Sword drawn from the constellations, poison as its edge.

Chapter 199 Dividing Forces for a Surprise Attack
"A'Zhu didn't catch up with Brother Xiao? She went to Shaolin on her own?"

After hearing what Abi said, Jiang Mingzhe frowned.

Although he had only known A'Zhu for a short time, he could roughly tell that A'Zhu's free-spirited personality was exactly the same as A'Zi's.

No, they were all made from the same mold.

The only difference is that Azi grew up in the Xingxiu Sect, where she saw and heard mostly despicable and evil things, which made her even more lawless in her actions.

Although Azhu is better than Azi, she is still a very proactive contestant.

If she had found Xiao Feng and followed him, that would have been fine. But now she's become a runaway husky, and it wouldn't be surprising if she caused any trouble.

He pulled Murong Fu aside and said, “Brother, A’Zhu is a free spirit. The martial arts world is currently turbulent and full of dangers. If something happens to her, you will be able to carry out your great cause, which will reduce the bond between you and Brother Xiao. It’s more of a curse than a blessing.”

Murong Fu slammed his left fist into his right palm, gritting his teeth as he said, "This girl has been spoiled rotten by me. She's been the most mischievous since she was little, but she's never really known the dangers of the martial world. If something happens to her, not only will you, Brother Xiao, be angry with Prince Duan for not taking good care of her."

Jiang Mingzhe said, "That's right. Moreover, from what I've seen along the way today, many martial artists carrying swords and knives are heading to Zhongzhou. Once the news about Pumen Temple and the Azure Dragon Gang spreads, I'm afraid many people will try to make things difficult for us! Our group consists of men and women, monks and laypeople, so it's easy to tell us apart. I'm afraid we'll face many difficulties ahead."

Murong Fu exclaimed in shock, "Isn't that exactly right? Oh dear, I know why Xiao A'Zhu couldn't catch up with Xiao Feng. It must be because Xiao Feng also sensed something was wrong, or changed his route, or disguised himself and went into hiding."

Jiang Mingzhe was startled, thinking to himself, "That's right! Even my foolish brother Fu has a brilliant idea!"
Although A'Zhu was lively, she was indeed clever and quick-witted. She chased after Xiao Feng across the river but lost him, which shows that Xiao Feng was already on guard.

Boss Xiao is not some stubborn man who cares too much about saving face. In the original story, he had A'Zhu disguise him. Although A'Zhu is not here now, with his experience in the martial arts world, it is not a big problem for him to sneak into the village and avoid being shot.

He immediately said, "As expected of my brother Murong, you are indeed insightful! Brother Xiao must be acting in this way. Since that's the case, we don't need to fight our way through. Firstly, it will reduce casualties and make it easier to win people's hearts later. Secondly, it will save us time. Why don't we split up and launch a surprise attack?"

Upon hearing the words "divide the troops" and "surprise attack," Murong Fu's spirits immediately lifted, and he exclaimed with delight, "Good! Let's do it!"

He immediately told everyone what the two had discussed. Kumārajīva listened and laughed, "As a monk, it is indeed conspicuous for me to walk with you. I might as well travel alone and pretend to be a wandering monk in the Central Plains. I will not be called Kumārajīva along the way, but will be called Iron Boat Dharma King!"

As he spoke, he patted the iron boat behind him.

However, during the battle with the Green Dragon Gang, he seized An Tuozi's iron boat and became so fond of it that he washed it clean when crossing the river and would play with it whenever he had free time, saying that he intended to create a new martial art.

Duan Yu quickly said, "Then I'll go with Abi! We'll pretend to be siblings!"

Abi blushed and whispered, "But I am the young master's maid, how can I not take care of him?"

Duan Yu immediately said, "Then I'll restyle my hair in two buns, buy a set of page clothes, and pretend to be Brother Murong's page! One of us will be a page, and the other a maid; we'll complement each other perfectly."

Jiang Mingzhe was stunned. He wasn't surprised by Duan Yu's quick wit, but he was surprised that Duan Yu blurted it out without thinking!
Murong Fu was also stunned for a moment, then quickly waved his hand: "No, no, Brother Duan is a prince of the royal family, how can he be so self-deprecating? Absolutely not! I will make the decision. Abi, when you're traveling the world, do you need anyone to serve you? You can pretend to be Brother Duan's brother and sister, or whatever..."

Before he could finish speaking, Duan Yu grabbed him and said sincerely, "Brother Murong, Abi is loyal to her master. If you don't let her come with you, she will worry about you every day, and I will feel bad for her too. Don't worry about it. Just let me be your page. We are men of great character. What is there to talk about rank? If I become your page, will you not consider me a brother?"

Jiang Mingzhe was amazed.

Abi was taken aback by Duan Yu's words. She stared at him in astonishment, tears welling in her eyes, and whispered, "Young Master Duan, I'm just a little girl. How could I deserve such treatment from you?"

Upon hearing this, Duan Yu's blood rushed to his head, and his face immediately turned red. He shouted, "What do you mean by 'worth it'? When that big monk wanted to capture and kill me, and you helped me escape, why didn't you say whether it was worth it or not? You are a little girl, and I am just a little page. At worst, I'll let my father have another son to be the heir, and I will stay with you in Jiangnan forever."

Deng Baichuan sighed and shook his head, saying, "It's true that it's easy to find a priceless treasure, but hard to find a loving man. Abi, I've watched you grow up, and now that you've met such a good man, it truly makes me very happy."

Abi's face turned even redder, and she lowered her head, unable to speak. Zhong Ling chuckled and said, "That's right! When you were injured before, Duan Xiaoyu was heartbroken. He was beaten all over but didn't complain of pain, but when he saw you injured, he was ready to die. Little Abi, Duan Xiaoyu has already touched your belly, so you might even be pregnant. Just be a good girl and become the heir apparent of the Prince of Zhennan's mansion, hahaha!" Abi was both embarrassed and surprised. She subconsciously touched her lower abdomen and was about to speak when she saw Murong Fu laughing loudly.

"Hahaha, very good, very good, Abi, you and Azhu have been with me since childhood. Although you are mistress and servant in name, in my heart you are no different from my own sisters. I am truly happy to have such a virtuous brother-in-law!"

Abi suddenly raised her head, her eyes filled with tears, and looked at Murong Fu, saying, "Young Master, do you truly consider Abi a sister in your heart?"

Murong Fu raised three fingers and swore an oath in front of everyone: "The bond between brother and sister is as clear as the sun and moon. If I have uttered any falsehood, may Heaven..."

"Don't!"

Before he could finish speaking, Duan Yu and Abi simultaneously covered his mouth. Their hands touched, and they recoiled as if they had touched hot coals. They subconsciously exchanged a glance, their eyes reddening as they turned away.

Abi smiled, tears streaming down her face: "Alright, since Young Master Duan says so, then this servant will go with Young Master Duan."

Zhong Ling clapped her hands and said, "That's right! Although Duan Xiaoyu is a bit clumsy, Abi is smart. Duan Xiaoyu, you must not let others capture you again. You must protect your princess well!"

Duan Yu nodded happily and patted the sword at his waist: "If anyone dares to offend Abi, I'll kill them all without hesitation!"

Jiang Mingzhe sighed, "Good third brother, now that Abi is here, he'll never mention joining forces with me to roam the martial world again!"

Duan Yu was greatly embarrassed and quickly said, "If Second Brother is willing to come along, I..."

Zhong Ling immediately interrupted him, saying, "I already said we'd split up, why go in the same direction? I think this is a good idea: Uncle Deng and Uncle Gongye can go in one group, Young Master Murong and his chubby cousin can go in another, and Brother Jiang and I can go in the same group. We'll split into five groups and meet up at Shaolin!"

Having said that, he grabbed Jiang Mingzhe and tried to run away, but Murong Fu quickly shouted, "No, no!"

His mind raced: My cousin has feelings for me, and it's highly inappropriate for me to travel with her. If she falls deeply in love and refuses to marry Brother Mingzhe, it might ruin my plans...

Before he could finish thinking, Wang Yuyan said softly, "My grandfather told me to go with my older brother, but you can't just say that! I think you and Brother Deng will go together, pretending to be father and daughter, while Second Brother Gongye will go with my cousin..."

Zhong Ling's eyes widened as she grabbed Jiang Mingzhe tightly, saying, "Fatty, what nonsense are you talking about? It's so rare for Zi Yatou to be so timid, and you actually want to break me up with Brother Jiang!"

Wang Yuyan turned her face away and said, "Anyway, I will listen to my grandfather."

Murong Fu glanced at Wang Yuyan, a slight pang of sadness in his heart, and forced a smile, saying, "Simple. I'm used to traveling with Brother Deng and Brother Gongye, so the three of us will travel together as usual. The three of you can... pretend to be a newlywed couple with your maids, how about that?"

He was, after all, a man destined for great things. Seeing that his cousin had chosen to go with Jiang Mingzhe, he felt somewhat uncomfortable, but still decided to give her a push. Wang Yuyan was older and taller, with the air of a well-bred lady, while Zhong Ling was lively, cute, and young, making her the perfect maidservant.

Zhong Ling, however, was completely oblivious and laughed cheerfully, "No way, no way, what kind of maid is this fat?"

Wang Yuyan's eyebrows shot up: "What did you say? Are you saying I'm fat?"

Zhong Ling immediately changed her mind: "No, no, I meant that Fatty is so handsome, how come he looks like a maid? Why don't we all change into men's clothing and the three of us brothers can travel the world together? Wouldn't that be easier?"

Upon hearing this, Abi volunteered, "Great! Although I don't have Sister Azhu's magic touch, I'm still quite capable of helping you with simple remedies."

Jiang Mingzhe originally intended to go alone and take the lead using his lightness skill, but since Zhong Ling and Wang Yuyan had spoken to him to this extent, he couldn't refuse and had no choice but to agree.

Everyone got up very early that day. Abi took out the flour, ink and other things she had prepared the night before and carefully did makeup for Wang and Zhong. Everyone went out and set off separately.

(End of this chapter)