A Thousand Years of Elegance Discussed in Laughter (Complete) - 1

Introduction to Factions Related to the Work -

Central Plains Region
: 1. Central Plains Martial Arts Alliance: A martial arts alliance composed of major gangs, sects, martial arts families, and outlaws from thirteen provinces in the Central Plains region. The leader is elected by all heroes and can command the martial arts world.
2. Thirteen Provinces Outlaw Alliance: Composed of 321 mountain strongholds and 80,000 outlaws from seven provinces in the south and sixty-three provinces in the north. The six strongholds of Mu Ke, Golden Lion, Flying Tiger, Heavenly Wolf, Cangyun, and Hanyang are the most powerful.
3. Shaolin Temple: The largest sect in the world, renowned for its seventy-two unique skills.
4. Tianji Sect: The largest sect in the Central Plains and the state religion of the Song Dynasty, with over 100,000 followers spread throughout the land, admired for its chivalrous deeds.
5. Beggars' Sect: The largest gang in the world, with numerous masters and disciples, historically renowned in the martial arts world.
6. Four Great Families: Influential forces in the Central Plains martial arts world, consisting of Tingyuxuan, Yaoyuelou, Fengmingge, and Shenhuotang.
7. The Five Great Sword Sects – a collective name for the Hengshan, Taishan, Huashan, Songshan, and Huangshan sects. Six or seven out of ten sword masters of the time are their disciples.
8. The Tang Clan of Sichuan – once considered one of the two great hidden weapon sects alongside the Meng Family Village of Henan, known as "Western Tang, Eastern Meng." After the Meng Family Village was tragically wiped out, it became the only surviving hidden weapon family in the martial arts world.
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II. Western Regions
1. The Asura Cult – the most evil cult in the world. Eighteen years ago, it launched a major invasion of the Central Plains martial arts world, suffering a crushing defeat and severely weakening itself. After years of recuperation, it has regained its strength and
once again seeks to conquer the Central Plains, wreaking havoc on the martial arts world. 2. Absolute Kill – a mysterious assassin organization with influence throughout the Yangtze and Yellow River basins. It once joined forces with the Asura Cult to unify the martial arts world, but was ultimately driven out of the Central Plains and forced to remain in the Northwest. However, many of its members are still hidden within various gangs and sects, making its power not to be underestimated.
3. Maitreya Sect – The state religion of Tibet, though originating from Buddhism, rarely practices compassion and has always been despised by the righteous martial arts world.
4. Tangut Society – A martial arts organization personally led by the King of Western Xia, whose number of masters should not be underestimated.
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Other Regions
1. Tianlong Sect – A martial arts faction established by the Duan family of Dali, standing alongside the Diancang Sect in the southwest, with each sect leader being the Prince of Zhennan of the current dynasty.
2. Guichou Mansion – A significant martial arts organization in Goryeo, renowned in the martial arts world for its unpredictable actions.
3. Seven Major Sects of Fusang – Famous martial arts organizations on Fusang Island, composed of seven major sects: Hokushin Itto-ryu, Hiten Mitsurugi-ryu, Tenen Rishin-ryu, Muhara Karate-ryu, Kamiya Mukei-ryu, Iga-gaya, and Oniwaban, whose strength is in no way inferior to the Central Plains martial arts alliance.

Character Introductions:

1. Ren Xiaoyao – A dashing and debonair "romantic thief" whose motto is "A man who isn't romantic in his youth is wasting his life." The mystery surrounding his origins is enough to influence the rise and fall of the entire martial arts world. His unparalleled lightness skill and incomparably fierce internal palm strikes made him famous throughout the land before he even reached adulthood, while his dashing appearance and confident smile made him the object of countless young girls' desires for a lover. "Loyal and righteous, renowned throughout the land; chivalrous and tender, moving the eight wastelands; his sword points to the heavens, piercing the world; unparalleled in the martial arts world." His life is destined to create a martial arts legend who will be remembered for generations. 2. Xuan Qingqiu – A peerless beauty, naturally beautiful, and indescribable in words. As the ninth generation saintess of the Asura Sect, she is not only noteworthy for her extraordinary martial arts skills but also for her kind, understanding, and considerate heart.
3. Ye Zhi Qiu – Upon entering the martial arts world, he immediately defeated all the heroes of the Green Forest and seized the leadership of the Green Forest Alliance in thirteen provinces. This magnificent heroic deed set the stage for his splendid life of chivalry and righteousness. Like other heroes and chivalrous figures, he was also young and impetuous, but his unwavering pursuit of love differed greatly from the dashing and romantic Ren Xiaoyao.
4. Xiong Xiaotian – A rare martial arts prodigy of his time, he mastered the Eighteen Flying Dragon Palms at fifteen and achieved mastery by twenty. In the same year, he succeeded his deceased father as the leader of the Beggars' Clan. After a hundred days, he fully grasped the essence of the Dog-Beating Staff Technique, earning him the title of the most accomplished martial artist and scholar in the Beggars' Clan's centuries-long history.
5. Xiao Xingchen – His father was once the second-best martial artist in the world, and his master was a grandmaster of martial arts. Despite losing both parents at the age of five, his exceptional talent and innate abilities made him a standout among the younger generation of martial artists in the Central Plains. At a young age, he was designated as the successor to the Taishan Sect, wielding the two treasured swords, Zidian and Qingshuang, to roam the martial world, earning him the title "Iron Sword Autumn Frost" among his peers.
6. Long Feiyun – If there was one person in the world who once made Ren Xiaoyao, a master of both literature and martial arts, feel inferior, then she must be Long Feiyun, the beloved daughter of Long Yinxiao, the leader of the Tianji Sect. With an unparalleled memory and vast knowledge, she knew every martial arts anecdote in the vast world; intelligent and skillful, her unparalleled disguise skills were so masterful that even a thousand disguised rogues couldn't find a single flaw.
7. Shinguji Mina – Daughter of Shinguji Akira, the number one martial artist in Japan and the leader of the Hokushin Itto-ryu school, she was beautiful, gentle, and charming, possessing remarkable ninjutsu skills, and was the object of admiration for countless young heroes among the seven major sects of Japan. Because her mother was from the Song Dynasty, she admired Central Plains culture from a young age and learned fluent Chinese, laying a solid foundation for her later encounter, acquaintance, and love with Ren Xiaoyao.
8. Lin Yunxiu – It's hard to imagine that the only granddaughter of the world's top martial arts master would be such a mischievous and willful girl as Lin Yunxiu. Just like the phrase "endowed with spiritual beauty" in her name, every smile and gesture of hers seems to embody the essence of heaven and earth. Besides bickering and raising small animals, she has a troublesome little quirk – she cries easily, but it is precisely this peculiar trait that holds Ren Xiaoyao's romantic heart captivated.
9. Su Hanbi – The adopted daughter of Fu Longyuan, one of the eight great martial arts masters of the Central Plains, known as the "Sword Immortal of Xiaoxiang." A beauty of unparalleled grace, she could captivate any young talent. In her childhood, she fortuitously obtained the *Qingnang Medical Classic*, left behind by the ancient physician Bian Que. From then on, she diligently studied and mastered it, making her healing and detoxification skills unparalleled in the world
. 10. Shui Furong – The vast East China Sea has nurtured countless crystal-clear pearls, but the land and water of Yanxia Island nurtured this beautiful woman, more precious than all the pearls in the world in Ren Xiaoyao's eyes. Bright and charming, with graceful bearing, although she occasionally gets jealous, her naivety and frankness remain unforgettable.
11. Nangong Fengyi – The fame of Tingyuxuan on the shores of West Lake is not due to its immense wealth and control over the economic lifeline of the Song Dynasty, nor its status as the leading family among the four great clans, but rather because for over a century, Tingyuxuan has nurtured one beautiful and accomplished young lady after another, admired by all. Exquisitely beautiful and charming, she, born into a prestigious family, has never revealed her true feelings to any man.
12. Nangong Fengzi – Unlike the gentle and virtuous Nangong Fengyi, the second young lady of Tingyuxuan possesses a touch of willfulness and rebelliousness. Innocent, lovely, and clever, she has already captivated countless young men from noble families even in her youth. While women often cry, she is an exception, for the optimistic Nangong Fengzi has no concept of sorrow.
13. Zhao Yushi – The most beloved daughter of Emperor Taizong of Song, Zhao Guangyi, she is sentimental, pure, and virtuous, and was bestowed the title of Princess Huayu. When Zhao Guangyi passed away, he bestowed upon her the Shangfang Sword, a testament to his deep affection for this woman. After Emperor Zhenzong ascended the throne, in order to establish friendly relations with the Liao Dynasty, he wanted to marry his younger sister off to a foreign tribe. Zhao Qingcui refused to comply, even at the cost of her life. With the help of General Huyan Zan, she escaped the palace and embarked on a long journey to find true love.
14 Meng Ruyan – Daughter of Meng Fei, one of the eight great masters of the Central Plains martial arts world, known as "Silver Wing Iron Palm." She is charming yet elegant, willful yet serene, and her martial arts skills are entirely inherited from her father. It is worth mentioning that the fearless Ren Xiaoyao is the only one who cannot afford to offend her senior sister, which is quite surprising.
15 Liu Qianyun – Head of the White Tiger Hall of the Tianji Sect, daughter of Liu Ningtao, Duke of Wuwei of the Great Song Dynasty. She is beautiful, gentle, and elegant, and everyone in the Tianji Sect regards her as the apple of their eye.
16. Dugu Yu – Former leader of the Central Plains Martial Arts Alliance, former head of the Hengshan Sect, and universally recognized as the number one martial arts master in the world. He began learning swordsmanship at the age of four, achieved minor mastery at twenty-five, assumed the position of sect leader at thirty, and created the Seven Absolute Swords of Hengshan at forty-six, thus becoming a grandmaster. Not only were heroes and martial arts enthusiasts revered him, but even the founding emperor of the Song Dynasty, Zhao Kuangyin, and Emperor Taizong Zhao Guangyi held him in high esteem and showed him great respect.
17. Ren Qiaocui – Father of Ren Xiaoyao, a renowned hero who roamed the martial arts world twenty years ago. Handsome and charismatic, he should have been enjoying a life of romance and adventure. However, the martial arts world was in turmoil, and loyalty and righteousness were difficult to reconcile. To uphold the righteous path of the martial arts world, he disregarded his personal safety and stood up when the Shura Sect invaded the Central Plains, sacrificing his blood and life to bring long-awaited peace to the martial arts world.
18. Mei Ruoxue – The previous Holy Maiden of the Shura Sect, possessing a beauty that could shame the moon and flowers, and captivate the nation. Extremely devoted to love, when faced with the choice of her lifelong happiness, she would rather betray her sect and run away than marry her senior brother whom she regarded as an elder brother. Only a martial arts prodigy and romantic
hero like Ren Qiaocui, who is rare in a hundred lifetimes, is qualified to capture her heart. 19. Gui Ming Shen Jun – the leader of the Shura Sect, originally a kind-hearted and ambitious handsome young man, but his mentality changed drastically when his junior sister Mei Ruoxue, whom he had been infatuated with for many years, married Ren Qiaocui, and he was no match for him. He vowed to wipe out the martial arts world and unify the Jianghu.
20. Hen Tian – the leader of the mysterious assassin organization "Juesha", whose identity and origin are unknown. Ruthless, cunning and treacherous, he is a great demon who will stop at nothing to achieve his goals.
21. Long Yin Xiao – as wise as Zhuge Liang and as brave as the world, as the adopted son of Emperor Taizu of Song, Zhao Kuangyin, he is not only a high-ranking prince in the court, but also the famous "Wind and Cloud Sword Saint" in the Jianghu. He once followed Emperor Taizu and Emperor Taizong in their campaigns, making countless contributions. After succeeding as the leader of the Tianji Sect, he was known for his ability to appoint virtuous and capable officials and his diligent governance, making him a pillar of the Song Dynasty!
22. Nangong Bubai – Master of Tingyuxuan, the greatest business genius of all time, has dominated the business world for over twenty years without a single defeat. As the leader of the four great families, he is righteous and loves talent above all else. His martial arts skills are extraordinary and unparalleled, earning him the title of "Martial Mengchang" in the martial arts world.
23. Meng Fei – Master of Ren Xiaoyao, renowned for his lightness skills and palm techniques. At the age of twenty-five, he was already among the top eight martial arts masters in the Central Plains, a true martial arts prodigy.
24. Zhuge Wenjie – The twentieth generation descendant of Zhuge Liang, a man of brilliant strategies and flawless plans. As the strategist of Tingyuxuan, he played an indispensable role in Nangong Bubai's decades-long dominance in the business world.
25 Lin Feifan – son-in-law of Dugu Yu and current head of the Hengshan Sect. In the past, he used the Meteor Thirteen Styles sword technique to roam the martial arts world and defeated more than 20 sword masters of the time. Heroes of the martial arts world called him "Meteor Swordsman".
26. Xiao Chen – Head of the Arhat Hall of Shaolin Temple, one of the eight greatest martial arts masters in the Central Plains. His martial arts are superb, his virtue highly respected, and he is proficient in thirteen Shaolin techniques, known as the "Thirteen Supreme Arhats."
27. Yi Tianhan – Known as "The Lone Warrior Against Heaven" in the martial arts world,
one of the eight greatest martial arts masters in the Central Plains. His "Heaven-Defying Palm" is unparalleled, rarely encountering an opponent. 28. Fu Longyuan – Known as "The Sword Immortal of Xiaoxiang" in the martial arts world, also one of the eight greatest martial arts masters in the Central Plains. His "Nine Dragon Control Techniques" are magnificent and incomparably fierce, truly unmatched in the world.
29. Gui Jianchou – Lord of the Guichou Mansion in Goryeo, insidious, cold-blooded, and taciturn. His unique skill, "Ghost Mansion Divine Skill," when unleashed at full power, is like being possessed by a ghost, impossible for humans or gods to resist.
30. Duan Cheng – Prince of Zhennan, Dali; a renowned figure of the Diancang School; leader of the Tianlong Gate; he integrated the Duan family's "Heavenly Sword Qi" and Diancang's "Amazing Brushwork" to create his own "Worry-Free Sword Finger," a style comparable to the Ghostly Underworld Lord.

Related character settings :

Tianji Sect
Leader: Long Yinxiao, male, 52 years old, adopted son of Emperor Taizu of Song (Zhao Kuangyin), known in the martial arts world as the "Wind and Cloud Sword Saint"
; Vice Leader: Qin Huaiyu, male, 46 years old, the leader of the Five Swords of Tianji, known in the martial arts world as the "Mysterious Heaven Swordsman";
Vice Leader: Zhang Jinghong, male, 48 years old, the second-ranked of the Five Swords of Tianji, known in the martial arts world as the "Dancing Moon." The following are the top five swordsmen in the martial arts world: Qilin
Hall Master: Long Feiyun, male, 19 years old, son of Long Yinxiao, known in the martial arts world as "Thousand-Change Qilin" ; Qinglong Hall Master: Liu Ningtao, male, 45 years old, the third of the Five Heavenly Swords, known in the martial arts world as "Surging Wave Swordsman"; Baihu Hall Master: Zhu Shunwu, male, 47 years old, the fourth of the Five Heavenly Swords, known in the martial arts world as "Wind Chaser Swordsman" ; Zhuque Hall Master: Liu Qingping, male, 43 years old, the fifth of the Five Heavenly Swords, known in the martial arts world as "Star-Picking Swordsman" ; Xuanwu Hall Master: Qin Tianyu, male, 40 years old, younger brother of Qin Huaiyu, known in the martial arts world as "Heavenly Feather Swordsman" . ~ Abbot of Shaolin Temple : Xiaoming, male, 68 years old, a highly respected monk, known in the martial arts world as "The Tathagata of Nirvana" Head of the Arhat Hall: Xiaochen, male, 65 years old, a highly respected monk, known in the martial arts world as "The Thirteen Great Arhats" Head of the Bodhidharma Hall: Xiaoxuan, male, 70 years old, a highly respected monk, known in the martial arts world as "The Arhat Who Subdues Dragons" Head of the Discipline Hall: Xiaokong, male, 60 years old, a highly respected monk, known in the martial arts world as "The Arhat Who Subdues Tigers" Head of the Prajna Hall: Xiaojing, male, 64 years old, a highly respected monk, known in the martial arts world as "The Laughing Maitreya" ~ Beggars' Sect Leader: Xiong Xiaotian, male, 25 years old, known in the martial arts world as "The Divine Beggar of the Nine Provinces"; Deputy Leader: Deng Tao, male, 53 years old, known in the martial arts world as "Single Palm Mountain Splitter" ; Transmission Elder : Wang Chongyi, male, 60 years old, known in the martial arts world as "Pointing-to-the-Sky Divine Staff"; Enforcement Elder: Ding Songqiang, male, 56 years old, known in the martial arts world as "Knife King"; Four Elders: Xu Yinghua, male, 48 years old, known in the martial arts world as "Junshan Sword Ape"; ~ Li Han, male, 52 years old, known in the martial arts world as "Drunken Eight Immortals"; ~ Zhang Jinchao, male, 45 years old, known in the martial arts world as "Lotus Saint Envoy" ; ~ Chen Peng, male, 49 years old, known in the martial arts world as "Invincible Blade". ~ The Five Great Sword Sects ~ Hengshan Sect Former Leader: Dugu Yu, male, 88 years old, the number one martial arts master in the world; Leader: Lin Feifan, male, 42 years old, son-in-law of Dugu Yu, known in the martial arts world as "Meteor Swordsman" ; Hengshan Three Swords: Dugu Hong, female, 35 years old, daughter of Dugu Yu, known in the martial arts world as "Hibiscus Fairy" ; Zhou Kai, male, 39 years old, known in the martial arts world as "Returning Wind Sword" ; Li Liangbin, male, 41 years old, known in the martial arts world as "Falling Goose Sword" ; Taishan Sect Leader: Yu Xu, male, 47 years old, known in the martial arts world as "Jade Emperor Sword Master"; Taishan Four Elders: Yu Kong, male, 50 years old, known in the martial arts world as "Sunrise Swordsman" ; Yu Ling, male, 49 years old, known in the martial arts world as "Moonrise Swordsman" ; Yu Feng, male, 46 years old, known in the martial arts world as "Pine Wave Palm". ~~~~~~ Yu Kong, male, 51 years old, known in the martial arts world as "Eagle's Sorrow Palm" Successor to the sect leader: Xiao Xingchen, male, 22 years old, known in the martial arts world as "Iron Sword Autumn Frost" ~ Huashan Sect Leader: Liu Zhenxin, male, 48 years old, known in the martial arts world as "One Sword to Kill" Grand Protector: Zhang Zhijun, male, 52 years old, known in the martial arts world as "Thunderclap Palm" ~ Songshan Sect Leader: Zheng Guanshou, male, 47 years old, known in the martial arts world as "Songyang Sword"

Deputy Sect Leader: Tu Hailiang, male, 39 years old, known in the martial arts world as "Taishi Divine Palm"
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Huangshan Sect
Leader: Huang Wu, male, 36 years old, known in the martial arts world as "Tiandu Sword"
Deputy Sect Leader: Luo Xianhong, male, 39 years old, known in the martial arts world as "Misty Pine"
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Four Great Families
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Tingyuxuan
Sect Master: Nangong Bubai, male, 42 years old, known in the martial arts world as "Wu Mengchang"
Sect Master's Wife: Murong Ruorong, female, 35 years old, known in the martial arts world as "Fire Phoenix"
Chief Strategist: Zhuge Wenjie, male, 31 years old, known in the martial arts world as "Reincarnated Zhuge Liang"
Head Steward: Nangong Wushang, male, 38 years old, known in the martial arts world as "Iron Abacus"
Chief Steward: Nangong Lin, male, 47 years old, known in the martial arts world as "Tingyu Sword"
Outer Residence Steward: Nangong Tiankuo, male, 40 years old, known in the martial arts world as "Boundless Oceans, Vast Skies"
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Inviting Moon Pavilion Sect
Leader: Murong Tianfeng, male, 45 years old, known in the martial arts world as "The Mighty One Who Shakes the Two Lakes"
Sect Leader's Wife: Situ Meifeng, female, 39 years old, known in the martial arts world as "Jade-Faced Rakshasa"
Head Steward: Murong Baijian, male, 56 years old, known in the martial arts world as "Three Moves to Kill"
Eldest Young Master: Murong Wu, male, 27 years old, known in the martial arts world as "Blood-Slaying Sword"
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Phoenix Cry Pavilion Sect
Leader: Shangguan Qingyun, male, 41 years old, known in the martial arts world as "One Sword Shakes Three Rivers"
Divine Fire Hall Sect
Leader: Situ Changkong, male, 53 years old, known in the martial arts world as "Thunderbolt King" Eldest Young Master
: Situ Shangming, male, 23 years old, known in the martial arts world as "White Dragon Flying Sword"
~ Tang Clan Leader
of Sichuan : Tang Yunhe, male, 37 years old, known in the martial arts world as the "King of Hidden Weapons" ~ Clan Leader's Wife: Yin Shuangshuang, female, 34 years old, known in the martial arts world as the "Red Sleeve Blade" ~ Four Protectors: Tang Tianying, male, 68 years old ~ Tang Li'ang, male , 49 years old ~ Tang Xiaozhong, male, 56 years old ~ Tang Wanruo, female , 39 years old ~ Six Elders: Tang Zhaohui, male, 54 years old ~ Tang Yanxiang, male, 47 years old ~ Tang Zhonglin, male, 51 years old ~ Tang Ruiqing, male, 41 years old ~ Tang Peizhuo, female, 42 years old ~ Tang Maolin, male, 38 years old ~ Three Young Masters of the Tang Clan: Tang Dingnan, male, 28 years old ~ Tang Anxi, male, 24 years old ~ Tang Zhenbei, male, 22 years old Related Works: Valentine's Day Special Episode - Who is the Richest Man in the World? Without a doubt, Nangong Bubai, the leader of Tingyuxuan Sect, was a master in every legitimate business, from jewelry and jade to firewood and salt, from land and ships to needles and thread. And what about brothels and casinos? These were the most lucrative industries. Anyone who hadn't heard of Dugu Yu was considered ignorant, and anyone who frequented brothels and casinos but didn't know Yu Xin was considered a fool. Who was Yu Xin? Aside from Nangong Bubai, he was the richest man in the entire Song Dynasty. Ten years ago, he was just a waiter carrying a teapot in a brothel (the lowest-class brothel) in Suzhou. Within two months, the brothel was his private property. A year later, Yu Xin was elected the head manager of eighteen brothels along the shores of Taihu Lake. By the end of the year, all the brothels in Suzhou were under Yu Xin's control. Within two years, he had also monopolized related industries in Yangzhou, Hangzhou, and Nanjing. At this time, his business began to involve casinos, and in just three years, wherever gambling was set up, the name "Yu" was prominently displayed. With the destruction of "Qiyun Gambling House" by fire, and Zhang Xiang, the owner of "Pianxian Pavilion," transferring the property deed, Yu Xin finally unified the brothels and casinos across the country, becoming another business legend after Nangong Bubai. ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ February 14th, Valentine's Day. This is the best time for brothels to amass wealth, however… the Huaiyue Pavilion in Suzhou, known for its "entwined and soul-stirring romance," was eerily quiet. No one knew that the five most important figures in the brothel world had gathered there today. Who were they? One of them was naturally Yu Xin. And the others? Of course, they were the four most famous courtesans in the land—"Cold and beautiful" Zhou Biyun, "Orchid in a Secluded Valley" Shu Xiaohuan, "Loving You Like a Dream" Hua Qingmeng, and "Beauty of Qin Chuan" Yan Shuining. Huaiyue Pavilion lacked the vulgarity and clamor of other brothels; its quiet elegance was like stepping into an academy. A delicate and pleasant fragrance wafted in the air, a subtle scent that easily stirred a man's imagination. "Boss, did you invite us sisters here for something important?" Yu Xin asked with a smile, remaining silent. The four women exchanged glances, each filled with suspicion, yet knowing Yu Xin's temperament, they dared not ask further. After a long pause, Yu Xin suddenly laughed, "You don't think I, Yu Xin, am being ridiculously..." "Boss, you're not making a fortune, but instead... well, it's hard not to think the wrong thing." Yu Xin chuckled, saying calmly, "Except for Bi Yun, I've managed the other women's establishments for at least six months. Have I laid a finger on any of you during that time?" "But..." Yu Xin abruptly interrupted, "I invited you here tonight to witness a high-stakes gamble—no, to be precise, to participate in one." The four women simultaneously showed surprise. "Who is the boss betting with?" "You really want to know?" "Yes." "I can tell you, but from the moment I open my mouth until the end of the betting, you are not allowed to utter a single word." "A young hero, his name resounds throughout the nine cities, he wields his sword across the four seas, his romantic exploits are known throughout the world." "Hahaha, Lao Yu, I haven't even arrived yet and you're already flattering me." Ren Xiaoyao, dressed in white, leaped in through the window, laughing heartily. The four women gasped in unison, but quickly covered their mouths because they had promised Yu Xin, their beautiful eyes, brimming with autumn water, simultaneously revealing a look of wild joy. "I really don't understand, why do you insist on winning back their contracts of sale from me?" "Today is Valentine's Day, and they all happened to have had fleeting encounters with me, so it's only right that I give them some gifts." "You should know that I, Yu Xin, am easygoing. If they want to leave, I will not stop them." "I know." "You should also know that with their individual savings, they are enough to redeem themselves." "I know that too."

"You should also know that even if those four gain their freedom, they won't stay with you for the rest of your life."
"Yes, they are all understanding girls. They know that if they get entangled with me, it will affect my reputation in the martial world. Even if I had such thoughts, they wouldn't agree." "
Then why did you still bet with me?"
"Because it's my sentiment. Even if they remain under your command after gaining their freedom, I can say with a clear conscience that 'Ren Xiaoyao loved, possessed, and gave deeply.'"
"If you lose, will you really serve me faithfully?" "
Xiaoyao's word is his bond."
"Alright, what do we bet on?" "
Whatever you want." "
How about dice?"
"How do we bet?
" "Whatever you want."
"Okay, the lower number wins."
"Alright."
"What if we have the same number?"
"You win, Boss Yu!"
Yu Xin, expressionless, took out six dice and handed them to Ren Xiaoyao.
"You go first," Ren Xiaoyao said calmly.
"Okay!" Yu Xin smiled confidently, and a crisp sound of dice ringing out immediately echoed through the hall. "
Bang!" The dice cup slammed onto the table, and the four women stared intently at his strong, powerful hand.
The lid was suddenly lifted, revealing six deadly dice—the four women gasped in unison again.
All six dice had the reddest point, like six drops of blood adorning the table.
"You flatter me, sir." Six dice, only six points—no less—and Yu Xin couldn't help but laugh heartily.
"It's you, Boss Yu, who's being accommodating." "Ren Xiaoyao had barely finished speaking when a silver coin flew out.
The four women looked at each other in astonishment, and Yu Xin was also puzzled by his intentions.
At that moment, the second silver coin in Ren Xiaoyao's hand also flew out, instantly catching up with the first one and smashing it to pieces with a soft 'bang.'
The third silver coin was even faster, smashing the second one to pieces with a clang.
The fourth shattered the third, the fifth shattered the fourth...
The fifth silver coin continued its momentum, hitting the wall and bouncing back, just in time to collide with the sixth one, both shattering in mid-air.
Yu Xin's body trembled violently, his face ashen.
"If Boss Yu doesn't mind, I can borrow Huaiyue Pavilion for the night," Ren Xiaoyao said with a meaningful smile.
"Apart from Nangong Bubai, you are the second person in the world who has won my heart's admiration." After saying this, Yu Xin turned away sadly, casting his gaze into the vast and boundless night sky, and walked away without looking back.
"Be as carefree as you are when you should be, and be as romantic as you can be when you should be." Ren Xiaoyao swept his arms around the four women, embracing them one by one and showering them with affection.
Under the dim light, soft moans echoed through Huaiyue Pavilion, while the moon shyly hid behind the clouds…

Volume One: Young Heroes Emerge from the Cottage ( Prologue) The martial

world is ever-changing.
Every few decades, a catastrophe shakes the martial arts world.
Since ancient times, evil has never triumphed over good, and the martial world is no exception. Yet, the wicked and the wicked remain ambitious and restless.
New talents emerge in every generation, replacing the old.
The highly skilled predecessors inevitably pass away, and the burden of eliminating evil and upholding justice always falls on the shoulders of the younger generation.
Inheriting their fathers' professions and fulfilling their teachers' responsibilities, renowned sects and powerful families are born.
Shaolin, the Beggars' Sect, and the Tianji Sect are the three pillars of the martial arts world today.
Shaolin Temple is the birthplace of Central Plains martial arts, founded by Bodhidharma during the Northern Wei Dynasty…
The Beggars' Sect , now in its forty-sixth generation, boasts seventy-two unique skills that are known to all in the martial arts world . While its history isn't as long, it still has over a century of established influence, with members
spread throughout the four regions of the Song Dynasty. It is renowned in the martial arts world for its chivalrous deeds and Robin Hood-like spirit. The Tianji Sect, though not as ancient, has always been a cradle of talent and heroes. Its founder, Zhao Kuangyin, led his followers in campaigns across the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, establishing the Song Dynasty. Thus, the Tianji Sect became the state religion of the Song Dynasty, demonstrating its immense power and vast territory.
In addition, there are four major families: Tingyuxuan, Fengmingge, Yaoyuelou, and Shenhuotang; five major sword sects: Hengshan, Taishan, Huashan, Songshan, and Huangshan; the Tang Clan of Sichuan; and the Green Forest Alliance spanning thirteen provinces. Together, they constitute a unique righteous force in the early Northern Song Dynasty.
※ ※ ※ ※ ※
In the dead of winter, the coldest days of the year
, atop the towering Tianshan Mountains, howling winds raged, snow fell in abundance, and a suffocating chill permeated the air.
Beside a bottomless abyss stood a beautiful young woman, clad in a fur coat and cradling an infant.
Despite the fierce winds and heavy snow, her ethereal beauty and unparalleled elegance remained undiminished.
"Mei Ruoxue, you've reached a dead end. Surrender now!" With a thunderous shout, four men suddenly sprang forth, approaching her step by step.
The leader, a tall, imposing old man with a rugged appearance, possessed a commanding and awe-inspiring physique. His deep-set eyes and high, bony forehead inspired fear. Even more bizarrely, his right arm was severed at the shoulder, the empty sleeve swaying wildly, a truly horrifying sight.
Following behind was a middle-aged old man in a blue robe, with broad shoulders, dark skin, and a fierce, ugly face. His temples bulged high, clearly indicating considerable martial arts skill.
"My uncles are too kind to Ruoxue," the young woman said, turning her head with a smile that instantly captivated her, adding boundless beauty to the desolate mountaintop atmosphere.
"Hmph, at least you know how to call us uncles." The speaker was around forty years old, tall and stocky, with a thin face, piercing eyes atop a lion-like nose, high cheekbones, and a protruding chin, giving him an air of shrewdness and cunning. "
When Ruoxue was young, she was greatly grateful for the care and attention of her master and the four venerable envoys; such kindness will never be forgotten," the young woman said with a slight bow.
"Enough nonsense, are you surrendering or not?" roared the burly man with a thick beard at the end. Though of medium build, he was broad-shouldered and had a steady gait, suggesting he was a master of hard martial arts.
"What, even the four venerable envoys of the Asura Sect, who are renowned throughout the world, have moments of impatience?" the young woman said, smoothing her disheveled hair and slightly furrowing her brows.
"Hmph, we brothers have endured thousands of miles from Hangzhou to Tianshan; do you think we'd be in such a hurry?" "The long-bearded old man sneered.
"As expected of the Wind and Thunder Envoy, the head of the Four Envoys, you are indeed calm and collected, unlike the Frost and Snow Envoy, who is as impatient as a monkey." The young woman shrugged her fragrant shoulders and said calmly.
"Anyway, you can't escape, so waiting a little longer won't hurt." The old man in the green robe laughed.
"Does the Cloud and Rain Envoy really think so?" The young woman straightened her body, her bright eyes shining, showing a confident and calm expression, and said in a calm tone.
"Isn't that so?"
"Hahaha, Mist and Dew Envoy, you are too arrogant." As the young woman spoke, she drew the sword from her waist.
The sword was red, like black iron but not black iron, like fire jade but not fire jade. Even on the cold and bone-chilling peak of Tianshan Mountain, as soon as it was drawn, people could still feel an extremely hot yang sword aura.
"Mei Ruoxue!" The Wind and Thunder Envoy was shocked and shouted, "Don't think that just because you have the Flame Soul Crimson Flame Sword in your hand, we brothers are afraid."
"Heh, even if my niece's Phoenix Dance Sword Technique is powerful, how can it break through the Wind, Flower, Moon Dance Formation of my four uncles?" Mei Ruoxue's tone turned cold as she slowly spoke.
"Then you should lay down your weapons and surrender." Yunyu Envoy said loudly.
"Yes, we can put in a good word for you with the sect leader when we get back." Shuangxue Envoy said solemnly.
"Senior brother... no, Ghost Netherworld God Lord has a blood feud with me for killing my husband. You want me to subdue him? Dream on!" Mei Ruoxue pointed her halberd and shouted angrily, as if trapped in a memory that broke her soul.
Upon hearing this, the four Asura Envoys drew their weapons in unison, indicating that a fierce battle was inevitable.
Mei Ruoxue's phoenix eyes turned cold as she stared at the four Asura Envoys and said coldly, "I am still the Holy Maiden of the sect. Who among you dares to make a move?"
"This..." Shuangxue Envoy was stunned at first, then speechless.
"The Holy Maiden is the protector of the Asura Sect's honor, disgrace, rise, and fall. Her status is incomparably high, comparable to the Sect Leader. All followers must prostrate themselves before her and perform the grand ceremony of paying homage to the Holy Maiden. You four, as guardians of the sect, do not consider following the sect's rules and setting an example for your subordinates. Instead, you have repeatedly pressured me, showing disrespect to your superiors. What is your intention?" Mei Ruoxue's tone was slow, but her words were extremely sharp.
"You have already betrayed the sect and left. How can you still be considered a Holy Maiden?" Yunyu Shi gasped upon hearing this, and Wu Ziqiang retorted.
"Hmph! To remove the title of Holy Maiden, the Sect Leader, Deputy Sect Leader, Left and Right Protectors, and the Four Venerable Envoys must all be present and personally recount their transgressions before the Holy Maiden. When has the Ghostly Underworld God ever done such a thing?" Mei Ruoxue flicked her sleeve, composed her jade-like face, and said unhurriedly.
The four Asura Envoys immediately exchanged bewildered glances. They knew that the Ghostly Lord was deeply in love with his junior sister and always held onto the hope that one day she would "return to the right path" and return to the sect. Not to mention stripping her of her position as a Holy Maiden, he would severely punish anyone who dared to utter even the slightest disrespectful word about her.
"As the Holy Maiden of our sect, you should set an example and assist the sect leader in completing the great task of unifying the martial arts world. But not only do you not contribute to the great cause of the sect, you betray your own people and help outsiders, causing us to fail at the last moment." After a long while, Frost and Snow Envoy finally argued, "Mei Ruoxue, do you think you are still qualified to be the Holy Maiden of the Asura Sect?" "
Qualified?" Mei Ruoxue stepped forward and retorted, "The Asura Sect has been established for more than three hundred years and has never interfered in the affairs of the Central Plains martial arts world. When our master was dying, he also instructed you to live in peace with the major sects and gangs of the Central Plains martial arts world, such as Shaolin, Beggars' Sect, and Tianji Sect. Who would have thought that Ghost Netherworld Lord would act recklessly for his own selfish desires, wantonly provoking conflicts in the martial arts world and needlessly losing the lives of tens of thousands of brothers in the sect? Do you think he is not qualified to be the sect leader, or am I not qualified to be the Holy Maiden!"
"If it weren't for... if it weren't for you, would the leader have joined forces with the Absolute Kill to invade the Central Plains Martial Arts Alliance?" Feng Lei Shi hesitated slightly before refuting in a deep voice.
"For me? Hmph, when I left the main altar five years ago, I made it very clear to Gui Ming Shen Jun that there was only brotherly love between us, not romantic love." Mei Ruoxue said indignantly, "But what about him? It's one thing for him to pester me, but he also overestimated himself and went to cause trouble for Qiao Cui."
"The leader has been infatuated with you for ten years, but this dog Qiao Cui stole his love. Who in the Holy Sect can stand by and watch?" Yun Yu Shi roared.
"Don't you dare insult my husband!" Mei Ruoxue's almond-shaped eyes widened as she scolded him coquettishly.
"What I said is all true. Back then, the leader suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of Ren Qiaocui at Daming Lake. Only then did he return to the main altar to cultivate the 'Blood Curse of No Return,' attempting to take you back by force. However, he inadvertently fell into the demonic path, causing his mind to change drastically," Feng Lei Shi said with heartache. "Even so, he was still willing to give up unifying the martial world for you." "
Hmph, that night, Qiaocui and I stormed into the camp side by side, persuading Gui Ming Shen Jun to stop the war. But what did he do? Not only did he demand that the Central Plains Martial Arts Alliance forgive past grievances and guarantee the safe withdrawal of the Asura Sect from the Song Dynasty, he even threatened me to abort... abort the child in my womb, accompany him back to the main altar, and sever all ties with Qiaocui from then on," Mei Ruoxue said softly, recalling, "Do you think Qiaocui would agree to such conditions?"
"So Ren Qiaocui once again used the Lingxiao Sword Technique, causing the sect leader to suffer another defeat filled with resentment and utter despair," Shuangxue said with lingering fear. "Fortunately, Hentian appeared in time, leading the 'Absolute Kill' alliance with the Holy Sect; otherwise, the consequences would have been unimaginable." "
But the Central Plains Martial Arts Alliance is ungrateful, holding some kind of Junshan Conference and selecting so-called eight masters in a desperate attempt to fight back," Wulu said coldly. "And what was the result? In the Battle of Jiuxi, they were slaughtered, their bodies strewn across the field, and they fled in a sorry state."
"At that time, Emperor Taizong of Song, Zhao Guangyi, was leading his army on a northern expedition. Long Yinxiao, the leader of the Tianji Sect, as the Grand Marshal of the Northern Expedition, personally led the elite troops of the five halls of the sect on the expedition. Xiong Xiaotian, the leader of the Beggar Clan, ranked third among the eight great masters, was unable to lead his troops to the expedition in time due to the death of his beloved wife. The Central Plains Martial Alliance lost these two powerful reinforcements, and its strength was greatly weakened. How could it withstand your fierce attack?" Mei Ruoxue's beautiful eyes, which were as misty as smoke
, shone brightly. She glanced at him and said, "It is thanks to Qiaocui and me that we arrived later and defeated Guiming Shenjun and Hentian with our combined swords. Otherwise, how could we have delayed for half a month until all the heroes from all directions arrived?" As she spoke, Mei Ruoxue's eyes suddenly became red and swollen, and she choked up, "Who would have thought that not long after, you... you actually used a trick to lure Qiaocui to the top of Wuyun Mountain, where you gathered the strength of a group of masters and attacked him, causing him to jump off a cliff and commit suicide, dying with resentment."
"Who can defeat him without his unparalleled martial arts skills?" Yunyu Shi said solemnly.
"That night, Ren Qiaocui fought ten against one, still fighting to the death." He let out a sigh of relief, as if falling into a deep abyss of memories, and murmured, "He... he is not human. His last move not only reached the highest realm of 'no self, no sword,' but also severed one of my arms, and even... even severely injured the sect leader." "
The sect leader thought that his greatest threat had been eliminated, and seven days later he couldn't wait to launch the second war between good and evil. The Holy Sect, the Absolute Kill, and the Central Plains Martial Arts Alliance engaged in a brutal and inhuman battle at the foot of Five Clouds Mountain."
"You didn't expect that, although we've lost our strength and weary, the eight top masters of the Central Plains Martial Arts Alliance—Dugu Yu, the leader of the Hengshan Sect; Xiao Yusun, the leader of the Taishan Sect; Xiong Lei, the leader of the Beggars' Sect; Xiao Chen, the head of the Arhat Hall of Shaolin Temple; Yi Tianhan, the 'Lone Warrior Against Heaven'; Fu Longyuan, the 'Sword Immortal of Xiaoxiang'; Meng Fei, the 'Silver Wing Iron Palm'; and Lin Feifan, the 'Meteor Swordsman'—each fought bravely and single-handedly." Mei Ruoxue turned her beautiful face away, gazing into the distance, and said with delight, "The Ghostly Lord, still recovering from his serious injuries, was terrified by Dugu Yu's Seven Absolute Swords of Hengshan and fled in panic."
"With the leader gone, the Holy Sect suffered a crushing defeat, and the dream of unifying the martial arts world vanished like a bubble." Frost and Snow Envoy said sadly.
"After the disastrous defeat, our century-old foundation in the Western Regions and Northern Frontier was almost destroyed, and the Absolute Killing Technique, founded by Hentian, nearly disappeared." Cloud and Rain Envoy said bitterly.
"Even as the victors, how much better off can the Central Plains Martial Arts Alliance be?" Mei Ruoxue sighed softly, her voice tinged with sorrow. "The Beggars' Sect lost five or six disciples from its four major branches, the White Tiger and Vermilion Bird Halls of the Heavenly Extreme Sect were nearly wiped out, the leaders of the Songshan, Huashan, and Huangshan sects fought to the death, and the three sect leaders of the Inviting Moon Pavilion, Phoenix Cry Pavilion, and Divine Fire Hall also sacrificed themselves heroically."
"This is all Ren Qiaocui's fault," Yunyu Shi said fiercely, her eyes flashing with malice. "If it weren't for him, how could the sect leader have been so seriously injured? How could he have been defeated by Dugu Yujian in just seven moves? How could the many masters of the Holy Sect and the Absolute Kill have been thrown into disarray, leading to an irreversible defeat?"
"So you've placed all your grudges on me and Xiaoyao, chasing us from Hangzhou, through Kaifeng, across Luoyang, across Chang'an, all the way here." Mei Ruoxue glanced lovingly at the swaddled baby in her arms and said coldly.
"No, the leader only wants to get rid of that bastard child of Ren Qiaocui and let you return to his side," the Wind and Thunder Envoy said solemnly.
"Dream on!" Mei Ruoxue sneered.
"You have no choice but to obediently return with us," the Frost and Snow Envoy shouted.
"Hahaha—" Mei Ruoxue laughed loudly, slowly retreating. Against the backdrop of the swirling snowflakes, she appeared even more radiant and incomparably beautiful. Her tearful eyes and sorrowful gaze were breathtakingly beautiful. She parted her lips slightly and slowly said, word by word, "The Four Envoys of Asura, haven't you noticed that someone is missing from my side?"
"Is that your haggard second brother, Meng Fei? He's been by your side ever since you started your escape," the Wind and Thunder Envoy sneered. "Could he be lying in ambush somewhere, preparing to launch a sneak attack?" "
If you wanted to fight your four uncles head-on, why wait until now?" Mei Ruoxue said calmly.
"What exactly do you mean?" the Cloud and Rain Envoy asked, bewildered.
Mei Ruoxue's eyes sparkled, revealing an extremely charming smile. She shrugged slightly and said, "To tell you the truth, Xiao Fei has already taken Xiaoyao and gone down the mountain tonight." As she spoke, she casually tossed aside the swaddling clothes in her arms, revealing layers of tattered cloth inside.
"You...you've been lying to us all along, stalling for time," the Wind and Thunder Envoy exclaimed, suddenly realizing.
"That's right, otherwise why would I be rambling on like this?" Mei Ruoxue's beautiful eyes sparkled, and she smiled faintly, "With Xiao Fei's unparalleled lightness skill, he's probably already at the mountain pass. Even if you've arranged for people there, you can't possibly stop the renowned 'Silver Wing Iron Palm.' Once he breaks through the encirclement, who can catch him?" As she spoke, she walked step by step towards the cliff.
"What are you doing?" the Mist Envoy exclaimed.
"Ever since you dogs killed Qiao Cui, I've long planned to meet him in the netherworld. If it weren't for Xiao Yao, why would I have lingered on until today?" Mei Ruoxue sheathed her sword and said coldly.
"You...you really want to die." The Cloud and Rain Envoy was terrified but dared not approach. If the Ghostly Lord knew that Mei Ruoxue had jumped off a cliff to her death in front of the four of them, he would be cursed to death when he returned.
"So beautiful...so beautiful scenery, but...it's a pity I can never see it again." Mei Ruoxue didn't answer, but turned her delicate body away, gazing at the magnificent Tianshan Mountains with their rolling hills and swirling snowflakes, and murmured, "One day, Xiaoyao will return, one day he will avenge our parents, you just wait!" With that, she gripped the Flame Soul Crimson Sword tightly in her hand and leaped off the bottomless abyss.
"Stop her!" the four Asura envoys cried out, rushing forward, but it was too late. Only the howling wind and the echoing words, "You just wait—you just wait—," reverberated in their ears.

Volume One: A Young Hero Emerges from the Helm, Chapter One: A Graceful Beauty.

Time flies, years pass like flowing water.
Eighteen years of peace and tranquility vanished in an instant, like a rushing river.
Although the Asura Sect was severely weakened, no longer what it once was, and had disappeared amidst internal and external troubles, the martial arts world of the Central Plains remained turbulent and ever-changing.
First, the grandmaster Dugu Yu resigned from the Central Plains martial arts alliance ... He assumed the position of leader of the alliance and passed the leadership of the Hengshan Sect to his son-in-law, "Meteor Swordsman" Lin Feifan, before retiring from the martial world. Following him, "Defying Heaven's Lone Ranger" Yi Tianhan and "Xiaoxiang Sword Immortal" Fu Longyuan went overseas, no longer concerning themselves with the affairs of the martial world. Not long after, Xiao Yusun, the leader of the Taishan Sect, "Eastern Peak Divine Sword," was attacked and killed in Yongzhou, Hunan. A few years later, Xiong Lei, the leader of the Beggars' Sect, "Righteous and Loyal," died mysteriously at the Junshan headquarters. Adding to this, Meng Fei, "Silver Wing Iron Palm," disappeared after the battle of Wuyun Mountain. The once-powerful and renowned martial arts world of the Central Plains was shattered. Of the original eight masters, only Xiao Chen, the head of the Arhat Hall of Shaolin Temple, and Lin Feifan, the head of the Hengshan Sect, remain.
New talents emerge in every generation, replacing the old. With the passing or retirement of several martial arts elders, a new generation of rising stars has gradually taken their place, becoming the new pillars of the martial arts world.
Tang Jue, the head of the Tang Clan, is a 37-year-old man. Sixteen years ago, he personally led his disciples to quell the rebellion of the Jue Sha Clan's twenty-four branch sects, gaining widespread renown. Later, he swiftly suppressed the rebellion of the four guardians of his clan, successfully assuming the position of head. He is known for his humility and kindness, yet also for his resolute decisiveness and strict discipline. He was self-disciplined and personally involved in every matter. With the assistance of his beloved wife, Yin Shuangshuang, he managed to govern the vast Tang Clan of Sichuan with remarkable efficiency and a completely new look in just over a decade.
Nangong Bubai, the sect leader of Tingyuxuan, was a 42-year-old man who naturally inherited the family business after his father, Nangong Feichen, died in battle at Wuyun Mountain. He was known for his respect for talent and cherished ability. He personally established the "Hall of Heroes" to recruit heroes from all walks of life. Regardless of their background, anyone with a skill was treated as an honored guest. Coupled with his profound swordsmanship and formidable martial arts skills, he was known in the martial arts world as "Martial Mengchang."
Dugu Hong, nicknamed "Hibiscus Fairy," is a 35-year-old woman and the leader of the Three Swords of Hengshan. Her martial arts skills are a direct inheritance from her father, Dugu Yu. Nine years ago, while her husband, Lin Feifan, was traveling, the Western Xia Tanguts seized the opportunity to send experts to provoke them. Dugu Hong single-handedly confronted them, killing three and wounding seven, before returning defeated. Her name, "Hibiscus Fairy," became widely known.
※ ※ ※ ※ ※
July 8th, Yangzhou.
Vermilion buildings lined the streets, painted beams and carved pillars, carriages and horses thronged the streets, and outside the city's largest brothel, "Pianxian Pavilion," a bustling scene of revelry continued day and night. From within the brothel, the alluring, seductive singing of women could be heard, amplified by the surrounding music, highlighting the decade-old prosperity of this most famous brothel.
Located on the south bank of the Grand Canal, the "Pianxian Pavilion" is a magnificent five-story building constructed entirely of thick nanmu wood. Compared to the understated elegance and refined beauty of other southern architecture, its grand scale and opulent luxury set it apart.
Who would have thought that three years ago, this was merely an ordinary brothel? But since the arrival of the stunningly beautiful and aloof "cold and beautiful woman" Zhou Biyun, it instantly became a haven for officials, merchants, and renowned scholars.
However, she was arrogant and haughty, and although she had many patrons, only the young and cultured were allowed entry. Those who were bloated, vulgar, and easily swayed, even with generous gifts, were politely refused. This further enhanced the "cold and beautiful woman's" fame, and scholars throughout the city considered it an honor to sit and converse with her.
"A down-on-his-luck wanderer, carrying wine, a slender waist held lightly in her hand. Ten years of Yangzhou dreams, winning only a reputation for heartless dalliance in the brothel." Amidst the soft murmur of voices, a refined young man with a dart pouch at his waist walked slowly in. He was none other than Tang Dingnan, the leader of the Tang Clan's Three Young Masters, a renowned young swordsman in the martial world, nicknamed "Nine Palaces Flying Star."
"Young Master—" Before he even stepped into the "Fluttering Pavilion," two elegantly dressed maids greeted him. Tang Dingnan smiled slightly, ignoring them, and walked into the main hall.
The interior was furnished entirely with mahogany furniture, and the moment he entered, the air was filled with the refreshing fragrance of wood. From beams and pillars to windows, doorways, and steps, everything was adorned with various carving techniques such as relief, round carving, openwork, and yin-yang carving, creating a lofty and elegant atmosphere. Even with his distinguished family background and extensive knowledge, he couldn't help but marvel at the beauty.
Tang Dingnan gave his name, and immediately a special attendant led him to the top floor. The top floor had only two wing rooms, north and south, which were also the most prestigious rooms in the Fluttering Pavilion. Ordinary people couldn't even dream of setting foot in them; only… Only the most powerful and influential people in Yangzhou could enter, with the north wing boasting the best views.
Tang Dingnan pushed open the door and entered the north wing with a smile. Four slender and beautiful young women immediately removed his outer robe. Stepping onto the thick Persian cashmere carpet, the entire room felt warm and cozy, exceptionally quiet. The interior was cleverly laid out, with elegant and tidy furnishings. On each wall hung a couplet: the first read, "Ten thousand miles to the south, soaring high like a roc, how can one bear the worries of a life spent in hardship, a fleeting dream?" The second read, "Several years in the north, Yan Zhi lamented his decline, yet won the friendship of heroes, the peach blossoms' beauty enduring through the ages." Across the river, a wooden window opened, offering a panoramic view of the magnificent Grand Canal from the entrance.
"Oh dear, Young Master Tang, please come in, please come in." The three people sitting around the table inside stood up and greeted him with great enthusiasm.
Tang Dingnan, arrogant and unceremoniously, took the seat of honor and looked at the smiling, plump middle-aged man, Jia, beside him, getting straight to the point: "Boss Zhang, what brings you here tonight, Dingnan?" The plump middle-aged man, Jia, whose real name was Zhang Xiang, was the big boss of Pianxian Pavilion, a business that ran casinos and brothels, and was known as the richest man in Yangzhou.
"Young master, why the rush? Enjoy yourself first." Zhang Xiang said, lightly clapping his hands, and four more young women dressed in white gauze gracefully stepped out. They were all stunning beauties, each with their own unique charm and allure; any normal man would be captivated.
Zhang Xiang introduced them one by one with a smile.
Jingwen and Cai'er nestled down beside Tang Dingnan, their rich perfumes instantly filling the room.
"Young Master is a distinguished guest of Boss Zhang; you two must treat him well," a middle-aged man, his arm around Yifei's delicate body, laughed loudly.
Before he could finish speaking, Jingwen and Cai'er rushed into Tang Dingnan's arms. Tang Dingnan unabashedly embraced their slender waists, pressing his arms against their high, full, heaving breasts.
"Young Master is so naughty," the two women said, their pretty faces flushed with alluring desire. Tang Dingnan was moved and lowered his head to kiss each of their luscious lips.
"Hahaha, I didn't realize that despite his young age, Young Master is such a master at playing the field," a scholar in a blue robe sitting to the left said with a fawning smile.
"Lord Wei, what are you saying? How could Dingnan, a mere warrior, possibly deserve such treatment?" Tang Dingnan smiled slightly and said calmly. The atmosphere tonight was subtly unusual. Zhang Xiang had only invited him here to discuss matters, but the presence of Wei Kai, the Salt Commissioner of Yangzhou, and Zhu Yongjie, the leader of the Salt Gang, was rather strange.
Cai'er delicately peeled a lychee, held it in her mouth, and offered it to him with a graceful gesture—a seductive allure that would be irresistible to any man.
Tang Dingnan, anticipating that Zhang Xiang and the others needed something from him, didn't hesitate. Taking advantage of Cai'er's smooth tongue pushing the lychee to her lips, he immediately leaned forward and intertwined with her. Hearing their passionate kiss, Jingwen seemed somewhat moved as well. Her slender hand gently pulled open Tang Dingnan's shirt, her tongue playfully licking his firm, strong chest.
Beside Zhu Yongjie, Yifei and Yan'er in Wei Kai's arms also became excited. Amidst waves of alluring moans, they removed the thin, gossamer-like veil covering their bodies, revealing their smooth, alabaster-like skin that shone brightly under their breasts.
Zhang Xiang gave a signal, and Jingwen immediately removed her bra, revealing her completely naked, snow-white body. Her two bright red nipples rubbed against Tang Dingnan's back without any obstruction.
"Come, let me toast you, young master," Zhang Xiang said with a smile, raising his golden goblet at the opportune moment.
The wine was mellow and had an unforgettable aftertaste, at least a thirty-year-old vintage of Daughter's Red wine. But Tang Dingnan had no interest in tasting the wine. His right hand, which had just put down the goblet, immediately returned to Cai'er's firm breasts.
After all, he was one of the best among the younger generation of the Tang Clan in Sichuan. On the surface, he seemed to be intoxicated by the beauty of the women, but secretly he was observing the expressions of Wei Kai and Zhu Yongjie. Although their hands were roaming over the two women's bodies, their eyes were unusually calm and rational.
Tang Dingnan's heart skipped a beat. He immediately guessed that Zhang Xiang had invited him here under the guise of a welcome dinner to seize on his brothel indulgences, and then...
Thinking of this, he quickly pushed away Cai'er and Jingwen, and said in a deep voice, "Gentlemen, please speak frankly, don't beat around the bush."
Zhang Xiang, Wei Kai, and Zhu Yongjie exchanged glances. Who would have thought that Tang Dingnan, who was about to be intimate with the two women, would suddenly become a different person? Not only was he unusually clear-headed, but his eyes were also piercing, and he seemed to have seen through their scheme.
"All of you, leave," Zhang Xiang ordered, his expression slightly changing.
Cai'er, Jingwen, Yifei, and Yan'er immediately and gracefully left the room, sweeping away the lewd atmosphere.
"To be honest, Young Master Tang, Chief Zhu... Chief Zhu has a shipment of goods that has been seized in eastern Sichuan. He would like to ask you for help, so..." Wei Kai raised his wine glass and said respectfully. Since his scheme had failed, he had no choice but to plead humbly.
"Goods? It's smuggled salt, isn't it?" Tang Dingnan glanced at Zhu Yongjie sitting on his right and smiled knowingly.
"But...but no, last month..." Zhu Yongjie was about to explain when Tang Dingnan abruptly interrupted, "The Tang Clan has strict rules, and my father is in charge of the Punishment Hall. Such illegal activities are out of the question."
"Young Master Tang, please...please...give this old man some face," Zhang Xiang said with a fawning smile. "How about I send Cai'er and Jingwen to..."
"Hmph, do you think I, Tang Dingnan, covet the beauty of four stunning women?" Tang Dingnan sneered.
"No, no, no...I didn't mean that..." Zhang Xiang hurriedly shook his head. Tang Dingnan's father, Tang Tianying, was the chief elder of the Tang Clan; offending him would have unimaginable consequences.
"Young Master, please...please just say what you need. This batch of salt can't be lost," Zhu Yongjie pleaded tearfully.
"Alas, knowing this, why did you do it in the first place?" Tang Dingnan shook his head, his eyes suddenly brightening. He recited, seemingly intentionally, yet unintentionally: "Swallows lead the way, orioles beckon, willows line the path, Zhangtai leads directly to West Lake; if spring flowers and autumn moon were to visit, my home is in Xiling, my surname is Su." These were lines from a poem by Su Xiaoxiao, a famous courtesan of the Southern Qi dynasty, expressing her feelings. Zhou Biyun often quoted them, meaning someone hoped
to knock on her door to relieve her loneliness. "Biyun is indeed beautiful, but it's not easy to pluck her," Zhang Xiang, observing Tang Dingnan's expression, knew exactly what he was thinking and spoke before he could finish.
"Even if we cannot pluck her, sitting facing such a beautiful flower, our hearts intertwined, is that not a joy in life?" Tang Dingnan said with a longing expression.
"Alright, I'll make arrangements for you immediately, Young Master." Zhang Xiang smiled slightly and said slowly, "But there's a rule for receiving guests, except... oh, I mean, I'm afraid Lord Wei and Chief Zhu..."
"Let them go back, I'll figure out a way to get the goods." Tang Dingnan waved his hand impatiently and said loudly.

Volume 1: Young Heroes Emerge from the Cottage Chapter 2: The Carefree Thief

Elegant and charming, pure and refined, when the "cold and beautiful" Zhou Biyun arrived in person, Tang Dingnan's eyes lit up. This renowned beauty from Jiangnan was only seventeen or eighteen years old. She wore a light green collared shawl, a cream-colored tight-sleeved top, and a long skirt composed of many pleats, each pleat a different color, lightly painted, simple and elegant, exuding an indescribable lightness, grace, and charm. Her soft, black hair, like a clear stream or a cascading waterfall, flowed freely over her fragrant shoulders and back, perfectly showcasing her slender, beautiful, and graceful figure. She seemed like a fairy descended from the clouds, captivating all who beheld her.
Zhou Biyun's expression was neither cold nor enthusiastic, an air of someone who would leave after a few polite words. Faced with her immense popularity and the adoration of thousands, even Tang Dingnan, with his status and position, dared not utter a single word of complaint.
"Biyun toasts you, young master." Zhou Biyun's fragrant lips parted slightly as she raised her cup with a sweet smile. Tang Dingnan, flattered, hurriedly returned the toast, instantly filling the north wing with a warm glow.
"I've heard that you, young master Tang, are a hero in your youth, skilled in both literature and martial arts
. May I ask where you learned your skills?" Zhou Biyun asked sweetly, biting her lip slightly. "To tell you the truth... I'm ashamed to say, my martial arts were taught by my father. In my youth, I also studied calligraphy for a few years under the great scholar Zhao Wenwei from Sichuan." Tang Dingnan was captivated by her mesmerizing gaze and remained speechless for a long while before finally answering.
"Is it that renowned master of classical Chinese studies, known for his 'thorough knowledge of the classics'?" Zhou Biyun's beautiful eyes gleamed with a strange light as she asked softly.
"Indeed," Tang Tianying replied truthfully.
“No wonder I felt a sense of scholarly refinement from you the moment I saw you, sir.” Zhou Biyun’s eyes sparkled, her breath sweet as orchids. Every expression and movement she made was charming and alluring, captivating and alluring.
“You flatter me, Miss Biyun,” Tang Tianying said with a bright smile.
“By the way, why did you grace Yangzhou with your presence instead of enjoying the blessings of Sichuan?” Zhou Biyun asked playfully.
“Young masters from noble families must venture out to gain experience. Jiangnan is a land of outstanding people and abundant resources; I have long yearned to visit it for a long time,” Tang Dingnan murmured, turning his head to gaze intently at the beautiful scenery outside the window. “A life
of wandering the martial world, of swift justice and vengeance—such a life is the envy of many,” Zhou Biyun sighed, her face filled with longing.
Tang Dingnan’s heart fluttered, and he almost blurted out, “Then why don’t I accompany you?” Fortunately, he stopped himself in time, his face already flushed.
Seeing his embarrassment, Zhou Biyun chuckled and said, "Alright, alright, I won't tease you anymore. I have something to do, so I'll head back now."
"Su..." Tang Dingnan was about to speak to persuade her to stay when he suddenly saw her charming and delicate back, the kind of back that most easily captivates men, and he immediately swallowed his words.
In the short time it takes to drink a cup of tea, with only six sentences exchanged, would Tang Dingnan be satisfied? Zhang Xiang pushed open the door, walked nervously to his side, and whispered, "Biyun is always like this, Young Master
, please don't take offense." "To see her beautiful face is enough for Dingnan," Tang Dingnan unexpectedly smiled, "Boss Zhang, please tell Chief Zhu that I will fulfill my promise."
The night was deep, the moon high in the sky.
Zhou Biyun, whose beauty could topple cities and kingdoms, stood quietly on the rooftop of the Pianqian Tower, dressed in a light yellow silk dress. The evening breeze blew, causing her skirt to billow and her long sleeves to flutter, like a fairy descending to earth.
"Miss, it's been more than half an hour, go back to your room and sleep," her personal maid, Cuihe, said softly.
"No, he's not coming. I've been waiting." Zhou Biyun's beautiful eyes welled up with a hazy, gentle moonlight, a misty glow like water. Her exquisite, refined face showed a hint of melancholy as she murmured, her delicate brows furrowed.
"Alas, so many people outside are losing sleep over you, yet you..." Cuihe sighed softly and lowered her head.
"Why hasn't he come yet? Could something have happened?" Zhou Biyun bit her lip, pondering silently.
"Could it be... could it be that he doesn't care about me at all, and has already forgotten our promise?" After a quarter of an hour, she couldn't help but doubt.
"Should I really wait?" Gazing at the crescent moon hanging high outside the window, Zhou Biyun's heart pounded like a deer's, unable to make a decision.
"I'll leave in another quarter of an hour."
But half an hour had passed, and she was still waiting.
"Even if he comes, I won't pay him any attention." Just then, a white shadow suddenly flashed past the window.
"Xiaoyao—" Zhou Biyun called softly, instantly forgetting everything else. She turned her delicate body and rushed forward as if flying.
Clad in white, radiant with spirit, possessing striking features, a commanding presence, a flawless and robust physique, and a near-perfectly handsome face, the elegantly dressed young man standing beside the table was indeed an irresistible figure for any woman. People often use the phrase "a jade tree in the wind" to describe a man, but no one truly knows what "a jade tree in the wind" looks like. However, after seeing this man, anyone would involuntarily utter those four words.
"Waited a long time?" the elegantly dressed young man asked casually, a relaxed smile playing on his lips, exuding confidence and nonchalance.
"Don't even mention it! I… I've been waiting for over an hour." Zhou Biyun's eyes reddened as she spoke, and then two crystal tears welled up in her eyes.
The elegantly dressed young man smiled slightly, bracing himself on the table with his left hand and resting his other hand on the back of his chair. He leaned down and brought his mouth close to Zhou Biyun's delicate, fragrant ear, exclaiming, "So fragrant!" He even took two deep sniffs, displaying the demeanor of a lecherous rogue.
"Enough!" Zhou Biyun's crying stopped abruptly, and she said coquettishly.
The elegantly dressed young man laughed heartily, suddenly straightening his body and walking to the opposite corner of the round table. He sat down with a swagger, his eyes gleaming as he gazed intently at Zhou Biyun's clear and bright eyes. Then he sighed again, "So beautiful!"
Hearing this, Zhou Biyun finally stopped crying and smiled, wrinkling her delicate little nose. She said sweetly, "You always praise me the moment we meet. I'm embarrassed.
" The elegantly dressed young man revealed a radiant smile that would be irresistible to any woman in the world. He leaned back comfortably in his chair and said seriously, "There are only seven or eight beautiful women who have been praised and appraised by me, Ren Xiaoyao, and I am the first one." "Just now, seeing your graceful and captivating beauty, your ethereal grace, I was instantly intoxicated. I know I'll never forget you in this lifetime."
"Really?" Zhou Biyun's delicate body trembled slightly, her beautiful eyes becoming deep and endless, veiled with a melancholy look, as she softly spoke.
"Of course..." Before Ren Xiaoyao could finish speaking, Zhou Biyun suddenly stood up gracefully and leaped into his arms.
"You..." Before Ren Xiaoyao could react, her fragrant lips immediately met his, their sweet breaths mingling intensely, giving him an intoxicating and soul-stirring feeling.
After an unknown amount of time, their lips parted.
Zhou Biyun, panting softly, nestled in his arms, as docile as a lamb, and whispered in his ear, "You, Ren Xiaoyao, are the first, and perhaps the only, to receive a kiss from me, Zhou Biyun."
"Was it worth it?" "Ren Xiaoyao gently stroked Zhou Biyun's slender, smooth back, speaking slowly, word by word.
"To give my first kiss to the renowned 'Heroic Thief' Ren Xiaoyao, I have no regrets," Zhou Biyun said softly, her pretty face lowered.
"'Heroic Thief'? Heh, just an empty title," Ren Xiaoyao remained silent for a moment, his sharp eyes flashing with indifference, before he said calmly.
"No, this is not an empty title, but the praise of the world for you." Zhou Biyun's smooth, white hand, as white as snow, reached up to touch Ren Xiaoyao's cheek. She said softly, "On the eighth day of last month, Hongzhou suffered a severe drought. The wealthy merchant Qi Qiang hoarded grain, driving up prices, causing immense suffering to the city's people. It was thanks to you sneaking into Qi's house at night and taking his family heirloom that he was willing to open the granaries and provide relief to the victims. On the seventeenth of last month, the Eighth Prince was ordered to thoroughly investigate the embezzlement case of Deng Bin, the Left Jinwu. If you hadn't stolen the account book amidst heavy guard, it would have taken at least a year and a half to find evidence. On the twenty-sixth of last month… sigh, never mind. In short, you do something sensational every few days; the name 'Heroic Thief' Ren Xiaoyao is already known throughout the streets.
" "It was just a small favor, nothing to boast about," Ren Xiaoyao chuckled.
“Oh right, didn’t we agree to meet at 7 PM? It’s already past midnight and you’re only just arriving.” Zhou Biyun sighed softly, giving him a reproachful look, and whispered in his ear.
“I…” Ren Xiaoyao was about to speak when Zhou Biyun suddenly reached out and pressed her jade-like finger to his lips, stopping him from continuing. She then withdrew her slender finger, which had captivated Ren Xiaoyao’s soul, and said softly with her beautiful eyes fixed on him, “No need to explain. I’m already very happy that you came to Pianxian Tower.
” “Is that so? Would you be even happier if I gave you a gift?” Ren Xiaoyao’s heart fluttered, and he laughed loudly.
“Of course.” "Zhou Biyun chuckled softly, like a blooming flower, and said gently.
The jade was dazzling and radiant; though the Pianxian Pavilion was not lacking in rare treasures, it had never possessed such a gentle and beautiful piece.
Crystal clear and perfectly formed, Zhou Biyun, though well-traveled, had never seen such a splendid pearl.
"This...this is..." Zhou Biyun's gentle eyes burned with unprecedented intensity, completely mesmerized .
"The Jade Night Hairpin." Ren Xiaoyao, equally captivated, exclaimed.
"The Jade Night Hairpin, the treasure of Fengming Pavilion?" Zhou Biyun's beautiful eyes widened in disbelief.
"That's right." Ren Xiaoyao smiled casually.
"How...how did it end up in your hands?" Zhou Biyun rose gracefully, her beautiful eyes fixed intently.
"Hehe, I'm a 'thief,' of course I stole it." "Ren Xiaoyao's tiger-like eyes gleamed, and he said softly with a hint of teasing.
"You've also set your sights on the Four Great Families?" Zhou Biyun's beautiful face held a hint of reproachful smile as she said charmingly.
"That's right, the Crimson Jade Blood Coral of the Divine Fire Hall and the Nine Dragons Contending for the Cauldron Cup of the Inviting Moon Pavilion have also become my private property." Ren Xiaoyao closed his eyes and said happily as if in a dream, "'Do not say that I am alone, my king, but look at the Blood Coral,' 'The emperor
displays his dragon might, and then he beholds the Nine Dragons Contending for the Cauldron Cup,' these are indeed well-deserved, truly well-deserved." "You...you're crazy, actually going to challenge the Four Great Families all by yourself." Zhou Biyun showed a resentful expression that seemed to pity his ignorance, and sighed.
"I don't offend others unless they offend me first. If they hadn't provoked me first, I wouldn't have bothered to touch the Four Great Families." Ren Xiaoyao said arrogantly, as if he couldn't see her expression.
"The three sect leaders, Murong Tianfeng, Situ Changkong, and Shangguan Qingyun, are all benevolent and righteous elders. How could they possibly clash with you?" Zhou Biyun frowned slightly, saying incredulously. "You can only blame that arrogant Situ Shangming," Ren Xiaoyao said coldly, putting his arm around the beauty's shoulder. "Situ Shangming? The only son

of Situ Changkong , the head of the Divine Fire Hall, known as 'White Dragon Flying Sword'?" Zhou Biyun's beautiful eyes darted around before she asked softly. "That's right. In the middle of last month, I forced that old scoundrel Qi Qiang to open a soup kitchen. I was afraid he'd cut corners and be two-faced, so I disguised myself and went to investigate. But as soon as I left the city gate, I saw Situ Shangming and a group of young masters from noble families," Ren Xiaoyao recalled while drinking. "Shenhuo Hall is at least eight or nine hundred li away from Hongzhou. What's Situ Shangming doing going all that way there?" Zhou Biyun gazed at the flickering candlelight, her beautiful face thoughtful. "Probably trying to get involved in the grain business," Ren Xiaoyao said frankly. "Ever since Tingyuxuan was named the head of the four great families, most of the younger generation of disciples have followed suit. They'll do anything to make money, all wanting to become the next Nangong Bubai." "And then?" Zhou Biyun looked at him, her beautiful eyes fixed on him. "From about seven or eight zhang away, I heard him cursing, saying that Ren Xiaoyao is a shameless thief who uses the guise of robbing the rich to help the poor to embezzle and commit many heinous acts." "Nonsense!" Zhou Biyun retorted without hesitation. "Hmph, there's more outrageous stuff." Ren Xiaoyao snorted coldly, then smiled bitterly, "Abducting a wealthy merchant's concubine, seducing someone's widow... sigh, whatever the ugliest thing they say." "Outrageous! It's... it's slander!" Zhou Biyun stamped her foot angrily. "The innocent are innocent, the guilty are guilty. My character, Ren Xiaoyao's reputation, is well-known in the martial world. Let Situ Shangming say what he wants, but..." A cold smile appeared on Ren Xiaoyao's lips as he said coldly, "At this moment, several villagers nearby couldn't stand it anymore and came up to argue with him. 'White Dragon Flying Sword' is truly a scoundrel. After only a few words, they started fighting. The poor villagers had just had a full meal, and he beat them black and blue, their bodies covered in wounds." "What? You didn't stop him?" Zhou Biyun's pretty face turned pale, her body trembling violently as she questioned him. “It’s not that I don’t want to, it’s that I can’t.” Ren Xiaoyao shook his head helplessly and sighed, “Situ Shangming is narrow-minded and vindictive. If I stop him today, those villagers will suffer tomorrow.” “So you went to Shenhuo Hall and stole the Crimson Jade Coral to teach him a lesson.” Zhou Biyun looked at him in astonishment, unable to hide her surprise, and stared at him. “Yes, didn’t he call me a petty thief? Fine, I’ll let him know that Shenhuo Hall, which claims to be the ‘Number One Firearms Family in the Central Plains,’ can’t even guard against a petty thief.” Ren Xiaoyao leaned forward slightly, close to the beauty’s delicate face, and said lightly. “How did Fengming Pavilion and Yaoyue Tower come to have a grudge against you?” Zhou Biyun also leaned closer and asked in his ear with her breath as fragrant as orchids. "Hehe, originally I only intended to give him a minor punishment and play with the Crimson Jade Coral for a few days, but I didn't expect that old fellow Situ Changkong would fly into a rage and secretly send his disciples to search for my whereabouts." Ren Xiaoyao raised his wine cup, drank it all in one gulp , and said nonchalantly. "You stole the most prized possession of the Divine Fire Hall, how could they not be anxious?" Zhou Biyun picked up the wine pot with her fair and beautiful hands, refilled his cup, and said softly. "Situ Changkong is one thing, but Murong Tianfeng and Shangguan Qingyun also interfered, which is really infuriating." Ren Xiaoyao's eyes flashed with disdain as he said in a deep voice. "The four great families are closely related, and Murong Tianfeng and Shangguan Qingyun are related to Hall Master Situ by marriage, how can they sit idly by?" Zhou Biyun chuckled, revealing her charming side, and said softly. "Hmph, you want to cause trouble for me, Ren Xiaoyao? Fine, I'll take the treasures from Fengming Pavilion and Yaoyue Tower as well. Let's see who else you can turn to for help then." Ren Xiaoyao said arrogantly, his expression as calm as if Mount Tai had collapsed before him. "I knew it. No one can do anything to you, you who are all-powerful." Zhou Biyun closed her beautiful eyes with delight and said dreamily. "It's not that I'm all-powerful, it's just that Shenhuo Hall, Fengming Pavilion, and Yaoyue Tower are all just empty names." Although Ren Xiaoyao was proud, he was not arrogant. His eyes shone brightly as he said solemnly. "Logically speaking, you stole from three great families. This should have been the talk of the martial world by now. How come I didn't know?" After Ren Xiaoyao finished speaking, Zhou Biyun met his burning gaze and said with a smile. "Who told the three sect leaders to be so concerned with saving face, afraid that leaks would damage their family's reputation?" Ren Xiaoyao laughed heartily. "Don't even mention you, perhaps even Nangong Bubai doesn't know." "Fortunately...fortunately..." Zhou Biyun suddenly stretched lazily, her jade hands lightly supporting her exquisite, curvaceous breasts, murmuring to herself. "What's wrong?" Ren Xiaoyao put down his wine cup and asked with concern. "Fortunately, Nangong Bubai didn't team up with Situ Changkong and the others to deal with you, and he has no children, so..." Zhou Biyun's eyes sparkled, revealing an extremely charming smile, and she said sweetly. "So I won't touch Tingyuxuan's 'Yangxue Ning Shuang Qin', right?" Ren Xiaoyao's gaze was intense, as if he had already seen through her thoughts, and he smiled. "Mm," Zhou Biyun was a little afraid that he would see through her sharp eyes that revealed her secret joy, and she lowered her head weakly, responding softly. "You're wrong. I absolutely must go to Tingyu Pavilion." Ren Xiaoyao revealed a confident smile and said seriously. "Why...why?" Zhou Biyun turned her delicate body away and asked in astonishment. "Having already attacked three families, how can I leave one behind?" Ren Xiaoyao slowly stood up, his voice firm and his head held high. "Do you want people to gossip and laugh at me for being afraid of Nangong Bubai and not daring to raid Tingyu Pavilion?" "But...but..." Zhou Biyun was about to speak again when Ren Xiaoyao interrupted her, "Tingyu Pavilion has many guests, hidden talents, and Nangong Bubai is even more skilled in martial arts and swordsmanship. You're afraid I might go in alive but not come out alive, right?" "Hmm," Zhou Biyun's beautiful eyes shone with concern as she cautiously glanced at Ren Xiaoyao and said softly. "I like to challenge my limits, and I especially like to do things that even I'm not sure about." Ren Xiaoyao said calmly, his voice filled with boundless pride. Upon hearing this, Zhou Biyun's clear, bright eyes began to sparkle, and a gentle smile spread across her lips, then rippled outwards, turning into a soft, coquettish laugh. She said with a touch of shy delight, "I just love a man like you—fearless, a man of your word, and a man of your word." Her voice was so melodious and captivating, stirring within Ren Xiaoyao a strange, instinctive feeling that made him infatuated. "Xiaoyao—" Their eyes met, and Zhou Biyun suddenly let out a soft moan, her voluptuous and alluring body once again throwing herself into Ren Xiaoyao's arms. Her two jade-like hands passionately wrapped around his neck, pulling him close, and without hesitation, she offered him a sweet kiss. Ren Xiaoyao held Zhou Biyun's exquisite and alluring body tightly, feeling her hot, delicate form without any barrier, inhaling her delicate, virginal fragrance, as faint as orchids and as sweet as musk. He was immediately seized by the urge to press her down onto the thick, soft brocade quilt and boldly make his love to her. At the crucial moment, he managed to remain composed, pushing Zhou Biyun away and panting, "You know what? There's another reason I went to Tingyu Pavilion to steal the treasure." "Wh...what reason?" Zhou Biyun's starry eyes were half-closed, her allure reaching its peak, as she moaned softly. "Rumor has it that Nangong Bubai's two daughters are incredibly intelligent, possess unparalleled beauty, and have the captivating charm to make fish sink and geese fall from the sky, and the moon hide and flowers blush. Putting everything else aside, I absolutely had to go just to see them." Ren Xiaoyao forcefully suppressed his inner turmoil and changed the subject.

"You—you're not allowed to mention other women in front of me!" Zhou Biyun snapped back to reality, her voice laced with anger.
"Hehe, jealous?" Ren Xiaoyao chuckled.
"Hmph!" Zhou Biyun gave him a flirtatious wink and fell silent.
"Do you know how many young ladies wept silently, heartbroken, when I came to your place tonight?" Ren Xiaoyao regained his previous nonchalant composure and sighed.
"Yes, a hero in his prime, his chivalrous name resounds throughout the nine cities, his swordsmanship roams the four seas, his romantic charm is known throughout the world. What woman wouldn't be honored to have your glance?" Zhou Biyun pouted, her beautiful eyes blazing with intense emotion, and couldn't help but say, "For Biyun to be able to sit and drink with the chivalrous thief, even... is a blessing she's won in several lifetimes." Her eyes reddened as she spoke, almost shedding tears. "
Alright, alright, stop talking. Come, let me put the Jade Night Hairpin on your head." Ren Xiaoyao reached out and gently supported her sculpted shoulders, speaking softly.
“I wouldn’t dare accept that. If Situ Changkong finds out, he’ll tear down Pianxian Tower.” Zhou Biyun was silent for a moment, then regained her composure and said leisurely.
“No, I said I’d give you a gift.” Ren Xiaoyao’s eyes flashed with determination as he said seriously.
“A gift…” Zhou Biyun chuckled, a captivating look of intoxication on her face, her lips slightly parted, “How about writing a poem for him? Your calligraphy is so beautiful.”
“Sure, I’ll bring it next time.” Ren Xiaoyao stood up, nodded in agreement, and seemed ready to leave.
“Xiaoyao, wait.” Zhou Biyun bit her lower lip, murmuring tenderly, “Would you…would you like to spend the night here?”
“Biyun!” Ren Xiaoyao’s heart pounded.
Before he could refuse, Zhou Biyun’s soft, fragrant body had already thrown herself into his arms.
On this beautiful moonlit night, with a beauty gracing his face, Ren Xiaoyao could hardly resist. He lowered his head and gently kissed her soft, jade-like neck, tracing its flawless curves to her earlobe and cheek, finally capturing Zhou Biyun's smooth, moist lips and sucking them forcefully.
Zhou Biyun's arms wrapped around Ren Xiaoyao's neck, her pretty face flushed with a captivating blush, her slender legs instinctively clamping together, her soft, yielding breaths igniting a surge of excitement within Ren Xiaoyao. The
ribbon binding her hair slipped away during their passionate embrace, her long, jet-black hair cascading down her shoulders like a waterfall. Ren Xiaoyao gently removed Zhou Biyun's outer garment, pressing his face against her full, alluring breasts, his fingers softly caressing her perfect curves.
With a passionate moan, pink curtains slowly drifted down from the sky, concealing the two tightly entwined bodies…
※ ※ ※ ※ ※
“Spring flowers and autumn moon, her hair flowing like clouds, her dimples smiling, her jade cheeks radiant. Xi Shi pales in comparison to Ming Fei, Li Hua fades, Yang Guifei bends her waist. Her soul is lost, her spirit is adrift, like clouds and rain over Wushan, unaware of dawn. The spring dream ends without a trace, only hoping to look at each other to comfort her loneliness.” Waking up in the morning, Ren Xiaoyao was gone. Looking at the still-wet ink on the round fan on the table, and the red stains on the embroidered pillow, Zhou Biyun’s body trembled violently, tears streaming down her face.

Volume 1: A Hero’s Youthful Debut, Chapter 4: Night Visit to Listening to the Rain.

Hangzhou, adjacent to the southeast coast, located on the north bank of the lower reaches of the Qiantang River and the southern end of the Grand Canal, had already become a unique metropolis in the country during the Tang Dynasty due to its superior geographical location.
Over the years, the dredging of the Grand Canal in Jiangnan has transformed Hangzhou, bordering the river and lake, into a transportation hub for the entire southeast region and the economic center of the country, known as "when Suzhou and Huzhou are prosperous, the whole country is well-fed." With "twenty miles of parallel ships and thirty thousand shops," coupled with a series of hills including Jiangtai, Fenghuang, Wushan, and Wansongling, the city offered an ideal location for building large estates.
"Above is heaven, below are Suzhou and Hangzhou," Hangzhou has been renowned for its beautiful West Lake scenery since ancient times. The city also boasts a rich array of cultural landscapes, including courtyards, gardens, pavilions, towers, temples, springs, ravines, grottoes, and cliff inscriptions. These are scattered throughout, some like beaded curtains and jade belts, others like willows and painted bridges, displaying countless forms and magnificent scenery, others like verdant mountains and clear waters, full of charm. Lingyin Temple, Feilai Peak, and Hupao Spring are particularly famous.
Tingyuxuan, located in the heart of Hangzhou, backed by Wushan and facing West Lake, comprises five gardens: East, West, South, North, and Central. Its grandeur rivals even the imperial palace of the Song Dynasty.
The East Garden covers over 120 acres, adjacent to the Central Courtyard. Embraced by lush greenery and swaying trees, it meanders into Wu Mountain, inspiring a desire for exploration and seclusion, hence its name, Seeking Seclusion Garden. The West Garden, called Flower Alley Garden, is built along the eastern bank of West Lake. It features a fish-viewing pond, the Jimu Pavilion, and other buildings, its ingenious layout and profound atmosphere creating boundless poetic and picturesque beauty. The Central Garden, the Four Seasons Garden, is hailed as the finest garden under heaven. Its pavilions, terraces, and courtyards are all extremely luxurious, fully showcasing the taste of a prominent Northern Song Dynasty family. To the east lies the clear Jade Spring, to the south the elegant and tranquil Lotus Pond, and to the west… The maple forest, ablaze with color like rosy clouds, and the solitary, rugged peaks behind it, subtly visible through the jade-carved railings, create an atmosphere that feels as if one is immersed in all four seasons. The Southern Garden, Cuiwei Garden, is dominated by rocks, flowers, and trees, constructing a naturally harmonious and delightful atmosphere. Rugged streams and winding paths, seemingly obstructed yet actually leading through, add to the rich and profound beauty of the garden. The Northern Garden, Yanxia Garden, embodies the idea of "a misty, hazy landscape, appreciating the beauty of the sunset," where the main buildings, such as Husong Pavilion, Shuxiao Pavilion, and Yunqi Tower, blend seamlessly with the surrounding towering locust trees, creating a magnificent spectacle.
At midnight, Ren Xiaoyao, dressed in a sharp outfit, quietly appeared outside Tingyu Pavilion. He was none other than Ren Qiaocui and Mei Ruoxue's son, the infant rescued by Meng Fei years ago.
The sky was filled with twinkling stars, but the crescent moon was nowhere to be seen. Ren Xiaoyao walked slowly to the high wall, leaped up, and somersaulted into the East Garden. Just as he was about to land, a few silver flashes appeared faintly in the surrounding grass. Ren Xiaoyao smiled slightly, unconcerned. He spontaneously used the Flying Immortal Transformation technique, his feet stepping together, instantly propelling him three zhang into the air, landing steadily on a nearby towering ancient tree.
The vast courtyard was quiet and deserted. The dense forest, bamboo groves, and rocky crevices were even more serene and peaceful under the starlight.
A pair of servants carrying lanterns walked by in the distance, seemingly the night patrolmen. Ren Xiaoyao concentrated his mental energy, raising his spiritual senses to the limit, and listened intently to their conversation.
"Sect Master is really something. He clearly predicted the thief would come, why didn't he send more men?"
"What do you know? The garden is so big, if we really wanted to guard every corner, we'd need thousands of men. Besides, Ren Xiaoyao is as elusive as a ghost, his lightness skill is divine. Who can guarantee there won't be a slip-up?"
"If that's the case, why bother with night patrols? With just our eight teams of ninety-six, one patrol would take almost half an hour."
"Sect Master didn't instruct us to keep the thief out of the manor, what's the rush?"
"A couple of days ago, the head steward specifically instructed Old Master Liu to lay silver threads all around the walls, adorned with copper bells. Wasn't that meant to deal with him?"
"You think a mere copper bell array can trouble the thief? You're delusional.
" "Then...then why go to all that trouble?"
"It's simply to let him know that Tingyu Pavilion is prepared, waiting for the thief's arrival."
"Oh."
...
"Hmph, better if you're prepared. I'd like to see what tricks you're up to." After the servants left, Ren Xiaoyao muttered to himself as he leaped down from the treetop and continued along the dark, winding corridor.
Passing through a rocky hill, the view suddenly opened up, revealing a continuous stretch of houses, courtyards, and residences. Dozens of side rooms, where the guards and servants lived, were lined up in a row. Except for the central room, all the other rooms were pitch black, and some even emitted the sounds of snoring.
An ordinary person would have taken the opportunity to sneak into the central room to secretly gather information, but Ren Xiaoyao was skilled and daring. He had already decided to head straight for the Forget-Worry Pavilion, where Nangong Bubai was in charge, without stopping along the way.
After traveling for less than half an hour, the renowned Four Seasons Garden suddenly appeared before them. Looking around, one could see the Fragrant Listening Pavilion, with its elegant and tranquil pavilions and towers; the two in the southeast were serene and uniquely charming, while the two in the northwest were resplendent and magnificent. Dozens of feet away, the grand, two-story wooden building—the "Pavilion of Forgetfulness"—soared into the sky, its vermilion doors and red windows, glazed white walls, flying eaves and painted beams, its carved pillars and painted rafters dazzling Ren Xiaoyao, leaving him breathless with admiration.
The inner courtyard was indeed heavily guarded. Numerous guards were divided into four groups—east, west, south, and north—each group consisting of four teams of eight men each. Their duties were clearly defined, each responsible for a specific area, and their movements were incredibly swift and coordinated. In addition, there were thirty-six guards specifically responsible for the defense of the Pavilion of Forgetfulness; judging from their agile steps and extraordinary bearing, their martial arts skills were clearly exceptional.
Ren Xiaoyao's lightness skill, "Flying Immortal Transformation," was personally taught by Meng Fei. This unique skill is divided into nine levels, and it is extremely difficult to master, requiring at least forty to fifty years of dedicated practice. Once mastered, one can transform into nine different forms in mid-air, exceeding all human capabilities, appearing like a celestial being descending or an Arhat ascending to heaven, hence the name. He is exceptionally intelligent and has already reached the seventh level, a level where he
can ascend to great heights. Taking advantage of the shift change between two patrols, Ren Xiaoyao swiftly moved forward, leaping and bounding through the air seven times. With most of the guards focused on their surroundings, no one paid attention to what was above them. He broke through the outer defenses with almost no effort and smoothly approached the Forget-Worry Pavilion.
How to deceive everyone and sneak into the pavilion unnoticed became a dilemma for Ren Xiaoyao. The Forget-Worry Pavilion stood prominently in the center, surrounded by a vast, open plaza. Within a radius of several dozen feet, there was nowhere to hide. Even if one could somehow leap across using momentum, it would be difficult to deceive the thirty-six guards in such bright light.
Testing the waters? No. A feint? No. Nangong Bubai was a seasoned veteran, with the renowned strategist Zhuge Wenjie by his side. Any unusual activity outside the Forget-Worry Pavilion would not only fail to provide an opportunity for further investigation but might even alert them. Caught
in this predicament, a figure suddenly appeared from the high wall on the left, seemingly carrying a letter or something similar. Clearly, the guards took this very seriously; four immediately rushed forward, and the rest followed. Seeing this, Ren Xiaoyao's heart stirred, a clever plan forming in his mind, and a look of eager anticipation appeared on his face.
"Tiankuo, what's wrong?" Even from a distance of seven or eight zhang, the head of the inner guards, Feng Hanqiu, asked loudly. The messenger was none other than Nangong Tiankuo, the head of the outer quarters. Unless something urgent had occurred, no one would dare trouble this third-ranking figure in Tingyu Pavilion, second only to the head steward Nangong Wushang and the chief steward Nangong Lin.
"Hanqiu, which floor is the sect leader on?" Nangong Tiankuo seemed extremely anxious, unable to answer Feng Hanqiu, and quickened his pace while hissing.
"Here..." Before Feng Hanqiu could finish speaking, Nangong Tiankuo suddenly collapsed to the ground with a 'thud'.
"Assassins!" The guards reacted extremely quickly; more than ten people instantly rushed out from both sides, flanking the high wall, while eight others surrounded Nangong Tiankuo back-to-back to prevent further attacks.
"Hanqiu, I...I'm fine, it was just my carelessness." Nangong Tiankuo struggled to his feet, patted his wrinkled clothes, and said, panting heavily. He had come straight from Cuiwei Garden, his legs trembling with exhaustion. He'd stumbled and fallen flat on his face.
"You always seem to prioritize the affairs of the estate over your own. Be more careful next time," Feng Hanqiu said with a smile, patting Nangong Tiankuo's shoulder. As Nangong Bubai's personal attendant, he was on very friendly terms with the other stewards, who all addressed him as brothers.
"Hehe, never mind, I'm going to see the sect leader first," Nangong Tiankuo nodded with a smile and strode into the pavilion.
"Third squad, fourth squad, any findings?" Feng Hanqiu turned and looked towards the high wall, asking loudly.
"Reporting, Commander, everything is normal."
"The same over here."
"Hmm… withdraw." Feng Hanqiu thought for a moment and gave the order. If Nangong Tiankuo was indeed ambushed, then the attacker's location could only be near the high wall. After all, the other hiding places were twenty or thirty feet away, and no matter how good one's hidden weapon skills were, they wouldn't be able to reach him.

Volume One, Chapter Five: Reincarnated Zhuge Liang .

Undoubtedly, Ren Xiaoyao was the instigator of this small incident. But how did he manage to make Nangong Tiankuo fall when he was clearly hiding in the woods to the right of the high wall? The answer is simple: Meng family hidden weapons combined with the "Flick of the Finger Flame."
You might ask, what are Meng family hidden weapons and the "Flick of the Finger Flame"?
It turns out that Meng Fei came from one of the two great hidden weapon families in the Central Plains martial arts world, the Meng Family Fortress in Henan (the other being the Tang Clan of Sichuan, often referred to as the Western Tang and Eastern Meng). Because of his leisurely nature and dislike of worldly affairs, he relinquished the position of fortress master to his younger brother, Meng Lei. The Asura Cult, having joined forces with Juesha, swiftly annihilated the Meng family of Mengjiabao in Henan. At the time, Meng Fei and his wife, Ren Qiaocui, were visiting Hengshan. Several days later, the devastating news arrived, leaving them heartbroken and devastated.
However, Meng Lei was not dead. During Meng Fei's escape with Ren Xiaoyao, the brothers unexpectedly reunited. After some deliberation, they decided that rather than staying in the Central Plains, constantly on guard against the Asura Cult's pursuit, they should set sail and flee to distant lands to find a secluded place to raise Ren Xiaoyao.
While sailing deep into the South China Sea, they encountered a tsunami. Meng Lei tragically perished in his struggle against the waves, and the master of hidden weapons passed away. Meng Lei and his companions then arrived at a secluded paradise called "Coconut Island."
Unexpectedly, the island was home to the legendary figures of fifty years ago: Qin Huaiqing, the "Sage of the Qin"; Qi Wendong, the "Sage of Chess"; Shu Zhenpeng, the "Sage of Calligraphy"; and Hua Tianzhao, the "Sage of Painting." Upon seeing the infant Ren Xiaoyao, the four sages were astonished, praising his extraordinary talent and exceptional physique, declaring him a martial arts prodigy rarely seen in a century. They performed acupuncture and bone-refining rituals on him, laying a solid foundation for his future rapid advancement in internal energy. They even promised to cultivate him into a "sage of chivalry, a supreme master of the martial world, capable of commanding the respect of all foreign lands and receiving the homage of all nations," ensuring that no one in the world would dare covet the Song Dynasty or covet the Central Plains.
For various reasons, Meng Fei concealed his disciple's true identity, only saying that his parents had died early and that he had been taken in by him. Ren Xiaoyao was still an infant when he left Tianshan, so his memories of him were vague, and given his master's unwavering conviction, he naturally believed him.
When Ren Xiaoyao turned eighteen and left Coconut Island to train in the Central Plains, Meng Fei gave him the "Heavenly Secrets Manual," personally written by Meng Lei. It not only recorded Meng Lei's years of experience in the martial world but also contained secrets about Meng's hidden weapons, disguise techniques, and mechanical arts. As for the "Flick of Flame," it was a finger technique created by Qi Wendong during his seclusion on Coconut Island. It involved channeling scorching true energy into the fingertip and shooting it out with immense power. Although Ren Xiaoyao's current cultivation level prevented him from mastering it for actual combat, he could still occasionally use some of the simple and easy-to-learn energy cultivation methods.
When Nangong Tiankuo passed through the high wall, Ren Xiaoyao was only seventeen or eighteen zhang away. With the unique techniques of Meng's hidden weapons, this distance was easily covered. Therefore, Ren Xiaoyao added the hidden force of "Flick of Flame" to a pebble and launched a surprise attack from afar, striking Nangong Tiankuo precisely on the "Yanggu" acupoint on the inside of his knee. Because he hadn't exerted much force, Nangong Tiankuo didn't notice. However, once he reached the outside of the Forget-Worry Pavilion, the hidden power of the "Flick of the Finger Flame" began to activate, and coupled with his pre-existing fatigue, he naturally stumbled and fell. Taking advantage
of the fact that the inner guards were busy protecting the head of the outer residence and searching the high walls, Ren Xiaoyao easily sneaked into the pavilion. The Forget-Worry Pavilion had three floors: the first floor was a reception hall, the second floor was a study, and the third floor was where Nangong Bubai held meetings. Ren Xiaoyao held his breath and followed Nangong Tiankuo up the steps, quietly lying in a crouch by a recessed wall outside the entrance to the third floor, secretly observing the hall.
Three people were sitting in the hall. The one in the center was about forty years old, with a short beard like a spear, a tall and imposing figure, and a strange quality of composure and magnanimity. His eyes, which shone with inner light, exuded an indescribable and intimidating aura. Wearing a well-tailored, exquisitely embroidered gold brocade robe and a delicate jade belt adorned with pearls and gemstones, it was easy to guess that he was none other than Nangong Bubai, the sect leader of Tingyuxuan and the wealthiest man in the world.
"Sect Leader, a letter has arrived from Fengming Pavilion. The messenger says it's extremely urgent and I must present it to you immediately," Nangong Tiankuo said respectfully as he entered, standing at his sides.
"Bring it here." Nangong Bubai's brows furrowed, and he said in a deep voice.
"Yes," Nangong Tiankuo replied, quickly stepping forward and bowing as he handed over the letter.
Nangong Bubai took it, tore open the wax seal, and took out the letter. After examining it briefly, he said with emotion, "Mr. Zhuge's prediction was absolutely correct. Half a month ago, the Jade Night Hairpin was indeed stolen by Ren Xiaoyao."
"Pavilion Master Murong's letter must have detailed the theft of the Jade Night Hairpin, asking us to take it as a warning and be vigilant. At the same time, he hopes that Tingyu Pavilion can capture Ren Xiaoyao and seek justice for Fengming Pavilion." The middle-aged scholar sitting on the left smiled slightly and said calmly.
After reading the letter, Nangong Bubai exclaimed, "Master Zhuge truly possesses the ability to foresee the future. I admire you greatly!"
Ren Xiaoyao, upon hearing this, was secretly astonished: so this man was none other than Zhuge Wenjie, the chief strategist of Tingyu Pavilion, hailed as the greatest strategist in the world, the "Living Zhuge Liang." Judging from his crane-feather cloak, Taoist robe, feather fan, and silk turban, he certainly possessed the air of Zhuge Liang.
"Sect Master, may I have a look at the letter from Fengming Pavilion?" Zhuge Wenjie asked solemnly.
"Please, sir, take a look," Nangong Bubai said, personally handing the letter to Zhuge Wenjie to demonstrate his extraordinary status within Tingyu Pavilion. After reading it
, Zhuge Wenjie's eyes flashed with a sharp light, and he blurted out, "Playing hard to get, substituting the beams and pillars, luring the tiger away from the mountain—brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant!" He used "brilliant" three times in a row, clearly very excited.
"What do you mean by that?" Nangong Bubai asked with great interest.
"Please look, Master," Zhuge Wenjie said, taking a deep breath. "Two days before the Jade Night Hairpin was stolen, the thief delivered a 'Free and Easy Note' to Pavilion Master Murong, specifying the time and date for retrieving the treasure."
"Notifying the victim beforehand is Ren Xiaoyao's usual practice; there's nothing strange about it," said the head steward, Nangong Wushang, sitting on the right, in astonishment.
"That's the brilliance," Zhuge Wenjie chuckled, lightly shaking his feather fan. "The Inviting Moon Pavilion occupies dozens of acres; how could Ren Xiaoyao possibly guess where the Jade Night Hairpin was hidden? Yet, that very night, Pavilion Master Murong personally led his men to guard the entrance to the secret chamber, revealing the hairpin's location—perfectly playing into the thief's trap."
"You are right, sir," Nangong Wushang said, bowing in admiration.
"The second move, 'The Substitution of the Beams,' is a gamble on both intellect and courage. At midnight, Ren Xiaoyao deliberately appeared outside the secret chamber, first provoking the enemy with words to disrupt their formation, then using a hidden weapon to extinguish the candles inside and quickly sneak in. With lightning speed, he subdued Murong Wu, the son of the Murong Pavilion Master, stuffed him into a sack, tied him to the roof, and then disguised himself as him, deceiving everyone present."
"From the moment the candle went out to its relighting, it was only a blink of an eye. How could Ren Xiaoyao have had time to disguise himself? How could he have had time..." Nangong Wushang asked doubtfully.
"The disguise could have been done beforehand. As for subduing Murong Wu and hiding him, as long as it was done unexpectedly and the technique was skillful, it could have been done. The key is that he came up with the idea of using the substitution of the beams and dared to carry it out," Zhuge Wenjie interrupted Nangong Wushang, explaining succinctly.
“That’s right, Ren Xiaoyao’s actions were indeed extremely risky. Once Murong Tianfeng saw through him, even if he had wings, he wouldn’t be able to escape from Yaoyue Tower,” Nangong Bubai said, stroking his beard.
“What about the third strategy, ‘luring the tiger away from the mountain’?” Nangong Tiankuo asked curiously.
“The finishing touch, ingenious beyond words,” Zhuge Wenjie said with an appreciative look, slowly uttering eight words.

Volume 1: Young Heroes Emerging from the Thatched Cottage, Chapter 6: The Immortal’s Secluded Abode

“Since you’ve already disguised yourself as Murong Wu, it shouldn’t be difficult to lure the Murong Pavilion Master and the others out, right?” Nangong Wushang asked casually.
“No, under those circumstances, disguise techniques wouldn’t be reliable,” Zhuge Wenjie shook his head.
“Why?” Nangong Wushuang pressed.
"That night, the members of the Murong Pavilion, Murong Baijian, Situ Meifeng, and others who were guarding outside the secret chamber had lived with Murong Wu for over a decade. They were intimately familiar with his demeanor, actions, and speech. Even with Ren Xiaoyao's exceptional disguise skills, I doubt he could perfectly imitate Murong Wu. A single wrong word or inappropriate expression would immediately expose his identity. Faced with such a perilous situation, Ren Xiaoyao remained calm and composed, effortlessly luring the Murong Pavilion and the others out of the secret chamber. It's truly admirable," Zhuge Wenjie praised. "
It seems Situ Changkong, Shangguan Qingyun, and Murong Tianfeng didn't suffer unjustly after their downfall," Nangong Bubai laughed heartily, then his expression turned serious.
"Sect Master, of the four great families, only Tingyu Pavilion remains untouched by robbery. We must be extra vigilant," Zhuge Wenjie said solemnly, putting down his feather fan.
"Mr. Zhuge, you can rest assured. I have ordered various traps to be set up throughout the manor, and doubled the manpower to patrol the inner quarters day and night. As long as the thief dares to enter the Four Seasons Garden, I guarantee he won't return alive," Nangong Wushang said confidently.
"Double? That's only a little over 130 people. Not enough, not enough. With that many, let alone catching him, we won't even be able to catch a glimpse of him. We need to increase it by at least half," Zhuge Wenjie shook his head.
"That's too much. We're only protecting the main building area. Is it really necessary to..." Nangong Wushang objected.
"Yes!" Before he could finish speaking, Zhuge Wenjie interrupted, "The Forget-Worry Pavilion is surrounded by numerous buildings, intertwined and complex. It's not difficult to hide there. Besides, Ren Xiaoyao's lightness skill is unparalleled in the world. A mere hundred or so people are nothing to him.
" "But..." Nangong Wushang was about to say something more when Nangong Bubai interrupted, "Mr. Zhuge's words are very much to my liking. Let's do it that way."
"Yes, Sect Master." "Nangong Wushang dared not disobey and bowed his head in response.
"Mr. Zhuge, do you have a brilliant plan to deal with Ren Xiaoyao?" Nangong Bubai stared intently at Zhuge Wenjie and asked with a smile. For more than ten years, whenever he encountered a problem he hesitated over, Zhuge Wenjie had never disappointed him. His wisdom and ingenuity were truly worthy of the title "the living Zhuge Liang."
"Not yet." Zhuge Wenjie gave a bitter smile and said in a deep voice, "'Thief Ren Xiaoyao' always acts on a whim, unpredictable and hard to judge by conventional methods. In terms of martial arts, no one of his age can match him. In terms of wisdom and strategy, although he may not be as good as me, he is not far off. Alas—heroes emerge from among the young, heroes emerge from among the young."
"Hero? If he offends our Tingyu Pavilion, even a hero can turn him into a coward." Nangong Tiankuo sneered.
"Sect Master, Wenjie has something to say, but I don't know if I should say it." "Zhuge Wenjie pondered for a moment, then said in a solemn tone, almost sternly.
"Please speak freely, sir," Nangong Bubai said casually.
"Ren Xiaoyao has only been in the martial arts world for a few months, yet he has already become famous for his chivalrous deeds, robbing the rich to help the poor. The common people admire him greatly and praise him endlessly." Zhuge Wenjie felt a strange sense of regret for not having met him sooner. He suddenly stood up and said in a deep voice, "I see that this person is exceptionally intelligent, skilled in both literature and martial arts, and will surely achieve great things in the future. Since the Master of the Manor values talent, why not simply present him with the Yangxue Ningshuang Qin? Perhaps he will be grateful and join Tingyuxuan."
"Hmph, you think you can subdue me with just a qin? What do you take Ren Xiaoyao for?" Ren Xiaoyao was secretly furious upon hearing this.
"What a joke! The Yangxue Ningshuang Qin is the most precious treasure of our manor. How can we give it away so easily?" "Nangong Wushang said in a low voice.
"The head steward is right. If we really give him the zither, where will Tingyuxuan's face be?" Nangong Tiankuo chimed in.
"In my opinion, Mr. Zhuge's suggestion..." Nangong Bubai was about to speak when suddenly there was a "knock," "knock," "knock" at the door.
"It's a secret report delivered by Xianzhong." Nangong Tiankuo said, pushing open the door and returning shortly with a note.
"Read it." Nangong Bubai gestured.
"Reporting to the sect leader, I have learned that the thief Ren Xiaoyao has arrived in the city tonight and will soon enter the manor to investigate. Please be on guard." Nangong Tiankuo read aloud solemnly.
"Tingyuxuan's intelligence network is truly impressive. I traveled from Yangzhou with utmost caution, never revealing my whereabouts, yet I was discovered the moment I entered the city." Ren Xiaoyao's heart skipped a beat, secretly surprised, then his face relaxed, and he murmured, "Hmph, no matter how experienced you, Nangong Bubai, or how brilliant you, Zhuge Wenjie, are, you can't possibly have guessed that I would have just strolled around the inn and then come to infiltrate Tingyuxuan at night."
"What a cunning thief, Ren Xiaoyao! The secret letter from Yaoyue Tower had just arrived, and he was already in Hangzhou." Nangong Bubai said, moved.
"There's no time to lose. Starting tomorrow morning... no, tonight, immediately increase the guards." Zhuge Wenjie said decisively.
"Wushang, Tiankuo, go and do it immediately." Nangong Bubai ordered.
"Yes!" The two agreed and left.
"If I don't leave now, I might not be able to leave at all." Ren Xiaoyao cried out in his heart, hurriedly leaping downstairs. Taking advantage of Nangong Wushang's instruction to the guards to strengthen the defenses, he swiftly dashed out of the manor.
He entered from the east but exited from the south, passing through houses, corridors, and gardens, and soon arrived outside Cuiwei Garden. Unexpectedly, compared to the few patrolling guards at Xunyou Garden, the number of personnel and equipment here were much stronger. Although it was still not as tight as the guards every five or ten steps outside Wangyou Pavilion, it still created considerable trouble for Ren Xiaoyao's leisurely escape.
"Could there be some important person living here?" Ren Xiaoyao's mind stirred slightly. He channeled his energy to raise his senses to their peak and stealthily approached without hesitation. No slightest sound within a radius of several dozen feet could escape his notice.
Whether dodging left or right, leaping high or low, he always managed to avoid the other person's gaze. Sometimes he was just one step away from being seen, but he always managed to dodge at the last second.
After climbing over several high walls, Ren Xiaoyao suddenly paused. The courtyard with the plaque "Immortal's Secluded Abode" hanging in front of him was far more exquisite than other places in terms of its foundation, decorations, railings, doors and windows, walls, gardens, rockeries, stones, and ponds. Even though it was only dimly lit by lanterns and could not be seen clearly, one could still feel the elegant and pleasant atmosphere and the unique artistic conception.
"Never mind, let's go in and take a look." After crossing a winding corridor that spanned the pond and flowerbeds, Ren Xiaoyao quietly stopped. A two-story pavilion, five bays wide, with upturned eaves, like a bird spreading its wings, caught his attention.

Volume 1, Chapter 7: The Two Beauties Listening to the Rain

"Sister, it's already midnight, still not asleep? Are you perhaps waiting for that thief Ren Xiaoyao?" A gentle, sweet, and melodious voice, like a nightingale's song, reached his ears.
"Sister, don't joke around. You haven't gone to bed either, have you?" Another elegant, dignified, and charming voice rang out, causing Ren Xiaoyao's heart to flutter slightly.
"Could it be the two young ladies of Listening to the Rain Pavilion?" Thinking this, he quickly hid under the windowsill, listening intently.
"Sister, Father said Ren Xiaoyao will be here in a few days. We really need to be careful."
"Don't worry, with Uncle Zhuge and Grandpa Liu here, Ren Xiaoyao won't be able to reach our Divine Abode."
"What if he breaks in?"
"Alright then, you use the Snow Reflecting Red Dust Sword, and I'll use the Blazing Sky-Piercing Sword. We'll combine our swords and kill him without leaving a trace."
"It really is them, I knew it." Ren Xiaoyao was secretly delighted. "The Snow Reflecting Red Dust Sword and the Blazing Sky-Piercing Sword are the two great secret techniques of Tingyu Pavilion, passed down only to direct relatives. Since the two young ladies inside know how to use them, they must be the daughters of Nangong Bubai." "
Sister, you can't be careless. The two sect leaders of Shenhuo Hall and Fengming Pavilion are both seasoned veterans who have been famous for many years, and they have many experts under their command. They are just like ordinary people who can't do anything to him." "
To be honest, I really want to meet this famous thief who is renowned throughout the nine cities and see if he is really as powerful as the rumors say, with three heads and six arms, and all-powerful."
"Stop being so glib."
"Hmph, I really just want to see him."
"If you want to see me, young lady, what's so difficult about that?" Ren Xiaoyao's heart warmed, and he pulled open the half-closed latticed window, leaping into the room. A fragrance as delicate as orchids and as sweet as deer wafted into his nostrils, undoubtedly from the two ethereal
and exquisitely beautiful women before him. To the left sat a young woman with flowing hair and natural beauty. Although her refined and elegant face showed slight surprise at Ren Xiaoyao's intrusion, her captivating demeanor remained enchanting. A hint of nervousness and shyness flickered in her clear, autumn-water-like eyes. A silk sash cinched her waist, and her brocade robe accentuated her slender and graceful figure. Her cloud-like hair, adorned with emerald hairpins, and a sheer, pure white veil further emphasized her pure, unapproachable elegance and breathtaking beauty.
"Even a fairy descending to earth couldn't compare," Ren Xiaoyao murmured involuntarily.
The girl on his right was only fifteen or sixteen years old. Her jet-black hair was woven into two flowing braids, which hung down gracefully, highlighting her fair and snow-white skin, making her incredibly beautiful. Her bright, sparkling eyes, like shining stars in the dark night sky, were full of playful and untamed wildness. Her stunningly beautiful face
still retained a touch of childishness, with two faint pink dimples on her cheeks. The two expensive jade earrings hanging from her ears and the pearl necklace around her snow-white neck made her radiate a dazzling youth, further highlighting her delicate beauty. When she noticed Ren Xiaoyao staring at her intently, her pretty face flushed slightly, and she lowered her head, but there was no displeasure on her face.
"Are you really the chivalrous thief Ren Xiaoyao?" The elegantly dressed girl trembled slightly as she asked softly. Though she tried to remain composed, her tone betrayed her surprise and nervousness.
Ren Xiaoyao didn't answer; his mind was completely captivated by the stunning beauty of the Nangong sisters, each possessing their own unique charm.
"Sister is asking you a question," the younger sister said, lightly stamping her small foot and pouting her delicate, dew-kissed lips.
"I...I am indeed, the real deal, no doubt about it," Ren Xiaoyao replied, still somewhat dazed.
Upon hearing this, the younger sister couldn't help but giggle, saying, "Sister, this person is really interesting."
Ren Xiaoyao was slightly surprised, thinking to himself: He had intruded so abruptly; even if his sister wasn't afraid, she should at least be a little shy. Why was she so unrestrained, lacking any of the demure demeanor of a noble lady?
"Passionate but not deeply affectionate, charming but not lewd, you truly are just as the legends say." The elder sister shrugged slightly, her jade-like face as still as water, speaking with indifference.
"Hehe, I wonder where you heard such a comment about me, young lady?" Ren Xiaoyao chuckled, his tiger-like eyes fixed on the elder sister's beautiful and charming eyes, asking with great interest.
The elder sister, secluded in her chambers, had never been stared at so directly by a handsome man before, and two rosy clouds immediately rose on her cheeks, revealing her girlish shyness.
The younger sister sat up straight, her beautiful eyes sparkling, and interjected with a coquettish laugh, "My sister hasn't left the house for over ten years and rarely sees outsiders, so please don't upset her." With that, she adopted a pitiful and charming expression, her appearance as alluring as could be.
"Strange, both are daughters of Nangong Bubai, yet their personalities are worlds apart," Ren Xiaoyao thought to himself in surprise.
"Oh, right, I heard you always leave a poem after you retrieve a treasure. Could you recite it for us?" His younger sister smiled and looked him up and down, her voice pleading.
"Fame and fortune are but fleeting clouds, righteousness and chivalry reign supreme. The world speaks of the bitterness of life, But I roam freely in this world," Ren Xiaoyao said leisurely, sitting down opposite them and reciting the poem.
"A fine poem, a fine poem," his sister said with a sweet smile, her bright, black eyes sparkling.
"Miss... what do you think, Miss?" Ren Xiaoyao turned his gaze to his sister, looking at her fair and delicate face, her sparkling and unfathomable eyes, and her exquisite and graceful curves. He was somewhat at a loss for words.
"Since you first entered the world of martial arts, you have indeed saved many people from dire straits. You truly deserve the title of righteous and chivalrous." His sister rested one hand on her delicate cheek and poured him tea with the other. Her jade-like face shone with a holy and bright light, making her even more stunningly beautiful. She said softly, "But that opening line, 'Fame and fortune are all fleeting clouds,' I'm afraid..." She paused intentionally, glancing at Ren Xiaoyao with her beautiful eyes.
"Do you think my actions were for fame or fortune?" Ren Xiaoyao stood firm as a mountain, his eyes flashing with a sharp light, and asked in return.
“Last month, the embezzlement case at the Luzhou Textile Bureau came to light. The main culprit, Yuan Genqi, fled with 89,400 taels of stolen silver. He was spotted by you on the south bank of the Huai River, and the silver was lost overnight. But even now, this money has not been returned to the national treasury.” The elder sister revealed a cold and confident expression, gently scolding him.
“If I remember correctly, the ‘Baitai Grain Shop’ in Luzhou Prefecture should be owned by your Tingyu Pavilion, right?” Ren Xiaoyao’s tone was surprisingly calm and frank.
“Yes.” The elder sister thought for a moment and answered seriously.
“Go check the accounts there. On the thirteenth of last month, a man named Meng Feitu bought 30,000 dan of rice and transported it to Jiangning for disaster relief. The amount spent was exactly 89,400 taels of silver.” A confident smile appeared on Ren Xiaoyao’s lips as he slowly said.
"Meng Feitu?" The older sister's body trembled, her originally cold gaze replaced by a complex and inscrutable expression. She exclaimed, "That Meng Feitu who opened seventeen accounts in dozens of money shops under the name of Tingyuxuan, with an average daily turnover of six thousand taels of silver?"
"Exactly." Ren Xiaoyao casually took a sip of tea and laughed loudly, "It seems that you are very familiar with the family's accounts, which saves me the trouble of explaining. In short, as long as I withdraw a sum of money, I will buy a batch of goods from another shop under your name, Tingyuxuan, and distribute them all to the people who urgently need them."
"What about 'fame'? You travel the martial world, isn't it all for fame and renown?" The older sister's beautiful eyes brightened as she gazed at him, her icy face melting like spring returning to the earth. She spoke softly.
"Do you think that if the news of the theft of treasures from Yaoyuelou, Fengmingge, and Shenhuotang were to spread, would the reputation of the thief be greater than it is now?" Ren Xiaoyao revealed a bitter expression, deliberately feigning a pitiful look of being wronged, and sighed deeply. This was absolutely true. To obtain a treasure from one of the four great families that had dominated the Central Plains for nearly a century and successfully escape was enough to make anyone famous in the martial arts world.
"I misunderstood you," the elder sister said softly, her face flushed, her head slightly lowered. She then gave him a look filled with admiration and respect, captivating Ren Xiaoyao.

(Volume 1, Chapter 8: Two Beauties Fall in Love)

"Are you planning to live like this forever, so free and unrestrained?" the younger sister asked innocently, a smile of extreme envy on her face.
"Of course not! My dream is to one day become a saintly hero, a martial arts master who commands respect and obedience from all nations, so that no one in the world dares to covet the Song Dynasty or covet the Central Plains." Remembering the eight words often mentioned by the Four Saints of Qin, Qi, Shu, Hua, and his master and mistress, Ren Xiaoyao was filled with boundless ambition.
"'The Saint of Heroes, the Supreme Ruler of the Martial World!'" The elder sister's captivating eyes welled with a melancholy light as she stared at Ren Xiaoyao in disbelief. "Senior Dugu of the Hengshan Sect, Leader Long of the Tianji Sect, and my father are all renowned figures in the martial world, yet even they never claimed such a title. What makes you so sure of such an almost impossible ambition?"
Ren Xiaoyao's face hardened with unwavering resolve as he declared, "Xiang Yu, the Hegemon-King of Western Chu, harbored the ambition to overthrow the tyrannical Qin Dynasty and bring peace to the world since childhood; General Li Guang, the Flying General, devoted himself to serving the Han Dynasty from a young age, driving back the Xiongnu in the north; now, I, Ren Xiaoyao, swear to be the Saint of Heroes, the Supreme Ruler of the Martial World—what's wrong with that?"
"Although Xiang Yu was invincible and a hero for a lifetime, he ultimately met his defeat at Gaixia and committed suicide at the Wujiang River; Li Guang risked his life in battle, spending half his life on the battlefield, yet he still failed to seize military opportunities and ultimately committed suicide for his country
." The elder sister shook her white head slightly and said slowly in an unusually desolate tone, "Comparing yourself to them, don't you think it's a bit... a bit tragic?" "What you say is indeed true, and I wholeheartedly agree." Ren Xiaoyao continued with high spirits and a resounding voice, "But haven't you heard that Zhuge Liang, when he was living in seclusion in Longzhong, compared himself to Guan Zhong and Yue Yi, determined to restore the Han Dynasty and pacify the world? After emerging from his thatched cottage, he assisted Liu Bei in defeating Sun Quan, defeating Cao Cao, pacifying Jingzhou, and taking over the two Sichuan regions. He also achieved the feats of capturing Meng Huo seven times and launching six expeditions to Qishan. Although he died of illness at Wuzhangyuan during the Northern Expedition, his illustrious name is still widely praised by later generations. Zong Que, a famous general of the Southern Dynasties, was asked about his ambitions when he was five years old." With the words, "I wish to ride the long wind and break through ten thousand miles of waves," he won everyone's respect. Later, he became a renowned general, assisting Emperor Liu Yu of Song in his campaigns, achieving countless merits. "I, Ren Xiaoyao, am confident that my martial arts are no less than Xiang Yu's or Li Guang's. While my intelligence may not match Zhuge Liang's, it surpasses Zong Que's in his prime. One day, why can't I become a saint of chivalry, the supreme ruler of the martial world?"
These words were righteous and eloquent, generous and bold, without a trace of boasting. Even ordinary people would be impressed, let alone two young girls who were still naive and inexperienced.
Sure enough, as soon as Ren Xiaoyao finished speaking, a hint of reverence for a hero appeared in the younger sister's clear and bright eyes, while the older sister's previously indifferent and icy expression changed, becoming increasingly gentle, increasingly…
"Fengyi, Fengzi, who are you talking to?" Suddenly, Nangong Bubai's deep and resonant voice rang out from outside the door.
Upon hearing this, the three women's expressions changed drastically. The younger sister quickly got up and pushed Ren Xiaoyao into the inner room, whispering, "Quick, hide under your sister's bed."
Ren Xiaoyao knew that if he left now, he would surely perish. Only by hiding quickly could he avoid being discovered by Nangong Bubai. He had no choice but to obey, lifting the brocade curtain and slipping inside.
The younger sister quickly pulled down the silk curtains on both sides of the inner room, while the older sister tucked the cup Ren Xiaoyao had used into her sleeve. Just as the two turned around, Nangong Bubai pushed open the door and walked in.
"Fengzi, Father knows you love to play pranks. Tell me, who were you talking to just now?" Nangong Bubai asked, adopting the authority of a loving father.
"No...no one, it was my sister." The younger sister's face flushed red, her little hands fidgeting with the hem of her clothes as she answered.
"Really? Don't lie." Nangong Bubai pressed.
"It's true, Father. If you don't believe me, ask my sister." The younger sister used her tried-and-true method—coquettishness—tugging at Nangong Bubai's sleeve and speaking in a sweet voice.
"Fengyi, is your sister telling the truth?" Nangong Bubai laughed and turned to his sister.
Ren Xiaoyao, hiding on the bed in the inner room, was enjoying the faint fragrance emanating from the pillowcase and embroidered quilt. Upon hearing Nangong Bubai's words, he was immediately terrified and broke out in a cold sweat. His sister was naturally lively and playful, and since she had hidden someone, she would never reveal it to their father. However, his sister was always cold and aloof, and held some prejudice against him. If she were to reveal it in a fit of anger, he would be in real trouble tonight.
Thinking of this, he unconsciously gathered his inner energy, ready to rise up at any moment. He knew that Nangong Bubai's swordsmanship was considered unparalleled in the martial arts world, and with so many experts in Tingyu Pavilion, even his master might not be able to escape unscathed.
"Yes, there's no one else in the room. My sister and I have been talking about going to West Lake." Still so calm and composed, the sister's gentle and peaceful Wu dialect was full of undeniable power.
"I didn't expect her to help me too!" Ren Xiaoyao felt a surge of warmth in his heart.
Nangong Bubai knew that his younger daughter was playful and willful, and often lied, while his elder daughter was gentle and obedient, and would never lie. Hearing her say this, he believed her and didn't ask any further questions. Ren Xiaoyao, hiding in bed, finally breathed a sigh of relief.
"Father, what brings you to see your daughter tonight? Haven't you been very busy lately?" His elder sister poured Nangong Bubai a cup of tea and asked softly.
“A message came from outside the manor saying that Ren Xiaoyao has entered the city. Father passed by Cuiwei Garden and saw a light on in Shenxian Youzhu, so I came to tell you,” Nangong Bubai said, leaning closer with concern. “From now on, go to bed early if you don’t have anything to do, so as not to give the thief any opportunity.”
“What? Father, you said Ren Xiaoyao is coming to Cuiwei Garden?” The younger sister pretended to be scared and said in a trembling voice.
“That’s not necessarily true. He might come in from some garden. Don’t worry, Father will send more people to protect Shenxian Youzhu.” Nangong Bubai looked at his daughters affectionately and comforted them softly.
“Didn’t he just steal the Nine Dragons Contending for the Cauldron Cup from Fengming Pavilion last month? How come he’s here at Tingyu Pavilion in the blink of an eye?” The younger sister asked , feigning surprise.
“Sigh, not only Shenhuo Hall and Fengming Pavilion, but also Yaoyue Tower was taken down a few days ago.” Nangong Bubai sighed and then relayed the contents of Murong Tianfeng’s letter to his two daughters in detail.
"Ah—I never expected him..." Upon hearing this, the elder sister's heart stirred, and her beautiful eyes showed an incredulous look of surprise. Unconsciously, she even joined her younger sister in feigning concern, saying, "Shenhuo Hall is so far from Hangzhou, how could Ren Xiaoyao arrive so quickly? Could it be that our retainers and spies are just being overly anxious and reporting things carelessly?"
"Xianzhong is shrewd and capable, and acts with composure. If he says Ren Xiaoyao has arrived, he's almost certainly here," Nangong Bubai said solemnly. His consistent approach was to trust those he didn't trust.
"Father, what will you do if the thief is captured?" the younger sister asked with concern.
"Ren Xiaoyao is a rare talent. As long as he hands over the lost treasures of Yaoyue Tower, Fengming Pavilion, and Shenhuo Hall, the four great families will not pursue the matter," Nangong Bubai said, a surge of appreciation for his talent welling up within him.
"In my opinion, I'm afraid the three pavilion masters won't let this go so easily," the elder sister said with a charming smile, her words carrying a meaningful undertone.
"Tingyuxuan is, after all, the head of the four great families. As long as Father speaks, Murong Tianfeng and the others will have to give us face." Nangong Bubai laughed heartily, exuding an air of dominance.
"Could she be helping me find a way out?" Ren Xiaoyao suddenly froze on the spot, muttering to himself.
"Hahaha, people say that the chivalrous thief Ren Xiaoyao is dashing and romantic, leaving a trail of broken hearts everywhere. How come even my precious daughter Fengyi is concerned about her?" Nangong Bubai laughed heartily, appearing to be in an excellent mood. For many years, his eldest daughter had remained calm and indifferent, showing no interest in any man in the world. Now, however, she had taken the initiative to inquire about Ren Xiaoyao, which clearly had a special meaning.
"No...no, I was just asking." The elder sister's cheeks flushed red, her beautiful eyes sparkling, and she said coquettishly.
"Father, Father, stop teasing my sister!" The younger sister giggled sweetly, her breath sweet as orchids.
"Okay, okay, okay, I won't say anything." Nangong Bubai couldn't resist his youngest daughter's insistence and surrendered.
"My sister and I will be careful. It's getting late, you should go back and rest." The older sister said, her beautiful cherry lips slightly parted, feigning indifference.
"Hehe, I'm leaving now, you two should go to sleep early too." Seeing that midnight was approaching, Nangong Bubai had no intention of lingering, so he gave a few instructions and got up to leave.
"We know, Father." The two sisters replied in unison.

Volume 1: Young Heroes Emerging from the Cottage, Chapter 9: Two Gifts

"Ren Xiaoyao, come out." After a while, guessing that Nangong Bubai had gone far away, the younger sister called softly.
"Miss Fengyi, Miss Fengzi, I am deeply grateful for your righteous help." Ren Xiaoyao strode up to the two women, bowed deeply, and said with a smile.
"You... how did you know about them..." The older sister blushed and scolded playfully. Before she could finish speaking, she remembered her father had just called her by her maiden name, and immediately lowered her head, falling silent. In those days, a woman's name wasn't something she could casually reveal. Before marriage, she was called "waiting to be named in her boudoir," and only after the marriage was arranged and her maiden name, along with her birth date and time, was sent to her husband's family, allowing outsiders to address her by that name.
"Nangong Fengyi, Nangong Fengzi, truly worthy of their names," Ren Xiaoyao said, his eyes sparkling as he gazed intently at the two sisters. "
Miss Fengzi, I'm just approaching twenty. Should I call you elder sister or younger sister?" Ren Xiaoyao smiled slightly, feigning ignorance as he asked Nangong Fengzi.
"I was born in the year of Gengzi, the month of Yichou, the day of Bingyin, and the hour of Yimao. You should be called elder brother," Nangong Fengzi replied spontaneously, revealing her birth date and time.
"Then wouldn't Miss Fengyi be my elder sister?" Ren Xiaoyao looked into her bright eyes, sensing her unpretentious and clever personality, and said softly.
"No way," Nangong Fengzi said with undisguised sincerity and a touch of playfulness, "Elder sister is... well, anyway, she's only one year and six months older than me, calling you brother is more appropriate." Fortunately, she stopped herself in time, not revealing Nangong Fengyi's birth date.
"Sister Fengyi, Sister Fengzi, it's getting late, I should go now, we'll meet again." Ren Xiaoyao looked at the faint lights outside the window and said reluctantly.
"Wait, will you come again tomorrow night?" Nangong Fengzi wanted to ask her to stay, but after thinking about it, it was inappropriate in front of her elder sister, so she decided to find another time.
Without thinking, Ren Xiaoyao blurted out, "If you two sisters don't mind, I will definitely come." How could he refuse such an invitation from a beautiful woman?
“Sister—” Nangong Fengyi frowned slightly, as if about to scold him, but the words caught in her throat. Did she also want to spend more time with Ren Xiaoyao?
Nangong Fengyi smiled sweetly, her dimples deepening, making her even more charming. She said leisurely, “Tomorrow night at Hai Shi (9-11 PM), in my room next door. Remember, don’t be late.” This girl was so naive, not even aware of the impropriety of men and women. She had only known him for half an hour and yet she invited him to her boudoir. It was truly absurd and bold.
“Yes, don’t be late.” Ren Xiaoyao took a deep breath, composed himself, and said loudly.
“Thief…Young Master Ren.” He turned his back and was about to leave when he heard Nangong Fengyi’s soft and cheerful voice beside him, “There are many guards patrolling Cuiwei Garden at night. Be careful when you come.”
Ren Xiaoyao hadn’t expected that she, with her serene and composed face, would care about him. His heart warmed, and he said solemnly, “Thank you for your concern, Sister Fengyi.” With that, he vanished into the dark night sky in an instant.
Nangong Fengyi gazed out the window, a bitter smile playing on her lips. She shook her head and said, "Ren Xiaoyao, you truly are my cursed star."
※ ※ ※ ※ ※
The next day…
just past dusk, Nangong Fengzi, dressed like a bride, was already quietly waiting in the room. Her pink silk dress and graceful figure, whether smiling sweetly, frowning slightly, or puffing out her cheeks with a hint of menace, all radiated youthful beauty, captivating and endearing.
During dinner, her heart was with him; she wanted to finish her meal as soon as she picked up her bowl. She truly didn't understand why, after seeing Ren Xiaoyao, her heart had been filled with sweetness, like receiving the Fire Dragon Pearl from her uncle on her birthday last year—no, even more joyful than that. From a young age, although she had lived a life of comfort and pampered luxury, whenever she sat alone at home, she would always feel a slight sense of desolation, as if something was missing from her life. After last night, this strange feeling vanished instantly, replaced by a strong longing, anxious waiting, and even an indescribable yearning.
The sky grew darker, and there were only a quarter of an hour left until the appointed time. Nangong Fengzi quietly sat on the edge of the bed, sometimes shy and bashful, sometimes smiling gently, her heart pounding like a deer.
The door creaked open, revealing the graceful and noble figure of Nangong Fengyi. Unlike her sister, whose beauty was adorned with jade hairpins and other ornaments, hers needed no adornment. Her long, flowing black hair, as smooth as satin, cascaded freely down her back. Her fair, rosy skin complemented her elegant attire perfectly. Most captivating were her bright, expressive eyes, which seemed to hold a certain innocent charm, making her as pure and beautiful as a snow lotus bud about to bloom.
For over a decade, as the eldest daughter of Tingyu Pavilion, she had lived a secluded life, rarely venturing beyond her chambers. Her heart was devoid of joy or sorrow, devoid of thought or worry, and she had never held any man in her heart. However, Ren Xiaoyao's handsome and refined demeanor, his witty and humorous conversation, and his captivating smile had to make her take notice. His discourse on life's aspirations, in particular, stirred ripples in her once tranquil heart.
Before she knew it, it was already midnight. A gentle breeze opened the doors and windows, and Ren Xiaoyao, dressed in pristine white, finally appeared in Nangong Fengzi's boudoir.
"Brother Xiaoyao," Nangong Fengzi called softly, unusually rushing forward to greet him. Ren Xiaoyao's heart warmed. No one had ever addressed him so intimately before, especially not a beautiful young girl. Even the hardest heart would melt at his touch.
"Why are you dressed like a target, as if you're afraid no one will see you?" Nangong Fengyi stared at Ren Xiaoyao's snow-white night clothes, a slightly reproachful smile blooming on her face. She said softly, "I clearly told you last night that Cuiwei Garden was heavily guarded, and that you should be careful."
"Hehe, thank you for your concern, Sister Fengyi." Hearing this, Ren Xiaoyao was in a great mood, feeling that he had gotten much closer to her. He said modestly, "I was busy preparing gifts for you just now and forgot to change my clothes."
"Gifts? What gifts?" Nangong Fengzi revealed a smile that could charm any man in the world and asked sweetly. "These two gifts are very unique. Although you sisters have lived in Tingyuxuan, which is known as the 'richest man in the world,' since you
were young, I'm afraid you have never seen them before." Ren Xiaoyao deliberately kept her in suspense, lowering his voice and speaking mysteriously. "Brother Xiaoyao, hurry up and take them out, I can't wait any longer." Nangong Fengzi's beautiful eyes sparkled, and she said in a coquettish voice. "Hmm." Ren Xiaoyao nodded slightly, reached into his robes, and pulled out a small booklet with a slightly yellowed cover. He shrugged and said, "Here, for you." " A cultivation manual? What's this?" Nangong Fengzi looked at him in surprise, puzzled. "Just open it and you'll know." Ren Xiaoyao smiled slightly and placed the book in Nangong Fengzi's smooth, jade-like hand. Nangong Fengzi casually flipped through a few pages and saw that it was full of diagrams and tips for making mechanisms and traps. She exclaimed happily, "Brother Xiaoyao, I love this gift so much! Thank you!" Her personality was different from Nangong Fengyi's. From a young age, she was willful, unruly, and mischievous. Even when her father disciplined her, her mother, who doted on her, would deliberately protect her. Tingyuxuan originally had two extremely powerful sword techniques, one called Snow Reflecting the Mortal World and the other Blazing Fire Reaching the Sky, which were only passed down to their own flesh and blood. Snow Reflecting the Mortal World was an elegant sword technique with intricate moves, suitable for women to practice. Nangong Bubai then passed it on to his two daughters. Nangong Fengyi was gentle and virtuous, with exceptional talent, and achieved considerable skill in less than half a year. Nangong Fengzi, however, due to her outgoing personality and pampered upbringing, lacked perseverance and made no progress whatsoever. In desperation, Nangong Bubai had no choice but to teach her the swift, fierce, and exceptionally powerful Fiery Sky-Piercing Sword. From then on, the vast Cuiwei Garden suffered greatly; trees and plants were constantly being cut down, and flowers and grasses were left in ruins. Later, Nangong Bubai thought that if her daughter continued to act so recklessly, she would become spoiled and willful, developing an unruly temperament, which would be unbecoming of a lady from a noble family. Therefore, she forbade her to go out alone and prohibited the maids and servants from casually interacting with her. Nangong Fengzi, unable to bear the loneliness, became fascinated with mechanisms and traps, occasionally inventing gadgets to amuse herself. Tingyuxuan (Listening Rain Pavilion) welcomes many extraordinary individuals, including numerous experts in this field. As the second young lady, Nangong Fengzi easily obtained diagrams and samples from them to practice her skills. Coupled with her intelligence, dexterity, and skillful hands, she quickly became an expert herself over the years. Of course, once she finished her traps and mechanisms, she used them for amusement and to relieve her worries; guards, maids, and servants alike fell victim to her. Unfortunately, in recent months, Nangong Fengzi's collection of trap samples had gradually run out. Her retainers, having received orders from Nangong Bubai, dared not give her any more, leaving her feeling lonely. Ren Xiaoyao's "Secret Records of Cultivation" is the second volume of Meng Lei's "Heavenly Secrets Manual," containing unparalleled secrets of traps and mechanisms. Even Tang Yunhe, the leader of the Tang Clan, would be amazed upon seeing it, let alone Nangong Fengzi. “Sister Fengyi, I’ve heard that you are proficient in the Six Arts, especially the zither. I happen to have the sheet music for ‘High Mountains and Flowing Water’ on hand, so why don’t I give it to you as a gift?” Ren Xiaoyao said happily, his gaze intently scrutinizing Nangong Fengyi’s peerless beauty. "High Mountains and Flowing Water?" Nangong Fengyi sat up straight, looking at him with disbelief. "Is that the piece composed by Yu Boya, the 'Immortal of the Qin' during the Warring States period?" "Indeed." Ren Xiaoyao nodded, his expression one of deep listening intently to Nangong Fengyi. "Legend has it that his Qin skills were unparalleled throughout history, but unfortunately, he could not find a kindred spirit, which saddened him greatly. Later, at the mouth of the Han River, he met Zhong Ziqi. Because Zhong Ziqi could understand the profound meaning contained in the music, they became sworn brothers and cherished each other deeply." "That's right." Nangong Fengyi's soft voice whispered in his ear, "Legend has it that when Yu Boya played the Qin, he thought of high mountains, and Zhong Ziqi said, 'Excellent, lofty like Mount Tai.' Then he thought of flowing water, and Zhong Ziqi said, 'Excellent, vast like the rivers.' As a woodcutter, he possessed such keen insight; truly a peerless genius." "High Mountains and Flowing Water was written by Yu Boya for Zhong Ziqi. When I was young, I was fortunate enough to hear a senior play it. It was an unparalleled masterpiece... an unparalleled masterpiece indeed." Recalling when he was ten years old, Qin Huaiqing played High Mountains and Flowing Water to celebrate his birthday. The three sages of chess, calligraphy, and painting were all captivated and full of praise. Ren Xiaoyao murmured to himself. "However, according to historical records, after Zhong Ziqi's death, Yu Boya was heartbroken. He came alone to Zhong Ziqi's grave, played his last piece, and then smashed his beloved zither to pieces on a bluestone, disappearing from the world forever." Nangong Fengyi maintained her usual ethereal and charming demeanor, speaking with delight. "Yu Boya never took on any disciples, and at that time, no one else could understand the 'High Mountains and Flowing Water' melody. How did this score come to be passed down?" "Good question." Ren Xiaoyao's eyes sparkled as he scrutinized her, as if trying to see through Nangong Fengyi's heart. He smiled and said, "Sister Fengyi, born into a martial arts family and skilled in the zither, you must know that martial arts and learning the zither have many similarities, right?" "Hmm, on the surface, the two seem very different, but upon closer examination, it's not hard to see that the connection between martial arts and playing the zither is actually quite intricate." Nangong Fengyi turned her graceful figure, revealing her captivating curves, and said softly, "For example, no matter which path you choose, perseverance and willpower are essential. If your will is not firm, you cannot persist for long, and even with the best talent, you can forget about achieving anything. Also, both martial arts and playing the zither are easy to begin with, but to master them requires decades of diligent practice." "Sister Fengyi is indeed clever, she understands immediately." Ren Xiaoyao was excited and said happily, "Think about it, if you were the number one master in the world, and you finally created a divine skill that would shine for all ages, would you just watch it be lost after your death?" "Of course not." Nangong Fengyi blurted out, instantly realizing, "Yu Boya is known as the 'Immortal of the Zither,' so naturally he knew that 'High Mountains and Flowing Water' was a timeless masterpiece, how could he bear to see it disappear with him into the dust?" "Having said that, he snatched the sheet music from Ren Xiaoyao's hands without hesitation and began to savor it. "It wasn't for nothing that I spent the whole day inquiring about the Nangong sisters' preferences, and even spent my savings; I didn't disappoint them after all," Ren Xiaoyao thought to himself with secret delight. "High mountains and flowing water, true friends are hard to find; the four sages are of one heart, inseparable and unwavering. —Qin Huaiqing of Nanyang"

Gazing at the elegant calligraphy on the title page, Nangong Fengyi exclaimed in surprise, "The calligraphy of the Qin Saint Qin Huaiqing! This...this book...where did you get this musical score?"
Ren Xiaoyao, who was captivated by her graceful figure as she turned the pages, almost blurted out, "Naturally, the Qin Saint gave it to me." Fortunately, he remembered that before leaving the island, the Four Saints had warned him not to reveal anything about Coconut Island, so he swallowed his words.

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