[Wuxia] The List of Peerless Beauties of the Jiangshan [Complete] - 13

Chapter Twenty-Two: Winning a Heart

These past few days, a major event has been widely discussed in the capital: the suppression of the bandit Wang Longqian by Li Yin, the commander of Yuyue Prefecture. According to a secret report from the court, on the 25th of last month, Li Yin personally led 30,000 troops to surround Wang Longqian and launched a fire attack.

The entire Wanglong Mountain was burned down, instantly killing or wounding most of the bandits. Then, with the support of the surrendered bandit leader Yun Niang and based on intelligence gathered by his scouts, they soon breached the strategically important Wang Longqian, annihilating the bandits and killing over 10,000. The bandit leaders Wang Da Hu Zi, Liu Dao Ren, Pan Cheng Li, and Geng Long Xiang were beheaded and their heads displayed publicly.

Furthermore, the investigation revealed that the new prefectural governor had colluded with the bandits, a truly remarkable achievement. The court has ordered a substantial reward. Even Li Yin's brother, Li Huiwei, the military governor of Yuyue Prefecture, was summoned by the Great Yue King and greatly praised. Suddenly, Li Yin's fame soared, and she was hailed as the number one female general of the Great Yue Kingdom. Naturally, everything about her aroused great interest. In particular, her romantic escapades were widely circulated.

Of course, there were also dissenting voices. The Second Prince and Grand Tutor An Jingqu criticized Li Yin in the morning court for her excessive killings and ruthless methods, which he said were against the natural order. He also claimed that according to their intelligence, Li Yin had not killed tens of thousands of enemies; several thousand were civilians, especially in Qing Shi Town near Wang Longqian, where she had been almost completely wiped out.

Li Huiwei retorted that it was foolish to talk about benevolence and justice with bandits. These bandits had wreaked havoc on the region, causing great suffering to the people, and any means were necessary to deal with them. As for the claim that Li Yin had indiscriminately killed civilians, it was utter nonsense and fabrication.

Naturally, Li Fei, the Left Chancellor, and others sided with Li Huiwei, and the Great Yue King, of course, had no choice but to support Li Huiwei, lest he alienate his meritorious officials.

Privately, Li Fei, Ye Feng, and others believed that Li Yin had massacred the civilians of Qing Shi Town. Ye Feng, in particular, had a deep understanding of Li Yin's character. His first impression upon seeing the report was: too ruthless, too vicious.

Ye Feng had narrowly escaped Wang Longqian's attack and knew how formidable Wang Longqian's natural defenses were. A conventional attack, even if successful, would result in heavy losses. Fire, though cruel, was highly effective. It not only neutralized the natural defenses but also cut off their water supply, quickly defeating the enemy.

However, only a ruthless person would resort to such methods, and the people near Wang Longqian had relied on the mountain for their livelihood for centuries; this was tantamount to cutting off their lifeline.

Furthermore, something else puzzled Ye Feng: why would Yun Niang defect to Li Yin? But considering her flirtatious nature, she was clearly not a good person, so her betrayal of Wang Longqian was understandable.

Fortunately, the report contained something that pleased Ye Feng: according to Li Yin's report, the greatest credit for this operation belonged to his guest ministers Ye Feng and Sun Mei, who risked great danger to infiltrate Wang Long's territory and gather intelligence, ultimately obtaining extremely valuable information, and thus deserved the highest honor.

Because of this, the Great Yue King summoned Ye Feng and greatly rewarded him, bestowing upon him ten thousand taels of gold and a thousand bolts of silk. This delighted Ye Feng. Coupled with his recent reputation as the "Great Yue Blade Saint" and "God of Song" in Jin Yue City, Ye Feng's fame soared, making him an idol for contemporary youth.

However, Ye Feng was disappointed that, as he was not a nobleman, he could not be granted an official position, causing him great disappointment. But this also triggered a bold idea in his mind.

※※※

All these events had occurred in the past few days, keeping Ye Feng extremely busy, which is why he only now had time to visit Lin Su.

He left Yang Yu's "Listening to the Rain Pavilion," retrieved the beaver fur coat he'd bought for Lin Su from the Imperial Palace, and headed west.

Along the way, Ye Feng constantly saw large groups of out-of-towners dressed in strange clothes, speaking various accents, each seemingly full of enthusiasm. Ye Feng remembered that tonight was the biennial "List of the Most Beautiful Women in the Land" selection; these people were undoubtedly going to "Silk Art Garden" for sightseeing.

Soon, Ye Feng arrived at "Sui Xian Guan," the inn where Lin Su was staying in the west of the city. It turned out that "Sui Xian Guan" was just a simple, dilapidated inn, despite its rather elegant name.

He gave the waiter two taels of silver, and the waiter very respectfully led Ye Feng to Lin Su's room. Looking up, he saw a slender woman intently contemplating something on a drawing on the table—it was none other than Lin Su, whom he hadn't seen in a long time.

Ye Feng gazed at her silently. Lin Su was still the same, wearing a coarse cotton-padded coat, which looked rather thin in the cold weather, making Ye Feng feel a pang of heartache.

The difference was that her once pale and delicate face now possessed an unusual radiance, and her eyes shone brightly, adding a touch of charm to her. Ye Feng knew very well that this was the expression of a woman in love; he had seen this expression many times when he was passionately in love with Liu Yan.

He had never seen her show this expression before, even after spending so much time with her. He hadn't expected… A strange, indescribable emotion welled up in Ye Feng's heart, and he coughed lightly.

Lin Su noticed and looked over. Upon seeing Ye Feng, her eyes lit up with surprise. "Big brother?" she exclaimed.

Ye Feng smiled and walked in, saying, "Su-mei."

Lin Su happily ran over, asking, "How did you know I lived here, big brother?"

Ye Feng smiled and replied, "I found out by chance from a friend."

"...Who was it?"

"You know Ghost Hand Guan Lü, right?"

"Oh~" Lin Su laughed. "It's Grandpa Guan. I've met him a few times; he's a very nice person."

"He helped me get this design project."

Lin Su said, gesturing for Ye Feng to sit down and carefully making him a cup of tea.

Ye Feng said, "Thank you." He then asked, "What kind of design project did you take on?"

"Master Huang from the capital wants to build a garden and asked me to design some sketches for him,"

Lin Su said, placing the design drawings on the table in front of Ye Feng. "However, I've hit a roadblock; there are a few parts I can't figure out. Could you take a look, brother?"

"Oh~ let me see." Ye Feng felt Lin Su move closer, and a faint, virginal fragrance wafted over him, invigorating him. He took the drawings from Lin Su and studied the parts she pointed out for a while. After

pondering for a moment, he slowly said, "I do have some solutions, but I have an even more novel idea, though I need to see the garden site before I can decide."

"Really? That's wonderful!" Lin Su nodded excitedly, then said, "Thank you, Brother."

Ye Feng smiled slightly and said, "We're family, why be so polite?"

Lin Su put away the drawings and said, "Let's not delay, let's go to the site now."

Ye Feng said with concern, "Work is important, but your health is more important. Su-mei, please don't overwork yourself, take care of yourself."

Lin Su smiled and said, "Thank you for your concern, Brother, I'm fine."

Remembering something, she said, "Oh right, I haven't congratulated you on your recent string of successes and your growing fame!" Ye Feng looked at her

: "Su-mei, you know about your brother's success?"

Su Han smiled and said, "How could I not know? Brother's reputation has soared lately, it's impossible not to know. Your titles of 'Great Moon Blade Saint' and 'Singing God' in the capital are now widely known. Even the Yang family is learning from you, making countless people envious. I'm truly proud, but I'm just too tied up with work, otherwise I would have visited you long ago."

She then whispered, "I'd also like to learn your kind of singing, Brother. Would you be willing to teach me?"

Ye Feng was delighted and smiled, "Since Sister Su has asked, how could I refuse?"

Lin Su's face lit up with joy, and she said, "Thank you, Brother." Ye

Feng was about to speak when a man's voice came from outside the door: "Miss Lin."

Ye Feng was startled; he recognized the voice—it was Li Tan, the owner of the cloth shop in Jade Moon City. He thought to himself, "It really is him!"

Upon hearing the voice, Lin Su trembled slightly, a hint of shyness flashing in her eyes. She exclaimed happily, "It's Young Master Li Tan!" A little hesitant to look at Ye Feng, she went out to greet him.

A moment later, a man walked in beside her. He was about twenty-six or twenty-seven years old, handsome and refined—it was Li Tan from Jade Moon City, the man Ye Feng had clashed with.

He chuckled, "The weather is really cold today." He

suddenly saw Ye Feng and was momentarily stunned.

Ye Feng strode over and smiled, "Life is full of unexpected encounters, Brother Li Tan, how are you?"

Li Tan was stunned for a moment before replying, "So it's Brother Ye."

Lin Su looked at Ye Feng, then at Li Tan, and asked in surprise, "Brother, you two know each other?"

Ye Feng looked at Li Tan and said calmly, "How could we not know each other? Back in the day, Brother Li Tan and I were both suitors of your Sister Yi. And as Sister Su probably knows, I'll be asking Brother Li Tan for guidance at the upcoming Jade Moon City Tournament."

Li Tan's expression became somewhat unnatural as he said, "Brother Ye, you flatter me. I dare not accept your guidance."

Ye Feng sneered inwardly. The current Li Tan was no longer the arrogant person he had been when they met in Jade Moon City. That was because Ye Feng was now far superior to him in both career and martial arts, and he no longer had the capital to boast or the sense of superiority he once possessed.

Recalling his words to Hua Yi after leaving the fabric shop, "...What's his little career? Sister Yi, just you wait and see, in the not-too-distant future, I will definitely have achievements a hundred times greater than his!"... His promise had indeed come true, and he felt an extraordinary sense of satisfaction.

Lin Su, meanwhile, watched the two of them, a thoughtful expression in her eyes.

Ye Feng ignored Li Tan and smiled at Lin Su, "Su-mei, didn't you say you were going to the garden site?"

Lin Su nodded and said, "Oh, right, yes..."

She glanced at Ye Feng and said to Li Tan somewhat shyly, "Young Master Li just arrived, and we're about to leave... Why don't you come along too?" Her tone was quite eager.

Li Tan glanced at Ye Feng and smiled, "That's exactly what I was thinking."

Ye Feng, however, felt a pang of unease; the relationship between the two was indeed far from simple.

He gave a soft hum, untied the bundle from his back, took out the beaver fur coat he had bought for Lin Su, and said gently, "It's freezing cold, Su-mei's clothes are far too thin. I happened to pass by Yu Hu Cloth Shop a few days ago and bought this coat for you. Here, let me put it on you."

He gently draped the coat over Lin Su's shoulders.

Lin Su blushed slightly, glanced at Li Tan, her expression a little unnatural, then stroked the fur and hesitated, saying, "Brother, this coat is too expensive, I can't accept it."

Ye Feng smiled and said, "Does Su-mei intend to refuse my kindness?"

Lin Su said hurriedly, "No, it's just..."

Ye Feng smiled and said, "That's alright." He carefully draped the coat over her shoulders, a tender feeling welling up in his heart. He genuinely wanted to take care of everything for Lin Su.

Lin Su blushed again, silently letting Ye Feng do as he pleased, and whispered, "Thank you, Brother."

Ye Feng smiled slightly, but glancing over, he saw that Li Tan's expression had become quite unpleasant.

Ye

Feng hailed two carriages; he and Lin Su rode in one, while Li Tan rode in the other.

Just as they were getting into the carriage, several girls passed by. Upon seeing Ye Feng, they immediately screamed and surrounded him, calling out his name repeatedly, making Li Tan's expression even more unnatural.

Ye Feng felt a surge of pleasure, smiled, and nodded to the girls before getting into the carriage. The girls followed them for quite a while.

Lin Su withdrew her gaze and smiled, "Big brother is truly quite famous."

Ye Feng smiled faintly, but suddenly asked, "Su-mei, tell your big brother honestly, is that Young Master Li pursuing you?"

Lin Su was caught off guard, her cheeks flushed, and she whispered, "What are you talking about, big brother?"

Seeing Lin Su's expression, Ye Feng understood immediately, and a surge of jealousy welled up in his heart, but on the surface, he remained nonchalant, smiling, "An elder brother is like a father, and besides, you're my only adopted sister. If I don't care about you, who will? Whoever wants to pursue my Su-mei, they'll have to get past me first. Su-mei, just tell your big brother honestly."

Lin Su's cheeks turned even redder, and she shook her head, "No, it's just that we've gotten along quite well since we met, so we often chat together." "Oh my god."

Ye Feng pressed, "How did you two meet?"

Lin Su replied shyly, "On my way to Jin Yue City last month, I encountered bandits. Fortunately, Young Master Li Tan appeared and saved me, and that's how we met."

Ye Feng gave an "Oh," but inwardly he was thinking, "Li Tan's appearance was too coincidental." He asked with concern, "Was Su-mei alright then?"

Lin Su replied, "I'm fine. Luckily, Young Master Li Tan arrived in time."

She continued, "Later, Young Master Li Tan said he had business in the capital, so we decided to travel together. He... he's a very kind person. He helped me a lot along the way, and he did the same in the capital. Plus, we got along quite well, so we would get together whenever we had free time."

As she said this, a strange emotion appeared in her voice.

Ye Feng's heart skipped a beat: "Get together? A man and a woman alone together..."

His eyes suddenly swept over Lin Su.

Lin Su caught Ye Feng's unusual gaze, paused for a moment, then seemed to understand something. Two red clouds involuntarily rose to her cheeks. She turned her face away and whispered, "Brother, you... what are you thinking? We... nothing..."

At this moment, Ye Feng, with his sharp eyes, also saw that Lin Su was still a virgin, and breathed a sigh of relief.

He changed the subject, saying, "Have we arrived at the garden construction site?"

※※※

"Su-mei, what do you think of my ideas?"

Before them was a large bamboo forest, green and verdant, weathered by the wind and snow, with a clear stream flowing by, making the scenery exceptionally beautiful.

Ye Feng had cleverly incorporated this feature into his design, using bamboo to create a garden, conceiving various designs such as bamboo fences along paths, secluded bamboo trails, tranquil bamboo pavilions, and elegant bamboo gardens, giving it a natural beauty reminiscent of a landscape painting.

He believed that once the garden was completed, it would surely present a beautiful scene of "everything is green in summer, every tree is green in winter."

"Excellent!"

Lin Su's face lit up with joy, clearly impressed by Ye Feng's design. She held the blueprints, studying them carefully.

However, while they talked, Li Tan found it rather boring, idly observing the scenery. But what could he do? He knew nothing of landscape design; he couldn't join the conversation, so he couldn't blame anyone else.

Lin Su pondered for a while, then picked up the blueprints again and walked away to check them in person. After taking a few steps, she turned back and said, "Brother, Young Master Li, you..."

Ye Feng smiled and said, "Sister Su, you go ahead. Brother Li and I will talk about something here."

Li Tan had originally planned to follow, but seeing Ye Feng's suggestion, he had no choice but to give up. Lin Su nodded, glanced at the two of them, and then disappeared into the bamboo forest. Only Ye Feng and Li Tan remained.

Li Tan coughed lightly and said to Ye Feng, "I never expected to see Brother Ye again from so far away. What a stroke of luck!"

"Don't try to get on my good side,"

Ye Feng said, knowing Li Tan's character well. Gazing at the verdant sweet bamboo before him, he said decisively, "I don't lie to a true person. I just want to ask you, what are your intentions in approaching my sister Su?"

Li Tan asked in surprise, "Brother Ye, why do you say that? My feelings for Miss Lin are sincere."

Ye Feng said coldly, "Is that so?"

After a moment's hesitation, Li Tan seemed to have made up his mind and said, "Miss Lin is kind-hearted, strong, and independent. The more I get to know her, the more I admire her. I truly like her and want to marry her!"

Ye Feng stared into his eyes and smiled, "Coincidentally, I also truly like my sister Su. I have already made a vow to marry her!"

“So,” a murderous glint flashed in Ye Feng’s eyes, “you must withdraw.”

Li Tan trembled. “No, I won’t agree.”

He continued, “Besides, I can see that Miss Lin only has brotherly feelings for you, not romantic ones.”

Ye Feng said calmly, “You don’t need to worry about that. I have my own ways to make Su Mei truly like me. And I will sincerely treat her for the rest of my life.”

A sharp light shot from his eyes as he coldly said, “What you need to do now is stay away from my Su Mei from now on, otherwise—”

He gave a cold snort, sending chills down everyone’s spine.

Li Tan's expression changed repeatedly, but he finally said, "No, I won't give up."

He stared at Ye Feng, "What right do you have to interfere in my affairs with Miss Lin?"

"What right?"

Ye Feng smiled instead of getting angry, and said, "What right?"

"Then let me tell you!"

He strode up to Li Tan, "First, because I am Su Mei's sworn brother. Have you ever heard the saying 'an elder brother is like a father'?"

"Second, and most importantly, because I like her, I love her, I want to marry her! I want to take care of her for the rest of my life, I want to protect her for all eternity. Is that enough? Is that enough?"

Under Ye Feng's imposing aura, Li Tan's face turned pale, completely overwhelmed by Ye Feng's imposing presence. However, he stubbornly insisted, "No, I won't give up."

He added, "Don't try to intimidate me with your power; I'm not someone to be trifled with."

This only added fuel to the fire. Ye Feng's eyes flashed with a chilling light as he approached him step by step, coldly saying, "So you want to duel me? But do you dare? Do you have the guts? Are you worthy? Do you dare to be my enemy? Hmm?" With

each step Ye Feng took, Li Tan retreated, cold sweat beading on his forehead. Under the full force of Ye Feng's "Spring Rain Manual" and "Evil Scripture Record," he even felt as if he were suffocating, and a great fear rose within him.

Ye Feng, however, felt a silent, exhilarating pleasure. Looking at Li Tan's increasingly pale face, he felt a sense of triumph over all living beings. At the same time, a thought struck him: why was he increasingly enjoying the thrill of battle? He wasn't like this before. Could it be because of practicing the "Evil Scripture Record"?

The thought flashed through his mind, and he shouted again, "Answer me!"

Li Tan took another step back, and with a loud shout, a sudden burst of cold light shone brightly. Then, the sword light moved swiftly, like a lightning bolt, towards Ye Feng. Instantly, a sword aura that chilled one to the bone radiated outwards. This man was indeed someone of considerable importance.

Ye Feng had long noticed the ancient-looking sword he wore. Several months ago, Ye Feng had obtained information about this sword from Li Yin, knowing that it was called the Azure Dragon Sword, capable of cutting through iron like mud, exuding a chilling aura, and passed down from a renowned master. He also knew that Li Tan was skilled in using a type of hidden weapon called the Willow Leaf Blade. As soon as the thought crossed his mind

, "Dragon Breaker" was drawn from its sheath, and at the same time, "Crushing Annihilation," the most powerful and fierce move of the seven moves of the "Dragon Tiger Blade Technique," was unleashed. Ye Feng didn't move much; he was already in mid-air, seemingly oblivious to the sword shadows filling the sky, and he brought his blade down on Li Tan's head.

Amidst the chilling whistling of the blades, a loud bang resounded, and Li Tan retreated with a pained groan. However, he immediately gritted his teeth, his hands trembling, and a rain of eerie purple and blue lights appeared in the air, shooting towards Ye Feng like startled birds.

Willow-leaf blades!

A strange whooshing sound filled the air as a storm of willow-leaf blades rained down, their trajectories unpredictable and elusive, dense as rain, and radiating in various directions, making them impossible to dodge. Indeed, it was a terrifying hidden weapon.

Fortunately, Ye Feng had practiced the "Flowing Cloud Technique." With a series of strange twists and turns, he leaped into the air with a "whoosh!" and dodged the barrage of hidden weapons.

Before Li Tan could react, Ye Feng was headfirst, the chilling blade energy already at his face. Terrified, Li Tan hastily raised his longsword to block.

With a loud "clang," Li Tan coughed up blood and staggered back more than ten steps.

Just then, a woman's cry of alarm rang out: "Stop!" It

was Lin Su. She clutched her chest, staring blankly at the two men. After a moment, she threw down the blueprints she was holding, ran to Li Tan's side, helped him up, and anxiously asked, "Young Master Li, are you alright? Are you hurt anywhere?" Li Tan, his mouth full of blood and his appearance terrifying, stood there stunned for a long time, then suddenly shoved Lin Su away, yelled, and rushed off, disappearing from sight in moments. Lin Su stared blankly at the direction Li Tan had vanished for a long while, then slowly walked to Ye Feng, gazed at him for a moment, and said calmly, "Brother, you...you didn't have to do this." Ye Feng sheathed "Dragon Breaker" and calmly looked at Lin Su. Lin Su met Ye Feng's gaze without backing down. A surge of pleasure welled up in Ye Feng's heart. Li Tan had been defeated; Lin Su was now his. Although Lin Su wasn't a beauty, she possessed a quiet elegance, like a chrysanthemum and a gentle grace, with her own unique charm. Most importantly, he liked her and believed she would be a good wife in the future. He smiled slightly and said, "Love is like a battlefield; this kind of thing is quite normal." He then asked, "Did you see what happened just now? Did you hear what I said?" Lin Su stared at Ye Feng for a long time, then silently nodded, her cheeks suddenly flushing red. Actually, she had come over when Ye Feng and Li Tan had their conflict, but when she heard Ye Feng and Li Tan's confession, she was too shy to move. When the two started fighting, she, a weak woman who didn't know martial arts, was powerless to stop them. Now that Ye Feng had openly asked her, Lin Su's face burned, and that feeling of extreme shyness surged back. From childhood to adulthood, she had never heard a man confess to her like this, especially Ye Feng's words: "...I like her, I love her, I want to marry her! I want to take care of her for the rest of my life, I want to protect her for eternity..." It made her feel dizzy and at a loss for how to respond. Suddenly, she felt Ye Feng grasp her hand again. She trembled and looked at him, only to see him gazing at her with affection, softly saying, "Su-mei, I'm sincere. I will make you happy for the rest of your life." Lin Su's heart pounded, filled with shyness and a mix of emotions—happiness, dizziness, confusion, fear, and more—surging through her. Especially since she and Ye Feng had always been friends, then sworn siblings, and now suddenly they were to become lovers, or even husband and wife, it was something she couldn't accept. And then, the image of Li Tan suddenly flashed through her mind… She slowly pulled her hand away from Ye Feng's, whispering, "Big brother, I… I…" She shook her head, momentarily speechless.

Ye Feng, a seasoned player in matters of the heart, understood her thoughts perfectly. He smiled and asked, "Is it because of Young Master Li?"

Lin Su hesitated for a long time before finally nodding, her voice barely audible, "Brother, I truly love Young Master Li Tan. Every time I'm quiet, I always... always think about him... I've never felt this way before. I know I've fallen for him. Although I knew you and he would be rivals in the martial arts competition, but..."

"Brother... will you grant us your blessing?"

Ye Feng was secretly delighted, finally getting Lin Su to reveal her true feelings. Now he could counter her moves.

He smiled and said, "Then I truly love you too. Why won't Young Master Li Tan grant us your blessing?"

Lin Su blushed again, unsure how to answer Ye Feng. How could a girl with no experience in love be a match for a seasoned player like Ye Feng?

After a long pause, she said softly, "Isn't there a saying: to love someone is to make them happy, to do everything in your power... to help them and the one they love. I have great respect for my elder brother, but it's only brotherly affection..."

Ye Feng smiled and said, "That's just idiotic talk from idiots. Those people, having failed in love, have no choice but to make up this nonsense to comfort themselves and fool others. Su-mei, don't be fooled by them."

"As for the sibling relationship,"

Ye Feng sighed, "I admit this was my miscalculation. At the time, I didn't realize I had fallen deeply in love with you until recently. Otherwise, with my methods, I would have already won Su-mei's heart, and we might even be married. How could Li Tan have taken advantage of the situation and stolen my Su-mei's first love?"

As Lin Su blushed and opened her mouth to speak, Ye Feng continued, "As for our future happiness, I firmly believe that you will be no less than Li Tan with me. I will definitely treat you well and make you happy forever."

He then took Lin Su's small hand and said, "Finally, Su-mei, think about it. You and Yi-jie are so close, and besides me, they love you so much. Aren't you even happier?"

"When Yi-jie has a baby, Yi-er has a baby, Qing-jie has a baby, and you have a baby too, all those little ones playing together, watching them grow up—what a happy and joyful thing that would be!"

Lin Su was mesmerized by Ye Feng's words. When she heard, "...Qing-jie has a baby..." she casually asked, "Qing-jie?"

Ye Feng smiled and said, "Yes, she's been with me for a while now."

Lin Su was bewildered for a long time. Finally, she calmed down and said to Ye Feng, "Big brother, give me some time to think it over, okay?"

Ye Feng smiled and said, "Of course, I'll give you time to think it over. Whether it's a day, a month, a year, or ten years, I'll wait until you truly love me and are willing to marry me."

"However,"

Ye Feng gazed at her and said, "tonight you must come with me to the 'Beauty of the Jiangshan List' selection event at the Silk Art Garden. You can't not go, because I think your Yi-jie will be selected, and that's a great joy for our family."

That

afternoon, Ye Feng resolutely brought Lin Su back to the Imperial Palace from "Sui Xian Guan." Upon learning that she was Ye Feng's sworn sister, Li Huiwei treated her differently.

As evening approached, Yang Yu unexpectedly arrived at the Imperial Palace. It turned out she had already received an invitation from "Si Yi Wan" and was attending as a guest tonight, inviting Ye Feng and the others to join her.

The entire Imperial Palace was abuzz with excitement, everyone vying to catch a glimpse of her beauty. Yang Yu had changed her clothes that evening, wearing a pink mink coat, her hair lowered and sleeves tucked in, making her breathtakingly beautiful.

Li Huiwei, as the host, warmly welcomed Yang Yu. After hearing Ye Feng's introduction of Lin Su, Yang Yu affectionately grasped Lin Su's hand, saying, "So it's Miss Su. Young Master Ye often mentions you to me." Lin

Su was somewhat curious about this world-renowned woman, and felt a slight sense of unease and awe in her presence, but mostly remained calm. After smiling and greeting Yang Yu, she fell silent. Ever since Ye Feng brought her back from the garden construction site, she had been unusually quiet, lost in thought. After

a period of commotion and preparations, the group boarded carriages after dark and set off in a grand procession towards "Silk Art Garden." Lin Su rode in the same carriage as Ye Feng, remaining silent throughout the journey, only... She gazed quietly at the scenery outside the window. Ye Feng knew she was struggling with her inner conflict, so he didn't disturb her.

Soon, the carriage arrived at the "Silk Art Pavilion" in the east of the city.

The "Silk Art Pavilion" was built along the river, a vast complex consisting of over twenty buildings of varying sizes and heights, arranged in a harmonious and elegant manner. At this time, the entrance to the "Silk Art Pavilion" was already teeming with people—stylishly dressed, traveling in fine carriages, and of all kinds—a dazzling array.

As soon as Yang Yu, Ye Feng, and the others alighted from the carriage, they heard a voice announce, "Master Yang has arrived."

Then came the resounding beat of drums and music, a grand ensemble of eight instruments, echoing through the heavens. Interspersed among these were shouts of "Yang Yu!" Looking up, one could see countless people gathered on either side of the entrance, enthusiastically welcoming Yang Yu. When

Ye Feng's figure appeared in their sight, another wave of frenzied screams erupted.

"It's the Great Moon Blade Saint! The Great Moon Blade Saint!"

"Ah, the God of Song!"

Shouts of "Ye Feng! Ye Feng!" were also constant. Ye Feng deeply felt the enthusiasm of the people of Golden Moon City.

Since arriving in Golden Moon City, Ye Feng had always had this impression: the people of Golden Moon City had two loves—one was to idolize celebrities, and the other was to enjoy excitement, and to an almost fanatical degree.

Amidst the shouts of the crowd, a tall, middle-aged scholar, accompanied by several elderly men in Confucian robes, quickly approached. He cupped his hands in greeting to Yang Yu and said with a smile, "Master Yang's presence truly brings great honor to 'Silk Art Garden'."

Yang Yu smiled and said, "Mr. Chen, you're too kind." Mr.

Chen then turned his gaze to Ye Feng and said, "This must be the recently renowned singing genius, Young Master Ye Feng."

Ye Feng thought to himself that this man must be the person in charge of "Silk Art Pavilion," and smiled, "I dare not presume, it is indeed I."

Mr. Chen smiled and said, "My name is Chen Xinshi, the general manager of 'Silk Art Pavilion.' I've heard that Young Master Ye's singing skills are superb, even the Yang family is captivated by him. I admire him greatly and can't help but yearn for his talent."

Ye Feng was pleased to hear his appropriate words and smiled, "Mr. Chen, you're too kind." He

then introduced Li Huiwei and Lin Su to him, and Chen Xinshi exchanged pleasantries with them for a while, speaking politely. Li Huiwei and Lin Su responded with smiles.

Finally, Chen Xinshi introduced the several elderly men in Confucian robes beside him to Yang Yu, Ye Feng, Li Huiwei, and others; they were all important figures within the "Silk Art Pavilion." After

some pleasantries, the group entered the "Silk Art Pavilion," and along the way, the surrounding crowd kept calling out to them enthusiastically.

Some of the attendees, who had come from other parts of the country or even abroad, were clearly drawn in by the crowd . Shocked by their enthusiasm, and utterly dumbfounded by Yang Yu's beauty,

the group entered the "Silk Art Hall," which was a very spacious hall, elegantly and beautifully decorated, with a high platform at the far end. It had two floors. The hall was already bustling with people of all kinds, mostly prominent figures.

The downstairs had ordinary seats, while the upstairs had private booths on all four sides, separated by wooden partitions and decorated with red velvet, specifically for those of high status, position, or talent.

Chen Xinshi led Yang Yu, Ye Feng, Hui Wei, and the others directly to the central room. Through the hanging velvet curtains, they could clearly see the situation on the high platform below. He himself sat in the main seat, attending to them with great hospitality.

Soon, with the sound of a gong, the 26th "List of the Most Beautiful Women in the Land" selection began amidst enthusiastic applause and screams.

First, a very beautiful woman and a very handsome man walked hand in hand onto the platform, announcing in extremely emotional voices: "Distinguished guests, friends, the 26th 'List of the Most Beautiful Women in the Land' selection now begins." Immediately, a deafening

roar erupted from the "Silk Art Hall": "List of the Most Beautiful Women in the Land! List of the Most Beautiful Women in the Land! List of the Most Beautiful Women in the Land..." Before

the shouts subsided, the stage was filled with the sounds of singing, dancing, and recitation of sheng and sheng instruments. A group of very beautiful women emerged, each carrying a flower basket, their voices captivating and their movements graceful, a feast for the eyes.

After several group movements, something suddenly fell from the top of the platform. Just as Ye Feng was about to get a better look, a "snap" sounded, and the object exploded, instantly revealing a peach tree, its branches laden with vibrant blossoms. The women then surrounded the tree, completing their song and dance routine, a truly breathtaking sight.

The crowd erupted in enthusiastic applause, whispering amongst themselves, all feeling the trip had been worthwhile.

One spectacular performance after another followed, and as the atmosphere within the "Silk Art Pavilion" reached its climax, seven judges, surrounded by over twenty beautiful women, strode confidently onto the platform through the central passageway.

The most crucial moment had finally arrived.

The "Silk Art Pavilion" fell into an eerie silence.

※※※

Ye Feng had never understood how the "List of the Most Beautiful Women in the Land!" was conducted. In his mind, for a selection to take place, at least these women should be present, but clearly, this condition wasn't met. However, with Li Huiwei's careful explanation, he finally understood.

It turns out that every two years, the "Silk Art Pavilion" would send out a large number of "scouts" to various regions to deeply explore and seek out beautiful women with unique temperaments. Their portraits would be drawn, and after a rigorous selection process by the judging committee, fifty women would be chosen from thousands or even tens of thousands. These women would then undergo on-site investigations and secret observations before the final ten were selected.

This judging committee was renowned for its meticulous work ethic, ensuring that the ten selected women were all stunning beauties, possessing captivating charm and unparalleled beauty.

Upon selection, they immediately became the objects of fervent pursuit by men and admiration by women throughout the continent. Therefore, every woman selected for the "List of the Most Beautiful Women in the Land!" felt immensely honored.

Another unique feature of this "List of the Most Beautiful Women in the Land!" was that the selected women were not ranked. According to the "Silk Art Pavilion" judging committee's philosophy, the women on the list should each possess their own unique charm and characteristics, like spring orchids and autumn chrysanthemums, each with its own strengths. Forcing a ranking among them would only diminish their appeal.

As he was thinking this, the middle judge on the high platform below unfolded the elegant silk scroll in his hand, slowly scanned the crowd, and then announced loudly, "The beauties selected for the 'List of the Most Beautiful Women in the Land' are..."

Everyone held their breath, and Ye Feng felt extremely nervous.

"Jing Suxin from the Suxin Pavilion of the Great Yue Kingdom!"

A deafening shout erupted from the crowd upstairs and downstairs, and the name "Jing Suxin" resounded like thunder. Beside Ye Feng, Yang Yu smiled and said, "Sister Suxin has indeed been selected."

Ye Feng knew that Jing Suxin was the current successor of the "Suxin Zhai," which, along with his own Demonic Sect, was one of the two most mysterious sects in the world. Before he could think further, the judge announced the next person: "Yang Yu from Jin Yue City of the Great Yue Kingdom!"

Instantly, everyone stood up and shouted deafeningly in unison towards Yang Yu's private room upstairs, "Yang Yu! Yang Yu!" The atmosphere was extremely enthusiastic. Yang Yu's selection this time was truly well-deserved.

Ye Feng, Li Huiwei, and others in the private room congratulated Yang Yu, who smiled slightly, her face showing little excitement.

Before the crowd's enthusiasm could subside, the judge announced, "Hua Yi from Jade Moon City of the Great Yue Kingdom."

The crowd erupted into a frenzy, screaming and chanting, "Great Yue Kingdom! Great Yue Kingdom!"

This time, the Great Yue Kingdom had three beauties selected for the list of most beautiful women—a feat unseen in ten years. The crowd was in a state of near madness.

However, many people in Jade Moon City were unfamiliar with Hua Yi's name, and whispers abounded. Those who had seen her boasted about her beauty, expressing their longing to those around them, saying how beautiful she was and how they would know if they went to Jade Moon City.

When Hua Yi's name was announced, Ye Feng couldn't help but smile. His wife had indeed been selected for the "List of the Most Beautiful Women in the Land!" How enviable and jealous this was! Lin Su, who had been silent beside Ye Feng, now showed a delighted expression and said, "Congratulations, brother! Sister Yi has indeed been selected!"

Yang Yu and Li Huiwei also congratulated Ye Feng, while Chen Xinshi, upon hearing that Hua Yi was Ye Feng's wife, couldn't help but show envy before congratulating Ye Feng as well.

Ye Feng smiled and nodded, accepting everyone's congratulations.

Then, the judges on the platform announced the next selected beauty: "Dong Yinqiu from the Wolang Mansion of the Western Winter Cold Kingdom."

A group of people from the southeast and northwest sides of the building suddenly shouted in unison, their behavior wild and unrestrained. Ye Feng noticed that these people had unusual appearances—large, rough faces; some wore earrings, others had several braids at the back of their heads, and their hair was a variety of colors, including red, blue, green, and purple, quite unusual.

Fortunately, Ye Feng had previously heard Li Fei talk about things at the border and knew they were from the Winter Cold Kingdom.

At this moment, Li Huiwei said to Ye Feng, "Brother Ye, you may not know, but Dong Yinqiu is one of the three marshals of the Western Winter Cold Kingdom. She is only twenty-one years old this year. Not only is she as beautiful as a flower, but more importantly, she is a brilliant strategist, unmatched by anyone. She is the number one general of the Winter Cold Kingdom."

"Oh~" Ye Feng couldn't help but be quite surprised.

The judge continued to report, "Han Meixue, the Holy Maiden of the Demonic Sect of the Northern Winter Cold Kingdom..."

The group became even more excited, and there was another burst of shouts, like the howls of wolves, which attracted everyone's attention. Ye Feng's heart also stirred. He had already learned from Gui Wuyan that this Holy Maiden of the Demonic Sect was stunningly beautiful and had amazing seductive skills, but he did not expect that she could be selected for the "List of Beauties of the Land".

The judge then reported, "Peach Blossom River of the Smoke Dream Kingdom..."

"Orchid Kingdom..."

"..."

As the women on the list of beauties were announced one by one, the enthusiasm of the crowd was also brought to its peak.

After the list of beauties was announced, "Silk Art Garden" followed up with a series of alluring and emotionally charged performances. Yang Yu, as a guest and one of the beauties selected for the event, took to the stage to perform, pushing the atmosphere within "Silk Art Garden" to its peak.

Simultaneously, the 26th Jiangshan Beauty Ranking event concluded successfully.

Yang Yu's performance was of Peking Opera, newly taught to her by Ye Feng. Thanks to Yang Yu's charm, Peking Opera quickly became popular throughout the mainland. Ye Feng's name also spread to everyone's ears.

Even after Yang Yu left the stage, the screams and shouts of "Yang Yu, Yang Yu..." continued to fill the air. When Yang Yu and Ye Feng were about to leave "Silk Art Garden," Chen Xinshi deployed 150 fully armed and elite bodyguards to protect Yang Yu from harassment by the enthusiastic crowd.

As Ye Feng walked beside Yang Yu, all those who looked at him were filled with jealousy and fervent admiration.

Just as Ye Feng was about to leave "Silk Art Garden," he suddenly felt a sharp gaze fall upon him, followed by a shout: "Hey, you surnamed Ye, stop right there!"

The voice was in the dialect of the Great Yue Kingdom, but the accent was quite harsh.

"Hmm, who's being so rude?"

Ye Feng and the others turned around and saw a burly man, about thirty years old, surrounded by a dozen burly men, approaching with an imposing aura. Ye

Feng noticed the man had a bald forehead, high cheekbones, and a pair of steel-bell-like eyes that gleamed sharply. Several green braids were tied behind his back, and he was staring intently at Ye Feng. The men around him were similarly dressed, each with an unfriendly expression. Ye Feng recognized them as people from the Winter Cold Kingdom.

His intuition told him that the newcomers were hostile, but what did he have to fear? At this moment, the surrounding people also sensed something amiss and gathered around.

A moment later, these people approached Ye Feng and his companions. The burly man from the Winter Cold Kingdom glanced at Yang Yu, then loudly proclaimed to Ye Feng, "You're Ye Feng?"

Ye Feng replied calmly, "That's right."

A fierce glint flashed in the man's eyes, and he added, "Your wife is Hua Yi?"

Seeing this expression, Ye Feng understood something, and feeling angry, he coldly replied, "So what if she is?"

A strong look of intense jealousy flashed in the burly man's eyes. He then glanced at Yang Yu standing beside Ye Feng and shouted, "What makes you so special that you have the favor of two beauties on the list of most beautiful women?"

Hearing his words and seeing his gaze, Yang Yu blushed, her eyes showing a mixture of shyness and anger. The surrounding men felt a pang of pity for her.

Anger surged within Ye Feng. He already knew from Li Fei that the people of Donghan Kingdom had a strong martial spirit, valuing strength and courage above all else. They only respected heroes with guts, and reputation and face were paramount. If he backed down, he would only be looked down upon, especially in front of everyone, with Yang Yu watching him.

He laughed loudly, then stared at the other man with icy eyes, shouting, "So what if you're favored? Who do you think you are, daring to interfere in my business?"

A thunderous applause erupted from the hall, cheering for Ye Feng. Clearly, everyone disapproved of the group's actions.

Meanwhile, the dozen or so burly men beside the man's eyes flashed with ferocity. A series of clanging sounds filled the air as they drew their gleaming curved blades.

"Clang, clang..." The sound of weapons being drawn rang out again.

The fifty fully armed and skilled guards surrounding Yang Yu and Ye Feng also drew their longswords, pointing them at the men.

Then Chen Xinshi stepped forward, coldly addressing the man from the Winter Cold Kingdom: "Fighting is not allowed here. Please put away your weapons and do not disturb my guests, or I will take action."

Despite being outnumbered, the dozen or so burly men showed no fear, only staring at the Winter Cold Kingdom man, clearly subservient to him and appreciating the Winter Cold Kingdom's arrogance.

The Winter Cold Kingdom man ignored Chen Xinshi, instead fixing his gaze on Ye Feng, his fierce eyes revealing a hint of admiration, indicating that Ye Feng's temperament suited him well.

He laughed heartily, a cold glint in his eyes, and shouted, "Good, you're a man!" He

glanced coldly at Ye Feng, then slowly surveyed the surrounding crowd before loudly proclaiming, "You ask me what I am? Fine, then I'll tell you, just by my name, Fist Wolf Winter Howler, am I anything?"

Chapter Twenty-Three: Dragon and Tiger Clash.

The surrounding crowd erupted in uproar. It turned out that this "Fist Wolf," Winter Howler, was one of the three great masters of the Western Winter Cold Kingdom, the cousin of Winter Cold Kingdom's number one general, Winter Yinqiu. Since his debut at the age of twenty, he had challenged ninety-eight masters from various countries over ten years, never suffering a single defeat. Unexpectedly, he appeared at "Silk Art Garden" tonight.

And it was said that his signature technique was the secret divine skill of the Winter Cold Kingdom's royal family: "Leopard Spirit Fist"!

Looking at the expressions of the surrounding crowd, Ye Feng knew that this person must have a significant background and considerable strength, but he was not afraid at all; instead, a surge of heroic spirit rose in his heart.

Only by constantly accepting challenges can one enrich oneself.

He coldly looked at Winter Howler and deliberately said indifferently, "Please forgive my ignorance, but I have never heard of your name. And whether you are a good person or not, do you think you can decide based on just a few words?"

The surrounding crowd burst into laughter, joining Ye Feng in mocking Winter Howler. This man had just angered Yang Yu, which had already stirred up a sense of shared hatred among the crowd. They also cheered for Ye Feng's fearlessness.

Winter Howler's face turned pale with anger, and he shouted at Ye Feng, "Fine, then let's prove it! Today, I, Winter Howler, challenge you. If you lose, you must offer your woman to me with both hands. Otherwise, you are a coward!"

Ye Feng coldly said, "Women, especially wives, are meant to be cherished and loved, not used as commodities for trade."

With one sentence, he negated Winter Howler's meaning, and then slowly scanned the surrounding crowd. He saw that some men had indifferent expressions in their eyes, while the women present were all looking at Ye Feng with shining eyes.

Yang Yu and Lin Su also looked at Ye Feng with considerable surprise.

However, he immediately roared, "But if you want to fight, then I will fight! Is my Great Yue Kingdom a place for you to run wild?"

He channeled his inner energy, and an aura of arrogance emanated from him, making him appear even more imposing and awe-inspiring, inspiring both fear and submission.

Now, everyone around, men and women alike, was captivated by Ye Feng's imposing presence, their eyes filled with a mesmerizing gaze. Coupled with Ye Feng's skillful manipulation of nationalistic sentiments, everyone's emotions were stirred.

Besides the resounding cries of "Ye Feng, the Great Yue Sword Saint…", other shouts arose: "Dong Han, you little dog, how dare you come to my Great Yue Kingdom to run wild! Do you think Great Yue has no one to rely on?"

"Hero Ye, teach this madman a lesson and let him know the power of the people of Great Yue!"

"Kill this son of a bitch!"

"Kill him!"

Such voices rang out continuously, creating an incredibly heated atmosphere.

The Winter Howling Wolf, momentarily losing ground in terms of imposing presence, suddenly roared to the sky, instantly silencing the surrounding noise. Its eyes flashed coldly as it stared at Ye Feng, saying, "Fine, today I, the Winter Howling Wolf, will test your skills and see if you truly deserve the title of Great Moon Blade Saint."

The dozen or so burly men beside him also howled like wolves, cheering him on with astonishing force.

Immediately, everyone around fell silent.

Ye Feng smiled coldly and said, "Good, today I will make you submit wholeheartedly."

Lin Su anxiously tugged at Ye Feng's clothes, saying, "Big Brother..."

Seeing the worry on Lin Su's face, Ye Feng smiled slightly and said, "Don't worry, Su-mei, it's alright."

The group arrived at the plaza in front of "Silk Art Garden," which was now packed with people from all directions, truly overflowing. Besides the majority being residents of Golden Moon City, there were also a large number of people from various regions and countries.

All eyes were fixed on Ye Feng and Winter Howler in the center of the arena, their expressions varied. Lin Su and Yang Yu were concerned, Li Huiwei wore a smile, while the others, unrelated to the situation, were naturally excited, knowing there was more to watch.

Winter Howler glanced at the crowd, then arrogantly looked at Ye Feng. Despite the freezing weather, he had removed his shirt, revealing his steel-like muscles. He provocatively threw a few punches.

Ye Feng remained calm. He had already overheard the crowd's comments about the Winter Howling Wolf, knowing he was skilled in the Winterfrost Kingdom's "Leopard Spirit Fist"—a style that, judging from its name, was both extremely fierce and agile. Looking at the Winter Howling Wolf's imposing physique, nearly as tall as himself, a plan formed in his mind.

He slowly and deliberately removed his outer garment, revealing his perfect physique.

The Winter Howling Wolf glared at Ye Feng, cracking his knuckles as he roared, "Come on, pretty boy, I'll fight your Dragon Tiger Saber with my bare hands!"

A murmur of surprise rippled through the crowd. This Winter Howling Wolf was blatantly disregarding "Great Moon Saber Saint" Ye Feng. Ye Feng, however, knew that the Winter Howling Wolf's hands were his martial arts weapon, and a chill ran down his spine. The Winter Howling Wolf knew he used the "Dragon Tiger Saber." But he didn't intend to use the saber, as he hadn't fought in a long time and wanted to test the power of his own hands and feet.

Ye Feng calmly said, "Why use a sledgehammer to crack a nut? I'll fight you bare-handed."

He slowly raised both hands, backs of his hands facing outwards, fingers slightly extended, feet apart and parallel. Then, he slowly raised both arms to his chest, his left arm forming a half-circle, palm facing the other, forming a yin palm, while his right palm turned over to form a yang palm—the starting stance of Tai Chi.

He looked at Winter Howler and said, "Please!"

The surrounding crowd had been puzzled and disappointed when they saw Ye Feng not using his most proficient swordsmanship but choosing to fight Winter Howler with fists. Winter Howler's fists were known for their speed and ruthlessness; wasn't this using one's weakness to attack one's strength? Looking at Ye Feng's strange posture, they were even more bewildered. Where had they ever seen Tai Chi before? Immediately, a buzz of discussion arose around them.

Only Winter Howler felt a sense of unease, realizing that the opponent's unprecedented and unheard-of fist technique was perfectly executed, leaving no opening for attack. He couldn't help but feel a chill run down his spine.

In truth, his inner strength was far less than his outward appearance suggested; otherwise, he couldn't have challenged so many masters without a single defeat. He focused his mind, channeling his energy throughout his body, causing his bones to crack and pop, emitting soft, unsettling sounds.

Suddenly, he roared, and with a whoosh, a powerful punch shot towards Ye Feng's face like lightning. The punch was swift and fierce, truly ruthless.

Ye Feng remained unmoved, his left palm forward, his right palm back, using softness to overcome hardness. He immediately deflected the Howling Wolf's punch with a circular motion, causing the Howling Wolf's body to lurch forward uncontrollably, nearly causing him to fall.

Softness overcoming hardness—that's the true way!

The surrounding crowd gasped in astonishment, their perception of Ye Feng's strange fist technique drastically changing, and they began to discuss it amongst themselves.

The Howling Wolf, greatly embarrassed, paused for a moment, then roared again, launching a furious attack on Ye Feng like a storm.

His movements were swift and fierce, the force of his punches like sharp knives, even causing a slight stinging pain on Ye Feng's skin. Despite his imposing physique, his movements were remarkably agile. The entire sequence could only be described as swift, sharp, and ruthless, sending chills down one's spine.

The "Leopard Spirit Fist" was indeed extraordinary.

Moreover, Winter Howling Wolf's eyes, like those of a vicious wolf, constantly searched for Ye Feng's weakest point, ready to strike with his steel-like fists for a fatal blow.

Facing Winter Howling Wolf's rain of heavy punches, Ye Feng calmly countered, using the Cloud Hands technique from Tai Chi to deflect the attacks—adhering, guiding, squeezing, and pressing! His movements were free yet fluid, seamless, without any flaws, perfectly embodying the Tai Chi principle of using slowness to overcome speed and deflecting force with minimal effort.

No matter how Winter Howling Wolf attacked, he neutralized it all with this one move.

Winter Howler felt Ye Feng was slippery and unpredictable; no matter how he attacked, he couldn't withstand any force. This had never happened before, and he grew impatient, roaring and unleashing punches as fast as the wind and as swift as lightning, the sound of his fists piercing the air.

Those standing nearby felt a sense of suffocation, their hearts filled with shock, and they quickly moved away.

Ye Feng felt that Winter Howler's ferocity was somewhat similar to Muay Thai; besides his fists, his elbows and knees were also used as weapons, and his attacks were fast, forceful, and extremely vicious. His agility and nimbleness were somewhat like karate, appearing and disappearing unpredictably, making him impossible to defend against.

If he hadn't prepared a strategy beforehand, the situation would have been unpredictable.

The two exchanged blows, attacking and defending, for dozens of moves in an instant. At this moment, Ye Feng was already familiar with Donghaolang's "Leopard Spirit Fist." Undeniably, the Leopard Spirit Fist was the most ferocious fist technique he had ever seen, its attack power terrifying. No wonder Donghaolang had challenged ninety-eight masters from various countries without a single defeat. However, it was a pity he had met Ye Feng.

Although his Tai Chi was enough to defeat him, Ye Feng's current goal was to establish a tough-guy image in the world's mind, to change the impression of his handsome appearance as a "pretty boy." So…

At this moment, Donghaolang's right fist, accompanied by a whistling sound, came straight at Ye Feng. Ye Feng, with his sharp eyes, noticed that Donghaolang's left fist was also poised, ready to strike if he showed the slightest opening.

But what did he have to fear? With a loud shout, his stance changed instantly. It was no longer the cloud hands of Tai Chi, but a punch filled with domineering killing intent, directly meeting Donghaolang's whistling right fist.

A glint of joy flashed in Winter Howl's eyes, and he charged with even greater force. To the astonishment of the onlookers, their fists, brimming with true energy, clashed.

A deafening boom echoed as a burst of energy spread outwards, causing the clothes of those around them to flutter.

Then, with a sharp crack, Ye Feng caught Winter Howl's left fist with his right elbow, and with a twist of his waist and hips, delivered a powerful kick to Winter Howl's knee. Winter

Howl cried out in pain and staggered back several steps.

Ye Feng, however, remained motionless. After a moment, he slightly turned his body, his feet forming a lunge stance, knees bent, arms slightly outstretched—left hand in front at shoulder height, right hand behind his chin—his expression relaxed and casual.

This was the starting stance of Jeet Kune Do, the most ferocious and deadly martial art of the time!

The surrounding crowd, stunned for a moment, then erupted into a deafening cheer, with shouts of "Ye Feng! Ye Feng!" ringing out incessantly.

At this moment, Lin Su, Yang Yu, and Li Huiwei, who had been holding their breath, finally revealed relieved smiles. It was understandable; Ye Feng had been on the defensive, and although his defenses were impenetrable, the Winter Howler's punches and kicks were so fierce—it would be strange if they weren't worried.

Winter Howler retreated several steps before regaining his footing, feeling a surge of exasperation. In all his years in the martial arts world, he had never lost face like this. However, he was undoubtedly one of the world's top fighters, and after a moment of anger, his emotions quickly calmed down. In fact, he had been making the mistake of underestimating his opponent.

Just as he was about to launch a counterattack, the figure opposite him shifted, and it was Ye Feng's turn to attack.

Winter Howler was met with an overwhelming onslaught.

The reason why Bruce Lee's Jeet Kune Do has captivated millions is primarily due to its emphasis on practical combat and its complete absence of fancy tricks. The fundamental principle of Jeet Kune Do is the absence of fixed rules or deadly techniques; it demands simplicity. A punch is a punch, a kick is a kick—simple, clean, direct, and decisive. Strike when the opportunity arises, allowing no room for deliberation.

Ye Feng fully embodies this principle, constantly launching attacks from unexpected angles, coordinating his hands, eyes, body, techniques, and footwork. He might feint to deceive the enemy or readjust the distance with footwork before attacking.

Furthermore, every punch and kick involves twisting the waist and hips to strike the opponent with maximum speed and power. Given that Jeet Kune Do originates from Wing Chun, which is inherently offensive, and combined with Ye Feng's full-force application of the "Spring Rain Manual," its power is truly astonishing.

Losing the initiative, Winter Howler was forced to retreat repeatedly. The surrounding crowd cheered for Ye Feng with overwhelming force, further amplifying his prestige. Winter Howler's dozen or so followers stared at Ye Feng in silence.

Under Ye Feng's fierce attacks, Winter Howler's eyes grew increasingly ferocious. After enduring two punches and a kick from Ye Feng, he finally regained some ground, and his fists and legs moved like a whirlwind.

Both attacked relentlessly, elbows sweeping and knees kicking, the shouts and the clanging of fists echoing through the night sky. The surrounding crowd had never seen such a fierce and intense fight before. Everyone stared wide-eyed, dumbfounded.

Suddenly, Ye Feng feinted, dodging Winter Howler's fierce punch, and leaped up, landing two heavy kicks on Winter Howler's chest.

After two more kicks, four more followed!

Four kicks followed by eight!

Eight kicks followed by sixteen!

In an instant, thirty-two kicks had been unleashed—

the peerless skill of the Chinese national hero Huang Feihong—the "Shadowless Kick of Foshan!"

Ye Feng had diligently studied the "Shadowless Kick" for four years with Huang Feihong's great-grandson! His skill was extraordinary. Furthermore, his legs were brimming with internal energy, and these thirty-two powerful kicks landed squarely on Donghaolang's chest, forcing him to stagger back more than ten steps before regaining his footing.

Ye Feng landed steadily on the ground, his hands hanging slightly, calmly watching him.

The surrounding crowd was completely silent, all watching Donghaolang intently.

Donghaolang stood motionless for a long while, a blush flashing across his face, before suddenly spitting out a mouthful of blood—clearly, he had lost.

A thunderous cheer erupted from the surrounding crowd, a deafening chorus of "Ye Feng! Ye Feng!" The foreigners and those from other parts of the country chattered amongst themselves, their eyes filled with awe and wonder as they gazed at Ye Feng. Yang Yu and Lin Su also watched Ye Feng with beaming smiles.

Ye Feng raised his hands, accepting the cheers of the crowd, which elicited screams from some of the young men and women.

Suddenly, a loud shout came from behind: "Good! Truly a hero! I, Winter Howl Wolf, am convinced!"

Ye Feng turned around to see Winter Howl Wolf clutching his chest, slowly walking to his side. Looking at him, he said, "I, Winter Howl Wolf, have lost, and I accept it wholeheartedly." He

bowed slightly to Ye Feng, saying, "Please accept my respect!"

The dozen or so burly followers behind him also drew their scimitars, saluting Ye Feng with eyes full of reverence—the people of Winter Cold Kingdom deeply respected warriors! Even if this person had defeated their master.

Ye Feng's impression of him immediately changed. This man was indeed a true hero. After staring at him for a while, he said proudly, "Alright, I accept your respect."

Looking around at the crowd, everyone also showed admiration for Winter Howler.

"Good!"

Winter Howler laughed heartily, then his eyes lit up with eagerness. He extended his right fist and shouted, "I wonder if I, Winter Howler, could become friends with Hero Ye?"

What a spirited man! It was truly a case of becoming friends through a fight. Ye Feng felt a surge of admiration for him; this man was someone to be reckoned with.

He also extended his right fist and shouted, "Alright, I, Ye Feng, will be your friend!"

The two exchanged a fist bump in front of everyone, becoming sworn brothers. Then they both burst into laughter.

Winter Howler laughed loudly, "Today's visit to Golden Moon City has been quite fruitful, especially making a friend like Brother Ye. I'm returning to Winterfrost Kingdom tonight, but if Brother Ye ever comes to our Great Plains again, while we may lack other things, we'll certainly have plenty of good wine, meat, and beautiful women."

"Brother Ye, until we meet again!

"

The two bowed in farewell, and under Ye Feng's watchful gaze, Winter Howler led his formidable retinue away.

Ye Feng felt a surge of emotion; the world was truly full of wonders. He hadn't expected to make such a loyal friend after a fight. Watching Winter Howler's figure disappear into the night, Ye Feng turned around, intending to speak with Yang Yu and the others, when he inadvertently caught sight of a familiar man in the crowd, accompanied by a beautiful young woman, who was looking at him with astonishment.

"Zhou Yun, Zhao Xiu...?"

"Have you returned?"

※※※

"Reporting to the Sect Master, regarding the Crown Prince's matter, based on our thorough investigation, we now have preliminary leads."

The next day, at the crack of dawn, when Ye Feng secretly arrived at the Demonic Sect's western branch altar, the altar master Liu Mingzhi respectfully reported to him.

"Oh~ Tell me the details!"

Ye Feng was excited to hear news so quickly.

"Yes!"

Liu Mingzhi bowed slightly and continued, "The cause of this crisis for the Crown Prince was that the head guard of the Crown Prince's palace informed the King that there were treacherous items such as dragon robes and the imperial seal hidden in the palace. The King sent people to search, and indeed, these items were found. The Crown Prince argued that these items were used by the head guard to frame him under the instigation of outsiders." "

The Crown Prince said that since the head guard was in charge of guarding the Crown Prince's palace, it would be too easy for him to frame someone, and he wanted to confront the head guard." "

However, strangely, the head guard mysteriously disappeared the next day and could not be found again. The Crown Prince also lost his most important witness. Although Li Fei, Zuo Chenxiang, and others tried to protect his innocence, the situation became worse day by day."

"Hmm, that matches what I learned from General Li."

Ye Feng nodded in satisfaction and said, "Tell me if there are any new developments."

"The most important person in this case is the Chief Guard. Once we find him, the truth will come to light,"

Liu Mingzhi continued. "And that's the very person I want to discuss with the Master today."

"After several days of meticulous investigation by my brothers, news finally arrived yesterday. They discovered a man in Liuyang Town outside Jinyue City whose build and mannerisms resemble the Chief Guard. According to our analysis, this man is indeed the Chief Guard. Although he disguised himself, he couldn't fool us. Furthermore, after following him, we discovered that this Chief Guard entered the Fifth Prince's residence."

"Oh, hahaha!..."

Ye Feng was overjoyed. This matter had taken such a turn for the better; it seemed the truth about the Crown Prince was about to be revealed in his hands.

He smiled and said, "Master Liu, you handled this matter very well; you deserve credit. I will naturally reward you handsomely afterwards."

Liu Mingzhi happily replied, "Thank you, Master!"

He then asked, "Master, should we inform the Crown Prince about this?"

Ye Feng smiled and said, "No rush, I have my own plans. You only need to keep a close watch on this person and report to me immediately if anything happens."

Liu Mingzhi replied, "Yes!"

When he returned to the inn, he found Li Huiwei pacing anxiously back and forth. Upon seeing Ye Feng, he exclaimed with delight, "Brother Ye, where have you been this morning? Master Yang has sent people to ask you several times, saying he wants to invite you to 'Tingyu Pavilion' to discuss something. I've been getting

quite restless from all the questions." His tone was quite envious.

Then he gazed at Ye Feng and said, "Why do you seem to like going out so much lately, Brother Ye?"

"Oh," Ye Feng said casually, "I'm feeling stuffy in the inn; it's good to go for a walk."

Li Huiwei glanced at him and nodded.

Ye Feng remembered something and asked, "How is the Crown Prince's situation lately?"

Li Huiwei shook his head, saying sadly, "It seems the Crown Prince's fate is sealed this time."

Ye Feng chuckled inwardly, nodded silently, and took his leave.

Passing the secluded pavilion within the inn, a thought struck him, and he stopped.

He saw a slender woman sitting inside, holding blueprints, gazing quietly at the pond outside, her face showing a somewhat lost expression. It was Lin Su.

Ever since Ye Feng's conflict with Li Tan, his confession to Lin Su, and his bringing her back to the inn, Lin Su had often been alone in a corner, lost in thought. Sometimes she would smile dreamily, sometimes she would weep silently, and sometimes her face would flush with a shy blush.

Ye Feng knew she was torn between her feelings and her inner turmoil, so he didn't disturb her. He simply showed her great care in their daily lives, letting Lin Su feel his deep affection.

Lin Su would often stare at him blankly, sometimes for a long time before shyly lowering her head, like a young girl in the throes of first love. Sometimes a hint of hatred would flash in her eyes, her expression complex.

Ye Feng faced her calmly, trying his best to take care of her. However, after a few days, Ye Feng noticed that Lin Su had lost a lot of weight, which pained him greatly.

Like now, seeing Lin Su sitting there quietly, he couldn't help but feel a pang of pity. He couldn't let her continue like this. He thought silently for a while, then quietly left.

When he arrived at Yang Yu's resting place, "Listening to the Rain Pavilion," a maid welcomed him in. As soon as he entered the pavilion, he heard a soft and charming melody: "In an instant, all seven emotions are extinguished, understanding the bitterness, tears wet my clothes..."

The melody was low and melodious, the pronunciation clear, and quite charming.

Ye Feng couldn't help but smile, thinking that Yang Yu had learned Peking Opera to this extent in just a few days; it was truly remarkable.

Turning a corner through a long corridor, he entered a courtyard with several large maple trees, their trunks reaching the sky, their branches lush and leafy, reflecting the snow on their branches, creating a serene and beautiful scene.

Yang Yu stood gracefully in the courtyard, singing with great emotion, while a row of musicians sat before the maple tree, intently accompanying her.

When the song ended, Ye Feng clapped a few times and said, "Good."

Yang Yu turned around, saw Ye Feng, and said happily, "Young Master Ye, you've come at the perfect time! There's something I don't understand, and I was just about to ask you."

Ye Feng smiled and said, "I already noticed it."

"Overall, Ms. Yang sang very well, but your pronunciation and enunciation could be a little unclear." "

The style of this piece is quite profound and abrupt, so the enunciation needs to be clearer to show the poignant emotion and the subtle nuances of its intonation."

"Look at my mouth,"

Ye Feng sang aloud, "In an instant, all seven emotions are extinguished..."

Then he said, "Do you understand?" Yang Yu closed her eyes, thought carefully, and nodded.

Ye Feng said seriously, "Master Yang, you must remember that the use of your voice and the control of your breath are very important when singing. If you can use them skillfully, your voice will have extremely rich expressiveness, making your singing more charming."

Finally, he said, "You must also coordinate your posture and eyes to express the character's mixed feelings."

“Just now, Ms. Yang did one of the movements incorrectly. It should be like this.”

He walked behind Yang Yu, supported her slender waist, and gently pulled her wrist, demonstrating, “Now, raise your hand a little higher, relax your body. Yes, like this.”

Yang Yu’s body trembled slightly as her skin touched Ye Feng’s, and a blush quickly rose on her fair cheeks. This was the first time the two had been so close, but she still followed Ye Feng’s instructions carefully, saying, “Is this how it is?”

Ye Feng felt a faint fragrance of virginity emanating from her, and with her beautiful, peach-blossom-like face right before him, his heart fluttered. He said softly, “Yes, that’s about right. Raise your hand a little higher, relax your waist a little more.”

He then took Yang Yu’s soft and smooth hand, raised it a little higher, and wrapped his arms around her full waist, indicating that she should relax. He felt Yang Yu's body tense up, and looking down, he saw her full, high breasts heaving rapidly, stirring a strange feeling within him.

The musicians nearby, seeing the two so intimate, were stunned.

After a moment, Yang Yu asked, "Is this alright?" Her voice trembled slightly. Ye Feng said,

"It's alright," and moved away from her.

Yang Yu seemed relieved, her face still flushed. She was a little hesitant to look at Ye Feng and whispered, "Thank you, young master."

Ye Feng smiled and said, "You're welcome."

Yang Yu glared at him, seemingly annoyed that Ye Feng had taken advantage of her, her eyes filled with a mixture of shyness and reproach, carrying an indescribable allure.

Ye Feng's heart skipped a beat, and he changed the subject, saying, "By the way, I wonder what brings you here today

, Master Yang?" Yang Yu regained her composure, but a layer of sadness and parting sorrow appeared on her face. She said, "I invited you here today to bid you farewell. I will be leaving Golden Moon City early tomorrow morning."

"What?" Ye Feng was taken aback and asked, "Where are you going?"

Yang Yu sighed, "This morning, I received news that my master is unwell. As her most favored disciple, I naturally must go to her side to serve her. After bidding farewell to the Queen and my senior sister this afternoon, I will set off for the Dream Kingdom early tomorrow morning."

"Oh~" Ye Feng nodded silently, but a sense of loss welled up in his heart. He had enjoyed spending time with Yang Yu so much these past few days, and he hadn't expected her to leave so soon. Although there was no romantic relationship between them, they already had a strong mutual affection. Especially their shared appreciation for art was unforgettable.

"I wonder when I'll see her again,"

Yang Yu said, turning her gaze to Ye Feng. "I am deeply grateful for your kindness these past few days, Young Master Ye." She bowed deeply.

Ye Feng quickly returned the bow, smiling, "I will be returning to Jade Moon City soon. If you happen to pass through Jade Moon City someday, please don't forget to visit me. We can sing a duet again."

Yang Yu smiled, "That's for sure."

Her eyes darted around, and she added, "Last night I visited the Queen at the palace. She spoke highly of your musical skills, and repeatedly urged me to invite you to the palace this afternoon. She also wants to learn from you."

"Oh, is that so?"

Ye Feng smiled slightly, "Since the Queen has invited me, I will certainly do my duty." At the same time, the image of the Queen's dignified and beautiful figure in the Drunken Moon Pavilion, and the deep loneliness in her eyes, floated into his mind.

※※※

To be honest, Ye Feng had been in Golden Moon City for so long, but he had never been to the palace. Although the Great Moon King had seen him, it was only at the Drunken Moon Pavilion.

Therefore, when she and Yang Yu entered the inner city's royal palace, they were immediately captivated by its magnificent grandeur and opulence. Everywhere they looked, there were carved beams and painted rafters, glazed tile roofs—a breathtaking sight. Magnificent palace complexes were everywhere.

Along the way, the heavy security displayed the majesty of the royal family.

Normally, it was extremely difficult for ordinary people to see the Queen; they had to first have a palace eunuch report to the chief minister, and then follow all the proper procedures for an audience. All of this was a symbol of imperial dignity.

But for Yang Yu, none of this was a problem. In the Great Yue Kingdom, she held a transcendental position, and with Ye Feng's growing reputation, it wasn't long before the guards respectfully led the two to the Queen's palace, Quanxin Palace—a spacious and luxurious hall, adorned with brocade and embroidery, flanked by countless palace maids, ladies-in-waiting, and numerous serving eunuchs.

The Queen received Ye Feng and Yang Yu here.

Although many days had passed, the Queen remained as charming as ever, but the sorrow and loneliness in her eyes were even more pronounced, evoking even greater pity. Upon seeing Ye Feng and Yang Yu, she gave them a captivating smile and warmly invited them to sit down.

Then, turning to Yang Yu, she said, "Little Yu truly keeps her word, bringing Mr. Ye to me." She

then said to Ye Feng, "I have long admired Mr. Ye's unparalleled musical talent; even I am captivated. It just so happens that I also have some knowledge of music, and I would like to ask Mr. Ye for his guidance."

Ye Feng bowed slightly and said, "Your Majesty is too kind; I dare not presume to offer guidance."

Yang Yu remained silent for a long while, a trace of sadness appearing on her face. She said softly, "Today, besides bringing Young Master Ye to see Your Majesty, I have also come to bid you farewell. Tomorrow I will be leaving Golden Moon City for the Kingdom of Smoke Dreams."

"What?"

The Queen was stunned for a moment. After understanding the reason, she sighed, "Little Yu is leaving too; there is one less person to keep me company." Her voice was full of melancholy, evoking pity in those who heard it.

Yang Yu gently comforted her, "Your Majesty, there's no need to be sad. Whenever I have time, I will definitely come to visit you again."

The Queen was saddened for a long while, then sighed softly and said, "It's good that you go and serve Teacher Mei. As people get older, they become more afraid of loneliness. When you go back, spend more time talking to her... Alas, I haven't seen Teacher Mei for ten years. In my memory, she has always been frail and sickly. When you see her, please give her my regards."

"Oh, right," she thought of something else and instructed a maid to fetch a brocade box from the back hall, saying, "This is a thousand-year-old ginseng from the Spring Water Kingdom. Please give it to Teacher Mei to nourish her body."

Yang Yu thanked her, comforted the Queen a few more times, said she had to say goodbye to her senior sister, and finally took her leave.

As she left, she glanced at Ye Feng with her beautiful eyes.

Ye Feng's heart stirred, and he said to Yang Yu, "You're leaving tomorrow morning, aren't you? I'll see you off."

Yang Yu gazed deeply at Ye Feng and said, "Thank you, young master."

She glanced at the Queen, then said to Ye Feng, "Young master Ye, please keep the Queen company and cheer her up."

Ye Feng smiled and said, "Don't worry, I will."

"Is this how you sing it?"

"Yes, that's it!"

"Singing this kind of tune isn't actually difficult. Just pay attention to your breathing and vocalization, and warm up your voice regularly."

The two sang for a while in the garden in front of Quanxin Palace. The Queen was naturally delighted, and even the maids and guards listened with great interest. The two returned to the palace, and the Queen ordered a cup of tea to be brewed for Ye Feng.

"Ah, I haven't felt this relaxed in a long time."

She took the fragrant tea brought by the maid, sipped it, and smiled, "Singing a few songs has lifted my spirits considerably."

"Music can soothe the mind."

Ye Feng glanced at the Queen and smiled, "When you're feeling down, listening to songs or singing a tune can help you forget all your troubles."

The Queen nodded, but then sighed and said softly, "If only that were true."

Ye Feng's heart stirred at that sorrowful expression.

Undeniably, the Queen was an extremely captivating beauty. She must have been thirty-six or thirty-seven, yet she showed no signs of aging. Her eyebrows were delicately arched, her expression serene, her beauty tinged with a voluptuousness, her purity imbued with boundless charm…

especially the deep sorrow and loneliness in her eyes, which made her all the more endearing…

"Hmm…"

Thinking of the Demonic Sect, his own "Evil Scripture Record" divine skill, and the Crown Prince, Ye Feng quickly made up his mind.

He tentatively asked, "Your Majesty, is something troubling you? Perhaps you could tell me, and I may be able to ease your worries."

The Queen looked at Ye Feng and smiled faintly, "Thank you, sir, but..." She shook her head sadly.

Ye Feng thought she might be wary of him, given that this was their first meeting.

He smiled slightly, a glint of light flashing in his eyes, and looked deeply into the Queen's eyes, saying softly, "Does Your Majesty not trust me?"

Before the Queen could speak, he added gently, "I have something to tell Your Majesty. Would Your Majesty like to speak privately?"

The Queen felt slightly uncomfortable under Ye Feng's sharp gaze, but she maintained her characteristic queenly demeanor and poise. She stared at Ye Feng for a long while, then nodded. She waved her hand, dismissing the maids and eunuchs in the palace.

Then, she quietly said to Ye Feng, "I wonder what you wish to say to me, sir?"

Ye Feng looked at her beautiful face and smiled, "Your Majesty must be troubled by the Crown Prince's matter, right?"

The Queen's body trembled slightly, and she sighed, "This matter is probably common knowledge by now."

Ye Feng smiled and sipped his tea, saying calmly, "Your Majesty is right."

He paused slightly and went straight to the point, "As far as I know, the key to this case lies with the Crown Prince's Palace Guard Chief, and this person..."

At this point, the Queen suddenly stood up from her seat, her voice trembling, "Does Your Majesty have information about this person?"

Ye Feng deliberately remained silent, only looking at her calmly.

The Queen, unable to control her emotions, rushed to Ye Feng's side and pleaded urgently, "Sir, could you please tell me if you know the whereabouts of this person?"

Ye Feng hesitated for a moment before replying, "Well..."

The Queen, tears streaming down her face, sobbed, "Please, sir, tell me the situation and save my child."

Ye Feng was somewhat at a loss. Why had she started crying? Looking at the First Lady of the Great Yue Kingdom, who was weeping like a pear blossom in the rain, his heart softened. He felt a pang of pity, sighed, and gently wiped away the tears from her eyes with a handkerchief.

The Queen blushed slightly at Ye Feng's affectionate gesture, then tearfully pleaded, "Please, sir, help me."

Ye Feng said softly, "Your Majesty, rest assured, the Crown Prince is the true Son of Heaven, protected by the gods and Buddhas. I assure you, the Crown Prince will be alright; it's just that the time hasn't come yet. Do you understand what I mean, Your Majesty?"

The Queen stared at Ye Feng blankly for a long time. Perhaps the confidence in Ye Feng's eyes infected her, and her expression calmed down. After a long while, she slowly said, "I don't know why, but I'm very willing to believe your words, sir. As long as you can help my child overcome this crisis, whatever reward you desire, I will give it to you."

Ye Feng smiled slightly, glancing at her full, high breasts, thinking to himself, "A reward? Of course I'll take it. But the reward I ask for will probably be something you'd never expect."

After leaving the Queen, Ye Feng went directly to the secret branch of the Demonic Sect in Golden Moon City.

He had arranged with the Queen to visit her again the following afternoon. The Queen repeatedly urged him to stay in touch with her. To her, Ye Feng was a lifeline, a beacon of hope after she had completely given up on the matter of the Crown Prince.

Ye Feng was also moved by her pleas and earnestness. To be honest, she was the greatest mother he had ever met, having devoted all her heart and soul to her children.

However, despite his emotions, he naturally had his own plans and intentions. First, as the Queen, she undoubtedly possessed a very powerful background, a formidable force. Controlling her would greatly enhance his own power. Second, controlling her would indirectly control the Crown Prince, allowing him to profit even if the Crown Prince ascended the throne.

Third, the Queen was dignified, elegant, beautiful, and gentle—the kind of pure and virtuous woman his "Evil Scripture Record" favored. She was the ideal training subject. Finally, perhaps it was her loneliness and sorrow that stirred within him an urge to protect her…

In short, controlling her would be a win-win situation.

Upon arriving at the secret branch altar, Liu Mingzhi came forward to pay his respects. Ye Feng asked, "How is the head guard?"

Liu Mingzhi respectfully replied, "Rest assured, Master, he is under our close surveillance."

Ye Feng said in a deep voice, "You cannot relax even slightly. You must ensure that this person is under our watchful eyes. Also, prepare yourselves for the next two days; we need to take action against him as soon as possible."

Liu Mingzhi showed an excited expression and said, "Yes!"

Ye Feng pondered for a moment, then said to him, "Altar Master Liu, I need you to do something."

Liu Mingzhi bowed and said, "Please give your orders, Master."

Ye Feng said calmly, "I need you to investigate Li Tan's whereabouts, including where he is currently staying and what he is doing. The more detailed the better."

Liu Mingzhi said, "Rest assured, Master, I will report back to you within a day."

Ye Feng nodded in satisfaction, thinking that this man was quite capable.

Liu Mingzhi asked, "What else does the Master require?"

Ye Feng rose and paced back and forth in the room. After a long while, he said calmly, "I also need you to compile a list of currently famous figures and the distribution of power across the continent."

"Furthermore,"

Ye Feng stared at him, "I also need you to analyze from this list a list of those who might become obstacles to the development of our sect in the future. We should devise countermeasures for these stumbling blocks as soon as possible and eliminate them one by one."

A fanatical look flashed in Liu Mingzhi's eyes, and he said happily, "Master is truly farsighted. I will do it immediately and will certainly not fail Master's trust."

"Very good."

Ye Feng nodded and waved to Liu Mingzhi, "Go."

Liu Mingzhi bowed and left.

Ye Feng, however, paced back and forth in the secret room, pondering his future goals and plans. The most urgent task, of course, was to help the Crown Prince get rid of his injustice and control the Queen as soon as possible, provided that he himself gained considerable benefits. Then it was time to go back to participate in the martial arts competition, and after that, of course, to recruit Yang Yi, Ru Qing, and others into the sect.

Furthermore, the internal affairs of the Demonic Sect must be resolved as soon as possible, power must be seized quickly, and Liu Zhisuan must be killed as soon as possible. After that, of course, it's time to expand territory. In addition, his Peking Opera is now world-renowned; if he opens an academy, it will surely bring in a fortune.

Thinking of this, Ye Feng remembered Zhao Xiu, the young owner of "Jade Tiger Cloth Shop." She was so good at business; if he could recruit her son, he would be a formidable figure in the business world. It's just a pity that he doesn't have time to seduce her now; he'll put it aside for later.

Finally, the image of Li Yin appeared in his mind, and he thought to himself, "When I go back, I need to change my previous approach to her."

When he returned to the Imperial Palace, Li Huiwei was not there. Ye Feng asked, and it turned out that he had gone to the "General's Mansion."

Ye Feng knew that he must have gone to discuss the Crown Prince's affairs. After talking with Lin Su for a while, he returned to his room to practice his martial arts.

He sat quietly on the bed, circulating his internal energy along all his meridians a hundred times. Instantly, a wondrous flow of energy coursed through his body, bringing an indescribable comfort and a faint red glow. Ye Feng knew this was the wonderful phenomenon of reaching the ninth level of his "Spring Rain Manual."

Especially during this time, he had completely absorbed the internal energy from Wang Longqian's underlings, Zhang Ning, and Liu Yangao, further enhancing his strength. Moreover, due to the fierce battle with Zhou Yun at the Drunken Moon Pavilion that day, which stimulated the spiritual energy of the "Evil Scripture Record" within him, his spiritual senses were now sharper, and his mental power stronger.

In the past two days, he had discovered that his sense of touch and perception had become even more acute, and he possessed a strange sensory ability, able to sense potential things or various dangers in his surroundings. He

could even control the minds of others, although this hadn't been long and required a considerable amount of internal energy, it was a very important start, indicating that his "Evil Scripture Record" divine skill had achieved some success.

Given time, even advanced stages like those in the *Evil Scripture Record*—such as reading others' thoughts, controlling their desires, or even transforming into human form and taking lives from afar—would be within reach.

He currently calls this skill of controlling others' minds "Bewitching Divine Skill."

After practicing, it was already dark. Ye Feng was about to get out of bed for dinner when a thought suddenly struck him: "Before, I always practiced the *Spring Rain Manual* or the *Evil Scripture Record* separately. Could I combine the two?"

The problem is, this requires multitasking; is it even possible?

Let's give it a try.

Thinking it and acting on it, Ye Feng immediately sat cross-legged back on the bed and began practicing the exercises from both the "Spring Rain Manual" and the "Record of Evil Scriptures." After a short while, he felt two different sensations rising within him.

One was the flow of energy in his physical meridians, and the other was a spiritual, intuitive feeling. This feeling was incredibly strange, like two people existing within him simultaneously, or like two different thoughts suddenly arising.

Initially, these two sensations were merely slow, trickling streams, but quickly, as time passed, they became like a raging river. It had become uncontrollable.

Ye Feng was terrified and secretly regretted it. The "Spring Rain Manual" and the "Evil Scripture Record" were two completely different cultivation methods; how could he practice them at the same time? He wanted to quit, but it was too late.

The two sensations surged through his body and mind at an extraordinary speed, growing stronger and stronger, and Ye Feng could no longer stop them.

Suddenly, a deafening roar erupted in Ye Feng's mind. He couldn't hear the sound of air flowing, or any other sound. The internal energy within his body surged through his entire body like a wild horse. At the same time, his dantian felt unbearably hot, as if it were about to explode.

"I'm doomed!" Ye Feng's mind went blank for a moment, then he was thrown into a state of confusion.

In his daze, he seemed to see a strange and dazzling world before him, breathtakingly beautiful, yet simultaneously feeling a burning heat throughout his body, restless and

uneasy. He rose and leaped out of the window, soaring through the night sky like a ghost. Ahead lay a small lake, like a fairyland. Ye Feng sensed something deeply drawing him in. He leaped forward, only to see a woman's figure leaping towards him. Her features were indistinct, but the two seemed to have been lovers for countless lifetimes, embracing each other naturally.

Then came a passionate kiss, then frantic lovemaking, as if they would continue like this until the end of time…

Ye Feng jolted awake, finding the sky already beginning to lighten. Snowflakes fell on his face, and he smelled the moist, fresh air.

"Where am I?"

Ye Feng scrambled to his feet, only to realize he was completely naked. "Wow!" He exclaimed and quickly looked around, only to find no one there; he was standing by a quiet little lake.

"What happened?"

He thought for a long time, then saw his clothes scattered on the ground not far away. He quickly picked them up and put them on, but then paused, because he saw some fallen bloodstains on the grass next to his clothes.

Ye Feng stared blankly for a while, then remembered that there might have been a problem with his practice last night. He then found himself wandering aimlessly to this small lake, seemingly having made love with a woman, but he couldn't remember what happened afterward.

"Why is this happening? And who is this woman?" Staring at the scattered red petals on the grass, Ye Feng was completely baffled.

But when he unintentionally circulated his internal energy, he was overjoyed and dumbfounded. He felt his internal energy was incredibly powerful, and a faint yellow light emanated from his body as he circulated his energy. His "Spring Rain Manual" had advanced another level, reaching the tenth level.

What was going on? Last night he thought he was about to suffer a qi deviation, but unexpectedly, his power had increased again. What was happening? Ye Feng pondered for a long time, still unable to understand what was happening or why he was like this.

Actually, Ye Feng was lucky last night. After practicing his martial arts, he felt the strange, dazzling world before him was a sign of demonic possession. Fortunately, while wandering around, he encountered a woman in the same situation. Through yin and yang union, they aided each other, and this extremely dangerous training method unexpectedly brought him good fortune, allowing his power to advance another level.

At this moment, Ye Feng's eyes held an even more eerie light, like stars in a mist, dreamlike and enigmatic, making him even more bewildering.

However, thinking about his wild adventures outside, not even knowing who it was, he was truly confused.

Looking at the white snowflakes before him, Ye Feng finally thought, "Strange things happen every year, but this year there seem to be more than usual. Since I can't figure it out, I shouldn't think about it anymore. I'll understand in time."

With that thought, he returned to the Imperial Palace.

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