Su Yunyun ground her teeth as she finished reading. Seeing the characters was like seeing the man himself—an outwardly unremarkable monk, showing no pretense, yet fundamentally a vile wretch!
“The fifteenth of the eighth month, at Shengyin Temple in Dayanjingshi!”
She murmured the words to herself, a cold glint flashing in her eyes. Suddenly, she brought her palm down with a dull thud, and the massive stone fractured into pieces, scattering across the ground.
Her melon-seed face flushed crimson, and she stamped her foot in fury. The pile of shattered rock rumbled, a section collapsing into fine gravel.
“Miss…” “Miss…”
Faint calls drifted from afar. Su Yunyun recognized Aunt Li’s voice.
She let out a long, clear cry, sharp as a crane’s lament, piercing straight into the heavens.
Aunt Li’s loud shout echoed from the distance: “Miss, is that truly you?”
Su Yunyun commanded, “Aunt Li, come over alone!”
She spoke with a deep voice, the sound concentrated yet unrestrained, carrying far across the distance. It reached Aunt Li’s ears with perfect clarity, as if spoken right beside her.
Aunt Li was with two elderly women in a grove of trees, her face filled with joy and excitement.
…………………
She smiled at the two elders, then drifted out of the woods, arriving before Su Yunyun in moments.
“Miss, what is this?” Seeing Su Yunyun’s appearance, Aunt Li was instantly startled, her eyes fixed on her, scrutinizing her from head to toe.
Dressed in jade-colored monk’s robes, her eyebrows now unbound, her complexion shone like snow, dazzling the eyes before her. A layer of delicate, vibrant luster flowed across her face.
Now in middle age, Aunt Li saw immediately that Su Yunyun had been defiled, the shock manifesting on her face.
For the Yuhan Palace, this was akin to a bolt from the blue, an incident of the gravest nature. Who dared possess such audacity as to assault their Miss!
Su Yunyun shot her a sidelong glance, coldly demanding, “Aunt Li, find me some clothes!”
“Oh, oh, yes, yes!” Aunt Li snapped out of her daze, nodding hurriedly before turning to leave. She returned quickly with a bundle.
Su Yunyun changed into her attire; in white like snow, she resembled white jade, restored to her usual appearance, though the flowing, captivating radiance could not be concealed.
Aunt Li had calmed herself during the brief trip back and forth, having formulated a rough understanding of the situation. Daring not to ask, she cautiously suggested, “Miss, let’s return quietly.”
Su Yunyun gave her a displeased look, finding the expression grating, but slowly nodded her agreement.
……………………
The two did not greet anyone else, departing gracefully.
They did not ride horses, instead using qinggong to travel. They did not stop for breath, Su Yunyun moving as if possessed, silently speeding forward. Aunt Li could barely keep up even by exerting her utmost effort.
Su Yunyun maintained her composure initially, not using her full strength, but later, unable to bear the agitation, she placed a hand around Aunt Li’s slender waist, supporting her as they dashed onward—their speed increased severalfold.
The fierce wind battered their faces, everything before them stretched into streaks of light and shadow, flashing past in an instant. Aunt Li couldn't see clearly at all, so she simply closed her eyes.
Su Yunyun’s inner force seemed endless, her speed like the wind. From the first break of dawn until dusk, they only stopped at a small town.
Aunt Li let out a long sigh, her entire body aching. She had needed to circulate her internal energy to ward off the cold wind, sustaining herself for the whole day; her inner strength was nearly depleted.
She marveled secretly: The Miss’s martial arts had advanced astonishingly; her internal energy was profound, continuous, and her spiritual flow unexpectedly enduring!
She found it extremely strange. Knowing it was related to what Su Yunyun had endured, she was intensely curious about what could have happened to cause her defilement, yet she dared not inquire further.
Although the customs in Eastern Chu were open, chastity and purity were still highly valued. The Miss possessed an exceptionally fiery temperament; if her purity had truly been violated, given her nature, she would have fought to the death, and even if defeated, she would have sought mutual destruction—or failing that, she certainly would not have lived on alone.
Moreover, considering the Miss’s martial prowess, her Ice Jade Divine Sword being unrivaled, the fact that she could be subdued made it almost unbelievable. Could it have been mutual affection?
She shook her head inwardly. If it were mutual affection, the Miss would not be so somber and enraged.
The Miss cultivated the Ice Jade Divine Art; her heart was like ice and jade, untouched by dust, unaffected by worldly affairs, always cold and serene. She must have suffered an extreme shock to provoke such a reaction.
While deep in thought, her feet did not stop. The two entered the small town, found a modest eatery, quickly ordered a few dishes, and Su Yunyun, unlike her usual self, did not object to the uncleanliness, finishing quickly before rushing onward.
With her waist encircled by Su Yunyun, Aunt Li vanished into the twilight like a gust of wind.
Aunt Li worried whether the Miss, in such a state, might harm herself.
She could see that although Su Yunyun appeared cold, her heart was far from tranquil. The Ice Jade Divine Art demanded a calm and peaceful mind; any violent fluctuation carried the risk of zouhuo rumo (going astray and inviting inner demons).
Her worries did not materialize. The next morning, the two returned to Gujiang City.
They had taken a shortcut. Li Muxuan had originally traveled the official route, also bypassing major cities and taking detours. Otherwise, given Chiying’s speed, they wouldn't have been able to intercept him.
Back in Gujiang City, Su Yunyun immediately went into seclusion, refusing to see anyone, diligently practicing her cultivation.
Aunt Li vaguely understood that the Miss intended revenge; she absolutely had to kill that fellow, most likely the monk Mingkong. She truly hadn't realized this young monk was so formidable.
She resolved to keep silent about the matter, not reporting it privately to the Palace Mistress, letting the Miss handle it herself.
…………………………
Li Muxuan had set the time and place, giving Su Yunyun a hope for revenge, believing this would stimulate her will to live and prevent her from taking self-destructive actions.
Subsequently, he mounted Chiying and hurried towards the capital.
On the fourth day, he reached the capital and returned to his residence, General Ming’s Estate.
Jiang Yuyan came to greet him. Seeing how clean and beautiful the surroundings had been managed, Li Muxuan expressed his admiration profusely.
He first paid his respects to Jiang Yuyan’s mother, and then they proceeded to the rear garden.
The rear garden was warm as spring, featuring five flower beds arranged like the five petals of a plum blossom.
Each flower bed was built around a small pool of water. Clear mist floated above the transparent water, wafting and curling like gossamer-thin white gauze, gentle and graceful.
These five pools were hot springs, the water clear and sweet.
The two sat by the central pool, surrounded by roses whose fragrance lingered faintly. Each sat on a piece of smoothed stone.
Jiang Yuyan wore white robes, her hair elegantly pinned high, looking dignified and refined. Li Muxuan always felt she possessed the aura of a modern white-collar professional woman.
Jiang Yuyan bent down, dipping her hand into the clear spring water, then looked up and smiled: “Young Master, is your poison cured?”
Li Muxuan nodded: “Yes, it’s resolved. Here is the antidote; you should take it back. I imagine the elder in your household is suffering quite a bit.”
Jiang Yuyan asked, “Does the Young Master truly intend to give him the antidote?” Li Muxuan pulled a blue porcelain vial from his robes and smiled, “I bear no deep grudge against them. For your sake, I wouldn't strike a mortal blow.”
Jiang Yuyan gave a charming smile: “Thank you, Young Master!”
Li Muxuan then produced a white jade vial and tossed both it and the blue porcelain vial to her.
Jiang Yuyan caught them, looked at the white jade vial, and then gazed at Li Muxuan.
Li Muxuan explained, “Your father suffered severe damage from cultivating incorrectly (zouhuo rumo); he doesn't have long. Give him this to take.”
“What is this…?” Jiang Yuyan inquired.
“The Creation Pill (Zaohua Dan),” Li Muxuan replied.
Jiang Yuyan paused, then quickly asked, “Is this the Creation Pill of the Canghai Sword Sect?”
Seeing Li Muxuan nod, she exclaimed in surprise, “The Young Master possesses this pill!” It was said this pill was exceedingly difficult to refine, extremely rare, and the Canghai Sword Sect never shared it externally, though every disciple carried one for protection.
Li Muxuan smiled. Jiang Yuyan continued, “Does the Young Master know a disciple of the Canghai Sword Sect?”
Li Muxuan paused for a moment in thought, then smiled: “Since things have reached this point, you should know… I was originally a disciple of the Canghai Sword Sect, my monastic name was Zhanran. I had to change my identity to pursue cultivation in the military.”
Jiang Yuyan’s bright eyes widened, then she shook her head: “Young Master, you shouldn't have told me.” If this news got out, the court would surely eliminate him. Military martial arts must not be passed outside the ranks—that was an absolute law.
…………………
Li Muxuan smiled gently: “You are now one of my trusted people. If I cannot trust you, whom can I trust?”
“The Young Master flatters me,” Jiang Yuyan replied, lowering her gaze, becoming even more deferential.
Outwardly, Master Mingkong appeared honest and peaceful, but in reality, he was decisive in slaughter, possessed profound insight into human nature, truly a master strategist grasping all the threads. To deceive such a person would be tantamount to seeking death.
Li Muxuan waved his hand: “No need for formalities. Go back in a few days and deliver the antidote and the Creation Pill; don’t delay.”
“Then what about the Young Master?” Jiang Yuyan asked, recognizing that he did not intend to accompany her.
Li Muxuan stated, “I plan to return to Canghai Mountain for a visit; I might stay a while. I leave the management of the General’s Estate to you. If anything arises, blow this.”
He took out a jade flute from his robes, placed it to his lips, and a faint, melodic sound drifted out.
Two small black dots suddenly appeared in the sky, flashing overhead the General’s Estate before diving towards Li Muxuan. Just as Jiang Yuyan was about to move, Li Muxuan lowered the flute and waved his hand.
One large and one small eagle landed on Li Muxuan’s shoulders, rubbing their heads against his face. Li Muxuan stroked the eagles with a smile: “They are my good friends. If you need anything, let them carry the message.”
Jiang Yuyan examined the two eagles. Their feathers gleamed as if oiled, shining brightly, their eyes like jewels, commanding respect yet full of spirit, their gaze no different from that of a person.
“Truly fine eagles!” Jiang Yuyan exclaimed in admiration.
Li Muxuan lovingly stroked the two eagles and smiled: “Indeed.”
He patted the eagles, then raised his hand and sent them flying. They circled above the two once before rapidly ascending high into the sky, becoming two tiny black dots.
Li Muxuan instructed, “First, practice the melody you just heard; the core lies in the mental technique.” He meticulously explained the circulation route of the inner force and the subtle intricacies. A flute melody blown with this mental technique could carry exceptionally far, whereas an ordinary flute sound, even enhanced with internal energy, could only travel a li or two at most.
Jiang Yuyan was clever and quickly mastered the mental technique. Then, late that night, she left the estate and departed the capital for Hanshan Temple.
He did not go directly to Canghai Mountain, but first to Hanshan Temple.
Arriving at Hanshan Temple, he met Master Yinming and then immediately began secluded cultivation.
After emerging from seclusion, he disguised himself as an ordinary person, wearing a hat, his small beard trimmed, transforming into a charismatic middle-aged man, and gracefully departed Hanshan Temple, heading toward Canghai Mountain.
On the journey to Canghai Mountain, he proceeded cautiously, circling repeatedly. He observed with his Eye of the Void and relied on his intuition, detecting no signs of pursuit before finally setting the true course for Canghai Mountain.
He was burning with impatience, eager to see the people of Canghai Mountain. He employed qinggong as if riding the wind, drifting and soaring like lightning.
In just two days, he rushed back to Canghai Mountain, not stopping for food, rest, or sleep.
…………………
Canghai Mountain, bathed in the morning light, stood tall and magnificent, its peak capped with snow like a white hat.
In the Wuji Hall, Abbess Zhuzhao, dressed in jade-colored monk’s robes, frowned deeply, staring at Wen Yinyue opposite her, her expression stern and her eyebrows sharp with severity.
“Master, I am fine now,” Wen Yinyue said.
Wen Yinyue, clad in lake-green silk, sat cross-legged on a meditation cushion. Her expression was solemn and dignified, but her face was pale, completely drained of color, her radiance dimmed.
Abbess Zhuzhao snorted: “You are lucky to be alive! If that sword strike had deviated by an inch, you wouldn't have had time to use the Creation Pill and would have died instantly!”
Wen Yinyue replied, “This person’s movements were astonishingly fast, even surpassing Martial Brother. He simplified the complex moves of Jingtuo Fanwei—truly profound simplicity in great skill. He is certainly not simple.”
Abbess Zhuzhao frowned and huffed: “It’s uncanny. Without a sound, such a peerless master appears!”
Wen Yinyue commented, “The martial arts world is full of hidden tigers and crouching dragons; there are plenty of unknown masters.”
Abbess Zhuzhao shook her head, lost in thought: “That may be so, but for one like Leng Buzi to suddenly appear like this is truly strange, and to harbor such deep enmity towards our Canghai Mountain—it’s deeply suspicious!”
Wen Yinyue nodded.
Abbess Zhuzhao waved her hand: “Stop thinking about it! In the jianghu, dying under the sword is simply fate; no one can escape it. Once dead, the lamp is out; mourning is useless!”
Wen Yinyue’s expression grew dim, and she remained silent.
After a long pause, she let out a faint sigh: “If Martial Brother were here, it would be better…”
Abbess Zhuzhao’s face darkened: “Yes, if Zhanran were here, it would be better. It was my carelessness that allowed Jingren and the others to act together, leading to them all being wiped out. Humph, not a single one of the Five Tigers of the South Cour remains!”
“It is my incompetence,” Wen Yinyue said mournfully.
Abbess Zhuzhao sighed: “You managed to escape with Ruolan, which is the greatest fortune amidst disaster. You did well this time; leave when you must, and never force yourself to stay!”
Wen Yinyue took a deep breath: “Martial Brothers Lu and the others fought bravely; they are indeed worthy disciples of our Canghai Mountain.”
Abbess Zhuzhao shook her head: “What a pity. With their deaths, the South Cour has no masters left. This person is deliberately destroying the foundation of our Canghai Mountain!”
Wen Yinyue nodded slowly.
Abbess Zhuzhao continued, “Your martial uncle and martial grand-uncle are not useful; both have fallen ill. The deaths of Jingren and the others have truly damaged the vital energy of Canghai Mountain.”
“Master, please accept my condolences,” Wen Yinyue offered.