[Wuxia] Embroidered Robes and Cloud-like Hair (Complete) - 8

Chapter Twelve: Healing the Heart

On a wide stone platform, nearly a hundred feet across, stood a magnificent hall with vermilion lacquered tiles, carved beams, and painted rafters, exuding an imposing aura. At the front of the hall were three grand, floor-to-ceiling gates. To the left and right of the hall were two rows of exquisitely constructed buildings leading to either end of the platform. Beneath the eaves of the hall hung a huge plaque bearing three large, golden characters: "Cuiying Hall," the strokes powerful and vigorous, like coiled dragons. Behind the hall was a sloping ridge, rising gently. On the ridge, countless elegant courtyards and residences were built, winding and connected, leading to the cluster of towering pavilions and towers beyond.

Jiang Tiantao, observing the terrain of the valley, finally understood that the top of this sloping ridge was the sheer cliff beyond. It seemed the Three Hairpins Gang's headquarters was indeed in a perilous situation.

At this time, it was nearly noon, the bright sun shining directly into the valley, revealing the magnificent pavilions and towers amidst the beautiful green mountains, making the scenery even more breathtaking. The platform in front of the hall was filled with a diverse crowd: monks, Taoists, elderly nuns, strong men, women, and white-haired old men, all dressed in different colors and styles, most without weapons.

Jiang Tiantao shook his head inwardly at the sight; the rumors about the Three Hairpins Gang, teeming with experts, were indeed true. He silently warned himself to be careful, but the absence of the Jade Fan Scholar Huangfu Yang from the main altar reassured him somewhat. In a flash, they arrived at the steps. At the invitation of the Golden Hairpin, he dismounted and ascended the steps side-by-side.

The nine steps of the platform were made of gleaming marble. Upon reaching the top, Fu Liying immediately gave Jiang Tiantao a brief introduction to the experts standing on the platform to greet him. Jiang Tiantao had no time to remember so many nicknames and names; he simply said, "I've heard so much about you," and bowed slightly. However, he was exceptionally polite to the nun and four old men he had discussed the prescription with in the back room the previous night.

After introducing the gang's experts, Yinchai Huangfuxiang and the six hall masters had already circled around to the front of the hall and stood respectfully. Jinchai Fuliying specifically asked Jiang Tiantao to pay attention and solemnly introduced Yinchai and Du Jingyun, among others. Jiang Tiantao had already been patiently told about the martial arts, names, and personalities of the six hall masters by the Qi-Lu Twin Heroes, so he recognized them even without an introduction.

He knew that the six hall masters of the inner and outer halls were second only to Rainbow Dragon Girl in rank, and each of them had their own power within the Three Hairpins Gang. At the same time, they also had a great influence and potential to influence his visit to the sect. Jinchai Fuliying's solemn introduction of Jiang Tiantao seemed to contain this intention as well. Jiang Tiantao noticed the cold, disdainful expressions of the beautiful swordsman and Yuan Zijian, so he deliberately feigned indifference when Jin Chai gave him a formal introduction.

Entering the hall, he was struck by its dazzling brilliance; tiger skins covered the entire space. On the central platform at the bottom stood three specially made high-backed chairs, one gold, one silver, and one jade. Below the platform, six large chairs representing the three hall masters were arranged in a V-shape, each bearing the insignia of its respective hall, imposing and conspicuous. Five feet outside the chairs of the inner hall, Liying Hall, a temporary platform had been set up, upon which sat a lacquered table covered with a red velvet tablecloth and a large chair covered with a red velvet shawl. Jiang Tiantao knew that seat was reserved for him. As

he looked around, he reached the edge of the inner hall, where Jin Chai and Fu Liying immediately took their seats with solemn expressions. Jiang Tiantao did not refuse, ascending the platform and standing respectfully. The two beauties, Jin and Yin, along with the six hall masters, quickly took their seats. The rest of the group stood solemnly in the outer hall, arranged in a goose-like formation. Jiang Tiantao frowned slightly at this sight, thinking: Jin, sitting in the center, looked somewhat like an empress.

He had been pondering how to secretly identify the mysterious woman who had led him to the back entrance last night among the female masters of the Three Beauties Gang. Therefore, as everyone took their places, he quickly glanced at the three female hall masters of the inner three halls. He noticed that Geng Yuan, the Golden Phoenix Hall Master, had a high chest and full arms, and a voluptuous figure, slightly plumper than the mysterious woman from last night, thus concluding it wasn't her. Looking at Li Zhenzhu, the Colorful Phoenix Hall Master, she was slender and seemed even taller than the woman who had guided her last night, so he also concluded it wasn't her. Only Duan Yumei, the Beautiful Oriole Hall Master, who was not far from him, was graceful and slender, with a moderately thin frame, and seemed somewhat similar to the woman in question. But in Duan Yumei's expression and demeanor, and in her bright, clear eyes, there was no flaw.

Jiang Tiantao quickly glanced at the three female hall masters, his confusion growing. Who exactly was the woman who had guided him to the back hall last night? Perplexed, he unconsciously looked again at the nearly one hundred experts standing in orderly rows outside. Although there were a dozen or so female hall masters among them, he didn't have time to examine them all. When he turned back, his heart skipped a beat, and his expression changed slightly.

He saw Huangfu Xiang, standing before the silver chair, her almond-shaped eyes fixed intently, her face frosty, her gaze unwavering, coldly fixed on him. He was startled and deeply ashamed of his carelessness and loss of composure. He knew that Huangfu Xiang had once again misunderstood him, thinking he was indulging in the beauty of the group of women. Just then, Jinchai Fuliying smiled sweetly and said respectfully, "Representative Wei, please sit down!"

Jiang Tiantao quickly bowed in thanks and sat down on the large red velvet chair. Once Jiang Tiantao was seated, Fuliying, along with Yinchai Huangfuxiang and the heads of the three main halls, took their seats in order. She then turned to Jiang Tiantao and said humbly, "It is said that your esteemed fortress's former lord went overseas two or three years ago to resolve disputes on Spider Island and other islands. When will your esteemed lord return with honor?" Upon

hearing that his father was mentioned, Jiang Tiantao immediately bowed and said respectfully, "Thanks to the leader's attention, my fortress's former lord returned from overseas a month ago."

Jinchai nodded knowingly and continued humbly, "What words does the former lord of fortress wish to convey by sending Representative Wei this time? Please speak in person..."

Before Fuliying could finish speaking, Jiang Tiantao immediately became serious and said, "This..." "A few days ago, the old lord of the fortress suddenly heard rumors circulating outside that our young lord, Jiang Tiantao, had a misunderstanding with friends from your gang's branch on Songtao Road, and accidentally injured a branch leader..." As he spoke, he casually glanced at everyone in the hall and noticed that, apart from the two beauties, Jin and Yin, everyone's faces were extremely grim. He continued, "The old lord was furious and immediately brought the young lord here to demand an explanation. Afterward, he sent me here overnight to pay a special visit to the gang leader, the commander, and Chief Inspector Xiao."

Jiang Tiantao's words were very skillfully delivered, leaving the nearly one hundred experts of the Three Beauties Gang unsure whether he had come to apologize or to demand an explanation. Fu Liying, with a calm expression, vaguely replied, "Please convey to Elder Hero Jiang that this matter was entirely a misunderstanding; there's no need to be troubled by it."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Tiantao secretly praised Fu Liying's eloquence. It was a clever double entendre, and he unconsciously exclaimed, "The Chief's magnanimity is truly admirable. Although it was a misunderstanding, and under the circumstances it was extremely difficult to immediately determine right from wrong, the Young Master of this fortress's arrogant words insulted the Chief's supreme position, which the Elder Chief finds absolutely unforgivable."

Hearing this, the nearly one hundred experts of the Three Hairpins Gang suddenly realized that they had indeed come to apologize. At the same time, they admired Elder Jiang's magnanimity even more. Because of Jiang Tiantao's last words, the expressions of most of the experts immediately softened. At this moment, Jinchai Fuliying, already moved, clasped her hands and bowed humbly, saying, "Old Master Jiang is too modest. It's just a small matter, easily dismissed with a laugh. Why take it to heart?"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Tiantao hurriedly bowed as well, saying, "The magnanimity of the Chief is unmatched. On behalf of the young master of this fortress, Jiang Tiantao, I thank the Chief for his exceptional tolerance."

Jinchai also hurriedly bowed, saying humbly, "I dare not, I dare not. Representative Wei is too polite."

Deep in Jinchai Fuliying's heart, the image of Jiang Tiantao described by the Jade Fan Scholar Huangfu Yang had always lingered. But seeing Wei Ming, with his handsome and dashing appearance, reminiscent of Pan An in his youth, she seemed no less impressive than the young master Jiang Tiantao. At the same time, she could also see that her younger sister, Huangfu Xiang, after her father's repeated praise, seemed to have already set her heart on Jiang Tiantao. She was the eldest of three sisters; how could she possibly compete with her second sister, Huangfu Xiang, for a man's affections? Then she recalled Huangfu Xiang's words that Wei Ming had stayed at the Huifu Tower last night, a complete philanderer. However, now it seemed some of the rumors were untrue.

Just as she was about to ask, she noticed that Huangfu Xiang, who had been concerned about the young master of Jiugong Fort, suddenly blushed slightly and said with a hint of unease, "According to reports from our branch, your fort's young master, Jiang Tiantao, possesses superb martial arts skills and astonishing swordsmanship. We wonder who your young master's master is? Representative Wei, would you be willing to tell us?"

Jiang Tiantao bowed slightly without hesitation and said apologetically, "I have only been serving in Jiugong Fort for a short time, and I am not yet clear about the lineage of our young fort master. However, our old fort master's Lixing Sword Technique is unparalleled in the martial arts world, and few have met his match. Perhaps the young fort master's martial arts skills are derived from his family tradition."

Huangfu Xiang, the Silver Hairpin, was initially somewhat disappointed when she heard Jiang Tiantao say he didn't know, but nodded with satisfaction. Fu Liying, the Golden Hairpin, since she knew Huangfu Xiang's thoughts, decided to ask a question that was inconvenient for her to ask aloud. So, she asked with a smile and humility, "According to Senior Huangfu, the Jade Fan Scholar, your fort master is of outstanding character, exceptionally handsome, and his martial arts are particularly outstanding. May I ask how old he is this year?"

Jiang Tiantao smiled and said, "He is eighteen years old this year."

Du Jingyun, the handsome swordsman, had already felt a slight anger rising in his heart when Huangfu Xiang praised Jiang Tiantao's superb martial arts and amazing swordsmanship. Then, seeing Jinchai inquire about Jiang Tiantao's age, clearly showing her interest in the young master of Jiugong Fortress, Jiang Tiantao's anger flared even more. However, he dared not contradict his leader, and could only turn to Jiang Tiantao, coldly smile, and say contemptuously, "Since you've only been in Jiugong Fortress for a short time, how do you know the young master's age so clearly?"

Jiang Tiantao smiled calmly, feigning smugness, and said, "It's because my young master was born on the same day, month, and year as me, so I remember it very clearly."

Yuan Zijian, the leader of the Spotted Leopard Hall, who had always secretly loved Jinchai, was furious when his leader publicly inquired about the young master's age; his handsome face turned ashen, and his lips trembled slightly. Seeing Jiang Tiantao's smug expression, he coldly said, "Do you feel proud and honored to be born on the same day, month, and year as your young master?"

Jiang Tiantao laughed heartily and said, "Everyone has the desire to climb the social ladder. I ask you, Master Yuan, who considers himself Cao Zhi reincarnated and can compose poetry in seven steps, if you serve under the wealthy gang leader, who is handsome and talented and commands nearly ten thousand heroes, do you also feel proud and honored?" As

soon as he said this, the expressions of all the experts in the hall changed simultaneously. Everyone knew that Master Yuan Zijian, the leader of the Spotted Leopard Hall, was arrogant and irritable by nature. How could he tolerate such words? At the same time, the phrase "handsome and talented" seemed to contain a mocking tone, bordering on frivolous, which was disrespectful to the gang leader. However, the wealthy gang leader, whose heart had already undergone a subtle change, blushed and smiled, seemingly without the slightest annoyance.

Yuan Zijian, the leader of the Leopard Hall, blushed deeply after being rebuked and was speechless for a long time. Finally, he said in a deep voice, "Of course!"

Jiang Tiantao laughed again, his demeanor even more arrogant, but he quickly stopped laughing, stood up from his chair, bowed to Jin Chai, and apologized, "Please forgive me, Leader, for my rudeness."

Jin Chai, Fu Liying, didn't seem to mind at all and replied cheerfully, "Only through sharp debate and heated arguments can one truly see a person's boldness and talent."

Jiang Tiantao bowed again and immediately said respectfully, "Thank you for the praise, Leader."

(The beautiful swordsman Du Jingyun... ) Upon seeing this, he was instantly enraged. He abruptly stood up from his chair, suppressing his anger, and faced Jinchai Fuliying, bowing respectfully and saying, "According to the report from the brothers of Huishan, Representative Wei defeated Kaishan Jingang with his sword and injured Libashan with his palm before Jiugongbao. He is already the chosen son-in-law of Jiugongbao. Now he comes here falsely claiming to be the headmaster, and speaks rudely and acts arrogantly before the gang leader. He clearly thinks he is superior and doesn't respect our gang. I, your humble servant, presume upon my abilities and, breaking with precedent, request permission to learn a few moves of Representative Wei's ultimate skills. I humbly request the gang leader's special permission."

Upon hearing this, Jinchai Fuliying's beautiful face immediately darkened. Just then, a figure flashed among the experts in the outer hall, shouted loudly, and suddenly a person leaped out.

Jiang Tiantao turned his head and saw a tall, burly man with thick eyebrows, a bushy beard, a lion's nose, and piercing eyes. He was carrying a one-legged bronze figure weighing over a hundred pounds. He landed in the center of the outer hall, bowed to Jin Chai, and said in a rough voice, "Reporting to the Chief, Chen Baolei, the Iron-Armed Bronze Man, is the junior brother of Kai Shan Jin Bie. Hearing that my senior brother was defeated, he is very dissatisfied and has therefore dared to request permission to perform the opening act. I respectfully request the Chief to allow me to test his strength."

Jin Chai Fu Liying, who was about to reprimand the handsome swordsman, was enraged when she saw the Iron-Armed Bronze Man step forward to challenge her. Her delicate eyebrows arched, and her beautiful face was filled with a fierce aura. Jiang Tiantao was secretly shocked. Only then did he realize that Jin Chai Fu Liying was a strange woman who was as virginal as a maiden when calm, but whose anger revealed a murderous aura.

Just as Jinchai Fuliying was about to erupt in anger, she noticed Huangfu Xiang beside her, who bowed respectfully and said, "Sister, please calm down. Representative Wei's martial arts are quite remarkable, and he enjoys a great reputation. He is a rising young master in the martial arts world. His lightness skill and swordsmanship are unique. Why not invite Representative Wei to demonstrate his skills, so that the leaders of the headquarters can have a fresh perspective?"

Seeing Yinchai's suggestion, Jinchai Fuliying naturally could

n't object. At the same time, she also wanted to take this opportunity to see Jiang Tiantao's martial arts. Therefore, her expression changed, and she turned to Jiang Tiantao, smiling, and said, "Representative Wei, would you be willing to display your unique skills?" Jiang Tiantao had already been reminded by Qi Lu Shuangxia, Ma Yunshan, and others before setting off from Jiugongbao about the possibility of a martial arts contest and a test of moves. Therefore, he answered without hesitation, "I dare not disobey the leader's orders!" After saying this, he stroked his sword and stepped down from the platform, heading straight for the Iron-Armed Steel Man.

Upon seeing this, the masters from the two worlds simultaneously perked up and retreated, and the atmosphere became tense again. Jiang Tiantao arrived at the outer hall and looked up to find it spacious, about four zhang high, with painted beams and carved pillars, adorned with exquisite palace lanterns. He found himself before the "Iron-Armed Steel Man," and with a smile, bowed and said, "Master Chen greets you!" Before

he finished speaking, the Iron-Armed Steel Man glared and roared, "Who's bothering you!" With that roar, the hundred-pound bronze figure, shimmering with golden light and accompanied by a whistling sound, swept across Jiang Tiantao's ribs with a single, devastating blow…

Upon seeing this, Jin Chai was enraged, and nearly a hundred experts cried out in alarm! The six hall masters were also stunned. In that split second, the blue figure flashed to the right, then swiftly fell to the ground. The one-legged bronze figure, moving with lightning speed, swept past Jiang Tiantao's left ribs with a whoosh, a sight that sent shivers down everyone's spines. As

soon as the golden light and steel shadow passed, Jiang Tiantao, as fast as lightning, sprang to his feet. Just as he stood up, Iron Arm Copper Strike Chen Baolei roared, his hundred-pound steel figure wielding him with a fierce "Tiger's Tail Sweep," sweeping across with a whooshing sound like a whirlwind. Jiang Tiantao remained unmoved, once again performing a "Willow Sway in the Wind" maneuver, his body flashing to the left. A flash of golden light, and the hundred-pound copper figure swept past Jiang Tiantao's right ribs. A flash of blue, and Jiang Tiantao performed another "Swift Wind and Strong Grass" maneuver, straightening his back and standing up again.

Jin Chai Fu Liying, witnessing this display of power, was both shocked and furious, and for some reason, she became particularly concerned about Jiang Tiantao's safety. Therefore, unable to contain herself, she cried out in a delicate yet angry voice, "Master Chen, stop immediately!"

But at the same moment she cried out, Chen Baolei, the Iron-Armed Bronze Man who had twice missed his target, gritted his teeth, enraged beyond measure, and with a thunderous roar, wielded his hundred-pound bronze figure in a "Golden Snake Emerging from its Hole" move, fiercely striking Jiang Tiantao's abdomen. All the experts in the hall, seeing that the Iron-Armed Bronze Man Chen Baolei, despite his leader's warning, dared to continue, were utterly shocked. Looking at Jiang Tiantao in the arena, he remained unmoved, executing a "Iron Bridge" move, his body flashing backward as the hundred-pound bronze figure grazed past Jiang Tiantao's abdomen and chest with a whoosh. Nearly a hundred experts could only gasp in astonishment!

Jin Chai trembled in shock and shouted angrily, "Rebellion! Rebellion!" Before

her shout subsided, Chen Baolei, his expression frenzied, seized the opportunity to swing the bronze statue at Jiang Tiantao, who was still leaning back and hadn't yet stood up. He then fiercely slammed the bronze statue down. Anyone could see that Chen Baolei, the Iron-Armed Bronze Man, was now extremely ferocious and had murderous intent. Therefore, many experts shouted at the same time, "Stop! Stop!"

Jin and Yin Chai, along with the six hall masters, also suddenly stood up from their chairs. Jiang Tiantao was confident and extremely calm. As soon as he saw the bronze statue coming down, he braced his left palm against the ground, his heel spinning like an axle, and his body stood up as fast as a flying car. Immediately afterward, he laughed loudly and said, "Please forgive me for being so rude." As he spoke, his left hand had already grabbed Jiang Tiantao's right wrist, which was tightly gripping the bronze statue, and his right hand swiftly lifted Jiang Tiantao's lower abdomen, shouting deafeningly, "Go!"

As soon as the word "ba" left his mouth, Chen Baolei let out a startled howl. His massive, burly body, carrying the hundred-pound bronze figure, soared into the air, seemingly intentionally or unintentionally, crashing into Yuan Zijian, the leader of the Spotted Leopard Hall. Yuan Zijian was startled and frantically stretched out his arms to catch him. In his haste, how could Yuan Zijian possibly catch Chen Baolei's enormous body and the hundred-pound one-legged bronze figure?

With a loud crash, Chen Baolei's massive body had already pressed Yuan Zijian onto a large chair. Immediately afterward, with a series of cracking sounds, a high-backed chair was smashed to pieces by the one-legged bronze figure.

The two beauties, Jin and Yin, paled. The five hall leaders rushed forward to help him up, and nearly a hundred experts in the outer hall gathered around to see what was happening. Only Jiang Tiantao stood firmly in place, his sword-like eyebrows slightly raised, his face not flushed, not out of breath, calm and composed. The handsome swordsman Du Jingyun and the golden hook swordsman Yu Cunxin, one helped Yuan Zijian up, and the other pulled Chen Baolei up.

Upon seeing the terrified and disoriented Iron-Armed Bronze Man Chen Baolei stand up, Jinchai Fuliying immediately shouted angrily at the nearly one hundred experts surrounding them, "Where are the executioners? Take him out!" As soon as she

finished speaking, two middle-aged men in brocade uniforms stepped forward from among the nearly one hundred experts. They walked to Chen Baolei, and with a stern voice, grabbed him and headed towards the side door of the hall. Jiang Tiantao, seeing this, immediately turned to Fuliying, cupped his hands, and said respectfully, "In the midst of a fierce battle, concentration is key. Perhaps Chief Chen didn't hear the leader's command clearly; he didn't intentionally disobey. Please, Chief, show leniency."

Jinchai Fuliying was still shaken by the near-death experience. Although she knew Chen Baolei was no match for Jiang Tiantao, she was deeply worried about him. Seeing Jiang Tiantao plead for Chen Baolei, her beautiful face softened. Just as she was about to speak, she noticed Yuan Zijian, his face filled with shame, and bowed, requesting, "Reporting to the Chief, please allow this humble servant to enter and learn from you."

Jin Chai Fu Liying, knowing the extraordinary power of Yuan Zijian's treasure belt, feared Jiang Tiantao might be careless and unable to withstand it, so she frowned, hesitating slightly. Since hearing the comments from several guard girls last night, Jiang Tiantao had intended to test his skills against Yuan Zijian and Du Jingyun. Coupled with their continued disdain for him, this only strengthened his resolve. Furthermore, if he didn't quickly intimidate these two outstanding leaders, not only would his planned scheme be difficult to execute, but unexpected complications might arise. Seeing Jin Chai Fu Liying hesitate, she immediately said loudly, "That's wonderful! I've long heard of Master Yuan's invincible treasure belt, and I was just about to ask Master Yuan for guidance."

Upon hearing this, Jin Chai Fu Liying couldn't object further, and could only caution, "Be careful."

Yuan Zijian respectfully agreed, his handsome face turning ashen, and turned to walk towards Jiang Tiantao, simultaneously untying the jade-inlaid treasure belt from his waist. The nearly one hundred experts who had gathered, seeing this, knew that a rare and fierce battle was about to begin, and thus retreated.

Jin Chai Fu Liying sat upright in her large chair, her gaze fixed intently on Jiang Tiantao and Yuan Zijian. She was conflicted. She feared Jiang Tiantao would be defeated, but she also feared Yuan Zijian's loss. She didn't want her leader to lose, but she also feared the embarrassment of Jiang Tiantao's defeat. However, judging from Jiang Tiantao's performance of those "Willow Swaying in the Wind" moves, and considering that Chen Baolei hadn't managed to force him back an inch even under such perilous circumstances, it seemed extremely difficult for Yuan Zijian to win.

In the blink of an eye, Yuan Zijian was already in front of Jiang Tiantao. Jiang Tiantao first cupped his hands, saying humbly, "Master Yuan is a young talent, his jade-inlaid belt is renowned throughout the Three Hairpins Gang headquarters. I have long admired him, and I am sure to benefit greatly from learning from him today."

Yuan Zijian's eyebrows shot up, his face radiating murderous intent, his lips tightly pressed together, and he said resentfully, "Representative Wei, let's cut the pleasantries and draw our swords!"

Jiang Tiantao nodded humbly, smiled calmly, immediately gripped his sword horizontally, lightly pressed the trigger, and with a sharp sound, the cold light flashed as the longsword was drawn from its sheath. Immediately, he clasped his hands and tapped his sword, saying humbly, "Master Yuan, please."

Yuan Zijian, who had been waiting impatiently, shouted, "I'm here!" With that, he spun around and leaped forward, his hands flashing, his precious belt flying, creating hundreds of shadowy figures that swept towards Jiang Tiantao with a whistling wind.

Jin Chai, seeing this, paled and trembled. Nearly a hundred experts on both sides were stunned. Only the beautiful swordsman Du Jingyun smiled smugly. Because, with his first move, Yuan Zijian had unleashed the essence of his belt technique, the "Sword Forest and Knife Mountain" of his three deadly moves. This "Sword Forest and Knife Mountain," once unleashed, was terrifyingly powerful, its countless shadowy figures instantly covering an area of several meters, making it impossible to approach, impossible to discern reality from illusion, only seeing shadowy figures, not the person. Finally, they were forced into a perilous situation, scrambling and clumsy, until he had beaten them until they were covered in wounds.

Jiang Tiantao was enraged by Yuan Zijian's ruthlessness, his deadly move aimed at killing. He roared, "Well done!"

and leaped into the air, soaring three zhang (approximately 10 meters) in a single bound! Jin Chai Fu Liying, knowing the power of Yuan Zijian's "Sword Forest and Knife Mountain" move, was alarmed when she saw Jiang Tiantao leap into the air instead of dodging or cutting in. She was drenched in cold sweat. Once Jiang Tiantao jumped, there would be no foothold on the ground; a fall would be fatal, if not fatal. Therefore, she involuntarily stood up from her chair. She intended to use her position as the gang leader, and considering Jiang Tiantao's status as a guest, to order Yuan Zijian to stop!

However, at the very moment she stood up, the entire area within a four-zhang radius of the outer hall was filled with shimmering light and surging, howling winds! Jiang Tiantao, leaping into the air, moved like a dragon soaring through the heavens, head down and feet up, sometimes floating slowly, sometimes spinning rapidly, sometimes wielding his longsword gently like an eagle swooping down on a rabbit, sometimes like a dragon playing with a pearl. His body slid down swiftly, his longsword flashing out. Sparks flew and a clear clang rang out where the sword tip struck, hitting the fluttering precious belt precisely. His body rebounded, rising another two zhang (approximately 6.6 meters).

The two beauties, Jin and Yin, the five hall masters, and nearly a hundred experts watching from both sides were all stunned. Such astonishing lightness skill was truly rare. Anyone could see that Yuan Zijian's situation was extremely dangerous. If Jiang Tiantao could still accurately strike the belt amidst the swirling, flying illusions of the precious belt, how could he possibly miss Yuan Zijian's head? However, some believed that Jiang Tiantao's aerial maneuvering and rebounding was unsustainable. Once his strength waned, he would inevitably fall into the shadows, ending up battered and bruised.

Jin Chai could see that Jiang Tiantao had already shown mercy; otherwise, Yuan Zijian would have already been humiliated. Therefore, she clasped her hands in a fist and said in a clear, loud voice, "Representative Wei's lightness skill is unparalleled, and his swordsmanship is exquisite. Liying and the others have already witnessed a great deal. Please, Representative Wei, return to your seat!"

Jiang Tiantao knew that Jin Chai had pleaded for Yuan Zijian's life, so as soon as she finished speaking, his swirling figure swiftly descended, his long sword thrusting against his arm. With a soft clang and a few sparks flying, he used the momentum to spring back, letting out a low shout, and his body shot horizontally, landing gracefully in front of his large chair on the red velvet platform. The nearly one hundred experts who had witnessed this realized that Jiang Tiantao's lightness skill was indeed extraordinary, and thus, they all cheered enthusiastically.

Jiang Tiantao immediately cupped his hands and tapped his sword, humbly saying repeatedly, "I'm ashamed, I'm ashamed, I've made a fool of myself!" Before he finished speaking, Yuan Zijian, his face ashen and panting heavily, returned carrying his precious bag.

Looking at the handsome swordsman, his expression was alarmed and fearful, his arrogance completely gone. Just then, the beautiful Huangfu Xiang, with her delicate eyebrows and frosty face, appeared, holding a gilded folding fan, and slowly rose from her chair, her eyes fixed on Jiang Tiantao.

Jinchai was startled and anxiously asked, "Sister, what are you doing?"

Huangfu Xiang quickly bowed and said, "Please allow me to enter and challenge you, elder sister."

Upon hearing this, Jinchai's expression changed instantly, and she remained speechless for a long time. She felt that apart from her third sister, Rainbow Dragon Girl, probably no one in the entire gang could rival this representative. However, her beautiful and talented younger sister, Zhen, was unfortunately ill.

Upon seeing Yinchai about to step forward, Jiang Tiantao was somewhat flustered, knowing that the consequences of defeating Huangfu Xiang would be unimaginable. Quickly, a thought struck him, and he hastily bowed and explained, “Commander Huangfu, your family has a long tradition of martial arts, wielding a fan in your left hand and a sword in your right, your fame resounding throughout the headquarters. I have long admired your skills and yearn to witness them firsthand. However, my strength has been greatly depleted after several battles. I must rest for half a day until my strength recovers before seeking your guidance. Otherwise, even if you win, it would be dishonorable, and I would be unwilling to accept defeat.”

Jinchai Fuliying, upon hearing this, was deeply impressed and secretly praised Jiang Tiantao's quick wit and cleverness, which further increased her affection for him. She then turned to Huangfu Xiang and said gently, “What do you think, sister?”

Yinchai Huangfuxiang knew Jiang Tiantao was unwilling to fight her, and she herself had no confidence in winning. However, as the leader of the three halls, she had no choice but to rise and request permission. At this moment, Jinchai asked her, and Jiang Tiantao gave a huff and said in a deep voice, "Today, if we don't determine a winner, you won't be leaving the mountain."

Jiang Tiantao smiled unconcernedly, quickly cupped his hands, and said repeatedly, "Of course, of course! I not only want to learn from the leader, but also challenge the renowned Inspector, who is famous throughout the martial arts world and has shocked the Jianghu, and is known as the Rainbow Dragon Girl."

Upon hearing this, nearly a hundred experts' expressions changed instantly. They couldn't figure out if this representative was using the guise of a formal apology to come and challenge them. Jinchai Fuliying knew that Jiang Tiantao was just talking. If he truly intended to challenge her, he could have fought Huangfuxiang without hesitation. Therefore, she felt that Jiang Tiantao was handsome, intelligent, dashing, and elegant, unmatched among the young masters of the Three Hairpins Gang. Because she was delighted by the sight, she blurted out unconsciously, "Unfortunately, Third Sister is currently ill, and Representative Wei may not be able to fulfill his wish."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Tiantao feigned great surprise and blurted out urgently, "But how long has she been ill?"

Upon hearing the question, the radiance on Jinchai Fuliying's beautiful face instantly vanished, and she said sadly, "It has been four days since she last ate anything."

Jiang Tiantao again feigned great surprise and exclaimed softly! She said with extreme anxiety, "The illness is so serious! Why didn't the Chief call a doctor sooner? You should know that if he doesn't eat or drink for another three days, even if Hua Tuo and Bian Que were alive, they would probably be powerless to save him."

These words hit the nail on the head regarding the anxiety and pain of the two women, Jin and Yin. Fu Liying sighed deeply, and Huangfu Xiang said anxiously, "The headquarters currently has six highly respected doctors, but after several consultations, the illness has not improved."

Jiang Tiantao saw that the opportunity was not to be missed, so he immediately bowed and said solemnly, "Chief, there is no need to worry. I studied martial arts in the deep mountains and learned a little about medicine from my master. I am not very talented, but I am willing to recommend myself to the Chief Inspector to prescribe a diagnosis and treatment."

Upon hearing this, the two women, Jin and Yin, couldn't help but show their joy. The six hall masters and nearly a hundred experts were all stunned. The handsome swordsman, Du Jingyun, quickly composed himself and suddenly exclaimed, "Chief, you mustn't!"

Jin Chai, Fu Liying, was so worried about Yu Chai, Xiao Xiangzhen's illness, that she neglected sleep and meals. Upon hearing that Jiang Tiantao was skilled in medicine

, she was naturally overjoyed. Seeing the handsome swordsman's intervention, she asked in a deep voice, "Why not?" The handsome swordsman immediately bowed and said, "According to Representative Wei himself, he is only eighteen years old this year. Even if he has some medical knowledge, it's only superficial; he can't be considered an expert. The six doctors at the headquarters all have decades of clinical experience, and they have cured every leader of each branch of the family. Even six renowned doctors with decades of experience couldn't cure the Chief Inspector's illness; how can a novice possibly be effective?"

Jin and Yin Chai deeply agreed, and the others all nodded in agreement. Upon seeing this, Jiang Tiantao knew he was in trouble and panicked. He hastily stammered, "Your six doctors, though all skilled in medicine, failed to cure the Chief Inspector's serious illness, demonstrating their inability to find the source of the disease, hence the ineffectiveness of their medicine. Although I am young, I have studied the art of eccentric medicine..."

Before he could finish, several powerful voices suddenly rang out from among the nearly one hundred experts: "Reporting to the Chief, we have something to say."

Jiang Tiantao looked in the direction of the voices and his expression changed slightly. The speakers were none other than the four old men—a Taoist priest and a nun—who had been at the meeting in the inner chamber the previous night. The six men, all with ashen faces and trembling with anger, strode menacingly into the inner hall. Seeing this, Jiang Tiantao inwardly cursed himself, regretting his mistake.

Four elderly men—one Taoist, one nun, and one monk—came to the front of the inner hall, standing respectfully in a row facing the beautiful Fu Liying. They bowed simultaneously, and the elder in black among them spoke in a deep voice: "Reporting to the Chief, we have been working tirelessly for several days, searching for the cause of the illness by day and holding meetings at night, all for the Chief Inspector's speedy recovery. However, to this day, there has been no improvement in her condition, and it is worsening day by day. We are deeply worried and feel we have failed in our duties. Now, a divine physician has descended from heaven, and this Representative Wei has arrived. We humbly request the Chief to grant Representative Wei permission to enter and treat her. However, we also request the Chief to allow us to ask Representative Wei a few questions."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Tiantao felt as if struck by lightning, completely bewildered and at a loss for words. The woman with golden hairpins, Fu Liying, smiled politely and said, “Daoist Master, Abbess, and the four gentlemen, although the Chief Inspector’s pain has not yet shown any improvement, the six of you have done your best. Therefore, I, the leader, have not criticized you. Representative Wei’s enthusiastic self-recommendation is a testament to his benevolence. The six of you must not speak rashly and offend our distinguished guests. If you have any questions, you must ask them gently. Do you understand my meaning?”

The four old men, one Daoist and one nun, suppressed their anger and agreed in unison. Jin Chai Fu Liying nodded with satisfaction and said gently, "Please, six gentlemen, ask your questions!"

Then, the four old men—a Taoist priest, a nun, and another—turned to face Jiang Tiantao, bowed, and said in a deep voice, "Representative Wei greets you."

Jiang Tiantao quickly returned the bow, saying humbly, "Greetings, six gentlemen."

The gray-haired Taoist priest bowed and then said in a deep voice, "Young benefactor claims to have studied in the deep mountains, practicing esoteric medical techniques. I wonder if young benefactor could briefly discuss the essence of these techniques?"

Jiang Tiantao feigned reluctance and smiled, saying, "I am very sorry, but I am following my master's instructions; unless I pass on my skills ..." "Disciple, you are not allowed to discuss Qimen medicine without authorization."

The old man in coarse clothes, his face slightly angry, replied in a deep voice, "I have a prescription

. Could Representative Wei please point out its medicinal properties and what disease it treats?" Jiang Tiantao knew he didn't understand, but at this point, he had no choice but to bite the bullet and say, "Please tell me, sir."

The old man in coarse clothes said without hesitation, "Cinnamon twigs with white bamboo shoots, roasted licorice root and large thorns, plus three parts ginger!"

Jiang Tiantao had never even heard of the names of these herbs, let alone what disease this prescription treated, but he couldn't show weakness. So, he laughed arrogantly and deliberately explained loudly, "I have told you six that I practice Qimen medicine. This old man is asking about general medicine, so of course I don't know."

The two beauties, Jin and Yin, the six hall masters, and nearly a hundred experts were all stunned upon hearing this. The old nun, the old Taoist, and the four old men were so angry that they were speechless for a long time, trembling all over, almost going crazy. The old man in black, his face ashen, bowed deeply to Jin Chai and angrily said, "Reporting to the Chief, this Representative Wei is arrogant and contemptuous. If he is not a madman, he must have a conspiracy. He must not be allowed to come upstairs to treat patients."

Jin Chai, Fu Liying, saw that Jiang Tiantao didn't even know about a dose of Guizhi Tang (a traditional Chinese medicine for treating colds), let alone how he could diagnose and prescribe medicine. At this moment, seeing the old man in black directly refuse, she suddenly saw Jiang Tiantao, looked up and laughed loudly, "Six gentlemen, if you can't cure the Chief Inspector's illness, are you afraid that if I find out the cause of the illness, it will make you six lose face?"

Upon hearing this, the old nun with frost eyebrows was immediately furious and couldn't help but shout, "Representative Wei is going too far!"

Jiang Tiantao angrily retorted without hesitation, "Then why won't you let me treat him?"

The old nun with frost eyebrows was stunned by the question and couldn't answer for a long time. The old man in coarse clothes stomped his foot and turned to Jin Chai, demanding angrily, "Chief, let Representative Wei try."

Jin Chai's brows furrowed, her expression still hesitant. Yin Chai, Huangfu Xiang, her face darkening, turned to Jiang Tiantao and said in a cold voice, "If you can't cure my sister's illness..."

Before Yin Chai could finish, Jiang Tiantao resolutely said, "Leave my head at Dongliang Mountain."

Upon hearing this, the expressions of Jin and Yin Chai, the six hall masters, and nearly a hundred experts all changed drastically. The old nun, the old Taoist, and the four old men were all stunned.

Jin Chai, Fu Liying, her brows furrowed, bit her lip, her phoenix eyes fixed on Jiang Tiantao with a fierce gaze. After a long while, she suddenly slammed her hand on the armrest of her chair, abruptly standing up, and resolutely said in a deep voice, "Fine, Representative Wei, please come with me!" With that, she walked down the platform.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Tiantao was both surprised and delighted. Suppressing his excitement, he respectfully replied, "Yes." Seeing this, Huangfu Xiang, the silver-haired maid, quietly waved to Ji Zhenzhu of Caifeng Hall, giving her a subtle look. Li Zhenzhu nodded knowingly, then immediately turned and flew away.

Jiang Tiantao followed Fu Liying, who wore golden hairpins, towards the back of the hall. Huangfu Xiang, the master of Qinglong Hall, and the four old men—the old Taoist priest and the old nun—followed Jiang Tiantao, while the rest remained in the hall. Upon exiting the back hall, a magnificent scene unfolded: red bricks and glazed tiles, carved beams and pillars, a dazzling spectacle of gold and jade, nestled amidst undulating hills and the shade of pines and bamboos.

From the back hall to the back mountain, a hundred-step stone staircase and a hundred-foot-long flying bridge led the way. Sometimes the corridors twisted and turned, sometimes exotic flowers lined the path—truly a paradise on earth, a secluded haven. Jiang Tiantao followed the hurried Fu Liying, unknowingly passing through layer upon layer of courtyards. After walking along a wide, paved path, they reached the area of magnificent buildings they had entered the previous night. Passing through several grand gates, the tall building they had seen the night before finally appeared ahead.

Upon seeing this, Jiang Tiantao knew that the upper floor was the boudoir of Rainbow Dragon Girl Xiao Xiangzhen, and he was secretly delighted. He never dreamed that entering the Jade Hairpin's boudoir would be so easy. Reaching the front of the building, he followed Jinchai up the stairs. Jiang Tiantao was preoccupied with what to say to Rainbow Dragon Girl and how to return the Purple Blood Jade Hairpin to her, so he paid no attention to the furnishings inside.

Suddenly, a delicate fragrance of orchids wafted towards him. Jiang Tiantao regained his senses and found himself on the richly furnished and magnificent third floor. Looking closely, he saw that in the center of the outer guest room, a velvet carpet had been laid out, upon which rested a small brocade stool. A thin, crimson silk thread stretched from a deep, draped room, draped over the small stool. Upon seeing

this, Jiang Tiantao inwardly cried out to heaven, thinking: "Forget about diagnosing by thread; even if I felt her pulse and tapped her wrist, I wouldn't be able to find the source of her illness!" Jiang Tiantao stared at the bright red silk thread on the small brocade stool, inwardly groaning. He thought, "Even with the power to ascend to heaven, I cannot return the Purple Blood Jade Hairpin without seeing the Rainbow Dragon Girl, Xiao Xiangzhen." Though he groaned inwardly, he remained outwardly composed.

Jinchai Fuliying, quick-witted and intelligent, noticed the flicker of fear in Jiang Tiantao's eyes. However, her heart had already begun to stir with affection, and she no longer cared whether he truly possessed the skills of Qimen medicine. Seeing Jiang Tiantao's eyes flash and his reluctance to sit down, she urged him, "Representative Wei, please sit." She gestured respectfully to the small brocade stool in the center of the felt mat.

Jiang Tiantao feigned composure with a faint smile, glancing around to find that apart from Yinchai Huangfuxiang, the three female hall masters, the nun, the old Taoist priest, and the four old men, no one else had come forward. So, he calmly walked to the small brocade stool, naturally lifted the hem of his blue robe, and sat cross-legged on the felt. Then, mimicking the mannerisms of Xie Gan, the legendary physician from Jiugongbao, when he was being examined, he slowly extended his right hand, lightly placing his middle and ring fingers on the silk thread of the stool. Next, he closed his eyes, gently shook his head, as if deep in thought. He perfectly imitated the mannerisms of Xie Gan when he was being examined.

Jin and Yin, seeing this, slightly frowned, their hearts beginning to believe it. The three female hall masters were also stunned. Only the six senior doctors, skilled in medicine, secretly shook their heads, disdainful, convinced that Jiang Tiantao was merely imitating.

Jiang Tiantao's fingers rested on the silk thread: he was carefully considering how to enter the inner room, see the ailing Xiao Xiangzhen, and quietly return the purple jade hairpin. In that moment, his fingers on the silk thread suddenly felt a very slight upward tremor. Jiang Tiantao was utterly shocked, his whole body trembling, his face changing drastically, and he let out a soft gasp.

The two women, Jin and Yin, whose eyes were fixed on Jiang Tiantao, paled upon seeing his shocked expression and almost simultaneously asked urgently, "How is Representative Wei?" But Jiang Tiantao did not answer.

Seeing this, the three hall masters concluded that the Chief Inspector's condition was likely dire. The six senior doctors, skilled in medicine, were also stunned by Jiang Tiantao's shocked expression, for his sudden change in demeanor could not have been faked unless something truly alarming had occurred. Therefore, the six men also hurried nervously to the edge of the felt mat, their eyes fixed on the bright red thread Jiang Tiantao was pointing to.

Jiang Tiantao hesitated to answer Jin and Yin's questions for a long time because they were deeply offended by his loss of composure. Previously, he had never believed that someone skilled in medicine could truly diagnose a patient's illness by simply tying a fine silk thread to their pulse. Now, in deep thought, he noticed a slight tremor in the thread, which greatly shocked him, causing him to blurt out the question. He truly hadn't expected that pulse diagnosis by thread could possess such miraculous and subtle mysteries!

Seeing that Jiang Tiantao not only didn't answer but also showed signs of regret, the two women, Jin and Yin, became even more anxious and urgently asked, "Representative Wei, how is it?"

Hearing their anxious question, Jiang Tiantao's heart stirred. He immediately opened his eyes, stood up straight from the felt mat, and feigned nervousness, urgently saying, "Please, Chief, quickly take me inside to see the Chief Inspector's ears!" At

this moment, Jin Chai, Fu Liying, was already flustered and had no time to think. She repeatedly responded with a flustered "Yes," and turned to walk towards the door of the room, which was draped with a silk curtain. Huangfu Xiang, the silver-haired maid, had already leaped up and lifted the silk curtain, releasing a delicate fragrance reminiscent of orchids. The old nun, the old Taoist priest, and the four senior doctors no longer dared to object, for when they diagnosed Yu Chai, they relied on her complexion, eyes, and tongue, while this representative of the Guards insisted on examining the Chief Inspector's ears. The six men exchanged bewildered glances, seemingly saying that the art of Qimen medicine was indeed different from ordinary medicine.

Chapter Thirteen: The Mystery of the Young Fortress Master

Jiang Tiantao followed behind Fu Liying, the golden-haired maid, both excited and thrilled, but he still nodded politely as he passed Huangfu Xiang, who had personally lifted the silk curtain for him. Entering the room, a pink and green hue filled the space, its elegant and tranquil decor creating a serene atmosphere. Near the front window, a large, carved green ivory bed stood horizontally, flanked by pink and green curtains, from which a winged gauze canopy hung. Outside the curtains, four pink-clad maids stood solemnly, and on the jade table before them lay a medicine pot and a covered bowl.

Looking closely inside the gauze curtain, beneath a thin brocade quilt lay a beautiful young woman, her hair flowing like clouds, her face delicate, though slightly haggard. A bright red silk thread was tied around her jade-like wrist. Upon seeing the girl in the curtain, Jiang Tiantao's heart leaped into his throat. For in that instant, he wondered if the Rainbow Dragon Girl would be as demure as he imagined, whether she would silently listen to his story without uttering a sound. In

that moment, he arrived before Wei. Jinchai Fuliying stopped abruptly, immediately stepping aside and whispering anxiously, "Representative Wei, please make a diagnosis!"

Jiang Tiantao, fearing Fuliying might follow behind, suppressed his excitement and feigned politeness, whispering, "Chief, please sit on the embroidered stool!"

Jinchai Fuliying, her mind in turmoil, was momentarily confused by Jiang Tiantao's intention. She immediately nodded slightly, whispered "Yes," and cautiously stepped back, sitting on an embroidered stool. Seeing that Huangfu Xiang, the woman with the silver hairpin, had retreated, she did not follow. Jiang Tiantao, seeing that neither the silver nor the gold hairpin followed, felt his anxious heart calm down considerably.

He estimated the distance between Luo Wei and the gold hairpin to be about six steps, and from Luo Wei to the gauze curtains to be four steps. He thought that if he spoke in a whisper, the gold hairpin might not hear him. Having made up his mind, he calmly walked towards the bed. Reaching the curtains, he tried his best to remain calm, suppressing his racing heart. Pretending to want to observe the Rainbow Dragon Girl's expression, he deliberately looked up at the four palace lanterns hanging above Luo Wei's head. At the same time, he secretly grasped the purple-red jade hairpin he had hidden in his sleeve with his left hand. Then, by the lamplight, he pretended to scrutinize her, and upon closer inspection, his eyes suddenly lit up.

The Rainbow Dragon Maiden, her hair slightly disheveled, had delicate, arched eyebrows like distant mountains framing her alabaster-like face. Her phoenix eyes, lightly closed, revealed long, thick eyelashes. Her nose was small, straight, and exquisite, and her lips were small and red, like cherries. Although she was ill, her beauty and grace still shone through her haggard appearance. Jiang Tiantao glanced at her quickly through the gauze curtain. He noticed that the three women were all different in beauty and temperament, but he had no time to comment on them in detail.

He pretended to be puzzled, furrowing his brows and shaking his head in confusion, before taking the opportunity to lift the heavily drawn gauze curtain. A warm, fragrant scent wafted towards him, making his heart pound even faster. He reached out his slightly trembling right hand and deftly removed the Rainbow Dragon Maiden's loose hair, revealing a pair of exquisite, round, jade-like right ears.

Jiang Tiantao deftly brushed aside her hair, and the Rainbow Dragon Girl immediately opened her weary phoenix eyes weakly. Upon seeing Jiang Tiantao, her delicate brows furrowed even more. Gazing at his handsome face, her eyes suddenly lit up. Jiang Tiantao, extremely nervous, hurriedly extended his right hand, which held the purple jade hairpin from his sleeve, and slowly shook it.

The Rainbow Dragon Girl, Xiao Xiangzhen, was utterly stunned to find the man standing before her bed—the very man she had longed for day and night. She couldn't believe it was real; she thought it was another dream, for she often dreamt of her beloved, Jiang Tiantao, standing before her. Then, she noticed the purple jade hairpin in Jiang Tiantao's palm. Overjoyed, she almost sat up abruptly. She knew this wasn't a dream, but reality. But when she saw Jiang Tiantao's shaking gesture and the palace lantern hanging high above Luo Weiding, she realized it meant she couldn't speak. Therefore, she neither jumped nor cried out.

She slightly opened her phoenix eyes, gazing intently at Jiang Tiantao, who was so close to her. She recalled what Sister Xiang had said to Sister Li the previous night; it seemed they were talking about how the old lord of Jiugong Fort had sent a representative surnamed Wei. Before she could finish her thought, she noticed Jiang Tiantao gently touching her ear with his index finger. A mixture of shyness, joy, and excitement, a sweet warmth spreading through her, made her heart pound wildly, her cheeks flushed crimson, and she unconsciously closed her eyes.

Just as she closed her eyes, she heard a soft voice beside her. She quickly suppressed her rapidly beating heart. The voice read: "A thousand miles of galloping cavalry pay homage to the mountain, secretly whispering sweet nothings. Chasing horses, throwing poems, sneaking into the fort at night, so close yet so far, meeting is difficult! The bitterness within is hard to express, the floating clouds obscure the moon, time never turns. Warm in the hibiscus tent, I lie here for now, spring arrives in the human world, the moon is full."

Upon hearing this, the Rainbow Dragon Girl's phoenix eyes moistened, overwhelmed with mixed emotions of sorrow and joy. She secretly thanked Heaven that her beloved had fallen in love. Knowing her lover was leaving, she hurriedly opened her eyes, only to find everything blurry. Tears of joy immediately streamed down her face. Looking again, her lover was already gone. At that moment, Jiang Tiantao's eyes shone brightly, his face radiant, and he felt as if a heavy burden had been lifted from his shoulders, radiating immense ease and joy.

Upon seeing him, Jin and Yin immediately came to greet him, asking with concern, "Representative Wei, how is it?"

Jiang Tiantao smiled happily, pointed outside, and said with a smile, "Let's talk outside!"

Seeing Jiang Tiantao's cheerful expression, Jin and Yin knew they had discovered the source of the illness. They nodded, both pleased and bewildered, and the two walked out side by side. The three inner hall staff and six doctors who had been anxiously waiting outside immediately rose and surrounded Jiang Tiantao and Jin and Yin upon seeing them.

Li Zhenzhu, a nun from Caifeng Hall, was particularly concerned about Rainbow Dragon Girl's condition, so she first lowered her voice and asked, "May I ask Representative Wei..."

Before Li Zhenzhu could finish speaking, Jiang Tiantao immediately imitated Xie Ganen's expression, waved his hand at Li Zhenzhu, and said smugly, "Quickly bring pen, ink, and paper!"

Li Zhenzhu hurriedly responded with a "Yes," and without time to instruct the maids standing in the corner, she rushed into the opposite room. The old nun, the old Taoist priest, and the four senior doctors were stunned when they saw Jiang Tiantao's demeanor. Jin and Yin, the two maids, invited Jiang Tiantao to sit in a large chair at a Han jade sandalwood table. A maid brought him a cup of fragrant tea, and at the same time, Li Zhenzhu's pen and ink were brought. Several maids surrounded him at the same time, dripping water, grinding ink, spreading paper, and moistening the brush, immediately bustling about.

Jin and Yin, the three hall masters, and the six senior doctors who were well-versed in medicine all looked at Jiang Tiantao anxiously with expectant eyes, eagerly hoping to hear the diagnosis. Jiang Tiantao glanced calmly at the crowd gathered around the table, let out a soft breath, and immediately looked at the two women, Jin and Yin, saying with an air of importance, "Although your gang's chief inspector has not eaten for four days, it is not a rare or incurable disease..."

Upon hearing this, the two women, Jin and Yin, felt their tense mood instantly ease and unconsciously echoed in unison. Jiang Tiantao continued in a serious tone, "However, it was only after examining her ears that I found the source of the illness..."

Upon hearing this, the six elderly nuns, Taoist priests, and doctors, all well-versed in medicine, couldn't help but exchange a sigh of relief. Although Jiang Tiantao noticed their expressions of relief, he pretended not to notice and continued solemnly, "Fortunately, the illness has not yet worsened, and it is not too late to provide immediate treatment. Otherwise, even if we prescribed miraculous herbs like Ganoderma lucidum and Polygonum multiflorum, it would probably be difficult to save her, let alone give her Fritillaria cirrhosa, Clematis chinensis, Aristolochia debilis, Citrus reticulata, and Angelica sinensis." After finishing speaking, he glanced, seemingly intentionally and unintentionally, at the old nun and the white-haired old man in the hemp gauze robe.

The old nun's expression changed upon hearing this, and the old woman in the hemp shawl shuddered, thinking: This was just something said in anger at the meeting last night, and she's been taking the medicine for two or three days. How did this strange Representative Wei know?

At this moment, Fu Liying had no time to observe the changing expressions of the old nun, the old Taoist priest, and the old doctor. She immediately turned to Jiang Tiantao and asked anxiously, "What medicine is Representative Wei going to prescribe?"

Jiang Tiantao replied without hesitation, "I have already pressed the blood-storing acupoint behind your gang's chief inspector's ear..."

Upon hearing this, Fu Liying and the others all changed their expressions drastically and exclaimed in unison. Jiang Tiantao smiled faintly, casually waving his hand, and said with a smile, "Chief, there's no need to panic. This is a wonderful treatment method from my Qimen Medical Technique, used to dispel heart fire, disperse heat, open the chest, and improve appetite. I've prescribed a dose for your Chief Inspector. After taking it, she will sit up wrapped in a blanket, and within a short while, she will feel hungry. She will be able to get up and walk around in just half an hour." As he spoke, he deliberately raised his voice, as if intentionally letting Rainbow Dragon Girl hear him.

Upon hearing this, the two beauties, Jin and Yin, were overjoyed. The three female hall masters could hardly believe it, and the six experienced doctors, all skilled in medicine, were stunned by Jiang Tiantao's miraculous words. Seeing their expressions of surprise and confusion, Jiang Tiantao almost burst out laughing, but he continued more cautiously, "However, before your Chief Inspector can get up and walk around, it would be best if she could sit cross-legged and regulate her breathing for a few weeks."

Jin Chai and Fu Liying nodded repeatedly, agreeing each time. Just then, a maid brought over a brush soaked in ink. Jiang Tiantao had already prepared the prescription that Xie Gan had given him that day, and without hesitation, he wrote it down in one stroke. The two women, Jin and Yin, watched in admiration, the three female hall masters nodded repeatedly in admiration, and the six experienced doctors were all stunned. Seeing Jiang Tiantao's composed demeanor and the way he wrote down the names of various medicines so quickly and without pause, they couldn't help but believe that this representative was indeed someone who had studied esoteric medicine.

Jiang Tiantao finished writing the prescription in one breath, didn't even glance at it, and lightly put down the brush. He looked at Fu Liying with an air of confidence and said humbly, "Please have someone prepare the medicine and give it to the Chief Inspector immediately."

Jin and Fu Liying hurriedly agreed. The old nun, the old Taoist priest, and the four experienced doctors, driven by curiosity, couldn't help but peek over to take a look. Ah! Upon seeing it, their expressions changed drastically, and they all gasped in surprise, stunned.

The old man in hemp robes regained his composure and immediately exclaimed in shock, "The Grand Inspector has not eaten for four days, and her body is already extremely weak. How can she take this medicine?"

Fu Liying and Huangfu Xiang, seeing the panicked expressions of the old Taoist, the old nun, and the four old men, couldn't help but ask in surprise, "What kind of medicine is it?"

The old man in embroidered robes immediately said anxiously, "It's a dose of herbal tea!"

As soon as the words "herbal tea" were uttered, the two beauties, Jin and Yin, and the three hall masters all couldn't help but gasp in surprise! All eyes were fixed on Jiang Tiantao's handsome face. Jiang Tiantao thought their exclamation was even better. Since Rainbow Dragon Girl already knew his purpose, upon hearing the exclamations outside, she would naturally not drink this herbal tea.

Seeing everyone looking at him with surprise and doubt, he smiled calmly and said, "My unique medical skills rely on testing their effectiveness on the spot; whether they work or not is only known afterward. You might as well prepare the medicine and send it in. Fortunately, I won't be coming down the mountain for another hour or two." With this explanation, everyone had nothing more to say. Although they were confused, they had no choice but to go and prepare the medicine.

Jin Chai Fu Liying, knowing that everything was finished, immediately said humbly, "It's past noon. Please, Representative Wei, return to the hall and take your seats!"

Jiang Tiantao got up and agreed, then walked downstairs with Fu Liying. The three female hall masters followed Huangfu Xiang silently, half believing and half doubting. The six senior doctors, all well-versed in medicine, were all on tenterhooks, fearing for the "Rainbow Dragon Girl's" life. After walking through a corridor and passing two elegant residences, one finally sees the Azure Dragon Hall Master, Tang Meijianke, the White Tiger Hall Master, Yu Cunxin, and the Spotted Leopard Hall Master, Yuan Zijian, waiting on the other side of the Hundred-Foot Bridge.

Crossing the hundred-foot-high flying bridge, the beautiful swordsmen and their companions immediately came to greet them. Jiang Tiantao politely nodded with a smile and continued walking side by side with Jinchai. The three beautiful swordsmen noticed that, apart from Jiang Tiantao, who appeared cheerful, the gang leader, commander, and the three inner hall masters all seemed to be preoccupied. In particular, the six doctors from the main altar all had furrowed brows and worried expressions, seemingly extremely unhappy. Therefore, as soon as Jiang Tiantao and his group passed by, they immediately followed among the six doctors and cautiously whispered, "What's the diagnosis?"

The six senior doctors were all unwilling to answer, nor could they answer in reality, so they all shook their heads sadly. The three beautiful swordsmen were very puzzled and naturally did not ask any further questions. The group silently proceeded, and after a while, they reached the back of the hall, where bursts of lively conversation and laughter emanated from within. As soon as

Fu Liying and Jiang Tiantao entered the back hall, their conversation immediately quieted down. Jiang Tiantao looked around and saw that more than a dozen tables of food and drink had already been set up in the hall. One table in the middle was still empty, but the male and female leaders of each hall and nearly a hundred other experts had already taken their seats in order. Upon seeing Fu Liying, they all stood up from their seats. They

went to an empty table in the outer hall, and Fu Liying immediately invited Jiang Tiantao to take a seat. Jiang Tiantao did not refuse, nodded politely, and then sat in the head seat. To his left was Fu Liying with her golden hairpin, and to his right was Huangfu Xiang with her silver hairpin. The three hall leaders, one inside and one outside, sat on either side, and the six doctors sat opposite him. Fu Liying announced the start of the banquet, and the whole hall immediately erupted in cheers. Everyone raised their glasses, played drinking games, and shouted "Cheers!" The atmosphere was extremely pleasant.

After several rounds of drinks and dishes, Jinchai Fuliying raised her glass first, expressing her gratitude: "My third sister has been seriously ill and hasn't eaten for days. Liying, my second sister, and all the hall masters and doctors have been anxious day and night, unable to eat or sleep. Today, Representative Wei sincerely offered his services, taking her pulse and prescribing a medicine. My third sister has recovered as if from a dream. It can be said that a divine doctor has descended from heaven. Fuliying humbly offers Representative Wei a cup of wine to express her gratitude."

Jiang Tiantao hurriedly raised his glass, deliberately being modest, and said: "The matter of wielding the brush is nothing to mention, Chief. As long as you don't suspect that I am intentionally teasing the Chief Inspector or have some other conspiracy, I will be at ease." Upon hearing this, the faces of the old man in hemp clothing and the handsome swordsman all turned red.

Jin Chai Fu Liying, her beautiful face beaming with a smile, looked slightly embarrassed. Just as she was about to offer a few words of apology, she saw Huangfu Xiang raise her cup and apologize, saying, "Last night, I received a report from Hall Master Yu that it was already past midnight. Because it was so late, I was unable to invite Representative Wei to the inn, causing Representative Wei to suffer an unpleasant night. I feel very uneasy about this, please forgive me."

Jiang Tiantao had already seen through Yin Chai's intentions. On the one hand, he was deliberately changing the subject, and on the other hand, he was deliberately trying to embarrass him in front of everyone. Therefore, he pretended to laugh heartily and said, "Speaking of what happened at Yuanyun Tower last night, it was really quite interesting. At that time, I was eager to find a brother from your esteemed gang and sent my visiting card into the mountain that very night. I happened to hear Hall Master Yu listening to singing upstairs, so I also went upstairs to listen to the voice of that famous singer Leng Ping. I never expected to be mistaken for a member of a brothel." After saying this, he laughed heartily again, as if to make fun of himself.

Yu Tangzhu felt embarrassed after hearing Jiang Tiantao's words, while the others were somewhat bewildered. Only Huangfu Xiang, with her silver hairpin, blushed instantly. At the same time, she was also alarmed. These were the words she had spoken to Xiao Fen and the other woman the night before. Could it be that Representative Wei had unintentionally hit the nail on the head?

Even Jin Chai Fu Liying couldn't help but frown, her heart stirred. Therefore, she deliberately changed the subject, saying, "Representative Wei, you serve at Jiugong Fort. Do you know what martial arts your fort's young master, Jiang Tiantao, is skilled in?"

Jiang Tiantao pondered for a moment and said, "Many..."

The beautiful swordsman, intending to sow discord and deliberately provoking, interrupted, asking, "With Representative Wei's superb martial arts skills, who is stronger and who is weaker between you and your fort's young master, Jiang Tiantao?"

Jiang Tiantao smiled faintly and said, "My young master has a long and unique family tradition in martial arts. In terms of lightness skill, we are evenly matched. In terms of internal strength, I am slightly inferior. As for swordsmanship, I'm not afraid of being laughed at, but I am far from being as good!" Upon hearing this, Fu Liying and the others all changed their expressions.

Yu Cunxin, the Golden Hook Sword Master of the White Tiger Hall, had always admired Jiang Tiantao's astonishing internal strength. Upon hearing this, he said in disbelief, "Representative Wei injured Li Bashan with a single palm strike in front of Jiugong Fortress. Such profound internal strength is hard to believe if it wasn't your fortress's young master. You should know that all the heroes of the martial world praise you..."

Before the Golden Hook Sword Master could finish speaking, Jiang Tiantao smiled calmly and said jokingly, "You say I'm a young master who just left my sect?"

The Golden Hook Sword Master, Yu Cunxin, nodded as if agreeing but disagreeing. However, Huangfu Xiang, sitting next to Jiang Tiantao, felt that things were not so simple. The first sentence, "a disciple of a brothel," could be said to be unintentional, but the second sentence, "a young master who just left his sect," was definitely not a coincidence. Then, a sudden thought struck her, and her delicate body trembled involuntarily. She thought: After he sent his invitation last night, could he have come to scout the mountain? She recalled that he had just finished bathing when he said those words last night. The thought of bathing made her heart pound, her face flushing crimson to her ears.

If Wei Ming had indeed secretly scouted the mountain after sending his invitation, based on his two sentences, the scene of her bathing last night must have been witnessed by him. This thought filled her with shame, anger, and anxiety, making her feel like she was sitting on pins and needles. Then she thought, the main camp is heavily guarded, with numerous checkpoints. Although his martial arts were extraordinary, it was impossible for him to escape detection by the hidden checkpoints. Suddenly, her eyes lit up, and she immediately remembered the Cardinal's Path, and looked at the White Tiger Hall Master with an imposing gaze.

Since everyone was talking, she had to wait until they finished speaking before immediately looking at the White Tiger Hall Master and asking imposingly, "Hall Master Yu, which exit did you take to enter the mountain last night?"

White Tiger Hall Master Yu Cunxin was momentarily confused and startled. Jiang Tiantao, however, was genuinely surprised. He knew Huangfu Xiang had become suspicious of his two questions, but he pretended not to understand and didn't pay attention.

The White Tiger Hall Master replied, puzzled, "Through the Qide Pass."

Huangfu Xiang continued imposingly, "Who else was there?"

White Tiger Hall Master Yu Cunxin, sensing something amiss, immediately replied solemnly, "Also, there were two others, Wu Xiangzhu and Qian Xiangzhu."

Upon hearing this, Huangfu Xiang became even more confused. She knew that when Yu Cunxin traveled with others, he would never dare to take the secret path, and the man surnamed Wei couldn't possibly follow him. But why were his two questions so coincidental? Jin Chai, Fu Liying, and the others noticed Huangfu Xiang's unusual expression and were suddenly questioned. They all looked at Yin Chai and Yu Cunxin with bewilderment.

Just then, the people at several tables near the hall entrance, who were cheerfully clinking glasses and drinking, suddenly stood up with a bang. The other tables of experts, though unaware of the reason, were certain that someone of very high status had arrived, and thus also rose from their seats. Jiang Tiantao was very puzzled, and Jin Chai and Yin Chai were also somewhat confused.

Just then, a young guard who had been standing guard outside the shop hurriedly passed between the tables and rushed towards them. Upon seeing him, Yin Chai and Huangfu Xiang's phoenix eyes lit up, and she exclaimed excitedly, "It must be my father returning!" Upon hearing

that it was the Jade Fan Scholar Huangfu Yang, Jiang Tiantao trembled with shock, his face changing instantly. Fortunately, Jin Chai and the others had already stood up to greet the newcomer, so no one noticed Jiang Tiantao's expression. At this moment, the young guard, who had rushed over, reached the table. He bowed hurriedly to Jin Chai and said urgently, "Reporting to the leader, the Chief Inspector has arrived."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Tiantao's tense heart immediately calmed down, but upon hearing it was Rainbow Dragon Girl Xiao Xiangzhen, his excitement returned. Jin and Yin Chai, the six hall masters, the old Taoist priest, the old nun, and the four old men could hardly believe their ears and exclaimed in unison, "What did you say?"

The young guard respectfully replied again, "The Chief Inspector has arrived!" As soon as he finished speaking, a burst of enthusiastic cheers erupted from the tables near the entrance, shaking the hall.

Immediately afterward, a stunningly beautiful young woman with flowing hair, a pink and green dress, a petite figure, and a graceful posture calmly walked in from outside. Jiang Tiantao looked closely and recognized her as Rainbow Dragon Girl, who had been bedridden for four days without food. The Rainbow Dragon Girl smiled radiantly, her phoenix eyes sparkling. She nodded frequently to the cheering masters, and the purple jade hairpin that had been secretly returned to her was now prominently displayed in her hair.

The two women, Jin and Yin, along with the six hall masters and six senior doctors skilled in medicine, were stunned to see the Rainbow Dragon Girl approaching with a cheerful expression and light steps. The six senior doctors, in particular, could hardly believe their old eyes. The Chief Inspector, who had been bedridden for four days without food, had actually recovered after taking a dose of herbal tea from Representative Wei. Although everyone found it unbelievable, the facts were undeniable: the Rainbow Dragon Girl, after carefully dressing herself, had already reached the table.

As soon as she arrived, the six senior doctors hurriedly stepped aside. Amidst enthusiastic cheers, Xiao Xiangzhen faced the two women, Jin and Yin, curtsied respectfully, and said, "Sister Li, Sister Xiang, I'm all better."

The two women, both surprised and delighted, hurriedly smiled and said, "Third Sister, please thank Representative Wei quickly." As they spoke, they gestured respectfully to Jiang Tiantao, who stood beside them with a handsome, smiling face.

Rainbow Dragon Girl, her face flushed with shyness, her slender neck slightly bowed, and she curtsied to Jiang Tiantao, saying gratefully, "Thank you, Master Wei!"

Everyone was momentarily stunned upon hearing "Master Wei." Although Jiang Tiantao maintained a composed demeanor and smiled, he was inwardly extremely nervous. He feared Rainbow Dragon Girl wouldn't understand his implication and would publicly identify him as Jiang Tiantao. Seeing Rainbow Dragon Girl humbly address him as "Master Wei," his uneasy heart immediately calmed down, and he hurriedly said with concern, "How could I dare to thank you for such a small matter? Miss Xiao's health has just recovered; she shouldn't be overworked.

It would be best if she returned to her room to rest." Rainbow Dragon Girl gazed affectionately at the dashing Jiang Tiantao and humbly said, "Master Wei's benevolent heart and miraculous skills cured my serious illness; how could I not come to thank you..."

Before she could finish speaking, Fu Liying quickly interjected, "Third Sister, if you feel you have the strength, please take a seat!" Rainbow Dragon Girl nodded without hesitation in agreement.

At this moment, several maids brought over a lacquered chair and a cup, placing it beside Fu Liying, just one person away from Jiang Tiantao. Rainbow Dragon Girl took her seat, first raising her cup to Jiang Tiantao, gratefully saying, "Lord Wei, please drink this cup to express my gratitude for your life-saving grace!" Jiang

Tiantao repeatedly said he dared not accept, gladly raising his cup and drinking it all in one gulp. The handsome swordsman Du Jingyun and the Leopard Hall Master Yuan Zijian, watching this unfold, felt both jealous and angry, yet helpless. The three female hall masters, more perceptive, secretly observed the expressions and eyes of the two, sensing something amiss, but none dared to point it out publicly.

The Golden and Silver Beauties, though finding the story unbelievably legendary, were overjoyed that the Jade Hairpin's illness was truly cured, and thus, they didn't bother to think further. The six experienced doctors, all well-versed in medicine, felt humiliated, but could only silently resent it. With the graceful arrival of the Rainbow Dragon Maiden, the atmosphere in the hall became even more lively and bustling.

Sitting beside the Golden Hairpin, the Rainbow Dragon Maiden occasionally glanced affectionately at the handsome and dashing Jiang Tiantao. Thinking of his quick wit and composure in returning the Purple Blood Jade Hairpin, she felt both admiration and amusement deep within her heart. She had already deduced, when Jiang Tiantao gently touched her right ear and began reciting poetry to himself, that his supposed healing was merely a pretext to infiltrate her boudoir. As for why Jiang Tiantao had avoided meeting her in the Nine Palaces Fortress, and why he was now pretending to be the headmaster to pay his respects, she naturally refrained from asking further questions at this moment.

Before he could finish his thought, he suddenly saw Yuan Zijian, the "Spotted Leopard Hall Master," his eyes flashing with a cold light. He turned to look at the old man in black and asked with great concern, "Doctor Pang, has the condition of my subordinate Zhang the Chief's illness improved?"

Upon hearing the question, the old man in black blushed and immediately said embarrassedly, "Chief Zhang is on the verge of death. I have already prescribed another medicine, but there is still no improvement."

Jiang Tiantao was as clever as he was. As soon as he heard Yuan Zijian's question, he knew the other party's intention. If he really brought in another seriously ill person, he would definitely embarrass himself on the spot.

Before he could finish his thought, a cold smile flashed across Yuan Zijian's lips. Then, facing Jinchai, he respectfully said, "Reporting to the Chief, one of our leaders, Zhang, has been suffering from a strange illness for nearly a year, and his condition has not improved. I wonder if we could ask Representative Wei to treat him again..."

Upon hearing this, Rainbow Dragon Girl panicked. Before Yuan Zijian could finish speaking, she immediately retorted, "He's on his deathbed, his illness is terminal. He's been treated at the main altar for a year without recovery. How can we ask Representative Wei to treat him again!"

Although Jiang Tiantao was anxious inside, he still pretended to be calm on the surface. Seeing Rainbow Dragon Girl refuse on his behalf, fearing that he would reveal his weakness, he immediately smiled and said with great pleasure, "Since Leader Zhang has been ill for so long, I have no reason to stand by and watch him die. In a moment , Chief Yuan might as well lead me there."

Upon hearing this, Yuan Zijian was stunned. Jinchai and the others praised him repeatedly. Only Rainbow Dragon Girl looked at Jiang Tiantao with confusion. Just then, a burly man in tight-fitting clothes and carrying a sword strode across the table in front. Jiang Tiantao, Jin Chai, and the others all noticed him and stopped drinking to wait.

The burly man reached the table, faced Jin Chai and Fu Liying, touched his sword, bowed, and said loudly, "Reporting to the Chief, Jing Delu, a guard of Jiugong Fort, has urgent business and requests to see Wei Ming, the Left Head of the Fort."

Jiang Tiantao's expression changed immediately upon hearing this. He was certain that something serious had happened in the fort, otherwise, he would never have sent someone to see him. Before he could finish thinking this, he heard Jin Chai and Fu Liying humbly ask, "Where is that person now?"

The burly man replied respectfully, "Outside the hall!"

Jin Chai and Fu Liying immediately smiled and said urgently, "Quickly, invite him in." The burly man respectfully agreed, turned around, and strode out of the hall.

By this time, the experts at the nearby tables had already noticed and all stopped drinking to look. Jiang Tiantao frowned slightly, his gaze fixed on the entrance of the hall, a deep unease settling in his heart. When he left Jiugongbao, he had suspected that Poisonous Lady's suggestion to come to Dongliang Mountain was part of a conspiracy, and it seemed he might have been right. He had never trusted Poisonous Lady; he had long foreseen that when all her ideals were shattered, she would take a desperate gamble, resorting to the most ruthless methods. Before he could finish his thought, the burly man who had been carrying a sword led in a middle-aged man dressed in a brand-new blue outfit, his face dusty with travel.

Jiang Tiantao's excitement grew; it was indeed a guard from Jiugongbao. Upon seeing Jiang Tiantao, who held the highest position, Jing Delu, the fortress guard of Jiugongbao, hurried forward, clasped his hands, bowed, and said loudly, "Jing Delu, the Left Outer Court General Affairs Officer, greets the Left Head of the Court."

Jiang Tiantao gave a slight bow and then said to Jing Delu in a deep voice, "These three are Chief Fu, the Commander-in-Chief, and the Chief Inspector. Please greet them!"

Jing Delu then clasped his hands and bowed to the three women, saying loudly, "Jing Delu, the Left Outer Court General Affairs Officer of Jiugongbao on Mount Mufu, greets Chief Fu, the Commander-in-Chief, and the Chief Inspector." The three women, Jin, Yin, and Yu, smiled humbly and said, "General Affairs Officer Jing has come from afar; your journey must be tiring

. Please take your seats and have a drink!"

Jing Delu hurriedly and respectfully said, "Thank you, Chief. I have urgent business to attend to and dare not delay. My young lady has sent a letter; please deliver it to Headmaster Wei of this academy immediately."

Upon hearing "my young lady," Jinchai and Yuchai frowned slightly. Jinchai immediately said humbly, "Please proceed, Mr. Jing."

Jing Delu, the fortress guard, respectfully agreed and took out a creamy yellow envelope with a red rim and gold border from his bosom. He presented it to Jiang Tiantao with both hands and said respectfully, "Headmaster, please take a look."

Jiang Tiantao, who had been waiting impatiently, eagerly took the envelope. He said a few words of humility to Jinchai and immediately tore open the seal, pulling out a piece of snow-white paper. Upon closer inspection, Jiang Tiantao's expression changed instantly. It contained only a few words: "Cousin: Upon receiving this letter, return to the fortress immediately. Please, Ling."

According to the rules of the martial arts world, when a letter is presented at a banquet, it is opened immediately in front of everyone, but the person in question is not allowed to pass it around, and others are not allowed to peek or request to read it. But Jinchai and Yuchai, who had heard the words "my young lady," couldn't help but glance at it. Jinchai looked at the words "cousin" and suddenly felt confused, while Yuchai felt a pang of jealousy rising deep within her heart. Only Huangfuxiang, the silver-haired one, remained unmoved, not even stealing a glance at the letter in Jiang Tiantao's hand, because she already had Jiang Tiantao, the young master of the fortress, in her heart. At the same time, she noticed that her elder sister, Fu Liying, had already developed feelings for this handsome and dashing representative of the Guard. After reading

the few words on the plain paper, Jiang Tiantao wished he could sprout wings and fly back to Mufu Mountain. So, he hurriedly put the letter away, faced Fu Liying, stood up, cupped his hands, and said urgently, "I have been summoned urgently and cannot stay for a moment. Please forgive me, Chief. I will take my leave now." After saying this, he left his seat and bowed deeply.

Confused, Fu Liying could only say with a hint of disappointment, "Since your fortress has matters to attend to, I cannot refuse you. Representative Wei, please feel free to visit the mountain for a few days in the future."

Jiang Tiantao immediately replied humbly, "I will certainly come to bother you when I have time in the future." As he spoke, he glanced at the dejected Rainbow Dragon Girl with a reassuring look and walked towards the entrance of the hall.

Fu Liying, the Golden Hairpin, immediately announced in a deep voice, "

Form a procession to see Representative Wei off!" Upon hearing this, the three swordsmen, Du Jingyun and the other two, responded in unison. They waved to the various hall masters who were looking on blankly at the tables and announced loudly, "Form a procession to respectfully see Representative Wei off down the mountain."

With a loud and thunderous voice, everyone rushed out of the hall. Jiang Tiantao was eager to get down the mountain and naturally did not want them to form a procession to see him off, but considering that he represented his father, the Land Dragon, he could not refuse too much. Outside the hall, below the wide steps, banners fluttered, horses neighed and hooves clattered, and shouts of pulling horses rose and fell, creating a chaotic scene.

Surrounded by the three women, Jiang Tiantao hurriedly descended the steps. A dozen or so sturdy horses were already lined up before him, with Xiaoqing prominently positioned in the middle. The group mounted and galloped towards the valley entrance. Jiang Tiantao rode alongside the three women, with Huangfu Xiang and Xiao Xiangzhen close behind. The rest of the procession consisted of six hall masters, thirty-six incense leaders, and nearly a hundred chieftains.

The procession was grand and imposing, the horses neighing and hooves thundering. Because Jiang Tiantao was in a hurry to return to Jiugongbao, his descent was much faster than his pilgrimage. They circled peaks, crossed ridges, traversed forests, and passed through valleys; apart from the neighing and galloping of horses, no other sounds could be heard. Sitting on his horse, Jiang Tiantao pondered what had happened in the fortress. Based on Wang Yanling's few words, he deduced that a major change must have occurred. Because he was preoccupied with the fortress, he unconsciously neglected Fu Liying, who was riding beside him.

Fu Liying was in turmoil, suddenly losing her usual composure. She knew that after Representative Wei left, it seemed impossible for him to return to Dongliang Mountain. However, it was even more impossible for her, as the leader of a gang, to go to Jiugongbao to find Wei Ming. Due to her depressed mood, she also overlooked Jiang Tiantao's coldness towards her.

Yinchai Huangfuxiang had a different idea. She had secretly decided that as soon as Representative Wei left, she would immediately ask her elder sister Fu Liying for permission to return and pay her respects to the old hero Jiang. At that time, she could not only find out what had happened at Jiugongbao, but also take the opportunity to see the true demeanor of the young fortress master, Jiang Tiantao. Rainbow Dragon Girl, who had been silently advancing, had also made her decision. As soon as Jiang Tiantao left, she would immediately go down the mountain to supervise, take the opportunity to catch up with Jiang Tiantao, ride alongside him, and then investigate his background. "Azure Dragon Hall Master" Du Jingyun and "Spotted Leopard Hall Master" Yuan Zijian, seeing Jiang Tiantao leave so hastily, felt as if a thorn in their side had been removed.

Just then, a whistling arrow suddenly shot through the air from the ridge on the right. Jiang Tiantao, who was deep in thought, heard the sound and his heart skipped a beat. He knew it must be a spy from the Three Beauties Gang who had discovered someone approaching from below. Looking up, he saw that they were already in the small green valley inside the mountain pass. Sure enough, on the wide stone road outside the pass, six tall, strong horses were galloping towards the pass, kicking up wisps of blue smoke.

Jiang Tiantao looked around and found that they had already entered the small green valley. Jin Chai Fu Liying slowly raised her jade hand, and the large cavalry behind her immediately dispersed. At the same time, she reined in her horse. Jiang Tiantao continued forward for a while, turned his horse around, and stood facing the Three Beauties. Jing Delu, the clerk who had come from Jiugongbao to deliver a message, also spurred his horse and stood behind Jiang Tiantao.

Jiang Tiantao sat upright on his horse, looking up at the cavalry with their banners fluttering and lined up in order. At the same time, he glanced at the three beauties, Jin, Yin, and Yu, who were riding upright on their horses. Fu Liying's brows furrowed slightly, revealing a hint of melancholy; Huangfu Xiang

, on the other hand, appeared composed, her face beaming with joy; and Rainbow Dragon Girl, though calm, also seemed quite envious. As soon as the horses were in formation, Jiang Tiantao immediately cupped his hands in greeting and solemnly proclaimed, "I was ordered to pay my respects at the mountain, and I am deeply honored by the personal welcome and farewell from the Chief. Upon returning to the fortress, I will report this honor to the old Chief Jiang, the Heroic Elder. I will never forget this favor, and I express my sincere gratitude immediately." He then bowed and kowtowed to the saddle.

Fu Liying hurriedly returned the greeting, saying humbly, "Representative Wei is too modest. Please forgive any shortcomings in our hospitality, and please convey my regards to Elder Jiang."

Jiang Tiantao bowed again and said loudly, "Thank you, Chief. I will take my leave now."

As soon as he finished speaking, Huangfu Xiang, Xiao Xiangzhen, and the six hall masters politely shouted in unison, "Until we meet again, Representative Wei, take care."

Jiang Tiantao also waved with a smile, loudly wished them well, and turned his horse to gallop straight towards the mountain pass. Just as Jiang Tiantao spurred his horse to gallop, a chorus of hooves rang out, and six tall, spiky bugs rushed into the valley like lightning. Jiang Tiantao looked up, his face changed drastically, and he was stunned. But Xiao Qing, who had just pulled away, continued to charge forward.

On one of the six tall, spiky horses, a man with a face like the ancient moon, eyebrows reaching his temples, holding a gilded folding fan, and dressed in a moon-white robe, appeared. He was none other than Huangfu Xiang's father, the Silver Hairpin Scholar. Jiang Tiantao, seeing that he had encountered the Jade Fan Scholar here, inwardly groaned. He hurriedly turned around and saw Fu Liying and the other two also urging their horses to approach. Turning back again, the Jade Fan Scholar was already not far away.

Huangfu Yang, riding on horseback, with his eyebrows reaching his temples, immediately let out a joyful laugh and cheerfully called out, "My dear friend, how have you been!"

Before he finished speaking, Jiang Tiantao was already in front of Huangfu Yang's horse. He quickly reined in Xiao Qing, immediately bowed, and said hastily, "This junior came to pay respects at the mountain, but it turns out that you are not here. Now my father has summoned me, so I cannot stay long. I must take my leave now." After saying this, he repeatedly bowed, spurred his horse, and Xiao Qing raised its head and neighed loudly, galloping straight towards the mountain pass.

The scholar Huangfu Chang, utterly bewildered, was momentarily stunned. Suddenly, his eyes lit up, as if he had remembered something. He immediately looked at Jiang Tiantao's galloping horse and called out loudly, "My worthy friend, please convey my regards to your father, Old Master Jiang, and tell him that Huangfu Yang awaits his good health."

Before he finished speaking, Jiang Tiantao's clear voice replied, "Thank you, Senior Huangfu. I will certainly convey your message." With that, Jiang Tiantao and Jing Delu's two swift horses galloped out of the mountain pass.

At this moment, Jin Chai Fu Liying, Yin Chai Huangfu Xiang, Yu Chai Xiao Xiangzhen, and the six hall masters had arrived behind Huangfu Yang. Upon hearing the Jade Fan Scholar's greeting to Old Master Jiang, Huangfu Xiang, though initially puzzled, sensed something was amiss and immediately asked, "Father, who is he?"

Huangfu Yang, upon hearing this, was taken aback again, then replied in confusion, "He is Jiang Tiantao, the young master of Jiugong Fortress!"

The six hall masters exclaimed in surprise! Jin and Yin were stunned. Although Yu Chai wasn't shocked, she had many more questions troubling her.

Jin Chai composed herself and immediately muttered to herself with a resentful expression, "Why did he come to pay his respects under the guise of Wei Ming, the 'Left Headmaster'?"

Jade Fan Scholar Huangfu Yang immediately asked impatiently, "What exactly is going on?"

White Tiger Hall Master, Golden Hook Sword Yu Cunxin, immediately recounted the events of Jiang Tiantao's visit.

Upon hearing this, Jade Fan Scholar Huangfu Yang immediately exclaimed in a reproachful tone, "Wei Ming, a false name—the pronunciation is the same, but the characters are different! How can you not understand such a simple thing!" "

Golden Hook Sword Yu Cunxin immediately affirmed, "But the spies sent by the main altar to Mufu Mountain all unanimously pointed out that Representative Wei is none other than the blue-robed youth Wei Ming who single-handedly managed the Mountain-Pulling Injury that day!"

Jade Fan Scholar frowned, let out a confused "Ah," and was also stunned. Then, his eyes lit up, as if he had suddenly realized something, and he blurted out, "Judging from the situation at the Duck Tower on the Xiang River that day, this Wei Ming may be impersonating Young Master Jiang..."

Yuan Zijian, who hated Jiang Tiantao to the core, immediately interjected in a gloomy tone, "Senior Huangfu is right, otherwise, why would that Wei fellow be so panicked when he saw you, hastily say a few words, and then ride away on horseback?"

At this time, Fu Liying was already feeling somewhat disheartened, but she still couldn't help but protect Jiang Tiantao, so she asked in confusion, "But in the letter from Miss Wang Yanling of Jiugong Fort, she called him cousin." " The scholar

with the jade fan, Huangfu Yang, gasped softly, then froze again.

The handsome swordsman, Du Jingyun, suddenly asked curiously, "What's written on that plain paper?"

Fu Liying glanced disdainfully at Du Jingyun, intending to ignore her, but noticing that the Jade Fan Scholar Huangfuyang, along with the two hairpins, Yin and Yu, were all looking at her with concern, she could only calmly say, "I didn't look again at the time."

The Jade Fan Scholar Huangfuyang had only ever considered this one ideal son-in-law in his life, and yet, the outcome was so bizarre? Therefore, he muttered to himself

, both bewildered and regretful, "What exactly happened?" Yinchai Huangfuxiang's heart was filled with pain and regret. Thinking of Jiang Tiantao's various pretentious actions during his visit to the mountain, amidst her grievances and indignation, a sudden surge of anger at being fooled rose within her. At this moment, hearing her father Huangfuyang's mutterings, she could no longer contain herself and blurted out angrily, "I'll go after him and ask him what happened!" As soon as she finished speaking, her saddle suddenly trembled, and her white horse reared up, let out a painful neigh, and galloped towards the mountain pass with the speed of a rabbit.

Upon seeing this, the scholar Huangfu Yang, wielding a jade fan, immediately changed his expression and shouted in a deafening voice, "Xiang'er, come back!"

Huangfu Xiang, determined to get to the bottom of things and severely punish Wei Ming, continued her galloping mad dash, disappearing from the mountain pass in the blink of an eye. Rainbow Dragon Girl, concerned for her lover's safety and fearing that Silver Hairpin was no match for Jiang Tiantao, thus damaging the harmony between the sisters, was extremely anxious. Seeing that Huangfu Xiang hadn't obeyed her orders to return, she hurriedly said, "Let me chase Sister Xiang back!" As soon as she uttered the word "come," she swiftly spurred her horse, galloping like an arrow, letting out a low neigh, and gave chase.

Upon seeing this, Fu Liying's face changed instantly, and she blurted out urgently, "Third Sister has just recovered from a serious illness and hasn't had a drop of water for four days. How can you let your horse gallop like that?" "As he spoke, he spurred his horse, and the red horse he was riding caught up with the blue horse.

The Jade Fan Scholar Huangfu Yang and the six hall masters were all greatly surprised, shouting for them to stop and simultaneously spurring their horses to give chase. The situation suddenly became tense. Rainbow Dragon Girl, having just recovered from an illness and having not eaten for several days, was filled with anxiety. With a sudden burst of energy, she felt her vision blur and her delicate body sway. Just as she was about to collapse, Fu Liying's red horse caught up and blocked the blue horse. Immediately afterward, the Jade Fan Scholar Huangfu Yang and the six hall masters also arrived, immediately surrounding Rainbow Dragon Girl.

Rainbow Dragon Girl, her face pale and panting, gripped the saddle with her left hand and stroked her forehead with her right. After a long while, she finally managed to say anxiously, "Quickly, bring Sister Xiang back! She's no match for him!" Upon hearing this

, the six hall masters were all secretly surprised, and at the same time, they were somewhat unconvinced. The president, with his left fan and right sword, was no match for the guard representative. The jade fan scholar Huangfu Yang was very angry about his beloved daughter Huangfu Xiang's willful disobedience, but he could not blame her too much. He could only say helplessly, "Very well, let her taste defeat, so that she will know that there are heavens beyond heavens and people beyond people." "

When the six hall masters heard that Huangfu Yang, the Jade Fan Scholar, also said the same thing, they realized that the representative Wei was indeed a young master with extraordinary skills. At the same time, based on various clues, they all suddenly realized that the Chief Inspector Rainbow Dragon Girl's illness was probably related to this representative, and as for the diagnosis, it was obviously a joke.

Fu Liying, who was ambitious and not inferior to men, suddenly felt as if she had lost something. At the same time, she suddenly realized what women truly needed. It was definitely not the power to command a large following or the empty fame to be known throughout the world. In that instant, she suddenly had the thought of giving up, her ambition vanished, and she suddenly realized how many troubles life had. In her disappointment, Fu Liying was still concerned about Jiang Tiantao who was riding away on his flying horse. She was afraid that Huangfu Xiang would catch up, but she also hoped that Huangfu Xiang would come back with an explanation. She looked out from the mountain pass with concern, and her two delicate eyebrows immediately furrowed together." Three figures on horseback, one after the other, galloped swiftly along the wide stone road leading to Qide Town, raising clouds of dust as they raced towards the town.

Huangfu Xiang's white horse, Juan Yun, was as fast as a rabbit. Jiang Tiantao's blue horse was as swift as a wisp of smoke. The fortress guard Jing Delu's dappled horse, though also fast as the wind, was still inferior to Jiang Tiantao's blue horse. Jiang Tiantao, on his horse, urged his horse on, frequently looking back; clearly, he had spotted Huangfu Xiang closely following.

Juan Yun quickly caught up with Jing Delu's horse. Huangfu Xiang's eyebrows furrowed, her face contorted with anger, her bright eyes gleaming as she stared intently at Jiang Tiantao's retreating figure. Juan Yun neighed angrily, grazing past Jing Delu's dappled horse. Huangfu Xiang, without glancing at Jing Delu, remained fixed on Jiang Tiantao's back, biting her cherry lips, relentlessly urging Juan Yun to ride faster. Yun.

The fortress guard, Jing Delu, seeing this situation, was completely bewildered and shocked. He could tell that the galloping Wei Zhangyuan must have offended the commander. Looking ahead, his expression changed drastically. Jiang Tiantao, frequently looking back, was already at the entrance to Qide Town, a street bustling with pedestrians. But Jiang Tiantao's steed, Xiao Qing, head held high, neighed angrily, not only continuing its frenzied gallop but actually accelerating.

Huangfu Xiang, hot on the heels, her bright eyes flashing coldly, saw Jiang Tiantao's steed reach the town entrance and lashed out with her whip. She wanted to catch up with Jiang Tiantao the instant he slowed down upon reaching the town. But Xiao Qing, like a madman, showed no sign of slowing down, and with a thunderous roar, charged straight towards the town entrance.

The pedestrians on the street had already heard the startling neigh and the rapid, rain-like sound of hooves. Upon seeing the blue horse galloping into the street, everyone scattered. Meanwhile, many onlookers stood on both sides, waving and shouting, urging the horse on. Little Blue galloped like lightning, swift as thunder. Jiang Tiantao, who was secretly anxious, was overjoyed to find the pedestrians had already cleared the way. He whipped his horse, and Little Blue neighed angrily, its expression wild, moving as fast as an arrow. Jiang Tiantao

could have stopped to ask Huangfu Xiang why she was chasing him so fiercely, but remembering her disdainful attitude on the mountain, he decided to test his horsemanship against her. As they galloped, they suddenly heard a sweet, melodious cry overhead. Jiang Tiantao looked up and saw a group of young tea maids and pretty singers from the Yuanyun Tower, peering out the window and calling out sweetly.

The famous singer, Leng Ping, was among them. Upon seeing Leng Ping, his face changed, and he cried out urgently, "Watch out ahead!" Jiang

Tiantao was startled. Looking down, he saw a horse-drawn cart unloading goods blocking the street. Without a second thought, he roared, yanked the reins, and Xiao Qing neighed angrily as the horse leaped into the air, soaring over the cart. The passersby erupted in thunderous cheers. Jiang Tiantao dared not linger and sped towards the town entrance.

Looking back, he saw Yinchai Huangfuxiang had just reached the cart. Her horse, Wuyun, was one in a thousand, but her riding skills were poor, preventing her from taking the leap. Huangfuxiang quickly reined in her white horse, circled the cart, her face pale with anger, her eyes red. The onlookers on both sides of the street remained silent, their faces filled with terror, not daring to utter a sound.

Huangfuxiang truly hated the cart driver, but she had no time to vent her anger. She quickly circled the cart, cracked her whip, and continued rushing towards the town entrance.

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