Jiao Shiqiao and Yang Guihua spurred their horses in pursuit, galloping several miles in the direction Tang Lici had broken through. They crossed two hills, but the man had vanished like a wild goose, leaving no trace behind. When they reached a point where they could no longer discern the path, they had no choice but to give up. Exchanging a glance, Yang Guihua sighed softly, "He was even faster than a galloping horse." Jiao Shiqiao gazed into the distance, "Is there truly no chance for even a conversation? If the princess doesn't return in time, won't he be doomed to die at Good Cloud Mountain?"
"Perhaps he has his own methods of delay. Regardless, he did manage to hold out," Yang Guihua said. "At least our relentless journey day and night wasn't in vain." Jiao Shiqiao pondered for a moment, "Now that he's gone, tracking him again will be nearly impossible. We’ve taken charge of the thousand-strong force at Good Cloud Mountain and shouldn’t complicate matters further. Besides, if Yu Konghou is truly as formidable as the princess claims, he will surely seek to harm her. We should return first." Yang Guihua nodded, and the two tugged their reins, riding back side by side.
At Good Cloud Mountain, Yu Konghou stood gracefully before the crowd, his peach-colored robes picturesque, a faint smile on his face as he watched Hong Guniang seated amidst the throng. Adorned with phoenix hairpins and resplendent robes, Hong Guniang sat with dignified poise. She raised her sleeves slightly, inviting everyone to take their seats before standing and bowing deeply to the assembly.
Meng Qinglei and the others were startled, hastily stepping aside. "Hong Guniang, what are you—"
After completing her bow, Hong Guniang spoke, her voice trembling, "Xiao Hong was once ignorant and served under the Dissolute Shop, committing acts that harmed the common people. Now that this foolish dream has ended, I stand irrevocably opposed to the Dissolute Shop. I beg for your forgiveness, esteemed elders." As she spoke, tears welled up and streamed down her jade-like cheeks, evoking deep sympathy. The leaders of various martial sects hurried to console her, while Emei disciples helped her up, whispering words of comfort.
Yu Konghou watched her tears coldly. Women were adept at deception—no matter how many transformations he mastered, this skill of shedding tears was beyond him. Tang Lici had deliberately prolonged the battle, clearly having arranged for Xiao Hong to return and stabilize the situation. Now this girl, under imperial decree, had taken control of the Central Plains Sword Association. Was he to simply hand over the situation he had painstakingly built? Moreover, by letting Tang Lici escape, his next move might very well target Pu Zhu. If Pu Zhu were swayed to openly break ties, the entire situation could flip.
This thousand-strong force of the Central Plains Sword Association was poised to attack Piaoling Mei Yuan. If left under Xiao Hong’s command—
Under the command of this traitorous girl, Gui Mudan might not hold out, and the Dissolute Shop could face total annihilation.
And if Tang Lici succeeded in persuading Pu Zhu, even Yu Konghou’s own standing would be shaken. The condemnation of thousands would no longer be directed at Tang Lici, but at himself.
Tang Lici’s schemes ran deep indeed. But—a surge of killing intent rose in Yu Konghou’s heart. Aren’t you afraid I’ll turn hostile now, kill Xiao Hong on the spot, and burn down the Hall of Sharp Virtue? Let’s see how this leaderless mob of a thousand scrambles to their deaths then! Ha!
Clenching his fists, he calculated the opportune moment to strike when suddenly, several disciples of the Azure Fall Palace near Hong Guniang stood and bowed toward the entrance. Cheng Yunpao turned around, and Meng Qinglei’s face lit up with joy. The crisp sound of jade ornaments echoed as a few figures entered leisurely. At the forefront was a man with tousled hair, his white robes slightly wrinkled, as if they had been tossed onto a bed and rolled around in before sleep—utterly devoid of any dashing charm.This person was undoubtedly Fu Zhumei. Behind him stood someone dressed in light blue robes, elegant and gentle in appearance, looking even younger than his actual age—this was Wan Yu Yuedan.
Yu Konghou's heart gave a slight jolt. The person in front!
This was the masked man in white who had struck him from several zhang away with a single blade strike, drawing blood.
His blade flashed like moonlight, swift as snowfall that startles gods and ghosts.
Yet the gazes of the others all fell upon Wan Yu Yuedan. The unfamiliar young man who had opened the door was unknown to the crowd, assumed to be a disciple of Azure Fall Palace. Meng Qinglei and Qi Xing called out in unison, "Palace Master Wan Yu!"
Wan Yu Yuedan smiled and nodded. Bi Lianyi quickly stepped forward to stand behind him, while Tie Jing brought over a chair. He settled comfortably into it, his clear black-and-white eyes open as he spoke softly, "I’ve heard that the Central Plains Sword Association has gathered forces to march against Dissolute Shop. Though Azure Fall Palace is of little consequence, we wish to offer our humble assistance."
His words instantly invigorated the crowd, filling every face with joy. A single statement from Wan Yu Yuedan carried far more weight than the imperial decree Hong Guniang had brought. Immediately, voices rose, clamoring to set out the next day—to eradicate Dissolute Shop and burn the Ape-Demon Nine Heart Pills to ashes!
Wan Yu Yuedan did not object, his eyes slightly narrowing. Though he could not see, the faint movement of his gaze was strikingly beautiful. Hong Guniang waved her hand, and Yang Guihua approached to invite Wan Yu Yuedan to sit beside her. Wan Yu Yuedan stood and said gently, "Princess, it has been a while. I trust you’ve been well?" Hong Guniang smiled faintly and inclined her head in return. "Thanks to Palace Master Wan Yu’s care, I am deeply grateful." Yang Guihua ordered her guards to bring the finest chair in the hall, personally draping it with a soft and luxurious cushion before inviting Wan Yu Yuedan to take his seat. Without demurring, he sat down gracefully. With the two of them seated side by side, the crowd felt an overwhelming sense of reassurance, their confidence for the next day’s endeavor soaring inexplicably.
Hmph. Yu Konghou retreated slowly, blending into the crowd. Wan Yu Yuedan had arrived with his followers, now aligned with Xiao Hong. Any move against them now would be at a disadvantage. Fury surged in his heart, yet he suddenly laughed, unable to deny a grudging admiration for Tang Lici. Right under his nose, this man had orchestrated such a situation without a single tell—leaving him truly caught between a rock and a hard place.
Ten Thousand Blessings Inn.
Late at night, A Shui was still awake. The wound on her chest no longer pained her as much, though she didn’t know whether it was due to Ten Thousand Apertures House’s miraculous medicine or the fever that had dulled her senses. Feng Feng slept beside her, his faint baby scent and soft breathing soothing her racing heart. Though her mind remained unsettled, it also felt strangely calm—enough to let go, if only a little.
A faint tap sounded, like something hitting the floor. She opened her eyes, and in that instant, the door swung open abruptly. A cool night breeze rushed in, followed by a massive shadow swooping into the room like an eagle, swift yet utterly silent. Startled, she barely had time to react before the door closed again just as swiftly. For a moment, she wondered if she had seen a ghost.
"Cough… cough …" Violent coughing erupted in the room, followed by a thud as someone collapsed to the floor. She gasped, "Who’s there?"
Almost simultaneously, the fallen person spoke, "Don’t sit down yet—how do you feel?"A Shui struggled to sit up and lit the oil lamp. In the flickering light, she saw a figure in white robes with gray hair, drenched in blood, leaning heavily against the table while coughing violently—it was Tang Lici. The person sprawled on the ground, clad in black, was none other than Liu Yan. She gasped in shock, "Young Master Tang..."
Tang Lici coughed for a while before spitting out a mouthful of blood, his face flushed as if drunk. Liu Yan's expression darkened. "Yu Konghou's palm strike was truly devastating. Had you not carried me for twenty miles, your condition might not be this severe." Tang Lici gave a faint smile and shook his head, his voice gentle. "If I hadn't brought you back, that little girl would have hated me to the bone." A Shui stared at him blankly, and upon hearing these words, her heart suddenly warmed, her eyes inexplicably reddening.
"Young Master Tang." Shen Langhun and Yu Tuan'er, awakened by the commotion, pushed open the door just in time to hear his words. Yu Tuan'er's face flushed as she murmured, "I... I... I never knew you were such a good person." Tang Lici coughed several more times, blood staining the corners of his lips. He glanced at Shen Langhun. "Hong Guniang arrived in time, so the expedition to Piaoling Mei Yuan should proceed without issue... Everything has gone as planned." Shen Langhun gave a bitter smile. Was there anything that didn't go according to this young master's plans? With a single word, he could command death—let alone a scheme he had painstakingly orchestrated. As Tang Lici caught his breath, he continued, "He..."
The "he" he referred to was Liu Yan. Shen Langhun fixed his gaze on the man who had murdered his wife, on that face he had personally flayed beyond recognition. His expression shifted slightly as Tang Lici struggled through several labored breaths before barely managing to say, "He killed your wife under Yu Konghou's instigation. Back then, Yu Konghou demanded he kill someone to prove his worthiness as the leader of Dissolute Shop. On the road, he happened upon you and your wife, so... that's why..." He couldn't finish the long sentence, breaking into another fit of violent coughing. "That's why he killed her..."
"Murder is murder. Kindness is kindness, vengeance is vengeance." As Tang Lici spoke, Shen Langhun's face turned deathly pale, his tone eerily calm. "He killed He Niang. No matter what you say, I will never forgive him."
The moment these words left his lips, Yu Tuan'er's expression changed instantly. She stepped in front of Liu Yan, blocking Shen Langhun. "What do you think you're doing?" Shen Langhun raised his hand, but Yu Tuan'er stood her ground defiantly. His gaze wavered. On the day he had flayed Liu Yan's face, he had vowed, "If you ever meet a tender-hearted woman who doesn't scorn your disfigured face, I will kill every single one of them."
But faced with Yu Tuan'er's furious glare, his raised hand hesitated. With his martial prowess, killing countless Yu Tuan'ers would be effortless. Yet he knew better than anyone how innocent she was—her love for Liu Yan was pure, untainted by any ulterior motives.
A bloodstained sleeve slowly extended, shielding Yu Tuan'er and Liu Yan behind it. Tang Lici coughed once more, spitting another mouthful of blood. "I won't let anyone..."
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