Blood River

Beneath the Golden Tower.

"It's over." Su Changhe wiped the blood from his blade and glanced at Tang Lingzun, now lying on the ground, covered in filth and gore. The once composed and arrogant man was gone, replaced by a bitter smile. "Even if you defeat me here, nothing will change within the Tang Sect."

"Is that so?" Su Changhe shook his head and looked at Su Zhe.

Su Zhe tilted his head toward the sky. Under the clear daylight, a signal arrow suddenly exploded in the air. He grinned. "What a coincidence, isn't it?"

Su Changhe lowered his gaze back to Tang Lingzun. "Seems the outcome has disappointed you."

Within the Tang Sect, Tang Lingyue stepped out of the Lament Moon Pavilion. The Tang disciples surrounding the pavilion were momentarily stunned at his appearance. The leader among them asked in confusion, "Lament Moon Envoy, have you already left seclusion?" Though Tang Lingyue held no official position within the Tang Sect, he served as the Vermilion Bird Envoy in Heaven Revelation City, so most addressed him by his title.

Tang Lingyue's voice boomed, "How many of you are acting under the orders of Tang Lingzun and Tang Lingkui?"

The crowd outside the pavilion was startled. Some were ordinary disciples, kept in the dark like Tang Lian had been, merely following orders—they were both shocked and bewildered by his words. Others, however, had long been bribed or coerced by Tang Lingkui and his faction, and now they trembled in fear.

Though Tang Lingyue's demeanor was aloof, compared to Tang Lingkui and his ilk, he was undoubtedly gentler. Yet the world knew that when he truly intended to act, the Black Tortoise Envoy of Heaven Revelation City was the swiftest, most decisive—and even the most ruthless—among the Four Guardians.

"I can let bygones be bygones regarding these matters," Tang Lingyue continued after sweeping his gaze across the crowd. "You need not concern yourselves with affairs here. Proceed with the funeral arrangements for Second Master Tang. As for tonight's Bean Broth Banquet, I expect no issues whatsoever!"

"Y-yes, sir!" Though many remained puzzled, the expression on Tang Lingyue's face made it clear that no further questions were needed. After a brief hesitation, most of the disciples dispersed.

"You, stay." Tang Lingyue leaped forward, landing beside one disciple and gripping his shoulder. The man's legs buckled, nearly causing him to collapse.

"Lament Moon Envoy..." the man forced a bitter smile.

"You're from the Head Chopping Hall—one of Tang Lingkui's men, I presume?" Tang Lingyue's tone betrayed neither anger nor joy.

The man shook his head. "I tried my best to dissuade the Hall Master from his plans, but he refused to listen..."

"Spare me the excuses," Tang Lingyue snapped.

"Yes, sir," the man hastily replied.

"Where have you imprisoned the Deputy Sect Leader?" Tang Lingyue demanded.

"The Head... Head Chopping Hall," the man stammered.

"Take me to him." Tang Lingyue shoved the man forward, who dared not utter a single complaint as he hurried ahead.

"What a heartless man," Mu Xuewei sighed helplessly, watching Tang Lingyue's retreating figure. "Not even half a word of greeting after waking up—just straight to business.""Tang Linghuang is imprisoned, and every moment brings more danger. Even now, it might already be too late," Su Muyu said calmly before suddenly turning and looking up at the sky.

Bai Hehuai asked in confusion, "What's wrong?"

"A very powerful Sword Qi," Su Muyu replied with a slight frown.

As soon as he spoke, a woman in plain white robes descended from the sky, sword in hand. Su Muyu stepped forward and swung his own blade. The two swords clashed, releasing a violent burst of Sword Qi that scattered outward. Mu Yumo quickly grabbed Bai Hehuai's shoulder and pulled her back three zhang away. Amid the swirling dust, Su Muyu raised his head slightly and, recognizing the figure before him, said impassively, "So it's the Azure Dragon Envoy."

Li Xinyue stared at Su Muyu. "Umbrella Ghost of Dark River, were you also involved in the Tang Sect's upheaval?"

Su Muyu sheathed his sword and clasped his hands in salute. "The Azure Dragon Envoy must be here to assist the Black Tortoise Envoy. The Black Tortoise Envoy has already escaped and is heading toward the Head Chopping Hall. You may go find him."

"Can I trust you?" Li Xinyue said coolly.

"Whether you trust me or not, Dark River has already accomplished what we came here to do," Su Muyu replied, turning away. "Let's go."

"Not staying to watch?" Mu Yumo asked.

"No need. With the Azure Dragon Envoy here, the Tang Sect's affairs will no longer change. We just need to wait for Tang Lingyue to come find us," Su Muyu said, patting her shoulder reassuringly. "Don't worry, we haven't forgotten your matter."

The next day, inside the Quiet Contemplation Teahouse.

Su Changhe lounged lazily on a long bench, legs crossed, cracking melon seeds with his usual irreverence. Su Zhe sat beside him, silently smoking. Bai Hehuai and the Head of Mu House were engrossed in studying a set of Sparrow Tiles, looking thoroughly intrigued. Meanwhile, Mu Yumo, dressed in elegant purple robes and wearing meticulously applied makeup, sat with a hint of nervousness. Su Muyu sat beside her and comforted her, "Relax, he'll be here soon."

Indeed, someone arrived shortly—but it wasn't Tang Lingyue. Instead, it was another Tang Sect disciple.

"Who are you?" Su Muyu asked.

"This humble one is Tang Xuan," the newcomer replied respectfully, bowing.

"Where is Tang Lingyue?" Su Muyu pressed.

Tang Xuan lowered his head. "The Vice-Sect Leader was taken away before Lingyue could reach the Head Chopping Hall. Upon receiving the news, Lingyue and the Azure Dragon Envoy immediately gave chase. Before leaving, he entrusted me to convey his gratitude to Dark River."

"Is that all?" Su Muyu's expression grew more serious.

Tang Xuan raised his hand. "Bring the gentleman in." As soon as he spoke, several Tang Sect disciples carried in a sedan chair.

Bai Hehuai immediately stood up. "Is that my junior apprentice?"

Tang Xuan nodded. "Medicine King Xin was imprisoned in a secret chamber. At the same time the Vice-Sect Leader was taken, someone deliberately released Medicine King Xin."

"It seems my other junior apprentice is behind this. He must have taken Tang Linghuang because Tang Linghuang's body is the perfect vessel for a Medicine Puppet," Bai Hehuai said grimly.

Su Muyu remained solemn and nodded. "Thank you."

Tang Xuan clasped his hands. "Dark River must have come here for other matters. The Elder is away on a journey, and both the Vice-Sect Leader and Lingyue are absent. If there's anything you need, you may discuss it with me.""Talk with you?" Su Changhe suddenly stood up. "What status do you hold to qualify speaking with me?"

Tang Xuan's expression darkened. "Head, what do you mean by this?"

"Nothing much." Su Muyu flicked his hand, releasing a surge of True Qi that forced Tang Xuan back into the courtyard.

He was always the most courteous of men, but at this moment, he no longer wished to be polite.

Bai Hehuai stepped beside Mu Yumo and gently steadied her shoulder.

Tang Xuan shouted, "What is the meaning of this?"

Su Muyu raised his head. "My meaning is the same as Chang He's—what status do you hold to negotiate with us? Get out! And pass a message to Tang Lingyue for me."

"What?" Tang Xuan demanded.

"Next time he wants to see us, tell him to come himself." Su Muyu slowly uttered two words: "Dark River."