A Decade of Nightscape Lights

Little cutie, it seems your adoration for the author isn't quite enough yet. The text shyly hides away...

Cai Han rolled over slightly, mumbling something unintelligible, with one chubby little arm and half a shoulder dangling off the bed. Cai Zhao estimated that if he wiggled his plump little bottom just a bit more, he would undoubtedly tumble to the floor. Smirking to herself, she gently pushed the chubby little one back toward the center of the bed.

Sitting by the bedside, Cai Zhao gazed at her peacefully breathing younger brother.

For as long as she could remember, she had believed herself to be her aunt's child, while the couple she called "Father and Mother" were merely kind neighbors who often brought delicious treats and toys to visit them. It wasn't until she went out to play and heard other children in the marketplace calling out to their parents that she vaguely realized "Father and Mother" were actually her birth parents. Her first childhood dilemma was this: if she was her parents' child, then wouldn't that mean her aunt had no child of her own?

When Cai Han was born, she secretly rejoiced for a long time, thinking that now neither her aunt nor her parents would have to feel guilty toward each other anymore.

Placing her palm on the white, plump boy's chest, she felt the lively thumping beneath. Suddenly, she recalled the "future sect leader" of the Four Stallions Gate she had met earlier that day. Even someone like her, with no knowledge of medicine, could tell that the child was born with congenital deficiencies and damaged meridians, sustained only by precious medicines and human effort.

Over the past two hundred years, the Big Dipper Six Sects had undergone many changes.

The Azure Tower Sect and the Grand Beginning Temple, being passed down through master-disciple succession, were no longer of their original bloodlines.

The Vast Heaven Gate and the Jade Pendant Mountain Manor relied on prolific descendants—if the main lineage produced no heirs or the heirs were mediocre, a branch family could take over.

The Four Stallions Gate, however, clung stubbornly to tradition, with fierce competition among brothers for succession. Whenever one branch rose to power, the others would either mysteriously "die young" or change their names and retire from the Martial World. The other five sects were not without attempts to mediate or ease the infighting, but as the saying goes, "Even an honest official finds it hard to settle family disputes," and in the end, matters were always left unresolved. Gradually, the Yang bloodline grew weaker, and now, for five generations straight, there had been only a single heir.

According to Cai Zhao's ancestors, this was the heavens taking pity on the Yang family, sparing them further fratricide by ensuring each generation had only one child—no more fighting. The heavens could be quite considerate, really.

Only Fallen Blossom Valley had taken a different path.

From its very first ancestor, Fallen Blossom Valley upheld the principle of letting nature take its course, believing that too many offspring was detrimental to both spiritual cultivation and physical well-being. Thus, the valley had always had few descendants. If there was a son, the son would inherit; if not, a daughter could take in a son-in-law. If the daughter was capable, she could become the valley master; if the son-in-law was more capable, then he could take the role instead. If a son had other ambitions or lacked talent, the daughter and son-in-law could still lead.

As for which surname to carry or which ancestors to worship? It didn’t matter—whichever they preferred was fine. After all, two hundred years ago, there had been no Fallen Blossom Valley to begin with. The ancestors were quite open-minded.

And so, over two centuries, Fallen Blossom Valley had changed surnames three times.

The least pleasant-sounding was the founding ancestor's surname, Niu (Cow). Even the ancestor, who revered the natural way, couldn’t bear that one. The most pleasant was the surname of the third-generation only daughter’s husband—Gu. Just compare: Niu Linger and Niu Yuxuan versus Gu Linger and Gu Yuxuan. The difference speaks for itself.Over the past two centuries, Fallen Blossom Valley wasn't without its exceptions. For instance, one generation of valley masters had enthusiastically produced five sons and four daughters. People all said the valley was about to flourish, but reality proved them wrong.

Of these nine children, excluding those who became monks or married out, the remaining either wandered the Martial World unmarried their whole lives or traveled overseas never to return. In the end, only one inherited the position of valley master.

Perhaps, this was fate.

About seventy or eighty years ago, the valley master couple of that generation, nearing forty without children, observed the stars at night and concluded—the heavens wished for Fallen Blossom Valley to change its ways. Thus, they followed the divination's guidance to seek an adopted son and soon found an orphan of exceptional talent and honest character. The couple felt immensely fortunate, convinced it was truly divine will.

Who would have thought that ten years later, they unexpectedly had a daughter as lovely as jade and snow.

Given past precedents, they considered making the adopted son a son-in-law to strengthen family ties. However, due to the significant age gap between the two, they decided to let nature take its course and sent their daughter to a Brother Sect, intending for her to naturally marry a virtuous fellow disciple when the time came. But when their daughter turned sixteen, as the elderly couple basked in the sun on the hillside, they suddenly heard of great turmoil outside the valley.

Their steady and capable adopted son had inexplicably gone out and beaten every eligible young man in their daughter's sect, then challenged every promising young hero emerging in the Martial World, all under the guise of 'exchanging martial arts as friends'—startling the old couple so much they nearly fell from their rattan chairs. The Azure Tower Sect's leader at the time even came to subtly hint, 'Your exceptional son has boundless potential. Would he consider competing for leadership among the six sects?' The old couple shook their heads so vehemently they nearly broke their necks.

After clarifying the unspoken romantic tension between their adopted son and daughter, the couple swiftly arranged their wedding while pleading with the adopted son to stop his 'exchanges.' For over a hundred years, Fallen Blossom Valley had maintained a moderate and peaceful stance, and the martial community had grown accustomed to it—best not to change that now. The adopted son replied: Now that I have my wife, I actually don’t like going out much anyway.

Incidentally, this adopted son's surname was Cai.

While reading her ancestors' journals, Cai Zhao often thought that perhaps her aunt had inherited this ancestor's extraordinary talents, making her so capable and dazzlingly brilliant. Yet over the past three years, sitting alone in her aunt's cold, empty room at midnight with tearful eyes, Cai Zhao couldn't help but wonder if that ancestor's choice to conceal his brilliance and remain humble might have been the right one.

The lamp flame on the wall flickered slightly, like a plucked string in her mind, snapping Cai Zhao out of her reverie. She steadied herself and went next door to check on Chang Ning.

Unlike Cai Xiaopang, who slept sprawled out wildly, Chang Ning had excellent sleeping posture—lying on his side like a verdant pine, his long lashes perfectly still. However, unlike that afternoon, his blanket was now half on the bed and half on the footrest, naturally leaving his robe even more open and exposing a broader expanse of his jade-like, firm chest.

Cai Zhao very properly averted her gaze and, with the demeanor of an upright gentleman, pulled the blanket over Chang Ning, then retreated three steps to stand at a distance.

In truth, Cai Zhao had met Chang Haosheng three or four times in her childhood.

Delving into her memories, she recalled a handsome, composed face—serious yet meticulous. Every time he visited Fallen Blossom Valley, he would inspect the valley's defensive formations three times over. Her aunt would tease him, calling him 'once a nanny, always a nanny.'Chang Haosheng didn’t visit Fallen Blossom Valley as frequently as Qi Yunke and Zhou Zhizhen. Whenever he did come, he would engage in lengthy, deep conversations with Cai Pingshu, neither playing with little Cai Zhao nor bringing many gifts. Naturally, he left a rather faint impression in Cai Zhao’s mind.

After Cai Pingshu passed away, he never returned to Fallen Blossom Valley again, and no one knew what kept him so busy. Three years trickled by, and Cai Zhao’s memories of this perpetually hurried Great Hero Chang grew increasingly hazy. Yet today, she unexpectedly heard the news of the Chang family’s massacre.

Cai Zhao let out a small sigh, her spirits dampened.

Just then, faint noises and voices came from the adjacent room. Cai Zhao’s heart stirred, and a smile touched her lips. She quickly exited Chang Ning’s room, hurried past the chamber where Cai Xiaopang was sound asleep, and entered the third guest room. There, the lights were already lit—Cai Pingchun and Ning Xiaofeng had indeed returned.

Overjoyed, Cai Zhao pushed the door open. Inside, Cai Pingchun’s face was flushed with drink, one hand braced against the table while the other massaged his temples. Ning Xiaofeng was muttering to herself as she rummaged through her medicine pouch for a hangover remedy. Spotting her daughter, she immediately fired off questions—why wasn’t she asleep yet, had she washed up, had Xiao Han fallen off the bed?

Hearing this familiar litany, Cai Zhao’s heart finally settled.

“Father, Mother, you’re finally back! I thought you’d be drinking all night. Didn’t you say you didn’t want anything to do with those people? A quick greeting should’ve been enough—how did you end up drinking so much?” Cai Zhao poured a cup of water from the warming nest on the table and handed it to Cai Pingchun along with the hangover medicine.

Ning Xiaofeng sighed. “First, your father wanted to ask about some things. Second, there were just too many people pushing drinks on us. We couldn’t exactly make a scene—even if we refused ten cups, half a cup was enough to knock us out. Your father actually held up pretty well. Song Shijun was so drunk he was carried back like a sprawled-out turtle. Luckily, I realized something was off and mixed most of your father’s wine with fruit syrup. Brother Zhou was the clever one—as soon as he sensed trouble, he threw his head back and pretended to pass out drunk…”

Cai Pingchun swallowed the hangover remedy and gulped down two more cups of water before catching his breath. “Today was packed with people, and we barely had time to check on you two. Zhao Zhao, tell me—is everything alright? Was there anything that upset you? We can still leave the mountain now if needed.”

“That’s right, speak up if anything’s wrong. I thought Yin Qinglian might’ve improved after all these years, but the moment I saw her, my anger flared up again—I couldn’t suppress it no matter what! If it’s no good here, we’ll just leave!” Ning Xiaofeng said bitterly.

Cai Zhao had been about to mention Qi Lingbo and her cronies, but she swallowed the words and blinked instead. “I met good people, bad people, and people who are neither good nor bad—but I can handle it all.”

Ning Xiaofeng frowned. “What kind of answer is that? Never mind, I won’t listen to your riddles. The point is, if you can stay at Azure Tower Sect, stay. If you can’t, just send word home—didn’t your uncle give you a cage of carrier pigeons? They’re fast. If needed, I’ll send you to Jade Pendant Mountain Manor for a few years. No matter what, I won’t let anyone bully you!”

Cai Zhao feigned a bashful expression. “Wouldn’t it be improper to move into my fiancé’s home so soon? It’s not like I’m an orphan like Auntie…”

Ning Xiaofeng replied flatly, “Then you can go to Hanging Temple. Quiet and peaceful…”"No need, the Azure Tower Sect is just fine—scenic landscapes, outstanding people, and highly profitable. Your daughter has absolutely no desire to change sects," Cai Zhao immediately retorted, her shyness vanishing.

Ning Xiaofeng raised a hand in mock threat, shooting her daughter an amused glare.

Seeing her parents, Cai Zhao relaxed and yawned, ready to bid them goodnight. But Cai Pingchun stopped her, saying he had something to discuss. Startled, she quickly asked what it was.

Cai Pingchun spoke slowly, "I originally planned to tell you after the ceremony, but I think it's better to share this sooner. It's about Brother Chang's son, Chang Ning..."

"What about him?" Cai Zhao's ears perked up at the mention of Chang Ning, who had already given her quite the headache that day.

"Though Great Hero Chang always says your aunt did him a great kindness, one he could never repay even with his life, over the years, he has spared no effort in protecting Fallen Blossom Valley in every possible way—truly giving his all. Many of these deeds are unknown to you and your brother, and few outsiders know of them either. But our Cai Family must never forget his generosity," Cai Pingchun said.

Cai Zhao nodded. "Today, I heard many stories about Great Hero Chang. You're right, Father. Others may not keep score, but we must remember our debts."

Cai Pingchun exchanged a glance with his wife. Ning Xiaofeng then asked cautiously, "...Zhao Zhao, when you spoke with Chang Ning today, did you notice anything... off?" She trusted her daughter's sharp instincts, honed from years of navigating the streets.

Cai Zhao grinned mischievously. "Are you and Father wondering whether this Chang Ning is the real deal or not, right?"

"Exactly," Cai Pingchun confirmed. "The Demonic Cult is cunning—we must stay vigilant. After all, none of us have ever met Brother Chang's son before."

Cai Zhao laughed. "Don't worry, Father. I've read enough plays and novels to recognize such tropes. Villains love disguising themselves to infiltrate the enemy's ranks. How could I blindly trust someone I've never met? I was already on guard..."

"And? Did you find any flaws?" Ning Xiaofeng pressed.

"Nope. Ninety-nine percent sure he's genuine." Cai Zhao slumped. "Brother Chang not only knew every detail about the past but even brought up things I'd never heard—some secrets only Great Hero Chang himself would know, while others were trivial daily matters that even torture couldn't extract. It sounded more like a father chatting casually with his son."

Ning Xiaofeng seemed satisfied, but Cai Pingchun probed further. "Why only ninety-nine percent? What's missing?"

Cai Zhao frowned in confusion. "I vaguely remember Great Hero Chang being kind and reserved, not one for many words. But this Brother Chang of mine? His tongue is so sharp it could kill a man in ten steps without leaving a trace! And if his words weren't bad enough, his temper is downright gloomy and erratic. How is that anything like his father?"

To her surprise, her parents' expressions relaxed at this. "W-what? Did I say something wrong?"

"Actually, that confirms it," Cai Pingchun said. "Though Great Hero Chang rarely spoke of his son, from the few hints he dropped, Chang Ning should indeed be like this."

Cai Zhao: "Huh?"Ning Xiaofeng whispered, "Brother Chang's wife, Sister Xue, was always quiet and frail. That year, she returned to her parents' home to rest during her pregnancy, only to encounter a surprise attack by the Demonic Cult. She hid in a secret compartment and survived, but had to watch as over a dozen of her family members were slaughtered. After being rescued, she became somewhat mentally unstable, which is why Brother Chang never lets her out."

"After such a tragedy, your aunt searched high and low for countless rare medicines to preserve the child in Sister Xue’s womb. Finally, a son was born, but only your aunt and I went to congratulate them. I don’t understand much about these things, but your aunt said the child was rather sickly, so Brother Chang never let him out in all these years. Whenever Brother Chang mentioned them afterward, it was either about Sister Xue growing increasingly erratic and mad, or his son being frail and sickly, only able to slowly practice internal cultivation to nourish his meridians. It wasn’t until two years ago that Brother Chang wrote to say his son’s health had improved—with proper training, he might not lose to the young heroes of today."

"Zhao Zhao, think about it. A child who’s never stepped outside since birth, with a mother who’s sometimes mad and sometimes senseless, and who’s sickly himself—how good could his temper be? If a reasonable and gentle Chang Ning showed up today, that would be suspicious."

Cai Zhao thought it over and agreed.

Cai Pingchun said, "Uncle Qi initially had doubts too, but while treating Chang Ning’s injuries, he detected faint traces of internal energy. Both Uncle Qi and Senior Brother Lei checked his pulse—it was unmistakably Brother Chang’s unique internal art. The Chang family’s internal cultivation method wasn’t passed down through generations but was created by Brother Chang himself, so there’s no chance of some elder passing it to other relatives. And Brother Chang was even more cautious than Uncle Qi and me—how could he possibly teach his exclusive technique to a villain?"

Cai Zhao listened intently. "So, Chang Ning is the real deal."

"Yes, your mother and I also believe there’s no mistake." Cai Pingchun nodded. "That’s why I suggested to Uncle Qi earlier that we bring Chang Ning to Fallen Blossom Valley to recuperate, but Uncle Qi refused outright..."

"How dare he refuse? If you hadn’t stopped me, I would’ve cursed him out already! Just look at how sharp-tongued his wife and daughter are. Chang Ning is clearly not the type to bow his head—how could he fare well in the Azure Tower Sect? I know Yin Sulian all too well. She spent the first half of her life as the sect leader’s beloved daughter and the second half as his wife. She’s long treated the Azure Tower Sect as her personal fiefdom!" Ning Xiaofeng vented angrily—now that Chang Ning was confirmed as the orphan of the Chang family, she immediately treated him as one of her own.

"Mother’s words may be crude, but the reasoning isn’t wrong." Cai Zhao lightly applauded her mother.

Cai Pingchun tried to mediate. "But Uncle Qi’s words also make sense."

"That’s your blind reasoning!" Ning Xiaofeng retorted stubbornly.

Cai Zhao asked her father directly, "Dad, what did Uncle Qi say?"

Cai Pingchun said gravely, "Zhao Zhao, who do you think wiped out the Chang family?"

Cai Zhao was taken aback. "Wasn’t it the Demonic Cult?"

Cai Pingchun replied, "You heard it today—the Demonic Cult is in chaos now. A few years ago, a female Demon even took the position of Celestial Pivot Elder under Nie Zhe’s backing. Many opposed her, and she slaughtered countless people—with such turmoil, do they still have the energy to trouble us? You must understand, the Chang family’s stronghold wasn’t an easy place to attack. To be honest, even I’ve never been there...""Even if they had been there, it might not have been of any use. Brother Chang was so concerned about the safety of his wife and child that he hid the fortress in a maze of clouds and mist—ordinary people couldn’t even find the front gate. But the Demonic Cult has always had people with unusual abilities; perhaps they could break through." Ning Xiaofeng sounded somewhat disheartened.

"Even if they could, it would take tremendous effort," Cai Zhao murmured.

"Exactly," Cai Pingchun frowned. "Whoever went to such lengths to exterminate the Chang family must have held a deep grudge."

"Nie Hengcheng’s old followers?" Cai Zhao blurted out, then shook her head. "No, it was Auntie who killed Nie Hengcheng. If they wanted revenge, why not come to Fallen Blossom Valley? Then it must be... Zhao Tianba?!"

Ning Xiaofeng gave a faint smile. "Did Zhao Zhao hear that story today too? That’s right. We discussed it earlier and concluded that the only ones capable of such a grand scheme would be the loyalists of Zhao Tianba, Nie Hengcheng’s first disciple."

Cai Zhao looked up at the ceiling, her thoughts in disarray. "How strange—these loyalists aren’t avenging Nie Hengcheng but his disciple instead..."

"You youngsters didn’t live through those times. Nie Hengcheng’s four great disciples were terrifying figures who could silence crying children at night. Within the sect, they stood equal to the Seven Stars Elders; outside, they commanded armies and held their own. It’s not surprising Zhao Tianba had fiercely loyal followers," Ning Xiaofeng added.

"Father, Mother, I understand now." Cai Zhao straightened her thoughts, her gaze clear. "Uncle Qi’s point is that Chang Ning is safer staying within the Azure Tower Sect, protected by the natural barrier of Myriad Waters, Thousand Mountains Cliff—the Demonic Cult can’t scale it. If Chang Ning came to our home, it might even implicate Fallen Blossom Valley. Don’t worry, I also think it’s best for him to stay here. After all, only a few people here would trouble him—that useless Qi Lingbo can be handled with one hand. I’ll make sure no one bullies Chang Ning."

Cai Pingchun nodded. "That’s our thinking as well. The conflicts within the Azure Tower Sect are minor compared to the life-and-death dangers outside. Zhao Zhao, for Brother Chang’s sake, you must look after Chang Ning no matter what."

Cai Zhao inwardly scoffed but smiled obediently. "Father, don’t worry. Even if you hadn’t said anything, I wouldn’t stand by and let Chang Ning be bullied for no reason. Auntie taught me chivalry for years—did I learn nothing?"

She felt a twinge of guilt as she said this.

Only a twinge.

Cai Pingchun sighed in relief. "Good, then we can rest easy."

Cai Zhao caught the unspoken implication in his words and tensed. "Father, what are you planning to do?"

Cai Pingchun hesitated, but Ning Xiaofeng scoffed. "Zhao Zhao, did anyone at tonight’s banquet mention the massacre of the Chang family? Was anyone outraged? Did anyone weep in grief or vow to avenge them?"

Cai Zhao froze.

"Not a single one. Not one." Ning Xiaofeng’s eyes filled with sorrow. "Brother Chang was a renowned figure in our righteous faction. After such a tragedy, the entire orthodox sects should have risen to condemn it. Yet now, they all feign deafness.""In the days when your aunt was still here, she would never have tolerated such a thing. Back then, everyone revered your aunt—when she raised her voice, no one dared to ignore her call. Justice could be served by nightfall if injustice was heard in the morning." Ning Xiaofeng's delicate eyes reddened as tears fell. "Qi Yunke, unworthy as the leader of the six sects, has no sense of responsibility at all. Brother Xiaochun, I just... I just can't accept this..."

Cai Pingchun took his wife's hand and comforted her softly, "Don't blame Brother Yunke anymore. He's always been kind and gentle by nature. He never wanted to be the sect leader in the first place—it was just the way of fate. There's nothing to be done about it."

He raised his head and looked directly at his daughter. "Brother Chang brought this calamity upon himself by killing Zhao Tianba. Others may pretend to be deaf and dumb, but we cannot. I've already discussed it with Uncle Qi—after tomorrow's memorial ceremony, we'll send people out to investigate the massacre of the Chang family. Brother Zhou and Sect Leader Song will assist us too. Chang Ning is still young; we'll avenge this for him."

Seeing her father's resolute and steady expression, Cai Zhao knew this matter couldn't be dissuaded. She felt an unprecedented sense of helplessness. Though she had never set foot in the Martial World, she vaguely sensed the impending storm of bloodshed. After all, she was only fifteen, and frightened, she buried herself in her mother's arms, sobbing, "...Mother, mother, I miss Auntie."

Ning Xiaofeng wept as well: "I miss her too. If your aunt were still here, such injustice would never have happened."

Cai Pingchun's eyes also reddened.

Through her tear-blurred vision, Cai Zhao recalled Cai Pingshu's eyes—so optimistic, open-minded, and fearless. Even when gravely injured and bedridden, she had never shown a trace of regret or fear, as if nothing in the world could defeat her.

She also thought of Great Hero Chang and the many other legendary heroes whose names she knew but whose faces she had never seen—

Those bold youths, bright as the sun, had either grown old or died; those passionate, fiery years of youth were gone forever.

Just beyond the small town, an imposing and solemn mountain range came into Cai Zhao's view.

The mountain was towering and majestic, its peaks looming overhead. The massive, treacherous boulders resembled demons frozen in place, their grotesque and greedy forms seeming to crawl over the heads and shoulders of travelers, as if waiting for the right moment to strike. Layers of deep green, lush green, and pale green stretched endlessly into the distance, pressing forward until it was suffocating. The seemingly faint mountain peaks were actually indescribably vast and towering—merely far away.

In the legendary ancient times, this place was filled with the lairs of demons and venomous creatures, nourished by the abundant spiritual energy of the mountains, wreaking havoc upon the people. These demons were later eradicated by immortals, and one of their disciples, who bore the Daoist name North Star, was stationed here to guard the land.

Ages passed, seas turned to fields, and the spiritual energy of the mortal world dwindled. The immortals vanished, and the young disciple North Star, once stationed at Nine Conch Mountain, became Old Ancestor Bei Chen, the foremost authority in the martial world.

As a child, Cai Zhao had once asked her aunt, "Is the Old Ancestor really a disciple of the immortals?"

Cai Pingshu smiled. "That was hundreds of years ago—who knows if it's true? But we of the Northern Star Lineage must add a little glory to our ancestors' name. Zhao Zhao, do you wish it were true or false?"

"I wish it were false," Cai Zhao replied, her chubby little face serious.

Cai Pingshu was slightly surprised and asked why.

The little girl sighed like an adult. "All the other immortals left, flying up to the heavens, leaving the Old Ancestor all alone in the mortal world. That's too sad."

Cai Zhao didn't remember much of the conversation after that, only that the sunlight had been very warm, lulling her to sleep as she lay on her aunt's lap. Her aunt's expression was gentle, her palm soft as she stroked her hair and murmured, "Zhao Zhao, your heart is so tender—you shouldn't walk the Martial World in the future."

Cai Zhao had no intention of walking the Martial World at all.She loved Fallen Blossom Valley and Fallen Blossom Town—the familiar cries of Uncle Douhua at dawn, the dimly lit wonton stalls with their small canopies at midnight, the comfort of having family and friends nearby, lazily basking in the sun. How wonderful it would be to live like this forever.

Only when she finally reached the mountaintop did Cai Zhao realize that the so-called "summit" was actually an expansive flat plateau, as if the peak of a small mountain had been sheared off, revealing a perfectly circular cross-section. The towering main peak, shrouded in mist, still lay far ahead.

The broad plateau was equipped with watchtowers and guard posts. Over a dozen sect disciples stationed there spotted the Cai Family's party and raised their fists in greeting from afar. A round-faced man in his thirties stepped forward, leading the disciples in a bow to Cai Pingchun and his wife, while Cai Zhao and her younger brother returned the courtesy.

Ning Xiaofeng teased, "Why is Dalou personally on duty today? Did you make a mistake and get punished with a shift at Wind Cloud Peak?"

Zeng Dalou threw his head back with a laugh. "This morning, I divined that the entire household of Fallen Blossom Valley would arrive today, so I came out to wait."

Cai Pingchun shook his head. "You were so honest as a child, but now you've learned to be slick."

Zeng Dalou pursed his lips but said nothing more, merely smiling.

Ning Xiaofeng continued, "You must be thinking, 'Who does Cai Pingchun think he is, acting all dignified? He's only a few years older than me. We used to throw mud at each other when we played together, and now he's putting on airs as the Valley Master.'"

Zeng Dalou waved his hands, chuckling. "I wouldn't dare, I wouldn't dare."

As their parents chatted, Cai Zhao and her brother whispered to each other.

"Big Sis, where exactly is the Azure Tower Sect? It can't be here, right? Why aren't we moving forward anymore?"

"You dummy! Where else would we go? Can't you see the plateau ends right ahead?"

The Cai Family had ascended from the southern slope, while the northern side of the plateau looked as if it had been cleaved by a massive broadsword, leaving a clean, curved cliff edge.

The siblings stood at the cliff's edge, peering around. Below them was a bottomless abyss of darkness, while across the chasm, beyond the swirling mist, only the faint outlines of towering peaks were visible.

At that moment, Zeng Dalou raised his hand. A young disciple beside him lifted a horn from his waist and blew into it. The deep, resonant sound rippled like waves, carrying far into the distant mountains. Before the siblings could ask what was happening, Cai Pingchun had already pulled them aside.

Moments later, a terrifying whistling sound erupted from beyond the cliff, accompanied by the clanging of metal. Through the thick mist, four massive iron chains, thick as a man's arm, shot forth like black pythons.

The chains flew with such ferocity that the mere impact could shatter bones and draw blood from an ordinary person. Four burly disciples beside Zeng Dalou steadied themselves, muscles tensed, ready to catch one chain each as they arrived. They secured them swiftly to iron rings anchored into the ground.

"So impressive..." Cai Zhao gaped.

Cai Han nodded like a woodpecker. "Yeah, yeah, yeah!"

Zeng Dalou clasped his hands modestly. "You flatter me."

Just as Cai Zhao was about to praise him further, the sound of clanking chains returned. She turned to see several sect disciples, their hair tied up and swords strapped to their backs, gracefully crossing the Iron Chains through the mist.Especially the one leading the group—a youth of about eighteen or nineteen years old, dressed in a plain gold-embroidered robe, handsome and refined, as if carved from jade, an exceptionally rare beauty of a man. Yet his expression was solemn, his brow cold and aloof.

Cai Pingshu had once said to her knee-high little niece: "Zhao Zhao, when you seek a husband in the future, don’t choose someone cold and arrogant. Such men will surely make you coax and pamper them. In this life, isn’t it better to be the one being pampered? Why go looking for hardship by having to coax others?"

Thus, from a young age, Cai Zhao had resolved that her future husband must treat her with the same warmth and friendliness as a shopkeeper greeting a big-spending customer.

Snapping back to attention, Cai Zhao observed the handsome youth’s feet. With just the lightest tap of his toes on the Iron Chain, he could leap forward effortlessly in large strides, his figure floating gracefully like an immortal, easily outpacing the other disciples.

Once they landed, the disciples already on the flat summit clasped their fists in salute toward the plain-robed youth. Yet he only returned a single-handed salute to Zeng Dalou before bowing deeply to Cai Pingchun. "Disciple Song Yuzhi greets Valley Master Cai and Madam Cai."

As he spoke, the remaining disciples descended from the Iron Chain.

Cai Pingchun nodded, but Ning Xiaofeng frowned, scrutinizing the youth’s features. "Your surname is Song? Is your father—"

Before she could finish, a commotion erupted behind them, led by a loud, unified shout. Cai Zhao turned to see a full thirty-two bare-shouldered, muscular warriors carrying an enormous sedan chair in perfect unison.

The sedan chair was adorned with gold and inlaid with jade, its sides draped with exquisite curtains. Even the four corners were embellished with pure gold bells, their clappers made of translucent tourmaline. Behind the sedan stretched an endless train of supplies and attendants, winding like a serpent.

For Cai Zhao and her brother, who had never ventured this far from the valley before, the sight was utterly stupefying. Cai Han gaped. "Such... such extravagance..."

Cai Pingchun murmured, "So it’s him who’s come."

Ning Xiaofeng said flatly, "Why am I not surprised at all?"

Cai Zhao twisted her brother’s head toward her and demanded, "Do you still think I’m the fussy one now?"

Cai Han shook his head vigorously.

Cai Zhao lamented in a low, pained voice, "I feel like I’ve been living in austerity!"

Cai Han nodded emphatically.

The plain-robed youth overheard and twitched the corner of his mouth.

The sedan chair halted, and out stepped a middle-aged man dressed in opulent, imposing attire. The pigeon-blood rubies adorning the gilded sword at his waist alone nearly blinded Cai Zhao. To be fair, this extravagant uncle was quite handsome—high forehead, straight nose, and striking features—suggesting he must have been quite the dashing figure in his youth. Even in middle age, his charisma remained undiminished.

Except... Cai Zhao found him oddly familiar. She whipped her head around—why did this extravagant uncle look so much like the coldly handsome Song Yuzhi standing beside her?

As soon as Zeng Dalou spotted the arrival of the Vast Heaven Gate, his face betrayed resignation. Forcing a smile, he stepped forward to greet them while quietly instructing disciples to set up something by the cliff edge.

Ignoring Cai Zhao’s scrutinizing gaze, Song Yuzhi stepped forward. "Father, you’ve come."

Song Yu was delighted to see his son, his eyes filled with approval. "Yuzhi, your lightness skill has improved again."

Then, from behind, came an even more arrogant voice: "Father, you should scold Yuzhi—it’s been ages since he last wrote home."Everyone turned toward the sound and saw a young nobleman in splendid attire riding an exceptionally fine steed arriving leisurely. The pure gold, gem-encrusted bridle alone was worth a fortune. Behind him followed another rider—ordinary in appearance, mounted on an equally ordinary horse.

Cai Zhao frowned. To use such a magnificent horse for climbing hills was truly a waste of nature's gifts.

Ning Xiaofeng rolled her eyes and asked Zeng Dalou, "When you made your calculations earlier, did you account for his arrival today?"

Zeng Dalou gave an awkward smile.

Song Yuzhi stepped forward again, cupping his hands in salute. "Elder Brother, Second Brother, Yuzhi greets you both." He then introduced the Cai family—the plainly dressed one was the eldest son of the Song family, Xiuzhi, while the one adorned in dazzling jewels identical to his father's attire was the second son, Maozhi.

Song Xiuzhi immediately dismounted to return the courtesy, but Song Maozhi merely tilted his nose upward with a haughty laugh.

Cai Pingchun remained expressionless, while Ning Xiaofeng couldn't resist reaching for her waist pouch. Cai Zhao, knowing her mother's itchy fingers, quickly moved to quietly restrain her.

"Pingchun, it's been a long time. You haven't changed a bit," Sect Leader Song Shijun of Vast Heaven Gate boomed as he strode toward the Cai family.

"You flatter me. Greetings, Elder Brother Song," Cai Pingchun replied with a cupped-hand salute before deferring to his wife.

Ning Xiaofeng offered a thin smile. "Well, well. Pingchun is still young, so naturally, he hasn't changed much. But Sect Leader Song... you've changed quite a bit. That belt must require more fabric than before."

Song Shijun's face darkened instantly. "Lady Ning's sharp tongue hasn't dulled over the years." His hand involuntarily went to his waist—Sect Leader Song was indeed imposing and majestic, but he had also... gained a little weight.

Remembering his status, Song Shijun realized it was unbecoming to engage in verbal sparring with a woman, even if he won. Shifting his gaze, he noticed Cai Zhao and her younger brother nearby. "This must be Zhao Zhao, who's about to join Azure Tower Sect soon. I've heard much about you from Brother Yun Ke. Ah, what a pity your aunt has passed. Otherwise, we could have shared drinks and reminisced."

Cai Zhao asked with genuine puzzlement, "Sect Leader Song was close to my aunt?"

"Of course," the sect leader replied with a mature, steady smile.

"But my aunt never mentioned you," Cai Zhao said truthfully, as she prided herself on honesty and never speaking falsehoods.

The Song father and son: "..."

Ning Xiaofeng suppressed a laugh, dearly wanting to kiss her daughter.

The good-natured Cai Pingchun stepped in to smooth things over. "Elder Brother Song, Fallen Blossom Valley has recently refined two excellent batches of wound medicine. Would you care to take a look? Xiaofeng, come along."

Song Shijun nodded stiffly and followed the Cai couple aside. From a distance, Cai Zhao could still hear him asking unwillingly, "Pingchun, did your sister really never mention me?" Then Ning Xiaofeng interjected, "What would Pingshu sister have said about you, Sect Leader Song? Surely you know. Best not to ask questions that might strain relations..."

But since dawn, Chang Ning had been acting like a completely different person—not only energetic and smiling at everyone but also addressing the Cai couple with respectful terms like "young nephew," "this junior," and "Uncle and Aunt," his demeanor humble yet dignified, his gaze filled with both reverence and hidden sorrow. Cai Zhao inwardly marveled at his acting prowess.

She took a step back and asked her younger brother, "Xiao Han, don't you think this guy changed way too fast?"

Cai Han lifted his chubby face from his porridge bowl. "Don't be upset, Elder Sister. Maybe he just dislikes you and those Azure Tower Sect folks but still respects his elders."Cai Zhao wanted to throw her brother away.

Ning Xiaofeng pulled her daughter aside and whispered, "Young Master Chang seems quite different from what you described. Even after suffering such a family tragedy, he still maintains proper manners. You shouldn’t speak ill of him behind his back anymore, saying he’s ill-tempered or anything like that."

Cai Zhao grew anxious. "Mother, he wasn’t like this yesterday! He was so harsh when he confronted Qi Lingbo!" And he hadn’t been gentle with her either.

Ning Xiaofeng shot her daughter a glare. "Who could stay calm when dealing with Yin Sulian and her daughter? Clearly, Brother Chang knows right from wrong. He must have told his son plenty about the disgraceful women of the Yin family!"

Cai Zhao: "..."

The five of them tidied their attire and filed out, eventually splitting into three groups upon reaching the rear of Facing Sun Hall, the largest structure in Dusk Micro Palace.

At the very front of the main hall stood an altar laden with fresh flowers and fruits. On either side of the altar were three black round-backed chairs adorned with golden seven-star patterns. By now, the sect leaders of the Qi, Song, Zhou, and Yang factions had already taken their seats. Cai Pingchun approached and cupped his hands in greeting before sitting in the third seat on the right—one of the six chairs remained empty.

No matter how drunk Song Shijun had been the night before—whether he’d turned into a turtle or a tortoise—he now sat across from Qi Yunke with an air of solemn dignity, his bearing so imposing it seemed as if this were his own Vast Heaven Gate. When he noticed the empty seat beside him, he sneered and deliberately glanced at Qi Yunke, his eyes conveying the message: The ceremony is about to start, and Grand Beginning Temple still hasn’t arrived. What do you have to say for yourself, oh great leader?

Qi Yunke pretended not to see.

While the main hall was arranged thus, the right annex housed external guests like those from Evergreen Temple, Hanging Temple, and the Sand Tiger Gang. The left annex, naturally, was reserved for the families and disciples of the Big Dipper Six Sects. From afar, Ning Xiaofeng spotted Yin Sulian at the very front of the left annex, surrounded by a crowd of women who flattered her like stars circling the moon—her smug expression was infuriating. Could the heroic Lady Ning tolerate such a thing? Of course not!

Immediately, she grabbed her son and strode forward to confront her old nemesis.

Cai Zhao hesitated. Beside her stood Chang Ning, whose face, covered in festering sores, could scare half a dozen children into tears. He wasn’t officially a disciple of Fallen Blossom Valley or Azure Tower Sect, so where was he supposed to go?

"Stand wherever you like. Who dares to complain?" Chang Ning said indifferently.

Cai Zhao mocked, "Oh? Young Master Chang, have you dropped the act of being humble, gentle, and universally adored?"

Chang Ning gave her a sidelong glance. "Or would you prefer I tell your parents that we had a huge fight yesterday and parted on bad terms, and that you only agreed to protect me out of obligation?"

Cai Zhao promptly shut her mouth.

Just then, Fan Xingjia found them and relayed Zeng Dalou’s earlier instructions: Cai and Chang were to join the Azure Tower Sect disciples for the ceremony. As the three of them spoke, Qi Lingbo and Dai Fengchi approached, walking closely together in a deliberate, unhurried manner.

Fan Xingjia’s brow twitched—when these four crossed paths, it was like gunpowder meeting a spark. Explosions were inevitable.

Qi Lingbo spotted them and smirked. "Oh my, I heard that last night, little sister Zhao Zhao and Brother Chang were staying right next to each other. The two of you must have really hit it off!"

Instead of responding, Cai Zhao looked around pointedly. Qi Lingbo frowned. "What are you staring at? Didn’t you hear me talking to you?"

Cai Zhao turned back. "I was looking for Senior Brother Song. His fiancée spends all her time coming and going with another man, yet he’s so broad-minded..."

"What nonsense are you spouting?!" Dai Fengchi’s face flushed slightly.Qi Lingbo pressed him down, forcing a smile. "Second Brother and I grew up together like siblings. I've long regarded him as my own brother, and he sees me no differently than a sister. Others may misunderstand, but we shouldn't harbor baseless suspicions among family. In any case, Second Brother and I have a clear conscience—our relationship is pure and aboveboard. But as for you, Zhao Zhao, yesterday you said you'd protect Brother Chang, which made me wonder..." She deliberately drew out her words, waiting for Cai Zhao to take the bait.

"Oh." Cai Zhao remained utterly unmoved.

Suppressing her displeasure, Qi Lingbo continued with a smile, "If Brother Chang recovers from the poison soon, all will be well. But what if his recovery drags on—a year, two years, three... By then, Zhao Zhao, you'll have married into Jade Pendant Mountain Manor. What will become of Brother Chang then?"

Having endured this nonsense long enough, Cai Zhao was about to retort when a pale, slender hand rested on her shoulder. Chang Ning stepped forward.

"By then," he said with a smile, "Junior Sister Zhao Zhao will naturally take me along to Jade Pendant Mountain Manor."

Qi Lingbo thought she'd misheard. "What did you say?!"

Dai Fengchi & Fan Xingjia: ????

Cai Zhao: "..." Since when was this decided?

"The late Old Sect Leader Yin once said that upholding justice and protecting the weak is our unshirkable duty. How could there be a time limit of one, two, or three years? If I'm truly unfortunate and my recovery drags on, would Junior Sister Zhao Zhao abandon me? No, that would be absolutely impossible!"

Chang Ning's voice brimmed with pure sincerity, more convincing than any stage performance. Qi Lingbo's earlier "brother-sister" act had been nauseatingly sanctimonious, but Chang Ning outdid her effortlessly.

The others were dumbfounded, while Cai Zhao remained expressionless.

"After Junior Sister Zhao Zhao moves to Jade Pendant Mountain Manor, I'll help her receive guests during the wedding ceremony and pour the Nuptial Wine when she enters the bridal chamber. In the future, I'll share meals and practice martial arts with Junior Sister Zhao Zhao and her husband. I've always heard that Young Master Zhou is warm-hearted and exceptionally kind—I'm sure he wouldn't mind my presence. Senior Sister Qi, don't you agree?"