My Wife Is The Leader Of A Demonic Cult - Chapter 115

Chapter 115: Chapter 115: The location of Sheng Shang is Qingmei (10,000 character update, please subscribe)

Yu State City, Tianxiang Street.

The pleasant sunlight poured down, making what was originally a cold winter season a bit warmer, and more and more pedestrians began to fill the streets.

An Jing, carrying a small medicine box on his back and holding a box of freshly bought pastries, made his way towards home.

The Evil Suppressing Sword was reburied in the Chaotic Tomb Mound; he always felt that the sword was peculiar, peculiar enough to scare him, and keeping it by his side was always a potential danger.

With the “help” of the Evil Suppressing Sword, he had finally stepped into the Fifth Realm.

Hand without sword, heart with sword.

In the Jianghu, the Fifth Realm denotes the pinnacle of swordsmanship, acclaimed as the Sword Immortal of the current age.

The five most formidable Sword Immortals in the world all existed within the Fifth Realm.

To date, no swordsman in the Jianghu had reached the Sixth Realm. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that reaching the Sixth Realm would entitle one to be known as the World’s First Swordsman. In the past few hundred years, only the pinnacle swordsmen, the Sword Demon and the Sword God, had touched upon this level.

The difficulty of the Fifth Realm had caused An Jing to stagnate for three years, and it was only under the Evil Suppressing Sword that he finally had an epiphany. The Sixth Realm was even more mysterious and profound.

It is written in the Sword Dao Tao General Outline, the Sixth Realm is to have neither sword in hand nor in heart.

No sword in hand, no sword in heart, is that still a swordsman?

What kind of realm is this, exactly?

“Forget it, I won’t think about it anymore. There’s plenty of time ahead; it’s still early.”

An Jing shook his head.

Given his current age and Root Bone, there was still a significant chance for him to reach the Sixth Realm in time.

Just at that moment, a familiar figure suddenly appeared in front of him.

On the corner of the street, an old scholar strolled leisurely in the dusk, one hand behind his back, the other holding a fishing rod and a fish basket, dressed very simply and unremarkably, as if no one around even noticed his presence.

But An Jing saw him at first glance; it was Li Fuzhou.

“Son-in-law, are you returning from a medical visit?”

Li Fuzhou, who also saw An Jing, smiled and asked.

“Yes, the weather’s been turning colder these days, leading to many people falling ill, so I had no choice but to go out.”

An Jing nodded and said with a sigh, “Uncle has been quite busy lately too. Last night I wanted to invite Uncle for a couple of drinks, but there was no opportunity.”

Li Fuzhou gave An Jing a look, somewhat surprised in his heart. Usually, this young doctor would rather go out for drinks with that youngster Han Wenxin than drink with him at home. What was different today?

Could it be that he missed him after not seeing him for a few days?

“Not too busy. Recently, I’ve gotten hooked on fishing. If the son-in-law wishes to drink, I am at your service. It just so happens that I have dishes for drinking tonight.”

As Li Fuzhou spoke, he lifted the fish basket a bit.

“Is that so?”

An Jing smiled, “That’s great, let’s have a good drink today and unburden our hearts.”

Watching Li Fuzhou’s serene expression, An Jing was certain that it couldn’t be as simple as fishing. In the past, he had not seen him so fond of fishing; surely it must be due to the burdens of the Demon Sect’s affairs.

Li Fuzhou’s scheming was too profound, and his actions left no trace. An Jing had little hope of tricking any words out of him.

Indeed, one needed to be highly capable to become the master of the Human Sect.

It was just a mystery which individual could hold sway over this old fox as the Sect Hierarch of the Demon Sect.

As they spoke, the two men walked side by side towards home.

Their leisurely conversation along the way seemed joyful, much like old friends, but beneath the surface, both concealed their thoughts and ulterior motives deeply.

Fake within the truth, truth within the fake, speaking falsehoods with no trace to be seen.

This scene inevitably led An Jing to sigh to himself, “A Douban rating of 9.0.”

As the two made their way home, stepping on the afterglow of the setting sun, they returned to Jishi Hall without realizing it.

“You damn beast, if you take my socks away again, I’m going to stew you!”

Tan Yun was pointing a stick at the small black pup squatting on the ground. Seeing the two return, the motion of her hands paused, “Uncle, son-in-law, you’re back…”

Li Fuzhou handed the fish basket to Tan Yun, instructing her, “We’re back. There are a few fish here, go clean them up.”

“Okay, I’ll do it now.”

Tan Yun took the fish basket with a gleam in her eyes and quickly headed toward the kitchen.

Watching Tan Yun’s retreating figure, An Jing shook his head and remarked, “If there’s something that won’t fit in her head, she surely finds a way to fit it in her stomach.”

Li Fuzhou couldn’t help but find it quite amusing, and, unable to restrain himself, stroked his beard and laughed, “Son-in-law truly has a way with words; you understand her so well.”

……

In the dining hall, on the table.

The table boasted a steaming hot braised fish, a pot of delicious tofu and fish soup, stir-fried cabbage, and minced pork with eggplant.

Beyond that, there were also two pots of warmed wine.

“Today, let’s you and I have a good drink together, have a heart-to-heart talk, and chat about household trifles,” Li Fuzhou said with a smile.

An Jing brought out two cups.

Li Fuzhou looked at the ordinary home-cooked meals on the table, and upon hearing An Jing’s words, he couldn’t help thinking to himself: Although this young doctor isn’t a person from Jianghu and his status is heaven and earth apart from my own, aside from being somewhat slippery, he’s not a bad person.

Besides reading books and enjoying music at brothels, I indeed have no other vexing concerns.

This kind of ordinary, simple, and warm life is truly nostalgic and hard to forget.

It was precisely because of this that my three flowers tended toward perfection, gradually becoming united as one.

Lost in a trance, Li Fuzhou sighed inwardly, “Come, son-in-law, let’s drink our fill today.”

With that, he filled An Jing’s cup to the brim.

“Alright.”

An Jing nodded, but he couldn’t help but sigh to himself.

Having the Sect Master of the Demon Sect pour wine for him—such an honor must be enjoyed by no more than five people in Jianghu. This old man Li had such potential; it’s a pity he’s from the Demon Sect.

If he weren’t from the Demon Sect, perhaps in a few months’ time, I could even befriend him.

In Great Yan, the Demon Sect’s reputation is terrible, and they once even formed a rebel army; An Jing had never thought of becoming a rebel.

The two clinked cups, then downed their drinks in one gulp.

Zhao Qingmei sat gracefully and elegantly on the side, nibbling the food in small bites, occasionally lifting her head to look at An Jing opposite her, a hint of a smile appearing at the corner of her mouth.

“No one is going to take your food from you,” Li Fuzhou suddenly glared at Tan Yun sitting beside him, and his expression immediately turned stern.

Tan Yun, unable to join the conversation, just kept shoveling rice into her mouth without even noticing the grains sticking to her cheeks, and soon her bowl was nearly empty—a testament to the sentiment that life is short, so one might as well have another bowl.

At Li Fuzhou’s words, Tan Yun shivered and hurriedly bowed her head, taking things more slowly.

An Jing thought to himself: “Apart from not being nimble enough, she also eats a lot.”

On usual days at mealtime, Tan Yun’s appetite surpassed both An Jing and Zhao Qingmei’s combined, and most importantly, she would eat pastries before and after meals….

“Elder Li, I heard that after the year’s end you’re planning to go to Yujing City?” An Jing asked as he picked up a slice of fish.

Li Fuzhou nodded, “That’s right, I’m going there with Zhou Xianming, which will be good company.”

There were only a few days left before the year’s end, and there was still a month’s journey to Yujing City.

Going to Yujing City was one of his main purposes for coming to Great Yan.

Upon hearing this, An Jing breathed a slight sigh of relief.

In his view, it was best for Li Fuzhou to leave, otherwise, he would have to guard against a “thief in the family” every day, which was too draining, especially since this “thief” was currently more powerful than he was.

“That truly is a pity,” An Jing said with a show of regret.

Li Fuzhou stroked his beard and chuckled, “If son-in-law is also planning to take the exam, you might have the chance to go to the capital with Zhou Xianming for this year’s examination.”

“I’ll pass on taking the exam,” An Jing waved his hand, though he thought to himself: “Even if I were to take the exam, I couldn’t go with you. People from the Demon Sect are just too dangerous, and with a beautiful wife at home, who would want to become the top scholar?”

Tan Yun seemed to have eaten her fill, and, catching her breath a bit, she timidly said, “I heard from the son-in-law and young lady that Mr. Zhou has a chance of becoming the top scholar?”

Since she hadn’t handled Zhou Xianming’s information herself, she was not aware of his details.

Li Fuzhou smiled, “The top scholar? That will depend on fate, and being the top scholar isn’t necessarily a good thing.”

An Jing nodded, “Right, the top scholar might end up being taken as a prince consort.”

“Isn’t it a good thing to be a prince consort?” Tan Yun, hearing An Jing’s words, became somewhat confused. Isn’t marrying a princess a good thing?

Zhao Qingmei also looked puzzled, turning her gaze towards An Jing.

Meanwhile, Li Fuzhou cupped his wine, took a delicate sip without speaking.

“`

Being a prince consort is nice, but then you can’t visit the brothels to enjoy the performances anymore…..

“Speaking of this top scholar,” An Jing said with a dry laugh, “I remember a story.”

“Would you all like to hear it?” he asked, changing the subject.

“Let’s hear it, let’s hear it, son-in-law, do tell,” Tan Yun’s interest was immediately piqued.

“Husband, the story you’re going to tell is probably quite interesting, right?” Zhao Qingmei also blinked with anticipation.

“I often listened to Zhou Xianming tell tales, so today let me try my hand at it.”

An Jing cleared his throat twice and then proceeded to tell his story, “Once upon a time there was a forest, and in this forest, there was a scholar who would find a spot to sit down at random each day and read until nightfall.

One evening, the scholar was reading, and just as the sunset dyed the earth, he exclaimed, ‘Youth slides away as we bury ourselves in our books, don’t take even a minute for granted.’ It was at this moment that a ‘squeak squeak’ noise came with the wind, and the scholar looked up to see a white shadow rushing towards him. It was a small fox, as clear and white as crystal, immaculately pure, with glossy eyes rolling, and a continuous sad sound from its mouth.

Strangely enough, when the little fox reached the scholar, it stopped in its tracks, panting heavily.

The scholar grabbed the little fox and saw an arrow sticking out of its snow-white hind leg at an angle, with fresh blood running down the arrowhead, staining a patch of fur red.

The little fox whimpered a few times, and its eyes, full of sorrow and plea, looked at the scholar.

The scholar sighed, “Little fox, little fox, how did you get so grievously hurt…”

While speaking, he found some rags and wine, tended to the fox’s wound, and noticed the little fox’s eyes fixed on him, filled with poignant gratitude.

The scholar sighed, gently stroked the fox, and said slowly, “Little fox, go hide yourself, don’t let anyone bully you.”

The little fox slid down his sleeve, limping with its leg. It seemed to comprehend human nature as it brought its front paws together and bowed to the scholar, squeaking a few times, then turned into a white shadow and darted into the forest.

The scholar watched the little fox’s disappearing figure and muttered, ‘Youth slides away as we bury ourselves in our books, don’t take even a minute for granted…’ As he spoke, the book from his hands dropped with a ‘plop’ to the ground, and he did not even notice.”

At this point in the story, An Jing paused for a moment.

“What happened later, son-in-law?” Tan Yun asked eagerly, her eyes wide. “Is there really such a thing as fox immortals in this world?”

Li Fuzhou was also drawn into An Jing’s story, his gaze carrying a hint of curiosity.

An Jing thought for a moment, then said, “Later on, that scholar passed the imperial exam as top scholar, married the princess of the dynasty, became a prince consort, how about that? Isn’t it a beautiful story?”

“What’s that all about.”

Tan Yun found the ending somewhat unsatisfying. “I wanted to hear the story of the little fox. I think she’s way cuter than Xiao Heizi.”

“No, Xiao Heizi is even cuter.”

An Jing shook his head and said, “Fox meat doesn’t taste good…”

“Woof! Woof! Woof!”

Xiao Heizi, upon hearing his name mentioned by An Jing, started barking wildly at him.

“There must be more to the story, right?” Zhao Qingmei looked around charmingly and laughed softly, “That little fox never got to repay the scholar. Husband, go on.”

An Jing nodded slightly, “Yes, on the night that the scholar was wed, a young maid burst into the wedding chamber, approached the scholar with a bow, declaring that she had repaid the favor from the past. Then, with her eyes filled with tears, she bid him farewell, retreated to the depths of the courtyard, and began to dance under the bright moonlight, her white clothes brighter than snow, like a dream, like an illusion. As the dance went deeper, the maid started to squeak mournfully.”

Tan Yun had an epiphany, then felt a sadness welling up, “That maid was the fox immortal, and she was there to repay her debt.”

Having heard the story, Li Fuzhou stroked his chin in contemplation.

An Jing poured himself another cup of wine and said, “After that night, the maid was never seen again. It is said that in the deep mountains, at sunset, one can always see a figure dancing gracefully. The scholar sent many in search but never found her again…”

Li Fuzhou raised his cup, with a smile that was not quite a smile, and said, “Son-in-law, the story you told was indeed poignant. Have you ever thought about whether that fox immortal ever repaid her debt?”

“Rumors amongst the common folk cannot be taken as truth,” An Jing waved his hand dismissively, then looking at his wife, he said, “Besides, how could any fox immortal be as beautiful as my lady?”

Zhao Qingmei’s eyes gleamed with laughter, but she remained silent.

Tan Yun, however, seemed to be lost in thought, her expression growing somewhat somber.

……

In Yujing City, at Yue Mansion.

The verandas wound back upon themselves, and the mansion was serene and deep.

“Sir, the master has been waiting inside for a long time, please.”

An attractive maid led the way, followed by an aged man with a withered face and a thin body.

This was none other than Jiang Sanjia.

He looked pale compared to before in Yu State City; his head had more white hair, adding to a more haggard appearance.

“Thank you.”

Jiang Sanjia nodded slightly, then stepped forward to enter.

“`

In the hall, the sound of silk and bamboo instruments was pleasing to the ear, and a few enchanting singers were dancing gracefully, while Yue Tingchen sat leisurely above, his fingers lightly tapping on the desk, seemingly in harmony with the music.

Seeing Jiang Sanjia come in, Yue Tingchen waved his hand for the singers to step down, “Magistrate Jiang, please, take a seat. I’ve been waiting for you quite eagerly.”

“Lord Yue is too kind. I was delayed by some trifling matters. My apologies.”

Jiang Sanjia clasped his fists and then took a seat, while a beautiful maid quickly came forward to pour wine for him.

Normally he would never attend such a refined gathering, but Yue Tingchen was the one who helped vindicate him, a favor that was far from small.

“It’s no trouble, no trouble at all.”

Yue Tingchen let out a light laugh and said, “Magistrate Jiang has borne humiliations and heavy responsibilities for many years. Now, it seems the cloud has lifted to reveal a bright future, and you have achieved rightful recognition once again.”

Jiang Sanjia calmly said, “Such are the ups and downs of life, merely recurring cycles.”

At this moment, having experienced this ordeal, he had already seen through much.

“Magistrate Jiang speaks truly, with a mindset that truly transcends the ordinary. No wonder the Second Prince values you so highly,” Yue Tingchen said with a solemn face.

Jiang Sanjia was silent for a while before saying, “My vindication this time, I owe much to the Second Prince.”

It was clear to everyone in the court that the man before them, Yue Tingchen, was a follower and henchman of Zhao Mengtai, the Second Prince. Although it appeared that Yue Tingchen was the one who had helped vindicate him, it was really Zhao Mengtai who was behind it all.

Yue Tingchen took a deep breath and said, “The Second Prince knows of Magistrate Jiang’s integrity and upstanding character, sure that you were wronged innocently. However, on the matters of court… Magistrate Jiang should understand, he is also constrained, wanting to help but unable. It was only recently that this matter gradually settled down, allowing the Second Prince to make his recommendations.”

Jiang Sanjia clasped his fists and said, “For this vindication, I will remember the kindness of the Second Prince. A favor as small as a drop of water will be repaid with a spring.”

Jiang Sanjia was no fool; Zhao Mengtai’s efforts to clear his name certainly had a deeper purpose.

“Ah, actually, I am not sure if I should speak of another matter.”

Yue Tingchen sighed.

Jiang Sanjia’s heart moved, but his face remained unchanged, “Please speak freely.”

He knew that this was the real reason Yue Tingchen had summoned him today.

Yue Tingchen paused before speaking, “You must be aware that the Second Prince is involved in the construction of the Dragon Locking Well for the Human Emperor. This matter concerns the lifeblood of the Great Yan Dynasty, and in addition to this, there are six other seals. Now that one of these seals at Fa Xi Temple has been broken and one of the Soul Suppressing Devices, the Evil Suppressing Sword, has been taken away, there is also unrest with the Dragon Locking Well.”

“The Second Prince fears another upheaval, so he wishes to retrieve the Evil Suppressing Sword. However, that sword was taken by a mysterious Ghost Swordsman…”

Indeed!

Jiang Sanjia felt a cold smile in his heart upon hearing Yue Tingchen’s words.

The Second Prince’s clearing of his name was a ruse; it seemed he was after information on the Swordsman Zhou Xianming.

With the construction of the Dragon Locking Well, even if the other six seals were to break, it would not affect the Earth Veins. Though he claims to want to retrieve the Evil Suppressing Sword, there might be another agenda at play.

A regular person might have a hard time guessing Zhao Mengtai’s thoughts, but Jiang Sanjia saw right through them.

Zhao Mengtai, ambitious and cunning, had started to lay his plans in Jianghu decades ago, so he was well-versed in the affairs of Jianghu.

Zhou Xianming had acted several times, exposing his qi mechanism. Surely, Zhao Mengtai had investigated and found out his background, aware that he practiced the Daluo Heart Method from the Daluo Sect, and wanted to get his hands on the Daluo Heart Method.

Although the Daluo Heart Method that Zhou Xianming possessed was incomplete, it was necessary to complete the Jade Emperor Scripture.

Zhao Mengtai might not need the Daluo Heart Method himself but could use it as a bargaining chip to exchange with the Zhenyi Sect.

The Zhenyi Sect, as the national religion, held a pivotal position both in court and in Jianghu. If Zhao Mengtai could receive strong support from the Zhenyi Sect, his wild ambitions might stand a great chance of being realized.

“Truth be told, I am ashamed.”

Jiang Sanjia put down his wine cup and said, “Actually, I know nothing about the Ghost Swordsman.”

What he said was true; apart from knowing the Ghost Swordsman was called Zhou Xianming, he knew nothing else, and he was even aware that even the name might be false…

Yue Tingchen smiled and said, “Magistrate Jiang is joking. Actually, the Second Prince only wants to return what remains of the Evil Suppressing Sword. If the Ghost Swordsman is willing to hand it over, the Second Prince would not treat him poorly. He could even erase the crime of breaking open the dungeon and killing two of the Xuanyi Guards, granting him freedom…”

An Jing was wanted by the Xuanyi Guard for breaking open the dungeon and killing Gan Yue and Zhang Shuang.

Jiang Sanjia said gravely, “I am not refusing to tell. I truly do not know.”

Yue Tingchen frowned slightly upon hearing Jiang Sanjia’s words, but quicky his expression eased, “Are you truly unwilling to disclose it, Magistrate Jiang?”

That swordsman had helped Jiang Sanjia several times, notably slicing open the dungeon. Without a deep relationship, how could he possibly stage a prison break?

In Yan Country, those in Jianghu rarely dared to cross the court’s red lines, especially with the Xuanyi Guard watching over them, always reminding them to remain alert.

And Jiang Sanjia was a descendant of the Ghost Valley Sect, best known for divination. How could it be possible that he didn’t know the identity of the swordsman?

“Truly, I do not know. How can I disclose it?” replied Jiang Sanjia, shaking his head.

When he told the truth, nobody would believe him.

Yue Tingchen took a deep breath and said somberly, “Since Magistrate Jiang says so, I won’t press the issue any further.”

“`

After Yue Tingchen saw Jiang Sanjia leave, he furrowed his brows in thought for a long time before finally heading toward the back courtyard.

In the pavilion of the back courtyard, a young man sat up straight, a chessboard before him. He was frowning in contemplation, not making a move for a long while.

This person was none other than Zhao Mengtai.

Yue Tingchen approached and bent over, saying, “Second Prince, Jiang Sanjia, he……”

“He didn’t say, did he?”

Zhao Mengtai’s pupils contracted slightly, then he finally placed a chess piece on the board and said, “This swordsman should be in Jiangnan Dao, and since he knows there is nature’s spiritual energy under the seal, he must not be a simple character.”

Yue Tingchen nodded and said cautiously, “So, what should we do now, continue to woo Jiang Sanjia until he is willing to speak?”

“Jiang Sanjia is of no use anymore.”

Zhao Mengtai picked another chess piece from the box, a trace of ruthlessness in his eyes.

He had exonerated Jiang Sanjia, only to find that Jiang Sanjia did not appreciate his grace.

Yue Tingchen thought for a moment, then said, “I heard that these few days he often stands at the palace gates. Why don’t we go roundabout…”

Jiang Sanjia was also a capable person, albeit somewhat aloof and solitary.

Since he was unwilling, why not let that person from Kunning Palace make him talk?

“If Imperial Concubine Mu finds out, she will surely do everything she can to get the Daluo Heart Method, and then she will give it directly to her senior brother, and then we will have one less critical bargaining chip.”

Zhao Mengtai spoke coldly, “If Jiang Sanjia doesn’t want to speak, then he doesn’t want to be of use to me. Since he doesn’t want to be of use, I don’t need him.”

“I understand.”

Yue Tingchen then said no more.

……

Early in the morning, at Jishi Hall.

An Jing leaned back in a Taishi Chair, holding a medical book in his hands.

At this moment, Zhao Qingmei came in with a broom and said, “Husband, the New Year is approaching, and there aren’t many people coming for consultations this morning. You should go to the market to buy some vegetables and meat, as well as some New Year’s goods to bring back.”

“I’ll clean both inside and outside the hall later.”

An Jing nodded at her words, then suddenly remembered something and asked, “Are you going to sweep up inside and out?”

Zhao Qingmei tied her apron and said, “Yes, the house should be clean and tidy to welcome the new year, why?”

An Jing, without blushing or skipping a beat, said, “Then, there’s no need to clean the storeroom. It hasn’t been used for a long time and might have rats or centipedes or such. I’ll clean it myself when I get back.”

Zhao Qingmei smiled sweetly and replied, “Alright, I know. You can clean it yourself when you come back.”

An Jing felt relieved upon hearing this and then put down the book to head to the backyard.

At that moment, Tan Yun was preparing to wash clothes at the riverbank with a wooden tub in her arms.

Seeing the long-suffering wooden tub, An Jing said, “Leave the clothes and come with me to the market to buy some New Year’s goods.”

It would certainly mean carrying a lot of things back from the market, a tiresome task.

“Mister, can’t you go by yourself?”

Tan Yun looked puzzled and a bit reluctant.

After returning from the market, she still had to wash clothes.

An Jing blinked and smiled, “The market is so lively during the New Year, with all sorts of cakes and snacks available…”

“Mister, it’s too dangerous for you to go alone, I’ll protect you.”

Hearing this, Tan Yun’s expression changed, and she quickly spoke.

An Jing laughed, “Let’s go.”

There are too many fools in this world, and clearly not enough conmen…

“Go, to the market!”

Tan Yun, too, became excited, especially at the thought of snacks and sweets, her mouth watering in anticipation.

……

As a heavy snow fell, the roads of Yu State City were lined with snow.

But as the New Year approached, the morning market was exceptionally busy and lively, with shop banners flying high and street vendors touting their goods under large umbrellas.

The long street was bustling with traffic, and the cacophony of hawking and shouting rose and fell like roaring waves.

“`

Tan Yun followed behind An Jing, her eyes shining with excitement as she took in the lively scene, “Son-in-law, there are so many people.”

“Yeah, there really are a lot of people. Are you happy?” An Jing nodded and said.

Tan Yun looked around eagerly, then said with delight, “Son-in-law, look, over there someone is performing with a monkey! Let’s go watch.”

“Let’s watch later, we need to buy our New Year’s goods first.”

An Jing, pulling Tan Yun who was intent on seeing the monkey show, headed straight for the meat stand.

“Doctor An, here to buy pork? This is a black pig we slaughtered just this morning.”

“Give me five pounds of meat. I want one pound lean, one pound streaky, and three pounds from the leg. Oh, and do you have fresh beef? Give me some of that, too.”

“Sure, just one moment, Doctor An.”

“Auntie Zhang, do you have any fresh vegetables?”

…..

Before long, the two had purchased vegetables, meat, and various essential New Year’s goods.

An Jing, munching on a freshly baked scallion pancake, casually walked ahead with his hands full of snacks and pastries, while Tan Yun, with her arms full of goods, followed behind, her little face puffed up in frustration, wishing she could bite down hard on An Jing.

“Son-in-law, you tricked me…..”

Only now did Tan Yun realize she had been tricked, played by this young doctor like one might play with a monkey.

“Where did I trick you?”

An Jing raised his eyebrows slightly.

“You said you would take me to eat something delicious,” Tan Yun pouted.

“I said there were pastries for sale on the street, look, aren’t these them?” An Jing shook the pastries in his hand.

“Hmph!”

Tan Yun silently vowed to herself not to so easily believe the words that came out of An Jing’s mouth anymore. The reason she had been too trusting before was that he’d given her so many pastries, which lowered her guard.

“Where are we going now?” Tan Yun asked.

“To buy some fireworks,” An Jing responded.

“But…” Tan Yun opened her mouth, her voice full of grievance, “Son-in-law, I can’t carry any more.”

“Just buy a little more, and have them delivered,” An Jing said with a laugh.

In the end, An Jing entered a shop and after giving instructions to the shopkeeper, left some silver coins and departed.

“Let’s go, let’s head back,” An Jing said as he came out, addressing Tan Yun who was standing by the door.

With that, the two began walking toward home.

“Son-in-law…?”

Tan Yun suddenly said.

“What’s wrong? Are you tired?”

Hearing this, An Jing instinctively prepared to lend a hand.

“No no no, this is what I should be doing,” Tan Yun hurriedly said. “And I’m not tired at all.”

“That’s what I thought. All that food you eat every day isn’t just for show,” An Jing commented.

“Son-in-law, do I really eat that much?” Tan Yun asked uncertainly, her lips pursed, “Is it unattractive to eat so much?”

Seeing Tan Yun like this, An Jing couldn’t help but smile and said, “It’s fine, I guess. We still have some surplus at home, so supporting you shouldn’t be a problem.”

Tan Yun mustered her courage and said, “Son-in-law, I want to ask you something.”

“What is it?”

“How do you think you can capture a man’s heart?”

An Jing stopped in his tracks and scrutinized Tan Yun closely.

“Son-in-law, what are you looking at?” Tan Yun, flustered by An Jing’s gaze, blushed.

“That’s a tricky question,” An Jing cleared his throat and shook his head, “Our madam wouldn’t approve of such a thing.”

“Ptui!”

“`

Tan Yun’s face flushed even redder upon hearing this, and she immediately spat out, “Nonsense, I certainly don’t wish to capture your heart….”

“So you’re saying you have your eyes on someone else?”

An Jing blinked his eyes.

“Why do you care so much,”

With a wrinkle of her nose and a flutter of her eyelashes, Tan Yun said, “Son-in-law, you haven’t answered my question yet.”

“Give him the most precious thing you have to make him happy.”

“What precious thing?”

“The first drop of blood.”

“The first drop of blood?”

Instantly realizing what was implied, Tan Yun glared fiercely at An Jing, her blush spreading to the base of her neck, “Son-in-law, you’re not being proper.”

An Jing retorted irritably, “How am I not being proper? I’m telling the truth. It was you who asked, I only followed what my heart thought.”

Biting her lip, Tan Yun asked, “What about besides that?”

“To be honest, capturing a man’s heart really is about capturing his stomach….”

As he said this, An Jing glanced at Tan Yun and sighed, “Forget it, this method isn’t for you.”

“Who says it’s not? I can do it!”

Upon hearing this, Tan Yun’s complexion turned beet red.

…….

At the border of Dongluo Pass.

Because Dongluo Pass is adjacent to Houjin, Great Yan, Zhao Country, and the Western Pure Land, trade here is incredibly prospering. Every day, large caravans pass in and out of Dongluo Pass, which has gradually become a major transportation hub for travelers and goods, endowing Dongluo Pass with endless developmental potential.

This place is teeming with commercial opportunities and wealth. Countless dreamers from Great Yan and Zhao Country flock here in pursuit of riches. These arrivals have also increased the population significantly, further enhancing the prosperity and wealth of Dongluo Pass.

Following its development, Dongluo Pass built the largest man-made harbor—the Dongluo Port. Continuously evolving and revolutionizing, coupled with orderly and systematic management, Dongluo Pass has gradually become one of the most famous cities in the world.

And the real master of this city is none other than the Demon Sect, which makes people change color at the mention in Great Yan.

In the center of Dongluo Pass stands a black pagoda soaring into the clouds, called Dongluo Tower.

Within the pagoda, at the very top.

“This… what is this?”

A white-haired old crone in black garments knitted her brows, trembling hands clutching a piece of correspondence.

Suddenly, she crushed the letter in her hand into a ball, her expression regaining composure.

“Sect Master, Yu Qiurong, the leader of Yu, requests an audience!”

A voice called from outside the door.

“Let her in,” said the old crone indifferently.

“Yes.”

The person at the door then hurried away.

The Demon Sect is divided into the Heavenly, Earth, and Human Sects, with the Human Sect responsible for investigations, tracking, espionage, protection, and other clandestine operations. Though not the strongest in the Demon Sect, the Human Sect’s members are first-rate spies.

The Earth Sect has the most experts and is the most active presence in Jianghu, occupying ninety percent of the tens of thousands of Demon Sect followers, essentially forming the backbone of the Sect.

Of the three sects, the most mysterious and terrifying is the Heavenly Sect, which gathers the topmost experts of the Demon Sect.

Historically, most of the Demon Sect Hierarchs have been selected from within the Heavenly Sect, which clearly shows, compared to the other two, the number of experts in the Heavenly Sect is fewer, totaling only a few dozen people.

Some of these individuals are virtually unknown in Jianghu, yet their cultivation and strength are extremely formidable.

When the Demon Sect was driven out of Great Yan, it was the masters of the Heavenly Sect who held back numerous experts of the Great Yan martial world, otherwise, even if the Human Sect and Earth Sect, along with many other experts, could retreat, they would have suffered tremendous losses and severe damage to their core strength.

It was this very battle that once again reminded people of the fearsome reputation of the Heavenly Sect of the Demon Sect.

If the Human and Earth Sects are considered the claws and teeth of the Demon Sect, then the Heavenly Sect is its true pillar and support.

The elderly woman before us is the current master of the Heavenly Sect of the Demon Sect, the ruler of Dongluo Pass, known as Bloody Slaughter, Duanmu Xinghua.

After a short while, the crisp voice of Yu Qiurong resounded at the door.

“Yu Qiurong seeks an audience with the master of the Heavenly Sect.”

“Enter!”

“`

Duanmu Xinghua spoke indifferently.

“Creak!”

As the door was pushed open, Yu Qiurong slowly entered.

“I pay my respects to the Sect Master of the Heavenly Sect!”

Yu Qiurong said respectfully.

In the Demon Sect, everyone was clear that, apart from the Sect Hierarch, Duanmu Xinghua was the last person anyone wanted to provoke.

The Hierarch had some bottom lines, but if one offended Duanmu Xinghua, as long as she was displeased, they were in for a dire time, and even serious injury was an understatement.

So ferocious toward her own sect members, she was even more ruthless toward those outside the sect.

One could say that when the Hierarch was away, Duanmu Xinghua, the master of the Heavenly Sect, was essentially the helmsperson of the Demon Sect.

“Go ahead, what is it?”

Duanmu Xinghua gestured with a wave of her hand.

“A spy from the Golden Eagle Banner has been found at the border; this is his saber and armor…”

Yu Qiurong said, retrieving a saber and yellow iron armor from behind her.

“Oh!?”

Duanmu Xinghua’s hands drew in, and the iron saber and armor fell into her palms.

The Houjin Dynasty was also a dominant force on the grassland today, one of the mightiest powers in the world.

After uniting the grasslands, Houjin restructured all the tribes, forming the Thirteen Banners of Houjin, each numbering hundreds of thousands of warriors in armor and weapons.

The Golden Eagle Banner was one among these Thirteen Banners.

“It’s the curved saber and iron armor of the Tianzheng Banner.”

Duanmu Xinghua looked over them carefully, then nodded.

The Houjin iron armor combined the characteristics of both the Great Yan and Zhao Country and was infused with the advantages of grassland leather armor. Moreover, the craftsmanship was quite unique—one could tell at a glance whether it was authentic or a fake.

Yu Qiurong continued, “According to reports from experts in the Human Sect, it is said that Houjin is amassing food and fodder, heading towards the He Nei grassland, and moreover, dozens of experts from the Great Snow Mountain have descended, their whereabouts unknown…”

The status of the Great Snow Mountain in Houjin was even higher than the Zhenyi Sect—it was the holy land of faith for Houjin.

For the king of Houjin was also the Holy Master of the Great Snow Mountain.

This ruler who unified the great grassland and established Houjin was a rare talent in both civil and military governance in a century. Although the Great Yan Emperor was considered an enlightened ruler, compared to the sovereign of Houjin, he was somewhat inferior.

Scholars once said that if this ruler of the grasslands were to die suddenly, his name would leave a significant mark in the annals of history.

How could the ambition of such a person be small?

“That is to say, Houjin is truly making moves.”

Duanmu Xinghua said slowly.

Yu Qiurong paused, then said, “It’s unclear whether this is a probe or…”

Duanmu Xinghua’s eyebrows knitted slightly, before she said, “Have the head of the Xuanwu Sect prepare. Whether it’s true or false, we must treat it as the truth.”

The terrifying strength of Houjin, the descending tiger, was unknown to the world until it showed its ferocious teeth.

Yu Qiurong nodded and then said gravely, “Sect Master, given the gravity of the situation, should we inform the Hierarch and ask her to…”

As she spoke, Yu Qiurong watched for any change in Duanmu Xinghua’s expression.

Duanmu Xinghua scarcely hesitated, nodding, “Right now, send a secret message through the Human Sect to the Hierarch, telling her to return with all haste. If Houjin is indeed about to make a move, what would it look like if the Hierarch isn’t present to oversee matters?”

Yu Qiurong felt slightly surprised upon hearing this.

She knew that when she had previously suggested to Duanmu Xinghua that the Hierarch be called back, Duanmu Xinghua had not been receptive, saying the Hierarch had her own considerations and that it was not appropriate for subordinates to interfere.

But now, in such a short span of time, Duanmu Xinghua was actually insisting on the Hierarch’s immediate return.

Although Yu Qiurong did not know the reason for Duanmu Xinghua’s swift change of attitude, it was undoubtedly a positive turn of events.

“Understood. I will take my leave then,” Yu Qiurong said, saluting with a fist before turning to walk towards the door.

As she watched Yu Qiurong’s receding figure,

Duanmu Xinghua shook her head after a long while, then sighed deeply, “This bodes ill…”