Chapter 2, Yongzhou

Yang Jin became impatient with this kind of entanglement technique, and the Broken Goose Blade had almost turned into a mere shadow, directly targeting Zhou Fei's heart. Suddenly, Zhou Fei leaned back and executed a slightly deformed stroke of the "Slash" character from the Spring Mountain, which possessed immense momentum, sweeping away the previous stickiness without any excess. In comparison, it was as if Pangu had suddenly split the chaos with an axe, and with a "clang," it pushed aside Yang Jin's Broken Goose Blade.

Xie Yun furrowed his brows—how are these persistent spirits still fixated on him

"Incredible." Xie Yun's heart was filled with astonishment, but he quickly composed himself, sweeping his long sleeves with a flourish. The cuffs billowed out like pockets filled with wind, expanding gracefully. Then, he swiftly brought his hands together. At that moment, Zhou Fei felt a surge of profound inner strength that was entirely unlike that of a young man, as if an invisible wall had effortlessly enclosed her within.

However, he soon discovered that this seemingly superficial "Thirteen Cuts of the Broken Goose" subtly incorporated the "Broken" character technique of the "Snow Breaking Blade." It appeared to lack any rules, yet everywhere contained profound mysteries

The situation became even more absurd, as it was said that after that individual joined the army and became a monk, he spent his days in the company of crows and skeletons, practicing in the deep mountains and forests. After much effort, he finally acquired some magical abilities, which were inconsistent at best. At times, he was even chased around the mountains by demons and monsters. After enduring countless hardships, he unexpectedly encountered a group of young people on horseback enjoying an outing, and he muttered to himself, 'Fate has arrived,' thus achieving immortality. From a distance of one horse-drawn carriage away, Li Yan's incessant complaints could be heard, 'So this is how one becomes an immortal! Have you ever heard of this? If I had known, I should have brought a group of people to the deep mountains and forests for an outing, hoping to encounter someone who becomes an immortal. A thousand taels of silver for each encounter, wouldn't we be rich? Alas, I just don't understand. You tell me, what does this have to do with the previous military campaigns and the national disgrace and family shame?"

Noble and affluent, they spend all day and night not contemplating national affairs and the well-being of the people, but rather seeking to engage in dubious and unscrupulous practices

He looked up and saw Li Yan, seemingly a bit surprised, not expecting such a small girl. One of his long eyebrows raised slightly. Li Yan, not knowing what to think, flashed him a big smile. She was grinning foolishly when suddenly she felt a pain at the back of her head. Li Yan exclaimed, "Ouch! Li Que De, why did you hit me?"

Xie Yun's deliberately controlled soothing rhythm was abruptly interrupted by her, leaving him momentarily stunned, thinking to himself: Is she really that angry?

At the very least, from the perspective of his royal status, this can already be considered "sophisticated"

Indeed, Lin Bo continued, "... ... it is the legendary 'Feather Garment Class' and 'Mingfeng Tower'."

However, Xie Yun is completely different

Zhou Fei was experiencing Xie Yun's martial arts for the first time. Xie Yun was unlike anyone she had ever encountered; his strikes were very "light".

Li Yan is certainly not afraid. The Forty-Eight Villages are perpetually damp and rainy, and not to mention the poisonous insects and snakes that crawl all over the mountains, one can still occasionally spot a few every now and then. Occasionally, if one develops a sore or something, they can even catch a snake to make a soup to eat.

Zhou Fei did not turn her head and pinched her little paw: "What are you doing?"

Xie Yun's small mustache proudly curled upwards as he took small, measured steps, confidently returning to the vicinity of the inn to see if Madam Ni Chang and Monkey Wu Niang had started fighting. The path was clear, after all, no one would pay attention to an old man leaning against the wall. Xie Yun maintained a posture as if facing the yellow earth, subtly raised his eyes, and stealthily glanced into the inn. He discovered that Zhou Fei was no longer on the stairs, and Madam Ni Chang was leisurely dining with her group of fierce female warriors, while the earlier duo of monkey-like figures had surprisingly vanished.

As death approached him in the military, he suddenly saw a flock of crows flying from the horizon. It was then that he realized they were sent by his master to save his life. Thus, he abandoned his fame and armor, following the crows to leave and become a monk

Upon hearing this, Yang Jin's face tightened, and he subtly distanced himself from her without showing any signs of discomfort

What a lively vendor generally does in greeting will certainly not hinder his verbal calls, nor will he focus entirely on one customer after attracting them, unless he has no intention of greeting a second person at all

Xie Yun slightly squinted her eyes and said slowly: "As you wish"

Zhou Fei's cuffs were rolled up, and the fabric was extremely thin, providing neither insulation nor protection against the cold. When he pulled it, it felt as if a piece of frozen ice had been pressed against him, causing both of them to shiver simultaneously

At that moment, a sudden commotion arose not far away

Xie Yun was momentarily taken aback, the words "She is here to find me" surged uncontrollably in his heart for a moment, causing him to shiver slightly, and he suddenly felt a sense of panic.

What just happened? Xie Yun thought to himself, "Has that brother who raises monkeys finally learned the art of concealing his brilliance and biding his time?"

The world-renowned assassin, Zhou Fei, had only heard of a place called "Mingfeng Tower" and was surprised to learn that it was divided into factions, prompting her to glance up at Lin Bo.

However, nowadays, due to Huo Liantao stirring up trouble in this place, the people coming and going between this ancient city of Xiaoxiang have become a mix of various dialects and backgrounds. The streets are bustling with traffic, truly crowded, and among the various sects, there are acquaintances who greet each other from time to time. The beggars by the roadside and those hurrying along the road all seem to belong to the Beggar's Sect or the Traveling Sect, making one wary of underestimating them; even an old man walking by with a cane appears to possess extraordinary skills.

Zhou Fei is usually "never without her knife"; even when she goes out, it is just like when she was a disciple in the Forty-Eight Villages. She gets up to practice her knife skills before dawn, training for a full hour. During this hour, she does not practice forms but instead repetitively hones her tedious basic skills, without any embellishments. By the time she finishes her practice, others are almost ready to get up as well.

Zhou Fei asked again: "Then what was the meaning of Cao Ning's shout of 'Are you throwing your life away?' when you were fighting with Gu Tianxuan?"

Downstairs, people were coming in and out, and the atmosphere was tense and chaotic

Once Xie Yun realizes that the surroundings are filled with the watchful eyes of the itinerant gang, he will undoubtedly refrain from appearing in his true form and will certainly disguise himself... Since he has disguised himself... Given Xie Yun's cunning nature, it is possible that he will appear quite brazenly.

Lin Bo said: "The other two are the solitary 'Black Judge' Feng Wuyan, and the other is the 'Monkey Duo,' both of whom have retired for many years. Back then, due to the wrath of the Big Dipper, eight out of ten bounties were related to them. It's one thing to say, but if the four great assassins were to avoid taking on tasks, it would truly be a disservice to their reputation. However, they cannot truly accept the tasks—just think about it, even Mingfeng Tower, after taking on work from the north, ended up being forced to retreat from the Forty-Eight Villages. How could others fare any better? It is all a dilemma; wise individuals choose to withdraw promptly, washing their hands of the matter at the right moment."

He skillfully wrapped and secured this thing around his head, which at first glance appeared to give him gray hair at the temples. He then took out the small mustache and wrinkles he used to disguise himself as "Qian Sui You" to fool Lady Nichang, quickly transforming his appearance. In the small courtyard, he rummaged around, dropped some change, and without hesitation, took away a set of coarse, tattered robes and a willow cane that were left out in the yard.

"The Sound of the Cold Crow." Zhou Fei said softly

Zhou Fei felt a sudden jolt in her heart, as if she were encountering an acquaintance

She indeed did not see it

Dare to run again

Lady Nizhang laughed heartily, as if she found the scolding quite enjoyable. The girls under her command moved into the inn without regard for anyone else, giggling as they occupied several tables. Many people nearby seemed to regard them with a certain apprehension, involuntarily stepping aside.

Zhou Fei, who had been forcing Kou Dan into a fluster, suddenly found herself facing Wang Chunshan, which seemed to transform into a pushed "cloud," completely at his mercy. The more Zhou Fei fought, the more frustrated she became. Suddenly, her brows furrowed, and the Wang Chunshan in her hand abruptly went out of tune, transforming from the esteemed "spiritual beast of the mountains" into a "wild dog unleashed." It was as if she had suddenly abandoned the routine of the Broken Snow Blade, and for a moment, her strikes became chaotic and lacked any form. If it weren't for the fact that the blade was still sheathed, she would have certainly intended to dismember Xie Yun into eight pieces. Each move was more than three times faster than before, with every slash startling the wind and as swift as thunder—indeed, it resembled a mad dog version of the Thirteen Blades of the Broken Goose!

When Xie Yun did not see Zhou Fei, the thoughts swirling in his mind were all well-organized. He appeared to act on impulse, but he was always aware—if it were not for Zhou Fei, this "unplanned" situation.

However, on that evening, she was not in her room. Li Yan searched all around and unexpectedly found her in the tavern ahead, astonished to discover that she was idly sitting there

Xie Yun was momentarily taken aback, the words "She is here to find me" surged uncontrollably in his heart for a moment, causing him to shiver slightly and suddenly feel a sense of panic.

Zhao Yuan was in the prime of his life, yet he hesitated to establish a crown prince. Over the years, his sons gradually grew up and began to develop their own ambitions. Some were scheming to cater to their father's new policies, some sought to ingratiate themselves within the palace, some, relying on their youth, privately befriended ministers under the pretext of seeking advice, and then there was Zhao Mingchen, who took a more unconventional approach. It is well known that Emperor Jianyuan fled south in a hurry, escorted by a group of martial arts masters, which allowed the later Zhao to possess the southern half of the kingdom today. Some relied on their youth to privately befriend ministers under the pretext of seeking advice, and then there was Zhao Mingchen, who took a more unconventional approach. It is well known that Emperor Jianyuan fled south in a hurry, escorted by a group of martial arts masters, which allowed the later Zhao to possess the southern half of the kingdom today

The vendor responded joyfully, lifted the lid of a large pot filled with boiling soup, and skillfully prepared the noodles.

The crowd, which had just been amused by the singing of the old street performer, fell silent once again, eagerly waiting to hear how this unfortunate soul would rise to prominence and achieve success.

On that day, Zhou Fei was originally engrossed in recalling the differences and connections between Mingfeng Tower's "Qianji" and Ji Yuncheng's "Duanshui Chansi" when she was suddenly interrupted by Yang Jin. The swordsmanship she displayed unconsciously embodied the characteristics of both styles—light, strange, and sticky—making it seem as if what she held was not a long sword, but a strand of hair that could change shape at will, curling into various forms and delivering a fatal blow in silence.

But Zhou Fei is not blind, how could she possibly not see it

Moments later, the young man who came and went like the wind had vanished. An old man, who walked unsteadily as if just waking from a nap, emerged with disheveled hair and bleary eyes, leaning on a cane as he strolled about. He brushed past the members of the traveling group who were in hot pursuit of an important figure, yet no one recognized who he was

Xie Yunling's soul had been absent for too long, causing Zhou Fei to lose her patience. She then coldly said, "Of course it is because of the water ripple pattern on Huo Liantao's invitation. Last year, 'Haitian Yise' was still something only a few people mentioned, and it was shrouded in secrecy; even my mother might not know what 'water ripple pattern' is. Now, just a few months later, several factions are already investigating it. Huo Liantao's invitation is clearly aimed at making this matter widely known. It is impossible that no one is secretly fanning the flames. Now, even Beidou knows that there are two tokens of 'Haitian Yise' in the Forty-Eighth Village. If I don't take the initiative to investigate, am I just waiting to be dragged into this?"

Only then did Zhou Fei, who seemed to be lost in thought on horseback, lift her shoulder to carry Wangchun Mountain. Her long knife suddenly tilted up, just in time to deflect Yang Jin's Broken Goose Blade. At the same time, she slightly leaned back, and before Yang Jin could change her move, the long knife was drawn from its sheath. In just a few breaths, she and Yang Jin had narrowly exchanged seven or eight moves. Clearly, there were two long knives, yet each move remained within half a foot of Zhou Fei, as if she were surrounded by the light of the blades. Before Yang Jin could change her move, the long knife was drawn from its sheath. In just a few breaths, she and Yang Jin had narrowly exchanged seven or eight moves. Clearly, there were two long knives, yet each move remained within half a foot of Zhou Fei, as if she were surrounded by the light of the blades.

Zhu Chen smiled and said: "Not at all, Miss Li is innocent and pure, which is quite rare"

However, at this moment, he had already startled the snake by beating the grass, making it impossible to pretend that nothing had happened. Xie Yun could only comfort himself with the thought that "even the wisest can make mistakes" while praying that Zhou Fei, who had a squint, had not seen him, and then he took off running wildly.

The commotion immediately attracted several pairs of eyes around. As soon as Xie Yun moved, several people approached him. However, Young Master Xie's lightness of step is unparalleled in the world. Ever since he suddenly took action against the Big Dipper at the Forty-Eight Villages, it was as if he had broken free from two shackles, making it so easy for him to soar into the sky and pluck a peach from the heavens. How could he be so easily cornered in a narrow alley?

As long as someone is leading the way, Zhou Fei can comfortably immerse herself in her swordsmanship, spending ten and a half out of twelve hours a day contemplating her blade. Zhu Chen has always regarded her as an eccentric master, but for the first time, he discovers that she can also joke and tease.

Xie Yun has squatted in dark prisons and fallen into dungeons. If he were to write down all the predicaments he has encountered in his life, he could probably earn several bags of gold leaves. However, he always feels like a carefree frog, jumping from one pit to another, yet each time it becomes a delightful joke, which he later embellishes and boasts about far and wide.

Zhou Fei fell silent; the two of them were usually either playfully teasing each other or engaging in witty banter. Whenever they gathered, it was a never-ending scene of chaos and commotion. Even when Mr. Bai confronted Xie Yun about his identity as the "Duke of Yuan" in person, they had never experienced such an awkward silence together. Xie Yun felt as if he were sitting on pins and needles for a moment, and in an attempt to break the silence, he said, "The 48th Stronghold is so close to the front lines, how do you still have the time to come to Yongzhou for such frivolities..."

Lin Bo let out a sigh and said, "You bold girl, are you not afraid of snakes?"

Xie Yun's train of thought was abruptly interrupted with a "crunch" as the words "steaming hot" ignited a spark within him. In the cold and damp winter, after wandering through the streets and alleys for several rounds, Xie Yun felt as if shards of ice had formed in his joints, and he was in urgent need of a bowl of hot soup to warm himself. He often felt wronged in significant matters, and he was not inclined to push himself over trivial details. When the vendor called out to him, he immediately stepped forward towards the spot at the stall.

Zhou Fei stood with one foot on the threshold of the inn, tightly gripping the long knife in her hand. With a blank expression, she took a deep breath and slowly counted to ten in her mind. Then, she decisively turned around and went upstairs, pulling over Li Yan and saying, "Lend me your Five Bats Seal for a moment."

He was not particularly flustered; after all, he was not afraid of being unable to extricate himself. Instead, he was curious to know who had such keen eyes to actually catch him in this situation

Zhou Fei and the others followed the people from the Xingnan Escort Agency into an inn. They casually scanned the seating area and immediately noticed three individuals: an old one-eyed man holding a knife in one hand and leading a monkey with the other, a burly middle-aged man who was clearly disguised as a woman, and a young man carrying a basket on his back, in which a pile of venomous snakes were writhing.

Suddenly, he landed on the roof of a residential house for a moment, and in the blink of an eye, he vanished without a trace

Lin Bo was quietly instructing the young juniors not to look around carelessly to avoid causing trouble, while leading everyone upstairs. Once they were seated on the upper floor, he turned to Zhu Chen and said: "When it comes to assassins, first and foremost is 'the clouds envision garments and flowers envision beauty, the spring breeze brushes the railing amidst the dense mist and rain,' this refers to the two major assassin factions from the north and south..."

Yet, Zhou Fei was also in ... ...

Li Yan : `` ... ... ''

Xie Yun originally came with the Feathered Garment Troupe. Not intending to meet Madam Ni Chang, he lowered his hat significantly. However, before he even entered, he caught sight of Zhou Fei standing on the stairs.

Zhou Fei took two quick steps forward, blocking Xie Yun's path with her sword, and then immediately did something she had been planning for a long time—she rolled up her sleeves and began to hit him

Even though the heroic Yang wielded the Broken Goose Blade with the speed of a swift wind and flashing lightning, he still had to first manage his steed in a flurry. After finally settling himself, he angrily shouted at Zhou Fei: "Can we not have a proper duel? Why are you resorting to trickery again!"

"It sounds terrible!" Li Yan lamented, wishing she could shed a bucket of bitter tears, exclaiming, "You have no idea, Sister Chuchu, that old man singing has missing teeth and speaks unclearly. Either the instrument is out of tune or he is. I just wanted to see what kind of story could come out of this, and I ended up listening to him saw wood for a whole hour! Look, look, the hair I stood up last night hasn't even settled down yet!"

The coachman did not expect him to suddenly look over, and instinctively, he felt guilty and averted his gaze.

During the recent scuffle, a strand of long hair that had been disheveled by Yang Jin fell by her ear. Zhou Fei casually tucked it behind her ear, revealing the beautiful brows and eyes of a young girl, both graceful and delicate.

The scenery of Wangchun Mountain is all gifted by others; seeing it, one naturally cannot pretend not to have seen it. Zhou Fei dropped a remark, "You all sit first," and then stood up to step down the stairs. Just as she reached the staircase, she felt that the atmosphere downstairs was somewhat tense, and her footsteps paused.

Xie Yun instinctively reached out his hand and grasped her wrist firmly

On the road, Li Yan still could not forget that inexplicable "Sound of the Cold Crows".

Among the renowned masters, at home there is Li Dazhangjia, and outside there are figures like Shen Tianshu and Duan Jiuniang. These predecessors have crossed paths with Zhou Fei by chance, and they all share a common characteristic: the aura of a master. Just by standing there, they can evoke a profound sense of pressure; even if they merely lift a small wooden stick and casually wave it in the air, there is an uncontrollable aggressiveness. Thus, it has been said since ancient times that those with high martial arts skills can "harm others with flying flowers and plucking leaves".

Xie Yun quietly glanced at the vendor who was adding ingredients to the pot. He noticed that the person cooking the noodles did not lift his head, skillfully stirring the pot with a long pair of chopsticks, while continuously asking him: "Young master, do you have any dietary restrictions? Can you eat sour? Can you eat spicy? Do you prefer it salty or bland? Do you want it hard or soft?"

Xie Yun could not help but feel a bit regretful about his last-minute decision regarding the Zhao family's affairs. What relevance did it have to him? Why did he have to meddle, leading to his current predicament of being caught in a dilemma and unable to find peace? At that moment, the calls of street vendors reached his ears: "Young master, would you like a bowl of freshly made noodle soup? It's steaming hot and still giving off white steam."

Xie Yun raised his hand, and his long sleeves seemed to carry a great wind, gently waving his hand. The heavily fortified fishing net appeared like a light, floating cloud, pushed half a foot away by his gentle palm wind. This small gap was already sufficient for him to take a second breath in mid-air, and with a point of his toes on the large net, he leveraged the force to escape!

Yuan Laosan had not said anything yet when Hou Wuniang stood up with a twist and said in a high-pitched voice: "It seems that the scent of a vixen has been caught in the air, causing a choking sensation"

Amidst the turmoil and anxiety of so many refugees migrating south, she searched for him like a headless fly, traversing from Shu to Yongzhou, repeatedly reflecting on every word and action of Xie Yun, hoping to glean some insight from the nonsensical "Voice of the Cold Crow." She bore a heavy heart full of concerns, unaccustomed to confiding in others, and could only turn everything over in her mind. After much difficulty, she finally cornered him, yet he presented her with an attitude of "let's play another round if we lose," and was always ready to slip away!

He had never considered that Zhou Fei had come specifically to find him. Firstly, Xie Yun did not believe that someone as directionally challenged as Zhou, who could not even distinguish north from south at his doorstep, could find him. Secondly, his own arrival in Yongzhou was also a coincidence; had it not been for the ripples on the ebony wood, he might have already been in the sun-drenched southern region.

Uncertain whether he was intentionally holding back, Zhou Fei felt that he was like a wisp of cotton, elusive and intangible. When struck with a blade, he could effortlessly deflect a tremendous force with just a slight movement, as if even the powerful Snow-Cutting Blade had nowhere to gain traction. His movements were not swift, yet each technique possessed a magical rhythm, as if he was precisely attuned to the subtleties of timing. It seemed that he had a deeper understanding of the Snow-Cutting Blade than Zhou Fei, the legitimate heir, often preparing for the next move even before Zhou Fei had fully executed her previous one. His movements were not swift, yet each technique possessed a magical rhythm, as if he was precisely attuned to the subtleties of timing. It seemed that he had a deeper understanding of the Snow-Cutting Blade than Zhou Fei, the legitimate heir, often preparing for the next move even before Zhou Fei had fully executed her previous one.

As soon as Xie Yungang turned around, he immediately realized that he had done something foolish, and inwardly exclaimed that it was a disaster

Not only he, but many others in the inn also became vigilant, especially the monkey in the hands of the old ape, San. This furry little creature, agitated, leaped onto the long bench and began to screech, as if attempting to interrupt the sound of the pipa. The sound of the pipa continued to resonate, and the more Zhou Fei listened, the more familiar it became, prompting him to lean forward involuntarily

Zhou Fei leisurely sheathed the Wangchun Mountain sword and said: "Who allowed you to launch a sneak attack first"

Xie Yun: "... ..."

When Xie Yun's lightness skill reached its peak, even though the streets were filled with martial artists, one could only see a figure flashing by like a gust of wind, unable to discern whether it was a person or a dog. He suddenly leaped over a small alley and cautiously looked back, only to see a throng of people behind him, with an undercurrent of activity, yet Zhou Fei did not pursue him

As for the matter of "the sea and sky being one color," it is quite normal for Huo Liantao not to know about it. But could it be that Zhao Mingchen, who is known for his keen observation and listening skills, is also unaware of it?

He was calling out while not delaying his hands' work. In the time it took to say this, the two had already exchanged seven or eight moves.

Li Yan hurriedly relayed the message from the shopkeeper, and Zhou Fei, after listening, absentmindedly nodded and said: "Understood, let us prepare to leave."

Zhou Fei said: "When we were at the Ximo River, you mentioned the most extraordinary poison in the world, 'Toukugreen'. Those who are afflicted by this poison will begin to feel cold starting from the gaps in their bones, and when they die, their entire body seems to have been frozen..."

Throughout this journey, Zhu Chen had never seen Zhou Fei speak.

Yang Jin was most afraid of Zhou Fei changing tactics suddenly; she was caught off guard by her abrupt "turning face." Unable to react in time, he instinctively moved forward. At that moment, Zhou Fei raised the scabbard of the Wangchun Mountain knife and fiercely jabbed it at the rear of Yang Jin's horse.

Li Sheng glanced downstairs and saw that the quack doctor had withdrawn his gaze, which finally put his mind at ease. He turned to Li Yan and said, "Don't keep your mouth so wide open; it's hard to find a lost tooth."

Just as he was slightly lost in thought, someone suddenly passed by carelessly and bumped into him from the side. Xie Yun did not want to cause any trouble, and without waiting for the other person to speak, he raised his voice in a hoarse and aged tone, murmuring: "It's nothing, it's nothing..."

However, if Xie Yun is so easy to catch, Mr. Bai is not one to be trifled with. The fact that he has not been intercepted for such a long time is telling. Zhou Fei knows that he is most likely able to escape. Calling the itinerant gang to surround and intercept is merely to "startle the snake in the grass"—Xie Yun's arrival in Yongzhou at this time is unlikely to be for mere amusement. Since he has quietly followed the Feathered Garment Troupe, he must have some serious business. Zhou Fei is certain that he will go and return.

Zhou Fei had listened to the two of them bickering since childhood, finding a familiar amusement in their exchanges. Just as a hint of a smile appeared at the corner of her mouth, a white porcelain cup was suddenly handed over from the other side

Xie Yun lowered his head and pinched the bridge of his nose, realizing that no matter how hard he tried, he could not dislodge Miss Zhou from his mind. He then simply gave up on himself and began to revolve around her, pondering: How could Li Dazhang agree to let her join in this commotion

Before the character '事' could be exported, a cold object was placed around his neck

Zhou Fei only knew that Lady Ni Chang and her group of girls came and went without a trace, not expecting that besides singing, they also had a side business involving human trafficking

In the Xingnan Escort Agency, there is an old escort master with graying hair. After Zhu Qing could no longer manage affairs, he took over as the 'Chief Escort.' The Zhu siblings respectfully referred to him as 'Lin Bo.' Lin Bo has traveled extensively throughout the years and possesses considerable knowledge. Quietly, he pointed out to Zhu Chen along the way: 'The person leading the monkeys is called 'Yuan Lao San,' and the one disguised as a woman is his brother, known as 'Hou Wu Niang.' These two are skilled in killing and were once ranked among the four great assassins, but they haven't shown their faces for some years. It is truly puzzling that they are willing to accept the 'Hero's Call to the North' from the Huo family this time.'

The beggars, who were originally lazily squatting in the corners of the walls and streets, suddenly sprang up as if facing a formidable enemy. Many members of the traveling group exchanged glances with one another, as a group of black-clad individuals brazenly entered Yongzhou City, carrying a massive coffin.

The coachman could not help but open his mouth wide

I haven't seen my father for over four years," Zhou Fei said softly, "I sneaked down the mountain, following a few vague pieces of information provided by the traveling group, chasing... chasing... You ask me how I have the time to join in the fun?

If she can defeat him, she must scratch three bloody marks on Li Quede's face

Seeing Zhou Fei with a cold expression and not saying a word, Xie Yun glanced around with a sly look, calculating his escape route in his mind while playfully winking at Zhou Fei. He said: "If I knew that this group of unfortunate poor souls was brought here by you, they definitely wouldn't be so careless. How could they be so easily caught by you? My dear, this is a victory without a fight. Otherwise, why don't we start over..."

Zhou Fei stood high, and could only see the tops of people's heads; the faces obscured by the bamboo hats were completely invisible. Moreover, it was evident that Lady Yichang and that pair of "monkeys" were not on good terms, seemingly ready to engage in a fierce fight at any moment. Zhou Fei had originally not paid attention to anything else. If Young Master Xie had sneaked in quietly and crouched down, Zhou Fei would probably have overlooked him like a mushroom, but the problem was that he happened to turn around and leave as if he had seen a ghost.

The day after, Zhou Fei and the others claimed that they were going to Yongzhou to "join the fun and gain experience," taking advantage of the reputation of the Xingnan Escort Agency. The Zhu siblings were more than happy to have a few more skilled companions along, as it would alleviate their concerns about those troublesome figures from the Living and Dead Mountain catching up to them

Just as she was about to say something, a series of pipa sounds suddenly floated up from downstairs. Lin Bo listened for a moment, his expression suddenly changed, and he raised a hand to press on Zhu Chen's shoulder, placing his index finger vertically against his lips

Those repressed and secret feelings resemble tangled threads growing in the crevices, silently sprouting massive roots that relentlessly entangle his three souls and seven spirits, which he believed to be detached from the mortal world, overwhelming him with a sense of confusion that he had never experienced in his lifetime, freezing his eloquent tongue.

Hate that the other party cannot persist a little longer, cannot cling a little more stubbornly

Zhu Chen heard his younger sister's voice and felt somewhat comforted, but then he couldn't help but sigh—if only he possessed the skills to roam the world with a sword and a blade, would it be necessary for a girl of merely eighteen to accompany him, braving the elements and enduring hardships? He recalled his own limited abilities and felt a sense of bleakness about the future. Just as he was engulfed in confusion and melancholy, suddenly, without any warning, Yang Jin, who had been walking steadily ahead, drew his knife and struck at the side of Zhou Fei's head.

Young master, the dish is ready!

This "talented individual" is well-versed in both literature and martial arts, bravely engaging in battle, and indeed displays unparalleled courage. He quickly distinguished himself in the military and was appointed as a military advisor.

Xie Yun lowered his head and took three steps inside, when suddenly he paused—he realized that this was not a street vendor carrying a burden to sell goods, but rather there was a small restaurant behind. It was evident that due to the influx of outsiders into the city in recent days, the diners could not be accommodated inside the noodle shop, prompting them to set up a stall outside.

Xie Yun could have taken the opportunity to slip away, but as he looked at her face, he seemed to suddenly become dazed, unwittingly missing a good chance

Zhu Chen couldn't help but stare for a long time. It was not until Li Sheng, who was beside him, spoke that he suddenly came to his senses, realizing that he shouldn't be staring at the girl. He hurriedly and somewhat awkwardly averted his gaze.

Xie Yun wrapped the coarse cloth garment around his thick cotton coat, and the bulky clothing, which could not be stretched, automatically conformed to his hunched neck, raised shoulders, and stooped back. He squinted his eyes, bent his knees, and positioned his feet slightly outward. Then, mimicking a turtle, he extended his neck and leaned forward, pressing his entire body against the walking stick.

Xie Yun took a few steps to easily shake off those clumsy pursuers, confidently heading straight for the coachman in the opposite corner. He clasped his hands behind his back, clearly not intending to engage in a fight, and even smiled at the coachman, causing the coachman to feel a chill run down his spine.

What is there to be afraid of?" Li Yan said boldly, "I once raised one too, but later my aunt found out, scolded me, and took it away.

Xie Yundao: "Ah Fei, I ... ... "

Xie Yun came to his senses upon hearing these words and suddenly withdrew his hand

Lin Boyan, having grown old, was quite fond of Li Yan, a lively half-grown child, and with a smile, he explained to her: "That person is the 'Poison Doctor', named 'Ying Hecong'. The basket of treasures he carries is not for mere amusement; it contains deadly poisons that can seal one's throat with blood."

The soldier joined the army to repay the general for his kindness, naturally willing to sacrifice his life. He lay in ambush for three days, waiting for the enemy. In this moment of clashing swords and ringing bows, the old artist did not falter, and Li Yan could not help but hold her breath—yet little did they know that they were merely bait. The general, wary of the soldier's military achievements and fearing that he might replace him, used the lives of these three thousand men as leverage to lure the enemy, achieving two goals with one action: eliminating internal threats while securing external safety

Xie Yun suddenly looked up, and his gaze coincidentally met that of a coachman curled up on a cart at the street corner

It is truly the despicable nature of an ordinary person. Xie Yun let out a soft "tch," chuckled self-deprecatingly, lowered his hat even further, and slowly walked forward, gradually pondering the acquaintances he had glimpsed earlier—the Feathered Garment Troupe had arrived, and the Monkey Duo had also made their entrance. This was still in plain sight; who knows how many pairs of eyes were secretly gathering in Yongzhou. The sudden emergence of Huo Liantao's operation was so significant that he probably never anticipated it himself, and it must be quite chaotic at this moment. Indeed, if it weren't for the ripples on that wooden invitation, how could a mere Dongting Huo Family Fort attract so many top experts who had long since retired?

Xie Yun landed in the backyard of a residence. He glanced around and first took off the bamboo hat on his head and threw it away. Then, he reached into his bosom and pulled out two long strands of grayish-white hair—these hairs were unknown in origin, resembling real hair so closely that they could easily be mistaken for it.

Zhou Fei and Yang Jin led the way, while Li Yan, Wu Chuchu, and the girl from the Xingnan Escort Agency, Zhu Ying, sat in a carriage, following behind the bodyguards and the convoy of red goods. Zhu Chen accompanied Li Sheng and the others, riding on horseback at a leisurely pace at the rear.

The vendor was taken aback and exclaimed loudly: "You ... ... "

Zhou Fei felt a sudden surge of unnamed anger in her heart

What Li Yan raises is actually a venomous snake; otherwise, Li Jinrong would not ignore her. However, this little girl, despite always appearing somewhat absent-minded, is quite skilled at vying for affection and being likable. Upon hearing that Lin Bo and others are rather wary of this snake-raising 'poison doctor,' she chose not to bring it up. Instead, she feigned surprise and exclaimed 'Wow,' which amused Lin Bo, making him chuckle. Only then did she, with a hint of envy, secretly peek through the stairs at the basket of the 'poison doctor'.

Zhou Fei's unique swordsmanship, after all, lacked sufficient skill. The long sword that was held by the opponent could neither be extended nor retracted, leaving the two of them in a stalemate. She was so angry that she almost decided to draw the sword from its sheath, wanting to make that scoundrel Xie Yun see some blood. However, when her gaze met the white frost on the sword sheath, Zhou Fei paused again. Gripping the hilt of the sword, her gaze slightly lowered, her long eyelashes gently covered her eyes, curling up at the outer corners.

At that moment, a figure wearing a bamboo hat appeared at the door, and it was none other than Xie Yun, who had been missing for many days

Li Sheng, unfazed, said: "It's nothing, don't pay attention to these two lunatics"

Li Yan followed her gaze and saw that in the desolate hall, the tables and chairs smashed by the Xuanwu Sect had yet to be cleared away. The storyteller had not arrived, but those who sang little tunes had come. The strings had absorbed moisture, making a creaking sound. The old man selling goods had poor features, missing a front tooth, and when he hummed, there was always a bit of a draft.

He had somewhat gaunt cheeks, with delicate features and a slightly gloomy temperament, yet overall he was quite a pleasing young man to look at—unfortunately, most people, upon seeing the basket of snakes he carried, dared not look closely at him, and thus could not discern his beauty or ugliness

Li Yan was left dumbfounded: "What on earth!"

Zhou Fei suddenly looked at him with an indescribable gaze, causing Xie Yun's heart to skip a beat, and her throat momentarily felt a bit tight, making it difficult to continue the mundane small talk that had only been half-finished

The horse, originally plodding along the road with patience and without complaint, had not even had the chance to voice any objections to the commotion caused by the two individuals on its back when it suddenly encountered this unforeseen disaster. It was so enraged that it nearly reared up, letting out a loud neigh that almost threw Yang Jin off. In a fit of fury, it charged forward.

The younger generation listened, feeling somewhat melancholic. Li Yan, who was always familiar, asked, "Old man, who is the one carrying a basket of small snakes?"

Li Yan had never heard of it, sitting beside in a daze, feeling as if there were nails in her bottom, swaying left and right for a while, only then did she catch a hint of meaning—this segment of "The Sound of Cold Crows" is quite fresh, as it does not sing of kings and nobles, nor of talented scholars and beautiful women; it carries a touch of the legendary colors of demons and monsters, sounding rather mystical.

Xie Yun was suddenly enlightened; this is the essence of the "Uncertainty" of breaking the snow—externally capable of countless transformations, yet internally it remains true to its origin. To gather all under heaven for one's own use, to embrace the rivers and seas, while allowing the tides of time and the shifts of the stars, there are still certain established rules.

Zhou Fei felt somewhat baffled and thought to herself: "Isn't it just that I chopped off four arms? Am I really that frightening?"

Xie Yun felt that he had been in a daze for quite a while, and then, dressed in this ridiculous outfit, he gently extended his hand to press against Wangchun Mountain. Instantly, a layer of fine frost appeared on the cold iron scabbard, spreading up along his pale fingers

Zhao Mingchen, on one hand, is constantly engaging in small maneuvers within the court, while on the other hand, he must feign the appearance of a "carefree wanderer" to impress his father, associating with various figures from the underworld in a clumsy attempt to imitate his father.

With such useless cleverness and this lightness of foot, Zhou Fei was now certain that the person was most likely Xie Yun. Her heart inexplicably raced, yet her steps slowed down.

The content of her words was calm and composed, well-reasoned and substantiated, yet the more she spoke, the more frustrated she became. After venting her feelings in one breath, instead of feeling relieved, she felt even worse, and before she knew it, her eyes had turned red. It seemed as if her eyes were connected to her heart; when she noticed her vision becoming somewhat blurred, the pent-up grievance suddenly burst forth. Zhou Fei abruptly turned her head, said nothing, and walked away.

Those few members of the traveling gang clearly underestimated him, as they were only a few steps away yet always just missed capturing him.

The poison doctor seemed to sense something, and suddenly looked up, just in time to meet Li Yan's gaze.

There was a man, a descendant of refugees, who, during his youth, witnessed an invasion by a foreign tribe that led to the fall of his homeland. Forced to wander aimlessly, he fortuitously became a disciple of an old Taoist, learning the remarkable skill of being impervious to blades and spears. With the aspiration of restoring his homeland, he joined the military.

"Old man," Zhou Fei said with a smile that did not reach her eyes, as she reached out and forcefully pulled at Xie Yun's beard, "You are quite sturdy for someone who has been through so much. Why are you still using a cane?"

Soon, the sound of silver bell-like laughter came from the entrance, and several girls were the first to enter the inn, each resembling a flower bud shaken by the wind, shedding dewdrops.

Xie Yun let out a slight sigh of relief, yet an inexplicable sense of melancholy rose within him. Coming back to his senses, he introspected on this melancholy, feeling as if he were a child who had just come of age, seeking New Year's money from his elders. He knew in his heart that he should not accept it, and he verbally and physically tried to refuse in every possible way. However, when the other party genuinely acquiesced, he could not help but feel a sense of loss.

This matter involves "the sea and sky merging into one color," and Lady Rainbow must be at the center of the storm; he should follow closely.

Zhou Fei knew that even if she grew two more legs, she would not be able to catch up with that scion of the Xie family. She had chased from Shu to Yongzhou, and after having vented her anger and pondered over her confusion countless times, when the moment arrived, she surprisingly did not act impulsively. She immediately contacted several major footloose gangs in Yongzhou. At this time, the stage for the grand play in Yongzhou was being set up, and various forces had yet to take the stage. Although the place was crowded with people, the atmosphere was relatively calm. The group of men from the footloose gangs, who were usually up to no good, were idly bored. Upon seeing Li Yan's red "Five Bats Order," they all came out to help without a second thought.

Xie Yun revealed a somewhat meaningful smile, pretending to turn around and reach out, but in that moment, she slipped away by more than a yard.

Xie Yun wanted to laugh nonchalantly and make light of the situation, but for some reason, his smile became somewhat stiff as it reached his lips, and even his playful remarks came out dry and awkward. He said, "Perhaps it is because I am well-versed in ancient and modern knowledge, and I know all the secrets of the world"

However, what is A Fei here for

But he does not know that there are some things in this world that should not be touched

The terms "Zhou Fei" and "Xian Zuo" are completely at odds with each other, and it is impossible for them to intersect. Li Yan was taken aback and walked forward with great concern, reaching out to feel Zhou Fei's forehead, suspecting that her injury had relapsed and caused her to be confused.

This is actually a rudimentary method used by mountain dwellers to catch rabbits. Those who have not practiced lightness skills are certainly not as fast as the rabbits. Generally, two groups of people cooperate: one group shouts and creates a commotion from all directions, scaring the rabbits into a panic and causing them to run into a net that has been set up in advance. The other group lies in ambush nearby, and when the rabbits are disoriented from hitting the net, they swiftly and accurately bring them down with heavy clubs.

It is likely that the battle in Shaoyang has formed a habit; whenever the person engaging with her is Yang Jin, Zhou Fei cannot help but resort to a few tricks. Yang Jin, in turn, never disappoints, jumping into the traps set for him and, after doing so, inevitably becomes furious. Over time, this has practically become a source of amusement.

Without a moment's thought, he turned and left.

Wu Chuchu gently said: "These pastimes prioritize lyrics and melodies, with the stories following behind. There are even more bizarre ones, as long as the music is pleasant to hear."

The military officer had consecutively achieved several victories, earning the admiration of the general. The general summoned him to his side and expressed his commendation. Deeply moved, the officer shed tears and knelt on the ground, earnestly recounting his background and aspirations. Upon hearing this, the general sighed deeply and promoted him one rank, assigning him three thousand vanguard troops, instructing him to ambush the enemy's elite forces along the way. Should he succeed, he would be able to reclaim several cities, and the general promised to recognize the vanguard for their outstanding contributions.

Xie Yun clasped the Wangchun Mountain with both hands, the frost in his palms resembling wildly growing vines, uncontrollably flowing upstream, leaving a distinct mark of "sudden warmth yet still cold" on the "Spring Mountain"

If Yang Jin's sword is "consistent and unwavering," then Zhou Fei's sword is "capricious and unpredictable"

The vendor stood in front of the pot, facing Xie Yun, yet with his back to the street

Madam Nizhang saw her, raised her pointed chin, and smiled charmingly at Zhou Fei, then immediately turned her gaze to the oddly shaped monkey duo. She arched her peach blossom eyes and said, "Brother Monkey San, it has been many years since we last met, why does this little beast still bare its teeth at me?"

Xie Yun's mind went blank with a "buzz" for a moment—how did this aquatic plant spirit end up here!

Xie Yun moved the long knife pressing on his shoulder aside and slowly straightened his back: "So those itinerant gang members were sent by you?"

Zhu Chen keenly expressed her doubts by asking: "Lin Bo, who are the four great assassins?"

Li Yan wanted to say something more, but she saw Zhou Fei raise a finger and make a "shut up" gesture at her

He seemed to have stayed in the dark for a long time, and when a strong light suddenly flashed before his eyes, it "scalded" his pupils, causing them to shrink into a tiny dot out of both fear and desire

The opening lines were sung by the old man in a frail voice, imbued with an indescribable desolation, attracting many refugees who had fled here due to the ravages of war to stop and listen. When the old man sang, "He mastered his skills, a talent capable of governing the heavens and the earth," the string in his hand broke a note, the pitch was not raised, and his cracked voice revealed its flaws, rendering the words "talent" particularly ironic and comical.

As soon as he turned his head, he was stunned—one end of the knife was wedged against the wall, crossing over Xie Yun's neck, while the other end was held by Zhou Fei, forming a closed triangle with one person and one knife, trapping Xie Yun within it

She is almost constantly exploring, and in a few days, she will change her style. The angle, force, and technique of her strikes completely depend on what Yang Jin is thinking at the moment of her ambush

Xie Yun instinctively rubbed his hands together, attempting to generate some warmth for himself, while meandering through the winding alley, neither too close nor too far from the inn where Madam Ni Chang had just entered, striving to pull his wandering thoughts back in line

She had been standing at the inn's entrance for half a day, cautiously approaching any suspicious individuals to observe them closely—until she finally spotted the familiar two wisps of a mustache. Xie Yun's "disguise" was surprisingly more perfunctory than she had imagined; the "fur" he had stuck to his face was not a disposable item, and by casually combining it with other things, he could easily create a new face!

Xie Yun, upon seeing her reveal her true colors, hurriedly exclaimed: "Ah, how is it that after several months of not seeing each other, we resort to fighting as soon as we meet!"

Before she could finish her words, a corner of her skirt fluttered into the inn, and a person stepped in gracefully as if walking on lotus flowers. To her surprise, it was a familiar face—Madam Nishang

The journey was not long; apart from the occasional unannounced skirmishes between Yang Jin and Zhou Fei, the trip could be described as peaceful. It did not take long to reach the borders of Yongzhou. Since ancient times, Yongzhou has produced many top scholars, with its picturesque mountains and clear waters, and its remarkable people and favorable geography. Established since the Qin and Han dynasties, the city exudes a profound sense of antiquity, having remained untouched by the ravages of war between the north and south, radiating an air of elegance and tranquility.

Pilgrimage Gang

There is no place in the world that makes him feel more suffocated than this two-foot square "cage" before him

Xie Yun, this young cousin, is not very old, yet his intentions are quite unscrupulous. Xie Yun can tell what he is thinking even with his eyes closed—when trapped in Huarong, Zhao Mingchen realized that the Huo Liantao he chose was too foolish, intending to reshuffle the martial arts forces and take the opportunity to infiltrate them. Huo Liantao, this discarded piece, was thrown out by him to stir the waters.

"Ha," Xie Yun chuckled briefly, "Cao Ning is the enemy, sister. Every word the enemy utters on the battlefield is meant to disrupt the morale of your family’s army. Who knows what kind of deception he is employing? Why do you still listen to him?"

He spoke while coughing softly a few times. Hearing Li Yan mumble something again in the carriage, several young ladies burst into laughter, even Zhu Ying, who usually never smiled, appeared much more relaxed.

Li Sheng, with a slight twitch at the corner of his mouth while riding a horse, said to Zhu Chen: "My younger sister is young and ignorant, please do not take offense."

Xie Yun had not yet arrived, but the coachman had already reached into the carriage and pulled out a large net, throwing it directly at him. Xie Yun raised an eyebrow, showing no concern at all. The coachman was momentarily dazzled, only to see that the person who should have been caught in the net unexpectedly used some strange technique at the moment the large net was coming towards him, and instead 'climbed' up along the net in mid-air

Wu Chuchu: "Ah, how come it is ... ... "

Xie Yun was tall and strikingly noticeable in the crowd. With each step forward and backward, he stood out even more, akin to lice on a bald head. Zhou Fei glanced over and immediately felt that the figure was very familiar. Without a second thought, she chased after it, rushing to the door. It was only then that she realized, with a quick glance, that in just a short moment, the person had already vanished from sight

Zhou Fei wanted to take a gamble by waiting for an opportunity, and it was no problem if she couldn't find Xie Yun here. At worst, she could shamelessly follow Madam Ni Chang all the way to Huo Liantao's "Northern Expedition Hero Conference," where there would surely be a chance to catch hold of Xie someone's tail.

Zhu Chen was taken aback, and the horse beneath him became agitated as well, its steps becoming disordered. It was only when Li Sheng beside him grabbed the reins that he managed to regain control.

Li Yanqi said: "Did you not practice just to hear this? What is this singing?"

Zhou Fei did not pursue, slowly lowering the long sword that had been suspended in the air for a while. She gently exhaled, raised her eyes to stare at Xie Yun, and asked, "How do you know so clearly?"

Zhou Fei was taken aback, turning her head slightly to see the sickly young master Zhu Chen from the Xingnan Escort Agency pouring hot water into a cup, then meticulously wiping it clean with a silk cloth before handing it to her. Upon suddenly noticing her gaze, Zhu Chen appeared startled, as if he had been greatly frightened, hurriedly averting his eyes. He continued to wipe the remaining cups with a soft sound, distributing them dutifully, yet he never dared to look up.

By evening, it was her unwavering time for practicing internal skills; she would not forget this session even if she skipped a meal

The itinerant gang claims to be omnipresent, yet was schooled by Xie Yun on what true "omnipresence" really means, igniting a competitive spirit within him that demanded a showdown. Subtle signals, imperceptible to outsiders, were transmitted among the countless waiters, vendors, porters, and coachmen throughout Yongzhou City, quickly forming a vast net woven by people. As long as this fellow Xie Yun remains in Yongzhou City, even if he digs three feet underground to hide in the coffin of an old witch, they will still unearth him.

Before he finished speaking, he bent down with remarkable foresight, skillfully dodging a strike from Zhou Fei, and then, taking advantage of the momentum, he swiftly slipped into a narrow alley behind him

The desperate fighting style left Zhu Chen dumbfounded, and he broke into a cold sweat. Even the people in the nearby carriage were startled by the commotion; the three young ladies inside poked their heads out—except for Zhu Ying, who appeared quite shocked, Wu Chuchu and Li Yan only took a glance before retreating back inside, clearly already accustomed to such scenes.