you should go to Longmian Manor. How did you end up in our Hua Family Manor?"

Hao Feipeng chuckled dryly and said, "I've already investigated thoroughly. Why are you denying it, young lady?"

The Hundred Flowers Gang Leader said calmly, "What are you saying? We Hua Family members always say what we mean and mean what we say. We've never denied anything."

Hao Feipeng said, "Alright, then may I ask, last night there was a boat that came from Anqing. Who were the people on board?"

The leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang said, "Those are my thirteenth sister and two maids accompanying her."

Hao Feipeng asked, "What's your sister's name?"

The leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang replied, "Her name is Hua Yurui." Ling Junyi thought to himself, "It seems she really lacks experience in the martial world. The Black Dragon Society has already come knocking, and she still mentioned Yurui's name."

Hao Feipeng's eyes flashed sharply, and he laughed loudly, "It really is her."

The leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang said, "What, has my thirteenth sister offended your society?"

Hao Feipeng smiled sinisterly and asked, "What did Miss Yurui bring back?"

The leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang replied, "I sent her to Anqing to collect medicinal herbs, so naturally she brought back medicinal herbs." At this point, she asked, "Didn't Hall Master Hao go to see Master Zhu of Longyan Manor? Why are you asking me these questions?" Her speech was childish, as if she had no experience in the martial world at all, making it seem as if she knew nothing about the situation!

Having spent years in the martial world, Hao Feipeng couldn't help but feel a little suspicious after hearing her words. He chuckled and said, "Qianlong Zhu Wenhua was kidnapped by your younger sister, Yu Rui."

The leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang said, "Such a thing? Oh, I don't believe it." She turned to a maid behind her and instructed, "Go and call Thirteen Sister. Tell her I have something to ask her." The maid bowed and left. Ling Junyi secretly found it amusing, thinking, "She's being so pretentious; she's deliberately playing with them."

He heard the leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang give a soft "hmm," raise her eyes, and smile brightly at Ling Junyi, saying, "Young Master Ling, aren't you tired of standing? Jasmine, go and bring two chairs." Another maid in green behind her agreed, turned around, and brought out two brocade chairs from the back hall, placing them on the veranda.

The leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang, seemingly languid and weak, sat down on the chair to the right, turning her face to the side with a tender gaze, saying, "Young Master Ling, please sit down with me." She deliberately feigned a coquettish demeanor, but in reality

, she didn't take the three people seriously at all. Ling Junyi, greeted so warmly, felt a slight blush creep onto his handsome face and had no choice but to sit down. He

then heard the leader's extremely soft voice say, "There's going to be a good show later." Just then, the tinkling of jade pendants echoed along the distant corridor as a woman in a light green dress, supported by two maids in blue, gracefully approached. Ling Junyi immediately recognized the three as Yu Rui, Ping Hua, and Liao Hua, but they were all wearing masks. With just a thin layer of makeup, a woman's face would be easily concealed, revealing her true appearance. Men are different. If you wear a mask, you can't wear heavy makeup or powder. People can tell at a glance if you have a stiff face.

Before Yu Rui even arrived, a fragrant breeze wafted over. She walked slowly through the corridor and approached. When she saw Ling Junyi sitting next to the Hundred Flowers Gang Leader, she was slightly taken aback! She didn't expect Ling Junyi to reveal his true colors so quickly. After looking at Ling Junyi, she had no time to look at the three people standing on the steps. Her gaze gradually lowered, and her small, delicate steps seemed a little hurried. Approaching the Hundred Flowers Gang Leader, she said softly, "Elder sister, did you call me?" Only then did she glance at Hao Feipeng and the other two with surprise, and then asked, "Who are they? What are they doing in our garden?"

The Hundred Flowers Gang Leader smiled and said, "They are from the Black Dragon Society. They followed you all the way from Anqing." Hao Feipeng and his two sworn brothers stared coldly at Yu Rui with six pairs of eyes, without saying a word.

Yu Rui glared at them again, then suddenly sneered, "Our Hua family has never had any grudges with people in the martial arts world. Why are they following my little sister?"

Hao Feipeng said sinisterly, "So you're Yu Rui?"

Liao Hua retorted, "What are you? How dare you call our young lady by her name?"

Hao Feipeng chuckled and said, "Weren't you three the ones who escaped from Juechen Manor?"

Ping Hua interjected, "You're the ones who escaped from Juezijuesun Manor." She couldn't help but laugh out loud at her own ridiculous words.

Hao Feipeng's eyes gleamed with a sharp light, his expression cold and stern. He snorted, "In the martial world, there's an unwritten rule among all the gangs and factions: 'I won't offend others unless they offend me.' The three of you infiltrating Juechen Manor was already a lack of brotherhood, but to think you'd kidnap Master Zhu, whom our organization invited, before leaving—isn't that going too far?"

Yu Rui angrily said, "Elder sister, what nonsense is this man spouting?"

Hao Feipeng said, "I've come today to seek justice from you sisters."

Yu Lan, who hadn't spoken for a while, suddenly interjected, "Why don't you say you've come looking for trouble?"

Hao Feipeng chuckled sinisterly, "The Black Dragon Society... " "We're just an ordinary gang, and we're not afraid of trouble, but to uphold the code of brotherhood, I need to revise my words about coming to cause trouble,"

said Yulan. "How should I revise it?"

Hao Feipeng replied, "My purpose in coming is simply to ask that you ladies hand over Master Zhu to me so that our two families can remain at peace."

The leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang let out a coquettish laugh and said, "It seems our two families' harmony is doomed."

Hao Feipeng's expression changed slightly, and he said with a sinister smile, "So, you're saying you're unwilling to return Master Zhu?"

The leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang said calmly, "If we can't hand over Master Zhu, then our harmony is definitely ruined, isn't it?"

Hao Feipeng nodded. He said, "I have repeatedly stated my position only to appease everyone, not because I am afraid of trouble..."

The Hundred Flowers Gang Leader said, "Even if we say that Master Zhu was not kidnapped by us, you, Hall Master Hao, will not believe us. So go

ahead and search." Yulan said indignantly, "Elder sister, if they are not afraid of trouble, we should not be either. If the Hua family manor is searched by anyone, how can we sisters still move about in the martial world?"

Yurui chimed in, "That's right. They don't follow the rules of the martial world, they don't send invitations or pay respects, they just barge into our garden, and they even spout arrogant words and act overbearingly. They don't take us Hua family sisters seriously at all. Why should we associate with such people?" "What's with the formalities?"

Hao Feipeng chuckled. "What do you mean by 'not being polite'?"

Yulan calmly replied, "We're not being unreasonable. We just want the three of you to stay a few days until your Black Dragon Society leader comes to apologize in person. Then we'll release you."

Hao Feipeng's expression changed. He looked up at the sky and laughed strangely, "You're quite arrogant, young lady. Do you think you can keep the three of us here?"

Just then, another woman's delicate voice rang out, "Do you think you can leave?"

From a grotto in the opposite building, a girl dressed in green emerged, a plum blossom tucked into her hair, a long sword in her hand, walking slowly towards the flower hall. She stopped about five zhang away. Behind her followed four women in tight-fitting clothes, each wielding a long sword. As soon as the girl in green stopped, they lined up and stood respectfully with their swords in their hands. Just as the girl in green appeared, a girl in red, with a peach blossom in her hair, emerged from the flower path on the east side. She also carried a long sword, followed by four girls in tight-fitting blue outfits. From the flower path on the west side, a girl in yellow, with a chrysanthemum in her hair, followed by four women in tight-fitting blue outfits. They also stopped about four or five zhang away from the hall, with the four women in tight-fitting outfits standing in a line behind them, swords at their sides. This effectively surrounded Hao Feipeng and his companions. Ling Junyi thought to himself, "These three girls all have flowers in their hair; it's clearly a kind of mark. If their names are based on flowers, then the one in green should be Plum Blossom, the one in red Peach Blossom, and the one in yellow Chrysanthemum."

Hao Feipeng's gaze was cold as he glanced around and chuckled dryly, "Is this all the show you have?" As the head of the third hall of the Black Dragon Society, he had seen countless battles over the decades and naturally didn't take the Hundred Flowers Gang seriously.

Yulan stood on the steps and smiled, "If you are not convinced, then you might as well try it out."

Hao Feipeng said, "That's right, I want to try it out."

Meihua (a girl in green) laughed and said, "Red-faced old man, if you are not willing to surrender, then you can learn a few sword skills from me."

Standing to Hao Feipeng's right, the middle-aged man in blue, Bai Qihan, his eyes flashing coldly, said, "Master, let's meet her."

Hao Feipeng nodded slightly and said, "Alright, be careful."

Bai Qihan swiftly withdrew his longsword from his shoulder, his face expressionless, and looked up at Meihua, saying, "Is it just you alone, young lady?"

Meihua coldly replied, "Do you expect several people to help?"

Bai Qihan sneered and said, "Very well." He slowly raised his longsword in his right hand.

Meihua brandished her sword and turned to the four girls in blue behind her, ordering, "Be ready to seize her at any time." The

four girls in blue responded in unison, "We understand."

A cold killing intent flashed across Bai Qihan's fair face, and he snorted, "Be careful, young lady." He raised his sword very slowly, but as soon as he spoke, his longsword suddenly shot out like a bolt of lightning, fast as a rainbow.

Meihua sidestepped lightly, ready to retaliate! With a cold laugh, Bai Qihan unleashed a flurry of eight attacks with his longsword, the sword strikes as powerful as lightning, accompanied by a sharp gust of wind, as countless sword shadows hurtled towards Mei Hua! Mei Hua defended herself with her longsword, seemingly without a chance to retaliate, only able to dodge left and right, her body fluttering. Normally, after a rapid barrage of attacks, a sword's momentum would ease slightly, but Bai Qihan, after his eight sword strikes, gave Mei Hua no chance to retaliate. The moment his sword's momentum slowed, his left hand lashed out, followed by eight palm strikes. These eight palm strikes were even faster than the previous eight sword strikes; palm shadows filled the air, swirling around Mei Hua in all directions. But the palm shadows alone were not the problem; each palm strike carried an astonishingly cold aura! In an instant, palm shadows filled the sky, and a biting wind chilled to the bone. Plum Blossom's swaying figure was enveloped by the pervasive icy aura, appearing only able to barely parry.

Ling Junyi sat in the corridor, several feet away from their battle, yet he felt the lingering chill of Bai Qihan's palm strike! Secretly alarmed, he thought, "This man is named Bai Qihan, and he practices a kind of unorthodox 'Ice Palm' technique. Plum Blossom is only wearing a thin robe; I'm afraid she can't withstand it..." His thoughts raced, and he couldn't help but glance at the Hundred Flowers Gang Leader. The Hundred Flowers Gang Leader remained calm, seemingly unmoved by Plum Blossom's perilous situation. Of course, she wore a mask, so even in her anxiety, no one could discern her expression, but her eyes, brimming with autumn water, revealed... There was not a trace of anxiety!

Just as Ling Junyi was feeling astonished, the Hundred Flowers Gang Leader suddenly turned her head and smiled faintly at him! It all happened in an instant, but amidst the icy palm shadows, Plum Blossom suddenly let out a clear, sharp sound, her body swayed twice, and suddenly, sword light flowed, bursting forth in bursts of silver blossoms around her! It was as if overnight, all the buds had burst open, a thousand plum blossoms on a tree, breaking through the frost to usher in early spring! A rapid series of "clangs," "clangs," the clash of metal forced Bai Qihan's longsword back. A chorus of cheers and applause immediately erupted from all around!

Ling Junyi was even more astonished, a strange look flashing across his face. Bai Qihan's face turned ashen, and he retreated six or seven steps in a disheveled state. His left side was stained crimson; his left hand had been severed cleanly at the wrist by Plum Blossom's longsword. Half of his severed hand lay on the ground three feet in front of him. Mei Hua's hair was also severed by his sword, her beautiful hair disheveled, and her right shoulder was torn with a three-inch-long stripe! Seeing that his left hand was severed, Bai Qihan felt a surge of excitement and shouted, "Girl, I'll fight you to the death!" He raised his long sword in his right hand, ready to pounce on Mei Hua.

Hao Feipeng flashed over, grabbed his right arm, and said in a deep voice, "You've lost a lot of blood, rest for a while." As he spoke, his hand moved swiftly, striking several acupoints on Mei Hua's left arm.

The hideously ugly man in blue, Lan Hao, swayed his shoulders and leaped forward with Hao Feipeng, approaching Mei Hua with a sinister grin, "Girl, let's have some fun."

Mei Hua sighed deeply and sneered, "You also want me to cut off your hand?"

A red shadow flashed, and Tao Hua rushed forward, interjecting, "Fourth Sister, it's my turn now. You go and rest." Ling Junyi thought to himself, "So Mei Hua is their fourth sister. That means she has a high status in the Hundred Flowers Gang." Mei Hua raised her hand to brush her disheveled hair and retreated.

Lan Hao glared at her with a strange look and laughed fiercely, "If you want to die, then you are." He carried no weapon, and with a swing of his large, rough hands, he lunged forward, already in front of Tao Hua. His right hand, fingers spread wide, grabbed straight for Tao Hua's left shoulder, while his left hand, like a knife, simultaneously slashed down at Tao Hua's right wrist, which was holding a sword. In one attack, both moves were launched simultaneously. Peach Blossom shifted to the side, lowering her shoulder and taking a half-step back to evade her opponent's grabbing motion. She then raised her longsword, swiftly thrusting it towards her opponent's left wrist pulse point.

Seeing Peach Blossom counterattack with her own, Lan Hao was enraged. With a roar, he lunged forward, his right hand wielding steely force to disarm her. His left palm shifted to a move called "Remotely Knocking on the Heavenly Palace," his fingers forming a halberd-like motion, a gust of wind striking directly at her brow. Simultaneously, with a roar, he launched his left leg, kicking towards Peach Blossom's abdomen. These three moves were all rapid attacks, utilizing force in multiple ways. Not only was Peach Blossom surprised, but even the Hundred Flowers Gang Leader and Ling Junyi, sitting in the corridor, were secretly astonished. No matter how high one's martial arts skill, it's impossible to use both hands and feet simultaneously, employing several different forces—this is what martial artists call "the mind not multitasking." Lan Hao's attack, combining disarming the sword with his right hand, launching a remote finger strike with his left, and then kicking, was indeed a rare feat in the martial arts world. Peach Blossom dared not meet the attack head-on. She quickly sheathed her sword to protect her chest, inhaled, and retreated several feet.

Lan Hao, having landed a successful blow, let out a sharp laugh. His palms clasped together, then paused in front of his chest before thrusting forward. This chop and thrust unleashed a mountain-like force, surging like a tidal wave, crashing towards her. Peach Blossom barely managed to leap back when she suddenly saw his palms coming straight at her. A suffocating pressure swept over her, and she knew that even without weapons, his palms possessed extraordinary strength, which she could not withstand. A thought flashed through her mind, and she immediately leaped into the air, her body rising straight up, reaching a height of about ten feet. She felt a surging palm wind, like a torrent, sweep past her feet.

Peach Blossom dodged Lan Hao's powerful palm wind, and in mid-air, she twisted her slender waist, her sword performing the "Flower Blooms and Fades" technique. A cold light flashed, and a shower of silver flowers burst forth from the air, appearing and disappearing in an instant, falling like rain down upon Lan Hao. Lan Hao felt a chilling sword wind, like a curtain of swords, and was secretly surprised. He raised his right hand, leaned back, and slashed out with a palm strike, dodging eight feet away. Peach Blossom, having succeeded with her sword strike, wasn't about to let him recover. With a cold laugh, she moved forward from above, her jade wrists extending and retracting, unleashing three sword strikes in the blink of an eye. The three sword flowers, arranged in a triangular formation, aimed directly at Lan Hao's vital points, "Huagai" and "Jiangtai." This move was as fast as a shooting star, arriving in an instant, like three longswords attacking simultaneously, their cold light flashing, leaving no room for defense.

Lan Hao was indeed formidable; faced with such a strange sword technique, he neither dodged nor yielded, but instead grinned maliciously, suddenly spreading his arms wide to grab at the three sword flowers! This move was not only bizarre in its execution, but utterly astonishing! Peach Blossom naturally wouldn't let him grasp her sword, hastily withdrawing it and retreating hastily. Although her retreat was fast enough, what kind of person was Lan Hao? Having seized the initiative, how could he give Peach Blossom a chance to breathe? His eyes flashed with blue light, and he lunged forward, unleashing a barrage of palm strikes. This rapid attack, a flurry of palm strikes, created a whistling wind with each movement

, delivering eighteen palm strikes in one breath. Peach Blossom, having lost the initiative, was already at a disadvantage. Moreover, these eighteen palm strikes, each connected and continuous, gave her no chance to retaliate. Witnessing Lan Hao's incredibly fierce palm attacks, one after another, especially his two attempts to grab the sword with his bare hands as if his hands were impervious to blades, Peach Blossom, in this rapid attack, also had to guard against him seizing the sword. For a moment, she could only defend herself with her longsword, retreating repeatedly, forced into a position where she had no strength left to counterattack. Lan Hao's eighteen rapid palm attacks, like lightning, were fierce in their approach, but they were quickly over.

Forced to retreat step by step, Peach Blossom held only a sword in her hand, her heart filled with rage. Seeing his palm strike slow down, she saw an opportunity and immediately let out a sharp cry. Her figure blurred as she used the "Shifting Positions" technique, her long sword drawing a silver arc like a divine dragon as she flew forward. After unleashing eighteen palm strikes, Lan Hao's palm strike slowed down slightly, which was originally just a deliberate opening. Seeing Peach Blossom indeed closing in, he couldn't help but let out a strange laugh and swiftly struck out with his right palm. This time, he had prepared his palm strike from the chest, waiting for Peach Blossom to get close before striking out from a distance. Moreover, the palm strike was completely different from the previous rapid attack. The previous palm strike was accompanied by a howling wind and unparalleled power, but this time, the palm strike in mid-air was like a feint, without the slightest sound of breaking through the air. The two then unleashed their most unexpected

moves. The Hundred Flowers Gang Leader, seated in the corridor, suddenly noticed Lan Hao's outstretched right hand, its color a deep blue, and his heart skipped a beat. He thought to himself, "Blue Fiend Palm." Ling Junyi, sitting to the left of the Hundred Flowers Gang Leader, also felt a sudden chill when he saw Tao Hua's sword flash forward. He silently exclaimed, "Divine Dragon Emerging from the Clouds!" "Divine Dragon Emerging from the Clouds," "Dragon Fighting in the Wild," and "Angry Dragon Coiling in the Sky" were his family's three peerless sword techniques. His mother, who didn't know martial arts, had painstakingly taught him these three sword techniques, drawing diagrams and explaining them verbally. She had repeatedly warned him that these three sword techniques were extremely powerful and incomparably lethal, and should not be used lightly unless absolutely necessary. Just now, he had seen Mei Hua conceal "Divine Dragon Emerging from the Clouds" within her move "A Tree of Plum Blossoms with Thousands of Plum Blossoms," but he had thought it was merely a coincidence. But this time, Peach Blossom was clearly using "Dragon Emerging from the Clouds"! Not only were the sword techniques exactly the same, but her advancing movements were also reminiscent of "Shifting Positions" and "Changing Stars," without a doubt.

"Dragon Emerging from the Clouds" was his family's martial art, so where did they learn it from? Just as he was pondering this, they each unleashed their unique moves, their figures merging and separating in an instant! Lan Hao's right hand was clad indigo, dazzlingly bright. He had just raised his palm and struck out from a distance, his body also somersaulting, flying three zhang away. He had already intended to kill with this strike, hence his incredibly swift retreat. But Peach Blossom's "Dragon Emerging from the Clouds," fueled by anger, was not only as swift as a bolt of lightning, but her movements were also incredibly fast! Because her technique closely resembled "Shifting Positions," her advancing movements were like a divine dragon moving, arriving in a flash, leaving no room for evasion. At this moment, Lan Hao had already somersaulted backward, but he felt the chilling sword blade slicing past beneath him. His "Blue Fiend Palm," because it was a soft, yin-like force, made no sound as it cut through the air, making it equally difficult to defend against.

As Tao Hua closed in, she felt a soft, yin-like force approaching. Her heart was also filled with killing intent. Although she sensed something amiss with the palm wind, she didn't care. She simply gathered her qi to protect her acupoints and continued to advance, wielding her sword in pursuit. The soft, yin-like palm wind of the "Blue Fiend Palm" passed by her. This all happened in an instant. By the time their figures passed each other, Lan Hao had already flipped three zhang away, unable to resist letting out a strange laugh: "Girl, you..."

As he laughed, a sudden sharp pain shot through his chest and abdomen. Those around him then saw clearly that his long robe had been slashed open by Tao Hua's sword, a cut about a foot long. The strange laugh had barely begun when blood flowed out, and even his large and small intestines spilled out. Lan Hao himself was unaware that he had been disemboweled by the sword. When he felt a sharp pain in his chest and abdomen, he looked down, cried out, and fell backward. Although Tao Hua possessed martial arts skills, the "Blue Fiend Palm" was an extremely vicious and sinister technique from a heterodox school. At the time, she only felt a soft, yin energy pass through her body without any apparent discomfort. But when the figures separated and she stopped, she suddenly shivered involuntarily, felt a tingling numbness in her fingertips, a racing heart, and dizziness, almost losing her balance!

Hao Feipeng, witnessing Lan Hao's disemboweled and gruesome death on the ground, was enraged. His eyes widened in fury, and his black clothes suddenly billowed. With a loud shout, he lunged at Tao Hua with hooked hands. Tao Hua was not unconscious. Seeing Hao Feipeng approaching, before he could get close, she swung her longsword, unleashing another "Divine Dragon Emerging from the Clouds" move. Just as Hao Feipeng lunged forward, he glimpsed a soaring sword light, carrying the chilling aura of a Bian body, hurtling towards him! Having immersed himself in swordsmanship for decades, he naturally recognized the extraordinary and mysterious nature of Tao Hua's sword strike—something he had never seen before. Startled, he hastily retreated. Tao Hua, having just unleashed her sword, suddenly felt a wave of dizziness and stumbled twice. Two maids rushed out from behind her to support her.

The leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang called out sweetly, "Sixth Sister! Step back." The "Sixth Sister" she referred to was naturally Tao Hua.

Hao Feipeng was startled by Tao Hua's "Divine Dragon Emerging from the Clouds" move, but in his hasty retreat, he had already drawn his longsword from behind, ready to pounce again. Chrysanthemum brandished her longsword, leaped forward, and scolded, "If you want to make a move, the young lady will handle it. What are you doing barging in?"

At this moment, Peach Blossom was already being helped down by her maid. Magnolia moved gracefully to her side, took out a pill, and put it into her mouth. She then whispered to her maid, "Quickly help her to the side room." Two maids in green robes helped Peach Blossom towards the side room. At the same time,

Jade Bud drew her longsword, and together with Duckweed and Reed Flower, filled in for Peach Blossom, still surrounding Hao Feipeng in the middle. Hao Feipeng's eyes were bloodshot, his red face filled with murderous intent. He gritted his teeth and said in a deep voice, "Very well, this old man is just about to experience the ruthless swordsmanship of your sisters."

Yulan calmly said, "Hall Master Hao trespassed into our Hua Family Manor, coming here to cause trouble. We were not being unreasonable and only asked the three of you to stay for a few days. Now that we have started fighting, swords have no eyes. Can you blame my sisters for being ruthless? On the contrary, if Sister Yuwan had stormed into your Black Dragon Society, I only doubt Hall Master Hao would have acted this way." "Is he easy to talk to?"

Hao Feipeng roared angrily, "You sharp-tongued girl! You've gotten the better of me and you still want to act innocent? I'll teach you a lesson today!"

Juhua pointed her longsword and shouted, "Old thief, do you know where you are? How dare you insult people?"

Yulan's expression changed slightly, and she waved her hand at Juhua, saying, "Seventh Sister, you should step back. He wants the Hua sisters to know their place. I want to see just how powerful he really is." She turned around, took the longsword from the maid, and slowly descended the steps. Because Yulan was of higher status and said she wanted to meet Hao Feipeng herself, Juhua had no choice but to sheathe her sword and retreat.

Ling Junyi thought to himself, "Yulan's actions clearly show she's realized Juhua is no match for Hao Feipeng." As he thought this, he saw Yulan already standing before Hao Feipeng, her longsword raised, coldly saying, "In the martial world, the victor is always right. Let's not waste words. Master Hao, please make your move!"

Hao Feipeng smiled sinisterly, "I have presumptions." With a flick of his longsword, a chilling aura emanated from it, a streak of silver light flashing out like a bolt of lightning.

Yulan subtly frowned, her left hand forming a sword gesture, while her right hand executed the "Moon Shifts Flower Shadow" move, her body moving with her sword, skillfully dodging Hao Feipeng's attack. A single point of sword lightly pierced towards Hao Feipeng's right shoulder. This strike was offense disguised as defense, swift and swift, leaving no trace. Hao Feipeng shouted, "Excellent swordsmanship!" He swung his sword upwards, fiercely slashing at Yulan's fair wrist.

In an instant, he unleashed three consecutive sword strikes, his attacks swift, fierce, and deadly—truly befitting a seasoned swordsman. Yulan, her white robes billowing, shifted her position twice, then with a flick of her wrist, slashed at Hao Feipeng's shoulder and elbow, the wind whistling through the air. Hao Feipeng laughed, his right wrist flashing, his sword suddenly tightening, swift and merciless, launching eight more attacks at Yulan. These eight strikes were all rapid, each faster and fiercer than the last, the force emanating from each strike growing ever stronger. The flashing sword light surged forth like a vast, astonishing wave.

Yulan, knowing her opponent was growing impatient after a prolonged battle, secretly rejoiced. However, this round of attacks from the opponent was not to be underestimated. She immediately unleashed her movement technique, rising like a spring flower in flight, her longsword changing simultaneously, thrusting left and right, parrying and blocking, defending while simultaneously launching attacks. She dodged and parried eight of Hao Feipeng's fierce attacks, chuckling lightly, "Is this all the skill Hao Feipeng wants my foolish sisters to know?"

Suddenly, his swordsmanship changed, launching a rapid attack. Where the sword light pointed, countless silver flowers bloomed – the "Hundred Flowers Sword Technique"! Once unleashed, sword flowers the size of bowls sprang forth and vanished in an instant. Like a spring breeze stirring, a hundred flowers bloomed, layer upon layer, reaching a jade terrace, their shadows blurred and impossible to dispel! Hao Feipeng naturally recognized its power, but couldn't identify the sword technique. He roared, planted his feet firmly, neither dodging nor yielding, relying on his profound inner strength and the broad reach of his longsword to clash head-on with Yulan! Amidst the sword light and flower shadows, a rapid, rain-like clash of metal rang out, sparks flying. The two figures abruptly separated, each retreating several steps, looking down to examine their hundred-edged steel longswords, both now chipped and dented! The figures separated and reunited, clashing again. Hao Feipeng's swordsmanship was seasoned and steady, his skill profound; each strike unleashed a powerful force, the sword energy overwhelming.

Yulan's swordplay was light and agile. Her "Hundred Flowers Sword Technique" was already nimble, and when combined with the "Flying Flower Body Technique," her attacks and defenses were swift and decisive, with unexpected moves appearing one after another. The two exchanged over fifty blows, yet neither could gain the upper hand. In the midst of the fierce battle, Yulan let out a clear shout, her body

moving like a dragon emerging from the water, her sword transforming into a swift, soaring streak, hurtling towards Hao Feipeng. Ling Junyi's gaze fell upon her, and he muttered, "Divine Dragon Emerging from the Clouds." He had noticed that the girls of the Hundred Flowers Gang seemed to all know this move, "Divine Dragon Emerging from the Clouds," using it whenever their own swordplay failed. Seeing Yulan use "Divine Dragon Emerging from the Clouds," he naturally paid special attention. Hao Feipeng had practiced swordsmanship for decades, and although he didn't recognize this move, his experience was vast. Having just witnessed Bai Qihan and Lan Hao both injured by this move, he was naturally wary. He shouted, "Well done!"

and raised his longsword to block. His move was a direct, forceful "Struggle Against the Southern Sky," a seemingly ordinary technique. However, in his hands, the longsword unleashed a magnificent sword curtain, spreading out like a fan, a full eight feet wide, perfectly intercepting Yulan's sword light. The two swords clashed, a sharp "clang" resounding, the sword light abruptly receding, the silver light fading, and both figures were simultaneously forced back several feet. This exchange was still even, but both were now left with only half their swords. Yulan, being a girl, was less skilled; the direct impact of the sword strike left her right arm numb and her face flushed. She slowly inhaled, raising her gaze, her eyes brimming with tears, and looked directly at Hao Feipeng. She smiled calmly and said, "Master Hao, your swordsmanship is excellent. Try taking another move from me." Her words were spoken slowly and gently, a subtle way of calming her breathing.

As soon as she finished speaking, her lithe body suddenly leaped up, the broken sword in her hand swirling like the wind. In an instant, a cold light flashed, sword energy permeated the air, and a radius of ten feet was completely enveloped by the sword shadows cast by her broken sword. The sword light flowed, concealing the sound of wind and thunder! When Ling Junyi heard her say, "Try taking another move from me," his heart skipped a beat, his eyes flashing with cold stars. He thought to himself, "It really is 'Dragon Fighting in the Wild.'" "Dragon Fighting in the Wild" was the second move of his family's three-move sword technique! This made Ling Junyi look astonished: "Could it be that the Hundred Flowers Gang has some connection with me?"

Hao Feipeng, as expected of a master swordsman, remained calm in the face of Yulan's strange sword technique. He held the broken sword horizontally, waiting for the sword light to get close before suddenly exhaling and shouting, raising the broken sword in his hand to block the attack in mid-air. His move was "Eight Directions of Wind and Rain," which, though unremarkable in its own right, was executed with a sword aura that resembled a dragon and fish, its shadows spreading in all directions! He had practiced swordsmanship for decades, and in this move, he had used almost all his strength. In an instant, the sword wind hissed, whistling like waves, its power extremely fierce! The two swords clashed, followed by a series of clanging sounds, and the broken swords in their hands turned into pieces of iron, scattering on the ground! This sight made Ling Junyi's face change color in horror. His family's "Dragon Fighting in the Wild," a move of such exquisite skill, had actually been broken by Hao Feipeng with an extremely ordinary "Eight Directions of Wind and Rain"! Of course, this was because Yulan was limited by her talent and could not fully utilize the subtle variations of this sword technique, while Hao Feipeng relied on decades of combat experience and profound skill, making a desperate gamble and achieving this by chance.

Having landed a successful blow, Hao Feipeng suddenly leaped up, unleashing a series of kicks that forced Yulan back several steps. After landing, he let out another long howl, flicked his arms, and leaped up again. A figure, like a gray crane, soared over the heads of the crowd and flew away. Just as Hao Feipeng's howl erupted, Bai Qihan simultaneously leaped up, closely following behind Hao Feipeng and flying outwards. Yulan, caught off guard and forced back two steps by Hao Feipeng, was enraged to see the two of them leap into the air. With a shout, she raised a sword hilt and used it as a hidden weapon, striking Bai Qihan in the back. She then turned and took a longsword from a maid, leaping after him. At this moment, Meihua, Juhua, and Yurui, also moving like colorful phoenixes, rushed after him.

Bai Qihan was ultimately a step slower than Hao Feipeng. Just as he took flight, he suddenly felt a sharp gust of wind whistling through the air, shooting towards him from behind. He soared through the air, finding no place to dodge, using the wind to pinpoint his location, and suddenly swung his longsword backward with his right hand. With a clang, Yulan threw it away. Although the hilt of the sword was knocked away by his swing, the force of his leap was disrupted by the blow, and he plummeted downwards. Yulan moved like the wind, instantly passing by Bai Qihan, shouting, "You intercept him, I'm going after that old thief surnamed Hao!"

Bai Qihan barely landed on the ground, and Meihua, Juhua, and Yurui had already caught up. Seeing no way to escape, a surge of killing intent welled up within Bai Qihan, and he roared, "I'll fight you to the death!" He turned and swept his sword horizontally. In his desperation, this sword strike was like a flying bolt of lightning, its power astonishing.

Meihua was the first to rush forward, feeling the fierce momentum of the incoming sword; even before the blade arrived, the chilling wind of the sword was already pressing in! He gathered his inner energy, leaped into the air, and spun around, dodging the sword strike. His longsword, however, transformed into a flash of cold light as he spun, descending upon the opponent. Although Bai Qihan was terrified, he remained calm. He focused his strength on his right wrist, swung his sword swiftly, and forcefully blocked the downward strike of the plum blossom sword. Chrysanthemum sneered, "You still dare to resist? Watch me tear off one of your arms!" A sword light pierced towards his right shoulder.

Yu Rui rushed to Bai Qihan's left side, interjecting, "Yes, we don't need to be polite with this kind of person." She thrust her sword towards his left rib.

Bai Qihan was enraged, his face turning bloodshot. No matter how strong his martial arts were, he had lost a wrist. Now, facing three opponents, how could he possibly retaliate? His longsword, a combination of blocking and striking, only lasted three or five exchanges before he was already stretched thin, unable to defend himself. Suddenly, he felt a flash of silver light on his right side, which suddenly seized the opportunity. With a hiss, his skin felt cold; his right sleeve had been pierced. Bai Qihan was filled with shock and rage, gritting his teeth as he brandished his longsword, creating a protective shield. He managed to exchange three or four more blows. Suddenly, Plum Blossom shouted, and with a clang, she pressed down on his sword. Chrysanthemum and Jade Stamen, one on each side, simultaneously pressed their swords against his neck. Plum Blossom coldly said, "Bai, why don't you drop your sword and surrender?" Bai

Qihan's eyes blazed with fury. He spat out a mouthful of phlegm in Plum Blossom's face, shouting, "You vile wench, you're dreaming!"

Plum Blossom dodged, angrily saying, "You're courting death."

The leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang suddenly stood up, her delicate voice shouting, "Spare him!" It was too late. As soon as Bai Qihan uttered the shout, his longsword plunged into his own abdomen. A

spurt of black blood shot out like an arrow, and he fell backward. Plum Blossom almost got splattered with blood. She quickly leaped back several feet, looking up and saying, "Big Sister, he's dead." Chrysanthemum and Jade Stamen simultaneously withdrew their swords.

The leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang frowned slightly and said, "Since they're dead, have them buried."

Plum Blossom bowed and replied, "Yes." Suddenly, Yu Rui exclaimed in surprise, "Poison! His sword was coated with 'poison'! The body is rotting so fast!" In the short time it took to say those two sentences, the spot where Bai Qihan had been stabbed had already begun to fester, gradually turning into black liquid! The leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang hurriedly stepped down the stone steps and walked towards where the group stood.

Hearing Yu Rui mention "poison," Ling Junyi's heart skipped a beat, and he followed the leader. His gaze fell upon Bai Qihan's body, which was rapidly decaying, the decay spreading extremely quickly, almost completely disintegrating. The flowing black blood was blacker than ink, even staining the nearby grass, causing the roots to rot and the soil to be eroded—a testament to the potency of the poison! Ling Junyi was secretly horrified and couldn't help but ask, "Was his sword coated with 'poison'?" "I just don't know what kind of poison this 'poison' is, that it's so potent?"

The leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang gently shook her head and said, "I don't know either. It's a secret of the Black Dragon Society." It was unclear whether she was unwilling to say or truly didn't know. Seeing her response, Ling Junyi didn't press further.

The leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang slightly raised her eyes and said in a sweet voice, "The poison of this venom not only poses a great threat to our gang, but the entire martial arts world will also suffer from it sooner or later. Young Master Ling's ability to neutralize the 'poison' can be said to have saved the world from a calamity." These words sounded grand and dignified, but Qi Chengchang, the master of Juechen Manor, had said the same thing that day.

Ling Junyi smiled slightly and said, "I will do my best." Just then, Yulan, dressed in white, returned along the flower path.

The leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang asked, "Did he escape?"

Yulan bowed and said, "I chased him to the lakeside, but the old thief had already left by boat."

The leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang sighed softly and said, "This man's swordsmanship is extremely profound. Even if you catch up with him, you may not be able to intercept him." Suddenly, she asked with a focused gaze, "Didn't we find his boat?" "

Yulan said, "The two envoys, Lu and Li, were searching the northeast corner, but they were subdued by the bandits who were waiting on their ship. It is said that one of the bandits was a young man in blue robes, and the other was a man in green robes. He had an iron hand on his left hand and his martial arts were extremely high."

Yurui exclaimed, "Those are Tian Zhongbi and Hou Tieshou."

The leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang slowly said, "Although we let one of them escape, we still managed to intercept two with three people, which is not bad."

Yulan asked, "What about the one surnamed Bai? Has he been captured?"

The leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang pointed to the ground and said, "His sword was coated with 'poison,' and he committed suicide. His body turned into a pool of black water, but now even the black water has disappeared."

Yulan looked at the ground with her bright eyes and exclaimed in surprise, "Is 'poison' that powerful?"

The leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang smiled slightly and said, "Although 'poison' is poisonous, we have invited Young Master Ling. The time to neutralize it is just around the corner. "

Ling Junyi smiled casually and said, "Chief, don't have too high expectations. I have absolutely no confidence in whether I can resolve this." The

Hundred Flowers Chief glanced at him and smiled lightly, "Didn't you say you would do your best?"

Ling Junyi said, "Even if I do my best, I'm not guaranteed to find the antidote."

The Hundred Flowers Chief nodded gently and said, "Young Master, your promise is as good as gold. I naturally trust you. Just do your best. Alas, the life and death of our sect are all in your hands, Young Master Ling." Saying this, she turned to Yulan and said, "The Black Dragon Society has found this place. Hao Feipeng, the leader of their Yellow Dragon Hall, escaped alone and will not give up. From now on, we should send more patrols around our manor and be on high alert."

Yulan bowed and said, "Your subordinate understands." "

The Hundred Flowers Gang Leader continued, 'Since the Black Dragon Society can refine 'poison' onto weapons, they can naturally refine it onto hidden weapons as well. Everyone must be especially careful from now on.' He paused slightly, then continued, 'Especially the matter of neutralizing the 'poison' is of utmost urgency. Young Master Ling has agreed to cooperate, so the sooner the better. You should first take him back to the guesthouse and see what's missing, then ask Young Master Ling to begin.' Yu Lan replied

, 'Your subordinate obeys.'

Ling Junyi cupped his hands to the Hundred Flowers Gang Leader and said, 'Gang Leader, if you have no further instruction, I will take my leave now.' The Hundred Flowers

Gang Leader smoothed his hair, gazed intently, and said softly, 'Everything depends on you, Young Master.'

How could Ling Junyi possibly neutralize any 'poison'?" He had been taught by his loving mother since childhood and had never lied, but since it was inconvenient to tell the Hundred Flowers Gang Leader openly at this moment, he could only bite the bullet and say, "Since I have promised the Gang Leader, I will do my best to find the antidote. The Gang Leader can rest assured."

The Hundred Flowers Gang Leader bowed and said, "In that case, this humble concubine thanks you in advance."

Ling Junyi hurriedly returned the bow and said, "Gang Leader, you are too kind."

Seeing that the two were only exchanging polite words, Yulan couldn't help but smile and said softly, "Young Master Ling, please follow this humble concubine."

Ling Junyi said, "Thank you for the banquet, Gang Leader. I will take my leave." After saying that, he followed Yulan away.

The leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang seemed somewhat reluctant to part, following behind Ling Junyi for about ten steps before saying, "Young Master Ling, please forgive me for not seeing you off further."

Ling Junyi turned around and said, "Gang Leader, please wait." As they turned, their eyes met, and he saw the Hundred Flowers Gang Leader's eyes, brimming with tears and tender gaze, filled with boundless affection. His heart skipped a beat, and he quickly turned and strode away. The two walked along the flower-lined path, with Yulan walking ahead, her white robes fluttering gracefully. A gentle breeze caressed their faces, and Ling Junyi felt waves of sweet fragrance wafting towards him.

Yulan walked slowly until she rounded the artificial hill, then turned back and smiled, saying, "The Chief is always aloof and never shows his true face. Today, he's been quite different from you, Young Master Ling."

Ling Junyi replied, "I am deeply honored."

Yulan chuckled, "Only someone like you could make the Chief fall for you."

Ling Junyi's handsome face flushed slightly, and he said, "Please don't tease me, Miss."

Yulan walked ahead with her head down, murmuring, "Can't you see, Young Master? Alas, you and the Chief are truly a perfect match, it's a pity..." Her voice trailed off, and she stopped abruptly.

What was a pity? She didn't say. Ling Junyi naturally didn't ask her, and the two walked silently for an arrow's length. Ling Junyi, preoccupied with the mystery of the "Flying Dragon Three Swords," couldn't help but tentatively ask, "I would like to ask you something, young lady."

Yulan turned her head and asked, "What do you want to ask?"

Ling Junyi said, "Your sect is named after a hundred flowers, and you have created a unique sword technique. When executed, the sword blossoms like a hundred flowers in full bloom. I wonder if the sword moves are also named after a hundred flowers?"

Yulan's beautiful eyes sparkled with surprise, and she said, "Young Master Ling is truly an extremely intelligent person. After watching just a few sword moves, you've even figured out the name of the sword technique."

Ling Junyi smiled and said, "Young lady, it's because I once heard my master describe the various schools and sects of the martial arts world... " "The swordsmanship styles of your sect are numerous, but the swordsmanship used by the ladies of your sect is unique and distinctive, with each strike a flower-like bloom, perfectly matching your sect's name. It is undoubtedly a swordsmanship created by your sect."

Yulan nodded and said, "It seems that you, young master, are also a master swordsman."

Ling Junyi said, "Miss thinks too highly of me. How could I dare to be called a master? Hao Feipeng is proficient in swordsmanship and has profound skill. He is already one of the top masters in the martial arts world, but he was still defeated by your sword.

Only you deserve the title of master swordsman." No one in the world dislikes flattery, especially women. As long as you flatter skillfully, a few sweet words can often make even the smartest woman feel delighted and dizzy. Yulan is a woman, so of course she likes flattery, especially since the one praising her to her face is Ling Junyi, a handsome and dashing young man in a woman's eyes! Yulan's beautiful eyes, as clear as autumn water, flashed with an unusual light. She turned back to Ling Junyi with a bright smile, revealing a set of perfectly white teeth, and said, "You really know how to talk."

Ling Junyi smiled slightly and said, "But the move by which your two ladies, Plum Blossom and Peach Blossom, injured Bai and Lan seems to have something else about it, unlike anything in the 'Hundred Flowers Sword Technique.'"

Yulan gave a soft "oh," praising, "Young Master, your eyes are truly sharp. That move is indeed not in the 'Hundred Flowers Sword Technique.'"

Ling Junyi pressed on, "I wonder what kind of sword technique it is? It's as graceful as a dragon emerging from the clouds, making it impossible to predict its true nature." He deliberately embedded the phrase "dragon emerging from the clouds" in his sentence, intending to test her tone.

Yulan turned around abruptly, her gaze fixed on Ling Junyi, and asked, "Young Master Ling, do you recognize this sword technique?"

Ling Junyi shook his head nonchalantly and said, "If I recognized this sword technique, would I need to ask you, Miss?"

Yulan sighed softly and said, "Young Master truly lives up to his reputation as a master swordsman. You've completely identified this sword technique."

Ling Junyi feigned ignorance and asked, "What did I identify correctly?"

Yulan said softly, "It's called 'Dragon Emerging from the Clouds.'" This confirmed that their sword technique was indeed "Dragon Emerging from the Clouds"! Ling Junyi was secretly shaken, and chuckled, "I only saw the ladies' movements, graceful as a dragon emerging from the clouds. I didn't expect this sword technique to be called 'Dragon Emerging from the Clouds.' So, this sword technique must be unique to your sect?"

Yulan seemed to sense something and said sweetly, "That's our sect's signature sword technique. Why are you asking about it?"

Ling Junyi said, "I've practiced swordsmanship for ten years and have never seen such a strange sword move. What I'm interested in, I naturally want to know in detail."

Yulan gave him a half-smile, pursed her lips, and said, "What a 'interest'! You want to know this sword technique, don't you?" "For others, this is a dream, but if you, Young Master Ling, have such a desire, it's not difficult..." She stopped abruptly before finishing.

Ling Junyi naturally wanted to know the origin of these three sword techniques, and asked, "How is it not difficult for me?"

Yulan smiled mysteriously and said, "As long as Young Master Ling marries into our gang and becomes our son-in-law, you will have the responsibility of protecting the gang leader. Like the gang leader, you will be qualified to practice the Three Swords of the Gang."

Ling Junyi blushed at her words, thinking to himself, "The Three Swords of the Gang! They really only have three sword techniques. Judging from her tone, only those like the gang leader can practice the 'Three Swords of the Gang.' This means that only the gang leader is qualified to practice those three sword techniques. Yulan is the steward and only knows two, while Plum Blossom, Peach Blossom, and others only know one, 'Dragon Emerging from the Clouds.'" His mind raced, and he said, blushing, "Miss, you're joking with me again."

Yulan said, "Who's joking with you?" "What I'm saying is true. To be honest, there are plenty of toads who dream of eating swan meat. But in my opinion, only you, Young Master Ling, are worthy of being the leader." As he spoke, he had already reached the middle courtyard and stepped through the gate.

Xin Yi immediately stepped forward and bowed, saying, "This humble servant greets the head steward."

Yu Lan waved her hand and said, "Young Master Ling is a distinguished guest of our gang. You should greet Young Master Ling first."

Xin Yi raised her pretty eyes and saw a handsome young man with red lips and white teeth behind the head steward. She couldn't help but be stunned for a moment, her pink face flushed, and she bowed and

said, "This humble servant, Xin Yi, greets Young Master Ling." Ling Junyi nodded with a smile, coughed lightly, and said, "Miss Xin Yi, don't you recognize me?" His voice was slightly old, and it was the accent of Qianlong Zhu Wenhua!

Xin Yi was stunned for a moment, then her eyes lit up, and she exclaimed, "You must be Master Zhu!" Yulan

accompanied Ling Junyi into the guest hall, extending her jade-like wrist and pointing to the left-hand wing, saying, "This is the study prepared for Young Master Ling." Without waiting for instructions, Xinyi swiftly opened the two vermilion wooden doors.

Yulan said, "Please." Ling Junyi didn't stand on ceremony and stepped inside. The study was quite spacious, with a round arched doorway in the middle dividing a rectangular wing into two rooms.

In the front room, a row of gauze windows faced the courtyard, and a desk sat beneath them. On either side were bookshelves, each shelf filled with books, jade scrolls, and toothpicks, all neatly arranged. Four chairs and small tables were also present. In the back room, against the wall on the north side, stood a stacked cabinet, clearly newly placed specifically for researching "poison." Dozens of small drawers were labeled with the names of medicinal herbs on red paper. To the left of the cabinet was a small door, revealing another room behind it.

Yulan pointed to the medicine cabinet and said to Ling Junyi, "These contain the seventy-one kinds of medicinal herbs that you used to neutralize the 'poison' at Juechen Manor. Besides these, if you need any other medicines or tools, just tell Xinyi, and she'll get them immediately." She then walked towards a small door and added, "The processing room is behind here. Just tell Xinyi how you want them processed, or you can do it yourself." Ling Junyi followed her through the door. The room was roughly square, and indeed, all the necessary tools for processing medicinal herbs were there.

Yulan looked around with him and said, "If anything is missing, or if you need anything, just tell Xinyi."

Ling Junyi nodded repeatedly, saying, "Miss, you've prepared everything perfectly." Then, he suddenly said, "Oh, but we still need to prepare some water." Yulan smiled slightly, walked over, and casually opened a small wooden door, leading to the back courtyard corridor. Three water vats were placed on the corridor, each covered with a wooden lid.

Yulan pointed and smiled, "These are three water vats: one contains water from a rootless source, one from a spring, and one from a river. I have already instructed them to change the water daily."

Ling Junyi couldn't help but smile, "Miss is truly capable and thoughtful."

Yulan closed the small wooden door and smiled brightly, "It is my duty to research an antidote for the 'poison' for our gang, young master." The two left the processing room and returned to the study. Yulan bent down and opened the cabinet door, holding out a celadon gourd with both hands, and solemnly said, "This is the 'poison' that our gang obtained from the Black Dragon Society. It was hard-won, and we hope that young master can find an antidote for our gang as soon as possible. Our gang would be honored."

Ling Junyi hurriedly said, "Miss, please keep it in the cabinet. I will take it myself when I need it. Since I have promised the gang leader, I will do my best."

Yulan put down the gourd, stood up, smoothed her long hair, and smiled back, saying, "I hope you finish soon, young master." Xinyi

placed two cups of fragrant tea on the table and said, "Young master Ling, steward, please have some tea."

Yulan said, "No need. I have other matters to attend to." After speaking, she curtsied to Ling Junyi and said, "Young master Ling, please forgive this humble concubine for

leaving." Ling Junyi said, "Please wait, young lady. I have something to ask you."

Yulan was about to leave when she heard this and stopped in her tracks, asking, "I wouldn't dare ask. What is it, young master?"

Ling Junyi said, "I live here. I wonder if I could go out for a walk in my spare time?"

Yulan blinked her clear eyes, looked at Ling Junyi, seemed slightly hesitant, and then smiled brightly, saying, "Young master Ling is a distinguished guest of our sect. It is certainly not inappropriate for you to go out for a walk if you wish." "But you're new here, young master, and unfamiliar with the way. Our gang is entirely composed of women. This Hua Family Manor only has this central courtyard, designated as your lodging. In other words, you are the only man here. Without someone to guide you, it might be inconvenient." This was true; the Hundred Flowers Gang, as its name suggests, was entirely composed of women. A strange man without an accompaniment would indeed be inconvenient! But wouldn't that mean he was being confined to this courtyard?

Ling Junyi smiled faintly, "If it's inconvenient, then forget it; I was just asking casually."

Yulan pondered for a moment, then said, "How about this, allow me to discuss it with the gang leader. Our back garden has beautiful flowers and trees. If you're in the mood during your free time, young master, you might as well take a stroll there. However, this is not something I can decide; the gang leader's approval is required."

Ling Junyi smiled nonchalantly, "Then there's no need." "

Yulan said, "No, this was something I didn't think of at the time, or rather, it was my oversight. Since you brought it up, I should have informed the gang leader. Besides, you are a distinguished guest of our gang, and we can't leave you cooped up in the room alone. Alright, I'm leaving now." With that, she gracefully walked out.

After watching Yulan leave, Ling Junyi put his hands behind his back and browsed the ancient books in the bookshelf. The left shelf contained classics, histories, philosophical works, and literature, while the right shelf was full of medical classics and pharmacopoeias, presumably for his reference. He paced back and forth a few times before sitting down in a grand chair by the window. Xinyi, who had been standing with her hands at her sides, saw him sit down and picked up a teacup from the table, placing it in front of Ling Junyi, and said softly, "Young Master Ling, please have some tea."

Ling Junyi exclaimed, "Ah, I forgot that you were still here, Miss."

Xinyi blushed slightly and lowered her head, saying, "Unless you gave me instructions, I dared not go out."

Ling Junyi said, "There's no need for service here, Miss, you may leave." Xin

Yi replied, "The head steward instructed me that the young master may need to think alone, and I am not allowed to disturb him. However, I must be at your service at all times. Whatever you ask me to do, I must do immediately."

Ling Junyi said, "Alright! Then the young lady can leave."

Ling Junyi sat alone in the armchair, deep in thought. Now that things had come to this, he needed to devise a plan: to find out if his mother was in the Hundred Flowers Gang, whether he had any connection to the gang, and the origin of the "poison." After dinner, Ling Junyi stayed alone in his study again, thinking about what he needed to do. He needed to investigate the secret of the "poison" and the mystery of the "Flying Dragon Three Swords." Naturally, he wanted to overhear the conversation between the Hundred Flowers Gang leader and Yulan. About two hours later, he quietly slipped through the small wooden door of the processing room to the back corridor. Skilled and daring, he quickly scanned the area, his body already leaping off the ground, rushing upstairs. His movements were truly as swift as a shooting star; he instantly reached the eaves, and with a light touch, landed silently on the east end of the corridor. This was a corner, out of the light, and naturally quite dark.

Ling Junyi spun lightly, approaching the east-facing window. He saw that the two lattice windows were open, only draped with purple velvet curtains. This was the easternmost of the five rooms upstairs, the room next to the living quarters where the Hundred Flowers Gang Leader and Yulan had been conversing. Ling Junyi had already observed this clearly. With a light press of his left hand, he leaped through the window and landed inside. Just as he shoveled open the curtains and slipped inside, he caught a faint, sweet fragrance! He immediately recognized the Hundred Flowers Gang Leader's scent. He had smelled this fragrance when the Hundred Flowers Gang Leader drank with him at noon. Later, when they sat close together in the flower hall corridor, the gentle breeze carrying the faint, intoxicating fragrance emanating from the Hundred Flowers Gang Leader was even more captivating! Ling Junyi was startled by the sudden fragrance. He immediately thought he had been discovered and that the Hundred Flowers Gang Leader was hiding in the shadows. He quickly shifted several feet to the side, his eyes scanning the room rapidly. He couldn't help but chuckle to himself.

He could see in the dark, and this quick scan revealed the room clearly. There was no sign of the Hundred Flowers Gang Leader. Wasn't her soft voice still in the outer room, talking to Yulan? This room was quite spacious, with windows on three sides, each with two curtains. The outer curtain was made of purple velvet, and the inner curtain was made of crimson gauze, as thin as light clouds! Even the floorboards were smooth and spotless, reflecting light like a mirror. The furnishings were even more luxurious: an ivory-carved bed, tasseled brocade curtains, a diamond-shaped dressing mirror, a seven-treasure dressing table, and every chair, table, and zither in the room was exquisitely carved and extremely elegant. Several paintings and calligraphies hung on the walls, and several ancient books were placed beside the dressing mirror. Amidst the dazzling array of jewels and fine silks, what's most remarkable is its elegance without being vulgar! Yet, this was merely a glimpse in a fleeting glance.

Ling Junyi's heart stirred, thinking, "This is the Hundred Flowers Gang Leader's boudoir." There was no doubt about it; who but the Hundred Flowers Gang Leader deserved such a noble and luxurious bedroom? Moreover, a faint, sweet fragrance permeated the room—a scent only the Hundred Flowers Gang Leader possessed! Ling Junyi, having already taken a look, moved swiftly, hugging the west wall, slowly towards the door. It was a moon gate, with jade hooks on either side to hold up purple velvet curtains, and a beaded screen hanging outside. The light from the living room shone through the beaded screen, so those outside couldn't see anything inside; but those peeking out from the shadows could see everything clearly. Behind the purple velvet curtain, there was just enough space for someone to hide. Ling Junyi quietly slipped behind the curtain and concealed himself. The leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang slowly said, "I don't think he's lying."

Ling Junyi's heart skipped a beat, thinking to himself, "It seems they're talking about me."

Yulan asked, "Does the leader mean we really need to issue orders to all the sisters to help him find his missing mother?"

The leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang gave a soft "oh" and said, "He impersonated Zhu Wenhua, infiltrated Juechen Manor, and allowed Yurui and the others to bring him here, all to find his mother. He promised to research the antidote for the 'poison,' which is very kind of him. It's only right that we help him find his mother." Ling Junyi felt secretly grateful, but also a little embarrassed! From the leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang's tone, it seemed she valued him highly and had high expectations of him, but how could he really research any antidote?

Yulan then asked, "Does the leader believe he can really research an antidote for the 'poison'?"

The leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang smiled and said, "We shouldn't doubt that. Yurui has already reported in great detail. Didn't he already neutralize the 'poison' at Juechen Manor?" "

Yulan said, 'What the leader says is absolutely right, but I always feel he's too young. Consider Tang Tianzong, the old master of the Tang Clan in Sichuan; he has over three hundred years of experience in concocting poisons, yet he still couldn't find an antidote. Young Master Ling, I think he's only about twenty years old…'

Before she could finish, the leader of the Hundred Flowers Clan smiled faintly and said, 'You can't say that. It's a fact that he dissolved a bowl of "poison" into clear water.'

Yulan said, 'According to my deduction, the poison of that "poison" was probably not neutralized by him.'

The leader of the Hundred Flowers Clan exclaimed in surprise, 'The "poison" wasn't neutralized by him? Third Sister means…'

Yulan said, 'I think he might have a special antidote for rare poisons on him. Most martial artists carry antidotes or healing medicines. His antidote pills are exactly the kind that counteract the "poison."' She truly lived up to her title as the leader of the Hundred Flowers Clan; her insights were superior. The leader of the

Hundred Flowers Clan nodded and said, 'That's not wrong either.'" "I saw that his eyes were bright and his energy was restrained, he didn't look like he was poisoned by the Dispersing Power Poison at all." She had only said this much when she suddenly smiled and continued, "That's right, weren't Yu Rui and the others intercepted by the Black Dragon Society on the river? It is said that just when they were in danger, a masked man suddenly appeared and drove Tian Zhongbi and the others away. When I saw him today, I thought that the masked man might be him..." Her voice was soft and sweet, with a hint of joy in it.

But just as she finished speaking, she suddenly heard the voices of two maids outside the door, saying in unison, "This servant greets the Vice Leader." When Ling Junyi heard that the Vice Leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang had arrived, he immediately reached out and gently parted the curtain a little, craning his neck to look outside.

The Hundred Flowers Gang Leader raised her head slightly, parted her lips slightly, and said, "Is that Second Sister?"

A pretty young woman in a yellow outfit with a sky-blue cloak draped over her shoulders walked in from the parted curtain, bowed to the Hundred Flowers Gang Leader and said, "Little Sister greets Eldest Sister." As she spoke, she reached out and removed her cloak, simultaneously removing the yellow veil from her face. Now Ling Junyi could see her clearly!

She was about the same age as the Hundred Flowers Gang Leader, with an oval face, high-arched eyebrows, and bright, sparkling eyes. A wide belt cinched her slender waist, from which a green sharkskin dagger was tucked, and she

wore small black shoes. She looked spirited and capable, a remarkably shrewd and efficient woman. Surprisingly, she wasn't wearing a human skin mask! The Hundred Flowers Gang Leader said, "Second Sister, please sit." Yulan had already stood up and bowed to the woman in yellow, saying, "This subordinate greets the Vice Gang Leader."

The woman in yellow nodded and smiled, "Third Sister is here too? Why bother with these formalities among sisters?"

Yulan said, "Since we've established our own sect in the martial world, our status quo dictates that we must observe proper etiquette."

The woman in yellow chuckled, saying, "Third Sister is exceptionally intelligent. The Supreme Elder only appointed you as the General Manager; that's merely a difference in rank. Third Sister, you're being quite serious." "Saying this, she sat down in a chair to the left of the Hundred Flowers Gang Leader.

Hearing the woman in yellow utter the words 'Supreme,' Ling Junyi thought to himself, 'Supreme, what a strange title!' Suddenly, a thought struck him, and he murmured, 'The position of Steward Yulan wasn't assigned by the Gang Leader, but by the Supreme. Could she be the Supreme Gang Leader?' Indeed, these beautiful young women are not only all highly skilled in martial arts, but they've also organized a gang. They must have been trained by someone, and that person is undoubtedly their Supreme Gang Leader."

Yulan waited until the woman in yellow sat down before speaking to him . As she sat down, she said respectfully, "It was the Supreme Lord who appointed me to this position; how could I dare to neglect it?"

The Hundred Flowers Gang Leader said, "Second Sister, you rushed here overnight. What instructions does the Supreme Lord have?"

The woman in yellow said, "The Supreme Lord was furious when he heard that the Black Dragon Society had come here to cause trouble. This is the headquarters of the Hundred Flowers Gang. It was already too negligent of us to let them break in, let alone let them escape so easily..."

Yulan bowed her head and said, "This is due to my incompetence."

The Hundred Flowers Gang Leader said, "The Supreme Lord's rebuke is quite right. However, the people who came were highly skilled in martial arts. It was already quite an achievement that two out of three could be captured."

The woman in yellow smoothed her hair and turned to look at the leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang, saying, "We're surrounded by water on three sides, with patrols on both the lake and land. The thieves shouldn't have a chance to escape. Didn't we send people to search the riverbank after discovering their presence?"

The leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang replied, "When I discovered someone had infiltrated, I ordered them to split into four groups to search. However, Hao Feipeng, the Black Dragon Hall Master, left two strongmen on the boat. It's said one is Tian Zhongbi, and the other is Hou Tieshou, both extremely skilled. The two envoys, Lu and Li, were subdued."

The woman in yellow said, "The Supreme Leader sent me here to investigate this matter. The two envoys, Lu and Li, failed to fulfill their duties and seem to have let the enemy escape. If our Hundred Flowers Gang allows anyone to come and go as they please, what kind of

Hundred Flowers Gang are we?" She sighed softly and said, "In martial arts, even a slight difference in skill is unacceptable. Lu and Li were inferior in martial arts, which is why they were subdued by the enemy. It can't be entirely blamed on them."

The woman in yellow chuckled and said, "Elder sister is usually so magnanimous. How do you know that the hall master surnamed Hao wasn't let go by them?"

The leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang said, "That's impossible. Lu and Li are usually so loyal. How could they let the enemy go?"

The woman in yellow smiled gracefully and said, "Even if they are usually so loyal, the fact remains that they let the man surnamed Hao escape. If we don't make an example of them, everyone will just say that the person who came is highly skilled and let the enemy go. To uphold the gang's discipline, these two should be killed." As she said the word "kill," a frosty killing intent suddenly rose on her beautiful face.

The leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang smiled faintly and said, "Second Sister seems to be very strict in enforcing the law, resorting to killing

at the drop of a hat. Even if Lu and Li neglected their duties, they didn't deserve to die." The woman in yellow said, "This is called making an example of them. I've already executed them."

The leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang was surprised and said, "Second Sister killed them?"

The woman in yellow giggled and said, "This was the Supreme Lord's order. These protectors of the flowers are used to being well-fed and comfortable. If we don't give them a warning and teach them to be more cautious, these people will become unusable."

The leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang was clearly somewhat unconvinced. But she nodded reluctantly, saying, "Your Majesty is wise; this is naturally the right thing to do."

The woman in yellow smiled gracefully and said, "As Your Majesty said, eldest sister is the leader of the gang in times of peace and prosperity. In times of chaos, severe punishments must be used. Therefore, the good guy will be your eldest sister, and I will be the villain." Saying this, she suddenly looked up and asked, "By the way, the person who impersonated Qianlong Zhu Wenhua has arrived here. Your Majesty is most concerned about the antidote for the 'poison,' especially since the Black Dragon Society has already come to cause trouble. The antidote is even more urgent. Does he have any confidence?" When Ling Junyi heard her mention him, especially the part about how Your Majesty was most concerned about the antidote for the 'poison,' his heart stirred, and he naturally paid special attention.

The leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang slowly said, "This matter has been prepared according to Your Majesty's instructions. This person's real name is Ling Junyi. According to Yu Rui's report, he has already dissolved a bowl of 'poison' into clear water at Juechen Manor." "I spoke with him today and asked him to develop the antidote as soon as possible. Second Sister will inform the Grand Elder and ask her to rest assured." She didn't tell him everything about Ling Junyi, apparently because she didn't dare to speak directly to the "Grand Elder."

The woman in yellow giggled, "The Grand Elder instructed me to tell Eldest Sister that he must complete the task within three days."

The leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang was startled and said, "What? He has to complete it in three days?"

The woman in yellow laughed, "What? Three days isn't enough? He has already dissolved the 'poison' into water at Juechen Manor. If he prepares the medicine according to the prescription, one day will be enough."

The leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang said, "Three days is probably not enough. According to Ling Junyi, he dissolved the 'poison' at Juechen Manor without intending to discover it. To find the antidote, I'm afraid we'll have to put in a lot of effort and start from scratch. This matter can't be rushed. Second Sister, when you go back, could you ask the Grand Elder to grant you some more time?" "

Yulan interjected, "What the leader says is true. Ling Junyi readily agreed and will do his best to find the antidote for us. He has already made initial progress at Juechen Manor. As long as the Supreme Elder can grant him a few more days, he will surely complete it perfectly."

The woman in yellow giggled, "Look at you, eldest sister, third sister, it seems like it was my idea to give him three days, and you're already pleading for him. Eldest sister knows perfectly well that the Supreme Elder's word is law. Her words are decrees, who dares to disobey? Eldest sister should still ask third sister to tell that Ling that he hopes he will complete it as soon as possible and not exceed the three-day deadline." Although she was giggling, her tone was very cold. Looking at her expression, it was hard to believe that she was speaking with a smile.

The leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang looked at Yulan and nodded, saying, "Third sister, tell him tomorrow and see if he can complete it within three days."

Yulan said, "Your subordinate obeys." The woman in yellow

suddenly smiled, her phoenix eyes fixed on the leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang. She asked, "I've heard this man surnamed Ling is quite young and a handsome fellow, is that true? It's a pity it's getting late, otherwise I'd like to meet him." The leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang was fortunate to be wearing a mask; otherwise, her fair face would have blushed. Even with the mask on, she still looked somewhat shy and couldn't speak for a moment.

The woman in yellow giggled, stood up, and said, "Elder sister, it's getting late. I've already delivered the message; it's time to report to the Supreme Elder." With that, she covered her face with her veil, then fastened her cloak to her shoulders, bowed, and said, "Elder sister, third sister, I'm leaving." She walked towards the door like a gust of wind.

After watching the woman in yellow leave, Ling Junyi suddenly had a thought, thinking, "Judging from her tone, she's naturally going back to report to the Supreme Elder." "This Supreme Elder personally trained these young and beautiful women to establish the Hundred Flowers Gang, so naturally he has ulterior motives. His eagerness to obtain the antidote for the 'poison' doesn't seem to be solely for dealing with the Black Dragon Society's poisoning of swords and hidden weapons. Could there be another purpose? Moreover, since the Hundred Flowers Gang leader and others were trained by him, the 'Flying Dragon Three Swords' naturally originated from his teachings…

Ling Junyi originally intended to investigate two matters starting with the Hundred Flowers Gang leader, but now that he has discovered the Hundred Flowers Gang has a Supreme Elder Leader, his focus has shifted. With this in mind, how could he easily let this opportunity pass? He swiftly slipped through the window and, from the rooftop, scanned his surroundings. He saw a slender figure in yellow, a cloak billowing in the wind, moving with incredible speed, already several dozen feet away. Ling Junyi gathered his inner energy, landed on the ground, and, using the flowers and trees for cover, followed at a distance. The woman in yellow naturally wouldn't suspect anyone was following her, especially since Ling Junyi maintained a distance, making her even less likely to be noticed." The two walked one after the other along the flower-lined path, like two shooting stars, and soon reached the end of the garden. The woman in yellow didn't stop; when she was still a few feet from the wall, she lightly leaped up and soared over it. Ling Junyi followed closely, landing lightly outside the wall. Looking up, he saw the woman in yellow already more than ten feet away, moving with incredible speed towards the lake.

This was a peninsula in Duyang Lake, surrounded by water on three sides. The Hua family manor was nestled at the foot of a small hill, surrounded by lush forests and bamboo groves, covering an area of about one or two miles. This was all within a glance; Ling Junyi, light as a cloud and swift as the wind, followed her. After about half a mile, the woman in yellow reached the edge of a rocky cliff by the lake. She leaped lightly down to the bottom, where a small boat was moored. A man in blue immediately rowed the boat with incredible speed, heading towards the lake.

Ling Junyi thought to himself, "It seems that so-called Supreme Leader doesn't live here anymore." He had no choice but to return to the guesthouse in disappointment, turn off the lights, and go to bed.

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