Pearl Order [Complete] - 11

Chapter Fourteen: Captured After a Missed Attempt

The next morning, Ling Junyi had just finished washing up when he heard Xin Yi say at the door, "Young Master Ling, the steward has arrived." Ling Junyi thought to himself, "She must be here to tell me about the three-day deadline." He nodded and went to greet her.

Yulan, dressed in snow-white robes, was already waiting in the guest hall. Seeing Ling Junyi emerge, she gracefully rose and smiled brightly, "Good morning, Young Master Ling. I apologize for disturbing you."

Ling Junyi hurriedly cupped his hands in greeting, "Good morning, Miss. Please have a seat."

After they sat down, Xin Yi first brewed a cup of tea for Yulan, then served breakfast, saying softly, "Young Master Ling, please have breakfast."

Yulan said, "Young Master Ling hasn't had breakfast yet? Then please don't be so polite."

Ling Junyi smiled faintly, "It's alright. Miss, you've come so early; I must have something to say. Please speak."

Yulan's eyes... Her dark, bright eyes glanced at him, and she smiled, "Young Master Ling, you are truly insightful. This humble servant has two matters to discuss with you."

Ling Junyi was taken aback, thinking, "Her first matter is undoubtedly the three-day deadline, but I wonder what the other matter is." He smiled and said, "I wouldn't dare. Please speak freely, Miss."

Yulan seemed somewhat hesitant to speak, looked at him, and said, "Our gang leader has been repeatedly provoked by the Black Dragon Society, and the two sides are now bitter enemies. The most worrying thing is that their weapons and hidden weapons are all coated with 'poison.' If they lead their troops to attack, the 'poison' is extremely potent, and those who are poisoned will be incurable. Our gang's sisters will surely suffer heavy casualties. Therefore, I have sent my humble sister to discuss with you, Young Master, whether you can test it for our gang as soon as possible and find an antidote?" What a moving speech!

Ling Junyi smiled faintly and asked, "Does the gang leader and the steward intend to complete the research in the next few days?" "

Clearly, this question was completely unexpected for Yulan! Hope shone in her eyes as she stared intently at Ling Junyi's face, asking, 'Young Master, how many days do you think you can complete this in at the earliest?'

Ling Junyi laughed heartily, 'Having a precedent of neutralizing the "poison," I'm simply repeating experiments with several drugs. It may take months, even many days, and still yield no results, but perhaps we'll get the results soon.' Yulan

immediately followed up, 'How long do you think it will take?'

Ling Junyi laughed loudly, 'That's hard to say. It could be as quick as a day or two, or as slow as ten days or half a month. What? Do you perhaps want to complete it within a set timeframe?'

Yulan sighed softly, 'Ten days or half a month? I'm afraid I can't wait that long. I sincerely pray that you can complete it as soon as possible.' She couldn't bring herself to say she wanted to complete it in three days in front of Ling Junyi.

Ling Junyi said, 'Thank you for your kind offer, Miss. I think it's best if you set a date, so I have a guideline and can complete it as quickly as possible.'" "

Yulan said tenderly, "Do you want me to give you a date?"

Ling Junyi smiled and said, "A writer can only write when pressed. I am lazy by nature, but if you set a date, I will work day and night to finish it quickly."

Yulan smiled brightly and said, "How about three days?" There was only a three-day deadline to begin with.

Ling Junyi chuckled inwardly, but frowned and said, "Three days is a bit too short. Alright, three days it is."

Yulan was half-convinced and stared at him intently for a moment before slowly saying, "Young Master Ling, you are not joking with me, are you?"

Ling Junyi said, "There are no jokes in the army. Would you like me to write a pledge?"

Yulan breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Of course I trust you, Young Master." Then her eyes darted around and she smiled faintly, "I see that you seem very confident, which has made me worry a lot about you." Before Ling Junyi could speak, she continued, "Since you've agreed so readily, will there be any problem with the three-day deadline?"

Ling Junyi replied, "Please rest assured, young lady, I always keep my word."

Yulan said softly, "I hope so, then I can report back."

Ling Junyi smiled casually and asked, "You said you had two things to tell me earlier, what's the other one?"

Yulan said, "I'd like to ask you, young master, were you followed by any companions on your journey to our sect?"

Ling Junyi was taken aback and said, "I was brought out of Juechen Manor by Miss Yurui. I had no companions following me. What do you mean by that?"

Yulan smiled slightly and said, "Then I'd like to ask you again, young master, do you have any brothers?"

Ling Junyi became increasingly curious and said, "I am all alone and have no brothers or sisters."

Yulan said, "Then do you know any of the people you know?" "

Ling Junyi said, 'Who are you referring to, young lady? Could you tell me?'

Yulan said, 'There are three of them: Zhu Jing, Tang Wenqing, and Ling Junping…' Ling Junyi didn't recognize the first name she mentioned. But upon hearing 'Tang Wenqing,' his heart skipped a beat, and he thought, 'Could this person be Tang Wenqing?' When Yulan said 'Ling Junping,' his heart trembled even more, and he thought, 'Ling Junping, isn't that Fang Ruping's alias? With her in the group, then Tang Wenqing must indeed be Tang Wenqing. Could they be looking for me?'

Before Yulan could finish, he hurriedly asked, 'Were they captured by your gang?'

Yulan shook her head slightly and said, 'They were captured by the Black Dragon Society.'

Ling Junyi was startled and said…" "Were they captured by the Black Dragon Society? How did you know, young lady?"

Yulan countered, "Do you know them?"

Ling Junyi nodded, "Ling Junping is my sworn brother, and Tang Wenqing is my close friend. How did they end up in the hands of the Black Dragon Society? Could you tell me, young lady?"

Yulan took out a secret letter from her sleeve and handed it over, saying, "This is a letter from the Black Dragon Society to our gang. They consider these three to be our protectors and demand that we exchange you for their lives."

Ling Junyi read the letter. As Yulan said, Tang Wenqing, Fang Ruping, and the other two had been taken hostage by the Black Dragon Society to exchange for Zhu Wenhua. He thought of Fang Ruping and Tang Wenqing, both women, falling into the clutches of thieves—how could they possibly survive? Suddenly filled with anxiety, she rubbed her hands and said, "What should we do?"

Yulan chuckled, "Look how anxious you are. Since the Black Dragon Society wants to exchange these three for the person impersonating Zhu Wenhua, they naturally won't make things difficult for them right now. The only plan now is to hope that Young Master can develop an antidote for the 'poison' as soon as possible, so we can launch a surprise attack and rescue him." This plan was good, but apart from having a "Lilong Poison-Repelling Pearl" by his side, how could Ling Junyi really concoct any antidote?

Zhu Yaqin had already sent her Jade Dragon Steed home. That was Fang Ruping's suggestion. Anyone who travels in the martial world knows that the Jade Dragon Steed is a famous steed of Longmian Manor and is likely to attract attention, so it's better to send the horse back. Now that Zhu Yaqin has Tang Wenqing and Fang Ruping as companions, the three young ladies who had exchanged their hairpins for each other have found companions and chatted and laughed along the way, no longer feeling lonely. The group set off from Beixia Mountain in search of Boss Jiang, heading towards Anqing. Tang Wenqing and Fang Ruping were looking for Ling Junyi, while Zhu Yaqin had no specific destination in mind, simply wanting to wander the martial world.

Upon arriving in Anqing, they found the city lights already twinkling, and the city gates long closed. The three of them circled around to a less crowded area in the north of the city before using their lightness skills to leap over the city walls and enter the city. Now, they strolled confidently down the street! Everyone who saw them assumed these three handsome young men were scholars coming to the prefectural city to take the imperial examinations, and many girls passing by secretly cast flirtatious glances at Tang Wenqing, Fang Ruping, and Zhu Yaqin!

Anqing Prefecture, located on the north bank of the Yangtze River, was a hub for both water and land transportation. A straight street, about three li long, stretched from the North Gate to the South Gate, lined both sides with shops. The closer to the South Gate, the more bustling it became, with teahouses, taverns, and inns all concentrated in this area. Xinglongyuan Teahouse, situated on a side street of South Street, had a three-bay storefront, and its business was as prosperous as its signboard suggested. At this moment, the sounds of stringed instruments and the clear, melodious voices of singing girls drifted from the windows upstairs! Downstairs, the storytelling venue was packed; the storyteller's gavel slammed loudly, and as he reached the most exciting part, the sea of heads was eerily silent.

Fang Ruping and her two companions had just approached the teahouse when a waiter at the door bowed and smiled obsequiously, saying, "Gentlemen, please take a step up to the private rooms."

Stepping through the door, they were greeted by a wide staircase. As they climbed the stairs, they looked up and found the upstairs area much quieter and more elegant. The three open halls were about 80% full. The tea drinkers were also far more refined than the peddlers and laborers in brown robes downstairs. Some brewed a pot of tea and then closed their eyes to doze off; others were playing chess, and still others were talking in hushed tones.

Tang Wenqing glanced up, frowned, and muttered, "We've come to the wrong place."

Zhu Yaqin said, "Isn't this Xinglong Teahouse?"

Tang Wenqing replied, "Of course it is..." Before he could finish, a waiter from upstairs came up to them, smiling obsequiously, "How many of you are there, young masters? Please come over here."

He led Tang Wenqing to an empty seat, bowing slightly, and said, "Gentlemen, please have a seat. What kind of tea would you like?" Since Tang Wenqing had already gone over, everyone followed suit and took their seats.

Tang Wenqing looked up and said, "Just bring us a pot of clear tea." The waiter agreed and left.

Zhu Yaqin asked, "Brother Tang, you only said half of what you meant before stopping. What happened?"

Tang Wenqing smiled and said, "Brother, I mean we've come to the wrong place."

Zhu Yaqin asked, "What place do you mean by this?"

Tang Wenqing smiled and said, "This is naturally Xinglong Teahouse, but if we're looking for Boss Jiang, we shouldn't be upstairs."

Zhu Yaqin said "Oh," and chuckled, "Right, if Boss Jiang wants tea, he'll be downstairs, not upstairs." Her smile revealed a set of gleaming white teeth, but she immediately pursed her lips with her hand. Then she said, "Let's go downstairs to find him."

Tang Wenqing said, "Since we're already up here, it's not too late to have some tea before going down."

Fang Ruping saw her cousin pursing her lips with her hand and secretly chuckled. She leaned close to her cousin's ear and whispered, "Cousin, you're dressed as a man, how can you purse your lips with your hand? Only girls purse their lips with their hands when they laugh. You'd better be careful in the future, don't give yourself away." Zhu Yaqin said "Oh," her face flushing slightly. Just then, the tea server brought over a porcelain teapot and three teacups, placed them in front of everyone, and then poured boiling water.

Tang Wenqing looked up and called out, "Waiter."

The tea server hurriedly asked, "What can I do for you, young master?"

Tang Wenqing replied, "I need to ask you about someone. Do you know him?"

The tea server smiled obsequiously, "Who is he looking for, young master?"

Tang Wenqing said, "Master Jiang."

The tea server said, "I know him. He's a regular at our teahouse. He owns three boats and travels the Yangtze River upstream and downstream. Whenever he returns, he comes here for tea. Many customers come here to hire his boats. Are you looking to hire a boat, young master?"

Tang Wenqing nodded slightly and said, "We heard about Master Jiang from a friend. He says his boats are clean and reliable, so we'd like to hire one from him."

The tea server smiled and said, "What a coincidence! Master Jiang just returned this afternoon and was just downstairs having tea. I'll fetch him right away."

Tang Wenqing said, "Alright, thank you for your trouble."

The tea server smiled obsequiously, "Young master, you're too kind. I'll go right away." With that, he turned and walked downstairs.

Zhu Yaqin asked, "Brother Tang, are you really going to hire his boat?"

Tang Wenqing laughed, "When looking for Boss Jiang, there's nothing else to say but hire his boat..."

Before he could finish, Fang Ruping coughed lightly and interjected, "Brother Tang is right. We've never been to Lushan before. Taking a boat to Dagutang to disembark is much more comfortable than traveling by land and carriage." His sudden suggestion to visit Lushan startled everyone! Turning around, they saw a sallow-faced man in his forties, leading a girl of about seventeen or eighteen with her hair in two buns, walking towards them. The sallow-faced man had a thin face and was carrying a huqin (a two-stringed bowed instrument). He repeatedly bowed to the group and said with a forced smile, "Gentlemen, would you like to hear a song?" His smile revealed a face full of wrinkles, making him look pitiful.

But behind him followed a young woman, dressed in a simple blue cloth dress, yet possessing a fair complexion, red lips, delicate features, and arched eyebrows. Her sleeves were slightly rolled up, revealing a pair of slender, lotus-root-like wrists. She held a pipa, her chin bowed, her appearance remarkably pretty. Tang Wenqing, who rarely went out, felt a pang of pity upon seeing her and asked, "What can she sing?"

The sallow-faced man hurriedly pulled a dark, grimy folded book from his robes, offering it with both hands and a fawning smile, "Young master, please choose whatever you like."

Tang Wenqing, seeing the greasy, blackened book, refused to take it. He said, "No need, just let her sing whatever she wants."

The sallow-faced man nodded twice and said, "Miss, the young master wants you to sing whatever you want, so you have to sing your best song."

The girl lowered her head, her starry eyes sparkling, and secretly glanced at Tang Wenqing. Holding her pipa, she began to play, her fingers moving across the strings. After a few quick adjustments, the pipa began to tinkle. Then, she parted her cherry lips and sang softly, "Warm and melting like jade, cold and white like water, mostly tears of longing. The tea and rice before my eyes are not worth eating, my heart is filled with sorrow. Fame is but a snail's horn, profit is but a fly's head, tearing apart the mandarin ducks. One on this side, one on that side, each sighing a long sigh." She was singing a section of "Chao Tian Zi" from "The Romance of the Western Chamber." Not only was her voice like a reed pipe, clear and sweet, like pearls turning on a jade plate, but she also captured Cui Yingying's melancholy feelings at that time, lingering and poignant, leaving the listener deeply moved!

As the song ended, its lingering melody, delicate and powerful, seemed to echo around the very air. Tang Wenqing couldn't help but clap and cheer, exclaiming, "Well sung! This music should only exist in heaven; how often can it be heard on earth! You truly are a remarkable woman of the world!"

The girl's face flushed, her bright eyes filled with affection, and her pearly teeth slightly revealed.

She smiled gently and said, "Thank you for your praise, sir." Tang Wenqing had already taken out a five-tael silver ingot, held it between two fingers, and presented it to the girl, saying with a smile, "It's just a

small token; please accept it." The girl lowered her head and said, "Thank you for your generous gift, sir." She also accepted the silver ingot with her two delicate fingers. The sallow-faced man thanked him repeatedly and led the girl downstairs.

Seeing Tang Wenqing's generosity—the girl had only sung one song and he'd already given her a five-tael silver ingot—Zhu Yaqin couldn't help but wonder. She chuckled, "So generous!"

Tang Wenqing looked at Zhu Yaqin, smiled slightly, and asked, "Didn't you notice?"

Zhu Yaqin asked, "Notice what?"

Tang Wenqing said softly, "You probably didn't notice her pipa, did you?"

Zhu Yaqin asked, "What about her pipa?"

Tang Wenqing said, "The pipa in her hand has a slender neck and a long body; it's clearly an iron pipa, a type of weapon."

Zhu Yaqin was startled. "What? Her pipa is iron?"

Tang Wenqing said, "This type of weapon is the most difficult to use. Only someone with considerable skill in both soft and hard techniques can wield it freely. Moreover, the pipa can conceal hidden mechanisms; with a gentle pluck, it can launch tiny hidden weapons like flying needles. Within a few dozen feet, no one can dodge them."

Zhu Yaqin sneered, "Why didn't you say so earlier? I should have tested her earlier."

Fang Ruping smiled and said, "Second Brother already tried it."

Zhu Yaqin's eyes darted around, and she looked at Tang Wenqing, asking, "Brother Tang, when did you try it? I didn't see it."

Tang Wenqing smiled slightly and said, "I had some doubts, so I had a sudden inspiration. I took that silver ingot, secretly channeled thirty percent of my strength, and presented it to that girl. If she didn't know martial arts, as soon as her fingers touched the silver, her wrist couldn't withstand the force, and she would be shaken by my internal energy."

Zhu Yaqin said, "She didn't shake?"

Tang Wenqing's face... Shang Yihong shook his head and said, "To my shame, she took the silver as if nothing had happened. I focused thirty percent of my strength into my fingers, but the moment her fingers touched the silver, it was as if all the air had been released! I couldn't muster any strength in my right hand at all. Although the girl didn't say anything, I still suffered a

great loss in this underhanded battle." Zhu Yaqin snorted, "Next time I meet her, I'll definitely have a showdown with her." Just then, they saw the tea server leading a man up the stairs.

Upon reaching their table, the tea server immediately greeted them with a smile, "These are the gentlemen who need to hire a boat."

The man bowed and said, "Greetings, gentlemen."

Tang Wenqing nodded to him and said with a smile, "Are you Boss Jiang? Please have a seat."

The man chuckled inwardly, "My name is Zhang Lin, not Boss Jiang. If you need to hire a boat, you can just tell me. He only returned today, so it's my turn." He then asked, "Where are you gentlemen going?"

Tang Wenqing replied, "We'd like to visit Mount Lu, and a boat trip would be more comfortable." He then added, "We were introduced by a friend, and we'd like to ask Boss Jiang for a favor..."

Zhang Lin said, "Our boat company has a rule that the three boats take turns resting, but the guests must specify which one to take." "Of course it's possible, but this is a matter I can't make the decision on. It would be best if you, young master, spoke with Boss Jiang in person."

Tang Wenqing asked, "Isn't Boss Jiang downstairs?"

Zhang Lin replied, "Yes, yes, he came back this afternoon and drank tea in the tea garden. He left before dinner, probably to go home and rest."

Tang Wenqing's heart stirred, and he asked, "Where does Boss Jiang live?"

Zhang Lin replied, "Not far, not far, in Bajiaojing Lane."

Tang Wenqing asked, "Can you lead me there?"

Zhang Lin smiled and said, "If you want to go, young master, I will certainly show you the way."

Tang Wenqing said, "Thank you for your trouble. Let's go right away."

He then turned to Zhu Yaqin and Fang Ruping and said, "Let's go." The three girls, Tang Wenqing, Fang Ruping, and Zhu Yaqin, didn't suspect anything and followed closely behind him. It was almost midnight, and almost all the shops on both sides of the street had closed. The usually bustling street was deserted, with only one or two drunkards wandering around occasionally. The man, leading the three women, quickened his pace and ran for about a mile before reaching a plaza. This was the South Military Training Ground, a place of about a hundred acres in size, surrounded by trees. In the darkness, it appeared pitch black, shadowy and eerie, as if many ghosts lurked there! The South Military Training Ground was where serious criminals were executed, and local lore had long said it was a ghostly night market. Legend has it that a gambler, on his way home, passed by the South Military Training Ground and saw several people eating wontons at a roadside stall. This fellow, having gambled all night, was feeling very hungry, so he sat down and ordered a bowl. He ate the shrimp and wontons, finding them delicious and enjoying them immensely. However, upon returning home, he suddenly felt nauseous and vomited violently, bringing up earthworms and bits of grass.

The man, seemingly a straightforward fellow, was not afraid of ghosts and, leading the three women, continued running straight towards the South Military Training Ground without stopping. The three young women weren't locals and knew nothing of the haunted South Training Ground, so they paid no attention. With someone leading the way, they followed. Suddenly, a deep shout came from not far ahead: "Halt!"

The man hurriedly responded and stopped. Tang Wenqing asked, "Who's up ahead?"

The man trembled and said, "I don't know."

Zhu Yaqin said, "If you don't know, just keep going. We'll take care of anything that happens." As soon as she finished speaking, a chilling laugh echoed from the darkness. With the laugh, two people dressed in long black robes appeared, walking side-by-side from the left. They walked extremely slowly, but side-by-side, their movements perfectly synchronized. When they lifted their left foot, they simultaneously stepped forward with their left foot; when they lifted their right foot, they simultaneously stepped forward with their right foot. Like temple servants, they appeared to be moving, but their movements were stiff, almost ghostly.

Zhu Yaqin felt a chill run down her spine. Gripping her sword hilt tightly, she hesitated slightly, letting out a soft "Ah!" before asking, "Cousin, what kind of people are these two?"

Fang Ruping sneered, "What do we care what kind of monsters they are? There are three of us; we're not afraid of them."

Tang Wenqing chimed in, "Let me ask them first." She puffed out her chest, stepped forward, and shouted, "What do you want, blocking our way?"

The two men in black stopped about three zhang apart, remaining silent and motionless. They seemed not to hear Tang Wenqing's question. At this moment, two more men in black robes appeared on the right side of the training ground, walking side by side. They also stopped about three zhang apart. The four men stood facing each other, like clay or wooden statues, their hands hanging down, neither moving an inch nor exchanging a word. They simply stood there with lifeless, expressionless faces. Tang Wenqing frowned slightly and whispered, "Third brother, this situation is a bit strange."

Fang Ruping chuckled, "Not strange at all. These four are just extras; the main characters haven't arrived yet."

Tang Wenqing asked, "You figured out their tactics?" Fang Ruping

replied, "Is that even a question? They're obviously from the Black Dragon Society."

Zhu Yaqin whispered, "Cousin, what do you think we should do? Should we take action?" She lacked experience in the martial world and became somewhat nervous when faced with trouble.

Fang Ruping laughed, "As the saying goes, 'When water comes, dam it; when soldiers come, generals will block them.' Before their master arrives, these four extras aren't worth our time."

Tang Wenqing said, "Right, let's wait until they're all here before we do anything, and then we'll teach them a lesson."

Fang Ruping chuckled, "More than just a lesson! We'll make them crawl back on their knees!"

Zhu Yaqin, who had been a little timid, couldn't help but laugh after hearing what the two said. She pursed her lips and said, "Don't let them all crawl back. We should at least leave one or two alive."

The three girls spoke with great pride and couldn't help but laugh. In the darkness, all was silent. Although they spoke softly, the two sides were only a few dozen feet apart, and the four men in black were not deaf, so they naturally heard everything. But they remained still, not one of them uttering a sound. Even their faces were expressionless; they simply stood there with their hands at their sides, motionless. The training ground was completely silent, except for the night wind blowing through the grass. The one that was coming had finally arrived! Two red lanterns appeared in the distance! The red lanterns moved swiftly along the ground, their speed remarkable, and in the blink of an eye, they were about ten feet away. This time, with the lanterns lit, the three young ladies could see them clearly. Two maids in green robes were leading the way, carrying palace lanterns, followed by a black sedan chair with a low-hanging beaded curtain, carried by two burly men in black, flying towards them. Fang Ruping had seen this scene once before at Longmen'ao, and couldn't help but exclaim, "So it's the Bewitching Fairy!"

Zhu Yaqin asked in a low voice, "Who is the Bewitching Fairy now?"

Fang Ruping replied, "The Bewitching Fairy is now a member of Juechen Manor. She happened to be away when we decisively defeated Juechen Manor."

Quan Yaqin chuckled, "Isn't that perfect? Tonight, she won't have another chance to escape."

As they spoke, the black sedan chair had already come to a stop four zhang away. Two women in green robes stood on either side of the sedan chair, each holding a palace lantern. This time they were closer, and the words on the two palace lanterns were clearly visible, which were indeed the four characters "Inspecting the Ferocious on Behalf of Heaven". As soon as the sedan chair stopped, the man who had claimed to be Jiang Laoda's subordinate suddenly leaped up and ran to within a few feet of the chair, kneeling on the ground and saying, "This humble servant greets the Imperial Envoy."

A woman's voice came from inside the sedan chair, asking, "Number Twenty-Three, have you brought the person here?"

The man replied, "This humble servant has brought him." Upon hearing this, Tang Wenqing and the other two girls were all taken aback.

Zhu Yaqin angrily snorted, "So he wasn't Jiang Laoda's subordinate after all. We were deceived by him."

Fang Ruping, who had already concealed a miniature repeating crossbow given to her by her uncle in her left sleeve, raised her left hand and pointed at the man, shouting, "Weren't you sent by Jiang Laoda to pick us up?"

The man turned around and sneered, "Of course not."

Fang Ruping snorted coldly, pointed again with her left hand, and said coldly, "Then you deserve to die." With a light press of her thumb, a silver light shot out with a "click," striking the man in the chest. Qianlong Zhu Wenhua was a master of mechanical arts, and this "pocket-sized repeating crossbow" was meticulously designed and manufactured by him. The arrows were no more than an inch long and only a quarter the thickness of a bamboo chopstick, but they were launched with a powerful spring, capable of hitting targets within seven or eight zhang (approximately 33-40 meters). Moreover, the arrows were twice as fast as ordinary crossbow bolts, and the arrowheads were coated with the unique "Green Cloud Powder" poison of Longmian Manor. Without his antidote, no one in the world could cure it.

But just as Fang Ruping's "pocket-sized repeating crossbow" flashed a green light and was only halfway through its flight, a very thin red thread suddenly flew out from the beaded curtain of the sedan chair, gently coiled around the arrow, and pulled it back into the sedan chair. Then, a woman's low voice came from the sedan chair, scoffing, "This little arrow is coated with a strange poison. Whose disciple are you? At such a young age, you dare to use such a vicious hidden weapon."

Fang Ruping sneered, "So you're the Bewitching Fairy? What do you care who my disciple is? Let me tell you, this vicious hidden weapon of mine is meant to deal with your bandits."

The person in the sedan chair said coldly, "What an arrogant brat! At such a young age, you dare to speak to this old woman like that."

Fang Ruping sneered, "Do you think we're afraid of you? Hmph, those four words, 'Bewitching Fairy,' aren't enough to scare anyone." The person

in the sedan chair said with a slight smirk, "Do you think I'm the Bewitching Fairy?"

Fang Ruping said, "Am I not?" The

person in the sedan chair continued, "Your hidden crossbow is quite exquisitely crafted; it can probably fire continuously, can't it?"

Fang Ruping was secretly shocked, thinking, "She only saw one small arrow shot out and knows that my quiver of arrows can fire continuously. This person's eyesight is quite sharp." She snorted, "So what if it is?"

The person in the sedan chair said, "Very well, if you want to know who I am, then why don't you fire a few arrows at me in quick succession and see what happens." Want to know who she is? Isn't that strange?

Fang Ruping thought to herself, "You're courting death." She sneered, "You said it yourself."

The person in the sedan chair said, "That's right, I said it myself. If you don't believe me, then fire all one hundred and twenty arrows at me at once, it's not impossible." Fang

Ruping was even more shocked when she heard the woman say she had a total of one hundred and twenty rapid-fire arrows, but she was still somewhat skeptical! Her uncle had said that these "pocket-sized arrows" were extremely powerful. Even if you were sitting in the sedan chair with nowhere to hide, or even if you stepped out, she only needed to press the trigger, and one hundred and twenty small arrows would rain down, covering an area of six or seven zhang (approximately 33-4 meters) within range—not even a bird could escape. Thinking this, she said, "Since you say so, I must try it." As soon as she finished speaking, she shouted, "Be careful!" This was unnecessary, because as she raised her left hand, her thumb had already pressed the trigger, and a rapid, continuous "tap, tap" sound erupted.

A flash of silver light appeared, and one arrow after another, fast as meteors, whistling as they shot towards the sedan chair. Even if a person only had two hands, or even three heads and six arms, they couldn't catch such a dense and fast rapid-fire crossbow! Tang Wenqing, from the Tang Clan of Sichuan, renowned for its poisons and hidden weapons, was secretly amazed by Fang Ruping's "Miniature Repeating Crossbow." A sudden urge to test his skills arose within him; his jade-like fingers, three tiny purple shadows, moved with lightning speed, swiftly weaving through the crossbow and hurling them towards the sedan chair.

The "Miniature Repeating Crossbow" fired in rapid succession, shooting towards the sedan chair. This all happened in the blink of an eye. Fang Ruping secretly calculated that she had already fired at least forty arrows in that short time, but the rapid-fire arrows disappeared into the sedan chair like stones sinking into the sea, without a sound or movement. Startled, she immediately stopped. She heard a soft snort from inside the sedan chair: "You've only fired forty-three arrows, why did you stop?"

Forty-three arrows hadn't even knocked down a single bead from the beaded curtain in front of the sedan chair; it was as if each arrow had slipped through the gaps in the string of beads. What's the point of firing this arrow? Fang Ruping grew increasingly discouraged and coldly said, "If you're not the Bewitching Fairy, then who are you?" The

person in the sedan chair replied coldly, "I was able to accept forty-three of your poisoned repeating crossbows, don't you know who I am?"

Fang Ruping said, "I don't know."

The person in the sedan chair said, "Haven't you heard your master mention me?"

Fang Ruping thought to herself, "It seems she must be someone of great importance." Then the person in the sedan chair continued, "Isn't one of you a member of the Tang Clan from Sichuan? Others may not know who I am, but have none of the members of the Tang Clan from Sichuan ever heard of me in the martial world?"

Tang Wenqing thought to himself, "She's so arrogant..." "It seems everyone in our Tang family should know her, but why have I never heard my mother mention her?" Tang Wenqing asked, "Do the Tang Clan really need to know you?"

The woman in the sedan chair replied, "That's right. In the whole world, only I can withstand the hidden weapons of your Sichuan Tang Clan."

Tang Wenqing suddenly remembered someone and exclaimed, "Could you be the Thousand-Hand Guanyin, Fairy Liu?"

The woman in the sedan chair snorted and said, "At least you're a member of the Tang Clan and still remember my name." Saying this, she instructed the two maids on either side, "Alright, lift the sedan curtain." The two maids in green at the front of the sedan chair agreed and separated the beaded curtain in the middle, hooking it up to both sides. Now everyone can see clearly! Sitting in the sedan chair is a woman in a blue cloth dress, with gray hair and a fair complexion, who looks to be no more than fifty years old. In front of her, on the horizontal table, there is a neatly stacked pile of small arrows, which are the "Rapid Fire Arrows" that Fang Ruping shot. There were also three tiny "purple bee needles," which belonged to Tang Wenqing.

Fairy Liu pointed at the three handsome young men before the sedan chair, then smiled slightly at Tang Wenqing: "Since you can still recognize my name, I won't make things difficult for you. Just obediently follow behind my sedan chair."

Tang Wenqing asked, "Where do you want us to go?"

Fairy Liu replied, "I was passing through this area and received a report from my subordinates to investigate a case. As long as you three children are unrelated to this case, I will release you."

Fang Ruping said, "Judging from your tone, you're here to investigate the 'Escaped Maid Case'?"

Fairy Liu's gaze sharpened, and she asked, "You also know about the 'Escaped Maid Case'?"

Fang Ruping said, "Of course we know."

Fairy Liu said, "Very good, then come with me."

Zhu Yaqin said, "Do you think we'll go with you?"

A cold glint flashed in Fairy Liu's eyes, and she said coldly, "Do you think I can't persuade you three children?" “

You’re too kind,” Zhu Yaqin coldly snorted. “You want to fight us?”

Fairy Liu sneered, “Why should I need to do it myself?”

Fang Ruping glanced at the four men in black and chuckled, "Them?" Her smile was somewhat contemptuous, as if she didn't take them seriously.

Fairy Liu snorted coldly, "Ignorant children, it's already quite good that you can withstand ten or eight moves from the Four Friends of Zhongtiao."

Zhu Yaqin interjected, "Then let them try."

Fairy Liu waved to the four men in black standing before the sedan chair, "Which of you will capture these three children?"

The two men on the left stepped forward simultaneously, saying in unison, "We will go. "

Fairy Liu nodded, "Alright."

The two men in black carried no weapons, only empty hands, and walked side-by-side towards the three. Everyone could see that although their bodies were stiff, their steps were steady, and their skill was clearly refined. Zhu Yaqin snorted coldly, "What's so great about you?" She shrugged and rushed forward.

Although Fang Ruping didn't know the origins of the "Four Friends of Zhongtiao," she had traveled with Ling Junyi for several days and encountered several incidents, gaining considerable experience. Judging from Liu Xianzi's tone, these "Four Friends of Zhongtiao" seemed to be no ordinary people. Seeing Zhu Yaqin approach without even drawing her sword, Fang Ruping was startled and cried out, "Cousin, be careful!"

She knew Zhu Yaqin's abilities perfectly well, having learned both her skills and martial arts from Qianlong Zhu Wenhua. Zhu Yaqin quickly reached the two men in black, turning back to say, "It's alright, I don't even consider them a threat."

The two men in black had no choice but to stop in their tracks as Zhu Yaqin had already reached them. The man on the left said coldly, "Boy, show your weapons."

Zhu Yaqin asked, "Where are your weapons?"

The man on the right, his face indifferent, slowly replied, "We don't use weapons."

Zhu Yaqin said, "If you don't use weapons, why should I show mine?"

The man on the left chuckled, "Then you can make the first move."

Zhu Yaqin sneered, "I'll make the first move then." As soon as she finished speaking, she suddenly lunged forward, her left hand reaching out to grab the man in black on the left. The man in black on the left saw her approaching and grabbing at him.

This grab was very similar to the "Azure Dragon Probing Claw" from the Shaolin "Dragon Subduing Fist," but the move was extremely sloppy and didn't seem to have any real power. Even if it was the "Azure Dragon Probing Claw," he had only just begun practicing it and it was very rudimentary, probably not anything special. He didn't take it seriously at all. He snorted and lightly swung his right hand forward. He thought Zhu Yaqin's martial arts were mediocre; he only needed to use thirty percent of his strength, and his swing would surely send her flying several steps back. But things didn't go as planned. His right hand barely managed to swing out when it met Zhu Yaqin's outstretched left hand. It was as if he had offered himself up; he felt Zhu Yaqin's five fingers grip his wrist. Although he was secretly surprised—"This kid's technique is so ordinary, how could he have his pulse so easily?"—he remained unconcerned, because Zhu Yaqin's fingers had no strength whatsoever. His right hand continued to swing forward.

Logically, with the black-clad man's skill, even if Zhu Yaqin had gripped his pulse, this subsequent swing should have caused her fingers to loosen, sending her flying. But at that moment, the black-clad man suddenly realized something was wrong. For some reason, as soon as he gripped Zhu Yaqin's weak fingers, his right hand, which had been swinging out, suddenly lost all power. He was greatly shocked! Zhu Yaqin was quick to act. She grabbed his wrist and pulled him down, causing the man in black to involuntarily bend forward. After a pause, Zhu Yaqin raised her left hand, released her fingers, and thrust it forward. The man in black, who had been bending forward, leaned back, his tall frame tumbling backward in a daze. Although this sounds slow, the two men's actions, a grab and a swing, occurred in the blink of an eye—faster than lightning. Neither side even saw clearly before the man in black was thrown by Zhu Yaqin.

The man in black on the right, who had been merely observing, was enraged to see his companion thrown in a single exchange. With a shout of "Hey!", he suddenly leaped up, arms outstretched, and pounced on Zhu Yaqin. His attack was incredibly fast. Before the sound of his "heh" had even faded, he was already on Zhu Yaqin's right side. His right hand grabbed Zhu Yaqin's shoulder acupoint, while his left hand struck horizontally, lightning-fast, aiming for her left waist. Two moves in one, his movements as swift as the wind. Zhu Yaqin remained calm. She shrank back half a step to the left, avoiding the black-clad man's right hand aimed at her shoulder acupoint. Her left hand rose slightly, meeting the man's left hand that was grabbing her waist. She easily seized his pulse point, her five fingers closing in, then plucked it up, and then thrust it forward. The black-clad man on the right, following the left, did the same, somersaulting backward. This was because Zhu Yaqin was, after all, a young woman, and her true strength was insufficient. She only managed to make them somersault once. If it were someone with profound internal strength, such a flick of the wrist would surely have sent them flying like scarecrows, several meters away.

Just as she managed to throw one of the men in black away, the one on the left, whom she had thrown earlier, leaped up and pounced on her from behind again. This time, he was both ashamed and enraged; his attack was as fierce as a hungry tiger pouncing on a sheep, aimed directly at Zhu Yaqin's back. Fang Ruping, seeing her cousin use two strange moves to throw the two men in black away, felt a sense of unease and was about to clap her hands! At that moment, she caught sight of the first man in black suddenly appearing behind Zhu Yaqin and was startled again
. She hurriedly shouted, "Cousin, watch out for your back..." Zhu Yaqin didn't even turn her head. She had just clapped away the man in the right, and that hand lashed out backward. This move looked like a casual backhand swing, seemingly without any force, but a strange thing happened at that moment. The man in the left, now behind her, his ten fingers like hooks, stabbed down towards her shoulder blades. If he hit her, how could Zhu Yaqin possibly survive? Just as he channeled his strength into his fingers, his fingertips almost piercing Zhu Yaqin's back, a sharp "slap" rang out. Zhu Yaqin's left hand, swinging backward, deftly struck the black-clad man's left shoulder. The palm strike appeared effortless, yet it employed the perfect technique of using minimal force to deflect immense weight. The black-clad man, whose attack was extremely fierce, staggered three or four steps to the right after being struck on the left shoulder by Zhu Yaqin. Unable to regain his footing, he fell flat on his face with a thud.

At this moment, the man in black on the right leaped up, his face ashen, his eyes blazing with murderous intent. His black robes billowed like bubbles. He let out a sneer, his hands poised to pounce on Zhu Yaqin, when the fairy in the sedan chair coldly shouted, "Stop!"

This sharp shout caused the man in black on the right, who had gathered all his strength in his arms, to hastily lower them. His billowing black robes deflated instantly. The man in black on the left also rose from the ground at this moment, stood still, and lowered his hands. But his deep eyes revealed a sinister glint as he glared fiercely at Zhu Yaqin. The fairy said, "You two step back." The two men in

black bowed in unison and said, "Yes, sir." Although they were standing in different places, they spoke at the same time, started moving at the same time, and walked in perfect unison to their original positions, standing side by side.

Fairy Liu remained seated in her sedan chair, her face calm. Her two bright eyes were fixed on Zhu Yaqin's face as she slowly asked, "Are you a disciple of the Reverse-Handed Buddha?"

It turned out that Zhu Yaqin had just used her left hand to throw two men in black to the ground, employing a "Dog-Catching Strike." Later, she swung her left hand backward, sending the man on the left tumbling face-first into the ground, using a "Dog-Beating Strike"—both executed with her left hand. The Reverse-Handed Buddha was renowned throughout the martial arts world and habitually used his left hand; no wonder Fairy Liu considered Zhu Yaqin a disciple. In truth, Zhu Yaqin had only heard the voice of the person who taught her these techniques, never seen him, and had no idea who he was. At this moment, when she heard Fairy Liu say that she was a disciple of the Reversed-Hand Buddha, a thought suddenly struck her. She thought to herself, "Judging from her tone, the Reversed-Hand Buddha must be a very powerful person. Why don't I try to impress her?" With a change of heart, she retorted, "So what if I am?"

Fang Ruping was taken aback by this, thinking to herself, "Brother Ling is a disciple of the Reversed-Hand Buddha, but my cousin has never left the house. When did she become a disciple of the Reversed-Hand Buddha?"

Liu Xianzi coldly snorted, "Your master is revered throughout the martial world for his 'Reversed Hand Tathagata,' but I never offend others unless they offend me. Don't try to intimidate me with your master's name. Besides, your master wouldn't dare to cause trouble for the Black Dragon Society. You should heed my advice and obediently follow me in my sedan chair. I won't make things difficult for you; otherwise, don't blame me for tying you three up."

Zhu Yaqin said, "Then why don't you try tying me up?"

Liu Xianzi coldly snorted, "Ignorant brat..." She glanced at the two maids in front of the sedan chair and coldly said, "Go and seize them." "

Two maids in green bowed and accepted the order, placing the palace lanterns they carried on the sedan chair. They stepped out, smoothed their sleeves, and asked Zhu Yaqin, "Do you want us to make a move?"

Zhu Yaqin replied, "Both of you come at me together." Fang

Ruping darted forward, calling out, "Cousin, it's my turn now."

Zhu Yaqin quickly said, "No need, no need. I can handle these two little girls by myself." As she spoke, she lunged at the one on her left, shouting, "If you won't make a move, I will!" With a swift movement of her left hand, she reached out to grab Fang Ruping's chest.

It should be known that there is an unwritten rule in the martial arts world: when a man and a woman fight, the man is absolutely forbidden from grabbing the woman's chest. However, Zhu Yaqin herself was a woman, and also wanted to humiliate her. As long as Fang Ruping made a move to block or dodge, Zhu Yaqin could still use the "dog-catching style" to grab her wrist. The maid on the left, seeing his first move aimed at her chest, was startled. Her face flushed crimson with embarrassment, and she hastily shrank back. Zhu Yaqin had anticipated her dodge. With a sway of her shoulders, she lunged forward, chuckling, "You can't escape."

Her left hand remained in the same position, still reaching forward. But as soon as she uttered those words, her expression changed drastically, and her smile vanished! It was because her outstretched left hand suddenly no longer obeyed her commands; her entire arm seemed to have lost its own ownership! At that moment, the maid in green on the left grabbed Zhu Yaqin's left hand and pulled her swiftly. Zhu Yaqin was thrown forward involuntarily. Her left hand suddenly went numb and useless. In a panic, she gritted her teeth, her right hand ready to draw her sword! But the maid in green was even faster. After pulling with her right hand, her left hand followed with lightning speed, striking Zhu Yaqin's right rib, the "Breast Root" acupoint. This all happened in the blink of an eye. Fang Ruping already knew her cousin was a disciple of the Buddha of Reversal, and had just witnessed Zhu Yaqin casually tossing two men in black around like scarecrows. The two maids in green who appeared this time, though servants of Fairy Willow and perhaps more skilled than the men in black, hadn't expected her to fail so quickly. Moreover, Zhu Yaqin's attack had startled the maid in green on the left, who retreated hastily, secretly finding it amusing! The maid in green grabbed Zhu Yaqin's left hand, and Fang Ruping assumed Zhu Yaqin had already succeeded and was holding the maid's wrist. Until their figures passed each other, and the maid in green on the left flicked her right wrist, throwing Zhu Yaqin to the ground, leaving Zhu Yaqin with no chance to struggle.

Fang Ruping was shocked to realize she had been subdued. She leaped forward, lunging at the maid in green on the left, shouting, "What have you done to my cousin?" Tang Wenqing, sensing the danger, drew his sword and followed suit.

The maid in green on the left had already retreated a few steps, turning back to bow to the fairy in the sedan chair, saying, "Reporting to the fairy, this person is a woman."

The fairy seemed slightly surprised, grunting, and said, "What about the other two? Take them both down."

The maid in green on the left bowed, "Yes, ma'am." In the time it took to say these words, Fang Ruping and the maid in green on the right had already begun fighting.

It turned out that Fang Ruping had been stopped by the maid in green on the right as she leaped forward, saying, "If you want to fight, come find me."

As she spoke, face to face, she saw that the young man in green before her was an exceptionally handsome young man, unmatched in the world! A sudden jolt went through her, and her delicate cheeks flushed crimson! Fang Ruping, anxious to save her friend, shouted, "Get out of the way!" With a flick of her left hand, she thrust forward with a powerful palm strike. The maid in green on her right, her beautiful eyes still fixed on Fang Ruping's face, saw her raise her hand and tried to dodge, but it was too late. She swiftly seized the opportunity, her palm like a knife, meeting Fang Ruping's attack head-on. Their two jade-like palms struck each other with a crisp "clap," and both women staggered back a step.

Fang Ruping shouted, "If you don't get out of the way, I won't be polite!"

The maid in green on her right looked at her tenderly and said, "If you're not polite, what are you going to do?" Just then, Tang Wenqing also flew over.

Fang Ruping cried out, "Second Brother, I'll handle this girl. You go save her!"

The maid in green on the right turned cold and said, "Are you looking down on girls?"

Fang Ruping didn't want to get entangled with her. With a clang, she withdrew her longsword and shouted, "Draw your sword!"

The maid in green on the right said, "I'll draw my sword then. Who's afraid of you?" She reached out and drew her longsword.

Fang Ruping shouted, "Watch out!" She suddenly stepped forward with her left foot, her longsword pointing directly at the maid in green's brow.

The maid in green on the right snorted, "You're arrogant." She raised her right hand and used a move called "Turning Clouds Under the Hand," her longsword flashing with a cold light as she blocked forward. With a clang, the two swords clashed, and the two exchanged a blow.

Before her opponent could retaliate, Fang Ruping slashed again with her sword. The maid in green on the right smiled coldly, parrying with her sword. With another "clang," she blocked Fang Ruping's longsword from the doorway. Fang Ruping's two consecutive sword strikes were blocked, and her anger flared. She swung her right hand rapidly, unleashing five consecutive sword strikes. Each of these five strikes was a preemptive attack, incredibly fast, creating a fierce wind and a chilling light. The maid in green on the right was forced to retreat a step, no longer engaging in a direct attack, but calmly parrying each move. Meanwhile, Tang Wenqing leaped out, and upon hearing Fang Ruping's words, turned and lunged at Zhu Yaqin.

Just then, the maid in green on the left stepped down from the sedan chair, turned around, and coldly shouted, "Stop!" She then attacked Tang Wenqing with her sword.

Tang Wenqing leaped forward, determined to save the person. With a flick of her wrist, she used her longsword in a "Sail with the Wind" move, deflecting the sword strike of the maid in green on her left. With a swift movement, she continued towards Zhu Yaqin. She didn't stop, her sword flashing forward with incredible speed, but the maid in green on her left, trained by the Fairy Liu herself, was also extremely agile. With a cold laugh, she suddenly spun her sword, thrusting it upwards towards Tang Wenqing's abdomen. The sword strike was swift and deadly! Tang Wenqing's feet were barely a few feet off the ground when she caught sight of the chilling blade approaching. A chill ran through her, and her longsword sank sharply in her hand! She rose up, employing the "Purple Swallow Skimming Water" technique, a flash of sword light slashing downwards. Simultaneously, her left hand delivered a powerful palm strike, cleaving the maid in green's head and face. This sword strike and palm strike were both light and fierce, combining power and precision. The maid in green on the left dared not meet the attack head-on, and dodged sideways, sword

and all. Tang Wenqing's body sank, the tip of his sword barely touching the ground before his feet touched the ground. The maid in green on the left retreated and then suddenly advanced, her sword performing the "Swallowing Clouds and Spitting the Moon" technique, and she attacked again. Tang Wenqing couldn't help but feel angry, and snorted, "I might as well deal with you first." He flicked his wrist and unleashed his sword, the longsword flashing with green light, attacking three times with unparalleled speed. The maid in green on the left was no pushover either, and she did not back down, her body moving with her sword, her sword moving with the momentum, and she and Tang Wenqing exchanged sword blows.

The two fought with speed and decisiveness, attacking and attacking, their sword lights dancing and swirling, exchanging blows without striking, and no sound of swords clashing could be heard. But they fought fiercely and evenly matched! Tang Wenqing, caught up in the heat of battle, let out a soft shout, and his swordsmanship suddenly changed, his wrists flicking, and he unleashed eight consecutive sword strikes. These eight swords, each strike linked to the next, flowed continuously like celestial brocade, conjuring a dazzling array of light and shadow, so sharp it was breathtaking and dizzying! The maid in green on the left felt surrounded by swirling sword shadows and a chilling wind, offering almost no chance to retaliate. She was forced to defend herself, retreating step by step.

The fairy Liu, seated gracefully in her sedan chair, suddenly sharpened her gaze and coldly chuckled, "The Eight Azure Swords... Could this boy be Tang Tianzong's son?" Then, with a low snort, she said, "Chunhua, no need to linger with him."

As the maid in green on the left was retreating, she suddenly stopped and swung her sword, slashing horizontally at their faces. This was a hard strike, and with a clang of metal against metal, both men felt a violent jolt in their hands and were forced back a step. As Tang Wenqing retreated, he immediately sensed something was wrong. His right hand, holding the sword, suddenly felt so heavy that he could no longer lift it! A sudden shock ran through him. He raised his left hand, intending to unleash the "Purple Bee Needles," but his left hand was also too heavy to lift. His palm held two delicate purple bees, which he could not release. Tang Wenqing's sudden urgency was no small matter. Her eyes flashed with fury as she stared at the maidservant on her left, stammering, "You…"

The maidservant in green on her left had already swiftly appeared before her, laughing, "Although you are a disciple of the Tang Clan of Sichuan, don't forget that I am a disciple of the Nine Immortals Yangliu Fairy." As soon as she finished speaking, she suddenly struck two acupoints on Tang Wenqing's chest with her swift, deadly fingers. Indeed, the Tang Clan of Sichuan was renowned throughout the martial world for its poisons and hidden weapons. Not only were their poisons incurable, but their hidden weapons were also exquisitely crafted, unmatched and unbreakable. However, thirty years ago, a mysterious woman appeared in the martial world, capable of simultaneously launching more than ten kinds of hidden weapons with both hands. Countless masters fell victim to her darts. Because of her youth and beauty, yet ruthless nature, anyone who encountered her was either killed or seriously injured, never escaping unscathed. This earned her the nickname "Thousand-Handed Rakshasa." But some who flattered her called her "Thousand-Handed Guanyin."

After the Thousand-Hand Guanyin gained fame, she heard of a unique martial arts sect in Sichuan called the "Tang Clan," renowned for its hidden weapons. On a whim, she traveled alone to Sichuan with two swords, challenging Tang Tianzong to a hidden weapon duel. Tang Tianzong, adhering to ancestral precepts and being wary of a woman, repeatedly declined. The Thousand-Hand Guanyin declared in front of Tang Tianzong that only she could counter the Tang Clan's hidden weapons, to which Tang Tianzong nodded with a smile. It is said that as she left, the Thousand-Hand Guanyin secretly planted a flying needle on the brim of Tang Tianzong's hat. Perhaps Tang Tianzong deliberately feigned weakness, not wanting to argue. But after the Thousand-Hand Guanyin left, he remarked, "This woman's skills are truly unmatched in the martial world. In twenty or thirty years, even our Tang Clan's hidden weapons will be no match for her." Thirty years have passed since then! The sheer power of the Thousand-Hand Guanyin Willow Fairy's hidden weapon techniques is unimaginable. But enough

of that. Let's turn to Fang Ruping and the right-hand maid in green, who had exchanged over thirty blows, neither gaining the upper hand. Seeing Tang Wenqing also subdued by the left-hand maid in green, Fang Ruping was both alarmed and anxious. She leaped forward, disregarding her own safety, and pounced on the left-hand maid. The right-hand maid in green, who had initially gained a slight advantage over Fang Ruping, was reluctant to use her killing intent due to her tender gaze, thus maintaining a stalemate. Seeing Fang Ruping abandon her for Chunhua, she immediately twisted her waist and dodged, blocking Fang Ruping's path, saying, "We haven't decided who's going yet, where do you think you're going?" With a swift movement, her sword flashed, glancing across Fang Ruping's face.

Fang Ruping roared angrily, "Get out of the way!" and swung her sword at the right-hand maid in green. The first sword strike from the maid in green on the right was merely a feint, but Fang Ruping's sword was a vicious thrust aimed at her.

The maid in green on the right's face turned cold, and she sneered, "You ungrateful wretch! Do you think I can't defeat you?" With that, she lightly dodged Fang Ruping's sword, and with a flick of her right hand, she slashed at Fang Ruping's left side. Fang Ruping parried with her sword, but the maid in green on the right had already withdrawn her sword, and a second sword strike was already upon her. Fang Ruping was startled and couldn't parry in time, so she quickly retreated two steps. The maid in green on the right followed closely, taking two steps in the same direction, and her sword flew towards her from the west.

Fang Ruping was secretly shocked, thinking, "This girl's swordsmanship is so fast." She leaped to the side, dodging the sword strike, and swung her longsword to counterattack, but before she could even unleash her sword, the maid in green on the right had already dodged, approaching from the side, and with a flash of light, slashed at her right wrist. Fang Ruping's sword strike missed its mark, and realizing she was in trouble, she hurriedly withdrew her sword, preparing to change her move. However, just as she did so, the maid in green to her right suddenly let out a soft shout, her longsword changing from a slash to a strike, aimed directly at Fang Ruping's blade. This move was not only swift but also perfectly timed; Fang Ruping tried to dodge, but it was too late. With a clang, she was struck squarely. The force of the strike was immense; Fang Ruping's fingers loosened, and the longsword fell to the ground.

Startled, Fang Ruping quickly leaped backward. The maid in green to her right raised her left hand, two glints of cold light, barely visible to the naked eye, already striking Fang Ruping's arms. She moved with lightning speed, her sword in her left hand, grabbing Fang Ruping's wrist and pulling her into her embrace. Suddenly, she let out a soft "hmm," stared intently at her, and chuckled, "So you're a woman too."

Fang Ruping's hands were immobilized by the flying needles of the maid in green, and she angrily shouted, "You'd better let me go!"

The maid in green on the right chuckled softly, "Although you are a woman, I still like you very much. I won't let you suffer." She picked up Fang Ruping and walked towards the sedan chair.

Fairy Liu asked, "Qiuyue, is she also a woman in disguise?" The maid in green on the right replied, "Yes." Fairy

Liu nodded and said, "They might be from the Hundred Flowers Gang. Let's take them back first." The two maids in front of the sedan chair, Chunhua and Qiuyue, immediately lowered the beaded curtain. Without waiting for orders, the four men in black stiffly walked side by side forward. Two men also immediately lifted the sedan chair. Now, two palace lanterns hung in front of the sedan chair, while Chunhua and Qiuyue escorted Tang Wenqing, Zhu Zhiqin, and Fang Ruping, following behind the sedan chair.

Chapter Fifteen: Nine Jars of Poison

Ling Junyi learned that Fang Ruping and Tang Wenqing had fallen into the hands of the Black Dragon Society. Naturally, he felt extremely anxious. Currently, besides knowing the name "Black Dragon Society," he knew nothing about their lair, making rescue an impossible task. However, Yulan had hinted that if they could develop an antidote for the "poison," they could launch a surprise attack on the Black Dragon Society and rescue them. From her words, it was clear that only the Hundred Flowers Gang knew the Black Dragon Society's lair. Frankly, Ling Junyi didn't necessarily need the Hundred Flowers Gang's assistance to rescue them, but the location of the Black Dragon Society's lair required their guidance. This brought him back to the issue of the "poison" antidote. If he didn't develop the antidote, they would never reveal the location of the Black Dragon Society's lair. Ling Junyi pondered for a long time, unable to come up with a suitable solution. He paced back and forth in his study with his hands behind his back for a while before returning to his chair.

Suddenly, a strange idea struck him. He quickly stood up, walked to a cabinet at the north end, bent down, opened the cabinet door, took out a celadon gourd, and then took out a small water bowl, carefully pouring half a bowl of "poison." He then went to the back of the house, scooped up a cup of water, and placed it on the desk. Next, he randomly picked out about ten kinds of herbs from the medicine cabinet, put them in an iron bowl, ground them into a fine powder, and soaked them in a small porcelain jar. He did all this deliberately, of course. It was because while he was squatting to pour out the "poison," he noticed someone hiding behind the medicine cabinet, secretly watching him. This was obviously someone sent by the Hundred Flowers Gang to secretly monitor him.

Sending someone to hide behind the cabinet and watch him in broad daylight—there was only one purpose: to record what herbs he had taken and how they were prepared to neutralize the "poison." This showed that they weren't monitoring his actions, but rather investigating his medicine preparation. Therefore, Ling Junyi pretended not to know and continued to act according to his own ideas. As he turned around, he had already taken the "Lilong Anti-Poison Pearl" into his hand. Then, he casually picked up the small bowl filled with clear water and decisively immersed the "Anti-Poison Pearl" in the water. He then walked into the brewing room, holding a silver spatula in one hand, and gently stirred the soaking medicinal powder.

He stirred it for about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea before stopping. Returning to his study, he sat down in a chair, reached for a teacup, and took a small sip. As he put down the teacup, he swiftly retrieved the "Anti-Poison Pearl" from the water bowl and hid it in his sleeve. He had tested it at Juechen Manor; placing the "Anti-Poison Pearl" in "poisonous liquid" resulted in most of the liquid instantly turning into clear water with just a tiny touch. Therefore, he had a whimsical idea: to test whether water in which the "Anti-Poison Pearl" had been immersed would still have a restraining effect on "poisonous liquid." If the water used to soak the "poison-repelling pearl" can still neutralize the "poison," then the Hundred Flowers Gang's need to "develop an antidote" would be resolved—this is a baseless idea.

He casually picked up the bowl of water that had been soaking the "poison-repelling bead" and slowly poured it into the half-bowl of "poison." The water didn't hiss like it had when the "poison-repelling bead" had been used on the "poison" before, nor did it emit any thick yellow smoke. But the water clearly diluted the inky black "poison"! No, not diluted! It was a visible change in the "poison"! It was gradually dissolving, gradually becoming lighter, and then disappearing completely! He had only poured about one-fifth of the water into the bowl, yet it had completely dissolved the half-bowl of "poison," turning it into mostly clear water. He stared intently at the water in the bowl as the "poison" dissolved, his starry eyes flashing with an unusual light as the "poison" changed! A victorious smile also appeared on his handsome, jade-like face—he had succeeded! He had only intended to try his luck with this idea out of thin air, without much hope, but it unexpectedly succeeded, filling him with immense joy! However, he knew there was a hidden door behind the medicine cabinet. Although he couldn't see her behind the door, she was watching his every move. Therefore, he deliberately pretended to casually move the half-bowl of "poison" away, picked up the teacup, took a slow sip, looked up at the sky as if deep in thought, and then quickly put down the teacup. He rushed to the medicine cabinet, reached out and pulled open the drawers, taking some here and some there, haphazardly picking out twenty or thirty kinds of medicinal herbs.

This time, he didn't use the iron grinder to crush the herbs. Instead, he rubbed them together with his hands, turning them into powder. Just then, someone gently knocked twice on the study door, followed by Xin Yi's voice calling, "Young Master Ling."

Ling Junyi didn't even turn his head, saying, "Come in."

The wooden door opened, and Xin Yi walked in gracefully. Her bright, clear eyes looked at Ling Junyi, and she asked curiously, "Young Master Ling, what are you doing?"

Ling Junyi spread his hands, scattering a handful of fine powder, and smiled, "I was too lazy to grind them, so I just crushed them by hand."

Xin Yi said, "Why didn't you ask me to do it, Young Master Ling? I'm just waiting for your orders. You tell me what to do, and I'll do it."

Ling Junyi smiled faintly. “I just thought of it and grabbed a few herbs, crushed them up, and prepared them for soaking. Why bother you, young lady?”

Xin Yi’s eyes darted around, and she chuckled. “If I’m not mistaken, this must be a family secret recipe passed down in Young Master Ling’s family, which is why you wouldn’t entrust it to an outsider, right?”

Ling Junyi smiled. “There are only seventy-one herbs in this drawer. You all probably have a certain amount. You all know exactly what herbs I took and how much I used. I couldn’t hide it from you even if I wanted to.”

Xin Yi said, “I have no idea.”

Ling Junyi smiled faintly, patted the herbs off his hands, and said, “Since you’re here, young lady, could you please wash a porcelain jar, fill it halfway with water, and soak these herbs in it?”

Xin Yi agreed, “I understand. Lunch is already laid out. I’ve come to invite you to lunch, young master.” After saying that, she picked up a large bag of herbs and turned to walk towards the back room.

Ling Junyi picked up the large bowl of "poison" that had dissolved into clear water, and as he turned, poured it out the window before slowly walking out of the study. Sure enough, a sumptuous feast had been laid out in the reception hall. Xin Yi knew Ling Junyi wasn't a good drinker, so she didn't pour him any wine, but had already prepared rice. Ling Junyi, having confirmed that the water infused with the "poison-repelling pearl" could neutralize the "poison," felt quite relieved. He sat down in the center and began to eat and drink heartily.

Xin Yi had already come out of the study, saying, "This servant has already prepared the medicinal powder."

Ling Junyi nodded and said, "Very good."

Xin Yi walked to the table and said, "This servant will add rice for you, young master." Ling Junyi didn't stand on ceremony and handed her the bowl.

Xin Yi filled it with rice and presented it to him with both hands. Ling Junyi ate two bowls before stopping. Without waiting for further instructions, Xin Yi wrung out a hot towel and brought it to him. Ling Junyi casually wiped his face and said, "I need to rest for a while, so you don't need to serve me, Miss."

Xin Yi glanced at him, pursed her lips, and chuckled, "Young Master Ling, you're not going to the study alone to prepare the secret formula, are you?"

Ling Junyi smiled and said, "I don't have any secret formula. From now on, you can be my assistant when preparing medicines."

Xin Yi blushed and lowered her head, smiling, "I was just joking, but if you need me to stir-fry, fry, grind, or sift anything, you can do it. Otherwise, if the steward asks what I've done for you, I won't be able to say."

Ling Junyi smiled and said, "Alright. After you've eaten, there's something you can do."

Xin Yi asked, "What does Young Master need me to do?"

Ling Junyi said, "The two porcelain vats of powdered medicine soaking in the preparation room must be stirred with a silver spatula at all times. I'll leave that to you." After saying that, he walked towards the study.

Xin Yi, beaming with delight, replied from behind, "Yes, sir."

Ling Junyi had just sat down in a grand chair by the window when Xin Yi approached with a teacup, saying, "Young Master Ling

, please have some tea." Ling Junyi said, "Just leave it there. Go eat."

Xin Yi smiled sweetly, "I'll come back to work after I've eaten." She put down the teacup and gracefully walked away.

Ling Junyi slowly closed his eyes, resting in the chair. He heard a very faint sound from behind the medicine cabinet; the person monitoring him had already left. Ling Junyi smiled slightly, quickly jumped up, poured half a bowl of "poison," and placed it on the table. Then, he swiftly opened the drawer and randomly took out several of the seventy-one medicinal herbs. He rubbed them haphazardly with his hands, making them unrecognizable, then divided them into seven piles, placed them neatly, and returned to the chair to doze off. A short while later, he heard light footsteps and entered; it was undoubtedly Xin Yi.

Without turning his head, Ling Junyi asked, "Is that Miss Xinyi who came in?"

Xinyi replied, "That's me." She glanced at the seven piles of medicinal powder on the floor, coughed, and asked, "Young Master Ling, how should we deal with these powders?"

Ling Junyi yawned and said, "Miss, just divide these powders into seven vats and soak them in the rootless water." He stood up and added, "After soaking the powders, stir each vat with a silver spatula. I'm very tired and need to go back to my room to rest. Don't disturb my peaceful sleep unless necessary." With that, he turned and walked towards the opposite bedroom.

Xinyi bowed and said, "Yes, sir." She followed Ling Junyi's instructions, dividing the seven piles of powder into seven vats and soaking them in the rootless water. Then, she took a silver spatula and gently stirred each vat. While stirring, the head steward, Yulan, called out, "Xinyi."

Xinyi quickly put down the silver spatula and replied, "Yes, sir." She hurried out the door and saw Yulan accompanying the deputy leader, Shaoyao, already inside the study.

Xinyi rushed forward, knelt on one knee, and said, "This servant greets the deputy leader and the head steward."

Yulan said, "Get up. What were you doing just now?"

Xinyi stood up and said, "This servant was ordered by Young Master Ling to stir the medicinal liquid in the brewing room."

Deputy leader Shaoyao asked, "Where is Ling Junyi?"

Xinyi replied, "Young Master Ling went back to his room to rest."

Shaoyao pursed her cherry lips and said coldly, "He came here to enjoy a life of leisure." She paused and ordered, "Go and wake him up. Tell him I came here specifically to see him."

Xinyi responded. She said "Yes," then bowed and said with difficulty, "Reporting to the Vice Chief, Young Master Ling just went to sleep. He just instructed me not to disturb him unless necessary."

Peony snorted, "

He certainly has quite the airs." Magnolia said, "He didn't know the Vice Chief was coming. Since he instructed Xin Yi not to disturb him, he is our guest after all. Vice Chief, please sit in the study for a while." Turning her head, she winked at Xin Yi and said, "Go and make the Vice Chief a cup of tea." Xin Yi agreed and quickly withdrew.

Peony giggled and said, "Third Sister is such a good hostess, and so considerate of her guests." Her words carried a hint of sarcasm.

Yulan blushed and said tactfully, "We invited Young Master Ling here to research the antidote for the 'poison.' This matter is of great importance to our gang, so treating him with the utmost courtesy is only right."

Peony walked closer to the desk, glanced at the "poison" in the bowl, and turned back, saying, "The Master has given him three days to make the antidote. Can he possibly finish it on time by just eating and sleeping like this?" With that, she sat down in a chair.

Yulan said, "I've already told Young Master Ling, and he promised to finish it within three days."

Shaoyao asked, "Did Third Sister tell him that if he can't finish it on time, the Grand Master wants me to bring his head to see him?"

Yulan said, "I think since he promised to finish it in three days, there's no need to tell him that."

Shaoyao smiled and said, "I knew Third Sister was too embarrassed to say it to him, so I came here specifically for this matter."

As she spoke, Xinyi entered with two cups of tea and respectfully said, "Vice Leader, Steward, please have some tea."

Shaoyao asked, "Xinyi, Young Master Ling asked you to stir two vats of medicine."

Xinyi said, "There are nine vats in total."

Shaoyao asked in surprise, "What? Nine vats in total? I heard from Peach Blossom that he took sixteen kinds of medicine the first time and twenty-three kinds the second time—soaking them in two vats in total. How could there be nine vats?" It turned out that Peach Blossom was the one spying behind the medicine cabinet.

Xin Yi said, "The first two vats were soaked; the remaining seven were soaked after lunch."

Shao Yao was taken aback and asked, "What medicine did he take? Do you remember?"

Xin Yi replied, "Young Master Ling took it himself from the drawer. When I came in, it was already divided into seven piles, all fine powder. I don't know what medicine he took."

Shao Yao asked, "How could he grind it so quickly?"

Xin Yi said, "Young Master Ling didn't use an iron millstone at all; he just rubbed it a few times with his hands, and it was all ground into fine powder." Shao

Yao's expression changed slightly. She glanced back at Yu Lan and said, "This person can so easily grind medicine into fine powder; his internal strength must be considerable."

Yu Lan said, "Grinding stone into powder might be remarkable for ordinary martial artists, but in front of the deputy leader, this trivial skill is insignificant." These words were ostensibly flattering Shao Yao, but secretly showed favoritism towards Ling Junyi.

Peony Princess chuckled, "Third Sister probably wouldn't even care about the skill of crushing stones into powder."

Just then, the door across the way creaked open, and a clear voice came from behind, asking, "Xinyi, who's here?"

Xinyi replied happily, "Young Master Ling, it's the Vice Chief and the Steward who've come to see you."

"Ah." With a soft "ah," a handsome young man in a blue robe, with a refined and elegant appearance, slowly walked in. Peony's eyes lit up, her pretty eyes fixed on Ling Junyi. She giggled and said, "Third Sister, is this Young Master Ling?"

Yulan greeted her, "Young Master Ling, this humble servant will introduce you. This is our gang's Vice Leader, who has come specifically to pay his respects."

Ling Junyi smiled gracefully, turned to Peony, and clasped his hands in greeting, saying, "Vice Leader's arrival is an honor. I have failed to greet you properly; please forgive my rudeness."

Peony's pretty eyes sparkled as she returned the greeting and giggled, "Young Master Ling is indeed a man of exceptional talent and ability. It is a pleasure to meet you."

Ling Junyi said, "Vice Leader, you flatter me."

Peony smiled and said, "I heard that at Juechen Manor, Young Master Ling only spent thirteen days turning the 'poison' into clear water. You must be quite skilled in detoxification. I wonder if your master is the best judge?" She was usually aloof, but upon seeing Ling Junyi, she thawed like a spring breeze, her face flushed and full of smiles.

Ling Junyi said apologetically, "My master is a hermit, never venturing into the martial world, and prefers to remain unknown. Please forgive him, Vice Chief."

Peony smiled brightly, "It's alright. Your master is a recluse; since he doesn't wish for others to know, you needn't trouble yourself, young master."

Yulan secretly breathed a sigh of relief, thinking to herself, "Why is Second Sister being so agreeable today?" Peony then let out a sweet "Oh," and said, "Third Sister, look, we've been so busy talking that we haven't even invited Young Master Ling to sit down." She then added with a charming smile, "Young Master Ling, please sit down."

The three of them sat down one after another. Peony looked at Ling Junyi and said, "I heard from Third Sister that you promised to make the antidote within three days. I wonder how it's progressing?"

Ling Junyi smiled nonchalantly and said, "I have already prepared nine doses, which are soaked in nine porcelain jars. As for whether they can neutralize the 'poison,' we'll have to wait and see after tomorrow's test." Shaoyao

glanced at him with her pretty eyes and smiled sweetly, "I see that Young Master Ling is quite confident."

Ling Junyi laughed heartily and said, "If I had no confidence, I wouldn't have dared to agree to the three-day deadline."

Yulan's eyes flashed, but before she could speak, Shaoyao interjected, "That's good! If Young Master Ling can really prepare the antidote within three days, my master will be overjoyed."

Ling Junyi's heart stirred, and he asked, "May I ask which senior master the Vice Chief's master is?"

Shaoyao giggled sweetly, "My master is the Supreme Chief of our gang. Once you successfully test the antidote, I will take you to see him."

Ling Junyi said, "After I complete the antidote for your gang, I have only one wish." "

Peony smiled and said, "

Go ahead and tell me." Ling Junyi said, "I hope your esteemed gang can tell me the location of the Black Dragon Society's lair."

Peony asked in surprise, "You want to go to the Black Dragon Society?"

Magnolia said, "Young Master Ling has two friends who have been kidnapped by the Black Dragon Society."

Peony bit her lip slightly and pondered, "The Black Dragon Society operates in secrecy, and the location of their lair is extremely well-hidden. Not only does our gang not know, but even the members of the Black Dragon Society probably don't know much about it. Here, probably only the Supreme Elder knows." Then she giggled and said, "It's alright, I'll tell you after I ask the Supreme Elder." Just from her tone, one could tell that she was a favorite of the Supreme Elder.

Ling Junyi said, "I thank the Vice Gang Leader for his kindness, but there's no rush. If I can pay my respects to the Supreme Elder in person, I can ask him then." "

Peony said, "That's fine. You can ask my master directly, and I'll put in a good word for you. As long as my master gives her approval, we sisters will help you rescue the Black Dragon Society."

Ling Junyi said, "I only need to know the location of the Black Dragon Society's lair. As for rescuing people, I wouldn't dare trouble your esteemed sect..."

Peony said, "Young Master Ling, you're too kind. You've helped our sect, so why can't we help you rescue people?" Before Ling Junyi could speak, she continued, "It's settled then. I'll come to see Young Master Ling test the antidote again tomorrow. I just don't know if you'll welcome me?"

Ling Junyi said, "Vice Leader, you flatter me. There are no secrets in my testing of the antidote. If the Vice Leader and the Steward are willing to come, I'll certainly welcome them."

Peony smiled and said, "Alright, I'll definitely come tomorrow." Saying this, she stood up and said, "Third Sister, let's go." Yulan accompanied Shaoyao as they gracefully walked out of the study.

Ling Junyi saw them to the door, cupping his hands in a gesture of respect,

and said, "Please excuse me, I won't see you out further." Shaoyao turned back, smiling sweetly, "Young Master Ling, please wait."

After the two had left, Xinyi smiled mysteriously and said, "Young Master Ling, this is the first time I've ever seen the Vice Chief so polite to anyone."

Ling Junyi asked with a smile, "Is the Vice Chief usually very fierce?"

Xin Yi stuck out her tongue and said, "In our gang, only the deputy leader is the hardest to talk to. Nobody dares to speak to her much, for fear of saying the wrong thing." She suddenly lowered her voice and said, "I heard that last night, because one of the Black Dragon Society members escaped, the deputy leader killed two of her protectors, saying they neglected their duties. Just now, when she was talking to you, young master, she was laughing and joking, as if she were a completely different person. I can tell that she was genuinely smiling today."

Ling Junyi smiled faintly and said, "There are genuine smiles and fake smiles?"

Xin Yi said, "Of course there are. When the deputy leader smiles, it's always cold and aloof, unlike today."

At the beginning of the night, just as Ling Junyi was sitting cross-legged on the bed with his eyes closed, regulating his breathing, he suddenly felt something! This kind of spiritual perception is a reaction beyond sight and hearing, a result of one's internal energy reaching a certain level. When a person is circulating their energy, their mind is clear and bright; within a range of ten or twenty feet, even the falling of an embroidery needle can be clearly seen as if it were witnessed. In his perception, he vaguely sensed a figure intruding into the courtyard! Ling Junyi's heart skipped a beat. He listened intently and noticed that the person moved very carefully, hugging the wall closely. If he hadn't been on guard, he might not have heard a sound at all. After entering the courtyard, the person passed through the central hall and quickly headed towards the small house at the back. Ling Junyi thought to himself, "Xin Yi and an old woman who does odd jobs live in the small house at the back. Why is this person sneaking in like this?" Thinking this, he unconsciously stepped off the bed, casually threw on a long robe, and was about to go out to see what was going on.

Just then, he heard a soft rustling of clothes fluttering in the wind as the person returned from behind. This time, the person seemed to no longer conceal their presence and walked straight towards his room. Ling Junyi didn't know whether the person was friend or foe, but he was certain that it was a woman! This could be discerned from the soft footsteps, and the person's lightness skill was extremely high; in terms of actual combat skill, she should be superior to Yu Rui. His hand, which was about to open the door, involuntarily stopped. He wanted to see what the other person was doing, so he simply stood still. The person reached the door and also stopped, but immediately raised his hand and gently knocked twice on the door, softly calling out, "Master Ling." Ling Junyi was taken aback, thinking to himself, "This voice sounds so familiar." As his thoughts raced, he had already opened the door.

He saw a slender girl in a black dress standing in the doorway, her eyes, bright as stars, staring directly at him. The two of them were a pair, and Ling Junyi felt a subtle feeling arise in his heart. He felt that these eyes seemed very familiar! Slightly startled, he couldn't help but ask, "Miss..." He only said two words! The girl in black didn't say a word, but suddenly moved to the side and quickly slipped into the room.

Ling Junyi quickly turned around and hissed, "Who are you?"

Perhaps the room was too dark. Ling Junyi's internal energy was so refined that he could see her, but she couldn't see anything in the room. But with a "snap," the girl in black lit a delicate candle and looked up, saying softly, "Can we talk after I light the candle?" As she spoke, she walked to the table, lit the candle, and then turned to the side, saying gently, "My name is Rose." Rose was naturally her flower name; needless to say, she was also a member of the Hundred Flowers Gang.

Ling Junyi didn't recognize Rose, but the more he looked into her clear, watery eyes, filled with boundless affection, the more familiar they seemed. He was secretly puzzled and said, "Miss, what brings you here at night?"

The girl in black looked at him, suddenly smiled, and said, "I came for you. Don't you remember me at all, Mr. Ling?"

Ling Junyi awkwardly replied, "Although I find your eyes very familiar, you are wearing a mask. How could I possibly recognize you?"

The girl in black said sweetly, "Why don't you guess?" She deliberately changed her voice as she spoke.

Ling Junyi shook his head, "How could I possibly guess?" Then he gestured, "Please sit, Miss."

The girl in black said, "I don't want to sit."

Ling Junyi smiled casually and said, "I think you must have come for something, right?"

The girl in black chuckled softly, "If I had nothing to say, would I have come?" Her voice was gentle and genuine.

Ling Junyi recognized her voice and paused, staring at the girl in black. "You..." he said. The girl in black had already lifted a thin, gossamer-like mask from her face and smiled brightly. "Now, Mr. Ling, you should recognize me, right?" The removal of the mask revealed a beautiful, ethereal face, a mixture of joy and shyness, a smile tinged with a hint of melancholy! She was none other than Wen Wanjun, the one who had given Ling Junyi the colorful silk pouch.

Ling Junyi exclaimed in surprise, "It really is you!"

Wen Wanjun blinked her clear eyes and said, "You already know it's me?"

Ling Junyi replied, "I recognized a few things from your soft laughter just now." He then suddenly exclaimed "Ah!" and darted to the door, closing it behind him.

Wen Wanjun smiled and said, "Don't worry, Mr. Ling. Xinyi and that old woman won't wake up until dawn."

Ling Junyi walked closer and asked in a low voice, "The Wanhua Gang is surrounded by water on three sides, and their patrols are extremely strict. How did you sneak in?"

Wen Wanjun raised her hand to tidy her hair, looked up and smiled, "I have their name tag markings, so naturally I could enter openly."

Ling Junyi said, "What is your purpose in infiltrating the Baihua Gang?" Wen Wanjun's pink face flushed slightly, she glanced at him, and said softly, "What purpose do I have? It's just that I couldn't bear to see you being stuffed into a sack and transported to Baihua Island, so I... I followed them all the way." By the last two sentences, her cheeks were flushed, and her voice was so soft that only she could hear it.

Ling Junyi was deeply moved. He reached out and grasped her soft hands, saying, "I intentionally had them bring these here. To be honest, a mere sack couldn't hold me. Why did you take such a risk?"

Wen Wanjun let him hold her hands and said softly, "I know the Hundred Flowers Gang can't hold you, but I was still worried, so I came along. By being among them, I can at least lend you a hand." Ling Junyi

gently held her soft, boneless hands and said tenderly, "I am deeply grateful for your kindness. Now you have seen that I am not in danger, but you..." "Hiding among them, your situation is far more dangerous than mine. If they discover you, things will only get worse. Therefore, I think it's best for you to leave as soon as possible."

Wen Wanjun slowly withdrew her hand, raised her eyes, and said, "Do you think they treat you like an honored guest and there's no danger?"

Ling Junyi smiled and said, "At least for now, there's no danger." Wen Wanjun

said, "If you weren't in danger, would I have come to find you in the dead of night?"

Ling Junyi was slightly taken aback and asked, "What news did you hear, young lady?"

Wen Wanjun said, "They kidnapped you here to make you concoct the antidote for the 'poison,' right?"

Ling Junyi nodded and said, "That's right."

Wen Wanjun said, "The Grand Master ordered you to complete it within three days, right?"

Ling Junyi said, "That's right."

Wen Wanjun continued, "Do you know that the Grand Master instructed the Vice Chief that if you don't complete the antidote within three days, she should bring your head to see him?"

Ling Junyi said, "I haven't heard of that." Before Wen Wanjun could speak, he smiled slightly and said, "But I won't need three days to complete this task."

Wen Wanjun was stunned, and in an instant, she asked, "You've already prepared the antidote?"

Ling Junyi shook his head and said, "No, I just have a method." He then explained in a low voice how the water he had soaked with the "Poison-Repelling Pearl" could neutralize the "poison." Wen Wanjun

said, "I heard you say that you came here to find your aunt, but now that you know your aunt wasn't kidnapped by the Hundred Flowers Gang, why are you still making an antidote for them?" Ling Junyi said

, "Miss only knows one thing, not the other. I'm willing to stay because I want to find out the origin of the 'poison' and the 'Flying Dragon Three Swords'..."

Wen Wanjun asked, "The 'Three Swords of Flying Dragons'?"

Ling Junyi replied, "The 'Three Swords of Flying Dragons' was originally a family sword technique passed down in the Han family, but I discovered that the Hundred Flowers Gang's 'Three Swords of the Gang' are actually the Han family's 'Three Swords of Flying Dragons'."

Wen Wanjun asked in surprise, "Is that so? Oh, have you found any clues?"

Ling Junyi said, "Not yet, but something else has happened."

Wen Wanjun asked, "What happened?"

Ling Junyi said, "I have several friends who were captured by the Black Dragon Society. They mistakenly took them as the Hundred Flowers Gang's protectors and held them hostage, demanding that the Hundred Flowers Gang exchange me for them."

Wen Wanjun frowned slightly and asked, "Are the people captured by the Black Dragon Society all your good friends?"

Ling Junyi nodded and said, "Yes." "Afraid she would ask further, he replied 'Yes,' then frowned and said, 'The most troublesome thing is the location of the Black Dragon Society's lair. No one knows except the Supreme Elder.' This was a clever diversion."

Wen Wanjun didn't press him about who the people captured by the Black Dragon Society were or their names, but instead asked with concern, "What are you going to do?"

Ling Junyi said, "I can only ask the Supreme Elder."

Wen Wanjun exclaimed in surprise, "You're going to see the Supreme Elder?"

Ling Junyi said, "The Vice Leader has already agreed. Once I've made the antidote, she can take me to see the Supreme Elder." Wen Wanjun said

, "I've heard that the Vice Leader, Peony, is beautiful but cold-hearted, suspicious, and fickle. You'd better be careful." Ling Junyi

said, "I'll handle it myself."

Wen Wanjun glanced at him, pursed her lips, and smiled, "It seems you have a good plan. I heard that the Hundred Flowers Gang Leader, Peony, treats you very well. Perhaps Peony is also..." It turned out the Hundred Flowers Gang Leader was called "Peony."

Ling Junyi blushed at her words and said softly, "You jest, miss..."

Wen Wanjun's cheeks flushed, but her heart was filled with sweetness. She lowered her head and lightly retorted, "I don't care about you."

Ling Junyi said, "You'd better leave this place as soon as possible."

Wen Wanjun lowered her head and said, "Once you find out the location of the Black Dragon Society's lair, I'll go with you." Her words were full of tender affection, and Ling Junyi felt a surge of excitement. He reached out and pulled Wen Wanjun into his arms.

"Brother Jun...you..." Wen Wanjun was startled, her face turning bright red with embarrassment. She instinctively tried to push him away, but her body was weak and she couldn't muster any strength. Wen Wanjun was in the prime of her youth, her heart just beginning to open to love. How could she resist the teasing of the opposite sex? Especially since Ling Junyi was the ideal lover in her heart, the object of her secret affections. Wen Wanjun half-heartedly resisted, humming in agreement. Her entire delicate body leaned helplessly against his chest, her breathing rapid, her cheeks as red as blooming camellias.

Wen Wanjun's passionate reaction immediately captivated Ling Junyi. He felt the heat and fragrance emanating from her body, causing his blood to surge and a strange change to occur in his lower body. He held Wen Wanjun tightly in his arms and kissed her cherry lips. Wen Wanjun yielded gently, and the two kissed. Ling Junyi sucked out Wen Wanjun's delicate tongue, savoring it slowly in his mouth, while his left hand roamed over her body. In just a moment, Wen Wanjun was driven mad by his kisses, panting, trembling, and dizzy in his hands.

Wen Wanjun's hair was disheveled, her skirt half-undone, and she moaned breathlessly, "Brother... I... feel so good... I love you..."

"Wanmei, I love you too..." Ling Junyi whispered, kissing her. Wen Wanjun trembled under his fiery kisses, clinging tightly to his waist and responding to him, feeling lost and intoxicated by passion. Ling Junyi kissed Wen Wanjun until her breath was ragged. His hands began to roam freely down her back, soon reaching her firm, full buttocks. Wen Wanjun swayed comfortably, her breasts rubbing against his chest.

Ling Junyi reached out to unbutton Wen Wanjun's blouse. Wen Wanjun, feeling warm all over, had no strength to resist, only clutching his shoulders. Ling Junyi quickly unbuttoned it, then easily pulled it off. Wen Wanjun, being a novice, hurriedly tried to cover her chest despite still wearing her undergarments, but Ling Junyi caught her hands and kissed her breast.

"Ah... Brother Jun... you have to be gentle..." Wen Wanjun murmured softly.

Ling Junyi responded, then ripped off her undergarments, revealing two white, tender breasts and pale pink, bud-like nipples. For a moment, Ling Junyi was stunned, and couldn't help but exclaim, "Wanmei...you...you're so beautiful."

Wen Wanjun blushed and said, "Brother Jun, you just love to lie." Ling Junyi admired her for a while, then lowered his head and took Wen Wanjun's right breast into his mouth, while his right hand rubbed her left breast, his fingers occasionally playing with her nipple.

"Oh..." Wen Wanjun was overwhelmed with pleasure, and couldn't help but cover her face with her hands, but couldn't help but moan. Ling Junyi's hands began the next wave of attacks. He found Wen Wanjun's skirt and pulled it off along with her undergarments. Wen Wanjun cooperated by twisting her waist and lifting her legs to let him take them off, and her long, snow-white legs and the wet, passionate pubic hair were immediately exposed.

Ling Junyi scooped Wen Wanjun up and carried her to the bed, burying his face between her legs. He parted her slightly pink labia with his hands, teasing her swollen clitoris with his fingers. This caused Wen Wanjun to tremble violently, and warm, slippery fluid seeped from her vagina. Ling Junyi then used his fingers to tease her clitoris, making Wen Wanjun moan and release waves of fluid. Ling Junyi felt his penis throbbing uncomfortably, and he quickly knelt up and pulled down his pants, revealing his hard, fiery red penis to Wen Wanjun.

Upon seeing Ling Junyi's penis, Wen Wanjun couldn't help but whisper, "Brother Jun... later... you... you go slower... I... I'm afraid I can't take it..." Ling Junyi

gently kissed Wen Wanjun: "Of course."

At this moment, Wen Wanjun was filled with lust and felt a tingling sensation in her vagina. She naturally spread her snow-white thighs, revealing her moist and alluring vulva to Ling Junyi. Ling Junyi, supporting his swollen and aching member with one hand, rubbed the head of his penis against her vulva before thrusting forcefully, penetrating halfway in.

"Ah... Brother... Brother Jun... It hurts... It hurts so much..." Wen Wanjun cried out.

"Wanmei... Are you alright..." Ling Junyi's concern was palpable, inwardly cursing himself for being so rough.

After a while, Wen Wanjun's breathing calmed slightly, and she nodded, saying, "Brother Jun... Again..." Ling Junyi dared not be reckless any longer, slowly pushing the remaining half of his member in. Wen Wanjun no longer felt pain; instead, she experienced waves of indescribable pleasure, yet something seemed amiss. Blushing, she pleaded with Ling Junyi, "Brother Jun... You... You move a little... I... I'm so itchy... Mmm..." Hearing this, Ling Junyi knew Wen Wanjun was burning with desire, and hurriedly began to move his hips back and forth, pleasing the beautiful and wanton Wanmei before him.

"Ah...so full...so beautiful...Brother Jun...my big darling brother...my little hole...is being pounded by your darling...so sore...so numb...so itchy...it's killing me...brother...faster...faster...my little hole...I want you..."

Wen Wanjun's beautiful eyes were narrowed, her delicate body trembling. Ling Junyi was overjoyed. Wen Wanjun's moans and groans, like the warbling of a nightingale, made Ling Junyi think, "Am I in heaven?"

Ling Junyi bent down and took one of her nipples into his mouth, clenching his buttocks and thrusting hard into Wen Wanjun's little hole, causing the water in her little hole to gush out. She climaxed repeatedly, soaking a large patch of the bedsheets. Wen Wanjun moaned intermittently, "...Mmm...Mmm...So...So good...Oh...Oh...So good...So good...Oh...Faster...I can't take it...Oh...I'm...So happy...Oh..."

Hearing Wen Wanjun's lewd cries, Ling Junyi thrust even harder, his large penis plunging deep into her vagina, making Wen Wanjun scream desperately, "So...good...Oh...Brother...You...Are...Doing...It's...So good...I'm...So happy...Oh..."

Wen Wanjun's delicate body was already drenched in fragrant sweat, so comfortable that she felt as if her soul was about to fly away. Ling Junyi thrust for a while, then wanted to try something different. He picked Wen Wanjun up, gently lifting her buttocks with both hands, then releasing them and thrusting his penis in. An electric-like pleasure surged through Wen Wanjun's body
. Wen Wanjun's body convulsed, her jade-like hands clinging tightly to Ling Junyi's back, her beautiful buttocks shaking in rhythm with Ling Junyi's penis, moaning wantonly.

“Ah… my darling… brother… mmm… umm… so beautiful… ouch… oh… oh… I’m going to… be… fucked… to death by… my… Jun-ge… ah… so… so comfortable… oh… my… flower… my heart… is numb… numb… ah… ah ah… again… again… it’s… coming… again… I… I… am going to… fly again…” After

thrusting like this for about a hundred times, he put Wen Wanjun down to rest for a while. Wen Wanjun lay there softly, panting heavily, looking incredibly beautiful. After a while, Ling Junyi picked up Wen Wanjun, turned her over, and made her kneel on the bed with her limbs bent. Wen Wanjun obediently raised her plump and round buttocks high, exposing the narrow and delicate slit between her buttocks. The wetness of her vulva made it glisten.

Wen Wanjun turned back and gazed at Ling Junyi with a seductive look, shyly saying, "Brother Jun... this... this is so embarrassing... oh... oh... so... so comfortable... ah..."

Suddenly, Wen Wanjun let out a soft moan, her eyebrows furrowing slightly, her hands gripping the sheets. Ling Junyi had placed his hands on her buttocks, and with a powerful thrust, his hard penis entered Wen Wanjun's wet vagina from behind. Ling Junyi lay on Wen Wanjun's smooth, white back, his lower body pumping rapidly. Wen Wanjun swayed her beautiful buttocks back and forth in ecstasy, her body moving rhythmically, causing her two full breasts to bounce violently. This rear-entry sex was far more exciting than the previous one.

"Oh...so good...it feels so good...Brother Jun, you're so good at penetrating...it feels so good to be penetrated by you...ouch...oh...oh..." Wen Wanjun gasped with pleasure, "Brother Jun...I can't take it anymore...you're such a powerful darling...it's so beautiful...so good...ah...
I'm going to ..."

Wen Wanjun's smooth, snow-white body swayed back and forth rapidly, her mouth already uttering cries of pain as she was being penetrated. Seeing Wanjun begging for mercy under the thrusting of his darling, Ling Junyi was naturally very pleased, and his darling thrust even harder, the resulting stimulation pushing Wen Wanjun's desire to the climax wave after wave.

"So...so good...my big baby...Brother Jun...it's so beautiful...my...hole...it's...so...good brother...my sister...loves...loves your...big baby...so...so...good...it's so...so good...I...want...I want...ah...ah...to fuck my sister again...ah...I'm...I'm going to die...oh...ah..."

Wen Wanjun felt numb all over, ecstatic, her tender labia flipping in and out with each thrust of her penis. Her vagina released a torrent of hot, wet fluid, scalding Ling Junyi's glans with pleasure. Then, her eyes widened slightly, a satisfied smile appearing on her lips. Ling Junyi felt Wen Wanjun's vagina contracting and sucking at his penis, and finally couldn't hold back any longer, crying out, "Wanmei...I...I'm going to come..."

Ling Junyi felt a surge of pleasure throughout his body, his semen filling Wen Wanjun's vagina in waves. Wen Wanjun felt a powerful surge of heat enter her vagina. After Wen Wanjun's climax, Ling Junyi gently embraced her, wiping the sweat from her face, and said apologetically, "Wanmei, I was too rough. Does it still hurt?"

Wen Wanjun nodded gently and said, "It still hurts a little, but I'm so happy. I've finally become your woman."

Ling Junyi gently kissed her and whispered, "Were you happy?"

Wen Wanjun nodded and said, "Yes, thank you for the happiness you gave me, brother." After a pause, she asked, "Brother, there must be many girls who like you. Which girls have received your favor?"

Ling Junyi then recounted his own experiences. After listening, Wen Wanjun laughed and said, "Brother, quite a few! But I'm afraid there will be even more in the future..."

"Wanmei, you..." Ling Junyi thought Wen Wanjun was jealous.

“Brother…” Wen Wanjun reached out and covered Ling Junyi’s mouth. “Brother, don’t misunderstand. I’m not a worldly girl. Whatever you like, I’ll like too.”

Ling Junyi said gratefully, “Wan-mei, you’re so kind.”

Wen Wanjun said, “Brother, to be honest, you should seize the opportunity now so that your problems can be resolved smoothly. I think every woman in the Hundred Flowers Gang is captivated by you. If you can win them over, all your problems will undoubtedly be solved.”

Ling Junyi said, “Wan-mei, then I can’t…”

Wen Wanjun said, “Brother Jun, you have to genuinely like them, and they will genuinely like you too. It’s not about using any means to achieve your goals, nor is it about toying with their feelings.” "Once we're in a relationship, I believe you'll take full responsibility,"

Ling Junyi said. "Wanmei understands me best."

Wen Wanjun said, "Xinyi is a good girl. Find an opportunity to win her over. I can tell she's already infatuated with you, but she's a little insecure. Once you've won her over, things will be easier for you in the future. You won't have to resort to drugging them like you did today. If you do it too often, they might find out."

Ling Junyi nodded and said, "This girl is quite likable, but she's too young."

Wen Wanjun said, "She's already sixteen or seventeen. She's not young anymore. Those who married early already have children."

The two lingered for a while longer. Wen Wanjun got up, dressed, and gently pushed the door open a crack. Seeing no one around, she quickly left. After Wen Wanjun left, Ling Junyi looked at the sky. It was almost midnight. He then pushed open the study door, went to the processing room, reached into his robe, took out the "Poison-Repelling Pearl," and put it into the porcelain jar containing medicinal powder. He turned around, closed the door, and returned to his bedroom.

The sun was high in the sky, but Ling Junyi was still fast asleep, having slept too late the night before. The Hundred Flowers Gang's deputy leader, Shaoyao, and the chief steward, Yulan, had arrived long ago and were already waiting in the study. In the processing room, nine porcelain vats of medicine remained untouched because Ling Junyi had instructed Xinyi the previous night not to stir them today. In fact, Ling Junyi had already put away the "poison-repelling pearl" before dawn, and it was almost midnight!

Yulan frowned and instructed Xinyi, who was standing by, "Xinyi, go and see if Young Master Ling has woken up yet?"

Shaoyao shook her head and smiled, "Third sister, you're even more impatient than me. We've already waited long enough; what's a little longer? Xinyi, let Young Master Ling sleep a little longer; don't disturb him." Xinyi replied "Yes," and remained standing by with her hands at her sides.

Yulan could naturally see that her second sister, usually so arrogant and domineering, was surprisingly patient today. Wasn't this because she had fallen for Young Master Ling? She couldn't help but furrow her brow. She knew the Supreme Elder's temper all too well. If Ling Junyi couldn't concoct the antidote, he was doomed; but even if he did, the Supreme Elder would never easily let him leave the Hundred Flowers Gang. She had long considered that, given Ling Junyi's character, it would be best if he could be made the Hundred Flowers Gang's consort; otherwise, his fate would be extremely tragic.

Her eldest sister (the Hundred Flowers Gang Leader) had naturally thought of this as well, as evidenced by her meeting with Ling Junyi the day before yesterday. She was just thinking about how to bring them together, but now her second sister had also taken a liking to Ling Junyi, which created a problem! Just as her thoughts were turning, Ling Junyi's door creaked open. Xin Yi hurried over and said, "Young Master Ling, you're up? This servant will fetch you some water to wash your face."

Ling Junyi stretched and smiled, "It's almost time to go to bed. Anyway, I have nothing to do this morning, so I might as well sleep in a little longer." After saying that, he turned and walked into the room.

Xin Yi had been instructed by the deputy leader not to reveal that the two of them were waiting in the study, so she dared not say anything more. She turned and went inside, fetched a basin of water, and helped Ling Junyi wash and dress. She then brought breakfast from the kitchen and set it out in the guest room. After Ling Junyi finished breakfast, he stood up, looked up at the sky, and said, "It's about time, Miss Xin Yi. We can prepare the medicine at noon. You should go and invite the deputy leader and the steward here."

Xin Yi pursed her lips and smiled, "The deputy leader and the steward arrived a long time ago and are in the study now."

Ling Junyi feigned surprise and said, "What? The deputy leader and the steward are already here? Huh, why didn't you say so earlier?"

Xin Yi said, "The deputy leader forbade me to say anything."

Ling Junyi said, "Wasn't that too impolite of me?" Saying this, he walked towards the study.

A silvery laugh rang out from Peony, who said, "Young Master Ling, please don't blame Xinyi. I told her not to disturb you." A flash of red, a fragrant breeze caressing her face. Peony had already appeared at the study door. Today, she wore a plum-red, fitted dress with a golden peony embroidered on the chest, making her slender waist appear even more delicate and graceful! Her smiling face was also carefully made up today; her eyebrows were like willow leaves, her cheeks rosy, making her look as beautiful as a flower, charming and captivating!

Ling Junyi repeatedly cupped his hands and said, "Vice Chief, please forgive me. The medicine I'm soaking needs to be prepared at noon to be ready. I had nothing to do this morning, so I didn't realize I got up late."

Shaoyao's pretty eyes were fixed on Ling Junyi's face as she smiled and said, "No need for formalities. Young Master Ling is a

talented young man, and you should be quite dashing. You seem rather reserved. You're not allowed to say such polite things to me anymore." Yulan, standing behind her, chimed in with a smile, "The Vice Chief is a very generous person. Young Master Ling, there's no need to be so polite." The two women ushered Ling Junyi into the study, where he took his seat.

Peony smiled and said, "The Empress Dowager was very pleased to hear that Young Master Ling was testing the antidote today. She said that if the experiment succeeds, she wants me to take you to see her."

Ling Junyi said, "Today is only the first test. Whether it will succeed or not is still uncertain. I tried it many times at Juechen Manor, but all failed. How can I, the Vice Chief, presume to listen to the Empress Dowager before the experiment is successful? What if the experiment fails? How will I explain?"

Peony said sweetly, "Didn't you already neutralize the 'poison' at Juechen Manor? I believe Young Master Ling will succeed. Today is the first time. It doesn't matter if it fails. Just try a few more times. Don't worry about the Empress Dowager. I will speak for her." She no longer mentioned that if the antidote couldn't be prepared in three days, she would have to go see the Empress Dowager.

Ling Junyi cupped his hands and said, "Thank you

, Vice Chief." Peony glanced at him with her beautiful eyes and chuckled, "Here we go again. You really do seem like a bookworm."

Yulan asked, "How does Young Master Ling intend to test it?" "Does Xinyi need anything prepared?"

Ling Junyi said, "No need to prepare anything. The preparation is almost complete. Just pour the 'poison' and we can begin."

Xinyi said, "This servant will go pour it."

Ling Junyi said, "Miss, please be careful. This substance is extremely poisonous. It's better if I do it myself."

Xinyi said, "The young master won't let me do what I can do. Wouldn't I be doing nothing?"

Ling Junyi laughed, "You won't be idle either. Take all the water bowls in the cabinet to the processing room and line them up on the long table."

Xinyi said, "There are a hundred water bowls in the cabinet. Should I take them all in?"

Ling Junyi said, "Nine vats of medicinal liquid. If we want to mix them, we'll have to try eighty-one times. You can take eighty-one."

Xinyi said, "Then I'll take them all in." He opened the cupboard, carrying a series of water bowls, and headed towards the processing room. Ling Junyi also brought out his "poison" gourd and followed him in. Peony and Magnolia followed behind him. Magnolia had already arranged the water bowls on the long table as instructed.

Ling Junyi uncorked the gourd and carefully poured a small amount of "poison" into each of the nine porcelain bowls. Then he put down the gourd, picked up a silver cup, walked to the first vat of medicinal liquid, stirred it gently twice, bent down, smelled it, and said, "It's ready." He only said three words before putting down the silver cup, reaching for a small cup, scooping a cup of medicinal liquid from the vat, bringing it to his lips, and gently tasting it, as if trying to discern the flavor. Peony, Magnolia, and Magnolia simply stared at him with wide eyes.

Ling Junyi turned around and said, "These nine vats of medicinal liquid were the formula I used in my last experiment at Juechen Manor to neutralize the 'poison.' However, I wasn't entirely confident at the time, so I just prepared it hastily and can't remember exactly which vats of medicinal liquid were combined to neutralize the 'poison.' If Miss Yurui hadn't taken me out that night and let me try again the next day, perhaps we could have identified which drugs were involved, and we wouldn't have had to repeat the experiment and grope in the dark like this."

Peony nodded and said, "Yes, Yurui was too impatient."

Yulan laughed and said, "You can't blame Yurui for that. That night, Juechen Manor was attacked by the Tang Clan of Sichuan in conjunction with the Shaolin monks. Otherwise, we wouldn't have been able to invite Young Master Ling."

As Ling Junyi spoke, he took a jade spoon, scooped up a small spoonful of medicinal liquid, and gently poured it into the porcelain bowl containing the 'poison.' The "poison" was as black as ink. A small spoonful of the liquid, poured into the bowl, showed no change whatsoever. Peony and Magnolia couldn't help but look up at Ling Junyi. Ling Junyi, however, was unconcerned. He had already stated that neutralizing the "poison" required mixing several vats of medicinal liquid; nine vats would require eighty-one trials. This was only the first time, so it couldn't be considered ineffective.

Now, Ling Junyi continued stirring the second vat of liquid with the silver spatula. Next, he scooped up the second vat's worth of liquid with a small cup and poured it into the second porcelain bowl. Needless to say, this second experiment also showed no change in the "poison." This was, of course, a deliberate act by Ling Junyi in front of Peony and Magnolia, a test for their benefit. In reality, he already knew exactly what he wanted to achieve—to test it until a certain point was reached before neutralizing the "poison." This indicated that neutralizing the "poison" required mixing several vats of medicinal liquid, a rather complex process. Even though he was putting on an act in front of the two women, he had to be extremely serious. He tirelessly mixed and tested different kinds of medicine, mixing and testing them repeatedly. Each time, he poured nine bowls of the "poison" from the gourd. He had initially used a small cup to scoop the medicine, but later he scooped some from one vat and some from another, mixing them all together in a large cup for experimentation. After a dozen or twenty times, even with their excellent memories, Peony and Magnolia could no longer figure out which vats of medicine each cup contained. Ling Junyi's goal was to keep them confused. Half an hour passed, and thirty-six bowls of the "poison" had been poured on the long table. Now, Ling Junyi held the gourd with both hands, pouring the "poison" into nine porcelain bowls for the fifth time. Then, he used a small cup to scoop the medicine from five vats of medicine, stirred it with a silver spoon, and then slowly poured it into the thirty-seventh bowl containing the "poison."

This time, he was confident. The eighth vat of medicinal liquid had been used to soak the "Poison-Repelling Pearl." If the "Poison-Repelling Pearl's" detoxifying effect remained in the water, this time it would certainly be successful. What worried him was that the water used to soak the "Poison-Repelling Pearl" had been mixed with other medicinal liquids; would this dilute the effect? He moved very slowly, pouring the mixed medicinal liquid into the jade spoon almost drop by drop. Of course, every experiment was conducted in this manner. Peony, Magnolia, and Magnolia's three pairs of eyes naturally held their breath, staring intently at the "poison" in the bowl with each drop of medicinal liquid, not blinking. The first drop of medicinal liquid fell into the bowl, and the black "poison" remained unchanged. Now the second drop fell. Sweat gradually appeared on Ling Junyi's forehead! But when the third drop was poured into the bowl, the "poison" appeared like ink mixed with clear water, with a faint watery shadow appearing, moving slowly and constantly within the "poison"! At this moment, the fourth drop also fell.

Yulan called softly, "Young Master Ling, wait a moment."

Shaoyao chimed in, "Indeed, it seems we're making some progress this time."

Ling Junyi stopped using the jade spoon in his hand at Yulan's shout, and sighed, "I hope so." In the short time it took to say those few words, the "poison" in the bowl gradually diluted, eventually turning into a bowl of clear water.

Shaoyao clapped her hands in delight, "Young Master Ling, you've succeeded!"

Ling Junyi laughed heartily, "I've finally found the antidote."

Yulan's beautiful eyes sparkled, and she congratulated Ling Junyi with obvious joy, "Young Master Ling, congratulations!"

Xinyi exclaimed in surprise, "Young Master Ling only dripped four drops of the medicine, and you've dissolved almost half a bowl of 'poison.' This medicine must be very powerful."

Shaoyao suddenly turned her head and asked, "Do you remember which vats you scooped this medicine from?"

Ling Junyi deliberately hesitated for a moment, turned around, looked at the medicine vats, and counted on his fingers, "This time it was scooped from vats number three, five, six, eight, and nine." Then he instructed Xin Yi, "Go and pour out the rest of the medicinal liquid." Xin Yi did as he was told and poured out the remaining medicinal liquid along with the dregs.

Ling Junyi took two empty vats, first measuring out twenty bowls of the medicinal liquid from the third and fifth vats using large bowls, and thirty bowls from the sixth and ninth vats each. Then he picked up the eighth vat, filtered out the dregs, poured it out, and stirred it with a silver spoon to mix the medicinal liquid, filling both porcelain vats to the brim.

Ling Junyi pointed to the two vats of medicinal liquid, cupped his hands and smiled at Yulan, "The steward and I agreed to make the antidote within three days. These two vats of antidote have been made, and I have fortunately not failed in my mission."

Yulan hurriedly returned the courtesy and smiled brightly, "Young Master Ling is indeed trustworthy. This humble servant thanks you."

Ling Junyi then said to Shaoyao, "The medicine I just tried to prepare has now been successfully prepared. I would like to ask the Vice Chief to try it again in person." "Having said that, he picked up the jade spoon and handed it to her.

Peony took the spoon from him and said with a charming smile, "I've never tried it before, I really want to try." She then used the spoon to scoop up a small half-spoon of the medicinal liquid, walked to the long table, and carefully poured the liquid into the "poison" bowl. This time, the "poison" changed extremely quickly; the liquid, once poured in, immediately diluted, turning into half a bowl of clear water.

Peony exclaimed happily, "This antidote is indeed very effective!"

Ling Junyi smiled and said, "Vice Chief, this small half-spoon of medicinal liquid can at least neutralize half a basin of 'poison.' You poured it into a small half-bowl of 'poison,' so its effect is naturally very strong. Any antidote dissolves gradually; it can't be used too aggressively."

Peony stared at Ling Junyi with her beautiful eyes and asked, "According to you, these two vats of antidote can neutralize a lot of 'poison'?"

Ling Junyi laughed heartily, "Taihu Lake is 36,000 hectares. If the water of Taihu Lake is 'poison,' then with these two vats of antidote, it can probably be turned into clean water." Yulan

instructed Xinyi, "Xinyi, quickly go and tell the gang leader the good news, that Young Master Ling has already refined the antidote."

Xinyi agreed and turned to run outside. Ling Junyi said, "I have prepared the antidote. Please have the steward inspect these two vats of medicinal liquid."

Yulan nodded and said, "This humble concubine will send someone to fetch them." Saying this, she pointed at Ling Junyi and said, "I wonder if Young Master Ling could bestow upon me the formula for the antidote?"

Ling Junyi had long anticipated that the Hundred Flowers Gang would demand the prescription from him, and he smiled slightly, saying, "The antidote I have prepared is sufficient for your gang's needs. As for the prescription..." He deliberately dragged out his words. Peony

blinked her watery peach blossom eyes, then giggled and said, "Is this perhaps a secret recipe passed down in Young Master Ling's family, which you are unwilling to disclose?"

Ling Junyi smiled and said, "That's not it. My safety is uncertain within your gang. If I fail to prepare the antidote within the three-day deadline, I may lose my head. But even if I do prepare the antidote, I may still be implicated and forced to kill someone to cover it up..."

Yulan paled and said, "Young Master Ling has done our gang a great favor by preparing the 'poison' antidote. Our gang stands in the martial world based on loyalty and righteousness. How could we repay kindness with enmity?"

Peony said, "Who told you that, Young Master Ling? The person who said that is clearly maliciously slandering us." Ling Junyi said, “

I apologize, this was my petty judgment. But the saying ‘the rabbit is killed after the hunt’ has been utterly used since ancient times. In the martial world, one must always be wary of others. The two jars of antidote I prepared will only be effective for three months. Keeping the prescription is my way of protecting myself. Please don’t think I’m a petty person.”

Yulan nodded and said, “What you say makes sense, young master. The martial world is dangerous, and people’s hearts are unpredictable. One must be wary of those who might infiltrate. However, the Hundred Flowers Gang will not be as ungrateful as you say.”

Shaoyao said affectionately, “Since Young Master Ling is unwilling to reveal the prescription, that’s fine. You can keep it. Do you think you’ll tell the Black Dragon Society?” Just then, Xinyi and another maid in green walked in side by side.

Xinyi bowed and said, “Reporting to the steward, the gang leader has prepared a banquet at the Immortal Spring Pavilion and asked Sister Jasmine to accompany me. Please invite Young Master Ling, the vice gang leader, and the steward to join us.”

Jasmine, one of the four personal maids of the Hundred Flowers Gang Leader, hurriedly stepped forward and bowed, saying, "The Gang Leader heard that Young Master Ling has created the antidote and has specially prepared a banquet at the Immortal Spring Pavilion to celebrate his success, inviting the Vice Gang Leader and the Steward to accompany him. She sent me to invite him." Peony

giggled and said, "Eldest Sister hosting a banquet at the Immortal Spring Pavilion is quite rare, Young Master Ling, please come in." The Immortal Spring Pavilion was where the Hundred Flowers Gang Leader lived; although her words were subtle, they still carried a hint of sarcasm.

Magnolia chimed in, "Young Master Ling's creation of the antidote for the 'poison' for our gang is a great achievement, deeply appreciated by everyone in our gang. The Gang Leader is hosting this banquet to express his gratitude for Young Master Ling's great kindness, precisely to show his respect." This was a dignified and direct response to Peony's words; the two were almost locked in a battle of wits.

Ling Junyi said, "I am truly unworthy of the Gang Leader's invitation to a banquet." "

Peony smiled and said, "Elder sister has already prepared a feast and is waiting for you. I have no choice but to accept." Then she turned to Riley and said, "Aren't you going to lead the way?" Rong Li responded with "Yes" and turned to lead the way.

Peony and Magnolia accompanied Ling Junyi out of the courtyard and headed towards "Xianchun Pavilion". The curtains of "Xianchun Pavilion" were rolled up high. Two sword-wielding maids at the door bowed in greeting when they saw the deputy leader and the steward accompanying Ling Junyi. One of them reported, "Reporting to the leader, Young Master Ling has arrived." As soon as she finished speaking, the leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang came out from the hall to greet them. Today she was wearing a silver-red dress with a gold embroidered belt and two pale yellow silk ribbons hanging down. She walked slowly with light steps, like a fairy on the water, giving people a sense of elegance and nobility. She was indeed worthy of being called the peony, the leader of all flowers.

The leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang stepped out of the hall and met Ling Junyi. Although she wore a mask, her clear, watery eyes, brimming with affection, suddenly shone with an undisguised joy. She smiled sweetly and said, "This humble concubine has been waiting for you for a long time. Please come inside, Young Master Ling."

Ling Junyi's eyes met hers, and an indescribable romantic thought rose in his heart. He gazed at her, slightly lost in thought. This was understandable; even the sage who ate cold pig's head said, "Knowing beauty, one admires youth." Moreover, the leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang was gazing at him with tender affection. But he immediately became alert, his handsome face flushed, and he hurriedly clasped his hands

, saying, "I am deeply honored by the esteemed invitation to this banquet from the Chief." The Chief of the Hundred Flowers Gang accompanied him into the living room, the two walking side by side, smiling brightly, "The antidote you have prepared is of great importance to our gang. I asked them to prepare some wine and water for a cursory inspection, merely to express my sincere gratitude, which is far from enough to repay your kindness. Young Master Ling

, please do not stand on ceremony." Ling Junyi said, "It is nothing but a small favor, nothing to mention. I feel uneasy about the Chief's hospitality."

The two rooms were open, the easternmost one with purple velvet curtains on both sides. In the center was a carved rosewood table with four sets of cups and goblets, including jade plates, gold cups, and silver goblets. The Chief of the Hundred Flowers Gang gestured to the guest, saying, "The banquet is ready, Young Master Ling, please take your seat." With that, she led Ling Junyi to sit in the head seat in the center.

At this point, Ling Junyi had no time for formalities and could only sit down with the leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang, with Shaoyao and Yulan following suit. After the four were seated, two rows of eight maids in green robes gracefully emerged from behind a carved screen, each carrying a silver tray and serving dishes in a flowing stream. Four other maids held silver pots and filled the cups with wine for the four. The leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang raised her cup and said, "Young Master Ling has prepared the antidote for our gang, and all the sisters in our gang are extremely grateful. This cup of wine is a small token of our gratitude. Please drink it."

Ling Junyi felt he could not refuse, so he picked up his cup and said, "I should toast the leader first, but I have a low tolerance for alcohol, and I have an audience with the Supreme Emperor this afternoon. If I drink too much, I might be impolite. Therefore, this is the limit." With that, he drank it all in one gulp.

The leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang was taken aback, and asked in surprise, "You want to see the Supreme Elder?"

Peony chimed in with a smile, "Yes, that's right. I was just about to report to my elder sister. When I came this morning, the Supreme Elder instructed me that if Young Master Ling's experiment was successful, I should take him there."

The leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang nodded and smiled, "The Supreme Elder attaches great importance to the 'poison.' It's no wonder she summoned you, Young Master Ling, for being able to produce the antidote in just two days." Then she turned to Ling Junyi and said, "The Supreme Elder never receives outsiders. Even among our gang members, very few are granted an audience with her. It is truly remarkable that Young Master Ling was summoned by the Supreme Elder." She spoke of being summoned by the Supreme Elder with such solemnity, as if it were a tremendous honor. But her bright eyes, looking at Ling Junyi, showed no joy, only a hint of melancholy.

Ling Junyi, naturally oblivious to the Hundred Flowers Gang Leader's subtle hint, smiled nonchalantly and said, "To be summoned by the Supreme Elder is truly an honor of my life." The

Hundred Flowers Gang Leader smiled slightly, raised her chopsticks, and said, "We've been so busy talking, the food is getting cold. Please eat."

Peony's eyes sparkled, and she giggled, "Young Master Ling and Eldest Sister have already shared a drink, so we should too! Come, let me toast you." With that, she raised her wine cup high with her slender, bamboo-like fingers, her watery eyes fixed on Ling Junyi, waiting for him to join her in the toast.

Ling Junyi dared not meet her gaze, and said awkwardly, "Vice Gang Leader, please forgive me, I truly have a low tolerance..."

Peony persisted, "No, this cup is for you, Young Master, you must do me the honor." Ling Junyi had no choice but to drink a cup with her. After two cups, a thin blush rose to his handsome face, making his lips appear even redder and his teeth even whiter, his appearance as elegant as jade.

Shaoyao giggled, "Look at you, you've only had two cups of wine, and you're already blushing like a girl. Hurry up and eat some food." Saying this, she picked up a piece of fried chicken with her toothbrush and offered it to him.

Ling Junyi quickly said, "Thank you, Vice Chief, but I'll do it myself."

Shaoyao rolled her eyes at him and said, "I told you not to be so polite. You're always so fussy." "

Yulan, knowing Ling Junyi had to meet the Supreme Elder after the meal, refrained from offering him further toasts, only taking a small sip with him. The Hundred Flowers Gang Leader, aside from chatting with Ling Junyi about江湖 (jianghu, the martial arts world) anecdotes, didn't urge him to drink further, appearing somewhat reserved. However, the usually aloof and arrogant Vice-Gang Leader Wang Shaoyao was constantly chatting and laughing, repeatedly serving Ling Junyi food as if afraid he wouldn't eat enough or would go hungry, appearing both warm and attentive.

Although this was a victory celebration, because Ling Junyi had to meet the Supreme Elder after the meal, no one dared to urge him to drink. At a banquet, if guests don't drink, no matter how lavish the dishes, it inevitably feels inadequate. The food was delicious..." The dishes were still on the ground, barely touched before being cleared away. The banquet wasn't quite finished, but Ling Junyi was already feeling quite overwhelmed. This was because the deputy leader, Shaoyao, had been so affectionately serving him food, her gestures so intimate, that he felt deeply flattered. Besides, he had eaten quite a bit of each dish, and his stomach was truly full. When the banquet ended, Ling Junyi felt a great weight lifted from his shoulders and stood up. The leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang led everyone back to the central hall, where two maids served fragrant tea.

Shaoyao glanced at the sky and stood up, saying, "Elder sister, it's getting late; Young Master Ling should go."

The leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang said, "The Grand Elder may want to personally test the antidote Young Master Ling concocted. Did Second Sister bring it?"

Shaoyao smiled and said, "Third Sister has already prepared it for me."

The leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang nodded, "That's good. You should accompany Young Master Ling as soon as possible, so as not to keep the Grand Elder waiting. " "

Peony said, 'Elder sister is right.' Turning to Jasmine, she instructed, 'Jasmine, go quickly and inform the boathouse to prepare a boat for me.' Jasmine agreed and ran off.

Peony stood up, turned back, and smiled, 'Young Master Ling, let's go.'

Ling Junyi bowed deeply to the Hundred Flowers Gang Leader and said, 'Thank you for the banquet, Gang Leader. I

'll take my leave now.' Peony giggled, 'Greetings, Your Excellency. I'll be back soon. You've given me a banquet and are now saying goodbye. Elder sister is no stranger to you. Why be so polite?' With that, she put on her cloak and walked gracefully outside. The Hundred Flowers Gang Leader and Magnolia stood up one after the other and saw her off at the entrance of the 'Immortal Spring Pavilion.'"

Ling Junyi turned around and said, "Chief, please wait."

The Hundred Flowers Chief's phoenix eyes gazed at Ling Junyi,

and she slowly said, "This humble concubine will not see you off." Ling Junyi had been close to her for four days, and he felt that her gaze was full of affection and seemed to hold infinite attention, which made his heart skip a beat! He then heard the Hundred Flowers Chief's extremely soft voice say in his ear, "Before the Supreme One, you must be careful with your words. Answer every question. If she does not ask you anything, do not say anything more."

Ling Junyi also replied in a secret telepathic message, "I will remember that." He then said, "Chief, Steward, please wait." After saying that, he turned and walked away with Peony.

The two strolled along the flower-lined path for a while. Peony turned back and smiled, "What do you think of Eldest Sister?"

Ling Junyi replied, "The leader is elegant and dignified, truly worthy of being the leader of all beauties."

Peony pouted and then asked, "And what about me?"

Ling Junyi said, "The Vice Leader is exceptionally talented, assisting the leader; truly a beauty among flowers."

Peony scoffed, "You're just spouting off; it's completely unrealistic."

Ling Junyi said, "These are just my humble opinions; Vice Leader, please don't take offense." Peony said, "Who's taking offense? Oh, who do you think is prettier, me or Eldest Sister?" Ling Junyi smiled, "The Vice Leader is as beautiful as a phoenix.

"

"Your appearance is unparalleled, and as for the leader..."

Peony blinked her watery eyes and turned to ask, "What do you think, elder sister?"

Ling Junyi said, "The people in your gang always seem to wear masks, never showing their true faces. I have never seen the leader's true face, so how dare I speak so carelessly?"

Peony giggled, "It seems you have some discerning eyes. My gang sisters were given masks so that they wouldn't be recognized while operating in the martial world. Now, everyone in our Hua Family Manor is wearing masks too. I don't like this stuff; it's so uncomfortable to have it stretched across my face!"

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