Chapter 5: To withdraw or to cut decisively

Pei Qianxin tightened his grip and thought for a moment before responding: "It seems like they are manufacturing some kind of firearm"

Pei Qian bowed and said: "My lord, your wisdom is as profound and unfathomable as the sea; any thoughts I may have are utterly futile."

Pei Qian readily assured, "My lord, rest assured, I will even tape my mouth shut while sleeping."

Qiu Huosheng said happily: "As long as you can understand the meaning behind this, it's good. That dog bastard, Fedexing, I've long wanted to collect his bones. This time he has come to us voluntarily; are we really going to be polite?"

As the two bid farewell with clasped hands, Pei Qian returned to his own small plot of land, only to be astonished to find that crops had already grown in the field during his absence for half a morning

Qiu Huosheng was taken aback, and Liu Yunsha hurriedly revealed the matter of Fei Dexing and Pei Qian making a contract to duel.

Qiu Huosheng laughed heartily and said: "Brother Duan, you are sure to win. Do you know what the Baicao Garden is? It is filled with tens of thousands of highly toxic herbs and hundreds of kinds of poisons cultivated by Fei Dexing himself."

"Are you implying something? Are you blaming me for not stopping you from competing with Fei Dexing?" Liu Yunsha said with a gentle smile, "Fei Dexing is indeed the foremost expert in poison at the Cloud Military Academy... However, this time I have confidence in you; you will win"

Liu Yunsha was momentarily taken aback, realizing the implication behind Pei Qian's words. She smiled and said, "Very well, I will have someone send your assignment over later." She patted Pei Qian's shoulder again and added, "Young man, do your best!"

Fei Dexing detected the hidden sharpness in Pei Qian's words and raised his thick eyebrows, saying: "Are you implying that my talents and virtues are only one ten-thousandth of yours"

Pei Qian looked at Liu Yunsha in confusion. Liu Yunsha smiled, raised both hands, and stood still. Another guard stepped forward a couple of paces and meticulously searched his clothing inside and out from head to toe, not even overlooking the area inside his pants.

The flowing clouds and sands carry profound meaning: "That's good, that's good." As I take a step forward, I suddenly add, "Rest assured, I will not let you suffer any loss. You do not need to invoke an oath from eight generations of ancestors; tracing back just one generation is sufficient."

Liu Yunsha said on the side path: "Brother Duan, we are manufacturing a type of hollow shell that can explode. Perhaps you have heard of it; this thunder in the clouds appeared on the battlefield in the southern frontier last year, causing the Night Wolf barbarians to lose their helmets and armor, bowing their heads in submission. However, very few people know that they were developed right here in this Tianyang Cave."

He exchanged glances with Liu Yunsha and Qiu Huosheng, and said: "The affairs of the Shuyitang are numerous, and we do not wish to further burden Master Fei with distractions and fatigue. Just as Brother Duan has returned, I believe he is more than capable of taking on this responsibility"

Pei Qian met Fei Dexing's gaze without fear, thinking to himself: "Strange, it was your elder brother who killed that bastard's father. I haven't said anything yet, so why have you come looking for me first? Could it be that you also have a thing with Qi Wuting?"

Pei Qian's gaze did not wander as he closely followed the flowing clouds and sand, yet the scenes from the caves on both sides of the corridor were vividly displayed on the spiritual platform

These individuals also paid no attention to Liu Yunsha, allowing the two to pass through the stone hall and enter a study.

Pei Qian seemed somewhat afraid of the cold, involuntarily shrinking his neck, and said: "I am but a humble servant with limited abilities, how could I possibly compare to your esteemed self?"

He is called Liu Xianghao, the deputy academic attendant of the Calligraphy Hall at the Military Academy. You Ruohua explained: That note was most likely posted by members of the Red Alliance after committing the crime. Just over half a month ago, Academic Attendant Liu reported two students who secretly joined the Red Alliance to Lord Liushasha, which resulted in retaliation.

Noticing that You Ruohua beside him was being oblivious, he grabbed Pei Qian's arm and said with a smile: "It's almost dawn; I fear that Duan Jiangshu won't be able to sleep even if he wants to. It's rare for Hall Master Fei to take an interest in chatting with us, so it is better to comply with his wishes."

"Master Fei, I have agreed to let Deputy Duan speak on my behalf." Liu Yunsha suddenly stood up from beside the corpse and said, "Three days later, at the Baicao Garden, I will personally serve as the arbitrator for both of you."

Qi Wuting's hand slipped, and the dagger flew out with a "ding," precisely severing the strap of Pei Qian's corset on his right wrist

Pei Qian was truly taken aback and, looking at the *illustrated book*, asked in bewilderment, "Is it possible for someone in such a lowly position to still win?"

Someone nearby couldn't help but laugh out loud. However, Fei Dexing did not smile at all and coldly said, "Are you unwilling to give me face?"

Fei Dexing cast a sidelong glance at the indifferent Liu Yunsha and said with a forced smile, "I have heard that Deputy Duan boasts of his unparalleled skills in poison. Coincidentally, I have some insights in this area as well. May I request Deputy Duan to engage in a bit of discussion when convenient?"

Pei Qian watched as Fei Dexing's figure disappeared and asked, "Lord Liu Yun, do I still have one day of annual leave?"

The old goat, unconcerned, pointed with his hand at the maid in the room and said, "I almost forgot, her name is Yao Hua, she is a girl from the mountains"

He pulled the old goat outside and said: "With the elder brother, with the steward, with the lord—did I say I wanted a maid?"

Qiu Huosheng said: "Of course you can, because you are about to participate in this top-secret matter and become an important member among us"

She sternly shouted, "Who is it?" Raising her hand, she tugged at a black ribbon wrapped around her waist like a water snake, and with a bang, the window was blown open, shooting out into the night.

After a while, the man in the red robe carefully wrapped the prepared powder in cowhide paper and asked, "Liuyun, the person standing behind you must be Vice Speaker Duan, right?"

The old goat, Su Rong, said: "I have already stated that it won't cost you a single penny, yet my younger brother still wants to feign poverty. What does that mean? It's settled then!" Without waiting for Pei Qian to argue, he shifted the topic and asked: "By the way, that promiscuous woman didn't really cut you, did she?"

Hearing this name, Pei Qian felt a slight stir in his heart and asked, "Is it far from here?"

Pei Qian asked in surprise, "Lord Liusha, doesn't Master Qiu reside in the villa?"

After searching him, Liuyunsha accompanied him all the way back to Baode Mountain Villa. At the moment of parting, he said: "Remember, everything we saw and heard in the cave today must be kept strictly confidential. If it leaks out, I will not be able to save you."

Pei Qian nodded slightly. The academic attendant is a sixth-rank official, and the deputy academic attendant is half a rank lower, so it seems that Liu Xianghao is not a significant figure. As for the Red Alliance, he had heard of it long ago; it is a secret organization that communicates with the Red Flag Army and is dedicated to restoring the country, pledging loyalty to the exiled former Emperor Wei Jingwu. It is not surprising that they could infiltrate the Cloud Military Academy.

Pei Qian's drowsiness suddenly vanished, and he smiled faintly as he said, "I wonder what Lord Fei wishes to discuss"

Liu Yunsha took out the identity badge for the guard to verify. Pei Qian, upon seeing this, patted his body and turned to look at him

He closed his eyes and breathed heavily for a moment, slowly exhaling a blowpipe from his mouth, retracting it into the leather pouch at his waist. Leaning against the wall, he pondered: "Who saved me? Yet they have also stolen a glimpse of my boundless glory."

Pei Qian suddenly realized: "I see, this promiscuous woman has a solid backing. As long as she is not caught on the spot, it is certainly not difficult to find a way to extricate herself afterward. Duan Min, this minor fifth-rank deputy lecturer, would die in vain; there will certainly be someone to handle the aftermath for her."

What? Pei Qian suddenly realized this time, and immediately felt a surge of anger. Not to mention that the old goat inexplicably brought in a troublesome maid for himself, what would happen when Hua Lingyao comes back? Moreover, if one were to find someone, they should at least look a bit more attractive. The girl in front of him had an average appearance, and her figure was only passable; she kept swaying in front of him all day long, making it hard not to have nightmares at night

Qiu Huosheng then raised his head and seriously examined Pei Qian for a moment, saying, "Hmm, Brother Duan, I apologize for the inconvenience. You have come to this small place to take on the humble position of a fifth-rank deputy lecturer."

Therefore, Duan Min must die, and it is up to himself to do it. No one else could possibly succeed in this matter, as they cannot enter the Tianyang Cave. Yet, Qiu Huosheng and Liu Yunsha have gone to great lengths to 'invite' themselves into the cave. It is easy for Pei Qian to imagine how the subsequent events will unfold.

Pei Qian, feeling helpless, followed Liu Yunsha step by step as they walked out of the crowd towards Baode Mountain Villa

In less than a moment, the two arrived at the entrance of a heavily guarded ancient cave, where torches burned brightly as if it were daytime, yet the interior was not visible.

Pei Qian remained still and asked, "Thank you, my lord. What preparations should I make?"

Pei Qian half-opened his mouth, staring foolishly at the flowing clouds and sandy path: "Am I allowed to hear these top secrets?"

"Not far, just two or three miles away." Liu Yunsha's complexion was somewhat pale, likely due to the injuries sustained last night that had not yet healed. With his hands clasped behind his back, he walked slowly and said, "I have taken on Fedexing's challenge on your behalf. What are your thoughts?"

It turns out that this person is Federer’s younger brother, Fei Dexing, the master of the Military Academy's Arts Hall

"But didn't you just say you were quite satisfied with her?" The old goat was taken aback and said, "Have you changed your mind so quickly?"

At this moment, Pei Qian, quick in both hand and eye, drew the short knife he had seized from Shui Lingyue from his lower back, cutting through the left wrist of his chest wrap. He flipped his body over and swung the knife again, freeing his feet as well

Pei Qian silently lamented, realizing that Liu Yunsha and the Fei brothers were up to something behind the scenes, and this time they intended to use him as a pawn. However, he was merely a third-rank courtyard supervisor, how could he possibly compare to Fei Dele, who held significant military power and was an official of the second rank? Although he was currently boasting loudly, who knew how things would turn out in the end

Flowing Cloud Sand Path: "It is quite simple, prepare a lethal poison that can seal the throat upon contact with blood, and load it into the Cloud Thunder to enhance its lethality"

Although she was eager to avenge her son and was even willing to bear the accusation of assassinating her colleague, she did not want to be caught red-handed by the Sand People in Pei Qian's room. Filled with hatred for the person outside who was causing trouble, she raised her arm and hurled a dagger at Pei Qian's throat, coldly saying: "This time, consider yourself lucky!" She then leapt out of the window.

At this moment, the sky gradually brightens, and the morning breeze gently brushes against Pei Qian's weary face, bringing with it a hint of the coolness of late autumn

The old goat chuckled softly, saying: "It's not that I don't trust this show-off, but in the end... it turned out to be quite accurate."

Fei Dexing is being modest; as the head of the Mathematics Hall responsible for various teaching tasks at the Military Academy, his mastery of poison techniques is renowned across the land, placing him firmly among the top ten poison masters of his time. Although it is framed as a friendly exchange, it is clear that the intention is to make Pei Qian look bad

Fedexing stared at Pei Qian, a cold smile on his face, and said, "What can a name really signify?"

Fei Dexing, however, would not allow Pei Qian to regret his decision. He cupped his fists in salute to Liu Yunsha and said, "Thank you, Lord Liu Yun, for your assistance!" With a sweep of his robe, he brushed past Pei Qian and quietly remarked, "If you want to live a good life, you have come to the wrong place, kid!" After saying this, he strode away.

"Did you shave your beard?" Fei Dexing's eyes scanned Pei Qian up and down with a sly look, "I didn't expect that we would both serve in the same dynasty and work together in the same military academy."

He has a residence in the villa, but has been residing in Tianyang Cave for the past two months

After saying "very good" twice, he suddenly raised his voice and said: "Lord Duan, as a fifth-rank official, no one doubts your loyalty to the court. On the contrary, the court is precisely about to promote you!"

After leaving Tianyang Cave, Pei Qian felt much more relaxed, as at least there was some clarity regarding the matters that the old ghost needed to handle himself. As for that blind dog bastard, Fei Dexing, he can just wait to die at home.

Pei Qian said with a face full of grievance: "How can you, Sir Fei, say such a thing? Even if it were someone who does not know us, just hearing our names would already establish a distinction between us."

Liu Yunsha gave Pei Qian a glance, and Pei Qian cleverly bowed and said: "I, the humble Duan Min, pay my respects to Lord Qiu!"

Qi Wuting's brows were filled with murderous intent as she lunged forward, holding a poisoned dagger aimed at Pei Qian's back. Pei Qian shouted loudly, "Someone, help!" as he rapidly sank down, rolling on the ground.

Pei Qian said: "Go ahead and boast. If no one knows, I wouldn't have been forced into this situation."

Pei Qian, despite his longing to return, displayed a smile that was neither servile nor arrogant and said, "It seems that I truly have a connection with the two esteemed Lords Fei."

The drifting clouds and sand did not respond, and the gaze fixed on Pei Qian made him feel uneasy. Suddenly, he reached out and patted Pei Qian's shoulder, asking gently, "Do you not wish to follow me?"

After turning another corner, a lavishly decorated hall appeared ahead. There were quite a few people in the hall, but in comparison, they were all quite idle, either sipping tea and chatting, or dozing off in a daze, with hardly anyone engaged in work

Qiu Huosheng slowly leaned back in the armchair, his tone softening as he said: "It is not me, it is the court. Do you know what we, these people, are doing day and night in Tianyang Cave?"

And for all of this, Pei Qian dares to bet his head: the old ghost must be aware, at least partially aware.

"You saw it when you just came in; this is classified information." Qiu Huosheng seemed to appreciate Pei Qian's honesty, "In the entire military academy, apart from myself and Lord Liusha, very few people truly understand the intricacies of it."

However, just as he reached the entrance of the cave, the guard extended his hand to block the way and said, "Lord Duan, please hold on."

"What is Federer? Everything is in my hands." Liuyunsha paused proudly with a smile, gazing at Peiqian, and slowly said: "You must win, and make Federer lose as miserably as possible! The rest, I will arrange."

After a while, the sound of the sentry outside gradually faded. Pei Qian speculated that Qi Wuting would not be coming tonight. Thinking about this woman, he found her truly ruthless; in order to avenge her deceased son, she was willing to sacrifice her already meager beauty. Was she not afraid of execution or imprisonment? Reflecting on this, he recalled the old goat's words: "The waters behind this woman run very deep, and no one dares to touch her"

At this point, Pei Qian was clear in his mind, convinced that Qiu Huosheng and Liu Yunsha were in cahoots. And this partnership had only two legs, so they did not intend to let Fei Dexing get involved. As for Duan Min, he must have been favored by Qiu Huosheng and Liu Yunsha long ago at Taiyang Mansion, which is why they had borrowed Ding Zhaoxiong's hand to bring him over to assist them.

In these caves, whether smelting iron in a furnace, writing diligently at a desk, or gathering in small groups engaged in some unknown activity, there is an utter silence with few words spoken. Moreover, not a single person emerges from the caves, nor do they visit their neighbors.

Qiu Huosheng gazed in mild astonishment at Pei Qian's impassioned face, and after a long while, nodded and said: "No wonder they recommended you, no wonder Liuyun wanted to test you repeatedly. Very good, very good..."

Liu Yunsha stood before the desk, displaying a rare expression of respect, with her hands lowered, quietly awaiting the red-robed man's words

Qi Wuting was about to pursue when a sharp bamboo whistle suddenly sounded from outside the courtyard, indicating that the night patrol guards had issued a warning

In the center of the study, a thin and withered old man in a red robe was arranging dozens of clay jars on the table. Inside, there were yellow and green powders of unknown origin, which he was constantly stirring with a small spoon. While working, he was also recording notes with a pen, seemingly unaware of anyone entering the room due to his intense concentration

"Wrong!" Qiu Huosheng slammed the table, startling Pei Qian. "You don't need to hone your skills at all; we need you to be of use immediately. Why are you to be the deputy storyteller? Why have you been sent here? Because the smaller your official position, the less attention you will attract, and what I need here is precisely a talent like Brother Duan!"

Every three steps in the cave, there is a post, and every five steps, a sentry. After passing through three heavy bronze gates in succession, we finally entered the core area

Liu Yunsha smiled leisurely and said, "Deputy Duan, you better not entertain any ideas of slipping away. From now on, you will be serving in the Shuyitang under Lord Fei, and we will see each other often. Any past grievances should be resolved sooner rather than later."

Upon seeing Pei Qian enter, the old goat rose with a beaming smile and greeted him, saying: "Brother Duan, what do you think of this girl?"

Liu Yunsha nodded in satisfaction and said: "Do you know? There are already rumors circulating in the military academy that you were recommended by Ding Zhaoxiong, who is also my senior apprentice's nephew. Therefore, they all think I am employing personal connections."

Pei Qian quickly grabbed a chair nearby and blocked the incoming dagger with a "thud," narrowly escaping death

This area is vast, seemingly hollowing out the entire mountain's interior, with corridors crisscrossing yet lacking guards

At the critical moment, the window paper suddenly tore with a "pop," and a beam of dark, radiant light shot in, striking the dagger

Liu Yunsha maintained her smile and said, "Let's go." She led Pei Qian through the checkpoint and into the ancient cave.

"Yes, we must definitely defeat that scoundrel Fei Dexing." Pei Qian understood and added, "Moreover, we must win in a fair and square manner, leaving him with nothing to say and utterly humiliated"

Pei Qian was taken aback, but then realized that his words were directed at that deceased Duan Min, and had nothing to do with himself. He lowered his eyelids and smiled bitterly, saying: "I am just afraid that I will disappoint your expectations. Moreover, he is the hall master while I am merely the deputy lecturer. His brother is Fei Dele, while I am just a lonely uncle with no affection from my maternal grandmother. No matter how I fight, I will always lose."

"No preparation is needed, just bring out your abilities." Liu Yunsha said, "However, you still need to put in enough superficial effort, so as not to arouse the suspicions of others."

Upon returning, You Ruohua saw Pei Qian and said with a bitter smile: "Another murder case. Lord Liusha and Captain Bao are currently investigating."

Pei Qian had grievances he could not express, shaking his head like a rattle drum and saying: "It is not that I am changing my mind, but that I cannot afford it."

This matter has undoubtedly become increasingly complex, as Pei Qian slowly put on his clothes and began to tidy up the aftermath. He noticed that the concealed weapon that had knocked the dagger away from Qi Wuting was merely an ordinary stone.

Pei Qian initially did not recognize the deceased, so he asked You Ruohua: "Who is he, and what does that note mean?"

He finally let out a genuine yawn and said, "Sir, I truly need to take a nap for a while"

Pei Qian could not discern whether Liu Yunsha was reassuring him or delivering a heartfelt blow, so he refrained from speaking and merely nodded repeatedly like a chick pecking at grains

Pei Qianning gazed ahead and saw a recently deceased body lying at the feet of a middle-aged man in a red robe, with a note affixed to its forehead that read: "A warning for those who serve the tiger!"

Recalling the old goat's reaction upon entering the room and seeing Qi Wuting, Pei Qian couldn't help but wonder: "Could it be that this old fellow has already guessed that Qi Wuting intends to kill me? But how does he know that Deng Chengzhi, that dead ghost, is actually Qi Wuting's illegitimate son?"

Pei Qian understood and, helplessly imitating Liu Yunsha, raised his hands. While enduring immense discomfort as the guard groped him, he said: "Lord Liu Sha, I believe it would be more appropriate for a female guard to handle this task."

Pei Qian slightly tilted his head to look at Qiu Huosheng and replied, "I understand, this is to train me."

Seeing someone deliver the bamboo pole to his door, Pei Qian felt a sense of guilt even without knocking. He straightened his chest and said, "Such a humble position will do its utmost, and I will not let the two esteemed gentlemen down. However... could you possibly grant me a three-day extension?"

Pei Qian had a vague premonition that he had fallen into a trap again, and he asked in astonishment, "Is it that you require my humble service?"

The three of us exchanged glances, and together we chuckled softly, with everything unspoken between us

Pei Qian was filled with thoughts of the scene where the old ghost threw the iron watermelon at him, causing chaos and darkness all around. He cursed Qiu Huosheng and Liu Yunsha's ancestors for eighteen generations without missing a single one, and then joyfully exclaimed, "This truly is an unparalleled stroke of genius!" However, his expression soon darkened as he said, "I fear that my abilities may not suffice... Why not invite Master Fei to preside over this matter? His expertise in poison is renowned throughout the realm."

Pei Qian realized that the filling was about to be exposed, and anxiously asked, "But what... what can I do as a humble servant?"

Liu Yunsha smiled and said, "You will understand when the time comes. Do not forget, I was the arbitrator that day"

Pei Qian felt a headache coming on, unsure of how many enemies Duan Min had secretly provoked. Moreover, these enemies seemed to have gathered at the Cloud Military Academy as if they were in cahoots. From the tone of their conversation, it was evident that they were already familiar with Duan Min. However, he could not recall this person at the moment and could only say to the *book*: "I truly feel unworthy of such praise." He stifled a yawn and awkwardly added, "I need to return to my room for a nap; let us discuss this further tomorrow."

Pei Qian turned around and saw a burly man in a black robe. He had a square face, round eyes, and a bushy beard, with rough skin that faintly revealed a purplish-gray hue. Although his words were polite, his demeanor was quite unfriendly, clearly indicating that he was looking for trouble

This crop was planted by the old goat, who is now leisurely sitting in the small hall, enjoying the wine he brought with him. A maid, dressed simply with a rosy complexion, is diligently cleaning the furnishings in the hall

He thought quickly and indignantly exclaimed: "Who is spreading rumors and tarnishing the reputation of the esteemed?"

Is something happening outside? Pei Qian was momentarily taken aback, then pushed the door open and stepped into the courtyard. About twenty zhang away, by the side of the path, a crowd of dozens of people had indeed gathered, dressed in various styles and colors. Among them were the instructors from the Cloud Military Academy, as well as the guards responsible for maintaining order during the night, who were subtly forming a circle, orderly and quiet.

Pei Qian gritted his teeth and said: "I see you have a fondness for that tune"

Pei Qian stared wide-eyed at the smiling Liu Yunsha, unsure whether he was supporting himself or trying to harm himself

Pei Qianxin said: "Then why don't you graciously relinquish the position of the院主 to let me take a seat?" He remained bent and motionless, and spoke loudly: "I am, after all, a person burdened with guilt. To receive the recognition and support of all of you esteemed gentlemen is already an unexpected honor. Not to mention being a fifth-rank deputy lecturer, even if the court requires me in a position without any official title, I would have no complaints about being a mere fireman.

Of course. Your name is Dexing, which naturally implies great virtue, and it is only a matter of time before you prosper and thrive. As for me, my name is rather unpleasant, and my surname is also unfortunate—Duan Min, isn't that a name associated with a short life?

Pei Qian's hair stood on end, and he stammered, "To be recognized by a great person is a blessing earned by my ancestors over eight generations."

Pei Qian inhaled sharply and said, "Have you been watching from outside all along? Was the stone thrown in by you as well?"

Strangely, after a long time had passed, not a single guard from the military academy rushed into the courtyard to provide assistance. He looked up and gazed outside the courtyard, where he saw glaring flames in the night, as if many people were gathered not far away

The sound of bamboo flutes rose and fell in the outdoors, yet Qi Wuting had long since vanished, leaving only four strapless dresses and a ground strewn with clothes

I told you, I guarantee your satisfaction! The old goat, feeling quite pleased with himself, embraced Pei Qian and said: Her wages will be charged to the military academy, so you won't have to spend a single copper coin. How about that? Isn't it generous of your older brother?

Pei Qian suddenly had a flash of inspiration, recalling that the information on Old Ghost mentioned that the Fei brothers were both disciples of the Zhizang Sect. This Zhizang Sect is the state religion of the current dynasty, with millions of followers forming a distinct entity, even the emperor must show them some respect. As the Yuqing Sect, which has been suppressed, is naturally unwilling to accept this, open and covert struggles and sabotage are inevitable.

Pei Qian was momentarily taken aback and said, "Not bad, quite nimble with your hands and feet"

Pei Qian walked over and, upon finding Deputy Dean You Ruohua among the crowd watching the commotion, approached to ask: "Lord You, what has happened here?"

The turtle that retracts its head can no longer be done, Pei Qian gritted his teeth and said: "In that case, this humble position will fully rely on your instructions, my lord"

The yard was empty and devoid of any signs of life, as the black ribbon fluttered like a startled swan before being swiftly drawn back into the house by Qi Wuting, wrapping it around her waist again

Pei Qian stared blankly at Liu Yunsha's smiling eyes, vaguely discerning a certain special meaning within them. He then chuckled and said, "In that case, I shall not be polite."

Suddenly, a deep male voice came from behind, saying: "Deputy Duan, I have long admired you!"

The flowing clouds gazed at the sky, shaking his head and laughing: "Come back and sleep, for I shall take you to meet Lord Qiu." He turned and whispered a few words to the captain of the guard, then said to Pei Qian: "Just wear this casual outfit, let us go."

The deceased was approximately in his thirties, a man with delicate features and a refined appearance. Blood gushed from the black hole in his chest, where his heart had been extracted, presenting a most tragic sight