Chapter 146 - 146 Tan Yun’s Identity Suspected of Being Exposed

Xuanqing Mountain, atop the cliff.

Looking around, there was endless misty clouds, ethereal like a fairyland.

Lou Xiangzhen, with his hands behind his back, looked at the disarray in front of him and remained silent.

“Is this the piece your junior disciple left behind?”

At that moment, a leisurely voice came from afar.

A Taoist slowly walked over.

If An Jing had been there, he would have recognized that the person in front of him was none other than the Luo-surnamed Taoist who had divined earlier in the Thousand Mechanism Palace.

Lou Xiangzhen nodded, saying nothing.

The Taoist nodded slightly and slowly said, “Strength is good, Root Bone is good, fortune is excellent, both land and people are favorable, but the timing is a bit difficult…”

Lou Xiangzhen squinted his eyes, “The providential time has already been occupied by Xiao Qianqiu and me.”

“Hahahaha.”

Hearing Lou Xiangzhen’s words, the Taoist was slightly stunned and then burst into laughter, “It’s one thing for Xiao Qianqiu to possess the providential time, but when did you occupy it?”

Lou Xiangzhen looked at the front, remaining silent.

Seeing this, the Taoist narrowed his eyes, “What, do you want to try with my great-nephew?”

Great-nephew!

In today’s world, the only person who could call Xiao Qianqiu a great-nephew was Luo Chongyang, the younger brother of the previous Zhenyi Sect Sect Hierarch Ye Ding.

Who is Luo Chongyang?

People who have spent some time in Jianghu mostly know him well, especially the older generation of martial artists who revere him like thunder.

Who is Ye Ding? He is the master of Xiao Qianqiu, who now presides over Zhenyi Mountain, overlooking the martial world.

Luo Chongyang’s standing in the Zhenyi Sect and Zhenyi Mountain is extremely high.

Just now, the Zhenyi Sect grandmasters and peak masters present had to respectfully greet him as granduncle.

When the temple masters of the various Daoist temples see Luo Chongyang, they must also call him granduncle and pay him great respect.

It is rumored that when Ye Ding passed on the leadership to Xiao Qianqiu, Luo Chongyang harbored some dissatisfaction in his heart, and within three years, he had a dispute with Xiao Qianqiu, which even escalated to a physical altercation, after which he was defeated by Xiao Qianqiu and fled from Zhenyi Mountain.

Thereafter, Luo Chongyang wandered Jianghu for decades, completely disappearing from the public eye twenty years ago.

Lou Xiangzhen touched the Peach Blossom Sword at his waist and whispered softly, “Xiao Qianqiu has dominated the scene for over twenty years now, time really flies.”

It seemed as if there were halos floating on the Peach Blossom Sword, dazzling and mesmerizing the onlooker.

Luo Chongyang glanced at the Peach Blossom Sword at Lou Xiangzhen’s waist, “One final step?”

The difference between the Fifth Realm of Sword Skill and the Sixth Realm is like heaven and earth, incomparable. In the same era, there are dozens of swordsmen who reach the Fifth Realm, among whom the best can become top Sword Immortals.

But only those who reach the Sixth Realm can truly dominate and even be recorded in history.

Why has Lin Yiyang’s reputation surged lately? Isn’t it because of that statement he made after challenging the Universal Benefit Bodhisattva?

He must reach the Sixth Realm within three years.

The Sixth Realm is a shackles for all Fifth Realm swordsmen, even the top swordsmen in the world seldom reach the Sixth Realm.

Lou Xiangzhen stood at the peak of the mountain, letting the fierce wind blow, his gaze deep, “What do you think our chances are?”

“It’s worth a try.”

Luo Chongyang thought for a moment before finally speaking, “After all, decades have passed, and I’m not very familiar with my great-nephew’s current strength.”

Lou Xiangzhen’s expression was calm as water, and he nodded slightly.

Xiao Qianqiu’s strength is very high, his reputation even more terrifying, among which there is no lack of embellishment from the Zhenyi Sect, and in addition to his decades of seclusion on Zhenyi Mountain, not many people know his true strength.

Yet, the title of the number one person in the Great Yan Martial World, he has nurtured for decades.

His prestige is extraordinary, and his true strength is definitely not lacking.

Luo Chongyang thought of something and said, “Throughout history, many have sought the ‘Jade Emperor Scripture’ and the position of Mystical Sect Daoist Master, but in the end, they all turned into dust. Do you know why?”

When Mystical Sect fragmented, it mysteriously turned into a secret, and even after a thousand years, it has not been unified. It’s worth noting that in these thousand years, each faction has produced outstanding figures, but none have obtained the ‘Jade Emperor Scripture’ or achieved the Daoist Master position to revitalize the Mystical Sect.

“Some people don’t want it.”

Lou Xiangzhen said indifferently, “The Mystical Sect has been the foremost sect from ancient times to the present, once surpassing even today’s Zhenyi Sect in prestige. Buddhist and Demon Sects couldn’t even touch its edge; who in the world would like to see the Mystical Sect rise again?”

Luo Chongyang nodded, “So, it’s extremely difficult for the Mystical Sect to unite. This is also why Xiao Qianqiu hasn’t descended the mountain yet. Once he truly comes down, it would mean he is confident about his chances.”

Uniting the Mystical Sect is not as easy as others think; it is fraught with difficulties and turbulent waves.

“That would be the best, to defeat such a Xiao Qianqiu would truly be exhilarating.”

Lou Xiangzhen began walking down the mountain, “When the time comes, don’t forget to come and watch.”

Watching Lou Xiangzhen’s distant figure, Luo Chongyang said, “I’ve long stopped caring about the grudges in Jianghu.”

“This isn’t about the grudges of Jianghu, this is a conflict of Daoist traditions. Whether you come or not, Xiao Qianqiu and I are destined to have a battle sooner or later.”

After saying that, Lou Xiangzhen leaped up and disappeared over the cliff.

Luo Chongyang stood where Lou Xiangzhen had been standing, gazing at the sea of clouds below for a long time.

He remembered the first time he went to find Lou Xiangzhen. At that time, he invited Lou Xiangzhen to come out of seclusion to jointly create a legacy and revitalize the Mystical Sect, but Lou Xiangzhen had no intention of clashing with Xiao Qianqiu and completely lacked the ambition to become the Daoist Master.

Lou Xiangzhen is indeed an interesting person; a talented youth renowned throughout Jianghu, adorned in splendid garments riding a spirited horse, he enjoyed much adulation as the darling of the heavens and lived a life of boundless glamour. His temperament was incredibly arrogant and unruly.

Later, as his fame rose, he gradually became one of the top swordsmen in the world and even sought to challenge the Sword God. Unexpectedly, he was bitterly defeated by the Yu Heng Sword Sect, discouraged and disheartened, he half-retired from Jianghu. He no longer strove for fame and fortune but pursued a leisurely and carefree life, seemingly having found the true essence of life.

Regardless, he was still considered the second best swordsman in the world at that time, just below the Sword God and Sword Demon.

Years later, as the Sword God and Sword Demon either disappeared or died, Xiao Qianqiu from the Zhenyi Sect began to rise. He further withdrew from Jianghu and secluded himself at the northwest border, but he remained one of the top swordsmen in the world. Some said he was now the top swordsman; others claimed he ranked fifth, his spirit defeated, no longer possessing his former courage, afraid to face the formidable Zhenyi Sect.

Some praised him, but more despised and cursed him.

Eventually, some even suggested that he was only relying on his seniority; otherwise, he would have no place among the top five Sword Immortals in the world.

Lou Xiangzhen ignored such rumors, entirely indifferent. The ranking in the world meant nothing to him anymore.

Only this year, with the death and disappearance of Jiang Sanjia, did he rekindle that fire within him.

He came out of seclusion to rival Xiao Qianqiu and challenge the Jianghu once more.

Lou Xiangzhen’s life has been full of ups and downs, his heart swaying with the major trends of Jianghu.

Luo Chongyang, watching the drifting clouds in the sky, couldn’t help but muse, “Clouds gather and scatter in the sky, and such is life as well.”

……

East Lin Road, Heavenly Water City, within a beautifully exquisite pavilion.

A guqin was placed on a small table, beside which sat a middle-aged man.

The man’s appearance could not be considered handsome or imposing, merely above average, but his fingers were exceptionally slender and elegant.

His fingers rested on the strings of the guqin, yet he did not play.@@novelbin@@

A stream of sunlight poured through the window, illuminating the back of his hand.

Just then, the sound of knocking came from the door.

“Sir, there’s an urgent report.”

“Come in,” the man said serenely toward the door.

As the door was pushed open, a man with a sword quickly entered, presenting an urgent dispatch, “This comes from Mo Yan, sir, with utmost urgency.”

Mo Yan, a tributor of the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion.

The identity of the man before him was all too clear, he was the extremely mysterious Pavilion Master of the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion.

Upon hearing, the Pavilion Master’s hand reached out, and the dispatch landed in his palm. He quickly skimmed through it.

Afterward, his usually calm face tightened slightly, and he couldn’t help but mutter, “What a formidable Ghost Swordsman.”

The urgent dispatch detailed a great battle atop Xuanqing Mountain.

The Zhenyi Sect had dispatched numerous experts, not escaping the notice of some, but few knew of Zhenyi Sect’s true intent.

It turned out this mission was aimed at encircling the Ghost Swordsman of Jiangnan Dao.

Unexpectedly, this Ghost Swordsman was so formidable that, facing a siege by four Grand Real People, two Peak Masters, and the Reverend Moyun, he directly killed two Grand Real People and Reverend Moyun before safely departing.

Such a terrifying accomplishment is exceedingly rare in the Great Yan Martial World.

After all, there was hardly anyone with such strength who dared to offend the Zhenyi Sect, except perhaps a master from the Demon Sect or someone from Black Ice Platform at the Great Snow Mountain of Houjin, but these people were not currently within the borders of Great Yan.

Even so, they had to weigh their options carefully and be wary of retaliation from the Zhenyi Sect.

After all, the Zhenyi Sect did have its grandmasters, especially the world-renowned Xiao Qianqiu, who was a top-notch grandmaster with immeasurable strength.

The man bearing the longsword asked in a low voice, “My lord, could the Ghost Swordsman be…”

“See for yourself.”

The Pavilion Master of Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion tossed the urgent dispatch to the swordsman.

After glancing at it, the man gasped in shock.

Normally, just one great master could dominate in the martial world and hold power over a region, but this time, even with so many masters dispatched by the Zhenyi Sect, they had failed to capture the Ghost Swordsman, who instead killed many of their masters and walked away.

Moreover, the dispatch mentioned he left peacefully rather than escaping, which implied that the Ghost Swordsman faced the seven great masters without falling into a disadvantage.

The strength of this Ghost Swordsman was terrifying indeed!

The man pondered and said, “What an incredible swordsman; this person’s strength must be no less than that of Lin Yiyang…”

Lin Yiyang was one of the five great Sword Immortals of the current era, the Sect Leader of the Yu Heng Sword Sect, and he possessed the Ninth Sword, ranking him among the top masters just below the grandmasters of this world.

After a long moment, the Pavilion Master of Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion said, “This person’s strength is profound and inscrutable, as if he has appeared out of thin air; could there be someone behind him?”

The swordsman thought for a moment and replied, “It’s unclear, but this person doesn’t seem to have any particular grand motives.”

“Whether he has motives or not, we must be cautious and continue the investigation; do not halt your efforts.”

After another pause, the Pavilion Master continued, “Also, there is a significant matter that I need you to handle.”

“Xiao Ruoyun is entirely at your command, my lord,” the swordsman said as he bowed with clasped hands.

The Pavilion Master spoke gravely, “I need you to make a trip to Lingnan Dao.”

Xiao Ruoyun was startled and exclaimed, “Lingnan Dao!?”

…….

In the North, within Hidden Mountain.

Hidden Mountain was not a notable mountain in Great Yan and was located on the fringe of Great Yan’s border, with surroundings that were far from bustling.

Yet in the martial world, no one dared to underestimate this place.

For within these mountains lay one of the seven factions of Great Yan, the Five Poison Sect.

Those truly familiar with the martial world knew that the Five Poison Sect originally belonged to the Demon Sect as the Five Poisons, but later, due to a paramount genius who grew discontent with the Demon Sect, they broke away and established the Five Poison Sect.

The ability to break away from the Demon Sect and establish the considerable Five Poison Sect, becoming one of the Great Yan’s seven factions without falling prey to retaliation from the Demon Sect, surely showed the support from the Zhenyi Sect and the Human Emperor, but it also highlighted the formidable strength of the Five Poison Sect itself.

Halfway up the mountain, there was a beautifully designed corridor and group of buildings.

At that moment, a group of disciples dressed in the attire of the Five Poison Sect were seated on meditation mats, looking tensely and reverently forward.

Directly in front of them was a woman of stunning beauty and extreme coldness.

This woman had a delicate face, eyes full of spirit, arched eyebrows, a petite nose, and red lips that breathed fragrance, captivating anyone who looked at her and immersing them deeply.

The only pity was her isolated and proud demeanor, chilly to the extreme.

This person was none other than Dai Ling, who had narrowly escaped death at Three Temple Mountain.

“That will be all for today’s lesson; if there’s anything unclear, feel free to ask me privately,” she said.

Dai Ling swept her eyes over her audience and then stood up to leave.

“This morning I heard a major piece of news.”

“I know, you must be talking about the big news from Xuanqing Mountain.”

“Brother Mao, what exactly is the news? Hurry up and tell us.”

“The six great masters of the Zhenyi Sect descended the mountain to exterminate the Ghost Swordsman.”

…..

Just as Dai Ling turned to leave, the disciples below burst into chaos.

At the mention of “Ghost Swordsman,” her steps faltered slightly, and a cold chill flashed through her usually icy eyes.

“The six great masters of the Zhenyi Sect, who are they? Hurry up and tell us, Mao Yun,” a clueless disciple eagerly asked.

Mao Yun was an inner disciple of the Five Poison Sect who often engaged in indolence and socialized with unruly friends, possessing a profound awareness of the news from Jianghu.

Mao Yun said in a deep voice, “Great Real Masters Yu Lin, Yu Jiu, Yu Zhen, Yu Huai, and the Peak Masters of Nanhua Peak and Tongxuan Peak, Ling Yuanjing and He Chen, six people in total.”

Upon hearing this, someone couldn’t help but interject, “You forgot about the Ascetic Monk Moyun from Heaven’s Cave Mountain; he also went.”

The surrounding disciples, each carrying an expression of surprise, exclaimed, “So many experts! Then the Ghost Swordsman is undoubtedly doomed.”

In their view, with so many masters mobilized by the Zhenyi Sect, how could the Ghost Swordsman possibly survive?

“Then you are mistaken,” Mao Yun retorted with a cold laugh.

“The Zhenyi Sect truly made a huge loss this time. They’re carrying their coffins and crying in defeat. Six great masters perished, Great Real Master Yu Lin and Yu Huai died, Tongxuan Peak’s Master He Chen was gravely injured, and the remaining ones were also severely wounded. Ascetic Monk Moyun suffered the worst fate; neither he nor his companion mice managed to escape.”

Whoosh!

Everyone’s faces showed shock and amazement.

They were evidently stunned by the news, never expecting the Ghost Swordsman to be so formidable as to break out from so many of Zhenyi Sect’s masters.

Dai Ling clenched her silver teeth, her heart turning ice-cold.

She clearly remembered that at the time on Three Temple Mountain, the Ghost Swordsman’s power was not this terrifying. Yet, in just a few short months, he had killed several experts at the Heavenly Flower Realm.

It was said that he now had an exotic beast by his side, and not even a Half-step Master could handle him.

The position and status of a Half-step Master were significant—her own father, Five Poison Young Master Dai Danshu, was also just a Half-step Master.

And in these months, she had diligently cultivated day and night, along with a strand of nature’s spiritual energy that Tian Cansou had risked his life to obtain, barely reaching the First Grade Realm.

Dai Ling clenched her fists tightly, a wave of discomfort surging in her heart, “Is avenging him truly hopeless?”

During this period, she often dreamed of the scene where the Ghost Swordsman and Li Fuzhou cruelly killed Tian Cansou—this was almost the source of her motivation for cultivation. This was also why she had been exceptionally diligent recently, and her cultivation had progressed very rapidly.

Soon, she had returned to the front of her courtyard.

“Ling’er.”

Just as she was about to step inside, a voice called out.

Following the voice, she saw a strikingly handsome man with distinctly sculpted facial features, sharp and well-defined, and a straight nose above perfectly proportioned lips.

With just one look, one knew who this extremely handsome person was—Five Poison Young Master Dai Danshu.

“Dad!” Dai Ling said upon seeing him.

Dai Danshu raised his eyebrows and asked, “You seem preoccupied; what were you thinking about just now?”

“Nothing, nothing,” Dai Ling shook her head.

“You were thinking about the Ghost Swordsman, weren’t you?” Dai Danshu said lightly.

Dai Ling, upon hearing this, did not speak.

Dai Danshu took a deep breath and said, “I’ve also received news that the Ghost Swordsman’s power is now not inferior to mine, and might even be a bit stronger. Without a Grandmaster’s intervention, killing him might be very difficult. You should probably not dwell on seeking revenge against him.”

Three Half-step Masters and four at the Heavenly Flower Realm surrounded him, yet he managed to kill two Heavenly Flower Realm masters and one Half-step Master. Even though he had the help of an exotic beast, the beast was also a part of his strength.

Dai Ling still said nothing.

Dai Danshu seriously continued, “I know you won’t heed my advice, but I am speaking for your own good. The Ghost Swordsman’s strength is not something you can handle, and your chances of killing him are almost nonexistent.”

Dai Ling bit her lip hard, “Dad, I understand what you are saying, but to pretend like nothing happened and forget about the blood feud, I can’t do it.”

The death of Tian Cansou was still vivid in her mind; how could she possibly forget her hatred now?

Dai Danshu knew well the nature of Dai Ling and felt somewhat helpless, quietly saying after a long while, “If you can’t forget, at least keep it deeply buried in your heart.”

Dai Ling nodded firmly, “I naturally know that. I won’t act irrationally.”

She was acutely aware that when it was time to endure, she must endure, waiting for the most critical moment to strike a fatal blow.

Dai Danshu knew persuasion was futile, and it might even motivate her, so he did not linger on the topic. Instead, he said, “I came here mainly to discuss the matter we talked about last time. How have you considered it?”

Dai Ling looked up, and after a long pause, said, “I don’t like Zhao Mengtai; he is too gloomy and overcalculating.”

Half a year ago, proposals were made to the Five Poison Sect regarding this marriage.

Back then, Dai Danshu, considering that the Second Prince Zhao Mengtai had an elder brother, the Crown Prince, had always put this matter on hold. But considering recent developments and seeing the ambitious nature of Zhao Mengtai, especially now with the Human Emperor in seclusion, the future scenarios seemed unsure… The Second Prince might not be a bad option.

“Since you dislike him, then let’s forget about it,” he said.

Dai Danshu sighed softly, “But the matter of marriage must be arranged, and you are not young anymore. I plan to issue the Jianghu Heroic Invitation to seek a husband for you.”

Dai Ling’s strength was among the very top of the younger generation. Initially, he was quite interested in Qi Yun. Unexpectedly, Qi Yun had died in Yu State City, and his death was exceedingly disgraceful.

Finding someone of a similar family status and strength was indeed too difficult for Dai Ling.

Dai Ling blinked, “Dad, if a bunch of old men in their seventies or eighties come to respond to this Heroic Invitation, would you have me marry them too?”

“How could that be possible!?”

Dai Danshu brushed his sleeve and said irritably, “Rest assured, if someone in their seventies or eighties calls me ‘father-in-law,’ I wouldn’t dare to agree.”

Upon hearing this, Dai Ling said softly, “Then I’ll leave it all to you, Dad. I definitely won’t marry anyone I don’t like.”

“Since you agree, I will have someone spread this news tomorrow.”

Upon hearing this, Dai Danshu also felt relieved.

……

The night was silent.

East Lin Road, a small border town tavern.

“Server, bring the dishes.”

A woman dressed in black, with average features and a somewhat plump figure, walked in.

“Coming right up!”

The server, slapping his towel, walked over quickly and smiled, asking, “What would you like to eat, sir?”

Being a tavern server meant more than just serving tea and water; observing and understanding guests was equally important. Servers needed to remember a guest’s face for at least a month if it was their first visit to the tavern. This was fundamental. They also had to gauge the guest’s background based on their clothing and guess their line of work.

The woman in front of him, although ordinary-looking and plump, wore loose clothes and held a longsword, making it obvious that she might be a Jianghu traveler.

“Serve me four… no, six of your special dishes,” said the woman after thinking for a moment.

“Six dishes?”

The server muttered under his breath, then something occurred to him, “Would you like any drinks, sir?”

The woman waved her hand and said, “No drinks, just bring three large bowls of rice first.”

“Sir, could it be that more friends are coming?”

Upon hearing this, the server cautiously asked, “Should I bring a few more sets of cutlery?”

Upon hearing this, the woman’s brows furrowed, showing impatience, “Just bring the dishes, why so much talk?”

“Alright, I will order right away.”

The server smiled apologetically and then went to the back, “Six special dishes, three large bowls of rice.”

“Did more people come?”

At this, a cook wiping the sweat from his forehead asked.

The server pursed his lips and said, “Not many, just one.”

Upon hearing this, the cook became discontent, “Just one person? Is he a pig? Wants six large dishes?”

It was almost closing time, and he was looking forward to going home and resting with his wife. Now he had to start bustling again.

In the tavern, the woman in black, who had excellent hearing, caught every word of the conversation.

She clenched her fist, as if flames of anger were burning within.

The woman extended her hand and tapped her chest, signaling herself to calm down.

This person was none other than Tan Yun, who had just left Yu State City.

However, at this moment, she had disguised herself so well that even people who knew her could not recognize her.

“Let’s figure out the route first.”

Having calmed down, Tan Yun took out a map from her bosom and started to study it.

Because the terrain of Great Yan was complex and the roads extensive, Tan Yun had already taken the wrong path twice, delaying her considerably. Fortunately, after buying a map from a merchant, she no longer lost her way.

“Xuanqing Mountain, East Lin Road, Blue River Sect…”

Tan Yun stared intently at the map.

In recent days, the Jianghu had been buzzing with news that the Ghost Swordsman was spotted on Xuanqing Mountain, and upon hearing this, she had rushed here with great anticipation.

“Sir, your dishes are ready.”

Soon, the waiter came up with a few dishes, his face full of enthusiasm.

Tan Yun quietly put away the map and glanced at the dishes on the table, feeling her appetite stir.

“Enjoy your meal, sir. Call if you need anything.”

The waiter slowly withdrew.

“Understood.”

After the waiter left, Tan Yun immediately picked up a bowl of rice and began to eat heartily.

Since leaving Yu State City, she had found herself eating less and less.

Suddenly, Tan Yun saw the stir-fried pork kidney on the table, and something occurred to her, causing her chopsticks to pause momentarily.

She remembered that her husband had always enjoyed this stir-fried pork kidney because she liked it too, and they used to fight over who got to eat more.

Of course, that was what Tan Yun believed.

“Husband, rest assured, I’ll eat your portion too.”

Tan Yun’s expression grew a bit sad, then she channelled her sorrow into strength and began to gulp down the rice voraciously.

Thinking that she could no longer see An Jing, her heart suddenly soured, and this feeling spread to her stomach, making her feel even hungrier.

“Waiter, another bowl!”

After swiftly finishing two bowls of rice, Tan Yun called out loudly.

“Right away.”

The waiter quickly brought two more bowls of rice and set them in front of Tan Yun, “Take your time.”‘

At that moment, an old man accompanied by a young girl walked in.

The old man’s clothes were somewhat tattered, and he looked frail and blind as he held a two-stringed fiddle in his dry palms; the lean girl clung tightly to his clothing.

“Sir, how about a tune for some money?”

The pair approached a table cautiously.

At that table, four or five burly men were drinking merrily and seemed to be enjoying themselves.

One of the men waved his hand impatiently, saying, “Go away, go away. I’m too poor to give money for you to drink.”

Seeing this, the old man quickly pulled the girl towards another table to ask, but most ignored them, and a few directly chased them away.

“Would you like to hear a tune? Just ten copper coins.”

Before long, the old man approached Tan Yun’s table.

Tan Yun, holding a chicken leg, looked up and saw the lean girl beside him, “Alright, play me a tune then.”

Upon hearing this, a hint of joy appeared in the old man’s eyes: “Sure, does the sir have any preferred tune?”

Tan Yun spoke carelessly, “Anything will do.”

“Then the old man will play ‘Western River Moon,’ which is something I’m particularly good at.”

With that, the old man sat down on a nearby empty chair and began to play his two-stringed fiddle.

The mournful sound of the music began slowly, then hastened, and after the quick phase, it gradually softened, like the tide receding, leaving a clear, moonlit night and a quiet sandbar.

The plaintive, sorrowful sound echoed throughout the inn.

Suddenly, many people looked over and started whispering among themselves.

The more Tan Yun listened, the sadder she became. “My husband must have loved this tune. Next time I visit his grave, I must hire some musicians to play for him.”

Before long, the old man stopped playing.

“Not bad.”

Tan Yun took out some broken silver from her purse and handed it to the young girl.

“Sir, ten copper coins are enough,” the girl hastily said upon seeing the silver.

“Keep it, it’s a reward for you,” Tan Yun generously offered on this rare occasion.

“But….”

The girl still hesitated.

“Hurry along, and don’t disturb my meal.”

Tan Yun raised his eyebrows, feigning displeasure.

“Yes, yes, yes.”

The elderly man quickly took the girl by the hand, excitedly walking off towards the distance.

Watching the elderly and the young girl leave, Tan Yun seemed to remember something and sighed lightly, “I wonder if that little black dog is dead.”

After a moment, Tan Yun felt full and, rubbing his round belly, laid down a few copper coins and leisurely picked up his bundle to continue on his journey.

At this moment, the several burly men sitting beside the table saw this, exchanged looks, and quickly followed him, without even paying for the silver.

The waiter, trembling, cleared the bowls and dishes from the table, not daring to ask for the silver and then nervously went back to the kitchen.

“Old Zhu, Old Zhu.”

“What now? Did someone else come in?”

The cook raised his eyebrows upon hearing this.

“No, no.”

The waiter swallowed nervously, “That woman who ate three bowls of rice just now left a silver after paying the performer, then she left, and I saw some men from North Mountain following her.”

Upon hearing this, the cook’s face also turned pale, “That’s bad.”

In this remote small town plagued by thieves, Xuanyi Guards rarely appear. Although it can’t be said that disturbances happen often here, they certainly aren’t rare, and often involve unresolved injustices.

Above the North Mountains of this town lives a group of very arrogant bandits called the North Mountain Bandits, who commit all sorts of heinous acts like murder and robbery, causing prolonged suffering to the town.

“I saw that the woman looked like she was from the Jianghu, I wonder what will happen,” the waiter said shakily.

…..

As the night deepened, Tan Yun did not intend to rest. She needed to reach the vicinity of Xuanqing Mountain as soon as possible.

Leaving the small town, Tan Yun, riding a black horse, galloped along the official road.

“Find that Ghost Swordsman and recruit him into the Demon Sect….”

Thinking this, Tan Yun’s heart suddenly began to race.

Suddenly, a cold light struck from behind.

“Hm?!”

Tan Yun, as the Protector of the Human Sect and the sole disciple of Li Fuzhou, was accustomed to being flanked by numerous top masters for protection when she was in the Jianghu; although unprotected now, she was not someone who could easily be bullied.

Whoosh! Whoosh!

Tan Yun leaped, separating from her horse, and the cold light impaled the ground instead.

“Stop!”

Tan Yun pulled on the reins.

“Miss, that’s quite a skillful move.”

At this moment, a sneering laugh approached.

Four or five burly men who had been at the eatery came from behind, quickly surrounding her, seemingly blocking all her escape routes.

“What do you want?”

Tan Yun looked at the men in front of her, and her mind moved swiftly, immediately guessing that her display of silver had incited their murderous intent.

“What do we want?”

The leader chuckled, and the others instantly encircled her more tightly.

“Leave your silver with us, then stay and have some fun with us.”

As they spoke, a lewd smile formed on their faces.

An excited voice from the side chimed in, “Old Ma, this miss may look ordinary, but the skills she displayed earlier could indeed make for an exciting night.”

“Have fun!? Have fun!?”

Tan Yun, who was well-read, was no longer a naive girl. Angered, she drew her Longsword.

“Whoosh!”

Reflected by the moonlight, a streak of cold light shone before everyone’s eyes.

“Still resisting.”

One man leaped forward, aiming a palm strike at Tan Yun’s shoulder.

“Shriek!”

Tan Yun drew her Futu Sword, a flash of sword light surged forward.

“Boom!”

The flying figure was blasted into a mist of blood, scattering across the sky.

The North Mountain bandits were terrified upon seeing this.

One move!

One move had killed the North Mountain’s Third-in-command of the Sixth Grade Realm!

This was no ordinary Jianghu expert; she was at the very least of the Fourth Grade Realm, perhaps even higher.

“Not good, we’ve encountered a tough one.”

“Run!”

…..

They were not fools; realizing their mistake, they quickly fled towards the distance.”

“Thinking of running away!?”

Tan Yun, who never hesitated to kill, snorted coldly as her Longsword slashed again.

“Puff Puff Puff Puff Puff Puff!”

The sword light moved so swiftly, it seemed like strands of silk passing by.

Just ahead, several North Mountain bandits’ bodies stiffened, then they fell to the ground together.

Four men killed in one move, without any hesitation or delay.

“Worthless things, let’s go!”

Tan Yun gracefully sheathed her Futu Sword, then mounted the black horse and rode off into the distance.

Not long after Tan Yun had left, two figures, an old man and a young girl, arrived by leaping movements.

It was the grandfather and granddaughter who had been at the restaurant.

“Is that blood?”

The old man furrowed his brow and swiftly asked, “What happened?”

The slender girl calmly walked up to the bodies and slowly said, “Those North Mountain bandits are all dead, killed by a single sword strike. This person’s sword skills are very high, and the sword is a fine one too, it might be that woman.”

The old man listened but said nothing, instead he placed his hand on the bodies of the North Mountain bandits.

Seeing this, the girl couldn’t help but ask, “Master Xue, what’s wrong?”

The old man said gravely, “Earth Demon Technique, the one who employed these sword skills cultivated the Earth Demon Technique!”

The girl also looked worried as she asked, “Could it be that the woman just now is a master from the Human Sect?”

That woman had shown no signs of Qi energy fluctuations, a hallmark of Human Sect spies in the Demon Sect, known for their profound concealment skills.

“Very likely.”

Master Xue said coldly, “Better to kill wrongly than miss one. Report this to the Xuanyi Guard.”

“Yes.”

The girl pondered for a moment and then nodded her head.

The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!