[Wuxia] Embroidered Robes and Cloud-like Hair (Complete) - 7

Chapter Ten: Xiangge Yuanyun Tower.

As Jiang Tiantao advanced, he imagined his father announcing that he was the son-in-law of the "Nine Palaces Fortress" cousin. He thought: If his cousin Wang Yanling were also in the hall, how happy she would be! Lost in his reverie, he unconsciously smiled.

After walking through the long corridor, passing two separate courtyards, and exiting the inner fortress gate, they entered a brightly lit hall, as clear as day. Two young servants standing on the steps behind the hall saw Jiang Tiantao and Ma Yunshan, and one of them hurriedly turned and ran into the hall. Immediately afterward, Old Master Jiang, Poisonous Lady, the Qi-Lu Twin Heroes, Ning Daotong, Little Li Guang, Upturned Nose, Xie Ganen, Chen Zhenze, and Rui Ding'an, among others, came out to greet them.

Upon seeing Jiang Tiantao, Old Master Jiang immediately laughed heartily and said cheerfully, "Young hero, you look radiant! You've truly recovered!"

Jiang Tiantao, seeing his father, hurried forward several steps, bowed deeply, and said respectfully, "Thanks to your blessing, senior, I have fully recovered!"

Old Master Jiang reached out to help him up, smiling as he said, "Young hero, no need for formalities, please take a seat!" After bowing

, Jiang Tiantao straightened up and greeted the Qi-Lu Twin Heroes, Xie Gan'en, and the others with a cupped-hand salute. He noticed that although the Poisonous Lady appeared calm and forced a smile, a hint of worry lingered between her brows. As everyone entered the hall, Jiang Tiantao insisted on not sitting. Taking advantage of the opportunity

, Ma Yunshan laughed loudly and said, "Young Master Wei is already the head of this fortress, so there's no need for the old fortress master to insist on inviting him to take the seat!"

Old Fortress Master Jiang laughed heartily, then said humbly, "Young Master Wei is a dragon among men, a peerless talent. How could he be content to remain in this quagmire? The position of head of the fortress is merely a cover for others, facilitating his actions. It's just a temporary arrangement."

Jiang Tiantao truly hadn't expected his father to send him to Dongliang Mountain as the head of Jiugong Fortress. He was certain this was another conspiracy orchestrated by the Poisonous Lady. If he went as the son-in-law of Jiugong Fortress, even if Jinchai Fuliying didn't personally come down the mountain to greet him, she would still send Yinchai Huangfuxiang, the commander of the three inner and outer halls, to welcome him. Now, going as a mere head of the fortress, upon arriving at Dongliang Mountain, at most a minor leader would guide him into the main altar. Whether he could even see Fuliying was questionable, let alone seize the opportunity to gather information.

Of course, since the old man had made such an announcement, he naturally thought it would be appropriate for the head of the academy to go. Therefore, after a moment's thought, he hurriedly and sincerely said, "This junior has long admired the virtue and prestige of the elder, and has long respected him. Now, to be able to serve as a member of the fortress and serve at your side, to receive your teachings and to bask in your kindness, is truly a wish fulfilled. How dare I hope for a higher position?"

The old fortress master Jiang was very pleased and immediately laughed heartily. Ma Yunshan, Little Li Guang, the Qi-Lu Twin Heroes, Xie Ganen, and others all nodded in approval, secretly praising him endlessly.

After his father finished laughing, Jiang Tiantao respectfully said, "Senior, what are your orders? Please tell me in person, and I will obey without question."

The old fortress master Jiang stroked his beard approvingly and nodded, saying happily, "My worthy friend is indeed quick-witted and outspoken; I greatly admire him. The true reason why the Jade Hairpin came seeking trouble is still unknown. I wish to invite you to Liangshan in Zhao Dong, under the pretext of returning the Purple Blood Jade Hairpin, to secretly inquire about the cause of this matter. I wonder if you are willing to go?"

Jiang Tiantao saw his father... Deeply moved by the change in address from nephew to son, Jiang Tiantao immediately replied respectfully as soon as Old Master Jiang finished speaking, "Please have the senior prepare a formal invitation, instruct me on the arrangements and departure date, and I will gladly go."

Old Master Jiang was overjoyed that Jiang Tiantao agreed so readily without hesitation. He immediately turned to his attendants and cheerfully announced, "Prepare a grand feast to bid farewell to this young hero!" Tables and chairs were set out, dishes were served, and wine was poured. In no time, a sumptuous feast was ready.

This feast was originally intended as a farewell banquet for Jiang Tiantao, so Jiang Tiantao sat beside Old Master Jiang, followed by Ma Yunshan, Ning Daotong, Poisonous Lady, Xie Ganen, and others. Old Master Jiang was very pleased with the ideal candidate to return the Purple Blood Jade Hairpin, and the atmosphere at the banquet was extremely pleasant. Old Master Jiang chatted amiably with Qian Fei, discussing the wonders of the martial world. Ma Yunshan and Ning Daotong, with their extensive experience, recounted matters to be aware of when paying their respects at the mountain gate.

The Qi-Lu Twin Heroes, having been to Dongliang Mountain, specifically recounted to Jiang Tiantao the situation of the Three Beauties Gang's headquarters and the personalities of the Gold, Silver, and Jade Beauties. Seeing Jiang Tiantao's handsome face rosy and bright eyes, completely devoid of his morning pallor and sickly sweat, Poisonous Lady occasionally glared hatefully at the old man in green, Xie Ganen. According to Qinglian's report, Xie Ganen had diagnosed Wei Xiaoxia's body as extremely weak, requiring his personal decoction for any effect. She had inquired about Xie Ganen's diagnosis, and he had said the condition was serious; how could one prescription cure him?

Poisonous Lady glanced hatefully at the composed Xie Ganen, thinking: "Is this old man's medical skill truly as refined as Bian Que's?" With this thought, she couldn't help but smile coldly to herself, thinking, "Don't be so smug; one day I'll show you the power of Zhang Lihua." She gave Ma Yunshan and the others a venomous look and downed a large cup of wine.

Time slipped away in the midst of revelry, and before they knew it, it was past midnight. Old Master Jiang, Ma Yunshan, the Qi-Lu Twin Heroes, Little Li Guang, and others were all somewhat tipsy, except for the cunning and shrewd Poisonous Lady.

Guided by four lantern-bearing maids, Jiang Tiantao, filled with excitement, strode unsteadily towards Yiran Pavilion. This was the most joyful night of his eighteen years. He sat beside his kind father, listening to his father's hearty laughter, envisioning the future happiness of family life.

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As the fifth watch of the night ended and the rooster crowed three times, dawn broke in the east. A white morning mist enveloped the entire Mufu Mountain, obscuring the peaks and ridges, only the clear, melodious birdsong and babbling brooks echoing among the bamboo groves and pines.

Beneath the towering and majestic fortress of Jiugong Fortress, before the wide and sturdy drawbridge, Old Master Jiang, with a cheerful expression and a benevolent smile, led the fortress's experts to see Jiang Tiantao off.

Jiang Tiantao, dressed in a blue scholar's robe and turban, with a long sword at his waist, stood cheerfully opposite Old Master Jiang, his handsome face bearing a smile and his starry eyes sparkling with gentle light. Old Master Jiang carefully took out the shimmering purple jade hairpin from his sleeve, his face beaming with a smile, but solemnly said, "Whether the reputation of Jiugong Fortress, built up over decades, and my own meager honor, can be preserved depends entirely on whether you, my esteemed friend, can succeed in this mission."

Jiang Tiantao understood his father's feelings and high expectations, so he bowed respectfully and said resolutely, "Please rest assured, senior, I will do my utmost to fulfill my mission." Having said this, he took the purple jade hairpin with both hands, bowed deeply to the ground, and said loudly, "Please return, senior, I will now depart!" He then turned and carefully placed the purple jade hairpin into his robes. Immediately, a strong fortress guard quickly pulled the jubilant Xiao Qing over.

Jiang Tiantao took Xiaoqing from his horse, mounted it, and Ma Yunshan, Xiao Liguang, the Qilu Twin Heroes, Ning Daotong, and others cheered in unison, "Young hero, return soon!"

"May you have a lucky journey!"

"May you achieve great success!"

Jiang Tiantao immediately cupped his hands in greeting. He saw his father, Jiang Haohai, stroking his silver beard with a broad smile. Ma Yunshan, Ning Daotong, and the others waved goodbye, their smiling faces full of anticipation. Only Poisonous Lady and Upturned Nose remained silent, their expressions cold. So, he clasped his hands above his head and said loudly, "Thank you all for your blessings. I will bring good news upon my return to the fortress!" After saying this, he turned and spurred his horse. Xiaoqing raised her head and neighed joyfully, galloping away like the wind, disappearing into the valley in the blink of an eye.

Jiang Tiantao sat on his flying steed, breaking through the misty white fog. The heavy coolness made him feel refreshed. He had initially thought that entering Jiugongbao and residing in Yiran Pavilion would be like entering a cage, preventing him from contacting his cousin again and secretly investigating the whereabouts of "Embroidered Robe." Unexpectedly, everything progressed much more smoothly than he had imagined. Although the whereabouts of "Embroidered Robe" were still unknown, given that he had secured a stable position within the fortress, he was certain that a result would be forthcoming soon. After entering Jiugongbao, he didn't intend to focus solely on actively investigating the remaining aspects of "Embroidered Robe's" activities. However, an unexpected complication arose: the arrival of "Rainbow Dragon Girl."

The thought of Rainbow Dragon Girl reminded him of the "Golden and Silver Beauties" who held sway over Dongliang Mountain. Although both were young and beautiful girls, their fame had already spread throughout the martial arts world, while he himself was still a nobody. This thought ignited his ambition and heroic spirit; he thought: How could a seven-foot-tall man be defeated by three women? Therefore, he decided to do something momentous and shocking in the martial arts world at the headquarters of the Three Hairpins Gang, so that all the heroes of the land would know of him and me...

The thought of "Jiang Tiantao" made him shake his head in disappointment. His true identity was yet to be proven, he was still using a false name, and he hadn't even figured out his own affairs. What was the point of vying for fame or victory? With this thought, all his ambition and pride vanished.

Upon arriving in Xiushui County, he was already in Zhengniu. In the taverns and teahouses, the story of the legendary "Hook and Cudgel Double Strength Mountain-Pulling" being defeated by a blue-clad youth named Wei Ming was widely circulated. People described Wei Ming as handsome and incredibly skilled, but Jiang Tiantao felt no joy listening to this. Many people on the street stopped to stare at him, but no one could confirm that he was the rising star who had single-handedly injured the "Mountain-Pulling" warrior, the subject of much discussion in the taverns and teahouses.

He traveled from Xiushui to Xingzi, then through Pengze, past Guichi, and then down the Yangtze River to Wuhu. Dongliang Mountain stood majestically between Wuhu and Dangtu, surrounded by water on three sides, its shape treacherous. Facing Xiliang Mountain on the opposite bank, it formed a natural barrier controlling the Yangtze River waterway. The mountains are rugged and towering, with sheer cliffs and towering pines and bamboos. Since the Three Beauties Gang established its headquarters, the perilous parts have become even more dangerous, while the beautiful parts are like a paradise on earth. Between the southeast, southwest, and due south slopes, there are three bustling towns built against the mountains, resembling small cities. The streets are wide, shops are numerous, and pedestrians throng shoulder to shoulder, mostly merchants crossing the river for trade.

On this day, the sun had already set, and the sky was filled with the glow of sunset. Jiang Tiantao, weary from his journey, rushed into the entrance of one of the large towns on the southwest slope in the deep twilight. The streetlights were just coming on, and pedestrians were bustling about, it was evening market time. In the restaurants, pots and pans clattered, and the aroma of fine wine wafted through the air. In the teahouses, the sounds of sheng (a type of reed pipe instrument) and singing filled the air, with loud cheers fully displaying the joy and unrestrained spirit of those enjoying tea and music.

Jiang Tiantao's journey had been remarkably smooth. Although every major county and town had a branch of the Three Beauties Gang, no one had dared to question him. Looking around, he saw a peaceful and prosperous scene, devoid of any lurking fear or tension despite being so close to the Three Beauties Gang's headquarters. Jiang Tiantao had long heard of the Three Beauties Gang's strict discipline and the Golden Hairpins' effective leadership; the smooth journey and the bustling atmosphere of this large town seemed to confirm the rumors. He dismounted in front of a large inn, and two waiters immediately rushed over, one pulling his horse, the other ushering him inside.

Jiang Tiantao chose a quiet, superior room and ordered a meal. While having dinner, he carefully considered the precautions he should take when visiting the mountain. He felt he could handle everything, except perhaps encountering the Jade Fan Scholar, Huangfu Yang. After a hurried meal, Jiang Tiantao strolled out of the shop. He needed to find someone from the Three Beauties Gang's branch there to deliver the Nine Palaces Fortress's visiting card to the main altar overnight, so that they could pay their respects at the mountain pass the next morning. As

Jiang Tiantao stepped out of the shop, the first thing he saw across the street was the largest and most luxurious teahouse. The teahouse across the street was brightly lit, a three-story building with vermilion lacquer carved beams and green-tiled painted rafters, exuding an antique charm. The street-facing side had no doors or windows, so he could clearly see the glittering hairpins of the singing girls and the swaying shadows of the tea drinkers on the third floor. On the third floor, a large, dark plaque, about ten feet long, was inscribed with three large, gold-lacquered characters: "Yuanyunlou" (圆韵楼). The calligraphy was vigorous and powerful, like a soaring dragon, clearly the work of a great calligrapher.

After seeing this, Jiang Tiantao concluded that members of the Three Beauties Gang must be staying in this luxurious teahouse, and thus, he headed straight for the teahouse across the street. Upon entering the teahouse, he found it exceptionally opulent. A gleaming, spiraling staircase, covered entirely in crimson velvet, curved upwards. Along the railing hung numerous exquisite, small, colorful palace lanterns, their twists and turns resembling a dancing dragon, a truly beautiful sight.

Jiang Tiantao, seeing this grandeur, hesitated at the top of the stairs. This was clearly a place where wealthy gentry and powerful merchants lavished their wealth, not a playground for ordinary peddlers or roughnecks. Just as he hesitated, a beautiful, heavily made-up tea server suddenly rushed down the stairs.

Upon seeing Jiang Tiantao, who stood at the top of the stairs, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword, the tea maid's almond-shaped eyes lit up. Like a fluttering butterfly, she hurried down, her voice sweet and charming, "Young master, please come up to the third floor!" In the blink of an eye, she was before Jiang Tiantao, raising an eyebrow, casting a flirtatious glance, and deliberately swaying her hips, appearing even more alluring and coquettish.

Jiang Tiantao, seeing this, mistook her for a courtesan, his heart skipped a beat, his handsome face flushed slightly, and he turned and fled in fright. The pretty tea lady had never seen such a dashing and handsome young man before. She quickly blocked the doorway, then curtsied and said with a smile, "Young master, please wait! It's almost Miss Leng Ping's turn. Especially with Master Yu of the White Tiger Hall here tonight, Miss Leng will surely sing with extra fervor."

Upon hearing "White Tiger Hall," Jiang Tiantao's heart skipped a beat, and he blurted out in a low voice, "Is that Yu Cunxin, known as the Golden Hook Sword?"

Seeing Jiang Tiantao address him by the name of Master Yu, the leader of the White Tiger Hall of the Three Hairpins Gang, the pretty tea lady couldn't help but glance at the sword hanging at Jiang Tiantao's waist. At the same time, she smiled knowingly and said, "Since you are a friend of Master Yu, you should go upstairs to support Miss Leng."

Jiang Tiantao quickly shook his head and said with a smile, "I have only heard of her name and do not know her personally. Please do not say anything when you go upstairs."

Seeing that Jiang Tiantao was willing to go upstairs, the tea girl immediately nodded and smiled happily, giving him a deep and affectionate glance. She then turned and led the way upstairs. Jiang Tiantao, who had never been to a brothel before, was eager to get things done. Although he was reluctant, he had no choice but to go upstairs to see what it was like in order to deliver the invitation to the mountain tonight.

When he reached the third floor, Jiang Tiantao's eyes lit up. The upstairs was colorful and the lights were dazzling. Most of the tea drinkers were neatly dressed and almost all the tea tables were occupied. A dozen or so young tea girls, carrying teapots and trays, moved between the tables of tea drinkers, each with a charming smile and a happy expression. On the east side, there was no tea table, but rather a smooth platform less than three feet high and about ten feet square. To the right of the platform, six pretty young women dressed in colorful clothes, each holding a musical instrument, sat side by side, tuning their instruments and testing their performance. They seemed oblivious to the hundreds of greedy eyes fixed on them from the platform, chatting and laughing amongst themselves. Looking around at the other tea drinkers, most were staring at the six girls in colorful clothes on the platform, pointing and commenting.

As Jiang Tiantao was observing them, a pretty tea server pointed and whispered, "That's Master Yu from the White Tiger Hall!"

Jiang Tiantao followed her gaze and saw three middle-aged men in brocade outfits sitting facing the platform at a specially prepared tea table. The one in the center, about thirty years old, wore a silver satin outfit and a matching strongman's hat, with a long sword slung across his shoulder; this must be the one wielding the Golden Hook Sword. Yu Cunxin, with his fair complexion, square face, thick eyebrows, and wide lips, exuded a fierce yet honest air, clearly a straightforward and cheerful man. He had no beard, only a short mustache, and was chatting and laughing with two middle-aged men dressed in blue and green outfits.

Jiang Tiantao glanced at them briefly, then heard the tea server apologetically say, "We're full right now, there are no good seats left, please make do, young master!"

Jiang Tiantao looked around and found himself at an empty table in the right corner. Although it was a bit far from the platform, the view was excellent, so he nodded happily and said, "This is perfect. Please bring a pot of Hangzhou Longjing tea!"

Seeing that Jiang Tiantao showed no displeasure, the tea server was very pleased, smiled charmingly, and turned to leave. Because the tea house was full of patrons, chatting and laughing, their eyes fixed on the beautiful women, no one noticed Jiang Tiantao quietly sitting in a corner. Jiang Tiantao took a few sunflower seeds from the fruit platter that had been laid out beforehand, eating them slowly while considering how to deliver the visiting card to Jin Goujian. In

that instant, the curtain behind the platform flickered, and a middle-aged man in his thirties, dressed in gray, walked out with a beaming smile. The tea drinkers, who had been chatting and laughing, fell silent, followed by a murmur of discussion. Seeing this, Jiang Tiantao deduced that the next song would undoubtedly be performed by the famous singer Leng Ping.

Sure enough, the middle-aged man in gray walked to the front of the stage, his face beaming, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and announced loudly, "Next up is the long-awaited Miss Leng Ping..." As soon as he finished speaking, the tea drinkers burst into enthusiastic applause.

Jiang Tiantao frowned slightly, took a sip of the Longjing tea that had been brought to him, and the middle-aged man in gray looked very proud. After the applause subsided, he continued to laugh loudly and said, "The song that Miss Leng is going to sing was requested by Master Yu of the White Tiger Hall..." After saying that, amidst another round of enthusiastic applause, he bowed deeply to the ground in front of the Golden Hook Sword.

Yu Cunxin, wielding the golden hook sword, suppressed a smile, his brows furrowed, exuding an air of arrogance. He merely gave a slight bow in return. The middle-aged man in gray, after bowing, straightened up and quickly stepped aside. Immediately afterward, through the movement of the curtain, a stunningly beautiful woman with flowing hair and jingling ornaments emerged, her head slightly bowed.

The tea drinkers throughout the building applauded enthusiastically, cheering in unison. Jiang Tiantao, sitting in a corner, couldn't help but be captivated. Her slender figure, thin yet not bony, revealed her to be a radiant and elegant beauty.

Jiang Tiantao's brows furrowed slightly as he gazed upon her, his praise flowing. In brothels and entertainment venues, there was no shortage of refined and beautiful courtesans, tea servers, and singers. But this young lady, Leng Ping, possessed such elegance and grace; if not for this place, who wouldn't praise her as a lady of noble birth?

In a flash, the singing girl Leng Ping walked to the center of the stage, her head bowed slightly, and she said in a sweet voice, "This humble servant, Leng Ping, from your humble teahouse, is deeply grateful for your patronage, and especially thanks to Master Yu for your presence." Having finished speaking, she gracefully swayed her hips and gave a slight curtsy to Jin Goujian.

The tea drinkers chuckled with delight, immediately stirring a flurry of excited chatter, all eyes turning to Jin Goujian, Yu Cunxin. Jin Goujian, Yu Cunxin, had already risen from his chair and hurriedly returned the greeting with clasped hands; judging from his wide, parting lips, he was undoubtedly being modest towards Leng Ping.

After Leng Ping finished her curtsy, her bright, autumn-water-like eyes swept across the room. When she saw Jiang Tiantao sitting in the corner sipping tea, her phoenix eyes lit up. But she only paused for a moment, then lowered her eyes, nodded slightly, and gently retreated to the bright chair that had been prepared for her, slowly sitting down.

Jiang Tiantao was startled, secretly thinking: Could this Miss Leng Ping be a woman of profound skill, possessing hidden brilliance and unassuming talent?

In that instant, a pretty young woman carrying a moon lute presented it to Leng Ping. Leng Ping calmly accepted the lute, her slender fingers gracefully plucking a string. A clear, resonant note filled the entire teahouse. At this moment, all the tea drinkers fell silent, utterly still. No one drank tea, ate food, or moved; everyone stared intently at Leng Ping on the platform.

Leng Ping tuned the strings, slowly raised her head, glanced at Jiang Tiantao seemingly intentionally, and then said sweetly, "This humble concubine offers you gentlemen a piece of 'Su Zhong Qing' (A Song of Deepest Feelings)." The moment the words "Su Zhong Qing" were uttered, the entire hall erupted in enthusiastic applause.

Yu Cunxin, the Golden Hook Sword, had always harbored a secret crush on this young lady, Leng Ping. Every time he descended the mountain, he would come to request her song, practically wasting all his time there. However, this top courtesan, the queen of courtesans, Leng Ping, seemed to have never paid any attention to this devoted White Tiger Hall Master. Yu Cunxin, the Golden Hook Sword, only then noticed Leng Ping's phoenix eyes light up, and his heart fluttered. He gradually realized that Leng Ping wasn't looking at him, and a feeling of frustration and displeasure immediately arose in his heart.

At this moment, the applause subsided, and Leng Ping immediately plucked the strings with her slender fingers, gently parted her cherry lips, and her soft voice, like pearls tinkling, slowly rose and fell: "West Tower… Yang Yi… Mo Sheng Yan, Han Shao Luo Man Tian, Dong Shi… Du Tou… Bo Wan, Yi Chuo Mu Lan Chuan… Hua Tai Shi… Jiu Yin Yuan… Zu Chun Lian!" "The screen opens to reveal verdant mountains, exquisite beauty... the rain falls gently, all... all... sorrow..."

The song's melody was melodious, its lingering notes resonating, truly moving and unforgettable. After the song ended, the entire teahouse fell silent for a moment, then erupted in enthusiastic applause and cheers that lasted for a long time. Jiang Tiantao's mind was completely captivated by Leng Ping's clear and melodious voice; only now did he realize how enchanting a beautiful song could be.

The applause jolted Jiang Tiantao awake, and at the same time, he realized that Leng Ping, holding her moon lute and smiling in gratitude, was looking at him with her bright, clear eyes. Just then, he suddenly saw Yu Cunxin, the Golden Hook Swordsman, sitting at a specially prepared tea table in front of the stage, suddenly press his hands down... The tabletop suddenly stood upright.

The entire teahouse was startled; the cheers and applause ceased abruptly, and all eyes turned in alarm to Jin Goujian. Leng Ping, the young lady who had been thanking the guests on stage, frowned slightly, picked up her zither, and rose, not even glancing at Jin Goujian, before walking straight backstage.

Jin Goujian, Yu Cunxin, with his thick, bushy eyebrows, pale face, and seemingly trembling slightly, glared angrily at Leng Ping's retreating figure before abruptly turning around. His eyes, sharp and cold, flashed across the faces of every teahouse guest, and even the two middle-aged men sitting beside him stood up in surprise. The entire teahouse was terrified, their faces changing drastically, all frozen in fear. No one knew what had angered this old man, Mr. Yu.

Suddenly, Jin Goujian's tiger-like eyes lit up, his expression changing again. His piercing gaze abruptly settled on Jiang Tiantao, who remained calmly sipping his tea. Jin Goujian noticed Jiang Tiantao's sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes, his extraordinary bearing, his blue scholar's robe and long sword at his waist—clearly no ordinary handsome young man. At the same time, he also deduced that the beautiful, ethereal Leng Ping, and the guest who frequently sent him flirtatious glances, must also be this elegant, sword-wielding youth. Anger, jealousy, and curiosity drove him to abruptly move his chair and walk directly towards Jiang Tiantao. The other two burly middle-aged men in tight-fitting clothes, seemingly masters of the incense master level, immediately followed closely behind. Behind Yu Cunxin

, many of the tea drinkers in the entire building stood up nervously. The more timid ones began to quietly slip downstairs. Anyone could see that a fight was about to break out. Jiang Tiantao, sitting quietly in a corner, couldn't help but smile inwardly when he saw the fierce and angry Golden Hook Sword approaching him. He thought, "I was just looking for you; it's even better that you've come yourself.

" In the blink of an eye, the Golden Hook Sword was already at the table. But his inner impulse compelled him to walk towards Jiang Tiantao. Reaching the table, he forced a smile and clasped his hands in a fist, saying, "I am Yu Cunxin, the Golden Hook Sword, the head of the White Tiger Hall of the Three Hairpins Gang's headquarters. May I ask your esteemed name, your hometown, and the purpose of your visit?"

Seeing Jin Goujian clasp his hands in a smiling gesture, Jiang Tiantao hurriedly rose to return the greeting, saying humbly, "So it's Hall Master Yu. I've heard so much about you. My surname is Wei, and my given name is Ming..." Jin

Goujian, Yu Cunxin, frowned upon hearing the name Wei Ming, looking quite confused. The name seemed familiar, but his mood was so unpleasant that he couldn't quite place it. The two incense masters standing behind him had already changed their expressions drastically. One of them, dressed in a blue satin outfit, quickly tugged at Jin Goujian's sleeve and whispered, "The Double-Hooked Strike Technique, 'Mountain-Uplifting Strength'!"

Upon hearing this, Jin Goujian shuddered involuntarily, then immediately seemed to understand and exclaimed, "So it's the young hero Wei who injured 'Mountain-Uplifting Strength' with a single palm strike! My apologies, my apologies!" As he spoke, he repeatedly clasped his hands in a gesture of respect.

Jiang Tiantao also hurriedly cupped his hands, saying humbly, "I dare not, I dare not. I am just a lowly headmaster of Jiugongbao!"

Upon hearing this, the three men with the Golden Hook Sword were all stunned, almost simultaneously exclaiming in surprise, "Wasn't Young Hero Wei chosen as Miss Wang's husband?" Jiang

Tiantao smiled faintly and said, "Miss Wang has been betrothed to Young Master Jiang Tiantao since childhood, how could she dare to marry someone else?"

Upon hearing Young Master Jiang Tiantao, all six of the three men's eyes lit up at the same time. The burly man in green immediately said in a deep voice, "Speaking of your Nine Palaces Fortress's Young Master Jiang Tiantao, the leaders of the three halls are furious..."

Jiang Tiantao's heart trembled upon hearing this, and he couldn't help but ask in surprise, "Why?"

The Golden Hook Sword immediately explained with a smile, "It's because your fortress's Young Master, relying on his superior martial arts, obstructed our gang's pursuit of the murderer on the Songtao official road and injured the leader of our branch..."

Jiang Tiantao hurriedly explained, "That was entirely a misunderstanding."

The Golden Hook Sword immediately frowned in confusion and said, "How can you say it was a misunderstanding?"

Jiang Tiantao couldn't explain himself clearly, so he could only smile calmly and say, "This matter can only be discussed with your esteemed leader, Master Fu." Upon

hearing this, the three men, including Jin Goujian, mistakenly assumed that Jiang Tiantao was dissatisfied with Jiugongbao and had come to the Sanchai Gang specifically to seek employment. Therefore, they exclaimed with delight, "Young hero

, have you come to serve our gang?" Jiang Tiantao smiled faintly and immediately cupped his hands, saying, "I am here on the orders of our former fortress master, the Land God Dragon Jiang Haohai, to pay my respects to your esteemed leader, Master Jinchai Fu." As he spoke, he took out his visiting card and presented it to Jin Goujian with both hands, saying, "Please have someone deliver this to the main altar, Master Yu, so that I may pay my respects tomorrow morning."

Jin Goujian accepted the visiting card with both hands. Since it was sent in the name of the renowned Jiang Laobao Master, and addressed to their leader, Jin Goujian dared not be careless or impolite. He respectfully accepted the card and immediately said with a slightly excited expression, "I will return to the main altar immediately to present it to the leader, and I request that you, young hero, grace us with your presence tomorrow morning!" Having said this, he bowed slightly and, along with the other two, turned and walked towards the entrance.

Jiang Tiantao had already clasped his hands in greeting and said loudly, "I thank you for your trouble later!" He then left some loose silver and went downstairs.

Back at the inn, he bolted the door, turned off the lights, and lay down on the bed. Thinking of the scene at the teahouse, he couldn't help but smile. He hadn't expected things to go so smoothly; the visiting card had reached the main camp tonight. Recalling the words of Jin Goujian and the other two, it was clear that the Three Hairpins Gang was still extremely angry about what had happened on the eastern official road of Songtao City. However, they seemed unaware that the murderer, dressed in black and with a black silk veil, was their Chief Inspector, Rainbow Dragon Girl. This indicated that it was a closely guarded secret within their Three Beauties Gang. He

then thought of the singer, Leng Ping. Although she was a courtesan, her martial arts skills were certainly no less than those of Sister Xue and Sister Ling. If she was indeed a skilled martial artist, why would she disguise herself as a singer and perform at the foot of the Three Beauties Gang's headquarters? He pondered repeatedly, and finally, he felt something was amiss!

Just then, he heard a rapid whooshing sound of clothes tearing through the air, coming from afar. Jiang Tiantao frowned slightly, sensing the newcomer's impressive lightness skill. With a whoosh, the person was on the rooftop, flying past as if by air. Jiang Tiantao could tell that the person had obviously gone to Dongliang Mountain, and he concluded that the person must be a member of the Three Beauties Gang, so he didn't pay much attention to it. A moment later, another rapid whooshing sound of clothes tearing through the air came from the direction of Dongliang Mountain.

Jiang Tiantao's heart skipped a beat. The speed and the whooshing sound of the approaching figure were strikingly similar to the person who had just passed by. In a flash, the person had already sped past on the rooftop. Suddenly, the person who had sped past returned shortly after, and with a whoosh, headed back towards Dongliang Mountain.

Jiang Tiantao was furious, convinced that the person was deliberately provoking him and was clearly after him. Enraged, he leaped up, sword in his left hand, and pushed open the window with his right. His long body soared onto the rooftop, and he quickly scanned the area. He saw a figure already outside the town. Jiang Tiantao exclaimed inwardly how fast he was, and unleashed his lightness skill, chasing after the swift figure dozens of feet away. Reaching the edge of the town, he found the person already at the foot of the mountain, heading straight for a treacherous mountain pass. He

sped back and forth across the rooftops, and finally, he decided to give chase to see who this person was, what their purpose was in luring him out. With his mind made up, he quickened his pace and chased after the figure as he entered the mountain pass. The figure had already crossed a green valley and was rushing towards a horizontal ridge. Jiang Tiantao feared that if he ventured deeper into the mountains, he might encounter the Three Hairpins Gang's open and hidden stakeouts. Being discovered would be extremely detrimental to his mountain worship the next morning, and would also be a great loss of face. In a moment of urgency, he unleashed his full lightness skill, his figure moving like a shooting star, and in the blink of an eye, he had

caught up with the figure on the horizontal ridge. Looking again, he saw that the figure was already rushing deeper into the mountains along the edge of a cliff. He rushed down the ridge, following along the edge, getting closer and closer to the figure. As Jiang Tiantao sped along, he couldn't help but feel a little suspicious. If the person had intentionally led him here, why hadn't the person ever looked back to check? As he drew closer, he focused his gaze, and his whole body trembled, his expression changing instantly.

He realized that the figure ahead was slender and small, dressed in black—clearly a woman. The image of the Rainbow Dragon Girl immediately flashed through his mind. At the same time, he suddenly realized that the precipice they were walking on might be the "Secret Path" mentioned by the Qi-Lu Twin Heroes. According to the Qi-Lu Twin Heroes, the Secret Path was a secret route used by high-ranking figures of the Hall Master level and above to go up and down the mountain. There were no sentries, no hidden stakes, and no traps or obstacles. However, without superb lightness skills to enter, it was impossible to get in.

With this thought in mind, he became even more certain that the slender figure rushing ahead was Rainbow Dragon Girl. Since he already knew it was "Rainbow Dragon Girl," he felt there was no need to chase any further, and thus hesitated a little. By this time, they had already bypassed several extremely steep peaks and cliffs, and indeed, they did not encounter anyone blocking or questioning them. Jiang Tiantao's heart stirred. Since there was no fear of being discovered when entering the main altar, why not keep an eye on Rainbow Dragon Girl and investigate her situation? At the same time, he could secretly listen to how Rainbow Dragon Girl would explain her trip to Jiugongbao to Jin and Yin Chai about his visit to the mountain tomorrow, so that he could be prepared in advance.

With his mind made up, he continued forward, shifting from pursuit to following, proceeding cautiously to prevent the Rainbow Dragon Girl from discovering his presence. He had witnessed her lightness skill, swordsmanship, and internal energy more than once, so he had to be extra careful. At the same time, he diligently memorized the path for easy return later.

This winding path was indeed incredibly treacherous. After rounding several peaks and cliffs, he reached a towering, seemingly endless precipice. Due to the lack of light in the night sky, the area below the precipice was utterly dark. Upon reaching its base, the figure had vanished. Below the precipice, grass grew taller than a man's neck, and strange rocks formed a forest, stretching as far as the eye could see. The precipice itself was sheer, as if cut by a knife, with wild vines crisscrossing and pine trees leaning against protruding rocks. At first glance, its summit seemed to reach the stars in the sky. Upon

closer inspection, the slender figure was nowhere to be seen ascending the precipice. Jiang Tiantao stood there for a moment, hesitant. Should he try to climb the precipice? If he went up, he would inevitably lose Rainbow Dragon Girl, and without a guide, he would be unable to enter the main altar. It was better not to go to avoid being discovered. But he was truly unwilling to make a wasted trip, so in the end, he decided to go up and take a look.

So, he tightened the sword at his waist, carefully surveyed the surroundings, leaped onto the cliff, looked up, and soared into the air, heading straight for the summit as if ascending. Stepping on sloping pines, touching protruding rocks, climbing vines and clinging to creepers, the nearly hundred-zhang-high sheer cliff was almost at the edge in an instant! Jiang Tiantao was afraid that there might be someone on the cliff, so when he was still seven or eight zhang away from the edge, he immediately changed his nimble movements.

Reaching the edge, he grabbed a thick vine, and under the cover of several mountain flowers, he peeked out, and his eyes suddenly lit up. On the seemingly endless cliff, a mere few feet high, slightly undulating yet relatively flat, sloped gently downwards to reveal a garden filled with flowers and pavilions. Opposite the garden, a low wall with perforated flowers stretched out, beyond which, nestled among pine and bamboo, stood magnificent pavilions and painted beams, many with lights shining from their windows. Jiang Tiantao

frowned, somewhat disappointed. He hadn't expected that the top of the cliff would be the inner courtyard of the Three Hairpins Gang's headquarters. He deduced that the Golden Hairpin Fu Liying, the Silver Hairpin Huangfu Xiang, and the Jade Hairpin Rainbow Dragon Girl must all reside in these magnificent pavilions. At the same time, he also deduced that the Qi Lu Twins... Although Xia knew of a secret path leading to the main altar, neither he nor Jiang Tiantao knew it led to the inner courtyard of the Three Beauties.

Recalling the slender figure they had just seen rushing into the inner courtyard, he was even more certain that it was Rainbow Dragon Girl. The thought of Rainbow Dragon Girl stirred his heart again; this was a golden opportunity to find out how she had spoken to the Golden Chai, one he couldn't afford to miss. With that thought, he pressed his right palm against the cliff face and leaped up.

Just as he took flight, a soft, giggling voice suddenly came from behind a clump of flowering trees ahead. Jiang Tiantao was startled; he leaped sideways a foot, subtly concealing himself. He stood behind a large rock, unable to

calm himself for a long time. Suddenly, he heard a girl's disdainful voice say, "Hmph, although Du Jingyun boasts of being a swordsman skilled in both literature and martial arts, the Commander-in-Chief has never taken him seriously."

Jiang Tiantao realized they were talking about a man named Du Jingyun who had a crush on Huangfu Xiang, the Silver Hairpin. Before he could finish his thought, he heard another girl say, seemingly understanding, "Some people say that the Chief has a crush on Yuan Zijian..."

A girl with a deeper voice immediately said dismissively, "Yuan Zijian is a poet and writer, and he's very self-confident. He often implies that he's the reincarnation of Cao Zhi from the Later Han Dynasty. The Chief even sent him to..." Sister Hong secretly warned him, "Don't spout nonsense anymore!"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Tiantao realized they were talking about secret crushes on the three beauties. He had no interest in listening and immediately stealthily made his way along a grove of flowering trees towards the low wall. After advancing a few feet,

he

glanced back and saw six young women, all dressed in matching silk outfits and with swords strapped to their backs, sitting cross-legged under the flowering trees. Judging from their attire and the time, these six women must be guards stationed at the cliff edge. They were confident no one would dare attack them, which was why they were gathered together, discussing who had a crush on the gang leader, the president, and the chief inspector.

Jiang Tiantao glanced at the six girls, who were still chatting animatedly, and couldn't help but smile inwardly. Beyond the garden was a low wall, inside which low pines lined the path, and the open spaces were planted with vibrant, creeping wildflowers, creating an elegant and beautiful scene. Between the magnificent pavilions and towers, long corridors connected the ground level, and flying bridges linked the upper floors, making it resemble the palace of a high-ranking prince.

Jiang Tiantao leaped over the low wall and walked along the outer edge of a long corridor, heading deeper into the garden. He was certain that the Rainbow Dragon Girl, who had just returned, would first go to see her eldest sister, so he paid special attention to the brightly lit vermilion pavilions. As he proceeded, he discovered a delicate square house surrounded by woven bamboo vines and covered in purple violets on a lush lawn. Bright lights shone from the four large windows, and deep, anxious voices could be heard emanating from them.

Jiang Tiantao's heart stirred, and he floated forward lightly, his movements utterly silent. Upon reaching the bamboo grove, Jiang Tiantao found it to be about two zhang (approximately 6.6 meters) from the window. Not daring to enter through the round doorway, he secretly gathered his inner energy, leaped into the air, and slowly descended, landing as softly as cotton. Reaching the window, he casually picked up a blade of grass and secretly poked a small hole in the paper windowpane. Peeking inside, he was utterly disappointed.

Inside the elegantly furnished square room, sitting around a table were an old Taoist priest with gray hair, an old nun with frosty eyebrows, and four old men with white beards. All four—the nun, the Taoist priest, and the four old men—looked troubled, sighing frequently, as if they were facing a pressing and unsolvable problem.

An elderly man in a coarse cloth robe, sitting on the north side, lightly lifted the table and said with annoyance

, "I, Zhu Shangxian, have practiced medicine for decades, and I have seen countless strange and difficult-to-treat illnesses..." Before the old man surnamed Zhu could finish speaking, the gray-haired old Taoist priest immediately said anxiously, "The most difficult thing is to answer three questions without giving a reply. Observation, questioning, diagnosis, and palpation, though considered the skills of a quack doctor, cannot be said to reveal the cause of illness just by looking at the face, unless one is a reincarnation of Hua Tuo (a legendary Chinese physician)."

An elderly man in a hempen robe, sitting on the west side, said with a serious face, "My first prescription is fritillaria cirrhosa, clematis root, red sandalwood, dried tangerine peel, angelica root tail, and old ginger, decocted in water, mixed with wine and honey, and taken with two qian of mung bean frost..."

Before the old man in the hempen robe could finish speaking, the old nun with frosty eyebrows immediately interjected helplessly, "Even if you prescribe lingzhi mushrooms and he shou wu (Polygonum multiflorum), what use is it if the patient doesn't take it?"

Jiang Tiantao realized that several old doctors were having a discussion about how they couldn't cure their patients. So, he shook his head secretly and turned to leave. As he moved, he suddenly heard another strong voice, sounding melancholy: "She hasn't eaten or taken medicine for three days, and the gang leader has been sitting by her bedside for three days, neglecting gang affairs and not coming downstairs..."

Jiang Tiantao frowned upon hearing this, thinking: Who is sick that would make the leader of the Three Hairpins Gang so concerned, staying by her bedside for three days and neglecting gang affairs? Then, a thought struck him, and he became anxious. If Jin Chai really was neglecting gang affairs, wouldn't he be unable to receive her during tomorrow's mountain visit? With this thought in mind, he involuntarily stopped again. He wanted to hear clearly who was ill that made Jin Chai so concerned.

Glancing around, he saw the old man in black, who said anxiously, "If we can't come up with a good solution tonight, the Chief will definitely be furious. Didn't you five understand what Chunhong meant? The Chief isn't as humble as he was a couple of days ago."

The old nun with frost-browed eyebrows sighed, "Judging from her complexion, she's probably been overworked while on patrol, exposed to the wind and sun, which has caused her illness. Secondly, she's always been elusive and mysterious, determined to maintain her nickname, Rainbow Dragon Girl, for life..."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Tiantao's whole body trembled, his face instantly changing, and he almost cried out. He never expected that the one who was ill was Rainbow Dragon Girl. Then he thought of the slender figure he had just seen—who was that? In his panic, he saw the old Taoist priest in gray robes again, who said anxiously, "If this continues, without food or drink, the Grand Inspector will perish in seven days!"

Jiang Tiantao's heart skipped a beat upon hearing this. He immediately recalled the poem Rainbow Dragon Girl had shot into the Nine Palaces Fortress, and what shocked him most were the two words "final words" beneath the purple-blooded jade hairpin mark on the silk handkerchief. Thinking of this, his mind was in turmoil, and he could no longer calm down. He decided that he must find Rainbow Dragon Girl tonight and explain everything to her. So, he quietly walked to the bamboo raft, stepped off, and sneaked into the depths of the inner courtyard. At this moment, he had no time to think about who the slender figure he had just seen was.

Deep within the inner courtyard, there were rows of exquisite houses and towers... The buildings were like a forest, and the guards were mostly young girls carrying swords. The deeper he went, the more difficult it became. He looked up and saw that some tall buildings were brightly lit, while others were dimly lit, some windows were half-open, and others were draped in heavy gauze curtains. Jiang Tiantao knew that the patient was afraid of light and should not be exposed to drafts, so he deduced that the Rainbow Dragon Girl's place must be dimly lit and draped in heavy gauze curtains. So, he quietly crept to the nearest tall building, glanced up at the dimly lit window on the third floor, concentrated his inner energy, and held his breath as he ascended.

At this moment, he only knew that he needed to find the "Rainbow Dragon Girl" as soon as possible. He had already ignored the serious consequences of being discovered by the guards and having to openly present his invitation while secretly exploring the back mountain. When he reached the halfway point, he looked around and saw that the front mountain in the distance was dotted with shadowy houses, their roofs scattered with lights, stretching as far as the eye could see. Jiang Tiantao knew that this was the main headquarters of the Three Hairpins Gang, but he had not expected that the area would be so vast, with at least a thousand houses.

Looking up, his expression changed. He saw that on the three-story flying bridge, every few feet, stood a young woman in green, carrying a sword, with even stricter guards than those on the ground floor. Jiang Tiantao dared not go up rashly. He hid in a dark corner to observe. Fortunately, the night sky was moonless and high and distant; if he remained silent, he wouldn't be discovered by the guards on the third-floor flying bridge.

He took another closer look at all the tall buildings. Besides this building, which had dim lighting, another building not far away also had dim lights on its third floor. He hoped this building belonged to the Rainbow Dragon Girl, Xiao Xiangzhen; otherwise, it would be a waste of effort. Finally, he decided to use the shadows of the corner of the building on the ground to slowly ascend, since there was no flying bridge or flying bridge on the north side.

With his mind made up, he climbed close to the wall and, sure enough, smoothly reached the back window on the third floor. The back window was wide, fitted with gauze curtains and hanging lace drapes. Soft light shone through the lace latticework. Jiang Tiantao forced himself to calm his uneasy mind. He hesitated, unsure whether he should peek inside, as stealing from a young girl's boudoir was always a reckless act.

Just as he was wavering, a clear, youthful voice came from inside the window: "Miss, how are you? Are you feeling better?"

A languid response followed. Jiang Tiantao's spirits lifted, and he was suddenly excited. He was certain the young lady inside was Rainbow Dragon Girl Xiao Xiangzhen. So, he cautiously peeked in. What he saw first was the room: a ceiling gleaming like silver and white steam filling the air. Jiang Tiantao was utterly bewildered. He couldn't fathom why there was steam. Peeking further in, his expression changed drastically, and he swayed several times, nearly falling down the stairs.

In the center of the room stood a large bathtub decorated with intricate gold floral patterns. A stunningly beautiful young woman, around twenty years old, had just finished bathing and was rising from the tub. Her alluring eyes and small, cherry-red lips were so captivating. Her snow-white, alabaster-like body was both full and tender. Her skin was whiter than snow, and a few beads of sweat mingled with the water droplets on her face, reflecting a rosy glow that was breathtakingly beautiful. Her smooth, white skin revealed two high, pink breasts, round and pointed, each topped with a bright red nipple. Her smooth abdomen, deep navel, and the area where her legs met, were covered in thick, dark, and fine pubic hair. Her vulva was slightly protruding, soft and boneless, and beneath the pubic hair, a thin slit of flesh was faintly visible, utterly alluring.

Jiang Tiantao was utterly shocked. Due to the angle, he hadn't seen her ethereal, fairy-like face. He gasped in horror and quickly closed his eyes. Just as he realized he had lost his voice, a terrified cry rang out from inside the room: "Xiao Fen, quickly go see who's outside!"

Jiang Tiantao shuddered upon hearing this, his face changing drastically, and he broke out in a cold sweat. It was already wrong to openly send a formal invitation and secretly spy, but to also sneak into a boudoir and peep on someone in love—if discovered, the stain would be impossible to wash away. Thinking this, he wished he could sprout wings and fly. Thinking of the sky, he instinctively looked up and immediately spotted the eaves of the roof. At that moment, he heard hurried footsteps coming from the corridor ahead. Without time to think, he gathered his inner energy and nimbly floated up to the eaves, quickly hiding himself in the shadows.

Just as he concealed himself, an angry, sharp voice rang out from the corridor: "Who's there?"

Jiang Tiantao was so frightened that he almost fell nearly a hundred feet off the ground. Just as he was about to climb back to the roof, he suddenly heard a woman say in a low voice, "Miss Fen, it's me!"

Jiang Tiantao looked up and saw a middle-aged woman in a backless dress, with a slightly charming figure, walking briskly from the bridge across the opposite building. She was smiling and waving to a pretty maid in pink standing at the bridge entrance. A maid in pink, Xiao Fen, smiled slightly and asked, "Aunt Gao, what's the matter?"

As she spoke, the middle-aged woman approached and immediately said with a smile, "Master Yu of the White Tiger Hall just returned from town. He said a man named Wei Ming wants to pay his respects."

Xiao Fen immediately snorted disdainfully and said impatiently, "Where did this Wei Ming come from? What mountain does he want to visit?"

The middle-aged woman immediately became serious and said, "Judging from Master Yu's nervous expression, this fellow named Wei Ming seems to be someone of great importance, which is why he forced me to deliver the visiting card to the leader immediately." As she spoke, she waved the large red visiting card in her hand to Xiao Fen.

Jiang Tiantao, hidden under the eaves, recognized it as the very visiting card he had given to "Golden Hook Sword" Yu Cunxin. Seeing the middle-aged woman's serious tone, Xiao Fen's previously disdainful expression vanished instantly, but she still haughtily snorted and said arrogantly, "In the martial arts world today, there's no one I don't know who's famous or influential, but I've never heard of anyone named Wei Ming." As she spoke, she impatiently snatched the visiting card from the middle-aged woman's hand.

Jiang Tiantao glanced at it and couldn't help but feel secretly annoyed, thinking: "This brat is so arrogant." Just then, he saw Xiao Fen, who was examining the visiting card, suddenly change her expression, her phoenix eyes widening as she stared at the middle-aged woman, exclaiming in surprise, "Ah, incredible! This is a visiting card from the old master of the Nine Palaces Fortress of Mufu Mountain, the Land Dragon Jiang!"

Jiang Tiantao looked at it and couldn't help but smile inwardly, thinking: "This little girl knows quite a lot. " Upon seeing Xiao Fen's expression, the middle-aged woman immediately smiled smugly, deliberately speaking slowly, "That's why you say it has a significant background!"

Xiao Fen asked in a somewhat reproachful tone, "Such an important matter should have been presented to the gang leader first. Why did you bring it to the president's residence first?"

Jiang Tiantao's heart skipped a beat, and he suddenly realized that the stunningly beautiful girl who had been bathing in the room earlier was none other than Huangfu Xiang, the Silver Hairpin. In that instant, he saw the middle-aged woman frown, saying with difficulty, "The gang leader hasn't inquired about gang affairs for three days. I dare not send it over..."

Before she could finish speaking, Xiao Fen seemed to remember something, beckoned to the middle-aged woman, and said urgently, "Come with me." She then turned and walked with the middle-aged woman towards the front corridor.

Jiang Tiantao, seeing this, was secretly delighted, inwardly thanking his heavens. He hadn't expected to suddenly turn misfortune into fortune, stumbling upon this by chance. At this moment, his heart was filled with joy, and he had completely forgotten where he was. He decided to sneak into the front corridor to investigate. In the blink of an eye, a silvery voice rang out from inside the room: "Xiao Fen, who is it?"

Jiang Tiantao recognized the voice as that of Yinchai Huangfuxiang. Xiao Fen replied in a suppressed, excited voice, "It's Aunt Gao."

Yinchai seemed somewhat surprised, pausing slightly before asking, "What's she doing here?"

Xiao Fen quickly explained, "She has a visiting card from Old Master Jiang of Jiugongbao."

The room suddenly fell silent, as if Yinchai Huangfuxiang had also been startled. Then, her hurried voice said, "Tell her not to leave, to wait for me in the guest room." As she spoke, the rustling sound of dressing immediately filled the room.

Jiang Tiantao pressed himself against the eaves, knowing Huangfuxiang was already dressed. His heart pounded inexplicably, and his handsome face flushed slightly. A moment passed, until all sound ceased from the room, before he remembered he had to sneak to the front porch to hear what Yinchai Huangfuxiang was saying. He dared not proceed along the corridor, for two young guards in green robes, carrying swords, stood at the corner. So, following the shadows of the eaves, he used the protruding carved wooden planks to suspend himself in mid-air, his feet dangling, his hands moving forward alternately.

After rounding the front corridor, he was incredibly lucky; only six or seven zhang away, at the entrance to another brightly lit high-rise building, stood two young guards. Even more coincidentally, right beneath his feet was the front window, where candlelight shone directly. He deduced that Huangfu Xiang, the Silver Hairpin, must be in the outer guest room questioning the middle-aged woman, but there was still some distance between where he was suspended and the building's entrance. If he moved to the entrance, he would likely be spotted by the two young guards at the bridge's entrance. Just

as he was in a dilemma, Huangfu Xiang's clear, melodious voice suddenly came from inside the window: "Xiao Fen, call her in."

Jiang Tiantao was overjoyed; he hadn't expected that where he was suspended was precisely the Silver Hairpin's bedroom. So, taking advantage of Xiao Fen calling for Aunt Gao and the sound of hurried footsteps approaching, he quickly straightened up, hooked his feet into the carved oak chair, and slowly lowered his upper body. Peering through the sheer curtains, he was struck by the dazzling brilliance; the room was radiant as silver, and a delicate, elegant fragrance wafted out.

Looking closer, he discovered that Huangfu Xiang's boudoir was furnished entirely in silver, with silver satin embroidered stools, a bright silver bed, brocade pillows and embroidered quilts, and silver silk curtains. Under the light of five silver candles, the room shimmered with a dazzling silver glow. After a long while, he finally saw a stunningly beautiful young woman, her head wrapped in a silver silk scarf, followed by a silver-threaded robe, sitting on a brocade stool by the window, facing the door.

He couldn't see Huangfu Xiang's face, only the smooth, jade-like breasts beneath her jade-like neck, and the deep cleavage hidden at the hem of her embroidered robe. Jiang Tiantao's heart skipped a beat. He immediately closed his eyes and shook his head fiercely. Just as he tightly closed his eyes and shook his head violently, he suddenly heard Huangfu Xiang, the woman with the silver hairpin, ask somewhat urgently, "Sister-in-law Gao, did Master Yu give this to you?"

Jiang Tiantao opened his eyes at the sound of her voice and found that in that instant of closing his eyes, Xiao Fen had already handed the visiting card to Huangfu Xiang, and the middle-aged woman was already standing in the doorway, responding with a "Yes."

Huangfu Xiang's delicate, jade-like hands, as tender as spring onions, gently unfolded the visiting card, seemingly reading the greetings on it carefully. Suddenly, her hair, bound with a silver silk scarf, swayed slightly. She then looked up at the middle-aged woman and asked urgently, "Do you know where Wei Ming, who came on behalf of Jiang Laobao, is now?"

The middle-aged woman replied respectfully, "According to Master Yu, he

's at Yuanyun Tower in Qide Town." Upon hearing this, Huangfu Xiang seemed somewhat surprised. She paused for a moment, then muttered disdainfully, "Hmph, just a scoundrel from a brothel."

Suddenly, she saw Xiao Fen standing beside the silver hairpin, pointing to the visiting card and asking in confusion, "Miss, who is this Wei Ming?"

Huangfu Xiang simply replied, "He's a young master who recently left his master's sect." Then, she turned to the middle-aged woman and continued, "When is he coming?"

The middle-aged woman replied respectfully, "I heard he's coming to pay his respects tomorrow morning."

Huangfu Xiang called out softly, then stood up, muttering to herself, "So early?" With that, she lowered her head slightly and began to pace around the room, seemingly considering how to receive Jiang Tiantao the next morning.

Only then did Jiang Tiantao see clearly that Huangfu Xiang's silver-embroidered robe trailed long on the white velvet carpet, revealing only two silver satin slippers. As he looked her over, he suddenly saw Huangfu Xiang stop and turn her face. It was the first time Jiang Tiantao had seen Huangfu Xiang's stunningly beautiful face, and his eyes lit up. Huangfu Xiang had willow-leaf eyebrows that slanted upwards, bright almond-shaped eyes, a delicate nose, and rosy cheeks, all perfectly proportioned on her tender face. Especially since she had just bathed and removed her makeup, she appeared even more elegant and refined, with a hint of heroic spirit. He truly hadn't expected that "Silver Hairpin" Huangfu Xiang would be so radiant and charming, with such a striking and spirited beauty.

Jiang Tiantao bent down and pressed himself against the eaves. At the same time, Xiao Fen's voice rang out from inside the room, asking, "Miss, where are you going?"

Huangfu Xiang replied hurriedly, "We must carefully discuss with the gang leader how to receive Wei Ming tomorrow. We also need to carefully consider the intentions behind Old Master Jiang's sudden dispatch of a young expert to pay his respects, so we can be mentally prepared."

As soon as she finished speaking, a middle-aged woman solemnly said, "According to Du Jingyun, the beautiful swordsman and leader of the Azure Dragon Hall, Old Master Jiang may have sent someone to apologize to the gang leader."

Huangfu Xiang immediately said dismissively, "Why?"

The middle-aged woman hesitated for a moment when Huangfu Xiang asked this question, before finally saying, "Because their young master of Jiugong Fort, Jiang Tiantao, is arrogant and domineering, and he injured our branch leader with his sword..."

Before the middle-aged woman could finish, Huangfu Xiang immediately retorted dismissively, "Why don't you say that we repeatedly questioned him and hindered his journey?"

The middle-aged woman seemed to remember something and suddenly said with certainty, "According to Yuan Zijian, the leader of the Spotted Leopard Hall, Old Master Jiang must have sent someone to apologize because Young Master Jiang said something insulting to the gang leader..."

Huangfu Xiang immediately asked in a deep voice, puzzled, "What did he say?"

Xiao Fen, who was helping Yinchai put on her clothes, immediately answered first, "Young Master Jiang asked if the golden chair in Cuiying Hall, which he could sit in at will, included the gang leader's chair."

Then Huangfu Xiang said nonchalantly, "That was just a naive joke, not worth taking to heart."

The room fell silent, and the middle-aged woman and Xiao Fen said nothing more. Jiang Tiantao was secretly puzzled. He felt that Huangfu Xiang, the Silver Hairpin, seemed to show particular favoritism towards the young master of Jiugong Fortress. But Huangfu Yang, the Jade Fan Scholar, was Huangfu Xiang's father. Would Huangfu Yang not have told his beloved daughter, Huangfu Xiang, about what happened at the Duck Tower on the Xiang River?

At this moment, he heard Huangfu Xiang instruct, "Quickly tell the nine stewards and six hall masters to come to the council hall immediately for urgent instructions." As soon as she finished speaking, the middle-aged woman immediately responded respectfully, "Yes."

Jiang Tiantao knew that the middle-aged woman was about to come out, and when she turned around, she would most likely discover his hiding place. In a moment of urgency, he leaped up onto the stairs.

By this time, the night sky had turned pale blue and was twinkling. A crescent moon had risen from the dark clouds in the east, and a layer of dim moonlight had rolled over the peaks and ridges of Dongliang Mountain. A cool breeze blew by, making Jiang Tiantao's mind suddenly refreshed. Therefore, he realized that it was time to leave.

Just then, footsteps echoed from the eaves and front porch. Jiang Tiantao, who was about to leave, instinctively looked down and saw Huangfu Xiang, dressed in a silver cloud-patterned robe, carrying a visiting card, walking towards the flying bridge where two young guards stood. Jiang Tiantao immediately understood, and at the same time, felt a pang of regret. He concluded that the brightly lit high-rise across the street was the Rainbow Dragon Girl's boudoir.

It was nearly four in the morning, and although he longed to go and see, time was running out, as dawn was breaking. Furthermore, the buildings were heavily guarded, and climbing to the brightly lit third floor across the street would not be easy. Therefore, he decided to return to the inn immediately and act according to the circumstances when he visited the mountain temple the next morning.

So, he quietly crossed the rooftop and nimbly descended from the shadows behind the building. Reaching the ground, he continued along the outer edge of the long corridor, stealthily making his way to the garden behind. Emerging from the towering pavilions, he found the lights still on in the square room on the lush lawn. He knew that the six highly skilled doctors still hadn't found a cure for the "Rainbow Dragon Girl."

He glanced heavily at the room, shook his head sadly, and crossed the low brick wall, heading towards the cliff edge along a row of dense flowering trees. As he went, he noticed that the several girls in green, fitted outfits who had been sitting together were gone. Jiang Tiantao concluded that they had returned to their posts, so he was extra cautious. Holding his breath, he moved with incredible agility, until he reached the shore, at which point his heart finally settled. Then, with a flash, he plunged down

the cliff. Reaching the bottom of the precipice, where the tall grass towered overhead, he leaped onto a large rock and was immediately stunned. He saw the entrance he had come from, with its strange rocks and rows of trees, six or seven in total. He couldn't tell which of the rocks and trees was the entrance he had come from. Seeing this, Jiang Tiantao panicked. He hadn't expected the entrance to the narrow path to be so cleverly constructed...

He knew that only one of the entrances on the opposite side was correct; the others must have hidden and overt agents of the Three Hairpins Gang. Therefore, he deeply regretted not making a mark when he arrived. In his haste, he instinctively stamped his foot and muttered anxiously, "This is really bad." No sooner

had he spoken than a loud crash came from between the third row of strange rocks and trees. Jiang Tiantao was startled. Following the sound, he saw a small tree inside the third entrance shaking violently. Looking closely, he saw nothing beneath the tree; he assumed it was a small animal like a mountain rat or rabbit, and dismissed it.

He turned to look at the sharp rocks and vines on the cliff behind him, trying hard to recall which way he had climbed the precipice. What he saw shocked him. He then realized that the protruding rocks and vines on the cliff were also cleverly disguised, almost identical to the originals. Just as he was staring blankly at the cliff, he suddenly heard the whooshing sound of a hidden weapon shooting towards the back of his head.

Jiang Tiantao's heart skipped a beat, and he turned around abruptly. He saw a white shadow, which was already in front of him with a whoosh. Jiang Tiantao did not dare to be careless. He twirled his right index and middle fingers and caught the flying hidden weapon.

As soon as the hidden weapon entered his fingers, Jiang Tiantao couldn't help but feel a jolt, because the hidden weapon that entered his hand no longer had its strong momentum. He hurriedly looked down and saw that it was a white stone the size of a pigeon egg. Judging from the direction the white stone flew from, Jiang Tiantao should be at the third entrance. But when he looked around, apart from the mountain grass and small trees swaying in the wind, everything in the third row of trees and strange rocks was quiet. He realized that this white stone was thrown with normal force, not by flicking his wrist with internal force. Suddenly, his mind clicked and he realized that this person must have been secretly guiding him to take the third entrance. So, he was overjoyed and leaped forward.

Upon entering the third entrance, Jiang Tiantao immediately spotted a slender figure flashing past behind a small clump of trees a dozen or so feet away. Without a second thought, he blurted out a low shout, "Who's there?" With that shout, he leaped into the air, lunging towards the slender figure.

But as he soared, the figure swiftly turned and sped forward, as fast as a fleeing rabbit and as swift as an arrow. Although Jiang Tiantao knew the other meant no harm, he was secretly annoyed that the figure hadn't stopped. Seeing the figure turn and flee, he let out a soft hum, unleashing his full lightness skill, his figure like a wisp of smoke, chasing after the fleeing figure with lightning speed. The slender figure ahead, seeing Jiang Tiantao's lightning-fast movements, seemed startled. A cold glint flashed in its two piercing eyes, and then it vanished in a flash.

Jiang Tiantao caught up and abruptly stopped, frantically scanning the area. Apart from ancient trees and strange rocks, there wasn't a soul in sight. He exclaimed in surprise, wondering: Who is this person? How could they be so familiar with this highly secret path of the Three Beauties Gang?

Of course, he knew the person had already left the path, but he dared not pursue them, not only because he was unfamiliar with the terrain, but also because he feared encountering Three Beauties Gang sentries. He stood there angrily for a moment, carefully surveying the surroundings, then unleashed his lightness skill and headed straight down the mountain. As he advanced, he found the scenery on both sides to be exactly the same as before, which reassured him as he sped along. Once

he emerged from the mountain pass, he was at the foot of the mountain, not far from Qide Town. Upon reaching the town, he leaped onto the rooftops. Looking back at the foot of the mountain, it remained quiet. He felt the person was quite shrewd and would certainly not follow him now. He entered the inn through the back window, bolted the doors, sheathed his sword, and collapsed onto the bed, his thoughts churning, unable to sleep.

His first question was: who was that slender, dark figure? Of course, it was undoubtedly a woman. But who was she? If it was Rainbow Dragon Girl Xiao Xiangzhen, she had been bedridden for three days, and the leader of the Three Hairpins Gang, Golden Hairpin Fu Liying, had been sitting by her bedside for three days, neglecting gang affairs. Therefore, he concluded it couldn't be Jade Hairpin Xiao Xiangzhen; besides, she couldn't possibly know he had arrived in Qide Town at dusk.

So, who was this woman who had kindly led him into the back and then lured him out? He had also considered Leng Ping, the singing girl at Yuanyun Tower. However, even if she were a courtesan using her identity as a singer to conceal her actions for some reason, it would be impossible for her to know the layout of the Three Beauties Gang's secret paths so thoroughly.

In the end, he concluded that she was a female expert within the Three Beauties Gang, extremely close to the three beauties or six hall masters. He thought that when he visited the mountain tomorrow, he would pay close attention to the female experts; it wouldn't be difficult to discern some clues.

The image of Huangfu Xiang, the Silver Hairpin, bathing flashed through his mind as he recalled the visit to the mountain. He unconsciously shook his head and sighed in shame. Based on Huangfu Xiang's words, he deduced that she and Fu Liying, the Golden Hairpin, were completely unaware of why Xiao Xiangzhen, the Jade Hairpin, was ill. They also wouldn't know that their beautiful and talented sister had once gone to Jiugongbao to demand answers, leaving a hairpin and a poem, and engaging in a fierce

battle with the Jiugongbao masters. Now, his visit had not only shocked the Three Hairpins Gang but also caused discussion and commotion among all its members. Because neither Huangfu Xiang nor the Golden Hairpin nor any of the masters knew about the

Jade Hairpin's trip to Jiugongbao, the visit seemed sudden. He realized that if he hadn't come personally, things would have escalated into a mess, leaving him in a difficult situation. Therefore, he carefully considered how to explain his purpose to Huangfu Xiang and the other members of the gang the next morning. Meanwhile, he was secretly grateful to the female expert who had led him into the back mountain, but he couldn't figure out her purpose in guiding him there. Finally, amidst countless questions, he unconsciously fell into a deep sleep.

When

he awoke, it was already bright daylight. He first notified the innkeeper to prepare his horse.

After washing up and having breakfast, it was already past Chen Shi (7-9 AM). So, he straightened his scholar's cap and long robe, fastened his long sword, and went out of the inn. Xiao Qing was already ready, head held high, ears perked, neighing happily as an innkeeper pulled her along. Jiang Tiantao mounted his horse and headed straight for the north of the town.

Before he even reached the town entrance, he saw Yu Cunxin, the leader of the White Tiger Hall of the Three Hairpins Gang, leading four middle-aged men of the innkeeper rank, each riding a strong horse, already waiting in the town. Upon seeing them, Jiang Tiantao immediately spurred his horse forward.

The five men, including Yu Cunxin, also spurred their horses to meet him. Upon approaching, Yu Cunxin, the Golden Hook Sword, clasped his hands in greeting and said loudly, "I have come to welcome you, young hero, on the personal orders of our sect leader."

Hearing the words "personal orders of the sect leader," Jiang Tiantao knew that Jin Chai Fu Liying, out of respect for her father Jiang Haohai, a respected elder in the martial arts world, had decided to personally receive him. He quickly clasped his hands in return, saying gratefully, "Thank you for conveying my invitation, Hall Master Yu..."

Before he could finish, the Golden Hook Sword laughed heartily, then said, "It's nothing, no need to mention it. You're too modest, young hero." He then clasped his hands again, continuing humbly, "Please, young hero."

Jiang Tiantao did not refuse, only returning the greeting with a clasped hand, and spurred his horse forward. A wide stone path led through the foothills to a broad mountain pass. Jiang Tiantao sat upright on his horse, gazing ahead. He saw Dongliang Mountain shrouded in white clouds, its towering peaks piercing the sky. Under the rising sun, the eastern half shimmered with golden light, its colors vibrant, while the western half remained shrouded in darkness, its dense foliage accentuating its rugged grandeur.

Entering the wide mountain pass, Jiang Tiantao's eyes suddenly lit up. Inside the pass lay the man-made, exquisitely beautiful Thorn Valley. A wide stone path traversed a ridge, winding its way into the mountains beneath towering pines. On the wide stone path below the ridge, people thronged, horses galloped, and countless colorful banners fluttered in the wind, shimmering brightly.

At the center, on a white horse, sat a stunningly beautiful young woman with her hair piled high, adorned with a silver hairpin, a silver ribbon running through her hair, dressed in a silver satin outfit, a long cloak, and a silver sword at her waist. Jiang Tiantao didn't need to look closely to know that it was the Three Hairpins Gang, with the Silver Hairpin Huangfuxiang as the leader of both the inner and outer halls.

Behind the Silver Hairpin was a large brocade banner with silver tassels, in the center of which was a silver phoenix hairpin adorned with pearls. Beside the Silver Hairpin Huangfuxiang was a handsome man of about thirty years old, with neatly trimmed eyebrows and sideburns, bright and piercing eyes, dressed in a sky-blue close-fitting outfit. Because behind this handsome man stood a light green brocade banner embroidered with a blue dragon, he was identified as the Azure Dragon Hall Master, the Beautiful Swordsman Du Jingyun. Du Jingyun had a fair complexion, a straight nose and red lips, a mustache, and a three-inch-long beard. A sword was casually placed behind his shoulder, further enhancing his distinguished air.

To the right of the Beautiful Swordsman Du Jingyun's horse was an empty space, except for a large light gray brocade banner embroidered with a white tiger. Jiang Tiantao knew that this was the position of the White Tiger Hall Master, the Golden Hook Sword Yu Cunxin, who was standing beside him.

Looking at the man on horseback to Du Jingyun's left, he appeared to be about twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old, with delicate features, a straight nose, and red lips. He wore a light yellow robe, a jade-inlaid belt, a purple-gold crown, and pink-soled boots, giving him an exceptionally refined and scholarly air. Jiang Tiantao recognized him as Yuan Zijian

, the self-proclaimed reincarnation of Cao Zhi from the Later Han Dynasty and the leader of the Spotted Leopard Hall. Behind Yuan Zijian was a large light yellow brocade banner, embroidered with a powerful spotted leopard in the center. Behind the three large banners—one depicting a blue dragon, one a white tiger, and one a spotted leopard—were six smaller banners of the same color, also embroidered with dragon, tiger, and leopard symbols, totaling eighteen subordinate banners. Beneath these eighteen banners, arranged in a row, were eighteen tall, strong horses, each carrying a rider of varying heights and builds, each wielding a unique weapon.

Jiang Tiantao and Shang He, having finished observing the procession of horses behind the banners, were now not far from Yinchai. Upon seeing Jiang Tiantao, Huangfu Xiang, the Silver Hairpin, showed no smile on her beautiful face, which was as lovely as a spring flower. She merely gave a polite fist salute from her horse and said in a clear, resonant voice, "Huangfu Xiang, the Commander-in-Chief of the Three Hairpins Gang's three halls, has been ordered by our gang leader to lead the team to welcome Representative Wei into the mountain."

Jiang Tiantao quickly returned the salute, his handsome face smiling, and said humbly, "I am Wei Ming, and I have come to your esteemed mountain to pay my respects to your gang leader on the orders of our former fortress master, the Land God Dragon Jiang Haohai. How could I dare trouble Commander Huangfu and all the hall masters to come down the mountain to welcome me? On behalf of our former fortress master, I thank you in advance." He then bowed again and took the opportunity to take a closer look at Huangfu Xiang.

He found that Huangfu Xiang had skin like jade, a face like a spring flower, and a beauty that subtly revealed a heroic spirit. Especially striking was the lack of a smile on her face, which made her appear even more imposing. She was completely different from when she had bathed the previous night.

Huangfu Xiang, the woman with the silver hairpin, blushed and her heart fluttered the moment she saw Jiang Tiantao. She thought he was the most handsome man she had ever seen. But when she thought of him spending the night at Yuanyun Tower in Qide Town, all her goodwill vanished. Then, seeing Jiang Tiantao's eyes sparkling as he spoke, seemingly fixed on her beautiful face, she felt a surge of anger, but dared not show it. Therefore, she frowned, her face darkening, and said coldly, "Representative Wei, there's no need for modesty. The leader is waiting at the main altar."

Seeing Huangfu Xiang's icy words and frosty expression, Jiang Tiantao smiled and replied, "Yes." Without further ado, he spurred his horse forward. The leaders of the Azure Dragon Hall, White Tiger Hall, and Spotted Leopard Hall quickly spurred their horses to make way, and Huangfu Xiang also hurriedly moved her horse aside.

As Jiang Tiantao passed Huangfu Xiang, he still politely smiled and nodded. Huangfu Xiang, though annoyed that such a handsome man as Jiang Tiantao lacked self-respect and frequented brothels, couldn't help but blush when his bright gaze fell upon her fair face.

The handsome swordsman Du Jingyun and the sallow-faced hall master Yuan Zijian, who had long intended to challenge the powerful Wei Ming who had injured a mountain with a single palm strike, saw Jiang Tiantao's shifty eyes and assumed he was flirting with the woman, Yinchai. Their displeasure grew, and their faces darkened. Especially when they saw Huangfu Xiang, with two rosy blushes suddenly appearing on her cold face, showing signs of a flutter in her heart, they were consumed by jealousy and anger, their faces turning ashen.

Jiang Tiantao, having overheard several girls in tight-fitting clothes on the cliff last night, already knew that Du Jingyun and Yuan Zijian were in love with the three women. Seeing the two men's fierce expressions and angry faces, she couldn't help but smile faintly.

Deep in Huangfu Xiang's heart, the young master Jiang Tiantao, whom her father had spoken of, already existed. Therefore, although she found Wei Ming to be a handsome young man who could stir her heart at first sight, she couldn't erase the image of the young master her father, Huangfu Yang, had described. As the hostess, she should ride alongside Jiang Tiantao. Although she already harbored prejudice against this representative, her heart remained restless. Due to the disharmony at their first meeting, she continued on in silence.

Jiang Tiantao had already noticed the discordant atmosphere, but he feigned composure, seemingly unconcerned. He listened to the crisp sound of the horses' hooves striking the wide stone path, a smile spreading across his handsome face as he gazed at the beautiful mountain scenery. His leisurely demeanor completely ignored the stunningly beautiful Huangfu Xiang beside him.

Following behind Jiang Tiantao and Yinchai, the Azure Dragon Hall Master, the handsome swordsman, occasionally cast a disdainful glance at Yuan Zijian, whose expression was one of displeasure. Only the White Tiger Hall Master, Yu Cunxin, remained calm, though he couldn't help but wonder if Jiang Tiantao's visit would end successfully. However, in the meeting hall last night, he had warned the indignant She Jingyun and Yuan Zijian not to underestimate Wei Ming and cause trouble.

This was because the Nine Palaces Fortress, which had dominated the martial arts world for decades, was filled with numerous masters, many of whom were renowned figures in the martial arts world. The fact that the respected and virtuous Old Master Jiang had sent the young Wei Ming to represent him demonstrated Wei Ming's importance and status in the Old Master Jiang's eyes. It also proved that Old Master Jiang, representing the Fortress, firmly believed that Wei Ming would not dishonor the reputation of the Nine Palaces Fortress or his own legendary status as the "Land Dragon." What particularly puzzled Yu Cunxin, the Golden Hook Swordsman, was that Huangfu Xiang, the Silver Hairpin, the leader of the three inner and outer halls, seemed rather unwelcoming to this representative. Time slipped by in the oppressive atmosphere, and the horses galloped faster and faster.

Jiang Tiantao sat upright on his horse, surveying the mountain scenery. He discovered that most of the mountain area had been artificially modified, with many places resembling secluded paradises. Along the way, they circled the peaks, passed through towering forests, and traversed many treacherous places, but they saw no visible or hidden checkpoints or sentries. According to the "Shandong Twin Heroes," the Three Hairpins Gang was heavily guarded, with checkpoints everywhere, becoming increasingly tighter the closer they got to the headquarters. Judging from this situation, it seemed that they had all been removed.

In a flash, a massive stone gate appeared several hundred feet ahead. The project was enormous, with winding walls and three large flags, one gold, one silver, and one green, planted high on the gate tower, reaching into the air. A golden flag stood in the center, flanked by silver and green flags, each bearing the insignia of the Three Beauties. Dozens of burly men in blue robes and carrying swords stood guard on the stockade walls. The gates were already wide open, with two rows of sword-wielding men standing on either side.

A horn blared, soaring high into the sky, echoing from the stockade tower. Immediately afterward, six groups of mounted young women, dressed in red, yellow, and green, each carrying a long sword, galloped out from the gates. Behind the group of red-clad girls, under a large red satin banner, stood a dignified young woman, about twenty-eight or twenty-nine years old, dressed in a red satin outfit and carrying a phoenix-shaped sword.

On the banner behind her, a golden phoenix was embroidered, its feathers soaring in the air, lifelike. Jiang Tiantao knew that the dignified young woman in red was Geng Yuan, the leader of the Golden Phoenix Hall, one of the three halls of the Three Beauties Gang. On the left, beneath a green satin banner, sat a young woman in a green satin outfit, around twenty-five or twenty-six years old. She had willow-leaf eyebrows and large eyes, and carried two swords on her back. Embroidered on the large green satin banner behind her was a phoenix soaring through clouds. Jiang Tiantao had heard the Qi-Lu Twin Heroes specifically mention that this woman was Li Zhenzhu, the leader of the Rainbow Phoenix Hall. Li Zhenzhu was intelligent and resourceful, highly valued by the "Golden Hairpin," and the wife of a branch leader from one of the outer three halls. She also had a close personal relationship with "Jade Hairpin" Xiao Xiangzhen. The Qi-Lu Twin Heroes, the Jin brothers, had repeatedly instructed Jiang Tiantao that if he could find an opportunity to give the "Purple Blood Jade Hairpin" to Li Zhenzhu, it could also be passed on to the Rainbow Dragon Girl.

On the right was a large yellow satin banner, upon which sat a beautiful young woman in a yellow satin outfit. The young woman had flowing hair, a delicate face, crescent-shaped eyebrows, and large eyes that still revealed a touch of innocence. Behind her, on a large banner, embroidered with a nimble oriole, perched on a branch, singing joyfully, appearing carefree and without a care in the world. Jiang Tiantao knew that the beautiful young woman in yellow was Duan Yumei, the leader of the Liying Hall, one of the three inner halls.

Behind the horses of the three hall leaders, Jinluan, Caifeng, and Liying, followed six valiant young women, each with a smaller brocade banner embroidered with the same emblem as their hall leader. Just behind the eighteen valiant young women, a large, gleaming golden brocade banner appeared.

Jiang Tiantao's eyes suddenly lit up, and he couldn't help but feel excited. For the leader of the Three Beauties Gang, which commanded nearly ten thousand heroes, with branches all over the country, the most powerful and tightly organized gang, was about to come out to greet him. The three teams of valiant young women on horseback split into two groups, gradually forming a goose formation.

The leader of the Golden Phoenix Hall, a young woman in red, spurred her horse forward, and beneath the gleaming golden brocade banner, a tall, robust yellow-brimmed steed galloped out. Jiang Tiantao stared intently and saw a stunningly beautiful young woman, seemingly only in her early twenties, dressed in shimmering gold, with a golden sash and a golden sheath at her waist. She sat gracefully on her horse, slowly approaching. Jiang Tiantao knew that this golden-clad girl was the renowned leader of the Three Hairpins Gang. As soon as

the Golden Hairpins emerged from the gate, the three leaders—Golden Phoenix, Colorful Phoenix, and Beautiful Oriole—immediately directed their respective leaders to line up in front of the gate. The Golden Hairpin, Fu Liying, reined in her horse and stopped, dignifiedly watching Jiang Tiantao gallop towards her. As she drew closer, Jiang Tiantao could clearly see Fu Liying's exquisite beauty.

Fu Liying's hair was styled like clouds, adorned with a golden hairpin with a phoenix and pearl, and a golden silk scarf draped over her head. Her oval face showed a slight weariness. A pair of slender phoenix eyes, two crescent-shaped eyebrows, a delicate nose and cherry lips, skin as smooth as jade, her brows slightly furrowed, as if concealing a bellyful of worries.

Jiang Tiantao was somewhat stunned. He couldn't believe his eyes. The golden-clad, sword-wielding girl sitting upright on horseback, amidst the flashing swords and waving banners, was actually the leader of the Three Beauties Gang, renowned throughout the north and south of the Yangtze River? This was far different from the imposing and awe-inspiring Fu Liying he had imagined. Apart from the golden-sheathed sword at her waist and her specially made golden attire, there was nothing that could represent her as the most outstanding female knight-errant of the time. In particular, the Qi-Lu Twin Heroes, Ma Yunshan, and others unanimously praised Fu Liying, saying that she not only possessed the talent to assassinate dragons and was exceptionally intelligent, but also had excellent leadership skills, which made it truly hard for him to believe. As the saying goes, "You can't judge a book by its cover." He thought that perhaps it was because he, Jiang Tiantao, was shallow in knowledge and lacked experience.

In the blink of an eye, Jiang Tiantao had reached within five zhang of Jinchai Fuliying's horse when he immediately halted it. As soon as Jiang Tiantao's horse stopped, a melodious horn sounded from the gate. Immediately following was a deafening roar of cannon fire. At this moment, the entire area fell silent, the atmosphere extremely solemn. Yinchai Huangfuxiang and the leaders of the three outer halls stood at a distance behind Jiang Tiantao's horse. As

soon as the cannon fire ceased, Jiang Tiantao and Fuliying dismounted simultaneously and hurried forward towards each other. Upon reaching her, Jiang Tiantao stood respectfully, and from his sleeve, he took out another large red visiting card. Looking at Fuliying standing solemnly opposite him, he respectfully proclaimed: "Wei Ming, the Left Head of the Outer Fortress of the Nine Palaces Fortress of Mufu Mountain, representing the former Fortress Master Jiang Haohai, the Land God Dragon, has come to pay respects to Chief Fuliying and wish her good health." Having said this, he bowed, quickly took a few steps forward, and presented the visiting card with both hands.

Fu Liying, her beautiful face beaming with a smile, accepted the visiting card and said in a clear, melodious voice, "Your esteemed lord, Elder Jiang, is highly respected in the martial arts world and renowned throughout the land. He is a respected elder of the martial arts community. I, Liying, have long admired you but have had no opportunity to visit your lord. Now that Representative Wei has arrived on your behalf, he must have brought Elder Jiang's invaluable teachings. I humbly request Representative Wei to come to the hall for a discussion." She then clasped her hands in a fist salute, bowed slightly, and humbly said to Jiang Tiantao, "Representative Wei, please mount your horse."

Jiang Tiantao was very pleased to hear Fu Liying's self-deprecating manner. He felt that the Nine Palaces Fortress's prestige in the martial arts world, maintained for decades, was entirely due to his father's virtue and reputation. Therefore, he thought that when his father retired from public life, whether the Nine Palaces Fortress could maintain its position in the hearts of the martial arts heroes would depend entirely on themselves. Thus, he felt that from this day forward, he should begin laying the foundation for his future endeavors.

Seeing Fu Liying urging him to mount, he immediately returned the greeting with a bow and a respectful reply. Xiao Qing and Fu Liying's horses had already been brought over by two young men in tight-fitting clothes. Jiang Tiantao and Fu Liying mounted simultaneously and headed straight for the village gate. Yinchai Huangfuxiang immediately led the three hall masters and others who had come down the mountain to greet them, urging their horses to follow behind Jiang Tiantao and Jinchai.

Sitting on his horse, Jiang Tiantao glanced furtively at Fu Liying on the yellow horse beside him; she was far more beautiful than Yinchai Huangfuxiang. It was said that Yuchai Fu Xiangzhen was the most skilled in the entire gang and the most beautiful among all the women; could her beauty surpass Fu Liying's?

Just then, a deafening cannon boomed, startling Jiang Tiantao. Immediately afterward, the young women in tight-fitting clothes and carrying swords from the inner three halls suddenly let out a sharp cry, their swords flashing like lightning as they simultaneously withdrew from their sheaths.

Jiang Tiantao, unaware of what was happening, looked closely and saw two young women on horseback on either side, shouting in a rhythmic and measured manner. At the same time, the cold glint of their swords flashed as they slashed and thrust in perfect unison, their movements extremely skilled, clearly indicating that they had put in a lot of hard work. The booming cannon fire from the stockade walls continued to ring out one after another, making the atmosphere even more solemn and serious.

Jiang Tiantao knew this was a welcoming ceremony for those entering the mountain, and the girls' sword dance on horseback was a performance for him. He quickly reined in Xiaoqing, sat solemnly on his horse, and, along with Jinchai, quietly watched the nearly one hundred girls' spectacular performance. Jiang Tiantao smiled as he looked at the nearly one hundred girls performing, waving and nodding in approval, while he, Jinchai, and Fuliying continued to urge their horses forward.

Upon entering the village gate, two groups of burly men in sky-blue uniforms stood on either side, all bowing respectfully with their swords drawn. Jiang Tiantao humbly nodded repeatedly in return. He knew this honorable welcoming ceremony was entirely for him, representing his father Jiang Haohai, not for him personally. He hadn't expected such a grand reception, and even the cunning and scheming Poisonous Lady probably hadn't anticipated it either.

Jiang Tiantao and Jinchai rode forward side by side, with Yinchai, the six hall masters, the thirty-six incense masters, and hundreds of male and female gang members following behind in order. The large group of people marched along a wide stone path, passing through a dense, towering forest, until they reached a vast valley of thorny bushes, spanning several thousand acres. The valley was remarkably flat, covered in lush, fine grass, devoid of wildflowers or trees, clearly cultivated by human hands. To the left and right of the valley were two low peaks, from whose base numerous houses had been built, arranged like steps, ascending in tiers.

The buildings at the valley floor were particularly magnificent.

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