Whispers of Fate (Shui Long Yin)

Tang Lici closed his eyes again as Chi Yun returned with tea, slamming a pot of cold water steeped with tea stems in front of Zhong Chunji with a thud. "Drink!" Chi Yun commanded coldly. She was taken aback, but Tang Lici smiled faintly. "Chi Yun's tea-brewing skills are unparalleled in the world. You might as well try it, Miss. Tea can soothe worries—consider this his way of apologizing." Chi Yun glared at the ceiling, sneering silently. Cornered, Zhong Chunji reluctantly took a sip and forced a bitter smile. "Young Master Tang is right. I have urgent matters to attend to, so I’ll take my leave now. My apologies for disturbing you both." The taste of the cold tea stems lingered unpleasantly in her mouth as she hurried into another guest room and shut the door behind her.

"You sure know how to play the good guy," Chi Yun remarked icily. Tang Lici kept his eyes closed, smiling. "After all, the young lady drank your fine tea. Surely your anger has subsided?" Chi Yun scoffed. "Clearly, you're the one who pissed me off." After a pause, he added, "Shi Tinghe killed Jiang Cheng. If Jiang Cheng came to Little Swallow Lake to connect with that girl and find that old bastard Xue Xianzi, then at least the 'Yanmen' faction knows about the Ape-Demon Nine Hearts Pill."

"Rather than chasing after Yanmen to investigate the Nine Hearts Pill, it’s better to follow Zhong Chunji," Tang Lici murmured, his brow slightly furrowed. "Only... only..." His hands rested on the quilt, originally pressed against his abdomen, but now they clenched the fabric tightly. "Hmm..." Chi Yun strode over. "For over three years, that stomach pain of yours hasn’t improved. The doctors in the capital are utterly useless." Tang Lici smiled faintly. "Over three years ago, I said you were no ordinary man, and you proved me right. Over three years ago, I said this ailment wouldn’t heal, and so it remains." Chi Yun sneered. "Are you implying that your words are infallible, that you’re never wrong?" Tang Lici replied, "Of course." Chi Yun was left speechless. "If it weren’t for the fact that you’re bedridden and can’t even crawl out, I’d have gone to Yanmen long ago instead of putting up with your nonsense here!" Tang Lici still wore that faint smile. "So you’ve decided to go to Yanmen?"

"I miscalculated once, and damn Shi Tinghe hacked Jiang Cheng into four pieces," Chi Yun said coldly. "The Ape-Demon Nine Hearts Pill is quite the amusement. If I don’t see this game through to the end, wouldn’t it be a disgrace to my name, Chi Yun?" Tang Lici replied, "Go if you must. I have my own affairs to attend to." Chi Yun eyed him suspiciously. "I seriously suspect you’re faking your illness just to torment me." Tang Lici coughed lightly. "Well, even if I said I wasn’t, you wouldn’t believe me." Chi Yun was once again left fuming. "I swear I never want to cross paths with this white-haired fox again in this lifetime! Half a year of waiting on you, and I haven’t died of anger—that’s sheer luck!" A white figure flashed past as he flung his sleeve and stormed out.

Tang Lici smiled faintly, closing his eyes and resting his hands on the quilt, his expression serene. The infant beside him had long been awakened by Chi Yun’s shouting, but its round, dark eyes were wide with curiosity, tiny hands gripping Tang Lici’s long hair tightly, tugging and playing with focused delight, without a single cry. Outside the window, the sunlight was soft, brimming with the vitality of spring, while the room remained dim, with only a few faint rays piercing through, faintly illuminating Tang Lici’s smooth, silvery-gray hair.Zhong Chunji rushed into the adjacent guest room, but the anger in her heart had already dissipated. Although Chi Yun's words were venomous, they held no ill intent. Besides, since they were merely passing acquaintances, there was no need to dwell too much on his unpleasantness. Closing the door behind her, she poured herself a cup of cold tea from the pot and took a sip, feeling inexplicably restless. Jiang Cheng had been killed by Shi Tinghe, and Shi Tinghe in turn had been slain by Chi Yun. This chain of killings seemed to revolve around the poison Shi Tinghe had ingested. Yet... though she knew this was a harbinger of impending chaos in the martial world, she couldn't fully focus on it. A vague thought lingered in her mind—if he were to step into the martial world, perhaps... perhaps the situation would be different.

After drinking a few sips of cold water, she let out a soft sigh. Suddenly, she heard the giggling of a baby from the next room and froze momentarily. Tang Lici, the adopted son of the Imperial Father-in-Law—why would he be wandering the martial world with an infant? The world was truly full of things that defied reason.

Outside the "Immortals Welcome" inn, two men dressed in straw sandals and plain cloth entered the establishment. They patted the somewhat dull-witted middle-aged woman before them and took the last remaining guest room. One of them said, "Cao Wufang, Chi Yun has already gone far ahead. Just as we guessed, he abandoned the Zhong girl and turned back toward Yanmen." The other chuckled, "Well then, why don't you poison the girl? We can take her head back to report our success." As they spoke, the middle-aged woman outside the door slumped silently to the side, as if she had fallen asleep.

Zhong Chunji steadied herself and spread out paper and brush to carefully write a letter to Xue Xianzi. However, Xue Xianzi's temperament and behavior were even more eccentric than Chi Yun's. Even as his disciple, she couldn't be sure the letter would reach him. In the letter, she detailed Chi Yun's claims about the Ape-Demon Nine Hearts Pill and requested her master's assistance. If he agreed upon reading the letter, she asked him to meet her at Yanmen in a month. Though she wrote it as such, she had no confidence whether Xue Xianzi would even glance at it or pay it any heed. While her brushstrokes formally addressed her master, her thoughts unconsciously drifted toward "him." If only she could persuade him to step forward—but deep down, she knew it was a hopeless fantasy, yet she couldn't help indulging in it.

Footsteps approached outside her window, followed by a gentle knock. "Miss, might this humble one trouble you for a moment?" Zhong Chunji looked up at the sound to see a young man in brown robes smiling faintly as he pushed open her window lattice. Sensing danger, she reached for her sword, but before she could fully draw it, a delicate, intoxicating floral fragrance filled her nostrils. Her head spun, and with her left hand, she grabbed the inkstone from the table and hurled it out the window.

With a thud , the inkstone hit the ground, splattering ink everywhere. Hua Wuyan strolled leisurely into Zhong Chunji's room, hands clasped behind his back. He brushed the back of his fingers against her delicate, flower-like cheek and sighed, "What a pity... such a lovely blossom..." Another voice spoke coolly from outside the window, "If you can't do it, I'll take over." Hua Wuyan retrieved a small jade vial from his robes and said to Cao Wufang, "Hold your breath." Cao Wufang vanished from the window in a flash. As Hua Wuyan uncorked the vial, an extremely faint green mist rose from within. Instantly, the plants in the room withered, and the wooden furniture let out a faint hiss as large patches turned charred black. Zhong Chunji's snow-white face quickly darkened to a sickly purple. As the green mist spread, even the foliage outside the window began to yellow."Wah—" Suddenly, a loud infant's cry erupted from the neighboring room, followed by the sound of a child wailing. Hua Wuyan let out an "Eh?" and withdrew the bottle in his hand. Just then, Cao Wufang's voice shouted from outside the door, and with a "splash," a mist of water burst through the window, instantly diluting the green smoke that had filled the room. The mist settled on the ground, transforming into a strange green liquid that turned everything it touched into charred blackness. Hua Wuyan's expression changed—what kind of power could send clear water crashing through the window lattice? Moreover, who could have discerned at a glance that while his "Drunken Dream" couldn't be neutralized with water, it could still be dissolved by it?

Outside, Cao Wufang saw a figure emerge from the neighboring room. The person wore plain clothes and shoes, with uncombed long hair, as if they had just woken up—that was all he managed to observe. As for how this person had lifted the water vat from the garden, how they had splashed the water, or how they had closed the distance to pat him on the shoulder, he hadn't seen any of it. With that single pat, half his body went numb, rendering him unable to attack or even dodge. His tongue stiffened, leaving him unable to utter a word. From inside the room, Hua Wuyan chuckled lightly. "Here's the antidote. Spare my man." A small white bottle was tossed out from the room, which the gray-clad figure caught with one hand, smiling faintly. "Very clever." Cao Wufang felt a blur beside him as Hua Wuyan swiftly pulled him three feet back and vaulted over the roof tiles to escape.

"I said it'd be better to stay here than chase after Yanmen. Pity someone heard but didn't listen," the gray-clad man murmured, shaking his head. Holding the antidote, he stepped into the room, uncorked the bottle, and tapped out a bit of powder. The green liquid on the ground turned black. He lifted Zhong Chunji's head and poured some of the powder into her mouth.

When Zhong Chunji awoke, a pair of large, round, pitch-black eyes stared unblinkingly at her. Startled, she realized it was an infant less than a year old lying beside her, peering at her from an uncomfortably close distance. Hadn't she been poisoned by something extremely potent? How had she ended up here? Zhong Chunji abruptly sat up, her head spinning slightly. Fortunately, she caught herself on the bed frame before she could fall. A gentle voice beside her said, "The poison has just been neutralized, miss. You should rest—please don't get up yet." She turned her head and saw a man with gray hair tied into a topknot. It took her a moment to recognize him as Tang Lici. "Young Master Tang saved me?" Yet she remained puzzled—given Tang Lici's age and status as the Imperial Uncle, how had he managed to rescue her when she herself had been overpowered? And wasn't he supposed to be ill?Tang Lici had changed his attire. The previous garment had been a sleeping robe, unsuitable for public wear. Now, he donned a lotus-root-colored scholar's robe, which accentuated his refined features. She frowned slightly. Tang Lici wore a silver bracelet on his right wrist—though the material was not of the finest quality, its intricate carvings depicted seasonal flowers, birds, and over a dozen figures, including embroidering maidens. It was undoubtedly a priceless artifact, further deepening the enigma surrounding him.

He spoke, "You witnessed Shi Tinghe's death. Naturally, the Dissolute Shop would silence any witnesses, as the matter of the Ape-Demon Nine Heart Pill must not be divulged."

Zhong Chunji asked, "The Dissolute Shop?"

Tang Lici nodded. "The Dissolute Shop is the one selling the Ape-Demon Nine Heart Pill. Aside from Shi Tinghe, 'West Wind Swordsman' Feng Chuanxiang and 'Iron Brush' Wen Ruiqi also died by their hand."

Zhong Chunji gasped. "Feng Chuanxiang is already dead?" She was shocked. 'West Wind Swordsman' Feng Chuanxiang was a man of integrity and formidable martial prowess—how could he have taken poison?

Tang Lici picked up a cup of tea from the table and handed it to her. "Feng Chuanxiang's wife, Xiao Emei, was killed by 'Floating Specter' Wan Yu. To avenge her, Feng Chuanxiang took a forbidden drug. After slaying Wan Yu, the poison took hold and spread to his close friend 'Iron Brush' Wen Ruiqi. Both committed suicide."

Zhong Chunji's eyes widened in horror. "When did this happen?"

Tang Lici held his teacup and smiled faintly. "Half a month ago. Please, have some tea, miss."

Zhong Chunji accepted the tea, her mind still reeling. Glancing down, she noticed the delicate porcelain cup—translucent, adorned with a faint painting of clouds over the sea, an exquisite rarity. "How did Young Master Tang come to know of Feng Chuanxiang's death?"

Tang Lici sat composedly on a chair by the bed. "The news came from Yanmen."

Zhong Chunji was puzzled. "Yanmen? 'Trusting Goose' Jiang Cheng?"

Tang Lici nodded. "Shi Tinghe was tailing Jiang Cheng—the mantis stalking the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind. Chi Yun followed Shi Tinghe and overheard their conversation by Little Swallow Lake. The poison Feng Chuanxiang took was given by Shi Tinghe. At the time, Feng Chuanxiang didn’t know it was poison. After killing Wan Yu, the poison flared up. Shi Tinghe then extorted money from him to buy the Ape-Demon Nine Heart Pill. Feng Chuanxiang refused outright and fled, only to be taken in by Wen Ruiqi. The poison spread to Wen Ruiqi, and when they realized it was incurable, they severed their own meridians and died—a tragic yet righteous end."

Zhong Chunji murmured, "Feng Chuanxiang was a noble man."

Tang Lici said, "Jiang Cheng and Feng Chuanxiang were also close friends. Jiang Cheng was determined to investigate Feng Chuanxiang's death and traced it back to Shi Tinghe. I suspect he intended to inform your master, Xue Xianzi, through you—or perhaps sought to find 'Golden Physician of the Bright Moon' Shui Duopo for a cure. Unfortunately, before he could meet you, he was slain by Shi Tinghe's sword. Chi Yun didn’t expect Shi Tinghe to draw his blade and kill, and in his fury at failing to intervene, he has now rushed to Yanmen."

Zhong Chunji lowered her head in silence for a long moment. "But before this, Chi Yun already knew about the Ape-Demon Nine Heart Pill."

Tang Lici smiled faintly. "Indeed. Before this, Chi Yun already knew about the Ape-Demon Nine Heart Pill—because I told him."

Zhong Chunji abruptly sat up. "You?""Wah—gurgle—eeh..." Suddenly, a pair of soft little hands grabbed her sleeve from behind. Her abrupt movement as she sat up startled the infant, who suddenly beamed with delight, giggling and clutching her sleeve while waving its arms excitedly. Tang Lici called out, "Feng Feng." The baby swallowed its laughter with a pitiful whimper, timidly retracting its hands and slowly crawling back under the blankets to hide. Zhong Chunji watched the little one bury its head under the covers and found it utterly amusing. "Is this your son? What an adorable child."

Tang Lici replied, "A friend's child. Quite well-behaved, all things considered." After a slight pause, he added, "The matter of the Ape-Demon Nine Heart Pill showed signs as early as last year, though the full truth is not something to be shared with outsiders."

Zhong Chunji grew even more puzzled, her gaze fixed on Tang Lici. His features were delicate and refined, though a faint scar traced his left brow, extending deep into his hairline—a remnant of what must have been a grievous injury. "Young Master Tang, as a member of the imperial family, why have you left the capital to wander the martial world? Aren’t you afraid your loved ones might worry?"

Tang Lici answered, "That is even less suitable for outsiders to know."

Zhong Chunji lowered her head to sip her tea, feeling distinctly awkward. How could someone speak like this? Repeatedly referring to her as an "outsider"—though technically true, it was undeniably rude. As a prized disciple of Xue Xianzi, she was accustomed to being treated with respect. Never before had she encountered someone so aloof and indifferent toward her.

"Your poison injury has yet to heal. I’ve paid for this room for another eight days. If you don’t mind, please stay and rest." Tang Lici picked up Feng Feng from the bed. "I have matters to attend to, so I’ll take my leave now."

Zhong Chunji hesitated. "But the innkeeper outside—" The woman had been killed—how could she stay for eight more days?

Tang Lici smiled faintly. "She was only drugged and will wake in a day. Rest well. If you see your master, Xue Xianzi, tell him Tang Lici sends his regards to an old friend."

Zhong Chunji was astonished. Struggling to rise from the bed, she asked, "You know my master?" If he was Xue Xianzi’s "old friend," wouldn’t that make him her martial uncle? That couldn’t be! Tang Lici neither confirmed nor denied it, merely offering another smile before departing.

Amid fluttering orioles and swallows, lush flowers and dense foliage, stood a grand estate deep in the heart of Jiangnan.

A young man in blue robes stood before vermilion gates, gazing skyward with a furrowed brow, his expression troubled.

"Young Hero Gu," sighed an elderly man with a black beard from within the gates. "Chi Yun likely won’t come today. There’s no need to keep vigil at the door. You’ve worked hard these past days."

The blue-clad youth shook his head. "His martial skills are unparalleled, and his movements unpredictable. I still can’t fathom his intentions for infiltrating Yanmen. I can’t rest easy."

Just then, the sound of hoofbeats approached. The young man turned to see a white horse dappled with plum blossom markings galloping in the distance. Astride it was a young woman in pale lavender robes, riding swiftly with her sleeves billowing in the wind—graceful and elegant, without a trace of brashness. It was Zhong Chunji.

Spotting the blue-clad youth standing with his hands behind his back, she let out a light laugh and abruptly reined in her horse. The steed, Plum Blossom, reared with a whinny as Zhong Chunji leaped from its back, landing as lightly as a plum petal carried by the breeze. Smiling, she greeted him, "Brother Gu, it’s been a while. How have you been?"The young man in blue smiled slightly and cupped his hands in greeting. "Sister Zhong, it's been a while. The streams and ponds have been as peaceful as ever." He gestured to the black-bearded elder beside him. "This is Jiang Feiyu, the master of Yanmen and father of 'Trusting Goose' Jiang Cheng." Zhong Chunji's heart trembled, her expression dimming. "Uncle Jiang." Jiang Feiyu stroked his beard. "A disciple of a renowned sect, your bearing is exceptional. Speaking of my unworthy son, it's been two months since he last met with you. Do you happen to know his whereabouts?" Zhong Chunji hesitated. "Well... Brother Jiang... Brother Jiang has already... at Little Swallow Lake..." She gritted her teeth. "He was killed by Shi Tinghe at Little Swallow Lake." Jiang Feiyu staggered back, exclaiming in shock, "So what Chi Yun said was... true?" Zhong Chunji asked, "Has Chi Yun already arrived at Yanmen?" The young man in blue replied, "Not only has he arrived, but he also trespassed into Yanmen's Yangao Pavilion without permission, ransacked everyone's quarters, and stole all the private letters. He kept insisting that Shi Tinghe killed Brother Jiang and that someone in Yanmen must have colluded with Shi Tinghe, providing him information so he could catch up to Brother Jiang at Little Swallow Lake and silence him... Could his words actually be true?" He took a step forward. "Sister Zhong, Shi Tinghe's chivalrous reputation is renowned throughout the land. How can I believe Chi Yun's one-sided claims?"

"Though he is from the underworld, I don't think he lied," Zhong Chunji said gloomily. "At Little Swallow Lake, I didn't see Brother Jiang—only Shi Tinghe's corpse." The young man in blue was puzzled. "Shi Tinghe's corpse? His martial arts were extraordinary, capable of defeating Yu Qifeng. How could he have been killed?" Zhong Chunji explained, "When I saw him, his body was covered in red spots—he had been poisoned. According to Chi Yun, Shi Tinghe ingested a poison that enhanced his strength, which was how he defeated Yu Qifeng. He died under Chi Yun's blade because the poison took effect, leaving him too weak to fight back." Jiang Feiyu's expression darkened. "Did Shi Tinghe poison himself, or was it Chi Yun who administered it?" The young man in blue shook his head. "I've never heard of Chi Yun using poison. If he knew how, he would have used it against me yesterday when we fought, but he chose to retreat instead of risking his life."

Zhong Chunji lowered her gaze to the hem of her robe. "Though Chi Yun has a peculiar temper, I believe his words. Besides, he saved me... If he had poisoned Shi Tinghe, he could have easily killed me too, leaving no witnesses. Yet he rescued me from others." She thought to herself that both men were strange in their own ways, and it was best to avoid mentioning Tang Lici. After all, the two were master and servant—it still counted as Chi Yun saving her. The young man in blue exclaimed in surprise, "He saved you? Why didn't he mention it?" Zhong Chunji realized he didn’t know about "him" saving her either and suddenly found it amusing, her lips curling slightly. "He..."“When the hell did I save you? Little girl spouting nonsense, don’t go crediting some white-furred fox’s petty favors to me!” A cold voice suddenly rang out from above. Zhong Chunji was startled, her face instantly flushing crimson. Having rarely lied in her life, she was now caught red-handed. She stamped her foot, at a loss for how to explain.

The blue-clad youth and Jiang Feiyu both looked up. Perched atop the vermilion gate, a white-robed man sat with one leg crossed over the other, gazing down at them with disdain. “Wiping out your Yanmen Sect wouldn’t even take me half an effort. If I really wanted to poison Shi Tinghe to death, why the hell would I waste days messing around with you lot? I’d have just cut you down one by one and been done with it.”

Jiang Feiyu’s voice was hoarse. “Is Jiang Cheng really dead?”

Chi Yun replied, “Dead as dead can be. I know you’re grieving, but I can’t exactly say he’s alive just to make you feel better.”

Jiang Feiyu was overcome with sorrow. The blue-clad youth steadied him, his expression complicated. It was clear he couldn’t bring himself to believe Chi Yun’s words so quickly.

Watching his reaction from atop the gate, Chi Yun sneered. “The righteous factions of the Central Plains—a bunch of worthless scum. Since you don’t believe me, I’ll introduce you to someone. My words might be harsh, but what he says… I’m sure you’ll love hearing it.”

"Who's there?" Several figures emerged from within Yanmen, led by a man in green robes with a sword at his waist, frowning at Chi Yun perched on the gate. "Since you claim to be a friend rather than a foe, could you come down and speak more politely?" Chi Yun gazed skyward. "I ain't coming down. Whatcha gonna do about it?" The man drew his sword angrily. "Do you think Yanmen is a place you can insult and come and go as you please?" Chi Yun retorted, "Isn't it?" The man trembled with rage. "You... you..." Zhong Chunji felt both embarrassed and furious, yet also amused. She had experienced Chi Yun's sharp tongue before—no wonder Piao Zhongqu, Yanmen's most upright "Iron Goose," was so incensed. Chi Yun continued, "If you're old and lack self-restraint, keep your mouth shut. Look at you shaking—your footwork's terrible. In a fight, you'd probably topple with one hook." The man froze. While his hand techniques were superb, his lower-body skills were indeed his weakness. Clutching his sword, he glared at Chi Yun on the gate, torn between attacking or backing down, his face twisted with indignation.

"How long do you plan to sit up there?" someone outside asked calmly. "Is that any way to speak to a senior of the martial world?" The Yanmen disciples, previously agitated, suddenly found these words the most soothing they'd ever heard—each syllable a pearl of wisdom, articulating the very principles they'd wished to voice but couldn't. Chi Yun snorted from the gate. "How should I talk, then?" The outsider smiled. "Naturally, with a smile, humble and gentle. No wonder Yanmen banished you instead of inviting you in for tea." Jiang Feiyu was still grieving his son's death when the blue-robed youth released him and strode forward, swinging the gates open. Outside stood a plainly dressed young man cradling an infant, his features delicate and his expression serene. Though Jiang Feiyu prided himself on his worldly experience, he couldn't place the stranger. The youth smiled slightly. "Chi Yun?" A breeze stirred behind the blue-robed boy as Chi Yun floated down, dusting himself off grudgingly. "Fine, you win," he muttered, then pointed coldly at the newcomer. "This guy's surnamed Tang—Tang Lici."The blue-clad youth was stunned and at a loss for words. Zhong Chunji quickly explained, "This Young Master Tang is the adopted son of the current emperor's father-in-law." Upon hearing he was related to royalty, Jiang Feiyu grew uneasy. "Young Master, with your noble status, what brings you to such a place?" Tang Lici, carrying Feng Feng in his arms, stepped inside. Zhong Chunji introduced him, "This is 'Gentleman of Clear Stream' Gu Xitan, this is Jiang Feiyu, leader of Yanmen Sect—Uncle Jiang, and this is 'Iron Goose' Piao Zhongqu—Uncle Piao."

Tang Lici smiled faintly. "I cannot properly greet the esteemed seniors with my hands full. Please forgive my discourtesy." Piao Zhongqu eyed the infant in his arms and thought to himself that this man was utterly improper. Even if he truly was a royal relative, so what? Those in the martial world should avoid dealings with such people. He snorted and made no reply.

Gu Xitan asked, "Young Master Tang, with your noble standing, what urgent matter brings you personally to Yanmen?"

Tang Lici replied, "I wouldn’t dare presume. I left the capital on other business, but there is one matter I must clarify with Yanmen." He glanced at Chi Yun and smiled slightly. "I hadn’t planned to intrude, but I feared that sending a certain someone alone would only stir up chaos and unrest. Uneasy at heart, I decided to trouble you all instead." Chi Yun glared at him furiously, but Tang Lici ignored it, his demeanor as warm as spring.

Piao Zhongqu said coldly, "A small place like Yanmen can hardly accommodate someone of your stature. What is this matter?"

Tang Lici answered, "Jiang Cheng discovered that Feng Chuanxiang’s death was linked to Shi Tinghe. He went to Little Swallow Lake to meet Miss Zhong. Who else in Yanmen knew about this?"

Piao Zhongqu replied icily, "The sect leader and I both knew. Are you implying that the two of us are involved with some poison?"

Tang Lici smiled faintly. "Since Jiang Cheng died over this matter, don’t you find the implications grave? This affair involves Shi Tinghe, Chi Yun, and Miss Zhong—one a righteous young hero, another the supreme leader of the underworld, and the last representing the esteemed Xue Xianzi of the martial world. It suggests the matter has far-reaching consequences. If Yanmen can provide any leads, it would be a blessing for the martial world."Upon hearing these words, Pu Zhongqu was taken aback, and Jiang Feiyu tensed. "Young Master Tang speaks wisely," he said, lifting his head. "Jiang Cheng became involved due to the death of a close friend, but I wonder how Chi... how you became entangled in this matter?" Chi Yun stiffened slightly, glancing at Tang Lici, who sighed softly. "Senior, are you aware of the Bai family's 'Mingyue Tianyi,' Miss Bai's disappearance from home?" Jiang Feiyu pondered for a moment. "I have heard of it, but..." Tang Lici continued, "Bai Suche is Chi Yun's betrothed. Chi Yun once did the Bai family a great favor, and two years ago, Bai Yuming of the Bai household agreed to wed Bai Suche to Chi Yun in gratitude for saving his life. However, before the two could meet more than a few times, Bai Suche inexplicably left home and has been missing for over a year. Chi Yun has been investigating this matter, and it seems Bai Suche's disappearance may also be connected to that Poison."

Jiang Feiyu's expression shifted. "In that case, today I shall gather my disciples and question them one by one to uncover who leaked the information. If not for a traitor's betrayal, Cheng'er would never have arranged to meet Zhong Chunji at Little Swallow Lake, nor would he have died at Shi Tinghe's hands!" Tang Lici nodded in agreement, and Jiang Feiyu invited him inside for tea. Zhong Chunji, still dwelling on her earlier lie about being saved by Tang Lici, suddenly recalled his words: "One should naturally wear a smile, humble and gentle—unlike you, no wonder the Yanmen sect expelled you and didn’t even offer you tea." She stifled a laugh. Indeed, this man spoke with humility and gentleness, always smiling—no wonder Yanmen had invited him for tea. She stole a glance at Chi Yun, who wore an expression of disdain as he followed behind Tang Lici, picking up Feng Feng in his arms while the Yanmen disciples gaped in astonishment.

A few days later, Qinghe Daoren of Wudang arrived at Yanmen and spoke sorrowfully of Shi Tinghe's death. He also mentioned that several sects in the Martial Arts World had discovered disciples consuming strange Poisons, leading to incurable plagues—a dire situation. When Jiang Feiyu asked whether the Martial Arts Alliance leader Jiangnan Feng was aware of this, Qinghe Daoren replied that since the Jiangnan Manor was destroyed by Wei Beiyin, Jiangnan Feng had retreated into seclusion with his son, vanishing without a trace. Their safety was uncertain. Moreover, after Bai Nanzhu's death, "Heaven's Eye" Yuxiu, "White Hair" Rongyin, and the divine physician Qiyang had all become elusive, rumored to be searching for the long-missing Young Master Shengxiang. It was unlikely they could contribute to this matter in the near future.

Upon hearing this news, everyone sighed, feeling that the battles against Li Ling'an years ago, as well as the siege against Shang Xuan and Bai Nanzhu, now seemed like a distant dream. The once-united heroes had scattered, and it seemed impossible to recreate the triumphs of the past.

Martial Arts veterans gathered at Yanmen to discuss Shi Tinghe's death, yet Xue Xianzi remained conspicuously absent. Zhong Chunji sighed inwardly—her master had likely dismissed her earnest letter as a trivial matter, paying it no heed. Chi Yun and Tang Lici stayed in the guest quarters at Yanmen, paying no attention to the various opinions and debates among the senior martial artists regarding Shi Tinghe's demise.