"I truly don't know... how many I can actually take in a real fight..." Tang Lici murmured faintly. As the Plum Leaf Blade swept toward his neck, he blocked horizontally with his right fist. A crisp "clang" rang out as the blade struck the Marrow Cleansing Silver Bracelet, embedding halfway into it! Tang Lici resisted with all his might, while Plum Blossom Numerology pressed down with full force, creating a momentary deadlock. Raging Orchid's longsword followed immediately, its edge already tearing through Tang Lici's clothes with a ripping sound. With his left hand, Tang Lici drew something from his robe—a half-length copper flute—which met the sword with a sharp "ding," producing a piercing whistle as it cut through the air.
The three of them exerted force simultaneously. Tang Lici blocked the blade with his right wrist and parried the sword with his left, leaving his entire body exposed. Yet, both Plum Blossom Numerology and Raging Orchid No Trace felt an overwhelming surge of True Power, scorching like wildfire, coursing backward through their meridians from the silver bracelet and copper flute. They had no choice but to channel their Internal Force to resist, locking all three into a battle of endurance. Though Tang Lici had no third hand to fend off further attacks, neither Plum Blossom Numerology nor Raging Orchid No Trace could spare any focus to strike. The wind and dust on the ground settled, the plum blossoms vanished, and the once-elegant residence now lay in ruins after just two exchanges.
He was deliberately engaging in this battle of Internal Force—to buy her time to escape with the others. Zhong Chunji's mind raced. Should she take them and flee? How long could Tang Lici hold out against Plum Blossom and Raging Orchid alone? She unsealed Puzhu Shangshi's acupoints and whispered urgently, "Master, what should we do?" Puzhu Shangshi flicked his sleeve, releasing the sealed acupoints of everyone in the room. Blood trickled from the corner of his lips as he said coldly, "You all go first!"
Zhong Chunji protested, "Master, your True Power hasn't recovered—how can you fight? If we stay, we stay together. If we leave, we leave together." Gu Xitan sat with his eyes closed, meditating to restore even a fraction of his strength—clearly refusing to leave. Chi Yun's face was dark with anger, still furious at Tang Lici for tricking him into unconsciousness earlier, and he too had no intention of fleeing.
Shen Langhun finished a cycle of breath regulation and said calmly, "Since you won't leave, Zhong Chunji and I will take Xiao Qilan ahead. This place is no good for the wounded." Without mentioning where he was going, he lifted Xiao Qilan. "I'll contact you all later. We're leaving." In a flash, he was gone with the injured man. Zhong Chunji stamped her foot in frustration—how could he make decisions on his own?—then picked up Feng Feng and hurried after him.
Though Gu Xitan, Chi Yun, and the others were not peerless in martial arts, being ambushed like this was rare—especially for Chi Yun, who considered it a lifelong humiliation. After catching their breath, they pushed open the door. Outside, the three combatants remained locked in struggle. Steam rose from the heads of Plum Blossom Numerology and Raging Orchid No Trace, while Tang Lici, facing two masters alone, had a flushed complexion. A faint red mist continuously seeped from the hilt of Plum Blossom Numerology's blade—neither fragrant nor poisonous, its nature unknown. The moment the group opened the door and inhaled, they all felt suffocated, instinctively holding their breath and moving upwind to recover.
"Leave!" Tang Lici's face was still flushed, but the corner of his lips curled slightly. He could still speak—those two words, infused with True Power, though not loud, sent tremors through the plum grove, shaking the branches violently.Puzhu Shangshi's black hair fluttered in the night wind, exuding an aura of cold solemnity. "I will not leave until the villain is slain!" He gathered strength in his palm, slowly raising it behind Plum Blossom Numerology. This monk cared not for righteousness—he would strike to kill! Tang Lici's silver bracelet flickered as his Plum Leaf Blade advanced three inches, pressing against Puzhu's neck. The blade tip drew blood. "Leave!" Puzhu's strike halted mid-motion. Gu Xitan cried out in alarm, "Brother Tang, you—!" Why refuse aid even at death's door? Why insist everyone depart? Chi Yun watched as Tang Lici's pupils shifted. Gritting his teeth, he muttered two low curses before suddenly striking Puzhu and Gu Xitan's acupoints. "I'm leaving!" Tang Lici smiled faintly. "No need to see me out." Chi Yun hoisted the two men, snarling, "If you die, I'll haunt you forever!" With that, he vanished toward Shen Langhun's direction.
The plum grove fell silent once more. Before long, a distant twang of strings echoed like receding tides, sounding even farther than before. Plum Blossom Numerology and Raging Orchid No Trace sheathed their weapons and glided back the way they came.
Tang Lici steadied himself, standing upwind as he inhaled deeply. His breath circulated before exhaling a faint red mist. Hands clasped behind his back, he stood awhile in the wind, then plucked a stray plum petal from the air and brought it to his nose. "Hong Guniang, though the String-Pulling Soul-Seizing Technique is wondrous, it is not without countermeasures. Your triple-layered scheme may have failed, but it was masterful."
A soft sigh drifted through the plum trees. "Man proposes, Heaven disposes. If not today, who knows what tomorrow may bring?" The voice, melancholic and refined, was unmistakably Hong Guniang's. Tang Lici let the petal fall from his fingers before turning gently. "Do you know how many times today I could have taken your life?"The woman's voice in the plum grove murmured softly, "Three times—when you entered the pavilion, the first time I plucked the strings, and... now." She spoke slowly, "But the first time you didn’t kill me because you wanted the whereabouts of the pill; the second time you spared me because Plum Blossom Numerology and Raging Orchid No Trace were present, and Chi Yun suddenly burst in. You knew you couldn’t protect Chi Yun, break through their interception, and kill me all at once. And now, it’s because you don’t wish to kill me. Am I right?"
Tang Lici chuckled lightly, "Hmm... I quite admire your skill with the zither, miss."
Hong Guniang sighed faintly, "Yet today, my defeat is perplexing. I poisoned Yu Qifeng’s sword with the Scorching Sky Flame, certain he would at least wound a few of you. As long as someone attempted to heal the injured, they would surely be poisoned. And since Hua Wuyan was killed by you, you must possess the antidote for the Scorching Sky Flame. With the antidote in hand, though your side suffered heavy injuries, none would die. Indeed, you came here to tend to your wounds. I dispatched Plum Blossom Numerology and Raging Orchid No Trace, expecting you all to rush forward in your weakened state, aiding one another—only for the Plum Leaf Blade’s hidden String-Drawing Water to disperse, ensuring all would fall under the spell of my zither. Yet why did you stop them from advancing to assist, ruining my plan at the last moment?"
Tang Lici stepped slowly toward the plum grove, parting the branches of white blossoms to gaze upon the white-robed woman seated within, her fingers resting on the zither. "With deep, resonant notes, you played a distant melody. The moment you plucked the strings, I knew you were stationed in this grove. With your beauty and cunning, Hong Guniang, why would you take such risks without purpose? If you ventured into danger, you must have had a goal. Sending Plum Blossom Numerology and Raging Orchid No Trace to act showed you had no intent to kill—otherwise, with our side at a disadvantage, had the Dissolute Shop deployed all its experts, today would have ended in bloodshed."
He smiled at Hong Guniang. "Since you didn’t seek lives, then you sought people. And seeing the state of Plum Blossom Numerology and Raging Orchid No Trace, how could I not know what it is you truly desire?"The woman in white plucked a string on her zither, "But how do you know of the String-Pulling Soul-Seizing Technique?" Tang Lici spoke softly, "The success of the String-Pulling Soul-Seizing Technique hinges on three key points. First, the target must have a weak will, easily influenced by music. Second, the target must be physically frail, their vital energy susceptible to musical stimulation. Third, they must drink the String-Pulling Water to enhance the music's hypnotic power." Hong Guniang's fingertips trembled slightly—clearly, Tang Lici's deep understanding of the technique had caught her off guard. "Indeed..." Tang Lici leaned forward and plucked a string on her zither. A resonant note rang out, as clear as a mountain spring, exquisitely beautiful. Hong Guniang recoiled, about to release the instrument, but Tang Lici gently pressed his hand over hers and murmured, "Since the lady has no intention of killing me, may I take this as a sign of your favor?"
Hong Guniang's expression darkened, but before she could speak, Tang Lici lifted her finger and guided it to pluck another string, producing a crisp, melodious "ding." Once the note faded, he released her hand. Hong Guniang's face remained stormy. She had always been sharp-witted and resourceful; even as a servant, no one had ever dared to belittle her. Never in her life had anyone dared to be so insolent. Yet this man was not only formidable in martial arts but also cunning and ruthless—he seemed intimately familiar with all the esoteric arts she had mastered. Humiliated, she found herself momentarily at a loss for how to retaliate.
Tang Lici continued slowly, "Though the String-Pulling Soul-Seizing Technique is extraordinary, it is ultimately just a form of poison-induced hypnosis. It works best when the target is preoccupied, allowing the music to slip into their mind and leave an indelible mark. Its fatal flaw lies in the fact that people interpret music differently—not all will react as the caster intends. Some become frenzied, others self-harm, while most simply descend into a daze, rendered useless. Finding a target whose mind resonates perfectly with the caster is exceedingly rare. To achieve mastery akin to Plum Blossom Numerology or Raging Orchid No Trace is almost unheard of."
Hong Guniang responded with a faint hum. Tang Lici sat before her zither as if they were old friends admiring flowers together. "Does the lady perhaps hold expectations for me? Hoping I might become the third Plum Blossom Numerology, hence bringing only two others to subdue and recruit me?" he murmured. "If so, I am deeply flattered."
"What do you think?" Hong Guniang's voice was icy, her delicate brows shadowed with a hint of lethal intent. Tang Lici rested his fingers on the strings. "I believe that after the incident at Yu Qifeng's Yanmen, you already knew I would seek you out. The poisoned sword trap, the sacrifice of Hua Wuyan—all were part of your plan to subdue me today. Unfortunately, I am far too selfish. I didn’t intervene to save Xiao Qilan, so I never fell victim to the Blazing Sky Flame poison, rendering your scheme futile."
Hong Guniang replied coolly, "My only mistake was not realizing you were a master of the String-Pulling Soul-Seizing Technique!"
Tang Lici smiled gently. "You flatter me. By the time I was using this technique, you likely hadn’t even learned it yet."
A flicker of anger crossed Hong Guniang's face before she composed herself. "Today, I refrained from deploying all my forces to annihilate you—that alone is mercy. Young Master Tang, if you cannot show gratitude, at least refrain from insulting me further."
Tang Lici plucked a string, producing a soft "zheng," his lips curling in a faint smirk. "However the lady wishes me to express my gratitude, I shall comply. How does that sound?""You—" Hong Guniang's face twisted in fury, "Shameless!" Tang Lici's fingers moved again, producing another faint "twang." Suddenly, her heart pounded violently, blood boiling so fiercely she nearly leapt to her feet. In her shock, the blade hidden in her sleeve flashed out with a "clang," severing the zither string. Clutching her chest, her face changed color. "You—you actually—" Tang Lici's left hand caressed the strings while his right continued plucking lightly. The notes tinkled like celestial music, but to Hong Guniang's ears, they were the wails of death itself. She staggered to her feet, retreating step by step, her face deathly pale, blood trickling from her lips. "You... you... String Plucking... Soul Snatching..." Tang Lici's right hand plucked faster and faster, his eyelids drooping slightly, his expression one of rapture. The music cascaded like pearls striking jade—swift yet melodious. With a shriek, Hong Guniang turned and fled unsteadily. In an instant, Plum Blossom Numerology and Raging Orchid No Trace appeared, catching her and vanishing with her in a flash.
People gone, the zither stilled, the music ceased.
Five li beyond Chaotic Plum Ridge, a white sedan chair waited silently in the road. Plum Blossom Numerology and Raging Orchid No Trace supported Hong Guniang before the sedan. A surprised voice came from within. "You're injured?"
Clutching her chest, Hong Guniang steadied herself with effort and bowed first. "Tang Lici is utterly cunning—he refused to take risks lightly, didn't fall for the Blazing Heaven Flame poison, and the others never engaged Plum Blossom Numerology. The String-Drawing Water failed, rendering my schemes void... The most detestable part is that Tang Lici deliberately lingered to intercept me, forcing Plum Blossom Numerology and Raging Orchid No Trace to stay and protect me instead of pursuing the enemy. In the end, he even distracted me with words to employ the String-Pulling Soul-Seizing Technique, attempting to control my mind... That man... I must kill him... How I loathe him!"
A gentle woman's voice replied from the sedan, "As long as you're unharmed. The String-Pulling Soul-Seizing Technique is your specialty—how does Tang Lici know it?" Hong Guniang shook her head, her expression bleak. "This art was passed down by the Revered Master. I don’t know how Tang Lici mastered it. Fortunately, when he used it, he lacked the String-Drawing Water to truly subdue me. Otherwise... A single moment of underestimation would have doomed me for life." The voice in the sedan softened. "Come inside. We'll speak more at the Lute-less Hall." Hong Guniang stumbled into the sedan, and the white chair lifted lightly. With Plum Blossom Numerology and Raging Orchid No Trace as escorts, they departed into the distance.
Amid the plum grove, Tang Lici sat cross-legged on the ground.
"One man’s strength, facing Plum Blossom Numerology and Raging Orchid No Trace alone—even in a losing battle, he still turned the tide." A voice suddenly spoke from the woods. "The master of Ten Thousand Apertures House is indeed formidable. Yet after so many battles in a single day, even a man of Young Master Tang’s peerless skill and intellect must be at his limit..."
Tang Lici sat with eyes closed, the strain of pain growing ever more evident between his brows. His hand pressed against his abdomen, sweat beading on his forehead. "You’ve watched long enough. If you mean to profit from the strife between the snipe and the clam, now is the time to speak."A figure emerged from behind a tree in the forest, clad in black with a black sword, his countenance icy cold, appearing around thirty-three or thirty-four years old. "The spoils of the fisherman, Cheng has no interest in them. But since you saved my junior brother's life, had you failed just now, I would have rescued you." Tang Lici's face was pale as he smiled faintly. "Brother Cheng, could you be the senior brother of Young Hero Gu... 'Frost Sword of Woe' Cheng Yunpao?" The black-clad man replied indifferently, "Correct. Can you still stand?" Tang Lici leaned on a plum tree to rise, smiling. "I've heard of Brother Cheng's unparalleled swordsmanship and relentless hatred for evil. Seeing you today, your demeanor is indeed remarkable." Cheng Yunpao said coldly, "You led my junior brother astray, killing the Sword King Yu Qifeng and stirring up endless trouble. If not for your self-sacrifice to let him escape earlier, I would have severed one of your limbs. Enough talk—come with me!" Tang Lici exhaled heavily. "Brother Cheng's integrity is truly outstanding... Hmm..." His left hand, pressed against his abdomen, slowly clenched his robe into a twist. Unnoticed, a patch of blood had seeped through his clothes. With a soft drip , a drop of blood fell from the hem, splattering onto the fallen plum blossoms.
Cheng Yunpao paused slightly, reaching out to steady him. Tang Lici retrieved a gray medicine bottle from his robe with his right hand, bit off the stopper, swallowed a white pill, discarded the empty bottle, and with a flick of his sleeve, pushed Cheng Yunpao away, smiling. "Let's go." He turned and walked forward, drops of blood trailing down his clothes, treading upon his own bloodstains without a care.
Treading upon his own blood—not just outwardly, but deep within, he truly did not care. Moreover, despite his grievous injuries, he refused to accept support. Ruthless, proud, skilled in martial arts, and peerlessly intelligent—indeed, the kind of person who could win Xitan's admiration. Walking behind Tang Lici, a flash of killing intent crossed Cheng Yunpao's mind. It was precisely this kind of person who could provoke the greatest troubles in the world, and who might drag Xitan into unforeseeable dangers... Though this man stood on the side of the righteous, his actions carried a sinister air. If he ever strayed from the path, he must be killed!
Eight li east of the Plum Blossom Ridge stood a dilapidated temple.
The night stars glittered brilliantly, the moon silent. Outside the temple, several ancient trees stretched their gnarled branches toward the sky.
Shen Langhun had brought Xiao Qilan here, and before long, Chi Yun arrived with Puzhu Shangshi and Gu Xitan in tow. After unsealing their acupoints, Puzhu Shangshi bowed to Chi Yun in gratitude for his rescue before sitting cross-legged to meditate. Though this monk was steeped in bloodlust, he was not unreasonable. In his current state, with his Inner Energy severely depleted, had he struck down Plum Blossom Numerology earlier, the backlash from the trio's Inner Energy would have killed him on the spot. He had acted only to spare Tang Lici from suffering on his behalf. Gu Xitan, however, lacked Puzhu Shangshi's composure. Seeing Tang Lici's unknown condition, how could he let another die for his sake? His thoughts churned, and he longed to return to save him. Chi Yun dragged a stool to the temple entrance, tossing and catching a long sword—the very one hung in Puzhu Shangshi's room at Plum Blossom Ridge—and said coolly, "Anyone who wants to turn back will have to step over me first." Zhong Chunji cradled Feng Feng in her arms. The child, seemingly frightened, had tears welling in his large eyes, and at Chi Yun's harsh tone, he burst into loud sobs. "Waaah... Sniff... Waaah..." The room grew chaotic, but Shen Langhun remained silent and motionless, quietly regulating his breath. Since earlier, his True Power had recovered by thirty percent, no longer as helpless as before."A ragtag bunch, easily defeated with a simple trick, yet still babbling about eliminating evil and saving lives—you can't even save yourselves, who do you think you can save?" Someone spoke coldly from outside as two figures entered the temple. Chi Yun held his sword pointed at Tang Lici's chest and said icily, "You're not dead?" Tang Lici's clothes were stained with dried blood, and his complexion had returned to normal. He pushed the sword aside with a finger and replied, "Disappointed? Sit down and focus on regulating your breathing. I don’t want to save you again—master and servant reversed, it defies all propriety." Chi Yun spat in disdain and threw his sword to the ground. "I was the one trying to save you! If you hadn’t suddenly ambushed me, how could things have ended up like this?" Tang Lici glanced at the others, deliberately avoiding Chi Yun’s gaze, and smiled. "It’s good everyone is unharmed. How is Hero Xiao’s injury?" Chi Yun gritted his teeth, but with Tang Lici calmly inquiring about injuries, he couldn’t just leap up and start cursing.
"His inner energy has stabilized, and he’s conscious, but still unable to speak," Shen Langhun said coolly. "We need a quiet place to open him up and repair his shattered bones." Nearby, Cheng Yunpao stared frostily at Gu Xitan. "Overestimating yourself, acting recklessly!" Gu Xitan looked thoroughly embarrassed. He had always revered his senior brother, especially since Cheng Yunpao’s reputation and status far surpassed his own. How could a junior disciple dare to disobey his senior’s reprimand? "Come back to Azure Cloud Mountain with me to train in swordsmanship," Cheng Yunpao said. "You’ve barely mastered half of our sect’s techniques, yet you dare to wander the jianghu, even provoking Yu Qifeng and blowing up his house? Did you think the Central Plains Sword Association was blind, deaf, and mute, letting you bully them as you pleased? On the brink of death, you still dare to call yourself a righteous hero—what a joke!" His words were delivered with chilling precision, leaving Gu Xitan deeply shaken. "Senior Brother, I—" Before he could finish, Cheng Yunpao’s figure flashed, and he seized Gu Xitan at a weak point three inches below his left shoulder. Despite Cheng Yunpao’s slender frame and pale complexion, he effortlessly lifted Gu Xitan off the ground. With a faint nod to the others, he said, "Farewell, everyone," and vanished, his lightness skill unparalleled in the world.
"Impressive skill," Shen Langhun remarked coolly. Chi Yun, sitting nearby, added with a sneer, "Skillful, yes, but pretentious and irritating." Cheng Yunpao had come and gone like the wind, leaving Zhong Chunji no time to speak. She sighed. "Most martial arts masters have their eccentricities." Privately, she thought Chi Yun’s quirks were far worse. Noticing the blood on Tang Lici’s clothes, she couldn’t help but ask, "Are you injured?"Everyone's gaze immediately fell on the bloodstain on his clothes. Tang Lici smiled faintly, "It's nothing serious. How is everyone feeling?" Puzhu Shangshi replied, "No issues." Seeing him return, Feng Feng's tears turned to laughter as he waved his hands, eager to leap into his arms. Tang Lici picked Feng Feng up and said, "Everyone is exhausted today. Although the Dissolute Shop has retreated, there may still be others pursuing us. If we split up, we risk being picked off one by one. But if we move together, our presence will be too conspicuous, and we’ll inevitably face relentless pursuit like today, leading to total annihilation." He glanced at Puzhu Shangshi, "What does the Master think?" Puzhu Shangshi's black hair fluttered as he replied, "I can protect myself. I will leave." Tang Lici smiled, "Then the strong depart, and the rest will stay together. The Master’s cultivation is arduous, and I won’t insist on keeping you. However, it would be safer to leave only after your poison injury has fully healed." Puzhu Shangshi bowed slightly, "Unnecessary. Until we meet again." His monk’s robes billowed, his black hair flowing—this cold, stern monk with an air of lethality turned and left. The old residence at Luanmei Ridge and the companions who had faced peril together were like fallen leaves behind him, neither hindering his path nor leaving the slightest trace in his heart.
"That Master bears a slight resemblance to you," Tang Lici remarked, watching Puzhu Shangshi depart before glancing at Chi Yun. Chi Yun snapped, "What resemblance?" Shen Langhun said coolly, "He’s as strong-willed as you." Chi Yun was taken aback, while Zhong Chunji couldn’t help but laugh. In terms of stubborn independence, Puzhu Shangshi and Chi Yun were truly two of a kind—there was indeed some similarity. Tang Lici added, "Miss Zhong, you’ll travel with us. There’s something I’d like to discuss with you."
"What is it?" Zhong Chunji said, "Zhong Chunji will speak without reservation." Tang Lici smiled faintly, "I heard the young lady comes from Cat Sprout Peak. Might you know the whereabouts of Azure Fall Palace?" She was startled, "Azure Fall Palace? Does Young Master Tang intend to go there?" Tang Lici replied with a smile, "Having provoked the ill-fated Dissolute Shop and offended the pinnacle of the righteous path, the Central Plains Sword Association, though none of us fear turmoil, constant fighting grows weary. To avoid a life of endless strife, we must shift the blame eastward." Zhong Chunji exclaimed, "Shift the blame eastward—do you mean to implicate Azure Fall Palace? How could that be possible?" Tang Lici chuckled lightly, "No, I merely wish to borrow the prestige of Azure Fall Palace for a few days of peace." Chi Yun frowned, "You want to take everyone to Cat Sprout Peak? Given the mystery and legends surrounding Azure Fall Palace, Dissolute Shop and the Sword Association naturally wouldn’t dare act rashly there. But who is Wan Yu Yuedan? How could he possibly allow you to bring such immense trouble to his Azure Fall Palace? You’re dreaming!"
"The martial world is now divided. The Blood Sacrifice Society has fallen, Jiangnan Villa has weakened and retreated, righteous heroes like 'White Hair,' 'Floating Cloud,' and 'Heaven’s Eye' have vanished without a trace, and no major sects have outstanding figures left. The Central Plains Sword Association is at its zenith, while Dissolute Shop lurks in the shadows with unfathomable strength. As for us and Ten Thousand Apertures House, we barely count as a faction," Tang Lici said gently. "There are still forces like the Thirteen Assassins Tower and the Frontier Hunting Riders, but in terms of power, status, and reputation, only Azure Fall Palace stands independent of the martial world, capable of countering all sides. Whichever side Azure Fall Palace leans toward gains absolute advantage in prestige, strength, and even righteousness. Since Azure Fall Palace is so crucial..." He flicked his sleeve and turned gracefully, "Wan Yu Yuedan should understand—if one does not provoke the martial world, the martial world will provoke them. Even if it’s not me knocking on their door today, someone else will eventually. Whom to lend their strength to will depend on just how successful Wan Yu Yuedan truly is."
Everyone exchanged glances. Zhong Chunji couldn’t help but cough lightly, "That may be so, but he... he..." Tang Lici smiled and asked, "He what?" Zhong Chunji trembled slightly, suddenly realizing his earlier words might have been waiting for her response. "He... Wan Yu Yuedan no longer wishes to involve himself in the martial world. He doesn’t want Azure Fall Palace to face danger." Tang Lici chuckled softly, "What if I can offer him a way to avoid danger? Or—what if I possess the leverage to draw him back into the martial world?" The others were dumbfounded. Zhong Chunji stared at him in disbelief, utterly unconvinced. Fame, fortune, power—Yuedan already had it all. Even if Tang Lici offered mountains of gold, it might not earn a single nod from Wan Yu Yuedan. And besides wealth, what else did Tang Lici have? Chi Yun and Shen Langhun exchanged a glance. Shen Langhun said coolly, "To Cat Sprout Peak!"
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