[Wuxia] Embroidered Robes and Cloud-like Hair (Complete) - 9

Chapter Fourteen: Bewitching Drug and Passion

Upon reaching the town entrance, Huangfu Xiang looked around and saw that Jiang Tiantao's Xiao Qing had already galloped several miles away. Knowing she couldn't catch up, she had no choice but to stop her horse, staring blankly at the receding dust cloud, tears streaming down her face, her delicate body trembling with anger. Although she hated Jiang Tiantao to the core, and knew he was intentionally showing off to her, she genuinely admired his superb horsemanship.

Just then, the rapid sound of hooves came from behind. Huangfu Xiang turned around and saw it was the fortress guard from Jiugong Fort who had delivered the message. A thought struck her, and she wiped away her tears with her sleeve, reined in her horse, and turned around. She wanted to extract some information about Jiang Tiantao from the guard, Jing Delu. Jing Delu, who had galloped up, panicked upon seeing Huangfu Xiang, the silver-haired woman, stopped at the town entrance, and unconsciously slowed his horse down.

Huangfu Xiang, with her silver hairpin, looked imposingly at Jing Delu. As soon as the dappled horse approached, she immediately said in a deep voice, "Minister Jing, please stop!"

Jing Delu hurriedly reined in his horse, clasped his hands in a respectful bow, and said, "I wonder what orders the Commander-in-Chief has summoned me for?"

To force out Jing Delu's true intentions, Huangfu Xiang deliberately asked angrily, "Who exactly was the Wei representative on the blue horse just now?"

Jing Delu was taken aback and immediately replied, "It was Wei Ming, the newly appointed Left Head of the Imperial Guard by the old lord of this fortress."

Huangfu Xiang then asked sharply, "And who is the young lord of your fortress?"

Jing Delu found the silver hairpin's question strange and shook his head in confusion, saying, "I don't understand what the Commander-in-Chief means."

Huangfu Xiang raised an eyebrow, snorted coldly, and said resentfully, "Don't play dumb with me. Someone said that he is the young lord of your fortress."

Upon hearing this, Jing Delu, though panicked, couldn't help but exclaim . She laughed, then explained, "Reporting to the President, please don't be mistaken. My young master's name is Jiang Tiantao. He wears pink, has a fair complexion, peach blossom eyes, and an upturned nose. He is eighteen years old. If the President doesn't believe me, you can ask your gang's chief inspector."

Huangfu Xiang, the silver-haired woman, became increasingly confused, and a hint of jealousy rose within her. She asked in

a low voice, "How does my third sister know your young master?" Jing Delu blushed, somewhat embarrassed, and said, "Your gang's chief inspector doesn't know my young master. They fought, and your gang's chief inspector knocked him down, so she knows."

Huangfu Xiang was truly more confused than ever. She unconsciously lowered her voice and said calmly, "Isn't your young master's martial arts a cut above that of that Wei Ming?"

Seeing that Huangfu Xiang's expression had softened, Jing Delu's courage increased. Therefore, he smiled again, but not wanting to criticize the young master, he simply shook his head and said with a smile, "I don't know about that."

Huangfu Xiang suddenly remembered the letter Wang Yanling had given to Jiang Tiantao, and asked in surprise, "Is your young lady related to Representative Wei?"

Jing Delu shook his head and said, "No."

Huangfu Xiang immediately said unhappily, "Then why does she call him cousin?"

Jing Delu was also stunned.

Huangfu Xiang asked again, "Did your young lady give you the letter?"

Jing Delu shook his head and said, "No, it was Steward Ma who gave it to me."

Huangfu Xiang asked in great confusion, "What happened at your fortress?"

Jing Delu still shook his head and said, "As a junior official in the left courtyard of the outer fortress, I know nothing about the situation in the inner fortress."

Huangfu Xiang asked for a long time, but the more she asked, the more confused she became. She felt both ashamed and disappointed, and wanted to continue chasing after Jiang Tiantao. Jiang Tiantao had already disappeared, and she was afraid of being embarrassed to return to the main altar. Just then, a long neigh of a horse came from the direction of the east entrance of the town.

Huangfu Xiang followed the sound and saw a tall, spiky horse carrying a young girl dressed in a lake-green outfit and carrying a short sword, galloping off in the direction Jiang Tiantao's horse had disappeared. Huangfu Xiang frowned, gave a soft shout, and abruptly turned her horse, chasing after the girl.

Jing Delu, anxious to catch up with Jiang Tiantao, had no time to think about the silver hairpin or why he was chasing the girl in green. He flicked the reins and galloped forward like the wind. Looking back, the girl in the lake-green outfit and carrying a sword seemed to have spotted the pursuing silver hairpin. She turned her horse and galloped towards a dense forest to the southeast. Jing Delu recalled Huangfu Xiang's question and felt both confused and amused. He thought: once I catch up with Jiang Tiantao, I'll know the truth.

He spurred his horse along the wide official road leading to Wuhu. After chasing for twenty or thirty li, they found no trace of Jiang Tiantao, and even the passersby along the way failed to spot a young man in a blue robe, a sword at his waist, riding a blue horse. Meanwhile, Jiang Tiantao was galloping along the country road on the right bank of the Qingshan River.

Seeing that Huangfu Xiang hadn't pursued him, Jiang Tiantao smiled inwardly and let out a mischievous laugh, typical of youthful folly. Remembering her subtle mockery of him at the Dongliang Mountain headquarters, he felt a sense of victory and triumph at having curbed Huangfu Xiang's arrogance. He had heard the "Seven Heroes of Qi and Lu" say that Huangfu Xiang, nicknamed "Silver Hairpin," was gentle by nature, but he had never truly seen that gentleness. Having learned

from his previous experience, Jiang Tiantao knew that the Three Hairpins Gang's influence extended throughout the north and south of the Yangtze River, especially along the rivers and lakes. Due to the events at Xinxuan Fortress, and in order to return to Mufu Mountain as soon as possible, he feared delays along the way and therefore resolved to travel day and night, taking only country roads. Because he knew that Yinchai had returned to the mountain in a fit of anger, and in her fury, she would surely send messages by carrier pigeon to all the detachments, determined to intercept him and make things difficult for him at every turn.

At this time, the sun had already set behind the western mountains, dusk was deepening, and the country road was deserted; most of the farmers had already gone home to rest. Jiang Tiantao, riding forward on his galloping horse, was quite satisfied with his choice of the country road. He resolved to stop for a meal in the large town ahead and continue on to Wanzhi for the night. Dusk was falling, and the evening wind had risen. Several miles away on the country road, a dense forest stretched as far as the eye could see, appearing gloomy and oppressive.

Jiang Tiantao sat in his saddle, occasionally glancing back. He knew that Jing Delu couldn't catch up, but he still hoped for a miracle. Thinking of the fortress guard Jing Delu, he immediately thought of the letter written by his cousin, Wang Yanling, and quickly reached into his pocket and took it out again. Under the dim twilight, he peered intently and noticed the few words on the letter, written in a delicate yet hasty handwriting, as if hastily penned in a state of mental turmoil. He concluded that not only had something significant changed at the fortress, but his father and cousin's situation was likely extremely precarious. He stared at the letter, deep in thought, assessing the various possible scenarios.

Just as he was lost in thought, letting his horse gallop by, his heart filled with anxiety, his mount, Xiao Qing, suddenly raised its head and let out a long, angry neigh. Jiang Tiantao knew they were nearing the dense forest, so he didn't pay much attention, carefully folding the letter and placing it in his pocket, while casually glancing up. Upon seeing it, his expression changed drastically, and he exclaimed in surprise, hurriedly reaching for the reins on the saddle.

A group of men and women on horseback and on foot were escorting an exquisite sedan chair, emerging from the dense forest in a grand procession, the distance between them less than twenty paces. Xiaoqing was running almost frantically, her horse moving at lightning speed. A group of men and women ahead seemed fearless, neither shouting nor yielding. Jiang Tiantao frantically tried to pull on the reins, but the mere twenty zhang distance was covered in the blink of an eye. Suddenly,

a rough, violent shout rang out: "You blind fool, get off the road!" With a whoosh, a club, carrying a terrifying force, swept towards Xiaoqing's forelegs.

Jiang Tiantao hadn't even seen what was happening in front of his horse; he only saw a burly figure flash by, followed by a club sweeping towards him with the shout. In a flash, he yelled, yanked the reins, and Xiaoqing cried out in pain, instantly standing on her feet. Just as Xiaoqing stood up, with a whoosh, a coiled iron club swept past her hooves. The opponent missed, yelled again, and swung the iron club, transforming it into a mountain crashing down, aiming for Xiaoqing's chest with tremendous force.

Upon seeing this, Jiang Tiantao flew into a rage, spurring his horse forward. Xiao Qing spun around, and the opponent's iron rod missed again. Just then, she suddenly cried out, "Stop, Shi Xianfeng!"

Jiang Tiantao was startled. The other side was actually the vanguard. Looking closely, he saw a burly man standing before him, a giant arm with a spiral handle across his hand. The burly man was bare-chested, his muscles bulging, his chest hair glistening, his face a purplish-black, with thick eyebrows, fierce eyes, and a lion's nose—a truly ruthless figure. The one

who had shouted and stopped him was a seductive maid standing beside an exquisite sedan chair. The seductive maid, about sixteen or seventeen years old, had squinty eyes, delicate, arched eyebrows, a full figure, and smooth skin, exuding a seductive and lewd aura. She held onto the sedan chair pole with one hand and placed the other on her hip, her squinty eyes looking at Jiang Tiantao with a half-smile.

Jiang Tiantao examined the sedan chair more closely and was secretly taken aback. The cream-colored brocade railings were embroidered with unknown flowers, and the roof was inlaid with pearls and jade—the epitome of luxury. A beaded curtain hung low over the sedan chair door, and in the evening breeze, a petite figure was vaguely visible.

Jiang Tiantao observed her intently, trying to recall who the woman inside was. He remembered his master or the blind nun Jin Fu mentioning such a woman in the martial arts world, but he hadn't paid attention then. The four sedan chair bearers were all tall, burly, and muscular men.

At this moment, several scholars dressed on horseback behind the sedan chair, their faces contorted with anger, dispersed, forming a semi-encirclement. Jiang Tiantao noticed that these scholars, all with slicked-back hair and powdered faces, feigned refinement. Although they were in their thirties, they were still clean-shaven, each waving a large folding fan, their faces radiating arrogance. Just as he

was about to continue looking, a melodious, sweet voice, like the tinkling of silver bells, came from inside the sedan chair: "Xianhuan, who's blocking the way?"

Jiang Tiantao was startled. Who was Xianhuan? Could it be this alluring maid in the flowery dress? In a flash, he saw a seductive maidservant giggle rather disrespectfully, saying, "It's a handsome young man, a blind man riding a blind horse."

Jiang Tiantao was instantly furious, but then he realized he was in the wrong; he had been reading a letter while riding and had almost bumped into someone, so he couldn't blame the mockery. Therefore, he remained silent. However, after hearing the words "handsome young man," he was certain that the woman in the sedan chair was no respectable person. But the several pale-faced old scholars on horseback, waving folding fans, all stopped talking dismissively after hearing the words "handsome young man."

Then, the woman inside the sedan chair, in an even more delicate and melodious voice, asked with a smile, "Xiang, do you think he knows martial arts?"

The alluring maid glanced at Jiang Tiantao's sword with her sly eyes and said with a flirtatious smile, "He does have a sword, but I'm afraid it's like a deaf man's ear—pretty but useless. However, his horsemanship is quite excellent."

Jiang Tiantao was about to apologize and continue on his way when he heard the alluring maid's words. He knew these people were not good people, so he snorted and turned his horse to spur it. Just as he turned his horse, he heard the woman inside the sedan chair say playfully in a coquettish voice, "Xiang, why don't you try him out!" As soon

as she finished speaking, the alluring maid immediately giggled happily. At the same time, she beckoned to Jiang Tiantao with a seductive look and said in a coquettish voice, "Hey, Zhao Yan, let me test if you know how to use a sword." With that, she blinked and walked straight towards Jiang Tiantao, who was about to go around her.

The burly man with the conch shell wrapped around his arm immediately retreated to the front of the sedan chair. Jiang Tiantao was in a hurry to get on his way and didn't want to cause trouble, but encountering these arrogant, disrespectful, and unreasonable people, he felt he had to teach them a lesson. So, he smiled coldly, turned, dismounted, and casually tied the reins to the saddle.

Just as he did so, he heard a hoarse voice say contemptuously, "Why use a sledgehammer to crack a nut? If you like your sister, go rest. Let your brother teach him a lesson."

Jiang Tiantao turned his head and saw a figure flash before the alluring maidservant; a middle-aged scholar in a gray-green robe, carrying a jujube wood folding fan, had appeared. The scholar had short, sharp eyebrows, slanted eyes, and his face was not only powdered but also painted with vermilion. His cheeks were thin, and his chin was pointed; it was clear at a glance that he was a thoroughly drunk and lecherous man. Seeing the faces of these people and hearing their inappropriate titles, Jiang Tiantao was suddenly filled with murderous intent. His right elbow flashed, a cold light as sharp as lightning, and with a clang, his longsword was drawn from its sheath.

The alluring maid glanced at Jiang Tiantao's sword, then, turning to the middle-aged scholar in the grey-green robe, gave a cocky laugh and said, "You mustn't hurt him, okay? Even if Consort Xiang doesn't accept him as her rear guard, she'll make him her vanguard."

Upon hearing the words "Consort Xiang," Jiang Tiantao suddenly understood and burst into laughter.

The middle-aged scholar in a grey-green robe, upon hearing the seductive maid's words, glared at Jiang Tiantao with a mixture of jealousy and anger. He gritted his teeth and hissed, "Boy, what are you laughing at? You're unaware of your good fortune with women. If you can withstand ten moves from my fan, Tang Buhe, you've been chosen!" As he spoke, he slowly approached Jiang Tiantao, fan in hand.

Jiang Tiantao laughed loudly, arrogantly declaring, "I wondered who this famous person was, but it turns out to be a bunch of dogs and wolves from Chang Le Palace..."

Before he could finish, the middle-aged scholar, Tang Buhe, shouted angrily, "You little brat, you're courting death! How dare you speak such nonsense! Prepare to die!" With that shout, he leaped forward, his large jujube wood folding fan snapping open with a whoosh, the fan flashing as it slashed straight at Jiang Tiantao's handsome face.

Jiang Tiantao, his killing intent already ignited, was determined to rid the martial world of this scourge and prevent these lecherous villains from harming people any longer. Seeing Tang Buhe leap towards him, he immediately smiled coldly and said, "You dare to challenge me!" With that word, he took a step back, his longsword flashing like a roc spreading its wings, slashing at Tang Buhe's right wrist.

Tang Buhe, caught off guard by Jiang Tiantao's unexpected attack, was startled and let out a shrill scream, leaping backward.

Jiang Tiantao snorted coldly and calmly said, "Trying to leave without your life?" As soon as the word "truly" left his lips, he swiftly raised his sword, unleashing a lightning-fast upward thrust, followed by a hoarse, agonizing scream.

A flash of cold light, and blood gushed forth; the sword tip had pierced Tang Buhe's abdomen, and a string of intestines spilled out. With a thud, Tang Buhe's body crashed to the roadside, rolled twice, and immediately lost consciousness.

The alluring maid, the burly man with the staff, and the middle-aged scholars standing on either side on horseback were all stunned. They never dreamed that the young man in blue could so easily slice open Tang Buhe's abdomen with a single, casual wave of his hand.

The burly man, regaining his composure, suddenly roared, "You little dog, how dare you kill someone!" With that roar, he leaped forward, his coiled staff wielding a "Spring Thunder Pierces the Head" strike, aimed fiercely at Jiang Tiantao's head.

Jiang Tiantao, seeing this, was instantly enraged, shouting deafeningly, "Insolent words, you are no good! Today I will not let you live!" With a shout, he advanced, his longsword flashing like a silver ribbon, grazing the descending staff, and slashing fiercely at the burly man's bulging belly, the cold light flashing as fast as lightning.

The alluring maid, seeing this, her face changed drastically, and she screamed in alarm, "Vanguard Shi, something's wrong!" With a scream, she hurriedly drew a lotus-hooked rope and leaped forward.

The alluring maidservant had barely moved when a piercing scream erupted from the crowd. Shi Xianfeng's body had been cleaved in two at the waist by Jiang Tiantao, and his coiled iron rod had been sent flying. Jiang Tiantao moved with incredible speed, catching up to Shi Xianfeng and already close to the sedan chair. But the alluring maidservant also pounced, letting out a sharp cry as she swiftly swung her wrists, her two lotus hooks aimed at Jiang Tiantao's longsword and his face, respectively.

Jiang Tiantao had intended to seize the opportunity to pounce on the sedan chair, but the alluring maidservant's lotus hooks had already struck. In a moment of haste, he dodged, the hooks grazing his ear. But with a soft clang, his right arm jolted, and his longsword was caught by the other lotus hook. Just then, several middle-aged scholars who had been sitting on their horses, stunned, roared and rose to their feet, brandishing their folding fans, and charged towards Jiang Tiantao.

Upon seeing this, Jiang Tiantao flew into a rage. With a fierce roar, he channeled all his strength and swung his longsword with tremendous force. Immediately, a startled scream rang out as the alluring maid's body was lifted up by Jiang Tiantao's powerful swing. The alluring maid's hands tightened their grip, while Jiang Tiantao's longsword swung ever faster. The several middle-aged scholars who had rushed forward were all stunned.

Jiang Tiantao possessed profound inner strength and astonishing skill. With a thought, he slammed the alluring maid's body into the nearest stunned middle-aged scholar. A loud thud was followed by a chorus of sharp screams. The stunned middle-aged scholar was sent tumbling to the ground, the alluring maid also tumbling twice, and the remaining middle-aged scholars cried out in alarm and retreated hastily.

Just then, a clear, sharp shout rang out: "Let go now!"

The alluring maid, who had been spinning wildly, had no choice but to release her grip. Her voluptuous body, carrying a gust of wind, hurtled towards another middle-aged scholar.

The same clear voice commanded again, "Da Fantong, catch her!"

The middle-aged scholar, called Da Fantong, was about to dodge when he heard this and frantically reached out to catch her. Because of his prior panic and fear of the woman's command, Da Fantong panicked, and the force of the impact caused the alluring maid's rounded thighs to slam into his chest. Another thud, followed by a muffled groan, and Da Fantong staggered backward, clutching his chest, and coughed up a mouthful of blood. The alluring maid rolled several times on the spot, arching her back a few times, before finally fainting. She lay there covered in dust, her hair disheveled, her flowery dress torn in several places.

Jiang Tiantao flung away the thorny lotus hook from his sword, turned his head, and his starry eyes lit up. Before the exquisitely decorated sedan chair stood a stunningly beautiful woman with her hair piled high, curled like clouds, adorned with phoenix hairpins and pearls, her temples studded with magnificent jewels. The woman appeared to be only twenty-one or twenty-two years old, with a slender, graceful figure and captivating eyes beneath delicate, long eyebrows. Her cherry lips moved slightly, revealing neither surprise nor joy, especially as she wore a long, flowing satin dress embroidered with various exotic flowers, making her all the more irresistibly alluring. Her clear, melodious voice, like the sound of metal tinkling, stirred the imagination, while its lingering notes carried a seductive and provocative quality.

After reading it, Jiang Tiantao became even more convinced that his mentor, Fairy Haitang, and the blind nun Jin Fu of Mount Fanjing were telling the truth. This was truly the most enchanting beauty in the world. The stunningly beautiful woman, with a hint of coquettishness and slight displeasure, gazed intently at Jiang Tiantao with her captivatingly clear eyes, which occasionally flickered with a soft light.

Although Jiang Tiantao was already on guard, he still felt uneasy under her gaze, as if there was an invisible pressure. Although Jiang Tiantao was still three or four zhang away from the stunningly beautiful woman, their eyesight was as clear as if they were in broad daylight, and the scenery was clearly visible.

Suddenly, he saw the stunningly beautiful woman. A soft light flashed in her bright eyes, and she parted her cherry lips slightly, asking in a voice that was both cold and affectionate, "Whose disciple are you? At such a young age, how can your heart be so vicious?"

Jiang Tiantao had only intended to fight her and would never speak to her. But when she asked him this, he couldn't help but reply in a deep voice, "Whose disciple I am is none of your business."

The stunningly beautiful woman raised her eyebrows slightly, her bright eyes flashing with a charming smile. She called out softly and smiled silently, captivating his heart. Jiang Tiantao's heart fluttered, and he immediately realized he had fallen into her trap. He remembered that the blind nun Jin Fu had said that when encountering such a beauty, one should never talk to her, but rather strike her three times with a sword. A thought flashed through his mind, and he unconsciously shouted in a loud voice, "Stop using your seductive arts, stop putting on airs. You should know that I am not that kind of person..."

Before he could finish speaking, the stunningly beautiful woman suddenly covered her mouth with her sleeve and immediately let out a series of giggling, silvery laughs that made her body tremble and her clothes shimmer. Jiang Tiantao was momentarily dazed, his heart pounding, and he suddenly felt a tightness in his chest, his breathing becoming labored. He was terribly alarmed, knowing that if he didn't strike her three times soon, the consequences would be unimaginable. Startled, he quickly cleared his mind and shouted in a panic, "What are you laughing at? Draw your weapon now!"

The stunningly beautiful woman giggled even louder and clearer, asking with utmost allure, "Do you know who I am?" As she spoke, she moved with graceful steps, swaying her slender waist, slowly approaching Jiang Tiantao.

Jiang Tiantao snorted angrily and shouted, "Who doesn't know you are Ming Zhiling, the Fragrant Concubine of the Barbarian Flower Palace from Huaping Mountain in Yunnan?"

The stunningly beautiful Ming Zhiling deliberately frowned, her expression a mixture of resentment and concern, and

said, "Are you confident you can be a match for your sister?" Jiang Tiantao's handsome face flushed red, and he immediately retorted angrily, "Whose sister are you? If you continue to spout nonsense, don't blame me for being ruthless!" As he spoke, he flashed his long sword twice, but he showed no intention of attacking.

The Fragrant Concubine of the Barbarian Flower was secretly surprised to see that although Jiang Tiantao's gaze was somewhat dazed, he still knew how to raise his sword in anger. She had never met such a calm and confident young man before. Seeing Jiang Tiantao angrily brandish his sword, she took a few steps forward, deliberately letting her bright eyes dart around, two crystal tears immediately rolling down her cheeks. She frowned and said resentfully, "You've already been cruel enough." As she spoke, she raised her slender hand, clutching a pink silk handkerchief, pointing to Tang Buhe lying by the roadside, Shi Xianfeng lying in blood, the ashen-faced, alluring maid, and Da Fantong with his arms crossed. She continued softly, "Look..."

Although Jiang Tiantao tried his best to remain calm, his mind was already somewhat dazed. At the same time, the allure of the Fragrant Flower Fairy was irresistible to him. Although he knew she was using seduction, he didn't know how to deal with it! Then, unconsciously, he turned his head following the Fragrant Flower Fairy's direction. Just as he turned, a sweet, cloying fragrance suddenly wafted in on the evening breeze.

Jiang Tiantao suddenly realized what was happening and hurriedly turned back to look. The Fragrant Concubine, with a raised eyebrow and wide, seductive eyes, cried out in a sharp voice, "Why haven't you all captured him yet?" As she spoke, she swiftly raised her jade wrist, and a large, pink cypress branch, unfurling in the wind, covered Jiang Tiantao's handsome face.

Jiang Tiantao was startled, realizing he'd been tricked. He shouted and leaped into the air. But the large, fragrant cypress branch simultaneously covered his head. The Fragrant Concubine, seeing the scarf covering Jiang Tiantao's head, was overjoyed and shouted again, "Why aren't you attacking? What are you standing there for?!"

The stunned middle-aged scholars, upon hearing this, shouted in unison, each waving a large jujube wood folding fan, and rushed towards the leaping Jiang Tiantao. Jiang Tiantao, his head covered by the scarf, panicked. The strong, sweet, and strange fragrance made him irritable and nauseous. In desperation, he shouted and ripped the scarf off his head. Immediately afterward, he swooped down, his long sword flashing as he executed a "Wind Sweeping Fallen Leaves" move, instantly forcing back the several middle-aged scholars who had rushed at him. But as soon as his feet touched the ground, he suddenly felt his whole body tremble, his legs went weak, and he swayed several times, almost falling to the ground.

Seeing the silk scarf in Jiang Tiantao's hands, Man Hua Xiangfei was extremely anxious, but seeing Jiang Tiantao's swaying body, she couldn't help but giggle. At the same time, she said with a charming smile, "Little brother, you've been poisoned by my Five-Step Soul-Severing Incense, do you know that?"

Jiang Tiantao trembled upon hearing this, his face changing instantly. He seemed to have heard the blind nun Jin Fu say that anyone poisoned by the Five-Step Soul-Severing Incense would faint within five steps, and especially, if the antidote wasn't taken within half an hour, they would immediately die, bleeding from all seven orifices. Panic gripped him, and he immediately felt dizzy and lightheaded; not only did his legs go weak, but his internal energy also began to wane. At the same time, sweat beaded on his palms and forehead.

Upon seeing him, the alluring and beautiful Manhua Xiangfei's face immediately lit up with a radiant glow. She then said softly, "Young brother, although your skill is profound, you will inevitably faint after a while. Even if I revive you then, your martial arts will be ruined."

Jiang Tiantao was both shocked and furious upon hearing this, but he knew the real reason he hadn't fainted was because he had consumed three Zhu Xian fruits. Thinking of the Zhu Xian fruits, he immediately closed his slightly dizzy eyes and swiftly circulated his internal energy. With a thought, an incantation arose, and the cool, exotic fragrance of the Zhu Xian fruits immediately filled his throat, causing his true energy to gather in his dantian.

Manhua Xiangfei, mistakenly believing Jiang Tiantao was about to collapse, hurriedly retrieved a pink bead from the flower stamen on her flowery robe. Then, with graceful, lotus-like steps, she walked directly towards Jiang Tiantao, saying softly, "Little brother, quickly take this antidote, or you'll be beyond saving."

Jiang Tiantao's mind gradually cleared, and his inner energy began to gather. He couldn't resist the urge to stab Man Hua Xiangfei to death. He slightly opened his eyes and saw that Man Hua Xiangfei was not far away. Her delicate, white hands, like spring onions, deftly held a pink pearl, and her alluring, captivating eyes were fixed on him. Her most attractive feature, her bright red lips, were slightly parted in a smile, full of seductive charm. Jiang Tiantao's heart pounded, and the lingering poison from the Five-Step Soul-Severing Incense spread again. Startled, he immediately closed his eyes.

Suddenly, he heard Man Hua Xiangfei's sweet voice say, "Little brother, quickly take this antidote and obediently come with me. I will never mistreat you..."

Jiang Tiantao, enraged by Man Hua Xiangfei's repeated use of the term "sister," shouted, "Shut up, you slut..." With that shout, his longsword flashed, performing the "White Lotus Spits Its Tongue" technique, aimed fiercely at Man Hua Xiangfei's Xuanji acupoint.

Man Hua Xiangfei, surprised that Jiang Tiantao, on the verge of fainting, could still deliver such a powerful thrust, was genuinely startled. With a cry of surprise, she arched her back, her lotus-like feet twitching, and her delicate body soared into the air. Jiang Tiantao, determined to rid the martial world of this scourge, would

n't allow Man Hua Xiangfei to escape. With a furious snort, he pressed forward, his sword aimed at her. Just as his sword tip was about to pierce her, a loud shout rang out, and a middle-aged scholar in white robes, fanning himself with a folding fan, leaped forward. Jiang Tiantao, intent on killing Man Hua Xiangfei, used only the silk handkerchief in his left hand to deflect the attacking scholar! A flash of red light, and the corner of the handkerchief struck the scholar's face. The middle-aged scholar in white robes was startled. With a sharp cry, he leaped back ten feet, landing heavily on the ground with a thud. He barely rolled over before instantly losing consciousness.

Jiang Tiantao was stunned. He truly hadn't expected the Five-Step Soul-Severing Incense of the Fragrant Concubine to be so incredibly potent. The other middle-aged scholars were all terrified to see Jiang Tiantao use their Fragrant Concubine's "Bewitching Scarf" to incapacitate the middle-aged scholar in white robes.

In that moment of hesitation, the Fragrant Concubine, seizing the opportunity to escape the sword, flicked her emerald sleeves and leaped to the unconscious scholar in white robes. She quickly pinched his cheeks and placed the pink bead into his mouth. Then, she slowly stood up. Her delicate eyebrows, her face ashen, and her captivating beauty, which had once mesmerized all, suddenly became chilling and terrifying. Man Hua Xiang Fei's eyes flashed with a fierce light as she said in a deep voice, "Ignorant brat, let's see how long you can hold out. I'll stand right here and wait for you to bleed from all seven orifices and die."

Although Jiang Tiantao was filled with rage, he dared not waste any more of his inner energy. He ignored Man Hua Xiang Fei's vicious words and continued to meditate with his eyes closed. Just as he closed his eyes, a fierce neigh of a horse came from the country road they had come from, accompanied by the faint sound of galloping hooves. Man Hua Xiang Fei and the others were startled and looked in the direction of the sound. They saw only darkness to the east, unable to make out the approaching horses or how many people there were.

Jiang Tiantao was in a hurry to meditate and circulate his inner energy, so he didn't even open his eyes. Another sharp shout came, followed by several sparks of clashing weapons in the darkness to the east. After a long while, a faint metallic clang was heard. At the same time, two horses appeared, chasing each other wildly like flying stinging bugs.

Jiang Tiantao heard the sharp cry, which seemed somewhat familiar, so he opened his eyes and turned his head. He saw two fast horses galloping towards him, almost at each other's throats. Another sharp cry rang out, followed by a silvery sheen of light in the darkness. The two horses parted ways and continued their rapid approach. Jiang Tiantao deduced that they were two long-time enemies who had met on a narrow path.

Before he could finish his thought, he saw the Fragrant Concubine Ming Zhiling wave her hand at several panicked middle-aged scholars, urgently whispering, "We don't know what kind of people they are, we must subdue them first." As she spoke, she lunged at Jiang Tiantao, and the other scholars had no choice but to follow suit.

Upon seeing this, Jiang Tiantao unleashed his "Eight Directions of Wind and Rain," his longsword creating a forest of sword light, hundreds of silver blades pointing in eight directions, immediately forcing the Fragrant Concubine and her companions back. Just as Jiang Tiantao forced back Manhua Xiangfei and her group, a sharp neigh and a cry rang out, and two tall, spiky bugs galloped towards him like thunder.

Suddenly, a clear, sweet voice called out, "Ah, Young Hero Wei!"

followed by another familiar voice, "Ah, Representative Wei!"

Amidst the cries, the horses neighed and hooves clattered, the two sturdy horses suddenly halted, and two silver-green figures leaped from their horses, landing beside Jiang Tiantao. Jiang Tiantao looked up and his expression changed instantly. He saw that the two people who had been chasing him resentfully were none other than Yinchai Huangfuxiang and the famous singer Leng Ping. Manhua

Xiangfei was genuinely surprised to see that the two sword-wielding girls who had fought along the way and were galloping towards him both recognized Jiang Tiantao, especially since the Five-Step Soul-Severing Handkerchief was now in Jiang Tiantao's hands, making her even more panicked.

Yinchai Huangfuxiang, who had secretly harbored resentment towards Jiang Tiantao, suddenly felt great concern upon seeing him trapped here. The famous singer Leng Ping had ridden away from Kaide Town to chase after Jiang Tiantao. Due to her conflict with Yinchai, she was galloping across the road when she unexpectedly ran into him here.

Jiang Tiantao, unable to fully recover and expel the remaining poison, suffered a sudden surge of qi and blood after his sword strike, making it impossible for him to pursue the defeated Man Hua Xiangfei and her group. Seeing Leng Ping and Huangfu Xiang arrive simultaneously, he felt somewhat flustered but also felt safe. He dared not speak to Yinchai, nor ask Leng Ping why she had fought with her; he could only slightly close his eyes to recover.

Seeing Jiang Tiantao's pale face and sweat beading on his forehead, Leng Ping and Huangfu Xiang panicked. Turning around, they saw that the beautiful woman in colorful clothes standing by the roadside was none other than Man Hua Xiang Fei. They exclaimed in unison, "Ah! He's been poisoned by the Five-Step Soul-Severing Incense!"

Turning back again, they saw that Man Hua Xiang Fei's Five-Step Soul-Severing Incense Handkerchief was in Jiang Tiantao's hand. Their faces paled in shock, and they cried out again, "This is the Soul-Severing Handkerchief! Young Hero Wei, you mustn't use your inner energy to wield it!"

Leng Ping, as if remembering something, suddenly glared at Man Hua Xiang Fei and shouted sharply, "You scoundrel! Hurry up and give me the antidote!" As she spoke, she drew her long sword and slowly approached Man Hua Xiang Fei.

Man Hua Xiang Fei, Ming Zhiling, having lost her Soul-Severing Handkerchief, had already seized the opportunity to pick up the coiled iron rod that Shi Xianfeng had thrown to the roadside. Seeing Leng Ping approaching with her sword drawn, she sneered and threatened, "Getting the antidote isn't difficult, just return the Soul-Severing Handkerchief to me."

Upon seeing Jiang Tiantao's expression, Huangfu Xiang, the Silver Hairpin, immediately retorted angrily, "If I return the Soul-Severing Handkerchief, I'm afraid you won't give me the antidote."

Man Hua Xiangfei smiled coldly, confidently saying, "Then let's watch him bleed from all seven orifices and die!"

Leng Ping trembled, stunned. Huangfu Xiang, the Silver Hairpin, was instantly enraged, her delicate eyebrows raised, and she resolutely declared, "Killing you isn't a problem; I'm not afraid I won't find the antidote on you." As she spoke, she took the gilded folding fan hanging from her shoulder, holding it in her left hand and her sword in her right, and approached Man Hua Xiangfei.

Upon seeing Huangfu Xiang take the fan and noticing her shimmering silver attire, Man Hua Xiangfei was secretly startled, immediately recognizing her as Huangfu Xiang, the Silver Hairpin of the Three Hairpins Gang. However, she could also see that although Huangfu Xiang was angry, she was still concerned about the safety of the young man in blue, which was why she hesitated to act, hoping to force out the antidote. Therefore, she smiled coldly and asked in a deep voice without fear, "Huangfu Xiang, are you confident that you can kill me in a short time?"

Yinchai was stunned. She was confident that she could defeat Manhua Xiangfei, but she was not sure that she could subdue her in a short time. Upon seeing this, Manhua Xiangfei immediately smiled smugly and continued to threaten, "Hmph, I'm afraid he will die from bleeding from all seven orifices in no time."

Leng Ping trembled and her beautiful face changed instantly. In her panic, she shouted sharply, "Miss Huangfu, saving lives is the priority. Let's both go together." As she spoke, she brandished her long sword and rushed towards Manhua Xiangfei first.

Huangfu Xiang deeply agreed. Dealing with these scum of the martial world required no regard for martial arts rules, so she readily agreed, brandishing her fan in her left hand and brandishing her sword in her right, poised for a pincer attack. Man Hua Xiang Fei panicked upon seeing this. She hadn't expected her two enemies, with whom she had fought relentlessly, to suddenly join forces against her. Without her intimidating "Soul-Severing Scarf," she was like a fierce, invincible eagle without its eyes. Seeing Huangfu Xiang and Leng Ping charging towards her, she immediately wielded her coiled conch-shaped staff with impenetrable power, simultaneously shouting sharply, "A bunch of dead things, are you just waiting to die?"

Upon hearing this, several middle-aged scholars panicked and rushed towards Leng Ping, knowing that Huangfu Xiang was the renowned leader of the Three Beauties Gang, and thus dared not confront her. Seeing the slick-haired, scholarly-looking men approaching, Leng Ping assumed they were shameless and lewd scoundrels. Desperate to obtain the antidote, a murderous intent ignited within her. With a sharp cry, she wielded her sword with lightning speed, her lithe body flashing as her blade created a chilling screen of light, instantly enveloping the attacking scholars. These scholars, all lecherous and fond of drinking, lacked any real skill or martial arts ability and were no match for her. They cried out in alarm and retreated hastily.

Leng Ping, her killing intent already set in motion, would not allow the villains to escape. With a delicate snort, her sword flashed in a "Phoenix Spreads Its Wings" technique; a flash of cold light, and immediately a piercing scream erupted. A middle-aged scholar, who was slower to retreat, was cleaved in two, chest and arm, his heart, lungs, liver, and intestines gushing out with a spray of blood.

Jiang Tiantao, who had just finished recuperating, opened his eyes and his expression changed instantly. He hadn't expected that the seemingly quiet and elegant Leng Ping would kill without batting an eye. Looking again, the gleaming Huangfu Xiang was already fiercely fighting the alluring and stunning Manhua Xiangfei. Huangfu Xiang's left fan shone with golden light, her right sword gleamed with silver light, and her swirling, flying figure resembled a silver river studded with countless golden stars—a truly magnificent sight. Although Manhua Xiangfei was a delicate and slender woman, she wielded her heavy conch-shaped staff with such force that the wind howled, creating a forest of staff shadows. No matter how Huangfu Xiang wielded her left fan and right sword, she couldn't get close for a while.

In the midst of the fight, another ear-piercing, heart-wrenching scream pierced the night sky. Jiang Tiantao turned his head and saw that the heads of the other two middle-aged scholars were also gone. The two headless corpses spun a few times before collapsing to the ground with two thuds. The remaining two scholars, seeing this, turned ashen-faced, their souls nearly leaving their bodies. They cried out in alarm and abruptly turned, fleeing for their lives into the dark, eerie forest.

Seeing this, Leng Ping shouted, "Trying to leave without your lives?" With that shout, she suddenly stopped, her left wrist flashing, two cold stars appearing, accompanied by a hissing sound, as fast as two silver threads, disappearing in a flash. Immediately afterward, the two middle-aged scholars, who had been rushing into the forest, simultaneously threw their hands up in the air, letting out long, miserable screams, dropping their fans, and staggering to the ground.

Jiang Tiantao's expression changed. He hadn't expected Leng Ping's wrist strength to be so formidable, and her swordsmanship seemed to be no less than Huangfu Xiang's. Having killed several middle-aged scholars, Leng Ping, unaware that Jiang Tiantao had opened his eyes, let out a sharp cry and lunged at Man Hua Xiang Fei again.

Man Hua Xiang Fei, already pale with fright, saw Leng Ping turn and attack. In a panic, her eyebrows furrowed, and she cried out sharply, "I'll fight you all!" With that, she tightened her staff, forcing Huangfu Xiang back, and swung it fiercely at Leng Ping.

Huangfu Xiang, however, was incredibly clever. Just as Man Hua Xiang Fei's attack reached Leng Ping, her gilded folding fan flashed like lightning, slicing into Man Hua Xiang Fei's shoulder and neck. Man Hua Xiang Fei cried out in alarm, her shoulder collapsing as she flew three zhang (approximately 10 meters) sideways. Leng Ping and Yin Chai, determined to kill Man Hua Xiang Fei so they could find the antidote on her, simultaneously cried out, "Give us the antidote, or you'll live!" With these cries, they flew after her.

Seeing that she couldn't escape, Man Hua Xiang Fei had no choice but to fight desperately, and the three of them clashed fiercely

once again. Jiang Tiantao could see clearly that Man Hua Xiang Fei was no match for Yin Chai and Leng Ping; she would undoubtedly be defeated within thirty moves. However, his own fierce and ruthless fighting style against women was equally impressive. Then, his eyes lit up, and he couldn't help but tremble. He thought: After Leng Ping and Yin Chai subdued Man Hua Xiang Fei, they would surely come to harass him and ask about his true identity. How should he answer then? With this thought in mind, he walked cautiously to Xiao Qing's side, quietly untied the reins, and leaped onto his horse.

Just as he landed on the saddle, Xiao Qing raised her head and let out an angry neigh, unleashing her four hooves and galloping wildly towards the dense forest. Upon hearing Xiao Qing's angry neigh, Jiang Tiantao wished he could cover the horse's mouth with his hand, but then, thinking it over, he simply spurred his horse onward. Leng Ping and Yinchai, caught in the midst of their fierce fight, glanced over at the sound and their expressions instantly changed.

Huangfu Xiang, her heart pounding with anxiety, blurted out, "Miss Leng Ping, something's wrong! Representative Wei has run away again!" As she spoke, she launched three rapid attacks, forcing Man Hua Xiang Fei to retreat from the circle and gallop away on her white horse, Juan Yun.

Leng Ping, no longer interested in getting the antidote from Man Hua Xiang Fei, followed closely behind Huangfu Xiang, leaping towards her own horse. At the same time, she exclaimed, both bewildered and astonished, "This man is really strange."

Upon hearing this, Yinchai Huangfu Xiang immediately retorted angrily, "Hmph, he has many more strange deeds to his name!" With that, she leaped onto her horse, flicked the reins, and sped off towards Jiang Tiantao.

Leng Ping didn't understand Huangfu Xiang's words, but she had no time to ask. She dismounted and galloped away like the wind. Ming Zhiling, the Fragrant Concubine, her face pale and slightly out of breath, one hand on her hip, the other supporting herself with a conch shell staff, was utterly astonished by Jiang Tiantao's sudden gallop. She watched dejectedly as Huangfu Xiang and Leng Ping rode off in pursuit, then shook her head in relief, knowing that if Jiang Tiantao hadn't run, her life would surely have been in danger that night. Looking at Jiang Tiantao again, he had already vanished into the dark forest.

At this moment, Jiang Tiantao was like a frightened bird. To shake off Huangfu Xiang and Leng Ping, he turned his horse and galloped down the country road, rushing into the dark forest. He wasn't afraid of Huangfu Xiang and Leng Ping's martial arts skills, but rather of being caught and entangled by them, which would delay his journey. Especially, he couldn't understand why Leng Ping, disguised as a singer at the "Yuanyun Tower," was also chasing after him.

Thinking this, he looked back and saw Huangfu Xiang and Leng Ping, with silver hairpins, galloping down the country road, racing towards him. He found it very strange; just moments ago, the two had been locked in fierce combat, but now they seemed like close friends. As he looked around, a sudden rustling sound of a bug's hooves trampling through the withered branches and leaves arose beneath him. Jiang Tiantao turned sharply at the sound, only to find himself in complete darkness, unable to see his hand in front of his face. Focusing his gaze, he discovered a dense forest, the trees towering high, their branches and leaves obscuring the sky, making it impossible to see the stars. The ground was covered with a thick layer of withered branches and leaves, a

foot deep. His steed, Xiao Qing, galloped wildly, the tall trees in the forest rushing past like lightning. A moment passed, but they still hadn't escaped the dense forest. Jiang Tiantao was puzzled; how could this forest be so vast? He quickly reined in Xiao Qing and looked around, only to find that some trees stood in rows of nine, some had six trees blocking the way, some had seven trees stretching diagonally, and some had ten trees planted in a circle. Jiang Tiantao was secretly startled, thinking: Could this be some kind of formation?

Before he could finish his thought, a hurried, bewildered cry came from dozens of feet away: "Representative Wei, where are you?"

Jiang Tiantao was startled, his heart skipping a beat. It was the voice of Yinchai Huangfuxiang; he hadn't expected her to be nearby. Immediately after, another anxious call followed. "Young Hero Wei, what happened to you? Why can't I hear your horse galloping anymore?"

Jiang Tiantao recognized Leng Ping's voice, and was deeply moved by her anxious inquiry, but he dared not respond. If he spoke, Yinchai and Leng Ping would surely find their way into the formation. Not only would it bring him endless trouble, but they might also starve to death in this strange forest formation. With this thought, he let Huangfuxiang and Leng Ping call out to each other from dozens of feet away, and quietly led Xiaoqing deeper into the forest.

He walked along the slanting rows of trees, stepping on the thick layer of fallen leaves and branches, as if walking on a thick carpet, trembling like silk. The distant cries of Leng Ping and Yin Chai sounded even more anxious and concerned. Jiang Tiantao felt a pang of pity and unconsciously stopped. Following the direction of the cries, his eyes suddenly lit up. At the end of the row of trees stretching out opposite him, the view suddenly widened, and he could see the twinkling stars in the night sky.

Jiang Tiantao was overjoyed, certain that this was the exit of the forest formation. He grabbed Xiao Qing and hurried towards the other side. As they approached, they discovered that the exit was overgrown with knee-high weeds, and a few dozen feet away, there was a patch of low trees of varying heights and sizes. Among the trees, a corner of a wall was vaguely visible. Jiang Tiantao was startled, then quickened his pace. He concluded that what lay ahead was not the exit, but a family living in seclusion within this dense forest.

The thought of seclusion immediately brought to mind this strange, dense forest, suggesting that a reclusive master must reside within. With this in mind, he hesitated, feeling he shouldn't go in. In his hesitation, he reached the end of the row of trees, and looking up, he was stunned again. The grove of low trees, varying in height, occupied several acres in the center of a clearing several hundred feet in diameter. Judging from the corner of the wall, there must be a house inside. However, given the desolate state of the forest, it seemed impossible for anyone to live there. Driven by curiosity, he wanted to see what kind of family lived in this gloomy, desolate forest, and in the very center of the forest formation.

He pulled Xiaoqing along, stepping slowly through the knee-high weeds, their footsteps making a rustling sound. At this moment, the surroundings were pitch black, exceptionally eerie and silent, and thus, the soft rustling of Jiang Tiantao and Xiaoqing's footsteps on the withered grass seemed all the more sinister and chilling. Reaching the low bushes, Jiang Tiantao peered inside and was stunned once more. All he saw was overgrown weeds, with only a half-collapsed stone chamber ruin on the north side.

Seeing this desolate scene, Jiang Tiantao felt both dejected and disappointed. He leaped onto his horse, determined to cross the overgrown clearing and continue westward in search of a way out. Just as he mounted, Xiao Qing suddenly pricked up its ears and whiskers, letting out a long, piercing howl that seemed to reach the night sky. At the same time, its forelegs reared up, it stood upright, its tail swaying wildly, its eyes flashing with alarm, and it turned to retreat, seemingly unwilling to go forward.

Jiang Tiantao was startled, sensing something amiss, and instinctively shouted twice, immediately calming Xiao Qing down. Looking around, he then noticed a pile of white objects in the half-collapsed stone chamber, and within those white objects, something faintly glowing red. A thought struck Jiang Tiantao, and he jerked the reins, ready to enter. But the frightened Xiaoqing shook her head and wagged her tail, neighing softly as she retreated step by step.

Jiang Tiantao, driven by curiosity, dismounted despite his inner turmoil, determined to see for himself. He tied the reins, drew his sword with a swift motion, and with a flash of cold light, the sword was out of its sheath. He leaped over the collapsed wall, trudging through the weeds, and headed straight for the half-collapsed stone house.

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