Sword from the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 152 The Dragon Girl on the River Boat (Thanks to Ye Luo for the generous donation!)
Inside a large mansion next to the government office in Liuhe City.

A bonfire was burning brightly in the backyard, with several large pine logs crackling and sparking. In a big iron pot, a goose caught from the Chu River was stewing and bubbling.

In the depths of winter, stewed goose and roasted wine.

It’s really a unique feeling.

Zhou Yi traveled from Jiangdu through Yangzi County to Liuhe without giving prior notice.

Unexpectedly, we arrived at just the right time.

Du Fuwei pounded garlic into the pot, then added two neatly cut pine branches, and a look of ease, which was usually absent, appeared on his stern face.

"The Celestial Master should have informed us a few days in advance. Then we could have invited Military Advisor Xu and General Li to come together. Wouldn't it have been more lively if we had all come together?"

Du Fuwei smiled and handed over a ceramic wine cup.

While not as exquisite as the wine cups of the Dugu family, the bowls are deep and wide, adding to their grandeur.

"I didn't think that much about it. It's just that the end of the year is approaching, and I thought of you guarding the city here, so I came to wish you a happy new year in advance."

Zhou Yi smiled sincerely, his friendliness and gratitude towards Lao Du were heartfelt.

They grabbed the strong liquor that was roasting by the fire, poured it into two glasses, gestured to each other, and then drank it all down without leaving a drop.

Du Fuwei wiped a few drops of wine from his beard with his sleeve. He could sense Zhou Yi's feelings and sighed slightly.

“Brother, don’t take it to heart. I said before that as long as your abilities impressed me, I would become Miao Haichao. If Miao Haichao was willing to do so, how could I be a hypocrite? Looking at the current situation in Jianghuai, it is beyond what I could have imagined back then.”

Zhou Yi was about to pour more wine when Du Fuwei took the wine jar from his hand.

As he poured Zhou Yi more wine, he said, "Brother, please don't bring up those formalities anymore."

"it is good."

The two clinked glasses again, eating goose while chatting about things in Jiangdu.

Du Fuwei didn't know as much detail as Zhou Yi, and after listening to him, he was deeply moved.

Upon hearing that Fu Gongshi had died in the chaos of battle, Du Fuwei let out a sigh:
"Old Fu was stubborn and scheming, but he was a brother who had been with me through thick and thin. It's a pity that he didn't listen to advice and continued to associate with people from the Demonic Sect, which led to his current predicament."

“I had his body buried by a lotus pond.”

“He comes from the Heavenly Lotus Sect, which is quite fitting.”

Old Du shook his head and smiled: "That day, when Lao Fu left Yongfu, he severed all ties with me. Now that he has left with dignity, he still owes me a debt of gratitude. Du Fuwei has not wronged him."

It's absolutely true that I appreciate your kindness.

If it weren't for the relationship with Du Fuwei, Zhou Yi wouldn't have arranged for Fu Gongshi's body to be disposed of.

Old Du is mentally healthy now. The trauma from Li Zitong's betrayal wasn't that severe, and he didn't suffer a second betrayal from his good brother.

The foundation of the Jianghuai Army was ultimately provided by Du Mu, and Zhou Yi did not consider himself an ungrateful person.

Seeing that he is doing well now makes me feel at ease.

The two drank and chatted, finishing off the whole pot of stewed goose.

After the meal, Zhou Yi did not linger and set off on horseback.

Du Fuwei, along with Wang Xiongdan and Kan Leng, escorted him all the way to the west of Liuhe City until they could no longer see him.

Have you heard the news about Wagang Village?

Kan Leng grinned: "Dad is talking about the fight between Li Mi and Zhai Rang, right?"

Wang Xiongdan was an honest man, and at this moment his face was full of disgust: "Zhai Rang recommended Li Mi as the Duke of Wei, and he already had the intention of relinquishing the throne. Who knew that this man was heartless and had no tolerance for others, and had forgotten the kindness of Zhai Rang in taking him in."

"Bah~!"

He spat twice: "No matter how capable a person is, he's not worth following."

Du Fuwei laughed heartily and pointed to the spot in the west where the figure had disappeared: "Dad's judgment didn't disappoint you, did it?"

"It's natural."

“Li Mi owes money and has broken his promise. Now he is also immoral and unrighteous. How can he be compared with the Celestial Master?”

“That’s right, but I don’t know why the Celestial Master hasn’t raised the banner and declared himself emperor yet. Father should have asked him that earlier.”

Wang Xiongdan and Kan Leng both looked at Du Fuwei. Old Du pondered, "After Yang Guang died, news about the He Shi Bi spread in the Central Plains. 'By the mandate of Heaven, may his life be long and prosperous.' These eight characters are very fitting. Perhaps they wanted to get the He Shi Bi first."

He added with a laugh, "Of course, this is just my guess."

The three of them discussed this matter at length.

As the sun set, Zhou Yi rushed to Qingliu without stopping.

He intended to enter the city discreetly, but to his surprise, as soon as he reached the city walls, someone shouted, "The Grand Commander is entering the city! The Grand Commander is entering the city!"

With a loud bang, more than ten burly soldiers pulled the heavy city gates on both sides to their maximum extent.

A large contingent of people lined up to greet them.

The people at the front of the line were all bodyguards from Zhou Yi's dojo. They had practiced the Overlord Fire Qi, wore armor, and received spear training from Shan Xiongxin. They either carried silver spears or horse lances, looking fierce and imposing.

The entire army was in the same manner, with everyone standing ramrod straight.

At a glance, they are either masters of external cultivation or masters of internal energy cultivation.

The elite troops recruited by the Shangbu Camp were already superior to the elite troops from Guanzhong.

This was thanks to a good reputation; the vast majority of the martial arts practitioners who came to join them were skilled in martial arts.

The scale of the fundraising operation far exceeds that of when Lao Du started his business.

The military formation was set up, and a large number of people came to join in the fun, some of whom were local residents of Qingliu, and some who came later.

The people of Qingliu were very fond of this Grand Commander.

When the notorious bandit Langya ravaged the city, the people would close their doors tightly and turn off their lights early at night, living in constant fear.

We are now able to live and work in peace and contentment entirely thanks to the prestige of the Grand Commander.

As a result, many people stood on both sides of the long street, and some tea shop and innkeepers shouted and urged them on, while their shop assistants went to watch the excitement.

Upon seeing the commotion at the city gate, and then seeing Li Jing and Xu Xingzhi coming out to greet him, Zhou Yi guessed that they knew he was coming.

It's not surprising that Liuhe and Qingliu exchange information.

"Grand Commander!"

Zhou Yi glanced at them and said, "Let's go into the city."

Xu Xingzhi and Li Jing were now renowned figures in the Jianghuai region. Upon hearing the sound, the two immediately led the way.

Numerous gazes converged on them from all directions.

When the martial arts practitioners first saw that young face, they were amazed, recalling the various rumors circulating in the Jianghuai region.

Some young ladies and female warriors, captivated by his demeanor and appearance, stared at him for a long time without realizing it, only snapping out of their daze when he disappeared from sight.
"Why make such a big fuss?"

"This is the heartfelt enthusiasm of the people of Qingliu City. When our lord travels through the Jianghuai region, the people's hearts are all the same."

When Xu Xingzhi spoke, he glanced at Zhou Yi and saw that he just smiled slightly, as usual, which put his mind at ease.

With Yang Guang's death, those vying for power across the land became even more restless.

Ambitions grew wildly, and many declared themselves kings or emperors.

But his own wife remained remarkably calm.

In the Qingliu camp, the three sat down, and Zhou Yi casually posed a question: "Do you think we should go up on stage and raise the flag now?"

Xu Xingzhi didn't reply, but said to Li Jing, "The pharmacist speaks first."

Li Jing clasped his hands in a fist salute and said directly:
"The time is not a good time for the Celestial Master to raise his banner. In Weijun, Jiangdu, Dongdu, and Chang'an, there are relatives of Yang Guang vying for the throne. In addition, there are the emperors of Chu, Liang, and Western Qin, as well as the Khans Dingyang and Dadu Bijia appointed by the Turks. Under such circumstances, even if there were another emperor, it would not cause much of a stir."

There are countless people who harbor expectations of the Celestial Master; they care about the Celestial Master, not just the title. In this chaotic situation, it is precisely the time to accumulate strength and allow followers to build up their emotions. Then, a single call to arms will have the power to sweep across the land.

"The pharmacist is right."

Xu Xingzhi continued, "Raising the flag now is secondary; our lord should go straight to Bashu."

"Oh? What message did you receive this time?"

Xu Xingzhi took out two letters, one opened and the other unopened.

"This was sent by Lu Zushang from Yiyang."

Zhou Yi immediately realized that Lu Zushang had not been able to find him, so he sent the letters here. The letter to Xu Xingzhi was written by Lu Zushang, while the one to him was from Song Yinzi.

I took it apart and took a look.

Both letters mention Yuan Tiangang.

With the strong support of Song Yinzi and his fellow Daoist friends, Yuan Tiangang also replied, informing them of his current place of residence.

This is enough to demonstrate his goodwill.

"have a look."

Zhou Yi handed them another letter, and Li Jing and Xu Xingzhi both showed joy after reading it.

"The Bashu region is controlled by three major forces: Duzunbao, the Sichuan Gang, and the Ba Alliance. Leaving aside Duzunbao for now, the relationship between Fan Zhuo, the leader of the Sichuan Gang, and Master Yuan is quite close."

Zhou Yi asked curiously, "Tell me about it."

Xu Xingzhi doesn't keep you in suspense:
"Fan Zhuo once had a friend named Du Yan. This man heard that Emperor Wen liked to employ hermits, and learned that Su Wei had been recruited while living in seclusion. So he sought fame and reputation and lived in seclusion in Mount Taibai. As a result, he was disliked by Emperor Wen and exiled. During his exile, he ran into Fan Zhuo, and later encountered Yuan Tiangang."

Du Yan requested guidance, and seeing his sincerity, Yuan Tiangang examined his face, also taking the opportunity to look at Fan Zhuo's features. Afterwards, one returned to his hometown to become an official, while the other avoided the dangers of the martial world and went to Sichuan, where he became a prominent figure in the Sichuan martial arts world. Master Yuan had done Fan Zhuo a great favor; if he were to speak, he could certainly influence Fan Zhuo's attitude.

So that's how it was.

Du Yan, isn't he Du Ruhui's uncle?
As Zhou Yi was pondering, he suddenly saw Xu Xingzhi reveal a meaningful smile: "Chief Fan has a beautiful daughter named Fan Caiqi. Why don't you show off your charm and win her heart, my lord? You'll have both the woman and the opportunity, wouldn't that be wonderful?"

Li Jing listened from the side without showing any unusual expression.

Xu Xingzhi had already mentioned this "handsome man" tactic.

Zhou Yi gave him an annoyed look: "Tell me about Bameng again."

"The Bayannur League is mainly composed of the Qiang, Yao, Miao, and Yi ethnic groups, and has four chieftains. They have some trade relations with the Western Turks. The Tongyagu of the Western Turks has never been a match for the Khagan Jieli in the east, after all, Jieli has the support of the Wuzun. Therefore, the Western Turks want to use neighboring forces to deal with Jieli, and the best candidate is the Li clan of Guanzhong."

Therefore, the Bayannur League, which had some dealings with the Western Turks, also had a more favorable impression of the Li family.

Xu Xingzhi changed the subject: "However, the Yao tribe leader, Meiji Sina, is the beloved disciple of Tongtian Shenmu. The major powers of the Ba Alliance have great respect for Tongtian Shenmu's spiritual medium abilities. My lord is knowledgeable in Yin and Yang. If you can subdue Shenmu, the attitude of the Ba Alliance may change."

Xu Xingzhi then gave a detailed account of the situation of the various ethnic groups in Bayannur.

Of the three major powers, only the Sovereign Fortress remains.

They had close ties with the Song Clan of Lingnan, but Zhou Yi knew that even if Song Que wrote a letter to the Martial Arts Judge himself, it would be useless.

As soon as the successor of Cihang Jingzhai arrives, Jie Hui will be able to betray him immediately.

This guy is Fan Qinghui's biggest simp; no amount of in-law relationship matters.

"I'll go to Jiujiang to find Ren Shaoming first, and then I'll go to Bashu to take a look."

Zhou Yi tapped the table lightly: "I'll know Fellow Daoist Yuan's attitude once I meet him."

Li Jing and Xu Xingzhi both nodded in agreement, and the two suggested that they first send someone to Bashu to gather information.

Zhou Yi naturally agreed.

He wasn't very confident about this trip to Sichuan and Chongqing.

Although Yuan Tiangang had been kind to Fan Zhuo, this Taoist master would probably not be able to repay the favor, and Zhou Yi was unwilling to do so either.

In short, it's a great idea to visit Sichuan and Chongqing first, even if it's just touring the Three Gorges.

After discussing the affairs of Sichuan and Chongqing, they moved on to the next moves of the Jianghuai Army.

Du Fuwei led his army to expand northward, while Shan Xiongxin, whom Xu Xingzhi had transferred, first targeted Xuyi, then Pengliang.
Li Jing and Xu Shiji dealt with Lin Shihong and Xiao Xian.

The first target was Danyang County.

Danyang County is still under the rule of the Sui Dynasty. The soldiers were transferred to Jiangdu by Yuchi Sheng, and few remain.

After learning from Zhou Yi that Jiangdu intended to attack Li Zitong, Li Jing had already set his sights on Jiankang City.

After only two days in Qingliu City, Zhou Yi received a message from the Giant Kun Gang.

Without delay, he left two letters for Xu Xingzhi, instructing him to have them delivered to Pegasus Ranch and Nanyang.

After that, they set off for Liyang.

Firstly, it was convenient to take a boat from Liyang Wharf, and secondly, it was to visit Xu Shiji.

Li Jing and Xu Xingzhi had a very high opinion of Xu Shiji, praising his strong abilities and his extremely hard work.

Yong'an Commandery, Anlu Commandery, Liyang Commandery
After his arrival, he was involved in all three combat operations.

The two men were unaware that he intended to repay his debts, and simply assumed that this was his true nature.

Next, when the attack on Jiankang was imminent, he stayed in Liyang, waiting at the front line.

Xu Shiji, knowing of Zhou Yi's arrival, also lined up to welcome him, just like in Qingliu City.

Zhou Yi's first visit to Liyang City caused a huge sensation.

Looking at the people on both sides of the street, I thought to myself that I should keep a low profile next time.

"Has Maogong had a pleasant time here?"

"I feel at ease knowing I have something to do every day."

"Is there any difference between Jianghuai and Xingyang?"

Xu Shiji said frankly, "Jianghuai is peaceful and prosperous, with few bandits and thieves. The Celestial Master is very popular with the people."

Zhou Yi glanced at him: "Have you heard about the recent events at Wagang Village?"

Xu Shiji sighed, clearly disheartened by Li Mi's ruthlessness. However, since they had worked together, he kept his unpleasant thoughts to himself.

"I only hope to make a name for myself in Jiangnan and pay off my debt to Luo Yan. My lord, please rest assured that I have no more thoughts about Li Mi."

Zhou Yi smiled and patted him on the shoulder.

The general's attitude in repaying his debts is commendable.

It was getting dark, and there was no rush to continue the journey, which gave Ren Shaoming an advantage, allowing him to live another day.

The next day.

Zhou Yi boarded a boat on the north bank of Liyang County. The area was close to the Wujiang River, and the place where Xiang Yu, the King of Western Chu, slit his throat was within sight.

As the three-story ship set sail, he stood on the first deck, looking up behind him from the gunwale.

A cold mist shrouded the river, oblivious to the people around them.

They simply assumed it was a fellow passenger casually observing them.

Just then, footsteps sounded rapidly on the shore, and a tall, straight figure arrived at the shore, leaped up, crossed the four-zhang-wide river, and boarded the large ship.

The man was carrying a bundle on his back and holding a folding fan.

Despite it being the dead of winter, after boarding the boat, he disregarded the biting river wind, unfolded his fan, and waved it gracefully.

just
Upon seeing something, the flamboyant young man with an extraordinary air paused in his fanning motion, a look of surprise spreading across his face.

He waved his folding fan again and recited: "Do not lament the separation of mountains and rivers, for there will be a time when we meet again. Indeed, we will meet again anywhere in life."

"Brother Zhou!"

Zhou Yi looked delighted, as if he had seen a benefactor: "It's been a long time, Brother Hou, you still look as dashing as ever."

"Hey, don't be so harsh on me, Hou."

Hou Xibai stepped forward: "In terms of style, how can I compare to Brother Zhou?"

"How was your trip to the Eastern Capital?"

Zhou Yi asked with a smile, "Have you found the Holy Maiden Cihang?"

"That's exactly what I was going to tell you."

"Oh?"

Hou Xibai felt a surge of competitive spirit: "The Holy Maiden has agreed to the appraisal. We just need the three of us to gather together. At that time, I, Hou, will show my true skills and win back this city."

Zhou Yi frankly said, "To be honest, Brother Hou, I also know the Holy Maiden."

"It doesn't matter."

Hou Xibai's face remained calm: "Master Fairy is truly simple and honest. Even if she knows Brother Zhou, she will certainly be fair." After Hou Xibai finished speaking, he looked at Zhou Yi's expression.

Seeing his 'prepared for a major battle' look, he couldn't help but stroke the small mustache on his chin, feeling a bit smug.

In terms of painting skills, how could Hou Xibai be inferior to others?

The first two failures were not due to a lack of skill.

"Alright, let's settle this once we see the Holy Maiden."

Zhou Yi then asked, "By the way, how come Brother Hou is here?"

Actually, I came to see you.

Hou Xibai patted the package on his back; he had even brought his painting tools.

"Some time ago, the Fairy Master emerged from seclusion. I heard that she will soon be heading to Sichuan and Chongqing. So I thought I would invite you to join us there. When we return, we can travel together through the Three Gorges, enjoy the scenery, and paint together. Wouldn't that be a great pleasure in life?"

"Wonderful."

Zhou Yi readily agreed and was about to discuss it further when he suddenly heard footsteps coming from behind him.

The two turned around and saw a handsome young man in white strolling towards the ship's side with an incredibly graceful posture.

The young man's face was as flawless as white jade, his eyes sparkling with intelligence, and his thin lips were a deep red. His dark hair was tied up, but a few strands escaped, fluttering in the river breeze and stirring up the misty fog. She was enveloped in the fog, her ethereal and peerless beauty captivating and soul-stirring.

She wasn't dressed like a typical young woman, which only added to her allure and charm.

The young lady, disguised as a man, seemed not to see the two of them. She simply stood on the port side, gazing at the lonely pavilion on the Wujiang River, her eyes filled with melancholy, the endless Yangtze River reflected in her gaze.

Zhou Yi was stunned, and Young Master Hou was dumbfounded.

He almost mistook her for the Holy Maiden Cihang.

But she looked completely different; who would have thought that such a stunning beauty existed in the world?

As a successor of the Huajian School, he not only understands the arts of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, but also has a deep love and appreciation for flowers.

Hou Xibai laughed heartily and turned to look at Zhou Yi.

"Brother Zhou, this is a matter of fate, ordained by Heaven."

Seeing him fiddling with the package, Zhou Yi couldn't help but ask, "Do you want to have a drawing contest with me?"

"Exactly."

"With this beautiful river view in the dead of winter and my beloved by my side, how could I possibly let it go to waste?"

Hou Xibai's words did make sense, and Zhou Yi didn't want to spoil the mood: "Alright, we'll do as you say."

"But what if Brother Hou loses again?"

"Hou will pay another five hundred taels of gold."

Hou Xibai was quite wealthy and spoke with great gusto, but he was surprised to see Zhou Yi shake his head.

"Brother Zhou, are you going to raise the price again?"

"No, it's just that I need Brother Hou's help."

"What's the deal?"

"Putting that aside, for Brother Hou, this matter is neither immoral nor against the will of Heaven, and it is also a simple favor."

Hou Xibai believed in Zhou Yi's character and was even more confident that he would not lose.

He was determined to win back his pride.

"it is good!"

He took out the brocade, paintbrush, and paint from the package one by one.

The girl was dressed in white, using chalk and clam shell powder as pigments.

Many passengers on the ship turned their gazes toward it, looking at it with curiosity.

There are many strange people in this world. They are just painting, and most people look at them a few times and then look away.

The young man in white neither looked at them nor left.

She seemed completely unaware that the two men had used her as the subject of their paintings.

Zhou Yi painted faster, while Hou Xibai worked more diligently. When he stopped painting, he glanced at Zhou Yi's work, and his smile deepened.

As usual, Zhou Yi did not draw any people.

Hou Xibai has suffered two defeats and is familiar with his style.

"Brother Zhou, I'm afraid you're going to lose."

Zhou Yi's expression turned serious: "Don't be too happy yet."

“It’s not that I, Hou, am not steady enough, but rather that Brother Zhou’s painting is too unrealistic, losing its suspense too early. This inevitably makes me wonder if Brother Zhou has run out of ideas.”

After Hou Xibai finished speaking, he saw Zhou Yi shaking his head repeatedly.

"Brother Hou, we have different perspectives on things."

Hou Xibai laughed: "If what Brother Zhou says is true, and I am utterly defeated today, I will jump off this ship."

Why bother?

Just as Zhou Yi was about to try to persuade him again, the wealthy young master pointed at his painting: "Why did you paint a white dragon? Moreover, your dragon is strange and has no majesty or domineering presence at all."

On the brocade, there was a bewitching white dragon with big eyes.

To be honest...

Zhou Yi recalled the past: "Downstream from Yangzijiang, I once mistakenly entered the Dragon Palace at the bottom of the river and participated in the Dragon King's banquet. When I saw this girl, I guessed that she came from the Dragon Palace and was perhaps the Dragon King's daughter."

"Otherwise, she wouldn't have kept looking at the river."

Hou Xibai waved his folding fan: "Tales of gods and ghosts are common in the world, but they can only be listened to as stories. If she really is a dragon girl, then I, Hou, have no reason to lose."

After saying this, he invited Zhou Yi to walk towards the girl in white.

As soon as the two approached, the girl glared at them.

Her voice was cool and clear: "What advice do you two gentlemen have for me?"

Zhou Yi didn't speak, but Hou Xibai, with a warm smile, said "Excuse me."

Then quickly explain your purpose.

The girl in white nodded slightly: "I can appraise your paintings, but I am not good at it and will only do so based on my own preferences."

"It's more than enough to satisfy a girl's preferences."

Hou Xibai was extremely confident and took out his painting.

His painting skills were superb, vividly depicting the beautiful woman by the boat on the brocade, blending her with the misty river and the scenery on both banks, creating a picture of a pure and beautiful woman amidst the river and sky.

Faced with such artistry, and realizing that the person in the painting was herself, how could the woman not be overjoyed?

But
Hou Xibai's expression changed, and his heart pounded in his chest.

The girl in white picked up the painting as if it were a blade of grass, without lingering or admiring it for a moment. The painting only stayed in her hand for a few breaths before she cruelly returned it to Hou Xibai.

"Your painting is nice, but I don't like it."

Hou Xibai wanted to ask why, but she had already taken Zhou Yi's painting.

With just one glance, a bright smile suddenly appeared on that icy face, as if she had obtained a rare treasure.

Hou Xibai had seen countless beauties and knew she wasn't faking it.

This was even more unbearable for him.

As if sensing his pain, the heavens sent down glistening snowflakes.

Snowflakes are falling, and the world is filled with a gentle, refreshing breeze.
The grieving young master Hou overheard the girl in white saying to Zhou Yi:
"Young master, I really like this painting. May I have it?"

"Okay, it's yours."

Hou Xibai glanced at the girl in white again; she held the painting close, clearly delighted with it.

"Brother Zhou, I've lost. What do you want me to do?"

Zhou Yi patted him on the shoulder to comfort him: "Brother Hou is going to Sichuan anyway, so please do me a favor while you're at it."

"Please say."

Zhou Yi smiled slightly:
"The leader of the Sichuan Gang in Bashu has a beautiful daughter named Fan Caiqi. Brother Hou, please show your talent. I will have an easier time speaking in the Sichuan Gang with your help. I am completely unfamiliar with Bashu."

"I see."

Upon hearing about the Sichuanese gang, Hou Xibai immediately understood what Zhou Yi was up to.

"Okay, I will try my best to become good friends with Miss Fan."

After speaking, he couldn't help but ask the girl in white:

"Young lady, are you the Dragon Maiden of the River?"

Before the girl in white could speak, her eyes sparkled, like an elf in the snowy landscape, untouched by the colors of the mortal world.

Hou Xibai laughed heartily:
"Brother Zhou, the world is full of wonders. I'm off to find the Dragon Palace."

Before he finished speaking, he used his flower-themed movement technique to leap into the river.

"Brother Hou, wait a moment!"

Zhou Yi reached out to pull him back, but Hou Xibai kept his word and refused to back down, plunging into the river with a splash.

Beneath the icy river water, the wealthy young man looked up at the boat.

He discovered.
The Dragon Girl in the River and Zhou Yi suddenly got very close, almost touching.

Hehe, in this world, only Fairy Master is the ultimate fairness.

Hou Xibai let his body sink into the water, as if he were searching for the Dragon Palace at the bottom of the river.
Why did he jump?

"It's all your fault. His paintings are actually very good. If you had just given him a few words of comfort, he wouldn't have broken down like this."

"No."

Wanwan resolutely refused: "It's his fault for insisting on gesturing to you in front of others. I've already been very lenient. It would be better if he jumped into the river, then you could be alone with him."

Zhou Yi saw from afar that people were getting off the river as the large ship passed by.

He smiled and asked, "Did you pass on the news from Jiangdu to me?"

"of course."

Wanwan looked at the painting again, her eyes sparkling with joy: "I heard from Lin Shihong's people that you appeared at Linjiang Palace, so I guessed that you were in the Dugu family. That disguise technique is amazing, there is no flaw in it, but I know that Mr. Zhou must be you."

Thinking of how she had been quietly helping him in Jiangdu City, Zhou Yi spoke gently: "Back at Chengxiang Palace, I couldn't control your magic field properly that day. I hope I didn't hurt you."

"That's so touching. Are you genuinely concerned about them?"

Wanwan held the painting scroll and smiled charmingly.

Suddenly, her smile turned into a look of grievance: "I wasn't injured at Chengxiang Hall, but I was injured by the young lady of the Dugu family. That day, when the people from the Great Ming Venerable Sect came to kill us, I just wanted to go see you, but who knew that the young lady of the Dugu family would be so fierce."

Zhou Yi chuckled, knowing she was joking.

How did you get here?

"Similar to that amorous young master, he was looking for you, but I was waiting for you. I guessed that after you left Jiangdu, you would definitely come to Qingliu. I waited for a long time and finally heard news of you."

Wanwan played with a few snowflakes, her expression innocent and carefree: "It's been almost a year since we parted ways in Nanyang. Now that we've finally met again, how could I be content if we didn't exchange a single word?"

Zhou Yi glanced at her, and Wanwan looked back without flinching.

It was as if she wanted him to see clearly that she hadn't lied.

He then took Zhou Yi's hand and poured all the snowflakes he had caught into his palm.

She was just playing around; the snowflakes were scattered and didn't have any special meaning.

But everyone knew that she was in a very good mood at that moment.

Zhou Yi clenched his fist, urging the frost-like cold energy to solidify the snowflakes, making them resemble thin, ice-colored butterflies.

"When you are in Jiangdu, you can send someone to tell me where you are and I will come to see you."

Wanwan frowned in distress, but the corners of her lips curled up slightly: "Won't Miss Dugu be angry?"

"Okay, then you can wait patiently."

Zhou Yi casually replied, urging the strong wind to blow the butterfly in his hand into the frosty sky.

Wanwan reached out and grabbed it back.

Her eyes were smiling, completely unconcerned about Zhou Yi's slightly cold words just now.

"I have some news for you. My master will be coming out of seclusion soon."

Where is the Queen of the Underworld?

Poyang Lake.

After thinking for a moment, Zhou Yi suddenly remembered Lin Shihong: "Is Lin Shihong practicing the Purple Blood Technique?"

"As expected of the Holy Emperor, he can even see through this."

Seeing his curiosity, Wanwan didn't beat around the bush:

"The world is unpredictable, and our sect's elders felt immense pressure. Therefore, they extensively excavated the tombs of the Demonic Sect's predecessors. In an unnamed tomb, they discovered this incomplete scroll of a great technique and the origin of this secret method."

"The Purple Blood Technique was created by the sages of the Demonic Sect. Their original intention was to create a martial art comparable to the Demon Seed of the Dao Heart. This technique has lofty aspirations. It can refine the Yin energy of heaven and earth into the body, temper the body, integrate it into the bone marrow, and even turn the blood purple. All the elders tried to practice this technique, but only Lin Shihong had the talent and mastered it."

"but."

"Lin Shihong's skill was originally only inferior to Master's in our sect. I didn't expect that after he practiced the Purple Blood Technique, he was still no match for you."

Her eyes were full of curiosity as she asked, "Just how far has the Holy Emperor cultivated his Dao Heart Demon Seed?"

Zhou Yi said, "I practice Laozi's Thoughts on You, not the Demonic Seed in the Heart of the Dao."

Wanwan didn't argue with him, but instructed him, "I met Master once before, and she is very different from before. If you see her next time, don't make a move. Otherwise, even if you manage to escape, Master will hunt you down, and you won't be able to accomplish anything else."

"Has the Empress Yin mastered the Heavenly Demon Great Art: Reincarnation Chapter?"

"Ah."

Wanwan said, "The change in power is secondary; the change in spirit is perhaps greater. Master was trapped in the seventeenth level of the Heavenly Demon Great Art for many years, and always regretted what happened back then. Now that he has succeeded, he has also cut off all the regret of those decades."

Zhou Yi knew very well what this meant.

She is at the level of a martial arts grandmaster, whether she is a Yin Empress or a contemporary martial arts grandmaster.

"Let's find a quiet place later, and I'll help you practice."

Wanwan looked at him earnestly: "I came to find you not to practice martial arts. Do you believe what people say?"

Zhou Yi shook his head:

“You helped me in Jiangdu, how could I turn a blind eye?”

After hearing this, the girl's eyes were filled with seductive allure: "So what are you going to do now?"

"Oh, nothing, just going to collect a debt."

Wanwan became interested: "Where to?"

Zhou Yi thought for a moment and then didn't hide it from her: "Go to Jiujiang."

"I understand, you need to go find Ren Shaoming."

……

Two days later, the two passed through the many passes set up by the Chu Emperor and entered Jiujiang City.

Then, they easily found Chunzailou, the largest brothel in the city.

"Ren Shaoming is infatuated with Huo Qi, the popular aunt in the show, and I'm also curious about what she looks like."

"Come on, Yi-ge, let's go to a brothel."

The vixen, dressed as a man, led Zhou Yi into the brothel with a smile.
……

(End of this chapter)