[Wuxia] The Carefree Journey of the Tang Dynasty (Book) - 19-21

Chapter 72 Confronting the Evil King

Jie Hui looked at Song Shidao, who lay pale and livid on the bed, and said

, “Nephew, why did you have to go and fight him head-on! I already know that Yu Hua’s matter was all Li Yuanji’s conspiracy.” Song Shidao reluctantly said, “Then why didn’t you say so earlier, Uncle Jie? I was badly beaten by Yuan Yueze!”

Jie Hui sighed, “I saw him fight with my own eyes. His skill, if not enough to be able to fight ten thousand, is certainly enough to fight a thousand. These past few days, I’ve been thinking about who was responsible for Yu Hua’s disappearance, and also about the future of Bashu, and forgot to inform you, nephew.

” Shi Dao gritted his teeth and said, "Even if my elder sister's matter has nothing to do with him, I will not let him go. Uncle, you don't know how ruthless he is when he strikes. I have already told Elder Yue about this matter, and it just so happens that Elder Yue has no good feelings towards him either. He will definitely not let him off in the future." Jie

Hui asked in surprise, "From what I saw that day, although Yuan Yueze is cruel, as long as no one provokes him, he shouldn't cause trouble recklessly. And who is Elder Yue?"

A trace of panic flashed in Song Shi Dao's eyes before he said, "It is Senior Yue Shan. I met him in the suburbs on the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival. " He had his meridians destroyed, but was rescued and is now recuperating in a secluded place outside the city.

Jie Hui instantly understood that Song Shidao's opinion of Yuan Yueze had become excessively biased due to Song Que's matter, leading him to attack Yuan Yueze too harshly and inflict severe injuries. He said, "So it's Yueshan. I heard a few days ago that he was coming to Chengdu, and then I heard Li Yuanji say that he had been crippled by Xi Feng. I never imagined that Brother Song, who severely injured him back then, would be saved by you today. His meridians can still be healed." "Okay? Given his personality, you'll let him save him?"

Song Shidao shook his head and smiled bitterly, "My late father wronged him back then. Old Yue has never been kind to me, but I don't blame him. As for his injuries, I don't know if he can recover, but his 'Sun-Changing Technique' is a Buddhist secret art, quite miraculous. He's been recovering quite well these past few days."

Jie Hui sighed and said, "Yue Shan is destined to be a tragic figure. You should rest well. If our scouts hadn't found you and brought you back to Duzun Fortress, you might have suffered a lot."

After saying that, he turned and left.

Song Shidao let out a long sigh, thinking to himself how tiring it was to act like this. Then he closed his eyes and gradually drifted into sleep. (The following lines are a poem and don't directly relate to the previous text: "

Planning to mend the heavens amidst flowers, overturning clouds and rain in the blink of an eye. God and demon in one body, the immortal seal, the peerless evil king's aura swallows the heavens.

'Evil King' Shi Zhixuan can be said to be the most mysterious and unpredictable, a living mythical legend in the martial arts world.") His origins and background are unknown to outsiders. Cihang Jingzhai spent ten years and exhausted all its resources trying to find the answer, but to no avail.

In fact, he is not only a member of the Demonic Sect, but also a member of both the Flower Sect and the Heaven-Mending Sect, making him an anomaly among anomalies.

The love between Shi Zhixuan and Bi Xiuxin can be described as a combination of extreme evil and extreme good, both inconceivable and destined to be tragic.

What kind of person is he?

Those who have seen him describe him as ruthless and bloodthirsty, with superb skills, killing without hesitation, and terrifying like a demon god from hell. On the other hand, he can also be the reincarnation of Pei Ju, a high-ranking official of the former Sui Dynasty, and write the three-volume masterpiece "Records of the Western Regions," so he is certainly not unlearned. Therefore, some describe him as a refined and elegant scholar with literary talent and profound knowledge of both Chinese and foreign cultures.

Possessing such complex and contradictory qualities, Shi Zhixuan is either the most insane madman or the most extraordinary genius!

Yuan Yueze was well aware of Shi Zhixuan's complex personality, and he dared not underestimate him.

After sizing Yuan Yueze up and down a few times, Shi Zhixuan said calmly, "I've heard you're also a member of my Holy Sect, with some kind of 'Evil Emperor' title. Could you explain that to me in detail?"

Yuan Yueze snorted coldly, offering no reply.

The two stared at each other, neither emitting a trace of power, yet the scene grew increasingly eerie, and the atmosphere more and more tense.

Shi Zhixuan asked again, "Did you help Qingxuan enter the 'Telepathic Connection' realm?"

Yuan Yueze replied irrelevantly, "Do you know Yuyan is dead? You're the one who killed her!"

The usually calm Shi Zhixuan was slightly moved and said, "Who could kill her? Could it be you?"

Then, a bitter smile appeared on his face, a human-like expression, and he said softly, "I didn't kill Yuyan. I would never kill her. I can't afford to make another mistake."

He paused and nodded approvingly, "So you've fallen in love with Yuyan? Not bad, very much in line with the true character of our Holy Sect!"

Before Yuan Yueze could speak, Shi Zhixuan's expression suddenly turned cold, and he exuded a strong, almost tangible, and incredibly powerful aura. He was as majestic and fierce as a demon god from another realm of the underworld, and said, "But you shouldn't have disturbed Qingxuan's peace of mind. How can someone as promiscuous as you be worthy of Qingxuan?"

After saying that, he took a step forward.

From Shi Zhixuan's words, Yuan Yueze fully understood that Wanwan's deduction was correct: Zhu Yuyan had indeed fought with Shi Zhixuan and been injured before her battles with Bi Shouxuan and Xi Feng. Yuan Yueze didn't have time to consider whether Zhu Yuyan could still defeat Bi Shouxuan and Xi Feng even without injury; he only knew that Shi Zhixuan was an indirect cause of Zhu Yuyan's death, therefore Shi Zhixuan had to die.

With Shi Zhixuan's step forward, the world suddenly changed, the entire space distorting and transforming into a hazy, illusory world.

Yuan Yueze remained unmoved, even withdrawing all his protective energy, letting the increasingly heavy rain wash over his face, as if nothing else existed in the world, and Shi Zhixuan ceased to exist.

From nothingness to existence.

Shi Zhixuan withdrew his step, and all spatial illusions immediately vanished. Nodding, he said, "Your cultivation is indeed superb. If you are willing to submit and

serve me, what worries would my Holy Sect have about achieving its great cause?" Yuan Yueze scoffed, "We are not of the same ilk, so let's cut to the chase. Besides, you dare to mention Qingxuan. Have you ever fulfilled your responsibilities as a father?"

Mentioning Shi Qingxuan, Shi Zhixuan's clothes suddenly billowed, his hair stood on end, swaying on his head, like a demon king suddenly revealing his true form—utterly bizarre. With a cry of "Seeking death!",

he appeared half a zhang in front of Yuan Yueze and unleashed a punch.

This punch was so powerful it seemed to fill the heavens and the earth, giving the feeling that even with wings, one could not dodge it. Shi Zhixuan, enraged and unleashing his full power, was truly unstoppable. The surrounding air seemed to be instantly sucked up by Shi Zhixuan's earth-shattering punch, as if it had shattered the nine heavens or the eighteen levels of hell. Even someone as strong as Yuan Yueze felt completely empty, as if he had nowhere to put his weight, experiencing extreme discomfort.

"Bang!"

Yuan Yueze, who had taken Shi Zhixuan's punch head-on, blushed instantly. His shoulder swayed violently, and he staggered back two steps before regaining his footing. He said calmly, "The Evil King's Technique ends here!"

Shi Zhixuan stood motionless, staring blankly at his own fist.

Although he pretended to be unharmed, Yuan Yueze was actually in excruciating pain. The energy from Shi Zhixuan's punch had instantly transformed into two completely opposite forces: one representing the masculine heat, and the other representing the feminine coldness. They raged wildly within Yuan Yueze's body. If it weren't for his extraordinary physique, Yuan Yueze would have already died on the spot!

He had already overestimated Shi Zhixuan as much as possible, but he hadn't expected that Shi Zhixuan possessed at least a hundred years of internal energy cultivation. How terrifying was that? Of all the people he had encountered in the past, Xiang Yutian was undoubtedly the most powerful, a Void Shattering level that no one could match. Next was Liu Yu, the Great Ming Saint Venerable, who was even slightly superior to Song Que and Fu Cailin. However, Liu Yu's martial arts were cultivated using evil methods, so strictly speaking, he couldn't be considered a true master. But at this moment, Shi Zhixuan had at least reached the level of Song Que after his breakthrough.

And that punch just now could only have been accomplished by Shi Zhixuan, who could integrate the two extremes of life and death in the 'Undying Seal Technique'.

The 'Undying Seal Technique' is a martial arts manual developed by Shi Zhixuan, a fusion of the extremely contrasting styles of the 'Flower School' and the 'Heaven-Mending Path.' It is based on profound Buddhist principles and refined through countless life-or-death battles, ultimately forming a highly sophisticated martial art.

When Yuan Yueze seized the opportunity to expel the stagnant true energy within his body, he was unaware of Shi Zhixuan's equal surprise. After a long while, Shi Zhixuan lowered his right hand, looked at him, and restored his hair and clothes to their original state, exclaiming in astonishment, "You are the strongest enemy I have ever encountered. There is no one else in the world who can withstand my full-force punch with their bare body."

The recovered Yuan Yueze calmly replied, "I simply wanted to prove to you that your Undying Seal Technique is nothing more than a trinket."

The ever-arrogant and conceited Shi Zhixuan's expression darkened, then he smiled and said, "You've been trying to provoke me from the beginning, haven't you?"

Yuan Yueze was also taken aback, clearly confirming Shi Zhixuan's assessment.

Shi Zhixuan continued, "After waking from my nightmare, I have integrated all my life's learning, simplifying it into seven forms, which I call 'The Seven Illusions of Immortality.' You are qualified to witness these seven forms!"

With that, his aura shifted dramatically.

In Yuan Yueze's eyes, Shi Zhixuan still stood leisurely about half a zhang away, yet he seemed neither there nor not there, moving between existence and non-existence, stillness within movement, and movement within stillness. It was impossible to predict his next move.

This was how Shi Zhixuan should be without flaws.

Logically, at this moment, Shi Zhixuan's movement techniques should be separate from his Immortality Seal, the two merely complementing each other. However, the Shi Zhixuan before him, after fifteen years of separation, had finally reunited his two techniques, forming a flawless whole, without the slightest flaw or imperfection.

Shi Zhixuan should have absorbed the primordial essence from the 'Evil Emperor's Relic' to mend the flaw, but the relic had been in Yuan Yueze's possession for many years. How did Shi Zhixuan manage to mend the flaw?

It was all too unbelievable.

Shi Zhixuan continued, "This is the first illusion technique, 'Returning Reality with Illusion.'"

As he spoke, he reached forward with his left hand, drawing nearly ten circles of varying sizes and angles in front of his chest with unparalleled speed, their bizarre and strange appearance instantly creating a ring of energy. Then, with a carefree smile, he withdrew his left hand behind his back as if having accomplished his goal, while his right hand formed a blade with his fingers, darting along a mysterious path like a serpent, precisely piercing through the core of each of the dozen or so energy rings he had just drawn. All the dozen or so deadly energy rings were now 'hung' at his wrist, the force of which was so wondrous it was unbelievable. Then, his right palm stabbed swiftly towards Yuan Yueze's brow.

That was the strongest point, and also the weakest.

"Clang!"

The longsword was finally drawn.

A chaotic sword aura suddenly arose, carrying no killing intent whatsoever, yet forming a stark contrast with the overwhelming killing intent emanating from the surrounding aura.

"Bang! Bang!"

The sounds of clashing energy rang out incessantly.

Shi Zhixuan's palm strike was the first to be deflected, followed by one aura ring after another being swept away by the nimble sword aura.

Both men retreated several steps.

Yuan Yueze, still unsteady, transformed into a wisp of smoke, his sword light surging, shooting towards Shi Zhixuan like a bolt of lightning. The sword tip, carrying a chilling killing intent and cold light, gathered all life and death energy within two zhang (approximately 6.6 meters) to its tip, tracing a beautiful arc through the air.

From nothingness to existence.

Sensing the approaching, chilling, and oppressive innate sword energy, Shi Zhixuan's face showed a solemn expression, but his aura suddenly vanished completely.

The contrast between existence and nothingness became increasingly pronounced between the two.

Shi Zhixuan, having transformed from existence to nothingness, extended his right middle finger, pointing it towards the sword tip.

The same transformation from nothing to something.

Within a short distance, Shi Zhixuan's techniques were ever-changing, subtly and ingeniously altering every instant, each change creating an illusion, making it impossible to distinguish between reality and illusion.

The sword and finger clashed without a sound.

Shi Zhixuan groaned, spitting out a mouthful of blood, and staggered back three steps, looking at Yuan Yueze in astonishment.

Yuan Yueze understood the secrets of the 'Undying Seal Technique.' The 'Undying Seal Technique' unified the two extremes of life and death. The enemy attacked with deadly death energy, while the 'Undying Seal Technique' transformed this death energy into life energy. Thus, death was life, and life was death. The 'Undying Seal Technique' was truly a superior skill of borrowing and deflecting force. Shi Zhixuan absolutely deserved the title of 'genius.' The key to his unique and extraordinary technique lay in his ability to combine two completely different, extreme internal energies into one, and then apply them with unparalleled skill, thus achieving this invincible and magical art.

Yuan Yueze's method of using the opponent's force to deflect it was simple, just like when he dealt with Ding Jiuzhong a few days ago. In an instant, he poured all his true energy into his opponent's body, leaving him no time to deflect the force. On that day, Ding Jiuzhong had lost an arm on the spot, and it was already quite remarkable that someone as strong as Shi Zhixuan only coughed up blood.

Yuan Yueze, having succeeded in his attack, showed no sign of stopping. After taking a step back, he struck again.

Shi Zhixuan felt that the opponent's longsword was light and seemingly without any force, making it impossible to grasp its weight. And with Yuan Yueze's strange movement, the angle of the longsword's attack changed every moment.

Shi Zhixuan's eyes gleamed with a wicked light, and he suddenly thrust his index and middle fingers forward into Yuan Yueze's eyes.

Yuan Yueze's sword did not retreat in the slightest, swiftly thrusting towards Shi Zhixuan's chest.

Shi Zhixuan's move suddenly changed, his fingers retracted, and his thumb pressed down, landing squarely on the blade.

But his expression immediately froze. With a resounding

"bang!"

, as the longsword slid down, Yuan Yueze's left fist, with its power capable of piercing the universe, struck Shi Zhixuan, who was retreating, a foot away from his chest.

It seemed that this 'Evil King' was about to perish under this overwhelming fist; even a Great Immortal descending to earth couldn't save him.

A clear, melodious, ethereal, and seemingly endless spiritual flute melody, rising from the clouds, appeared from an unknown direction.

"Crack!"

A crisp sound of bones shattering rang out almost simultaneously with the flute melody.

Shi Zhixuan coughed up another mouthful of blood, flying back several feet, barely managing to regain his footing. A terrifying blood-red fist mark appeared on his ribs, but he had no time to pay attention to it. His body was stiff, his face ashen, and his eyes gazed complexly at Yuan Yueze's back, his lips trembling slightly as he muttered something unintelligible.

Yuan Yueze also coughed up blood and flew back, turning around to look.

A slender, graceful, and captivating figure slowly walked in from the valley entrance. Her flowing hair, like drifting clouds, her gaze dreamlike and unfocused, held a jade

flute before her cherry lips, playing with heartfelt emotion. It was Shi Qingxuan, whom she hadn't seen in a long time. Upon seeing Yuan Yueze, his long, white hair, vacant eyes, and bloodless face, Shi Qingxuan trembled violently.

The flute music abruptly ceased.

Shi Qingxuan slowly

walked towards Yuan Yueze. Each step seemed to require the strength of a lifetime; each step seemed to release the grief that had accumulated in her heart for over a decade; each step felt like bearing the unbearable weight of a life-altering shackle; each step seemed to tread upon the hearts of Yuan Yueze and Shi Zhixuan!

Reaching Yuan Yueze, Shi Qingxuan stopped, wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, and then turned to look at Shi Zhixuan not far away.

A shower of powdery rain, layer upon layer, drifted down to the earth, transforming the space into a dreamlike realm, the mist completely enveloping the earth, grass, trees, and pools! The blurring of the lines between objects and between people only amplifies the desolate and cold beauty of the atmosphere between the three.

Suddenly, Shi Zhixuan looked up to the sky and sang: "The wind howls, the trees crumble, my heart is bitter as death, I cannot find rest. A hundred years pass like flowing water, wealth and honor turn to cold ashes, the great path fades day by day, I suffer for my heroic talent. The brave warrior brandishes his sword,

his sorrow is boundless, the leaves fall rustling, the rain drips on the mossy ground." His voice was weary and hoarse, filled with deep sorrow, like a singer who had wandered the streets alone all his life, or a wanderer who had traversed countless mountains and rivers, returning to his final resting place, singing a lament of repentance, for the years had washed away the glory he once possessed.

Shi Qingxuan suddenly grabbed the weak hand of Yuan Yueze, who looked utterly lost, but did not say a word. Her face turned pale, her beautiful eyes fixed on Shi Zhixuan, who seemed to be riding the wind away in the misty rain.

"The empty pool reflects spring, the ancient mirror reflects the spirit, the body is pure and clean, riding the moon to return to truth. Gazing at the stars, singing to the recluse, the flowing water today, the bright moon in its past life."

The song turned again, Shi Qingxuan's delicate body trembled slightly, she sighed inwardly, regardless of talent or martial arts, Shi Zhixuan was definitely the number one in the Demonic Sect, no one could surpass him. If it weren't for his bitter love with his mother, he would have had a great chance to revitalize the Demonic Sect and dominate the Central Plains.

Through the rain, Shi Zhixuan stared straight at Shi Qingxuan, his eyes shooting out a look of heartbroken sorrow, as if asking Shi Qingxuan, or as if talking to himself, he whispered, "How did Xiuxin die? Did she say anything before she died?"

Shi Qingxuan leaned weakly against Yuan Yueze, who was as cold as a corpse, his eyes closed and face upturned, she lowered her head and bit her lower lip, after a while her cherry lips softly uttered, "My mother didn't say a single word of blame to you until the moment she died, she..."

Then tears streamed down her face, and she could no longer speak.

Shi Zhixuan trembled all over. The once invincible overlord of the demonic path seemed unable to stand firm on his own, swaying back and forth, his eyes filled with a mixture of regret and remorse. Suddenly, he began to sing again, his voice desolate and tragic, like a traveler in a barren desert, having lost all hope, offering a final, mournful song of fate: "For thirty years I've searched for swords and blades, through countless falling leaves and sprouting new branches. Since seeing the peach blossoms, I have had no more doubts."

This song was a true reflection of Shi Zhixuan himself, and he ultimately couldn't overcome Shi Qingxuan's only weakness, bowing down to Bi Xiuxin and confessing his love.

The rain grew heavier.

Shi Zhixuan, swaying his head, recited: "The beauty of ice and snow is most wondrous, often playing her jade flute for others. Countless flowers are moved by her melody, yet she alone grants the first branch to the Lord of Spring. Xiuxin! Do you still remember when I asked you, 'If there is nothing outside the mind, what does this flower, blooming and withering in the deep mountains, have to do with my heart?' You answered me: 'Before you saw this flower, it and your heart were both in a state of stillness; when you see it, its colors suddenly become clear, and you know it is not outside your heart.' You always understood, I never understood. Now you have reached the Pure Land of No Worries, while I, Shi Zhixuan, am still adrift in the sea of suffering in this mortal world. Must I pay the price for my foolishness?'"

"Hahaha!"

A laugh more terrifying than the weeping of a vengeful ghost erupted from Yuan Yueze's mouth, filled with indescribable sorrow and misery.

Raindrops were scattered in all directions.

Yuan Yueze, left hand on his sword, right hand pressed against his face, laughed loudly.

Shi Qingxuan looked at him helplessly.

"For thirty years, I've had no eyes, and even when I've gained insight, I'm still confused. Seeing the peach blossoms, I have no doubts. Presenting the essentials, the stringless zither plays the Chanyu's tune. Picking leaves and searching branches, I'm half-old, but seeing flowers, I feel young again. From now on, the water and clouds will understand. It's not mysterious; the evil king should be laughed at by the peach blossoms."

Yuan Yueze held his long sword behind his neck, crossed his arms, and chanted as he left.

In the heavy rain, his lonely, desolate figure caused Shi Qingxuan's heart to ache inexplicably.

The extremely ironic words and tone, however, had no effect on Shi Zhixuan; he remained standing there like a statue, muttering incessantly.

Shi Qingxuan hesitated slightly, then followed in Yuan Yueze's direction.

After walking for at least twenty miles, the rain stopped. Shi Qingxuan, her expression complex, asked, "What happened to you? How did you end up like this? Did he attack you first?"

Yuan Yueze shook his head and said calmly, "My purpose in coming here was to kill him, but you saved his life."

Shi Qingxuan paused, and after a long while, she exclaimed in astonishment, "Kill...him?"

Yuan Yueze said numbly, "Yu Yan is dead. He's the one who killed her."

Shi Qingxuan covered her mouth in surprise and exclaimed, "Who could kill her? Didn't she master the Heavenly Demon Technique and become one of the 'Three Grandmasters'? Besides, didn't you tell me that you passed on 20% of the 'Evil Emperor's Relic' essence to her?"

Yuan Yueze then told Shi Qingxuan everything, and before she could speak, he said, "I'm leaving now. Until we meet again."

After saying that, he ignored the stunned Shi Qingxuan and slowly disappeared into the distance.

Time flew by, and it was already the end of September.

Since Yuan Yueze crippled Li Yuanji, the Prince of Qi of the Li Tang dynasty, in Chengdu, just as Yuan Yueze predicted, the Li Tang dynasty did not react significantly. After much deliberation, the major powers in Sichuan and Chongqing decided to maintain neutrality for the time being.

Each power still capable of vying for supremacy was actively expanding its strength. Luoyang became the brightest star in the Central Plains, and the city began to expand to attract residents. Many previously unthinkable facilities and welfare policies were implemented after discussions between Shen Luoyan and other leaders. At the Pegasus Ranch, Lu Miaozi's steam engine began production. The war-torn Central Plains was beginning to enter a small-scale 'industrial revolution'.

Du Fuwei, unable to choose between Su Su, the envoy sent by Shen Luoyan, and Shi Feixuan, the head of the Xuanmen sect representing the Li Tang dynasty, ultimately promised to submit to whoever ultimately controlled Luoyang. The neutrality of Bashu was undoubtedly a huge blow to the Li Tang dynasty. Luoyang, after months of development, hadn't expanded, but its various systems were being implemented smoothly, and its total military strength had reached 110,000. Even setting aside any potential attacks, its defense of the fortified city was virtually unbreakable.

What shocked Cihang Jingzhai and Li Shimin even more was that Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling, centered in the chaotic city of Liangdu, had rapidly carved out a territory based on their reputation for benevolence and righteousness, completely controlling Liangdu within ten days. Four days prior, news arrived that Yuwen Shang of Pengcheng, due to his ongoing conflict with Xu Yuanlang, had achieved a pyrrhic victory but was then annihilated by the Shuanglong army. Yuwen Shang escaped with only a few skilled fighters, fleeing to the former Wagang army forces that had surrendered to the Li Tang and were holding out in Liyang. Needless to say, everyone knew the Yuwen clan was finished; their only hope for survival was to surrender to the Li Tang.

The relationship between the Twin Dragons and Yuan Yueze is common knowledge, which, in the eyes of outsiders, undoubtedly represents a significant increase in Yuan Yueze's power. He has almost completely controlled a vast tract of valuable land east of Luoyang.

The Twin Dragons seem to be following their original trajectory.

The situation in the Central Plains is beginning to simplify, depending on when the Li Tang dynasty will emerge from the pass, and how Yuan Yueze and Dou Jiande ultimately resist. The final outcome will be crucial in determining who will ultimately rule the Central Plains .

In Luoyang, at the Yuan family's small residence,

the women were busy with their own tasks, enjoying themselves.

Xiao Bei flipped through a few books and said, "Xiao Xian completely disregards my feelings. He's stubborn and will ultimately reap what he sows."

Shan Meixian comforted him, "We've both been through this before. Haven't we seen enough people who forget everything for power? You've done your best, don't overthink it."

Xiao Bei sighed and nodded.

Wei Zhenzhen sat opposite Shan Meixian and sighed, "Why hasn't my husband returned yet! It's so worrying. He even wrote a letter to comfort us. In his letter, my second brother said that half of his hair has turned white."

Shan Meixian showed a sad expression and said helplessly, "Which of us sisters doesn't know how much she loves Mother? At first, I was really afraid that he wouldn't be able to bear it and would take his own life. Alas! If he didn't worry about us sisters, he wouldn't be alive today. Didn't Shidao say that he would be back in ten days or so?"

Wei Zhenzhen was about to speak again when she heard a soft sound outside the door. Then, Wanwan appeared in the room, panting heavily, travel-worn but her face beaming with undisguised joy.

At dusk,

Yuan Yueze sat in a small boat, heading towards Jingling. The

sails drifted eastward with the current, and Yuan Yueze sat alone at the bow, enjoying the beautiful scenery along the river. This section of the river was deep and swift, with surging tides and towering cliffs on both sides. The boat seemed to be rushing downstream with the turbulent current.

Hou Wenqing was going to attend the annual gambling tournament in Jiujiang, and Song Shidao was going to put on a show to establish Yue Shan's authority, so Yuan Yueze was returning to Luoyang alone.

These past few days, his mood had improved considerably; in short, his mindset had changed. Zhu Yuyan was indeed no longer alive, but she lived on in Yuan Yueze's heart. Therefore, in Yuan Yueze's eyes, Zhu Yuyan was no different from someone still alive. After using his extraordinary power, his long hair had returned to its original black color. He could even change his clothes, wrap his longsword, and walk down the street without anyone questioning his identity, as the fact that his long hair had turned completely white was practically common knowledge. And how could an ordinary person so easily switch between black and white hair?

The small boat entered a section of the river where the mountains rose sharply on both sides, and the current was swift. The sounds of battle cries carried on the wind.

The boat rounded a bend, and on the open river, two warships were engaged in combat. Crossbow bolts and arrows flew wildly, the battle fierce. Yuan Yueze's small boat had already entered the battle zone, and many stray arrows and bolts were fired at him.

After deflecting the arrows with his true energy, Yuan Yueze focused his gaze, trying to discern which side was fighting.

On the warship of the side with the overwhelming advantage stood a familiar figure:

the blond-haired Yun Shuai.

He wondered if those warships and men were allies he had found in the Central Plains, or if they were originally planted there.

Yuan Yueze paid them little attention. He channeled his inner energy, propelling the small boat dozens of feet forward in an instant, leaving the battlefield far behind.

"Brother Yuan, how have you been?"

A splash of water suddenly appeared, and a figure swiftly leaped aboard from the stern.

Yuan Yueze glanced at him indifferently; it was none other than Tuli Khan, soaked to the bone yet showing no sign of dishevelment, holding a short-handled lance with a vulture cast on the handle.

Without even looking, Yuan Yueze knew this lance was forged by a renowned Persian craftsman, weighing sixty jin (approximately 30 kg), made of exceptional steel, renowned throughout the Turkic people, and feared by enemies. It was the 'Hidden Eagle Spear,' a symbol of Tuli's identity and martial skill. Yuan Yueze, with his hands behind his back, suddenly unleashed a chilling burst of innate sword energy, like a whirlwind, towards Tuli. Tuli's Hidden Eagle Spear trembled violently, emitting a wind-breaking force as he desperately resisted Yuan Yueze's powerful sword energy.

After deflecting Yuan Yueze's sword energy, Tuli's composure vanished, replaced by a sense of dejection. He slumped down on the stern of the boat and said with a bitter smile, "Since I'm going to die anyway, dying at Brother Yuan's hands is better than dying at the hands of those treacherous people."

Yuan Yueze smiled and said, "Brother Tuli once besieged me. It's not unreasonable for me to test you, is it?"

Tuli nodded with a bitter smile.

After a moment's thought, Yuan Yueze said, "Is it because of his daughter that Commander Yun is hunting you down? You must be cooperating with the Yin Gui Sect, right? They want to kidnap Commander Yun's daughter and present her to you as a gift."

Tuli trembled slightly and sighed, "Alas, I'm afraid there's really nothing in this world that can be hidden from Brother Yuan. That's just the truth. I know Brother Yuan will look down on me, but these were all the ideas of our Great Khan and Zhao Deyan. I was just following orders. Brother Yuan will surely think I'm shirking responsibility. But in fact, although I appear to have power and influence, it's exactly what you Han people mean when you say that high positions are dangerous. Many things are beyond my control."

Yuan Yueze said calmly, "I understand, Brother Tuli, please sit tight!"

Propelled by Yuan Yueze's true energy, the small boat moved swiftly like an arrow, arriving at the shore in the blink of an eye.

After the two went ashore, Yuan Yueze said again, "If my guess is correct, Zhao Deyan is waiting for Brother Tuli somewhere nearby."

Tuli stared at him in disbelief.

Yuan Yueze's decision to save Tuli was not entirely out of chivalry. He understood that if Tuli were still alive, with internal and external troubles, Jieli would be unable to quickly unify the grasslands, thus reducing the threat to the Central Plains. The day the Central Plains were stabilized would be the beginning of a nightmare for the grassland tribes.

Tuli was originally supposed to be the Khan of the Eastern Turks. His father, Shibi Khan, died of illness while preparing to attack the former Sui Dynasty. Tuli was still young at the time, and his uncle succeeded him as Khan, becoming Chuluo Khan. After Chuluo ascended the throne, he married Princess Yicheng of the Sui Dynasty. Zhao Deyan was recruited by her. Upon entering the Eastern Turkic Khaganate, Zhao Deyan proposed bringing Yang Zhengdao, the posthumous son of Yang Lai, the former Prince of Qi of the Sui Dynasty, to the Khan's court; the purpose of this suggestion is self-evident. Although Chuluo was infatuated with Princess Yicheng's beauty, he harbored strong feelings for Chao Deyan. Only under Princess Yicheng's repeated encouragement did he reluctantly appoint Chao Deyan as his national advisor. Later, Chuluo fell ill and took the Five-Stone Decoction made by Chao Deyan with cinnabar, realgar, white powder, azurite, and magnetite. Not only did it not work, but it also caused him to develop boils and die. Princess Yicheng suddenly became the one in control. At that time, the Eastern Turkic tribe was leaderless and in turmoil. Logically, the one who should have sat on the throne was Tuli and Chuluo's son, Aoshe. However, Princess Yicheng, Zhao Deyan, and Jieli secretly colluded and swiftly suppressed all opposition. Jieli then sat on the throne and even openly took Yicheng as his wife, utterly shameless. There was no room for chance in this matter, but it was quite normal for Tuli to have survived. His father, in his lifetime, was a formidable hero, far surpassing Chuluo in prestige, and the 'Martial Venerable' Bi Xuan protected him in every way; it would not be easy to move him. But if it were done through an outsider like Commander Yun, it would be a different story. Although both Chuluo and Jieli were Tuli's uncles, and Jieli was by no means inferior to Chuluo in terms of strength, within the Turkic tribe, whoever was the most powerful could become king; there was no logic to it.

In reality, this whole affair was a trap set to deal with Tuli. Whether it was the Yin Gui faction, who genuinely helped him kidnap Lian Rou, or General Yun, who sought revenge for his daughter, they were all manipulated by Zhao Deyan's 'using a borrowed knife to kill' scheme.

To Zhao Deyan, everyone was merely a tool to be used. He had always been ruthless in achieving his goals.

After a long pause, Tuli sighed, "I admit defeat. But how could someone as shrewd as Commander Yun fall for such a trick?"

Yuan Yueze pondered for a moment before saying, "I suspect it's because Lian Rou colluded with An Long and Zhu Can and his daughter. As long as An Long and Zhao Deyan's men secretly communicate with each other, all your actions will be under Commander Yun's control. Commander Yun will only think An Long is incredibly powerful, never imagining it's a vicious scheme by Jieli and Zhao Deyan to use someone else to kill you."

Tuli was stunned for a long time before bitterly smiling, "If it weren't for Brother Yuan's guidance, I'm afraid I wouldn't have been able to figure out the key point even if I racked my brains. If my guess is correct..." "Speaking of which, the person Zhao Deyan planted by my side must be Kang Qiaoli. Our entire group went to Guanzhong before, and it was that kid who kept encouraging us, saying Lian Rou was amorous and would be interested in me. That's why I had everyone else stay in Chang'an to maintain appearances, and came here alone, all because I didn't want the Li family to know I'd slipped away."

Then his voice turned cold: "Hmph! Luckily, I figured out Zhao Deyan and Jieli's treacherous plot, otherwise I wouldn't have a chance to go back and settle accounts with them!"

A cold, terrifying smile appeared on Yuan Yueze's lips, making Tu Li's heart tremble. He felt that someone was about to suffer. The

person about to suffer was Zhao Deyan.

In Yuan Yueze's mind, Zhao Deyan had also become one of the people indirectly responsible for Zhu Yuyan's death.

What kind of nonsense was this? Although Zhao Deyan might have fought with Zhu Yuyan before her death, Zhu Yuyan's cultivation level should have been above Zhao Deyan's. How could her death have anything to do with Zhao Deyan?

Yuan Yueze was single-minded; he didn't care about any of that.

“How about I kill Zhao Deyan in the Central Plains?”

Yuan Yueze put his hand on Tu Li’s shoulder and smiled.

Feeling Yuan Yueze's hand on his shoulder, Tuli, whose blood flowed with the fierce and warlike spirit of the nomadic peoples of the northern frontier, was stirred with boundless pride by Yuan's words. He declared resolutely, "Good! Only now do I, Tuli, understand what true heroism is! I will use myself as bait to lure out Zhao Deyan!"

With Tuli's intelligence, he easily understood the meaning behind Yuan Yueze's words: he simply claimed he could kill Zhao Deyan, and Tuli certainly believed him. The problem was that Zhao Deyan was elusive and his family extremely cunning; if he didn't want to reveal himself, even Yuan Yueze would be powerless. Tuli's simple offer to use himself as bait stemmed not only from his hatred for Zhao Deyan but also, and perhaps more importantly, from his trust in Yuan Yueze.

Yuan Yueze, taken aback, said, "Thank you for your trust, Brother Tuli. I guarantee I won't let you lose a single hair!"

Tuli shook his head slightly and sighed, "If anyone else had said this, I would have laughed at them. Even within our country, Zhao Deyan is always accompanied by four Han Chinese masters, all of whom are his fellow disciples, inseparable from him. Although I am confident, I know I can't withstand the combined attack of any two of them. If we add Kang Qiaoli, who may have already betrayed me, we would be lucky to even manage a draw against them, let alone the fact that he should have other masters with him. But since these words came from Brother Yuan, who can fight a thousand men single-handedly, I absolutely believe you. I entrust my life to you." "What good would it do you!"

Yuan Yueze nodded and said, "After this matter is settled, what are your plans, Brother Tuli?"

Tuli replied, "My headquarters is located north of your Youzhou, governing dozens of tribes in the east of the Khanate, essentially another Khanate, with its own army. It would be best if I could go to Luoyang, because my country currently has a large trade delegation doing business there, and they will later travel to Guanzhong. The person in charge has a close relationship with me, and as long as I can meet up with them, I can turn the tide. After arriving in Guanzhong, with the help of Brother Shimin's army, I should be able to return safely to the grasslands."

Tuli wasn't foolish enough to think that Yuan Yueze would send troops to protect him; if he could return directly to the grasslands from Luoyang, that would be ideal.

Yuan Yueze said, "Actually, I can go back to Luoyang and talk to Luoyan about escorting Brother Tuli back to the grasslands directly. Of course, that's on the condition that Brother Tuli trusts me."

Tuli's face lit up with joy, "Of course I trust Brother Yuan."

He was no ordinary person to have reached such a high position, and he naturally understood that Yuan Yueze's purpose in saving him was to use him to restrain Jieli. Therefore, he had no doubt that Yuan Yueze would not kill him. Besides, given Yuan Yueze's habit of never acting reasonably, even if Yuan Yueze wanted to kill him, why bother with all that trouble!

Yuan Yueze suddenly looked up at the sky and said, "Then let's carefully plan against Zhao Deyan."

High above, among the clouds, a bird's shadow was circling and flying, appearing and disappearing.

Chapter 73 Nothing

Left Tuli gazed at the bird's silhouette and said, "That's a highly trained, spiritually-intelligent hawk from our country. It can fly several miles a day, rapidly transmitting messages. It's not afraid of being attacked by other birds, nor is it worried about being shot down. Moreover, it can recognize people from high altitudes, making it our best helper on the battlefield."

Yuan Yueze, seeing such an 'ancient satellite' for the first time, asked with interest, "Won't it get lost?"

Tuli proudly replied, "We have a special method for training hawks, and no one is better at it than us. If it can't even recognize mountains and rivers, how can it be worthy of the praise of 'spiritual intelligence'?"

Yuan Yueze secretly thought that if they had such a feathered beast during the decisive battle, they could clearly know the enemy's distribution and deployment, naturally gaining a great advantage and being invincible. He said aloud, "Let's use this bird to our advantage!"

Tuli laughed, "That's exactly what I'm thinking."

Night had fallen, and dark clouds obscured the moon.

A wounded hare lay in the valley, constantly emitting mournful cries.

The sound attracted its predator—the Turkic people's "aerial satellite," the hawk.

The hawk folded its wings, swooped down with lightning speed, snatched the hare, and soared hundreds of feet into the air before turning and flying northwest.

After flying six or seven miles, it landed over a small lake.

The lake reflected the moonlight, and the surrounding scenery was serene and tranquil. Nine tents stood in the woods along the shore.

The hawk cried out and swooped down to the largest tent in the center.

Hearing the hawk's cry, the curtain at the main tent's entrance billowed without wind, and a tall, slender figure with a powerful aura stepped out.

This was the hawk's master, Zhao Deyan, the third-ranked of the eight great masters of the evil path and the Eastern Turkic state advisor.

The hawk tossed the hare to the ground with its talons, spun in the air, and landed steadily on Zhao Deyan's arm.

Zhao Deyan said to the Hawk, "Still haven't found Tuli? Instead, you've started hunting game!"

His voice was deep and powerful, as if the Hawk were a longtime friend who could understand human speech.

Zhao Deyan suddenly snorted coldly, his sharp, knife-like eyes peering through his narrowed slits into the bushes to his right. He exuded an indescribable aura of dominance and malevolence, chilling anyone who saw him.

A gentle breeze suddenly swept through the bushes under the moonlight.

Two burly, imposing figures slowly emerged.

It was Yuan Yueze and Tuli.

Tuli's murderous aura was overwhelming, and the Hawk took flight in fright.

Knowing the Hawk's intelligence, he used meat as bait, turning the tables and successfully locating Zhao Deyan.

Zhao Deyan glanced at Yuan Yueze, whose calmness was almost eerily profound, his pupils suddenly contracting. He said indifferently, "Why did Khan Tuli come with Brother Yuan? Is this considered treason?"

At the same time, over a hundred Eastern Turkic warriors swarmed in from all directions, surrounding the two men. These men were all dressed in tight-fitting night-time gear, armed with everything from swords and knives to heavy spears, lances, and axes. Their fighting strength was far from ordinary, and they seemed to have been lying in ambush all along.

Tuli's expression grew even colder, while Yuan Yueze stood with his hands behind his back, looking leisurely at the sky, his deep gaze seemingly able to pierce through the clouds and see the bright moon.

A challenging smile appeared on Tuli's lips. He laughed heartily and said with great arrogance, "Originally, I wanted to use some schemes to plot against you, but now there's no need. Brother Yuan also wants to kill the Grand Preceptor. Grand Preceptor, may you have good fortune."

Zhao Deyan's face turned cold.

Yuan Yueze still didn't even glance at Zhao Deyan, and said softly, looking up at the sky, "I never thought that we'd never met before, yet 'Demon Commander' would recognize me."

Zhao Deyan sneered, "Who in the world wouldn't know your name, young master? I, Zhao Deyan, am no exception."

Suddenly, Tuli shouted angrily at a tall, thin man not far behind Zhao Deyan, with a sharp, iron-like face, a body as straight as a spear, a sharp, fast cavalry saber favored by the Turks in his right hand, and a shield in his left, exuding the air of a master who stood out from the crowd: "Kang Qiaoli, you traitor, how dare you collude with outsiders to harm me! Today, it's either you or me who dies!"

Kang Qiaoli's expression changed slightly, but he remained silent.

Zhao Deyan continued, "May I ask what brings you here today, young master? Tuli Khan should be your enemy, shouldn't he?"

Yuan Yueze replied, "I'm here for your life. Enough talk, attack!"

Tuli's heart skipped a beat, and he secretly smiled bitterly, thinking that with so many people on the other side, they attacked without warning, truly displaying the lawless style of the 'Evil Emperor.' Though he thought this, Tuli gathered his aura in his spear, preparing to accept the encirclement.

Just as Yuan Yueze shouted, all the Turkic warriors began to move. Strangely, Zhao Deyan, the most skilled among them, did not confront Yuan Yueze but instead rushed towards Tuli, while the other warriors surrounded Yuan Yueze.

Two thick, dark steel spears, as thick as pinky fingers, emerged like venomous snakes from Zhao Deyan's left and right sleeves, their tips diamond-shaped spikes, stabbing towards Tuli with the speed of a meteor, utterly insidious and vicious.

These extraordinary weapons, renowned in both the Demonic Sect and the Western Regions, were called the "Hundred-Transformation Diamond Spears." They could be both soft and hard, endlessly changing, possessing unpredictable and supernatural power. They were the weapons that made Zhao Deyan famous. Not only were they impervious to divine weapons, but they were also the nemesis of swords and blades. If entangled with them using special techniques, they were almost certain to be snatched away.

Zhao Deyan's greatest strength lay in his ability to eliminate Yuan Yueze and deal with Tuli first, a move that Tuli would never have imagined. This gave him a psychological advantage and strategic initiative.

It was clearly a tactic to distract Yuan Yueze and quickly eliminate Tuli. Zhao Deyan's sole purpose in coming to the Central Plains was to kill Tuli.

However, he underestimated Yuan Yueze.

The group of over a hundred exceptionally powerful Turkic warriors couldn't even see Yuan Yueze's movements before they all perished.

Tuli, after blocking two attacks from Zhao Deyan and Kang Qiaoli, was already outmatched. Seeing the diamond spear hurtling towards his face, Tuli's mind went blank.

"Clang!"

Yuan Yueze's sword sheath blocked Zhao Deyan's deadly spear in time.

Zhao Deyan retreated, retracting his spear into his sleeve. Kang Qiaoli hurriedly followed beside him.

Yuan Yueze supported the pale-faced Tuli, channeling his true energy into his body.

Sensing that Yuan Yueze was regulating Tuli's breathing, a profound and sinister glint flashed in Zhao Deyan's eyes, and he struck Yuan Yueze with a palm.

This palm strike seemed ordinary, but it was actually the essence of Zhao Deyan's lifelong demonic arts. It completely locked and enveloped the opponent, his five fingers spread wide, seemingly slow yet fast, seemingly clumsy yet skillful, infinitely changeable. It was the starting move of Zhao Deyan's trump card, "Returning Soul Eighteen Claws," namely, "Vermilion Bird Rejection." The saying goes, "The Vermilion Bird does not droop, it rejects, like a mountain standing tall, its head not bowing, as if refusing to be buried." Yuan Yueze's left hand, gripping the sword sheath, punched out a blow through the air, meeting Zhao Deyan's fierce and unparalleled attack.

With a loud "bang," Yuan Yueze took a step back, while Zhao Deyan took two.

Yuan Yueze was shocked. Zhao Deyan's strength was extraordinary, seemingly only slightly inferior to Zhu Yuyan, who had mastered the Heavenly Demon Technique. How could this be!

Just as Yuan Yueze was still reeling from the shock, Zhao Deyan roared and charged forward, attacking with both claws simultaneously, unleashing the first move of the "Eighteen Returning Soul Claws," "The Weeping of the Black Tortoise." The incantation states: "The Black Tortoise is water, its strength and weakness depend on its form. The black torrent is its emotion; with this form, there is a response." Suddenly, his left claw became a straight, swift, and furious strike! His other hand became bent and twisted, flowing gently and slowly. Such claw techniques were unbelievable to anyone who hadn't witnessed them firsthand.

Yuan Yueze's gaze turned cold. He lightly slapped his mostly recovered Tuli behind him, using his chest to take the full force of Zhao Deyan's claw attack.

"Bang!"

Yuan Yueze gritted his teeth and said hatefully, "Indeed, you are extraordinary. I'm afraid Yu Yan didn't get away with much trouble from you back then!"

Before he finished speaking, his right sword finger transformed into a sharp white light, shooting towards the area between Zhao Deyan's claws.

This simple finger strike was aimed precisely at the point where Zhao Deyan's aura was strongest.

Zhao Deyan seemed to have some reservations, and his hands suddenly pulled back to his chest, then coiled out again. From the first move, 'Black Tortoise's Lament,' he transformed into the most powerful eighteenth move, 'Azure Dragon's Jealousy of Its Master.' The moment he withdrew his hands, his aura suddenly changed, and a heat wave like that of a parched desert suddenly erupted, rushing wildly towards Yuan Yueze.

Tu Li exclaimed, "The Blazing Sun Technique?"

Yuan Yueze didn't think so. This aura reminded him of the Turkic red-robed shaman he had met once before.

"Clang!"

The long sword was drawn, and Zhao Deyan's casual and beautiful swordplay was incomparably sharp. The continuous 'Azure Dragon's Jealousy of Its Master' made the two exchange blows, creating a dazzling scene with a series of sounds of clashing forces. Amidst flying dirt, two figures darted about, engaging in a fierce and agonizing battle.

"Ah!"

Yuan Yueze unleashed a burst of innate sword energy, a piercing scream echoing through the night.

Kang Qiaoli coughed up blood, staring blankly at the longsword piercing his chest, his face filled with disbelief.

He didn't disbelieve that Yuan Yueze could kill him, but rather that Zhao Deyan would use him as a shield in such a critical moment.

"Clang!"

The sword returned to its sheath, and Kang Qiaoli fell to the ground, eyes wide open, dying with unfinished business.

Tuli approached Yuan Yueze, who had his eyes closed, and after a few breaths, Yuan Yueze opened them and sighed, "Zhao Deyan is so cunning! He's been channeling evil energy into my meridians, and he's even pretending to be weak. If I hadn't been wary of this evil energy, how could he have escaped!"

Tuli asked, puzzled, "How could Zhao Deyan possibly know the 'Blazing Sun Technique'? His father would never have passed it on to him."

Yuan Yueze shook his head and asked, "Brother Tuli, is there any mysterious or strange sect in the Turkic Khaganate?"

Tuli pondered for a moment and said, "When my father was alive, I vaguely heard him mention a sect that worshipped the ancestral spirits of a clan or tribe. It seemed to have been a good religion, and they had connections with our upper-class figures. But after a leader with evil energy emerged, it began to be rejected by the Khanate. This happened decades ago; the sect should have disappeared by now!"

Yuan Yueze thought to himself, "Isn't this Shamanism? Shamanism believes that all things are alive, all things are interconnected, and all things are sacred." It couldn't be considered a cult. According to Tuli, the Red-Clothed Shaman Queen was very likely the leader of the now-corrupted Shamanism. Zhao Deyan seemed to be colluding with her; otherwise, how could he have used such similar martial arts? Zhao Deyan's loyalty to the Demonic Sect was low; everything he did was to satisfy his own desires, so his alliance with the Red-Clothed Shaman Queen wasn't surprising.

Tuli said, "It's a real pity that Zhao Deyan escaped this time."

Yuan Yueze said apologetically, "It's all my fault for underestimating him; otherwise, I would have killed him long ago."

Tuli laughed heartily, "Brother Yuan, there's no need for that."

Yuan Yueze smiled, and the two disappeared into the moonlight.

After traveling day and night for several days, Yuan Yueze and Tuli finally returned to Luoyang.

Luoyang had changed drastically, expanded by a quarter of its original size. Everywhere was filled with singing and dancing; the bustling and prosperous scene made it easy to lose oneself in it and forget the world still engulfed in war outside.

Along the way, Tuli fully experienced Yuan Yueze's charm. Almost everyone he passed greeted him with delighted expressions, offering warm greetings. Yuan Yueze returned the greetings one by one, being extremely polite.

After encountering soldiers on the road and arranging for them to lead Tuli to a safe place to rest, Yuan Yueze headed home alone.

This trip had lasted two months, and he had suffered a huge blow to his spirit, making his longing for his beloved wife at home even stronger.

"Bang!"

After bursting open the door, he found Xiao Bei, Fu Junzhuo, Wei Zhenzhen, Su Su, Shen Luoyan, Song Yuhua, and Song Yuzhi chatting inside. Upon seeing Yuan Yueze enter, the women all showed expressions of joy. Song Yuzhi cheered and rushed over.

Yuan Yueze opened his arms and unceremoniously embraced her, lowering his head to find her slightly trembling, luscious red lips, sucking them wildly and greedily like a starving ghost.

While the surrounding women weren't as frenzied as Song Yuzhi, they still blushed and their hearts raced. They wanted to turn away, but their bodies wouldn't obey.

After a passionate kiss, Yuan Yueze released the already hot and limp Song Yuzhi and made amends to each of his wives.

Holding the shy and bashful Song Yuhua, who dared not raise her head, Yuan Yueze was about to ask where the other women had gone when he heard Wanwan's familiar yet urgent voice from outside the door: "Sister Xiao, is Senior Sister there? Master wants to see her!"

Yuan Yueze, who had been taking advantage of the shy Susu, trembled violently upon hearing this, stopping all his movements and looking towards the door.

A figure flashed, and Wanwan appeared inside the house. Seeing Yuan Yueze also there, she froze, looking at him somewhat bewildered.

A desolate village on the west bank of the Luo River.

The structure and scale of the houses in this village differed from typical remote villages, seemingly the secluded dwelling of a prominent family. Two rows of houses stretched out along the road, the main path leading through the village overgrown with weeds, a scene of utter desolation.

Only one person lived in this village:

Zhu Yuyan.

The once ruthless and cold-blooded "Empress of the Underworld," who had roamed the world for decades, killing countless people, no longer possessed her former radiance. She wore only a plain white undergarment, sitting on the bed, staring blankly at the tiny, scarlet mole on her forearm, which was as smooth and delicate as a newborn's skin.

The dim light accentuated her delicate yet beautiful features and her melancholic, bright eyes. She looked a year or two younger than Wanwan, yet there wasn't a trace of internal energy flowing within her.

It was known that Zhu Yuyan's eternal youth was due to her profound internal strength, but now, not only had she lost all her martial arts, but she also looked younger, and the scarlet mark on her forearm was a symbol of virginity!

How could this be!

All these phenomena were too bizarre, making it seem unbelievable.

"Sigh!"

After a long while, Zhu Yuyan let out a soft sigh, her haggard appearance enough to break anyone's heart.

"Bang!"

The door was kicked open and shattered.

Zhu Yuyan frowned and looked over, then her expression froze.

Yuan Yueze's familiar figure appeared in the doorway, his expression chillingly cold.

Wanwan followed him breathlessly.

Yuan Yueze stared intently into Zhu Yuyan's eyes, silently walking slowly to the bedside.

“Master, he… he insisted on coming. Wan’er couldn’t stop him. Wan’er didn’t know he was returning to Luoyang today. I didn’t mean to tell him,”

Wanwan hurriedly explained.

But she noticed the atmosphere in the room was unusually heavy and oppressive. Yuan Yueze stared coldly at Zhu Yuyan. Zhu Yuyan’s cherry lips twitched slightly, and then she lowered her head, her face pale. Wanwan had become an obstacle. Wanwan took a deep breath and said, “Wan’er will go outside first.”

After saying that, she turned and walked out.

After leaving the room, Wanwan’s mind raced. She had already sensed that the relationship between the two was not ordinary, and it was very likely a romantic relationship. But she couldn’t figure out what had happened between them. Out of respect for Zhu Yuyan, Wanwan dared not ask. Yuan Yueze never talked about such things, which made Wanwan’s curiosity grow stronger. After taking a few steps, she quietly retreated to the side of the door, closed her pores, and listened carefully.

"Husband, I..."

After an unknown amount of silence, Zhu Yuyan's weak voice finally broke the silence.

Wanwan's heart trembled violently, wondering what her master had just called that bastard... What?

"Slap!"

Just as Wanwan was secretly surprised, a loud slap rang out, followed by Yuan Yueze's furious roar: "Shut up! What did you promise me!"

Wanwan already knew that Zhu Yuyan had lost all her martial arts skills. Hearing Yuan Yueze's frantic roar, she immediately understood that this slap would definitely not be light, and Zhu Yuyan could not withstand it. Wanwan had no time to think further and rushed into the room. Yuan Yueze,

his chest heaving violently, sat at the foot of the bed, his eyes bloodshot, like a demon. Zhu Yuyan sat with her head turned to the side, drops of blood from the corner of her mouth dripping onto her plain white undergarment and thin quilt, blooming into one tragic and terrifying blood flower after another.

Wanwan quickly helped Zhu Yuyan up. Her left cheek was swollen badly, and tears streamed down her face.

While carefully wiping away the blood, Wanwan said to Yuan Yueze with displeasure, "How dare you hit Master! If you lay a hand on him again, I won't hold back!"

Yuan Yueze's killing intent flashed as he stared at Wanwan and said, word by word, "If you want to live, stop talking nonsense."

Wanwan felt wronged but remained stubborn, saying, "You were in the wrong, and you're still yelling at me!"

Zhu Yuyan knew Yuan Yueze just as well as Shan Meixian and the other women. She knew perfectly well that Yuan Yueze was now a devil; at this moment, in his eyes, anyone except his wife could be killed without hesitation. So she slapped Wanwan's hand away and whispered, "Wan'er, go outside. I have something to say to him."

Although Wanwan was worried, she went outside and continued to eavesdrop.

Silence filled the room for a long time before Zhu Yuyan's voice rang out again: "Husband, you...you have to listen to Yuyan's explanation..."

Wanwan suddenly realized that her master really did have a romantic relationship with Yuan Yueze, and it was anything but simple. A pang of sadness shot through Wanwan's heart, like a child whose beloved toy had been snatched away.

Before Zhu Yuyan could finish speaking, Yuan Yueze's icy voice interrupted her again: "Shut up! Have you no shame? Who's your husband? Don't you know how old you are? You could be my grandmother! I'm not worthy of your status!"

Wanwan and everyone outside the room began to hate Yuan Yueze; his words were so awful, a complete insult to Zhu Yuyan's character.

Zhu Yuyan, however, showed no anger and said softly, "Can't you let me explain before you make a decision?"

"No!"

Yuan Yueze said decisively, then muttered to himself with a desolate tone, "My beloved Zhu Yuyan died long ago. She lives in my heart, but not you."

He paused, then said coldly, "How have I, Yuan Yueze, treated you? Tell me! You told me you wanted to live a life of seclusion, and I thought it was for my own good, so I did it. But what about you! I've been nagging you more than a woman, reminding you time and time again not to use the 'mutual destruction' strategy. Am I trying to harm you? Tell me!"

Zhu Yuyan knew Yuan Yueze's feelings for her. Yuan Yueze was originally a dull and slow-witted person, not very sensitive to emotions, but since a few years ago, he had always shown a passionate side whenever he was with Zhu Yuyan. It wasn't because he was usually hypocritical; on the contrary, his feelings for Zhu Yuyan were as fiery as a raging fire. His love was the most intense, and similarly, once it turned into hatred, it was also the most intense.

Zhu Yuyan's worst fears had finally come true. Yuan Yueze had gone so far as to refuse to listen to her explanations. In that case, there was probably no possibility left between Zhu Yuyan and Yuan Yueze.

Because she knew all too well how ruthless Yuan Yueze was to others and to himself.

Zhu Yuyan gave a bitter smile and said, "It was Yuyan who let you down, listen to me..."

Yuan Yueze raised his hand to interrupt her, then stood up, his back to her, and calmly said, "Zhu Yuyan, remember this well, you know better than anyone how deep my hatred for you is. Farewell!"

Tears streamed down Zhu Yuyan's face, and through her blurred vision, Yuan Yueze's tall figure gradually disappeared into the distance. At the same time, a desolate voice rang out: "Ten miles of pavilions, frost fills the sky, how many years have passed since my black hair turned white? No regrets in this life, no mistakes in this life, may we meet again in the next..."

Zhu Yuyan's delicate body trembled violently, and she murmured: "A smile as beautiful as a flower, so enchanting, a face as gentle as water, how can it be so tender?

Deep affection is as fleeting as longing, free to dance and twirl on Penglai Mountain." This was the poem that Yuan Yueze had once recited to Zhu Yuyan, originally expressing the sorrow and lament of a woman suffering from unrequited love, but now it became a reflection of Yuan Yueze himself.

Wanwan stepped into the room, just in time to hear the two reciting the poem one after the other, and stood beside Zhu Yuyan with a complicated look in her eyes.

Zhu Yuyan's eyes suddenly became empty, and she said sadly: "Is this retribution?"

Then she laughed somewhat madly: "How cruel is Heaven, am I, Zhu Yuyan, destined to have nothing?"

Her voice was sorrowful, and her long hair was disheveled, which made Wanwan's heart ache, and she hurriedly comforted her.

The taste of gaining and then losing is indeed unpleasant.

Yuan Yueze's feelings were conflicted. After learning about Wanwan's situation, he was overjoyed, but in the half hour he spent on the way, hatred welled up in his heart. He hated Zhu Yuyan for recklessly using the "jade and stone perish" technique, hated her for acting on her own initiative, hated her for not thinking of him, hated her...

"Husband!"

Yuan Yueze, who had walked out of the deserted village in a daze, heard a familiar voice.

A familiar figure rushed towards him, it was Shan Meixian, who looked anxious.

Yuan Yueze pulled her into his arms and kissed her fragrant lips passionately, his hands roaming all over her exquisite body.

Shan Meixian naturally wanted to be intimate with him, but now was clearly not the time. She also sensed something was wrong with Yuan Yueze. After breaking free, she tentatively asked, "Have you seen Mother?"

Yuan Yueze's expression turned cold, and he said expressionlessly, "Don't mention her again."

Shan Meixian's heart sank. Just as she was about to explain, she saw Yuan Yueze begin to undress her. Terrified, she hurriedly grabbed Yuan Yueze, saying, "Husband, don't do this! Listen to me… Oh!"

Her lips were immediately covered.

Shan Meixian reacted passionately. She knew that Yuan Yueze needed to vent, something the old Yuan Yueze would never have done. But now it was different. His heart was like that of a child who hadn't grown up. He had cultivated in the Tianshan Mountains for twenty years, yet had never entered the world. What else could it be but a child's heart? Actually, Yuan Yueze's behavior was already quite good. With anyone else, he would probably have been a reincarnated demon.

Yuan Yueze kissed Shan Meixian's full, red lips fiercely. One hand rested on her ample breasts, his thumb and middle finger pressing against the two erect nipples of her breasts, hardened by passion, through her thin clothing. His other hand slid down her soft waist to her pert, round buttocks, lifting her flowing skirt to her waist in two quick movements. His hand touched her smooth, snow-white skin, then followed the waistband of her short, white underpants, placing his large hand directly on her soft, elastic buttocks.

"Oh!"

Shan Meixian, who hadn't been intimate with Yuan Yueze for a long time and was at an age where she was deeply immersed in lovemaking, let out a captivating moan.

Yuan Yueze released her panting mouth, his large lips moving to her slender, delicate neck, kissing every sensitive spot. While he was busy above, he didn't stop below either, his middle finger slowly sliding down the crevice of Shan Meixian's smooth buttocks.

Having laboriously reached the most mysterious entrance, Yuan Yueze could feel the already overflowing, steaming flower-like opening. His fingers traced the wispy hairs of her vulva, and the moment they gently touched the entrance, Shan Meixian's seductive moans suddenly intensified. With a cry of "Ah!"

, Shan Meixian's trembling body arched slightly backward, her jade-like legs tightly clamping Yuan Yueze's fingers.

His hands paused their activity, and Yuan Yueze's mouth moved to Shan Meixian's exposed breasts, one hand squeezing the left nipple's rosy bud, while his nimble tongue swirled and licked the right nipple.

"Mmm!"

Shan Meixian's voice grew louder and louder.

Her beautiful eyes slightly closed, her face flushed, Shan Meixian's breathing became increasingly rapid. One small hand held Yuan Yueze's head, while the other began skillfully undressing him.

He quickly took out a blanket and spread it on the yellowish-green grass of the woods, placing his naked beloved on it.

A cool autumn breeze blew by, adding to the pleasant atmosphere.

"Baby, spread your legs a little wider!"

Yuan Yueze chuckled, gently biting Shan Meixian's earlobe, which was glistening with a few beads of sweat.

Shan Meixian's face flushed, her eyes glazed. One hand rested on Yuan Yueze's neck, while the other stroked his thick, magnificent member. Hearing this, she nodded slightly, slowly opening her legs and whispering sweetly, "Husband, I'm coming."

Yuan Yueze never cared about location when doing this, and this wasn't the first time they'd done it outdoors. But each time, Shan Meixian could clearly feel the love in Yuan Yueze's heart. He rarely cared about his own feelings, especially since his body was so abnormal, all for her pleasure. In this era, a man who loved his wife so dearly was a rare breed. Every time they made love, Shan Meixian felt herself sinking into oblivion, captivated by Yuan Yueze's charm and affection. This also filled her with pride; she knew clearly that Yuan Yueze's devotion to her was unmatched. And each time they were outdoors, the stimulation made Shan Meixian particularly wild. This time, it was another case of 'absence makes the heart grow fonder,' and under Yuan Yueze's teasing, Shan Meixian was already excitedly on the verge of her first climax in no time.

Yuan Yueze's middle finger slowly entered the myriad folds of her vagina, a smooth, moist passage that, despite having given birth and the countless times they had made love over the years, showed no signs of loosening. His fingertip pressed on the slightly protruding point on the upper wall of the passage, while his thumb gently swirled on the small fleshy protrusion between the two pink petals. Shan Meixian's mind went blank; she even began to have trouble breathing. With a scream, she clung tightly to Yuan Yueze, her legs pressed together, her body and vagina convulsing violently, releasing a stream of cool, slippery, transparent fluid that wet Yuan Yueze's hand.

After a moment, Shan Meixian, her eyes still flushed with desire, released her arms and said, intoxicated, "It feels so beautiful."

Yuan Yueze lowered his head and lightly tapped her forehead, saying, "You're so beautiful, you almost strangled me."

Shan Meixian's face flushed even more, and she gave him a seductive glance, then lowered her body, her cherry-red lips parting to gently take the head of his eight-inch-long penis into her mouth.

Yuan Yueze lay on the blanket, shivering with pleasure. Although Shan Meixian had only been intimate with a man once before marrying Yuan Yueze—the time she was humiliated by Bian Bufu—they had made love almost every day in the past few years, except during her menstrual period. They had tried every position and method imaginable, and Shan Meixian's oral skills had become increasingly refined.

Her cherry-like mouth could barely hold the large head of his penis, her nimble little tongue swirling around the tip and the angle of the shaft, the pressure varying—exactly the feeling Yuan Yueze loved.

After a while, Shan Meixian slowly began to swallow the penis inch by inch, until it was about six inches deep, reaching her throat. Then she began to thrust in and out, the sweet saliva at the corner of her mouth and the soft moans from her throat making Yuan Yueze groan softly.

"Meixian, don't torture yourself,"

Yuan Yueze said after a while, pulling her up to rest her head on his arm.

Shan Meixian shook her head and said, "I like serving my husband like this, otherwise I always feel I'm letting down your deep love."

Yuan Yueze said affectionately, "There's no need to feel sorry. You're not allowed to have such thoughts anymore."

Shan Meixian nodded gratefully, lay down in a 'big' shape, and said playfully, "I've come today to learn from my husband's skills! Oh!"

The moment she lay down, Yuan Yueze pounced on her and continued to ravage her 'treasures'. Shan Meixian had just climaxed, and under the stimulation, she became lost again. One of her small hands reached down and grabbed the spear, moving it on the pink, glistening flesh between her dark pubic hair. Every time the tip of the spear touched the tiny bud, she trembled. With a

"plop!"

, the moment Shan Meixian moved the spear to the entrance, Yuan Yueze thrust his waist and plunged the entire length into the beauty's wet, narrow, and deep passage.

Dan Meixian winced in pain, but knowing Yuan Yueze needed to release his pent-up desire, she groaned in response.

Yuan Yueze, half-kneeling, half-sitting, thrust his long spear rapidly into Dan Meixian's flower path, each stroke reaching the junction of her flower path and uterus.

"Husband...faster..."

Dan Meixian's mind was beginning to blur, her mouth uttering lewd moans, "Ah!"

After another high-pitched scream, Yuan Yueze felt Shan Meixian's flower path begin its familiar spasms again. Countless tender buds in the passage seemed to possess life, teasing the shaft of his penis. A stream of cool liquid sprayed directly onto the large tip of his penis, some of which slid out from the gap between their tightly connected lower bodies, hitting their dark pubic hair.

With another thrust to the end, Yuan Yueze held Shan Meixian, whose body trembled involuntarily, motionless. The tip of his penis, pressed against the cervix, was being sucked by the small, ring-shaped opening like a baby nursing.

As the convulsions subsided, Yuan Yueze stood up, lifting Shan Meixian's wet, slippery buttocks, leaving only her neck and head resting against the pillow. He then spread her legs parallel, forming a straight line. Her vulva, after hundreds of thrusts, was no longer able to close tightly. The long, sparse pubic hair swayed in the breeze, seemingly beckoning Yuan Yueze to continue his visit. Holding his penis, he gently rubbed the tender labia a few times at the entrance before launching another attack.

Shan Meixian loved this position, moaning ecstatically. Yuan Yueze's thrusts were simple, each one penetrating deeply. Upon entry, he could clearly see parts of the tender labia being pulled into the vaginal canal, while upon exit, the two lovely petals were roughly parted, the bright red flesh of the vaginal canal being pulled out.

The erotic scent and intoxicating "plop, plop" sounds created a scene of natural beauty.

After a hundred more thrusts, Yuan Yueze

felt a numbness in his waist and hurriedly said, "Baby, I can't take it anymore." Shan Meixian was covered in fine beads of sweat, and while moaning loudly, she cried out, "Husband, I... I can't take it anymore either!"

"Ah!"

The two cried out almost simultaneously. As Shan Meixian's tightening vaginal canal violently squeezed Yuan Yueze's penis, Yuan Yueze also shuddered. He could no longer hold back and thrust all the way in, violently exploding inside Shan Meixian's body. His hot semen mixed with cool vaginal fluid poured into Shan Meixian's ripe honeypot.

Struck by Yuan Yueze's cannonball-like attack, Shan Meixian reached another climax. Even while upside down, a few strands of vaginal fluid were forcibly spurted from the opening of their tightly connected vaginal canal, hitting Yuan Yueze's abdomen.

After convulsing dozens of times, Yuan Yueze finally calmed down, collapsing onto Shan Meixian's exquisite body. Their lower bodies remained connected, and he could only gasp for breath.

Shan Meixian nestled against Yuan Yueze's chest, languidly saying, "My husband is a reasonable man. Now that you've vented, shouldn't you hear my explanation?"

Yuan Yueze gently stroked her smooth, pink back, apologetically saying, "It was my fault. Did I hurt you?"

Shan Meixian glared at Yuan Yueze before saying, "Let's not talk about that. What I want to talk about is my mother's matter, not what you think."

Yuan Yueze stared in astonishment at the beauty in his arms.

Chapter 74 Sacrificing Oneself for the Cauldron

Wanwan stared in disbelief at Zhu Yuyan, whose face was terrifyingly calm.

Her mind was reeling. The Upper Realm, sword immortals, coming from the future, immortality—all these bizarre things had come from Zhu Yuyan's mouth. Wanwan didn't want to believe it, but the facts left her no choice but to accept it. Otherwise, there was no way to explain the bizarre things that had happened to Yuan Yueze and his friends and family. For example, how could there be a transparent yet indestructible metal that could be forged into a longsword? And what about the dramatic changes in Shan Meixian and the other women?

Of course, what Wanwan believed most was what Zhu Yuyan said: that Yuan Yueze had been forcibly entering the dreams of the master and disciple every night for over four years. This was an undeniable fact, and Wanwan couldn't deny it. This was also the main reason why her cultivation had been declining before absorbing the essence of the relic. She had pondered the reason for this strange occurrence countless times, and today she finally knew the answer. It turned out that before that nemesis came here, his two favorite people were the master and disciple.

How could her mental state and cultivation compare to the world-weary Zhu Yuyan? Even Zhu Yuyan had fallen for Yuan Yueze under his persistent pursuit; how much more so Wanwan, whose life experience was only a little over twenty years?

But Wanwan's heart was filled with complex emotions, a complete blank.

Zhu Yuyan gave a smile that even Wanwan couldn't decipher, gently pulling her into her arms and murmuring, "Wanwan, don't end up like me, with nothing left. Do you remember what I told you years ago: don't take the Holy Gate's affairs to heart anymore, just follow your heart?"

Wanwan nodded.

Zhu Yuyan stroked her cascading hair and sighed, "It's all my fault!"

Wanwan shook her head and asked softly, "Master... what does Master think of that scoundrel?"

Zhu Yuyan's beautiful, melancholic eyes shone with a strange, heart-wrenching light as she gazed at the few beams of dim light streaming through the window screen into the room, slowly saying, "I only hate... alas, well, there's no medicine for regret in this world!"

She paused, looking at Wanwan who was staring blankly at her, and said, "Wanwan, you must live for yourself from now on. " " Don't let anything bind you anymore. Swear an oath of blood before the Holy Gate before me!"

Wanwan's delicate body swayed, tears welling up in her eyes. She threw herself into Zhu Yuyan's arms, her slender arms tightly entwining her. She shook her head sadly, saying, "Master, don't frighten Wan'er. Wan'er will agree to anything you ask. Don't abandon Wan'er. You're my only family now!"

Zhu Yuyan's face showed an unprecedented maternal and holy light. She whispered, "Silly child."

Although her voice was soft, it sounded completely foreign to Wanwan.

It was a voice that had abandoned the will to live and the pursuit of the soul.

It was a voice that did not belong to this world.

Wanwan cried even harder.

Shan Meixian said, "Actually, I only found out about Mother's death half a month ago. My junior sister came to find me, so I went to this village to see Mother. She explained what happened to me: Before the Luoyang war started, Zhao Deyan approached Mother, wanting to cooperate with the Yin Gui Sect to seize Luoyang. But Mother was no longer the same as she was a few years ago, so she simply refused. Afterwards, Zhao Deyan used the excuse that the masters of the Holy Sect needed to be re-ranked to fight Mother. When Mother arrived at the agreed location, she unexpectedly encountered the elusive Shi Zhixuan. Mother guessed that he had come to Luoyang to obtain the He Shi Bi jade. In a moment of impulsiveness, Mother fought with him, but for some reason, Shi Zhixuan's power increased greatly. Mother remembered her promise to you, and after the two fought for thousands of rounds without a clear winner, she was about to leave when Zhao Deyan suddenly appeared from the shadows and ambushed the exhausted Mother. What surprised Mother was not Zhao..." Deyan wouldn't ambush her, but Zhao Deyan's cultivation was almost on par with Mother's in her full strength. Under such circumstances, Mother would naturally be injured. With less than 60% of her combat power, Mother could only go to this abandoned old village nearby to heal. She could have gone to Luoyang to find us, but she was afraid of causing trouble for her husband. As a result, just as Mother entered meditation, Bi Shouxuan and Xi Feng suddenly appeared and joined forces to deal with Mother. According to Mother, the combined power of the two of them was probably only something that our family's strong bodies could withstand. Under such circumstances, Junior Sister suddenly appeared. In order to protect Junior Sister, and because there was a strange energy in Bi Shouxuan and Xi Feng's bodies that kept attracting Mother's demonic energy, Mother finally couldn't suppress that inexplicable attraction and had no choice but to perish together with them.

Yuan Yueze's strange hand, which had been moving on the beautiful woman's buttocks, had stopped and he frowned as he listened carefully.

Shan Meixian stroked Yuan Yueze's handsome face with her jade-like hand and said, "Husband, you should know that no one has ever mastered the eighteenth level of the Heavenly Demon Art, but its effects are not entirely useless. After I severely injured Bi Shouxuan and Xi Feng, I found that her soul seemed to have left her body. In the following days, she endured pain that ordinary people could not bear, because her body not only did not disappear, but began to reassemble. When you saw me, you should have noticed that she was different from usual, right?"

Yuan Yueze nodded and said in a deep voice, "Her changes are indeed significant. She is two or three parts different from the past, and she seems more perfect. What surprised me even more was that there was not a trace of true qi in her body."

Shan Meixian laughed, "That's my reborn mother. To be precise, she's more like my mother's twin sister now, and she's even regained her virginity. Isn't that amazing? But the Heavenly Demon Art is indeed not perfect. Just look at how my reborn mother lost all her martial arts; you can tell there's no such thing as a perfect martial art."

Yuan Yueze fell into deep thought.

He knew he had acted impulsively and misunderstood Zhu Yuyan. From Zhao Deyan to Bi Shouxuan, and then to Xi Feng, along with a series of events, Yuan Yueze had roughly deduced the ins and outs of the matter: if nothing unexpected happened, Zhao Deyan, Bi Shouxuan, and Xi Feng must have already colluded together. And Xi Feng was very likely a divine general under Liu Yu. Back then, Liu Yu used evil methods to steal the first half of the "Demon Seed Technique" from Xiang Yutian, which was how to cultivate demon seeds. So it was very likely that he would directly pass it on to Xi Feng, and Xi Feng could use it as a condition for cooperation to pass it on to Bi Shouxuan. Zhu Yuyan obviously couldn't withstand the attraction of the demon seeds in their bodies; it was the characteristic of mutual attraction between demonic arts from the same spirit and source. Ultimately, if she didn't choose mutual destruction, she might also suffer a qi deviation. It would be better to eliminate Pi and Xi directly; it would be beneficial to both of them.

Yuan Yueze sat up, kissed Shan Meixian, and said, "I understand. I was too impulsive."

Shan Meixian chuckled, "My husband, though audacious, has one unparalleled virtue: if it's reasonable, it will work on you."

Yuan Yueze chuckled, pinned her down, and was about to 'start the battle' again.

Shan Meixian groaned, "Go see Mother quickly. I'm afraid something might happen to her. My husband is driving her crazy."

Yuan Yueze thought it made sense and got up to dress.

Pushing away the weeping Wanwan, Zhu Yuyan calmly said, "Wanwan, leave the Heavenly Demon Twin Slayers here and go out first."

Wanwan took several steps back in shock, stubbornly saying, "No! Master, please forgive Wanwan's willfulness!"

Zhu Yuyan shook her head and smiled bitterly, then said, "Then you go out first, I want to be alone."

Wanwan was taken aback, then turned around and said, "Wanwan is next door, Master, please give me any instructions."

After saying that, she walked to the door.

A slightly chilly breeze swept by, lifting Zhu Yuyan's long hair as she sat upright on the edge of the bed, revealing a resolute look in her eyes.

Gently rising, she walked slowly to the window, gazing at the desolate scenery stretching endlessly outside.

It was nearing the end of autumn, the ground was covered in green and yellow leaves, and the bleak autumn wind occasionally carried away a few withered leaves, wondering where they would fall.

Just like Zhu Yuyan's heart at that moment.

She had never imagined that someone as powerful as herself would be so sentimental, that she would one day take her own life for love.

But it was the truth.

Her pale, jade-like hand slowly reached for the iron rod that held the window open—not exactly sharp, but not dull either.

Her hand stopped abruptly halfway through.

She smelled that familiar, fresh scent, and those familiar, strong arms encircled her slender, supple, yet elastic waist.

Zhu Yuyan's breathing quickened, her slightly trembling shoulders revealing her inner turmoil.

But only for a moment, and she calmed down.

The room was silent, save for the occasional rustling of the autumn wind blowing in through the doorway.

Time passed, she didn't know how much, when suddenly Zhu Yuyan felt something wet on her shoulder and looked back.

Before she could utter a sound, Yuan Yueze's large lips swiftly pressed against her fragrant, moist cherry lips.

Zhu Yuyan, standing at a full five feet nine inches tall, was only slightly shorter than Yuan Yueze. Her backward leaning motion allowed her head to rest perfectly on Yuan Yueze's shoulder.

Yuan Yueze, like a hungry infant, frantically suckled at Zhu Yuyan's red lips. His grotesque hands moved up and down, caressing her breasts and alluring mounds like precious treasures.

Zhu Yuyan was instantly intoxicated by the warmth, her hands instinctively reaching behind her head to embrace Yuan Yueze's chin. Soft moans escaped her delicate nose, her fragrant breath filling Yuan Yueze's nostrils.

"Ahem!" A soft cough sounded at the doorway, seemingly out of nowhere. Zhu Yuyan suddenly snapped out of her daze, her face flushed, and struggled to push Yuan Yueze away. She recognized Wanwan's voice, of course.

However , Yuan Yueze's strength was too great, and Zhu Yuyan's body was weak; she could only send a pleading look to Yuan Yueze through the corner of her eye. Yuan Yueze didn't turn around, but scooped Zhu Yuyan up in his arms and placed her on his lap. He then turned and sat by the window, looking towards the door. Wanwan didn't even glance at Yuan Yueze, only saying to Zhu Yuyan, who didn't dare to lift her head, "It's getting late. Would Master like something to eat? Wan'er will go prepare it now." Seeing that she was still being petulant, Yuan Yueze smiled faintly and said, "Wan'er, don't bother. I'll cook something for you later." Wanwan gave a disdainful snort, still not looking at him, and turned to leave. After Wanwan left, Yuan Yueze reached out and lifted Zhu Yuyan's chin , saying, "I acted impulsively just now. Meixian explained everything to me. Can Yuyan forgive me?" Tears streamed down Zhu Yuyan's face. She didn't speak, but simply pressed her head tightly against Yuan Yueze's chest, listening to his familiar and powerful heartbeat. After a long while, she finally raised her head and said affectionately, "Yu Yan regretted it the moment she triggered the mutual destruction, regretting why she couldn't resist the attraction of their demonic energy. She was able to be reborn, only thanks to the grace of heaven. But hearing from Wan'er that you turned half your hair white in two hours for Yu Yan's sake, becoming like a walking corpse, searching everywhere for revenge, filled Yu Yan with fear. She felt unworthy of your deep affection. For the past ten days, Mei Xian and I have been discussing how to face you. We wanted to leave, but we couldn't let go. Love between a man and a woman is truly the most painful thing in the world." Yuan Yueze stroked her smooth, delicate face and said, "But it's also the most beautiful thing in the world, don't you think?" Zhu Yu Yan nodded gently and said, "The deeper the pain, the stronger the beauty." Yuan Yueze lowered his head and kissed her again. His large hand slid inside her thin collar, gently caressing the already prominent, rosy nipples. Having gained and then lost, only to gain again, the intense emotional turmoil ignited Zhu Yuyan's passion. She acted solely on instinct, yielding to his advances. When they parted, her eyes brimming with tears, she was completely lost, only vaguely aware that Yuan Yueze had picked her up, not knowing where they were going. A cool breeze blew into the room again, bringing Zhu Yuyan back to her senses. She then realized that Yuan Yueze was placing her on the bed and undressing her. Zhu Yuyan grabbed Yuan Yueze's hand and whispered, "Wan'er is still next door..." Yuan Yueze didn't care about that and stubbornly said, "I only regret not marrying you sooner, otherwise, how could this whole ordeal have happened?" Zhu Yuyan glared at him and held her forearm up to his face, saying, "If it weren't for this ordeal, how could Yuyan have turned misfortune into blessing?" Yuan Yueze glanced disdainfully at the virginity mark and said, "If I had to choose between this and you, I'd rather you hadn't encountered this ordeal. The true 'virginity mark' lies in a woman's heart, not in this meaningless superficial thing." Zhu Yuyan understood that this was Yuan Yueze's view; he cared about a person's heart, not such trivial things. With a soft sigh, Zhu Yuyan gave up resisting.

Having removed only half of her clothes, Yuan Yueze began gently teasing her still-inexperienced tongue, guiding her slowly from her teeth, the tip of her tongue, to the base of her tongue, and finally to her palate. Thanks to a woman's innate learning ability, Zhu Yuyan quickly adapted, wrapping her arms around Yuan Yueze's head and passionately enjoying the experience.

Yuan Yueze pressed himself against her almost flawless body, his large hands roaming up and down. From Zhu Yuyan's breath and the sounds of pleasure emanating from her throat, Yuan Yueze knew she was aroused. His hands moved faster.

Looking at the body before him, now completely naked, sculpted like ivory, and breathtakingly beautiful, Yuan Yueze's hands trembled with excitement.

Zhu Yuyan, however, like a frightened bird, pressed her delicate hands to her face, trembling.

After a long while, seeing no further movement from Yuan Yueze, Zhu Yuyan peeked through her fingers and became even more shy. Yuan Yueze stared in disbelief at the beautiful sight before him, the terrifying thing below glaring at her, causing Zhu Yuyan to tremble even more violently.

Yuan Yueze leaned close to her delicate ear and whispered, "Even if the Emperor himself came, I wouldn't let you go today."

How could Zhu Yuyan not understand the underlying sentiment in his crude words? She could only let out a soft murmur, indicating her lack of objection.

Yuan Yueze's gaze traveled from her delicate forehead to her slightly closed eyes, then to her exquisite nose, her rosy cheeks that seemed to drip with moisture, her translucent earlobes, and her slender, white neck. His gaze then fell upon her perfectly proportioned, perky breasts, a perfect fit for Yuan Yueze's aesthetic. Those jade-like peaks trembled slightly with Zhu Yuyan's suppressed breathing; the two pink areolas and the bright red nipples, erect in response to the natural physiological reaction of a woman in love, made it hard to believe she had given birth. But this was understandable, after all, Zhu Yuyan now possessed the body of a reborn young girl.

Yuan Yueze skillfully began suckling one of her faintly fragrant nipples. His other hand gently kneaded her other breast, his index finger circling and teasing the hardening nipple.

Zhu Yuyan was overwhelmed with pleasure by Yuan Yueze's touch, yet she remained unusually reserved, biting her lip to keep quiet. Only her suppressed breathing betrayed her overflowing desire. Just as her

round, soft breasts were about to go numb from Yuan Yueze's ministrations, before Zhu Yuyan could even catch her breath, Yuan Yueze's mouth moved to her flat, smooth abdomen, the tingling and itching sensation returning. Zhu Yuyan's soft moans grew louder, her legs pressed tightly together. No matter how Yuan Yueze's tongue and lips teased the exposed, triangular patch of black hair and thighs, she only trembled, refusing to open her legs.

Yuan Yueze moved upwards slightly, playfully stroking the neatly trimmed pubic hair on Zhu Yuyan's slightly raised mons pubis with his fingers, while pressing his lips against Zhu Yuyan's face, which was covered with her hands, and whispered, "If Yuyan doesn't want to, then forget it."

Zhu Yuyan suddenly put her hands down, her face flushed, and looked at Yuan Yueze, disappointment flashing in her large, watery eyes, saying, "I've already... I've already done this... and you still..."

Then, seeing Yuan Yueze's mischievous grin, she immediately slapped him shyly and continued to cover her face with her hands.

Yuan Yueze said, "Then spread your legs."

Zhu Yuyan parted her fingers a crack, shyly saying, "There... there... it's dirty, don't kiss me."

Of course, she knew Yuan Yueze's intention to kiss her entire body.

Yuan Yueze said, "Every part of Yuyan's body is clean, unless you hate me."

A look of gratitude flashed in Zhu Yuyan's eyes, and she pouted, saying, "Okay, okay!"

As she spoke, she actually slowly opened her legs.

After kissing her fragrant red lips, Yuan Yueze said, "That's more like it."

His other hand slid across the grass, his fingertips pressing against the small, fleshy nipple in front of her.

"Mmm!"

Attacked in her sensitive area, Zhu Yuyan could no longer suppress her pleasure. A surge of pleasure rushed to her brain; she felt an electric current coursing through her entire body from that sensitive spot. The exquisite feeling was something she had never experienced before, something she couldn't even imagine. For the first time ever, she let out a soft, sweet moan, like a kitten in heat.

Yuan Yueze's hand left, and Zhu Yuyan hurriedly closed her mouth, feeling incredibly shy. She was too conservative.

Before she could think further, Yuan Yueze's mouth began to slowly move upwards from the inside of her sensitive thighs. His fingertips and tongue seemed to possess a magical power, pushing Zhu Yuyan's mind closer and closer to the brink of collapse. This was evident in her heavier breathing, her skin turning a deep red, and her increasingly violent trembling body.

Except for that last sacred spot, Yuan Yueze had kissed every inch of the woman he deeply loved before him. Finally, he lay between Zhu Yuyan's legs, which he had forcibly spread wide.

Long pubic hair neatly covered that most alluring sacred spot. Near the perineum, where the hair was shorter and sparser, Yuan Yueze saw a few crystal-clear water droplets, behind which a pink slit was faintly visible. Yuan Yueze looked up at the still trembling Zhu Yuyan and laughed, "Yuyan's body has surrendered, but her mouth hasn't."

Zhu Yuyan was extremely shy. In her heart, she cried out: I would do this with a man forty years younger than me! He is my granddaughter's husband! My apprentice is next door!

Although she thought this, her body became even more excited, and she even felt a strange sense of stimulation.

"Oh!"

Zhu Yuyan involuntarily let out a moan, louder than before. Peering through the gaps in his fingers, he saw Yuan Yueze grinning at him. Yuan Yueze's fingers parted the hair in the opposite direction, his middle finger slowly scraping across the pinkish crease, finally pressing his middle finger and thumb, both covered in a clear fluid, against the opening and the fleshy bud above it.

Zhu Yuyan, biting her lip tightly, could no longer resist the overwhelming pleasure. A series of moans escaped her lips, a mixture of pain and ecstasy.

Seemingly completely captivated by the beautiful and alluring sanctuary before him, Yuan Yueze removed his hands and buried his face between her legs. A fragrant breath filled his nostrils. Excitedly, Yuan Yueze parted the obstructive pubic hair and the two not-so-thick labia, extending his tongue to lick and gently stroke the hardened clitoris at the very top of the two pink, tender petals. Under its owner's intense excitement, the clitoris had already turned back over its foreskin, glistening like the most beautiful little gemstone. Yuan Yueze teased the clitoris gently and carefully, then moved his mouth down, continuing to stimulate it with the tip of his nose. His lips, however, were completely 'kissing' Zhu Yuyan's small mouth below, which was exuding fragrance and nectar. His tongue carefully probed the front of the flower path, which seemed to only be able to accommodate a single finger. After clearly feeling the resistance, he stopped and began to scrape the entrance with his tongue, while simultaneously sucking the increasingly abundant fragrant nectar with his mouth.

"Husband, no...no...it hurts so much..."

Zhu Yuyan's delicate body arched violently, her jade hands flailing wildly in the air as she moaned in a daze. She did feel strange, but not to the point of discomfort; it was a feeling somewhere between pain and pleasure, one she couldn't quite describe, and in her confused state, her words were even more incoherent.

But her reborn body was indeed excellent. If she were an ordinary virgin, she would have already been brought to her first orgasm by Yuan Yueze's nimble tongue.

Yuan Yueze didn't know how much of the fragrant liquid flowing from Zhu Yuyan's sacred place he had drunk. Originally, although this liquid carried a woman's body fragrance, it must have been salty due to physiological reasons. However, due to the influence of love, it created a fragrant illusion in the mind.

When he raised his head, Yuan Yueze looked up at Zhu Yuyan, whose head was tilted back and who was muttering something incoherently in her throat. He knelt directly between her legs, rubbing his terrifying head up and down a few times, and after getting enough lubricating liquid, he finally reached the moment when he had to release his arrow.

Yuan Yueze's enormous, purplish-red spearhead, almost bursting Zhu Yuyan's lower body, was already pressed against the two tender, rosy, glistening petals between the dark, beautiful pubic hair below Zhu Yuyan's slender waist. Looking down, that wet, sacred place could make any normal man succumb. He rubbed the tip of his spear between the two pink petals a few times, then, using the slippery, fragrant fluid, he thrust it into Zhu Yuyan's flower path.

"Oh!"

Overwhelmed by lust and lost in passion, Zhu Yuyan suddenly let out a painful scream, abruptly sitting up and biting Yuan Yueze's shoulder with her teeth.

After Yuan Yueze stopped, he gently stroked her long hair and comforted her, "It hasn't even come in yet, Yu Yan, why are you so sensitive?"

Zhu Yu Yan said with tears in her eyes, "But it hurts so much..."

After stroking her for a while, she calmed down. Yuan Yueze chuckled mischievously, "Didn't Yu Yan just say that the deeper the pain, the more intense the pleasure? Besides, wasn't this her first time before..."

He meant to say that this wasn't her first time.

Zhu Yu Yan quickly pressed her lips against his, angrily scolding, "Don't you know how Yu Yan feels about you? Why are you talking about the past? That was so many years ago!"

Yuan Yueze said awkwardly, "It was my fault."

As he tried to distract her, Yuan Yueze's penis suddenly thrust forward, and Zhu Yu Yan's two tender petals, covered in sticky fluid, were also aroused, being brought a little into the opening. Yuan Yueze felt that after breaking through that membrane, the penis head was tightly wrapped by layers of folds and small fleshy buds, which felt extremely comfortable. Looking down, he saw that only a small portion of the spear had penetrated. A large drop of bright red blood, mixed with a thick, clear liquid, flowed out from the glistening opening.

The pain of deflowering was even more unbearable for a sensitive woman like Zhu Yuyan. After a painful scream, tears streamed down her face as she pleaded, "Stop...stop, it hurts so much..."

Yuan Yueze comforted her for a few moments, then gently kissed her lips while tenderly kneading and squeezing her full, elastic breasts, his fingertips occasionally swirling over the petrified, erect nipples, eliciting gasps and cries from Zhu Yuyan. Yuan Yueze resumed his advance into the already muddy, narrow path.

Until they were completely joined, one, Zhu Yuyan screamed again, but this time it was clearly not entirely in pain. Yuan Yueze didn't move, bowing his head and sighing, "Yu Yan, I finally have you. Yuan Yueze swears to heaven that if I ever wrong you in the slightest, I beg my master to descend to the mortal realm and personally execute me!"

Zhu Yu Yan's forehead was covered in sweat, her body weak and sore, unable to lift a finger. She said weakly, "From now on, Yu Yan is your wife, and I have no other... identity..."

Yuan Yueze pressed tightly against her hot, delicate body, lost in thought.

Then he slowly began to move.

As Yuan Yueze's rhythmic and gentle movements subsided, Zhu Yuyan's pain from losing her virginity gradually faded, replaced by an unprecedented sense of pleasure and exhilaration. With each thrust of his massive member, Zhu Yuyan could feel the edges of Yuan Yueze's hot, firm penis rubbing against the walls of her fully filled vagina. With each rub, her pleasure intensified, the electric-like sensation creating a dreamlike, unreal feeling, as if she had entered a state of ethereal bliss. Her lips emitted soft, delicate moans, her passion fully ignited, and her body began to actively respond to Yuan Yueze's thrusts. As Yuan Yueze thrust forward, Zhu Yuyan, ignoring the pain in her wounds, instinctively raised her hips to meet him. As Yuan Yueze withdrew, Zhu Yuyan lowered her buttocks as much as possible, preparing to receive the next powerful impact.

"Husband...it's too big...I'm going to die...I'm going to die...ah!"

Half an hour later, Zhu Yuyan, lost in ecstasy, finally reached her climax with a loud, delicate cry. She tightly embraced Yuan Yueze, as if trying to squeeze her violently trembling body into his. Her mouth murmured as if in a dream, and the folds and buds in her flower passage convulsed and writhed as if alive. At the end of the long, narrow flower passage, a large gush of fragrant, cool, slippery liquid, which Yuan Yueze could almost smell, suddenly gushed out, all of it pouring onto the huge head of his penis. At the same time, the flower core tightly gripped the head of his penis, squeezing and contracting, the stimulation so intense that even Yuan Yueze could not resist it.

With a roar, Yuan Yueze's spear shot out his essence, wave after wave, seemingly without end, hitting the tender walls of Zhu Yuyan's uterus.

The two remained entwined. Yuan Yueze kissed Zhu Yuyan's dazed, breathy lips, sucking the fragrant nectar from her mouth and teasing her penis again.

Zhu Yuyan was still savoring the blissful sensation she had just experienced, oblivious to everything else.

Next door, Wanwan pricked up her ears, listening intently to every sound. Hearing Yuan Yueze's words, she felt a pang of jealousy. She couldn't quite define her feelings for Yuan Yueze, but she knew there was definitely romantic love involved; otherwise, why would she feel jealousy? But stubbornness was Wanwan's nature. She scoffed inwardly: "Hmph, if you ever treat Master badly, Wan'er will not let you off! And don't even think about Wan'er submitting to you!" Immediately, a sense of absurdity rose in Wanwan's heart: that scoundrel had taken in three generations of his master's family—this was truly unprecedented, and likely would never be repeated. Was there anyone in the world as audacious as him?

Then she wondered what a woman's first time was like. Listening to her master's screams just now, it seemed like he was in pain worse than death; the sounds afterward were indistinguishable between pleasure and pain; and now, it was clearly a cry of joy.

Wanwan listened intently, and before she knew it, her body went limp, and she sat down in a chair.

Seemingly influenced by the excitement, Yuan Yueze, for the first time in his history, 'surrendered' in less than half an hour.

Having reached two blissful states, Zhu Yuyan curled up in Yuan Yueze's arms like a limp rag doll, breathing evenly and rapidly, watching the faint halo around her.

In less than a quarter of an hour, the halo disappeared.

Yuan Yueze stared blankly at the beauty in his arms.

At this moment, Zhu Yuyan had completely reached the level of Shang Xiuxun after her refinement. She was so perfect that words couldn't describe her; she possessed a languid elegance and a captivating charm.

For the first time, Zhu Yuyan felt the exquisite and moving taste of mutual affection and vows of eternal love. After using the "Jade and Stone Burn Together" technique, she had even forgotten about her past with Shi Zhixuan.

Pressing down on Yuan Yueze's still-neglecting hand that was tidying up her disheveled hair, Zhu Yuyan groaned, "No, it hurts."

Yuan Yueze smiled slightly, sat up, and pulled over a piece of clothing from nearby.

On the pristine white sheets, a striking, bright red virgin plum blossom was in full bloom.

Taking a piece of paper from inside the clothing, Yuan Yueze handed it to Zhu Yuyan.

Zhu Yuyan opened the book inexplicably, and after reading it once, she was stunned. It took her a long time to recover: "This is the 'Great Demon Seed Cultivation Technique of the Dao Heart'! Where did you get it, husband?"

Yuan Yueze explained to her in detail about his encounter with Xiang Yutian, and then, seeing her calm expression, said, "When Elder Xiang wanted to pass on the technique to me, you were the first person I thought of."

Zhu Yuyan hesitated, "Can women practice this?"

Yuan Yueze smiled, "It shouldn't be a problem. I talked with Elder Xiang for a long time about how to let you..." "To master it quickly is one thing."

Zhu Yuyan frowned again, saying, "This contains three methods, none of which are simple. The first two are traditional, but where can you find a 'furnace'? According to you, even Xiang Yutian would spend decades to find a good 'furnace,' which shows how rare a 'furnace' is."

Yuan Yueze proudly grabbed her breast, then patted his chest, saying, "I am but a humble person, yet I am the one who will sacrifice myself as the furnace."

Zhu Yuyan exclaimed in horror, "No! Doesn't that mean you'll die?"

Yuan Yueze laughed loudly, "Let me explain in detail. After discussing with Elder Xiang, and drawing on his rich experience, we devised a method to quickly cultivate demonic seeds. This involves utilizing the impurities within the 'Evil Emperor's Relic.' These impurities are equivalent to about a hundred years of cultivation for an ordinary person, making them excellent materials for cultivating demonic seeds. As for me, this 'furnace,' I am a once-in-a-century find. I'm not bragging, but if we're talking about unwavering resolve, if I'm second, I doubt anyone in the world would dare claim to be first. And I don't need to die. All you need to do is absorb all my life force and power, leaving the death energy within my body." "That's fine. Elder Xiang has already placed the 'Spirit Imprisonment Technique' on me, so my primordial spirit will be fine."

Zhu Yuyan still disagreed, saying, "But, according to the records here, for the Great Law to reach the Great Perfection, the 'furnace' must die! Otherwise, wouldn't the Great Law still have flaws?"

Yuan Yueze said, "No, the key is the deep affection between us. Elder Xiang even predicted that after our spiritual desires merge and our true energy mixes, your Demon Seed Great Law will not only be unprecedented but also absolutely unparalleled in the future. It is the 'merging of Dao and Demon' achieved through the entry of demons into the Dao." "As for that tiny flaw, it's completely unnecessary to pay attention to it."

Zhu Yuyan's hazy, beautiful eyes shone with intense longing, then suddenly dimmed. She leaned against his chest and hesitated, saying, "But what if you lose all your power? You're going to Guanzhong in just over two months, right?"

Yuan Yueze nodded and said, "I can start practicing again. You know my cultivation method is very fast. Elder Xiang also said that once your Demon Seed Technique is complete, if I meditate, I might be able to integrate the death energy into my Dao Embryo, which will have an unexpected effect on my recovery. Starting tomorrow..." "We won't separate. Although you're the eldest sister in the family, you're not as good as Meixian in terms of handling affairs, experience, or social skills. So you're just the eldest sister in name only. Meixian should be the real eldest sister."

Zhu Yuyan knew Yuan Yueze was right; her personality only allowed her to be the eldest sister in name. But she still pretended to be displeased and frowned, saying, "Anyway, I don't know anything, okay?"

Yuan Yueze laughed loudly, "Still pretending? You know I'm just straightforward. I didn't mean to look down on you."

Zhu Yuyan patted Yuan Yueze's chest a few times and fell asleep.

She was extremely satisfied. With her personality and experience, it was naturally ideal for her to stay by Yuan Yueze's side. She wasn't even worried that Yuan Yueze would recover some of his power before visiting Guanzhong, because once she achieved her goal, it meant that Yuan Yueze wouldn't be in danger.

Yuan Yueze gazed at the sleeping former female demon in his arms, marveling at the peculiar way the two practiced the 'Dao Heart Demon Seed Technique'. If Pang Ban had encountered someone willing to offer themselves as a furnace, why would Jin Bingyun have needed to sacrifice herself? However, the situation between Yuan Yueze and Zhu Yuyan was too special; such a scenario was something that could only be encountered by chance, not sought after. Xiang Yutian had suggested to Yuan Yueze that Zhu Yuyan try his method of cultivating her own Dao embryo, since her body's resilience could withstand the pressure. However, Yuan Yueze refused after consideration, as he had also taken into account the time involved. Soon after arriving in Guanzhong, he could easily guess that many hostile people would be waiting for them. Small fry were not a concern, but people like Ning Daoqi and the Four Great Monks, who had never shown their faces, were very likely to appear in Guanzhong to prevent Yuan Yueze from leaving. Their goal, of course, was to prevent Yuan Yueze from obtaining the treasure. In particular, if they saw Yuan Yueze and Zhu Yuyan become husband and wife, and that Bi Shouxuan and Xi Feng were colluding, it would inevitably cause the Yin Gui Sect, which had begun to walk the righteous path, to degenerate again. In this case, even if Zhu Yuyan regained control of the Yin Gui Sect after mastering the Demon Seed Technique, those on the righteous path would shift the blame onto Zhu Yuyan. Of course, Yuan Yueze, who had the closest relationship with her, would also not be spared by those on the righteous path.

After a moment's thought, Yuan Yueze secretly resolved to help Zhu Yuyan master the Demon Seed Technique as soon as possible, so that he would have more time to recover his strength.

He pulled the covers over himself, and the two of them fell asleep with the door open.

-

Chapter 75: Unending Conspiracy

in Liangdu.

Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling dined together in a side hall of the Fusheng Restaurant on the north-south street connecting the north and south city gates.

As dusk settled, the street was bustling with people and vehicles, and although smaller in scale, its liveliness rivaled that of Luoyang's Tianjie Street.

Kou Zhong looked out the window and sighed, "I never thought we could so easily seize Pengcheng and Liangdu."

Xu Ziling said irritably, "If it weren't for Sister Zhen sending nine hundred thousand taels of silver, who knows how long it would have taken for the people to achieve stability."

Kou Zhong chuckled dryly, picked up a piece of food, and mumbled, "Heh heh, so 'heaven is helping me'!"

Xu Ziling said, "If things continue like this, we'll inevitably clash with Sister Luoyan sooner or later. What will you do then?"

Kou Zhong was taken aback, gave a bitter smile, and remained silent.

The two were silent for a long time before Kou Zhong finally said, "If the opportunity for unification has arrived, what's wrong with giving these two cities to her? Anyway, we're just penniless scoundrels; at worst, we can go back to our old ways."

Xu Ziling smiled and said, "It's good that you have a conscience."

As he spoke, he took out a letter from his pocket and handed it to Kou Zhong.

Kou Zhong took the letter with a puzzled look, opened it, and exclaimed in surprise, "How could Sister-in-law Luoyan think the same way I do? And this letter says that Brother Song has been putting on an act with Brother Yuan all along?"

Xu Ziling said, "This was sent by Qi Fei today. I read it, and it turns out that Brother Yuan and the others are all unsung heroes, and Brother Song doesn't seem to want to be emperor. So they thought of you and wrote a letter saying that if you're willing, then when the opportunity arises, Sister-in-law Luoyan will give you everything in Luoyang, and the whole family will go to the mountains to live a happy life."

Kou Zhong grabbed Xu Ziling's arm and cried out, "Ziling, they're trying to harm me!"

Seeing Xu Ziling's strange expression, Kou Zhong coughed and said, "I know that whether it's Brother Yuan, Brother Song, or you, you..." You all aspire to be reclusive sages, living a life of quiet solitude. But I'm the opposite. I find life long and arduous, and the most tedious thing is repeating yesterday's experiences every day. Therefore, I must find something new to alleviate my boredom. As I've said before, I only want to enjoy the process of conquering, not the outcome. Frankly, being an emperor is incredibly boring. According to Master Lu, Qin Shi Huang personally decided on everything, big or small, and weighed out a certain amount of documents every day, refusing to rest until he had reviewed them all. Of his twelve years on the throne, five were spent on imperial tours. Therefore, even if I eventually have the ability to unify the Central Plains, I will relinquish the throne to someone of virtue and talent, and then we can return to our carefree, carefree lives.”

“Young Marshal, you speak well. I admire you.”

A melodious voice, like celestial music, gently drifted from outside the door.

Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling were both startled and looked towards the source of the voice. There stood Shi Feixuan, dressed in men's scholar's robes, her elegance ethereal, standing gracefully at the doorway.

Kou Zhong rose and said, "Fairy Shi, we meet again! Eh! Why did I say 'again'?"

The composed Shi Feixuan couldn't help but chuckle at his playful antics, her laughter as vibrant as a hundred flowers blooming, instantly transforming the side hall into a fairyland.

Fortunately, Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling had seen enough of Yuan Yueze's family and were now resistant to Shi Feixuan's antics. After a moment of surprise, they invited her to join them at the table.

Kou Zhong asked, "What brings you here, Fairy Master?"

Shi Feixuan glanced deeply at the silent Xu Ziling, looked out the window, and calmly replied, seemingly unrelated to the question, "Young Marshal, you have risen to prominence in just two months. First, you pacified Liangdu, then attacked Pengcheng, and a few days ago you took Xiapi into your hands. Although Dou Jiande in the north has subdued Xu Yuanlang, he is too far away to effectively control the situation. Li Zitong in the south has suffered a Pyrrhic victory but is unable to retain his current territory. Is your next plan, Young Marshal, to target Zhongli, a major trading city on the coast?"

Kou Zhong smiled wryly and said, "Fairy Master is truly extraordinary. You have guessed all my intentions perfectly!"

A slight smile appeared on Shi Feixuan's cool, jade-like face as she said, "Young Marshal, you flatter me. But Feixuan is not some fairy. You can call me 'Miss Shi' or 'Young Lady Shi,' please don't use the word 'fairy' again."

Kou Zhong seized the opportunity and said, "Then I'll call you Feixuan, it's much more intimate."

Shi Feixuan continued to smile, without answering him, and said, "Young Marshal and Brother Xu are already renowned heroes. Not only are your battle achievements outstanding, but because you both come from humble backgrounds, your image is far superior to those from high-ranking families." The former officials and generals of the powerful Sui Dynasty, or the ruthless warlords who rose to power through the underworld, were even more popular. Therefore, martial arts figures and ambitious able-bodied men from the surrounding area flocked to join them. In Liangdu alone, fourteen towns and over two hundred villages nearby surrendered everything to the young marshal, demonstrating his immense charisma. Liangdu today, apart from its size, is truly no less impressive than Luoyang.

Kou Zhong remembered Fu Junzhuo and Wei Zhenzhen's repeated warnings to be wary of Shi Feixuan; this woman's words were sharper than her sword. After her outburst, even Kou Zhong was confused, unsure of her meaning.

Taking a deep breath, Kou Zhong smiled and said, "Miss Shi, please speak freely if you have something to say."

Shi Feixuan was slightly taken aback before saying, "Feixuan had no ill intentions whatsoever; my words just now came from the bottom of my heart. After hearing the young marshal's words, 'Even if I gain the world, I will give it to someone with talent,' Feixuan was deeply moved."

Kou Zhong's smile faded, and his face turned solemn. He slowly said, "There are very few things in this world that can truly move me, Kou Zhong. Right now, the most important thing is to surpass all other competitors, become the ruler of the world, and, in a way that I believe is beneficial to the people, let them..." To live a happy and peaceful life. I may not be good at governing, and I am rather lazy, but what the world needs right now is not a capable ruler, but someone like my brother and I who practice the 'Longevity Technique,' for whom sleeping is the best way to practice. I believe that the Sui Dynasty has laid an incomparably solid foundation for the new dynasty, and that governing by doing nothing is the best way to govern. As long as the people can rest and recuperate, the country can become strong. Do you agree, Miss Shi?

Kou Zhong had already discerned from Shi Feixuan's words that she was trying to persuade him to surrender, and she held a key point: Kou Zhong was not fighting for the throne. However, the astute Kou Zhong, before she could reveal her intentions, preemptively blocked her next words, causing Shi Feixuan's accumulated power to collapse instantly.

Because she had nothing to defend, she could defend everything.

Shi Feixuan's swordsmanship finally failed; she didn't even have a chance to defend herself.

This was like Shi Feixuan slowly drawing her sword as soon as she entered the hall, but just as she was about to fully draw it, Kou Zhong grabbed her hand and slapped the sword back into its sheath. No matter how hard Shi Feixuan tried, she couldn't pull it out.

Shi Feixuan was finally stunned, and after a long while, she gave a bitter smile and said, "Young Marshal's words are indeed like your blade, incredibly sharp and unstoppable." She

then glanced at Xu Ziling.

Xu Ziling interjected somewhat reluctantly, "Miss Shi, do you have anything else to do today?"

Shi Feixuan helplessly reached into her robes, pulled out an envelope, and placed it in front of Kou Zhong.

※※※ Wanwan turned around and was surprised to see the elegant Shan Meixian sitting opposite her, sipping tea.

Wanwan's cheeks flushed red; she thought to herself that she had been listening too intently, how embarrassing.

The two women sat facing each other in silence for a long time. Wanwan, as if possessed, blurted out, "Senior Sister, in the future, you and Master..."

Shan Meixian understood that she meant the question of how to handle the relationship between mother and daughter sharing a husband. She smiled gently and said, "Junior Sister is usually known for her boldness, why are you so hesitant today?"

Wanwan was clearly no match for the previous generation's 'Holy Maiden' of the Demonic Sect, and could only roll her eyes at Shan Meixian before lowering her head to drink her tea.

Shan Meixian said, "What's wrong with that! I am me, and Mother is Mother, it's that simple!"

Wanwan was initially taken aback, then showed a relieved expression: Shan Meixian and Shan Wanjing had been with Yuan Yueze for five years without ever arguing, showing they were already used to this lifestyle.

"Wan'er, are you perhaps afraid to face Yu Yan in the future?"

Yuan Yueze's voice rang out, and before he finished speaking, he was already sitting neatly dressed beside Shan Meixian.

Before Wanwan could speak, Shan Meixian slapped away Yuan Yueze's restless hand, glared at him, and said, "I'm going to see Mother. She's more conservative than anyone else. If you do anything reckless, I won't forgive you."

After watching Shan Meixian's graceful figure walk out the door, Yuan Yueze smiled at Wanwan, who had her head down, and said, "Why don't you dare to lift your head today, little girl?"

Wanwan, who had just listened to an entire erotic song, was extremely embarrassed. No matter how bold or open-minded she was, in front of the shameless Yuan Yueze, it was all child's play.

After calming down, Wanwan raised her pretty face, which faintly shone with some kind of unfathomable radiance, and said calmly, "Wan'er was terrified when she learned that Master had mastered the Heavenly Demon Great Art a few years ago. After that, Master seemed to have become a different person. Although she used to treat Wan'er like her own daughter, you couldn't see any other emotions in her eyes. But after the Heavenly Demon Great Art was mastered, she often told Wan'er not to let anything bind her. At the time, people just thought it was because of the aura of a practitioner after mastering the Heavenly Demon Great Art." "It would bring about earth-shattering changes, so I didn't think much of it. Who would have thought that today, after you left, Master would tell everyone everything about you and vow to die? And remembering how her black hair turned white within two hours, Wan'er truly understands how deep your love was."

Wan'er paused here, then seemed to be talking to herself, "In Wan'er's heart, Master is like a mother. She is the most unfortunate woman in the world, so unfortunate that only death can bring her relief. Wan'er always believed that there was no one in the world who..." "No man is worthy of her, not even Shi Zhixuan, nor even you."

Yuan Yueze listened quietly, nodding occasionally, then said wistfully, "Since Yu Yan has told you everything about me, you should know that before I came here, the woman I most wanted to see was her. That feeling was intense, and I don't know why I felt that way. But what you call worthy or unworthy is just an outsider's opinion. Only the parties involved truly understand matters of the heart. The saying 'Those involved are confused, while bystanders see clearly' doesn't apply to love."

Wanwan nodded thoughtfully, then said worriedly, "So Xiang Yutian is still alive. If you're going to help Master cultivate the Demon Seed Technique, won't your journey to Guanzhong be fraught with danger?"

Yuan Yueze said resolutely, "My mind is made up. Don't say anything more. After I recover, I'll help you cultivate the Demon Seed Technique as well. Don't blame me for favoritism; after all, there's only one such excellent 'furnace' like me."

Wanwan was stunned, staring blankly at Yuan Yueze. After a long pause, she groaned, "Hmph! I don't love you as deeply as Master does. If you don't die, my Demon Seed Technique will have a flaw."

Yuan Yueze chuckled, "Then die! What's the harm?"

Wanwan was stunned again, then snorted, "I won't fall for your tricks. If you want me to marry you willingly, you'll have to kneel down and beg me on the Heavenly Street in Luoyang."

Yuan Yueze leaned forward, grabbed Wanwan's small hand, and started walking out.

Wanwan exclaimed, "Wh...what are you doing?"

Yuan Yueze didn't turn around and said, "Propose to me on the Heavenly Street!"

Wanwan struggled violently, horrified, "No!"

Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling stared blankly at the letter on the table, signed: Xiu Ning.

Shi Feixuan had already left.

After a long silence, Kou Zhong, chin in hand and muttering, said, "Didn't Li Shimin only invite Brother Yuan's family? Why did he invite us too?"

Xu Ziling, with a complicated expression, gazed in the direction where Shi Feixuan had disappeared and slowly said, "I heard from Sister Zhen that it was Li Shimin who asked Li Xiuning to invite Brother Yuan that day. His move is exactly what you couldn't handle."

Kou Zhong smiled bitterly, "When I saw Li Xiuning in Luoyang that day, I even forgot my own surname. That move was really powerful, sigh!"

Xu Ziling hesitated for a long time before saying, "I heard from Sister Zhen that Li Xiuning seems... seems to be..."

Kou Zhong interrupted him, dejectedly saying, "No need to say anything, I'm not stupid, how could I not understand?"

Xu Ziling said helplessly, "Now, apart from a few of us who know that the treasure vault has already been taken by Brother Yuan, everyone else thinks that Brother Yuan accepting the invitation is walking into a trap. Li Shimin seems to still be uneasy, so he invited us as well, naturally to sow discord between you and Brother Yuan. Alas! Imagine you and Brother Yuan being placed on either side of Li Xiuning, is there anything more embarrassing than that?"

Kou Zhong gritted his teeth and said, "They even sent Shi Feixuan to deliver the message, just so I can't refuse, damn it!"

Xu Ziling said, "You've already agreed, you can't back out now, are you prepared to face Li Xiuning?"

Kou Zhong replied irrelevantly, "That brat Li shouldn't think I'll be at a disadvantage. Not only will I go, I'll make his Li family a living hell! Right, leaving the pass..." "There's still some time before we need to discuss how to deal with Shi Feixuan. Her perseverance almost moved me!"

Xu Ziling glanced at the star-studded night sky and sighed, "It's getting late, let's discuss it when we get back."

Wanwan couldn't break free and could only plead, "My darling, please let Wan'er go."

Yuan Yueze turned around and grabbed her trembling body, saying, "Even Yu Yan couldn't bear it after I haunted her dreams every night for five years, how could you, little girl, possibly endure it?" "Could you really hold out this long?"

Wanwan raised her bare jade foot and stomped hard on Yuan Yueze's foot, saying irritably, "You still dare to talk!"

Yuan Yueze whispered in her delicate ear, "You only need to say whether you're moved or not. If you don't want to, why would I force you!"

Wanwan said, on the verge of tears, "But how can I face Master? You come here and say these things to me like this, how can you face Master and Senior Sister?"

In fact, she had already been completely bewildered by Yuan Yueze, but she couldn't let go of her pride.

Yuan Yueze smiled helplessly and said, "Yuyan told me to take the initiative, otherwise, with my personality, how could I do this?"

He casually pulled something out of his pocket, took a deep sniff, and then waved it triumphantly in front of Wanwan.

After Wanwan saw it clearly, her face flushed red, as tempting as a ripe peach that could drip with fresh honey.

The item in Yuan Yueze's hand was the white bodice he had forcibly taken from Wanwan more than half a year ago.

The usually bold and open witch was now incredibly shy, her beauty breathtaking. After a moment of stunned silence, she reached out to snatch it.

Yuan Yueze wouldn't let her succeed, and the two resumed their game of tag.

Suddenly, Shan Meixian's voice rang out, summoning the two to the room where Zhu Yuyan was sleeping.

Wanwan dared not look at Zhu Yuyan.

Zhu Yuyan, who had only rested for half an hour before waking, also dared not look at Wanwan, but forced herself to remain calm, saying, "Wan'er, I will pass the position of sect leader to you. After I successfully cultivate the Demonic Technique, I will reclaim the Yin Gui Sect."

Wanwan's greatest goal in life was to revitalize the Demonic Sect. Now, sitting on the enviable throne of the number one sect of the Demonic Sect, her heart was blank, devoid of any joy.

Zhu Yuyan blushed and continued, "You two should resolve your own issues. Don't... don't hold back."

Her voice trailed off, though sincere. Instead of dispelling Wanwan's inner demons, it only strengthened her resolve not to be with Yuan Yueze, as it would only embarrass Zhu Yuyan. After

the four finished their meal, they began discussing serious matters.

It was nearing the twelfth lunar month, a world of ice and snow, everywhere draped in silver.

Snowflakes drifted down slowly, filling the sky, as if instantly transforming the previous world into another. Each snowflake possessed a capricious nature, different yet perfectly unified. The main street of Xiangyang was bustling with people and vehicles, while further away, everything was shrouded in a white mist, adding rich layers of color to Xiangyang, like a poetic painting, purifying everything in white. Many residents rejoiced, welcoming the auspicious snow with cheers and smiles.

In the Xiangyang City Lord's

Mansion, Bi Shouxuan, Xi Feng, Zhao Deyan, and Qian Duguan sat around a hot pot, drinking and chatting merrily.

After a toast, Xi Feng gazed at the vast expanse of snow and rain outside the window and said, "This auspicious snow is a good omen. As long as our plans go smoothly, the Central Plains will surely be in our hands, and the day of the Holy Sect's revival will arrive!"

Qian Duguan sighed, "What about Shi Zhixuan?"

At the mention of the 'Evil King,' the several peerless masters in the room fell silent.

The snowflakes outside the window fell even heavier and denser, and everything in the world was shrouded in a thick, impenetrable blanket of white winter snow, a vast expanse of white.

Zhao Deyan's eagle eyes flashed with a sharp light, revealing his wisdom. He smiled and said, "According to the ancestral teachings of the Holy Gate, the two factions and six paths must hold a gathering approximately every twenty years to elect a leader. The last gathering was held twenty years ago. Now, the opportunity for unification is vaguely emerging. In the west, Cihang Jingzhai, through the Li family, has gained the upper hand. In the east, there is Yuan Yueze, who claims to be a member of our Holy Gate but does not fight for its interests. If the two factions and six paths do not unite now, they will once again fall into the danger of destruction after the world is unified. Under these circumstances, the Holy Gate's 'twenty-year gathering'..." "The gathering needs to be held again. Although the other sects don't acknowledge Master Pi's identity, if the three of us unite in the name of the Extinction of Emotions Sect, the Demonic Appearance Sect, and the Yin Gui Sect, we will have the absolute right to convene the meeting. Shi Zhixuan will definitely attend, and with the combined strength of the three of us, we will have a chance to kill him."

Xi Feng chuckled, his face sly. "Commander Yan can choose Chengdu as the meeting place. Shi Zhixuan's daughter lives in Huanglong, not far from Chengdu. Then, hehe!"

The others in the room laughed knowingly.

Suddenly, the expressions of the four men froze.

Zhu Yuyan, dressed in a plain white outfit with long hair flowing over her shoulders, seemed to emerge from the ground, appearing out of thin air at the corner of the large table. She casually picked up her chopsticks, took a bite of food, and put it in her mouth.

Although Xi Feng and the other three men showed no expression on their faces, an unprecedented sense of fear rose in their hearts: apart from Qian Duguan, who in the room wasn't a peerless master with celestial cultivation? Unbeknownst to them, Zhu Yuyan had sneaked in. Seeing her elegant yet alluring demeanor, her languidly seductive manner as she casually chewed her food, it was clear that her youthful appearance wasn't maintained by internal energy cultivation—how could the four not be shocked!

With a slight furrow of her delicate brows, Zhu Yuyan poured herself a full glass, raised it to the four, and said in a clear, sweet voice tinged with an eeriness, "To the first snowfall of this winter, cheers!"

A strange, indescribable, and unsettling premonition arose in the four's hearts.

Zhu Yuyan took a small sip, put down her glass, and her beautiful eyes quickly swept over the four. Suddenly, her pupils became bright and sparkling, like lightning, seemingly possessing an almost demonic charm. Combined with her celestial figure and elegant aura, this didn't feel strange at all; instead, it instilled a lingering sense of unease. Her gaze was sharp as a sword. Even those with cultivation levels like the other four felt that their clothes offered no protection whatsoever; their internal and external conditions were completely exposed to Zhu Yuyan's observation.

"Haha!"

Xi Feng burst into laughter first, startling the other three at the table. Then, his eyes gleamed as he stared intently at Zhu Yuyan, slowly saying, "Not only has Venerable Zhu been resurrected, but her power has also increased to such a level. Even if I am unwilling, I must admit my defeat. The Heavenly Demon Art truly lives up to its name! Your ability to observe people and things is also incredibly skillful!" The

'ability to observe people and things' was a secret technique of the Demonic Sect, but it had been lost for a long time. It was Xiang Yutian who passed the incantation to Yuan Yueze, who then passed it on to Zhu Yuyan.

Zhu Yuyan covered her mouth with her delicate fingers and chuckled, "You flatter me!" The expressions of

Xi Feng and the other three immediately changed drastically.

The world suddenly changed color, and everything around them vanished without a trace. The four of them felt as if they were in a hellish place filled with gusts of cold wind, howling ghosts, and overwhelming evil energy. The feeling of being there was incredibly real, far beyond what the 'Heavenly Demon Sound' described in the Heavenly Demon Great Art could achieve.

Everything around them returned to normal.

Qian Duguan, whose cultivation was the lowest, was trembling, cold sweat pouring down his face.

Xi Feng and the other two gasped, almost simultaneously exclaiming, "The Great Art of Planting Demons in the Dao Heart!"

Zhu Yuyan smiled calmly. If Yuan Yueze were present, he would surely have been captivated, but Xi Feng and the other two were sent chills down their spines by that smile. Bi Shouxuan

forcibly suppressed his pounding heart and calmly said, "If Yu Yan harbors hatred, then let it come to your Martial Uncle. Although I don't know what extraordinary encounters you've had, you are now certain to bring glory to the Holy Sect."

Zhu Yu Yan shook her head slightly and said, "No matter how unfilial Yu Yan is, she would never let her master's only junior brother die at the hands of his own people. If Martial Uncle is truly devoted to the Holy Sect, Yu Yan will never blame you, but do you know their backgrounds?"

She was referring to Xi Feng and Zhao Deyan. Bi Shouxuan was

taken aback. Zhu

Yu Yan continued, "Xi Feng is one of the two great generals under the Great Ming Holy Venerable, and Commander Yan is also cooperating with the Turkic heretical sect. How could they be wholeheartedly working for the future of our Holy Sect?"

Just as Zhu Yu Yan was still speaking in a captivating voice, a sharp glint flashed in the eyes of Xi Feng and Zhao Deyan, more mesmerizing than thunder and lightning in a rainstorm. The two of them attacked together, surrounding Zhu Yu Yan.

Zhu Yuyan remained seated at the corner of the table, her gaze fixed intently on the two men.

She spoke slowly and deliberately, "If you two are willing to reveal the secrets of the Great Ming Sect and the Turkic heretical cult, I may spare your lives." Only after finishing this sentence did Zhu Yuyan raise her slender arms and lightly clap out two palms.

These casual palm strikes, even with their extraordinary cultivation levels placing them among the top ten in the world, greatly surprised Xi Feng and Zhao Deyan.

As Zhu Yuyan spoke, their attacks had already begun, yet her slow, deliberate delivery of the entire sentence meant that their attacks hadn't even landed on her yet. Furthermore, her palm strikes seemed to defy the limitations of time, as Xi Feng and Zhao Deyan's senses indicated that she would strike them before they could actually hit Zhu Yuyan.

This was absurd, completely illogical. How could a palm strike launched later be faster than their initial attacks? Yet, the feeling was undeniably real.

Shocked, Xi Feng and his companion abruptly withdrew their attacks, ignoring the pain from the reversed flow of their qi and blood, and regrouped their offensive, attacking Zhu Yuyan from both sides.

Zhu Yuyan slowly rose from the mat in a very strange posture, pointing a finger at the empty space in front of her.

Just before she stretched her slender waist, Bi Shouxuan, standing to one side, was astonished to find that she was still sitting.

A series of bizarre yet incredibly real phenomena occurred to Zhu Yuyan.

Without any fancy moves, her finger, inexplicably pointed, struck precisely at the point where Xi and Zhao's qi were connected.

Zhao Deyan suddenly felt a chill, looked down, and saw a hole the size of an infant's fist in his right chest, from which blood was gushing. Bi Shouxuan and Qian Duguan stared at him in disbelief.

Zhu Yuyan, seemingly unmoved, continued to sit there eating her food.

Xi Feng had long since vanished.

---
04-20
Chapter 81 Gambling Frenzy

The red sun of winter had already turned westward.

Kou Zhong, who was sitting with Xu Ziling in the luxurious living room on the top floor of the 'Purple Smoke Pavilion' in the northwest corner of the Taiji Palace, a place reserved for VIPs and guests near the West Inner Garden, stood up and walked to the large north-facing window to look out.

The 'Purple Smoke Pavilion' was exquisite and luxurious in both its exterior and interior. For example, the window decorated with openwork carvings, the fine wood that exuded a slight natural fragrance, the beautifully carved patterns, and the silk gauze curtains that shimmered in the sunlight all amazed Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling.

Kou Zhong's gaze settled on a unique garden on the eastern side of the Western Inner Garden. He was filled with even more admiration. From this vantage point, the view stretched over the low, sturdy city wall between the Western Inner Garden and the Taiji Palace, offering a panoramic view of the garden's scenery. The elegant and tranquil garden courtyards were uniquely designed, blending seamlessly with the surrounding natural environment. There was no trace of artificial alteration; compared to other palaces, it possessed a refreshing air.

The main building was located at the southern end, with a tiered lake and rockery to the north, spanned by winding bridges. The artificial lake flowed into the hall, transforming into a meandering stream, adorned with unusual rocks. The water flowed around the west side of the pavilion into a fan-shaped lake to the south, creating a rippling effect that evoked a sense of wilderness. The relationship between water and architecture was exceptionally well-handled, clearly the work of a master builder.

Kou Zhong was thoroughly enjoying the scene. After a while, he turned to the pretty maid standing respectfully to one side and asked, "Excuse me, sister, what is that place?"

The maid had been secretly observing the two handsome young men, whose reputations were second only to Yuan Yueze, one quiet and one lively, both exuding an indescribable charm. Hearing this, her face flushed red, and she said shyly, "Young Marshal, you flatter me. Just call me by my name. That is the Princess Pingyang's residence, 'Yiyu Pavilion'."

Upon hearing the words 'Princess Pingyang', Kou Zhong, who had intended to tease the shy maid, immediately froze on the spot as if he had been dumbfounded.

Xu Ziling, who had been leisurely sipping tea, frowned and said to the maid, "Please leave now, young lady. We are aware of the banquet tonight and will attend on time."

The maid respectfully replied, "If the young marshal and young master Xu have any orders, please do not hesitate to ask. I am at the bottom of the stairs on the next floor."

After the maid left, Xu Ziling sighed and said, "You said you were causing chaos in the Li Tang dynasty, but you haven't even seen Li Xiuning yet, and you're already acting like a fool just from hearing her name. I think you're hopeless."

Kou Zhong came to his senses, sat down with a wry smile, and said self-deprecatingly, "Fortunately, only the three Li brothers greeted us just now." "If Li Xiuning comes too, I'm afraid I'll embarrass myself."

Xu Ziling said irritably, "It's good to let those people who worship you see the true face of their 'Young Marshal'."

Kou Zhong grinned and came closer, "I heard that Mother and Brother Yuan live in the 'Lingyan Pavilion' not far away. Should we go and take a look?"

Xu Ziling shook his head and said, "No, we should try not to meet too often, otherwise we'll definitely be put on the defensive."

Kou Zhong chuckled and said, "Anyway, there's still some time before the banquet that Li Jiancheng has prepared for us tonight, so why don't we sneak away..."

Before he could finish speaking, a huge sound suddenly came from the southwest.

The two went to the other window and saw dust billowing in the distance, wondering what major event had occurred. In the study

of the Tian Ce Mansion,

the ambitious and talented Li Shimin sat in the seat of honor, flanked by his trusted confidants: Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui, Changsun Wuji, Duan Zhixuan, Pang Yu, Yuchi Jingde, and Li Jing.

Pang Yu from the messaging system was the first to report Yuan Yueze's whereabouts that day: "After the Emperor summoned Yuan Yueze today, he went out with Bai Qing'er, Qian Duguan's concubine. The two were arm in arm, and their relationship seemed to be more than just casual. In the end, they went to 'Yu Xinglong,' owned by the second young lady of the Song family in the East Market. After the Prince of Qin welcomed the young marshal into the city and made proper arrangements, our spies have the latest news that he took Bai Qing'er and Yun Yuzhen to stroll in the direction of 'Beili.' I think they must be going to gamble."

All the brothels and gambling dens in Chang'an are concentrated in Pingkangli, which is also called 'Beili' because it is close to the North Gate of Chang'an.

Pang Yu continued, "Of the other ladies who came with him, 'Empress Yin' and 'Rakshasa Woman' are nowhere to be found; the young lady from the Dugu clan later personally visited the Emperor, and we don't know what they discussed; Wei Zhenzhen went to the West Market pharmacy to personally prepare medicine for the imperial concubines; Lady Dongming, the young lady from the Flying Horse Ranch, Empress Xiao, and that girl named Yin Xiaoji all stayed in Lingyan Pavilion to play the zither and sing songs."

The people in the hall felt a sense of powerlessness: almost all the women in Yuan Yueze's family practiced martial arts, and among the women who came with him, apart from Xiao He'er, Song Yuzhi, and Shang Xiuxun, which one wasn't a super expert? Women like Zhu Yuyan, Shan Meixian, and Fu Junzhuo were even more celestial in their cultivation, and no one could detect them coming and going in the palace at will.

Thinking of Bai Qing'er again, Li Shimin, who had been calm, suddenly frowned and said, "When Yuan Yueze introduced her, he only said that Bai Qing'er was a friend who wanted to visit Chang'an. How much truth do you all think of this?"

Du Ruhui, a slender, tall man with a refined appearance and scholarly air, stood up and said, "I think this is definitely a lie. Bai Qing'er is Qian Duguan's concubine. How could she be so close to Yuan Yueze? Could it be that Qian Duguan is afraid of Yuan Yueze and has secretly submitted to him? Bai Qing'er might just be a gift from Qian Duguan."

The experienced courtesan Duan Zhixuan chimed in, "Based on Zhixuan's experience, that Bai Qing'er... " "Ming...hey! She's clearly still a virgin. The cunning Qian Duguan's marital relationship with Bai Qing'er might just be a facade, something to be used to save his life when necessary. With her captivating beauty, she could indeed charm anyone. Even worse, the selfish Qian Duguan feigns surrender to Yuan Yueze while secretly plotting some conspiracy."

Pang Yu nodded, "However, Yuan Yueze is no ordinary man. The latest news from Luoyang says that Shen Luoyan has personally led 30,000 elite troops south, probably to give Qian Duguan a severe blow, so he'll never dare to harbor any wicked thoughts again." Li

Shimin's brows furrowed even more deeply. Xiangyang was the most important military stronghold south of Luoyang, a coveted territory for every power. Half a year ago, Li Mi personally went to Xiangyang to persuade Qian Duguan to defeat Wang Shichong, demonstrating Xiangyang's importance. If it fell into Li Shimin's hands, he could not only restrain Xiao Xian and Zhu Can, but also pressure Yuan Yueze on the front and control Du Fuwei on the rear, even using it as leverage to persuade others to surrender. However, if it fell into Yuan Yueze's hands, things would be dire. Luoyang and Xiangyang would be connected, and even without the threat of the Great Xia army on the flank, it would be extremely difficult for Li Tang to capture Luoyang. But right now,

he was too far away to act, and could only sigh helplessly. Li Shimin sighed inwardly again, thinking how well Shen Luoyan had seized the opportunity to launch her attack. By taking advantage of Yuan Yueze's entry into the pass, she had drawn all of Li Tang's attention, allowing her to finally implement her expansionist plans without threat.

Changsun Wuji hesitated, looking troubled, but Li Shimin noticed and said, "Wuji, please speak frankly."

Changsun Wuji hesitated and said, "Young Master Chai Shao just came by in person. He told me that he wants to attend the banquet to be held at Taiji Palace the day after tomorrow and asked me to ask Prince Qin to grant him permission."

Li Shimin calmly said, "In that case, please tell him that I will definitely secure a seat for him."

Just as Changsun Wuji was about to reply, hurried footsteps suddenly came from outside, and a soldier ran and shouted, "Reporting to Prince Qin, something has happened at Lingyan Pavilion!"

The expressions of the people in the hall changed drastically.

Yuan Yueze, Yun Yuzhen, and Bai Qing'er walked out of the East Market, crossed Xinghua and Chongde wards, and began to wander aimlessly.

The area around the Imperial Palace was filled with powerful and wealthy people, who wanted to easily curry favor with the royal family. Therefore, they competed to build mansions, which also provided convenience for shopping. As a result, the wards north of the East Four Markets were known as the "Golden Wards." The carriages traveling along the wide streets after the winter snow were all lavishly decorated, and the pedestrians were dressed in fine clothes. The surrounding area was filled with mansions and courtyards, lush forests and tall bamboos, and magnificent pavilions, creating an atmosphere of decadent splendor.

Yun Yuzhen and Bai Qing'er were whispering arm in arm to one side. Yuan Yueze looked around with interest at the dazzling array of goods in front of the various shops and the bustling bargaining between vendors and customers. Then he turned to the two who were giggling for some reason and asked, "What are you laughing at?"

Yun Yuzhen quickly gave Yuan Yueze a flirtatious wink and said sweetly, "I'm telling you, Qing'er, about the day my husband descended from the sky and killed a master of the Great Ming Sect with a single sword strike."

Yuan Yueze said nostalgically, "That was several years ago."

Bai Qing'er interjected, "It seems Qing'er won't have the fortune to experience the feeling of flying on a sword."

Yun Yuzhen gently pinched her cute nose and said, "Luckily, you met your husband late in life, otherwise you would have fallen in love with him as recklessly as Wan Jing did. I was completely captivated by that sword strike that day!"

Bai Qing'er blushed slightly and pinched Yun Yuzhen, who giggled and dodged.

Yuan Yueze shook his head and chuckled. Given Shan Wanjing's independent and strong-willed nature, she certainly wouldn't be easily attracted to him. Back then, he possessed an ethereal aura that even Shan Meixian couldn't resist, let alone Shan Wanjing. However, that aura had almost completely disappeared now, which was why Bai Qing'er wasn't so easily captivated by Yuan Yueze.

After passing Yankangfang, they turned onto Yong'an Street. The Yong'an Canal, over ten zhang wide, stretched north to south, flowing ahead. A magnificent stone bridge stood majestically above the canal.

The Yong'an Canal connected to the Wei River in the north of the city, supplying half of Chang'an's water supply and serving as a vital waterway. This 'Leaping Horse Bridge' was the most spectacular stone bridge in Chang'an. The straight Yong'an Canal ran parallel to Yong'an Street, passing through the north and south city gates. Boats ply the waterways beneath the bridge, while carriages and horses traveled across it in an endless stream. All around were grand mansions and wealthy households.

Bai Qing'er's interest was piqued, and she whispered, "I heard that the 'Yang Gong Treasure Vault' is right below here. If Master doesn't tell people, they'll think the treasure has never been touched."

Yun Yuzhen frowned slightly upon hearing this. Before she could speak, Yuan Yueze turned to Bai Qing'er and smiled, "Then I'll take you to the empty treasure vault another day to have a good..."

Before he could finish speaking, he saw Yun Yuzhen constantly giving him meaningful glances. Yuan Yueze laughed heartily, hooked his arm around hers, and kissed her smooth, fragrant cheek, praising, "So fragrant!"

Passersby all looked at the three of them, whispering amongst themselves. The disdainful gazes of the scholars, the astonished gazes of the men, the envious gazes of the women, and the puzzled gazes of the children could almost burn the three of them.

Yuan Yueze whispered in Yun Yuzhen's ear, "I've detected someone following us. This is a diversionary tactic, Yuzhen, cooperate."

Bai Qing'er, seeing Yun Yuzhen's prominent breasts and seemingly enjoying herself, blushed slightly and turned away, muttering a curse under her breath.

Yuan Yueze leered, "Qing'er, would you like to join in?"

Bai Qing'er was horrified and quickly dodged to the side, only to see Yuan Yueze and Yun Yuzhen already walking ahead. She could only stomp her feet in frustration and follow.

A short while later, the three entered the bustling 'Northern Quarter'.

What had started as a aimless stroll had somehow led them to this place.

Yun Yuzhen pressed against Yuan Yueze's arm, gently rubbing her soft breasts against it, and said with a charming smile, "Should we find a gambling den and play a few rounds? I've heard from you, sister-in-law, about your Pai Gow skills, and I'd like to see them for myself."

Yuan Yueze chuckled, "I only do that on the spot..."

"Brother, something's happened at 'Lingyan Pavilion'!"

A frantic voice rang out, unusually loud in the bustling market.

The three turned around and saw Dugu Feng rushing towards them, panting heavily.

Yuan Yueze frowned, pressing his hand on her heaving shoulders, and said, "What happened? Tell me slowly!"

Without saying a word, Yuan Yueze gently comforted the sobbing Shang Xiuxun in his arms, staring at the ruins before him, his entire body radiating a chilling killing intent. The women standing nearby, including Shan Meixian, Shuanglong, Li Shimin, and their confidants, all trembled with fear, losing even the courage to speak.

"Brother Yuan, may I ask what's going on here?"

Li Yuanji's familiar voice came from behind, tinged with smugness.

Turning around, Yuan Yueze coldly replied, "You're asking me? Who should I ask?"

Li Yuanji's face darkened, but under Yuan Yueze's oppressive aura, he gritted his teeth and said, "Brother Yuan, what is your intention in bringing firearms to my Great Tang Imperial Palace? May I say that you harbor ulterior motives?"

Yuan Yueze's large hand brushed against Shang Xiuxun's smooth long hair, as if talking to himself, "If I just kill you all, won't I be fearless?"

Everyone's expression changed drastically. Li Shimin coughed and said to the ashen-faced Li Yuanji, "How could Brother Yuan be such a villain? Third Brother, don't make wild guesses. This fire..." "These weapons must have some significance."

After a pause, he said apologetically to Yuan Yueze, "Brother Yuan, please calm down. Since you can conjure things out of thin air, it's not surprising that I have such suspicions. I know you're not that kind of petty person. Please don't let the two fight like the snipe and the clam, allowing the fisherman to profit!"

When the atmosphere became awkward, Kou Zhong laughed loudly and said, "So many firearms, I wonder who prepared them, where they came from, and how they could be hidden so well without anyone noticing!"

His tone was strange, clearly suspecting that Li Tang was plotting to harm Yuan Yueze's wife, and also subtly mocking Li Yuanji for turning the tables. Then he said to Li Shimin, "I must go back and rest now; we'll be drinking tonight."

After saying this, he nodded to Wei Zhenzhen and walked towards the 'Purple Smoke Pavilion' with Xu Ziling.

Li Shimin smiled and said to Yuan Yueze, "It's infuriating that such a thing could happen in the palace. Why don't you and your wives move to the West Garden? It's quiet and elegant there, and it should suit your temperament."

Yuan Yueze smiled faintly and said, "Thank you for your trouble, Brother Shimin. If I find out who was responsible for today's events, I will surely inflict the most terrible punishment on them!"

Li Yuanji's face was cold, and he said with a forced smile, "Brother Yuan's reputation for loving his wife is known throughout the land. By the way, tonight the Crown Prince intends to host a banquet for the young marshal and Brother Xu. Because Father Emperor said he would personally welcome Brother Yuan, the Crown Prince did not invite them." "Brother Yuan, if you are interested, you may also participate."

Yuan Yueze was surprisingly not annoyed and smiled, "I will definitely participate, thank you for your trouble, Brother Yuanji."

Seeing that the superficial relationship was finally not so tense, Li Shimin breathed a sigh of relief. He later arranged for Yuan Yueze and his several wives, who were not injured but were frightened by the explosion, to stay in the West Garden. Before he could finish giving the instructions, Eunuch Wei came and bowed to Li Shimin with a numb expression, saying, "His Majesty requests that Prince Qin be seen immediately."

Looking at Li Shimin's inexplicable expression and the fleeting look in Li Yuanji's eyes, Yuan Yueze vaguely felt that Li Shimin was probably in trouble.

After exchanging a few insincere pleasantries, Li Yuanji left, and Yuan Yueze and his family, led by a eunuch, headed towards the West Garden.

The place they were staying was actually the VIP courtyard next to Princess Li Xiuning's residence, 'Yiyuxuan'.

Apart from Zhu Yuyan and Fu Junzhuo, the whole family was present. In the luxurious hall, Yuan Yueze joked with Shang Xiuxun and Xiao He'er for a long time before pulling them out of the shadow of their recent fright. Then, turning to the other women who showed no sign of distress, he asked, "Who do you think did this?"

Shan Meixian replied, "It must have been the Li Tang people. As for who, that's hard to say, and it must involve the forces hidden behind them. We've only been here a day, and they've already plotted against us twice. This time it's even more insidious. They know they can't afford to offend my husband, and they know he loves us, so they intend to kill us to break his spirit. The person who came up with this plan is indeed not simple."

Yuan Yueze held the sleeping Xiao He'er in his arms and said coldly, "That's why I agreed to go to Li Jiancheng's banquet tonight. If I find out it was them, ten or eight Li Tangs will be destroyed!"

Wei Zhenzhen praised, "My husband has indeed grown. Under normal circumstances, just Li Yuanji's words would have been enough for him to kill me.

" Yue Ze blushed and said, "Why is Li Yuanji's left hand still perfectly fine? That's strange!"

Bai Qing'er chimed in, "This morning, Master intended to tell you everything, but then he said he was going off-topic and was interrupted by Sister Zhen. Master said that Uncle Wei's position by Li Yuan's side has been declining day by day for the past two years. Uncle Wei wanted to investigate, but the imperial palace is heavily guarded, so even though he had doubts, he still dared not act rashly. According to Uncle Wei, Li Yuanji's arm recovered within half a month of returning to Chang'an. I'm afraid that apart from Li Yuan and a very few others, no one else knows the details."

Yuan Yue Ze nodded and asked, "Where did Yu Yan and Jun Zhuo go?"

Just as Xiao Bei was about to speak, Jun Zhuo's clear and melodious voice came from outside the door: "My husband still remembers me!"

Before she finished speaking, her graceful figure appeared at the door.

Seeing that her sisters were all alright, Fu Junzhuo sat down and said, "I went out for a walk this morning. Sister Yuyan told me to go out and look for my second brother, but guess who I ran into?"

Everyone around her looked blank. Fu Junzhuo whispered, "I ran into the leader of the group that ambushed me by the Yangtze River that day. I followed him for a long time and found that he ended up going into Yin Zuwen's father-in-law's mansion. I went through a lot of trouble to sneak in. The last thing I heard Yin Zuwen say was, 'It's good that you succeeded.'"

After saying that, Fu Junzhuo pouted and slumped back in her chair.

A long silence filled the hall. The astute Yun Yuzhen spoke first: "Judging from the person who attacked Jun Zhuo, to Yin Zuwen, and then to today's events, could Yin Zuwen also be involved?"

Yuan Yueze nodded: "That's possible. I remember from the aura that the person who attacked Jun Zhuo that day was from the Great Ming Zunjiao. Heh, this game is getting more and more complicated, and the plot has so many branches. It's so interesting."

Xiao Bei reminded him: "During the banquet, husband must take the lead in speaking, using a mix of truth and deception, making them want to hear more and more, and becoming increasingly confused."

Yuan Yueze nodded.

"Ah!"

Startled and asleep, Xiao He'er suddenly felt a heat rising in her body. An indescribable tingling sensation coursed through her. Her usually dry and clean private parts had become moist. She opened her hazy eyes and saw Yuan Yueze discussing things to be careful of with the women around him while simultaneously kneading and squeezing her well-developed breasts with his strange hands. She immediately cried out in surprise, her face flushed, and struggled to get out.

Seeing the reproachful looks from the women around him, Yuan Yueze scratched his head and said to Xiao He'er, who was so embarrassed that she almost buried her head between her exquisite breasts, "Haha! I'm used to it..."

As dusk fell, Yuan Yueze arrived at the largest and most luxurious banquet hall in the East Palace's 'Zuo Chun Fang'. The hall was exquisitely decorated, and the spacious interior was brightly lit, like daytime. The banquet was held at individual tables, and it seemed that ninety percent of the guests were already seated. Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling were also chatting with the surrounding dignitaries. As soon as Yuan Yueze entered, everyone's eyes were drawn to him.

Li Jiancheng, as the host, flashed a hint of joy in his eyes and came forward, saying, "Brother Yuan, it is my great honor to have you here. Come, come, let me punish you for being late with a few drinks!"

Yuan Yueze had a strange feeling. Why was Li Jiancheng so overjoyed, acting so intimately with him like an old friend?

After taking only two steps, a man stood up beside Kou Zhong's seat on the right. This man was tall and imposing, dressed in a well-tailored dark blue warrior's uniform with white lace trim, over which he wore a white wolfskin cloak, and a long sword slung across his back. He appeared to be only twenty-five or twenty-six years old, his fair, delicate face flushed with a healthy blush, his jet-black hair tied in a white cloth bun. He was strikingly handsome, with an imposing presence. His long, narrow eyes possessed a deep, serious, and frightening light, sharp enough to pierce through any opponent's defenses. Although he was dressed as a Han Chinese, Yuan Yueze sensed an aura remarkably similar to Tuli's emanating from him—an aura unique to those from beyond the Great Wall. The man cupped his hands and said, "Indeed, seeing is believing! Brother Yuan is truly a remarkable man!"

After nodding to Kou Zhong and the other man, before he could speak, Li Jiancheng quickly introduced, "This is Brother Kedazhi, a Turkic master renowned throughout the desert for his 'Raging Sands Blade Technique.'"

Yuan Yueze carefully sized him up, understanding his intentions, and smiled slightly, saying, "I've long admired you, Brother Kedazhi. You're too kind."

Kedazhi was taken aback, clearly not expecting Yuan Yueze to be so polite. He continued, "I just had a very pleasant conversation with the young marshal, and we've agreed to a duel after the banquet. I've also heard that Ba Feng Han couldn't last two moves against you, Brother Yuan, so I'd like to test my own skills. Would you be so kind as to offer your guidance?"

Yuan Yueze maintained his leisurely demeanor, saying, "No problem. But you should know that when I act, I kill. If you're willing to risk your life, I welcome you."

The hall fell silent.

Although Kedazhi was a young master on par with Ba Feng Han in the outer regions, his opponent was Yuan Yueze! In the world today, the rankings of masters are clear. The highest-ranking are naturally the three Grandmasters: Ning Daoqi, the Daoist representative known as the "Scattered True Man"; Zhu Yuyan, the supreme master of the Demonic Sect known as the "Empress of Yin"; and Bi Xuan, the "Martial Venerable" of the Desert Wolf. Below them are Song Shidao, Kou Zhong, Xu Ziling, Ba Feng Han, Yang Xuyan, and Hou Xibai. Only Yuan Yueze's position is uncertain. Based on his past achievements, some say that since he lost to the "Empress of Yin," he can only be ranked below the three Grandmasters but above the younger generation. Others say that he deliberately lost to pursue Zhu Yuyan; otherwise, how could he have dominated the Bashu region? Various opinions exist, but one thing is certain: Yuan Yueze is at least significantly stronger than the younger generation of masters. Now that Ke Dazhi dares to challenge him, if he refuses Yuan Yueze's merciless words, he will never be able to hold his head high again.

Keda's face darkened, but Li Jiancheng said, "Brother Yuan and Brother Ke are both exceptionally skilled, but Brother Yuan seems to have too much interest in martial arts and only loves beautiful women, haha! Brother Ke should just spar with the young marshal."

His words were tactful, possessing a uniquely masculine humor that made it impossible to be angry. Although not intended to satirize Yuan Yueze, it served to divert attention. Those who pursue martial arts only consider others as kindred spirits when they encounter those with similar pursuits. His words implied that Keda had no need to fight Yuan Yueze, as their pursuits were completely different. He was also afraid that if the eccentric Yuan Yueze were to make a move, and something happened to Keda, Li Jiancheng would ultimately suffer the consequences. Therefore, he used a simple sentence to defuse the awkward atmosphere between the two.

Yuan Yueze smiled calmly and sat down, saying to Li Jiancheng, "Where are Brother Shimin and Brother Yuanji?"

Li Jiancheng's expression changed slightly, and after sighing, he said apologetically, "Father found a batch of firearms in my second brother's palace, which are exactly the same as the firearms wreckage that destroyed 'Lingyan Pavilion' today..."

Yuan Yueze's heart skipped a beat, and he looked at Li Jiancheng with a strange expression.

--Chapter

082

On the way to the West Garden, Yuan Yueze recalled what had just happened: Amidst the clinking of glasses, the Crown Prince faction launched attacks on Yuan Yueze in another way. Keda Zhi and Li Jiancheng were clearly jealous because Shang Xiufang had stayed at Yuan Yueze's house for a short time; Wei Zheng was dissatisfied because of his former master; and Mei Xun was resentful because of the killing of Chao Gongcuo. Yuan Yueze could no longer stay, so he got up and took his leave without giving Li Jiancheng any face, simply because he could not sit with the people who were plotting against him.

Yuan Yueze had a vague idea that this was a conspiracy between Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji.

Everyone knew about the discord between the brothers; no wonder Li Jiancheng was so excited today. Li Yuanji's absence meant he was probably busy adding fuel to the fire so that Li Yuan would punish Li Shimin more severely.

But Yuan Yueze had no intention of saving Li Shimin. He was a human being, not a politician. He only remembered how, in Luoyang, he had even used his own sister for his own purposes. Yuan Yueze even felt that it would be best if Li Shimin could be reduced to a commoner tomorrow.

After feigning a few words of reflection, Li Jiancheng introduced the guests to Yuan Yueze one by one: Wei Zheng, a former strategist under Li Mi; Mei Xun, the leader of the South Sea Sect and Li Jiancheng's brother-in-law known as "Golden Spear"; Feng Liben, the commander of the Eastern Palace Guards; Qiao Gongshan, the commander of the Changlin Army; and others. Yuan Yueze paid no attention to their cold, hateful, curious, envious, or sinister gazes. After a few brief greetings, his mind raced.

Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji were in cahoots, and Li Yuanji, in turn, was in cahoots with Xi Feng, Bi Shouxuan, and other members of the Demonic Sect. Li Shimin's suppression by the Crown Prince's faction and the concubines' faction within the Li Tang dynasty was nothing new. Yesterday's poisoning and today's explosion must have been the work of Li Jiancheng's group. How could a large number of firearms be transported to Li Shimin's residence so silently? The only plausible explanation is that the palace turmoil caused by yesterday's poisoning allowed them to carry out their secret plot. Poisoning was indeed a brilliant scheme that killed several birds with one stone.

Recalling Li Jiancheng's smug smile upon arriving in Chang'an yesterday, Yuan Yueze knew that Li Jiancheng's plan had been in the works for a long time, only lacking the "king" to fall into the trap.

Walking in the cool night air, he leaped over the wall from the East Palace back to the West Garden in a few bounds. A sense of dejection rose within him. The enemy's plan to target him during his entry into the pass was clearly meticulous, while he had remained on the defensive. The few scattered clues he had found were no longer sufficient to be investigated further. The feeling of wanting to kill but having no one to kill grew stronger.

The VIP courtyard was pitch black, except for a light flickering in the central living room.

Yuan Yueze gently pushed open the door; only Li Xiuning was in the spacious hall.

She leaned against the round table, her chin resting on her slender, jade-like forearm, gazing absently out the window.

Her hair was styled in double buns, adorned with an exquisite coral headband. She wore a high-necked, lake-green dress with dark yellow floral patterns, over which she wore a white fur robe for warmth. Her elegant attire did not diminish her refined and ethereal beauty. The dim light of the oil lamp highlighted her pale face, making her appear heartbreakingly haggard.

Hearing footsteps, Li Xiuning snapped out of her reverie. She glanced back and saw Yuan Yueze had already closed the door and was standing at the round table.

Li Xiuning hurriedly stood up, bowing her head and saying, "Young Master is back. Xiuning has been presumptuous in coming to visit."

Yuan Yueze placed his large hands on her delicate shoulders, pressing her, whose face had turned slightly red, to sit down. He then sat down himself, laughing, "You mustn't do this. You are a princess, and I am just a commoner. Wouldn't others laugh themselves to death if they saw this?"

Li Xiuning seemed to have been reminded of some painful memory, and she threw herself into Yuan Yueze's arms, sobbing softly, saying intermittently, "Xiuning is so tired. If there is a next life, I must be born into an ordinary family."

"Cry, cry, cry out whatever is sad, just tell it all!"

Yuan Yueze placed one hand on her fragrant shoulder and the other through his cloak, gently stroking her jade-like back to soothe her.

She cried for over a quarter of an hour, her tears, pent up from pent-up grievances, soaking Yuan Yueze's chest. Yuan Yueze shook his head and smiled bitterly: the Li Xiuning before him was vastly different from the historical Princess Pingyang, a woman of heroic spirit, commanding thousands of troops, and in no way inferior to men.

When she had cried enough, her delicate body nestled in Yuan Yueze's arms had noticeably warmed. Only then did Yuan Yueze ask, "How is your second brother?"

Li Xiuning stiffened, not daring to raise her head, and said, "Xiuning has a request, I would like to ask you, young master, to speak a few words of justice for my second brother. I'm afraid Father will punish him severely."

Yuan Yueze lifted her chin, gently wiping away her tears, looking directly at her pitiful and moving appearance. His voice was soft, but his tone firm as he said, "I'm sorry, this involves my principles, and no one can change them."

Li Xiuning's face darkened, and she said sadly, "Why must you two fight to the death!"

Two more tears streamed down her face.

Although Yuan Yueze was helpless, he wouldn't change his attitude; after all, he had feelings for her. Is it heartlessness? Is it affection? Or is it cruelty? Li Xiuning couldn't say for sure.

Pressing her burning cheek against Yuan Yueze's chest, Li Xiuning murmured, "Second Brother is the last hope of the Li family. If he's gone, the Li family's century-old foundation will be gone too."

Without waiting for Yuan Yueze's reaction, she sat up straight, stood up, and said softly, "Young Master, your wives are already asleep. I apologize for disturbing you. Farewell."

With that, she slowly walked towards the door, her frail figure evoking pity.

Yuan Yueze shrugged, remained silent for a moment, then walked towards the master bedroom.

The next day, a curfew was imposed throughout Chang'an. An outbreak in the palace was no small matter, and many soldiers began a thorough search.

Dusk fell. At

the Donglai Inn near the imperial city on Zhuque Street.

The sound of horses' hooves filled the air, abruptly stopping outside the inn. Having

just entered the city that afternoon, Song Shidao, still dressed as Yue Shan, stood with his hands behind his back facing the window, gazing at the beautiful snow-covered scenery in the inn's back garden. After the sound of horses' hooves abruptly ceased, the entire inn fell silent. This sudden silence itself carried a heavy pressure, signaling that something unusual had occurred.

Song Shidao said in a deep voice, "Come in! The door isn't locked."

Li Yuan, standing outside, paused slightly. He first ordered his men to clear away the guests from the nearby rooms before pushing open the door and entering from behind Song Shidao. He clasped his hands in greeting and said, "Li Yuan just learned of Brother Yue's arrival and has come to pay his respects."

Song Shidao sneered, "Li Yuan, you are the supreme Emperor of the Tang Dynasty, and unifying the world is just around the corner. It is only right that this humble subject, Yue Shan, kowtows to you." He

suddenly turned around, gathering his inner energy, his eyes flashing with a sharp light as he met Li Yuan's gaze.

Li Yuan laughed loudly, saying, "Brother Yue, don't play tricks on me. No matter what I become, my feelings for you have never changed. It's a joyous occasion to see you again, Brother Yue, having mastered the 'Sun-Changing Technique'! I've planted countless spies around Chang'an, hoping to catch another glimpse of you."

He paused, then his eyes flashed with a strange light as he asked, "I heard that Brother Yue's meridians were destroyed by a demonic cultivator in Bashu. Is that true? Why do I see that your cultivation is now unfathomable, without a trace of injury, let alone the destruction of your meridians?"

Song Shidao's eyes flashed with terrifying lightning as he slowly replied, "That is indeed true. You must be doubting Aunt Zhu Yuyan's abilities. On that day, there was actually another Grandmaster-level cultivator surrounding him." "Only by attacking me can my meridians be destroyed. However, the 'Sun-Changing Technique' is a wondrous skill from India. Its core principle is 'destruction followed by reconstruction.' Two months later, I not only recovered completely, but my power also advanced further."

Li Yuan smiled sincerely and said, "I wholeheartedly applaud and cheer for Brother Yue."

Then his expression turned cold as he said, "Brother, did you come to Guanzhong this time to seek revenge on Zhu Yuyan's martial aunt? If so, I will certainly do my best to help you."

Song Shidao understood that Li Yuan must not know about Xi Feng's collusion with Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji, because Li Yuan had immense respect and trust for Yue Shan. That expression just now was likely something Li Yuan had long forgotten, only being stirred up by facing this 'old friend'. Then, with a muffled groan, he said, "I don't know where Bi Shouxuan is, but the other person who attacked me that day should be in Chang'an. I heard Zhu Yuyan got married? Hmph, I should settle my score with her too!"

A hint of hesitation flashed in Li Yuan's eyes, but he still said, "I will definitely do my best to assist you

, brother!" Song Shidao sighed and said, "Little Knife, don't force yourself. Our matter should be resolved according to the rules of the martial world. Don't involve your people and affect your reputation. Besides, Yue Shan has always been a lone wolf. The only one I can call brother is you, Little Knife. Why do we need others to get in our way?"

Li Yuan shook his head and said, "I know you are a celestial being, brother, but I also have a few secret subordinates who have followed me for over twenty years. They cultivate..." "A peerless martial artist from another realm, utterly loyal to me. In terms of pure strength, he's probably only slightly inferior to Zhu Yuyan. If they were to attack together, I doubt anyone in the world could withstand them."

Song Shidao was startled; this was clearly extremely important news, but he didn't show it on his face, calmly asking, "Why is the entire city under martial law today? I heard there's trouble in the palace?"

Li Yuan gave a wry smile: "I didn't expect my elder brother, with his masterful martial arts, to care about such trivial matters. Indeed, something has happened in the palace, alas!"

Song Shidao secretly breathed a sigh of relief. For someone as familiar with Yue Shan as Li Yuan, even the smallest oversight could easily be magnified. Fortunately, the two hadn't seen each other for many years, and Yue Shan's mastery of martial arts had naturally altered his demeanor.

After a moment of calm, Li Yuan recounted everything to Song Shidao in detail, his trust in Yue Shan astonishing even Song Shidao.

Song Shidao said, "Since I returned to the martial world, I've often heard people say that the Tang Dynasty's ability to establish itself in Guanzhong was all due to your second son, Li Shimin's, extraordinary talent and his numerous life-and-death feats. You, Xiaodao, promised him the throne several times, but later, influenced by the harem, you sided with Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji, alienating Li Shimin and causing internal strife within the court. Is this true?"

Although he and Yuan Yueze were fundamentally similar in character, they differed in subtle ways: Yuan Yueze was the kind of person with excessively strong principles, ruthless to both himself and others; Song Shidao, however, seemed more like a 'normal person.' This was related to their different life experiences. Yuan Yueze could refuse to help Li Shimin, but Song Shidao couldn't bring himself to do it. Moreover, if something truly happened to Li Shimin, it would only benefit the evil people manipulating Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji behind the scenes. This was the main reason why Song Shidao couldn't disregard Li Shimin's life or death.

Li Yuan remained silent for a moment, then smiled bitterly and said, "The truth is, of course, quite different from the rumors. I, Li Yuan, do not wish to argue about the minor details, but rather focus on the bigger picture. Jiancheng is the eldest son of the legitimate wife and has committed no major offenses. Although his achievements may seem inferior to Shimin's, this is because as the crown prince, it is not appropriate for him to lead troops in battle, not because he is inferior to Shimin. On the surface, Shimin is exceptionally talented, his achievements are numerous, and he commands respect throughout the land. He enjoys popular support. In fact, wasn't Yang Guang in the same situation back then? Deposing the eldest son and establishing the younger one disrupted the moral order, and only led to a repeat of the tragic palace upheavals of previous dynasties."

Li Yuan's perspective was not without reason; as the saying goes, "Between father and son, things are difficult to discuss." Song Shidao, still disappointed, said, "Of course, I know more about your Li family's affairs than I do. But I must tell you something: the person who cooperated with Bi Shouxuan that day was a divine general of the Great Ming Zunjiao, whose cultivation was almost celestial. I overheard him cooperating with your third son, Yuanji. It's no surprise he must also have some dealings with your eldest son, Jiancheng! Half a month ago, I was ambushed by Yang Wengan, Yang Xuyan, and that divine general on my way to the pass. Why did they try to stop me from entering? Moreover, the people of the Great Ming Zunjiao aim to seize the world..."

Li Yuan's expression finally changed, his eyes flashing with murderous intent, "Do these demons intend to overthrow my Great Tang?"

Song Shidao waved his hand and said, "Think about everything yourself. I won't say anything more. Go back. I will leave after I resolve my matters. We will meet again someday."

Li Yuan swayed, his lips trembling, and said, "Take care, elder brother. I'll take my leave."

With that, he turned and left.

On the morning of the third day, Li Yuan suddenly issued an imperial edict, lifting martial law, and Chang'an, nearing the end of the year, once again returned to prosperity.

Yuan Yueze didn't go out all day yesterday, only chatting with the women in his room. Zhu Yuyan had been gone for two nights and hadn't returned yet. Although she was unlikely to be in any danger, it still worried Yuan Yueze's family quite a bit. Even the usually composed Shan Meixian started complaining.

After breakfast, Dugu Feng suggested, "Let's go to the East Market to pick up Zhijie and then go for a walk."

Yun Yuzhen chimed in, "Great idea! I was just about to see my husband's gambling skills the other day, but Feng'er ruined it."

The two women playfully bickered for a bit, and then they all went out together. Yuan Yueze said, "Could it be that those two lads, Kou Zhong and Kou Yuyan, helped Li Shimin? Why didn't Li Yuan punish them much, only giving them a simple scolding?"

Wei Zhenzhen frowned and thought for a moment, "Impossible, Kou Zhong and Kou Yuyan don't have that much influence."

Dugu Feng pouted and said, "Sister Zhenzhen's miraculous healing skills removed all the poison from the women of the harem within two days and saved Li Yuan's son. He didn't even say thank you. I really don't understand why Father would let someone give Li Yuan that priceless 'Winter Forest and Clear Distance' painting."

Yuan Yueze smiled and said, "Perhaps that original painting has a special relationship with both Father-in-law and Li Yuan. Father-in-law's actions also imply that the two will no longer be friends. After all, only one side of our two sides can live well in the future. Father-in-law's actions are very much to my liking."

Bai Qing'er pouted and said, "Who is as heartless as you, young master? You don't even give face to the Li Tang princess."

Yuan Yueze made a fierce expression, then stretched out his 'breast-grabbing dragon claw hands' and said with a lewd smile, "If it's for Qing'er's sake, I will definitely give it to her."

Bai Qing'er screamed in fright and hid behind Shan Meixian, who was laughing so hard she was doubled over.

A short while later, the group left the palace and dispersed. Only Yuan Yueze, Yun Yuzhen, and Xiao He'er continued along the path they had taken yesterday, heading north. Although Bai Qing'er was shrewd, she hadn't been making a fuss about Yuan Yueze helping her get revenge. These past few days, she seemed to be enjoying this simple yet genuine family life, completely absorbed in it. Xiao He'er had heard that her old friend lived in the Shanglin Garden in the "Northern Quarter," and not wanting to be separated from Yuan Yueze, she followed along.

Upon stepping onto the 'Leaping Horse Bridge' again, the atmosphere had changed somewhat compared to two days prior. Yun Yuzhen leaned close to Yuan Yueze and whispered, "Husband's plan to deceive the enemy succeeded! There are many auras underwater; it seems they are searching for the entrance to the treasure!"

Yuan Yueze chuckled. Yun Yuzhen continued, "I just heard from people on the road that 'Yueshan' entered the pass last night and is staying near the imperial city. Li Yuan even went to see him personally!"

Yuan Yueze pondered for a moment and asked, "Could it be that Second Brother pleaded for Li Shimin?"

Yun Yuzhen replied, "That's possible. It's inconvenient for us to meet; we'll just have to wait for an opportunity. Since Second Brother is here, Sister-in-law should be here too. Perhaps we can run into her at the gambling den in Beili!"

Xiao He'er, who had been watching the commotion, turned around, her pretty face slightly flushed, and pouted, "Brother Yuan, you're shameless! Being so intimate with Sister Yuzhen in public!"

Yuan Yueze shook his head and chuckled. The three of them turned and entered 'Beili' once more.

The most prestigious gambling den in the world is 'Mingtangwo' in Chang'an, Guanzhong, located next to the most famous brothel, Shanglin Garden. It's run by the renowned "Great Immortal" Hu Fu, the head of the "Hu Xian Sect," and the most respected "Old Swindler" in the gambling world. "Old Swindler" is a term used in the underworld to refer to someone who cheats others through

gambling. Although everyone knows that "nine out of ten gambles are rigged," no one wants to patronize an old swindler's den. Hu Fu started his career by cheating, building his wealth and reputation. Twenty years ago, he publicly offered a whole pig and sheep to Hu Xian, vowing never to cheat again and guaranteeing that no one would be allowed to cheat in his den. Therefore, gambling at his Mingtangwo is safer than anywhere else, and his business has grown increasingly successful.

The three of them stopped a few dozen feet outside the bustling gate of 'Mingtangwo.'

Yun Yuzhen suggested, "'Liufu Gambling House' is owned by Chi Shengchun, the 'Divine Hand' of the Xiang family. Since we're going to gamble, let's go there."

Yuan Yueze nodded and smiled, "I'm better at causing trouble, but we should find a friend for my little sister first."

Suddenly, he remembered that Shang Xiufang, whom he hadn't seen for several months, should be staying here. To avoid her getting into too much trouble, Yuan Yueze hadn't visited her. After hesitating for a moment, he decided to inquire with the guards at the gate first.

'Shanglin Garden' was famous throughout the country for its unique style. At just one glance, Yuan Yueze noticed its distinctiveness. Unlike 'Liufu Gambling House' and 'Mingtangwo,' which used a lot of colorful glazed tiles for decoration, it pursued a noble and elegant style, full of scholarly atmosphere. The main building after entering is the most representative, with large gray brick walls, a roof of black glazed tiles with green trim, and green painted decorations under the eaves. The pillars and latticework railings are unpainted, revealing the natural color of the wood. The couplets on the pillars are also made of hardwood, elegant and refined, no wonder poets and writers have praised it endlessly.

If it were an ordinary person, they would have been cursed away by those fierce-looking guards long ago, but since it was Yuan Yueze, the "grandfather of hooligans," and he was also a distinguished guest of Li Tang, the guards answered his questions with admiration and utmost respect. From time to time, a few flirtatious glances drifted in Yuan Yueze's direction from upstairs.

After finding out the truth, Yuan Yueze breathed a sigh of relief: the popular aunt Ji Qian was currently gambling in the "Mingtangwo" across the street, so the three of them turned and headed towards the "Mingtangwo."

'Mingtangwo' and 'Shanglinyuan' stood side by side, with 'Liufu Gambling House' directly opposite. These three independent building complexes formed the central area and focal point of 'Beili', with other smaller brothels and gambling houses surrounding them, further highlighting their grandeur. Outside these brothels and gambling houses, people were busy with business, selling sesame cakes and crispy fried dough twists, frying oil cakes and selling eggs—it was bustling with activity.

Even before reaching the entrance, he was recognized by the gatekeeper, who immediately came over to invite him. The three of them squeezed through the crowd of gamblers and slowly entered the spacious, palatial hall of 'Mingtangwo,' which was filled with noise and laughter.

The scene before him surprised Yuan Yueze. Nearly a thousand people were gathered around fifty or sixty large gambling tables, gambling with such intensity that the sun and moon seemed to have disappeared. Perhaps to prevent cheating, although it was daytime, the hall was brightly lit with many unusually brilliant lights. The deafening clang of the dice hitting the bowl, combined with the shouts and cheers of the men and women, created a sense of detachment from reality.

Led by guards, the three passed through the main hall; their destination was the VIP hall.

The four VIP halls of 'Ming Tang Wo' were four separate buildings connected to the main hall by covered walkways. The walkways were flanked by beautiful gardens with pavilions and ponds, a tranquil environment quite different from the noisy main hall.

Due to the frequent bans on gambling by successive emperors, gambling dens were distinguished as 'Ming Tang Zi' (public gambling dens) and 'Si Wo Zi' (private gambling dens). The former were open gambling dens, while the latter were private residences used as gambling venues. The name 'Ming Tang Wo' combines the 'Ming Tang' of 'Ming Tang Zi' and the 'Wo' of 'Si Wo Zi,' demonstrating the immense prestige and influence of 'Master Hu Fu' in the gambling world. This also illustrates the fierce competition among gambling tycoons and powerful figures during the chaotic period of national unification. Due to the immense profits involved, those who could open gambling dens were not only wealthy and influential in both the legitimate and underworld circles, but also backed by powerful figures.

The two largest open and legal gambling dens in Chang'an were "Mingtangwo" and "Liufu Gambling Den." The former was backed by Yin Zuwen, the father of Li Yuan's favorite concubine, Yin Defei, while the latter was protected by Li Yuanji. Both were extremely powerful, and even Li Shimin, who advocated banning gambling, could not do anything about them.

"Mingtangwo" had four VIP halls named "Great Immortal," "Heavenly Emperor," "Earthly Emperor," and "Human Emperor." Except for the first hall, "Great Immortal Hall," which did not have a gambling system, the latter three halls each had their own games: the Heavenly Emperor Hall played dice, the Earthly Emperor Hall played dominoes, and the Human Emperor Hall played dominoes. All were popular gambling games.

From the guards who kept introducing them, the three learned that Ji Qian was in the 'Emperor's Hall,' a gambling den specializing in dice, so they went in as well. This hall was only two-thirds the size of the main hall, but it had a quarter the number of people. The guests were of high social standing, all dressed in gorgeous and well-tailored clothes. Although it wasn't as noisy as the gamblers in the outer hall, the atmosphere was still lively. Among them were many beautiful women, mostly courtesans brought by wealthy patrons. Everyone was gambling with great enthusiasm, completely absorbed in the game.

After Yuan Yueze and his companions entered, the hall suddenly fell silent. All eyes were on them. The men were almost all looking at Yun Yuzhen, while the women kept scrutinizing Yuan Yueze, making the three of them feel uncomfortable. The feeling of being stared at like monkeys welled up in their hearts again.

Suddenly, a woman's voice rang out beside them, "Young master, please wait."

Now all eyes were focused on the girl who had entered. She was dressed as a maid, no more than twenty years old, with a hint of lust in her eyes and a bold gaze, unlike a maid from a respectable family. Under countless intense gazes, the maid couldn't withstand it any longer. She came over, handed Yuan Yueze a note, and fled without a word.

Yuan Yueze opened the faintly fragrant note, glanced at it, and then handed it to Yun Yuzhen.

"Young Master is truly charming!"

A melodious and alluring voice, seemingly possessing boundless seduction, rang out from the other side of the hall. A graceful figure appeared at the entrance of the corridor—a young woman dressed in a high-necked gown and a cloak for warmth. She possessed crescent-shaped eyebrows, eyes like autumn waters, and an extraordinary beauty in both appearance and skin, even more delicate than the graceful little crane. What was particularly captivating was her exquisitely curvaceous figure.

"Please continue, everyone! Young Master Yuan is getting a little embarrassed by all the stares,"

the woman said as she gracefully approached, as if she were intimately familiar with Yuan Yueze. Although people occasionally glanced over, the lively atmosphere in the hall had returned. Reaching Yuan Yueze, the woman boldly met his gaze and bowed, saying, "This humble servant is Hu Xiaoxian, greetings to Young Master and your two wives. Welcome to 'Mingtangwo'."

This woman was Hu Xiaoxian, the only daughter of Hu Fu, the "Great Immortal" and head of 'Mingtangwo'.

Yuan Yueze glanced at her only once. After Yun Yuzhen folded the piece of paper and placed it in his arms, he looked around the hall and said, "You're too kind, Miss. We're here to see Miss Ji Qian from 'Shanglin Garden'."

Hu Xiaoxian wasn't annoyed that Yuan Yueze didn't look at her directly. After all, Yun Yuzhen's beauty and charm were undeniable. Since Yun Yuzhen appeared, all the women in the hall seemed to have lost their luster. Hearing Ji Qian's name, a flash of displeasure crossed Hu Xiaoxian's eyes. She then led the three forward, bringing her delicate, fragrant body close to Yuan Yueze's side, and whispered, "A few months ago in Jiujiang, I met Lei Jiuzhi, renowned for his gambling skills, who once challenged my father to a duel at the gambling table, losing by only one round. He's known as 'Northern Lei and Southern Xiang' alongside Xiang Gui. They also mentioned Hou Wenqing, a rising star in the Jiangnan gambling world. They said that you easily defeated them in Chengdu that day. Would you be interested in playing a game with me?"

Yuan Yueze's mind raced, and he realized that the tall, thin man he had gambled with in Chengdu was likely Lei Jiuzhi. He then smiled faintly and said, "After I find my little sister's long-lost friend, we can play a few rounds."

Seeing Hu Xiaoxian... Seeing the puzzled look on Xiao He'er's face, Yuan Yueze put his arm around her shoulder and explained, "Miss Ji Qian is my little sister's old friend."

Hu Xiaoxian suddenly realized, "So that's how it is! I thought you came to ask Ji Qian to keep you company! You know she has a strange temperament; she probably wouldn't even glance at an ordinary person. If it's you... then it must be Ji Qian."

Following Hu Xiaoxian's smooth, fair, and delicate fingers, they saw a charming female gambler sitting on a chair a few feet away. She was as beautiful as a flower, with a captivating radiance. Apart from Yun Yuzhen, no other woman in the entire hall could compare to her. However, she was flirtatious, bold in her gaze, and ruthless in her pursuit. She occasionally let out a silvery laugh, adding a lot of excitement to the tense gambling game.

While she was urging the dealer to shake the dice faster, she didn't seem to find it strange that the people at the table were focusing their attention on Yuan Yueze and Yun Yuzhen.

“Xiao…Xiaoqian?”

Xiao He’er’s excited yet uncertain voice rang out.

Ji Qian looked at Xiao He’er, not even bothering to glance at Yuan Yueze and Yun Yuzhen. After staring at Xiao He’er for a few moments, she immediately frowned slightly, her expression still beautiful and charming, full of intoxicating allure. Suddenly, she covered her mouth in surprise, exclaiming, “You…you are Xiao Ji?”

The two women had been separated for many years, and these years were also their developmental years, so it was normal for their appearance and figure to change a lot, but not to the point of completely altering their features.

Hu Xiaoxian and Yun Yuzhen were gambling heavily. Yun Yuzhen was also a person with a background, and although her gambling skills were not simple, she was still no match for Hu Xiaoxian. Only the two women were left at the gambling table; the others either lost and went home or stood and watched the show.

Yuan Yueze yawned on the side.

After Ji Qian and Xiao He’er recognized each other, they immediately ran back to the ‘Shanglin Garden’ across the street to chat. Yuan Yueze and Xiao He’er spent their time there, waiting for Xiao He’er to return.

Hu Xiaoxian won another round and, smiling coquettishly at the listless and dazed Yuan Yueze, said, "Young master, are you perhaps feeling down? How about playing a few rounds with me?"

Ji Qian had just given Yuan Yueze a disdainful look, a look that everyone around could sense. Hu Xiaoxian assumed Yuan Yueze was upset, hence her words.

Yun Yuzhen frowned slightly, displeased, and said, "She's just a prostitute. We didn't despise her, yet she despises us."

Her temperament had softened considerably over the years; she only spoke these words because she felt uncomfortable. Just as Yuan Yueze had once told them: You may not appreciate or like someone, but you have no right to despise them.

Yuan Yueze smiled slightly, and amidst the surprised expressions of the surrounding crowd, he took out a large pile of jewels and gave them to Yun Yuzhen, saying, "Keep playing. Winning or losing doesn't matter, just enjoy yourself."

Hu Xiaoxian's eyes flashed with a strange light, but Ji Qian's cold voice came from the hall: "Young Master Yuan, would you be interested in playing a game with me?"

Yuan Yueze lay on the corner of the table, not moving, and lazily said with his eyes closed, "No interest."

Ji Qian pulled Xiao He'er, whose face was complicated and who seemed to want to say something, and quickly sat down at the table. The two women's beautiful eyes were a little red and swollen, probably caused by tears of joy from their long

-awaited reunion. Ji Qian snorted and said, "I'm not interested in betting with you either, but this matter involves my sister, so I want to bet with you. If I win, you must not only guarantee that Xiao Ji has nothing to do with you anymore, but also take back the people you've been helping her find her brother. We'll send people to find him ourselves."

Yuan Yueze looked at Xiao He'er in astonishment, wondering what she had said to Ji Qian. Xiao He'er shook her head at Ji Qian and said, "It's not like that..."

Ji Qian raised her pale hand and said decisively, "If Xiao Ji considers me a sister, then don't say anything more. The world isn't as innocent as you think."

Then she turned to Yuan Yueze and said disdainfully, "Young master, why be so hesitant about whether you'll gamble or not?"

"Slap!"

Yuan Yueze flipped his hand, his long sword lying horizontally on the table, his eyes gleaming as he stared intently at Ji Qian. Ji Qian met his gaze without fear and said sarcastically, "You, Young Master Yuan, are highly skilled. If you're angry, you could easily kill a weak woman like me who can't

even kill a chicken." Yun Yuzhen's eyes blazed with fire. Anyone at the table could feel that Ji Qian was targeting Yuan Yueze. Yuan Yueze held down Yun Yuzhen, who was about to retort, and after a long laugh, he said, word by word, "What's wrong with gambling? Why not go for something bigger?"

Xiao He'er knew that Yuan Yueze had instantly transformed from a 'god' into a 'demon.' She was all too familiar with that cold-blooded and ruthless expression.

Ji Qian said calmly, "What do you mean by 'bigger'?"

Yuan Yueze pointed to his head and said coldly, "One round to decide the winner. If I lose, I will not only grant you any request, but I will also give you my head!"

The hall fell silent.

Xiao He'er's pretty face turned ashen, and Ji Qian was also dumbfounded and speechless. After a moment, she managed to say, "If I lose, will I also offer my head?"

Yuan Yueze shook his head and said, "No need. If you lose, you only need to strip naked and walk around Chang'an City at noon!"

The crowd in the hall erupted in commotion, and some were even secretly laughing maliciously.

Ji Qian's face flushed crimson, a mixture of shame and anger. She said coldly, "Fine! The rumors aren't entirely true. All that talk of chivalry and pity is just a lie!"

Yuan Yueze grunted, his voice devoid of any emotion. "Do I even know you? Why should I pity you? You've been pushing me relentlessly. If I were to keep offering my kindness, wouldn't that be groveling? Don't think that just because you have a better figure and a pretty face, you're superior to everyone else. In my eyes, you're nowhere near as cute as my little sister."

Ji Qian's breathing quickened with anger, her heaving chest rising and falling. Xiao He'er, who was about to speak, was forcefully stopped by Ji Qian. Suddenly, a deep, resonant voice echoed from the depths of the hall: "Gambling is just for entertainment. Please calm down, both of you."

At the entrance of the corridor, surrounded by four burly men, Hu Xiaoxian, who had just mysteriously disappeared, and a middle-aged man strode forward.

Those around them made way, and the six of them went directly to the round table.

The man beside Hu Xiaoxian appeared to be around forty-five or forty-six years old, with thick, gray hair combed straight back from his forehead and tied in a bun, covered by a small square crown made of green jade. He had a handsome and distinctive face, with five long strands of beard, the same gray color as his hair. Combined with his tall and slender figure, he possessed a strange, almost fox-like aura. Particularly striking was his partner, whose skin was pure white and slender, and who seemed to possess magical powers.

Yuan Yueze said calmly, "Are you the master of this 'Mingtangwo,' Master Hu Fu?"

The man clasped his hands and said, "It's an honor to have you grace us with your presence, Master Yuan."

Yuan Yueze smiled slightly and said, "It's not that I'm disrespectful to you, Master, but anyone who dares to push me must be prepared to lose everything, even die. Since Miss Ji Qian has made such a decision, why shouldn't I grant her wish?"

A chill ran through the surrounding people, and an indescribable sense of fear rose in their hearts. Especially since Yuan Yueze spoke these words with such a leisurely and composed expression, it was far more threatening than any attempt to force them.

Although Ji Qian worked in a brothel, she never sold herself. At this moment, she gritted her teeth and resolutely said, "Just as you say, if I lose, I won't do as you wish, but I will offer you my head!"

Chapter 83: The Path of No Return

. After leaving the palace, the beautiful immortals and the other women went their separate ways.

Bai Qing'er walked alone on Zhuque Avenue, the main north-south axis of Chang'an City, looking left and right.

On both sides of Zhuque Avenue, whether shops or residences, were all grand mansions with multiple courtyards and side halls. The houses in the alleys and lanes were single-story buildings with tiled roofs and white walls, arranged in rows. The gates were often elaborately decorated with tiled wooden door frames, high walls and deep courtyards, the alleys long and winding, a stark contrast to the bustling main street, quiet and peaceful.

The mansions of wealthy families were extremely magnificent and imposing, and the shops were also ingeniously designed, with exquisitely carved beams and rafters, interwoven beams and brackets, and eaves, each with its own unique style.

Bai Qing'er, engrossed in observing, suddenly realized that she had gradually adapted to, and even come to like, this life—though lacking power and flattery, with people around her treating her sincerely, and without any constraints, a life of complete freedom. Having grown up in the strictly regulated Demonic Sect, she realized for the first time that life could be so pleasant and beautiful.

To prevent flooding, drainage ditches, as wide as small streams, lined both sides of the main streets of the city. At the intersections of the ditches, stone bridges were laid, forming a unique feature of Chang'an. Locust trees were planted on both sides of the avenues, but in this cold winter, their lush foliage had long been replaced by snow and icicles, giving a sense of the majesty of the dead of winter.

The harsh weather did not diminish the prosperity of Chang'an. The streets were bustling with carriages and pedestrians, comparable to the liveliness of Luoyang.

At the Industrial Workshop, Bai Qing'er was about to stroll to the left when she saw a strange pattern with an arrow drawn crookedly in an inconspicuous corner among the endless stream of people. No one would notice it, as everyone assumed it was the doodle of some child's 'whims' during a discussion.

Bai Qing'er paused, her beautiful face turning cold, and walked in that direction.

Xiao He'er looked at Yuan Yueze with a pleading expression. She didn't want either of them to lose, but both of them were stubborn and unyielding.

Hu Fu clearly wanted to curry favor with Yuan Yueze, a renowned figure and a distinguished guest of the Li Tang dynasty. Moreover, regardless of the outcome of their match, it wouldn't negatively impact Hu Fu. So, he smiled and said, "If both parties agree, gambling with one's life is nothing unusual. Besides the Heaven, Earth, and Human Emperor Halls, I also have the Grand Immortal Hall, specifically for receiving distinguished guests. If you and Miss Ji are interested..."

"No need! Let's settle this here with a dice game. Miss Ji, do you have any objections?"

Yuan Yueze said with his eyes closed.

Ji Qian sat opposite him with an icy expression, motionless, like a beautiful jade statue.

This meant she didn't object. Hu Fu gestured to his subordinate beside him.

A moment later, a special, gleaming golden dice cup and three dice were brought out. To prevent cheating in such a large game, Hoover personally shook the dice for the two.

Hoover explained that the dice cup and dice were collected by him many years ago, made of deep-sea refined iron inlaid with rare jade and gold. Shaking the cup would make no sound, so any cheating methods relying on superior hearing would be ineffective.

Ji Qian's expression was solemn, nervously watching Hoover's right hand, which seemed to possess a captivating charm as it moved rapidly. Yuan Yueze remained seated, his eyes closed.

Many people around him were watching him with suppressed breaths. Hu Xiaoxian suddenly noticed that, as an outsider, her tightly clenched palms were slightly sweaty.

Suddenly, to everyone's astonishment, Yuan Yueze became lifeless, like a dried corpse. His entire essence, energy, and spirit seemed to have been drawn to another dimension, instantly returning to normal.

Hu Fu had placed the dice cup in a specially made jade dish, and the entire shaking process was completely silent.

Ji Qian stared at Yuan Yueze with her beautiful eyes and said, "Young Master, are you cheating with sorcery?"

Yuan Yueze casually pointed to the eighteen position with his sword sheath, stood up, and said, "I'm human, what sorcery do I have? If you want to gamble, gamble; if you don't want to gamble, leave. Why so much nonsense?"

Ji Qian's temper flared even more. With her charm as the most beautiful woman in Chang'an, even Emperor Li Yuan of the Tang Dynasty, who had some interest in her, had never spoken to her in such a tone. Feeling the admiring, approving, or surprised looks on the faces of those around Yuan Yueze, Ji Qian pouted and gave a soft snort, saying, "Young Master, are you betting on eighteen? If it's not eighteen, does that mean you've lost?"

Yuan Yueze nodded.

Many people around thought this woman was cunning, knowing that the odds of Yuan Yueze betting on eighteen were extremely slim, and Ji Qian's move essentially gave her a significant advantage.

Everyone stared intently at Hoover's long, slender right hand; the moment it moved, it would signify the end of a life.

A strong-willed Ji Qian felt a strange pang of regret: she had no hatred for Yuan Yueze, so why did she despise him so much? It was nothing but rumors. Ji Qian also believed Yuan Yueze was promiscuous, a man who toyed with women's feelings; otherwise, how could he disregard ethics and take sisters and mothers and daughters into his private quarters? He was not only a member of the Demonic Sect, but also ruthless and cunning. While Shen Luoyan was presented openly, he was actually manipulating things in the shadows. Just now, while recounting her experiences over the years to Xiao He'er, upon hearing that Yuan Yueze had saved her, Ji Qian felt uneasy. Long-held beliefs formed from hearsay, coupled with her stubborn nature, created an inexplicable aversion to Yuan Yueze. She had seen many hypocrites, but never one as hypocritical as Yuan Yueze. Her attempts to persuade the now-blinded Xiao He'er were futile. Ji Qian decided to confront him directly. Being a skilled gambler, she naturally thought of gambling, never anticipating that the situation would escalate to this point where both sides were risking their lives. Yuan Yueze's words were an insult to her, further fueling her already extreme views. She resolved that she would rather die than suffer humiliation before Yuan Yueze.

But was it really worth it?

Yuan Yueze sat there motionless. Recalling the rumors about him over the past few years, Ji Qian's inexplicable fear grew stronger.

"Excuse me, I must take my leave for a moment!"

Yuan Yueze suddenly opened his eyes, shooting out a blazing light, and uttered these words before drifting out of the window like a weightless willow catkin. Yun Yuzhen followed without a word.

Not only the onlookers, but even the seasoned veteran Hu Fu stood there dumbfounded.

Should the dice cup be revealed or not?

Hu Fu had never hesitated like this in his entire life.

Time seemed to stand still in the hall. After an unknown amount of time, Hu Fu noticed his palms were sweating. He raised his hand and said, "Everyone, please step down. I guarantee this game will be fair, and the outcome will be revealed to everyone."

The surrounding crowd began to grow restless, murmuring amongst themselves. Some said Yuan Yueze was afraid of losing and had already run away, unlikely to return. Others said Yuan Yueze wasn't that kind of person. After a long, noisy discussion ensued, and people lost their enthusiasm and patience. They figured Hu Fu's reputation wouldn't lie; as long as the outcome was revealed, that was enough. Gradually, the crowd dispersed.

Only Hu Fu, Hu Xiaoxian, Ji Qian, and Xiao He'er remained in the hall.

Hu Fu said to Ji Qian, "If Miss Ji is worried, she can stay here and watch over things."

With that, he took his daughter and prepared to leave.

Ji Qian asked in astonishment, "Boss Hu, aren't you afraid I'll tamper with it?"

Hu Fu laughed loudly, "The dice leave marks from contact with the jade plate below. If they've been moved, I'll know immediately. Excuse me."

Ji Qian and Xiao He'er stared blankly at the dice cup for a long time. Finally, Xiao He'er's delicate hand trembled as she reached out.

Ji Qian screamed, "Stop!"

Xiao He'er stuck out her tongue and said, "At least I can look, I'm not moving!"

Ji Qian said dejectedly, "Who do you think will win?"

Xiao He'er said smugly, "It must be Brother Yuan. He's even more skilled than you think!"

Then her face darkened: if that were true, it would mean Ji Qian would lose to Yuan Yueze!

Ji Qian forced herself to remain calm and said disdainfully, "Hmph! I'll let you give up."

As she spoke, she reached out her delicate hand and gently turned a corner of the dice cup open.

When they saw the three dice, both women froze.

Their movements were frozen in that instant.

Bai Qing'er calmly observed the middle-aged man sitting across from her at the luxurious square table

, puffing away on his pipe. The man was of medium build, his expression composed as he held his pipe, attentively served by a maid. He relaxed and enjoyed his pipe with an air of nonchalance. However, his complexion was somewhat pale from excessive drinking, and at first glance, he appeared unremarkable. If stripped of his finery and thrown onto the street, he would certainly go unnoticed. Bai Qing'er, however, knew better than anyone that this man was not just an ordinary person, but could be described as 'unfathomable'.

After sitting silently for a long time, the man dismissed the maid, and when only the two of them remained, his gaze suddenly turned mysterious, and a chilling, sinister aura emanated from him, filling the small hall. The surrounding lights were suddenly affected, all going out.

The room was plunged into darkness.

Only the occasional sparks from the pipe pierced the darkness.

"Qing'er, do you remember this room?"

the man spoke, his voice gentle and pleasant.

Bai Qing'er calmly replied, "Of course I remember. Before I followed Master, Uncle-Master Yin always kept me in this small courtyard."

The middle-aged man was none other than the father of Consort Yin, the beloved concubine of Emperor Li Yuan of the Tang Dynasty, and the one Bai Qing'er hated most—the "Duke Yin" Yin Zuwen, a member of the "Path of Extinction of Emotions" of the Demonic Sect.

Yin Zuwen's gaze seemed to see right through Bai Qing'er. After staring at her for a long time, he sighed, "Yesterday, Venerable Zhu came to see me privately."

A flash of cold light appeared in Bai Qing'er's eyes, but she continued calmly, "What does Master want with you, venerable one?"

Yin Zuwen's gaze turned to Bai Qing'er again, and instead of answering, he asked slowly, "Is Qing'er still the same Qing'er that I took in fifteen years ago?"

Bai Qing'er smiled sweetly and said, "Qing'er will always be the same Qing'er."

Yin Zuwen sneered, "Fine!"

With that, he stretched out his crystal-clear white right hand an inch in front of Bai Qing'er.

Although the hall was pitch black, for these two with their high cultivation levels, seeing everything around them was no problem at all.

Yin Zuwen held a black pill in his hand and said, "It's not that I don't trust you, but after Qing'er was deprived of her sect leader position, her cultivation level not only didn't regress but actually advanced, clearly showing her unwillingness to be subordinate to others. However, your arrival in Chang'an with Yuan Yueze makes one suspicious. This pill is from me..."

Before he could finish speaking, Bai Qing'er calmly extended two slender jade fingers, picked up the pill, and without hesitation threw it into her slightly open mouth, swallowing it.

Yin Zuwen was taken aback, then laughed loudly, "Good, good!"

Then his face darkened and he said, "If you think that Wei Zhenzhen, who is skilled in medicine, can cure this drug for you, then you are very wrong. Don't blame me for not warning you."

Bai Qing'er shook her head and said, "Uncle Yin, there's no need to say more. Qing'er just wants to show you through my actions that I am still the same person I was before!"

Yin Zuwen nodded in satisfaction and said, "Even I can't cure this drug. It was given to me by a friend. Qing'er, don't be afraid. He gave me an antidote. If you really haven't changed, how could your uncle harm you! But once this drug takes effect, you will suffer torture more cruel than a ghost within a day and a night, and then you will become a corpse driver! Alright, let's talk about serious matters!"

Bai Qing'er didn't say a word.

Yin Zuwen cleared his throat and said, "Qing'er, there's no need to worry. Even if Zhu Yuyan miraculously mastered the 'Dao Heart Demon Seed Technique,' the Yin Gui Sect Master didn't pass it on to you, and the matter is far from over."

He then sneered, "Hmph! Although we, the people of the Holy Sect, value true character, Zhu Yuyan's actions are still despicable. She actually served a man alongside her granddaughter, and changed the rules of our Holy Sect to resemble those hypocritical righteous sects. It's truly absurd! By the way, why did you come to Chang'an with Yuan Yueze?"

Bai Qing'er's heart skipped a beat, and she asked with a puzzled expression, "My master asked me to come along, but she didn't say why, so I didn't dare to ask."

Yin Zuwen said disdainfully, "Could it be that Zhu Yuyan... " "After regaining his youth through the Heavenly Demon Technique, he fell into a love trap and wanted to offer you up to please Yuan Yueze?"

He then said with a half-smile, "Will Qing'er fall in love with Yuan Yueze? This boy's charm is indeed extraordinary."

Bai Qing'er laughed and said, "Uncle-Master, you are insulting Qing'er. Qing'er only has eyes for the Holy Sect. To seize the position of Sect Master, she can abandon everything else."

Yin Zuwen praised again and said, "Qing'er is indeed most suitable to be a member of the Holy Sect. When I took you in, I already saw your talent. Why don't you ask me why I was still so confident when facing Yuan Yueze and Zhu Yuyan?"

Bai Qing'er smiled and said, "Uncle-Master wants to tell me these things..." "He will tell me, Qing'er, why ask so much!"

Yin Zuwen nodded and said, "There are some things you shouldn't know right now, so I can only tell you roughly. The Holy Sect will soon be unified, but the leader will not be you or me. However, I can elevate Qing'er to the position of sect leader, and then, with the combined strength of our sects, we can seize back the power. Qing'er, do you still remember what you promised me fifteen years ago?"

Feeling his gaze turn cold, Bai Qing'er smiled gracefully, "Qing'er dares not forget day and night, especially since Qing'er's life is now in Uncle-Master's hands."

Yin Zuwen's old face flushed slightly, and he said, "Qing'er, next, gather information for me from Yuan Yueze. How does he treat you?"

Bai Qing'er lowered her head and said, "He covets Qing'er's..." "He's beautiful, but he has several jealous wives in his family, so we've never..."

Yin Zuwen said, "Qing'er practices half of the 'Charming Maiden's Heart Method,' which has fallen into the hands of the Yin Gui Sect. The other half is in my possession. If you practice them together, you'll achieve mastery of seductive arts, capable of killing without a trace. However, it requires stimulating life potential with the Ten Needles Acupuncture Technique. Those with weak willpower will surely die before mastering it. Are you willing to try?"

Bai Qing'er didn't hesitate and resolutely replied, "This risk is worth taking. Only by mastering the 'Charming Maiden's Heart Method' can I be absolutely certain of killing without a trace. I never imagined that this time, the Yin Gui Sect and the Extinction Qing Dao's classics would be combined to restore this sacred secret technique, lost for nearly a hundred years, to its complete form."

Yin Zuwen chuckled. Bai Qing'er had taken his poison pill and was willing to risk trying the 'Charming Maiden Heart Technique,' which was of great help to his grand plan. So he said, "If my Holy Sect is revived, Yuan Yueze will surely be Qing'er's devoted follower by now."

Bai Qing'er scoffed, "Qing'er would never like someone with such a terrifying scheming mind."

Just as Yin Zuwen was about to speak again, a soft but clear voice came from outside the door: "Reporting to Duke Yin, Consort De has come to invite you to a banquet in the palace."

"Achoo!"

Yuan Yueze, who had run a long way out of 'Beili' and reached a sparsely populated suburban area, suddenly sneezed and stopped. Yun Yuzhen, unable to stop in time, bumped into Yuan Yueze's back with her soft and exquisite body. She cried out softly in pain, rubbing her arm and frowning as she complained, "What happened? Why didn't you say a word before rushing out and heading towards the northern suburbs of the city?"

Yuan Yueze pulled her into his arms, gently caressing her high, firm breasts with his eccentric hand, and asked with concern, "Did you hurt yourself?"

Yun Yuzhen's body went limp. She looked at him with a mischievous grin, slapped his hand away, and struggled, asking, "What happened?"

Yuan Yueze straightened her up, looked to the north, and said seriously, "I sensed Yuyan's location, so I came out to check. Why did you come along? Who's responsible for my little sister's safety?"

Ever since the two of them cultivated the 'Dao Heart Demon Seed Technique' in that strange way, their spiritual connection had greatly improved, and a mysterious spiritual bond had been established between them. Zhu Yuyan had disappeared silently for over two days. Yuan Yueze had tried searching the city but found no trace of her presence. Just now, he suddenly sensed a familiar feeling near the outskirts of Beili, and rushed out without hesitation.

Yun Yuzhen scoffed, "That Ji Qian will protect my little sister, what's there to worry about?"

Yuan Yueze shook his head, "If it's just an ordinary person, my little sister will be fine. The problem is that the person who's been plotting against us might make a move. Stop fooling around, let's go back." Yun Yuzhen

, understanding the situation, turned and walked away, but then suddenly remembered something and reminded him, "It's getting late, husband, don't forget the banquet at the palace tonight."

Seeing Yuan Yueze nod, Yun Yuzhen quickly ran towards Beili.

Yuan Yueze closed his eyes and activated a mental technique similar to the "Heaven and Earth Searching Technique," beginning to search for the exact location of Zhu Yuyan, whose presence wasn't very strong.

Strangely, Zhu Yuyan, who was originally due north, seemed to be getting further and further away from him.

Before he could even think, several powerful killing intents from the northwest clearly entered his senses.

Running several hundred paces forward, he saw a blond man supporting a brown-haired woman, staggering towards the north gate of Chang'an.

Yuan Yueze froze. Wasn't that Yun Shuai, the Western Turkic Grand Preceptor with whom he had fought in Chengdu, and his only daughter, Lian Rou?

Judging from their disheveled state, who could possibly have forced such a master, whose martial arts had already reached the highest level, into such a state?

"Grand Preceptor Yun, how have you been?"

Yuan Yueze appeared suddenly before Yun Shuai and his daughter like a ghost, startling them greatly.

Lian Rou, exhausted, was startled to see Yuan Yueze, whom she hadn't seen for months. She immediately abandoned Yun Shuai and rushed into his arms, crying, "Please save my father! I'll do whatever you say from now on!"

Yuan Yueze supported the father and daughter, channeling his inner energy into them as he spoke, "What happened to you..."

With

a whoosh, a dozen or so people appeared ten feet away from Yuan Yueze. These people, both men and women, were dressed in foreign attire, and their auras were sinister and eerie, clearly not ordinary individuals. Among the leaders, the man was a top-tier fighter, while the other women, dressed in flamboyant attire and adorned with jewels, possessed captivating charm and were clearly highly skilled.

If these people were to attack Yun Shuai, they certainly had the ability to defeat him, even injure him. Although Yun Shuai's lightness skill was unparalleled, taking care of his daughter, whose cultivation was not high, would likely make escape difficult.

With a mere glance at the group, Yuan Yueze continued to channel his inner energy into the two women, whispering, "Don't be afraid. Who are they?"

The Yun father and daughter, their strength rapidly returning, looked at Yuan Yueze gratefully. Lian Rou spoke first, "They are members of a cult from the Uyghurs, plotting to seize the Western Turks and harming my godfather and father."

Yuan Yueze's face turned cold. The Uyghur cult—wasn't that the Great Ming Zunjiao? He hadn't expected their evil claws to extend not only to the Central Plains but also to the powerful Turks.

Upon recognizing the person supporting the Yun father and daughter, the group froze, too afraid to move.

The long, uncombed hair, the handsome and dashing appearance, the tall and imposing figure, the transparent longsword in the left hand resting on the Yun father's shoulder, the light purple outfit swaying in the wind—all revealed the man's identity.

A soft laugh rang out behind them, dispelling the tense atmosphere.

Surrounded by seven or eight people, a charming middle-aged woman with an alluring air slowly descended from the crowd who had retreated to the sides. Breathing softly, she said in Chinese, "This humble servant is Shafang, greetings to Young Master Yuan."

Shafang had a full, round face, a voluptuous and alluring figure, and a noble air. She wore brocade boots, a sable collar, a purple-gold phoenix-patterned robe, and an apricot-gold coin-patterned skirt. Her hair was styled in a jeweled bun. The front of her long skirt swept the ground, and the back trailed over a foot long, adorned with two red and yellow ribbons. Strangely, she still gave off an air of ethereal grace. In her hand, she held a gleaming silver staff, about two feet long, more like an ornament than a weapon. A captivating smile graced her face as she gazed at Yuan Yueze with seemingly deep affection.

Yuan Yueze scoffed inwardly. So it was this group!

Based on Yuan Yueze's own understanding and summary, the Great Ming Zun Sect is divided into two parts: the 'Dark Department' and the 'Dark Department'. The 'Dark Department' is the highest command organization, headed by the 'Great Ming Holy Venerable' Liu Yu. The 'Dark Department', under the leadership of the 'Great Ming Venerable God,' is further subdivided into two major systems: the 'Dark System' and the 'Bright System'. The 'Bright System' is headed by the 'Good Mother' and the 'Five Bright Sons,' and is responsible for propagating the religion. The 'Dark System' is headed by the 'Atom' and the 'Five Types of Demons,' and is responsible for eliminating dissidents; they are the executioners within the sect.

This Sha Fang is the 'Good Mother,' whose public identity is the queen of the Uyghur King Changshi Jianqijin. The silver staff in her hand, 'Yu Xiaoyao,' combined with the twenty-eight forms of 'Xiaoyao Dismantling' evolved from the Great Ming Zun Sect's treasured manual, 'Pobuluogan,' is infinitely varied and quite powerful.

In fact, after discussing the matter with Xiang Yutian that day, Xiang Yutian had said that Liu Yu probably couldn't be considered a true member of the 'Great Ming Venerable Cult,' given his selfishness and scheming. These pure members of the Great Ming Venerable Cult before them, however, were the most authentic and fanatical religious figures.

Yuan Yueze, still looking like a dead man, said, "The Great Ming Venerable Cult has a grudge against me, so leave your heads behind today!"

Speaking of Yuan Yueze's 'fearsome reputation,' how many people in the world wouldn't turn pale at the mention of his name? But the group on the other side showed no fear. Sha Fang smiled charmingly and said, "Young master, you must have a deep misunderstanding with our Great Ming Venerable Sect. There is absolutely no such person as 'Great Ming Holy Venerable' in our sect. Our leader, 'Great Venerable,' is called 'Great Ming Venerable God.' This is a secret within our sect. We are revealing it today only to resolve our enmity with you, so that we can keep to ourselves from now on. How about that?"

Yuan Yueze thought to himself that Xiang Yutian's speculation was indeed true. Very few people knew Liu Yu's identity. People like Sha Fang, who held a high position in the Great Ming Venerable Sect, were easily manipulated without even realizing it. She then laughed heartily and said, "Enough nonsense! Now that the feud is settled, why would I believe your one-sided story!"

Sha Fang's eyes flashed with murderous intent, and her magnificent robes and ribbons suddenly billowed without wind. She coldly snorted, "If you think we're afraid of you, then try to be alive after my twenty-eighth day!"

Before she finished speaking, she suddenly moved forward. Because her long, trailing skirt concealed her feet, she seemed like a ghost, drifting towards Yuan Yueze, who was still transferring true energy to the pale-faced Yun Shuai and his daughter.

Her figure shot to within inches of Yuan Yueze's eyes when a strange change occurred.

She swayed left and right with a strange gait, her 'Jade Wanderer' drawing countless dazzling silver light and shadow patterns in her hand with unbelievable dexterity. With unparalleled speed and eerie technique, she made fifteen feints at the motionless Yuan Yueze from different angles, unleashing fifteen sharp bursts of energy. Some directly attacked Yuan Yueze's vital acupoints, while others, seemingly aimed at empty space, actually sealed off Yuan Yueze's evasive maneuvers.

The fifteen bursts of energy, like fifteen arrows of air, completely enveloped Yuan Yueze. Even more ingenious was that two of these bursts of energy were subtly separated, targeting Yun Shuai's 'Xuanji' and Lian Rou's 'Tian Ding' respectively, ruthless and cunning. At the

same time, she said with a charming smile, "Young Master should know their internal condition. If you stop transferring true energy, they will surely die."

A cold smile escaped Yuan Yueze's lips, his eyes blazing with killing intent.

Chapter 84 Shocking Changes Beyond the

Realm "Clang!"

Yuan Yueze flicked the hilt of his sword with his thumb, and the longsword leaped three inches from its sheath, emitting a clear sound like a dragon's roar and a tiger's howl, as if a curse from the eighteenth level of hell, or celestial music from beyond the nine heavens. The faint white light emanating from the sword was beautiful yet eerie.

Not only Sha Fang and the others behind her, but even the Yun Shuai father and daughter beside Yuan Yueze were filled with disbelief.

Yuan Yueze's hand, which was pressing on the shoulders of the Yun Shuai father and daughter to transfer qi, did not move at all. The longsword, which had only slightly left in its sheath, shot forward as if it had a life of its own, reaching the sole of his right foot, which was already spinning high in the air. Then, the part of his right leg below the knee seemed to disappear, no longer visible to the naked eye.

Sha Fang's composed expression vanished abruptly, her face turning cold and stern.

Yuan Yueze's feet didn't vanish into thin air; instead, they flickered in and out of existence in a small space in front of him. A longsword spun rapidly beneath his feet, each sharp "ding!"

sound emanating from the image as it became clearer.

This was the symbol of neutralizing Sha Fang's attack.

After fifteen clear rings, Sha Fang coldly snorted, shifting to the left. Then, with a whirlwind, she transformed into a thousand-armed Guanyin, conjuring hundreds of illusory and real shadows, trapping her body within the light and shadow as

she launched a full-force attack. This all-out strike was aimed solely at Yuan Yueze, unlike her previous attack that targeted three people at once.

With her cold snort, everyone behind her pounced.

In an instant, swords flashed, and energy filled the air.

After Lian Rou recovered half her strength, she noticed that Yuan Yueze's true energy was becoming increasingly ineffective. She was about to speak when she heard Sha Fang's warning, so she swallowed her words. She glanced worriedly at Yun Shuai, who was more seriously injured protecting her, and unconsciously tightened her grip on Yuan Yueze's calmly clasped arms.

"You really won't give up

until you're at your wit's end!" With a furious shout, Yuan Yueze unleashed a burst of energy from his feet, causing his sword sheath to plunge several inches into the ground. The sword was fully drawn, and using his foot to control the blade, he delivered a simple thrust at Sha Fang, who had charged forward first. The thrust seemed slow, but Sha Fang knew it was no less fast than her own. As Sha Fang unleashed eight energy arrows through 'Jade Freedom,' the sword struck the true master within the illusory image.

"Clang!"

In a flash, the swords clashed.

Sha Fang's body trembled violently, and she staggered backward, clearly having suffered a hidden loss. Lian Rou, who had witnessed everything, was dumbfounded. Sha Fang had clearly struck Yuan Yueze's vital points with at least five energy arrows, yet he seemed completely unaffected and launched a fierce counterattack.

"If this fight continues, Young Master, you should know who will benefit. We will never forget today's humiliation, and we will avenge it double in the future!"

Sha Fang let out a sharp, cold snort as she retreated. Her men, who had been charging at her, abruptly withdrew their attacks and flew backward with her. By the time she finished speaking, the group had already traveled dozens of feet.

The longsword in the air, now at its highest point several feet above the ground, traced a graceful arc before falling.

"Now that the 'Evil King' has arrived, why hide?"

Yuan Yueze said without turning his head, still maintaining his energy-transferring posture.

"Good! Multitasking, controlling the sword with your feet, wielding the sword and saber techniques—you're even stronger than before. I admire you, and this only strengthens my resolve to eliminate you!"

Shi Zhixuan's familiar voice rang out from behind, appearing like a ghost behind Yuan Yueze. He stood tall with his hands behind his back, his expression cold, exuding an aura of supreme authority.

"Clang!"

At this moment, the longsword had only traveled a few dozen feet through the air before returning to its sheath.

Yuan Yueze suddenly beamed with joy, seemingly ignoring Shi Zhixuan as if he were invisible. He looked down at Lian Rou, whose complexion had turned rosy, and asked, "Was it the people from the Great Ming Venerable Sect who injured your father like this?"

He had used his true energy to examine Yun Shuai's meridians and knew perfectly well how severe Yun Shuai's injuries were.

Lian Rou glanced sadly at Yun Shuai, whose eyes were still tightly closed, nodded, and said, "In terms of martial arts, they are no match for Father, but they used something like poison during the attack. Father was distracted trying to save me, and they took advantage of that. As a result, Father not only failed to protect me from the poison, but was also attacked, and I also came into contact with a little bit of that poison."

Yuan Yueze's mind raced, and he instantly grasped a clue: the Great Ming Zunjiao's treasure manual, "Bhabulokan," contains a volume titled "..." The *Medicine King's Scripture* is all about poison. The fact that Commander Yun was injured like this shows that the poison was indeed extraordinary. Yuan Yueze understood this the moment his true energy clashed with Commander Yun's. That's why Sha Fang attacked Yuan Yueze with such confidence. She knew Yuan Yueze's hands were busy, but Yuan Yueze not only multitasked but also used his feet to control a sword, defeating Sha Fang. The moment Sha Fang ordered a group attack, she sensed Shi Zhixuan's presence. To avoid a conflict where one side could benefit, she had no choice but to retreat temporarily.

However, Yuan Yueze still had doubts. Ordinary poisons wouldn't have much effect on someone of Commander Yun's level. Could the *Medicine King's Scripture* really be that miraculous?

Shi Zhixuan's emotionless voice rang out again: "Grand Preceptor Yun, shouldn't you admit defeat today? No one can cure the poison in your body. Don't waste your energy anymore."

His last sentence was naturally directed at Yuan Yueze.

Lian Rou turned her head, glancing sideways at the suave, scholarly-looking, yet cold-faced murderous demon king. She said hatefully, "You despicable villain! You dare call yourself a master? You dare to team up with others to attack my father!"

Yuan Yueze then understood that Yun Shuai had been attacked from both sides by Shi Zhixuan and the Great Ming Venerable Sect, which was why he was injured so badly. But how could Shi Zhixuan be involved with the Great Ming Venerable Sect? Within the demonic sects, only the "Extinguishing Emotions Path," possessing the "Punishment Escape Technique" (a small portion of the criminal arts that was destroyed by Ghost Shadow years ago), could refine extremely rare poisons. If Shi Zhixuan obtained this poison-refining method and combined it with the "Medicine King Scripture," there was indeed a high probability he could refine a poison that no one could cure.

While many incomprehensible questions flashed through his mind, Shi Zhixuan ignored the arrogant Lian Rou, shaking his head and chuckling as a powerful burst of true energy erupted, enveloping the three of them.

"If you wish to harm Yu Yan's husband, you'll have to ask me first!"

Zhu Yu Yan's alluring voice suddenly rang out, carrying a mysterious and enigmatic air.

The group looked over and saw Zhu Yu Yan's slender, graceful figure approaching from the north. She carried a burly man, seemingly oblivious to his fate, her steps light and deliberate, as if treading on earth, yet also as if walking on thin air.

Shi Zhixuan's expression turned cold.

Her movements were infinitely graceful, her eyes sparkling with a captivating light, possessing an alluring and enchanting quality. Her beautiful face showed slight fatigue, but her bright eyes gleamed with a sharp light. Zhu Yu Yan finally arrived beside Yuan Yueze. No words were needed between them; a single glance was enough to know the other was unharmed. After nodding in acknowledgment, Zhu Yu Yan looked at Shi Zhixuan and coldly said, "What are you doing here?"

Shi Zhixuan, unusually, revealed a humane smile, chuckling, "Yu Yan, have you forgotten your old flame because you have a new love? Your old flame, Yue Shan, arrived in Chang'an last night, and he's brazenly staying near the capital. Li Yuan even went to see him. Don't you want to go see him? I bumped into him this morning and we sparred a few times. I found his 'Sun-Changing Technique' to be truly a marvel of our time; he's even evenly matched with me."

Shi Zhixuan was indeed shrewd. With just a few words, he not only implied that every move in Chang'an was under his watchful eye, but also sowed discord between Yuan Yueze and Zhu Yu Yan, even inciting Yuan Yueze to deal with Yue Shan. This would not only buy Shi Zhixuan valuable time but also allow him to use someone else to eliminate Yue Shan.

Yuan Yueze and Zhu Yu Yan understood even more clearly: Song Shidao, to make his performance convincing, must have expressed his determination to eliminate Shi Zhixuan and avenge Bi Xiu Xin.

Zhu Yuyan let out a silvery laugh and said, "Then how about Yuyan goes to see him, or even kills him for you? But before that, you must live under my thumb!"

Shi Zhixuan's long laugh made Yuan Yueze's eardrums go numb. He clearly felt that Shi Zhixuan's cultivation had improved at an unimaginable speed in the few months since he last saw him.

What kind of encounter had he had that allowed him to improve his cultivation so quickly without absorbing the essence of the relic?

This question had troubled Yuan Yueze for months, and he still couldn't figure it out.

But the facts were right in front of him, leaving him no choice but to believe it.

Shi Zhixuan laughed again: "Let me see if my 'Seven Illusions of Immortality' has surpassed the highest mental technique of the Holy Sect, the 'Great Demon Seed of the Dao Heart'!"

Before he finished speaking, he had disappeared. The next moment, his clothes fluttering wildly and his long hair standing on end, he appeared like a demon descended to earth, a foot in front of Zhu Yuyan, who stood calmly with her hands behind her back, and punched her in the chest.

"Don't look! Focus your mind!"

Yuan Yueze shouted, startling Lian Rou, who had been distracted by Shi Zhixuan's powerful aura.

Releasing his own true energy to shield Yun Shuai and his daughter from Shi Zhixuan's strange, alternating hot and cold true energy, Yuan Yueze didn't turn around. However, through his 'mind's eye,' he clearly observed every subtle movement in the battle. Shi Zhixuan's punch, seemingly slow, was actually as swift as lightning. As the fist traveled, the resulting raging aura intensified. Even more impressive was the tricky angle of his punch; within its short distance, it constantly shifted, blocking Zhu Yuyan's attacks and evasive maneuvers.

Just as Lian Rou was wondering why Zhu Yuyan was so still, certain she would die under this overwhelmingly powerful punch, Zhu Yuyan suddenly retreated with unbelievable speed.

Shi Zhixuan's body trembled, halting his momentum.

The fist stopped a foot away from Zhu Yuyan's slender neck, who remained standing still, her feet not budging an inch.

Shi Zhixuan laughed loudly, saying, "I, Shi, am a master of illusion, and my understanding of the 'spiritual superiority over matter' technique in the Demon Seed Technique is extraordinary. Even I was almost bewitched."

Zhu Yuyan didn't speak, but smiled slightly and slowly pointed her sword finger.

Shi Zhixuan's pupils suddenly contracted. He withdrew his fist and switched to his elbow, swiftly sweeping across Zhu Yuyan's finger, which not only seemed to have no strength but was also incredibly slow. Because no one knew better than Shi Zhixuan, the one involved, that Zhu Yuyan's seemingly clumsy yet skillful finger strike was definitely faster than lightning.

"Bang!"

The two energies collided, producing a muffled thunderous sound. Zhu Yuyan's shoulders swayed slightly, while Shi Zhixuan, who had taken a step back, let out a long howl, suddenly shifting sideways, disappearing like a ghost ten feet away, then leaping up and heading into the nearby dense forest, vanishing without a trace in an instant.

If it weren't for Yuan Yueze protecting Yun Shuai and his daughter, they would probably have been torn to pieces by the aura.

Yuan Yueze turned his head and said with a half-smile, "Why did you let him go? Was it because you couldn't bear to?"

Zhu Yuyan gave Yuan Yueze a huge, alluring eye roll, which made Lian Rou momentarily lose her composure. She thought to herself, shouldn't she be an old woman? How could she be so much more beautiful than him? Even women couldn't resist her charm!

Zhu Yuyan didn't answer but asked in return, "You said that after hearing Shi Qingxuan's flute music that day, you disregarded the fact that your true energy would harm you and forcibly withdrew the burst of true energy so that he could only be injured but not killed. Why did you do that back then?"

Yuan Yueze smiled awkwardly.

Zhu Yuyan asked with a puzzled expression, "What kind of experiences has he had? Why is he so strong? If I wanted to kill him, I'm afraid I couldn't do it within a hundred moves."

Then she lifted the burly man in her left hand, kicked him, and said, "I've been tracking this scoundrel for the past two days. He even managed to escape just now. I'm exhausted."

"Cough!"

Yun Shuai, who had finished circulating his energy and regained some strength, opened his eyes. When he saw the stunningly beautiful Zhu Yuyan, he was momentarily stunned, then coughed lightly.

The other three followed his gaze down and saw that Yuan Yueze's hand, which had been resting on Lian Rou's fragrant shoulder, had unknowingly slid down her exquisite body to her slender waist. Lian Rou's large, watery eyes were misty with desire, and her slightly twisting body was unclear whether she was enjoying it or trying to break free.

Yuan Yueze casually stroked her flat stomach and asked, puzzled, "What's wrong?"

Zhu Yuyan's face flushed slightly, she spat inwardly, and turned her head away.

Seeing that this guy was even more shameless than rumored, openly disrespecting his daughter without any sense of shame, and becoming even more unscrupulous, Yun Shuai reluctantly said, "Thank you for saving my life, Brother Yuan. Please let go; we've regained some strength."

Yuan Yueze shouted, "Don't move!"

startling Yun Shuai, who was struggling to move away, and even making Lian Rou, who was aroused, somewhat sober.

Zhu Yuyan interjected, "Grand Preceptor Yun, don't act rashly. You are both seriously poisoned. Princess Lian Rou is alright, but after the fierce battle, the poison has rapidly invaded your internal organs along with your true energy. If your husband hadn't been constantly channeling true energy into you, you would have died long ago."

Yun Shuai's cultivation was not low; how could he not understand that there was no way to save him? He looked at Lian Rou with affection and said with a wry smile, "I thought we wouldn't be able to escape to the Central Plains. It's already remarkable that we've survived these few more days. My daughter's injuries aren't serious. Please take good care of her in the future. I will be eternally grateful."

Lian Rou's face turned pale, and tears streamed down her face like broken beads. She hugged Yuan Yueze and pleaded, "Your abilities are extraordinary. Please save my father. I will repay you even if I have to be your servant."

Yuan Yueze smiled and said, "I never use servants in my household."

Then, ignoring the disappointed Lian Rou, he said to Yun Shuai, "Master Shi of Yun Kingdom, don't speak such discouraging words. I can guarantee with my life that you will not only be out of danger, but you will also recover all your strength tonight. Tell me about your ordeal!"

Yun Shuai, who had already lost all hope, was overjoyed. Although he still had doubts about whether he could survive, he had heard of Yuan Yueze's miraculous abilities. So, in his life-threatening situation, he felt as if he had grasped a lifeline and nodded, "Then I will trouble Brother Yuan."

"Slap!"

Upon hearing Yuan Yueze's confident words, Lian Rou immediately tiptoed and kissed Yuan Yueze's handsome face with her fragrant, soft cherry lips, saying in a coquettish voice, "If you save Father, I'll marry you, okay?"

Yuan Yueze once again experienced the generosity of women from beyond the Great Wall.

Zhu Yuyan glared at him and said, "Sit down and talk."

Tossing the unconscious burly man aside, the four sat down on the spot, and Yun Shuai began to recount, "I benefited greatly from the battle with Brother Yuan that day. I wanted to take my daughter back to the Western Turkic Khaganate to cultivate in seclusion, but I encountered many things."

Lian Rou remembered Yuan Yueze's evaluation of her that day, pouted unhappily, and said to Yuan Yueze, "You said I was cunning, but I've only been exposed to it from a young age, and there are many things I don't understand."

Yun Shuai raised his hand to interrupt his daughter, who was clearly caught up in love, and continued, "Both of you are extraordinary people. You should be able to guess the reason why I came to Chengdu last time. It was under the Great Khan's orders to stir up trouble in the Central Plains and take the opportunity to cooperate with some forces to seize the Central Plains."

Yuan Yueze and the other nodded silently. Yun Shuai continued, "Don't be fooled by my outward appearance of success. I have unspeakable hardships behind the scenes. In the year that your former Sui Emperor Yang died, the Great Khan Tong Yehu succeeded his brother Shekui as the Khan of the Western Turks. I had supported him before he became the Great Khan, so I sat in the position of Grand Preceptor. But more than ten years ago, Tong Yehu began to suspect me. Although he didn't show it, I could clearly feel it. However, due to our long-standing friendship, and because his uncle Moheduo in the country had always opposed him becoming the Great Khan, Tong Yehu did not deprive me of my power."

Lian Rou looked at Yun Shuai in surprise. It was obvious that even she didn't know these things.

Yun Shuai sighed and said, "Tong Yabghu is brave and resourceful, with unparalleled martial prowess. For over ten years, he has conquered the Tiele in the north, resisted Persia in the west, and connected with Jibin in the south, subjugating all without exception. He commands hundreds of thousands of archers, dominating the Western Regions. My homeland is Persia. Four years ago, Tong Yabghu became increasingly distrustful of me. He secretly carried out many things I should have known. Later, through my own investigation, I discovered that he had found someone more useful than me. I don't know that person, but one time, after getting drunk, I overheard Tong Yabghu vaguely mentioning the Uyghur Holy Religion, Allah, and the *Baoming Zhenjing*. After further investigation, I learned that the person was a member of the Great Ming Zunjiao sect, but there were no clues about Allah or the *Baoming Zhenjing*. Based on my experience, it should be a name from a country near Persia. On the way back to Western Turks from Chengdu, my daughter and I were attacked by many mysterious people. After arriving in Western Turks, we still haven't..." Just as I was about to rest, Tong Yehu invited me to his home. During the banquet, under the pretext of a martial arts contest, he asked me to participate, but I fell into their trap. My daughter was also captured by Tong Yehu. It took me two months to find out her whereabouts. On the way to rescue her, I overheard Tong Yehu plotting with someone and learned that his ruthlessness towards me was actually due to coercion. That person seemed to have some shady dealings with Mohedu, and I guessed it was the Uyghurs whom Tong Yehu had always trusted. At the time, I didn't have time to think much about it. I took my daughter and headed east, intending to make further plans after reaching the Central Plains, where hidden talents abound. But as soon as news of my daughter's rescue spread, the Uyghurs began to hunt us down. We killed countless pursuers along the way. This time, the experts they sent were not only terrifying but also skilled in poison. We fell into their trap without even realizing it.

Yuan Yueze and Zhu Yuyan fell into deep thought.

Yun Shuai gave a wry smile and said, "Brother Yuan is someone who has a grudge against the Great Ming Zunjiao. I'm telling you this information in the hope that it will be helpful to you. After all, if the Western Turks fall into the hands of a cult, it will pose a greater threat to your future."

Yuan Yueze sighed, "The Great Ming Zunjiao is not something you can deal with so easily!" He

then told Yun Shuai everything he knew.

Yun Shuai was shocked after hearing this, saying, "There are still descendants of the Liu Song dynasty of the Southern Dynasties alive, and they have even become leaders of a cult, intending to revive the Liu Song dynasty?"

Yuan Yueze said helplessly, "Things have become so complicated, alas!"

Yun Shuai and his daughter looked at him in bewilderment.

Zhu Yuyan shrugged and took his large hand.

The matter was indeed complicated, because it was not surprising that Yun Shuai and his daughter did not know Allah and the "Precious Life True Scripture," but Yuan Yueze and Zhu Yuyan knew the details: it involved Islam, one of the three major religions of later generations. Islam arose in the Arabian Peninsula in the early 7th century, revived by Muhammad of Mecca. For over a thousand years afterward, numerous feudal dynasties, large and small, were established under the name of Islam, including the Umayyad Caliphate, the Abbasid Caliphate, the Fatimid Caliphate, the Mughal Empire of India, and the Ottoman Empire of Turkey. Initially, it was a religion of a nation; then a spiritual source for feudal empires; and later, a religious, cultural, and political force, a way of life, continuously developing worldwide and eventually becoming one of the three major religions of later generations.

Chronologically, more than a decade ago, the middle-aged Muhammad should have claimed that while meditating alone in the Cave of Hira, he received divine revelation from Allah, commanding him to act as a messenger to spread the teachings. The Quran, also known as the Precious Life Book, is the sole fundamental scripture of Islam. It is a collection of Allah's revelations proclaimed by Muhammad during his twenty-three years of missionary work.

By this time, a theocratic Muslim regime based on the shared faith of Islam should have been established on the Arabian Peninsula. The person manipulating Tong Yabghu is likely the ambitious Liu Yu, whose ambitions are beyond the comprehension of ordinary people. Judging from Yun Shuai's information, Liu Yu may have already taken Muhammad under his control, or the two sides may have established some kind of cooperative relationship based on common interests.

He had no time to think about religious matters. In the future, under the separation of church and state, he would not oppose the existence of any normal religion. But things are different now. This is the feudal era, and the rise and fall of religions in this era are closely linked to politics. For both public and private reasons, Yuan Yueze would not tolerate such a situation.

The situation in the Central Plains is gradually becoming clear, but turmoil has begun in the outer regions. Liu Yu, who is ambitious and wants to restore the old dynasty and collude with foreign tribes to control the Western Turks, and the mysterious Eastern Turkic shaman, the Red-Clothed Shaman, are the two people that Yuan Yueze fears the most. It is not because they are particularly capable, but because their wisdom and scheming are extremely terrifying. The strangest thing was that these two had vanished almost a year ago, as if they had evaporated into thin air. Their subordinates hadn't bothered Yuan Yueze again, which only made Yuan Yueze more agitated.

Zhu Yuyan transmitted mental information to his mind, suppressing her irritation, and pointed at the man on the ground, saying, "Let's go back to the city and interrogate him. Let him see my methods. Although they're not as powerful as the 'Five Extreme Punishments' of the 'Path of Extinction,' they're by no means inferior."

Yuan Yueze released the burly man's pressure points with a flick of his finger, saying impatiently, "Why bother with all that!"

After giving the burly man with a face full of scars a short time to regain his senses, he said coldly, "Tell me everything you know, or I'll make you suffer worse than death!"

The burly man was no weakling. Realizing that his true energy had been sealed, he could only stand up, look around, and let out a disdainful snort, refusing to speak.

Zhu Yuyan pouted and said, "I caught him yesterday morning, and no matter how I tortured him, he wouldn't talk."

Yuan Yueze flicked his left hand and said, "Isn't that easy?"

The burly man looked at Zhu Yuyan and the Yun father and daughter, whose faces had changed drastically, bewildered, wondering what had happened to shock them so much.

Suddenly, he felt a cold wind whistling through his head. Just as he was about to reach up to touch his head, he was horrified to find a dark clump of hair attached to the tip of Yuan Yueze's longsword.

A piercing pain spread throughout his body, and the burly man

immediately understood. Zhu Yuyan and the other two felt like vomiting.

Yuan Yueze's lightning-fast sword had pierced a large hole in the top of the burly man's head. The sword strike was incredibly precise, breaking through the top of his head without damaging his brain tissue. The sight of the white brain matter, the intricate network of bright red blood vessels, and the trickles of blood seeping from the subcutaneous tissue was enough to make even the ruthless Zhu Yuyan and the cold-blooded Yun Shuai feel nauseous. Lian Rou even turned her head away and vomited.

The burly man let out screams even more agonizing than a pig being slaughtered, yet he still refused to surrender.

He couldn't even run away; Zhu Yuyan's imposing aura had already locked him in place, making it difficult to take a single step.

Seeing that he had lost very little blood, Yuan Yueze's expression grew even colder. Suddenly, he leaped in front of him, and with a forceful 'ripping!', tore off the man's entire arm. Seeing that only a few thin trickles of blood were still flowing from the wound, Yuan Yueze transformed into a demon. In a flash of white light, the burly man's other arm also fell to the ground.

"I'll tell you everything! Spare my life!"

The burly man, drenched in sweat and pale with pain, knelt on the ground begging for mercy.

Chapter 084 Tai Chi Night

Banquet: The lanterns were lit as dusk fell.

Li Shimin, who appeared to be acting as if nothing had happened, personally came to escort Yuan Yueze to the Taiji Palace for a banquet.

The group marched through Anli Gate, passing through Crane Feather Hall, Ganlu Hall, Liangyi Hall, and Taiji Hall, heading towards Taiji Palace in a grand procession.

Li Shimin chattered incessantly, but Yuan Yueze's thoughts drifted back to an hour earlier.

Under the coercion of torture methods like "human stick" and "dried human flesh," coupled with Zhu Yuyan's enticements, the burly man finally broke down and revealed everything he could.

He was merely a pawn on the periphery of the Great Ming Zun Sect, responsible for delivering intelligence. He had been taught the sect's ultimate techniques, believing he could become a peerless master. However, when he reached the point of no return, he discovered that the divine skill had left him in a state of near-death. Although brainwashed by the sect's doctrines, he had one weakness: a fear of death. His companions, whom he had been trained with, couldn't endure such a life and committed suicide. Only he couldn't bring himself to do it, which gave Yuan Yueze an opportunity to break down his psychological defenses.

According to him, he was delivering intelligence for a "Mr. Feng" he had only met once. From his description, Yuan Yueze already knew that "Mr. Feng" was Xi Feng. Yun Shuai, who had cooperated with An Long before, also hinted that this Mr. Feng had also cooperated with An Long. Yuan Yueze then remembered that he had indeed heard An Long say the same thing to You Niaojuan in Chengdu.

Two days ago, Zhu Yuyan went to see Yin Zuwen, but Yin Zuwen was two-faced and only gave her perfunctory answers. Zhu Yuyan then followed the big man to a place more than a hundred miles outside the city, where she caught him meeting with four other experts. The four men, captured by Zhu Yuyan, refused to be humiliated and committed suicide on the spot. The big man said he didn't know the identities of the four men, only that they were sent by the palace. This gave Yuan Yueze and Zhu Yuyan a clue: whose subordinates were these four men?

The Crown Prince's faction? Li Yuan? Or Li Shimin?

The real answer could not be guessed for the time being, because all of them were possible. Yuan Yueze was already aware of the collusion between Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji, members of the Crown Prince's faction, and Xi Feng and members of the Demonic Sect. The four masters killed by Zhu Yuyan were likely the reason Li Yuan distanced himself from Wei Lianxiang. Furthermore, Li Shimin was losing ground in the power struggle and, if pushed to the limit, might cooperate with the Demonic Sect. Xi Feng was skilled at concealing his identity, so it wasn't surprising that he had deceived Li Shimin.

The message delivered by the burly man consisted of only eight characters: "One plan succeeded, the second plan is temporarily suspended."

Two days earlier, Yuan Yueze would never have known the true meaning of these words. Now, he deduced that the "first plan" was likely the scheme involving "poison" and "explosives." In fact, their first plan had failed today, so what was the "second plan"?

Another matter caught the attention of Yuan Yueze and Zhu Yuyan. While Yuan Yueze was enthusiastically explaining the "human stick" torture to the trembling man, the couple clearly sensed a faint, peaceful spiritual aura emanating from at least a hundred feet away, vanishing in the blink of an eye.

Having arranged for the immobile Yun Shuai and Lian Rou to remain in a secluded mountain cave, temporarily imprisoning the half-dead giant, Yuan Yueze and Zhu Yuyan rushed into the city. His first priority was to summon two of his wives to use their special powers to revive Yun Shuai and his daughter.

Upon entering the palace and returning to the West Garden, he briefly explained the situation to the women present. He then assigned Yun Yuzhen and Wei Zhenzhen to detoxify Yun Shuai and his daughter. Since the release of their special powers would require at least some time to recover, the woman with the least responsibility was best suited to perform the detoxification.

Song Yuzhi spoke first, "It's getting late, we should go to the banquet. Sister Junzhuo just secretly saw Li Yuan in plain clothes going to see Second Brother. Could it be related to the banquet tonight? Or did he directly invite Second Brother to the banquet?"

Yuan Yueze asked in surprise, "What? Isn't Second Brother being too reckless?"

Shan Meixian smiled, "Shidao would never do that. This morning, Zhizhi got a letter from Shidao that he left for us from 'Yuxinglong's' informant. It said that he entered the city last night and stayed at an inn near the capital. Li Yuan has informants all over the city, and Shidao swaggered in, so he was discovered by Li Yuan immediately, and then went to see..." On one hand, Shi Dao simply explained that to avoid benefiting those behind the scenes who manipulated the Crown Prince's faction like Xi Feng, he had pleaded for Li Shimin's life. He figured that Li Yuan's decision not to severely punish Li Shimin today must be related to Shi Dao's words.

Yuan Yueze suddenly realized: he and Song Shi Dao were similar in personality, but subtly different. He was the kind of person with principles so strong they were almost obsessive, ruthless to both himself and others; Song Shi Dao, on the other hand, was more like a "normal person," naturally considering things from a different perspective. Yuan Yueze could be ruthless towards Li Shimin, but Song Shi Dao wouldn't. His action had essentially done Li Shimin a significant favor. Furthermore, it revealed Li Yuan's trust in Yue Shan, his "elder brother" from many years ago.

Shang Xiuxun, who had just finished combing her hair into a ponytail, snuggled into Yuan Yueze's arms and said sweetly, "Second Brother Song has some very important news. He said that Li Yuan, in order to help him take revenge, plans to send several mysterious masters who have followed Li Yuan for decades and have mastered extraordinary martial arts from other regions to help Second Brother Song. However, in order not to give himself away, Second Brother Song, although very eager to know the origin of these mysterious masters, had no choice but to refuse. He also said in his letter that it was inconvenient to contact us and that everything would be done as the situation allowed.

" Yuan Yueze thought to himself that with Yue Shan's proud nature, how could he easily accept Li Yuan's proposal? Therefore, Song Shidao could only refuse. So he kissed her soft cheek and asked, "What did you all discover today?"

Shan Meixian told Yuan Yueze about Bai Qing'er's 'playing along' and how Xiao He'er was stubbornly kept in 'Shanglin Garden' by Ji Qian. Apart from being followed, the other girls had not encountered anything else.

Bai Qing'er only felt a blur before her eyes, and Yuan Yueze's large mouth lightly pecked her pretty face. Then, he said with admiration, "Qing'er, that was quite a move."

Being humiliated in public, Bai Qing'er blushed with shame and anger. She kicked out, her small foot almost hitting Yuan Yueze's groin. Yuan Yueze jumped back a zhang and exaggeratedly covered his crotch, shouting, "If you dare to cripple me, my wives will hate you to death!"

The other women were used to his antics, but Bai Qing'er was still not used to it. She said weakly to Shan Meixian, "Senior Sister, aren't you going to do something about him?"

Shan Meixian glared at Yuan Yueze and said, "Stop fooling around. Tonight, Xiuxun, Zhizhi, Feng'er, and Qing'er will accompany my husband to the banquet."

Of these four women, except for Bai Qing'er, all of them were of high enough status to attend such an important occasion. Although Bai Qing'er's identity was unknown, it was a good plan for Shan Meixian to use to show Yuan Yueze's importance to her and to confuse Yin Zuwen, who would definitely be attending. Yuan Yueze asked, "Aren't you and Bei'er going? You two have more experience; you'd be better at handling those kinds of occasions."

Xiao Bei shook her head, "Meixian and I can't attend. I met with my brother today; he's old-fashioned and rigid, and he thinks I've disgraced the Xiao family. We had a very tense argument. Meixian, to avoid Li Yuan who's been giving her the cold shoulder these past few days, has also decided not to attend. Zhizhi and Qing'er are perfectly capable of handling those occasions for my husband."

Yuan Yueze sighed, "It seems Xiao Yu is wholeheartedly devoted to the Li Tang. Li Yuan dared to make a move on Meixian! He's infuriated me! I'll kill him in public tonight!"

Shan Meixian laughed, "Don't be reckless! A moment of impulsiveness could ruin everything; wouldn't you regret it later?"

Dugu Feng chimed in, "Exactly! That's how charming Meixian is!"

Shan Meixian lightly tapped her head, saying, "Let's discuss the possible situations at the banquet and how to deal with them!"

"Brother Yuan! Brother Yuan! We've arrived!"

Li Shimin's voice roused Yuan Yueze from his reverie.

He coughed awkwardly and looked around.

Before him lay a wide plaza flanked by bell and drum towers, with the magnificent Taiji Hall standing imposingly at the north end. A path paved with large stone slabs led from the plaza's gray brick surface to the hall's entrance. The Taiji Hall was the most magnificent building in the palace, twelve bays wide and fifteen bays deep. Most breathtaking was its single-eaved, four-sloped roof, with four layers of brackets, a simple yet intricate structure—a true combination of beauty and mechanics. At the north end of the spacious hall were six round tables for the head of the family; those seated there were undoubtedly members of the royal family. Seating was arranged on the east and west sides, everything orderly and orderly.

The hall was filled with over a hundred guests, mainly Tang officials and their families, as well as local merchants, envoys from other regions, and foreign merchants. Whether palace maids or officials' wives, all were dressed in their finest attire, adorned in silks and brocades, adorned with jewels and fragrant powder, their elegant attire adding to the gentle charm of the banquet. Although the hall was full, as this was a court banquet, everyone was solemn and restrained, daring not to make a sound, only whispering among themselves, creating a controlled and serious atmosphere. As

soon as Yuan Yueze and his entourage stepped into the hall, all eyes instantly turned to the family of the evening's main guests. Li Shimin, knowing the situation, stood to the side.

All the men's eyes were fixed on Shang Xiuxun to Yuan Yueze's right, while all the women's eyes were fixed on Yuan Yueze.

From the moment Shang Xiuxun, lightly dressed, stepped into the hall, everything and everyone within seemed to pale in comparison. Her unadorned, natural beauty, her ethereal and refined气质 (qi zhi - a kind of refined elegance), and the simple white gauze draped over her body, her hair tied back with a blue bow—a stark contrast to the elaborate court hairstyles of the era—made her transcend the definition of 'perfection.' She seemed to exist independently of heaven and earth; to look at her even slightly would be to desecrate this sacred goddess.

The women in the hall, whether married or unmarried, were momentarily captivated, though a touch of jealousy followed. But their gazes were immediately drawn to the handsome, dashing, and composed Yuan Yueze. Many young women, still unmarried, were completely mesmerized by him.

Yuan Yueze and the four women felt a chill run down their spines. He disliked being in the limelight and was particularly uncomfortable with being stared at like a monkey.

Li Shimin coughed heavily, startling the stunned crowd. He led the five men to the head table at the north end of the hall, where six round tables were arranged. Those seated at these six tables were of extraordinary status; judging by their size, they were all subordinates of Li Yuan's three sons. Crown Prince Li Jiancheng had the most seats, followed by Li Shimin, and Li Yuanji had the fewest. Those who had arrived were seated on the east and west sides in an orderly fashion.

After temporarily arranging the five men's seats, Li Shimin introduced Yuan Yueze to the nearby dignitaries. Kou Zhong and his companion were chatting enthusiastically at a table not far away, not looking over, but instead making a victory sign under their armpits. Yuan Yueze found it amusing: Wei Zhenzhen or Song Shidao must have taught them that.

Yuan Yueze smiled slightly at Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji, whose faces were gloomy with frustration at the failure of their scheme. He glanced at the two empty seats beside him and said to Song Yuzhi, who was sitting not far away, "Zhizhi, sit next to me."

Song Yuzhi wrinkled her delicate nose and said, "Those are seats arranged by the Emperor; I dare not sit there!"

Hearing her slightly sarcastic tone, Li Yuanji's expression grew even colder.

Li Shimin's expression remained unchanged as he said, "These are seats arranged by Father for the young marshal and Xiuning."

Yuan Yueze felt a sense of foreboding. This old fox, Li Yuan, was clearly planning to scheme against Yuan Yueze from the very beginning. He knew that if Li Xiuning sat between him and Kou Zhong, all three, with their complicated relationship, would be awkwardly put in a passive position. Yuan Yueze

's expression suddenly became incredibly calm, and he quickly drifted into a state of profound contemplation.

At this moment, a commotion suddenly arose at the palace entrance. It turned out that Shang Xiufang had arrived, accompanied by Li Xiuning. Men and women alike vied to see her, a testament to her astonishing charm.

Since Shang Xiuxun took her seat, no one dared to look at her anymore. One reason was that she was so perfect as to be almost unreal, preventing anyone from having any impure thoughts; another reason was that she was the beautiful wife of the ruthless Yuan Yueze, and who would dare to glance at her for more than a second! Shang Xiufang, on the other hand, was more real than her. Most importantly, Shang Xiufang was a beautiful woman without a master.

Shang Xiufang was indeed naturally beautiful, possessing a captivating beauty that could topple kingdoms. Her most charming feature was that every movement she made was graceful and elegant; every smile and frown could bewitch all beings. When she and Li Xiuning arrived at Yuan Yueze's table, everyone, including Li Shimin, was breathless with admiration at her extraordinary and captivating beauty revealed even with minimal makeup. Li Jiancheng and Kedazhi both stared at Shang Xiufang with infatuated expressions.

Her large, seemingly affectionate eyes swept over everyone before finally settling on Yuan Yueze, who was deep in thought. She smiled and said, "Xiufang thanks His Highness the Crown Prince and the Emperor for the invitation. Young master, it's been several months since we last met. How have you been?"

Her gaze remained fixed on Yuan Yueze, but her first words were addressed to Li Jiancheng. Li Jiancheng's expression remained unchanged, but a hint of ruthlessness flashed in his eyes. Kedazhi, standing to the side, looked at Yuan Yueze with envy.

"Ah?"

Yuan Yueze, who could fall into deep thought at any moment, was startled awake by a nudge from Bai Qing'er beside him. The first thing he saw was Li Xiuning, dressed in magnificent court attire, exuding a noble air, her faint smile clearly forced. He smiled and said, "So it's Xiuning. Come, come, sit down! Ouch!"

Bai Qing'er pinched him again, pouting at the embarrassed and dissatisfied Shang Xiufang.

"Xiufang is here too? Sit! Sit!"

Yuan Yueze's strange expression and actions made everyone at the table try to suppress their laughter, and the girls even burst out laughing.

Shang Xiufang looked even more embarrassed. Li Shimin smoothed things over, saying, "Miss Xiufang, please take a seat. Father should be arriving soon."

Shang Xiufang sat down at the next table with dissatisfaction, and Li Jiancheng and Keda immediately went over to fawn over her.

Ignoring Shang Xiufang, Yuan Yueze continued to think about how to turn the tables. Bai Qing'er leaned closer and lowered her voice to the lowest possible level, but still spoke clearly, her breath sweet as orchids, "The guests attending tonight are all high-ranking figures of the Li Tang dynasty. Young Master, you must be careful."

Before Yuan Yueze could answer her, palace music began.

The Emperor of the Tang Dynasty arrived, and all the guests in the hall stood at attention to welcome him.

Li Yuan, accompanied by three concubines and surrounded by dozens of eunuchs and palace maids, arrived slowly.

All three women wore wide-sleeved, knee-length cloaks embroidered with colorful gold thread patterns. Underneath the cloaks were short, long skirts, tied at the waist and reaching almost to their armpits, making the already tall and slender women appear even more graceful and elegant. Their movements were graceful and captivating. However, the three women had distinctly different temperaments. The concubine on the left had a pitiful and charming appearance; the woman on the right had a seductive and alluring air; and the concubine with a slightly protruding belly, whom Li Yuan personally supported, was undoubtedly the most favored. She had delicate features, a high nose, deep-set eyes, and blonde hair with blue eyes, clearly a woman from the northern frontier. Beneath her delicate appearance, she exuded a wildness that was subtle in her bones. For a man who loved conquest, this woman was indeed a top-tier beauty.

Halfway through the procession, several women stepped out and stood beside the three brothers, Li Jiancheng and his brother, presumably their respective concubines.

Most of those sitting at the same table with Yuan Yueze were Li Yuan's confidants. Glancing at the petite and beautiful Princess Changsun beside Li Shimin, whose reputation was celebrated by later generations, Yuan Yueze thought to himself that under this feudal system where the emperor held supreme power, a minister's or concubine's lasting fame was largely dependent on the emperor's wisdom. Take Empress Xiao, for example; if she had met Li Shimin instead of Yang Guang, her reputation would certainly not have been inferior to that of Empress Changsun.

After a brief moment of reflection, Yuan Yueze used his supreme spiritual techniques to probe the body of what should have been Consort Lian, discovering that she indeed did not know martial arts.

After the Li clan members were seated around the main hall, Li Yuan took the lead and said, "Tonight is a banquet held by our Great Tang to welcome the Yuan family from Luoyang, including the young marshal; at the same time, my elder brother, a close friend from over forty years ago, the renowned 'Overlord Blade' Yue Shan from northern Shaanxi, has also come to Chang'an. On this auspicious occasion, please enjoy yourselves and drink to your hearts' content, without any restraint!"

Led by Li Yuan's two closest ministers, Liu Wenjing and Pei Ji, the assembled officials and guests toasted Li Yuan and Yuan Yueze three times, instantly enlivening the atmosphere in the hall.

Yuan Yueze wondered if Song Shidao had truly come to the banquet. Where was the others?

Li Yuan gestured with his hands and continued, "Soon it will be the Spring Festival, and the Turkic Khan, Jieli, will send the martial arts grandmaster 'Martial Venerable' Bi Xuan to Chang'an as a guest; and the 'Five Blades Overlord' Gaesomun, the chieftain of Goryeo, will also be arriving in Chang'an at that time. You will all be able to attend the New Year's banquet then!"

Everyone readily agreed.

Immediately afterwards, dozens of singing girls floated out like colorful butterflies from the rear hall doors on either side of the chairman, singing and dancing to the melodious sound of drums and music.

When the dance ended, cheers resounded throughout the hall.

Palace maids then brought out a continuous stream of delicacies, creating another lively atmosphere. When it was Li Yuan's turn to toast everyone, a harmonious atmosphere of guests and host enjoying themselves immensely arose. "

This damn welcome banquet isn't just any banquet; it's clearly a show of the Li Tang dynasty's zenith and immense power!"

Yuan Yueze cursed inwardly.

After several rounds of drinks, Li Shimin raised a handsome young man in elegant attire and a haughty demeanor to the head of the table. He loudly proclaimed, "Since the renowned Brother Yuan and Young Marshal Kou are both here tonight, and both are masters of martial arts, why not add some excitement to the banquet?"

The young man glanced at Kou Zhong, who seemed utterly disoriented upon seeing Li Xiuning, and Yuan Yueze on the other side, a fierce glint flashing in his eyes. It was unclear what deep-seated grudge he held against Yuan Yueze and Kou Zhong.

Yuan Yueze glanced at the absent-minded Kou Zhong and the unnatural expression on Li Xiuning's face, shook his head, and sighed. Matters of the heart were truly too complicated. He then stood up and said…? "How should I address you, sir? If you wish to spar, why not? I, Yuan, am happy to oblige!" the

young man declared proudly. "My name is Chai Shao. Brother Yuan, your martial arts are superb. May I, your humble servant, challenge the young marshal first?"

Chai Shao's words were indeed brilliant. After his marriage to Li Xiuning was abruptly annulled, he naturally harbored deep resentment towards Yuan Yueze. Yuan Yueze's reputation was too great, and the close relationship between Kou Zhong and Yuan Yueze was common knowledge. Although the two appeared cold on the surface after arriving in Chang'an, they still did not reassure those with ulterior motives. Chai Shao's words not only did not provoke resentment but also made people admire his magnanimity even more. Although fighting was not allowed within the Forbidden City, the Li clan had a tradition: every festive occasion was a good day for sparring. Everyone would only touch the target briefly, without any serious injuries or bloodshed. It was precisely because of the Li Tang's strong martial spirit that their army was invincible. Taking advantage of this opportunity, Chai Shao not only used Li Xiuning to sow discord between Yuan and Kou, but also cleverly bypassed Yuan Yueze, using the chance to dampen the arrogance of the clearly out-of-focus Kou Zhong, thus gaining greater favor with Li Yuan. This multi-pronged strategy was indeed remarkable.

Li Shimin, standing beside him, remained calm and composed, even Yuan Yueze couldn't understand what he was thinking. If Chai Shao were to act impulsively in such a grand setting due to burning jealousy, wouldn't he be a fool?

Li Yuan, in charge, first frowned, then said, "The competition is irrelevant; it's enough to stop when you've made your point. Do Young Master Yuan and the young marshal have any questions?"

In this situation, Chai Shao had already spoken so generously; if the two of them dragged things out, it would only damage their reputation and even undermine the confidence of the people in their respective territories.

Yuan Yueze was indifferent to such matters, but Kou Zhong laughed heartily, stood up abruptly, and his imposing figure drew admiring glances from many women in the hall. He patted the thick-backed sword Yuan Yueze had given him on his back, took a few steps forward, and came to the center of the hall. He cupped his hands to Li Yuan and said, "I have no objections, please give me your guidance, Brother Chai. However, my brother Xu Ziling's cultivation is no less than mine, so next time you mention my younger brother, please don't forget to mention him."

Chai Shao indeed didn't mention Xu Ziling at all, but Kou Zhong was dissatisfied, which is why he said that.

"Brother Chai, wait a moment!"

A pleasant voice came from Li Jiancheng's seat. Then, under everyone's gaze, Keda Zhi stood up, walked proudly to the front of the hall, knelt down and kowtowed to Li Yuan, saying, "Keda Zhi, the Commandant of the Changlin Army, had an appointment to fight with the young marshal, but was delayed due to yesterday's events. Under the circumstances tonight, may I ask to stand in for Brother Chai and fight the young marshal?"

He was not a regional overlord like Yuan Yueze or Kou Zhong, so he still had to perform the etiquette of a subject to a ruler.

He played this move quite well. Just by seeing that Chai Shao and he could speak before their master, it was clear that they were not only of high status, but also must have been instructed. First, he was mocking Li Shimin for still being a suspect; second, he was implying that Chai Shao was no match for Kou Zhong; and third, he had stolen all the limelight from Chai Shao. The momentum that Tian Ce Mansion had just established was so cleverly 'stolen' by him.

Glancing at Li Shimin, whose expression remained unchanged, and Li Jiancheng, whose face had turned cold,

Yuan Yueze suddenly realized Li Shimin's brilliance after Li Shimin said, "If the general is interested, then please proceed!"

This was because Crown Prince Li Jiancheng had previously sent the Turkic expert Kedazhi to challenge the Tiance Mansion's forces at various banquets under the guise of "martial arts friendship." Except for Li Jing, all the others were defeated. This contest between the two was not insignificant; in fact, it severely impacted the Tiance Mansion's reputation, morale, and confidence. Thanks to Li Shimin's unparalleled military achievements, the Tiance Mansion had established an impeccable image among the Tang people and soldiers. However, Kedazhi, with his masterful "Wild Sand Saber Technique," was attempting to breach this flawless image. This shift in power naturally increased the prestige of the Changlin Army. If Li Shimin did not find a way to remedy the situation and restore his reputation, he would be forced into a disadvantageous position in his struggle against Jiancheng and Yuanji. Li Yuan's impression of Li Shimin deteriorated due to the instigation of his favored concubine and treacherous officials, yet he still refused to bestow titles upon Li Shimin, forced by circumstances. If this situation were reversed, the consequences would be unpredictable.

The Tian Ce Mansion's side suffered several defeats, but these occurred only at relatively small imperial banquets. Although the Crown Prince's faction exaggerated and spread these incidents afterward, the damage, while severe, was not decisive. However, tonight, with a gathering of ministers and foreign guests, if the Tian Ce Mansion were to suffer another defeat, the consequences would be unimaginable.

When he initially sent the hot-tempered Chai Shao to challenge Kou Zhong, he had already accurately guessed the intentions of Li Jiancheng's side. Then, the martial-loving Ke Dazhi jumped in to steal credit, but it was actually only a minor victory. Li Shimin cleverly transformed the conflict between the Crown Prince's faction and the Tian Ce Mansion into a conflict between the Crown Prince's faction and Yuan and Kou. Even more remarkably, to outsiders, Yuan and Kou appeared to be helping Li Shimin, which was perfect for Li Shimin to restore his prestige.

As Yuan Yueze frowned deeply at Li Shimin's scheme, Li Yuan spoke up, "Very well, as you two have requested. Before the competition, please welcome our other distinguished guest for tonight."

His words had barely faded when a chilling, overwhelming killing intent suddenly erupted from the dark corridor behind him, filling the spacious hall.

The hall fell into complete silence.

Everyone held their breath, staring intently at the corridor entrance.

----

04-20
Chapter 086 Swordsmanship Showdown

As the aura grew stronger, a slightly hunched blue figure appeared at the corridor entrance.

He walked forward without a word, and Li Yuan personally rose to greet him, leading him to a seat alongside his own, clearly indicating the old man's extraordinary status.

Many seated people had already guessed: this old man must be the 'Overlord Blade' Yue Shan that Li Yuan had just mentioned.

'Yue Shan's' gaze swept coldly across the room, finally settling on Yuan Yueze, and his chilling aura vanished abruptly.

Yuan Yueze met his gaze calmly.

Those with high cultivation levels in the hall all knew that the two had begun a battle of wills.

After a long while, their gazes shifted, each looking elsewhere.

Yuan Yueze almost laughed out loud, thinking to himself, "Second brother, you're getting too into character!" Then he thought, "Why would Song Shidao participate in such an event? This is completely out of character for Yue Shan!"

Li Yuan didn't introduce Song Shidao, but instead addressed Keda Zhi and Kou Zhong in the hall: "Since our Great Tang Dynasty raised its army in Taiyuan, we have been invincible. The reason for this is our ability to establish the nation through military might and our ability to recruit talented individuals from all sides. Tonight, on this grand occasion, according to the tradition of our Great Tang Dynasty, a martial arts test is indispensable. Regardless of the winner or loser, each side will be rewarded with ten taels of gold as entertainment. Remember, this is merely a martial arts test. I will personally supervise it. Once the bell rings, regardless of the circumstances, you must immediately stop and retreat."

Kou and Keda Zhi nodded in agreement.

According to custom, no one except the guards and officers on duty was allowed to bring weapons into the hall, so the two had to wait for the guards to bring them. Inside the hall, whispers and buzzes filled the air, the conversation naturally revolving around guessing who would win.

The two men exchanged a calm glance, their smiles serene, without a hint of tension.

Keda Zhi's pupils suddenly contracted, and he asked with a half-smile, "Young Marshal, what is this mental technique you possess, and why is it so profound?"

How could he not see that Kou Zhong was in that extremely high spiritual realm, existing between illusion and reality!

Kou Zhong pondered for a moment, then said, "This is the 'Sun and Moon Illuminating the Heavens Great Technique' created by the 'Sword Saint' Yan Fei more than two hundred years ago."

Many in the audience were stunned. Kou Zhong

thought to himself, "Who exactly is this Yan Fei that Brother Song told me about? Is he really that powerful?

" Keda Zhi said with a hint of sarcasm, "Brother Kou and Brother Xu are truly blessed. Not only have they learned the ancient and extraordinary book 'The Longevity Manual,' but they have also obtained the supreme mental technique of the martial arts saint Yan Fei from over a hundred years ago. I admire you."

Having said that, he had a reason to justify his defeat.

Kou Zhong laughed and said, "Brother Ke, you're too kind. I've heard that you developed the 'Raging Sand Blade Technique' from the desert, a place filled with the taste of death, uncertainty, and despair, based on the principle of 'finding victory in defeat.' It's unpredictable and impossible to defend against. Today, I finally get to experience it

for myself." Before the battle even began, Ke Dazhi was already at a disadvantage. Kou Zhong knew him so well!

A shout of "Weapons here!"

relieved Ke Dazhi's predicament, and the hall fell silent once more.

Two guards presented the two men with their swords, and amidst the anticipation of the crowd, the Li clan's traditional "Tingbi" (a type of martial arts competition) finally began. The two men

received their weapons and simultaneously saluted Li Yuan. Then they separated to the left and right.

Ke Dazhi, holding the scabbard horizontally in his left hand, slowly drew the Raging Sand Blade from its sheath, producing a resounding clang that captivated the entire hall. He then slightly parted his feet, his imposing figure, like a pine tree, exuding an aura of unwavering strength and unyielding power. This immediately drew shouts, further enhancing his imposing presence. Under the bright lights of the main hall, the Mad Sand Blade gleamed with a cold, shimmering light, seemingly a divine artifact imbued with spiritual life.

Kou Zhong nodded approvingly and slowly drew the thick-backed blade from its sheath.

The moment it was drawn, it burst forth with a dazzling light; the central section of its broad blade was transparent, involuntarily reminding one of Yuan Yueze's sword.

This otherworldly blade, also named 'Moon in the Well' by Kou Zhong, was indeed a gift from Yuan Yueze.

"Young Marshal, please!"

Keda Zhi, needing to seize the initiative, let out a long howl, wielding the blade in his left sheath and spinning towards Kou Zhong like a tornado. Each spin generated a rhythmic and powerful whooshing sound; the sheath and blade intertwined, creating a sharp, lightning-fast, both offensive and defensive, protective net. A strange energy, centered on Keda Zhi, surged towards Kou Zhong like a raging sandstorm in the desert, with overwhelming force as Keda Zhi approached.

Regardless of their martial arts skills, everyone felt that Keda Zhi had transformed into the core of a terrifying storm, possessing an unstoppable force. His most formidable aspect was the subtle variations in the speed of each of his rotations, making it impossible to predict the precise timing of his attacks.

Keda Zhi's Mad Sand Blade Technique consisted of five techniques: 'Spinning, Blowing, Rolling, Coiling, and Breaking,' and the technique he was currently using was 'Spinning Sand,' as unpredictable as a whirlwind in the desert, leaving his opponent unable to anticipate his movements.

Facing Keda Zhi's attack, Kou Zhong immediately felt a terrifying, parched thirst. The entire hall seemed to have been transformed into an endless sandstorm. Such a technique, if used by anyone else, would indeed induce a sense of defeat and despair at the mere sight of a sandstorm.

A smile flickered across Kou Zhong's lips. Suddenly, he flashed forward, the Well Moon drawing an indescribable, profound line in the air, seemingly ordinary yet infinitely varied. With a few seemingly effortless steps, he traversed nearly two zhang (approximately 6.6 meters) in a blink of an eye. This illusion of distance, combined with his profound swordsmanship, made both the attacker and the onlookers feel that his swordsmanship was divinely crafted, possessing a terrifying power that could change the very fabric of the world.

"Clang!"

At a speed barely perceptible to the naked eye, the two swords clashed.

Both spun away simultaneously, and when the distance reached about two zhang, they stopped spinning abruptly, as if by prior agreement, standing firmly facing each other.

A deafening roar of cheers erupted throughout the hall.

Strangely, the echoes from their weapon clash continued unabated, muffled and piercing, reverberating continuously from about one zhang (approximately 3.3 meters) above their heads.

Kou Zhong and Ke Dazhi were focused solely on their opponent, oblivious to everything around them.

The people in the hall looked up in bewilderment for a moment, then their attention was drawn back to the duel between the two swords.

Within the entire hall, only those whose cultivation had reached the level of Dugu Feng, Xu Ziling, Bai Qing'er, Li Yuan, Yin Zuwen, and Hu Fu truly understood the meaning behind the constant sounds emanating from the void.

Only this very few kept their gaze fixed on the air, not even glancing at the duel between the two swords.

The cause of this strange phenomenon was none other than Yuan Yueze and Song Shidao, who sat motionless in their seats, their eyes locked in a fierce battle.

Judging from the cold expressions and shocked eyes of Xu Ziling and the others in their seats, it was clear that the two were indeed locked in combat.

In their eyes, although Yuan Yueze and Song Shidao's bodies hadn't moved an inch, their powerful essence, energy, and spirit, seemingly one with heaven and earth, appeared to have detached from their physical bodies and appeared in the void above Kou Zhong and Song Shidao's heads, engaging in a battle far exceeding the ordinary.

In the void, Yuan Yueze, his figure both real and illusory, wielded fists, palms, fingers, and elbows with incredible speed and dexterity. Each move, seemingly simple yet possessing terrifying power, unleashed a relentless barrage of powerful attacks. Song Shidao, hands clasped behind his back, secretly formed the "Nine-Character Mantra" hand seal, channeling his energy throughout his body. Finally, he unleashed his attacks with

his feet, each kick flowing freely and effortlessly, as if a celestial horse galloping through the air, leaving no trace, perfectly defending against Yuan Yueze. In the void, a breathtaking scene unfolded—a spectacle far more intense than the battle on the ground, visible only to those with a certain level of cultivation through their "mind's eye"

and spiritual senses—radiating an unparalleled, tragic, and eerie beauty. This was a "battle of the primordial spirit," a level higher than Yuan Yueze's "spiritual duel" with Kuang Lei and his "divine communion and illusionary battle" with Xiang Yutian. Based on immense power and concentrated spiritual energy, such a battle required a worthy opponent. The combined cultivation of these two was astonishing.

Kou Zhong, standing in the arena, roared and slashed his blade into the air. Though the force was immense, it seemed unable to directly threaten Ke Dazhi.

However, this was merely the perspective of the onlookers; Ke Dazhi, caught in the middle of the battle, felt it entirely differently.

Kou Zhong had indeed reached the level of a master who had established his own school. This strike completely stirred the surrounding air, forming a force field of energy like a demonic technique. Its greatest strength lay in its non-direct attack, leaving his opponent unsure how to react, losing all sense of strategy in both offense and defense, and even more importantly, making it impossible to predict his next move.

This strike contained the essence of 'Chess Sword Technique'—the strike is made first, then the opponent's reaction is observed; there are no fixed moves.

Ke Dazhi's eyes blazed with a strange light. He sheathed his blade, his robes billowing, his aura reaching its peak of ferocity.

The surrounding air seemed to freeze, becoming as desolate as a vast, windless desert, and even scorching hot. Then, Keda Zhi roared, his voice booming like thunder. The Sandstorm Blade, which had been hidden behind him, magically appeared in front of him. With an extremely profound and strange technique, he moved with the blade, striking at Kou Zhong's hand holding the blade. The Sandstorm Blade drew a swirling, wave-like trajectory in the air, endlessly swirling towards Kou Zhong. Although it was a single strike, it was composed of more than ten continuous waves, each wave's timing and angle of attack subtly changing, sending out swirling blade energy that converged into a sharp blade aura capable of splitting walls, its power unparalleled.

Keda Zhi was indeed extraordinary. He saw through Kou Zhong's strongest momentum and, without pausing before Kou Zhong's unchanging attack, turned to attack his momentum. Once the momentum was broken, the attack naturally couldn't be maintained.

"Buzz!"

Two bolts of lightning collided.

The two flew back and stood still.

The crowd forgot to cheer.

The quick-witted Bai Qing'er, feigning focus on the void above, scanned the arena with her beautiful eyes, observing anyone drawn to the battle. One unexpected person caught her eye: Pei Ji, Li Yuan's longtime trusted minister and Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel. Pei Ji's gaze appeared to be fixed on the battle between Kou Zhong and Ke Dazhi. If the careless Shang Xiuxun and the other two women were to observe, they would not notice anything amiss. Only the astute and skilled Bai Qing'er could perceive that his eyes were actually fixed on the void above, his outward appearance merely a facade. This revealed the meticulous planning behind Shan Meixian's arrangement for Bai Qing'er to accompany Yuan Yueze to the banquet. In the

void, the images of Yuan Yueze and his companion, visible only to those with 'mind's eye,' began to fade. This indicated that the mental strain on both sides was intensifying, the battle was nearing its end, and the situation was becoming increasingly dire.

Many people around Yuan Yueze had noticed his change. Just like that morning at 'Mingtangwo,' he seemed like a soulless walking corpse. Li Yuan, on the other hand, also noticed the same thing happening to Song Shidao.

"Boom!"

A sharp yet muffled roar, echoing endlessly, seemingly capable of shattering heaven and earth, making it impossible to distinguish whether it was the clash of weapons or the clash of qi, followed. Kou Zhong and Ke Dazhi simultaneously retreated, still standing two zhang apart. Their expressions were calm, as if they hadn't fought at all, but their eyes shone with a strange light as they stared unblinkingly at each other, their gazes revealing a hint of shock that indicated the previous exchange had exceeded their expectations.

In the void, Yuan Yueze and Song Shidao each extended an elbow and kicked, their elbows and feet drawing beautiful, dazzling arcs of light in the air, colliding head-on and emitting a blindingly bright light that completely disrupted the senses of those watching the battle, rendering them numb. This attack seemed to merge into the torrent of time, rendering success, failure, life, and death meaningless, becoming an eternal part of the universe.

The strange, loud noise just now was actually the simultaneous occurrence of the final blows from both battlefields; otherwise, it wouldn't have been so bizarre.

"Clang!"

After confirming that Song Shidao was unharmed and that his alluring concubine had whispered a few words in his ear, Li Yuan immediately raised his hand, signaling the guards to ring the bronze bell signaling a ceasefire.

The hall suddenly fell silent, awaiting Li Yuan's judgment.

Yuan Yueze snapped out of his daze, first offering Bai Qing'er a reassuring smile, which earned him a cold look, before he began scanning the hall. Unfortunately, he didn't notice anything unusual, but he did see Li Shimin and a princess beside Prince Qi, Li Yuanji, secretly exchanging glances, their relationship seemingly unusual.

This scene, of course, was witnessed by Yin Zuwen, who had been keeping his attention focused on Bai Qing'er.

Li Yuan personally applauded and praised, saying, "Excellent! Excellent! The contest between the two of you was truly spectacular and breathtaking. Five moves to a draw, I will reward you both with ten taels of gold later. Please take your seats."

This immediately drew cheers and applause from the entire hall.

The two bowed in gratitude.

Taking advantage of everyone's attention being drawn to the arena, he leaned close to Li Xiuning's delicate ear and whispered, "Your second brother seems to have an unusual relationship with your third brother's princess, doesn't he?"

Li Xiuning, focused on the battle, felt a ticklish sensation from his breath and shrank her neck. Upon hearing his words, her expression immediately changed, and she gave him an unnatural, furious glance.

Yuan Yueze pondered for a moment, then moved even closer, his large lips almost touching her smooth, rosy cheek, and said, "Is your third brother's princess named Yang Guimei, and is she related to your second brother… Heh!"

Li Xiuning turned her head in shock, staring blankly at Yuan Yueze, not even noticing her luscious lips brushing against his large mouth. The fact that Li Shimin had an improper relationship with his brother's wife, Princess Qi, Yang Guimei, was known only to the two parties involved and Li Xiuning, who happened to witness it that day, within the entire Li Tang dynasty. How did Yuan Yueze know about such a shameful affair?

Yang Guimei was originally a very popular courtesan in Chang'an, with a charming appearance, alluring personality, and knowledge of poetry and literature. She was skilled in singing and dancing, and countless young men in Chang'an pursued her. Eventually, she married Li Yuanji and became Princess Qi. Not long after the marriage, the fickle Li Yuanji grew tired of his wife's beauty and began to hunt for other women. The tender-hearted Princess Qi was heartbroken and often lamented her fate and wasted youth by the spring flowers and autumn moon.

One warm spring day, the three Li brothers, each with their families, went to the hillsides near the capital to enjoy the spring scenery. Prince Qin, Li Shimin, was usually busy with military campaigns and battles, so this rare moment of leisure and tranquility made him particularly cheerful. He spurred his horse and galloped towards the foot of the distant mountains. At first, a few riders followed him, but gradually they fell behind and scattered. When he reached the woods in the mountains, only one rider caught up in the distance. As the horse drew closer, he saw that it was none other than his brother's wife, Yang Guimei. Having been chased so closely, Yang Guimei was clearly exhausted; she was panting heavily, her face flushed, and her hair and clothes were somewhat disheveled. Li Shimin quickly helped her down from her horse, and Yang Guimei's legs gave way, causing her to fall into his arms.

One was filled with tenderness and affection, the other with boundless tenderness; needless to say, an improper relationship began between them.

After that, whenever Li Shimin returned to court, he always sought ways to get close to Princess Qi. Li Yuanji's constant indulgence in wine and women, and his nights spent away from home, provided ample opportunity for Li Shimin and Princess Qi to have an affair. This extramarital affair, full of novelty and excitement, captivated both Li Shimin and Princess Qi.

Li Xiuning discovered it by chance; shocked, she remained silent, pretending nothing had happened. Today, Yuan Yueze so easily saw through it.

Suddenly, someone stood up from the seat next to Li Yuanji on the left, laughed loudly, and said, "Please forgive my rudeness, but it is rumored that Senior Yue, the 'Overlord Blade,' has mastered his divine skills. May I ask what brings you to Chang'an this time?"

Kou Zhong had already walked to the seat, glanced at the slightly shy Li Xiuning, and his carefree demeanor vanished instantly. He sat down absentmindedly, and Yuan Yueze and Li Xiuning's attention was drawn to the slightly accented Mandarin, and they followed the others in looking over. The man who stood up appeared to be around thirty years old, extremely thin, tall as a crane, handsome and aloof, with a touch of elegance in his face, which gave him a refined and intelligent air amidst his imposing presence. One glance was enough to tell that he must be an extraordinary person with both wisdom and courage.

Song Shidao sat there like a rock, his expression unchanged, and said, "What I've come here for is none of your business. And who are you?"

Li Yuan awkwardly introduced, "Brother, please don't be offended. This is Mr. Dunyugu, the younger brother of the Turkic 'Martial Venerable.' He has come to inform our Great Tang about the 'Martial Venerable's' visit to Chang'an during the Spring Festival."

Song Shidao scoffed, "You're not qualified to ask me for an answer, but your elder brother is."

Dunyugu's face turned cold, then he smiled and said, "The battle between the young marshal and General Ke tonight was truly eye-opening. Since the renowned Young Master Yuan and the resurrected Senior Yue are both present, why not add more excitement to the banquet?"

This man was full of malice. With his cultivation level, how could he not have seen the 'battle of the primordial spirits' between the two? Yet he pretended not to see it, leaving everyone helpless. Then, he stirred up conflict between Yue Shan and Yuan Yueze, not forgetting to praise Yuan Yueze while suppressing Kou Zhong, whose momentum had just surged. His purpose was obvious: to sow discord between these two men, both exceptional individuals with close ties, would be entirely beneficial to the Turks.

Mei Xun, the "Golden Spear," who was seated at the end of the table, also rose to add fuel to the fire, saying, "We've only heard rumors about Brother Yuan's martial arts. What an honor it would be to witness it with our own eyes!"

Judging from his pleasant words, but the sinister glint in his eyes, it was clear he was no saint either, still harboring resentment over Yuan Yueze's humiliation of the South Sea Sect and his killing of Chao Gongcuo.

The crowd immediately cheered. They had no time to concern themselves with Mei Xun's intentions; what an honor it would be to witness Yuan Yueze's prowess!

Mei Xun's words were so eloquent and inspiring that no one could refuse.

These people all shared a common thought: if they could use outsiders to cripple Yuan Yueze, that would be ideal. Yue Shan, who had just returned to the martial world, was undoubtedly the best 'executioner.' Although the chances of killing Yuan Yueze were slim, as long as there was a glimmer of hope, those who saw Yuan Yueze as their greatest threat would not give up trying.

Dunyu Valley's scheme didn't stop there. If they could use Yue Shan to wound Yuan Yueze, then in half a month, when Bi Xuan arrived in perfect condition, they could easily find an excuse to 'make friends through martial arts' to invite Yuan Yueze to a duel and defeat him. This would be even more unacceptable than killing him. The confidence and morale of Luoyang, and even the entire Central Plains, would plummet. Conversely, the Turks' morale would soar, and they might even be able to launch a southward invasion of the Central Plains in one fell swoop. If Yuan Yueze were to kill Yue Shan in return, it would be even better. The conflict between the Li Tang and Yuan Yueze would likely escalate further, and the Central Plains would become even more chaotic. The benefits to foreign tribes would be obvious. Everyone knew that Yuan Yueze either didn't act at all, or when he did, he showed no mercy. All notions of chivalry and chivalry were useless against him. And everyone in the hall clearly understood the friendship between Li Yuan and Yue Shan. For one thing, the fact that the emperor addressed him as "Big Brother" in public was already an immense honor.

This simple scheme, regardless of the outcome, was entirely beneficial to the Turks, and it had no flaws.

Yuan Yueze was determined to fight Yue Shan, but in the end, it would only benefit the Turks, and perhaps other foreign tribes.

Just as they were forced to act against their will, Song Shidao suddenly let out a hoarse laugh, staring intently at Yuan Yueze, and said, "Zhu Yuyan and I have agreed to settle our forty-year-old feud on the twenty-fourth of the first month. If you are interested today, how could I not oblige!"

Many who didn't know Yue Shan then realized that he and Zhu Yuyan had a deep-seated grudge; no wonder there was such a tense atmosphere between him and Yuan Yueze from the moment he entered.

Yuan Yueze secretly applauded, saying calmly, "If I were to fight you, wouldn't you be unwilling to accept defeat at Yu Yan's hands a little over a month later? Heh, old man, you must diligently improve your cultivation so you can fight Yu Yan in top condition."

His move was equally shrewd, leveraging Li Yuan's trust in Yue Shan and Li Yuan's knowledge of the feud between Yue Shan and Zhu Yu Yan. Sure enough, Li Yuan said, "Please be seated, everyone. My elder brother is a man of the martial world, and I hope everyone will abide by its rules. Since my elder brother has decided to fight the 'Empress of the Underworld,' and Young Master Yuan has no objections, I hereby issue this decree: no one is permitted to disturb my elder brother's secluded cultivation before the 24th of the first lunar month, or they will be severely punished!" No

one dared to say anything more. While Yuan Yueze secretly chuckled, the people of Dunyu Valley and the Crown Prince's faction all wore expressions of resentment. Not only had they avoided trouble tonight, but Li Yuan had also given his approval. For the next few days, those who wanted to scheme against Yue Shan would dare not act recklessly!

Clearly biased towards the Crown Prince's faction, Dunyugu, who was sitting at Li Yuanji's seat, suddenly stood up and said to Shang Xiufang, who was sitting gracefully behind Song Yuzhi, "I've heard that Master Xiufang is unparalleled in her artistic talent. In her quest for the true essence of performing arts, she has traveled all over the Central Plains. May I ask if Master Xiufang would be interested in visiting my Turkic territory? Not only can she experience the customs and traditions different from those of the Central Plains, but the vast grasslands would surely enhance her artistic cultivation. If Miss is interested, I hereby promise, on behalf of the Great Khan, to take full responsibility for her protection."

Song Yuzhi immediately sensed something was amiss. Before Shang Xiufang, whose eyes were filled with longing, could speak, she took her hand, parted her lips slightly, and softly uttered a melodious voice, "Sir, there's no need to rush. Xiufang still has a performance at the New Year's banquet. Wouldn't it be better to decide afterward?"

Her voice was crisp and powerful, possessing a captivating charm that compelled one to believe her. Moreover, it seemed that her relationship with Shang Xiufang was not ordinary, and she could indeed speak on her behalf. After a moment of surprise, Dunyugu awkwardly exchanged a few polite words and sat down.

"Damn it! We've been bullied!"

Yuan Yueze thought with intense hatred.

Dunyu Valley was clearly a master of political maneuvering. Inviting Shang Xiufang and protecting her safety? It couldn't be that simple! Everyone knew that Shang Xiufang had stayed at Yuan Yueze's house for a while. Although everyone could see that she was still a virgin, it was hard to say whether feelings had developed between them. After all, both of them were undeniably charming. If Shang Xiufang could be controlled in the borderlands, Yuan Yueze, who loved his wife dearly, would definitely be at a disadvantage, which would greatly help the Turks' future southward expansion. Or even if the two really had no connection, inviting such a remarkable woman as Shang Xiufang to the grasslands would not be a loss for the Turks.

Yuan Yueze's eyes flashed with murderous intent. Dunyu Valley, who was being stared at by him, immediately sensed something was wrong. Given Yuan Yueze's temperament, it wouldn't be surprising if he killed him on the spot.

Just as Yuan Yueze's fist tightened, Li Xiuning, standing to the side, frowned, gently placed her hand on his large hand, and shook her head slightly.

A cold glint flashed in Li Yuan's eyes, and he laughed loudly, saying, "I suddenly have an idea that I'd like to share with all of you ministers and distinguished guests."

The hall immediately fell silent.

Seeing Li Yuan staring intently at the two men's clasped hands, Yuan Yueze inwardly cried out in alarm!

-----

Chapter 087

Kou Zhong leaned against the window frame at the very top of the Ziyan Pavilion, dozens of feet above the ground, occasionally taking a swig of strong liquor.

After a long while, he turned his gaze from the moon, its light dimmed by the clouds, back into the room, looking at Xu Ziling sitting at the table, drinking tea and deep in thought. He smiled bitterly, as if talking to himself, "Do you think I'm stupid? I used to dream of sleeping with Li Xiuning in my arms, and today, when Li Yuan offered to marry his daughter to me, I righteously and sternly refused."

Li Yuan's so-called idea at the Taiji Night Banquet was to betroth Li Xiuning to Kou Zhong in a marriage alliance.

Xu Ziling sighed, "Sister Zhen has advised you more than once. That was your first love, the kind that's most easily etched in your memory. Actually, I've always thought you were just attracted to her. Outsiders don't understand matters of the heart. Isn't mutual affection the best?"

Kou Zhong said dejectedly, "Do you think I don't know that Li Xiuning only has eyes for Brother Yuan? Alas, I just can't control my feelings. On one hand, I want to have her, but the thought of holding such a beautiful woman while she's thinking of other men is unbearable. What's the difference between that and just picking up a woman in a brothel? It's even worse than picking up a woman in a brothel, at least they'll flatter me after taking my money. On the other hand, I can't be as carefree as I am at the banquet, truly forgetting everything."

Xu Ziling said, "Things should be over now. I think this must be a trick by that old fox Li Yuan. From the very beginning, he arranged for the three of you to sit together; he had no good intentions. If he could get rid of us and Yuan..." "If our relationship sours, many people in the world will secretly laugh."

Kou Zhong took another swig of wine, jumped off the window frame, and said coldly, "I, Kou Zhong, cannot be as ruthless as Brother Yuan in dealing with both people and myself, but I will never sit idly by and wait for death. Tomorrow we will return to Pengcheng and take over our hometown of Yangzhou as soon as possible. If the Li Tang dynasty does not break through the pass one day, I will discuss with Sister-in-law Luoyan and personally lead troops to attack Li Shimin, so they can see the consequences of daring to scheme against me behind my back!"

Xu Ziling laughed, "Second Brother Song has long told you to go and meet his peerless cousin. Now that I think about it, he must have known your thoughts all along and didn't want you to hang yourself on one tree."

Kou Zhong slapped his forehead and said, "Hey! A real man should not worry about not having a wife. I will take Yangzhou first and then go and see my little beauty."

Xu Ziling kicked out and said irritably, "You bastard, you're going to get lustful again!" Kou Zhong nimbly

dodged the kick, and the two of them laughed together.

Under the dim moonlight, Yuan Yueze pondered as he walked alone towards Shanglin Garden.

The banquet ended unhappily with Kou Zhong's public refusal of the marriage proposal. Yuan Yueze clearly remembered Kou Zhong's expression after Li Yuan spoke, his initial surprise, then hesitation, and finally his resolute rejection of Li Yuan's proposal. He also remembered Li Xiuning's numb and haggard expression, the incredulous looks of everyone else, and Chai Shao's burning jealousy.

He felt no guilt for relegating Kou Zhong and his companion to supporting roles because of his arrival; these were all facts.

If Kou Zhong and his companion had already become famous throughout the land and established relationships with women like Song Yuzhi before Yuan Yueze arrived in this era, given his personality, he would never have interfered. As for his emotional entanglement with Li Xiuning, Yuan Yueze would be even less accommodating; that wasn't his natural way of pursuing love, and love wasn't something bestowed upon him. "

Kou Zhong isn't ruthless enough; otherwise, why would he be in so much pain?"

Yuan Yueze thought to himself.

This is truly absurd. Where in the entire world could one find someone as ruthless as him?

With his speed, he quickly entered the brightly lit, intoxicatingly luxurious 'Northern Quarter'.

After the banquet, Yun Yuzhen had a brief chat with the women. She had secretly arranged for the fully recovered Yun Shuai and his daughter to stay in a secluded inn in the north of the city. Bai Qing'er was going to discuss with Shan Meixian and the other women how to deal with the cunning Yin Zuwen starting tomorrow. Fu Junzhuo was going to the Donglai Inn to see if Song Shidao had returned. During the banquet, Song Shidao only gave Yuan Yueze a message, instructing the two of them to use the "Primordial Spirit Battles the Void" technique while Kou Zhong and Keda were fighting. At the time, Yuan Yueze didn't understand and just did as he was told. After the women pointed it out, he realized that it was to lure out the "Holy Envoy" of the Great Ming Zunjiao. Even the slightest clue was of great importance to them. Pei Ji's unusual behavior had already aroused Yuan Yueze's suspicion. Zhu Yuyan went to Pei Ji's residence to investigate. Yuan Yueze came to pick up Xiao He'er, as leaving her outside was indeed unwise.

Arriving at the brightly lit and bustling entrance of Shanglin Garden, several gatekeepers immediately greeted him with smiles and led him inside. After a brief inquiry, he headed towards Ji Qian's boudoir on the second floor.

Ignoring the fawning words flying at him, Yuan Yueze was about to step onto the stairs when he heard a deep voice from the side: "Young Master!"

Yuan Yueze stopped and looked over. It was a pretty maidservant dressed as a servant. Yuan Yueze recognized her and frowned, then helplessly gestured for her to enter. Before she could speak, he said, "Please lead the way, Miss." The maidservant's face

lit up with joy, and she bowed her head, quickly leading him towards the back courtyard.

Following the pretty maid into a secluded courtyard house in the west of Shanglin Garden, Yuan Yueze could faintly hear Shang Xiufang's melodious singing voice drifting from the west wing: "I built my hut in the midst of human habitation, yet there is no noise of carriages and horses. You ask me how this can be? My heart is far removed, and the place naturally becomes secluded. Picking chrysanthemums by the eastern fence, I leisurely gaze at the Southern Mountain. The mountain air is beautiful at sunset, and the birds fly back together. Therein lies true meaning, but I have forgotten the words to explain it."

She recited the pastoral poem of the great poet Tao Yuanming with unhurried grace, accompanied by the melodious, flowing tones of the zither, as if softly and gently narrating a beautiful poem full of mysterious allure, compelling the listener to listen intently, hoping her captivating voice would never cease.

Yuan Yueze stood frozen at the doorway, poised to step inside.

The world was a blanket of white, reflecting the light of the half-moon in the sky. Yuan Yueze suddenly felt as if the powerfully moving recitation he had received from Shang Xiufang had transported him to a distant place, from where he could leisurely wander through an endless world.

"Ding-dong."

As the song ended, another beautiful melody, seemingly effortless, floated out, carrying a lingering, melancholic sadness. The breaths between notes, the transitions between phrases, created a sense of space and linear beauty in the music, its timbre magnificent and its aftertaste lingering.

"Miss, it's time to go."

Yuan Yueze was the first to snap out of his reverie, gently patting the shoulder of the captivated maidservant.

The maidservant nodded shyly, her steps unsteady as she led him towards the west wing. Clearly, Yuan Yueze's slap had brought her a strange shock and surprise.

Pushing open the door, a tastefully furnished room came into view. A fireplace burned brightly in the side hall, making it warm and cozy. The walls were adorned with calligraphy and paintings, creating a scholarly atmosphere. In the center of the hall, Shang Xiufang sat casually, leaning against a zither. Her captivating eyes, like pools of water, gazed at Yuan Yueze with a hint of melancholy.

Her jet-black hair was styled into two buns, and she wore a light green Hui-style dress from a northwestern ethnic minority. It had a high collar, narrow sleeves, and a wide bodice, with a long, trailing skirt. The collar and cuffs were trimmed with brocade, and she wore soft, upturned cotton shoes. Her stunning beauty and captivating charm would make any man in the world feel inferior.

After the maid closed the door and left, the courtyard became quiet and peaceful. It felt like a space-time independent of reality, yet incredibly real.

Shang Xiufang said softly, "Would you like to sit down next to me?"

Yuan Yueze smiled slightly and sat down beside her.

"Ding-dong!"

A series of melodious notes rang out.

Shang Xiufang didn't speak, but instead lightly flicked her jade-like fingers, casually plucking out fragments of notes. Although impromptu, each note was melodious and beautiful. Suddenly, this talented woman transformed the disjointed notes into a beautiful musical score, like sentences strung together to form an article. The melody was filled with a melancholic and astringent feeling, yet it was also captivating and intoxicating, as if gently excavating the deepest emotions within everyone's heart.

Inhaling the familiar and alluring fragrance emanating from her body, watching her snow-white fingers press, pluck, and strum the seven strings of the zither, Yuan Yueze was momentarily captivated. He leaned closer, almost resting his head on her fragrant shoulder, and took a deep breath, sighing, "Xiufang still smells so good, mmm!"

Shang Xiufang's unadorned face flushed slightly, and she turned to stare at him, saying with a hint of reproach, "You're lying!"

Yuan Yueze gazed at her gracefully contoured features, her delicate, jade-like skin with a rosy glow, and her sparkling, unfathomable eyes, and said, slightly lost in thought, "How could I be lying? I'm a... " "To be honest."

Shang Xiufang revealed a girlish and innocent expression, saying, "If Xiufang hadn't insisted, young master, wouldn't you have planned to visit Xiufang here before returning to Luoyang?"

Yuan Yueze knew she was complaining that he hadn't visited her these past few days, and that he hadn't paid any attention to her during the banquet. So he awkwardly scratched his head, casually reached into his robes, and took out a neatly folded piece of paper. It was the one that the seemingly unrefined maid had given her that morning in Mingtangwo. He opened it and placed it flat on the table. On it was a line of delicate, tiny characters: "Longing for you, longing for you; tears fall like rain, wetting your silk robes, young master, you have failed me."

Then she recited, "Short-lived longing, endless yearning; if I had known it would bind my heart so, I would rather we had never met."

Shang Xiufang's delicate brows furrowed slightly, and she murmured as if in a dream, "Why we had never met? Is this why you haven't come to see me, sir?"

Yuan Yueze laughed loudly, "Too sentimental! I was merely matching the couplet to Xiufang's poem. Xiufang is incredibly clever; even when she delivered this note to me today, she used a maid from Shanglin Garden. She must know that the more ambiguous our relationship, the greater the harm to you. You already experienced Bi Xuan's tricks at the banquet; why did you suddenly and openly invite me here tonight?"

Shang Xiufang boldly looked up at Yuan Yueze with her beautiful eyes and slowly said, "If Xiufang and you had a confirmed relationship, wouldn't there be no harm?"

Yuan Yueze looked at her, somewhat puzzled.

Shang Xiufang burst into laughter, her laughter as warm as if it could melt the ice and snow. She scolded, "Aunt Meixian is right, you fool!"

Yuan Yueze chuckled dryly, puffing out his chest, and said, "Could it be that Xiufang has also fallen for this wicked rogue?"

Shang Xiufang's face flushed crimson, even her delicate ears and slender neck were covered in a rosy blush, making her incredibly beautiful. She said, "Young master is so charming, what's so strange about Xiufang falling for you? The title 'wicked rogue' isn't scary at all, it's actually quite cute. Who gave you that title?"

Yuan Yueze blushed as he said, "That little brat Qing'er gave me that title, and she even called me the patriarch of rogues."

Then, meeting Shang Xiufang's serious gaze, he paused, immediately understanding: it was only natural that Shang Xiufang harbored feelings for him. Shang Xiufang's personality was freedom-loving; it wasn't that she disliked family life, but rather that she disliked being bound by others, and even more so, she disliked being a "wife and mother." These were precisely the two things Yuan Yueze disliked most. Back in Luoyang, Shang Xiufang had praised Yuan Yueze's approach of not interfering with his wife's freedom and pursuits, and it's very likely that she had already developed feelings for him at that time.

If she could maintain her freedom and pursuits, Shang Xiufang would certainly prefer to live with a man she loved. But such opportunities were rare and unpredictable. In this era, male chauvinism still reigned supreme, and the vast majority of men held patriarchal views. The chance of encountering someone as free-spirited as Yuan Yueze was extremely slim; once missed, one might regret it for life.

Yuan Yueze's personality was remarkably similar to the pursuits of Shang Xiufang and Shi Qingxuan; if he truly wanted to win the hearts of these two women, it would be incredibly easy.

Amidst her shy expression, Yuan Yueze took her soft, smooth hand and sighed, "If that's the case, why didn't you say so sooner? You know I'm a bit slow on the uptake, and I'm busy right now, unable to think about anything else."

Shang Xiufang blushed and said, "Xiufang hadn't decided yet. I was just going to tease you tonight, but who knew..."

Then she added playfully, "Young master, please don't think Xiufang is after immortality. Besides, Xiufang isn't completely in love with you. I plan to travel to the outer realms and then... then..."

"No!"

Yuan Yueze raised his hand to interrupt her, saying, "Don't you understand what happened at the banquet tonight? If they capture you to blackmail me, what do you think I should do? To be honest, I'm really afraid I'll harden my heart and sacrifice you."

Shang Xiufang was slightly taken aback, then chuckled, "If the Turks capture me and ask you to exchange me for Luoyang, what will you do?"

Yuan Yueze said calmly, "Then you can blame yourself for choosing a heartless husband! If one person can die to save thousands, no matter who that person is, I won't hesitate. Even if I'm condemned as heartless by future generations, I don't care, otherwise my conscience will be uneasy. Those who, because of their personal feelings, disregard other lives and pretend to be hypocritical are all hateful. If I have the chance to see them, I will kill them all."

Shang Xiufang said without any surprise, "This is the famous, heartless yet compassionate 'Evil Emperor,' how could Xiufang blame you?" "And I was just saying that, because that kind of situation is impossible."

Before Yuan Yueze could refute, Shang Xiufang leaned her soft, hot body against Yuan Yueze's arm, lowering her head and whispering in a voice as soft as a mosquito's buzz, "If Xiufang had given herself to you before her travels, wouldn't she have been unafraid of any difficulties?"

Yuan Yueze chuckled, "If this gets out, I'm afraid I'll have to accept countless challenges starting tomorrow."

Shang Xiufang leaned lazily against him, her cherry lips parting slightly, and said, "Aunt Meixian said back then that I would definitely surrender to you. After persisting for so long, Xiufang has finally admitted defeat."

Then, she looked up at Yuan Yueze with her eyes as mellow and hazy as fine wine, and said, "If you had used those musical scores from later generations to tempt Xiufang, I'm afraid she would have surrendered long ago, attracted by your 'talent'."

Yuan Yueze was both amused and exasperated, and said, "Why would I take something that isn't my work and claim it as my own? You underestimate me."

"Bang!"

"Ah!"

Shang Xiufang nodded approvingly, about to speak again, when a gasp came from the doorway that had been suddenly flung open.

The pretty Xiao He'er and the graceful Ji Qian appeared in the doorway, both women covering their mouths with their fingers, staring incredulously at the two people cuddling in the center of the hall.

Shang Xiufang jumped, immediately blushing and struggling to sit up.

Yuan Yueze, however, didn't seem to care and invited the two women in to sit down.

Xiao He'er stared curiously at Shang Xiufang, making her blush with embarrassment, before turning to Yuan Yueze and saying, "Brother Yuan, you're quite something! Sister Xiufang has fallen for you!"

Before Yuan Yueze could speak, Ji Qian snorted coldly and said sternly to Shang Xiufang, who was blushing from being caught red-handed, "Marriage is a serious matter. Sister Xiufang, please think carefully before making a decision. If you choose the wrong person, you'll regret it for the rest of your life."

Yuan Yueze's eyes sharpened, and he said rudely, "Are you done yet? What deep-seated hatred do I have for you? If you dare to say another word, I'll make sure you never speak again, believe it or not?"

The previously harmonious atmosphere in the hall suddenly became awkward.

Ji Qian's face turned frosty, her fair complexion flushing red and white with anger, her beautiful eyes, radiating a fierce aura, met Yuan Yueze's gaze without flinching.

Xiao He'er quickly rushed over and hugged Yuan Yueze's arm, looking at him pleadingly.

Shang Xiufang, unaware of the grudge between the two that would cause Yuan Yueze such anger, quickly tried to appease them, saying, "Thank you for your concern, sister. I know what I'm doing. Please calm down, young master."

Yuan Yueze pulled Xiao He'er up, ignoring Ji Qian's furious glare, and said to Shang Xiufang in a strange tone, "I came here to pick up my little sister. This place is not only unsafe, but it could also lead people astray. I'll come see you again in a few days when I have time."

After saying this, he nodded to Shang Xiufang, then turned and left, pulling the reluctant and hesitant Xiao He'er along.

After the two left, Shang Xiufang looked at Ji Qian, who was gradually calming down, with a puzzled expression, and asked, "What exactly happened between you two...?"

Ji Qian's eyes reddened, and she said to Shang Xiufang, "Such a promiscuous man, without even a shred of manners, arguing with a woman like me, is he even a man? Is he worthy of your lifelong commitment, Sister Xiufang?"

Shang Xiufang sighed inwardly, thinking how talented Yuan Yueze was, managing to anger Ji Qian so much. After hearing her words, she chuckled and said, "You don't understand him. In his eyes, there is no distinction between men and women except for his wife, so he can be ruthless to anyone, and his words are even more merciless."

Then she asked with a puzzled look, "He never provokes others. What caused the feud between you two?"

Ji Qian looked flustered and didn't know how to answer Shang Xiufang's question for a moment.

On the way to the palace carrying Xiao He'er, Xiao He'er suddenly said, "Xiao Qian didn't mean anything by it against Brother Yuan. She... she's been in a brothel for so long that she doesn't have a good impression of people with many wives and concubines. Plus, she's stubborn; no matter how much people say nice things, she won't listen."

Then, her voice trembling with tears, she continued, "These past years haven't been easy for her at all. She has the reputation of being the most beautiful courtesan in Chang'an, but all those who fawn over her are only after her beauty. Her mind is entirely focused on honing her gambling skills and taking revenge on the Xiang family." "Brother Yuan, please don't hold it against her anymore!"

Yuan Yueze sighed helplessly. "I've been tolerant enough, but she speaks so harshly, as if I've done something to wrong her. Since my little sister has spoken, I won't care what she does from now on, is that alright?"

Xiao He'er giggled and said, "I'm not the emperor, I don't have any imperial authority... Oh! What's wrong?"

Before she could finish speaking, she felt Yuan Yueze suddenly stop. She quickly turned her head and looked around, then asked.

The surroundings were still bustling with people, a lively and prosperous scene, the lights so bright that even the stars and moon in the sky paled in comparison.

"Shh!"

Yuan Yueze made a shushing gesture, then darted away, carefully heading southwest in the opposite direction from the imperial city.

Xiao He'er nestled in Yuan Yueze's arms and whispered, "Did you spot anyone suspicious?"

Yuan Yueze looked ahead and nodded.

A dozen feet ahead on the main road, several burly figures were walking. The leader was one of the Dongming Sect members that Yuan Yueze had met on his way to Chengdu. He had lost contact with them after arriving in Chengdu that day, but he never expected to encounter them again in Chang'an.

After leaving the bustling 'North Lane', the group looked around repeatedly to make sure no one was following them before disappearing in front of a large mansion north of Yining Ward near Kaiyuan Gate in the west of the city.

Yuan Yueze stopped behind a large tree outside the wall and said, "Little sister, do you still remember the method to suppress your breathing and close your pores?"

Since arriving in Luoyang, Xiao He'er had undergone a marrow cleansing and started practicing martial arts, and she nodded eagerly. After learning Shan Meixian's modified 'Heavenly Demon Great Art' for several months, it would be truly unacceptable if she didn't even know this much.

After closing their pores, the two leaped over the wall.

The spacious courtyard was pitch black, seemingly uninhabited, with only a faint light flickering in a small building on the north side.

Hiding about ten feet away from the building, Yuan Yueze pressed his ear to the ground and used his internal energy to listen. The entire space of the building and the sound sources from different parts immediately came to life in his mind. In the blink of an eye, he tracked the voices coming from the rooftop. A slightly shrill male voice said, "Could he be using a scheme to mislead outsiders, while the treasure is actually somewhere else?"

Another unfamiliar, deep male voice said, "Li Yuan isn't a fool. If he trusted Yuan Yueze too much, he wouldn't be qualified to sit in the position of a ruler."

Yuan Yueze thought to himself, "So they're discussing the treasure vault. It seems my few words have confused everyone. I just don't know who the others in this room are.

" The familiar voice of the Dongming Sect member rang out, "These things are none of our concern. The goods will be delivered at the end of this month. Do you have any questions?"

The deep voice said, "Everything is ready on our side. As long as we proceed according to plan, we guarantee Li Shimin won't escape his fate by the Spring Festival. Hmph, if it weren't for that meddlesome Yue Shan, Li Shimin would have been finished long ago!"

The first shrill voice said excitedly, "Good, this matter is settled. Everyone, disperse and be careful."

The building suddenly went dark.

After a long silence, Xiao He'er tentatively asked, "Why don't we capture them and

get some answers?" Yuan Yueze replied, "They're not trying to harm us, why bother?"

Xiao He'er hesitated, "But Sister Yuzhi said that if those evil people get away with it, it's better to let Li Tang get away with it. At least Li Tang would be easier to deal with!"

Yuan Yueze was taken aback. Xiao He'er was absolutely right. Just the fact that they had been busy with just one envoy from the Great Ming Sect had only yielded a vague clue. He sighed, "Those people must have taken a secret passage. Who knows where they've gone. What a miscalculation." He

then picked up Xiao He'er and returned to the palace.

Along the way, Yuan Yueze's mind raced: Could the people who mentioned harming Li Shimin be Xi Feng's so-called 'second plan'? The 'goods' mentioned by the Dongming Sect were most likely weapons or something similar. They would have made their move during the Spring Festival, and how would they have killed Li Shimin?

With too many questions, Yuan Yueze's mind became chaotic again. He cursed himself for being a fool; if he had understood the principle of benefiting the Li Tang dynasty rather than the evil ones, he wouldn't be in such a passive position now.

Xiao He'er suddenly said, "According to what Brother Yuan said, those Dongming Sect people know you, and you're so conspicuous on the street, why did they still swagger here without any scruples? Could it be a trick to lure us?"

Yuan Yueze immediately stopped, astonished, and said, "What you said makes some sense. I haven't figured it out either."

Xiao He'er laughed, "They were just saying it casually. Although Brother Yuan is easily recognized, there were so many people in Beili, and we were so far away at the time, it's normal that they didn't notice you."

Yuan Yueze tapped her cute, delicate nose and said, "Let's discuss it again when we get back."

Under the dim moonlight, a purple figure sped towards Anfu Gate.

Chapter 88

When the Witch Returned to her residence like a ghost with the already sleeping Little Crane, most of the women were already asleep, except for Zhu Yuyan, Bai Qing'er, and the yawning Song Yuzhi, who were reading under the lamp.

Upon entering the room, the first thing to ask was, of course, about Zhu Yuyan's situation.

Zhu Yuyan's face flushed slightly as she said, "Pei Ji didn't act strangely after returning to the manor. He spent half an hour fooling around with a concubine before falling asleep."

Yuan Yueze stared at her in astonishment, then said after a long while, "Then we might as well follow and monitor him every day; he's quite suspicious anyway."

Zhu Yuyan pouted and nodded helplessly.

Song Yuzhi continued, "I received a coded message from my second brother outside. He left a note saying that Li Yuan invited him to the palace today, but even my second brother wasn't entirely sure of the purpose. At the time, he thought the 'Sun-Changing Technique' could change 'Yue Shan's' personality, so he agreed, and Li Yuan didn't suspect anything. Then it was all about your performance in the Taiji Hall. I'm not going to talk about it anymore; I'm going to sleep."

As she spoke, she staggered towards her bedroom amidst the laughter of the others.

After telling Zhu Yuyan and her apprentice about her experience, Zhu Yuyan pondered, "We'll split up tomorrow. If we can wipe them out in one fell swoop, that would be ideal."

Yuan Yueze and Bai Qing'er nodded in agreement.

Stretching, Yuan Yueze chuckled dryly at Zhu Yuyan, "It's getting late, shouldn't we rest?"

Zhu Yuyan glared at her and said, "I'm spending today with Qing'er. Tomorrow she's going to Yin Zuwen's place to practice the 'Charming Maiden Heart Sutra.'"

Yuan Yueze nodded. Yin Zuwen's so-called poison pill was easily neutralized by Wei Zhenzhen's miraculous power. The family also discussed having Bai Qing'er run away to avoid Yuan Yueze's entanglement, then hide at Yin Zuwen's house, practice the 'Charming Maiden Heart Sutra,' and then pretend to be discovered by Yuan Yueze.

After sending Xiao He'er back to her bedroom, Yuan Yueze went to the dark, empty room next door and was about to fall asleep.

A familiar, alluring voice sounded behind him, saying, "Are you sleeping alone, my dear?"

A natural fragrance wafted in from the doorway. When he opened his eyes, there was a beauty in his arms.

Wanwan.

In the dim moonlight streaming through the window, Yuan Yueze scrutinized Wanwan's beautiful and delicate face with a half-smile. Wanwan leaned in and lightly kissed his cheek, her soft, fragrant red lips captivating. Then, she lay in Yuan Yueze's arms, closing her eyes, as bright as spring blossoms and as clear as the autumn moon. Her supple body rose and fell gracefully, her snow-white bare feet and exquisite face making Yuan Yueze's heart flutter. His hand involuntarily began to 'move'.

Wanwan let out a soft, alluring moan, seemingly enjoying it immensely.

"Who injured you?"

Yuan Yueze's hand stopped on her soft, rounded buttocks, and he asked in a low, furrowed brow.

Wanwan was seriously injured; her fighting strength was probably less than 70% at this moment. How could Yuan Yueze not notice this under such intimate contact? But someone who could injure Wanwan, who had mastered the 'Heavenly Demon Art,' was certainly no ordinary person.

Wanwan's radiant face pressed against his chest, pouting, "I ran into Shi Zhixuan in the suburbs this afternoon, but I was defeated after only a hundred moves."

Yuan Yueze was taken aback, "You're both from the same sect. If he wanted to restore the Holy Sect, why would he injure you?"

Wanwan's face remained tense, "He wanted me to submit to him and acknowledge him as my superior. How could I agree to that?"

Yuan Yueze reached out and smoothed down her delicate, furrowed brows, saying, "Sigh, I should have told you about how his strength has increased dramatically for some reason."

Wanwan said, "He told me that a few months ago he encountered a dying master, and he absorbed some of the master's power."

Yuan Yueze asked curiously, "I'm afraid that so-called dying master wasn't an ordinary person, was he?"

Suddenly, a realization flashed through his mind, and he eagerly asked again, "What did Shi Zhixuan tell you back then?"

Wanwan asked, puzzled, "He only said that he absorbed a portion of that person's power before the person escaped. If he absorbed it all, even you wouldn't be a match for him. What's wrong?"

Yuan Yueze slumped behind her head, inhaling the fragrance of her hair for a long time before speaking, "I suspect that the person whose power he absorbed was Liu Yu, because the timing matches up. And there are probably very few people in the world who could escape safely after having their power absorbed by Shi Zhixuan."

Wanwan suddenly understood, and then asked, "Then why do you look so disheartened?"

Yuan Yueze replied, "I would be happy if Liu Yu were drained into a dried-up corpse, but if he escaped, it would be troublesome. Finding someone with good aptitude to perform that soul-transferring technique would be equivalent to Liu Yu being reborn without restraint. If he were to endure for a while, his power could not only be restored, but he might even break through again. Do you think that's troublesome?"

Wanwan nodded solemnly.

Yuan Yueze sighed, his strange hand sliding into the crevice between Wanwan's fragrant buttocks.

Surprisingly, Wanwan didn't resist, pressing her face against Yuan Yueze's handsome cheek and whispering shyly in his ear, "Wanwan will give myself to you tonight, if only I could master the Demon Seed Technique before the Holy Gate Conference in April."

Yuan Yueze stopped, displeased, "You're doing this just for that damn conference?"

Wanwan giggled, saying, "If my heart wasn't filled with you, my nemesis, how could I have mastered the Demon Seed Technique?"

Then she raised her clenched fist and punched Yuan Yueze several times, saying resentfully, "Although before you came here, Wanwan was one of the people you loved, you've been harassing me in my dreams for years, and you love to play tricks on me." "Home, if you ever dare to betray me, I'll... I'll..."

Yuan Yueze's strange hand climbed up her delicate, full, soft breasts. Even through the thin gauze, he could feel the nipple. He gently pinched it and chuckled, "So what?"

Wanwan punched him again, biting his arm with her pearly teeth, saying, "I'll bite you to death! Oh!"

Yuan Yueze's large mouth had already moved along her smooth, delicate, and pinkish-white neck, biting her crystal-clear earlobe. Wanwan's body went limp, and she no longer had the strength to punch him. Her small, fragrant mouth couldn't help but let out a soul-stirring moan like the first warbling of a nightingale.

Yuan Yueze sealed her delicate mouth, chasing after the lilac that hadn't been seen for months. Wanwan kept moaning softly, her slender arms only knowing to hug Yuan Yueze tightly, as if she wanted to squeeze herself into his body.

Shedding the 'outer packaging' in a flash, a captivating image of beauty was revealed. Yuan Yueze's fingertips glided over every inch of Wanwan's burning skin, her eyes slightly closed. His fingers, as if carrying an electric current, channeled the accumulating energy into Wanwan's body. She felt her mouth dry and her heart grow increasingly empty; that mysterious sacred place had begun to moisten.

Pushing away Yuan Yueze, whose large mouth was still devouring the rosy nipple on her round, jade-like breasts, Wanwan used her last strength to press him down beneath her. She straightened her supple, graceful upper body, her cheeks flushed, her beautiful eyes glazed, and breathed heavily, saying, "Wan'er won't allow you to press me down." Yuan Yueze

laughed and cried at the same time, "Then I'll enjoy it!"

He then rested his head on his arms, closed his eyes, and looked on with pleasure.

The alluring Wanwan was secretly pleased, though she was still quite shy. Her slender hand reached out to grasp the terrifyingly large thing, but upon touching it, she recoiled as if electrocuted. After a moment's hesitation, she reached out again, trembling, and grabbed it in her hand. Her heart trembled; she thought to herself, "If this were to enter someone's body, it would surely tear them apart!" But unwilling to admit defeat, she squatted down and, without a second thought, aimed it at her sacred place, untouched by anyone else.

After hesitating for a long time, seeing that Yuan Yueze was probably about to fall asleep, Wanwan, her face slightly flushed with drunkenness, gritted her teeth and sat down hard, letting out a piercing scream.

Looking down, she saw shocking bloodstains slowly flowing onto Yuan Yueze's body, dripping onto the sheets, blooming into a small, terrifying crimson flower.

"Alright, alright, don't cry. It's always like this the first time. Who told you to be so reckless!"

Yuan Yueze gently pulled her trembling, immobile body against him, tenderly kissing away the tears from the corners of her eyes, stroking her back as he comforted her.

Wanwan said in a tearful voice, "Why does it hurt so much! If I had known, I would have asked Master to attend the Holy Gate Assembly. It's all your fault! Ouch, don't move!"

Yuan Yueze said irritably, "What do you mean by 'if I had known' or 'why not'? It's too late to regret it now!"

Wanwan was furious, biting his chest again with her silver teeth, and said hatefully, "I'll bite you to death, I'll bite you to death!"

Yuan Yueze exclaimed, exaggeratedly, "This little girl can bite with both her little mouths, that's amazing!"

This pair of rivals fought from morning till night, from under the bed to on the bed, even fighting while doing this kind of thing, which was indeed funny.

Wanwan's already flushed face turned even crimson, highlighting her stunning beauty and making her incomparably gorgeous. After a while, she said shyly, "My darling, move a little, I'm exhausted."

Yuan Yueze didn't say a word and began to move.

The pain was gradually replaced by a strange sensation of numbness and itchiness. Wanwan's initial moans of pain began to turn into pleasure. The witch, who still retained a sliver of consciousness, thought to herself, "No wonder my master's voice was so alluring that day. This feeling is indeed indescribable." Then, her mind went blank as waves of pleasure surged through her brain. She only knew to call out passionately and desperately respond. Before long, she felt as if her soul had left her body. With each intimate collision between the two, the pleasure increased, pushing her soul to the highest peak of desire.

At the peak of her pleasure, she seemed to lose all sensation. Her small mouth mechanically emitted captivating, seductive moans, and her body began to convulse violently, her limbs involuntarily clinging tightly to Yuan Yueze.

Since absorbing the death energy of the Demon Seed Technique, Yuan Yueze had gained control over his outburst. The little witch's first time lasted less than a quarter of an hour. Yuan Yueze directly thrust his essence into the deepest part of her alluring body, almost pushing her to the peak of pleasure again.

The storm subsided, leaving only the lingering scent of debauchery and heavy breathing in the room.

Wanwan didn't even have the strength to move a finger. She lay limply on Yuan Yueze, their lower bodies still tightly connected, embracing each other, panting and savoring the experience.

After the soft glow cleansed the deep impurities from her body, Wanwan regained some strength. Her flushed face and still-spring-like eyebrows made her even more beautiful. Her hazy eyes looked at Yuan Yueze, and Wanwan sighed contentedly, saying, "If you bully me again, my sisters will help Wan'er."

Yuan Yueze kissed her smooth cheek and said, "I'm too busy spoiling you to have time to bully you."

Wanwan knew, of course, that playful bickering between the two would only strengthen their bond. She gently twisted her body and said, "How should I practice my Demon Seed Technique? Master has already used up the death energy of the relic."

Yuan Yueze pressed her head down and said, "You don't need to worry about that. In five months, I guarantee you'll have mastered the Demon Seed Technique. Let's start cultivating the demon seed tomorrow."

Wanwan responded with a mumbled reply. Yuan Yueze's grotesque hands never stopped. The little witch's charm was so overwhelming that his hands couldn't bear to leave her firm, perfectly sized breasts and pert, pink buttocks. These two areas, along with a woman's most intimate parts, are considered the three most alluring locations for most men.

Wanwan shuddered, her breathing becoming heavy again.

Her breasts were so perfect they were breathtaking, something to be fantasized about. Yuan Yueze's fingers caressed her breasts, occasionally gently rubbing her nipples with his index finger, causing them to harden again.

An incredible flame reignited within her, and Wanwan's head swayed from side to side, emitting seductive moans. At the same time, she felt an itch between her thighs, and her legs involuntarily rubbed together gently, a stream of fluid flowing from her body once more.

The fluid immediately splashed onto the tip of his penis, still inside her. Yuan Yueze knew her desire had returned, so he used his thumb and four other fingers to cup her erect nipple, enveloping her entire breast and slowly kneading it. His other hand stroked around her navel, along the inner thighs, and down to her knees. Wanwan's desire intensified, her face flushed, and her forehead rubbed against his chest.

Yuan Yueze increased the pressure on Wanwan's breasts, while his other hand began to knead her round, white buttocks. After a long while, he gently caressed her sensitive anus and perineum, then moved his middle finger around their tightly connected lower bodies, pressing it against her clitoris, which had already swelled in the grass.

Pleasure surged forth, and Wanwan's sweet moans grew louder. Her slender waist arched and swayed, taking the initiative, cooperating fully with Yuan Yueze's hands and the now-grown, fiery member inside her. She was deeply intoxicated by the vortex of pleasure, her love juices gushing out like a fountain, wetting their thighs and the disheveled sheets.

Wanwan cried out softly and suddenly sat up. She spread her legs, straddling Yuan Yueze, her hands pressing against his chest—a move as alluring and wanton as could be.

Her starry eyes were half-closed, and she began to thrust her captivating body up and down repeatedly. This reminded Yuan Yueze of the formidable Dugu Feng after her deflowering. The little witch's fleshy hole continued to flow with more and more lustful fluids as Yuan Yueze's thick, long spear went in and out, splashing everywhere. Wanwan was overwhelmed by the pleasure inside her fleshy hole, letting out wanton cries, but then she felt her two jade breasts were unbearably swollen, so she freed one hand to satisfy herself. Unfortunately, her hand was still too small, and the other hand had to support her body, making it incredibly uncomfortable.

Yuan Yueze seemed to understand her discomfort, his hands tightly kneading her trembling, white, jade-like breasts. Wanwan felt much better and began to frantically thrust her body, the small fleshy buds and folds inside her fleshy hole tightly gripping the shaft and writhing. The room was filled with Wanwan's joyful, wanton cries and Yuan Yueze's heavy breathing.

Wanwan thrust frantically over a hundred times, already drenched in sweat. At this moment, she had no internal energy left, so her stamina was far inferior to before. Seeing her movements slow down, Yuan Yueze pressed her down beneath him, changing positions.

Wanwan's long, firm legs wrapped around his waist, her slender waist still writhing like a water snake, completely driven mad by lust.

Yuan Yueze pressed down on her soft, cotton-like body, his lower body penetrating as deeply as possible into her alluring form. His member throbbed within her narrow passage, the large, burning tip pressing forcefully against her clitoris. Wanwan clung tightly to Yuan Yueze's back, thrusting her jade buttocks forward with all her might, letting out loud, wanton cries.

Yuan Yueze's thrusts grew faster and faster, Wanwan arching her breasts against him, her slender waist swaying, her jade buttocks eagerly responding to his movements. Her honey pot was warm and moist, the fiery member bringing forth waves of fluid, flowing down her glistening jade buttocks onto the sheets already soaked with her milk.

Wanwan moaned lasciviously, gazing adoringly at Yuan Yueze, her small hands roaming and caressing his back. Yuan Yueze, also consumed by lust, abruptly pulled out his spear, flipping Wanwan over so she was face down. Wanwan's jade-like buttocks, glistening with love juice, arched upwards. Yuan Yueze's spear parted her slippery petals, forcefully thrusting inside. His lower abdomen repeatedly slammed against Wanwan's full buttocks, creating waves of pleasure. Wanwan

let out muffled moans, her honeypot contracting and throbbing. Yuan Yueze knew she was about to climax again, so he pressed his hands against her shoulders, pressing against her and thrusting rapidly and forcefully. Wanwan let out a series of pleasurable moans, finally unable to hold back her climax.

His spear pressed tightly against her opening and closing clitoris, grinding relentlessly, while Yuan Yueze gently caressed her soft, beautiful breasts. Wanwan trembled, moaning loudly, her lower body gushing with hot fluid.

Yuan Yueze chuckled, flipping her over again, bending her legs and pushing them towards his chest, then pressing down on her, thrusting his hips forcefully. Wanwan's starry eyes were half-closed, her soft body yielding to his actions, panting heavily, her nails digging into his arms that supported her upper body.

With Yuan Yueze's vigorous movements, Wanwan, not yet fully climaxed, began to moan again. Yuan Yueze placed her round, jade-like legs on his shoulders, slowing his pace slightly, withdrawing until only the head of his penis remained between her petals, then thrusting back in, slamming heavily against her soft clitoris. Wanwan's eyes were glazed, she cried out repeatedly, her body writhing wildly.

After a series of intense thrusts, Yuan Yueze finally erupted, his semen gushing forth, powerfully hitting Wanwan's soft clitoris. Wanwan trembled involuntarily, her body reaching another climax. The two sighed with satisfaction.

Just as she recovered slightly, Wanwan suddenly pressed down on Yuan Yueze's shoulder, leaning forward slightly, her right hand reaching behind her buttocks, gently rubbing her penis against her vulva, giggling, "Wan'er wants to suck you dry!"

Only she dared to say such a thing.

Her snow-white, full breasts swayed before him, and Yuan Yueze couldn't help but laugh heartily, reaching out to grasp them and knead them forcefully. Wanwan had received professional training in the arts, and after two rounds of practice, her movements became even more skillful. Her thrusts became increasingly larger, warm love juice flowing down her penis to Yuan Yueze's lower abdomen. Yuan Yueze grasped her slender waist and made circles. Wanwan's alluring moans rang out again.

Yuan Yueze stroked Wanwan's rounded jade legs, gently thrusting his lower abdomen. Wanwan's soft body clung weakly to him, she leaned in and bit his earlobe, whispering softly, her body trembling slightly. Yuan Yueze's heart surged, he flipped her over and pinned her beneath him, his long spear plunging into Wanwan's overflowing honeypot, thrusting his hips forcefully.

Wanwan's sensitive flower path and clitoris were attacked again, her mind becoming hazy

once more. This time, Yuan Yueze's thrusts became full force. He grasped Wanwan's soft breasts while kissing her fragrant lips. Wanwan's legs wrapped around his waist, his spear penetrating deeply into her warm, lubricated honeypot with each thrust, his lower abdomen slapping against her fair thighs and buttocks, making a "slap, slap" sound.

Wanwan hugged Yuan Yueze tightly, her delicate tongue darting out. With Yuan Yueze's vigorous movements, she frowned, her expression one of extreme pleasure, moaning softly incessantly.

After more than a hundred thrusts, Wanwan's lubricated and tight flower passage suddenly gripped his long spear tightly. Yuan Yueze knew her next climax was imminent, so he slowed down, but the large head of his spear still slammed heavily against her soft clitoris with each thrust. Wanwan groaned repeatedly, her jade buttocks lifting off the embroidered bed, her flower passage convulsing, her clitoris spurting out a stream of hot nectar mixed with the semen inside, releasing a powerful orgasm.

Yuan Yueze pressed against her clitoris, grinding back and forth, savoring the warm, moist clitoris's contractions and the sensation of being immersed in the mixture of semen and vaginal fluid, carefully appreciating the wonder of her little mouth.

Wanwan convulsed for a while before gently smiling and saying, "My husband is so amazing!"

Then she rolled over and straddled Yuan Yueze, moving her jade buttocks up and down with gentle, skillful movements. The spear swiftly thrust in and out of her moist honeypot, waves of tingling pleasure washing over him. Yuan Yueze couldn't help but grasp her soft waist, prompting her to quicken her movements.

The spear's entry and exit from her flower path produced a series of alluring "sizzling" sounds. Warm nectar gushed forth, filling the air with an intoxicating fragrance. Wanwan, her passion surging, blushed, turning to gently caress his chest before leaning in to kiss his cheek. She opened her small mouth, uttering soft, seductive murmurs. The thick, hot member repeatedly entered and withdrew from her honeyed flesh in a passionate embrace, the intoxicating pleasure making her increasingly weak. She leaned back, supporting herself on his legs, rapidly thrusting her slender waist, her full breasts rippling in waves.

Yuan Yueze's movements were almost too fast for the naked eye to perceive, the intense pleasure overwhelming both of them. Wanwan's honeypot slowly tightened, its seemingly countless layers of flesh undulating and entwining around the massive member. Suddenly, she cried out softly, trembling several times, and buried herself against Yuan Yueze's chest, her voice trembling as she said, "Husband... Wan'er... is here!"

Wanwan's face was contorted with ecstasy; her honeypot was scalding hot, her slippery flesh gripping his penis and convulsing. Hot fluid gushed out with each thrust of Yuan Yueze, piling up into thick foam at the entrance, filling the air with a rich fragrance that further fueled Yuan Yueze's passion. After dozens of thrusts, he roared and ejaculated violently, shooting his semen onto Wanwan's delicate, sensitive clitoris. Wanwan, already in the throes of orgasm, shuddered again, reaching another climax.

Yuan Yueze held her tightly, kissing away the fragrant sweat from her slightly tired face, and smiled, "Little girl, do you dare to continue?"

Wanwan was used to fighting with him to the end. Although tired, she still had some strength, so she said defiantly, "Come on then, I'm not afraid!"

Yuan Yueze loved her quirky and lively personality, so he used all his skills, making Wanwan moan and murmur, cry out in pleasure, and scream uncontrollably. The two reached several more climaxes in succession. After reaching their final climax simultaneously, Wanwan had no strength left. She lay exhausted on Yuan Yueze and fell into a blissful sleep.

The next morning, seeing Wanwan emerge from the room, supported by Yuan Yueze, and looking so changed, even Zhu Yuyan was somewhat incredulous. Bai Qing'er looked at the two like a pair of celestial beings with a complicated expression. The other women, already used to it, ran over to greet Wanwan, making the usually bold Wanwan quite embarrassed.

After arranging for the women to take care of Wanwan's still-healing wounds, Yuan Yueze instructed Bai Qing'er, "Be careful. If you are suspected, come back immediately. The plan can be canceled at any time. Remember, none of them are easy to mess with."

Bai Qing'er nodded silently.

Wei Zhenzhen said, "That Consort Lian seems to be trying to get close to me. I'll cooperate with her and see who's more powerful."

Yuan Yueze nodded and smiled, "Just be careful. I have to go out for a bit."

Shan Meixian's eyes darted around, and she giggled, "Could it be that my husband is going to cause trouble for Shi Zhixuan?"

Yuan Yueze sneered, leaped into the air, and disappeared in a few bounds.

The women shrugged helplessly in unison, then exchanged glances and giggled.

The imposter, Song Shidao, enjoyed a delicious breakfast. The shopkeeper and staff treated him with the utmost respect, as if he were a god. They even arranged for him to move into the largest and most luxurious room in the North Garden, a spacious and comfortable suite separated from the other guest rooms by the outer hall and inner bedroom. They were afraid of offending this old friend of the Tang Emperor.

Back in his room, Song Shidao sat in the armchair in the hall, closing his eyes to rest and ponder the events of the past few days, planning his future actions.

The biggest problem between him and Yuan Yueze was the inability to communicate in real time. This was something no one could solve, yet it was an urgent matter that needed to be addressed. He racked his brains but couldn't come up with a suitable solution.

The shopkeeper's voice came from outside the door, saying, "Master Yue, a young master from Qin Chuan has come to visit."

His thoughts interrupted, Song Shidao chuckled inwardly. "Finally, he couldn't resist?" He responded to the shopkeeper and waited anxiously for Shi Feixuan's arrival.

Light footsteps approached.

Shi Feixuan went straight to the door, gently pushed it open, and stepped into the hall.

The two met face to face.

Shi Feixuan, dressed as a man, possessed a captivating, refined, and elegant appearance. Song Shidao could vaguely sense that she had broken through the 'telepathic connection' and entered the realm of 'sword heart clarity'.

Song Shidao said in a deep voice, "Please sit! What brings you here, sir?"

Shi Feixuan's beautiful eyes, seemingly able to see into one's soul, gazed intently at Yue Shan for a long time before she came to her senses and said, "This junior, Shi Feixuan, a disciple of Jingzhai, greets Senior Yue."

Song Shidao maintained his composure, not daring to relax in the slightest.

The two had already begun their mental battle.

One thing Song Shidao was uncertain about was whether Shi Qingxuan had told Shi Feixuan about Yue Shan's passing; this was the most crucial issue concerning their future actions and plans.

Looking at Shi Feixuan, Song Shidao's eyes flashed with reminiscence and sadness. He said, "Before you even entered, I sensed the similarity between you and Xiuxin from your aura. It seems your cultivation is even higher than Xiuxin's back then. Jingzhai is indeed not simple."

A hint of surprise flashed in Shi Feixuan's eyes, followed by a bitter expression on her face. She said, "This junior would like to ask Senior Yue what brings you to Chang'an this time?" Song Shidao

cautiously replied, "Why should I tell you my purpose?"

Xuan said softly, "Because both Fei Xuan and my sect are surrounded by formidable enemies, if we share a common enemy with Senior Yue, why not join forces to fight them?"

Song Shidao snorted coldly, "No need, I'm not used to joining forces with others."

Shi Fei Xuan said calmly, "I heard that Senior has already made a duel with 'Empress Yin.' I wonder if Senior knows that 'Empress Yin' has somehow mastered the supreme demonic cultivation method of the Demonic Sect, 'The Great Demonic Cultivation Technique of the Dao Heart,' and it's rumored that 'Demon Commander' Zhao Deyan has already been crippled by her. What's even more puzzling is that..." "The 'Evil King' Shi Zhixuan, who is currently lurking in Chang'an, has encountered some unknown fortuitous events, and his cultivation has improved to an even more terrifying level. Senior has fought against him, so you should know that what I say is true. The Demonic Sect has been our sect's adversary for a thousand years. If Senior is willing to join forces with us, then both sides will have a better chance of victory against the Demonic Sect."

Song Shidao snorted again, disdainfully saying, "How could my 'Sun-Changing Technique' be a child's plaything? Aren't you well-informed? How did Zhu Yuyan achieve this?" " You don't even know about her? It's said that little Yuan Yueze succeeded in building her foundation only after using the 'Evil Emperor's Relic' from Yang Gong's Treasure Vault."

A flash of surprise crossed Shi Feixuan's beautiful eyes as she said, "Whether you believe it or not, senior, our sect only recently received reliable information that they had already entered the treasure vault and taken out the relic. I never expected you to conduct such a detailed investigation. Truly, 'know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated.' I admire you."

Song Shidao was first startled, then delighted.

He was naturally startled by the information Shi Feixuan had provided. Yuan Yueze's taking of the relic was extremely secretive. How did the Xuanmen know about it? Originally, Song Shidao had intended to mislead her by deliberately revealing the truth, hoping that the other party, under the pressure of Yuan Yueze's unpredictable behavior, would think in more extreme directions. Who would have thought he would receive such shocking news? What pleased him was that only just now did he realize that Shi Feixuan truly believed him to be Yue Shan; otherwise, she would never have revealed that crucial information that would put their side in a passive position. Of course, on the surface, she was merely trying to demonstrate her sincerity in cooperation.

Shi Qingxuan was indeed an exceptionally intelligent and talented woman. With her keen insight, she had likely already guessed that the identity of 'Yue Shan' would play a positive role for Yuan Yueze's side in the future. Therefore, she did not inform Shi Feixuan, who had recently visited Shi Qingxuan in Huanglong and, at Fan Qinghui's behest, read through the 'Undying Guide' left by Shi Zhixuan at 'Youlin Xiaozhu'.

Seeing Song Shidao suddenly fall silent, as if in deep meditation, Shi Feixuan continued, "I apologize for disturbing you today, senior. But the people of the Demonic Sect are all selfish and cunning. If they can be eliminated, it will not be a bad thing for the people of the world. It may even bring about the unification of the world sooner, restoring peace and prosperity to all. I will visit again. Take care, senior."

After speaking, she bowed and left gracefully.

Song Shidao secretly clicked his tongue. This woman's words were indeed sharp. She knew that 'Yue Shan's' temperament and personality had changed due to the mastery of her divine skills. She was no longer the cold and aloof person she used to be. The last thing she said was an undeniable fact, which put a lot of psychological pressure on the new 'Yue Shan'.

How should he deal with this reasonably? Song Shidao fell into deep thought.

Yuan Yueze traveled south along Zhuque Avenue, his destination naturally being the Wulou Temple in the southern suburbs.

One of Shi Zhixuan's public identities was the abbot of Wulou Temple.

He finally understood why Shi Zhixuan's improvement had been so rapid. Although absorbing others' internal energy was somewhat unbelievable, the martial arts of the Demonic Sect were inherently about harming others for personal gain, using external energy for one's own use. If Shi Zhixuan, a martial arts prodigy rarely seen in a century, didn't even have this skill, he wouldn't deserve the title of 'Evil King'.

Suddenly, someone burst out from the alley, laughing loudly, "Brother Yuan, hello! Long time no see!"

Yuan Yueze snapped out of his daze and looked over. It was the 'Amorous Young Master' Hou Xibai. Even though his hat covered the upper half of his face, his unique and outstanding physique and demeanor were still very easy to recognize. Before Yuan Yueze could speak, Hou Xibai grabbed his sleeve and turned into the alley.

As the number of pedestrians dwindled, Yuan Yueze asked curiously, "Brother Hou, what brings you here?"

He then lowered his voice and said, "Brother Yuan, please don't be offended. I've come to deliver a message to Miss Wenqing and Miss Qingxuan."

Yuan Yueze immediately nodded and said nothing more. The two entered Xuanping Ward, where a completely different scene unfolded. Within Chang'an City, wards were separated by walls and streets, orderly and efficient. Each ward had four gates, and the main streets were paved with stone slabs forming a cross shape, while alleys formed a grid pattern leading to the main streets within the wards. The houses within the wards were mostly low brick and wood structures, simple and tidy, with lush trees and seasonal flowers in the courtyards, bright windows and clean tables, creating a peaceful and comfortable living atmosphere.

Hou Xibai led him straight into a deep alley, arriving at the main gate of a small courtyard. He pushed open the door and said, "Brother Yuan, please come in."

Looking around at the simply furnished, bright, and quiet hall, what truly filled the entire environment with a scholarly atmosphere were the two pairs of long couplets hanging on the east and west walls, written in a graceful and elegant style.

One of the couplets reads: "Let the bright moon rise from the mountain, quickly bring wine to the stone spring, wash away the dust of the heart. Let the breeze of Dong enter the room, play the zither in the lotus village, feel the stone bones cleansed." Another couplet reads: "Walking through the winding path, a belt of rain adds color to the willows. Roll up the sparse curtain, half a pond of wind carries the fragrance of lotus flowers."

Both are symmetrical and have a lofty artistic conception, making the reader feel comfortable.

Nodding in appreciation, Yuan Yueze asked curiously: "Sister-in-law... cough, what message did Miss Hou and Qingxuan ask Brother Hou to deliver? Why did you deliver the message for them?"

Sitting opposite him, Hou Xibai took a sip of fragrant tea and said: "This matter is a long story. To put it simply, Qingxuan told me about Master Shi and Yang Xuyan that day, saying that she got the information from Brother Yuan. Miss Hou is a relative of mine. I met her by chance more than a month ago. She asked me to deliver a message to Brother Yuan, just wait and see how the evil Xiang family will be infamous for ten thousand years. You don't need to take any more action."

Yuan Yueze chuckled inwardly, "Brother Hou, why did you believe my information so easily?" Hou

Xibai smiled and said, "At first, it was indeed hard to believe that Master Shi would have so many identities, and that Yang Xuyan would be a descendant of the late Crown Prince Yang Yong. But considering Master Shi and Yang Xuyan's usual ways of doing things, it's quite normal. More importantly, Qingxuan severely injured Yang Xuyan, who was trying to lure her to Chengdu to ambush her, several months ago, and then gave me the 'Undying Seal Scroll,' which made me feel flattered."

Yuan Yueze thought to himself, "No wonder I didn't see Yang Xuyan in Chengdu. It turns out he was defeated by Shi Qingxuan, whose cultivation has greatly improved." He then thought that this was probably the reason why Yang Xuyan betrayed Shi Zhixuan and joined the Great Ming Venerable Sect ahead of time.

Hou Xibai continued with a sigh, "I came to Chang'an this time to fulfill my promise to Qingxuan and kill Yang Xuyan before he betrays us and joins the Great Ming Venerable Sect."

Yuan Yueze shook his head and said, "Brother Hou, you don't know, Yang Xuyan has already joined the Great Ming Venerable Sect." Hou

Xibai said in surprise, "I've been in Guanzhong for half a month. Based on my familiarity with the Demonic Sect, I've figured out Yang Xuyan's whereabouts and residence. After several battles, I found that his cultivation has improved rapidly. I can't do anything about him for the time being. I always thought that Master Shi was biased towards him, but I never found out that he had already betrayed Master Shi. His improvement in cultivation must be related to the Great Ming Venerable Sect, right? My fellow disciple from another sect is indeed terrifying in his actions and scheming."

After a pause, he sneered, "However, I haven't come away empty-handed. Coincidentally, a few days ago, I discovered that he and Li Yuanji were plotting to ambush and kill the Prince of Qin during the spring hunt after the Spring Festival."

Yuan Yueze's expression tightened, and a bad premonition suddenly flashed through his mind.

Only then did he realize that things were not so simple.

------

Chapter 89 Hidden Intentions

Yuan Yueze finally realized something was amiss.

First, the news he overheard last night was clearly from a group of unknown origin—now, thinking back, it must have been the Great Ming Zunjiao and its accomplices, those evil people—who wanted to kill Li Shimin with 'weapons' during the Spring Festival. But today, Hou Xibai said he heard Yang Xuyan and Li Yuanji plotting to ambush and kill Li Shimin after the Spring Festival.

These two accounts differed in timing.

Remembering Xiao He'er's hints, Yuan Yueze finally grasped the clue: the group from the Dongming Sect and the people in the pavilion last night were putting on an act to lure him in; their purpose was, of course, quite simple. However, if they could divert Yuan Yueze's attention to the Spring Festival, a minor conflict during that time would cause his focus to waver, allowing the evil group to concentrate on dealing with Li Shimin during the spring hunt. The reason for this was their fear that Yuan Yueze, after weighing the pros and cons, might prioritize the Ming Dynasty's revered sect over Li Shimin, their second-in-command.

The enemy of my enemy is my friend.

The plan to ambush Li Shimin during the spring hunt was originally part of the story, but Yuan Yueze had been in this timeline for too long, and many events had deviated from their original course, so he hadn't expected to fall for the enemy's deception last night.

"Brother Yuan, have you noticed anything amiss?"

Hou Xibai asked, looking at the thoughtful Yuan Yueze with surprise.

Yuan Yueze nodded, saying, "Things are complicated. Brother Hou, is there anything else?"

Hou Xibai shook his head, then joked, "If I'm not mistaken, are the relationships between Master Qingxuan and Miss Wenqing with Brother Yuan not simple?"

Yuan Yueze thought to himself, " Of course they're not simple. One is my future wife, and the other is my future sister-in-law." He then said aloud, "Brother Hou, you jest. Do you have any other reliable information?"

Although he and Hou Xibai weren't exactly kindred spirits, they weren't enemies either.

Hou Xibai pondered, "I've been in Chang'an for so long, and only Yang Xuyan and Li Yuanji's conspiracy is reliable. Oh, right, and Xiang Gui's son, Xiang Yushan, sneaked into Chang'an yesterday. It can't be anything good. I must quickly inform Miss Wenqing of this."

Yuan Yueze said coldly, "Brother Hou, do you have portraits of Yang Xuyan and the others? Or could you tell me their voice characteristics?" Hou

Xibai nodded.

Painting was one of his specialties, and he quickly finished the four full-body portraits. Every subtle expression was so lifelike and vividly depicted. The portrait

labeled 'Xiang Yushan' was of a noble young man, around twenty-three or twenty-four years old, handsome but with an unhealthy pallor, seemingly frail.

Yang Xuyan, on the other hand, was around twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old, tall and imposing, with a flawless physique. Every muscle in his body was full of power, and his handsome appearance carried a noble and elegant air. His only flaw was his excessively high and hooked nose, which made his already sharp eyes even more unfathomable, further revealing his innate pride and selfish nature that disregarded others.

Yuan Yueze looked curiously at the other two unnamed male portraits and asked, "Who are these two?" One of them

looked to be in his early twenties, with a mysterious smile playing on his lips, yet his eyes held a world-weary, insightful look, a contradiction that gave him an eerie quality. His face was long and narrow, his skin as fair as a woman's; he wasn't exactly handsome, but he possessed an extraordinary charm. The other was a tall, imposing man in fine clothes, around thirty years old, with a slightly long nose and a wide mouth that always seemed to hold a smile, radiating confidence—the kind of person who constantly sought to prove himself the strongest.

Hou Xibai pointed at the younger man with a strange expression and said, "This kid is called Lie Xia. He appeared in Chang'an ten days ago and even bothered Xiu Fang and the popular girl Ji Qian at Shanglin Garden. As for this other person, I don't know his name. I only brushed past him eight days ago when I was following Yang Xuyan in the east of the imperial city. This person's cultivation has reached the Stone Master level. I was only given a cursory glance by him, and I felt like giving up. Judging from their demeanor, these two seem to have some connection. Perhaps the purpose of this drawing is to make Brother Yuan remember these two extraordinary people. However, these two have long since disappeared. If there's an opportunity in the future, Brother Yuan should be able to see them." "Theirs."

After the drawing paper dried and was carefully put away, Yuan Yueze's brows relaxed, and he said, "Brother Hou, do you know that Shi Zhixuan has arrived in Chang'an?"

Hou Xibai nodded and said, "Master Shi is always elusive, appearing and disappearing like a dragon. I didn't know he was in Chang'an at first. Yesterday, I happened to hear someone talking about a fierce battle, and after inquiring, I learned that it was Master Shi who encountered Yue Shan, who had returned to the martial world."

Yuan Yueze said, "Brother Hou, be careful in everything. The enemy is not only well hidden, but also as cunning as a fox, and his strength is considerable. If you feel that you are not up to the task, you should withdraw and plan to come back again."

Then, his figure disappeared like a ghost.

Hou Xibai stared blankly at the window where the cold wind was howling, and felt a little warm in his heart.

According to Hou Xibai's description, Yuan Yueze began to understand why the Xiang family was involved in the conspiracy against Li Shimin.

If the Xiang family had truly sided entirely with the Eastern Turks as depicted in the original story, Jieli would immediately gain complete control over all the latest developments in the Central Plains—something unimaginable before. Previously, Jieli could only place his men in major cities of the Central Plains, and the intelligence he obtained was rarely highly confidential, mostly hearsay. However, since the time of Yang Guang, the Xiang family, openly operating brothels and gambling dens while secretly trafficking women, had an extensive network of agents, making their intelligence network unparalleled. If Jieli had Xiang Gui and his son as his eyes and ears, the situation would be vastly different. Therefore, both publicly and privately, the Xiang family's influence must be completely eradicated.

The more he clashed with these cunning and scheming individuals, the clearer it became that even someone with his martial arts skills was helpless against such a treacherous and cunning enemy.

Yuan Yueze, traveling south along the Yong'an Canal, suddenly awoke from his reverie. Wulou Temple appeared ahead, bustling with people, the frigid weather doing nothing to dampen their enthusiasm for worship. Most of those praying were elderly; perhaps the closer one gets to death, the more one hopes for an afterlife, a continuation of life.

He walked back and forth through the crowded temple three times, his footsteps traversing every corner, yet he still had no clue where Shi Zhixuan was hiding.

Taking advantage of the monks' busy service to the devotees, he sneaked into the back quarters to search, even thoroughly examining the abbot's hall, which had been closed for years in the scripture library, but still found nothing. Strangely, he vaguely sensed Shi Zhixuan was within this area, but when he used his spiritual sense to probe, the other party had strangely concealed his spiritual aura, making it impossible for him to pinpoint Shi Zhixuan's location. Finally, he could only sit down in the pavilion beside the turtle pond. No sooner had he sat down than his attention was drawn to the extremely obvious spiritual aura emanating from Shi Zhixuan outside the temple, and he followed him directly.

Wulou Temple was located in the suburbs, and further out on the outskirts, it was a place rarely visited by people.

Shi Zhixuan, dressed in white Confucian robes and looking like an immortal, stood leisurely on the snow, his eyes gleaming with an extremely eerie light as he gazed at Yuan Yueze.

Yuan Yueze stopped a few feet in front of him expressionlessly, also standing with his hands behind his back.

After a long staring contest, Shi Zhixuan asked jokingly, "Are you a Buddhist? Why are you in a temple?"

Yuan Yueze scoffed, "Stop pretending. You are a virtuous and holy monk. Otherwise, why would I come to Wulou Temple?"

Shi Zhixuan was visibly taken aback, a cryptic smile playing on his lips. He seemed to be talking to himself, saying, "Ever since Emperor Wu of Han dismissed all other schools of thought and exclusively honored Confucianism, the struggle for orthodoxy began, and the distinction between good and evil arose. When the heretical sects came to the east, translating foreign texts into Chinese, it..." Things have become more complicated. For people in different positions, like you, the struggle for power is a political struggle, while for Mr. Shi it's a struggle for the orthodox tradition. When they flourished, I was unable to escape their influence. Frankly, I deeply abhor Buddhism, which is a foreign import. It's nothing more than spreading its heretical books, propagating false doctrines, and deceiving the ignorant. Things like past sins and future retribution, giving a penny and expecting a thousandfold reward; fasting for a day and hoping for a hundred days' worth of food—all these lead the deluded to falsely seek merit. If this were truly the way of all things... "All is emptiness, why be so greedy?"

Yuan Yueze exclaimed in surprise, "Buddhism advocates purity and non-action, while the demonic sect goes to extremes. You have combined these two seemingly contradictory philosophical ideas into the 'Immortal Seal Method,' where life and death are exchanged and replaced. No matter how powerful the opponent, you can always convert all or part of their power into your own, making you invincible. I thought you agreed with some of the theories in Buddhism!"

Shi Zhixuan did not answer, but instead asked, "Since you know my secret identity in Chang'an, have you heard anything about someone plotting to assassinate Li Shimin?"

Before Yuan Yueze could answer, Shi Zhixuan continued, "I have also received news that the righteous sects have mobilized all their forces, and your treasure may not be able to be transported back to Luoyang."

This was something Yuan Yueze had long anticipated. In order to achieve Li Shimin's goal of unifying the world, the Buddhist and Taoist sects, led by Cihang Jingzhai and Ning Daoqi, would certainly take extraordinary measures if necessary. With Yuan Yueze's abilities, who could defeat him besides gathering all the elites of the righteous path? He claims to be acting for the people and for the sake of the world, but even without the treasure, the political landscape would be rewritten. The mere name "Yuan Yueze" is enough to instill fear in the Li Tang dynasty. Therefore, the righteous path's goal is simple: to silence this "evil emperor" of the demonic sect in Chang'an.

Yuan Yueze curled his lip in disdain.

Shi Zhixuan stared intently at him, scrutinizing him as if he were a fool, for a long while before finally saying, "If you think all righteous masters are all show and no substance, then I, Shi, would be happy to see you lying dead on the streets of Chang'an. Besides, I see your connections aren't very good, so I might as well tell you something else. Yesterday, an old friend of mine came to Chang'an and said that a group of mysterious people were discovered in Chengdu smuggling a batch of swords, spears, and firearms. Among the firearms are powerful items like fire-shooting pomegranate arrows, thunderbolt smoke balls, and divine fire flying crows."

Yuan Yueze was stunned. Shi Zhixuan's information was indeed very timely. The Sha family of Luoyang was not only a master weapon maker but also the most famous firearms manufacturer in the north. The only ones comparable to the Sha family's craftsmanship were the Dongming School. Shi Zhixuan must have heard this information from An Long; An Long certainly wouldn't dare tell Shi Zhixuan about revealing Shi Zhixuan's whereabouts to Yuan Yueze that day. The purpose of Dongming's mission to Chengdu can be inferred: to secretly manufacture firearms using the rich mineral resources of Sichuan and Chongqing. These firearms could be transported north without being detected by those outside the Great Wall, and their use in ambushes often yielded unexpected and miraculous results.

Seeing Yuan Yueze remain silent, Shi Zhixuan carefully explained, "The Thunderbolt Smoke Ball is a ball made by crushing and mixing more than ten kinds of medicinal materials, including saltpeter, sulfur, wolfsbane, and arsenic. When facing the enemy, simply ignite it with a red-hot charcoal cone and throw it at them. It will release a large amount of nitric acid, causing the enemy to bleed from the mouth and nose and become poisoned. Although it won't kill them, it can be very effective in defending a city or when positioned on high ground. As for the Divine Fire Flying Crow, it is a firearm made of bamboo strips, sealed with cotton paper, filled with gunpowder, and fitted with a head, tail, and paper wings, resembling a crow soaring in the sky." Four rockets were mounted diagonally beneath the crow's body, allowing it to fly over a hundred feet after ignition. Upon reaching its target, the gunpowder inside the crow would explode, making it an ideal weapon for raiding camps and difficult to defend against.

His words repeatedly reminded Yuan Yueze of the strengths and weaknesses of these weapons, further deducing that Yuan Yueze would definitely help Li Shimin. The reason was that Shi Zhixuan already knew this was a conspiracy by the Great Ming Zunjiao, and Yuan Yueze, unless a fool, would not stand idly by. The experienced Shi Zhixuan should also have noticed Yang Xuyan's betrayal. In short, all his words were intended to "watch from the sidelines," observing the struggle between the righteous path, the evil cult, and Yuan Yueze, so he could reap the benefits.

Yuan Yueze, however, suddenly realized something, smiled slightly, and said, "Why would the Evil King tell me such important information? You and I are enemies, not friends."

Shi Zhixuan replied, "If Qingxuan hadn't fallen for you, I would have fought you to the death long ago. Alas! No matter how much I force her, Qingxuan won't change her mind. She's actually quite stubborn. Our feud started with Yuyan. Since it's a misunderstanding, why not let it dissipate?"

Yuan Yueze sneered inwardly. This was just Shi Zhixuan's excuse. He said, "Enough nonsense. You injured Wan'er before the Holy Gate Assembly. Today, I've come to seek justice for her."

Shi Zhixuan laughed, "If there were justice in this world, there wouldn't be emperors high above and impoverished commoners. Since Wan'er is the leader of a sect, there must be a distinction between us. Otherwise, who will lead the Holy Gate in the future?"

Yuan Yueze didn't care about any of that. He raised his hand and threw a seemingly empty punch.

This punch was not only powerless and insubstantial, but also completely empty. For Shi Zhixuan, who was used to using others' strength against them and harming others for his own benefit, this was something he couldn't react to for a moment.

"Bang!"

A fist, light as cotton, carrying no wind or force, slowly struck an inch or so from Shi Zhixuan's dantian, producing a muffled sound. Suddenly, it unleashed a fierce and unparalleled burst of energy, hurtling forward...

Just as it struck Shi Zhixuan's lower abdomen, Yuan Yue immediately felt more than half of his true energy being absorbed and transformed by his opponent. He was greatly surprised, but fortunately, with the contact of their true energies, he sensed his opponent's next attack and suddenly dodged to the left, barely avoiding Shi Zhixuan's vicious kick.

The two seemed to have remained motionless, glaring at each other from a distance.

Shi Zhixuan's eyes blazed with killing intent, generating a massive aura as solid as a wall, locking onto Yuan Yueze from afar.

Yuan Yueze could have used Shi Qingxuan's name to disrupt Shi Zhixuan's emotions, but the thought of that unfortunate beauty made him feel that doing so would be too cruel.

Unexpectedly, Shi Zhixuan coldly snorted, darting to Yuan Yueze's right side with

lightning speed. His left hand extended its middle finger, swiftly stabbing Yuan Yueze's weakest point—his shoulder. As Yuan Yueze raised his arm to block, Shi Zhixuan flashed even faster, appearing before him and unleashing two completely different yet astonishing bursts of energy towards his chest.

Yuan Yueze reacted just as quickly, flipping his right palm to his chest and pushing it out horizontally.

In the instant the two energies clashed, Yuan Yueze's mind suddenly became clear and lucid. The contact of the two energies felt like a connection between two previously separate entities. This was strange. To examine the opponent's energy channels, one must channel true energy into their body. But this was merely a contact of true energy; the gathering and flow of energy within Shi Zhixuan's body appeared in his mind like a map. He

simultaneously sensed the impending disaster, for he sensed Shi Zhixuan's true killing move was a soft, yin-like energy gathered at his toes. The thought had barely formed when Shi Zhixuan's left foot silently kicked out. In the world, perhaps only he could simultaneously unleash two opposing forces of energy: one powerful and fierce, the other unpredictable and subtle.

"Crack!"

Yuan Yueze's left hand, still scabbard, pointed downwards, deflecting Shi Zhixuan's intended killing kick.

The two separated again.

If someone were watching, they would only see a brief contact, as if they hadn't exchanged blows, before parting ways. No one would suspect the subtle, thrilling, and unexpected turn of events.

Shi Zhixuan looked astonished, clearly not expecting his opponent to be so skillful as to effortlessly block his meticulously planned attack, showing no sign of distress.

Yuan Yueze, however, gained a significant understanding. Suddenly, he had a profound realization about the Undying Seal Technique. It was actually a unique skill that allowed one to cultivate true energy to a truly transcendent level, controlling it at will. This applied to one's own true energy, and also to the true energy of others.

Because Shi Zhixuan constantly probed his opponent's internal energy during their fights, and Yuan Yueze's pure innate internal energy also possessed this peculiar characteristic, when Shi Zhixuan sensed the state of his opponent's internal energy, Yuan Yueze, in turn, sensed it as well. This was precisely Shi Zhixuan's strength, allowing him to remain undefeated for so long.

However, if Yuan Yueze could prevent Shi Zhixuan from seeing through him, while he himself could see through his opponent's strengths and weaknesses, it would greatly aid in defeating him.

Yuan Yueze hadn't been using his full strength; he kept recalling the scene where he tried to kill Shi Zhixuan but was interrupted by Shi Qingxuan. In the end, even if Shi Qingxuan didn't acknowledge Shi Zhixuan, deep down she still considered him her father, she just wouldn't admit it. Otherwise, the incident outside 'Youlin Xiaozhu' would never have happened. Was she trying to save Yuan Yueze then? That's too unbelievable.

How to deal with Shi Zhixuan—this difficult problem now faced Yuan Yueze. In

the brief moment Yuan Yueze was distracted, Shi Zhixuan laughed and said, "I'm not the enemy you've chosen to deal with. If you want to marry Qingxuan, save your life first!"

One moment he was standing in front of Yuan Yueze, the next he had vanished into the distance, a series of complex movements—leaping, retreating, and dodging—completed in the blink of an eye.

The Illusionary Demon Body Technique was indeed divine. If Yuan Yueze truly wanted to kill Shi Zhixuan now, while it wouldn't be difficult, it wouldn't be an easy task either.

When he strolled back to the palace, Wanwan, whose physique was exceptionally good, had almost recovered and was discussing with Zhu Yuyan how to quickly cultivate demon seeds. The two women were now on par with Shang Xiuxun, their charm needless to say. Seeing Yuan Yueze enter, the master and disciple were somewhat shy. As Yuan Yueze walked in, he thought to himself that he should try their taste another day.

Zhu Yuyan's connection with him was incredibly mysterious; she seemed to have grasped his filthy thoughts and scolded him playfully, "What nonsense are you thinking about?"

Wanwan looked at the two of them like a confused little girl, her big, dark eyes filled with doubt.

Afraid that Yuan Yueze wouldn't say anything nice, Zhu Yuyan changed the subject before he could sit down, his face still bearing a wicked grin, asking, "Did you discover anything?"

This clichéd trick worked surprisingly well on Yuan Yueze. He had originally intended to take advantage of his sister, but upon hearing this, he immediately stopped his strange grip on the master and disciple's hands and slowly recounted what had happened.

Wanwan clearly harbored resentment towards Shi Zhixuan for injuring her. Her face was tense as she coldly snorted, "Hmph, does he think we're fools?"

Zhu Yuyan shook her head helplessly, "His cunning is no less than anyone else's. He must have realized we're forced into this situation and must first deal with the Great Ming Sect and the righteous path."

Wanwan's eyes darted around, and she said, "Those who plotted to harm Li Shimin should have already brought the firearms here, like the ones chosen for the explosion a few days ago. How could they have only arrived recently?"

Yuan Yueze replied, "That's completely different. The newly arrived firearms are likely more powerful, specifically designed to kill Li Shimin." "And all that was prepared. The previous ones were nothing more than a pretext to harm Li Shimin."

Zhu Yuyan's pretty face flushed slightly, and she coughed lightly, saying, "When I was practicing my internal energy last night, I detected a faint spiritual aura in the west of the city using the 'Searching Heaven and Earth Technique.' The person who could transmit that aura must not be weak, and that person is definitely not Shi Zhixuan. Could it be related to the nameless person that Hou Xibai mentioned?"

Wanwan quickly lowered her head. Judging from Zhu Yuyan's behavior, Zhu Yuyan must have heard everything about her and Yuan Yueze's 'good deed' last night. While the little witch felt shy, she also felt an indescribable thrill.

Yuan Yueze asked doubtfully, "Hou Xibai said that the person suspected to be from the Great Ming Venerable Sect has been missing for several days. If he is hiding in the city and deliberately concealing his pores and suppressing his aura, it would indeed be difficult to find him."

Wanwan interjected, "The problem lies in this person's specific identity, and also in the mysteriously disappeared Liu Yu."

At this point, she suddenly let out a soft exclamation and stood up, saying, "Could that person be the one whose soul was transferred by Liu Yu's magic?"

Yuan Yueze and Zhu Yuyan were both taken aback, clearly Wanwan's statement was indeed plausible.

With a loud laugh, Yuan Yueze pulled her close, his large lips pressing against her newly opened, luscious lips. After a deep, passionate kiss, he stroked her hair and said, "This little girl's brain is indeed quite sharp. If it's really as you say, then we can spend these days searching for that holy envoy, finding him, and eliminating him. Then we can dump the mess on your second brother, and we can go live a carefree life. All this scheming and plotting is exhausting." Wanwan,

newly married, was clearly very sensitive. Yuan Yueze's strange hands caressed her buttocks, and his large lips pressed against her cherry lips; she was instantly captivated.

Zhu Yuyan was caught between a rock and a hard place, unable to leave or stay. She could only turn her head away, her heart pounding uncontrollably.

Wanwan glanced at Zhu Yuyan's slender back, suddenly snapping out of her daze. She struggled to sit up straight and scolded, "How can you be so lazy? You have a smart head but don't like to think. How could Wan'er have

fallen for you? What a misfortune!" Zhu Yuyan grabbed Yuan Yueze, who looked fierce and was about to take advantage of the trembling Wanwan, and said, "Kou Zhong and the other man have informed Li Yuan that they will be leaving Chang'an tonight. We just heard news of the Persian royal family's visit, and Li Yuan wants them to stay a few more days until the polo field is cleared, so he'll hold a polo match. He's also sent someone to invite my husband to participate."

Yuan Yueze asked curiously, "In this freezing weather..." "How do we clean the polo field?"

Then he said to Wanwan, "From now on, you're not allowed to call me 'my nemesis' anymore. You have to call me 'husband' like Yuyan does, understand?"

Wanwan made a face at him, and Zhu Yuyan said irritably, "Cleaning the polo field isn't difficult. Li Yuan just wants to use the game to suppress our morale. We absolutely cannot let him succeed."

Yuan Yueze looked troubled and said, "I'm doomed now. I've never even ridden a horse, how would I know how to play polo?"

Then he grinned mischievously at Wanwan and said, "Girl, your 'horse riding' skills last night seemed quite impressive. Could you teach me... Ouch!"

Not only Wanwan, but even Zhu Yuyan blushed and stomped hard on his foot.

Yuan Yueze quickly dodged the two girls' small feet and stood up, saying, "I'll go and see those two boys myself, and also figure out how to deal with this game, so that Li Tang knows how 'ironclad' our relationship is!"

--Chapter

090 Polo Match

Donglai Inn North Garden

Shang Xiufang sat gracefully to one side of an elegant tea table. She wore a long, shoulder-length hood that revealed only half her face, emphasizing her stunning beauty and graceful silhouette. Her long skirt was composed of multiple pleats, each a different color, delicately painted, exuding elegance and nobility, with an indescribable lightness, grace, and charm. A white fur coat draped over her shoulders further accentuated her delicate, pitiful, and endearing appearance.

The imposter 'Yue Shan', Song Shidao, sat opposite her.

After a long silence, Shang Xiufang, with a graceful movement, slowly lifted her hood, revealing her breathtakingly beautiful face.

Song Shidao was deeply moved. The mask, as thin as a cicada's wing and fitting seamlessly to his handsome face, meticulously revealed a shocked expression. Trembling, he blurted out, "Mingyue!"

Shang Xiufang was slightly taken aback, then burst into laughter, panting, "Second Young Master, you're so well-disguised! Even Xiufang was almost fooled."

Song Shidao laughed heartily, then said awkwardly, "I'm used to it. Lately, even I can't tell who I really am."

He then teased, "I didn't expect Xiaoze to tell you all this. When will Xiufang marry into the family?"

Shang Xiufang's cheeks flushed crimson, her incomparably beautiful appearance captivating Song Shidao.

Realizing her lapse in composure, Shang Xiufang chided, "I never expected the Second Young Master to speak like that big rogue."

After a pause, she spoke softly in a gentle yet poignant voice, "If I could see the Second Young Master continue to benefit the people in his capacity, I wonder if Lord Yue would rest in peace."

Overwhelmed by his immersion in the role of 'Yue Shan,' Song Shidao was overwhelmed with a myriad of emotions.

In both love and career, Yue Shan was a complete failure. After his wife and daughter were killed by 'Heavenly Lord' Xi Ying, Yue Shan devoted himself to the way of the sword, mastering a sword technique that astonished the world, earning him the title of the unparalleled Overlord Blade. Yet, he ultimately fell to 'Heavenly Blade' Song Que, his life's glory extinguished. During this period of ruin and devastation, he fell in love with many beautiful women, but none of these relationships ended well. His feud with Li Yuan might very well have stemmed from women. His 'marital' relationship with Zhu Yuyan was an even more complicated and confusing affair.

With a sigh, Song Shidao comforted her, "What's past is past. Senior Yue worked hard for the peaceful and prosperous world Senior Bi envisioned. Now that I haven't tarnished his reputation, I'm content."

Shang Xiufang nodded slightly and said, "He wants Xiufang to tell the Second Young Master that he requests a meeting with him at the polo match the day after tomorrow, and we can discuss the details then."

Song Shidao's mind raced, instantly grasping the crux of the matter. Inviting Shang Xiufang was indeed a good idea; no one would suspect anything. Even Li Yuan, knowing that Yue Shan and Shang Xiufang's deceased mother, Mingyue, were close friends despite their age difference, wouldn't doubt Shang Xiufang's purpose. Yuan Yueze could have asked Shang Xiufang to deliver some detailed information to Song Shidao, but given Shang Xiufang's aloof nature and the lack of urgent news recently, she only acted as a messenger.

After a few more casual words, Shang Xiufang took her leave. At

the mansion of Chi Shengchun in Yongfu Ward, northeast of Chang'an City.

Xiang Yushan led the plump, fleshy Rong Fengxiang, who resembled a large ball of meat, and another tall man towards the central main pavilion.

It was just past midnight; most people in the Chi residence had already gone to bed, with only a few buildings still lit. All was quiet and peaceful. The occasional sound of guard dogs scurrying about indicated the tight security; even the most cunning thieves wouldn't escape their senses of smell and hearing, which were a hundred times more acute than those of ordinary people.

The three walked in silence, arriving at the main pavilion in no time.

The building consisted of three sections—front, middle, and rear—connected by long corridors and courtyards, surrounded by gardens of exceptional beauty. The flowers, trees, ponds, artificial hills, and pavilions were completely different from the rest of the courtyard, clearly indicating the residence of the owner.

Before Xiang Yushan could even open the door, Yin Zuwen's voice rang out from inside: "Brother Pi and Brother Zuo have also come to lend their support! Truly, heaven is on our side! Yushan, quickly invite our distinguished guests in."

Xiang Yushan responded, and the three quickly entered the room.

The room was spacious and luxuriously furnished. A large bed stood in the center, and by the candlelight on the tables beside it, Bai Qing'er, with five golden needles in her hair, sat cross-legged, meditating and circulating her internal energy.

Yin Zuwen stood up to greet her, saying, "Welcome to the two great masters of my Holy Sect. Brother Zuo's 'Midnight-Noon Barrier' has reached the eighteenth level; now you have someone to test your skills on."

The 'Midnight-Noon Barrier' is one of the two extraordinary skills passed down from the Daoist Ancestor, ranking alongside the 'Ren-Bing Sword Technique' as a sect-protecting secret technique. However, since the founding of the sect by the First Ancestor, the Long-Eyebrowed Old Daoist, no one has ever truly and perfectly integrated the 'Midnight-Noon Barrier' into swordsmanship. Zuo Youxian, one of the eight great masters of the contemporary heretical sect, has mastered the 'Sword and Barrier Flowing Together,' but whether there are still flaws remains unknown to others.

Under the bright lights of the room, the tall, middle-aged man standing next to Bichen, who was disguised as Rong Fengxiang, was immediately revealed to be Zuo Youxian: his head was almost bald, but two long tufts of hair still hung down like pendants from his temples to his broad shoulders, making him look quite unusual. He was at least over sixty years old, but his skin was as white and tender as a baby's, he had a pair of goat-like eyes, a long, sparse beard, and a sharp, curved nose, exuding a ruthless and vicious aura. He wore a brownish-gray Taoist robe, his hands behind his back, standing as steady as a mountain, the hilt of his sword visible on his left shoulder, giving him an imposing presence.

After exchanging a few polite words, the four men took their seats.

Seeing that Pi Chen hesitated to speak, glancing worriedly at Bai Qing'er not far away, Yin Zuwen let out a loud laugh filled with inner strength, saying, "You two don't need to worry. Qing'er is currently cultivating the complete 'Charming Maiden Heart Method,' which combines the Yin Gui Sect and the Extinction of Emotions, using the 'Golden Needle Acupuncture Technique.' If I don't remove the golden needles, she won't regain any senses or hearing." He

then paused and sighed, "If it weren't for the concern for Zhu Yuyan, who has mastered the 'Demon Seed Technique,' I wouldn't have chosen to administer the acupuncture to Qing'er at Sheng Chun's house."

Although Pi Chen and Zuo Youxian's expressions remained unchanged, their hearts were filled with dread: Yin Zuwen's words sounded nice, but wasn't he just trying to intimidate Pi Chen and Zuo Youxian, who had come to cooperate with him? He didn't even cherish the complete 'Charming Maiden Heart Method,' and instead flaunted his power in front of Pi Chen and Zuo Youxian, putting them at a disadvantage even before discussing cooperation and the division of profits.

Zuo Youxian smiled slyly and stood up, saying, "Brother Yin, please don't take offense at my impolite words. Our cooperation is based on mutual benefit. If you treat me with such an attitude, then I have no choice but to take my leave."

Zuo Youxian was a man who loved money more than anything; he had no interest in power, status, or fame. That's why he dared to contradict him. Pi Chen, who also pursued power and fame, dared not speak out because of his heavy ties with Yin Zuwen.

Yin Zuwen was taken aback and said, "Brother Zuo, your temper is still so fiery. Please forgive my rudeness. Please sit down and talk."

Zuo Youxian was just putting on an act; he would naturally accept any offer of a way out.

After Xiang Yushan respectfully filled the teacups for the three, Yin Zuwen asked first, "Do you two have any latest news?"

Rong Fengxiang said bitterly, "Yuan Yueze and Shen Luoyan, that pair of scoundrels, under the guise of suppressing the power of Buddhism and Taoism and promoting the slogan of 'fairness,' secretly swallowed up my long-established business. The head of the Northern Hundred Trades Society was also handed over to the Sha family in Luoyang. If I don't avenge this, how can I have the face to live in this world!"

Zuo Youxian comforted him for a while and then said, "I stayed with Brother Fu for a while, but when I heard the news that Shen Luoyan was leading his army to attack Xiangyang in the south, he was so scared that he wet himself. I thought that he would be very successful after taking control of Yangzhou when Li Zitong was secretly killed by those two bastards Kou Zhong. Who knew that he was also a hopeless case? I happened to meet Brother Bi, who was also down on his luck, and he mentioned that he was invited by Brother Yin, so I came to see if there was anything I could do to help."

Yin Zuwen asked in astonishment, "Li Zitong was actually killed a long time ago?"

Zuo Youxian nodded. "This is a long story, almost two years ago,"

Yin Zuwen said after a moment of silence. "I won't waste time with you two. Since Yuan Yueze, Zhu Yuyan, and Shi Zhixuan are all in Chang'an, we are at a critical juncture. Our relationship with Li Yuanji is the closest. Although Li Jiancheng is in league with Li Yuanji, they are not truly on good terms. Through Li Jiancheng, we have already made contact with the Turkic forces behind him. Once Li Shimin dies, we can control Li Yuanji, kill Li Yuan and Li Jiancheng, and then we will have nothing to worry about."

Bai Qing'er overheard everything. Before she came out, Zhu Yuyan used the supreme spiritual technique of the Demon Seed Technique, 'Imprisoning the God,' to fix a part of her primordial spirit, making it unaffected by external things. Therefore, the arrogant Yin Zuwen thought that personally administering acupuncture to Bai Qing'er would be foolproof, which was his biggest mistake.

Through the conversation just now, Bai Qing'er clearly realized that the relationships between Li Jiancheng, Li Yuanji, the Great Ming Zunjiao, Yin Zuwen, and even the Turks were extremely complex. What appeared to be cooperation was actually not. Through her careful investigation over the past few days, she knew that the core of Yin Zuwen's group was actually Yin Zuwen and the Xiang family. Although they had contact with other forces, they were all using each other for their own purposes.

Xiang Yushan originally intended to become Zhao Deyan's disciple, but Zhao Deyan had already been crippled by Zhu Yuyan, so he went to become Yin Zuwen's disciple instead. Yin Zuwen then instructed him to seek refuge with the Turks to gather information.

From Yin Zuwen's words, it can be deduced that his greatest fear is of the three people, Yuan Yueze and his companion, whom he just mentioned. Bai Qing'er couldn't understand why he didn't take the Great Ming Venerable Sect seriously. As for the Turks, a nomadic people, they were unable to govern the vast lands of the Central Plains, so they could only invade by controlling the people. Their strategy can be inferred from their years of plundering the Central Plains' wealth and people while simultaneously supporting capable rebel armies. Therefore, Yin Zuwen wasn't afraid that the Turks would turn against him at this crucial moment.

Now, having allied with two other top experts from the Demonic Sect, Yin Zuwen's true strength had greatly increased. In the end, neither of them were good people, and Bi Chen and the other two were more trustworthy than Xi Feng, that Western Regions man.

Pi Chen exclaimed in surprise, "Brother Yin, your plan is truly ingenious! You've come up with such a profound idea. But how can we guarantee that once everything you say comes true, the power of the Li Tang dynasty will fall into our hands?"

Yin Zuwen smiled mysteriously and said, "If Li Yuan's sons are either dead or crippled, and he happens to have a newborn son who isn't his own flesh and blood, do you think he would designate this son as his heir?"

Neither Pi Chen nor Yin Zuwen were fools; they understood immediately and laughed in unison, "Brother Yin, what a clever scheme!"

Bai Qing'er was equally alarmed, secretly thinking that the so-called 'son' must be the child in Consort Lian's womb. Although she didn't know who the biological father was, Yin Zuwen, for the sake of power, had actually sent someone to compete with her daughter for the emperor's favor.

In fact, this was Yin Zuwen's brilliant move. Consort Lian was one of the very few people who knew the child's true parentage. Once Yin Zuwen's plan succeeded, Consort Lian would be the first to be killed. No matter how ruthless he was, he couldn't push his own daughter, Consort Yin, to the edge of the blade.

Pi Chen continued, "Although I hate Yuan Yueze, I also know he's not someone to be trifled with. Brother Yin, do you have any backup plans?"

Yin Zuwen glanced smugly at Bai Qing'er and said, "I don't need to tell you what that scoundrel's biggest weakness is."

The other three suddenly understood and all gave him a thumbs up.

Although Bai Qing'er couldn't open her eyes, her sliver of spirit knew that Yin Zuwen wanted to use her beauty to get close to Yuan Yueze. The purpose of practicing the 'Charming Maiden Heart Technique' was even more obvious: to seduce Yuan Yueze with Bai Qing'er and kill him when he was off guard during their intimate moments.

Zuo Youxian grunted and said, "I heard that Old Yue has also come to Chang'an. It's been more than forty years since we parted ways in Changbai. I didn't expect him to make such a big splash since his return to the martial world. Hmph, I, Zuo, should also settle that old score with him."

Yin Zuwen frowned and said, "Brother Zuo, you mustn't. Old Yue's trip is only to seek revenge on Bi Shouxuan, who has joined the Great Ming Sect and is now hiding. By a twist of fate, he encountered Zhu Yuyan and Yuan Yueze. He has even made a promise to fight with Zhu Yuyan. Shi Zhixuan came to visit me a few days ago and asked me to pledge my allegiance. I have pretended to be loyal. He told me that the White Path will mobilize its forces to deal with Yuan Yueze. Think about it, if we wait until they fight to the death, Shi Zhixuan will definitely make his move. Neither Yuan Yueze nor Zhu Yuyan are the kind of people who will just sit around waiting to be killed. When they are truly exhausted, then we will... Heh!"

As he spoke, he made a 'chop' gesture.

The other three people in the room simultaneously let out sinister, dry laughs, their laughter laced with smugness.

Two days later, on the nineteenth day of the twelfth lunar month,

at the beginning of the hour of Si (9-11 AM), the vast square separating the palace and the royal city was filled with polo.

The square was spotless, without a trace of snow. At its center was the polo field for the day.

On either side of the field stood wooden walls, each about ten feet square, supported by wooden frames. Holes about a foot square were cut into the bottom, and nets were placed over them. The winner was determined by the number of times the ball went through the holes and into the nets.

The field was marked out in red powder at the center of the square, rectangular in shape, with a center line and a core, about two thousand paces long and one thousand paces wide. Eighteen red flags stood around

the perimeter. The spacious stands on the east and west sides of the field had many seats. Playing polo in the palace followed these rules: someone was responsible for counting the points; each point gained was worth a point and a flag was added; each point lost was removed from the flag. The eighteen red flags on the perimeter served as the scorekeepers. If Emperor Li Yuan scores, everyone must stop and shout "Long live the Emperor!"; if anyone else scores, cheers are sufficient. Three goals make a set, and three sets make a game. What follows depends on Li Yuan's mood: he might pause for a moment, or even go into the palace for a drink.

Yuan Yueze and Zhu Yuyan stood with their hands behind their backs on the high wall at the far end of the east stands. A gentle breeze blew through the air, causing their robes to flutter, making them appear like celestial beings.

Their gaze first shifted to the square, where a troop of imperial guards drove nearly thirty tall, sturdy horses into the square. These horses were striking for their ornate decorations and vibrant colors, clearly for polo matches. Following them, a band of dozens of people, carrying drums of various sizes and other instruments, emerged from the main gate of the Taiji Palace, Chengtian Gate, and lined up on the north side of the field. After a final glance at the imperial road leading from Chengtian Gate to the field, a red carpet stretching for hundreds of steps, Yuan Yueze said sarcastically, "Li Yuan is truly extravagant, displaying the power and grandeur of the Tang Dynasty to the fullest."

Zhu Yuyan chuckled and said, "There are far more people in the world who love fame, fortune, and face than someone as carefree as you."

Yuan Yueze did not reply, carefully searching his memory for information about polo.

Polo, historically known as "jiju" or "jiqiu," is a sport played on horseback using a long-handled mallet to strike a wooden ball. The origin of polo remains uncertain. Some legends suggest it was introduced from Persia in the early Tang Dynasty, called "Poloqiu," and later spread to Mongolia, where it remained popular for over a thousand years. Others believe it was created by the ancient Chinese, with ancient Chinese games of "jiju," "jiqiu," and "daqiu" being the equivalent of polo.

Historical records indicate that during the Tang Dynasty, polo became the favorite sport of the imperial family and nobility. Polo fields proliferated throughout the country, and the sport was widely popular, receiving strong support from the royal family, marking its golden age. More than half of the twenty-two emperors of the Tang Dynasty were avid polo players.

Among these avid emperors, Emperor Xuanzong (Li Longji) was a particularly passionate fan. Even when he was the Prince of Linzi, he was deeply fond of polo, and his passion remained undiminished after ascending the throne in August of the first year of the Kaiyuan era. The Song Dynasty poet Chao Wujiu, in his poem "On Emperor Ming's Polo Game," lamented: "The palace gates open wide in broad daylight, the Third Prince returns drunk from polo; Jiu Ling is old, Han Xiu is dead, tomorrow there will be no more memorials of remonstrance."

His successor, Emperor Muzong of Tang, Li Heng, was also a huge polo fan, and later died from an injury sustained while playing. After Emperor Jingzong of Tang, Li Zhan, ascended the throne, his obsession with polo only intensified. He recruited polo players from all over the country, playing day and night, neglecting state affairs, and ultimately died at the age of eighteen.

While some died, others indulged in absurdity. Historical records state that Emperor Xizong of Tang, Li Xuan, loved polo and even played a game called "Betting on the Three Rivers by Hitting the Ball." The game involved "the first to get the ball and knock it across the goal wins, and the first winner gets the first point." He lost the position of military governor of Sanchuan to Minister Chen Jingxuan, and then arrogantly told the court jester Shi Yezhu, "If I were to take the imperial examination for polo, I should be the top scholar."

This was utterly absurd.

Even when forced to move the capital to Luoyang and his army had deserted, the last emperor of the Tang Dynasty, Emperor Zhaozong Li Ye, still kept a dozen or so polo players by his side, unwilling to abandon them. This shows the extent of the fervor surrounding polo in the Tang Dynasty.

Zhu Yuyan gently grasped his arm and said softly, "Do you think of history? There's a reason why polo has always been popular among royalty and nobility. Once you get involved, the vast field, the rapid movement, and the wild excitement are deeply captivating. Don't think too much about it; aren't we creating new history?"

Yuan Yueze nodded, and the two looked down towards the bustling stands.

While Yuan Yueze was still deep in thought, guests filed in, filling both the east and west stands to capacity, creating a noisy and bustling atmosphere.

The two stands together held nearly a thousand people: high-ranking officials, wealthy merchants, and prominent figures from Chang'an, all with their wives and children to watch the game. Li Yuan's imperial relatives and concubines, also there, formed a gathering place for networking and social climbing. Those with connections thronged the stands, their laughter and chatter filling the air. Most of the noblewomen and ladies wore fashionable foreign-style clothing, looking lively and elegant.

They recognized very few of the guests; aside from Hu Fu, Hu Xiaoxian, Feng Deyi, Li Jing, Pei Ji, and Xiao Yu, they barely remembered anyone else.

In the eastern VIP section sat Yuan Yueze's wives. The beautiful Shang Xiuxun, her cheeks puffed out, was seen chewing on something delicious, waving to the two men.

In the western VIP section were important figures from the Li clan. Because Li Yuan and his four sons were to participate in the game themselves, none of them were present in the stands.

Yuan Yueze sighed, "Thanks to learning a few days ago that Ba Feng Han had arrived in Chang'an, along with Hou Xibai, we've formed a Young Marshal's team. I'm spared the trouble of learning to ride horses."

Zhu Yuyan frowned slightly and asked, "The matter of Bi Xuan handling a mysterious religion in the Turkic Khaganate, as mentioned by Ba Feng Han, could it be the Shamanism?"

Yuan Yueze pondered for a moment, then said uncertainly, "Perhaps! If it's true, then Bi Xuan should fight the long-lost Empress to a draw."

Before Zhu Yuyan could speak again, a fragrant breeze blew by, and Lian Rou, like a weightless feather, floated over and leaned against Yuan Yueze's side. Her chestnut-brown curly hair cascaded naturally over her fragrant shoulders, her lips were bright red, her eyes were brown, her eyebrows were delicate, her curves were graceful, and her skin was soft and supple. Combined with the boldness characteristic of women from foreign lands, she was indeed a fiery beauty. She pouted her beautiful, rosy lips, her large eyes fixed on Yuan Yueze, and said reproachfully, "Why haven't you come to see me and Father these past few days?"

Yuan Yueze remembered that since Yun Shuai had regained his strength, he had swaggered into the Persian Temple, located west of Zhuque Street and east of Qingming Canal in Chongde Lane, a temple specifically for foreign guests. He chuckled and said, "You're all safe now, what do I need to see?"

"Safety is not a question. If Rou'er is not in danger, what would I, Yun Shuai, be afraid of?"

Yun Shuai's voice rang out from behind him. One moment he was nowhere to be seen, and the next he appeared in front of Yuan Yueze as if out of thin air.

Swift as a rabbit in motion, still as a mountain in stillness.

He had been approaching at lightning speed from afar, and to stop so effortlessly and gracefully was something no ordinary person could do. In terms of lightness skill alone, only Shi Zhixuan's 'Illusory Demon Body Technique' could rival Yun Shuai's 'Flying Cloud Steps'.

After being cleansed of the poison by a miraculous force and undergoing a marrow cleansing and body tempering, and resting for more than half a month, Yun Shuai looked even younger, and his skills had further improved. Just as he said, if he didn't care about Lian Rou's safety, there were indeed very few people in the world who wanted to kill him.

Yuan Yueze casually put his arm around Lian Rou's slender waist and said, "Then father-in-law should go about his business."

Yun Shuai was already used to his shamelessness and knew that Lian Rou had fallen in love with him. Moreover, Yuan Yueze had not only saved his life but also told him most of the plan. After weighing the pros and cons, Yun Shuai accepted Yuan Yueze's suggestion: if Liu Yu was eliminated, Song Shidao would one day unify the world, and the Western Turks would be a region with ethnic autonomy. This was better than being exterminated. He chuckled and said, "You've already gotten my precious daughter, and now you're sending me away? That doesn't seem right."

Lian Rou bowed to Zhu Yuyan, who had been watching every subtle change in the arena, and smiled radiantly at Yuan Yueze, saying, "Father is a master polo player!"

Zhu Yuyan suddenly interrupted their conversation, calling out softly, "Enter the arena!"

The four of them looked down together and saw the Imperial Guards, in their gleaming armor and wielding spears, lined up in formation on all four sides, leading from Chengtian Gate straight to the arena. They stood guard along both sides of the red carpet, forming a human path, solemn and dignified.

As the drums and music began, Kou Zhong, Xu Ziling, Ba Feng Han, and Hou Xibai, accompanied by an official, rode into the square from the direction of the imperial city. They were all dressed in light polo riding attire, which made the four handsome young men, each with their own distinct personality and extraordinary charm, appear even more dashing and imposing, immediately attracting the attention of everyone present.

Immediately afterward, amidst the welcoming music and applause for the foreign guests, a group of Persian visitors entered the arena.

The young coach's team's seats were in front of the east stand, and the Persian team's seats were in front of the west stand.

This was clearly arranged by Li Tang.

Suddenly, waist drums, bronze drums, and shell drums resounded all at once, followed by the simultaneous playing of pipa, transverse flute, erhu, xiao, and vertical flute, creating a deafening din. Everyone in both the east and west stands rose to their feet, welcoming the procession emerging from the Chengtian Gate, the main gate of the Taigong Palace.

"You're doing quite well!"

With a deafening roar filled with resentment and anger, 'Yue Shan' appeared as if springing from the ground, standing three feet in front of Yuan Yueze. His eyes flashed with divine light, and incredibly concentrated energy shot out wildly in all directions from him.

Then, his left hand drew a circle, his right hand a square, generating two opposing forces of inhalation and propulsion. His left hand's movements, seemingly slow but actually incredibly fast, made unexpected and profound changes in the blink of an eye, finally pointing his thumb at Yuan Yueze's brow.

Yuan Yueze, with his right hand embracing Lian Rou, countered with a simple chop from his left, meeting the opponent's finger with a straightforward strike.

"Bang!"

A muffled, thunderous sound rang out as the energy surged outwards.

The two were thrown back and came to their feet.

All of this was observed by Li Yuan, dressed in light riding attire and riding a fine horse with an exquisitely crafted imperial staff hanging on its side, escorted by sixteen imperial guards on horseback.

The eyes of everyone present were fixed on the two of them; a pin drop could be heard.

-Chapter

91 Polo Match

Jade-bridled steeds, seven-jeweled balls adorned with inscriptions. The reins fly like lightning, the horse gallops with the speed of stars. Three victories are achieved in a flash, the first round celebrated with joy. Auspicious clouds follow the galloping steeds, swirling around the east side of the palace.

Li Yuan, accompanied by his three beloved concubines in their riding attire, adding a touch of spring to the arena, entered the VIP seats on the west platform amidst cheers and applause. Following him were Li Shimin, Li Yuanji, and Li Nantian, dressed in polo-style uniforms and boots. After exchanging a few pleasantries about the eternal peace and mutual support between the Tang Dynasty and Persia, he immediately joined the match. The young general's team, consisting of Kou Zhong, Xu Ziling, Ba Feng Han, and Hou Xibai, also entered the arena, their names called out one by one.

Under the surging momentum generated by the two, no one dared to look at Yuan Yueze's position on the wall; they could only sigh that Yue Shan was a tragic figure, tragically tormented by love, caught in a tangled web of love and hate.

Yuan Yueze gazed at Kou Zhong and his companions, smiling and giving them a thumbs-up. Kou Zhong, mounted on his horse, smiled back, turning his crescent-shaped staff, adorned with vibrant patterns, upside down and making a 'shooting' gesture at Yuan Yueze.

Whether he'd learned this from Fu Junzhuo or Wei Zhenzhen, Yuan Yueze couldn't help but chuckle.

Today's match was a six-game, two-round format. The Persian team, who had traveled a long way and were supposed to play first, were rescheduled for tomorrow's match.

The match was about to begin, and everyone's attention was completely drawn to the arena.

On the high east wall, Yun Shuai, Yuan Yueze, Lian Rou, Zhu Yuyan, and Song Shidao stood side by side.

Zhu Yuyan, her voice clear, relayed the news of Bai Qing'er's secret delivery to Song Shidao. She then added, "After two days of deliberation, we believe there are only two possible fathers for the child in Consort Lian's womb: Liu Yu himself, or a puppet he found. The possibility of him being Liu Yu is small, because if he were to transfer his soul, the child would no longer be his flesh and blood. Therefore, the possibility of him finding a puppet is greater. As for who this puppet is, we cannot yet think of."

At this moment, a deafening drumbeat resounded in the arena, and the match began amidst the shouts of the announcer and the focused attention of hundreds of pairs of eyes.

Kou Zhong and Li Yuan simultaneously spurred their horses forward, bending low to swat their mallets for the polo ball, while their teammates positioned themselves to receive it, creating a tense and exciting atmosphere. Yuan Yueze clearly felt the delicate body of Lian Rou in his arms stiffen, obviously due to the intense concentration causing her to feel breathless.

The two horses brushed past each other, the mallets flashed, and before anyone could see clearly, the polo ball flew diagonally towards the Tang Dynasty's goal.

Yuan Yueze spoke in a low, focused voice, "There are at least ten people watching us. Be careful."

He then gently stroked Lian Rou's slender waist. Lian Rou, realizing what he meant, immediately cheered wildly.

Song Shidao's face was frosty, but he asked, "Have you found any clues about Pei Ji?"

Zhu Yuyan looked bitter and shook her head.

Ba Fenghan galloped along the edge of the field from the side. His 'man and horse as one' technique was superb, his movements elegant and beautiful. His horse seemed to be his possession, moving at his will. He caught up with the polo ball, striking it before it went out of bounds. The ball fell to the ground, but miraculously didn't bounce; instead, it rolled across the field towards the north boundary, immediately drawing cheers and thunderous applause from the crowd.

This move was clearly unexpected by the Li clan. Li Yuanji desperately tried to intercept, but by a hair's breadth, his mallet missed the ball and instead charged across the midfield, passing Li Yuan, who had reined in his horse and turned back.

Hou Xibai charged forward from the outer edge of the field, shouted, and swung his mallet at the ball. With skillful force, he sent the ball bouncing into the air, curving towards the top of the Li clan's east gate.

Everyone felt a sense of regret; the ball was too high and would have gone out of bounds before it even hit the ground. What a waste of their teamwork!

But in that instant of regret, the ball suddenly changed, seemingly out of control, and before reaching its intended highest point, it plummeted diagonally.

Song Shidao laughed loudly and said, "Li Yuan told me a few days ago that the Minister of Civil Affairs, Liu Wenjing, seems to be acting strangely, as if he harbors rebellious intentions against the Tang Dynasty."

The two men's expressions and the content of their conversation were completely inconsistent, and given their deliberately lowered voices, an outsider unaware of the situation might have thought they were arguing about their past relationship.

Yuan Yueze pondered for a moment, then immediately realized his mistake and simply said, "Think about Liu Wenjing and Pei Ji in history."

Liu Wenjing was from Pengcheng, and his family had lived in Wugong, Jingzhao for generations. At the end of the Sui Dynasty, he served as the magistrate of Jinyang and befriended Pei Ji, the palace supervisor of Jinyang. Li Yuan was then the governor of Taiyuan. Liu Wenjing contacted Pei Ji and Li Shimin, assisting Li Yuan in his rebellion against the Sui Dynasty, and was sent as an envoy to the Turks by Li Yuan. When Li Yuan raised an army in Taiyuan, he followed the army south and captured the Sui general Qu Tutong. After the establishment of the Tang Dynasty, he served as a Grand Councilor, assisting in the revision of laws and regulations, and helped Li Shimin defeat Xue Rengao. He was appointed Minister of Civil Affairs and Left Vice Minister of the Shaanxi-Eastern Circuit, and was enfeoffed as Duke of Lu.

Liu Wenjing believed that his talents far surpassed Pei Ji's, and he had repeatedly made military achievements. Pei Ji, however, was ranked above him only because he was an old friend of Emperor Gaozu, which made him resentful. Whenever important matters were discussed, he deliberately opposed Pei Ji, thus creating a rift between them. Once, while feasting with his younger brother, Liu Wenqi, a court attendant, Liu Wenjing, after drinking, uttered complaints, drew his sword, and struck a pillar, declaring, "I must kill Pei Ji!" Coincidentally, several strange occurrences appeared in their home, causing Liu Wenqi great distress. He summoned a shaman, who, at night, let his hair down and held a sword in his mouth, performed a ritual to exorcise the demons. Unfortunately, one of Liu Wenjing's favorite concubines fell out of favor and told her brother about the incident. The concubine's brother then accused Liu Wenjing of treason.

Although ministers like Li Gang and Xiao Yu believed Liu Wenjing was not plotting a rebellion, and Emperor Taizong (Li Shimin) also believed that Liu Wenjing had devised an extraordinary strategy at the beginning of the uprising, only informing Pei Ji after its success, and that the disparity in their status and treatment after the pacification of the capital was vast, he only considered Liu Wenjing's discontent and not his intention to rebel, and tried his best to protect him. However, Li Yuan had always been distant and suspicious of Liu Wenjing. Pei Ji seized the opportunity to slander him, and Li Yuan actually believed him, killing Liu Wenjing and his younger brother, Liu Wenqi, and confiscating their property. Before his execution, Liu Wenjing patted his chest and sighed, "'When the high-flying birds are all gone, the good bow is put away.' This is indeed true!" The possibility of Liu Wenjing being the "Imperial Envoy" is extremely slim. First, an Imperial Envoy could remain hidden for decades and would never easily reveal his intention to rebel; second, this is mixed with Li Yuan's strong personal emotions and is not objective; more importantly, the rebellion was originally a frame-up by Liu Wenjing's brother-in-law. Of course, Liu Wenjing might also be feigning rebellion, and if that's the case, then his cunning is terrifying.

Yun Shuai, who had been watching the competition closely, interjected, "Since there's still time, we can split up and follow them, gathering information. Pei Ji, Liu Wenjing, and even Liu Wenjing's brother-in-law, don't let any of them escape."

Three rhythmic drumbeats drew everyone's attention to the arena.

As the announcer called out the numbers, one flag was removed from the Li clan's side, while the young marshal's side gained one.

Lian Rou clapped her hands and exclaimed with a charming laugh, "Look, the young marshal's side scored!"

The four ignored her, and Song Shidao said to Yuan Yueze with slight worry, "The righteous path and the underworld will both come after you. Are you confident?"

Yuan Yueze said wistfully, "I wouldn't dare say I'm confident, but with the advantage of this near-indestructible body, I definitely won't die. If Bai Daoning, Daoqi, Liaokong, and the Four Great Monks were to attack me together, even ignoring those scheming experts like Yin Zuwen, I alone certainly couldn't withstand their combined cultivation of over five hundred years. What's more, there's Shi Zhixuan, with over a hundred years of cultivation, who's been eyeing me covetously! And you can't easily intervene."

Zhu Yuyan extended her jade-like fingers, covering her small mouth, and chuckled softly. "Is pretending to be weak to catch a tiger fun? If you, me, Meixian, Junzhuo, Beier, Zhenzhen, and Fenger join forces, our cultivation will be close to a thousand years. What are we afraid of? Besides, we have National Preceptor Yun here."

Yuan Yueze said, "You're oversimplifying things. How could the other side not understand this? If they wanted to make a move, they would have scattered us beforehand."

Song Shidao laughed, "The initiative is now in our hands, isn't it?"

Yuan Yueze was taken aback when a

shout of "Long live!" suddenly erupted in the arena.

The group looked over and saw that Li Yuan had scored.

Lian Rou pouted and puffed out her cheeks, saying coquettishly, "Xu Ziling deliberately let us win; otherwise, the goal wouldn't have been so easy!"

Yun Shuai chuckled, "This is the courtesy of a guest, letting the host take the lead."

Yuan Yueze, of course, understood what 'initiative' meant. He flashed to Zhu Yuyan's side and gave her a light peck on her delicate, pink face.

Zhu Yuyan, caught off guard by his sneak attack, blushed and instinctively kicked him. Fortunately, she pulled back in time, otherwise Yuan Yueze would have lost face in front of thousands of people.

Song Shidao knew he couldn't linger, so he gave a heavy snort and transmitted his voice, "Do as Grand Preceptor Yun says, everyone be careful."

Then, he turned and flew away.

Commander Yun said, "I need to leave for a bit to see if I can lure out some henchmen. If I can capture them and interrogate them, that would be even better."

Before he finished speaking, he had already disappeared.

His public appearance today naturally made it clear to those who were interested that he was on the same side as Yuan Yueze. If he could kill him alone, that would be ideal, so it was good for Commander Yun to go out and try his luck.

Yuan Yueze and the two women descended from the wall and landed at the VIP seats where Wei Zhenzhen and the other women were.

Dugu Feng pressed closer, saying, "Big brother, Junzhuo and I will be participating in the Young Marshal's team's competition later. You must cheer them on!"

Yuan Yueze chuckled, "Of course, we must show them how good our relationship with the Young Marshal's army is."

For the past half-month, Yuan Yueze had tried riding a horse a few times, but found it too boring, so he stopped. Instead, he spent his days drinking with Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling, and in various public occasions, they would put their arms around each other's shoulders, displaying their close relationship. At various banquets, the three Li brothers used every means at their disposal—gold, silver, and beautiful women, which might be extremely tempting to others, were like dirt to Yuan Yueze and his companions. Tomorrow, Kou Zhong and

Xu Ziling would be leaving Chang'an, and all the Li Tang could do was dampen their arrogance. However, they probably wouldn't succeed easily. Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling, who had received theoretical training for some time, were testing their skills on the field today. With their talent, they would definitely learn quickly. Ba Feng Han and Hou Xi Bai were both polo experts, needless to say, their perfect teamwork in scoring the first goal was proof enough.

While Yuan Yueze's hands were groping around, he was actually carefully observing the movements of the suspects mentioned earlier. Yin Zuwen, in a central position in the VIP section, was beaming; Pei Ji was excitedly cheering for Li Yuan; Liu Wenjing, dressed like a scholar, remained calm, showing no signs of amiss.

"Ah! What are you doing!"

A familiar scream snapped Yuan Yueze back to reality.

His strange hand was caressing the shapely, straight legs of the stunningly beautiful Ji Qian as she passed behind him.

Ji Qian, startled, quickly retreated, her face flushed, her expression one of horror, her rapid breathing highlighting her ample bosom; Xiao He'er stood beside her, a malicious smile on her face.

"Ouch!"

Yuan Yueze cried out, attracting disdainful, surprised, and envious glances from those around him. He slapped his right hand hard with his left, muttering dejectedly, "Oh no, this hand is going to rot!"

Ji Qian was so angry she almost cried. Her beautiful face contorted with rage, and she turned to leave.

Xiao He'er quickly grabbed her, pleading with Yuan Yueze, "Stop making a scene! There's no real grudge between you two. Why are you acting like you're at each other's throats?"

The other women in Yuan Yueze's household merely glanced at her indifferently before turning back to their own conversations, as if the matter had nothing to do with them.

Yuan Yueze grunted, glancing at Ji Qian's slightly trembling, beautiful back, and said stiffly, "Please forgive me, Miss Ji!"

Ji Qian didn't reply. She shook off Xiao He'er's arm and walked alone towards the side of the stage. Several fawning young noblemen immediately appeared around her. After she angrily shouted "Get out!"

, the crowd stared blankly as she left the stage.

The first round of the match had ended. Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling had performed poorly, and the Li family won two and lost one, taking the lead.

Yuan Yueze then 'lifted' the still-dazed Xiao He'er from behind her chair to the front and placed her on his lap before asking, "How did you two end up together?"

Xiao He'er buried her face in his chest, crying, "Brother Yuan, I beg you, please stop making a scene. Xiao Qian...she's in trouble."

Xiao He'er would be seventeen after the New Year. In this ancient society where everyone matured early, she was already a young woman old enough to marry. Moreover, she was indeed quite beautiful. It was currently a break in the match, and most people's attention was naturally focused on Yuan Yueze. He and his group of beautiful wives were the most beautiful sight on the field—a feast for the eyes! When people saw Yuan Yueze holding Xiao He'er like that, many began to discuss it, saying all sorts of things.

Ignoring the stares of others, Yuan Yueze wiped away Xiao He'er's tears and asked in astonishment, "She's the most popular courtesan in Chang'an, even the Emperor gives her face. What trouble could she possibly be in?"

The other girls around her also looked at Xiao He'er, whose face was flushed with shyness and who seemed hesitant to speak.

Xiao Bei, who was standing to the side, noticed something and raised her hand, saying, "If it's not urgent, little sister, we can talk about it when we get back." Xiao

He'er immediately nodded.

Shang Xiuxun and Song Yuzhi, who were greedy for food, stuffed some delicious dried fruit into her mouth, making her laugh through her tears before they turned their attention back to the court.

After a short break, the second set began with the Young Marshal's team pressing forward with an all-out attack. Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling were noticeably more skilled, scoring two goals in a row. It wasn't until the third goal that Li Shimin, with a bit of luck and skillful technique, snatched the ball from the weaker Long Sheng and scored it into the net unexpectedly.

Yuan Yueze glanced at Consort Lian, who sat quietly on the west platform with a noticeably protruding belly, and said to Wei Zhenzhen, who sat gracefully to the side, "Zhenzhen, have you discovered anything from your interactions with Consort Lian these past few days?"

Wei Zhenzhen leaned closer and whispered, "She has been subtly asking me where to gather several herbs rarely used in medicine, saying she wants to prepare for the future imperial offspring. Last night, Sister Meixian and I studied them for a long time and discovered that those herbs are all highly nourishing, and mixing them together is harmless. They are suitable for people who have suffered from excessive energy depletion and rising internal heat."

Zhu Yuyan had been listening attentively. In the past, she wouldn't have doubted it, but the information she received from Bai Qing'er had made Consort Lian's identity increasingly clear. She was no ordinary woman and could very well be an accomplice of Yin Zuwen's group. Therefore, she had to be careful in everything she did, otherwise she would only regret it later.

Little Crane sat comfortably on Yuan Yueze's lap, curiously watching the solemn expressions of the two teams devising tactics on the sidelines, and said, "It's just polo, why is everyone acting like they're going to war!"

After pinching her cute nose, Yuan Yueze's gaze suddenly deepened as he stared at the arena. He said, "A certain Wu once said, 'A real competition is like a war!'" The women around him felt this deeply. Since arriving in Chang'an, they had been engaged in a battle of wits with both overt and covert forces. The dangers were far greater than those of physical combat; one wrong move could lead to total defeat. But if they could truly emerge victorious, it would be like winning a battle, a truly exhilarating experience.

Zhu Yuyan suddenly whispered, "Shi Zhixuan is here."

Yuan Yueze looked up and saw Shi Zhixuan standing in mid-air like a demon god, his upright figure in the void giving off an even more mysterious and unpredictable aura. He was standing very far away; unless one had focused their eyesight or possessed exceptionally keen spiritual senses, Yuan Yueze would never have noticed him.

The instant Yuan Yueze looked over, Shi Zhixuan also looked at him.

In a flash, the two saw each other without either of them noticing.

Their gazes met in the void, stirring up ripples of intangible spiritual energy. Those whose cultivation hadn't reached a certain level couldn't feel the pressure generated by such immense energy.

Yuan Yueze murmured, "I must say, Shi Zhixuan is indeed a genius that appears only once in a century."

Shan Meixian interjected, "What makes him capable of fighting us? Even if we ultimately lose, he won't gain anything, will he? Yang Xuyan has already betrayed him."

Zhu Yuyan shook her head, "He's made up for his weaknesses and returned to the state he was before meeting Bi Xiuxin. In this state, it doesn't matter whether someone helps him or not; he's more arrogant than anyone else."

Yuan Yueze smiled slightly, about to say, "Unfortunately, he's met me,"

when the drums sounded again, signaling the start of the final round of the first game.

In the third round, Li Tang changed their strategy, going on the offensive. Among the four, Li Yuanji was the best in terms of ball skills, while Li Shimin, a veteran of many battles, was the best in terms of horsemanship. Li Yuan could only be considered the third-best player in the team. Judging from his focus on attacking his two sons in this round, it's clear that he chose face over bravado; the Li Tang dynasty couldn't afford to lose to the young coach's team.

Everything unfolded as Li Yuan had anticipated. Just as he and his two sons displayed exquisite dribbling skills, rapidly chasing the ball less than thirty paces from the open goal, Kou Zhong, who had been behind him, suddenly roared, spurred his horse, and propelled it to its limit. The horse lifted off the ground, leaping across nearly two zhang (approximately 6.6 meters) like lightning, landing a step ahead of the ball on its right. Then, Kou Zhong leaned halfway to the left, extending his cane to barely catch the rolling ball. Li Yuan arrived just half a step too late; success seemed within reach, but ultimately, it was all for naught.

Due to inertia, Li Yuan charged straight to the west gate before he could rein in his horse and turn around, while Kou Zhong had already taken control of the ball and galloped towards the east gate.

The cheers of the entire stadium turned into sighs.

Dugu Feng said, "Li Tang's side definitely can't hold on to this point, their morale is also low, and the first game is over."

She was also a skilled player and could see Li Yuan's resounding momentum after regrouping. This heavy blow would surely cause them to crumble. In a four-on-three match, Li Yuan's side would definitely lose more than just one point. Because if Li Yuan's side lost three points in this round, they would undoubtedly lose the entire game, unless they could win one of the next three rounds and gain an advantage in the other two, but given the current strength of both sides, this was impossible.

After Xu Ziling also scored a goal, the drums and music began, and the first half ended. Both sides dismounted, bowed, and left the field.

Surprisingly, Li Yuan did not return to the group of concubines for comfort. Instead, he stood on the sidelines, talking with Li Jiancheng and Li Xiuning, who were already waiting there.

Li Yuanji said resentfully, "How did that Turkic man, Ba Feng Han, end up with Kou Zhong?"

Li Jiancheng said, "Ba Feng Han only arrived in Chang'an recently; they must have known each other before."

Li Shimin said, "In the second half, Dugu Feng and Fu Junzhuo should replace Ba Feng Han and Hou Xibai. Xiuning, have you seen how good their skills are these past few times?"

Li Xiuning was clearly distracted, and upon hearing this, she quickly replied, "Their skills are not bad, but they are definitely not at the level of Ba Feng Han and Hou Xibai."

Li Yuan shouted, "That's good! In the second half, Jiancheng and Xiuning will replace me and Nantian. Since the opponent may have figured out our playing style, at the beginning, Shimin and Yuanji will temporarily cooperate with Jiancheng and Xiuning. Shimin and Yuanji will be responsible for guarding the rear, intercepting the opponent's attacks, and providing the ball for Jiancheng and Xiuning to break through and win. We lost three points in the last game; after the change of ends in the second game, we must be four points ahead to have any hope of winning. Remember, we absolutely cannot lose."

The group agreed in unison.

Although Li Xiuning was a skilled player, her beautiful face still paled, for she was the 'best weapon' against Kou Zhong, which was not what she desired.

Shi Zhixuan disappeared after only a moment, apparently intrigued by Kou Zhong and his companion. Yuan Yueze watched his two wives, one tall and one short, discussing tactics with Kou Zhong and his companion below the stage, while telling Xiao He'er and Lian Rou some old, worn-out stories.

Li Yuan, back in the VIP section, stood up, raised his hand, and the drumbeats stopped instantly. The entire arena fell silent; the start of the next round depended entirely on Li Yuan's will.

Li Yuan gave the order, and the drumbeats for the restart of the match resounded across the square.

This round, the two sides switched sides; the Li clan guarded the west gate, and the young marshal's team guarded the

east gate. The polo ball was placed in a small circle in the center of the field, and both sides set up their formations on the east and west sides.

The drumbeats stopped abruptly.

The announcer read out the names of the new entrants from both sides. A roar of cheers erupted from the crowd. The three women—the spirited Dugu Feng, the aloof and peerless Fu Junzhuo, and the elegant and noble Li Xiuning—undoubtedly added real color to the competition. They were not mere ornaments, but true players. Just looking at their beautifully curvaceous figures, accentuated by their light, tight-fitting outfits, and their graceful, poised figures on horseback, was enough to fuel the anticipation for the second half of the match.

Li Xiuning glanced instinctively towards the east platform, just in time to see Yuan Yueze narrow one eye, smile, and give a thumbs-up. Then, he exaggeratedly shouted, "Go Xiuning!"

Amidst the bewildered gazes of those around him, the women beside him laughed uproariously.

Li Yuan and his son were furious. In their eyes, Yuan Yueze's simple four words had shattered Li Xiuning's fighting spirit.

The surrounding area buzzed with discussion.

"Princess Xiuning is so lucky! Young Master Yuan treats her like this!"

"Young Master Yuan is indeed extraordinary. With just one simple sentence, he shattered the morale of the Tang Dynasty team. This man's scheming is terrifying!"

"Hey! Brother, Young Master Yuan's move was brilliant. The princess must be deeply moved!"

"That's true, but it's too shameless. Even if I met a girl I liked, I wouldn't do something so ungentlemanly in broad daylight and in front of everyone!"

"You don't know anything! This is called daring to love and hate, being true to your feelings. You damned pedant, get out of my way!"

"Ouch! Brother, don't kick my face. I make a living with this face. Confucius said..."

"Go to hell!"

Li Xiuning's pretty face flushed slightly. She could feel Yuan Yueze's blessing, which was devoid of any ulterior motives, just a warm, slightly ambiguous smile. She believed she understood Yuan Yueze quite well. Although Yuan Yueze was ruthless, he only treated his enemies. Even though the Li clan and Yuan Yueze were already irreconcilable enemies, Yuan Yueze still didn't consider Li Xiuning an enemy. From their past interactions, Li Xiuning clearly sensed Yuan Yueze's affection for her, but because of her status, Yuan Yueze couldn't cross the line and marry her.

Then, she did something that surprised everyone: she smiled and gave Yuan Yueze a thumbs-up. Afterward, she calmly looked towards the Young Marshal's team to the side. Kou Zhong's

intuition told him: the Li Xiuning before him was both familiar and unfamiliar, but no longer the 'Princess Pingyang' he had known before.

Li Yuan and his sons showed joy.

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