Whispers of Fate (Shui Long Yin)

Scattered Plum Ridge, where plum blossoms bloom like swirling snow.

The entire ridge was covered in white plum blossoms, their faint fragrance intoxicating to the bone.

Zhong Chunji led the group to Scattered Plum Ridge. Within just a few steps, even Chi Yun felt light-headed, his impatience and irritation dissipating amidst the plum blossom scent. In the distance, nestled deep among the white blossoms, stood a small courtyard with gray walls and green tiles—elegant beyond compare.

"A fine place," Tang Lici remarked, his gaze settling on a fresh grave mound in front of the house. Shen Langhun also glanced at the grave—a simple earthen mound with a stone tablet inscribed with the words: "Tomb of the Fool, Kang Ting." The calligraphy was refined and free-spirited.

"Scattered Plum Ridge is now Puzhu Shangshi's place of seclusion, though it originally belonged to his dearest friend," Zhong Chunji explained. "The master of this place passed away two years ago."

Tang Lici nodded. "Puzhu Shangshi is a revered monk of the Buddhist faith. His friend must also have been extraordinary."

Zhong Chunji sighed. "I was never fortunate enough to meet this esteemed person."

Chi Yun stared coldly at the tablet. "This Kang Ting—was he a man or a woman?"

Zhong Chunji faltered. "That…" She truly didn’t know.

Chi Yun rolled his eyes. "Then how do you know he was some great master? Maybe Puzhu Heshang was hiding a living, breathing beauty here—"

Zhong Chunji flared up in anger, her sword hissing from its sheath. "How dare you insult people again and again like this?"

Chi Yun snorted. "I say whatever I damn well please. What can a little girl like you do about it?"

Zhong Chunji trembled with fury. "You—you—!"

Tang Lici patted Chi Yun’s shoulder. "Don’t spout nonsense in front of esteemed seniors."

Shen Langhun frowned slightly. Fool Kang Ting —he felt as though he had heard that name somewhere before. But it was a memory too distant to grasp.

Just then, the courtyard gate swung open, revealing a stern, black-haired monk standing in the doorway. He had undoubtedly heard every word spoken outside, yet his expression remained cold and unreadable.

Gu Xitan’s voice carried from within. "The three of you have traveled far. Please, come in."

Tang Lici and the others entered the house. Inside, the room was lush with greenery, filled with potted plants of charming shapes—a stark contrast to Puzhu Shangshi’s austere demeanor. Clearly, these were not his doing, yet the serene elegance of the space put visitors at ease.

On the bed lay a pale-faced man, his lips stained with blood—Xiao Qilan.

"Brother Xiao was struck by Yu Qifeng’s sword. His ribs are shattered, and his life hangs by a thread," Zhong Chunji said sorrowfully. "That move, West Wind Cleaving Wildfire , was truly…"

Earlier, when Chi Yun and Yu Qifeng had confronted each other, Xiao Qilan had intervened, triggering the Sword Qi. Yu Qifeng had unleashed West Wind Cleaving Wildfire entirely at Xiao Qilan, which was why Shen Langhun had managed to ambush him. In truth, Xiao Qilan had taken that strike in Chi Yun’s stead.

Chi Yun grabbed Xiao Qilan’s wrist. "Who asked you to butt in when I was fighting? Now you’re half-dead—serves you right. I don’t know how to treat this wound. Shen, you handle it."

Shen Langhun pressed his fingers against Xiao Qilan’s neck, pausing briefly in thought. "What does Puzhu Shangshi say?"Gu Xitan said, "His sternum is completely shattered, but fortunately, the damage to his heart meridian isn't severe. The sword strike was deflected by Brother Chi's blade energy, piercing through his lungs, causing serious external injuries. His internal organs were severely shaken by Yu Qifeng's powerful Sword Qi, and his meridians are shattered. Even if he recovers, his martial prowess will be completely lost. Sigh..." Tang Lici's snow-white fingers lightly brushed over Xiao Qilan's pulse point. "I know nothing about healing injuries, but are there any rare medicines or treasures that could treat such severe wounds? Hero Xiao's bravery and righteousness shouldn't be met with such suffering." Gu Xitan shook his head, silent and despondent.

Shen Langhun said coolly, "A peerless miracle medicine could indeed heal such injuries. If you have a thousand-year-old ginseng, ten-thousand-year-old fleeceflower root, or elixirs from the Jade Pool and white jade lingzhi, you could save his life."

Tang Lici gave a light cough. "I don't have thousand-year-old ginseng or ten-thousand-year-old fleeceflower root, but how about this medicine?" He retrieved a small jade box from his sleeve, about the size of a walnut. The box was a deep red, resembling a tiny peach. When he opened it, an extremely strange and foul odor burst forth, causing everyone to cover their noses. Gu Xitan asked, "What is this?"

Inside the box was a black pill. The smell wasn't exactly putrid, but it was so nauseating that Zhong Chunji was the first to succumb, retreating outside the door to take deep breaths before holding her breath and returning.

"This is an anesthetic. After taking this pill, the sensation of pain will vanish for twelve hours, but the mind remains clear," Tang Lici explained. "If any of you have the ability to reconnect shattered bones and mend broken meridians, Hero Xiao can take this pill, and even if his chest is cut open, he won't be in danger for twelve hours. Moreover, he'll remain conscious and able to circulate his Qi to assist."

Shen Langhun's expression shifted slightly. "Is this... Mafeisan?"

Tang Lici closed the peach-shaped box, and the strange odor faded. "This is a stronger anesthetic than Mafeisan, and it's harmless to the body."

Shen Langhun's mind stirred. Back then, when he had buried Fang Zhou's heart in his own abdomen and connected the blood vessels, he must have taken this kind of pill. But what had Tang Lici used to reconnect the vessels?

"If we open his chest, piecing together the shattered bones won't be a problem. But broken meridians aren't tangible—to reconnect them, we'd need to unblock all the obstructions throughout his body. It would likely require the combined efforts of several people," Gu Xitan said, his spirits lifting. "Fortunately, we have many hands here. How many masters would be needed to treat Brother Xiao's injuries?"

Shen Langhun replied calmly, "You, me, Chi Yun, and Pu Zhu—four people."

Gu Xitan nodded. "I'll discuss it with the Venerable Master." He hurried outside and exchanged a few words with Pu Zhu, who stood motionless at the door. "The Venerable Master has agreed to help. But if the four of us focus on healing, the safety of this place will fall on Young Master Tang and Miss Zhong."Zhong Chunji held her sword at the ready. "Everyone, rest assured. Zhong Chunji will fight to the death to ensure your success." Chi Yun sneered coldly, "I'm afraid even if you fight to the death, you won't guarantee any success." Tang Lici raised his sleeve to intervene, smiling as he stepped in front of Zhong Chunji. "Don't be rude to Miss Zhong. Someone as dashing and refined as you should speak more politely." Chi Yun rolled his eyes. "I just enjoy being disliked. What of it?" Tang Lici replied, "Nothing much. Just a stubborn temperament." He then turned to Gu Xitan with a smile. "Time is of the essence. Everyone, proceed with the task. Young Master Tang and I will guard the door." Gu Xitan nodded. Shen Langhun pressed several acupoints on Xiao Qilan's body, inserted a few steel needles, and began explaining in detail how to channel their Inner Energy in unison. As seasoned experts, they each took action, gradually circulating their energy. Once the meridians were connected and the Inner Energy flowed smoothly, they would proceed with the chest surgery to treat the fractured bones—a safer approach.

Tang Lici and Zhong Chunji stood side by side at the door. Zhong Chunji gazed at the graves outside and sighed softly. "This turmoil with the Ghost Pills—who knows when it will end or how many will suffer? If only the reclusive masters of the world could emerge and lend their strength, things might improve." Tang Lici looked at the plum grove outside but remained silent. Zhong Chunji glanced at him. With his elegant features, refined demeanor, and status as the master of the State Uncle, Ten Thousand Apertures House, and Chi Yun, what role could he play in this affair? To have reached such heights of power and privilege at such a young age—why did his eyes seem so... so... She lowered her head, unable to meet his gaze. They were extraordinarily beautiful eyes, yet their expression was complex and ever-shifting. Staring into them too long left her inexplicably drained.

He was enigmatic, appearing like a scholarly gentleman, yet she faintly sensed that beneath the surface, his true nature diverged sharply from his outward appearance.

"What is Miss Zhong thinking about?" Tang Lici asked with a smile during her moment of unease. Though he wasn't looking at her, he seemed to perceive her clearly. "Or perhaps lamenting something?"

"Nothing," she murmured. "I just find it hard to believe that Young Master Tang could be friends with Chi Yun and Shen Langhun."

Tang Lici smiled faintly, as though the serene beauty of their surroundings and the delicate fragrance of white plums had momentarily scattered his thoughts. He seemed about to say something but ultimately held back.

Inside the room, Feng Feng, whom Shen Langhun had placed on a chair, suddenly burst into loud wails. Tang Lici turned and carried him outside, where Feng Feng immediately stopped crying and clung tightly to his silver-gray hair. "Were you born with this hair color?" Zhong Chunji's gaze shifted to Tang Lici's hair—a full head of silver-gray locks, truly rare in the world. Tang Lici swept a hand through his strands. "I’ve heard there’s a man in the martial world with entirely white hair, known simply as 'White Hair,' isn’t that so?" Zhong Chunji nodded. "I once met the White Hero, but his hair was like an old man’s—plain white. Yours is silver-gray. I’ve never seen anyone born with such a shade." Tang Lici smiled again. "Then you may consider it natural for me." Zhong Chunji paused. What did that mean? This man was cryptic, his words perplexing. After a brief hesitation, she decided it was better not to dwell on it.After a moment, "Spring's whimsy threads through verdant hues, grasses and trees once adorned homes in green, cloud-like bodhi, plum blossoms in blue, where does the lute weep with human cries?" Tang Lici leaned against the door, gently rubbing the silver bracelet on his wrist. "Miss Zhong, your grace is delightful. Surely you are well-versed in poetry. What do you think of this verse?" Zhong Chunji pondered it silently several times. "What melody accompanies it?" Tang Lici replied, "I don’t know the tune. I heard someone sing it long ago." Zhong Chunji said, "The words are elegant and transcendent, yet somehow, they carry a mournful tone." Tang Lici smiled faintly. "And what of the person who wrote it, in your opinion?" Zhong Chunji mused, "It must be a recluse, detached from the world and serene in spirit, who could observe the quietude of spring." Tang Lici nodded. "Hmm. I’ve asked three people about this verse, all renowned scholars of our time. Their interpretations were much the same as yours. A pity..." Zhong Chunji blinked. "A pity for what?" Tang Lici gazed at the plum grove, its purity like snow, mirroring the verse’s essence. "The one who wrote this was my dearest friend." Zhong Chunji said, "If he was your dearest friend, that’s wonderful. What is there to pity?" Tang Lici replied, "That friend of mine was peerless in grace and compassion, unmatched in character and appearance... I’ve never witnessed the charm of the famed beauty Liu Yin, but I’m certain my friend was no less extraordinary." His tone was calm, so calm it rang true. Zhong Chunji thought to herself, You are a refined gentleman yourself. If you speak so highly of him, he must indeed be a rare beauty among men. But what does beauty matter for a man of stature? Then Tang Lici continued slowly, "In his former dwelling, there was also a plum grove like this. He loved plums, and this verse was written for the plum leaves while he lived among them. The pity is... this peerless friend of mine poisoned my wine, struck me grievously, threw me into a well, poured a bucket of tung oil after me, and set it all ablaze."

"Ah!" Zhong Chunji gasped softly. "Why would he harm you?" Tang Lici smiled again. "Because I am a heretic, a demon." Zhong Chunji was utterly bewildered. Tang Lici pressed a pale finger to his lips and, inexplicably, began to whistle a tune—a strange, haunting melody, ethereal yet laced with sorrow. When the notes faded, he sighed. "I am a heretic, so I cannot fathom why a bodhisattva would also fall into darkness. Was it my doing?"Zhong Chunji, unable to grasp the grievances and debts in his words, stared at him intently." Tang Lici smiled once more. "My musings have only confused you, Miss. My apologies."

His gentle apology brought a faint blush to Zhong Chunji’s cheeks. She had been utterly perplexed by this man, but his exquisite, enigmatic eyes, the sorrowful elegance of his whistled tune, and now this tender apology—all of it suddenly unsettled her heart. The gentle, refined shadow of Wan Yu Yuedan seemed to blur slightly, while Tang Lici’s delicate features grew ever clearer. The two were alike yet unalike, and she began to struggle to distinguish the differences between them...

Zhong Chunji was no Huang Sanjin, after all. She couldn’t discern that the shadow behind Tang Lici was one of wickedness, while Wan Yu Yuedan’s shadow was one of dominance. A woman may freely love a man of dominance, but she must never, ever love a man of wickedness.Inside the room, the five individuals focused intently on channeling their Internal Force. Xiao Qilan's pale face began to regain some color, yet blood continued to gush from the severe wound on his chest. If the meridian reconnection wasn't completed soon, even if successful, Xiao Qilan would die from excessive blood loss. Puzhu Shangshi, whose Internal Force surpassed the others, suddenly acted, pressing several points on Xiao Qilan's chest—not acupoints, but points that could slow blood circulation. The bleeding from the wound finally eased.

The moment Puzhu Shangshi finished pressing those points, a surge of heat suddenly recoiled from within Xiao Qilan's body. Caught off guard, everyone groaned, their lips instantly turning purple. Chi Yun's anger flared, while Gu Xitan shouted grimly, "It's poison!"

Puzhu Shangshi remained silent. With a flick of his sleeve, he forced the others' hands away from Xiao Qilan and pressed his own palms against Xiao Qilan's back. A white mist rose from the crown of his head—he had taken the burden of healing entirely upon himself!

Gu Xitan cried hoarsely, "Puzhu Shangshi!" The poison had been applied to Yu Qifeng's sword and had penetrated deep into Xiao Qilan's chest. As the group circulated their Internal Force, the poison spread to them instead. The longer they remained in contact with Xiao Qilan, the deeper the poison seeped. By pushing them away and taking on the healing alone, Puzhu Shangshi was sacrificing himself—an act of profound compassion.

Chi Yun spat out a mouthful of purple blood and cursed, "Damn it! Monk, let go—!"

Puzhu Shangshi ignored him, his expression serene, though his usually stern face now carried a faint, sacred radiance. Xiao Qilan coughed up blood, his eyes fluttering open weakly. "Let… go…"

The sudden turn in the healing process made Zhong Chunji glance back, while Tang Lici remained focused on the plum grove outside, his reaction entirely different. Amidst the drifting white petals, an eerie chill seemed to spread as dusk darkened.

"Miss Zhong," Tang Lici said gently, "I have a bottle of medicine. If anyone inside is immobilized, give it to Puzhu Shangshi first. I leave the room in your care."

"Outside—?" Zhong Chunji hadn't sensed any enemies and gasped, "Is someone out there?" Tang Lici smiled faintly and tossed her the vial. "Saving lives comes first. Please go inside."

Her thoughts in disarray, Zhong Chunji caught the bottle and rushed back into the room. If enemies truly attacked, could Tang Lici hold them off alone?

Inside, Chi Yun and the others had turned bluish-purple, each struggling to resist the poison. The toxin was vicious—delaying even a moment allowed it to invade their meridians. Puzhu Shangshi, still healing Xiao Qilan alone, had begun to show signs of recovery, but Xiao Qilan was lucid enough to realize he had poisoned the others, his expression tormented.

Without hesitation, Zhong Chunji poured out a pill and forced it into Puzhu Shangshi's mouth. His profound cultivation had kept him from irreversible damage, and as the Antidote entered his system during his heightened Internal Force circulation, it quickly dissolved, gradually restoring his complexion.

She distributed the Antidote to the others, puzzled. Why did Tang Lici have the Antidote? Could he have foreseen what poison Yu Qifeng had applied to his sword?Puzhu Shangshi slowly withdrew his energy, and Xiao Qilan's expression softened as he fell into a deep sleep, utterly exhausted. Chi Yun and the others regulated their breathing and guarded their Vitality, each forcing out the toxins. Though the poisoning was not severe, the venom was extremely potent—even a brief exposure left one's Vitality greatly depleted. Zhong Chunji gripped her sword hilt, remaining vigilant. As a disciple of a renowned master, though Xue Xianzi had taught her unintentionally, she had learned with purpose and possessed keen insight. Seeing how the poison burned like flames, turning the victims' faces bluish-purple and draining their true essence, her heart trembled slightly: Could this be the long-lost "Blazing Heaven Flame" of the martial world? It was said this poison had a peculiar trait—the more people poisoned and gathered together, the stronger its effects became. If only one person was poisoned, it was far easier to cure.

Outside, silence reigned, broken only by the sound of falling plum blossoms in the quiet night, as if even Tang Lici standing at the door had vanished into the stillness. Zhong Chunji listened intently. The rustling of plum blossoms in the forest gradually intensified, swirling silently like a sudden whirlwind. Then, with a faint "tap," an unseen footstep seemed to materialize in the empty plum grove, taking a light step forward.

Another soft "tap" echoed—someone behind the house also took a step forward. The figure in the plum grove advanced again, and the one behind the house matched the movement. When the grove figure stepped once more, the one behind remained still.

Tang Lici leaned against the doorframe. A figure in pale red robes approached slowly from the plum grove, while a gray-clad man stood silently at the corner behind the house. Amid the fluttering blossoms, a deep, resonant twang suddenly reverberated from afar—like the roll of a drum or the sound of a heavy object falling. Where the sound passed, plum blossoms cascaded violently, blanketing the ground in white, as if snow had fallen.

The twang sounded once, twice, thrice... solemn and vast, like the approach of death, carrying an undercurrent of cosmic resonance.

The figure in pale red moved, stepping forward in time with the twangs—one step per note.

The one behind the house remained motionless, silent.

Tang Lici smiled faintly, watching the red-robed figure approach with each resonant note.

The man was strikingly handsome, his robes embroidered with red plum blossoms—distinct from the snow-white blooms in the grove. His hands were empty, bearing no weapons. As the forest breeze lifted his sleeves, the red plum tattoos on his wrists stood out starkly against his pale skin, glaringly vivid. Tang Lici couldn't see the one behind the house, but surely, he was no less remarkable than this red-plum man. Since undergoing his transformation, Tang Lici had yet to meet a true rival. Would these two—one before him, one behind—prove worthy of his attention?

The twangs faded after three notes, leaving behind a stifling tension, like gathering storm clouds pressing down, on the verge of collapse.

Inside the house, Chi Yun suddenly opened his eyes. Though his energy circulation was incomplete, he forced himself up, struggling to stand. Zhong Chunji startled, quickly pressing him down. "What's wrong? Your poison isn't cured yet—why get up?" Chi Yun flicked his sleeve, pushing her away with a sharp "swish," then wrenched the door open and strode out, his snow-white figure disappearing through the gap. She froze. Despite his venomous tongue, he was fiercely loyal—even poisoned, he refused to let Tang Lici face the threat alone. But in his current state, what could he possibly accomplish outside? After a brief hesitation, she sealed the acupoints of the others in the room. Right now, any reckless action would only lead them to their deaths.

The door swung open, and Chi Yun's figure flashed out. Tang Lici smiled faintly, "At this moment, should you stand behind me, or shall I still stand behind you?" Chi Yun's face was pale as he coughed softly, "What nonsense are you spouting now? With your skills, do you think you can hold off the Seven Cloud Traveling Guests? Damn it, even if I were in perfect condition, I might not be able to stop one or two of them... cough..." Tang Lici raised his sleeve, its fabric billowing like a cloud, shielding Chi Yun behind him. "Since you can't stop even one or two, you'll have to stand behind me." Chi Yun spat in disdain and stepped forward, "Bullshit! These people have a unique martial arts style, combining Mystic Illusion Arts. When they fight, they release all sorts of strange drugs and formations—they're one of the most annoying opponents in the world." Tang Lici leaned closer behind him and smiled, "Are they truly that terrifying?" Chi Yun stared intently at their opponents, not daring to be careless. The "Seven Cloud Traveling Guests" consisted of seven individuals, whose real names were unknown to the world. Each had given themselves bizarre monikers, roaming the martial world as figures between righteousness and villainy. Had they now been recruited by the Dissolute Shop? Before he could finish the thought, the hairs on his back stood on end—something was wrong. A soft "snap" sounded, and his head spun as a gentle sigh came from behind, "I told you to stand behind me. Why wouldn't you listen? But I only said it because I knew you wouldn't..." Chi Yun collapsed backward, and Tang Lici caught him in one swift motion. Leaning against the door, he pushed it open and handed Chi Yun to Zhong Chunji behind him, smiling, "Thank you, Miss Zhong." Zhong Chunji carried him inside and whispered, "The Seven Cloud Traveling Guests are no ordinary foes. Young Master Tang, be very careful." Tang Lici stepped forward as the door closed behind him. He straightened his sleeves, his robes pristine. "Indeed... The fact that our guests refuse to take advantage of weakness shows they are worthy opponents." This remark was directed at the man standing amidst the plum blossoms. The man neither moved nor spoke, as the wind scattered petals around him like an endless snowfall of plum blossoms.

"You... are injured."

As the falling blossoms brushed past his brows and temples, the man spoke in a low, raspy voice, like the grinding of stones—utterly mismatched with his handsome appearance. Tang Lici raised his hand in greeting, "May I ask your name, brother? And what brings you here? Such destruction of blossoms is truly a pity." The man murmured, "I... am divining, not destroying them." Tang Lici said, "Using fallen blossoms for divination—could it be you practice Plum Blossom Numerology?" The man rasped, "I... am Plum Blossom Numerology."

Plum Blossom Numerology was a method of divination using fallen petals. For this man to call himself Plum Blossom Numerology—did he consider himself a living divination? Or was he so deeply immersed in the art that he had lost himself to obsession? Tang Lici smiled faintly, "What has Brother Plum Blossom divined?"

Plum Blossom Numerology answered, "You... killed Yu Qifeng. You deserve death." Tang Lici replied, "That divination is incorrect. Yu Qifeng was not killed by me. He died in an unfortunate explosion at the Sword Hall—what does that have to do with me?" Plum Blossom Numerology said, "The blossoms... say you killed Yu Qifeng. I... say you killed Yu Qifeng. You are the murderer." Tang Lici nodded, "I see. Thank you for the lesson."Zhong Chunji peered from behind the door at the figure known as "Plum Blossom Numerology." The man's movements were stiff, his eyes vacant, and his speech incoherent—as if his mind were addled. A chill ran down Zhong's spine. Who in this world could reduce one of the Seven Cloud Traveling Guests to such a state? Plum Blossom Numerology must have fallen under some sinister spell, and the key likely lay in those eerie string notes moments ago.

Suddenly, a howling wind erupted beside the house. The gray-clad figure darted like lightning, closing the distance to within two steps of Tang Lici. The sword in his grip stretched eight feet long, resembling a spear more than a blade. Its tip struck the ground, and Sword Qi swept across the earth, sending dust and debris flying in a radius of several zhang around him, clearing the area instantly! Tang Lici and the house behind him were caught in the storm of Sword Qi—his robes and hair whipped wildly, while the roof tiles trembled and white plaster crumbled from the walls as if shaken by an earthquake. The force sent Zhong Chunji stumbling back three steps behind the door, and he gasped, "Raging Orchid No Trace!"

The Seven Cloud Traveling Guests consisted of seven members, though their true names remained unknown to the world. Among them, three frequently appeared in the martial world: "Plum Blossom Numerology," "Raging Orchid No Trace," and "One Peach Three Colors." These figures were esteemed guests of the Central Plains Sword Association, serving as judges during its annual gatherings. Every swordsman's technique and skill were evaluated under their discerning eyes, their critiques carrying great weight. Though not aligned with the orthodox sects, the Seven Cloud Traveling Guests were far from wicked. They had once been close associates of Yu Qifeng—yet now, for reasons unknown, Yu had become a pawn of the Dissolute Shop, and even these seven had been ensnared. What kind of dark sorcery did the Dissolute Shop wield to bend so many wills to its purpose?

Outside, Tang Lici stood alone against Plum Blossom Numerology and Raging Orchid No Trace. The former seemed half-lucid, while the latter, clad in gray with disheveled hair, gave no indication of whether he was sane or lost to madness. Yet Raging Orchid swept his long sword in a devastating arc, and Plum Blossom Numerology flicked his sleeve, sending a dozen white plum blossoms hurtling through the air—sharper than blades—straight toward over a dozen Major Acupoints on Tang Lici's upper body!Tang Lici leaned against the door, but at this moment, his brows furrowed slightly as he pressed a hand to his abdomen and bent forward slightly. Behind the door, Zhong Chunji's heart was in her throat, nearly crying out in alarm. If Tang Lici's old injury flared up at this critical moment, rendering him unable to fight, wouldn't the five people inside the room have no hope of survival?

A dozen white plum blossoms shot through the air. Tang Lici swept his sleeve sideways, knocking them down with the gust from his movement. Yet, Kuang Lan's eight-foot-long sword followed right after with a shrill whistle, aiming to cleave him in half at the waist. This strike wasn’t just meant to bisect Tang Lici—it would also split the door behind him in two.

Plum Blossom Numerology’s white plums missed their mark, and the figure flitted like a flower into the sword light. The Plum Leaf Blade, glinting with cold glimmers, aimed entirely at Tang Lici’s legs and feet. With a soft snap , Tang Lici snatched the blade barehanded, his right hand’s two fingers pinching Kuang Lan’s sword. Yet, the strength of two fingers could hardly withstand the force of a full sword strike. Though the momentum slowed, the blade still swept toward his waist.

Plum Blossom Numerology crouched low in attack, the Plum Leaf Blade already at Tang Lici’s knees. One slash, and he would be crippled! Zhong Chunji’s face turned pale—how many in this world could withstand such an assault?

Yet, amid the storm of sword and blade, Tang Lici spoke softly, "Miss Zhong, there are only two attackers. Take the others and leave!"

Suddenly, his fingers twisted, and Kuang Lan’s sword bent under his grip with a ding , just in time to block the Plum Leaf Blade at his knee. The sword then sprang back, its momentum undiminished. With his back against the door and nowhere to retreat, Plum Blossom Numerology crouched and leaped up, the Plum Leaf Blade sweeping toward his neck in a flash of gleaming steel.

Amid the blade’s radiance, a faint red burst forth—a mist sprayed from the hilt!

These two were already peerless masters individually. Working together, in just two moves, they had cornered Tang Lici in a death trap!