In the main hall, Cheng Yunpao and the others had already interrogated the five members of the Dissolute Shop. Hong Guniang released the String-Pulling Soul-Seizing Technique, but the five only knew that they had been instructed by the Dissolute Shop to tail Yu Furen. After tracking him several times, they noticed Yu Furen always disappeared near Phoenix Cry Mountain, so they shifted their surveillance to the mountain itself. Once, while sneaking into Phoenix Cry Mountain, they discovered a vast estate in the valley. Upon entering, they saw all sorts of bizarre sights but no people. Too frightened to infiltrate the estate again, they continued waiting outside the mountain until they spotted Yu Tuan'er riding out swiftly, which they then followed. Originally, there had been six of them, but one had already returned to report to Gui Mudan, leaving the remaining five here.
"These are just pawns, completely unaware of the inner workings of the Dissolute Shop, but at least they know where Gui Mudan is," Meng Qinglei said. "Knowing Gui Mudan's location means knowing the Dissolute Shop's hideout." The group nodded, feeling a surge of excitement. After months of searching, they finally had a lead on their enemy. Their training on the mountain was no longer aimless.
Hong Guniang questioned the men repeatedly before pausing in thought. "They said Gui Mudan is at Piaoling Mei Yuan, meaning the Dissolute Shop hasn't relocated but returned to Bodhi Valley's Drifting Brow Garden. The terrain there is complex, deep in the mountains, filled with poisonous miasma and strange insects. The few necessary paths are easily ambushed. With our large numbers, rushing in recklessly would be highly disadvantageous. If we plan to attack Drifting Brow Garden, it's best to set up camp nearby first, familiarize ourselves with the terrain, and devise a strategy before launching a full assault." Cheng Yunpao frowned. "But without the element of surprise, the Dissolute Shop won't let us set up camp so easily. They'll surely obstruct us with everything they have." Hong Guniang's gaze shifted. "We can divide our forces into two groups—one dedicated to establishing the camp and escorting personnel, the other solely to harass Drifting Brow Garden, keeping them too occupied to focus on us. But those assigned to harass must be top-tier experts; otherwise, any misstep could be fatal." Cheng Yunpao nodded. "A sound plan."
"I heard you captured some of the Dissolute Shop's lackeys. What did you learn?" Just as they were discussing, a soft, amused voice drifted in from the doorway. The speaker walked in gracefully, her eyes shimmering like autumn waters, her jade-like face radiant with charm—it was Yu Konghou. Cheng Yunpao and Meng Qinglei tensed, while Hong Guniang turned and swept a cold glance over Yu Konghou before bowing slightly. "Peach Girl."
Yu Konghou hadn't come alone. Behind her stood Zhang Hemo, Tian Xunzi, Liu Hongfei, and others, all wearing displeased expressions. They silently thought: the Azure Fall Palace had captured the Dissolute Shop's lackeys but concealed it, not inviting them to the meeting. What were the Central Plains Sword Association's true intentions?
"We just finished questioning them and haven't learned much yet," Cheng Yunpao said indifferently. Yu Konghou smiled gently. "Now that you've caught them, you at least know where they came from, so the Dissolute Shop's location is clear. We can mobilize immediately." Cheng Yunpao frowned but gave a reluctant nod. Zhang Hemo and the others burst into laughter, their spirits high, joking about how long they'd been cooped up on the mountain and how they could finally vent their frustrations, sweeping away the demons and crushing the Dissolute Shop. Yu Konghou stood smiling, watching the five men on the ground, as lovely as a flower blooming in slow motion.Yu Tuan'er watched Yu Konghou from the crowd, unusually silent as she quietly hid behind Cheng Yunpao. Whenever Yu Konghou's gaze fleetingly passed over her figure, a sinister killing intent flashed briefly in his eyes. Though she was normally outspoken and well aware that Yu Konghou was the worst of the Dissolute Shop, this time she knew her mission was too important—she absolutely could not die. Yu Konghou's intent to kill her was glaringly obvious, but she must not die.
The task Liu Yan had entrusted to her was not yet complete. If she revealed here that Yu Konghou was a man and the most villainous figure in the Dissolute Shop, no one would believe her. She had to protect herself first.
Just then, someone spoke gently, "It's quite lively today."
Cheng Yunpao's face brightened, and Yu Tuan'er quickly rushed over, hiding behind the newcomer. Yu Konghou's eyes flickered slightly, and the crowd turned their gazes toward the speaker.
Dressed in white robes and cloud-patterned shoes, his gray hair tied up with a jade ribbon—it was Tang Lici.
"Hey," Yu Tuan'er tugged at his sleeve and whispered, "I have something important to tell you." Tang Lici nodded with a smile and addressed the crowd, "Senior Xue Xianzi has returned safely. I've prepared a room for him, but as his injuries are not yet healed, I ask everyone to refrain from disturbing him during this time." Zhang Hemo perked up, "Has the exchange succeeded?" Tang Lici nodded. Zhang Hemo pressed further, "Who was exchanged?" Zhong Chunji had arrived with the group but stayed only briefly, avoiding contact with the other sects, so no one knew she was the one chosen for the exchange.
"The one who went for the exchange was Xue Xianzi's esteemed disciple, Miss Zhong Chunji," Tang Lici said. "Miss Zhong sacrificed herself for Xue Xianzi, allowing herself to be taken by the Dissolute Shop. Such noble virtue should be emulated by all in the martial world." Zhang Hemo was full of admiration, and Tian Xunzi and the others nodded in agreement. Tang Lici continued softly, "Miss Zhong's status is unique. The Dissolute Shop will not harm her life. Once we breach their stronghold, we can rescue her. There's no need for concern." As he spoke, he smiled faintly at Yu Konghou.
Yu Konghou replied gently, "Aren't you afraid the Dissolute Shop might harm Miss Zhong?" Tang Lici smiled again, "Miss Zhong is the current dynasty's princess. The Dissolute Shop would hardly dare commit the grave crime of offending the imperial family by harming her." Yu Konghou countered, "What if she isn't the princess?" Without blinking, Tang Lici responded, "If she isn't the princess, wouldn't that be even better? A commoner impersonating a princess—such a colossal leverage in the Dissolute Shop's hands would ensure Miss Zhong's complete submission. They would have no reason to harm her." Yu Konghou chuckled lightly, "You've calculated everything flawlessly." Tang Lici replied, "In front of Peach Girl, I wouldn't dare claim perfection..." He took a step back, shielding Yu Tuan'er behind him. "Tomorrow, I have important matters to discuss with everyone. From now until noon tomorrow, no one is permitted to leave the mountain. No carrier pigeons, letters, or tokens are to be sent out. Anyone who violates this order will be treated as an accomplice of the Dissolute Shop and executed on the spot."Zhang Hemo was taken aback. "Are we marching out tomorrow?" Tang Lici smiled. "I didn't say that." Tian Xunzi frowned. "If we don't march tomorrow, I fear the Dissolute Shop's defenses will only grow tighter, becoming increasingly impenetrable." Tang Lici continued to smile. "I didn't say that either." He took Yu Tuan'er's right hand and looked toward Hong Guniang. "Hong Guniang, a word in private." Hong Guniang immediately ran to him, and Tang Lici, accompanied by the two radiant beauties, strode straight out of the hall.
The crowd's gazes instantly shifted to Yu Konghou's face, each silently thinking that Tang Lici was a philanderer who discarded the old for the new. Peach Girl was so stunning, yet after failing to seduce her in one night, he had already moved on to new conquests—what a waste, truly regrettable. That said, Hong Guniang possessed an orchid-like grace, in no way inferior to the peerlessly lovely Peach Girl. Yu Konghou's displeasure, however, wasn't due to Tang Lici's fickleness but rather because having Hong Guniang and Yu Tuan'er by his side would complicate any attempts to eliminate them.
Liu Yan was undoubtedly at Phoenix Cry Mountain. Without needing reports from scouts, Yu Konghou could tell from Yu Tuan'er and Tang Lici's reactions that not only was Liu Yan there, but he must have already discovered an antidote. Though he didn't understand how Liu Yan and Tang Lici had turned from enemies to allies, and found it deeply perplexing, their newfound friendship posed a significant threat. The countless grudges Liu Yan had accumulated could easily be transferred to Tang Lici. Once the Central Plains Sword Association obtained the antidote for the Ape-Demon Nine Hearts Pill, they would surely march on Piaoling Mei Yuan. Before that happened was the perfect opportunity to act.
Tang Lici led Yu Tuan'er and Hong Guniang into his room. The first thing Hong Guniang saw was Xue Xianzi sitting cross-legged on the bed, eyes closed and brows lowered. "He's been drugged," she whispered. Tang Lici nodded and released Yu Tuan'er's hand. "Yu Tuan'er, what did you want to tell me?"
"The antidote," Yu Tuan'er said, gripping his hand instead. "He said the antidote can be made now, and there are two methods." Tang Lici was slightly startled. "Two?" Yu Tuan'er pulled out a small bundle from her robe, unwrapping the cloth to reveal dozens of long jade needles. "This is one of them. He said gold and silver needles are too soft—jade needles must be used. Inserting these into the brain to damage specific areas can eliminate the addiction to the Ape-Demon Nine Hearts Pill. This method works quickly but is very dangerous. Only a master of the highest skill can perform it on others." She then produced a vial of medicine. "This is the other method—pills. Taking these can suppress the toxicity of the Ape-Demon Nine Hearts Pill, but they must be taken for over seven months with strict adherence to the regimen. Starting from the fourth month, the dosage must be gradually reduced. After seven months, another type of medicine must be taken..." She fumbled to pull out another vial. "This one—this must be taken continuously for half a year."Hong Guniang widened her eyes; she had never heard of such a complicated method of detoxification. "Will it work?" Yu Tuan'er nodded repeatedly, "It will. He tested it on himself." A faint glimmer flashed in Tang Lici's eyes. "He tested it on himself? He took the poison?" Yu Tuan'er pressed a hand to her chest, her heart still pounding. "He ingested the most toxic part of the Ape-Demon Nine Heart Pill—the one with that... that flower. When the poison flared, his whole body broke out in spots—it was terrifying. It would flare up twice a day, and sometimes he couldn’t resist taking the antidote. So he threw away his wheelchair, threw away his crutches, tied himself to a chair, and experimented with all sorts of antidotes..." Tang Lici frowned slightly. "Who ultimately performed the jade needle brain puncture? Himself or Fang Pingzhai?"
"Of course it was Xiao Fang!" Yu Tuan'er said. "By then, he was already a bit dazed from the antidotes! But he had left instructions beforehand, telling Xiao Fang where to insert the needles, how deep, and in what direction if he lost control. The needles were originally coated with poison, but those were too harmful. Xiao Fang pricked him once, and he lay unconscious for days before waking up. I almost thought he was going to die." At this point, her eyes reddened. "It was truly terrifying. I was supposed to test the antidotes for him, but he secretly tested them on himself. We were all heartbroken..."
"Jade needle brain puncture is an extremely dangerous method," Tang Lici said. "The toxicity of the Ape-Demon Nine Heart Pill is indeed stubborn." He pondered for a moment. "Detoxification through medicine takes too long, and brain puncture is too risky, but there’s no other way. We must immediately spread the word that the Ape-Demon Nine Heart Pill is not incurable—only then will people’s hearts be settled." Hong Guniang nodded. "After this, you must hide Liu Yan at once, ensuring no one can find him. With the antidote now known, he has no value left. Everyone wants him dead, and anyone who tries to save him will be seen as opposing justice." Tang Lici smiled faintly. "I’m not worried about someone killing him. With Fang Pingzhai by his side, how many could succeed? What I worry about is..." Hong Guniang's delicate brows furrowed. "What?"
"What I worry about..." Tang Lici said softly, "is that Fang Pingzhai is such a pivotal figure. He stays by Liu Yan’s side, he wants to kill Zhu Yan, and he knows the method of jade needle brain puncture. If I were Yu Konghou, I would surely try to turn Fang Pingzhai against us. Once that succeeds, the gains would be immense—perhaps even worth half the martial world handed to me on a platter." Hong Guniang was taken aback. "He wants to kill Zhu Yan?" Tang Lici’s voice grew even gentler. "Indeed. For someone who has cultivated martial arts to his level, when the killing intent in him can no longer be concealed, his resolve must be unshakable. Though I don’t know why he wants to kill Zhu Yan, Zhu Yan is in Yu Konghou’s hands. Fang Pingzhai is a man of passion, loyal to his bonds. It wouldn’t be too hard to exploit his weaknesses and force his hand.""So that's it. You've been making a show at Good Cloud Mountain, loudly proclaiming your intent to march on Bodhi Valley, all to keep Yu Konghou occupied at Good Cloud Mountain and prevent him from targeting Fang Pingzhai." Hong Guniang was sharp—she grasped the point immediately. "But now that the antidote is out, your delaying tactics won't hold for long. If Fang Pingzhai defects, Liu Yan will fall into the hands of Dissolute Shop." Tang Lici smiled faintly. "With the antidote released, who Liu Yan falls to no longer matters in the grand scheme. But if I were Yu Konghou, after securing Fang Pingzhai, I would certainly aim to do one thing."
"What thing?" Yu Tuan'er only half-understood. "Xiao Fang would never betray us. He's a good person."
Tang Lici ignored her, continuing with a smile. "I would have Fang Pingzhai produce evidence—under the name of Dissolute Shop's Layered Petal Grandeur and as Liu Yan's disciple—claiming that Tang Lici and Liu Yan conspired in secret, that Tang Lici is actually the true master of Dissolute Shop and the lord of Gui Mudan. Otherwise, how could he have obtained the antidote for the Ape-Demon Nine Hearts Pill so quickly? Why would Liu Yan make the antidote for him? It's only because he holds the antidote that he can control the martial world under the guise of righteousness. Gathering everyone at Good Cloud Mountain and delaying the march was all to create opportunities for Dissolute Shop. This expedition is meant to send those martial heroes who oppose Dissolute Shop to their deaths. His ability to predict the enemy isn't due to divine foresight—it's because he's always been a mole for Dissolute Shop." Hong Guniang was startled. "This..."
"Producing evidence would be easy. Why did Tang Lici ambush Peach Girl at night? Why did Chi Yun die? Why did Shao Yanping die? It's all because they uncovered Tang Lici's schemes, thus inviting traps and assassination attempts." Tang Lici said. "Add a letter from Shaolin's Abbot Puzhu, or better yet, have him come in person to testify and condemn me—who in the world wouldn't believe it? Or when Good Cloud Mountain's forces reach Bodhi Valley, have Gui Mudan suddenly kneel before me and call me master—how many would still trust Tang Lici then?"
"Peach Girl has been at Good Cloud Mountain for a long time. She must have already planted plenty of evidence to frame you." Hong Guniang paled. "This is indeed a vicious scheme—one we must guard against."
"Hong Guniang." Tang Lici's lips curved slightly. "I can't guard against it... To prove Tang Lici is innocent, that he isn't the master of Dissolute Shop and has no ties to the demon Liu Yan, Yu Konghou will surely demand I kill Liu Yan in public." Yu Tuan'er gasped in shock, while Hong Guniang's face turned deathly pale. Tang Lici pressed his lips together. "And I can't kill him."
Yu Tuan'er exhaled in relief, but Hong Guniang's expression grew even grimmer. "If I were Yu Konghou, no matter how difficult this scheme is, it must be executed—because you have no way to counter it." Tang Lici smiled. "Exactly."
"Then what's your countermeasure? You wouldn't just sit and wait for death, would you..." Hong Guniang murmured. "Is Fang Pingzhai really so easily swayed?" Tang Lici replied softly, "Yu Konghou has had his eye on Fang Pingzhai for a long time. There must be other secrets about Fang Pingzhai that make him indispensable to Yu Konghou. But he's a man of principle—even if swayed, he wouldn't harm Liu Yan." Hong Guniang bit her lip. "I understand that. But what about you? What's your countermeasure?" Tang Lici looked at her, his gaze calm. "My countermeasure... is you.""Me?" A thought flashed through Hong Guniang's mind, one she could scarcely believe. "You want to turn their scheme against them..." Tang Lici nodded. "With the antidote now revealed, morale at Good Cloud Mountain is high. The arrow is already on the bowstring—we can't hold back any longer. The longer we delay, the deeper Yu Konghou's roots grow among the Central Plains' righteous factions, making him increasingly difficult to uproot. The battle at Bodhi Valley is inevitable. Whether I remain with the Central Plains Sword Association by then or not, the bulk of this responsibility will fall to you."
Hong Guniang's face paled, her dark eyes wide. "Me? How could I possibly be qualified to lead so many heroes?"
"Of course you are." A sharp glint flashed through Tang Lici's eyes. "You are Bi Lianyi's wife, the one Wan Yu Yuedan entrusted with great responsibility. He made this clear in the letter he wrote to me. That letter, penned by Tie Jing and bearing the seal of Azure Fall Palace, is still in Tie Jing's possession. Beyond that, Hong Guniang, I hope you can reveal to everyone—" Hong Guniang took a step back as Tang Lici calmly continued, "—that you are the true Princess of Langya."
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