Chapter 3, Three Thousand White Hairs

Xu Moyang could not help but ask: "Since Xiaowang Mountain Villa is so secluded, how does Senior Du know it so well?"

Yang Shuang'er interjected, "The most difficult person to provoke in the capital must certainly be the Emperor"

Upon hearing Xu Moyang speak of the intricacies of skill and clumsiness, Du Si let out a long howl, gazing at Xu Moyang with profound meaning: "Young Brother Xu, having encountered such a remarkable fortune by chance, you must make good use of it; in the future, there will surely be great opportunities for you!"

Du Simu shook his head silently: "On that day, when I met Qiao Zhuo briefly, he mentioned that there were still some matters that needed careful consideration before making a decision." He then turned his gaze towards Xu Moyang: "Young Brother Xu, you may share what you know about the situation, so that we can all discuss it together."

Xu Moyang, seeing the banter between the old man and the young boy, couldn't help but smile and quickly continued to inquire about Du Si: "I only know two of the four young masters. One should be Master Wei, who is in opposition to the general, and the other is Master Jian, who is known as the most handsome man in the Jianghu, correct?"

The essence of things is revealed by the heart, and it has long resided in a remote place, listening with great interest: "What kind of people are those three sect leaders? Are they also figures inscribed on the tomb of heroes?"

What kind of people are they

Yang Shuang'er, after all, has limited experience in the world. Although all her elders have shown her great affection due to her family's background, they have always maintained a solemn demeanor. She has never encountered an elder who is both serious and half-jokingly interesting like this, which made her unable to help but chuckle.

Du Si stared at Yang Shuang'er, a hint of a smile appearing on his face as he slowly said: "The King of Hidden Weapons"

The old man shook his head and muttered to himself: "No, no, you three do not seem to be the kind of figures worthy of being inscribed on the tomb of heroes. To kill you would surely tarnish the reputation of my principles and honor."

Du Si was the first to speak: "Have you ever heard the story of Gan Jiang and Mo Xie, young brother Xu?"

Xu Moyang observed that Du Si was silent throughout their journey, surmising that he must be grieving the death of his friend, the master of both skill and folly. Although he had countless questions in his heart, he did not dare to voice them.

"Who else could it be but him?" Du Sihe smiled slightly: "At that time, Lin Qingnian was only in his early twenties, yet he became famous in a single battle, earning the title of the King of Hidden Weapons among the people of the Jianghu!"

The first academy of the martial world!

For decades, Xu Moyang has traversed the borders, with his inherently wild and rough temperament. He has never experienced such a feeling of compassion for the world. At this moment, he first glimpses the overwhelming phrase "Heaven and Earth are indifferent," and then sees the three characters "Hero's Tomb," which makes him feel that everything is empty. The so-called impermanence of heaven and earth, the affairs of men are in the hands of fate; every sip and every peck is predetermined, rendering all else unimportant

This tomb is indeed unique, as it only buries the living and not the dead. Du Si spoke with a serious tone: "If a person dies, their name will be removed from the tombstone"

Yang Shuang'er also looked bewildered: "My father said that four years ago he made an agreement with a Taoist priest he had long been in contact with, to send someone proficient in the martial arts of my Wushuang City to this Xiaowang Mountain Villa before April of this year. Now that I think about it, that Taoist priest should be Master Qiao Zhuo. Could it be that he knew about these changes four years ago? Could something happen again on the seventh day of April this year?"

Du Si slowly shook his head: "Otherwise, the Emperor resides deep within the palace, managing countless affairs daily; many matters could escalate significantly, yet he may still remain unaware of them."

Du Si smiled faintly: "These eight individuals are all personally serving the emperor; how could ordinary idle people know about them? However, it must be mentioned that one of them was a figure who once stirred up quite a storm in the martial world."

Yang Shuang'er laughed and said, "Ha, if only I had such a celestial flower scattering, I could even invite the Emperor's people."

"I have it, I have come up with a good method." The long-haired old man looked up at the three and then burst into laughter, saying, "As long as I kill a few of you, who would know that I have used martial arts?" As he spoke, he clapped his hands, seemingly applauding his own "good idea".

Du Si said with a proud smile: "Although Rong Xiaofeng is from an outside clan, he is indeed a person of great understanding and reason. The disputes of that year were also due to justifiable reasons. Moreover, neither of us gained any advantage from that palm strike, so I cannot consider him an adversary; rather, there is a sense of mutual appreciation between us. The path of martial arts is vast and profound, and finding someone of equal standing to exchange techniques with is also a highly beneficial form of cultivation. I believe both he and I have gained considerable benefits from that palm strike."

Du Si wore a serious expression, his gaze fixed on the object in the hands of the long-haired elder: "I, Du, am passing through with a friend and hope you can grant us a favor."

The old man smiled at the three with an air of innocence, saying, "Guests have arrived so early." Then, with great flourish, he turned his back to face the myriad difficulties and cheerfully remarked, "You, monk, are truly stubborn; I merely want to take a look at that thing of yours, treating it like some treasure. You really are a foolish monk who values money over life."

The object gazed at Yang Shuang'er with a hearty laugh: "When the day comes that I capture this Young Master Jian to be my little Rongrong's husband..."

Xu Moyang then slightly understood the ins and outs of the situation, no wonder there was such a strange hotel on the edge of the desert. Du Si promised his friend to guard this desolate and lonely ridge for six years, and in his spare time, he must have only carved branches with a knife to relieve his boredom. Xu Moyang couldn't help but feel a deep respect for the seemingly fierce yet actually kind and trustworthy old man beside him

Du Si sighed deeply: "In truth, it is not entirely so. If one could forge even a single piece of true divine weaponry or armor in a lifetime, it would already be the greatest pride of our sect's disciples. Moreover, if there are no wars, armor is entirely useless. Thus, the Armament Sect has also divided into two factions: one dedicated to forging weapons and the other to crafting armor. For generations, disputes have persisted, leading to the decline of our sect. Initially, I ventured far beyond the borders, driven by a moment of pride to compete with my junior brother over a piece of Kunlun's thousand-year divine iron, seeking the sacred artifact for armor forging. Alas, while skilled craftsmen are easy to find, divine quality is hard to come by. It has been nearly ten generations since our Armament Sect has been able to forge a true divine weapon..." His voice grew increasingly faint, seemingly filled with sorrow over the decline of his sect.

Yang Shuang'er lowered her head in contemplation and said softly: "I have heard my father speak of the Bingjia Sect. He mentioned that it is a rather mysterious sect located by the flowing Ma River in Jiangbei. Each generation has only two disciples, one responsible for weapon refinement and the other for armor forging. Each disciple can refine a maximum of three divine artifacts in their lifetime, yet every item forged is renowned as a legendary weapon or armor of its time"

Yang Shuang'er could not help but continue: "The King of Chu indeed killed Gan Jiang later, but Mo Ye's son, named Chi, grew up wanting to assassinate the King of Chu but struggled to find an opportunity. Later, someone said they could help him take revenge, but it required his head. Thus, Chi did not hesitate to draw his sword and commit suicide. That person indeed presented the head to the King of Chu, gaining the King’s trust, and then persuaded the King to boil Chi's head in a cauldron, claiming it was unexpected, and then beheaded the King of Chu, ultimately taking his own life..."

Before the three individuals, a pure white object floated down lightly, revealing an elderly man dressed in a loose white robe. With white eyebrows and a white beard, he appeared to be around seventy or eighty years old, yet his face was rosy and radiant, and he smiled cheerfully. Moreover, he was quite short, standing at less than five feet, and his demeanor resembled that of an innocent child. Most astonishing was his long white hair, cascading down to his knees, nearly enveloping his entire body. Coupled with his oversized white robe, he seemed to blend into the morning breeze and thin mist, appearing indistinctly among the trees. It was no wonder that the three had only seen a white shadow moments ago.

The tomb is constructed from countless large blue stones, with an ancient texture and a subtle hue. In front of the tomb stands a large stone tablet, measuring four feet square, densely engraved with numerous tiny characters.

As he witnessed the difficulties mounting, his movements became increasingly sluggish. Suddenly, a pure white object floated down from above and collided with Qian Nan's staff with a dull thud. Qian Nan let out another loud shout, urging the true essence of the staff with greater urgency. At this rate, it was feared that he would soon be unable to continue and would perish from exhaustion.

"Are you referring to Lin Qing, who eight years ago single-handedly defeated seventeen masters of hidden weapons at Dongting Lake's Ningzhi Palace, and is revered in the martial world as the King of Hidden Weapons?" Yang Shuang'er said with a smile, giving Wu Youxin a thumbs up

Yang Shuang'er was still murmuring the name of He Qi Kuang, and upon hearing this, I instinctively replied: "Oh, this person is quite impressive, who is it?"

Xu Moyang exclaimed, "Eight? How come I haven't heard of any of them?"

Yang Shuang'er just cried together with Wu Youxin, and psychologically, she had long regarded this mischievous old man as a close family member. She pouted and said, "Who says girls have no abilities?"

After resting for two hours, the three individuals set out again. After traveling for more than ten miles, they finally emerged from the desert, with the distant Cloud Mountain Range ahead.

"There is only one grave, yet it bears many names." Du Si displayed a strange expression on his face, smiled at Yang Shuang'er, and explained: "Do not be afraid, my niece. We will wait until dawn when the ghostly aura is slightly weaker before heading to the Valley of the Underworld"

Du Sizheng Rongdao: "The fame of the eight directions is not merely a description, but a person!"

Xu Moyang had heard a little about the affairs of the Central Plains martial arts world: "The three sect leaders are probably the leaders of the three major factions: Jing Shi Guan Sui, Shu Li, and Jian Jia."

Things are determined by the heart, and one should not take it lightly: "What abilities can a girl possibly have?"

Here there are artificial hills, long corridors, and even an arched stone bridge. Although there is no water beneath the bridge, it is cushioned by green grass, with ditches serving as channels. The strange rocks and unique stones are countless, harmonizing with the surrounding steep peaks, creating an atmosphere of elegance that would be hard to find even in the inner palace during winter.

With a hearty laugh, I suddenly realized that over the years I have wandered alone in this desolate mountain wilderness, laughing at the world, expressing my emotions freely, yet it has also been a lonely existence. Today, encountering these few individuals who resonate so well with my temperament is indeed a rare occurrence. I patted Du Si on the shoulder, then exchanged a playful wink with Xu Moyang and Yang Shuang'er, putting on an innocent demeanor. Against the backdrop of my flowing white hair, I amused the three of them, prompting another round of hearty laughter.

Under the hazy moonlight, Du Si led Xu Moyang and Yang Shuang'er as they swiftly moved northward across the vast desert, gradually penetrating deeper into the heart of the sands. Raising their eyes, they could see the undulating outline of a mountain range drawing closer from several miles away.

The monk Qian Nan seemed to be extremely afraid of the long-haired old man, and hurriedly replied, "Rest assured, old man, if I were to speak of your martial skills to anyone, may I meet a terrible end." The long-haired old man laughed heartily and made way.

At that moment, upon hearing Yang Shuang'er recite this line, Xu Moyang felt a sudden daze in his heart, stirred by an unexpected emotion. In light of the legacy of skill and clumsiness, they had journeyed this far to the Xiaowang Mountain Villa—who knows how many more trials they would have to endure? How much longer is the road? How much longer will the sorrow last?

In the face of overwhelming fear, the individual still fights desperately with the staff, yet the technique has become disordered, only able to protect the chest, abdomen, head, and face, unlike at the beginning when it could shield the entire body

Du Si understood that although he was quite old, he still possessed the competitive spirit of a child. He smiled and explained: "That is merely a gesture of respect from the people of the martial world towards the previous generation's院主, 'Yu Hua Qing Qiu', Guo Yu Yang. In his time, Guo Yu Yang, along with the Master of Wuyin from Mount Hua, petitioned on behalf of the people, unafraid to offend the most powerful chancellor of the court, Liu Yuan. They implored the Emperor to retract the decree that called for the selection of three thousand maidens from Jiangsu and Zhejiang. In a fit of rage, the Emperor nearly ordered the extermination of the entire Qing Qiu Courtyard..." Guo Yu Yang, in his time, along with the Master of Wuyin from Mount Hua, petitioned on behalf of the people, unafraid to offend the most powerful chancellor of the court, Liu Yuan, imploring the Emperor to retract the decree that called for the selection of three thousand maidens from Jiangsu and Zhejiang. In a fit of rage, the Emperor nearly ordered the extermination of the entire Qing Qiu Courtyard...

Yang Shuang'er hurriedly said: "He must have hidden himself; the desert is so vast that you won't be able to find him. I was just saying this; he is terrified of you and certainly wouldn't dare to speak to anyone. Moreover, even if you were to cut out his tongue, he could still write to others with his hand to let them know. You can't possibly stay by his side all day long"

Du Si smiled slightly: "Young Master Wei, born of humble origins, almost single-handedly quelled the Northern City Wang Rebellion, and was thus conferred the title of Taiping Young Master (for a detailed account of Young Master Wei, refer to the General Series 'Breaking the Waves and the Cone'). How many people in the world can dare to challenge General Ming? On the other hand, Young Master Jian comes from a prestigious family, has been well-versed in countless books since childhood, is courteous and refined, and possesses an elegance akin to a tall tree in the wind. It is said that not only the ladies of the capital admire him, but even Zhao Xingshuang, the renowned leader of the Falling Flower Palace in the martial world, holds him in high regard. Who would dare to provoke him?"

Du Si sighed again: "I became acquainted with Qiao Zhuo twenty years ago, and we formed a bond of life and death. Nine years ago, he finally severed ties with General Ming of the Haokong Sect and wandered far away; I hardly knew his whereabouts. Six years ago, however, he found me and said he had a vague plan to deal with the general. Throughout his life, he rarely asked anything of others, yet he wanted me to stay here and wait for someone carrying his token..." Six years ago, however, he found me and said he had a vague plan to deal with the general. Throughout his life, he rarely asked anything of others, yet he wanted me to stay here and wait for someone carrying his token..."

Things are perceived through the heart. Yang Shuang'er has tears hanging on her face, her smile as beautiful as a flower, yet she seems dazed, murmuring: "My little granddaughter was also made to cry and laugh by me back then, just as you are so adorable!" After saying this, she begins to cry again: "I haven't seen my little Rongrong for over ten years..."

Xu Moyang cautiously inquired: "If the senior has any grievances with Rong Xiaofeng, then our visit to Xiaowang Mountain Manor..."

Du Siyuan's eyes were remarkably sharp, and having already been secretly observant, at this moment he caught sight of the character "8" inscribed on the object exchanged between Wu Youxin and Yang Shuang'er through the gap. His heart trembled greatly, and he exclaimed: "Heavenly Maiden Scatter Flowers!"

Yang Shuang'er gazed at the tomb as the door slowly opened with the creaking sound of stones rubbing against each other. Then, looking at the flowing white hair on the other side, she suddenly recalled the poetry and literature she had read since childhood, and involuntarily recited: "Three thousand strands of white hair!"

It turns out that the firework, which was seized from the hands of many difficulties by the heart, is indeed the renowned "Heavenly Maiden Scattering Flowers" that commands fame in all directions

Du Sidao: "Traveling north for more than ten miles leads to the Ge Yun Mountain Range, with the entrance to the mountains known as the Youming Valley. Beyond the Youming Valley, after more than ten miles, lies the Du Jie Valley, and the Xiaowang Mountain Manor is situated atop the Gods Peak within the Du Jie Valley."

How strange

Beneath it, there are densely engraved numerous tiny characters that resemble small fly-head inscriptions

As soon as the long-haired elder's voice fell, he suddenly shot up from the ground like an arrow, his entire being resembling a sword that had just been tempered in fire. At first glance, he appeared as a sudden flash of bluish-white, directly colliding with the seemingly impenetrable barrier of the staff. His movements were incredibly swift, yet each action was clear and distinct, and with his flowing white hair, he resembled a mighty bird, leaving the three onlookers dumbfounded.

Xu Moyang, lost in thought, could not help but let out a long sigh. He did not wish for others to perceive his unfulfilled desire for revenge, and he lamented: "The legendary artifact of Gan Jiang and Mo Xie, who would have thought that within it lies such a tale of blood and tears"

In the face of the formidable enemy Xu Moyang ahead, one finds oneself utterly powerless, at the mercy of others, with a heart filled with urgency. Desiring to close one's eyes and cultivate inner strength, yet unable to calm the mind, one finally spews forth a mouthful of blood.

The long-haired elder was taken aback: "I truly am disappointing. After enduring for so many years, I have once again broken the rules. If the sect leader finds out, not only will I be forbidden from re-entering the sect, but I will also surely be criticized with the additional remarks of 'acting recklessly' after 'being old and unwise'"

Is there anyone proficient in the mechanics of civil engineering

Du nodded slightly: "The Shénliúmén is the oldest sect in the capital, with a history spanning over a thousand years. During the Xuanwu Gate Incident in the early Tang Dynasty, the three elders of Shénliúmén each supported one of Li Yuan's three sons, which led to the division of Shénliúmén. However, due to the accumulated prestige of Shénliúmén over the years, even though it was split into three, no one dared to challenge its power."

Xu Moyang and Yang Shuang'er exchanged a glance and simultaneously exclaimed: "General Ming?!"

The surroundings were eerily quiet, with not a single soul in sight, and it was unclear who had created the desolate scenery in the wild mountains and valleys. Although it was in the tranquil and peaceful dawn light, there seemed to be a chilling aura. Even though Du Si had been here before, the familiar scene was no longer the same, leaving him in a state of confusion. Xu Moyang and Yang Shuang'er were even more tense, with Yang Shuang'er involuntarily gripping Du Si's collar tightly with one hand

Du Sidao: "These eight individuals, in addition to their astonishing martial arts skills, each possess their own renowned specialties. For instance, Wang Liangchen, known as the Pursuit King, is proficient in tracking techniques; Po Mo Wang Mei Jing is an exceptional painter; Deng Ping Wang Gu Qingfeng, as his name suggests, excels in lightness skill; Miao Shou Wang Guan Mingyue is unparalleled in the art of thievery; An Qi Wang Lin Qing goes without saying; and Qin Se Wang Shui Xiu, the only woman among the eight, is celebrated for her celestial melodies and exquisite artistry that resonates throughout the capital..."

Xu Moyang was greatly astonished: "Could it be that the Master of Skill and Clumsiness knew six years ago that I would come to find you?" Suddenly, a ridiculous thought surged in his mind, as if the unfolding of fate, though beyond human control, was clearly known to Skill and Clumsiness regarding what would happen next. For a moment, he felt lost and bewildered, unable to continue speaking.

The three people found it amusing to hear him evaluate himself in such a manner, and they forced themselves to suppress their laughter

Xu Moyang understood in his heart that it was indeed a single glance that changed many of his views, yet he could not help but be overwhelmed by sorrow, his face filled with deep sadness, his heart trembling violently, compounded by old wounds that had not yet healed, he was almost on the verge of spitting out blood.

Du Si nodded slightly: "Gan Jiang and Mo Xie crafted a sword for the King of Chu, taking three years to complete it, with the sword divided into male and female. Gan Jiang knew that the King of Chu would not allow him to return to the mountains to forge a good sword again, and he was aware that he was destined to die upon arriving at the palace. Fortunately, Mo Xie was already pregnant, so Gan Jiang presented only one sword to the King of Chu, leaving a message for Mo Xie to instruct their son to seek revenge..." Du Si's deep voice echoed in the vast desert, as if it were emanating from the depths of ancient times, slowly recounting an old tale from a thousand years ago.

Yang Shuang'er asked, "Uncle Du, do you know where Xiaowang Mountain Villa is located?"

Xu Moyang and Yang Shuang'er suddenly realized that Du Si was using this opportunity to explain the origins of the Bingjia faction. The inheritors of Bingjia immerse themselves in weaponry day and night, and their familiarity with weapons is unparalleled by others. No wonder that Qi Zhuicheng's Zhi Lei Sword, although a rare and extraordinary weapon, was reduced to a pile of fragments in an instant when faced with a master of weaponry like Du Si

Du Si had a stern expression: "However vast the martial world may be, capable individuals emerge in abundance. Just as in your esteemed hero's tomb, it is certain that none of your own disciples are included, right? Otherwise, how could one be so audacious as to rank them at all, let alone to a specific position?"

Du Sidao: "It is not one person, but eight people"

Xu Moyang and Yang Shuang'er looked at the intertwined knuckles of that large hand, only to see a peculiar pattern distinctly etched in the palm, crossing through the center of the hand. The patterns on both sides curved upward at their ends, resembling a smiling face, strange and inexplicable

Yang Shuang'er asked again: "Has the Master of Skill and Craft mentioned to Uncle Du what to do if the person he sends arrives?"

Du Si smiled faintly, looking at Yang Shuang'er’s hand, and said word by word: "You already have it!"

A few people rushed out of the small shop as night had fallen. Under the starlight and moonlight, Du Si picked up the half-carved branch from the ruins and debris, his face filled with a sense of melancholy, as if he felt a tinge of reluctance.

Du Si murmured: "Three years ago when I came here, there was only a grave, but now there are so many more sights!"

The Master of Insects is hailed as the number one assassin of the righteous path, having hung the names of corrupt officials at Wuwei Cliff, with a three-month deadline for their execution, never missing his mark. (Refer to the general series "The Soul Thief's Shadow") Snow Flurry, on the other hand, is one of the six top masters of the evil sect. These six individuals are Ming General, Shui Zhihan, Li Qingsheng from the Ghost City of Jiangxi, Long Pan Guan, the lord of Qintian Fortress in Sichuan, Nan Feng, the Wind Bell, and Bei Xue, Snow Flurry. Although they are referred to as the six top masters of the evil sect, each has their own unexpected behaviors and words, making it difficult to categorize them strictly as evil or wicked. Ming General has always been regarded as the world's number one master, and Snow Flurry's fame is primarily due to the fact that he once defeated Long Pan Guan of Sichuan by half a move after a thousand exchanges in combat, which is also the only confrontation among the six top masters.

Xu Yang and the other person suddenly felt a warmth in their hearts, and the previous thoughts of hurt and sadness faded away.

"Hehe." Yang Shuang'er stuck out her tongue and said, "My father only taught me how to use martial arts to deal with bad people, but he really doesn't know how to handle a tree. Do you have the ability to find the acupoints of a big tree?" This statement left Xu Moyang both amused and exasperated. Yang Shuang'er, being young and spirited, was initially somewhat reserved when she first met Xu Moyang, but as they became more familiar, she dared to joke with him.

At this moment, Yang Shuang'er thought of her father far away in Jiangnan. This trip to Xiaowang Mountain Villa was indeed a secret escape for her. Along the way, she encountered Uncle Lin, the most carefree and unrestrained person in her family. Relying on her childish nature, she traveled northward, enjoying the mountains and waters. It was only now that she realized her father must be deeply worried about her departure. Having always been spoiled and willful, she felt unable to show filial piety to her parents, only provoking her father's anger, which made her feel increasingly sentimental.

Xu Moyang originally did not understand why Du Si was resting here despite the danger of being pursued by General Ming's troops, but at this moment, he began to grasp the reason. From the tone of his voice, it was clear that the Underworld Valley was far more than just a simple grave. He exchanged glances with Du Si, waiting for him to continue.

Du Si, however, was completely unconcerned about Yang Shuang'er’s impolite remarks. He seemed lost in thought, letting out a long sigh, tears streaming down his face: "Oh, the intricacies of skill and clumsiness, I shall not fail your earnest efforts!"

Du Si's voice turned slightly hoarse as he lowered his head to look at his right palm, as if recalling past events. He then slowly extended his right palm towards the two in front of him, saying, "A few years ago, I specifically went to Xiaowang Mountain Villa because of a certain matter, and even exchanged a palm strike with Rong Xiaofeng. Look!"

Du Siqing recited: "The chaotic clouds linger in the dim twilight, and the light rain washes the clear autumn. The third young master is known as the Young Master of Chaotic Clouds, the first in the martial world, and the master of the Shuyuhu Qingqiu Academy. No one knows the depth of his martial arts, but the fact that the current crown prince engages with him as an equal, and even General Ming must yield three points of respect, has instilled fear in everyone.

Xu Moyang then recounted how he had met Qiao Zhuo seven years ago, instructing him to come up the mountain after the city fell in winter to meet with General Ming. He explained how to engage in those sharp yet ambiguous exchanges with the general, how he had glanced at him before passing on his teachings with a whisk, and how he had developed those peculiar thoughts. Finally, he described how Qiao Zhuo had managed to extricate him from the encirclement under the watchful eyes of General Ming's troops and conveyed the message for him to come to Xiaowang Mountain Villa to seek the heir of the military armor.

Yang Shuang'er pondered for a moment and then asked, "But these individuals are likely to be unruly characters; with the Emperor residing in the inner palace, how can he possibly influence them?"

Things manifest from the heart, and one is born with curiosity. With tears still glistening in her eyes, she looked up and asked, "What is the scattering of celestial maidens' flowers?" Completely forgetting that just moments ago she had fiercely declared her intent to kill everyone in this place.

White hair stretches three thousand strands, sorrow entwines like a long thread. This is indeed a famous line from the immortal poet Li Bai, recited through the ages.

Although Xu Moyang and Yang Shuang'er both know this ancient legendary anecdote, standing before the boundless desolate wilderness, hearing it again in this moment evokes a surge of emotions and brings about a unique understanding

Yang Shuang'er was greatly embarrassed, yet she remained relentless. Several people laughed together, and before they knew it, they had grown much closer.

Du Si and Xu Yang exchanged glances, feeling both astonished and amused. This old man possessed such high martial arts skills, yet his behavior was completely childlike. Could it be that his astonishing strike just now was merely for the sake of showing off? It truly left people perplexed.

Du Sida laughed: "My dear niece, you are mistaken. Although Chi committed suicide to avenge his father, he still left behind a son, whom he entrusted to Mo Xie to raise. Mo Xie, seeing that both her husband and son met with misfortune due to sword-making, decided not to pass on the art of sword forging to future generations, but instead taught the art of armor forging. However, unbeknownst to her, Chi had left behind a book on sword forging, and his descendants ended up forging both weapons and armor. That is how I, the founder of the Bingjia Sect, came to be known as Yun Qizi!"

Du Si gazed at Xu Moyang and said: "From the moment you entered my shop, I recognized the feather duster from Qiao Zhuo. However, due to the urgency of the situation, I had to proceed with caution. I never expected that six years after parting ways with Qiao Zhuo, the words still linger in my ears, yet it has become a final farewell..." After speaking, he could not help but feel a deep sense of nostalgia

Du Si looked at Wu Youxin strangely and said: "You must be referring to the Mechanism King, Bai Shi. This person is proficient in all mechanisms under heaven; any secret passage or lock becomes utterly useless in his hands. He has always been inseparable from the Torture King, Hei Shan, who is skilled in interrogation techniques. If you have only seen one of them, it is unlikely to be him"

With a sharp sound, Xu Moyang drew his sword, pointing it at the approaching monk, who was none other than the Thousand Difficulties Ascetic under General Ming's command

In order to facilitate service to the Emperor, Bafang Mingdong has always kept a low profile. 'Beautiful moments and scenery, clear winds and bright moons, lush forests and clear waters, black mountains and white stones'—this is Bafang Mingdong. Even Lin Qing, the only one among Bafang Mingdong with a notable reputation, only ranks fifth. Do you think these individuals are easy to provoke

Du Si's expression was noncommittal: "Although I know nothing about the 'Heavenly Mandate Manual', since it is one of the two great skills of the Haokong Sect, the subtle intricacies within it are far beyond what others can imagine. Perhaps the extraordinary techniques contained within it could indeed lead to this realm."

Du Sidao: "In the world of rivers and lakes, people engage in fighting and killing until death. Those with a sense of ambition come to the capital, foolishly hoping to achieve some fame and recognition. Naturally, in the capital, there are many talented individuals."

The old man clapped his hands and laughed, saying: "Do you really think I can't snatch your treasure? I was merely having fun watching you dance the windmill, which is why I played along for a while. Now that I have guests arriving, just wait and see my methods..."

After a long while, the crying ceased as the heart settled, and with affection, he looked at Yang Shuang'er: "Little Rongrong, do not cry, Grandpa has a fun thing for you." With that, he stuffed the item he had snatched from Qian Nan into Yang Shuang's hands.

Du Si gazed ahead, the outlines of the undulating mountains faintly visible in the dim night. A trace of seriousness appeared on his face: "The Ge Yun Mountain Range has a unique terrain, with two peaks that rise straight up as if they were carved by a knife or axe. It is absolutely impossible to climb them from the side. Therefore, if we are to reach the Xiaowang Mountain Villa in the Du Jie Valley, we must pass through the valley. Setting aside the Du Jie Valley for now, we cannot avoid the first barrier to entering the Ge Yun Mountain Range, the You Ming Valley."

Yet the valley remains devoid of any human presence, and there is not a trace of sound.

Those are the names of prominent figures in the martial world. The names that appear earlier on the tombstone belong to individuals of great significance. Du Si's expression changed: "Why don't you take a guess at who is written in the first position on the tombstone?"

The two mountains run parallel to each other, separated by the Ge Yun Mountain Range, with a long canyon in between. The canyon is shrouded in mist and clouds all day long, yet it remains isolated within the two mountains, hence the name Ge Yun. At the entrance of the canyon lies the Yuming Valley, a place that even seasoned veterans like Du Si speak of with trepidation.

Things are shaped by the heart, and it seems I have completely forgotten what I just did: "General Ming?! Is it not the renowned Ming Zongyue, who ranks first on my hero's tomb?"

The object trembled with the heart and body: "How outrageous it is to be ranked fourth on the tomb of my hero, only behind General Ming, Master Insect, and beneath the snowflakes; I must be a remarkable figure."

Xu Moyang first witnessed Du Si knocking down the small shop, and then heard the name of Xiaowang Mountain Villa. A hundred thoughts arose in his mind, and just as he was about to express his gratitude, he was stopped by Du Si's gaze, as if he understood his intentions, and said: "I have known Qiao Zuo for several decades; there is no need for you, young brother Xu, to be overly formal about such a trivial matter"

Xu Moyang became increasingly alarmed as he spoke, faintly sensing that Qiao Zhuo seemed to have arranged everything in advance, just as he had known early on that Donggui City would be breached. Therefore, when he encountered him, he was silently cultivating his profound skills, as if he had already made preparations to witness that earth-shattering glance and then transmit his skills to open his meridians. Yet, he could not understand why, if Qiao Zhuo could truly foresee the future, even his own life and death, he did not take measures to avoid disaster in advance

Xu Moyang noticed Du Si and Yang Shuang'er laughing strangely, and he had no time to ponder: "Who are the other seven renowned figures in the Jianghu?"

The object listened with half-opened mouth, blankly asking: "Oh, who are you talking about?"

This valley was originally nameless, but is now called the Valley of the Underworld simply because it has one more grave

Ghost! Yang Shuang'er let out a word from her tightly bitten lips, but was startled by her own voice and hurriedly fell silent

Although the dull sound was faint, Xu Moyang felt a jolt in his ears, as if he had heard a bell tolling in the valley, the sound lingering and unsettling in his heart. He imagined that the experience would be even more unbearable for Qian Nan, who was in the midst of it. Although Qian Nan was his arch-enemy, seeing this formidable opponent in such a state of panic, on the verge of exhaustion, inevitably stirred a sense of sympathy within him.

Yang Shuang'er, being meticulous, heard that Qian Nan's oath was neither complete nor truthful, yet she could not bear to make things difficult for him. Once Qian Nan had gone far away, she smiled at the old man with long hair and said: "Grandpa, you have been deceived. The monk said that if one person is told about your martial arts skills, it is a breach of oath, but if it is mentioned to two or three people, it does not count as breaking the vow."

Du Si's expression was grave: "The heavenly maidens scatter flowers, and there are only twenty-four of them, yet I do not know why they have appeared here"

"Then who else could it be?" At this point, even Xu Moyang could not help but feel curious.

Du Si slowly nodded: "Indeed, the general referred to is none other than General Ming."

Xu Moyang smiled and said: "Miss Yang comes from a distinguished family, and she is not afraid of even a villain like Qi Zhuicheng. It is truly hard to believe that she would be afraid of a tree"

A glimmer of brilliance flashed in Du Siyuan's eyes as he looked at Xu Moyang in surprise: "The fact that you can articulate this principle indicates that you have indeed grasped a considerable amount of the true teachings of the masters of skill and finesse"

Yang Shuang'er, moved by her true feelings, thought of her late grandfather. Unable to contain her emotions in the face of the scene, tears fell like pearls that had come loose from a string. She choked back her sobs and said, "Grandpa, please don't cry anymore. Just think of me as your little Rongrong..."

What is this?" Yang Shuang'er couldn't help but exclaim

Du Si's face showed a different color: "It seems that there are several hundred people in the Xiaowang Mountain Villa, resembling exiled nobles from a certain country. The villa's servants are also well-trained and possess formidable combat strength. Although the villa owner, Rong Xiaofeng, is not well-known in the martial world, he indeed possesses astonishing martial arts skills and remarkable artistic talents. His self-created Four Laughs Divine Skill rarely appears in the martial world, yet it is an extraordinary achievement in a unique path.

Yang Shuang'er, having inherited her family's teachings, was well-acquainted with many renowned figures in the martial arts world. She then inquired, "Is this Deputy Chief Guan the Grand Chief Shui Zhihan from the General's Mansion?"

After walking for a while longer, Du Si noticed that Xu Moyang's breath was rapid, realizing that he was gravely injured and struggling to endure. He stopped to allow him to catch his breath. Du Si himself squatted on a small sand dune, gazing thoughtfully at the night sky. Although Yang Shuang'er had been pampered since childhood, she was also perceptive and understanding, silently standing beside the two without uttering a word

Yang Shuang'er asked in surprise: "What is this again?"

Yang Shuang'er was thinking of something else: "Indeed, with the death of Gan Jiang, his son also perished in the struggle, and the art of sword forging is likely to be lost as well"

Guo Tingdu Si continued slowly: "There is no coffin in the grave, the strange part lies in that tombstone."

In an instant, the numerous difficulties had approached within three feet of the three individuals, yet they remained utterly unaware, continuing to shout wildly and desperately waving the heavy Zen staff that weighed several dozen pounds.

Xu Moyang observed the expressions of those around him and noticed that Du Si's demeanor was unusual. He inquired, "What is in the Ghostly Abyss?"

Xu Moyang was greatly astonished. In the chaotic battle of the Winter Return City, he had already witnessed the fierce bravery of a thousand difficulties, and several of his brothers had perished at his hands. Yet at this moment, although the long-haired old man was much smaller than a thousand difficulties, he appeared to be extremely afraid of this elderly man with a smiling face, resembling a mischievous child. It seemed that he must have suffered a significant loss just moments ago

The long-haired old man, crying, said to Qian: "Considering that this delicate little girl is pleading for you, you should leave quickly. However, you must make a vow that you will never say that I harmed you!"

Despite the numerous difficulties, he remained silent, slowly dragging his staff as he staggered out of the valley

Xu Moyang felt a strong resonance and applauded in agreement

Upon entering the Valley of Shadows, Xu Moyang suddenly experienced a strange sensation

It turned out that Du Si had placed his left and right hands on the shoulders of Xu Moyang and Yang Shuang'er, respectively, channeling his profound energy to help the two dispel their inner demons. Du Si, with a focused mind and an unprecedentedly grave expression, gazed at the faint glimmer of dawn breaking through the night sky in the east, and spoke word by word: "Du Si, the heir of the Liuma River Armament Sect, has come to pay a visit to the Nether Valley!" The echo in the empty valley added to the mystery. Du Si, with a focused mind and an unprecedentedly grave expression, gazed at the faint glimmer of dawn breaking through the night sky in the east, and spoke word by word: "Du Si, the heir of the Liuma River Armament Sect, has come to pay a visit to the Nether Valley!" The echo in the empty valley added to the mystery.

"You make a valid point," Du Si glanced at Yang Shuang'er with approval and said, "Is that why there is the saying about the sudden appearance of the heavenly flower?"

The matter suddenly came to mind, and I asked Du Si: "Please tell me, who else is there among those renowned in all directions? A few days ago, I indeed encountered two peculiar individuals." Everyone was thinking that since matters arise from the heart, it is likely that he would find anyone strange, yet no one dared to voice this thought.

Inside the pavilion, there were no tables or chairs, but rather a dark greenish-black tomb. Surprisingly, a string of silver wind chimes hung from the eaves, swaying gently in the morning breeze, adding an air of mystery and eeriness to the atmosphere

Yang Shuang'er, seeing the tragic state of Qian Nan, felt a pang of compassion. She said to the long-haired old man, "Old sir, with your high martial arts skills, please do not trouble this monk any further"

Yang Shuang'er expressed great interest: "Uncle Du, are you saying that the Master of Skill and Clumsiness can actually foresee events years in advance?"

The Valley of the Underworld is located at the entrance of the Ge Yun Mountain Range. Upon stepping into the valley, one is immediately enveloped by a pervasive mist, and there are many unknown trees growing within. In stark contrast to the vast expanse of yellow sand outside, it presents a truly enchanting and otherworldly scene

Du Sidao: "The Valley of Tribulation is filled with rare flowers and exotic plants, fierce beasts and venomous insects. It is said that there is even a tree that can kill. The dangers are numerous, which is why there is a saying that crossing the valley is akin to undergoing tribulation. Therefore, the Xiaowang Mountain Villa has always been seldom visited, and its name is rarely known."

Yang Shuang'er stuck out her tongue and said, "How come there are so many experts coming out of the capital?"

In a moment, the old and the young cried together in a heap, which made Du Si and Xu Moyang frown.

Du Sichang sighed: "Although Shui Zhihan is the chief steward of the General's residence, his power seems to be somewhat inferior. However, with his meticulous thinking and the renowned skill of the Cold Immersion Palm, who would not fear him? It is only that Shui Zhihan is deeply wary of overshadowing his master with his own accomplishments, fearing that it would undermine the authority of General Ming, which is why he insists on considering himself as merely 'half'..."

With a loud cry from the heart, he exclaimed: "Oh no, oh no, does this mean that all the treasures in my grave are gone?" He then took a swift step towards the tomb marked with the words 'Hero's Tomb'.

The long-haired old man shook his head and said: "If you want to pass this way, leave some toll money. There is no convenience here; what good things do you have for me to see?" Suddenly, as if he thought of something, he gazed at the countless difficulties, raised the object in his hand, and laughed heartily: "You monk should have given me this thing earlier; now it's difficult to walk."

At first, when he spoke of the feeling from that glance, he felt somewhat dazed; however, as he continued, he spoke faster and faster, as if all those clumsy yet vivid memories had truly occurred in his own life

And this so-called "Master Lingxiao, who claims to have a panoramic view of the mountains, is surprisingly ranked below only these three individuals. Although it is merely the words of a single person, Wuyouxin, judging by his tone, it seems to be the ranking of martial artists as determined by the elders of his sect. Considering Wuyouxin's martial arts prowess, even if it is just casual talk, who would dare to underestimate it

The long-haired old man was taken aback and rose in great anger: "This foul monk actually dares to deceive me! I shall go find him to settle the score and cut out his tongue to see what he has to say."

After Qi Zhuicheng retreated, Du Si put away the silk painting, gazed around the small shop, and pondered for a long time. A resolute expression appeared on his face as he took several painful swigs of "burning liquor". With a single palm strike, he divided it into four, pushing it against the pillars at the corners of the small shop. Amidst the swirling smoke and dust, the small shop collapsed with a thunderous roar

Du Si smiled faintly: "The martial arts of Rong Xiaofeng should have been passed down from the great master of the Mongolian Chayuan in ancient times, using intention to counter strength and thought to initiate movement, which is far from the methods of the martial arts in the Central Plains. After I exchanged a palm strike with him, an inexplicable smile line appeared in the center of my palm."

To understand that masters have reached a certain level, it is extremely difficult to make any further progress. Engaging in combat with opponents of the same level is undoubtedly the best means of mutual promotion. The victory of Xue Fenfei over Long Pan Guan undoubtedly provides a tremendous and valuable experience for her martial arts cultivation. Therefore, although Bei Xue Xue Fenfei is located in the remote and cold region of Changbai Mountain, her reputation in the martial world is quite formidable.

The long-haired old man spoke more and more urgently, and once again burst into loud tears. This time, he pounded his chest and stamped his feet, expressing his pain with even greater intensity than before.

The words on the tombstone must have been inscribed by a master, with silver hooks and iron strokes, deeply etched into the stone. Even though the three individuals were more than ten zhang away from the tombstone, Xu Moyang could still clearly see the three large characters at the top of the tombstone—Hero's Tomb

Xu Moyang pointed his sword at the myriad difficulties, his heart surging with ambition: "Although we are sworn enemies, at this moment you are too weak to fight again, so I shall let you go this time. One day, I will surely kill you to avenge my fallen warriors."

With disheveled hair cascading over her shoulders and a face full of terror, upon seeing Xu Moyang and the others, her eyes revealed utter despair. Yet, she still dared not stop wielding her staff, as if fearing that the old man with white hair might suddenly strike.

Martial arts? You have seen my martial arts! The old man with long hair was taken aback, and he slapped his head, exclaiming to himself: This is bad, I had already resolved to forget my martial arts, but now I carelessly showcased my sect's unique skills in front of a guest. It seems the sect leader will never take me back. He became increasingly agitated and even burst into tears.

Have you ever heard the phrase 'one general, half a steward, three heads of sects, four young masters, the sudden appearance of heavenly flowers, and fame spreading in all directions'?

Yang Shuang'er let out a startled cry, causing even Xu Moyang to feel a chill run down his spine

Xu Moyang pressed Du Si: "What does 'the sudden appearance of the celestial flower, renowned in all directions' mean? Is it describing these few individuals as being famous in all corners?"

Yang Shuang'er, lost in thought, bit her lip and asked, "Are there any people at the Laughing Mountain Villa?"

Yang Shuang'er questioned, "The will of heaven is difficult to measure; truly discerning the secrets of fate is no easy task, is it?"

Xu Moyang listened attentively, feeling deeply moved. Although Du Si had lived in seclusion on the frontier for several years, his martial skills, wisdom, and insights were truly rare. He spoke little, yet his words often provoked profound reflection.

Suddenly, a wave of sorrow surged in Xu Moyang's heart, and he felt that even if he were a great hero or a prominent figure renowned throughout history, in the end, he would merely be a handful of yellow earth, turning into dust and mud

Xu Moyang was momentarily taken aback. Although he was born in the borderlands and of Han ethnicity, he had extensively studied Central Plains culture and was naturally aware of the story of Gan Jiang and Mo Xie forging swords for the King of Chu. However, he found it somewhat perplexing that Du Si would bring this up at this moment. Nevertheless, knowing that the other party was a senior in the martial arts world, he respectfully acknowledged the remark, sensing that it carried significant meaning.

The three of them fell into silence for a moment, their hearts filled with an inexplicable fear, yet each was lost in their own thoughts

Du Si took the firework tube from Yang Shuang'er, carefully feeling the carved patterns and inscriptions on it, and said word by word: "Do you know who is the most difficult person to provoke in the capital?"

Although Du Si did not cast a glance at the two, he seemed to sense something, slowing his pace and coming to a stop beside Xu Moyang. He gently placed a hand on Xu's shoulder, offering a slight support. Xu Moyang felt grateful and stole a glance, only to see Du Si surveying the road ahead with a resolute expression. At this moment, there was no trace of the frail and hunched figure he had first encountered. Just moments ago, he had witnessed Du Si destroy a small shop that had provided a livelihood for years with a single strike, acting decisively and without hesitation. It was clear that this person was extraordinary, likely someone who had once made a name for himself in the martial world. Since the Master of Craft had instructed him to seek out Du Si, he was now at a loss as to what his next step should be.

As dawn arrives, illuminated by the bright glow of the high-hanging moonlight, the scenery within the valley appears intermittently amidst the mist, presenting a harmonious and picturesque arrangement

The nights in the desert lack the scorching sunlight of the day, and the temperature drops suddenly. However, the yellow sand on the ground remains hot, causing the rainwater stored beneath the surface to evaporate into a wave of heat, making it unbearable. The three traveled several miles; although Yang Shuang'er was a woman, she came from a prestigious family and had a solid foundation in martial arts since childhood, so she felt no discomfort. In contrast, Xu Moyang, affected by the heat, felt a sense of suffocation and nausea, and the old injuries in his body began to flare up. Gritting his teeth and enduring it, he could not help but slow down.

The long-haired old man had a slender object in his hand, which he was delicately toying with. Xu Moyang, with his keen eyes, observed that the object resembled something like fireworks or firecrackers, but it was crafted with exquisite precision, far beyond what one usually encounters.

Yang Shuang'er could no longer hold back and asked, "Are we just going to directly head to Xiaowang Mountain Villa? Uncle Du, didn't you say that there are murderous trees in that so-called Crossing Tribulation Valley?" After saying this, she patted her chest, revealing that she had been worried about this issue all along

The three individuals, unaware of what had transpired, hurriedly followed their instincts towards that direction. After taking just a few steps, they heard a clattering sound coming from the grave, as if something was about to break through the wall.

Xu Moyang and Yang Shuang'er exchanged a glance, both involuntarily thinking of the bow on the painted silk that was filled with murderous intent

The three were taken aback, seeing that he did not seem to be pretending, and quickly prepared themselves. Although this old man appeared to be somewhat mad, his martial arts skills were by no means lacking; if he were to truly make a move, even if Du Si and Xu Yang joined forces, they might not be able to withstand it.

Only then did everyone understand why Du Si had uttered such earth-shattering words, and they couldn't help but look at the exquisite firework in Yang Shuang'er’s hand

Yang Shuang'er murmured: "How outrageous?! This name is so audacious"

Xu Moyang wondered: "Why have I never heard of the name Xiaowang Mountain Villa?"

The object suddenly came to a halt, and in that instant, the not-so-tall old man appeared extraordinarily imposing. His white hair was lifted by the morning breeze, resembling a piece of white satin floating in the air

Du Si continued: "However, the last young master indeed gained fame through his martial arts, and that is the renowned Young Master Ling Xiao, who is famously known as 'One View of All Mountains is Small.' This person usually acts alone and possesses a great deal of arrogance. Initially, many people could not tolerate his haughtiness, but ever since he defeated Li Fengxing from Jiangxi, known for his 'Lightning Speed,' within fifty moves, no one dared to provoke him again. Although his reputation is not widely known, he truly possesses genuine skills and abilities"

Otherwise, Du Si insisted: "The clever and the clumsy spend their entire lives probing the mysteries; their actions are inherently difficult for us ordinary mortals to fathom"

The Lord of the Guansui Gate, Hong Xiuluo, serves as the Chief of the Ministry of Justice, overseeing matters of punishment and pursuit throughout the realm, wielding immense power. The head of the Shuli Gate, Ping Geng, is also esteemed as the Prince's Master. However, what truly commands the respect of us grassroot individuals is none other than the Lord of the Jianjia Gate, Luo Qingyou

It was indeed a stroke of misfortune. He was ordered by General Ming to come to the Youming Valley for assistance, but he first encountered Wu Youxin. Wu Youxin, with a childlike curiosity, insisted on seeing what he had in his hands. Qian Nan was unwilling to comply, but Wu Youxin's martial arts were too formidable; from beginning to end, he never gave Qian Nan a chance to set off fireworks before snatching it away.

Yang Shuang'er, with a heart full of youthful exuberance, spoke without any reservations: "Whether it's casting weapons or armor, Uncle Du should at least find some good materials to forge a weapon that is rare throughout the ages, just to infuriate that Dou Qianjin..." Suddenly recalling that Dou Qianjin is the junior disciple of Du Si, and thus, in a way, also her elder, she couldn't help but stick out her tongue in embarrassment.

My little Rongrong is certainly different from other girls. In my heart, I actually thought that Yang Shuang'er was my long-lost granddaughter.

The object of my heart scolded: "This old emperor is truly worthless!"

Xu Moyang slowly regulated his breathing, yet he was at a loss as to where to begin with the myriad of doubts in his mind. Recalling the various moments spent with the Master of Skill and Clumsiness over the past seven years, he could not help but feel a deep sense of sorrow. Several times he attempted to speak, but overwhelmed by a torrent of emotions, he found himself unable to utter a single word

Yang Shuang'er, being a woman, could not help but exclaim upon hearing this: "A grave? Whose grave? Uncle Du, do not scare me."

Once again, a muffled sound echoed, and Qian Nan staggered back a full twenty steps before finally collapsing to the ground, his face pale. With a loud crash, the Zen staff slipped from his hand and fell to the ground, leaving him utterly unable to continue the fight

Du Sida laughed: "Indeed, although many people look down on Ming Zongyue's actions, no one can deny that he is truly a remarkable figure." He paused, then sighed softly: "A person who makes you both afraid and in awe at the same time"

Seeing the puzzled expressions on Xu Moyang and Yang Shuang'er, Du Si slowly said to the two of them: "Xu Xiaoxiong is already a target for General Ming's assassination. These two have returned without merit, yet they have revealed Xu Xiaoxiong's hiding place. General Ming's troops will arrive shortly, so we must head to Xiaowang Mountain Villa now." Noticing that Yang Shuang'er seemed to want to say something but hesitated, he added affectionately, "Your Uncle Lin does not wish to meet with General Ming's men. He has just sent me a message that he will meet us halfway."

Although Yang Shuang'er was influenced by her father, she clearly did not know the details: "The name Luo Qingyou sounds so pleasant, but is it a woman's name?"

Xu Moyang observed Du Simai frowning deeply and wanted to offer some advice to the elder, yet he was at a loss for words. Suddenly, a realization struck him, and he blurted out: "In fact, casting weapons and armor is akin to many matters in the world; the most effective approach is to act according to the nature of the materials. If one disregards the characteristics of the items and insists on carving them forcefully, it is likely that the result will be counterproductive and ultimately unsatisfactory."

Du Si said: "Moreover, the heads of the three men fell into the pot, completely boiled to mush, and could no longer be distinguished. The Chu officials had no choice but to divide them for burial. The blood feud was finally avenged, but the heroic spirit of sacrificing one's life for righteousness spread throughout the world, leaving later generations to sigh in lamentation upon hearing it..."

Yang Shuang'er said: "A general! Could it be that great general of the current dynasty, the illustrious general who stands above all others?"

Du Si nodded noncommittally and said, "Follow me." He then led the way into the desert. Xu and Yang exchanged a glance and could only follow.

Xu Moyang, however, was thinking of Du Si's words, and continued to ask: "May I ask who the other two young gentlemen are?"

Indeed, although Luo Qingyou is a woman and holds no official title, she is renowned for her literary prowess and her artistic name is widely celebrated. She is revered by all poets and musicians, and on the day of the imperial examination, she often serves as the chief supervisor. Anyone who has achieved academic success and holds a minor official position respects her greatly

Three individuals stepped onto the stone bridge, which led directly to a small white pavilion. In the dim light of the sky, the large characters on the pavilion suddenly came into view—"Heaven and Earth are Unkind"

Xu Moyang and Yang Shuang'er then realized that there were indeed many complications within the Armored Faction. From Du Si's tone, it was clear that he belonged to the Armor Forging Sect. To create divine weapons and precious armor, the first requirement is naturally high-quality materials. Just as a jade craftsman must first possess a flawless piece of beautiful jade to carve a renowned masterpiece, the so-called thousand-year divine iron mentioned by Du Si, being a type of iron, is certainly unsuitable for forging armor. It is no wonder that he could not compete with his junior brother, who is solely focused on weapon forging.

Xu Moyang took the opportunity to say: "The master of skill and clumsiness instructed me before his departure to seek the successor of Bingjia at Xiaowang Mountain Villa. I did not expect to encounter you here, senior."

A monk was seen rushing forward, his hands skillfully wielding a Zen staff over eight feet long. The staff moved with such urgency that it almost transformed into a black net of light before him. Above the monk, something was inexplicably suspended in midair. This object was entirely pure white, swaying gently, closely following the monk's head. Yet the monk seemed completely unaware, merely running along while shouting loudly, as if he had encountered something exceedingly terrifying.

Yang Shuang'er saw the old man crying sorrowfully, and she couldn't help but feel like crying as well. Remembering the ways she used to cheer up her grandfather when she was young, she stepped forward and tugged at his white beard, saying: "Grandpa, please don't cry. We won't tell anyone that you used martial arts. Even if your sect leader doesn't believe you, we can testify for you..."

Du Sidao: "That is a firework crafted by the Imperial Meteor Hall in the capital, named 'Heavenly Maiden Scattering Flowers.' Once it is launched into the sky, amidst the blooming fireworks, these eight individuals will arrive."

Upon hearing Xu Moyang mention that the seventh day of the fourth month six years ago was the most unfavorable time for the general, Du Si furrowed his brow slightly and murmured, "Could it be that the Master of Skill and Craft came to find me because of this six years ago?" Meanwhile, Xu Moyang recalled the scroll within the whisk, the uniquely designed bow filled with a murderous aura, and his mind became extremely calm. Suddenly, he had an epiphany: "I understand now, it was indeed on the seventh day of the fourth month six years ago that the Master of Skill and Craft painted that bow!"

Suddenly, from the tranquil mist, a faint scream was heard. The three individuals followed the sound and, after taking a few steps, beheld an exceedingly bizarre scene.