Mo Li

"Who goes there?!"

From the forest emerged a man clad in black. The dim moonlight revealed his resolute features—a middle-aged face with deep-set wrinkles and sharp, chiseled contours. Streaks of gray touched his temples as he gazed indifferently at the group under the moon's glow.

"Mu Qingcang?" Ling Tiehan's voice was heavy with recognition.

"Pavilion Master Ling, it's been many years," Mu Qingcang replied with a faint nod. The newcomer was none other than the former Number One Expert of Great Chu, who had mysteriously vanished years ago. Mu Qingcang glanced at Ye Li standing nearby and said, "The Wang Fei may take her people and leave."

Ye Li moved to help Zhuo Jing and Lin Han to their feet, nodding in acknowledgment. "We appreciate your assistance, Master Mu."

Ling Tiehan watched in silence as Ye Li and her companions departed, making no move to pursue. He knew well that unless he dealt with Mu Qingcang first, laying a finger on Ye Li tonight would be impossible. Though confident in his ability to defeat Mu Qingcang, he also recognized that one of the former Four Great Experts of the realm was no ordinary opponent. Moreover, he sensed something different about Mu Qingcang compared to a decade ago. Back then, during their brief encounter, he had noticed Mu Qingcang's skills were waning—an inevitable decline with age, though Mu Qingcang had still been in his prime. This meeting, however, revealed that Mu Qingcang was not as diminished as he had expected; in fact, there seemed to be signs of improvement.

Baffled, Ling Tiehan frowned. "I had no idea Mu Qingcang had pledged allegiance to Prince Ding's Estate." While outsiders might be unaware, Ling Tiehan, as the master of the King of Hell Pavilion, knew Mu Qingcang's true identity all too well. Given that Mu Yang and Mu Jingmin had just fallen into Prince Ding's hands, Mu Qingcang's intervention to save the Wang Fei was unexpected.

"I am not affiliated with Prince Ding's Estate," Mu Qingcang stated coldly.

Ling Tiehan raised an eyebrow. "Then why this act, Brother Mu?"

"It's merely a transaction with Prince Ding's Estate," Mu Qingcang explained. "I agreed to protect the Wang Fei for three days. After that, you may do as you please." Ling Tiehan sighed in resignation. "Though I'd prefer not to engage with you now, Brother Mu, it seems I have no choice." In three days' time, Ye Li would have long returned to the Mo Family Army's camp, guarded by tens of thousands of soldiers and the elite Qilin. Getting close to her, let alone harming her, would be nearly impossible.

"Then let us proceed," Mu Qingcang replied indifferently.

Soon, the two figures clashed fiercely on the ancient path. Under the moonlight, their silhouettes merged and separated, sword energy radiating and fierce winds howling. The intensity of their battle was a far cry from the earlier skirmish with Ye Li and her companions.

Hidden in the shadows, Leng Liuyue and her companion watched as Ye Li and her party galloped away. Frowning, Leng Liuyue asked, "Should we help Eldest Brother intercept them?" Though neither of them approved of targeting the Wang Fei, since their elder brother was determined, they had no choice but to support him wholeheartedly.Sick Scholar shook his head and said, "No, let them go. Prince Ding's Estate isn't easy to provoke, and... Big Brother also held back just now." With Ling Tiehan's skills, if he had truly wanted to kill Ye Li, he could have ambushed her and struck directly from the shadows. Even if Mo Xiuyao had arrived in person without prior preparation, he likely wouldn't have been able to stop it. They were assassins, after all—why stand by the roadside waiting for their target and waste time talking?

Leng Liuyue frowned in thought before nodding. "You're right. In any case, Big Brother only promised to intercept and kill Ye Li on the road. If she manages to evade us and returns to the Mo Family Army, it's no longer our concern." Moreover, the other side also had the support of a peerless expert, one of the four great masters in the world. Even if Big Brother failed, no one could criticize him.

As assassins, whether it was the naturally aloof Leng Liuyue or the sinister and unruly Sick Scholar, they were fundamentally calm and rational individuals. Given the King of Hell Pavilion's influence in the martial world, going up against Prince Ding's Estate—whose power now spanned most of the former Western Liang and Great Chu territories—was not a wise move. Whether Mo Xiuyao was severely injured or not, as long as he was still alive, the Mo Family Army and Prince Ding's Estate remained forces to be feared. After all, back when Mo Xiuyao was crippled and poisoned, he still managed to protect the then-crumbling Prince Ding's Estate. Not to mention, the estate's current influence was at its peak.

If Lei Zhenting hadn't sent someone to approach Big Brother this time, they would never have known that their orphaned Big Brother was actually a prince of the Xiling imperial family. But over the years, the Xiling imperial family had had nothing to do with them, and Big Brother had never received any benefits from them. In fact, they had even been oppressed by Lei Zhenting. Why should Big Brother risk confronting Prince Ding's Estate for the sake of the Xiling imperial family?

The battle between Ling Tiehan and Mu Qingcang lasted until dawn the next day. The morning light spilled over the ancient roadside as Ling Tiehan leaned on his iron sword, gazing down at Mu Qingcang not far away. Blood silently trickled down his sleeve from his arm, dripping into the dust at his feet. "The Number One Expert of Great Chu truly lives up to his reputation," Ling Tiehan remarked coolly.

A short distance away, Mu Qingcang knelt on the ground, his face pale. His right shoulder was nearly pierced through, and his abdomen was soaked in blood. Unlike their previous sparring sessions—such as those between Ling Tiehan and Mo Xiuyao—this had been a true life-and-death struggle. Over the past few years, Mu Qingcang had withdrawn from worldly affairs, living incognito while devoting himself to martial arts. Freed from the shackles that once bound him, he had gradually recovered and even advanced further in his skills. Though slightly inferior to Ling Tiehan, when he fought with his life on the line, he had managed to hold Ling Tiehan back for an entire night.

Mu Qingcang wiped the blood from his lips with a bitter smile. "You flatter me, Ling Gezhu. I concede defeat."

Ling Tiehan shook his head without speaking. Leng Liuyue and Sick Scholar appeared before him, their expressions dark as they noticed the dark red bloodstains on the ground near Ling Tiehan and glared at the severely wounded Mu Qingcang kneeling nearby. "Big Brother..."

Ling Tiehan raised a hand to stop Sick Scholar, who was about to kill Mu Qingcang. "The outcome is decided. There's no need for further trouble." Sick Scholar nodded and asked, "Big Brother... do we still pursue them?"Ling Tiehan glanced at his two younger siblings with a faint smile, raising his sword-holding hand as he said, “This lord has suffered internal injuries. Let’s return.”

A flicker of pleasant surprise passed through Leng Liuyue and Sick Scholar’s eyes—their eldest brother truly hadn’t intended to kill Princess Ding after all.

“Yes, eldest brother, let’s go back,” Leng Liuyue stepped forward to support Ling Tiehan. He waved her off, saying, “No need. Brother Mu, do you require this one to arrange an escort for you?”

“Many thanks, Pavilion Master Ling. The Prince Ding’s Estate will take care of Mr. Mu.” At some point, Mo Hua had appeared by the ancient roadside, his expression icy as he regarded the trio. Seeing him, Ling Tiehan frowned—the many assassins of the King of Hell Pavilion sent to intercept the Qilin and the Mo Family Army’s shadow guards were likely all finished. Though Ling Tiehan didn’t recognize Mo Hua, he could tell at a glance that his martial prowess far surpassed that of Zhuo Jing and Lin Han. That such a man had no reputation whatsoever, whether in court or the jianghu, only proved that the Prince Ding’s Estate truly concealed dragons and crouching tigers.

No matter. The King of Hell Pavilion… He had grown somewhat weary of it after all this time. Nodding, Ling Tiehan said, “Farewell. Should Prince Ding seek vengeance, this lord awaits at any time.” Leng Liuyue seemed about to speak, but a glance from Ling Tiehan silenced her, and she could only follow him in resignation as they departed.

Only Mo Hua and Mu Qingcang remained by the roadside. Mo Hua spoke gravely, “Thank you for your aid, Mr. Mu. How are your injuries?”

Mu Qingcang stood up, though his body swayed unsteadily. Despite fighting Ling Tiehan for hours, his wounds were far more severe. Ling Tiehan claimed internal injuries, but Mu Qingcang knew the truth—Ling Tiehan had suffered only superficial wounds.

“I’ll manage. I trust the Prince Ding’s Estate will honor its promises,” Mu Qingcang said, staring intently at Mo Hua.

Mo Hua nodded, raising his hand to clap lightly. Two black-clad men approached, leading—or rather, dragging—an elderly man. His hair was snow-white, his face so deeply lined he appeared to be in his seventies. Yet those who knew him understood he hadn’t even reached sixty, and just half a month ago, he had looked like a man in his forties.

“What have you done to him?!” Mu Qingcang’s eyes turned cold as he demanded sharply.

Mo Hua replied impassively, “Nothing. He was already like this when we brought him back.” Ever since seeing Mu Yang’s corpse, Marquis Muyang seemed to have aged twenty or thirty years overnight. His mind had grown unclear, his awareness hazy—no matter how others treated him, he showed no reaction. On rare moments of clarity, he would grab anyone nearby, calling them “Yang’er.” Even Mo Xiuyao, who had originally wanted to see him, lost all interest. Were it not for this, Mu Qingcang likely wouldn’t have been able to meet him either.

Supporting his unsteady body, Mu Qingcang stepped forward and held Marquis Muyang, calling softly, “Fa… Father?”

At the word “father,” Marquis Muyang’s vacant eyes shifted slightly, fixing on Mu Qingcang. After a long pause, he murmured, “Yang… Yang’er?” A shadow of sorrow flickered in Mu Qingcang’s eyes as he took Marquis Muyang from the two shadow guards. “Father, let’s go home.”Marquis Muyang allowed Mu Qingcang to support him without objection as they walked away. Behind them, Mo Hua said solemnly, "In exchange for saving Wang Fei, Marquis Muyang is left to your disposal. However... if he ever does anything he shouldn’t again, Mr. Mu had best remember Wang Ye’s words."

Mu Qingcang paused mid-step and replied gravely, "I understand. You will never see him—or me—again." Watching the retreating figures of Mu Qingcang and Marquis Muyang, a shadow guard beside Mo Hua whispered, "Commander, are we really letting them go just like that?"

Mo Hua nodded firmly. "Mu Qingcang saved Wang Fei." When it came to matters concerning Wang Fei, Wang Ye always kept his word. Besides, after all these years, Wang Ye had never sought Mu Qingcang’s death—why would he start now? "Let’s return. There’s still work in the camp." Soon, the three black-clad figures vanished along the ancient road.

At an inconspicuous roadside inn along the official road, Lei Tengfeng sat leisurely sipping tea. Though Mo Xiuyao had previously outmaneuvered him, forcing him to rush back to Yuming Pass, the subsequent developments had brought no harm to Western Liang or Zhennan Wang’s estate. On the contrary... Mo Jingli had surprisingly made a name for himself, easing the pressure on the previously struggling Western Mausoleum Army. Thus, Lei Tengfeng had been in high spirits these past few days.

Spotting three figures approaching in the distance, his smile widened. He even rose personally to greet them. "Teng Feng pays his respects to Imperial Uncle."

Ling Tiehan regarded the young man coldly. "A mere martial wanderer dares not accept such courtesy from the heir."

Lei Tengfeng chuckled. "How could that be? Imperial Uncle is the Xiling Emperor’s own son, a blood relative of our imperial family. It’s only proper for me to show respect." Ling Tiehan studied him for a moment before offering a faint, indifferent smile. "Lei Tengfeng, did your father not warn you to stay... far away from me?"

Lei Tengfeng’s heart skipped a beat. His father had indeed cautioned him, but his eagerness to see things through had driven him here personally. He hadn’t realized he might have overstepped. Though his mind raced, his expression remained composed as he bowed respectfully. "This nephew has been presumptuous. I beg Ling Gezhu’s forgiveness."

Ling Tiehan gave a light hum and strode forward. Noticing the bloodstain on his sleeve, Lei Tengfeng frowned slightly before quickly following. "Ling Gezhu, what of Princess Ding—?"

"Princess Ding is gone," Ling Tiehan replied calmly.

"What?!" Lei Tengfeng couldn’t help exclaiming. He truly hadn’t expected even the master of the King of Hell Pavilion to fail in killing Ye Li. His father had explicitly stated that Ling Tiehan’s martial prowess likely surpassed his own now. How could he possibly fail against Ye Li, whose skills weren’t even first-rate?

Ling Tiehan glanced back at the stunned young man. A chill ran down Lei Tengfeng’s spine, but he pressed on under the weight of Ling Tiehan’s gaze. "Ling Gezhu, you promised my father—"

"I said I would try my best," Ling Tiehan interrupted. "And I did.""But what about Ye Li and the martial arts of those around her..." Lei Tengfeng said in disbelief. Sick Scholar cast a sinister glance at him and retorted, "Can't you see that Big Brother is already injured? If you think anyone could fight Mu Qingcang and still catch up to Ye Li to kill her, then why did you even seek Big Brother's help in the first place?"

"Mu Qingcang..." Lei Tengfeng's heart sank. No matter how meticulously they had schemed, they had never anticipated Mu Qingcang's involvement. The former Number One Expert of Great Chu, who had vanished for nearly a decade, had reemerged only to thwart Prince Ding's Estate's grand plans! "But..." Watching the three of them stroll so leisurely, even Lei Tengfeng, who considered himself patient, couldn't help but feel uneasy. With Ling Tiehan behaving like this, who would believe he hadn't deliberately held back?

Perhaps Lei Tengfeng's expression betrayed his thoughts too clearly, for Ling Tiehan frowned and said coldly, "Lei Tengfeng... Do you think that just because I'm injured, I wouldn't dare kill you?"

Lei Tengfeng's face paled slightly, and he lowered his gaze. "This nephew wouldn't dare presume. Since that's the case, I shall take my leave."

Ling Tiehan neither agreed nor disagreed, merely stating, "Go back and tell Lei Zhenting that the debt of gratitude I owed him is repaid. From now on... it's time to settle the grievances between him and me."

Lei Tengfeng replied quietly, "This nephew will certainly relay your words to my father. Farewell." Though he didn't know what past enmity existed between his father and Ling Tiehan, Lei Tengfeng was well aware that the only reason Ling Tiehan had never truly troubled Zhennan Wang's household over the years was because of a significant favor he owed his father. Otherwise, if Ling Tiehan had chosen to support the Xiling Emperor, combined with the influence of the King of Hell Pavilion, Zhennan Wang's Estate would have faced considerable trouble.

In the eyes of someone like Ling Tiehan, there was no such thing as mutual cancellation of debts. Once a favor was repaid, it was time to collect what was owed. At this moment, Lei Tengfeng couldn't help but wonder—had both his father and he made a mistake in asking Ling Tiehan to deal with Ye Li?

After bidding farewell to Ling Tiehan, Lei Tengfeng hurried back to the Western Liang army without pause. Seeing his dejected expression, Lei Zhenting sighed and asked before his son could speak, "Ling Tiehan failed?"

Lei Tengfeng nodded. "Father..."

"Did Ling Tiehan deliberately let Ye Li go?" Lei Zhenting's expression darkened. Though he had considered this possibility when seeking Ling Tiehan's help, the man was known for keeping his word, and there truly had been no better candidate. He had no choice but to trust him. Lei Tengfeng replied uncertainly, "Ling Tiehan was also injured. The missing Number One Expert of Great Chu, Mu Qingcang, intercepted him. The two fought fiercely through the night, and by the time the battle concluded at dawn, Ye Li and her group had already entered territory controlled by Prince Ding's Estate." Whether Ling Tiehan had held back or not, he couldn't say, but one thing was certain—Ling Tiehan hadn't been particularly eager to kill Ye Li.

"Mu Qingcang?" Lei Zhenting frowned. "Preposterous! Ye Li just destroyed Marquis Muyang Manor. Why would Mu Qingcang save her?"Lei Tengfeng said, "I sent people to investigate. The one who suddenly appeared and blocked Ling Tiehan's sword was indeed Mu Qingcang. After a fierce battle, Mu Qingcang was severely injured but still managed to take an old man from Prince Ding's Estate. According to reports, it was likely the Old Marquis Muyang, Mu Jingmin. Originally... Ling Tiehan almost succeeded in killing Ye Li." At this point, Lei Tengfeng felt a hint of regret. Although he admired Ye Li's abilities and intellect, they were enemies. Missing such an opportunity to eliminate such a formidable adversary made him inwardly lament.

Lei Zhenting shook his head and said, "Let it be. It's the will of heaven. As long as Mo Xiuyao is truly incapacitated, it doesn’t matter if Ye Li lives. Right now, we should focus on the battlefield situation." Lei Tengfeng nodded, suppressing his slight disappointment, and replied solemnly, "Father is right. Mo Xiuyao is severely injured and hasn’t appeared—though his condition is unknown. Judging by the Mo Family Army’s recent performance, he must indeed be gravely wounded. Otherwise, Feng Zhiyao wouldn’t have urgently summoned Princess Ding back." In recent days, the Mo Family Army had abandoned their usual elusive tactics on the battlefield, clearly indicating a change in leadership. The fact that Mo Xiuyao was too injured to oversee military affairs was undoubtedly good news for Western Liang.

"Mo Jingli’s reinforcements of several hundred thousand have already arrived in the north, likely preparing for a counterattack. If we can swiftly defeat the Mo Family Army here, Lyu Jinxian won’t be able to break away to provide reinforcements," Lei Tengfeng added.

Mentioning Mo Jingli, Lei Zhenting frowned slightly and said, "Let him do as he pleases—he’s only useful for this much. However... Teng Feng, Mo Jingli is narrow-minded and vengeful. He will surely hold a grudge over this incident. If you encounter him on the battlefield, be cautious. If necessary... find a way to eliminate him!"

"Father?" Lei Tengfeng was startled, looking at Lei Zhenting with unease. Normally, his father would instruct him on many matters, but never something like dealing with a ruler of a nation. Lei Zhenting smiled faintly and said, "You’re no longer a child. It’s time you stood on your own. Once this war is over, the Zhennan Wang Estate will be handed over to you."

"Father?!" Lei Tengfeng was shocked, gazing at Lei Zhenting with concern. Lei Zhenting waved it off indifferently. "Enough, let’s not dwell on this now. We must ensure the defense of Yuming Pass. After all, in the eyes of the Mo Family Army, we are the true enemy. In a crisis, Lyu Jinxian might abandon Mo Jingli’s side and lead his troops back to reinforce." Though they were reluctant to admit it, the Mo Family Army’s hostility toward the Chu army was far less intense than toward Western Liang. Even on the battlefield, clashes between the Mo Family Army and the Chu forces were not as fierce as those with the Western Mausoleum Army. It wasn’t that Lyu Jinxian’s troops lacked courage or strength, but deep down, both sides still acknowledged their shared history. Thus, if Prince Ding’s Estate faced a true crisis, Lyu Jinxian would likely abandon all territories beyond Yuming Pass and turn his forces against the Western Mausoleum Army.

Lei Tengfeng nodded. "I understand."

Lei Zhenting nodded in satisfaction. "Very well, you may go attend to your duties."Lei Tengfeng pondered for a moment before asking, "Father, did you already know that Ling Tiehan wouldn't be able to kill Ye Li?" When he had returned to report earlier, although his father had been somewhat displeased, he hadn't shown much surprise or fury.

Lei Zhenting shook his head. "It would have been best if he succeeded, but it doesn't matter much if he failed."

Lei Tengfeng looked at his father in confusion, his sword-like brows tightly furrowed. Over the years, it was only because Ling Tiehan owed his father a favor that he hadn't taken action against the Zhennan Wang's estate. Now that this debt had been repaid, wouldn't the Zhennan Wang's estate gain another enemy?

Lei Zhenting sighed. "Even if this matter hadn't happened, I would have found a way to make him repay that favor."

"Your son is slow-witted," Lei Tengfeng admitted, truly unable to grasp his father's thoughts.

"Silly child, the debt Ling Tiehan owes is to me, not to you." In Ling Tiehan's mind, there was no concept of debts being canceled out, nor of passing gratitude down to the next generation. But most of those who had wronged Ling Tiehan in the past were still living under the protection of Zhennan Wang's estate. Either he had to kill Ling Tiehan before his own death, or he had to kill all those people when he was dying—otherwise, Ling Tiehan would still come after Teng Feng in the future. However, neither of these options was particularly realistic.

Teng Feng withdrew in confusion. Pausing at the doorway, he suddenly understood his father's meaning. Frowning and gritting his teeth, he did not turn back. Indeed, he was still not strong enough, which was why his father worried so much for him...