Rebirth of a Stunning Beauty (Complete) - 27

~Chapter Six: The Hidden War, Section Four~

Hua Rong thought for a while and said, "Ah Ren, you are famous throughout the martial arts world. Three years ago, you were already the most powerful with your 'Heaven-Covering Hand,' and now you have obtained the Heavenly Dragon's Roar. Anyone who wants to assassinate you should think twice about their abilities. But this time, the assassin dared to attack you in the street, which means they know that your power is suppressed and you have no power to fight back. Not many people know about this, so we can start our investigation from there."

The Third Young Master nodded and said, "Only the three protectors, Yi Fei, and Jing Jing know that my power is suppressed. Even the disciples of the Bewitching Heart Sect don't know that I am actually weak inside. And Yi Fei and Jing Jing are willing to die for me. If you say they are using a self-inflicted injury ruse, this is a life-or-death situation." "A self-inflicted injury would come at too high a price. Therefore, only the three guardians remain as suspects."

Hua Rong shook her head and said, "More than just the three guardians know that your power is restricted; the Four Demon Envoys know as well. Moreover, Yi Fei and Jing Jing are not necessarily entirely innocent. Think about it, those who attacked you in the street today were all reckless assassins. Yi Fei and Jing Jing may well be assassins as well. Ah Ren, don't completely trust those two girls just because they are nice to you. In this situation, no one can be completely trusted."

The Third Young Master said calmly, "According to you, everyone is a suspect?"

Hua Rong nodded and said, "Of course. Until the truth comes out, anyone who knows that your power is restricted is a suspect."

"Then kill them all," the Third Young Master said casually. "Three protectors, four demon envoys, and Yifei and Jingjing—I'll handle them all. Better to kill the wrong ones than let any escape."

Hua Rong said with a bitter face, "Aren, you must be joking! How can you kill them all? If you kill the wrong ones, wouldn't it make the loyal members of the sect feel disheartened and ashamed?" The

Third Young Master sneered, "They'll have to be killed sooner or later. If you don't kill them now, I will in the future. It's better to kill them all while you're cleaning up your sect, so you don't have to worry about it later."

Hua Rong's face turned cold, and she said, "Aren, are you determined to oppose me to the end?"

The Third Young Master nodded, staring intently at Hua Rong, and said, "Two tigers cannot share one mountain. In this world, there can only be one supreme ruler."

Hua Rong and the Third Young Master looked at each other for a while, then she shook her head helplessly, "Alright, Aren..." "Let's not panic. At least for now, I'm on your side."

The Third Young Master chuckled and said, "It's good that you know. Now, can you tell me who the new Four Demon Envoys are?"

Hua Rong thought for a moment and said, "Alright, I'll tell you now, but you must promise me that you won't kill them indiscriminately while you're in Dingzhou City."

The Third Young Master nodded and said, "I won't kill them for now; I mean it."

Hua Rong said, "I'm relieved to hear that. The first of the new Four Demon Envoys is Zuo Tianzong, the leader of the Moon Worship Cult, who is also Zuo Yuanfang's nephew. The second is Heng Tianwang, the leader of the One-Sword Alliance, known as 'One-Sword Overturning the City.' The third and fourth are Lianzhou Fenghua, the head of the Lianzhou family, and his eldest son, Lianzhou Tianxiong."

The Third Young Master asked, "Then Lianzhou Fenghua..." "What about your second son, Lianzhou Tianying? Didn't he join the Demonic Sect?"

Hua Rong said, "Lianzhou Tianying is currently the head of the Blood Blade Hall of our sect. The previous head of the Blood Blade Hall was killed by your second brother. We need someone to fill in."

The Third Young Master thought for a while and said, "Your current protectors and demonic envoys are basically all cowards who are afraid of death and have no sense of loyalty. If it comes to betraying you, any of them could do it. In my opinion, it would be better to kill them all. After killing them all, we can refine them into medicine people. Wouldn't that be much more obedient and safer?"

Hua Rong shook her head and said, "Medicine people are indeed powerful and obey my orders, but they don't have their own thoughts. They can't do anything except fight and kill. I still need some capable people under my command, right?"

The Third Young Master thought for a while and said, "In that case, it will be troublesome to investigate. We can't kill the innocent... and we can't..." " Letting them get away with it... Sigh, Rong'er, you've done a pathetic job as the Supreme One. A spy from another force infiltrated your own sect, and yet they still manage to occupy a high position. How could you do this?"

Hua Rong said helplessly, "What could I do? Almost all the talented people in our sect have been killed by the three Qin brothers. Where am I supposed to find more people?"

The Third Young Master stroked his chin and said, "However, the force behind this spy is truly extraordinary! To be able to pull off such a massive operation, arranging so many willing suicide soldiers, I've thought about it, and I believe only a few major forces in the world could do this."

Hua Rong said, "That's right. Besides Xiang Yu's army, the Overlord's army, the Tang Dynasty, and Gongzi Yu, no other force could have done what they did today."

The Third Young Master said, "Xiang Yu's army, the Overlord's army, and the Tang Dynasty are all newly risen forces this year.

Xiang Qi is a peasant; although he's skilled in warfare, assassination isn't his forte."

"Little Tyrant Shen Chong is said to be a master, but his subordinates are mostly military commanders; there aren't many true martial arts masters among them. He probably doesn't have that ability.

"Although Tang Kangyan of the Great Tang Dynasty has been a military governor for many years, he is a local tyrant in the South China Sea and shouldn't have had the opportunity to collude with masters in the Central Plains."

“Think about it, of the three protectors and four demon envoys, the furthest is Zhao Ziyang from the Zhao family of Beihai. The rest are basically all in the Central Plains. And Zhao Ziyang is also far away in Beihai. Xiang Qi, Shen Chong, and Tang Kangyan have neither the ability nor the opportunity to win them over and make them willingly risk their lives for them.”

Hua Rong said, “Then, you mean that what happened today might have been done by Gongzi Yu?”

The Third Young Master nodded and said, “He is the most suspicious. Three years ago, Gongzi Yu joined forces with Ximen Wudi, preparing to wipe out all the martial arts sects that did not submit to them at the Martial Arts Conference.

The Central Plains martial arts world was severely weakened in the Martial Arts Conference three years ago. All the sects were merged into your Demonic Sect, leaving only my Xiaoyao Manor and Iron Blood Howling Sky Fortress to fight against your Demonic Sect.”

"But Gongzi Yu, after the martial arts tournament, hid in the East Sea and has been out of the public eye for the past three years

, which is inconsistent with his previous activity. In my opinion, he must be hiding in the East Sea, secretly manipulating things. You should know that three years ago, Gongzi Yu had already cultivated a large number of followers and befriended many people in the martial arts world. It is most believable that the spies among the Three Protectors and the Four Demon Envoys are Gongzi Yu's men!"

“Besides, those assassins require a lot of time to cultivate their loyalty, making them willing to disfigure themselves and die. Among these four major forces, only Gongzi Yu has the ability and time to do so!”

Hua Rong thought for a moment, then asked with some doubt, “But Gongzi Yu has already formed an alliance with our sect. Even after Ximen Wudi died, he still hasn’t broken off the alliance with me. A few days ago, I even sent someone to contact him to discuss a joint military operation. Moreover, I’ve met Gongzi Yu a few times. He’s a typical lecherous and frivolous person. Although he has ambition, he lacks talent and responsibility, and only knows how to be brave and fierce. Oh, by the way, back then, in order to control you, he even plotted to send Zhen Luo to you, but unexpectedly, Zhen Luo betrayed him because of you…”

"Wait a minute, stop right there..." The Third Young Master called out a pause, then asked solemnly, "What did you just say? Zhen Luo is Gongzi Yu's woman?"

Hua Rong nodded and said, "That's right. Zhen Luo is a rare, naturally alluring woman. Gongzi Yu raised her from a young age, intending to enjoy her as an adult. However, in order to control you, he had to reluctantly give her up."

The Third Young Master slapped his forehead and groaned, "My God... I never imagined that Luo'er was... was actually Gongzi Yu's woman. Fortunately, I have boundless charm, which made her betray Gongzi Yu for me. Otherwise, I might have been sold off without even knowing it..."

Hua Rong covered her mouth and chuckled, teasingly saying, "Is that possible? Ah Ren, you are heartless and cold-blooded. You would never betray yourself for any woman. For you, the one you love most is probably yourself, right? Even if Zhen Luo didn't betray Gongzi Yu, she still wouldn't be able to control you. If you were so easy to control, Rong'er would have already made her move on you."

The Third Young Master nodded proudly and said, "Your analysis makes a lot of sense. In my life, I will never be controlled by anyone."

Hua Rong said, "Alright, let's stop with the idle talk and continue talking about Young Master Yu. After losing Zhen Luo, Young Master Yu set his sights on Rong'er. He has repeatedly proposed to Ximen Wudi that he wanted to sleep with Rong'er. Two years ago, he even came to propose marriage, saying he wanted to marry me, but Ximen Wudi refused

him with various excuses. "I heard that in the past few years, Young Master Yu has been in the East Sea camp, indulging in nightly revelry, neglecting military affairs, and only knowing how to seek pleasure. He gathers a batch of beauties for his debauchery almost every month. And he himself is a weak scholar who can't even kill a chicken. How could such a useless person like him possibly command a master like Zhou Lingfei? How could he possibly train such fearless assassins like the ones you encountered today?"

The Third Young Master shook his head and said, "Young Master Yu is weak? I'm afraid you're wrong." I once thought Young Master Su was just a weak scholar, powerless and incompetent, but little did I know he was a first-rate swordsman, skilled in the 'God-Slaying Hand' technique. On the night of the assassination attempt, if I had

n't given it my all, and had three helpers assisting me, he probably would have escaped due to the previous misunderstanding. "Hidden strength is something everyone can do; the more skilled a master, the better they can act like an ordinary person, making it impossible to discern their true nature. As for your claim that he lacks ability and responsibility, that's even more impossible. If he were truly as debauched and incompetent as you say, why would Ximen Wudi seek his alliance? Just because of his princely status?

"And what makes him capable of cultivating relationships with officials outside the capital and befriending extraordinary figures in the martial world? Just because of his money and status? Those fearless assassins would never risk their lives for an incompetent person, would they?"

"The pirates of the East Sea have been raiding our borders for years, but since Young Master Yu took command of the East Sea Navy, they have basically disappeared. We haven't heard of them coming ashore to plunder anymore. Can an incompetent general command an army in battle?"

Hua Rong thought for a moment and said, "The East Sea Navy's combat strength is second only to the Northern Frontier Iron Army, and it is hailed as one of the two great iron-blooded armies on par with the Northern Frontier Iron Army. With such strong combat power, even if the commander is incompetent, the

East Sea Navy should be able to deal with those rabble of pirates." The Third Young Master shook his head again and said, "You're wrong. All fierce soldiers are bound to be arrogant and conceited. The East Sea Navy is an iron-blooded army on par with the Northern Frontier Iron Army. If their commander is truly incompetent, how can he control this group of fierce and unruly men?

If Young Master Yu were truly so dissolute, the East Sea Navy might have rebelled long ago. How could they not only not rebel in the past three years, but also wipe out the pirates that they had been unable to completely eliminate for many years? If it weren't for Young Master Yu's skillful command, would this be possible?" Hua Rong laughed and said, "

Aren, now that you mention it, I think I really think that Gongzi Yu is not a simple person."

The Third Young Master smiled slightly and said, "Of course he is not simple. If he were simple, how could he lead the East Sea Navy to rebel and declare himself king? A general who cannot command respect would probably have been hacked to pieces by his own soldiers long ago if he wanted to rebel."

"Anyone can act. Didn't you fool me back in Tianjing City? Ximen Wudi has been impersonating Grand Tutor Hua for so many years, hasn't he fooled everyone? If Gongzi Yu really has that kind of magnanimity, wouldn't it be incredibly easy for him to play the role of an incompetent person?"

Hua Rong said thoughtfully, "If Gongzi Yu is truly as you say, pretending to be incompetent and arrogant all along, then he is a truly terrifying person... Three years ago, when Ximen Wudi joined forces with him, after spending so much time with him, his evaluation of him was 'ambitious but incompetent, arrogant and conceited, impetuous and lecherous, and muddle-headed.' He could even deceive Ximen Wudi; his strength... is truly not to be underestimated."

The Third Young Master nodded and said, "Ximen Wudi's evaluation is wildly wrong. If he were truly lecherous and muddle-headed, how could he have ..." "He'd hand over Luo'er, whom he raised since childhood, to me, young master? A lustful and foolish man would surely be petty and lose sight of the bigger picture, preferring to lose control of me rather than hand over the naturally alluring woman he raised."

Hua Rong said, "Then, if the assassin was truly ordered by Gongzi Yu, why would he want to take your life?"

The Third Young Master said, "The reason is simple. I made Zhen Luo betray him, that's my first grudge. He tried his best but couldn't control me, and I discovered his conspiracy with Ximen Wudi to hold a martial arts tournament, that's my second grudge. With the Heavenly Soldier Dragon Roar in hand and a heart set on conquering the world, I will inevitably become a great obstacle to his domination of the world, that's my third grudge. Under these three grudges, he naturally wanted to take advantage of my weakened state, where I could only take the beating and couldn't fight back, to make a desperate attempt to kill me and eliminate a formidable enemy.

"This time, he should have succeeded. Even I didn't expect that at the critical moment when I was on the verge of death, my potential was so great that I could activate your magical restrictions on my own." Hua Rong nodded slowly and said, "

What you say makes a lot of sense. Gongzi Yu and I are allies, and he knows the situation in Dingzhou City best. He is also the most convenient person to plant spies among my men... Ah Ren, tell me, is it possible that Gongzi Yu is currently in Dingzhou City?"

The Third Young Master thought for a moment and said, "I can't say for sure. Logically speaking, Dingzhou City is under your control, with hundreds of thousands of troops stationed inside and outside the city. As a regional lord, Gongzi Yu should be making decisions from afar, strategizing from within the command tent, and shouldn't be taking risks personally. However, Gongzi Yu is extremely unpredictable, and it's not impossible that he might come to Dingzhou City in person. The possibility of him coming or not is about 50/50!"

Hua Rong smiled bitterly, "If you say that, how should I deal with it?"

The Third Young Master said, "It's very simple. Martial law throughout the city, and conduct a thorough search of every household. Register all the people in each household, and verify their identities absolutely. Each person's identity must be verified by at least ten people. " "Anyone who cannot prove their identity will be executed immediately! Wouldn't that leave no place for suspicious individuals to hide in Dingzhou City?"

Hua Rong said, "Your method is good, but Dingzhou City has nearly 100,000 households and a population of nearly 600,000. It's the most populous city in the Great Qin Kingdom besides Tianjing City. If we register them like this, my soldiers won't have time to do anything else. Besides, if we search house to house, won't we alert them?"

"Is that so?" The Third Young Master frowned and thought for a moment, then said, "Then let's postpone the household registration for now. As for the search, if we're worried about alerting them, we don't need to search house to house. Let's do a thorough search of all the inns, restaurants, and other places in the city. We have to make it look like we're doing something. Oh, by the way, you can send Zhou Lingfei and the other three protectors and the four demon envoys to lead the search in turn. I'll follow them and see if anything seems amiss."

Hua Rong said, "Then let's do as you say."

The Third Young Master nodded, "Okay, it's settled then." "I'll go check on Yifei and Jingjing first." The Third Young Master said, walking towards the door. When he reached the door, he suddenly turned back to Hua Rong and said, "Since they dared to assassinate me, they might also try to assassinate you. You need to be careful." Seeing the Third Young Master's sincere expression ,

Hua Rong felt a sudden, inexplicable surge of emotion and nodded silently.

She didn't see the strange smile that crept onto the Third Young Master's lips as he turned to leave.

※ ※ ※ ※

Inside a rather luxurious mansion, in a dark, secluded room, an oil lamp crackled and burned, its small flame casting a dim light on the otherwise gloomy space. But even in this faint light, everything within the room appeared even more sinister.

A thin young man in a pale yellow robe stood with his hands behind his back, facing the bare wall. The wall was blank, yet he seemed intently focused on something.

Suddenly, a small door opened in the wall behind the young man, and a person bowed deeply, stopping about ten feet behind him before bowing respectfully and saying, "Greetings, Young Master!"

The young man replied calmly, "Rise."

After the visitor stood up, the young man still didn't turn around, remaining with his back to the visitor, and slowly said, "What actions has Hua Rong taken regarding the assassin? Has she suspected you?" ~

Chapter Six, Section Five of the Covert War~

"Young Master," the man said respectfully, "in response to the assassination attempt, Hua Rong has ordered a citywide curfew and appointed us, the Three Protectors and the Four Demon Envoys, to lead teams to search inns, hotels, and other places where people stay. It seems she's beginning to suspect that there are spies among the higher-ups of the Demonic Sect. Otherwise, she wouldn't have sent out all seven of us at once. I estimate that whenever Hua Rong sends one person out to lead a search, someone is always following them." The young man chuckled and said, "However, in the current situation, anyone could be a spy. And we haven't given ourselves away. It won't be easy for Hua Rong to trace us back to us."

The young man continued, "Hua Rong is very clever. It won't take her long to find you all. Add Qin Ren to the mix, and it would be strange if she couldn't. Moreover, I believe that with Qin Ren and Hua Rong's intelligence, they should already have guessed who's behind it all."

The man said, "Young Master, if Hua Rong and Qin Ren have guessed that you are the mastermind... " "If they manipulated all of this, then they're probably already plotting against you, young master. Dingzhou City is no longer safe, young master…"

The young man raised a hand, interrupting the man, and slowly said, "Dingzhou City is the safest place now. Besides, I've been cultivating this for many years, how do you know there aren't people loyal to me in the Northern Frontier Army? Hua Rong thinks she can control the Northern Frontier Army… Hmph, she's terribly wrong. How could a battle-hardened army like the Northern Frontier Army…" " Would they willingly be controlled by her? Besides, the Northern Frontier Army has always only been loyal to the Ying family. Now that our leader is dead, if I raise my voice, do you think the Northern Frontier Army won't turn against us and join me?"

The man sincerely replied, "What you say is absolutely right, young master! The Northern Frontier Army was originally your personal army, under the command of Young Master Su. Now that Young Master Su is gone, the Northern Frontier Army should rightfully join your ranks. That Hua Rong, after Young Master Su's death, seized his tiger tally, thinking she could use it to seize military power. But she doesn't know that the army..." "Among them, tradition is paramount. Soldiers are always loyal to the purest royal bloodline!"

The young man chuckled and said, "And what right do the Hu tribes, who are allied with the Demonic Sect, have to cause trouble after losing the powerful Northern Frontier Army? Besides, Hua Rong doesn't actually control the Hu army; their relationship is merely one of cooperation. The Hu people won't willingly risk their lives for Hua Rong!"

The man immediately flattered him, "Young Master, your strategy is brilliant! How could Hua Rong and Qin Ren, those two young upstarts, be a match for you?"

The young man said, "Now that Hua Rong is conducting a city-wide search, she must think that I will hide and avoid the storm. But I will do the opposite! Ling Fei, I remember tomorrow is your fortieth birthday. Have you already sent out your banquet invitations?"

The man replied, "Yes, Young Master, they have. The banquet will be held at my residence, and Hua Rong has accepted my invitation." The young man chuckled and said, "

She should accept it! After all, you're her disciple. As the sect leader, you should give your subordinate face, right? Strike first, strike hard; strike later, suffer the consequences. Tomorrow night, I'll make Hua Rong utterly defeated. Ling Fei, your birthday banquet might be ruined by me."

The man quickly smiled and said, "Young master, you jest. Compared to the grand plan of conquering the world, a birthday banquet is nothing. I will prepare well. I believe Hua Rong will never expect that we will strike when she is most vigilant, killing her!"

The young man chuckled, "Once Hua Rong and Qin Ren are dead, no one in the world can stand against me. The world of Qin will ultimately belong to me."

The man added, "By the way, young master, what should we do with Qin Ren's two close associates, 'Time Flies' and 'Illusion Demon True Lord'?"

The young man said, "You don't need to worry about that. Just prepare your birthday banquet. I will handle these two." As

dusk

settled, Dingzhou City fell silent.

A curfew had been imposed; after 5 PM, no one was allowed to leave the city. Now, apart from the members of the Demonic Sect and the Northern Frontier Army conducting a thorough search of all inns, restaurants, and other lodging establishments, the streets were deserted.

Even dogs were kept indoors; any dog that dared to venture out was beaten to death and stewed by the Demonic Sect disciples. In

the western part of Dingzhou City, in Uncle Li's unassuming yet luxuriously furnished mansion, Uncle Li was questioning the disciples of the Thousand Gates Thieves Sect, who had arrived after seeing the secret mark he had left behind, about recent major events in Dingzhou City.

"If we're talking about truly significant events, aside from Dingzhou City being occupied by the Northern Frontier Army and the Hu tribes, the only real major event was what happened during the day."

A middle-aged, thin man dressed as a merchant stood respectfully before Uncle Li and Qiao Wei, saying, "When the Third Young Master Qin was out shopping today, he was attacked by hundreds of assassins. Almost all of his guards were killed, and even the Third Young Master himself was nearly killed by eighteen highly skilled assassins. Later, the Third Young Master displayed incredible prowess, single-handedly wiping out all the assassins." Uncle

Li asked in a deep voice, "Are you sure it was the Third Young Master who was assassinated?"

The thin man said, "Although I didn't see it with my own eyes, I heard from those who witnessed the incident that the assassin was the deputy sect leader of the Demonic Sect, the Grand Protector, and the sect leader of the Bewitching Heart Sect. Adding to that the talk about the assassin's demeanor while strolling around, I think only the Third Young Master has so many titles and such a stylish air."

Uncle Li nodded and said, "Then it can't be wrong, it must have been the Third Young Master who was assassinated. But why did the Third Young Master wait until almost all his guards were dead before making his move?"

Qiao Wei interjected, "Perhaps the Third Young Master was worried because his guards were all from the Demonic Sect..." "Middle-aged men, they wouldn't deign to fight alongside them, so they only made their move after the guards were all dead."

The middle-aged thin man shook his head and said, "Master Qiao, you're mistaken. Although I've never met the Third Young Master, I've long heard of his reputation. Everyone says he's very chivalrous, and today when he was shopping, he was accompanied by four beautiful women. Even if the Third Young Master disdains fighting alongside members of the Demonic Sect, surely he wouldn't just stand by and watch several beautiful women die protecting him? Besides, I've heard that when the Third Young Master unleashed his power at the end, he killed someone with only one hand." His other hand was used to hold a beautiful woman who had been injured protecting him. "

Qiao Wei clapped his hands and said, "That makes sense, that's exactly how Third Young Master is! Damn it, given Third Young Master's personality, he would never stand by and watch beautiful women get hurt protecting him. Even if those women were disciples of the Demonic Sect, he wouldn't let them die. You know, in Third Young Master's eyes, all the unmarried beauties in the world belong to him!"

Just then, a hunched old man came over carrying a tray with slightly unsteady steps. On the tray were two bowls of steaming porridge.

"Master, I've made your favorite red date, lotus seed, and longan porridge, and I've also added a bowl for Master Qiao." The old man's voice was like thunder, but it revealed his old age.

Qiao Wei glanced at the old man and asked curiously, "Old Li, why is your old friend speaking so loudly?"

Uncle Li reached for a bowl of porridge and chuckled, "Old Zhao is getting old and hard of hearing. If he speaks softly, he assumes others can't hear him either, so naturally he speaks loudly. Old Qiao, have a bowl of porridge first to whet your appetite; dinner should be ready soon."

Qiao Wei also picked up a bowl of porridge, took a satisfying sip, and said, "Hmm, quite delicious. By the way, I forgot to ask, has Old Zhao been looking after your house for the past three years?"

Uncle Li nodded and said, "Of course. It must be really tough on Old Zhao to look after such a big house by himself."

Qiao Wei said, "Old Li, you're really stingy! Your family is so wealthy, you steal and cheat, your wealth, if not comparable to a country, is certainly considerable, right? How come you don't even hire more servants, letting Old Zhao manage such a large house all by himself? Are you mistreating an old man like this?"

While eating his porridge, Uncle Li shook his head and said, "Do you think I don't want to hire more people? This house is my hidden lair. If I hire too many people, it's hard to guarantee that it won't arouse suspicion. Think about it, an ordinary-looking house from the outside, yet so many servants coming and going all day long—anyone with a brain would think something's not right. Old Zhao has been with me for many years, and he's cautious in his actions; I trust him. Alright, enough of this rambling, Commander Qian, continue with the information you've gathered!"

The middle-aged, thin man said, "I've also gathered some other information. It's said that the reason the Third Young Master bestowed so many titles upon the Demonic Sect is because he himself agreed to join. And the reason the Third Young Master agreed to join the Demonic Sect is because the current sect leader, Hua Rong, restricted his martial arts, forcing him to comply. Therefore, in my opinion, at the beginning of today's assassination attempt, the Third Young Master's martial arts were still restricted, preventing him from killing the enemy. It wasn't until his guards were almost all killed and his life hung in the balance that he finally..." Unlocking his own restraints, he unleashed his might and killed the assassin without leaving any trace behind. "

Uncle Li nodded and said: "The third young master possesses Shura Demon Eyes, and he has unlimited potential in life and death situations. If you want to ban his martial arts, I'm afraid no one in the world can do it. By the way, I left many secret notes in the city. How come you are the only one here to report the situation until now? "

The thin middle-aged man said with a confused look on his face: "My disciple doesn't know very well either. I think the brothers who saw the secret message planned to come to see you again in the evening, but the assassination happened this morning and the whole city was under martial law, so they could not and did not dare to come here, for fear of exposing your hiding place, old man!

Qiao Wei asked: "Then how did you get here?" "

Before the middle-aged thin man could answer, Uncle Li had already answered Qiao Wei's question on his behalf: "He is the most outstanding conman among my Qianmen, and his name is "Qian Shuai", which means the marshal among the conmen. He leads the Qianmen on my behalf. He has deceived people all over the country and has never failed. He is best at the art of disguise, and his Qinggong is also quite good. him "If he wants to come here unnoticed, even a master of the Demonic Sect wouldn't be able to find his whereabouts."

Qiao Wei nodded and said, "I see. Old Li, the Third Young Master's martial arts have recovered. Even if Dingzhou City is a den of dragons and tigers, as long as the Third Young Master doesn't fight anyone head-on, if he wants to escape, I don't think anyone can stop him."

Uncle Li said, "That's right. Old Qiao, we were discovered as soon as we entered the city. Although we shook off the people who were following us, the Demonic Sect knows we entered the city and will definitely have spies everywhere, preparing to deal with us. Since that's the case, let's just do nothing and wait here. Qian Shuai, try to contact the Third Young Master and tell him that we are here, so that he can find an opportunity to come and find us."

Qian Shuai nodded with a smile, watching the two demons finish their porridge, and asked, "Gentlemen, is this porridge good?"

Qiao Wei said, "Of course it's good. Why don't you have a bowl?"

Qian Shuai waved his hand repeatedly and laughed, "No thanks, thank you, Qiao." "Sir, you mean well. But there's a colorless and odorless 'Power-Dissolving and Muscle-Weakening Powder' in this porridge. I'm afraid if I drink a bowl, I'll become weak and useless."

Qiao Wei and Uncle Li's expressions changed simultaneously. Uncle Li said in a deep voice, "Commander Qian, do you dare betray me?"

Commander Qian smiled and said, "This disciple wouldn't dare. This disciple knows your methods, sir. Even if you gave me a thousand lives, I wouldn't dare betray you, wouldn't you say so? Please rest assured, sir, what's in this porridge isn't poison; it absolutely won't harm you." "That 'Dissolving Power and Softening Tendon Powder,' to put it bluntly, is an anesthetic, the most potent anesthetic in the world. No matter how powerful your martial arts are, how profound your inner strength, if you ingest a little or even just smell a little, you will lose all your power."

Qiao Wei said in a deep voice, "You want to die? Even if you drugged me and Lao Li, we can still take your dog's life before we lose all our power!"

Qian Shuai laughed, "You two won't kill me. I'm just a pawn following orders, not someone who wants to harm you. Why would you kill me?

Also, you two mustn't circulate your energy now. If you don't circulate it, the medicinal properties will only accumulate in your dantian, suppressing your power. If our master is happy in the future and gives you an antidote, you two can still recover your power."

"But if you circulate your internal energy, the medicinal properties will travel through your meridians, and your meridians will be ruined. You'll never be able to use martial arts again and will become two old men.

Especially you, Master Qiao, your youthful years have been preserved by the passage of time. If you become crippled, you'll age instantly. Going from your thirties to a seventy-year-old man in an instant, that must be terrifying, right?

Besides, I didn't put the anesthetic in your porridge. I was just talking to you to distract you."

Uncle Li took a deep breath, looked at Old Zhao, who was standing hunched over, and said loudly, "Old Zhao, did you put the drug in your porridge?"

"Sir, you don't need to speak so loudly, I can hear you." As Old Zhao spoke, his hunched body gradually straightened, and his voice changed from old and hoarse to clear and youthful. His yellowish old eyes also gradually became clear.

He looked at Uncle Li and Qiao Wei, smiling, and said, "Besides me, who could put medicine in the porridge I prepared for you two? And who could cook porridge that you two could drink with peace of mind?"

Uncle Li took a deep breath and said, "You're not Old Zhao, who are you?"

"Old Zhao" chuckled, pulled off his eyebrows and beard, then ripped off his snow-white hair, revealing a tuft of black hair underneath. He then rubbed his cheek for a while, creating a wrinkle in the skin, and gently tore off the entire mask.

"It's you!" Uncle Li was shocked to see the true face revealed after "Old Zhao's" human skin mask was removed.

The man casually tossed the human skin mask to the ground, grinning, "Isn't that me? Master, it's been three years, and you've really gotten worse! You couldn't even see through your disciple's disguise, tsk tsk... Is this still the ever-changing, Thousand Illusion Demon Lord?"

Qiao Wei shook his head, "Old Li, your disciple is really damn cunning!"

Uncle Li said helplessly, "How was I supposed to know that this kid Yun Ge'er would have such a deep mind? Yun Ge'er, let me ask you, who are you working for now? And where did Old Zhao go?"

This person impersonating Old Zhao was none other than Uncle Li's disciple, Yun Ge'er. Three years ago, when Uncle Li first met the Third Young Master, Yun Ge'er offended the Third Young Master because the Third Young Master had flirted with Li Xiaoye, and was expelled from the sect by Uncle Li. But unexpectedly, he had now joined another sect and was now harming Uncle Li and Qiao Wei.

Yun Ge'er laughed, "Master, when you expelled me from your sect three years ago, did you ever imagine this day would come? Li Guding, you're old and blind, unable to recognize talent, but not everyone in this world is as incompetent as you! A wise ruler has recognized my talent, taken me under his wing, and entrusted me with important responsibilities!

"Hehe, Li Guding, three years ago you abandoned your business in Dingzhou City to join Xiaoyao Manor, thinking you could remotely control everything in Dingzhou City. But you would never have imagined that just one year after you left Dingzhou City, with the support of a wise ruler who valued me, I would seize control of your business in one fell swoop!

"Among the Thousand Gates Thieves, all those who did not follow me have been killed cleanly. What remains are those who obey, like Qian Shuai. You, please don't call me Yun Ge'er anymore. My master said that my status is different now, and I should be addressed by my full name. Don't forget my full name, I am Zhang Tianyun!

"As for who my master is, you will naturally find out in due time." "Old Zhao, look at his face now, isn't it become my human skin mask?"

Uncle Li sighed, saying, "Indeed, only you truly understand everything about my Thousand Doors Thieves' Guild. Only you could impersonate Old Zhao so convincingly, without even me noticing. Only you know my tastes... If I had known you were such a person who disregards morality and ethics, I should have killed you back then to avoid future trouble!"

~Chapter Six: The Hidden War, Section Six~

Zhang Tianyun sneered, "Of course you should kill me! To please your master, you should kill this ignorant junior who dared to disobey him! Hmph, my junior sister and I have been childhood sweethearts, yet you offered her up to Qin Ren to please him, and even expelled me from the sect, without considering my feelings at all! Do I need to talk to you about this so-called morality and ethics?"

Uncle Li shook his head and said, "You're wrong. Someone like you can't give Xiaoye happiness. Xiaoye doesn't like followers; she likes a celestial dragon soaring through the universe! Look at your smug, petty behavior! You think you're worthy of comparing yourself to the Third Young Master?"

"Enough nonsense!" Zhang Tianyun roared, his face contorted with rage, "Your lives are now in my hands. What right do you have to lecture me?"

"Pah!" Qiao Wei sneered. "Kid, our lives aren't in anyone's hands. Even the heavens can't do anything to us. What can you do to us? Try touching a hair on my head or Old Li's head and see if your master will let you off the hook!"

"You!" Zhang Tianyun's eyes bulged with veins. He stepped forward and reached out to grab Qiao Wei's neck, but just as his fingers were about to touch Qiao Wei's neck, a hand stopped him.

Zhang Tianyun looked up and saw it was Qian Shuai.

Qian Shuai looked at Zhang Tianyun and said in a deep voice, "The master ordered that these two old geezers be brought before him unharmed. Lord Zhang, please don't act impulsively and ruin everything."

Zhang Tianyun took a few deep breaths, slowly withdrew his hand, and his ferocious face gradually turned sinister. He looked at the two old men and sneered, "Don't be so smug, you two. After you've seen the master, I'll beg him to hand you over to me! Then, I'll make you wish you were dead!"

Qiao Wei sneered twice, rolled his eyes, and looked up at the sky.

Uncle Li shook his head and sighed, "Old Qiao, the two of us... we're truly like tigers fallen into the plains, bullied by dogs today!"

Qiao Wei said calmly, "A tiger fallen into the plains is still a tiger, and a dog that bullies a tiger by relying on its master's power is still a dog. That's an unchangeable fact..." As he spoke, he lightly traced the edge of the table with his finger...

※ ※ ※ ※

When the Third Young Master arrived at Uncle Li's residence, the house was pitch black, without a single light, seemingly deserted.

The Third Young Master stood quietly in the courtyard, hands behind his back, silently looking up at the sky.

It was already dark, the stars and moon hazy in the sky, the nearly full moon surrounded by a dim yellow halo.

"Tomorrow... it's going to rain again..." the Third Young Master murmured to himself.

"Reporting to the Sect Master, this disciple has led men to thoroughly search the entire mansion, and it is indeed empty!" A female disciple from the Demonic Mind Sect, accompanied by fourteen other female disciples dressed in fiery red outfits and carrying two short swords, approached the Third Young Master and reported, "There were signs of a few people moving around in the mansion, but no signs of a fight. The ashes in the kitchen stove are still warm, and the leftover porridge in the pot is still warm, so it seems the people in the mansion haven't been gone for long."

The Third Young Master slowly said, "Oh? There's still porridge in the pot? Give me a bowl, I'm a little hungry."

The female disciple said, "Sect Master, that little bit of porridge is not befitting your status..."

The Third Young Master waved his hand and smiled faintly, "Although I have lived a life of luxury since childhood, I have also lived a life of eating raw meat and drinking blood for three years. In this chaotic world, having porridge to eat is already very good. Besides, this porridge should be cooked for my friends. If they can eat it, why can't I?"

Seeing that the Third Young Master was determined, the female disciple could not disobey him, so she ordered someone to go to the kitchen to fetch a bowl of porridge for him.

The Third Young Master walked to the table in the courtyard, picked the chair Qiao Wei had sat in, and placed his right hand on the table, his fingers tapping lightly as he pondered where Qiao Wei and Uncle Li had gone.

He had known about the two elders' arrival in the city and that Hua Rong intended to deal with them. However, Hua Rong hadn't made a move, and with the assassination attempt this morning, she hadn't paid much attention to the elders. Before the Third Young Master arrived, Hua Rong had sent people to search the entire city, but they hadn't found this place. The Third

Young Master thought it over; this was Uncle Li's stronghold, and there was nowhere more suitable for Uncle Li and Qiao Wei to hide. The elders' arrival in Dingzhou City must have been for him. But now, without even seeing the Third Young Master, they had vanished silently from the house, a truly strange situation.

Could it be that the mastermind behind those assassins from earlier this day had come to deal with the elders?

But with their martial arts skills, even if they couldn't win, they should have been able to escape easily. Yet, there wasn't a trace of a struggle left in the house, indicating that no large group of assassins had come to cause trouble. So, what could have caused the two elders to leave so hastily while the ashes in the stove were still warm and the porridge was still warm?

As he pondered this, the Third Young Master's hand, resting on the table, seemed to touch some scratches.

It was a sandalwood table, made of the finest materials, craftsmanship, and lacquer. Such a table was a symbol of wealth and status; truly tasteful people would never leave any marks on it.

The Third Young Master immediately blew on a tinderbox and examined the scratches closely. There, he saw a symbol.

To be precise, a stroke.

The stroke was freshly carved, appearing to have been made with a fingernail, not long ago, and not in one go, but rather after several additions, leaving a deep imprint.

It was a downward stroke. The end of the stroke stretched far out, resembling a knife, and looked quite menacing.

A person skilled in martial arts, while not necessarily able to shatter a sandalwood table with a single palm strike, could easily carve a simple stroke on it with their fingernail, without needing to add details multiple times to make the mark clearer and more noticeable.

However, in Uncle Li's residence, there was no one who didn't know martial arts.

Just then, the female disciple who had gone to the kitchen to fetch porridge returned with a small bowl of nearly cold porridge and respectfully handed it to the Third Young Master.

The Third Young Master took the bowl and stared blankly at the red date, lotus seed, and longan porridge.

That stroke suddenly transformed in his mind into a knife, a knife held by a person without martial arts skills.

Then the Third Young Master suddenly smiled. He smiled as he ate the porridge spoonful by spoonful. After finishing, he wiped his mouth and asked, "Do you know if there is any medicine in this world that can cause a Heavenly Dao level master to lose all their martial arts skills without their life being endangered?"

※ ※ ※ ※

Dingzhou City, Qilin Street, the residence of wealthy merchants and officials.

In the middle of Qilin Street stands an exceptionally luxurious mansion. Its original owner, surnamed Du, was once renowned as the most just person in the martial arts world, a paragon of chivalry and a model for righteous individuals.

The martial arts world of today is not what it was three years ago; the most just person of three years ago is no more, and his mansion has changed hands.

The current owner of the Du mansion is Zhou Lingfei, the second protector of the Demonic Sect.

In a not-so-spacious room within the mansion, a young man dressed in a pale yellow robe embroidered with nine five-clawed golden dragons sat behind a desk, holding a cup of fragrant tea. He gently skimmed the foam from the tea with the lid, smiling as he looked at the two people sitting opposite him.

They were Qiao Wei and Uncle Li.

Qiao Wei and Uncle Li were not bound hand and foot. In fact, these two powerful figures were now weaker than two ordinary people. At least ordinary people could use their strength, while these two were now completely powerless.

There were only three people in the room. Zhang Tianyun and Qian Shuai had brought Qiao Wei and Uncle Li there and then left.

"Please have some tea." The young man nodded and smiled at the two elders.

There was a tea table in front of Qiao Wei and Uncle Li, on which were two cups of the finest green tea.

Qiao Wei and Uncle Li calmly picked up their teacups, each slowly skimming the foam from the surface of the tea with their lids, heads bowed and focused intently.

"Good tea!" Qiao Wei took a sip and gave the young man a thumbs-up.

"This tea, it must cost 188 taels of silver per tael, right?" Uncle Li asked, taking a sip. "This tea seems to be called 'Dragon's Saliva Fragrance,' and it's said that only a hundred catties can be produced each year at most."

"Illusion Demon True Lord, you certainly have good taste. This tea is indeed 'Dragon's Saliva Fragrance,'" the young man laughed. "If you two find it interesting, I have quite a bit in stock; I could give you a few catties."

Uncle Li scoffed, "Young Master Yu, you're being generous with other people's money! Part of the money you spent on tea should have belonged to me."

This young man was none other than the only surviving prince of the Holy Emperor Ying, Prince Ying Yu! The Second Emperor of Qin, Ying Hai, was now a cripple, no longer considered human.

Gongzi Yu chuckled and said, "What Illusion Demon True Lord said is not wrong. Your Thousand Doors Thieves Sect is now under my command, and 60% of its annual income goes into my pocket."

“Young Master Yu, let’s not beat around the bush,” Qiao Wei said calmly. “You didn’t bring us here to invite us for tea, did you?”

Young Master Yu laughed, “Senior Qiao, you’re wronging me! I didn’t bring you here. I had someone invite you. I’m always a reasonable person, how could I dare to be violent towards senior figures in the martial arts world? I invited you here for nothing serious, just to have tea and to admire the demeanor of a senior figure in the martial arts world!”

Uncle Li sneered, “Young Master Yu, please stop talking nonsense! You used my abandoned disciple to lure me into a trap, and I’m completely convinced of my defeat. But don’t treat us like three-year-olds. Only an idiot would believe the story of having tea to make friends!”

Qiao Wei snorted coldly. "Besides," said the voice, "we two helped the Qin family exterminate your entire Ying family. We can only be enemies, there's no possibility of us becoming friends."

Gongzi Yu laughed and said, "You two seniors misunderstand. I'm not here to avenge my Ying family. Those who have the world in their hearts must be ruthless and disregard even family ties. Born into the imperial family, I've long been prepared to kill my father and brothers. Even if the Qin family hadn't killed those useless people, I would have done it anyway. In fact, the Qin family and you two seniors have helped me greatly in this matter; I'm grateful beyond words, how could I possibly resent you?"

Uncle Li said, "So, you really aren't here to avenge your Ying family?"

Gongzi Yu said, "Of course not. The dead are gone; revenge is utterly meaningless. I invite..." "You two have come because I truly wish to make friends with you,"

Qiao Wei said. "What benefits would we gain from being friends with you?"

Gongzi Yu replied, "I originally commanded 200,000 naval troops in the East China Sea, and in recent years I have expanded my forces by another 200,000, bringing my total strength to 400,000, all elite soldiers and capable generals. The pirates and bandits along the East China Sea coast have all been subdued by me and are now under my command. My influence extends throughout the north and south of the Yangtze River; there are those within the Xiang Yu Army, the Overlord Army, the Tang Dynasty, the Demonic Sect, and the Northern Frontier Army who are absolutely loyal to me. In the end, this world will belong to me. If you two become friends with me, you will be granted land and titles, and becoming kings or marquises will all be at my command. Are you willing?"

Qiao Wei and Uncle Li were horrified. Surprised, Qiao Wei shook his head and said, "I never expected Young Master Yu to have such ambition and magnanimity. It seems that the rumors circulating outside about Young Master Yu being ambitious but lacking in talent, having ambition but no ability or courage, were just rumors. I'm afraid even Ximen Wudi might not be a match for Young Master Yu."

Young Master Yu smiled and said, "Senior Qiao, you flatter me. I am born of a concubine and have little power in the palace. If I didn't pretend to be dissolute and licentious, how could I have survived to this day? I originally thought that Ximen Wudi and the Third Young Master of the Qin family would be my greatest enemies and best opponents when I pacify the world in the future. It's a pity that Ximen Wudi died at the hands of the Nine Yin Saintess Hua Rong, which made me lose a good opponent."

Qiao Wei and Uncle Li had already learned from Qian Shuai about Ximen Wudi being killed by Hua Rong. Now, hearing Young Master Yu mention that Ximen Wudi and the Third Young Master would be his greatest enemies and best opponents, the two immediately understood.

Qiao Wei said, "Young Master Yu's conditions are indeed tempting, but unfortunately, we two cannot betray Young Master Qin."

Young Master Yu nodded and said, "Of course, I know the loyalty of you two seniors. I invited you here with no intention of asking you to betray Young Master Qin."

Uncle Li sneered, "Oh? Since Young Master Yu knows that we two are Young Master Qin's right-hand men and are loyal to him, why not kill us two to weaken Young Master Qin's strength? Today, Young Master Yu has already sent assassins to kill Young Master Qin in the street. Since you can't kill Young Master Qin, killing us two is better than nothing, isn't it?" If

Qiao Wei and Uncle Li still couldn't guess who sent the assassins to kill Young Master Qin by this point, they would truly be utter idiots.

Gongzi Yu shook his head and laughed, "Senior Li, you jest. I did indeed want to kill the Third Young Master, but since my meticulous planning failed, it must be Heaven's will that the Third Young Master's life is not meant to end. I am not one to defy Heaven, so why would I repeatedly harm the Third Young Master? As for the two of you, I dare not harm you either. Since you two are unwilling to join my sect, I will not force you. But could you two do me a favor?"

Qiao Wei said, "Someone like Gongzi Yu needs our help? Gongzi Yu, you are truly joking."

Gongzi Yu He said, “Senior Qiao, why be so modest? Time waits for no one, and the name of the Illusionary Demon True Lord is renowned throughout the martial world. Who in the world doesn't know him? Even if I, this young master, have extraordinary abilities, there are always things I can't do. This favor requires the help of the two of you. Moreover, this time you two are not only helping me, but also helping the Third Young Master.”

Qiao Wei said in a deep voice, “What do you mean?”

Gongzi Yu said, “Hua Rong received the true martial arts teachings of Ximen Wudi. After killing Ximen Wudi, she gained the recognition of Tiger Roar as her master. Now she leads the Demonic Sect, with 150,000 Northern Frontier troops under her command, and the Hu tribe is allied with her. Hua Rong…” "The Third Young Master is ambitious, desiring to conquer the world, and Hua Rong will surely become a great threat!"

Uncle Li said indifferently, "I'm afraid it's Young Master Yu who desires to conquer the world, and Hua Rong will surely become a great threat , right?"

Young Master Yu smiled and said, "Currently, the Third Young Master's power is the weakest, Hua Rong is second, and I am the strongest. Therefore, in terms of the severity of the threat, Hua Rong is definitely the Third Young Master's number one threat."

Qiao Wei said, "I'm afraid that after eliminating Hua Rong, Young Master Yu will turn his attention to the Third Young Master, right?"

Young Master Yu shook his head and said, "My army is far away in the East Sea, while the Third Young Master's power is in the north. The closest country to me is the Great Tang Kingdom and..." "The Jiangdong Overlord Army. Therefore, even if I were to strike, I would first target these two forces. I can give the Third Young Master a year to destroy the Lingnan Xiang King Army and accumulate strength before we fight it out for the world!"

Qiao Wei said, "Does Young Master Yu mean that we two should help you kill Hua Rong?"

Young Master Yu smiled and nodded, saying, "That's exactly right. I've come here from afar to eliminate Hua Rong and dismantle the Demonic Sect! Moreover, please consider this: Hua Rong's alliance with the Hu tribe is aimed at annihilating our Central Plains descendants. We absolutely cannot let them succeed!

"After dismantling Hua Rong's forces, the Northern Frontier Army will collapse without a fight, and without the Northern Frontier Army's assistance, the people of the Central Plains will have no one to sell them grain and horses. Even if they want to plunder everywhere, it will inevitably arouse the people's indignation and resistance."

"The world is in chaos now, and there are countless rebel armies everywhere. Although they serve different masters, they are united against the Hu people. No matter how strong the Hu people are, how can they fight against the entire Central Plains? Without the Northern Frontier Army, this Hu army will surely be submerged in the chaos of the Central Plains and be completely wiped out!"

Uncle Li curled his lips and said, "Ha, this has risen to the level of national righteousness again."

Gongzi Yu said solemnly, "I am not exaggerating. The barbarians are ferocious, as you two seniors have surely heard. Therefore, even if we want to contend for the world, we must first eliminate Hua Rong's forces and destroy this barbarian army! Seniors, every word I have spoken comes from the bottom of my heart. If you are willing to help me, I will keep my promise and give the Third Young Master a year to prepare after eliminating Hua Rong! Seniors," Gongzi Yu raised his teacup, "I will offer you a cup of tea instead of wine. If you agree to my proposal, please drink up!"

~Chapter Seven: Two Heroes, Section One~

Qiao Wei and Uncle Li drank their tea in one gulp!

Just as a smile appeared on Gongzi Yu's face, Qiao Wei wiped his mouth and said, "I don't agree."

Gongzi Yu's smile froze, and he looked at Uncle Li.

Uncle Li said slowly, "The tea is good, but if you drink it too quickly, you won't be able to appreciate its flavor. Old Qiao's meaning is the same as mine."

Gongzi Yu's smile faded. He put down his teacup and said calmly, "What do you two mean? Did you not hear what I just said clearly?"

Qiao Wei smiled slightly and said, "We heard clearly. Gongzi Yu's eloquence is quite impressive. However, we two old folks are stubborn and unyielding. No matter how eloquent you are, we will not be manipulated by you."

Gongzi Yu chuckled and said, "This is clearly a win-win situation. How can you say I'm being manipulated?"

“Young Master Yu’s power is terrifying,” Uncle Li said leisurely. “My Thousand Doors Thieves Sect was taken from you without anyone noticing. The Demonic Sect, which Ximen Wudi has managed for thirteen years, has people who are absolutely loyal to you. The Northern Frontier Iron Army is far away on the far north frontier, and Young Master Yu can still place people in there. Even those emerging forces like Xiang Yu’s Army, Overlord’s Army, and the Great Tang Kingdom, Young Master Yu dares to say, ‘With your people here, do you think we would still dare to cooperate with you?’”

Qiao Wei continued, “Young Master Yu, you have a powerful army at your disposal. If it weren’t for Hua Rong’s army blocking the way in front of Tianjing City, even though Tianjing City is not far from your East China Sea, your East China Sea navy could sail directly up the sea, land on the northern border, and have no obstacles along the way. Wouldn’t it be as easy as turning your hand to attack Tianjing City?”

Uncle Li continued, “The disciples of the Demonic Sect risked their lives to protect the Third Young Master, preventing him from dying at the hands of the assassins you arranged. Although the Third Young Master despises the Demonic Sect, he is always clear about his grudges and will never sit idly by while you kill Hua Rong. If we help you kill Hua Rong, we will be going against the Third Young Master.” Qiao

Wei laughed, “Besides, Young Master Yu has ‘Dissolving Power and Softening Tendons Powder,’ the most powerful anesthetic in the world. To kill Hua Rong, you only need to use a little anesthetic to knock everyone around her to the ground. Then, Young Master Yu, when you strike, who can resist you? What use are we two old guys then! The reason you want to cooperate with us is probably because you know the Third Young Master is immune to all poisons, and no poison, drug, or anesthetic can work on him, right?”

Young Master Yu shook his head and sighed, “It seems …” The misunderstanding between us runs too deep. Even with the "Dissolving Power and Softening Tendons Powder," I cannot use it against Hua Rong. Ximen Wudi's martial arts are extremely peculiar. I have tried it before; the Dissolving Power and Softening Tendons Powder, which suppresses a person's internal energy, has no effect on Ximen Wudi at all. It's as if he has no internal energy at all. Hua Rong has received Ximen Wudi's true teachings, and her ability to be immune to all poisons must be similar to Ximen Wudi's. To ensure that I can kill Hua Rong without any mishap, I invited the two seniors to join me. Besides, I promised the Third Young Master a year. Don't the two seniors trust my promise?"

Uncle Li shook his head and smiled, "The struggle for supremacy is not a battle for martial arts supremacy. People in the martial arts world may be reasonable and keep their promises. But someone like Young Master Yu... " "You're the kind of gamblers who wager the world on mere promises. For you, promises are nothing but empty words. Gongzi Yu once said, 'Those who have the world in their hearts must be ruthless, ruthless even to their own family, capable of slaughtering their fathers and brothers.' How could they possibly value a promise made casually? Gongzi Yu, don't underestimate us two old fogies!"

Qiao Wei looked at Gongzi Yu, a mocking smile playing on his lips. "Gongzi Yu, before the Third Young Master finds the mastermind behind the assassins, he will definitely temporarily join forces with Hua Rong. The Third Young Master possesses the Dragon's Roar, and Hua Rong possesses the Tiger's Howl. The combined power of the Dragon's Roar and the Tiger's Howl is enough to make even the gods retreat. Is that why you've sought our alliance?"

Gongzi Yu laughed again, but this time, it was a bitter laugh born of helplessness at having his schemes exposed. He shook his head repeatedly, saying to Qiao Wei and Uncle Li, "You two seniors truly deserve to be called two great demons from the Demonic Sect. You know all about these scheming and intrigues. I would only make a fool of myself if I tried to deceive you.

"Since that's the case, I'll speak the truth. This time, I really intend to kill Hua Rong and Qin Ren together. Only after killing them and seizing the Dragon's Roar and Tiger's Howl can I truly hold the world in my hands. As for the combined power of the Dragon's Roar and Tiger's Howl, hehe, I am indeed somewhat wary."

"But even if two celestial warriors joined forces against me, they couldn't defeat me. If I can't win, can't I at least run away? It's just that my subordinates might not be able to escape from the Dragon's Roar and Tiger's Howl. To avoid unnecessary casualties, I've set my sights on the two seniors. If they refuse to serve me, even if they die without a burial place, I won't feel any pity."

Qiao Wei laughed, "Young Master Yu, what a boastful tone! How powerful is the Dragon's Roar and Tiger's Howl? On that day in the Forbidden Palace... " " Even tens of thousands of imperial guards and the Imperial Guards couldn't stop the combined might of the Third Young Master's Dragon Roar and Ximen Wudi's Tiger Roar. Do you, Gongzi Yu, really think you can escape from that combined attack?"

Gongzi Yu said with a faint smile, "With two seniors in my hands, even if my assassination fails, escape isn't impossible. Besides, do you two seniors know who my master is?"

Uncle Li said disdainfully, "Who is your master?"

Gongzi Yu chuckled and said, word by word, "Zuo—Yuan—Fang!

"

"The medicine in the porridge is 'Dissolving Power and Softening Tendons Powder'."

Inside the Dingzhou government office, Hua Rong sat in the Third Young Master's room and said to him, "Any expert, even a master like the Timeless True Monarch or the Illusion Demon, unless they are immune to all poisons, cannot withstand the effects of this Dissolving Power and Softening Tendons Powder. Moreover, ordinary poisons, even the most lethal ones, can be expelled by Qiao Qitian and Li Guding's internal energy. But the Dissolving Power and Softening Tendons Powder is different. A person poisoned by it cannot exert any force or circulate their internal energy; otherwise, the medicine will..." "Sexual energy, following internal force, travels through all the meridians of the body, eroding them completely, leaving one a cripple for life."

The Third Young Master, dressed in pajamas, sat cross-legged on the bed, slowly nodding, and said, "Brother Wei and Uncle Li must have been poisoned by the 'Power-Dissolving and Muscle-Weakening Powder' in the porridge, and were taken away while unable to resist. No wonder there were no signs of a struggle in the house. If they truly couldn't circulate their internal energy, they were just two old men; anyone with a little martial arts skill could have captured them."

Hua Rong said, "Then, Qiao Qitian and Li Gu will definitely be in danger." "Is it dangerous?"

Third Young Master shook his head. "Not for now. If the people who captured them wanted to kill them, they would have done it at home already. Why take them elsewhere?"

Hua Rong asked, "Then tell me, who did this?"

Third Young Master glanced at Hua Rong and smiled. "You're so smart, do you need to ask me?"

Hua Rong smiled slightly and said, "But I've heard that women should pretend to be a little less intelligent than men in front of them, to save face for the men. Men don't like women who are too smart."

Third Young Master laughed heartily. This saying is about women; in front of the man you love, it's best to pretend to be a little less intelligent than him! Don't misuse it. Besides, in front of me before, your intelligence was already no less than mine, so even if you pretend to be less intelligent, I won't believe you."

Hua Rong laughed, "Ah Ren, how do you know you're not the man I love?"

The Third Young Master looked at Hua Rong, blinked, and said, "You're trying to fool me again? Hehe, Rong'er, I've learned my lesson now, how could I be easily fooled?"

Hua Rong laughed, "Ah Ren, why don't you believe me now that I'm telling the truth?"

The Third Young Master shook his head and laughed, "I can't believe you. I'm afraid that if I believe you, I'll soon become a corpse."

Hua Rong's expression darkened, and tears welled up in her eyes. She slowly stood up, looking at the Third Young Master with eyes full of resentment, and said softly, "I am a woman. No matter how strong, how smart, or how ruthless I am, I am still just a woman. I am not like you. You don't have moments of weakness, but I do. When I am weak, I also want to find a reliable shoulder to lean on. But in this vast world, which man can bear my weakness, can provide a shoulder for me to lean on securely?"

The Third Young Master was stunned and said in disbelief, "You..."

"It's understandable that you don't believe me." Hua Rong interrupted the Third Young Master and continued, "After all, I have lied to you many times, and many times I have wanted to kill you, but... but what I said that day, that I wanted you to stay by my side forever, that's true." As

she spoke, her slender hand reached to her waist and slowly untied the belt that bound her bright red dress.

The young master's eyes widened suddenly, and he stammered, "You... what do you want to do? Don't... don't do anything rash..."

With a soft rustling sound, the fiery red sash slowly fell to the ground. She opened her outer garment, revealing a deep red bodice underneath, and the cleavage and snow-white skin faintly visible above it.

The young master swallowed hard, staring blankly at Hua Rong.

She walked towards him step by step, her fiery red dress sliding off her body and landing quietly on the carpet. Her smooth, rounded shoulders gleamed alluringly under the oil lamp.

A delicate fragrance filled the air, and the young master felt his heart pounding and his throat begin to dry.

Hua Rong's hand reached behind her back. The young master knew what this gesture meant. After this movement, the bodice on Hua Rong's upper body would slip down, and the girl's heaving breasts, bound by the bodice, would be revealed before his eyes.

Unconsciously, a surge of anticipation welled up within the Third Young Master, a longing for the scene that would ignite his passion.

A blush crept onto Hua Rong's face. The Third Young Master had never imagined that such a strong yet alluring woman could display such shyness.

It was the expression of a young girl in the bud, an expression that was sensual yet not erotic, an expression that could drive any man mad, an expression that even the Third Young Master could not resist.

His hand unconsciously reached out; he wanted to grasp this beautiful moment. He knew that by seizing this moment, he would seize all the beauty in the world.

But Hua Rong smiled. She blinked, a mischievous smile suddenly appearing on her pretty face. After that smile, she turned swiftly, skipping and hopping away like a little girl, not forgetting to pick up her red dress that had slipped to the ground as she ran.

A series of silvery laughs echoed in the room. "Ah Ren, you've been fooled again!"

Watching Hua Rong disappear through the doorway before it slammed shut, the Third Young Master felt a pang of loss.

Suddenly, the door creaked open again, and Hua Rong's alluring face peeked out from the crack. She looked at the Third Young Master, blinking her bewitching eyes and giggling, "Oh, by the way, tomorrow's Zhou Lingfei's fortieth birthday banquet. I accepted his invitation. Even though he might be a traitor, we still need to maintain appearances, right? You'll come shopping with me tomorrow; I think I should at least prepare a gift for him. It's settled then, okay? Get up early tomorrow!" With that, she slammed the door shut again, disappearing completely.

The Third Young Master smiled bitterly, withdrew his outstretched hand, buried his head in his hands, and collapsed heavily onto the bed.

He stared blankly at the ceiling, his mind drifting back to the smiling faces of all the women he had ever known or yet to possess in his life. From Xiao Xiangyue to Liu Piaopiao, to Qin Nier, Lian Zhouluo'er, Qiu Ruomei, Zhen Luo, Ye Yingxue, Du Xiaoyan, Li Xiaoye, Tie Xuanxuan, Yi Jingjing, and Liu Yifei, one after another, they flashed before his eyes. Finally, there was Song Qing's pure, jade-like face, smiling at him with the purest, truest, and most beautiful smile. But Song Qing's face gradually transformed into a face with a captivating beauty, a seductive allure, and a smile that could bewitch the world.

It was Hua Rong's face, Hua Rong smiling at him. A pure smile, a bewitching smile, an innocent smile, a cold and arrogant smile, a domineering smile, a mischievous smile—all sorts of smiles intertwined, making it impossible for the Third Young Master to discern which one was her true smile. The Third

Young Master sighed deeply and slowly closed his eyes.

This was a dangerous game of love. Not only was he trying to conquer Hua Rong, but Hua Rong was also trying to tame him.

The desire aroused by Hua Rong lingered, and the Third Young Master lay quietly on the bed for a while before suddenly sitting up and shouting towards the door, "Give me six skilled bed partners! Tonight, I'm going to stage a seven-kingdoms battle!"

※ ※ ※ ※

As dawn approached, a light rain began to fall.

The pattering rain echoed throughout the land, and the rare coolness of this summer morning made one even more prone to sleepiness.

Having fought all night, defeating six rivals and dominating the bed, the Third Young Master finally fell into a deep sleep just before dawn. Seven naked bodies lay sprawled across the large bed, and the Third Young Master nestled among them, the cool air making his sleep exceptionally sweet.

Just as the Third Young Master dreamt of a naked battle with Hua Rong, the door was suddenly kicked open with a bang, and Hua Rong, lifting her skirt, stormed in aggressively.

She walked to the Third Young Master's bedside, not bothering to avoid suspicion, grabbed his legs with both hands, dragged the naked Third Young Master off the bed, and threw him hard to the ground.

"You promised to go shopping with me, don't you even know what time it is? You're still sleeping here!" Hua Rong's eyebrows shot up, her anger displaying a bit of a shrewish demeanor.

The loud noise woke up the six female disciples of the Bewitching Heart Sect who had been serving her. They didn't care that they were naked, and hurriedly scrambled off the bed, kneeling on the ground and saying repeatedly, "Greetings, Your Majesty! Please forgive our rudeness..."

Hua Rong shouted, "It's none of your business, I came to teach this little lecher a lesson!"

"Let me sleep a little longer, I've only been asleep for less than an hour..." the Third Young Master muttered as he scrambled back onto the bed.

"You're still sleeping! Who told you to be so lewd last night?" Hua Rong grabbed the Third Young Master's ear and relentlessly dragged him to the bed, refusing to let him get in. "Hmph, the Seven Kingdoms War is so much fun, isn't it? Even though you're the king of the bed, I'm still the king of Dingzhou City. Everything is up to me! I said you're not allowed to sleep, and that's it! Sleeping like a log, what if an assassin sneaks in to kill you?"

"I knew it was you who came in, that's why I didn't react... If an assassin came in, I would have blasted him to smithereens the moment the door opened..." The Third Young Master kept shaking his head, trying to free his ear from Hua Rong's clutches. "Please, let me sleep a little longer, just a stick of incense's time, just a stick of incense..."

"No, get up now, or I'll stab you with the Immortal Execution Sword!"

"Stop teasing me. You can only unleash two Immortal Execution Sword strikes every seven days. It's been exactly seven days since last time, so you can only unleash the Immortal Execution Sword tomorrow..."

"You, fine, you're not getting up, are you? Then burn off all your hair!" Hua Rong said angrily, rubbing her right index and middle fingers together, a tiny flame appearing at the tip.

The Third Young Master suddenly stood up, his will resolute, his eyes clear, and his expression lucid. "I'll get dressed right away. You go out first, I'll come and get you when I'm dressed."

Hua Rong smiled smugly and said, "No, I want to watch you get dressed."

The Third Young Master said seriously, "There's a difference between men and women. Look, I'm completely naked."

Hua Rong said indifferently, "I've already seen it, nothing special. What's wrong with taking a few more glances?"

The Third Young Master sighed, "Truly a heroine among women..."

※ ※ ※ ※

The streets were deserted and quiet.

A light drizzle fell incessantly, the air crisp and fresh. The stench of blood that had lingered in the city for days was swept away by the rain, leaving only a faint earthy scent and the sweet fragrance of flowers and trees.

The Third Young Master and Hua Rong shared an umbrella, walking through the city like lovers. Hua Rong held the Third Young Master's hand, her head resting lightly on his shoulder, like a young girl clinging to her lover.

"You were preparing a congratulatory gift for Zhou Lingfei, why didn't you send someone to do it? Why did you come out and buy it yourself? Don't you have a lot of official business to attend to?" the Third Young Master asked, somewhat puzzled. "Besides, at this time of year, how many shops are still open for business?"

Hua Rong chuckled softly, saying, "Don't say such unromantic things. Rong'er just wanted you to accompany me shopping today."

The Third Young Master was taken aback, then shook his head and smiled wryly, "Rong'er, oh Rong'er, your brother Qin really can't tell which one is the real you anymore!"

~Chapter Seven, Section Two of the Twin Heroes~

“As long as you’re sincere,” Hua Rong looked earnestly at the Third Young Master, her bright eyes, which often flashed with a seductive or alluring light, now only held sincerity, “As long as you don’t constantly think about scheming against Rong’er, you will see the real Rong’er.”

The Third Young Master grasped Hua Rong’s hand and slowly recited: “Heroes rise and fall with the times, once you enter the martial world, years fly by. Grand ambitions are discussed in jest, nothing surpasses a life of drunken revelry. Sword in hand, riding through the rain of ghosts, white bones piled high, birds startled into flight. The world is like a tide, people like water, only sigh…” "How many return from the martial world?"

Hua Rong nodded and said softly, "I understand."

The Third Young Master then recited: "The Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors embodied morality, the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties brought fame and fortune. The Five Hegemons stirred up the Spring and Autumn period, their rise and fall fleeting. A few lines of names in history, countless desolate mounds in Beiman. The fields of our ancestors are reaped by our descendants, what is there to say about the struggle between dragons and tigers?"

A serene smile appeared on Hua Rong's pretty face, and she said, "At least, at this moment, there will be no struggle between dragons and tigers."

The Third Young Master smiled, a radiant smile blooming on his face, a smile as warm as the spring sun. In this drizzly morning, seeing the Third Young Master's smile, Hua Rong felt as if she had seen the sun

. An indescribable warmth flowed through her heart; it was a smile without any impurities, pure to the extreme, like snowflakes falling from the sky in winter, melting before they even hit the ground, untouched by any human impurities.

No one had ever smiled at her like that before. Before her, people mostly smiled obsequiously, fawningly, ingratiatingly, lewdly, and lasciviously. The looks they gave her were often filled with awe, fear, infatuation, obsession, lust, and lewdness.

She knew what kind of woman she was; she knew she possessed the power to drive men mad. When alluring, she could make men risk their lives for her; when dignified, she could make them submit; when enraged, she could instill terror in them.

This was indeed a source of pride and smugness.

But she was just a woman; she also had her vulnerable moments.

She longed for love, for tenderness, for someone who didn't see her as the Nine Yin Saintess of the Demonic Sect, not as the supreme ruler of the Demonic Sect, not as a bewitching woman, but simply as an ordinary woman. He wanted to

share an umbrella with her in the misty rain, his hand in hers, her arm linked with his, strolling on the small bridge over the flowing green water, gazing at the hazy world through the rain, listening to the intoxicating sound of the rain.

Feeling the warmth of the Third Young Master's large hand enveloping hers, and seeing his pure smile and calm eyes, she felt she had found such a person.

In the misty rain, on the small bridge, green water flowed quietly beneath, the crisp sound of rain echoing between heaven and earth.

Under an umbrella in the wind, a young man and woman stood hand in hand, gazing at each other. In that instant, all fame and fortune, all scheming and power struggles vanished.

Only a girl yearning to be loved and a young man who had already understood the meaning of love remained.

This was a dangerous game of love.

※ ※ ※ ※

As dusk settled, the city of Dingzhou was shrouded in mist and rain, a scene of desolation.

In this quiet night, only one place radiated a liveliness incongruous with the rest of the city.

"Guests have arrived!" the gatekeeper shouted at

the top of his lungs. "Greetings from the High Priest of the Hu tribe! A large 'Longevity' character made of 100 catties of pure gold, and the inscription 'May you live a long and healthy life, as long as the Southern Mountain' cast in 16 taels of pure gold!" At the residence of Zhou Lingfei, the Second Protector of the Demonic Sect, a banquet was being held to celebrate his 40th birthday. A line of carriages was parked in front of the mansion, and the place was bustling with activity. Most of the important figures from the Demonic Sect

, the Northern Frontier Army, and the Hu tribe were present. Zhou Lingfei wasn't anyone special; even as the Second Protector of the Demonic Sect, he was insignificant in the eyes of the Northern Frontier Army generals and the Hu tribe commanders. However, Hua Rong was attending the banquet, and everyone had to give her face, whether they wanted to or not.

The wheels of the carriage crunched through the puddles on the road as sixty-six valiant female knights escorted a luxurious eight-horse carriage to the gate of the Zhou mansion. In an instant, all the guests who hadn't yet entered consciously stepped aside to either side of the gate, clearing the path in the middle. Everyone knew that in Dingzhou City, only one person possessed such an imposing presence: the Supreme Lord of the Demonic Sect, the commander of the Northern Frontier Army.

After the carriage came to a stop, sixty-six female disciples of the Bewitching Heart Sect, dressed in black, with twin short swords at their waists, leaped down from their horses in perfect unison, forming neat ranks and standing guard on either side of the carriage and the main gate.

The carriage door opened, but the first to step out was not Hua Rong.

It was the Third Young Master.

He smiled, stood on the carriage shaft, and surveyed the scene before extending his hand towards the door.

A slender, jade-like hand slowly emerged and rested on the Third Young Master's wrist. Then, Hua Rong, dressed in magnificent attire, dignified and elegant, like a fairy descended to earth, gracefully stepped out of the carriage. As

a faint smile bloomed on her face, and her beautiful eyes swept around, everyone's gaze froze, and their breath caught in their throats.

"A guest has arrived!" The gatekeeper suddenly realized his voice was trembling, and not just his voice, but his whole body was shaking. "The Supreme One of the Holy Gate has arrived..."

※ ※ ※ ※

"She's here." Gongzi Yu sat in a study in Zhou Ling's backyard, his eyes slightly closed, his right hand resting on the desk in front of him, his index finger slowly tapping the table. "Are you ready?"

"Young Master, I've already given the orders. All the food and drinks have been laced with 'Power-Dissolving and Muscle-Weakening Powder,' and our men have already taken the antidote. When we all drink and eat together, Hua Rong won't notice anything amiss." Zhou Lingfei, dressed in a new formal suit, replied respectfully. "Furthermore, five hundred elite soldiers are lying in ambush inside the manor. After a few rounds of drinks, I'll use the signal of throwing a cup, and the five hundred soldiers will rush out and subdue all those loyal to Hua Rong in an instant. Hua Rong will be hesitant to act, and won't dare to resist!"

Young Master Yu nodded with his eyes closed, saying, "It would be even better if Hua Rong disregarded my life and fought to the death. That way, no one will be loyal to her, and our plans to dismantle the Demonic Sect, seize control of the Northern Frontier Army, and divide the Hu tribes will be much easier to carry out. Lingfei, Hua Rong and Qin Ren are the main characters tonight. Now that they're here, as the host, you mustn't neglect them."

※ ※ ※ ※

"Oh, Your Excellency, you've finally arrived! Everyone's been waiting for you and the Vice Sect Leader!" Zhou Lingfei, beaming with joy, repeatedly bowed to Hua Rong and the Third Young Master. "I was just handling some small matters in the back and couldn't greet you properly. Please forgive me."

Hua Rong, seated at the head of the main hall, smiled at Zhou Lingfei and said, "Today is Protector Zhou's fortieth birthday. As the host, you have so many things to attend to and so many guests. It's normal that you couldn't manage everything at once." The Third

Young Master, sitting beside Hua Rong, smiled and said, "I wonder what Protector Zhou was handling in the back? What could be more important than welcoming Your Excellency?"

Zhou Lingfei was immediately embarrassed, unable to speak with an awkward smile.

Zhao Ziyang, who was sitting at the same table as Hua Rong and the Third Young Master, laughed and said, "The Vice Sect Leader's question is really difficult for Protector Zhou to answer. Well, let me answer for Protector Zhou! Today, the gift I present to Protector Zhou is thirteen Hu women from the Western Regions..." As he spoke, he glanced at the Third Young Master and revealed a knowing smile that every man should understand.

The Third Young Master immediately understood and laughed, "I see, Protector Zhou was just inspecting the goods."

He then looked at Zhao Ziyang and said, "Protector Zhao, I don't really have any hobbies. I imagine most of you here today know what I like and what I enjoy doing. To be honest, I've tasted all the beauties of the Central Plains, except for those Hu women... hehe, I've never tasted them. I've heard that the Hu women of the Western Regions are quite different from those of the Central Plains. They are tall, with blonde hair and blue eyes, slender waists, full breasts and hips, and snow-white skin that isn't delicate, yet possesses a unique charm. I wonder if Protector Zhao could..." "...Hmm..."

Zhao Ziyang chuckled, "Vice Sect Leader, I naturally know your preferences, so I've left you a few Hu women. Although the number isn't as many as Protector Zhou's, in terms of appearance and figure, they are far superior to those given to Protector Zhou. Protector Zhou, I'm sorry, these best things are naturally meant to be offered to the Vice Sect Leader, please forgive me."

Zhou Lingfei quickly replied with a smile, "Protector Zhao, you're being too polite. We subordinates naturally put the Supreme One and the Vice Sect Leader first."

The three men exchanged glances and burst into laughter, each with their own ulterior motives.

Hua Rong listened to the three men talking with a smile, not interrupting. After they finished and Zhou Lingfei went to greet other guests, she looked at the Third Young Master and whispered, "Ah Ren, you lecherous devil, I've never seen anyone so openly beg for women from others."

The Third Young Master smiled faintly and whispered, "What, are you jealous? Didn't you say you wouldn't be jealous no matter how many women I had?"

Hua Rong snorted and retorted, "Who's jealous? Do you think you're the only treasure in the world?"

The Third Young Master said calmly, "Of course, who else in the world is more precious than me?"

Hua Rong gave the Third Young Master a charming sidelong glance and said, "Shameless, arrogant jerk."

“Alright, Rong’er,” the Third Young Master said, “Stop flirting with me. This is a public place. If others see this, it won’t be good for your dignity.”

Hua Rong said, “What’s there to be afraid of? In this hall, who dares to look me in the eye?”

The Third Young Master looked around and saw that Zhao Ziyang, Dugu Hongjian, the Hu tribe’s high priest Amenglihu, and others at their table were all either whispering to each other or turning their heads to the side, but none of them dared to look Hua Rong in the eye. And none of the guests at the other tables dared to look in Hua Rong’s direction either.

“Is it interesting to make people afraid?” the Third Young Master asked curiously.

Hua Rong smiled slightly, saying smugly, "They're not afraid of me, that's why they don't dare look at me! Let me tell you, they're afraid that once they see me, they won't be able to look away, and they're afraid of offending me for being impolite, that's why they don't dare look at me."

The Third Young Master rolled his eyes, saying, "Isn't that because they're afraid of you? You say I'm arrogant, but aren't you just as arrogant?"

Hua Rong smiled without speaking, but her small hand quietly reached under the table, silently landing on the Third Young Master's inner thigh. She pinched the soft flesh of his inner thigh hard with two fingertips, causing the Third Young Master to gasp.

"Rong'er... I, I haven't practiced the Golden Bell Iron Shirt technique..." the Third Young Master stammered, still managing to maintain a smile, though that smile was now completely distorted.

Amidst the laughter and conversation, all the food and wine were served, nearly a hundred tables filling the entire hall and extending into the courtyard under the tarpaulin canopy.

Zhou Lingfei walked to the center of the hall and raised his wine cup.

The lively scene fell silent instantly, everyone watching Zhou Lingfei.

Zhou Lingfei smiled, glancing around at all the guests, his gaze finally settling on the table where Hua Rong was.

"Thank you all for taking time out of your busy schedules to attend Lingfei's birthday banquet. I am deeply honored. Although today is my fortieth birthday, Zhou Lingfei, the Supreme Being of the Holy Gate has bestowed great favor upon us, and has personally graced us with his presence. Therefore, for this first cup of wine, I propose that we all toast the Supreme Being!"

※ ※ ※ ※

Gongzi Yu leaned back in his large chair, slowly swaying his head, tapping the table with his index finger while softly humming a tune.

The melody was desolate, ancient, and heroic, like the ceaseless flow of the sea silently recording the passage of time, or withered vines and old trees witnessing the vicissitudes of life.

At this moment, his heart was calm.

Before each murder, he was always calm. He was bloodthirsty and ruthless; he had never felt any surge of passion.

Because he had no friends, no family, no lover, he was even devoid of emotion.

All he possessed was boundless ambition and an absolutely rational, absolutely calm mind.

He finished humming the tune, paused for a moment, and slowly opened his eyes.

A cold, ruthless glint flashed in his eyes, then vanished, and his face returned to that indifferent smile, seemingly disdainful of everything—no, utterly indifferent.

He stood up, and in that instant, the table in front of him and the chair behind him silently turned to ashes, slowly drifting to the ground.

Yet, not a speck of dust touched him.

He stepped outside, as if he were walking on water, not the ground, as if he were drifting with the current.

He reached the door and slowly pushed it open.

He stepped out; three people stood guard on either side of the door:

Zhuo Feifan, Zhang Tianyun, and Qian Shuai.

He walked towards the hall, with Zhuo Feifan and the other two following behind him.

After leaving the house, eight more people appeared behind him.

The "Eight Iron Guards," eight mountain-like strongmen, each with the strength to lift a mountain and a body of steel.

Swords and blades could not destroy their bodies; they could smash through even the thickest city walls with their bare hands.

When he walked out of the backyard, twelve more people appeared behind him.

The "Twelve Ghost Shadows," twelve people completely shrouded in black, not even their eyes visible.

They were all blind, relying on their ears and noses to locate their enemies. The illusions created by light and shadow could not deceive them; feints were ineffective against them because they had no eyes. They were always closest to the truth of martial arts.

Their movements were as unpredictable as ghosts. When they faced you, you would find that there were actually not just twelve, but twenty-four, thirty-six, forty-eight of them.

As he walked up the corridor leading to the front hall, eighteen more people appeared behind him.

The "Eighteen Yakshas," eighteen men of extremely ugly appearance; their looks alone could terrify a child. However, they never intimidated people with their appearance, for their martial arts skills were something to be proud of.

They had once annihilated all the pirates on an island with 3,966 pirates. The pirate leader was the third-ranked samurai from an island nation across the ocean in the East China Sea, a nation that called itself the Land of the Rising Sun.

As he descended the corridor, twenty-three more men appeared behind him.

"The Edge of the World." There were twenty-three of them, but their name was "The Edge of the World."

Because each of them was called Tianya Yidao (天涯一刀), their martial art was called Tianya Yidao, and they all only knew one move: Tianya Yidao.

One strike, and the soul is severed at the ends of the earth.

※ ※ ※ ※

After several rounds of drinks and dishes,

Zhou Lingfei's smile changed. He stared intently at Hua Rong, his eyes filled with undisguised lust.

The Third Young Master was furious. In his heart, he had already considered Hua Rong his woman, and now Zhou Lingfei dared to show such an expression to Hua Rong right in front of him, in front of the Third Young Master of the Qin family.

The Third Young Master laughed instead, looking at Zhou Lingfei with a smile, and said, "Is it beautiful? Have you seen enough?"

Zhou Lingfei nodded with a smile and said, "Of course it's beautiful. The Supreme One's appearance is unparalleled in the world. Even if you look at it for a lifetime, you won't be satisfied."

The Third Young Master smiled and nodded, saying, "Zhou Lingfei, just based on what you just said, your birthday banquet should have turned into a funeral banquet for someone who has died peacefully in their sleep."

Zhou Lingfei laughed and said, "The Supreme One hasn't blamed me, so what right do you have to spout such nonsense here?" As

soon as Zhou Lingfei said this, everyone present was shocked. The hall, which had been filled with lively drinking, suddenly fell silent. Everyone looked at Zhou Lingfei with different expressions and hidden agendas.

Before the Third Young Master could speak, Dugu Hongjian suddenly slammed his hand on the table and stood up, pointing at Zhou Lingfei angrily, "Zhou Lingfei, does the Vice Sect Master think he can't talk to you? Although I, Dugu Hongjian, am of lower status than you in the sect, I am in charge of the sect's criminal law! I can certainly talk to you, right? According to the sect's rules, those who disobey their superiors will have one hand and one foot cut off. You can decide what to do!"

Zhou Lingfei shook his head and laughed, "Dugu Hongjian, I know you have feelings for the Supreme One, but don't you even look at your own character? Do you deserve to be even glanced at by the Supreme One? You should know that the Supreme One prefers pretty boys like Qin Ren."

Hua Rong suddenly laughed, "Protector Zhou, when did you become so bold? How dare you say such things in front of the Supreme One?"

Zhou Lingfei laughed, "I've always been bold, you just haven't noticed! Supreme One, today's banquet is both my birthday celebration and your and Qin Ren's funeral banquet!" With that, he slammed his wine cup to the ground.

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