Zhan Zhao Adventures

(One)

The youth in yellow turned his head and stared at Mu Xiu Quan's corpse for a long moment before finally comprehending what had happened.

Without any reason, in just this single night, he had already provoked two major factions: the Tang Sect and Prosperous Cloud Manor.

He sighed.

He was young, not yet at an age for sighing.

His experience in the martial world was ultimately still too little. The hearts of people in this world, he ultimately still could not understand.

He scanned his surroundings, his eyes filled with confusion. Who had thrown the short halberd? Since they had already struck twice, why wouldn't they meet him face to face?

Wherever his gaze fell, all he saw were the shrinking faces of a dozen or so distant onlookers, who flinched further under his stare.

Turning back, his beloved dog still lay on the ground. That childhood companion, now separated by the boundary between life and death. For a moment, he felt as if he were the only solitary soul left between heaven and earth.

He approached San'er gently and instructed, "Innkeeper, I'll trouble you to bury him. He carries poison, so be careful not to touch his body."

With a flick of his right hand, a large silver ingot landed on the counter with a "thud."

He lowered his head, and a single tear dripped onto the cold ground.

The plump innkeeper couldn't help but sigh as well. "Young master, please rest assured. I'll have the servants carry him to the back first. Once the rain stops, we'll bury him on the hill behind the courtyard." He called over a few attendants, found some wooden planks, and moved San'er's body onto them before carrying him away.

When the youth in yellow turned back, he discovered that the frail boy had disappeared in the chaos. He uttered a surprised "Huh?" and his slender eyebrows furrowed.

While searching around, he finally spotted a small figure sneaking toward the courtyard gate under the flickering candlelight, clearly trying to escape in the confusion.

Just as he was about to give chase, the boy let out a sharp cry and stumbled backward, as if he had collided with something at the gate.

A blue-maned horse charged into the courtyard like a whirlwind, followed by over a dozen soldiers.

The man sitting arrogantly astride the blue-maned horse hadn't even dismounted before bellowing loudly, "Old Cai! With such heavy rain, you're still sitting inside? Have your legs broken? My soldiers have been drenched for an hour already! Hurry up and prepare ginger soup and hot water! — Hey! You consumptive brat! Are you blind and seeking death? Running right into my horse!"

The plump Innkeeper Cai forced a smile as he hurried out, bowing and scraping. But his smile was stiff on his face, looking even more pitiful than tears. This night, he had encountered far too many misfortunes; he had already forced out far too many smiles.

"So it's Captain Feng from Xiangyang Royal Mansion! Captain Feng, you just visited this humble establishment this morning. I never expected you'd return. — I was just about to report to the authorities, and here you are. Aren't you just like a living deity, foreseeing events?"

"What? Report to the authorities? Old Cai, I, Feng Shao, am a dignified captain of the royal mansion. These past few days, I've been running myself ragged chasing after the mansion's wanted criminal. Why are you bothering me with some trivial matter?"

"Sir, it's not trivial. It's murder. Over a dozen lives."With chest puffed out and belly thrust forward, Captain Feng had already dismounted. The inn attendant had hurriedly rushed into the rain and led his horse to the stable.

"Treason! Treason! Though this isn't Xiangyang, it's still under Xiangyang's jurisdiction! How dare anyone commit crimes against their superiors!—Where is the murderer?"

Just as Captain Feng was about to step into the inn's main hall, he caught sight of a young man in a short jacket and yellow robe, holding a bamboo umbrella, emerging from the hall. The youth helped up the child who lay in the mud—the "sickly brat" who had nearly been trampled by his horse.

His fish-like eyes narrowed insolently as he boomed, "Old Cai, this pretty boy isn't one of your inn's people, is he?"

The yellow-robed youth raised his eyebrows, a flash of murderous intent appearing and vanishing from his face. He turned and led the boy into the main hall. Captain Feng, caught by his gaze, couldn't help but shudder. The innkeeper hurriedly explained, "This young master is indeed a guest of our establishment.—Captain Feng, please come quickly to the main hall to see for yourself."

Captain Feng was about to question further when he noticed the youth's extraordinary bearing, luxurious attire, and the gleaming pearl on his lapel—clear signs of someone with connections. Hesitating, he swallowed back a sharp rebuke. His frustration naturally turned toward the plump Innkeeper Cai: "Old Cai, are you trying to rush me to my death?"

Venting his anger on Old Cai, he led his men into the main hall.

The smell of blood assaulted them.

Captain Feng quickly spotted the corpses of the Prosperous Cloud Manor's men!

He couldn't help but freeze!

Despite serving in the powerful Xiangyang Royal Mansion and having experienced countless battles, the gruesome scene in the hall still made his heart race with fear.

"Treason! Treason! Where is the murderer? Where is he?" Though his words remained bold, his knees began to tremble faintly.

Innkeeper Cai cautiously asked, "Are you asking about those who killed these people?—They've already left."

Captain Feng immediately felt as if a weight had been lifted. He slammed the table forcefully. "Outrageous! How dare you let the criminals escape?"

Terrified, Innkeeper Cai dropped to his knees with a thud. "Captain Feng, I'm innocent! Those three were highly skilled martial artists, killing without batting an eye. How could a humble commoner like me stop them? All the guests here can testify for me! I beg you to investigate thoroughly!"

"Old Cai, why are you so frightened? Captain Feng isn't blaming you specifically."

A constable stepped forward and kicked Innkeeper Cai. "Get up! Hurry and bring out your best wine and dishes. Say a few more nice words, and Captain Feng won't hold it against you."

Innkeeper Cai assented and left.

The constable then approached Captain Feng, smiling ingratiatingly. "Captain Feng, Commander Shao is nearby. Since a murder has occurred here, it might be connected to the royal fugitive from the mansion. Why not invite him to investigate? It would save you the trouble. What do you think?"

The words reminded Captain Feng. He repeatedly agreed, "Reasonable! Reasonable! Men, men, quickly light the soaring signal flare!"

A soldier promptly responded, took out a flare, and lit it. He walked into the courtyard. With a sharp hiss, a red light pierced the rain curtain, transforming into the shape of a massive white longsword that lingered in the stormy sky.

The yellow-robed youth, who had initially disdained dealing with the soldiers and was about to lead the boy away from the hall back to his room, paused at the sight of the signal flare. Surprisingly, he returned to his seat in the corner of the room.Captain Feng had already directed his subordinates to clear the corpses aside and boldly took a seat at one of the tables.

The kitchen attendant had stoked the stove until it was blazing hot, then served ginger tea and hot beverages. Manager Cai personally attended to the guests, instructing the kitchen to prepare dishes and fine wine.

In no time, the thick scent of blood in the room dissipated, replaced by the aroma of stir-fried dishes. The clamor of the soldiers now drowned out the sound of wind and rain outside. Were it not for the corpses in the corner, no one would believe a dazzlingly fierce battle had just taken place here.

As Manager Cai served wine and dishes, he smiled ingratiatingly and said, "Captain Feng, with your signal released, might there be other distinguished guests arriving? This humble establishment would like to prepare early to receive them promptly."

Hearing this, Captain Feng's square face tilted upward proudly as he boomed, "Naturally. When he arrives shortly, you must serve him carefully. Old Cai, his official rank is exalted—not as easy to deal with as I am."

Manager Cai hurriedly brought over a pot of freshly heated wine, poured him a cup, and cautiously asked, "Captain Feng, who exactly is this distinguished guest of yours? Please enlighten this old Cai and broaden my horizons."

Flattered by the praise, Captain Feng grew even more pleased with himself and declared loudly, "This gentleman, of course, is none other than Lord Shao Jizu, the 'Bloodless Trace,' ranked first under the command of our Prince of Xiangyang!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the young man in yellow spat out a mouthful of wine with a "pfft," as if it had gone down the wrong way. He coughed incessantly, his face flushing bright red.

Captain Feng continued, "Not only is Lord Shao renowned for his official prestige and peerless martial skills, but he has also received an imperial decree to marry Miss Linglong of Exquisite Mountain Villa in the near future. If not for hunting down the imperial fugitive from Xiangyang Royal Mansion, his lordship would not condescend to visit these parts. When he arrives, you must summon all your energy and serve him well."

While the others pricked up their ears, listening to his boastful tales, the young man in yellow grew increasingly pale.

Ever since the name "Shao Jizu" left Captain Feng's lips, he had looked as if he had seen a ghost.

The thin boy sitting beside him, his clothes still dripping muddy water, kept glancing at his face, unable to contain his curiosity.

—Even when facing powerful enemies, this young man in yellow always remained smiling and composed. Why did the name "Bloodless Trace" Shao Jizu affect him like a nemesis?

Little did he know that the young man in yellow wished he could flee immediately. Yet, the youth also understood that leaving now would only draw attention. So, he continued to pour wine for himself, forcing an appearance of calm, though his hands trembled slightly.

Just then, the sound of hoofbeats echoed from afar through the wind and rain.

Judging by the noise, dozens of riders were galloping toward the inn. The people in the main hall fell silent, leaving only the howling wind and rain audible.

The hoofbeats drew nearer, yet no clamor of voices could be heard—clearly, these were well-trained elite cavalry. In an instant, they had reached the entrance.

Captain Feng breathed a sigh of relief and exclaimed, "This must be Lord Shao arriving with his elite cavalry!" He stood up, pulled Manager Cai along, and headed out with the crowd to welcome them.

The young man in yellow had been waiting for precisely this moment of chaos, when people were coming and going.He raised a finger to his lips, signaling the boy to be quiet, then took advantage of the chaos to swiftly retreat into the inn using his lightness skill. Since the exit was blocked, the only option was to take refuge inside the inn.

A flash of yellow, swift as a startled swan, and his figure vanished!

(2)

Seeing the situation turning unfavorable, the youth in the yellow robe hurriedly sought refuge in the inn's side rooms. In his haste, he tried pushing several doors on the west side, only to find them locked.

By now, the commotion outside had grown louder, accompanied by the shouts and footsteps of soldiers, as well as the clashing of weapons—it seemed the search had already begun.

Growing more anxious, the youth in the yellow robe suddenly spotted a small room in the corner of the courtyard. He dashed over, pushed the door, and found it unlocked. Immediately, he slipped inside and closed the door behind him.

Scanning the room, he found it empty and devoid of hiding spots, causing a cold sweat to break out on his back.

As the noise outside grew increasingly intense, his desperation mounted. He lowered his head and scrambled under the bed.

The wooden bed was large, with curtains hanging low enough to touch the floor. Though dim, there was still some space beneath it.

Once under the bed, he immediately crawled toward the corner.

Suddenly, his foot bumped into something soft, startling him—someone else was already hiding under the bed!

Just as he was about to cry out in surprise, a hand reached out and, in the darkness, precisely covered his mouth.

He shuddered, his heart racing even faster. In his panic, he struggled fiercely.

The space under the bed was cramped, and though the hand had been placed with uncanny accuracy, it seemed to lack strength. With a single twist, he managed to break free.

The youth never expected that, of all places, someone else would be hiding under the same bed. As he tried to turn and look, two icy fingers swiftly pressed against the vital point at the back of his neck, holding firm without applying pressure. A hushed voice whispered, "Shh, don't make a sound!"

No sooner had the words been spoken than the door to the side room was kicked open with a loud "bang!" Several pairs of boots entered, pacing around and rummaging through the room as if searching for something. Then, two blades were thrust under the bed. Fortunately, the wooden bed was large enough, and the weapons did not reach the two hiding beneath.

A soldier's voice could be heard saying, "It's raining outside, but there are no footprints in this room. It doesn't look like anyone came in here. No need to search further." Footsteps followed as the men departed.

The youth in the yellow robe couldn't help but feel a surge of pride, thinking that his lightness skill, which left no trace even on snow, had easily fooled them. But then he remembered the fingers pressed against his neck, and his heart grew cold again.

A long while later, the courtyard fell silent, as if everyone in the inn was holding their breath. Then, footsteps approached, the sound of leather boots splashing through puddles on the ground, suggesting the newcomer was someone of importance.

After a moment, a voice slowly asked, "Have you found any clues about that person?"

The voice was slightly hoarse but carried a heavy, authoritative tone. Under the bed in the side room, the youth in the yellow robe trembled involuntarily.

Someone else replied respectfully, "Sir, the inn's waiter recognized the person in the portrait, but we've searched everywhere and found no trace of him. Perhaps the waiter misidentified him? Or maybe the person left long after committing the murder?"The first person remained silent for a long time, as if pondering for a while, then said, "In my opinion, those people from Prosperous Cloud Manor in the inn were not killed by him."

Another person asked, "How does Your Excellency come to that conclusion?"

The first person replied, "He has never had any enmity with the people of Prosperous Cloud Manor, so why would he kill them for no reason? Given his current situation, he must conceal his tracks and escape as quickly as possible—how could he afford to provoke new enemies? Moreover, didn’t you notice that all the dead had blade wounds, not sword wounds? Those wounds turned blue, most likely caused by the Tang Sect’s poisoned blades."

The second person said, "But what would the Tang Sect be doing here?"

The first person said leisurely, "The Tang Sect has always adhered to the principle of not provoking others unless provoked. The Xiangyang Royal Mansion holds great power, and there are Tang Sect disciples in Jinshi Hall. At this moment, they are certainly not targeting us. The only thing I suspect is the short halberd that struck Mu Xiu Quan."

The second person said, "But I have already questioned Manager Cai. No one in the main hall saw where that short halberd came from—it was as if it descended from the sky like a ghost."

The first person said, "The reason I suspect it is that the force behind that halberd was very peculiar."

The second person asked, "What other concerns does Your Excellency have?"

The first person said, "That short halberd is heavy—it is Ge Yun Fei’s family heirloom weapon. Mu Xiu Quan, as the second-in-command of Prosperous Cloud Manor, is already a top-tier master in the martial world. To kill him by throwing the halberd, the throw must be swift, requiring immense force. Yet, the halberd that struck Mu Xiu Quan only penetrated his throat by three-tenths of an inch, without piercing through. This clearly indicates that someone used the short halberd with refined skill to kill him. And to execute such refined skill, the martial arts of the perpetrator must be extraordinary. So why go through such trouble instead of killing him directly with brute force?"

The second person said, "Could it be that this person intentionally concealed their martial arts style?"

The first person fell silent for a moment before finally saying slowly, "Perhaps this person could no longer use powerful techniques and could only kill with refined skill."

The youth in the yellow robe, holding his breath and listening up to this point, felt a flash of insight in his mind, as if he had thought of something, but he couldn’t quite grasp what it was.

Then he heard the second person say, "Does Your Excellency suspect that besides the Tang Sect, there is someone else involved?"

The first person snorted and still spoke slowly, "Whether there is someone else is difficult to determine quickly. Right now, we have the prince’s strict orders and cannot be delayed by trivial matters. Capturing that person is the priority. In my estimation, he cannot have gone far. It has been raining heavily for days, the mountain paths are treacherous, and I have already requested the prince to issue a strict order—all routes out of the city have been cut off. The prince’s personal troops have secured all courier stations, and all horse markets have been suspended. Even if he tries to flee, he would find it impossible to escape!"

Hearing this, the youth in the yellow robe couldn’t help but inwardly lament repeatedly. With the courier stations sealed and the main roads blocked, how could he reach his destination? Moreover, with the livestock markets closed, he wouldn’t even be able to buy a horse for the journey. His mind in turmoil, he no longer heard the rest of the conversation. By the time he regained his composure, the clamor of voices and horses outside had grown chaotic—clearly, the officers and soldiers were departing.

After a while, the sound of hoofbeats gradually faded into the distance, mingling with the wind and rain. Later, aside from the howling wind and pouring rain, everything fell silent. The inn attendant grumbled as he came in and locked the door.The young man could no longer restrain himself. As soon as the waiter had gone some distance, he shrank his body and shot forward like lightning. He had already calculated all the possible angles from which the person behind him might strike; he would rather risk injury than be controlled by another. Strangely, however, the hand pressing against the back of his neck did not follow through with the expected force.

Once free, the youth immediately rolled away from the bed, and with a swift motion of his hands, the wooden bed silently split into two halves. He lowered his voice and demanded, "Who are you?!"

A figure slowly rose from beside the divided bed.

Amid the swirling dust, his features were unclear, but one could vaguely make out that he was dressed in black and held a broad bamboo hat in his left hand.

The young man was taken aback. "It's you?!"

Then a calm voice spoke: "My earlier offense was truly unavoidable. I beg for your forgiveness, young master."

The youth in yellow retreated two steps, as if he hadn't heard the words.

Before his eyes, scenes flashed one after another, vivid and alive.

—Ge Yun Fei's right halberd flying from his hand.

—The blinding speed that felt like it could pierce one's skin.

—The steady hand that executed the move with effortless ease.

—The hand gripping the halberd.

—The black sleeve covering the arm.

—The broad bamboo hat obscuring most of the face.

—Mu Xiu Quan's bulging eyes.

—The right halberd embedded in his neck.

He blinked hard. "It's you?!"

The stirred-up dust had begun to settle.

The man stood clearly before him.

He was very young.

His face was pale and gaunt, marked by exhaustion and weariness.

Yet, even through the fatigue and pallor, one could not miss the noble spirit beneath his sharp brows and bright eyes. A quiet composure lay hidden within his handsome features, subtle and restrained.

—"Who are you?"

—"Was it you who caught Ge Yun Fei's 'Flying Halberd'? Was it you who killed Mu Xiu Quan? Why are you hiding here too?" The youth in yellow fired off questions without pausing for breath.

The black-clad young man merely responded with a gentle, refined smile.

"I am but a nameless nobody, hardly worth mentioning. Yet you, young master, are surely no ordinary person. The legendary weapon 'Yin Yang An' is in your grasp, and your 'A Startling Glance' lightness skill is peerless. You must have ties to the Exquisite Mountain Villa. Might I inquire your esteemed name?"

Hearing the respectful tone, the youth couldn't help but feel a surge of pride, momentarily floating on air, completely unaware that the other had deftly avoided answering his barrage of questions.

"You even know about Yin Yang An? It seems even if I don't tell you, you'll figure it out sooner or later."

His large eyes shifted mischievously. "I, I, my surname is Huo. I'm Huo Xiao Di."

Then, with a playful glance at the other's face, he added, "Might as well be honest—Huo Xiao Di isn't my real name, you know. Well, I've told you mine, so what about you? Who are you?"

Amused by his impishness, a faint yet relaxed smile appeared on the black-clad youth's face. "Indeed, you are closely connected to the Huo family of the Exquisite Mountain Villa. Brother Huo, my surname is Zhan, and my given name is Ri Fei—and to be equally frank, this is not my real name either."

(Three)The two looked at each other, then at one another, and couldn't help but exchange a faint smile. For some reason, even though pursuers were swarming outside, the wind and rain raged on, and the mountain city seemed on the verge of collapse, a subtle warmth slowly spread through the dim little room, making one feel an involuntary sense of attachment.

Huo Xiao Di already had far too many doubts in his heart. He stared at him and said, "Your martial arts are quite impressive! Why are you hiding from Little Shao?"

Just then, a flash of lightning briefly illuminated the outside, momentarily revealing the determined "won't rest until I get to the bottom of this" expression on his face, making his rabbit teeth appear even whiter and more sparkling.

Zhan Ri Fei's expression was hard to discern in the darkness, but his voice carried a strange tone: "Brother Huo, who is this Little Shao you mentioned?"

Huo Xiao Di said, "It's Shao Jizu, the one who was speaking in the courtyard just now! Don't you know him? — Wait, if you don't know him, why are you hiding from him?"

Zhan Ri Fei murmured, "So he is Shao Jizu. — Brother Huo, I've long heard of his renowned reputation but have never met him. Since you call him Little Shao, you must know him well?"

For a moment, he felt that Huo Xiao Di's intimate way of referring to Shao Jizu suggested they should be quite familiar; if they were familiar, why would Huo Xiao Di be hiding from him?

Huo Xiao Di said resentfully, "Though I know him, that doesn't mean we're friends!"

Pouting, he added, "Besides, what's so great about Little Shao? Knowing him is just because his ancestors' graves emitted auspicious smoke, and his forebears burned countless sticks of high-quality incense."

Zhan Ri Fei said, "Brother Huo, your martial skills are exceptional. Earlier, you faced experts from the Tang Sect's 'Wuning Hall' with ease and composure. From your tone, it seems you don't hold Commander Shao in high regard either. So, I'm just curious—why are you hiding from Commander Shao? Have you offended him? Is his martial prowess truly that formidable?" As he spoke, a thought struck him. "Or perhaps you've offended more than just him. Could it be—"

Huo Xiao Di curled his lip, flashing his sparkling rabbit teeth, and cut him off: "No need to flatter me. Yes, I've not only offended Little Shao, I've even offended his master, the Prince of Xiangyang. Haven't you seen the royal guards everywhere? They're clearly causing trouble for me—they even had the nerve to distribute my portrait for everyone to see!"

As if recalling something, he shuddered involuntarily, then gritted his teeth and said, "That damned Little Shao! I can't beat him in a fight, so I had to run. I never expected he'd mobilize the Prince of Xiangyang's forces to hunt me down relentlessly."

Zhan Ri Fei frowned slightly and unconsciously repeated, "—They distributed your portrait?"

Then, a slow smile began to form in his eyes.

But the smile vanished as quickly as it appeared, for he immediately remembered something.

Something that didn't align with the current situation.

—"Brother Huo, you say you've offended Commander Shao and the Prince of Xiangyang? But isn't Commander Shao set to marry Miss Linglong from your villa in the coming days? Rumor has it the Prince of Xiangyang personally arranged the match, with the emperor's decree. Why would you still cause trouble for him? Aren't you afraid Old Master Huo will blame you?"

Huo Xiao Di dreaded him bringing up this matter, which was already known throughout the martial world, and couldn't help feeling his head swell as if it were about to burst. He shook his head vigorously like a peddler's rattle drum: "I'm causing trouble for him precisely because I can't stand this marriage. —Our Miss Linglong from Exquisite Mountain Villa is pure and virtuous, how could she take a liking to Little Shao? Even if the Prince of Xiangyang arranged it, not even the current emperor could make it happen!"

His childish words made Zhan Ri Fei chuckle softly. But then his smile abruptly faded, and there seemed to be a suppressed, quiet cough in the darkness.This speech seemed to have exhausted him further, so he slowly settled into the chair. As he pondered, his voice grew cautious.

"I've heard that Commander Shao is exceptionally handsome, accomplished in both literary and martial arts, and enjoys a smooth official career. Rumors in the martial world suggest he and Miss Linglong of your villa would make a perfect match. Besides, men and women have their separate spheres—Miss Linglong seldom steps outside her home. How could you, Brother Huo, know that she doesn't fancy him?"

Huo Xiao Di couldn't help but change expression, flustered and exasperated. "You've never even met Little Shao, so how do you know if he's handsome or talented? Who's the one from Exquisite Mountain Villa—you or me? Though it's a matter of parental arrangements and matchmakers, I just know our Miss Linglong doesn't like him. I couldn't swallow this grievance, so I came to settle scores and vent our young lady's anger."

Though the room was dim, he could vaguely see Zhan Ri Fei smiling without a word, as if disbelieving but unwilling to say so.

Involuntarily, his temper flared, and he blurted out, "I'm picking a fight with him because our young lady already has someone in her heart. Not just Little Shao—even Little Tang from the Tang Sect would be wasting his efforts!"

He seemed to have held this in for a long time, and speaking it out in one breath felt incredibly relieving. But no sooner had the words left his mouth than he regretted them. How had he unknowingly revealed this to a stranger? A faint blush crept across his face, leaving him acutely embarrassed.

Zhan Ri Fei, seeing the conversation veer into private matters, thought it improper to probe further and didn't wish to add to his discomfort. So he merely smiled slightly and fell silent.

Huo Xiao Di's blush faded quickly, and in the dim light, his large eyes fixed on Zhan Ri Fei, still unreasonable. "What are you secretly laughing at in your heart?"

Blinking, he fired off questions in one breath: "I can't beat Little Shao, but why were you hiding under the bed too? Did you also offend him and need to avoid him?"

"Your martial skills are quite good—you actually caught Ge Yun Fei's lethal throw with one hand."

"You might be a match for him! You've never seen him before, so it can't be that you're this scared, right?"

A hint of self-mockery and mischief tinged Zhan Ri Fei's elegant smile. "Brother Huo overestimates me. Sparring with such an opponent would surely be a pleasure, but I have unspeakable difficulties and can't engage him now."

Seeing Huo Xiao Di still unsatisfied, he added with a faint smile, "Indeed, to be frank, I'm like you—not only have I offended Commander Shao, but I've also crossed the Prince of Xiangyang."

Huo Xiao Di immediately felt a kinship and nodded. "I won't laugh at you then. The people from Xiangyang Manor are truly not to be trifled with. You didn't see Little Shao draw his sword—" He abruptly stopped, realizing that after boasting and belittling Shao Jizu, praising his sword skills now would make him lose face.

Glancing at Zhan Ri Fei, he finally said reluctantly, "Still, you knew Xiangyang's pursuers were nearby, yet you stepped in to block Mu Xiu Quan's sword for me. I haven't thanked you yet."Zhan Ri Fei, however, said, "But Brother Huo clearly knew the Xiangyang pursuers were nearby, yet still intervened to deflect the flying halberd that might have harmed innocents, and saved the child who was about to be killed by Ge Yun Fei. Such chivalry—how could I not admire it? For Brother Huo to thank me now seems overly formal."

Huo Xiao Di couldn't help feeling pleased, but his large eyes shifted thoughtfully as he pressed further, "Still, how did you know Mu Xiu Quan was planning to ambush me?"

Zhan Ri Fei sighed softly, "The treachery in the martial world is sometimes beyond imagination. Mu Xiu Quan truly had no choice but to kill you. With Brother Huo's peerless lightness skill, assassination was his only option."

Huo Xiao Di scratched his head, still perplexed, "I don't even know him, and I helped solve Prosperous Cloud Manor's problem. Why wouldn't he appreciate it instead of wanting me dead?"

Zhan Ri Fei explained, "Because he recognized you came from Exquisite Mountain Villa. Wielding 'Yin Yang An' and possessing the supreme lightness skill 'A Startling Glance'—Mu Xiu Quan, being well-traveled, naturally concluded you must be an esteemed disciple of Exquisite Mountain Villa. The hidden rivalry between Exquisite Mountain Villa and Prosperous Cloud Manor is something you likely understand better than I."

Huo Xiao Di murmured, "Rivalry between Exquisite Mountain Villa and Prosperous Cloud Manor? Why has no one ever mentioned this to me?"

Zhan Ri Fei gave him a strange look.

This youth in yellow robes clearly possessed extraordinary martial arts, yet spoke with such innocence, as if completely unaware of worldly affairs. How could the prestigious Exquisite Mountain Villa allow someone like him to roam the martial world?

Huo Xiao Di continued, "Even if I'm from Exquisite Mountain Villa, wouldn't it be better to resolve enmity than create it? Why not accept the favor gracefully instead of insisting on killing me?"

Hearing his naive words, Zhan Ri Fei sighed, "If everyone in the martial world were like Brother Huo, there would be far fewer conflicts."

—"The third manor lord of Prosperous Cloud Manor and all his followers were killed by the three assassins from Tang Sect's 'Wuning Hall,' which already cost Prosperous Cloud Manor a battle. And you eliminated the leader among those three Tang Sect members. Only by killing you could he regain prestige and surpass Exquisite Mountain Villa."

—"Since Brother Huo has access to the 'Dragon Tiger Ranking,' Exquisite Mountain Villa's ties with Tang Sect must be considerable. Moreover, your presence at the treasure robbery scene surely made him suspect you also coveted what Prosperous Cloud Manor desperately seeks."

—"Whether he kills you or not today, he'll make an enemy of Exquisite Mountain Villa. So he might as well eliminate you first, saving himself the trouble of dealing with you later when confronting Exquisite Mountain Villa. That's why he had to kill you."

A strange expression slowly dawned in Huo Xiao Di's large eyes. After a long silence, he said, "So you secretly used Ge Yun Fei's right halberd to kill Mu Xiu Quan to scare off Jiao Chao Gui, preventing him from causing me trouble after Mu Xiu Quan's death, right?"

—"I've only heard how vicious human hearts can be, sometimes worse than snakes or scorpions. Today, I actually encountered it."

—"But how did you deduce all this? Are you a worm in his belly?"

By the end, he was smiling broadly, as if finding the whole affair quite amusing. All unpleasantness had already vanished like mist for him.

Zhan Ri Fei shook his head gently. Suddenly, an indescribable weariness appeared in his eyes."Though I've never met the man, I recognize his sword. Having spent so long in the martial world, one sees many such things."

"Brother Huo, Jiao Chao Gui's Prosperous Cloud Manor holds immense influence. Had he not been overconfident tonight, coming with only Mu Xiu Quan for support and losing both his lieutenants, leaving him isolated, we likely wouldn't have driven him back so easily. His flustered retreat was probably an act."

"Prosperous Cloud Manor is filled with skilled fighters, and with Ma Zhaoxian as their backer in court, this matter is far from over. I'm afraid troubles will keep coming for you, Brother Huo. Please be extra cautious in your future travels."

Huo Xiao Di was taken aback. "What a cunning old fox!" He pursed his lips. "So he has connections at court—what's so great about that? Don't I have them too?"

His round face was full of defiance. "Who is Ma Zhaoxian? How could his backer at Prosperous Cloud Manor be stronger than mine?"

(IV)

Zhan Ri Fei said, "Ma Zhaoxian oversees the Four Treasuries. Though it's an internal position, he backs both Hangzhou's Overlord Villa and Dongting Xingyun Villa. That alone shows his power. If you hadn't offended the Prince of Xiangyang, Brother Huo, there might have been room for negotiation, but—"

Huo Xiao Di cut him off with a chuckle. "Don't worry about that. My backer isn't the same as Exquisite Mountain Villa's. Make sure you don't confuse the two."

"In that case, I've been overly concerned." Zhan Ri Fei slowly rose from his chair. "Brother Huo, the soldiers have withdrawn, so let us part here. Until we meet again."

Huo Xiao Di quickly asked, "What, you're leaving?"

Zhan Ri Fei replied, "I must hurry on my journey and dare not trouble you further. Since we must part sooner or later, it's best to do so now. Though we've met by chance, Brother Huo, I have one more thing to say—I hope you won't take offense."

Huo Xiao Di grinned. "Then go ahead and say it. If it's something I shouldn't hear, wouldn't I just not listen?"

Zhan Ri Fei found this youth increasingly peculiar. Clearly intelligent, yet he seemed ignorant of worldly affairs; naively proud, yet unaware of human treachery. That he and his swaggering dog had traveled the martial world so smoothly, evading danger at every turn, was truly remarkable.

He smiled faintly. "Brother Huo, that boy from Prosperous Cloud Manor is the sole survivor of this incident. Regardless of who he is, even if Tang Sect and Prosperous Cloud Manor don't suspect you took the item, they'll surely suspect him. They'll stop at nothing to force him to reveal its hiding place. That Prosperous Cloud Manor dared move against you despite knowing Commander Shao of Xiangyang has allied with Exquisite Mountain Villa through marriage proves the item must be extremely valuable. You must be very careful."

Huo Xiao Di's eyes darted about, his curiosity obviously still piqued about the object. But how could he admit this to Zhan Ri Fei?

He asked in surprise, "Aren't you curious about what item caused the conflict between Prosperous Cloud Manor and Tang Sect?"

The question was so innocent that Zhan Ri Fei couldn't help but smile wryly.

"Sometimes, I'd rather know less."Upon hearing this, Huo Xiao Di couldn't help but look him up and down, saying, "You're quite an interesting person. Things others would go to great lengths to uncover don't seem to interest you, yet you appear remarkably well-informed about court and martial affairs. Among all the people I've encountered on this journey, you're the only one who hasn't urged me to return to Exquisite Mountain Villa for safety."

He feigned a sigh, "Had I known earlier, I wish I'd met you sooner."

Zhan Ri Fei gave a bitter smile, "I'm flattered by your high regard, though I fear knowing me today might bring trouble upon Brother Huo in the future. The reason I don't advise your return to Exquisite Mountain Villa is because I boldly speculate that you likely cannot return there anymore—am I correct?"

Huo Xiao Di started in surprise, instinctively stepping back, "How did you know?" The moment the words left his mouth, he realized he had just confirmed the other's speculation.

Zhan Ri Fei spoke slowly, "With Old Master Huo's authoritative nature, having already agreed to the marriage arrangement with Xiangyang Royal Mansion, how could he permit his subordinate to cause trouble there?"

"'Yin Yang An' is the treasure guarding Prosperous Cloud Manor, a peerless rare weapon. Even Young Master Huo Feng, who has roamed the martial world for over a decade, has never been seen wielding it. When Grand Tutor Pang requested to see the sword out of admiration, he was politely declined. Yet now, this very sword is in your hands."

"Carrying such a precious weapon, given Old Master Huo's meticulous nature and his deep affection for this sword, how could he not send guards to protect you? Yet here you are, traveling alone. Therefore, I presume that when you left the manor with the sword, Old Master Huo was probably unaware."

After a long silence, Huo Xiao Di finally sighed deeply, "You're only a few years older than me, yet your insight and judgment far surpass mine." His voice carried a hint of envy, acknowledging that Zhan Ri Fei's deductions were largely accurate.

Zhan Ri Fei apologized, "I truly didn't mean to pry into your family matters. Having met by chance, I deeply admire your character and martial skills. If my words have offended you in any way, please forgive me."

Huo Xiao Di replied, "I naturally bear no grudge. If I did, I wouldn't still be speaking with you here." Hesitating, he finally couldn't resist turning to his most pressing question, "But Brother Zhan, with the main roads blocked and pursuers everywhere, this trouble seems endless. How do you plan to break through this encirclement?"

Zhan Ri Fei didn't answer, merely twitching the corner of his mouth.

In that fleeting moment, Huo Xiao Di seemed to catch a faint but carefree smile flash across his pale lips. Blinking, he wondered if he'd imagined it in the darkness.

Yet that composure and calmness suddenly filled Huo Xiao Di with inexplicable confidence.

"He must have a good escape plan," he thought, quickly offering a mischievous smile as he continued in one breath, "I'm currently fleeing in disarray myself, and my head aches from trying to devise an escape plan. If you have any brilliant strategies, could you share one or two with me?"

Zhan Ri Fei smiled faintly, "I have no brilliant strategies. It's just that I have urgent business requiring me to reach the capital quickly. I'm afraid now I'll have to take shortcuts and force my way through."His voice remained as calm and resolute as drifting clouds and gentle breeze, as if both perilous traps and smooth roads after rain were all the same in his eyes.

Huo Xiao Di's eyes lit up, and he said with a smile, "You're going to Tokyo? What a coincidence, I'm heading to Tokyo too. Brother Zhan, why don't we travel together?"

This took Zhan Ri Fei by surprise. He paused, "Brother Huo is also going to Tokyo?"

Huo Xiao Di replied, "Indeed. I'm going to Tokyo to find someone."

"May I ask who Brother Huo is looking for in Tokyo?"

Huo Xiao Di grinned proudly, "Naturally, it's my backer. As you said, I've made so many enemies and can't return to Exquisite Mountain Villa, so I must quickly seek out my backer."

As he spoke, his face flushed slightly, and his voice lowered. Fortunately, it was dark, and the other likely couldn't see clearly.

When he looked up, he noticed Zhan Ri Fei watching him with a somewhat strange expression.

For some reason, under that clear and steady gaze, Huo Xiao Di felt somewhat guilty.

—Could he have guessed who his backer was?

"In that case, Brother Huo should set off as soon as possible. Meeting you today has been my honor. If we have the chance to meet again, I hope it won't be under a wooden bed."

Huo Xiao Di looked at him in surprise, "You... you don't want to travel with me?"

He watched as Zhan Ri Fei slowly but firmly shook his head, momentarily unable to believe it was true.

"Why?"

—Since childhood at Exquisite Mountain Villa, he had never been rejected. Others had always sought him out, and he had never refused them.

—He felt he owed Zhan Ri Fei a favor and had kindly offered assistance, never expecting the other to seemingly not appreciate it.

—After all, he still understood too little of the ways of the martial world.

Zhan Ri Fei said slowly, "If we break through separately, our chances of success will naturally be greater."

"Didn't you say my skills are good? If we travel together, we can assist each other along the way. The two of us would find it easier to deal with Little Shao."

Zhan Ri Fei remained silent and shook his head again.

—"It's not just Commander Shao alone; there will be others. Brother Huo, it's better for us to act separately."

—"Your lightness skill is exceptional; you can easily escape danger. Just be careful along the way."

Huo Xiao Di's face had turned somewhat disappointed.

In truth, everything Zhan Ri Fei said had its reasoning and was not without consideration for him. Zhan Ri Fei not traveling with him wasn't really a big deal. If it were someone else, Huo Xiao Di would likely have laughed it off.

He wasn't narrow-minded or petty by nature.

But tonight seemed different.

After losing San'er, he had felt fear, anger, sorrow, and doubt, but now, for some reason, he felt a sense of loss for the first time. It was as if a surge of pride suddenly rushed to his head.

His face suddenly flushed bright red.

"Right, of course there are others. How could I have offended only Little Shao? You know the trouble I've caused this time is no small matter, and you're afraid I'll drag you down, aren't you?"

"Earlier, when you said my skills were good, you were just lying to me. You look down on us from Exquisite Mountain Villa, don't you?"

Zhan Ri Fei remained silent.

In Huo Xiao Di's eyes, silence sometimes meant agreement.He petulantly stomped his foot.

"Fine, why should I beg anyone? Do you think I can't get to Tokyo without you? I'll repay this favor I owe you sooner or later."

With that, he cupped his hands in a salute and rushed out of the room.

Zhan Ri Fei watched his disappointed figure disappear into the rainy night, his pale face appearing even more haggard in the darkness. He coughed lightly a few times, a trace of apology already showing on his face. After a long silence, his low voice sounded in the dark.

"I'm truly sorry."

"But I really can't drag you into this."

Of course, Huo Xiao Di could no longer hear his words.

(5)

As dawn began to break, the heavy rain finally stopped, leaving only the wind still raging fiercely.

Meng, the veteran constable of Qingshui County, felt like he’d been plagued by some unlucky star recently—even drinking cold water seemed to clog his teeth. Perhaps he really should visit Blind Cui in the southern part of town to divine his recent fortune.

First, the Xiangyang Royal Mansion had been clamoring for days to hunt down an imperial fugitive, yet they refused to reveal the fugitive’s name or the reason for the pursuit. This had stirred up not only the mansion’s imperial guards but also the peculiar martial artists from the renowned Jinshi Hall. Then, the searching troops only carried portraits, seeking the person based on the images, but they didn’t follow standard procedures by issuing public arrest warrants or openly displaying the fugitive’s likeness.

Having worked in the yamen for over thirty years and served as constable of Qingshui County for more than two decades, Old Meng had seen all kinds of people. Though he didn’t recognize the person in the portrait, the subject didn’t look like some fierce villain. How could a young man cause such an uproar in the prestigious Xiangyang Royal Mansion, while also making it seem like they were trying to capture him covertly? Could it be that the mansion had some secret leverage over him? But the Prince of Xiangyang was the current emperor’s uncle and had long been the local sovereign of the region. Who was this young man, and how could he have the audacity to challenge the Xiangyang Royal Mansion?

Then, just before dawn, while the rain outside poured relentlessly, he was dragged out of the bed of Xiaofengxian, a courtesan in the eastern alley of the county town. The messenger carried a handwritten order from Commander Shao of the Xiangyang Royal Mansion, instructing him to escort a murder suspect from the Little Hammer Mountain Inn to the county town. Once the weather cleared, he and Captain Feng were to deliver the suspect directly to the Xiangyang Royal Mansion.

By the time he arrived at the Little Hammer Mountain Inn over twenty li away, drenched like a soaked chicken along with two bailiffs, Commander Shao’s men had already left. Only Captain Feng and three imperial guards remained, shouting and cursing, along with a thin, frail boy covered in freckles. The boy, as it turned out, was also mute.

Captain Feng, already in a foul mood, vented his frustrations vigorously on both Old Meng and the even more unfortunate Innkeeper Cai, making Old Meng feel as if all the misfortunes in the world had descended upon him like lice in the Qingshui County jail.

When Captain Feng, after finishing his drink, wiped his greasy face, burped, and pointed out the mute boy to him, Old Meng could hardly believe his eyes and ears.

The mute boy was dressed in thin, tattered clothes, covered in mud. If Old Meng had seen him on the streets of Qingshui County, he would likely have kicked him aside as a beggar. Moreover, the boy showed no signs of martial skill, had an injured arm, and could be knocked over with a single finger. How could he possibly be the suspect in the dozen or so murders that had occurred the previous night at the Little Hammer Mountain Inn?

Upon closer inspection, the boy’s eyes struck Old Meng as peculiar. They held both fear and a careless indifference. How could a boy of twelve or thirteen have such an expression in his eyes? Old Meng blinked his bloodshot, cross-eyed eyes—still hazy from last night’s strong liquor—and began to ponder.

Then, after Captain Feng had rested sufficiently, he picked his yellowed teeth, mounted his blue-maned horse, and leisurely rode out of the inn, accompanied by the bowing and scraping farewells of the plump, miserable-looking Innkeeper Cai.

It was only then that Old Meng realized what a grave mistake he had made by not bringing a horse.The mountain path was rugged. Though the rain had just stopped and the sky had cleared, the fierce cold wind had already formed a thin crust over the surface mud. With each step, their boots often sank deep into the mire.

The road grew increasingly muddy. The three men from Qingshui County, having traveled through the night, were utterly exhausted. Hearing that they were escorting a sickly-looking mute child only added to their grievances.

Naturally, two legs could never outrun four, especially when those four belonged to the tall, powerful steeds of the Xiangyang Royal Mansion. And now, among those relying on their own two feet, there was an additional pair of slender, small legs.

Dragging along, they had traveled for three hours but covered less than ten li. Officer Feng had long grown impatient, his curses growing louder.

Trudging through the muddy mountain path, one step deep, one step shallow, chilled to the bone by the mountain wind, and listening to Officer Feng’s grating scolding, Old Meng couldn’t help but think of Xiaofengxian’s warm bedding, her fair, plump face, and her sweet, delicate whispers. He felt utterly wretched.

So when they rounded a mountain pass and suddenly saw two people blocking the road ahead, Old Meng’s pent-up anger naturally found an outlet.

"Are you blind? Can’t you see we’re on official business? Get out of the way, now!"

Despite his loud voice, the two figures in the middle of the road seemed not to have heard him.

They remained standing right where they were, unmoving.

Two people dressed in light blue robes.

Their faces were weathered, as if they had traveled a long distance.

Yet their pale blue robes were impeccably clean, without a single speck of mud.

Their demeanor was calm and composed.

It was then that Old Meng noticed that one of the two was a woman.

A very beautiful woman.

Instantly, the eyes of all the officers lit up like flies spotting rotten meat.

The woman wore a loose, pale blue robe, casually tied at the waist with a colorful silk sash. Her jet-black hair was loosely tied up with a sash of the same material.

With just a gentle sweep of her eyes, she exuded an enchanting charm. Every man felt as though she was looking directly at him, and their bodies went weak with desire.

—For when she looked at you, it was as if she were gazing at the handsomest, most considerate man in the world.

Her every smile and frown captivated everyone’s attention so completely that no one even noticed whether the other person was tall or short, ugly or handsome.

Finally, Old Meng swallowed hard and stammered, "Miss, why are you blocking the road? What business do you have here?"

The woman giggled softly and lowered her head.

The collar of her robe was embroidered with a small crescent moon.

Her collar flared up like the wings of a dove, revealing smooth, jade-like skin so delicate it seemed it might break at a touch.

Her neck was exposed, and even under the overcast afternoon clouds, it radiated a primal, seductive, almost wicked allure.

"This humble woman naturally wishes to ask you gentlemen for a small favor. I wonder if you would be so kind as to grant it to me."

Her voice remained exquisitely charming, twisting and turning in a way that seeped straight into one’s bones.

Old Meng felt a surge of desire rush straight to his head. Officer Feng, meanwhile, was already drooling without realizing it. This time, it was he who eagerly spoke up.

"What… what is it that you want us to help you with, miss?"

"I merely wish to ask you gentlemen for one thing. I wonder if you would be willing to part with it."Captain Feng thumped his chest and declared in one breath, "Willing, willing. Of course I'm willing. Just speak your mind, miss. There's nothing under heaven that our Xiangyang Royal Mansion cannot produce."

The woman lifted her head, merely flashing a smile and a glance, and Captain Feng's soul had already flown beyond the heavens.

—"But all I want are your heads."

"Head" is an open-mouthed sound.

Old Meng suddenly realized his left eye was staring at his right eye.

He wanted to say, "How bizarre," but then discovered his lips had also split into four parts.

By the time he realized he had been cleaved in two, he was still thinking that all the misfortunes of his entire life had converged on this single day.

Then came the spray of blood mist.

As Captain Feng's head flew off, he still had time to see the six corpses on the ground, his own torso still seated on the horse, and beneath the gloomy clouds, a hand holding a white silk handkerchief, gently wiping the blade.

He still had time to hear that voice, still exquisitely charming.

"Your heart is always crueler than mine."

"All I wanted were their heads."

After carefully wiping the blade with the white silk handkerchief, the green-robed man casually tossed it to the ground.

The sword had returned to its sheath. A round sheath.

The mud on the mountain path quickly soaked and darkened the handkerchief. Only then did the scent of blood begin to spread in this narrow space.

"You only wanted their heads. But I want them to be too terrified to come near me even in their next lives. So much so that they wouldn't even dare dream of my face in their nightmares!"

Because of this, cruelty, in his view, was the most natural means.

The wind still howled fiercely. The green-robed man's long gown fluttered.

The pale sun quietly shifted westward.

The green-robed man's hands were clasped behind his back.

In his cold, desolate expression, there was also something unique.

His eyes.

Those eyes were like the eyes of a dead man, devoid of any human emotion. When they looked at you, it was as if they were looking at a corpse.

But this time, what he was looking at was the boy still standing among the dead. Surprisingly, his pupils moved slightly.

The boy trembled faintly. Whether from the biting cold wind or the chill in the green-robed man's gaze was unclear.

The green-clad woman let out a soft sigh.

Her voice, still exquisitely charming, came through.

—"You've truly made us search so hard."

—"If we were any later, we would have delayed Grandmother's important matter."

—"If Grandmother loses her temper this time, no one can save you."

The pale sunlight now shone on the boy's face, covered in freckles.

His face twitched.

(6)

Huo Xiao Di was dreaming. A sweet dream.

He dreamed he was bathing comfortably in a wooden tub filled with flower petals.

The faint floral scent, the warm bathwater, and the soft, cooing attentions of the maids had lulled him into a drowsy state, unwilling to wake.

Then, what seemed like a mosquito buzzed annoyingly close, so he slapped at it with a "smack."

He heard more "smacking" sounds and found it strange: where did all these mosquitoes come from?

This jolted him awake, and he realized it had all been a fleeting dream.

He looked up at the sun and saw it had already shifted to the west.Although the rain had long ceased, the wind still howled fiercely. Dark clouds still blanketed the sky.

Then he heard two sharp "slaps," carried intermittently by the wind.

At the foot of the slope stood a small grass pavilion, hidden beneath a mound. Unless one stood atop the mound, the pavilion was hard to spot.

Huo Xiao Di's head quietly emerged from the slope's mound.

In the distant mountain hollow, by the edge of the woods, stood three people. One of them was actually the boy he had been searching for.

But standing with him were two adults.

Two people dressed in pale blue robes.

One was a tall man with dead-fish eyes.

The other was actually a woman.

A woman with a crescent moon embroidered on her collar, yet exquisitely beautiful and smooth as water.

—Huo Xiao Di hated encountering this kind of woman the most.

The blue-robed man said nothing, suddenly striking out with a flurry of over a dozen slaps, causing the boy's cheeks to swell instantly, blood trickling from the corners of his mouth.

Whether he was too frightened or stunned, the boy remained motionless, as if he dared not evade, or perhaps was unable to escape under the force of the blue-robed man's palms.

The blue-robed woman remained indescribably charming and radiant, yet only after the man stopped did she speak in a soft, sticky tone, seemingly to no one in particular: "If we hadn't run into that Su fellow, we wouldn't have known that even Prosperous Cloud Manor and the Tang Sect would dare to covet what we've set our sights on."

She glanced back at the blue-robed man and said, "It seems that after years of absence from the martial world, Cold Water Palace is about to be bullied by others."

She then cast a glance at the boy and smiled, "Don't you think so? Did you tell them the secret you know?"

The boy involuntarily shook his head.

"I know you couldn't speak to them, but if you wanted to tell them, you'd find a way, wouldn't you?"

The boy still shook his head.

"Really not?"

The boy's expression had turned desperate, shaking his head frantically, unsure how to make her believe him.

"That's right. This secret can only be known by those of Cold Water Palace."

The blue-robed woman said lazily, though it was unclear whether she truly believed him.

She lowered her head, giggling softly, her jade-like fingers gently tracing his already red and swollen cheeks.

"Naughty children who run around recklessly—Grandma doesn't like disobedient children, you know. So when we came out, Grandma instructed us to make sure you don't forget to take your medicine before we ask you questions. Grandma said only children who take their medicine can truly be good."

Though the wind intermittently carried the woman's words, and though her voice remained as soft as water, Huo Xiao Di, hidden beneath the slope's mound, couldn't help but shiver inwardly.

He watched as she spoke, retrieving a soft pouch and a jade bowl from the bundle on her back.

The boy merely stared motionlessly at it all, his eyes filled with fear and pleading. His legs seemed no longer his own, too terrified to even run.

He watched as the blue-robed woman poured a green liquid from the soft pouch into the bowl. The liquid wriggled and squirmed as if alive.

The boy's face instantly turned as pale as a corpse's.

Tears suddenly streamed from his eyes.The woman in blue handed the jade bowl to him, her voice still gentle as she said, "If you don't obediently drink the medicine, you'll make Grandma angry. You don't want to anger Grandma, do you?"

The emerald jade bowl trembled slightly—it was the boy's hands shaking.

The writhing green liquid inside the bowl reflected the boy's quivering lips.

The woman in blue sneered, "Why aren't you drinking? Today, the medicine is just a bit more potent. When the toxicity takes effect, you'll only suffer a little more pain. But surely you don't want Grandma to get angry and order even more methods to make you wish you were dead but unable to die, right?"

The boy's tears flowed faster, his hands trembling even more violently, yet he still dared not spill the contents of the jade bowl.

The man in blue stood to the side, silent from start to finish; his cold eyes watched the boy, yet it seemed as if he had never truly seen him.

Perhaps, to him, this frail child had never existed at all.

Huo Xiao Di could no longer hold back.

He had faintly overheard the people of Exquisite Mountain Villa discussing stories about Cold Water Palace.

He remembered the grave expressions on their faces when they mentioned the name, and the fear they couldn't conceal in their eyes.

But he didn't understand.

—How could a place as renowned as Cold Water Palace resort to forcing a boy to drink poison to extract the whereabouts of that thing?

He knew full well that he couldn't afford to make new enemies now, and he was aware that Xiangyang Royal Mansion's pursuers were nearby. Yet, he couldn't stand by and watch these two figures in blue bully a child who knew no martial arts.

Or perhaps he no longer cared.

—What if he did make enemies?

—Were his troubles not already plentiful enough?

When you have too many lice, you stop itching; when you have too many debts, you stop fearing.

His hand reached into his robe.

His fingers gripped the blood-red hilt of Yin Yang An.

The ink-black blade of Yin Yang An grew warm under his body heat, like a devil thirsting for hot blood.

He took a deep breath.

He drew his sword!

But his sword did not come out.

A strong hand had gently pressed down on his arm.

Startled, he turned.

The peerless lightness skill of Exquisite Mountain Villa allowed one to detect a falling leaf from a thousand miles away.

Though he had focused his senses using "A Night's Flower Language in the Small Tower" to listen to the woman in blue speaking in the mountain hollow, not a single blade of grass or movement within a hundred yards could escape his notice.

Who could possibly approach him so closely without his awareness?

He whipped his head around and, in the setting sun, saw Zhan Ri Fei's handsome yet pale face, along with his calm and serene smile.