The sixth night

Huo Zhanbai dismounted by the Twenty-Four Bridges in Yangzhou.

It was just the beginning of spring, and the chill still lingered in Jiangnan, but compared to the harsh conditions of the north, it was undoubtedly much better.

Covered in dust from his journey of thousands of miles, traveling day and night, Huo Zhanbai finally returned to Yangzhou on the nineteenth day. In the twilight, when he saw the familiar city, he felt a sense of relief and couldn't help but succumb to extreme exhaustion. He decided to rest here for the night.

Familiar with the streets, he brought his snow falcon and led his steed to the Linglong Flower House by the bridge.

Leaning on the bridge with his horse, surrounded by red sleeves on the full floor, Huo Zhanbai, amidst the well-dressed and radiant young revelers, appeared quite conspicuous: his white clothes were torn in many places, he hadn't bathed for several days, and his hair was disheveled. If it weren't for the magnificent Great Wan horse given to him by Xue Ziye, he would probably have been mistaken for a beggar and driven out by the maids of Linglong Flower House.

"Liu Feifei, Miss Liu," he said wearily, taking out a sachet and waving it.

The old proprietress recognized it as the one given to Young Master Huo by the courtesan Liu half a year ago, and was startled. She quickly greeted him, "Young Master Seven! So it's you? How did you end up like this? It's been a long time since you last came... Come, come, come, rest in the private room at the back."

Ignoring the landlady's enthusiastic welcome, he simply handed the horse to his servant and walked upstairs, entering the familiar room. "Feifei, Feifei!"

"Young Master Seven, Young Master Seven!" The landlady was anxious, following him all the way, "Miss Liu is having a guest today..."

"It's okay, let him in." However, a familiar voice suddenly came from the room. The green-clothed beauty opened the door, standing gracefully. "Mom, please go downstairs and greet the other guests."

"But... Mr. Qian's side..." The landlady hesitated.

"It's fine, let him in." Saying so, she closed the door. Looking at the person who had collapsed on the bed and fallen into a deep sleep, she smiled suddenly. "You came back?"

"Uh-huh." He responded, feeling that as soon as he touched the bed, his eyelids couldn't help but fall.

"Is that matter finished?" She didn't want to let him sleep peacefully, her hand caressing his straight eyebrows, murmuring, "You said last time, if this time is successful, everything will be over."

He shivered suddenly, opening his eyes, "It's done."

The snowy falcon on the shelf agreed with a cry. Staring at his extremely tired face, Liu Feifei's eyes gradually changed.

"Back?" She sat down at the bedside, looking at his pale and tired face.

"Yeah." He sighed deeply, feeling that the moment he touched the bed, his eyelids could not resist falling.

"Is that thing already done?" She refused to let him sleep, raising her hand to stroke his straight eyebrows, murmuring, "Last time, you said that if it succeeded this time, everything would be over."

He shivered suddenly, opening his eyes. "It's done."

The snowy falcon on the shelf agreed with a cry. Staring at his extremely tired face, Liu Feifei's eyes gradually changed.

She suddenly burst into laughter, "That's great—remember when you said before, when I could redeem myself and follow you? You said, 'Not until that matter is finished.' Well, it seems like I've waited long enough."

Huo Zhanbai was suddenly shocked, opening his eyes, "Feifei... I came back this time to tell you—"

However, before he could finish his words, Liu Feifei chuckled and pressed her index finger to his lips.

"Look at how scared you are," she smiled gently. "I was just kidding. Do you have the money to redeem me? Unless you're going to steal or rob for me? You're not incapable of that, but would you do it for me?"

He frowned at her, suddenly feeling that the beautiful courtesan had changed somewhat after not seeing her for half a year.

He couldn't recall which time it was when he was brought here by a group of friends for entertainment, and he met the head courtesan in Yangzhou's Linglong Flower House. She was a smart woman, perceptive of the ways of the world, with an elegant manner of speaking. At first, he was not accustomed to such places, hiding in a corner alone, but she discovered him and warmly inquired. After that, they talked for a long time and finally returned home together when he was drunk.

She was his first woman.

After that, he almost came here every year. Once, maybe twice. Each time, he would invite her to accompany him.

Their relationship seemed to be that of a woman in a pleasure house and her benefactor. She still entertained other clients, and he had never seen her displeased. Occasionally, when he returned from a distant journey, he would bring her some novel items, and she would be delighted. He never spoke to her about his past and present, never shared his sorrows and joys.

The distance between them was so close yet so far.

During one of his departures, she had prepared his luggage and jokingly asked if she should accompany him. However, he casually pushed away, saying that they could discuss it in the future.

After that time, she never brought it up again.

—A wandering swordsman and a renowned courtesan from the brothel were, after all, people from two completely different worlds. She was a smart woman and rarely made such mistakes. Later, she gradually understood: the reason he came to a place like this was simply because he had nowhere else to go.

"Tonight, I'm afraid I can't keep you overnight." She took a jade comb and slowly combed her hair, looking at herself in the mirror as she softly said, "A few days ago, I promised to become a concubine for a Hui merchant. Now, I am considered a woman settling down."

He lay on the bed, slightly stunned, "Congratulations."

"Hehe, thank you." She smiled, securing her hair into a bun with a golden hairpin. "Yes, the best ending for a courtesan like me is no more than this... Sometimes, I think I'm different from other sisters here. Maybe I could have a better ending. But even if you think you're different, what can you do? Strength can't overcome fate."

Huo Zhanbai looked at her dressing up, not sure what to say.

"This time you came back, is it to bid farewell to me?" She continued from the previous topic, showing that she had already guessed the second half of what he didn't say.

He nodded silently, slowly speaking, "I won't come here again in the future."

"Do you have another place to go, or have you found someone you love?" However, she continued, "Anyway, I won't be here anymore." Liu Feifei smiled wearily, both charming and affectionate. Suddenly, she bent down and poked him gently, coquettishly, "Hey, really, I'm about to get married. Can't you pretend to be a little disappointed?—Am I, Liu Feifei, without any charm?"

He obediently lowered his eyelids, making a bitter face, "Being abandoned by a courtesan is also my honor."

Liu Feifei burst into laughter, poking his chest, "Tsk, you look like this, but your tongue is still quite sharp."

But the next moment, she fell silent, bending down to gently caress his wind-bitten cheek, staring at his tired eyes, sighing, "But... Bai, you should think about yourself."

She bent down to gently kiss his forehead in a tender farewell, then left without looking back.

Watching the closed door, he suddenly felt an endless fatigue.

Yes, he won't come here again... It won't happen again. Everything should be over.

Eight years, and this crazy and passionate period was about to become the past. Indeed, he also needed to plan for the future; he couldn't keep going like this forever... Thinking like this, the image of that woman in purple suddenly flashed through his mind.

In extreme exhaustion, he fell into a deep sleep.

After Huo Zhanbai left for more than half a month, Medicine Valley returned to its usual tranquility.

This secluded valley, located near the far northern Desert River, resembled a paradise, with the sounds of chickens and dogs, busy with farming, seemingly unrelated to the martial arts disputes and struggles in the outside world. Outside, the snow covered the ground with biting winds, while inside, it was calm and sunny.

This year's ten patients had already been treated, and a new round of Return to the Sky Pills had just been sent out by Frost Red. As in previous years, they were secretly dispatched to different places in the martial arts world, waiting for those who received them to return seeking medical help. Xue Ziye found herself with some free time, watching her maids busy picking and planting various herbs in the medicinal garden. Suddenly, she felt a trance.

Ming Jie left, Huo Zhanbai also left.

They both had their own paths to follow, unrelated to her.

It seemed like a dream... The people who entered her life, rushing in and then rushing out, left nothing behind and went their separate ways. She remained in this place that did not change with the seasons, waiting for an unknown future in a daze.

She subconsciously reached up to touch her hair bun, only to realize that the purple jade hairpin had long been given away. She suddenly felt a bone-piercing coldness, hugging the purple-gold handwarmer tightly and coughing incessantly.

"Valley Master!" Suddenly, there was a commotion outside. She heard Lü Er shouting and running in, waving her hands.

"What's wrong?" Her heart jumped, but it was a sudden joy—could it be that he had returned?

"Valley Master! Valley Master!" Lü Er ran as if her breath was about to give out, panting while supporting her knees. Stammering, she said, "Something big happened... There's a strange man with blue hair at the valley entrance. He said he wants to see you..."

"Oh?" Xue Ziye felt a moment of disappointment, saying indifferently, "If it's not about the Return to the Sky Pills, I'm not interested."

—It had only been a few days since the Return to the Sky Pills were sent out this year, and it shouldn't be so soon for patients to arrive.

Generally, the Return to the Sky Pills were secretly distributed from a hidden location and then scattered throughout the martial arts world. After going through some competition, they would finally be obtained by the person in most need and with the strongest ability to come to Medicine Valley for help. Usually, the first patient to arrive would be at least three months later.

"There are! There are Return to the Sky Pills!" However, Lü Er, gasping for breath, spoke anxiously, "There are many!"

"What!" Xue Ziye suddenly stood up, shocked.

"He, he's holding ten Return to the Sky Pills!" Lü Er gestured with her hands, her eyes filled with amazement, "Ten!"

Xue Ziye concentrated her gaze, instinctively tightening her grip on the curtain. "Frost Red, where is she?"

"Reporting to the Valley Master," the nearby Xiao Cheng whispered, "Frost Red hasn't returned yet."

Frost Red, who went out to distribute the Return to the Sky Pills, hadn't returned, but the other party was already at the valley entrance with ten Return to the Sky Pills! Xue Ziye drew in a cold breath without making a sound—she had been practicing medicine for more than ten years, but it was the first time she encountered such a strange situation.

"Take me out to have a look," she ordered, gesturing for Xiao Cheng to fetch her lynx fur coat.

—

The wind at the valley entrance was very strong, making the giant rocks roll in chaos.

When the sedan chair stopped, she lifted the curtain and saw a figure in white dancing in the wind on the opposite side of the stone formation. The distance was too far to see the person's face clearly, but blue long hair fluttered in the wind, leaving an unforgettable impression.

Strangely, despite the strong wind and snow, there was no snow on his side. It was as if he exuded a warm and gentle power, melting the cold frost and snow.

"Valley Master Xue?" Seeing the sedan chair stopping at the stone formation, the man smiled, bowed his head, and greeted politely. His voice was not loud, but it clearly passed through the wind and snow, soft and pleasant, "Miào Fēng of the Great Brightness Palace under the command of the Enlightened King on Kunlun Mountain, on a mission to seek medical help from Miss Xue."

Great Brightness Palace?!

Xue Ziye was momentarily stunned, her hand stiff on the curtain, looking at this smiling man in white.

Under the command of the Enlightened King, there were the Three Holy Daughters, Five Wise Sons, and the Three Realms of the Asura Field. The Three Holy Daughters, the Moon, and the Stars, lived at the peak of Kunlun. Among the Five Wise Sons—Wind, Fire, Water, Void, and Power—Miào Shuǐ, Miào Huǒ, Miào Kōng, and Míng Lì were renowned figures in the Central Plains martial arts world. However, Miào Fēng, the Wise Wind, was the most mysterious one. Over the years, no one in the martial arts world had ever seen his true face. It was said that he was the confidant of the Enlightened King and never left the side of the Enlightened King.

—However, at this moment, this mysterious person suddenly appeared at the entrance of Medicine Valley!

For a moment, she didn't know how to respond, just looking at the person offering a handful of Return to the Sky Pills.

Unfolding the ten Return to the Sky Pills one by one, Miào Fēng brushed his robe, bowed with a smile, and spoke with a voice not too loud but clearly transmitted through the wind and snow, reaching her ears, "I have heard that Miss Xue is a distinguished physician, and only with this can I enter the valley for a consultation. Therefore, I followed Frost Red all the way to bring these Return to the Sky Pills."

"Miss Xue, may I ask for your medical help?"

Great wealth had piled up at the entrance of the valley. Xue Ziye's heart suddenly moved upon seeing the gold bars. She knew that the Valley Master always placed great importance on wealth. Now, with this golden mountain before her, she couldn't help but be tempted. She turned her head to see the Valley Master's reaction.

But the curtain had already been lowered. Xue Ziye's voice came from inside, coldly saying, "I have been ill for a long time, and I can't move easily. There's no such thing as 'house calls' in Medicine Valley—sorry, I can't agree. Please leave."

After a pause, as if she couldn't help herself, she added, "Also, take care of yourself—your hair

Miao Feng did not expect that Xue Ziye, separated by the stone formation, could diagnose his condition based solely on the color of his hair. He was slightly surprised, but still wore a smile on his face. "The Valley Master is indeed a renowned physician. Please convey my good intentions and a bit of warmth to the Enlightened King. I am deeply grateful."

"Well, it's hard to force you," Xue Ziye coldly lowered the curtain.

As the sedan chair was lifted, suddenly, Miao Feng's voice raised, "Before coming here, I also inquired. Over the years, the Valley Master has been reluctant to leave the valley due to a cold illness, fearing the wind and snow outside. Is it true or not?"

Xue Ziye did not respond but instructed Lü Er to leave.

However, his voice suddenly paused, "If that's the case, Miao Feng can help the Valley Master eliminate the internal cold."

"Heh," Xue Ziye couldn't help but sneer, "It seems that Miao Feng's medical skills are even more advanced than mine."

"The Valley Master is a renowned physician, but have you heard of 'Bathing in Spring Breeze'?" He smiled, slowly raised both hands, and merged them—suddenly, it seemed like an invisible cover expanded around him. No matter how strong the wind and snow were, once they reached his side, they were silently melted by that warm aura!

Miao Feng stood on the snowy ground, with his clothes fluttering in the wind. Still, he maintained a gentle smile on his face, and his voice was soft and pleasant. His entire being exuded a warmth that spread from the inside out. Xue Ziye focused her gaze and was slightly surprised—this warm breath of spring seemed out of place in the icy world around!

"Since childhood, I have been poisoned by ice silkworms. To resist the cold poison, after twenty years of hard work, I finally refined the secret technique on the Sacred Fire Token." Miao Feng gently clasped his hands, as if a warm stream flowed out from his palms, gentle and surging. In an instant, around him, the snow vanished within three yards, relying on his body as the core!

Lü Er could only watch in amazement, then burst into ecstatic joy. Yes! This technique seemed to match Miss's illness perfectly!

Miao Feng smiled and lowered his hands, allowing the snowflakes around him to continue falling. He bowed, "The Valley Master's medical skills are extraordinary, but compared to internal strength, acupuncture and medicine have their limitations. I wonder if I have the honor to dispel the cold for the Valley Master?"

"Miss... Miss!" Lü Er twisted her hands, staring at the guest in white with excitement. "He... he can really cure your illness! Why don't you—"

"Green, shut up." Xue Ziye sternly ordered.

Lü Er stomped her foot, unwilling, "Miss! You've been ill for so many years..."

"Life and death are fated." Xue Ziye coldly sneered, looking at the wind and snow, "Physicians don't necessarily cure themselves, it has been a tradition. Miao Feng, I, Xue Ziye, am not someone who can be threatened by the fear of life and death! Lift the sedan!"

The attendants had no choice but to lift the sedan chair and leave.

Miao Feng stood in the snowy field, and the smile on his face finally began to solidify—this woman was really hard to deal with. She didn't yield to soft or hard approaches, and she even disregarded her own life and death! He was sent here with a mission and had considered many methods on the way, making sufficient preparations. However, several attempts were thwarted.

"Valley Master Xue! If you insist on refusing—" his usually gentle and pleasant voice suddenly turned serious, revealing a hint of killing intent.

Xue Ziye sneered, revealing a disdainful expression, "So, the true colors are revealed? This is how the demonic cult operates, I suppose?"

"Miao Feng, you should know that if a physician is not willing, the patient will never recover." She coldly stated, her eyes showing a scornful expression, "I'm not afraid of death, and you can't threaten me. You don't understand medical skills, so how can you discern whether the prescription I write is correct? As long as I casually adjust the ingredients in the prescription, deviate from the proper method, your Enlightened King will only die faster."

"The pros and cons of this matter, I naturally understand," Miao Feng's voice remained calm, his smile intact. He spoke word by word with composure, "So, I have no intention of using force or offending here. If the Valley Master insists on refusing—"

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He abruptly turned westward, kneeling down, and a bright, autumn-like short knife slipped out from his sleeve. With a swift motion, he pressed it against his abdomen:

"Since Miao Feng can't return to Kunlun to report, I can only end my own life here!"

As soon as the words fell, the twelve Kunlun slaves behind him simultaneously drew long knives, without hesitation, swiftly slashing. Blood spurted into the sky, and twelve heads rolled onto the snowy ground, like twelve blossoming blood-red flowers.

"Ah!" The women from the Medicine Master Valley had never witnessed such a gruesome scene. They screamed in unison, covering their eyes.

"Stop!" Xue Ziye shouted out instinctively, lifting the curtain. "Stop it now!"

Before her words could settle, Lü Er, following the command, moved like a rabbit, and in an instant, she passed through the stone formation, reaching Miao Feng's side. She reached out to block the self-inflicted blade—but alas, she was a step too late. The short knife had already cut into his lower abdomen, and blood gushed out.

"..." Xue Ziye rushed over, and seeing Miao Feng fall to the ground, she was momentarily speechless.

She bent down, examining his appearance. He was about the same age as Mingjie, with peculiar blue long hair, an elegant and handsome face, and bright eyes. However, unlike Mingjie's lonely sharpness, he exuded warmth from the inside out, devoid of any demonic or sinister aura.

"Heh..." He raised his head, extending a blood-stained hand, looking at her with a smile, intermittently saying, "Valley Master Xue... You, you've crossed the stone formation... which means, you've agreed to the consultation?"

She allowed him to hold her hand, feeling his blood slowly turning cold in her palm. Waves of shock and fear surged in her heart, making it impossible for her to speak.

This disciple of the demonic cult was just as insane as Mingjie!

Enduring without fainting, he insisted on waiting for her final answer.

She didn't respond, only raised her hand to stop the bleeding from his ruptured artery.

"Green, Little Orange, Blue," she stood up, motioning for the shocked maids to come over. "Carry him into the valley."

When lifted from the snowy ground, Miao Feng was in pain and almost fainting. However, a faint smile appeared on his lips. It was indeed correct—Valley Master Xue of the Medicine Master Valley feared nothing. Her only weakness was the fear of witnessing death up close.

He won.

Kunlun. Western side hall of the Grand Illumination Palace.

In the secret chamber, two figures faced each other in silence. Looking at the scattered body parts nearby, the red-haired man who had just returned held a snake in his hands and exclaimed, "Damn, fortunately, we didn't have time to take action! Otherwise, that would have been our fate!"

"The Enlightened King's failed seclusion, the demonic possession, and barely settling the rebellion from the Holy Maiden's side, he must be severely weakened now," Tóu, leaning on a pillar with a sword in her arms, looked at the grayish-white sky outside, her voice cold. "That cunning old fox... at that time, he was already weak and feeble. To prevent me from suspecting, he even boldly received me in person."

If she had acted at that moment, she would have undoubtedly beheaded him with her Blood-Drenched Sword! Unfortunately, she was also fooled by his bluff at that time.

"Damn it, Mièshuǐ didn't send you any news in time," Mièhuǒ spat angrily, dissatisfied. "We missed such a good opportunity!"

Tóu, with a hint of fire in her eyes, retorted, "I've told you before, we should have killed that woman! I don't know which wire got crossed in your head back then, but leaving her until now... it must have become a big problem now, right?"

Mièhuǒ stared at Tóu with some frustration, scolding, "I told you, kill that woman! I really don't know which wire in your head got crossed, leaving her until now. It must have become a big problem now, right?"

Tóu furrowed her brows, unable to refute.

Indeed, when leaving the Medicine Master Valley, it was necessary to kill that woman. But why did she, at that moment, let her go for some inexplicable reason?

She shook her head in confusion. It seemed that after the success of this plan, she must visit the Medicine Master Valley again—she must kill that woman and eliminate that lingering attachment.

Otherwise, sooner or later, it would cost her life.

She gripped the Blood-Drenched Sword tightly, her voice icy, "I'll choose a team of trusted subordinates from the Shura Arena to intercept them halfway—Miao Feng's martial arts are extraordinary, and I don't expect the operation to succeed. I only hope to delay them, allowing enough time for us to strike smoothly."

Mièhuǒ nodded, "So, how should we arrange things on this side?"

"Since the Enlightened King is concealing his injuries, he will undoubtedly continue his daily routine of walking with Greylee to the heavenly paradise on the mountaintop," Tóu looked at the snow-covered summit of Kunlun, saying coldly. "I will return to the hidden realm of the Shura Arena to meditate and cultivate the power of my eyes—three days later, we'll take action!"

"Alright," Mièhuǒ pondered for a moment, then emphasized, "Should we inform Miàoshuǐ?"

After some thought, Tóu shook her head, "No need. That woman is unpredictable, and it's better not to rely on her for now."

Opportunities don't come twice. If not seized, one might never have the chance to overthrow the Enlightened King!

If unsuccessful, then so be it.

Better than spending a lifetime groveling at someone's feet like a pig or a dog.

In the distant Mòhé Snow Valley.

In the Summer Garden, Xue Ziye frowned as she looked at the southern sky. It had been more than twenty days; Huò Zhǎnbái should have reached Yangzhou by now. I wonder if he found the Master? In the eight years, she had never gone to see the Master, and she didn't know if he still resided in Yangzhou. She hoped that guy's luck was a bit better, allowing him to find the Master smoothly.

Otherwise... Mò'er's illness was something no one in this world could cure.

She sighed, unable to imagine what expression Huò Zhǎnbái would have when he found out she had deceived him for eight years.

She looked westward at the sky again, her worry deepening—Mingjie, how is he now? Even though he had deceived her and hurt her in the past, she couldn't help but worry about his situation.

Even if she obtained the Dragon Blood Pearl, completed the mission, upon returning to the Grand Illumination Palace, how good would his days be? Wouldn't he return to the Shura Arena, like any other assassin, waiting for the next bloodthirsty order?

Mingjie, Mingjie. Have you really forgotten everything?

Or is it just that recalling it serves no purpose, only adding to the pain?

How can I bring you out of such a dark place...

She silently pondered, hearing a rustling behind her.

"Don't move." Without turning her head, she sternly scolded, "The wound on your abdomen is too deep; you can't get out of bed yet."

However, the blue-haired man had already reached her back.

"Oh, back so soon?" Xue Ziye couldn't help but sneer, looking at the wound on his abdomen. "Indeed, you deliberately avoided the blood vessels when you cut. You bet that I wouldn't watch you die?"

"I can immediately end my life to dispel the anger in Valley Master Xue's heart," Miào Fēng handed over the short dagger, wearing his usual gentle smile, slightly bowing, "But before that, please promise to go to Kunlun as soon as possible to avoid delaying the Enlightened King's condition."

Xue Ziye was momentarily speechless.

Miào Fēng's face still carried his usual gentle smile—a smile that radiated peace and tranquility from the depths of his heart. The technique of "Mùchūn Fēng" was recorded as the highest martial arts in the Sacred Fire Order, and it was considered on par with "Tiě Mǎ Bīng Hé." However, this technique required the practitioner to have a warm and harmonious heart. Practitioners with a sinister or evil mindset would easily go astray during cultivation, leading to demonic possession.

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And this person had practiced for more than twenty years, seamlessly merging internal energy and his own temperament.

She looked at him in puzzlement, "Having been raised with the Ice Silkworms since childhood, are you willingly sacrificing yourself for him?"

Miaofeng smiled, bowed, and replied, "To the Enlightened King, my debt is as profound as a new lease on life."

Xue Ziye frowned, "I don't understand."

"Valley Master Xue may not know, but I originally belonged to a branch of the Loulan royal family," Miaofeng said with a faint smile, "After the country's decline, I was forced into exile. On the way, I encountered bandits and was saved by the Enlightened King. Therefore, I regard him as a benevolent father and would not hesitate to sacrifice myself for him."

"Oh..." Xue Ziye murmured, looking at the sky. "So, this Enlightened King has done some good deeds?"

Miaofeng respectfully said, "Valley Master Xue, please extend your help."

"Fine. I promise to go to Kunlun to diagnose your Enlightened King," Xue Ziye stood up and looked at the young man who had been smiling all along, raising a finger, "However, I have a condition."

Miaofeng nodded, "Valley Master Xue, please state your condition."

Xue Ziye sneered, "Can you make decisions for him?"

"I can," Miaofeng bent down and took out an item from his sleeve, presenting it respectfully, "This is a sacred item granted by the Enlightened King before my arrival—a decree of the Enlightened King. As long as Valley Master Xue is willing to help, any request can be agreed upon."

"Sacred Fire Order?!" Xue Ziye exclaimed as soon as she saw it.

The dark iron token was extremely heavy, emitting a chilling light, and it was densely engraved with unreadable characters. Xue Ziye vaguely heard about it from the Jianghu figures in the valley, knowing that this was the supreme sacred item of the demonic cult, always held by the cult leader.

"Oh... it seems," she smiled, "that your Enlightened King is seriously ill this time."

Miaofeng remained silent.

She put away the Sacred Fire Order, nodded at Miaofeng, "Alright, I will go to Kunlun with you tomorrow."

"Thank you." Miaofeng smiled with joy, feeling a sudden relaxation in his heart. However, he suddenly felt that the intense pain from the wound was unbearable. He groaned lowly, knelt down, and stumbled to the ground, blood slowly oozing from his fingers.

"Ah," Xue Ziye took a step forward, bent down to support him, and sighed, "Just like Mingjie, both of you are reckless."

Mingjie? Miaofeng was slightly surprised, but he heard the woman murmuring beside him:

"This time, no matter what, I must bring him out of there..."

Shura Arena. Dark Realm.

The ears were filled with continuous screams, the dull sounds of bones breaking, and the desperate roars before death—those were the sounds coming from the adjacent Beast Realm. The group of newcomers who had just entered the Shura Arena were undergoing the first brutal elimination. In the Beast Realm, life was as fragile as grass, and out of five hundred children, about eighty percent would die here. Less than a hundred would survive to enter the Life and Death Realm for the next round of cultivation.

Among them, fewer than fifty would ultimately emerge from the Life and Death Realm.

This place was the highest realm for assassins in the Shura Arena: transcending both the Beast and Life and Death Realms, reaching the Great Illumination. It symbolized years of arduous training, and in the harsh elimination, only a very small number of assassins could enter the Illumination Realm alive—becoming the elite of the Great Illumination Palace, just like him and Miaofeng.

In the darkest depths of the darkness, a black-clad man sat in silence, eyes closed and silent.

The continuous screams seemed unable to penetrate his heart.

He focused all his attention, calmed his mind, and concentrated all his power between his eyes. Though his eyes were closed, he had gathered all his strength there. He had been meditating alone in the Dark Realm for two days, without consuming any food or uttering a single word.

Chasing Eyes Technique required immense mental effort, and dealing with someone like the Enlightened King required extra caution.

In fact, even three days of meditative focus were not enough. Having followed for over a decade, he knew deeply how terrifying the person on the throne was.

However, there was no more time. He must strike before Miaofeng returned from the Pharmacists' Valley; otherwise, even if Miaofeng didn't learn about his secret trip to seize the Dragon Blood Pearl, he would bring back the female doctor to heal the Enlightened King. Once the Enlightened King recovered, there would be no chance to strike!

But when he thought of the "Pharmacists' Valley," a pair of clear black-and-white eyes suddenly appeared in his mind, gentle yet sorrowful. Mingjie... Mingjie... In a trance, he heard someone softly calling, hands reaching out towards him.

"Go away!" Finally, unable to bear the gaze of those eyes any longer, he shouted, "I am not Mingjie!"

As he opened his eyes, all the illusions disappeared.

"Mister Vision," someone reported quietly from outside the door, a trusted subordinate of the Shura Arena, "The Eight Steeds have descended the mountain."

The Eight Steeds were an elite group of assassins he had personally trained, with abilities surpassing even the Twelve Silver Wings. This time, the Eight Steeds were all deployed to intercept Miaofeng returning from the Pharmacists' Valley. Even if that guy was exceptionally skilled, he couldn't possibly break through their encirclement in a few days.

Moreover... Miaofeng likely would have that female doctor with him.

"If you cannot kill Miaofeng," he commanded coldly in the darkness, "then make sure to bring me the head of that female doctor."

"Yes!" The subordinate answered in a low voice and withdrew on his knees.

He sat in the deepest darkness, closed his eyes again, and concentrated his mind between his eyes.

A slight pain came from the back of his head where the golden needle was. Those clear eyes protruded again, looking at him with tranquility—Mingjie. Mingjie. That voice sounded again, near and far, igniting countless illusions along the way. Fire. Blood. Fleeing. The overwhelming darkness...

He finally couldn't bear it, and a fist struck the cold stone ground beside him. His whole body trembled slightly.

When Huo Zhanbai woke up, the sun was already high.

He was shocked, immediately sat up—had he slept for so long? Mo'er's illness urgently needed treatment in Lin'an, and he had actually overslept!

Yanfeifei's personal maid, Yanzi, brought in breakfast and slammed the breakfast tray heavily on the table, seeming resentful, "Here, eat and leave! —I really don't know what Miss sees in you? Coming and going as you please, without money or power, heartless and ungrateful, but Miss always thinks highly of you! Really bewildering."

Huo Zhanbai, scolded by this little maid, blushed and turned pale, feeling that the lotus seed porridge in his mouth had lost its taste, "I'm sorry."

"Heh... no need to apologize to me," Yanzi snorted, "It's thanks to you this time. Your friends got drunk in the building, and they told Miss about all the things you've done in the past eight years. It's really mind-blowing! —Miss heard it and finally gave up."

"Xia Qianyu..." Huo Zhanbai certainly knew which deadbeat friends had come to the building, couldn't help but grit his teeth and murmured.

"Right on time, a rich merchant from the Western Regions arrived. He's so rich that he could crush people to death with his money. His wife died, and he's taking another wife—better than being a concubine, isn't it? Just think about it, without a wife, you can't even be a concubine. The madam has finally let go of this money tree, sobbing all the way, leading the blushing bride out."

Before getting on the sedan chair, intentionally or unintentionally, the newlywed bride turned her head and looked through the gap in the red cover at her room.

There, a white-clad man stood near the window, as straight and tall as a jade tree in the wind.

Farewell, White.

"What's wrong? Can't bear to see your old sweetheart get married? Reluctant?" Suddenly, there was a teasing voice in his ear, and a hand directly patted his shoulder.

Who? Sneaking into the room unnoticed? In shock, Huo Zhanbai immediately shifted his body to the right, trying to grab the medicine bag placed on the bedside table. The Mohe Sword was already drawn from its sheath with his right hand.

"Stop!" In the split second of drawing the sword, he heard someone yelling, "It's me!"

"Qianyu?" He was stunned, the sword paused, and he stammered.

The youth in brocade was also startled by his sudden appearance. In haste, he grabbed a silver candlestick to shield himself, heaving a sigh of relief, "I heard from Sister Chong that you arrived in Yangzhou last night and stayed here. I came early this morning to check. Old Seven, what's gotten into you?"

When Ding Jian Ge was first established, it had four renowned swords, later expanded to eight, each belonging to elite members from various martial arts sects, each with unique skills. The youth named Xia Qianyu was the son of the head of the Sword Sect of Mount Hua, ranking sixth among the Eight Swords. Although born into a prestigious family, he had a carefree and unrestrained personality, often lingering in places of revelry and pleasure, yet still unmarried.

"Sorry about that." A slightly embarrassed smile appeared on Ding Jian Ge's face as he sheathed his sword. "I was too nervous."

Xia Qianyu put down the candlestick, frowning, "Is the medicine ready now?"

"Indeed." Huo Zhan Bai smiled, exhaling a sigh of relief.

Xia Qianyu also sighed, "Finally, if it didn't work this time, I thought you might go mad."

"I think it's you who's going mad," Huo Zhan Bai countered, lips curling. "At your age, you're still hanging around this place—don't you see that Old Three already has a son?"

"Don't compare me to Wei Fengxing," Xia Qianyu sneered. "I'm still young and handsome."

Among the Eight Swords of Ding Jian Ge, Wei Fengxing and Xia Qianyu were known for their romantic exploits. The two had roamed the rivers and lakes together since their youth, leaving behind many amorous affairs. However, eight years ago, Wei Fengxing suddenly changed his ways, disappearing from the martial world, and rumor had it he had become a devoted family man.

Xia Qianyu, now left alone, couldn't help but feel resentful.

"Rare that you're back alive. Let's gather for a drink tonight!" He punched Huo Zhan Bai's shoulder. "It's been almost a year since we last met."

The Eight Swords were like blood brothers, and they had accomplished many great deeds together, maintaining order in the martial world and resisting the invasion of the demonic cult from the West. However, since Xu Chonghua's demise eight years ago, the atmosphere among the Eight Swords had become desolate.

"Sorry, I have urgent matters to attend to." Huo Zhan Bai addressed Xia Qianyu. "After resolving the affairs in Lin'an, I'll come find you for a drink."

Without waiting for Xia Qianyu's response, Huo Zhan Bai swiftly departed with his snow hawk.

Lan Yuan, a desolate courtyard outside the western gate of Yangzhou.

Startled, Huo Zhan Bai found himself standing in a run-down yard with overgrown weeds. Xia Qianyu's last words still echoed in his ears.

This was the place he was supposed to find Mi Qian, the disciple of Liao Qingran, known as the "Heavenly Physician." Mi Qian was known for her exceptional medical skills, and Huo Zhan Bai was here to deliver a letter from her disciple, Xue Ziye.

With a sense of hesitation, Huo Zhan Bai knocked on the door.

"Why did it take you so long to buy diapers for A'Bao?" A woman's complaining voice came from inside, growing louder as she approached the door. "You deadbeat, watch me—"

The voice abruptly ceased as the door opened.

The woman, holding a sleeping child, looked at the visitor in surprise. "Who's looking for someone? My husband is out."

"I am here to see Mi Qian, the Heavenly Physician," Huo Zhan Bai greeted respectfully, despite the woman's cold demeanor. He knew better than to show any disrespect to someone who might be his junior.

"There is no Heavenly Physician here," the woman said, ready to close the door. "The temple has been destroyed, and all the gods are gone. Sir, you must be looking for the wrong place."

"Senior, this disciple is tasked with delivering a message to you on behalf of Xue Ziye." Huo Zhan Bai quickly blocked the door with his arm, handing the letter to her.

The woman took the letter, her eyes widening as she read it. She then glanced at Huo Zhan Bai. "Oh, eight years... she finally sent you. Come in."

She led him inside, and Huo Zhan Bai's eyes fell on the sleeping child in her arms. "Mi Qian, does she fare well?"

Mi Qian passed the child to a maid and sighed, "She's soft-hearted. She was supposed to give me this unique token when she left Medicine Master Valley. I thought she would use it to ask me to help resurrect someone under the ice, but instead, she used it to save an unrelated child."

Listening to her words, Huo Zhan Bai's anger and shock gradually dissipated.

"Mi Qian, do you have confidence in treating Mo'er's illness?" he asked hesitantly.

"Fifty percent," Mi Qian nodded.

Relieved, Huo Zhan Bai felt a heavy burden lift from his heart.

"Mo'er's condition is critical. I'll pack up and wait for your husband to return," Mi Qian said, instructing a servant to prepare her medicines and belongings. "Once he's back, I'll inform him, and we'll leave for Lin'an overnight."

Huo Zhan Bai, still processing the news, watched as Mi Qian gathered her things. The precious medicinal ingredients were carefully put away, but Huo Zhan Bai couldn't help but notice that the Dragon Blood Pearl was missing.

"The medicines are ready," Mi Qian said, instructing her maid to tidy up. "Once your husband returns, I'll explain everything to him. You don't have to blame your disciple too much—"

"It's impossible!" Huo Zhan Bai, his eyes on the table filled with

"Yes." Huo Zhan Bai bowed respectfully. "Thank you for your trouble, Senior Liao."

Just as they were getting busy, the sound of the door being pushed open reached their ears, and someone hurriedly entered. The voice carried a hint of alertness, "Little Qing, there are unfamiliar footprints in the courtyard outside. Who's here?"

"No worries, Fengxing," Liao Qingran casually replied. "It's a friend of my disciple who came to visit."

As the voices were heard, footsteps approached rapidly. Turning towards the entrance, Huo Zhan Bai and Liao Qingran both exclaimed in surprise.

"Old Fifth?!"

"Old Seventh?!"

Huo Zhan Bai was dumbfounded. The tall and elegant man held a packet of diapers in his left hand and a bunch of fresh flowers in his right. His waist was empty, and the long sword that used to accompany him had been replaced by a purse full of coins. Even if thunder had struck his head, he couldn't have imagined that the Fifth Brother of the Eight Swords, the once renowned "Sword of the Jade Tree," Wei Fengxing, would turn into this!

The child inside the room was startled by their exclamations and burst into loud cries.

"Do you two know each other?" Liao Qingran, looking at the astonished pair, raised an eyebrow with some surprise. However, she didn't have time for more questions and scolded Wei Fengxing, "What are you standing there for? Go change A'Bao's diaper! Do you want our son to cry himself to death?"

Wei Fengxing trembled and immediately sidestepped, disappearing into the inner room.

After a while, the child's cries stopped.

"You guys know each other?" Liao Qingran, watching the two men with some curiosity, asked. Before she could get a detailed answer, she had to deal with the situation at hand and gave Wei Fengxing a stern look. "What are you staring for? Quickly go and change A'Bao's diaper! Do you want our son to cry himself to death?"

Wei Fengxing, holding the diaper, blinked in response, and then, as if waking up from a dream, hurried into the inner room to attend to the child.

Huo Zhan Bai, still in shock, stared at the scene inside. Wei Fengxing's swift and skilled hands in changing the baby's diaper were reminiscent of his past mastery of the "Jade Tree Sword Technique."

"You two know each other?" Liao Qingran, seeing the stunned expressions on their faces, was surprised. However, without waiting for a detailed response, she scolded Wei Fengxing, "What are you standing there for? Go change A'Bao's diaper! Do you want our son to cry himself to death?"

Wei Fengxing shook, quickly sidestepped, and disappeared into the inner room.

After a while, the child's cries ceased.

"Do you guys know each other?" Liao Qingran, looking at the two men with curiosity, asked. Without waiting for a detailed response, she scolded Wei Fengxing, "What are you staring for? Quickly go and change A'Bao's diaper! Do you want our son to cry himself to death?"

Wei Fengxing, holding the diaper, blinked in response and, as if waking up from a dream, hurried into the inner room to attend to the child.

Huo Zhan Bai, still in shock, turned to Liao Qingran and stammered, "So, you are my Fifth Brother's wife?"