Within the Tang Sect, the funeral of Second Master Tang was underway. Mourning guests set down their offerings, paid their respects, and were then uniformly directed to a large hall nearby to rest, guarded by several Tang Sect disciples at the entrance.
"It seems they're stationed here not to protect our safety, but to prevent those inside from coming out," whispered a stunning young woman seated in a corner.
Beside her sat a middle-aged scholar. He suddenly stood up, drawing the attention of all the Tang Sect disciples at the door.
"It does appear that way," the scholar remarked calmly before walking toward the entrance, with the beautiful woman quickly following.
"That's the headmaster of Western Journey Academy and his wife," one Tang Sect disciple murmured by the door. The disciple in front immediately put on a smile and bowed. "Greetings, Headmaster Chen Xing. May I ask where you're headed?"
Chen Xing frowned slightly. "What? Must I report my movements to you?"
The disciple shook his head. "The Tang Sect is filled with countless traps and formations. It would be dangerous for guests to wander alone. It's best if we accompany you to your destination."
"Nature calls. We've been sitting here drinking tea for half an hour—naturally, we can't stay any longer," the beautiful woman said as she stepped beside the scholar, her voice soft and languid.
The disciple immediately lowered his head. "Then allow me to escort you both."
The woman covered her mouth with a light laugh. "How amusing." She raised an eyebrow at the disciple, whose face instantly flushed red before he turned and hurried outside. The woman and the scholar exchanged a glance before following.
The disciple led them out and turned onto a quiet street. Suddenly, he felt a sharp sting on his neck. He winced, but the pain vanished as quickly as it came. He slapped the spot and opened his palm to inspect it. "A spider?"
"Indeed. That's a Gentle Flame Spider—one bite, and you'll have a nice, long nap. Don't worry, I won't kill you." The woman patted the disciple's shoulder lightly. He spun around, then collapsed backward. The scholar stepped forward, caught him, and gently laid him on the ground.
"Leave him. Let's head straight to Lament Moon Pavilion!" The woman's expression suddenly turned grave.
"Agreed." The scholar turned swiftly, and the two moved with astonishing speed toward the southwestern part of the Tang Sect.
Outside Lament Moon Pavilion, the number of Tang Sect disciples on guard today had more than doubled. At the forefront stood Tang Tianlu and Tang Fulu. Tang Fulu yawned. "After today, we won't have to stand guard every day anymore. These old bones of ours have endured decades, only to end up as gatekeepers—how humiliating."
The scholar and the woman had already arrived nearby. The woman whispered, "Those two are no pushovers."
"Tang Fulu and Tang Tianlu—older even than Tang Linghuang, and with considerable standing in the Tang Sect," the scholar said grimly. "We'll need a way to lure them away.""Leave this to me," a leisurely voice sounded from behind them. The two turned around to see Mu Qingyang, the head of the Mu Family, standing there.
"How did you sneak in?" the beautiful young woman asked.
"As the head of the Mu Family, I naturally have my own methods," Mu Qingyang replied, flicking his fingers lightly. A white figure suddenly flew past the Lament Moon Pavilion.
Tang Fuluh jerked his head up: "Who's there!"
"Your Puppet techniques have improved quite a bit," the middle-aged scholar remarked.
"Naturally, one must make some progress," Mu Qingyang said before swinging his Peach Wood Sword directly at the pavilion's plaque.
"How dare you!" Tang Tianlu roared, leaping up to grab the sword.
"Quite bold indeed," Mu Qingyang sneered, then hooked his finger. The entire Peach Wood Sword burst into flames. Tang Tianlu cried out in pain and immediately let go, landing on the ground as the sword traced a fiery arc before swiftly retreating.
"You dare provoke me?" Tang Tianlu leaped up in pursuit.
"I'll take my leave now. This place is yours to handle." With a light step, Mu Qingyang caught the Peach Wood Sword and fled eastward.
"Shadow Shatter Spiders!" The beautiful young woman pressed her hand to the ground, and a swarm of spiders crawled from her sleeves toward the Lament Moon Pavilion. Moments later, the pavilion's plaque loosened slightly before crashing down toward the crowd guarding the entrance.
"What's happening?" Tang Fuluh shouted, striking upward with his palm to catch the plaque. Meanwhile, the Tang Sect disciples behind him collapsed one after another.
"Retreat!" The middle-aged scholar had already flashed before Tang Fuluh, striking his chest with a finger. Tang Fuluh screamed as he was sent flying, the plaque crashing heavily onto him.
"Let's go." The beautiful young woman hurried past the scholar and rushed into the pavilion. The scholar glanced back to ensure no one noticed before quickly following.
Upon entering, both sensed something amiss. The woman said gravely, "Why is it so cold in here?"
The scholar pondered, "Could this be the effect of the Icy Moon Silkworm his disciple once mentioned?"
"Tang Lingyue!" the woman couldn't help but call out.
"He's here." The scholar swiftly scanned the pavilion and found Tang Lingyue, his entire body frozen.
The woman hurried over, covering her mouth at the sight. "How could this happen?"
"Don't worry. From what I overheard that day, Tang Lingyue isn't dead," the scholar reassured her.
"But this..." The woman circled around. "How can we save him?"
"Gentlefolk!" A voice as cold as the atmosphere came from the window. They turned to see Tang Lingkui, the head of the Execution Hall, watching them. "Since when do people from the Western Travel Academy take interest in our Tang Sect's internal affairs?"
The scholar drew his sword. "Chief Tang, we meet again."
Tang Lingkui paused, then sneered. "Ah, so it's the Su Family head. Your disguise techniques are truly remarkable.""How can I save him?" The beautiful young woman waved her hand lightly, and a swarm of black spiders encircled Tang Lingkui's feet.
Tang Lingkui raised an eyebrow slightly. "Spider Woman, I've long heard of your reputation."
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