Chapter One, A Joyful Reunion
In her heart, she softly recited the ancient melody from the Book of Songs titled "Han Guang": "In the south, there are tall trees, where one cannot rest; in Han, there are wandering maidens, whom one cannot pursue..."
Is there truly someone in this world who can appear unnoticed before the leader of the Five Sword Alliance, Lei Nu, and his eight guardians?
She does not know, nor does she wish to know
When the person smiled, it was as if the sunlight in the entire room suddenly converged upon his originally cold face, breaking through a ray of life. He gently tossed the military order, which floated to Lei Nu's desk like a feather. The order struck the table, producing a dull sound, clearly indicating great force, yet the items on the table did not show the slightest tremor
Are you the only eight people left?" Lei Nu asked calmly, although he already knew the answer. The reason he asked was that he did not want the last eight people remaining by his side to feel his helplessness regarding the situation; he needed to use words to alleviate the psychological pressure.
That nail was driven deep into Zhu Yanhong's heart, piercing so deeply that even the slightest movement seemed to provoke an agonizing pain that gnawed at her very bones
Twelve days ago, when receiving the general's order, Lei Nu had struck with his indestructible sword of fury, yet could not inflict the slightest damage. It is presumed to be forged from the exquisite black iron from beyond the pass, impervious to high temperatures, and one wonders what method the general's residence employed to cast it.
A sword that is utterly mismatched with her character yet feels entirely natural.
III. Military Orders
Five days later, the second general's order appeared
Shui Zhihan smiled and said, "Please go ahead and speak."
At that time, she thought that today's sunlight seemed to possess a kind of steady and balanced charm
Does he understand his own thoughts? Does he not know that she is a woman who dislikes violence? Does he not realize that she is a little girl who can laugh and cry over a fallen flower, a piece of fluff, a lovely toy, or a small animal?
Xu Lie received the order with a hearty laugh, drew his sword to slay the messenger, hung the order at the hall door, and commanded his subordinates to enter the hall and spit on him first
2. Face
This sword was given to her by her husband, Lei Nu, on her twenty-fifth birthday two years ago. It measures only a little over five inches in length, is small and exquisite, with a sharp blade and a hidden blue hilt, adorned with light yellow tassels, resembling a work of art rather than a deadly weapon
However, that young man held the general's order so casually, so naturally, so peacefully, just like an old coachman holding his whip, just like a flower seller carrying her basket of flowers
Shui Zhihan's gaze remained fixed on his own hand: "Who would dare to doubt the words of 'Your Excellency does not speak lightly'? I too believe that your information is worth fifty taels of gold. However, I did not bring that much silver today. Do you want me to send my life to the general's residence to fetch it?"
Leinu did not draw his sword, although his astonishment was no less than that of his eight subordinates, he had to maintain his composure
General Ming, as the Grand General of the court, commanded great authority that resonated throughout the land. In just five years, he quelled the northern frontier, compelling various tribes beyond the borders to bow in submission to the central plains. After achieving success in foreign battles, he turned his attention to stabilizing internal affairs, with the first priority being the various sects and factions within the martial world.
This should be sufficient!
A piece of silver ingot was heavily slammed onto the table, yet the surrounding cups and dishes remained completely still, with not a single ripple disturbing the wine in the cup
This time, will his fate be the same as those who have previously received the general's order
At that time, the granted vassal kings, with the title of Marquis, were determined to develop and revitalize beyond the borders. They united the forces of various ethnic groups in the frontier who had long been oppressed by the Ming general, under the banner of acting on behalf of heaven to eliminate treacherous officials, establishing their own kingdom. Their pointed criticism was directed at a single individual, the Ming general, who stood above all others in the court.
There is! Because he has already appeared
The middle-aged man is the chief steward of the Grand General's residence in the capital, renowned as one of the six great masters of the underworld alongside the Ming General, known throughout the world for his pair of frostbitten hands, Shui Zhihan
Shui Zhihan was taken aback: "Oh, can it be determined who was responsible for the injury?"
- Split !
Eight people? she thought, at this point, has Lei Nu not counted her among them? What is she? His woman, his subordinate, or merely one of his playthings?
Shui Zhihan was finally moved: "It is said that circumstances create heroes! Although Lei Nu possesses extraordinary martial skills, if he were to come to the capital, in this land of hidden dragons and crouching tigers, he would likely not even rank among the top. The Five Swords Manor only enjoys its current status because it is located in the Jiangnan region, far from the influence of the General's Mansion. Why are you so confident that the General's Mansion cannot eliminate the Five Swords Manor within a month?"
Wu Xiyan was in high spirits, his entire demeanor reflecting it: "Lei Nu's character is bold and daring, adept at seeking danger and striking. His rise to fame began when he single-handedly assassinated Deng Gong, the left envoy of the Mei Yun Sect. Disguised as a follower of the Mei Yun Sect, he ambushed and killed Deng Gong during the Dharma Assembly and then escaped amidst the chaos, showcasing his courage. He has three greatest loves: the first is a famous sword named 'Nu', which is his ever-present weapon; the second is a beautiful woman, his wife Yan Hong, the daughter of the renowned scholar Zhu Zhongning from Jiangnan. Lei Nu collected eleven pieces of calligraphy and paintings from famous figures throughout history to win Zhu Zhongning's heart and marry his precious daughter; as for the third greatest love, it is his pride..."
She became fond of this sword, appreciating the kind of sorrow that does not wound, the resentment that does not rage, and the simple, elusive admiration and desire that can be encountered but not sought after
When the military order first arrives, none dare to disobey; when the military order arrives a second time, none dare to contend; when the military order arrives a third time, blood will flow like a river
"There is something to report to the chief steward." A swordsman hurriedly ascended the tavern, it was none other than Su Feiqi, known as "Single Sword Pointing to the Sky" from the General's residence
At that moment, she understood: her "desire for thought" was not meant to repel enemies, nor was it intended for pruning flowers and plants, but rather to preserve her integrity by taking her own life before being captured and humiliated
Wu Xiyan continued: "Although Lei Nu leads the five major sword sects and has many capable subordinates, each sect has its own respected leaders. When they unite to showcase the prestige of the five sects, they certainly work together to face external challenges, achieving great success. However, when truly confronted with a formidable enemy like the General's Mansion, it is likely that each will flee in the face of impending disaster. Nevertheless, Lei Nu is a person of strong character. When he first emerged, he relied on the reputation of the Thunder Hall, and later he depended on the gradually growing power he amassed, never having encountered any setbacks. Coupled with his stubbornness regarding face, even if he faces betrayal from his allies this time, he will surely gather his remaining forces to confront the General in battle. The dignified Five Sword Alliance, if they are determined to fight to the death against the General, will likely prove to be a difficult opponent to deal with..."
Thus, the first general's order was conveyed to Xu Lie, commanding him to surrender all weapons within the Changbai Gate within ten days and to send his son as a hostage to demonstrate punishment
In Lei Nu's eyes, that flash of the blade resembled a kind of "emptiness" entangled with the past life and intertwined with the present. The blade's aura receded, yet its intent was boundless
... ...
Xu Lie, the leader of the Changbai Mountain sect, publicly expressed his support for the establishment of the state by Marquis Feng Ai, representing the most influential force outside the six great masters in the northern snow-covered regions, apart from the heavy snowfall.
Zhu Yanhong's thoughts, of course, would not be expressed to Lei Nu; she merely played with the small sword delicately, as if she were handling a needle used in women's embroidery.
Shui Zhihan chuckled and said, "I have long heard of the famous sword of Lei Nu and the beauty, but this notion of saving face is something I am hearing for the first time."
Wu Xiyan took another drink, his face already showing signs of intoxication, and murmured: "In a hundred years of life, moments pass in an instant, ultimately all returning to a handful of yellow earth, and there is no real difference..."
The water knows the cold, yet it says: "A mantis trying to stop a chariot, what is there to say!"
Shui Zhihan laughed heartily: "Alright, within a month, I will absolutely not come to find you, nor will I inquire about any of your matters."
However, there is only Zhu Yanhong.
Shui Zhihan Lengleng said: "What difficulties are you facing?"
Mr. Wu has probably had too much to drink; it would be best to keep that mouth of yours in check
Wu Xiyan said, "Fifty taels."
The once indestructible general's order, placed on the Thunder Fury table, cracked open with a sound, splitting neatly into two halves
He is not tall, yet he always gives a sense of being upright, like a nail firmly driven into the ground, making one feel that no force could easily topple him
"Choking!" Apart from Lei Nu and Zhu Yan Hong, the eight individuals in the hall simultaneously drew their swords, totaling eight swords, and the sound of the swords being unsheathed was a single, synchronized motion.
Wu Xiyan sighed, saying: "There is nothing wrong with the Thunder Fury uniting the Five Factions; the only mistake lies in being too ostentatious and not understanding the importance of discretion, which has led to General Ming's disdain. In fact, although the Five Sword Alliance is powerful, it cannot compare to the strength of the General's Manor. The reason General Ming targets the Five Sword Alliance is merely to observe the reactions of the people in the martial world. Thus, he has left a month for various heroes who oppose General Ming to come to their aid, intending to capture them all at once. However, Thunder Fury should be someone who understands the situation; knowing they are at a disadvantage, why do they still hold onto the Five Sword Manor so tightly? There must be other reasons behind this..."
Regardless of everything, she stayed not for any Five Sword Alliance, but solely for me
The water knows the cold, yet it says: "The general considers him nothing more than a mere buffoon; I wonder how long he can keep jumping?"
The middle-aged man laughed heartily: "What a statement,君无戏言! Have you ever heard of the principle that I can reclaim the silver I have given away?"
Thus, until today, Zhu Yanhong still cannot comprehend: was the sunlight that day originally so resplendent, or was it because of his appearance that the lifeless sunlight was shattered and washed away, only to be infused with a glimmer of dawn's vitality?
However, if one loses their life, what else is there to strive for
Shui Zhihanqi said: "Why is there suddenly such a high price?"
Wu Xiyan said: "As long as the water steward agrees to one thing, this information can be provided free of charge"
Until today, Zhu Yanhong still remembers the sunlight of that day, so gentle, so refreshing, so... serene
Lei Nu still held his back straight, for he could not lose his dignity in front of the eight guardians of the Five Sword Alliance. They fought to the death to protect him, and he must not let them down
Wu's words fell silent, seemingly acquiescing.
At that time, the atmosphere in the Wind and Frost Pavilion was heavy, with a sense of anger from humiliation evident on everyone's face. Each person was burdened with worries, feeling helpless in the face of the impending crisis.
She felt the sunlight leisurely climbing up the threshold, window frames, tables and chairs, and beams, gradually making its way up to each person's face, moving slowly.
Thus, when everyone surrounded the young man, Zhu Yanhong did not dare to move, fearing that any slight movement would cause the nail to be driven into the wrong place, unable to be deeply embedded in her body
Su Feiqi said in a low voice: "The mute servant who delivered the second general's order was found dead in Jiangnan, the general's order is missing, and the body has been sent back by someone"
Wu Xiyan slowly poured another cup of wine, a hint of gloom rising in his eyes: "Lei Nu, born in the Jiangnan Pile Hall, is the sixth son of the hall master Lei Luanfeng. Since childhood, he has believed that the martial arts of his sect largely derive from the power of the firearms of the Pile Hall. Therefore, he turned against the major sword sects of Jiangnan, spending nine years mastering seven sets of sword techniques, and then sought out renowned masters, ultimately achieving great success in swordsmanship. Five years ago, he united the five sects of Jiangnan: Liuying, Zhuifeng, Nongyue, Benlei, and Xiaodian, establishing the Five Sword Alliance, and was elected as the alliance leader. His influence has far surpassed that of the various sects in Jiangnan, causing concern for General Ming, who aspires to unify the martial world. Twelve days ago, General Ming openly issued a military order, commanding Lei Nu to disband the Five Sword Alliance within a month, otherwise... heh heh, the Water Steward need not be mentioned further."
It is truly hard to believe that someone could appear silently outside the Wind Lin Pavilion, especially under the circumstances where a storm is imminent and everyone is on high alert
The young man smiled faintly, his smile filled with a sense of weariness: "This knife is a gift for the alliance leader as a token of our first meeting"
Water knows the cold and沉思
Other small factions that oppose the General, such as Yantianya in Yunnan, Wushuang City in Guanzhong, and Luohua Palace in Hainan, merely rely on their remote locations and the gradual decline of the General's power, seeking only to ensure their own survival; while renowned sects like Shaolin and Wudang also harbor reservations towards the General's residence, observing the situation quietly and daring not to make any moves.
"Honghuang Sword" Jiang Zhifeng respectfully clasped his hands and replied: "Respected Alliance Leader, since receiving the General's Order, we have followed your wishes and allowed the disciples of our alliance to decide for themselves whether to stay and share the fate of the Mountain Manor. Over the past ten days, many have laid down their weapons and left Wujian Mountain Manor. Up to now, only eight of us remain in the entire Wujian Alliance." After a pause, Jiang Zhifeng resolutely stated: "We eight have made the decision to advance and retreat together with the Alliance Leader, resolutely resisting the General's Order."
Wu Xiyan downed the wine in his cup and said: "The steward is too modest; if what you have cut with your hands has even the slightest flaw, I shall abstain from drinking wine from this day forth"
Shui Zhihan gazed at the pair of hands placed on the table, falling silent once more
Ten days later, General Ming personally led five hundred elite soldiers, stealthily infiltrating Changbai Mountain with his skilled subordinates... In just seven moves, Xu Lie was defeated and killed by General Ming, and all five hundred disciples under Changbai were annihilated, thus being removed from the martial world forever
Lei Nu quietly gazed at the General's Order, which would unleash a storm of blood and violence upon the martial world as soon as it appeared, and fell into deep contemplation
The young man, whose eyes were filled with a kind of melancholy, whose face bore a faint pallor, and whose smile resembled that of a child, was none other than the legendary figure known throughout the martial world, more a myth than a man—"Sui Kong Dao" Ye Feng
It is rumored in the martial world that this is the masterpiece of the first assassin, Ghost Shijin, under General Ming's command
Leinor shook his head in silence, striving to dispel the lingering doubts in his heart that he could not let go of
When Keye Feng arrived, his first words surprisingly stated that he was fighting against the enemy alongside ten others
When the military order first arrives, none dare to disobey; when the military order arrives a second time, none shall contend against it; when the military order arrives a third time, blood will flow like rivers
The voice of Thunder Fury is loud and imposing, and his hand holding the sword remains steady, without the slightest tremor
I only require the water chief to ensure that no further questions are posed to me before the matter of the Five Sword Alliance is resolved
The pupils of Lei Nu suddenly constricted, fixated on the general's order that forced him to confront the situation of being abandoned by all, and it seemed that even his breathing could not flow smoothly.
And among those ten people, in the ranks fighting alongside him, there was unexpectedly, unexpectedly included her, a delicate woman who knew nothing but playing the piano, playing chess, reciting poetry, and tending to flowers
Mr. Wu believes that the General's Office cannot resolve this matter within one month
And all these years, whenever he thought of this sword, it merely reminded her: "I do not want you to fall into the hands of the enemy"
The old man remained unmoved, gazing at the wine in his cup: "This sentence is worth ten taels of silver"
At this moment, however, the seemingly delicate and fragile hands of Zhu Yanhong were caressing a sword
It was a tranquility akin to water, as if any disturbance would stir the ripples of the water, creating waves
Drinking a cup of wine, Shui Zhihan said: "It is not a problem for me to hear your words, but if the general finds out, I fear you will not be able to leave the capital."
Wu Xiyan lowered his eyes and said: "Although I am old, my eyes are still sharp. Since the steward has agreed to my conditions, I shall fully present all the information I know, lest I tarnish my own reputation"
Four years ago, the censor Cai Yaozong submitted a memorial to impeach General Ming, which enraged the Emperor greatly, resulting in Cai being dismissed from office and exiled. ... Before leaving, General Ming had someone deliver a general's order to Censor Cai ...
He cannot let his beloved wife Yan Hong see his weak side; he loves her so much that he must maintain the heroic image in her eyes
Wu Xiyan said: "Although the Jiangnan Pile Hall has declared that it will no longer intervene in the matters of Lei Nu, and most of the people in the martial world are sycophants, at that time the Five Sword Alliance was at its peak, and naturally, many were eager to join; at this moment, it is already quite good that no one is taking advantage of the Five Sword Alliance's misfortune. But I know there is one person who will definitely not ignore this matter, and he should be in the Five Sword Villa at this moment"
The first time I received the general's order was ten days ago, and the person who delivered the general's order ten days ago was a mute servant from the general's residence
A glimmer of brilliance flashed in Shui Zhihan's eyes as he pinched the piece of patterned silver with his fingers, chuckling: "Mr. Wu, please do not be angry; it is my fault. However, if I were to cut it with this finger and it turns out to be half a coin more or less, what shall we do then?"
Shui Zhihan wholeheartedly agrees, and now he feels that the price he has paid is not in vain
Thunder Rage was not angry. His face remained as stern as ever, devoid of any expression. His hands were still steady, tightly gripping the sword of rage that had accompanied him for eighteen years, veins bulging and intertwined.
There are two more people, one is the esteemed lady, and the other is, of course, myself, the young man said淡淡地道
Lei Nu looked at the young man who had delivered the general's order with an indifferent expression and asked, "Who are you?"
The mute servant had a blank expression, and his right foot still bore a disability, yet no one dared to underestimate him, for he had defeated six disciples of the Five Swords Alliance at the entrance in three moves. Moreover, he had only engaged in a brief exchange with Guan Lixing, the "Heavenly Capture Sword" among the eight guardians of the Five Swords Alliance, before entering the Wind Chilling Pavilion, where he respectfully presented the General's Order to Lei Nu.
Wu Xiyan gladly tucked half a piece of patterned silver into his bosom: "The question posed by the water steward just now is likely not as simple as it appears on the surface, is it"
A domineering yet seemingly empty blade aura permeated the Wind Chilling Pavilion, within which the intent of the blade distinctly contained a rhythm akin to dance, ... evoking admiration and excitement, stirring the heart and soul, quickening the blood, and leaving one breathless with emotion ...
At that moment, Zhu Yanhong no longer felt that she was merely a man's private possession, merely an accessory to a man
Four, fragmented space
Lei Nu sensed Zhu Yanhong's smile, and turned to look at her with a strange expression, feeling a twinge of guilt in his heart
Zhu Yanhong is undoubtedly a beautiful woman, but when you see her for the first time, what you feel is not her beauty, but a sense of "gentleness"
What does the general's order bring this time
In Zhu Yanhong's eyes, that flash of the knife resembled an eyebrow pencil poised to draw on the forehead, encircling the verses of a lover's poem
"This sword was obtained by me three months ago from an ancient tomb, and now I present it to you for your protection." Thus spoke her husband at that time
The intense and vigorous energy strikes one with a powerful impact, akin to a wild horse galloping fiercely, while the effortless grace feels like a refreshing breeze that approaches during a leisurely stroll; these two contradictory sensations combine to create an impression that what is cleaving through is not a blade, but rather a dazzling rainbow, fragmented into myriad colors and then reassembled, distant yet seemingly within reach.
A sudden glint of murderous intent appeared in Shui Zhihan's eyes as he snorted, "This time, I will ensure that there will no longer be anyone known as the Broken Sky Blade in the martial world"
As the lady of the Five Swords Alliance, how can one be without a sword
Fifteen days later, the Marquis of Fengai mysteriously died in the Fengai Marquis's residence, with no injuries on his body, only a single red mark on his forehead
This time, the righteous forces of the martial world have mobilized, with the four major sects of Shaolin, Wudang, Emei, and Huashan dispatching their top experts to provide protection. The head of the so-called number one escort agency in the world, "Wei Wo Escort Agency," Lin Du, is personally accompanying the mission, along with many unknown martial artists secretly following to protect the fearless Censor Cai from the influence of power.
Lei Nu努力将目光从将军令上移开，冷冷看着来人问道："还有两个人是谁？"
Shui Zhihan smiled faintly and said: "The so-called formidable opponents of the general, Wei Gongzi, the King of Hidden Weapons, and Marquis Feng Ai are all dead. Master Chong has vanished without a trace, and Nan Feng, Bei Xue, and Xia Tian Lei, among others, are merely hanging on by a thread; they will inevitably die at the hands of the general, it makes no difference."
Master Shaolin Xinjue lost his left hand, while Master Wudang Huayang lost his right hand
Shui Zhihan pondered and said, "Does Mr. Ghost have anything else to say?"
Ten days later, the second general's order mysteriously appeared in the room of Lu Tianyuan's beloved concubine, whose lifeless body was found on the bed
Wu Xiyan's thoughts shifted slightly, and his expression changed. He blurted out: "Just last month, I heard that the Broken Sky Blade Ye Feng appeared in Jiangnan, and the General's order was immediately transmitted inexplicably to the Wujian Alliance in Suzhou, Jiangnan..."
The various factions of the underworld are increasingly rallying around General Ming, now the only force capable of countering General Ming's influence is likely the first major gang of the Jianghu, the Liekong Gang. Under the leadership of its master, Xia Tianlei, they stand in opposition to General Ming's underworld forces. Additionally, there is the Master Insect, renowned as the foremost assassin of the righteous path, who, along with his four disciples—Qin Lingyun, Qi Shengjie, Shu Xunyu, and Mo Liubai—engages in assassination tactics to confront the General's residence.
The Duke of Fengai is a royal prince, and the Ming general, not having received an imperial edict, does not dare to openly oppose him; however, he has no reservations about the Changbai faction
The chief steward of the General's Mansion, Shui Zhihan, one of the six masters of the underworld, surprisingly remained in the capital and did not leave at all, which clearly demonstrates the formidable strength in the hands of General Ming
Wu Xiyan whispered, "Therefore, this transaction is made with the steward, and I will leave the capital tonight"
This is already the second general's order received by Wujian Mountain Manor
The young man remained silent, drew his sword, squared his shoulders, and swung his arms
What kind of magic does that general's order possess, capable of freezing the blood of valiant men in the martial world and instilling fear and cowardice in their hearts?
"You must keep that sword with you at all times these days; I do not want you to fall into the hands of the enemy." Ten days ago, her husband said this.
What is the matter? Shui Zhihan saw that Su Feiqi was not as courteous as usual, which indicated that something significant must have occurred
In such a situation where everyone is solely focused on escaping, why did she not leave? Was it because she loved him? Was it due to her concern for the glory she once had as the wife of the leader? Or was it because she had nowhere else to go?
In the past eight years, the general's order has appeared a total of five times, with the number of deaths decreasing each time, yet the danger has increased with each occurrence
The water knows the cold and remains silent
His expression was also indifferent, but it was not the kind of ferocity akin to a wild beast devouring its prey, as seen in that mute servant. Instead, it bore a quality of serene detachment, as if he did not care at all about this token.
In that moment, she only knew that the sound that suddenly came from the doorway was pleasant, carrying a sense of determination; compared to the tense voices of her husband and his subordinates, it was less severe and more composed, and finally, it had a touch of detachment.
Isn't it better to tend to flowers and plants or to groom one's nails with such a delicate sword
Thunder Fury pondered for a moment, then slammed the table and stood up: "From today onwards, there will no longer be any Five Sword Alliance in the martial world, and I will no longer be the leader of the Five Sword Alliance." With a resolute expression, he slowly said: "We are brothers, brothers who live and die together"
1. Nail
In the eyes of the Eight Great Protectors, that flash of the blade resembled a great banner fluttering in the cold wind, surging with boundless fighting spirit
Ten days later, the third general's order appeared
Wu Xiyan pondered for a long time: "The Broken Sky Sword is known as 'Sword Intent Traversing the Sky, Sword Qi Sweeping Across the Sky, Sword Wind Rushing Through the Sky, Sword Light Shattering the Sky', using the intangible sword qi to injure the tangible enemy. He has been hailed as the first person in the past century of the Jianghu to master the Void Sword Intent, and his swordsmanship is on par with the Sword King Qin Kong, truly a formidable rival to General Ming.
In life, there are things one should refrain from doing, and there are things one must do
If these hands were to cut someone's throat, would it not be akin to cutting into that piece of silver?
Shui Zhihan slowly nodded his head
Gui Shijing is widely recognized as the most formidable assassin in the martial world for centuries, known as the King of Underworld Assassins. He is renowned alongside the Master of White Path Assassins, and within the General's Mansion, he ranks only below General Ming and the Chief Steward Shui Zhihan.
"What kind of person is Lei Nu?" The middle-aged man, dressed in fine clothing, entered the restaurant and walked straight towards an elderly man sitting by the window, who appeared to be down on his luck, and gently inquired.
With a crisp sound, the ingot of patterned silver cracked in response, as if it had been sliced with a knife or chopped with an axe, perfectly even.
In the world of martial arts, there are many capable individuals. Although tools forged from dark iron are rare, they are not particularly surprising. However, when a small token is engraved with the character "Ming," it signifies far more than just a token; it represents the challenge letter from the world's foremost expert, General Ming.
Shui Zhihan clapped his hands and laughed heartily: "These answers do not seem to be what I originally wanted to ask. What I want to know is what kind of person Lei Nu is, what his character is like, what his likes and dislikes are, and what special hobbies he has..."
Master Emei Liekong spat out seven mouthfuls of blood, Elder Du of Huashan had his sword broken and was injured, Lin Du was poisoned and blinded in both eyes, and twenty-six skilled martial artists in the Jianghu have died or been injured
Wu said softly, "Just give me six more months."
Wu Xiyan sighed again: "Just like when asked to describe what kind of person the water supervisor is, I also cannot articulate it!"
The young man casually stood at the entrance of the hall, holding a dark black token in his hand. The sunlight seemed to dim suddenly, for that token was none other than the General's Order, a name that struck fear in the hearts of those in the martial world
She only knew that the "Shattered Sky Blade," which was often talked about with great enthusiasm, had arrived with Ye Feng, and that she would have to stand shoulder to shoulder with her husband to resist the general's orders from General Ming.
From then on, no one dared to openly defy the general's orders again
Wu Xiyan pondered for a long time, silently shaking his head
The gloom in Wu Xiyan's eyes deepened: "I am not asking for an exorbitant price; this information comes from hundreds of my subordinates, and I must at least provide them with an explanation"
Wu Xiyan gazed at the water, sensing the coldness in its calm surface, a wave of chill surged within her heart, and with her mouth half-open, she could no longer utter a sound
As a leader, if you lose your composure, it will cause fear to spread like a plague among every one of your subordinates, resulting in the loss of the only fighting spirit they possess
That ingot of silver is likely to weigh at least twenty taels
Wu Xiyan chuckled and said: "Even though General Ming has no intention of recognizing Ye Feng as a formidable enemy, the emergence of this person at the peak of the General's power is indeed a fatal blow. In the martial world, everyone avoids General Ming, yet only Suikong Dao fears neither life nor death, standing alone against the General's residence, greatly boosting the morale of General Ming's enemies. If he were to call out, he could likely rally a considerable number of stubborn individuals, which would surely give General Ming a headache. Many in the martial world regard him as an idol in the fight against General Ming, being both a significant threat to the General's residence and a formidable rival to General Ming."
Wu Xiyan remarked: " There are numerous rumors circulating in the martial world regarding this matter, yet none are more persuasive than the others. Although Ye Feng's swordsmanship is exceptional, he alone cannot possibly withstand the numerous experts of the General's Manor. However, he has always acted independently, his movements are enigmatic, and he is willing to employ any means necessary to achieve his goals, whether through covert assassination, seeking out duels, lurking in wait, or striking with overwhelming force. If his attack fails, he immediately retreats at great speed. Having such an adversary is a headache for anyone... " He has always acted independently, his movements are enigmatic, and he is willing to employ any means necessary to achieve his goals, whether through covert assassination, seeking out duels, lurking in wait, or striking with overwhelming force. If his attack fails, he immediately retreats at great speed. Having such an adversary is a headache for anyone... "
Lei Nu stared blankly at the blade light he had never seen before but had heard of, exclaiming: "Shattered—Void—Blade!"
Sophie said, "Mr. Ghost claims he recognizes this knife"
Thus, the vast Five Sword Alliance collapsed and disintegrated in an instant, leaving only these few individuals in the hall—the leader of the Five Sword Alliance, Lei Nu, and his eight guardians.
Could it be that this sudden order from the general to the Five Sword Alliance is merely a scheme to deal with the Broken Sky Blade, Ye Feng?
Five, make a pair
Wu Xiyan, seeing the water and knowing its coldness, revealed a satisfied expression and poured another cup of wine: "I know that what Chief Water is actually asking is not about the person Lei Nu or the strength of the Five Sword Alliance, but rather how he will face the General's Order, right"
Shui Zhihan looked at him in surprise and said: "Is there something that Mr. Wu does not know?"
Under the steady and even sunlight sits a composed and stable man. That is Zhu Yanhong's husband—Lei Nu, the leader of the Five Sword Alliance
She is the lady of the alliance, she is the wife of Thunder Fury, she cannot endure humiliation to survive, she cannot be sullied by others, for that would not only destroy her chastity but also undermine the dignity of Thunder Fury
He did not know that since he gifted her this "Qiu Si" sword, it had never left her side
Shui Zhihan's gaze finally left his own hands: "He said."
Six, seek thought
Accompanying the general's order was a letter containing only nine words: Dissolve the Five Sword Alliance within one month
What kind of person is Ye Feng
Everyone present at Fenglin Pavilion clearly witnessed his movements, which appeared as natural as if they were born from the mountains and flowing waters. Strangely, from the moment he drew his blade to the completion of the final strike, no one felt the slightest sense of threat, as if they were watching a dance of blades, a flawless performance, simply staring blankly at the blade light that was devoid of hostility yet strikingly fierce, bursting forth into the void, pausing in the air, and dissipating before their eyes
Wu Xiyan nodded slightly: "Since childhood, Lei Nu has been regarded as the successor to the new generation leader of the Thunder Hall. With exceptional talent, he has mastered the seven sword techniques of various schools in Jiangnan. However, it is precisely because of his arrogance from a young age that he places great importance on his reputation. When establishing the Five Sword Alliance, he repeatedly ordered the martial world to sever ties with the Thunder Hall, fearing that others would criticize him for achieving his accomplishments solely due to the influence of the Thunder Hall. The martial world only perceives Lei Nu's pride, unaware that the root of it lies in his desire to protect his reputation. Upon examining his character, it seems that what he cherishes most is not the famous swords or beautiful women, but rather his own face..."
The imposing general's order in his hand did not evoke the slightest sense of threat; there was none of the chilling aura that typically accompanies one who wields such authority. It was as if he and the order were two entirely incompatible entities. The order was the order, and he was he. The impression one received was that he merely happened to be in possession of the general's order at that moment
Wu Xiyan lamented, "The most detestable thing is my signboard of 'No Empty Words from the Ruler'; otherwise, I could simply respond to Steward Shui with 'I do not know', thus avoiding such difficulty now"
Lu Tianyuan is determined to seek revenge for his beloved concubine, and the entire city is under martial law to search for the murderer
Shui Zhihan asked in a low voice: "Why does he specifically oppose the general?"
Thus she smiled, a silent smile... The smile first spread across her face, slowly forming a charming curve at the corners of her mouth, a hint of rosy color rising on her face, melting away in the solemn hall filled with a chill, retreating into the sunlight
Five years ago, Tian Yuan, the commander stationed at Shanhaiguan, took control of the troops and declared himself independent. The general's order appeared before him the next day, commanding him to go to the capital to apologize.
But at that moment, standing behind Lei Nu, Zhu Yanhong watched as the sunlight, raging through the hall, slowly climbed up the back of his neck. On his short, thick neck, with bulging veins, she saw a drop of sweat slowly trickling down his nape, like a little worm stumbling down, burrowing into his collar
Shui Zhihan raised an eyebrow and asked: "Who?"
The old man looked up at the middle-aged man and said, "The chief steward indeed possesses the demeanor of a chief steward, but I wonder whether you have come to inquire or to display your authority"
"Lord Lei is mistaken; it is not eight people, but ten people." A voice淡淡ly echoed at the door.
The mute servant had no injuries on his body, only a faint red line from his forehead to his chest and abdomen. According to Mr. Ghost's examination, it appeared to be an injury caused by sword energy. The Mr. Ghost mentioned by Sophie was Gui Shijing, the third-ranking figure in the general's residence. He commanded twenty-eight disciples, named after the twenty-eight lunar mansions, and was known in the martial world as "Stars Filling the Sky," all of whom were super assassins capable of killing without leaving a trace.
This seemingly destitute old man is known in the martial world as "Jun Wuxiyan" (Lord No Empty Words), who claims to be well-informed about all matters in the realm. However, he openly sells information at a price and never acknowledges anyone's authority. He navigates the world with a playful demeanor, embodying both righteousness and wickedness. At this moment, he stands before the chief steward of the general's mansion, a figure of great power in the capital, and engages in cold mockery.
The old man shook his head as if he had seen nothing: "Since I said it is ten taels, I will not accept even a single coin more. Have you ever heard of Wu Xiyan saying something that does not count?"
In such circumstances, ten days after the general's orders have been issued, if one still loses the will to fight, it can only signify one thing—death
Among the six great masters of the underworld, Shui Zhihan serves as the chief steward of the General's Mansion, while Chuan Donglong, the judge, takes the initiative to curry favor with General Ming. Moreover, Li Qingsheng from the Ghost City of Xiangxi has sent disciples to serve the General's Mansion. Only Nan Fengfeng Nianzhong and Bei Xuexue Fenfei remain unmoved.
Twenty days later, the third general's order appeared in Lu Tianyuan's command hall, and Lu Tianyuan along with his twelve subordinate generals were all decapitated
Eight years ago, the first general's order appeared in the Changbai Mountains beyond the Great Wall
All of this is merely because he has arrived, because of his one statement
Wu Xiyan sighed, saying: "It is not that I do not know, but rather that I cannot express it."
Water is without form, flowers have their end, yet we shall meet again. However, life is lived amidst partings
Two ancient and profound seal characters are engraved on the blade: "Seeking Thought"
Shui Zhihan shuddered all over and looked at Wu Xiyan, saying, "I already know who that person is!"
In recent years, General Ming has employed both intimidation and persuasion, compelling numerous sects in the martial world to submit.
Shui Zhihan inquired: "What is the opinion of him in the jianghu? Mr. Wu, please speak candidly."
... ...
Wu Xiyan said with a hint of bitterness: "Water Supervisor, do not forget that we are talking about half a year..."
Thus, when all eyes were focused on the dark token in the hands of the newcomer, she was the only one who was staring at his face
Yet, the body of Cài Yùshǐ, with a shattered sternum and a disfigured face, is no longer recognizable as that of a dignified censor
He hesitated somewhat, as his current strength was no different from trying to strike a stone with an egg against General Ming.
Shui Zhihan laughed and said, "Since I have promised you to resolve the matters concerning the Five Sword Alliance that have been neglected this month, why are you in such a hurry?"
but rather a sudden feeling of being regarded as a friend, a brother, a comrade, or even as a person
Thus, until today, Zhu Yanhong still remembers the sunlight of that day, so gentle, so refreshing, so... serene
Wu Xiyan sighed and said: "It is fifty taels of gold"
She is watching the early autumn sunlight in August, peacefully savoring its essence, gazing at the sunlight streaming down from the skylight, gently falling into the hall, where the tiny particles of dust can be clearly seen dancing in the light, stirred by the gentle breeze, as if undergoing a pure baptism.
Her figure is like her long hair, casually draped down, following the undulations of her body, forming a tender arc that accentuates her curves, such a woman always gives a feeling that is more delicate than seductive
At that time, Ye Feng had not yet drawn his sword, yet he had effortlessly severed the grievances that Zhu Yanhong had harbored for over twenty years
Shui Zhihan pondered for a long time and said: "I promise you."
This year she is twenty-seven; two years can change many things, can't they
Indeed, in such circumstances, does her dignity as the Thunder's Fury not surpass that of her role as his wife
She originally had no fondness for this name, thinking that the people associated with it were just like her husband and his subordinates, drinking heartily and eating meat while discussing women and the underworld; looking at her with eyes that seemed to penetrate her clothing; using coarse language without regard for her feelings; discussing serious matters without needing to avoid her, yet never allowing her to participate; even her husband, Lei Nu, would only stand in front of her when danger approached; indulging himself on her after fighting fiercely; laughing at her when she mourned the flowers; and comforting her when she felt melancholic... looking at her with eyes that seemed to penetrate her clothing; using coarse language without regard for her feelings; discussing serious matters without needing to avoid her, yet never allowing her to participate; even her husband, Lei Nu, would only stand in front of her when danger approached; indulging himself on her after fighting fiercely; laughing at her when she mourned the flowers; and comforting her when she felt melancholic...
Wu Xiyan sighed three times: "I cannot articulate my thoughts because there are too many interpretations regarding 'Suikong Dao' Ye Feng, making it difficult for people to discern the truth. Some say he is the disciple of the closed-door master from the North Snow, others claim he is the orphan of the sealed Duke, some assert he is a child raised in the wilderness, while others believe he is a martial genius crafted by the four mysterious families: Dianjing Pavilion, Pianxian Tower, Wenrouxiang, and Hero's Tomb. However, two points can be established: first, his martial arts are exceptionally high; although his origins are unknown and his background is obscure, he is capable of contending with any master-level expert; second, he possesses both righteous and wicked traits, living a solitary life, yet he never misses an opportunity to oppose General Ming whenever possible..."
A glimmer of murderous intent flashed in Shui Zhihan's eyes as he said indifferently, "You are saying too much"
Moreover, there is now an outsider!
Lu Tianyuan remained unmoved, mobilizing troops and dispatching generals to blockade the Shanhaiguan Pass
Leinu quietly picked up the general's order that had been thrown onto the edge of the table. The order was merely two inches square, yet it felt incredibly heavy in hand. Its color was dark as ink, and its surface was both smooth and rough to the touch, emanating a faint chill.