Chapter 9

"It is as such," Zhang Yiniang shook her head, "but the ancestors of the sect leader have all been raised on poison since childhood. The sect leader has been a rare poison master since birth. Not to mention ordinary poisons, even the most extraordinary poisons in the world can be easily neutralized by him. Miss Xiaodie is merely a mortal; the last time she only inhaled the sect leader's blood, she fainted for several days. How can she endure the sect leader's poison? Envoy Xin, I fear that this time you will still need to assist in this matter... Miss Xiaodie is merely a mortal; the last time she only inhaled the sect leader's blood, she fainted for several days. How can she endure the sect leader's poison? Envoy Xin, I fear that this time you will still need to assist in this matter..."

Jingyuan glanced at Jin and Qu Er, and they immediately stepped aside, revealing a tall man in a blue robe behind them. Jingyuan's smile grew even more cunning as he calmly said: "This is our sect's Cui Xiao envoy, and he is also an old acquaintance of the sect master"

Xiao Feng said sternly: "You cannot act according to your whims right now. Remember that you are the sect leader, and you must carry yourself like one! You must at least put on a façade!"

She merely kept this sentence buried in her heart, without speaking it out loud

Xiao Feng! Xin Youming's bright gaze pierced through Xiao Feng's somewhat wavering spirit, as he asked word by word: "If I wanted to harm Xiao Die, would I need to wait until now to play the villain?"

Xiao Die was taken aback by his sudden remark, her face flushed with anger as she raised her hand to slap Jing Yuan across the face. "How bold! Even at the point of death, you still want to take advantage of me?!"

Meng Xiaoxia flipped through the book while clapping her hands in distress: "What should I do? The symptoms can be addressed, but if the poison has entered the heart and lungs, and it cannot be completely resolved, the poison will remain in the heart and lungs, leading to trouble for the rest of my life"

Indeed, not at all? Jingyuan pressed further: "Did they not mention the withered petals either?"

His voice seemed to possess a peculiar charisma, calming the gentle breeze as he took out the paper left by Xiao Die and said: "This is the solution left by Xiao Die"

Xiao Die did not rush to look at the black pill in the box, but instead stared intently at Xin You, giving a sorrowful smile: "Xin You? I have long known that a name like 'A Niu' is not worthy of you"

"Antidote?" the three elders exclaimed in unison.

Xiao Feng seemed reluctant to mock her any further, merely casting a sidelong glance and sighing, "Indeed, they are not malicious; it is just that we are too naive."

This can only provide a temporary solution. Xin You washed his hands and said, "Xiao Feng, keep watch. Wait for me for three hours."

While the four of them chatted and drank tea, Yao Hui also changed into clean clothes and stumbled directly towards Jing Yuan's study

Xin You clasped his fists and smiled, responding generously, "Why bother saying 'thank you'? Meeting is already a matter of fate"

It was not until she saw the injured Ren Feiqing that Xiao Die realized one thing: the customers buying medicine were not using these marvelous drugs to cure illnesses or to engage in petty tricks. They were spending this money to take someone else's life

I have long found it strange that Yao Hui came to me seeking the antidote. He gave me two pieces of gold—though I do not mind having more, don't you think he is being too generous?" Xiao Die changed into a fresh set of clothes, frowning and pacing in the hall with her hands on her hips, "But what could they possibly have in mind regarding me? They do not know that I can become the sect leader today... How strange, how strange!

In the darkness, she vaguely saw Jingyuan's body slightly leaning, yet his expression showed not a trace of panic, only the pleasure of a scheme succeeding... In a daze, she seemed to hear her brother's faint cry, as if many hands were coming to support her increasingly heavy body...

Xiao Die forced a smile and said, "You have put in so much effort, thinking that others are as bored as you? I only found out a few days ago that she is my mother. I was truly expelled from the sect. I really thought everyone was like me; although they have their little flaws, they would not resort to scheming against others"

Why haven't these people arrived yet? She stood on her tiptoes and looked around. "Brother, did you get the location wrong?"

Jingyuan's smooth forehead wrinkled slightly as she asked, not hurriedly but with a measured tone: "Has she arrived? Is everything settled?"

Xiao Die observed his uncertain expression and gently asked, "Master Yao, speaking of which, our encounter in Huizhou that day was indeed quite interesting—Master Jin Guang actually fell victim to the poison of his own sect, and this poison was even resolved by a discarded disciple of the Medicine Sect... If this were to be told, others might think we conspired to pull some trick, wouldn't they?"

"Alright, alright." Yao Hui responded absentmindedly with a few words.

After both parties have examined, handled, and smelled the medicine, they each secretly instruct their attendants on how to prepare the antidote

Meng Xiaoxia's expression grew even darker as she silently moved the umbrella closer to Xiaodie.

The cruelty of the martial world was subtly reflected in the bleak expression of Ren Feiqing, which Xiao Die began to comprehend. It was not until the day of the Mianzhou Conference that she realized: the martial world is not only rife with unreasonable killings but also filled with deceit and treachery.

However, as soon as this hard-earned black soup was poured into Xiaodie’s mouth, she closed her eyes and spat out a mouthful of purple-black blood foam. This frightened Xiaofeng greatly

Both parties rolled up their sleeves, confirming that no other poison was hidden within them. They also examined the gaps between their fingers and nails, finding no signs of cheating. Xiao Die held her pill up to Jing Yuan's lips, glancing at him. Jing Yuan also pressed the dark pill against Xiao Die's lips.

Xin You had not yet spoken, but Yao Hui interjected, saying: "It is better not to meet the Messenger of Cui Xiao. Ren Feiqing's daughter is Zhou Xiaodie. However, she is now called Yi Xiaodie."

I just can't stand the way she is! Xiao Die shrugged, "Even if I am not the sect leader today, I still want to confront her about this— I respect her as a senior sister, yet she acts all high and mighty. She even deliberately made me get drenched in the rain. What, does she think it will make her look good if others see me in such a disheveled state?"

"Why are you so nagging? Do you even have to manage what I wear? Why don't you go take care of Senior Sister? Let her change her clothes; it's been so long since anyone has seen her." Xiao Die adjusted her dress, feeling extremely pleased with herself, "I didn't expect that the Cui Xiao Mountain Manor would have female residents!"

Before Jingyuan could finish speaking, a sound of "ka ba" was heard, as if someone's jaw had dislocated... "Ah—Niu Ge—?!" A desperate echo of Xiao Die's voice came from the mountain stream: "Niu Ge... Niu Ge... Niu Ge..."

Xin You still kept her head down and said in a low voice: "Please, Sect Master Yi, allow me to see the medicine."

"Three coins of moon orchid, ground into powder... Hurry up, hurry up! Second brother, why are you so slow?! This is a matter of life and death!" Xiao Feng fumbled as he flipped open Xiao Die's eyelids, felt her heartbeat, and glanced at the antidote left by Xiao Die. After a while, he finally managed to concoct a bowl of dark, murky soup.

The path in the mountains became increasingly steep, and while trying to hold the umbrella, they could not focus on walking. Thus, the four of them simply put away the umbrella, allowing the rain to pour down on them in all directions, leaving their clothes covered in mud and water.

Stop! Fan Xiaoqian said with a grim face, extending his hand to block the group of people, and sternly declared: "Disciples of the Medicine Sect are currently detoxifying the Sect Master, and unauthorized personnel are not allowed to approach!"

Cui Xiao Mountain is a major attraction outside Mianzhou City and also serves as the stronghold of the Poison Sect, known as Cui Xiao Mountain Manor. The Medicine Sect and the Poison Sect have agreed to meet at Cui Xiao Mountain Manor.

Yao Hui replied awkwardly: "She didn't come! I heard she was seriously injured and won't live much longer. The one who came is her daughter..."

Report, report to the master. Ren Feiqing ... ... Ren Feiqing ... ...

The young man at the forefront wore a long gown of jade white, with flowing sleeves and an ivory-colored scarf billowing behind his head in the mountain breeze, resembling an immortal descending from the heavens, transcending the mundane world. If accompanied by wisps of green smoke and the calls of cranes, Xiaodie would truly mistake him for a celestial being who came to enjoy the morning breeze and drink the dew. For a moment, she was mesmerized, and when she regained her senses, the elegant man had already approached her.

"A Niu, what do you think we should do about this?" Xiao Feng's call of "A Niu" was warm and natural, as if he were discussing strategies with an old comrade, or as if two brothers were worried about their ailing sister. Xin You, upon being addressed in this manner, naturally responded with a shake of his head, saying, "It's not easy to handle! I didn't notice the peculiarities of this poison at first; it was only after seeing Xiao Die's symptoms that I realized a major problem—the pill was concocted with the leader's own blood!"

In the cool and elegant chamber, Jingyuan sat upright on the bed, eyes tightly closed, lips pressed together in silence, as if he were exerting all his strength to protect the vital points of his body. Xin You and the three elders of the Poison Sect carefully prepared the medicine; although they were in a hurry, their actions were methodical and organized.

Xin You's expression, however, was somewhat gloomy as he lowered his voice and said: "To be honest, I do find her somewhat strange this time. We had agreed to compete with poisons, yet she gave her own antidote to the sect leader"

Xin You's brows seemed tightly knitted, his expression even more grim. "Originally, as long as we had the blood of the sect leader, it wouldn't be difficult to cure this poison... Where are you going?!" He grabbed the departing Xiao Feng, "Listen to me! Right now, the sect leader's blood is mixed with Xiao Die's medicine. Even if you drained all his blood, you wouldn't be able to save Xiao Die. I ask you, what antidote did Xiao Die leave behind?"

Xiao Die twisted the mud on her skirt, showing no concern that it splashed onto Yao Hui's clean robe—most likely, she did it on purpose

As she spoke these words, her eyes were fixed on the gray, overcast sky, yet that burning gaze seemed to fall upon Xin You and the others, causing them to lower their heads in even greater embarrassment

Wow—Xiao Die spat out a mouthful of blood onto Jing Yuan's white long robe, resembling a red peony blooming in the snow...

They were sighing deeply when they saw the petite figure of Li Can'e weaving through the corridor, stumbling as she rushed over. She lowered her voice and exclaimed, "Not good! Not good! There is a big trouble over at Xiao Die's place!"

His smile is as faint as the clear reflection in a pond, yet amidst the sparse drizzle, it possesses a hazy and translucent brilliance. The corners of his mouth gently rise, and a teasing voice, emerging through that mischievous smile, brings forth a soft echo in the mountain stream: "It has been a while since we last met, Master Yi, have you been well?"

The three elders exchanged glances, remaining silent and looking at each other.

Xiao Die waved her hand and pointed to the three people behind her, "Fu Xiaofeng, Fan Xiaoqian, Meng Xiaoxia—this is all you need to know. As for what they do... if I am victorious today, there will be idle people in the Jianghu who will spread our names; if I am defeated, you will not remember them either."

Xiao Die ignored her and picked up the brush from the tray held by Fan Xiaoquan, instructing Xiao Feng in detail: "Brother, prepare the medicinal herbs listed on this order for me, and be sure not to get the quantities wrong! If I exhibit these symptoms, you must diagnose them one by one according to the remedies written at the back!"

The three elders took this opportunity to rush in and arrived at Xiao Die's bedside

Jingyuan observed her increasingly solemn expression and also restrained his smile, responding in a measured tone: "You easily unraveled the poison that the three elders meticulously placed on Qu Guang, and they were dissatisfied, seeking to bring you misfortune, which is why they inquired about your whereabouts and set a trap ahead of you. Later, our sect leader recognized your talent and wanted to take you under our wing, so he had them observe you for a while. Unexpectedly, they... let's not speak of that. I also want to ask you: was it part of a premeditated scheme that your mother expelled you from the sect?"

He truly wants to know: beneath this seemingly calm exterior, has that heart already begun to race, and are those delicate nerves already fragile and vulnerable to the slightest blow

Master Yi, your words are incorrect!" Jingyuan raised his eyebrows and calmly interrupted, "I have never incited your brother to engage in any illegal activities. Moreover, your brother is exceptionally intelligent and does not require my guidance to easily obtain the black banana... I merely wish to express my admiration, if anything!"

The three great elders were originally the heads of their respective sects, and they had also undergone such trials of poison. It was only after being defeated by Jingyuan that they devoted themselves to the Poison Sect

Fan Xiaoqian exclaimed, "Stop!" as he stood in front of Xiao Feng, and said seriously, "Junior brother, you must not tell him! He is still unaware of what he has set his mind on; how can we entrust such a significant matter to an opponent? This concerns the life of the sect leader!"

Enough with the nonsense! Xiao Die's expression darkened as she placed her hands on her hips and glared fiercely at Jing Yuan. I do not wish to dwell on past grievances. Today, it is not the scholar Jing Yuan from Yongzhou who has come, but rather the leader of the Poison Sect, Xu Quanzi; and it is not the shopkeeper Zhou Xiao Die from Tai'an Hall who has arrived, but the leader of the Medicine Sect, Yi Xiao Die! We are here to fight for our lives; we will settle the accounts once we survive!

At that moment, Meng Xiaoxia and Fan Xiaoqian also came out

He sighed, "She is quite clever, having deduced that the sect leader may not fear poison. If poison were to be given to him, it would likely be in vain. Therefore, taking this risk at the last moment—the sect leader has accumulated a great deal of poison within him, which has always been mutually restraining, allowing him to remain unharmed. Let her antidote neutralize a few types, and the other poisons will naturally surge and erupt all at once—the sect leader has always been unwilling to suffer losses, forcing Xiaodie to suffer from the poison attacking her heart and lungs, merely as a deliberate act of revenge." At this point, Xin You helplessly shook his head, "If it weren't for Xiaodie breaking the rules first, he wouldn't have been so willful."

Onlookers were unaware of what they were up to, only seeing Jingyuan pinching Xiaodie under her chin, his face full of frivolity, as he smiled and said: "The neck of Sect Master Yi is so fair, without a single scar—"

Xin You held the black wooden medicine box in front of Xiao Die, not daring to make eye contact with her

Before the meeting in Mianzhou, the term "jianghu" was merely a reference for Xiaodie to the factions that sold medicine, forming alliances and competing with one another. Her knowledge of these factions was limited, all of which were involved in dispensing medicine, and ultimately, they were all absorbed by the Poison Sect. Therefore, it is not surprising that such misunderstandings arose. As for the other factions, in Xiaodie's mind, they were no longer the legendary heroes who swept across the world, but rather exaggerated local tyrants.

Upon seeing the four individuals, the old man in the white robe said in a loud voice: "The Poison Sect's Yao Hui respectfully welcomes Ren ... ... Ren ... ... "

Xin You watched it four or five times, nodded slightly, and summoned the three elders to personally prepare a medicinal soup for Xiao Die to take.

Xiao Die shook her head, expressing her lack of confidence. "It's difficult to decipher," she said, "Jing Yuan truly lives up to being a generation's leader; the poison he concocted is impeccable. Without a prescription, I genuinely fear that in a million attempts, I might overlook a single ingredient..."

Xiao Die pouted, losing her confidence, "Alright, alright, why do I feel that ever since I became the leader, it seems like our roles have reversed? In the past, whatever I said, you wouldn't dare to say 'no'! Now, you are actually lecturing me..."

Xin You watched as the purple line on Jing Yuan's abdomen gradually retreated from his heart, and only then did he wipe away the thin layer of cold sweat on his forehead, letting out a sigh. "The sect master is fine now." He fastened Jing Yuan's clothing and nodded to the three elders, who then exited the elegant room.

"If the sect master were that ruthless, would you all still be alive to speak here?" Xin You glanced at them, "Moreover, the sect master is also risking his life, which is quite fair."

"Master," Xin You said in a lowered voice, "Xiao Die is completely guileless; it would be difficult to misinterpret this. There is likely something we are unaware of in this matter. Master, do not let these trivialities distract you; leave it to us."

Both individuals calmly swallowed the pills

You, huh—" Xiao Feng poked Xiao Die on the forehead, "Why are you deliberately trying to pick a fight with Senior Sister? Are you not satisfied with the chaos between us already?"

Jingyuan looked at Xiaodie’s solemn and composed face, feeling a mix of surprise and disappointment: she did not hysterically accuse everyone of deceiving her with tears of anguish; nor did she grit her teeth and completely deny the beautiful yet false life of the past; even more so, she did not hypocritically smile and pretend that everything was fine... How interesting! She is truly becoming more and more intriguing!

I, I didn't make a mistake—" he hurriedly inserted a golden needle into Xiaodie’s acupoint, using incense and applying ointment, finally managing to make Xiaodie open her eyes, glare at him, and then fall back into a drowsy sleep...

No one answered

"Does the sovereign truly intend to take Miss Xiaodie’s life?" Zhao Xing, the master of the Ice Thunder Hall, furrowed his brows and scratched his head, "Is this really necessary?"

What kind of memory does she have? It has only been two months since their parting in Yongzhou, how could a lively person who had such pleasant conversations with her brother vanish so quickly from her mind? Not to mention her, even that Xu Xiaofeng looks utterly bewildered—apparently, he is so insignificant in their eyes that he is not even worth remembering

Jing Yuan's expression changed rapidly, alternating between white and blue several times before he steadied his mind and coldly snorted: "Master Yi truly has many important matters to forget! Is it possible that a significant issue like the 'Black Banana Case' is not on the Master’s mind?"

After a moment of silence, Madam Shui Jing, Zhang Yiniang, suddenly said: "It seems that the sect leader is fine. I just wonder how Miss Xiao Die is doing."

Xiao Die took a deep breath, allowing the coolness of the mountains to soothe her somewhat dazed mind. She raised her eyes and blinked several times, scrutinizing the celestial-like figure before her. After a moment, she awkwardly asked, "Who are you? Have we met before?"

What? Little Die frowned and muttered, "Is this the clothing of the three female attendants of the Poison Sect and Elder Shui? They... wouldn't have done something, would they? I really feel a bit uneasy—what if all my flesh falls off, or I shed a layer of skin... uh, disgusting... Let's not think too badly of people. That said, they are really wealthy! This outfit must cost no less than five taels of silver to make!" Let's not think too badly of people. That said, they are really wealthy! This outfit must cost no less than five taels of silver to make!

"Little, little butterfly girl," Yao Hui desperately blinked his eyes, as if his mouth could not keep up with the myriad thoughts in his mind. "You, you were expelled from the Medicine Sect, weren't you?"

Xiao Die walked up to Yao Hui, unsure whether to clasp her hands or perform a bow. She simply waved her sleeve and casually said: "Spare me the formalities, Master Yao. It's not our first meeting, so there's no need to be so polite. Our sect leader has changed—now the one in charge is Yi Xiao Die, which is me. By the way, I have changed my surname to 'Yi.'"

Xiao Die ground her teeth and stamped her foot, "So late! They really know how to put on airs!"

Why must the lord be so lacking in confidence? Do they really think they can easily obtain our medicine and unravel it?" Meng Xiaoxia pouted, "At worst, both sides will end up in a difficult situation, each offering an antidote, resulting in a draw—only the lord will have to suffer a bit.

A faint drizzle wafted down from the clouds, while the mountain breeze, carrying a chill, brushed past Xiaodie’s shoulders, causing her to shiver. Standing on the cliffs of Bibo, overlooking the continuous green sea of Cui Xiao Mountain, although it was refreshing to the heart, the persistent cold made Xiaodie, clad in thin garments, feel utterly miserable.

Ah—it's you! Jing, Jing, Jing..." Xiao Die's expression changed suddenly as she pointed at Jing Yuan's nose, pretending to be so angry that she couldn't speak (in fact, she had forgotten his name). Xiao Feng seized the opportunity to lean closer to her ear and reminded her: "Yuan!" "Jing Yuan!" Xiao Die raised her head, looking as if she would not back down from a fight, "So you are the leader of the Poison Sect, Xu Quan Zi? No wonder you tried to frame my brother for such a dangerous and futile act! What have we done to provoke you? You actually incited good citizens to commit crimes..."

Strange! Just now, I was still spitting blood. " Xiao Feng pouted, standing by Xiao Die's bedside, and said no more.

Yao Hui respectfully replied: "He is a master."

What is bone phosphate? What is the label? Little Die tugged at Xiao Feng's sleeve, not understanding at all what her brother was saying

Xiao Feng was like an ant on a hot pan, circling restlessly in front of Xiao Die's bed. Upon seeing them, he was not surprised at all, merely saying: "You’re here? Come and take a look, come and take a look!" — as if he were a peddler and Xiao Die was his merchandise

Xin You!" Jing Yuan's expression turned stern as he asked in a harsh voice: "While you were in Yongzhou, did you ever disclose any matters of our sect to Zhou Xiaodie?"

Xin Youyi clasped his hands and said sincerely, "We are old acquaintances"

"Indeed! However, that is an old matter." Xiao Die did not intend to elaborate, affectionately patting Yao Hui on the shoulder while casually wiping the mud from her hands onto his shoulder. "I don't know why, but seeing you makes me feel particularly close—encountering an acquaintance here truly helps to relax my mood. Although this was not arranged by the master of Xuquanzi for me, I still want you to thank him on my behalf."

Do you have a way?" Xiao Feng's eyes lit up as he seized the opportunity to ask further.

Xiao Feng noticed the unfriendly atmosphere between them and hurriedly approached, her face beaming with a smile. She took the umbrella from Xiao Xia's hand, saying, "Senior sister, let me take it!"

They are currently overwhelmed with work when Xin You suddenly arrives at the door with the three Grand Elders and the maid, E Nv.

Jingyuan waved his hand, interrupting him, "There is no need to mention such trivial matters. As long as it does not involve this confrontation, other issues are inconsequential. However, this 'Yi' Xiaodie, I truly cannot believe it: how could we all have misjudged? What kind of trick are this mother and daughter playing?"

The fundamental purpose of selling drugs is to make money, and of course, it does not require risking one's life. Therefore, the rumors circulating in the underworld about bloody storms and irreconcilable enmity are probably comparable to the level of hatred between quarreling shrews for Xiaodie

Rest assured, my lord

The child's temper! Xiao Feng poked Xiao Die on the forehead again and complained, "We are already at a disadvantage, and you can at least pretend to be 'harmonious and joyful' in front of the Poison Sect, doing a good job on the surface is already commendable. Why add to the chaos?"

Does she have a daughter? Jingyuan and Xinyou exchanged a smile, "Interesting! How capable do you think her daughter is?"

Jingyuan cupped his hands and said in a loud voice: "Since we are not unjustly condemned to death, why not begin testing the medicine! You, bring me my medicine box!"

Not everyone is as malicious as you! Xiao Die's voice was neither indignant nor angry, but rather increasingly calm. Since there has been a change today, we might as well speak openly to avoid leaving anyone confused even in death. Why did you have to insert these people around me?

It is true that they are old acquaintances, but it does not necessarily mean they have good intentions! Fan Xiaoqian glared at Xin You with resentment, refusing to take a step back.

No..." Xin You shook his head, his expression slightly changing, "It's just that, just before I left, I left a mark of the Cui Xiao Mountain Villa under the eaves. Those three old quacks in Yongzhou regard Xiao Die as a thorn in their side, and they have connections with the local Green Snake Society. I am afraid...

The three characters "Ren Zongzhu" were originally his prepared lines, but upon seeing Xiaodie, he could not hide his surprise, and the title "Zongzhu" was stuck in his throat, unable to come out.

On that day, a gentle drizzle lingered over Cuixiao Mountain, giving the verdant hills and emerald ravines a unique charm. The leader of the Medicine Sect, Yi Xiaodie, accompanied by her three attendants: Meng Xiaoxia, Fan Xiaoqian, and Fu Xiaofeng, crossed the outer mountains, often frequented by tourists, and headed straight towards the remote Chongling.

"Xiao Die? She is Ren Feiqing's daughter?" Jing Yuan raised an eyebrow. Could it be a scheme within a scheme? Was he plotting against Xiao Die, only to be outsmarted by Ren Feiqing and her daughter? Could it be that those seemingly naive siblings were, in fact, cunning foxes hiding their true nature?

Of course there are! Little Feng scratched his cheek and said, "I heard from my master that the leader of the Baicao Sect, Jing Xuetang, the master of the Canyue Villa, Li Can'e, the leader of the Poison Dragon Sect, Yu Xiang, and Madam Shuijing, Zhang Yiniang, are all women. You might not even be wearing someone else's clothes."

As they were speaking, a group of elegantly dressed men and women passed by the low trees and bamboo grove, coming from the path.

"Fu, Young Master Fu, why must you speak of others in such a sinister manner!" Li Can'e's face was pale. Her appearance and figure resembled that of a girl of about ten years old, her petite and delicate body trembling slightly in the mountain breeze, making her seem even more like a fragile being that could be swept away by the wind, evoking a sense of pity.

Alright! Xiao Die raised her eyebrows and said, "While we are at it, you might as well go tell that Xu Quan Zi of yours, just say that this young lady is waiting to experience his remarkable skills"

Xiao Die nodded slightly, smiled and said, "If I had not cured the poison of the envoy, I would not know what kind of situation I would be in today." She deliberately emphasized the first half of the sentence, seemingly wanting to make Qu Guang feel guilty and have a moment of conscience. This strategic tactic proved effective: Qu Guang lowered his head, unable to meet Xiao Die's gaze.

It is not that she does not want to speak, but rather that her vision is clouded in darkness, as if all the blood in her body has surged to her chest, making it difficult for her to breathe, while her heart feels as if it is being pierced by needles, causing unbearable pain

So it is..." Xiao Die twisted the belt of her clothes with both hands, quietly glanced at Jing Yuan, and asked: "What merit or capability do my siblings and I possess to warrant the labor of your esteemed selves?"

After passing through a grove of trees, an old man in a white robe was waiting on the path, holding an umbrella... His white robe was spotless, showing not a trace of dirt; his hair and beard were as pale and clean as his robe—compared to him, Xiao Die and her companions looked as if they had crawled over using all fours

A flicker of both surprise and anger seemed to pass through Jingyuan's eyes. Xiaodie smiled gently and said, "Did you notice?"

"Brother, what is going on?" Xiao Die asked softly in Xiao Feng's ear. Her mind was blank, and she couldn't figure out the meaning of the scene before her. Then she heard Xiao Feng chuckle and say: "I had a feeling that the so-called Cui Xiao Messenger was either you or Jun Ge. That symbol painted with beast bone phosphor under the eaves really helped us this time, and Fu Xiao Feng would like to thank you for that."

After a moment of silence, the owner of Cangyun Tower, Feng Jun, cleared his throat and sighed, "The sect leader has gone a bit too far this time. A competition is just a competition; why provoke Miss Xiaodie? If she gets too angry, it might drive the poison to her heart and lungs, which would be difficult to resolve"

Xiao Feng sat on the chair, lost in thought, and after a while waved her hand, saying: "Xiao Die, stop swaying! This outfit is dazzling my eyes! Truly, 'a person is judged by their clothes and a horse by its saddle'; when good clothes are worn, even a yellow-haired girl like you can become a beauty..."

Jingyuan pondered for a moment, and suddenly thought of something amusing, a mischievous smile reappearing at the corner of his mouth

This is also good—more interesting than I imagined. His bright eyes sparkled with delight, "I have always wondered: if I were to tell her face to face that her close-knit neighbors are all members of my poison sect, what expression would she have? Regardless of whether she has figured this out during her visit, I must grandly introduce her to my right-hand man—this is truly an interesting opportunity

In just ten short words, Jingyuan's smile froze rigidly on his face

Let us take a look at Miss Xiaodie. Li Can'e pushed Fan Xiaoqian with annoyance and said, She is already like this, why should we harm her further

Jingyuan smiled faintly and praised, "Very good! People say that Ren Feiqing was as bold and unrestrained as the heroes of the martial world in her youth. Today, having seen her daughter, I can confirm that these words are not false. Master Yi, allow me to introduce the attendants of our sect—these two must be well acquainted with you already, the Golden Light Envoy Yao Hui and the White Rainbow Envoy Qu Guang"

As soon as the soup was served, Xiao Die's expression seemed to calm down significantly

Jingyuan stood by the window as always, admiring the silk-like waterfalls and emerald mist in the rain, while Xinyou calmly sat beside him, sipping tea. When Yao Hui burst into this tranquil and serene scene, it truly disrupted the atmosphere.

Xin You hurriedly replied: "Not at all. Until we left, we never revealed our identities, let alone anything else"

The master of Ice Thunder Hall, Zhao Xing, Madam Shui Jing, Zhang Yi Niang, and the owner of Cang Yun Tower, Feng Jun, all appeared awkward, lowering their heads and not even greeting each other

Money, oh money—she cannot stray from this topic even for a moment... Xiao Feng sighed, not intending to engage further.

Jingyuan pondered for a moment and slowly said: "Then it is even more necessary to meet. You, You, this is your place; you should pay a visit to the daughter of the sect master and extend the hospitality of a host."

Ah! Little Xue!" Xiao Feng exclaimed in surprise as if he had discovered a new continent, "I believe these two beside you are the esteemed Master Jing of Baicao Gate and the esteemed Deputy Master Yu of Poison Dragon Chuan, correct? I am truly honored! My younger sister is rather thoughtless and has actually taken the liberty to trouble the distinguished master of the Canyue Mountain Villa. I hope you will be understanding.

Xiao Feng brushed off the fine droplets of water on his body and innocently replied: "That's right! With such a large road sign, if I were to misread it again, I would just jump down from here!"

Jing Yuan smiled, as if waiting to see her lose her composure, and replied calmly: "Without virtue or ability, just a bit interesting. Moreover, it is becoming increasingly interesting—I originally thought your brother was a fool, but unexpectedly this fool saw through the clues before you did. I originally thought you were arrogant and ignorant, but unexpectedly you are a hidden potential sect leader!"

Jingyuan and Xiaodie each finished their instructions and met again at the top of Bibo Cliff

"Master!" Meng Xiaoxia said with a stern face, coldly stating: "How can the Master bolster the ambitions of others? What is this talk of 'seizing territory'? This is not a matter of thugs fighting... As long as we are willing, subduing the Poison Sect would be as easy as pie."

Xin You nodded and continued: "The Snow Woman's attendant overheard from the disciples of the Medicine Sect: Xiao Die took the antidote out but left behind a poison. Therefore, they are now somewhat anxious, not knowing what to use to cure the poison in Xiao Die's body"

At the moment she leaned back, a gentle breeze supported Xiaodie from behind, preventing her from fainting

Xiao Feng noticed Xiao Die's serious expression and asked with concern: "Master, is there an antidote for his poison?"

"Look at the Poison Sect," Xiao Die exclaimed while climbing. "It turns out to be just an inconspicuous sect outside the borders, yet now they have even occupied such a good territory. Meanwhile, we have retreated all the way from Jiangnan to this remote corner of the border mountains"

"I wonder what the leader is thinking..." Feng Jun sighed, "Does he really want Xiao Die's life, or is it enough for him that Xiao Die just takes a fall? He says nothing, leaving us in the dark about how we might secretly lend a hand or offer support."

Caught in a trap!

Xiao Feng supported Xiao Die's waist, allowing her to stand steadily, and slowly walked up to Xin You, saying indifferently: "The Poison Sect truly values our brother and sister; not only has the Cuiliao Envoy appeared, but even the three Elders and Sect Master Jing have personally come to the fore..." He walked around behind Xin You and cupped his hands in greeting to the three Elders of the Poison Sect, Lei, Shui, and Yun, saying, "Uncle Zhao, Aunt Zhang, Brother Feng, how have you been?"

"Well said!" Jingyuan gently clapped his hands, "Then please introduce me to the esteemed disciples of your esteemed sect."

Xiao Die waved her hand, her face showing impatience, "Senior Sister, please don't preach to me about grand principles. Let's start with the small things and get the umbrella fixed first—look at me, I'm all wet! I still have to meet people, and this is how I look!"

Meng Xiaoxia deliberately lagged behind a few steps, feeling sullen

"Yes, yes." Yao Huinuo responded a couple of times, glanced at Xiaodie’s attire, and clasped his hands, saying: "Master Yi, the Cui Xiao Mountain Manor has prepared a modest banquet to welcome you. You may wish to accompany me to change into more suitable attire first."

"Ah Niu Ge... it's just a matter of rushing to death, why be in such a hurry?" Xiao Die's tone was vague as she slowly took out a small satin box from her bosom and handed it to Meng Xiao Xia, "I present my humble offering! Senior Sister, let the Sect Master Jing take a good look at the medicine, to avoid any suspicions in his mind."