Chapter 768: A Business Deal

At the break of dawn, while the sky was still dark, Xu Fengnian had already set off from the city. Madam Song personally saw him off, and the two riders parted ways outside the city gate. Lanterns hung high on the city wall, shining as brightly as day. Only then did Xu Fengnian notice that Madam Song, usually dressed simply and elegantly with a bare face, had not only changed into a red robe with yellow flowers, wide sleeves, and a crossover front, but also seemed to have applied a touch of makeup. Perched high on her horse, her embroidered skirt trailed elegantly, looking exceptionally beautiful and captivating under the lamplight.

Along the way, Xu Fengnian had already discussed all the major and minor issues that Snow Lotus Pavilion needed to pay attention to. Dealing evasively with Liu Huaixi, the fence-sitter, was paramount, as both Northern Liang and Western Shu's intelligence agencies would use him as bait. Xu Fengnian carried the old, broken Northern Liang blade at his waist and an unremarkable cotton satchel on his back, containing a few changes of clothes and some valuables. As they parted, Madam Song, truly an extraordinary woman who had years ago penned the line "Holding a blade, looking over the eight vast directions, its light piercing the clouds at night," showed no sign of hesitation. She smiled, cupped her hands, and said, "Even a journey of a thousand li must end. Please take care, Your Highness!"

Xu Fengnian nodded and cautioned, "As I've said before, Snow Lotus Pavilion is just Snow Lotus Pavilion. There's no need for you to get directly involved in any fighting. Don't try to be a hero unless absolutely necessary. Three-legged toads are hard to find, but there are plenty of two-legged men who want to be heroes."

Madam Song smiled slyly, "Oh, really? I always thought men had three legs too."

Xu Fengnian dismissed her joke with a smile, then composed himself and said earnestly, "Don't think I'm being overly cautious. It's fine if Northern Liang and Western Shu remain at peace, but as soon as Chen Zhibao withdraws his attention from the Central Plains, the situation will quickly escalate to a point of no return. Then, not to mention your Snow Lotus Pavilion, all Fushui Chamber outposts within Western Shu and Southern Zhao will be uprooted overnight. You know Chen Zhibao's methods without me saying more. That's why I've already had Chu Lushan begin arranging your escape routes. All of you are priceless treasures of Northern Liang."

Madam Song's gaze was calm and peaceful. "Isn't it only natural for an old ox to die by the blade once its strength is exhausted?"

Xu Fengnian took the Northern Liang blade, broken in battle, from his waist and tossed it to Madam Song. "Northern Liang blades only kill outsiders."

Xu Fengnian's lone figure gradually receded into the distance. Madam Song gripped the Northern Liang blade, slowly raised her hand, and hesitated to lower it. The stark contrast between the ancient, deadly battle blade and her slender, delicate arm was breathtaking.

The burly Meng Li appeared from the shadows near the city gate at some unknown point, his expression complex, his face shadowed with gloom. This taciturn man had, twelve years ago, voluntarily requested to be transferred to Snow Lotus City, where he diligently helped Song Huanghuang achieve the feat of "building towers from flat ground." The two eight-story Mandarin Duck Towers stood out uniquely even in the prosperous pleasure districts of Western Shu. After more than a decade of risking his life, repeatedly binding his own wounds after fierce battles, and repeatedly watching that figure from a distance—he could see her, but couldn't grasp her, couldn't possess her. Meng Li leaned against the city wall, his emotions fluctuating. In the eyes of this man who lived by the blade, Madam Song was like a captivating cluster of flowering crabapples placed in a silver vase. He was content to stand afar and observe, watching the flowers slowly wither. But if anyone dared to pluck a blossom for their sleeve, no matter who they were or what their status, Meng Li's heart would ache.

At some point, Madam Song fastened the Northern Liang blade and rode her horse to the base of the city wall. Meng Li stood in the deep shadows; logically, she shouldn't have been able to discern his unusual expression. Madam Song suddenly fanned a hand near her nose and teased, "Meng Li, why do I smell vinegar?"

Meng Li's face instantly flushed, and he was at a loss for words. Madam Song dismounted and led her horse forward. Meng Li hesitated for a moment, then quickly followed. Madam Song said gently, "Meng Li, I've always known your feelings..."

Just as Madam Song was likely deliberating gentle words, Meng Li spoke bitterly, "Madam, I know that too."

Madam Song stopped, patted Meng Li's shoulder, and for the first time, gazed directly at this rough-faced yet sensitive man. Her spirit was vibrant, her autumn-water eyes sparkling. Pointing towards the Central Plains, she said with grand spirit, "Meng Li, as a dignified man, why act like a timid woman? Perhaps I, Song Huanghuang, will never love you, but you can make me remember a man named Meng Li for a lifetime. What do you say? The borders with Liang and Mang are already ablaze with war, and the heartland of the Central Plains will soon echo with battle drums. After all these years of diligently studying military texts, do you wish to remain in Snow Lotus City and waste your time, or go out and make a name for yourself?"

Meng Li remained silent for a long time before finally saying, "Madam, instead of joining the Northern Liang border army, could I go to Liangliao?"

Madam Song handed the reins to Meng Li and laughed heartily, "Why not? From this moment on, Fushui Chamber and Snow Lotus Pavilion will consider Meng Li to be dead."

Meng Li abruptly mounted his horse, turned its head, and after galloping for a dozen paces, he turned back, clenched his fist, and thumped his chest firmly. "Song Huanghuang, I have loved you for twelve years, and I have done my utmost to protect you for twelve years. I have no regrets, and even now, I am very happy. If I ever make a name for myself, I will definitely return to Snow Lotus City to find you. If, unfortunately, I die on the Liangliao frontier, I hope you will offer a few cups of wine in remembrance for me every Qingming Festival."

Madam Song laughed loudly, "If you've got the guts, then don't die!"

With that, Meng Li departed the city, riding alone towards Liangliao.

At that moment, neither Song Huanghuang nor Meng Li realized that, in the future, Meng Li would, invisibly, become one of the first people to set off among the two great "Xiangfu Northern Migration" tides jointly created by the scholarly and martial worlds of Liyang.

Xu Fengnian, who had left the city even earlier, also hadn't anticipated encountering such a grand martial arts event in the remote Western Regions, which caused a slight detour on his journey north. For nearly a century, due to the unprecedented brilliance of Li Chungang and Wang Xianzhi, the entire martial world beneath them, no matter how much it struggled, seemed like ants fighting. Furthermore, Li Chungang's "one man, one sword" style was too ethereal, and Wang Xianzhi later remained confined to Wudi City in the Eastern Sea, which made Liyang's martial world vibrant for a hundred years, but ultimately not very lively.

This pattern began to change only after Xuanyuan Qingfeng became the Martial Arts Alliance Leader. Among the Four Grandmasters, Xu, Cao, and Tuoba were not pure martial artists, and Deng Tai'a was elusive. The other ten on the martial arts rankings also remained obscure, which made Xuanyuan Qingfeng – the "Purple-Clad One," rumored to be admired even by the Liyang Emperor and to whom the new King of Northern Liang would bestow martial arts manuals – the undisputed leader of the Central Plains martial world.

Besides the recognized Ten Great Sects, led by the Wu Family Sword Mound, with the Southern Border Dragon Palace in the middle, and the Northern Liang Fish-Dragon Gang at the bottom, many new, more common-folk-oriented lists emerged in Liyang after the last Great Snow Plains Martial Arts Gathering. These lists discarded the overly transcendent martial arts grandmasters and sects, instead newly ranking the Four Fairies, Four Sages, and Ten Major Sects. Additionally, there were mentions of the Twelve Elite and Eight Demon Lords. Although these lists were not lofty, their accessibility gave them the tenacious vitality of weeds, and they quickly became known to everyone, from commoners to officials, across Liyang. Under this trend, two major events occurred in the already bustling Liyang martial world: First, Xuanyuan Qingfeng went into seclusion and emerged, comprehending the Longevity Barrier in just half a year. Her cultivation soared, and from the "Thirteen Scholars of Spring and Autumn" came the "Twelve Elites of Xiangfu," with Xuanyuan Qingfeng singularly dominating three: Sword, Blade, and Dao.

The second major event was that while Xuanyuan Qingfeng was in seclusion, someone stole sixteen top-tier martial arts manuals from the Great Snow Plains' library. Rumors later claimed that six of the eight demon grandmasters had acted together. Consequently, the Great Snow Plains convened its second martial arts gathering. Although Xuanyuan Qingfeng did not appear, under the guidance of Huang Fangfo, the chief guest elder of Huishan, a clear stance was taken on the conflict between good and evil with other esteemed sect leaders. For a time, heroes gathered, emotions ran high, and an oath was sworn to hunt down the six demonic scoundrels who dared to provoke the Great Snow Plains, the new foremost sacred ground of the martial world. First-rate righteous martial arts forces, carrying the banner of "acting on behalf of Heaven," set out from Huishan, passing through Xiangfan in the heartland of the Central Plains, traversing Western Shu, and diligently pursuing their quarry all the way to the Western Regions. Along the way, countless local second and third-rate gangs converged and joined in, whether simply to partake in the excitement out of boredom or to forge connections with Huishan. In short, this eastward-to-westward flow of people grew steadily, numbering several thousands. The commotion was so immense that not only were the garrisons in the prefectures of Jiangnan and Western Shu alarmed, leading to a period of widespread fear, but it was also rumored that even some young Zhao noblemen from several princely estates secretly joined. Most were simply hoping to catch a glimpse of the "Purple-Clad One of Huishan," while a few were secretly recruiting martial arts forces to seek self-preservation amidst the impending turmoil. Thus, it was truly a mixed bag of people, all participating in the grand event.

At that time, Xu Fengnian, riding alone, paused by a gravel path worn by years of merchant travel, somewhat dumbfounded. The path was an unusual sight, a continuous, bustling flow of people, like a marketplace. Among them were itinerant monks, wearing large strings of baby-fist-sized prayer beads around their necks, moving as swiftly as the wind. There were also benevolent-looking old nuns leading a group of attractive young nuns. Occasionally, a young nun would subtly lag behind the group, carefully taking out a rouge box to touch up her makeup. The leading old nun would notice but could only sigh helplessly, turning a blind eye. There was also a team of elegant, horse-riding women with flowing sleeves, numbering a dozen or so. Among them, a young woman with thin lips and a small mouth was the most striking, carrying a pipa hidden in a beautifully adorned Western Shu brocade cover. The other women each carried instruments such as guzheng, konghou, or hulei. More numerous were the martial arts youths, forming gangs and roaming the jianghu, dressed in bright clothes and riding fine horses. The swords and blades at their waists were all valuable, heavy implements. Astonishingly, those wearing white robes and riding white horses, armed with blades, made up half the number. A few unique individuals carried wooden swords at their waists. Within the massive procession, there were also those riding donkeys and carrying branches – these individuals were, naturally, devout admirers of the Peach Blossom Sword God, Deng Tai'a.

Xu Fengnian had traveled the Liyang martial world twice: once, it was like walking at the foot of a mountain, scrambling through mud and unable to see the scenery from above; the other time, it was like traversing the mountain peak, like an immortal feasting on mists and dew, coming and going high above. To see so many "half-baked" martial artists, neither truly great nor truly insignificant, all at once like today, was truly an eye-opener. Xu Fengnian stopped his horse. Without a steed worth a hundred gold or any weapons, he wasn't particularly conspicuous. For an ordinary young man roaming the jianghu, even having exceptional looks meant little; for a woman, if she couldn't cultivate connections, she would at most be a minorly famous female warrior within half a prefecture or a county, far from being called a "fairy." As for the people on the road, putting aside their martial arts cultivation, they had long developed keen eyes for discerning people's backgrounds. Even if they noticed Xu Fengnian, the men would merely glance past him, and the women's gazes would mostly just swirl, at most glancing back for another look, regretting in their hearts that this handsome young man wasn't a descendant of some famous sect or family. After all, which of the recently renowned "Ten Martial Arts Prodigies" wasn't connected to the Four Sages or Ten Great Sects? Take, for example, the frog-faced Dou Changfeng, who liked to stick out his tongue and lick his lips for no reason, making one lose their appetite at the same table. Yet, because he had a good master with a place on Huishan's Great Snow Plains, wasn't he always surrounded by beauties and endless wine whenever he stopped to rest?

Xu Fengnian quietly watched the stream of people before him, filled with emotion.

Earlier, intelligence had reached Snow Lotus Pavilion: Tantai Ningjing had rushed to Guangling Road. Cao Changqing's transition from the Sage Path to the Hegemon Path was undoubtedly another proof that Confucian sages throughout history often met unfortunate ends. It was known that beneath the Demon Suppressing Well in the Water Moon Mirror, there were historical Confucian figures who embodied benevolence and righteousness. To ordinary people, this was certainly an incredible oddity, but in the eyes of qi practitioners, it was a precise and strict cycle of Heavenly Dao. As for Xu Yanbing, after confirming Xu Fengnian was out of danger, he took a recently accepted disciple to the southern pass of Lingzhou, bordering Liang and Shu, to meet his fellow disciple Han Laomao. This carried the implication of "entrusting an orphan," likely to leave no regrets before a life-or-death battle with Huyan Daguan.

Suddenly, someone swept across the yellow sand land with a loud laugh. Although this person's martial arts were "extraordinary," they didn't commit the offense of flying over the heads of the crowd in the middle of the path. Instead, they walked on the wind along the side of the road where unknown individuals like Xu Fengnian were, their body rising and falling like a dragonfly skimming water, stirring up gusts of yellow sand and dust. Xu Fengnian was caught in it. After the expert flew past a person and a horse, yellow sand blew directly into Xu Fengnian's face. Xu Fengnian didn't mind, simply brushing away the grit. All around him were indignant shouts from disheveled people who had been forcibly "fed" the wind-blown sand. The nearest young pedestrian to Xu Fengnian was used as a stepping stone on the shoulder by the flying expert. Although unharmed, he stumbled and bumped into Xu Fengnian's horse. Xu Fengnian bent down and gently supported the unfortunate man's head. After letting go, the man looked up, not exasperated in the slightest, and with a good-natured expression, gratefully said, "Thank you, young master."

Xu Fengnian shook his head and asked with a smile, "May I ask where all of you are headed?"

The man widened his eyes. "Could it be that you are from the Western Regions, young master?"

Xu Fengnian nodded. "I'm traveling north from Snow Lotus City, and I'm very curious why so many martial arts heroes have suddenly appeared here."

The young man with the old cotton satchel laughed heartily. "No wonder, no wonder. Young master, you might not know, but not only are there nearly a thousand righteous martial artists on this road, all the experts from our Central Plains martial world are heading west, divided into three routes, to converge at a small town in the Western Regions dozens of li away. They're gathering there to greet the Martial Arts Alliance Leader and discuss how to eliminate the six great demon overlords. On my route, first-rate grandmasters aren't actually that many. The other two routes, *those* are where the experts are as numerous as clouds! Heh, it's just that their travel speed is really too fast; my two legs can't keep up, so I had to settle for this route."

Xu Fengnian dismounted and walked forward with the cheerful young man. The latter couldn't help but glance at Xu Fengnian's horse a few more times, his eyes filled with undisguised envy. Seeing his tired expression and unsteady steps, Xu Fengnian smiled and suggested he take off his satchel and hang it on the horse's back. The young man didn't stand on ceremony, genuinely thanked him, and took the opportunity to gently pat the horse's back a few times, praising the fine steed. The young man, finding this master not to be an unapproachable wealthy person and being an unreserved talker himself, naturally opened up, telling Xu Fengnian about the vast scale of this journey to the Western Regions, his face beaming with the pride of being a Central Plains native. Without Xu Fengnian even asking, the young man poured out his life story: he was from Yanglu County in Jiangnan Province, a region renowned for its wealth, named Shen Changgeng. His master was one of the last honored elders of the Taige Sect within the county, but he was merely one of a dozen or so registered disciples beyond the direct, personal apprentices. This time, over twenty others from his sect were also heading to the Western Regions, but those were the favored disciples of the Sect Master and the three Vice Sect Masters. They weren't traveling together, nor could he join their lively group, so he had to travel alone, feeling a bit financially constrained.

Having spoken of his own affairs, Shen Changgeng, who prided himself as Yanglu County's "ear-whisperer," began to volubly introduce the prominent figures they encountered on the road. "See those women ahead, each carrying an instrument? Don't dismiss them just because they're girls. Oh, they are truly remarkable! They are the fairies from Misty Mountain, the second largest gang in Huainan Province. Misty Mountain only accepts women, divided into two peaks, horizontal and vertical. The women from each peak correspond to the court's standing and seated performing artists, respectively. And mind you, this 'ji' is definitely not the 'ji' for prostitute, young master; you must not harbor any disrespect. You should know that the Sect Master of Misty Mountain, Fairy Flying Cicada, has arts to preserve her youth. At fifty years old, she is still as graceful and captivating as a maiden in her prime. Even at Huishan's Great Snow Plains, her seat is very prominent, and her reputation in the martial world is excellent. After our Martial Arts Alliance Leader emerged from seclusion, she brewed tea and discussed the martial world with eighteen righteous leaders, and Fairy Flying Cicada was one of them."

"As for those nuns, they are from Jingci Convent on Nanyue Zen Mountain. For the past year, they've been contending with Chengxin Monastery, which also established itself on Zen Mountain, for the position of Mountain Lord. It's said that whoever contributes more this time will be recognized by the Martial Arts Alliance Leader as the Master of Nanyue."

"The tall monk at the very front, who's ten feet tall and wears sandalwood beads around his neck, is nicknamed the Sandalwood Monk. He's a renowned expert from Liaodong. He's now one of the 'Sixteen Loose Immortals' ranked in the martial world. It's said that when he was young, he found an old ginseng root that was only ten years shy of a thousand years old. He guarded it diligently for ten full years, and after consuming it, his internal energy vastly increased, allowing him to attain the status of a Loose Immortal. I've heard that the string used for his sandalwood prayer beads is made from the ginseng's root fibers, so strong that even a divine weapon capable of cutting hair wouldn't be able to sever it."

"That group of young masters and ladies on horseback are all disciples from renowned righteous sects in Jianzhou, a major martial arts hub in Liyang's southeast. I call them 'high-second-generation' and 'high-third-generation.' You know how the government has 'second-generation rich' and 'general's sons'? Well, these are the disciples and grand-disciples of local, famous martial arts grandmasters, so naturally, they're the high-second and high-third generation. As for me, well, my Taige Sect, young master, I'm not afraid of you laughing, but within the prefecture, we can't really compete with those four or five top gangs. We just close our doors and act like big shots. Even my direct senior disciples can only show off within the county; outside our hometown, aren't we just fated to smile and serve tea and water to our peers from more prestigious backgrounds? I, for one, can't stand it. I'd rather be free and easy by myself, at least I don't have to act according to others' whims."

Xu Fengnian listened patiently to the young man's rambling, a faint smile on his face.

Shen Changgeng spoke until his throat was dry. Xu Fengnian handed him a flask of 'Green Ant' wine he had brought from Snow Lotus Pavilion. Shen Changgeng, never having tasted this kind of wine, didn't know its potency and took a huge gulp. He instantly felt his throat burn as if on fire, his face flushed crimson, and he coughed incessantly. When returning the flask, he said somewhat awkwardly, "This wine... is really fierce."

Out of the corner of his eye, Xu Fengnian saw a few riders passing by. One female rider's chest rose and fell wildly with the horse's movements. He chuckled softly, "Is it as 'fierce' as that swordswoman?"

Shen Changgeng's eyes lit up. Being men, they quickly understood each other. He felt a growing affinity for this unconventional young master from out of town and nodded in agreement, laughing, "What a formidable presence!"

Unable to control himself, Shen Changgeng's voice was not quiet. Some of the riders ahead had exceptionally sharp ears. They quickly reined in their horses and turned, glaring fiercely at the two glib, impoverished fellows. One of the escorts dismounted, his face twisted into a menacing smile, and strode towards them. Shen Changgeng, acknowledging his fault and unwilling to implicate the young master beside him, took a few steps forward, cupped his hands, and was about to apologize. However, the man gave him no chance to state his name or sect, raising his leg high and kicking Shen Changgeng squarely in the chest. Dust billowed from Shen Changgeng's travel-stained clothes, and with the immense force, he was sent flying backward in an instant. Xu Fengnian reached out to support Shen Changgeng's back, deliberately stepping back a few paces, only then "managing" to steady Shen Changgeng's figure. The opponent was relentless and delivered another kick towards the defenseless Shen Changgeng. Xu Fengnian gently pulled Shen Changgeng behind him, raised his elbow to block the kick, then looked up at the smiling swordswoman on horseback and said with a smile, "We were rude first. Please forgive us."

The robust young man, having failed to achieve his goal, clearly felt he had lost face in front of the "fairy." As he ran forward, he deliberately kicked up yellow sand with his toe and performed a dazzling set of boxing moves with his hands, stirring up dust. His momentum was like a rainbow, and he roared, "You're asking for death! Forgive your head! Grandpa's going to teach you a lesson today!"

However, the next scene left the young man's group and all the onlookers on the road in a state of amused helplessness. The rather striking young man simply grabbed the troublemaker behind him and ran off, not even bothering with the horse, turning tail and fleeing. The robust young man spat, too lazy to pursue, remounted his horse, and continued on his way, chatting and laughing with his companions. Recently, a new custom had become popular in the Liyang martial world. It originated from a famous match during the later stages of Xuanyuan Qingfeng's series of renowned battles at Kuaixue Villa, before she officially became the Martial Arts Alliance Leader. Her opponent was a renowned jianghu elder of advanced age, short-tempered and ill-mouthed. As a result, not only was he severely beaten by Xuanyuan Qingfeng, but he was also forced to bow down and acknowledge her as his grand-aunt, having to call himself her "grandson." In the past two years, with Xuanyuan Qingfeng's unstoppable and rapid rise, various "father-son" and "grandfather-grandson" duels began to appear in the martial world. Whoever lost would become the "son" or "grandson," and after defeat, had to call the victor "father" or "grandfather." After Xuanyuan Qingfeng became the foremost figure in the Central Plains martial world, challengers flocked to her like fish crossing a river. Her method was identical to Wang Xianzhi's at Wudi City: the losers had to leave their weapons at the "Weapon-Collecting Platform." She no longer forced anyone to call themselves her "grandson," but many busybodies began counting on their fingers, eagerly calculating who the "Purple-Clad One" had adopted as a "good grandson" today, and who would become "Huishan's son" tomorrow.

Many slow-footed people on the road rolled their eyes when they saw the two fellows run off only to return for their horse. Several young women giggled, covering their mouths. Even the thick-skinned Shen Changgeng felt a bit awkward, but seeing the righteous young master beside him looking unfazed, he relaxed. Patting the footprint on his chest, he whispered, "Buddy, I dragged you into trouble this time."

Xu Fengnian shook his head, smiling. "What trouble? I'm used to it."

Shen Changgeng, being broad-minded, didn't dwell on the minor incident. Looking at the blurred figures of the riders in the distance, he joked, "I should have known earlier, that was an 'ominous sign.'"

The two slowly moved forward along the crowded path. Shen Changgeng, like beans pouring from a bamboo tube, rattled off introductions about the current martial world's major players to the like-minded young master beside him. "For this once-in-a-century battle between good and evil, our Central Plains elite have turned out in full force, led by the Missing Moon Pavilion of the Great Snow Plains. Among the new Ten Major Sects: Kuaixue Villa by Spring God Lake, Dragon Palace in the Southern Border, Jiagu Terrace in Jiangnan Province, Youyan Villa which made a comeback with the peerless swords newly forged from the Dragon Rock Sword Furnace, Taibai Sword Sect within Southern Zhao, Jincuo Blade Manor, Western Shu's Chuntie Grass Hall, plus the veteran Eastern Yue Sword Pool and Northern Liang Fish-Dragon Gang—all ten factions are here! Rumor has it in the jianghu that Huishan is openly led by the Grandmaster of Profound Finger, Huang Fangfo. As for the Martial Arts Alliance Leader's whereabouts, probably no one knows.

"The only daughter of Kuaixue Villa's master, Yu Chi Liangfu, is making her first foray into the martial world. Dragon Palace's master, Lin Hongyuan, personally leads a group of top experts. Young Master Zhang Chunlin of Youyan Villa travels west alone, carrying three famous swords. The Taibai Sword Sect, which once had a 'Land Sword Immortal' and had been dormant for over a hundred years, has finally produced a young swordsman lauded as a 'Sword Dao Immortal Descendant.' Everyone says he received guidance from the Peach Blossom Sword God, and in just half a year, his sword dao realm advanced by leaps and bounds, breaking through the Second-Grade, First-Grade Vajra, and Profound Finger realms... Thus, this person, along with the one currently in Wudi City 'riding the tide,' Qi Xianxia of Longhu Mountain, and the master of Jincuo Blade Manor, are collectively known as the 'Four Minor Grandmasters,' considered the most outstanding figures whose future realms will not be inferior to the Four Grandmasters. This fellow, not even eighteen years old, is impressive, isn't he?"

Xu Fengnian hummed with a smile and nodded, "Indeed, very impressive."

Shen Changgeng sighed, "Among the four young people, the female master of Jincuo Blade Manor actually has an even greater reputation than the Immortal Descendant from Taibai Sword Sect. There's no helping it; she's genuinely a grandmaster of blade arts before the age of thirty, and she's also one of the four renowned Fairies, on par with Dragon Palace Master Lin Hongyuan, Fish-Dragon Gang Leader Liu Nirong, and Jiagu Terrace's Liu Hunxian..."

Xu Fengnian couldn't resist interrupting, "Is the Fish-Dragon Gang Leader also very beautiful?"

Shen Changgeng looked somewhat puzzled. "Of course! Everyone says Liu Nirong, who visited Huishan with the martial arts manuals, was as graceful and beautiful as an immortal! And she's the most approachable of the Four Fairies, with an excellent reputation in the jianghu!"

Xu Fengnian gave a wry smile. "Is that so?"

Shen Changgeng said with concern, "However, this campaign to eliminate the demonic scoundrels isn't a sure victory. It's said that one demon is a local power in the Western Regions, commanding several thousand horse bandits who come and go like the wind, with combat strength no less than Northern Liang's iron cavalry. Moreover, the other five demons are also extremely powerful individuals, and in their flight, they've recruited many infamous martial arts outcasts. Several of them also possess the legendary Minor Grandmaster realm, so they shouldn't be underestimated! Still, I believe evil can't triumph over good. Our side has Fairy Liu of the Fish-Dragon Gang, who is familiar with the Western Regions' terrain, personally leading the way, and the Martial Arts Alliance Leader, whose cultivation is extraordinary, as our backbone. So, I think we'll definitely win; it just depends on how great the cost will be."

Xu Fengnian murmured, "It seems there are quite a few acquaintances."

Shen Changgeng didn't hear Xu Fengnian's murmur. He thumped his chest and declared, "Although I'm not famous in the jianghu, I do know a few people. Once we reach that town, I'll definitely introduce you around, brother!"

However, Shen Changgeng soon realized with embarrassment that he had boasted too much. The small town, capable of accommodating at most four to five hundred people, was already overflowing, having been occupied by the big figures from the Ten Great Sects and second-tier disciples. Those with solid connections and thick purses had also painstakingly used backdoors to enter the town. Such individuals, able to stay in inns and taverns, naturally felt superior. Next were the martial arts factions camped on the outskirts of the town, mostly renowned sects from within the prefectures, but even they could only honestly set up their own tents. The next outermost circle would have to endure the elements. As for nobodies like Shen Changgeng, who had also arrived late, he couldn't even find his few familiar acquaintances from the same county amidst the dense crowd, standing half a li away from the town, staring helplessly. Xu Fengnian suppressed a smile and remained silent, sparing the boastful fellow beside him further embarrassment. Fortunately, some enterprising local residents in the town pushed handcarts, setting up small businesses, selling dried biscuits and wine, along with some dried dates. Shen Changgeng, enduring a headache, spent a high price on two small bags of dried dates, one for himself and one for Xu Fengnian. A small bag containing fewer than twenty shriveled dates astonishingly cost one tael of silver. Shen Changgeng, on the verge of tears, squatted with Xu Fengnian amidst the crowd, idly munching on dates, grumbling dejectedly. Xu Fengnian looked around. Naturally, it was difficult to see familiar faces nearby, and one certainly couldn't hope for half-familiar martial artists. This made Xu Fengnian, who had originally hoped to chance upon Lin Hongyuan of Dragon Palace, lose his interest in lingering. He decided that once he finished the dates, he would continue north. Xu Fengnian took the flask of 'Green Ant' wine from his horse's back and handed it to Shen Changgeng, who had long coveted it but was too embarrassed to ask. The latter opened the stopper, swaying his head, not rushing to drink. Many men and women nearby looked on with great envy, which made Young Master Shen, finding joy amidst his misery, feel quite pleased.

Xu Fengnian squatted on the ground, slowly popping a date into his mouth, wondering what Xuanyuan Qingfeng truly aimed for by creating such a huge stir. "Six demon overlords" would likely still not catch her eye. As for Shen Changgeng's claim of her singularly dominating three "Elites," Xu Fengnian discerned a meaning that outsiders were destined not to understand: the Useless Monk, who had already died at Cao Changqing's hands, had likely met Xuanyuan Qingfeng before his death. This Grandmaster, who had made both court and commoners bow a hundred years ago, had probably imparted all his lifelong learning to Xuanyuan Qingfeng. Liu Songtao, though not initially focused on sword dao, possessed the bearing of a Sword Immortal himself; otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to kill the Sword Immortal of that generation. Given Liu Songtao's astonishing talent, he likely also had a unique, overarching understanding of blade arts, which was what allowed Xuanyuan Qingfeng to make such rapid progress in both sword and blade. Furthermore, before his death, Zhao Huangchao of Longhu Mountain had transformed into a black rainbow and flown onto the Great Snow Plains. When Xuanyuan Qingfeng met Xu Fengnian there, she deliberately concealed this matter, but both were shrewd individuals who knew each other's depths, so Xu Fengnian simply didn't bother to expose it.

Since the main figure, the "Purple-Clad One of Huishan," had not yet arrived at the town, everyone had no choice but to wait patiently, feeling utterly bored. However, in this grand event, held under the banner of "acting on behalf of Heaven," building connections and fostering friendships was natural and opportune. Whenever a late-arriving martial arts dignitary passed through the crowd and entered the town, thunderous cheers would erupt from the crowd. The prestige of these figures in the martial world would undoubtedly rise further; heroes and grand knights who might have originally resided in a corner would surely soon be known throughout Liyang's martial world. Xu Fengnian squatted among the crowd, feeling somewhat self-deprecating. Among the fourteen ranked martial artists, he was surely the only fool here waiting idly in the wind.

Xu Fengnian suddenly smiled at Shen Changgeng. "Look up."

Shen Changgeng paused, then looked up at the clear, cloudless sky, finding it empty. There wasn't even a bird flying overhead to relieve itself.

But very soon, Shen Changgeng's eyes widened abruptly. Compared to most of the martial artists inside and outside the town who were slow to react, he was certainly a lucky one to have such a feast for his eyes.

A streak of purple rainbow quickly descended from the distant horizon into the small town.

Shen Changgeng's eyes were glazed, his mind reeling. It took him a long while to finally come to his senses, forgetting why the person beside him had possessed such foresight. He just rubbed his cheeks vigorously and exclaimed to Xu Fengnian, explaining with emotion, "That must be the Martial Arts Alliance Leader arriving! How about that, isn't it..."

Xu Fengnian nodded before Shen Changgeng could finish. "Yes, very impressive."

Shen Changgeng burst into laughter, pouring the remaining red dates from his bag into his mouth. Then, on a whim, he imitated the legendary Land Sword Immortal, who was said to kill invisibly by spitting out sword qi, and spat out the date pits with a few "poofs." One pit, quite by chance, landed squarely on the back of the head of a man sitting on the ground in front. The force was actually very light, causing no pain or discomfort. However, in the jianghu, it was all about saving face, not saving life. The man abruptly turned around and saw Shen Changgeng, who first looked stunned, then tightly closed his mouth and pretended to look at the scenery above. He stood up, rolling up his sleeves, intending to slap the little rascal a few times. Shen Changgeng, with a tearful face, looked at Xu Fengnian, preparing to run away again. But Xu Fengnian took the wine flask from his hand, tossed it high to the man, and said with a smile, "Friend, don't take offense. If you want to hit us, we'll accept it. But in this vast world, drinking is paramount. Let's have a full cup first!"

The man subconsciously caught the flask, sniffed it, his face filled with delight, and drained it in one gulp. A shiver ran through him. After gently tossing the flask back, he caught sight of the horse behind Xu Fengnian. The man wiped his mouth with his arm and laughed heartily, "Strong enough! If you don't mind, we still have some cured meat left here. Care to try some together?"

Two groups, comprising seven or eight rough men, sat in a small circle. The man used a dagger to cut the less-than-two-pound piece of cured meat, sharing a portion with everyone, including the two outsiders, Xu Fengnian and Shen Changgeng. Xu Fengnian then took out several silver pieces and bought over ten jin of wine. Someone, delighted with their drink, smashed their bowl to the ground, infuriating the town resident who sold loose wine and lent out bowls, but he dared not speak his anger. Fortunately, since Xu Fengnian had already revealed his wealth, he simply gave all his remaining silver to the small vendor, buying the entire cart of forty to fifty jin of wine and two large lamb legs in one go.

Xu Fengnian's generosity and wealth immediately warmed the somewhat reserved atmosphere.

Drinking wine and eating meat — better than being a king!

Though the wine was inferior and bland, a few jin of it would still intoxicate. One man, who had a poorer alcohol tolerance but drank the most fiercely, quickly became seven or eight parts drunk. The man, seated on the ground, slapped his thigh. He seemed to be the most educated among the group, possessing a rare pedantic air. Ignoring everyone, he began to sing loudly and off-key, "Pawning famous swords for cheap wine, slaying barbarians on Liangzhou's Longshan! Wind chimes in the thatched pavilion speak of solitude, after death, into the Hall of Heroes I'll go..."

As everyone waited for the rest, the man shook his head, mumbled that he was truly drunk, then leaned back and fell asleep on the ground, snoring loudly.

The man who first met Xu Fengnian laughed, "This fellow went to a private school for a few years. He always says his talents are unrecognized, and after drinking, he loves to spout some pedantic nonsense we don't understand. He's not usually like this; actually, he's the kind of guy who can't take his eyes off a woman with a big backside..."

A group of people nearby glared angrily and shouted, "What the hell are you babbling about?! Did your parents die or your wife die?"

The man talking to Xu Fengnian immediately drew his blade at the slightest provocation, and tensions between the two sides instantly flared, on the verge of erupting.

At this moment, a graceful, veiled stranger slowly approached, finally stopping behind Xu Fengnian and Shen Changgeng. She slowly removed her veil, revealing a face of breathtaking beauty. The dozen or so men from both sides, hostile moments ago, forgot their harsh words, their gazes all following the woman's movements. The man who had already drawn his blade heavily kicked his passed-out drunk friend beside him. The friend, with bleary eyes, dazedly struggled to look at the woman, mumbled "A fairy descending to the mortal world," and then passed out again.

Shen Changgeng, sitting on the ground, turned his head and looked up at the woman. Even when she sat down between him and Xu Fengnian, he still thought he was too drunk and seeing things.

Xu Fengnian asked with a smile, "Why did you change out of your purple attire? With that entrance you just made, were you still afraid of being recognized?"

The woman, carrying two exquisite small flasks, remained silent. After tossing one flask to Xu Fengnian, she began to drink from her own.

For some reason, after this taciturn and strange woman sat down, everyone near Xu Fengnian sobered up. Even the unruly martial artists nearby who had been on the verge of fighting lost their temper, all holding their breath, not daring to make a sound. It was like a flood dragon entering a pond, intimidating all the fish and shrimp within.

Xu Fengnian said softly, in a subtle, mysterious voice that only she could hear, "I gave you the martial arts manuals from Tingchao Pavilion, and you let the Central Plains martial world know about Northern Liang's war. Let's consider us even again."

She didn't turn her head, merely drinking her wine, a cold sneer playing on her lips. "Does my Huishan care for your manuals?"

Xu Fengnian chuckled, "Then tell me, what *do* you care for?"

She finally turned, narrowing her eyes at him. "Rumors of your battle with Tuoba Pusa have already begun circulating in Liyang's jianghu. I want you, Xu Fengnian, to lose to me here today! How about it?"

Xu Fengnian tutted, "You're an unmarried maiden, yet you have so many 'sons' and 'grandsons.' Aren't you ashamed?"

Her fingers suddenly tightened around the flask. Faint wisps of purple aura rose, but vanished in an instant. Xu Fengnian ignored it, smiling. "Drinking is fine, but let's skip the fighting."

He and she fell silent simultaneously, gazing into the distance, just as they had, years ago, gazed at the snowman called "dream" under the eaves in the capital.