Seeing that Lin Ye was physically strong and clearly came from a martial arts family, he became even more convinced that he was the son of Zhang Cuishan of Wudang.

He gained nothing from his trip, but unexpectedly, he struck it lucky upon his return.

"Xie Xun... the Dragon-Slaying Saber..."

Zhu Changling could not hide his excitement.

Zhu Jiuzhen was confused. Seeing that her father not only blamed Lin Ye but also seemed delighted, she snorted and stormed out.

Zhu Changling, however, seemed completely unconcerned, or rather, utterly oblivious to his daughter's angry departure. His previous solemn demeanor vanished, replaced by a beaming smile as he said:

"Guests from afar are welcome. The stinking Tartars have occupied the Central Plains, and the people are suffering terribly. We should help those in need. There is no question of blaming or not blaming anyone. Young Master Zhang, please stay here comfortably."

After saying this, his expression changed again, and he said sternly, "Qiao Fu!"

As soon as he finished speaking, a man entered from outside the door and respectfully said, "Master."

Zhu Changling shouted, "Is this how you operate when I'm not around? This dilapidated shack can be used to entertain guests? Why haven't you arranged a superior room for Young Master Zhang yet!"

Qiao Fu was a servant in the manor. Hearing Zhu Changling's reprimand, he repeatedly agreed and hurriedly left.

Seeing that the guards were still standing there, Zhu Changling shouted again, "What are you all still doing here?"

Upon hearing this, the guards lowered their heads and quickly left.

After reprimanding the servants, Zhu Changling turned to Lin Ye with a beaming smile and said, "Young man, the servants are ignorant, please don't take offense. Please stay here for now, and feel free to ask them for anything."

Lin Ye said, "No."

Zhu Changling stopped talking, turned around and went out, closing the door behind him for Lin Ye.

Lin Ye couldn't help but chuckle. Zhu Changling's transformation was truly comical; it seemed that impersonating Zhang Wuji was indeed effective.

Given this trajectory, Zhu Changling is likely planning something else to gain the trust of this fake Zhang Wuji, so that he will willingly reveal the whereabouts of his "godfather," the Golden Lion King.

However, precisely because Zhu Changling was so cunning, it was actually the safest thing for him to reveal that he was Zhang Wuji.

At least until Xie Xun is found.

During this time, he could settle down comfortably at the manor, eat and drink well, and leisurely search for the location of the cave.

Thinking of this, Lin Ye lay back down on the bed.

On the other side, Zhu Changling returned to the main hall feeling refreshed, only to find Zhu Jiuzhen sitting in a chair, sulking.

Zhu Changling laughed and said, "Zhen'er, what's wrong? Who made you angry?"

Zhu Jiuzhen snorted and turned her head to the other side.

Zhu Changling chuckled, already guessing what it was, but didn't rush to pay attention. He sat down at the table, poured himself a cup of hot tea, and savored it slowly.

He sat down at the mahogany table, facing Zhu Jiuzhen directly. Zhu Jiuzhen snorted and turned her head to the other side again.

After finishing his tea, seeing that Zhu Jiuzhen was still angry, Zhu Changling smiled and walked to her side. "Zhen'er, are you perhaps angry with that boy?"

Zhu Jiuzhen didn't understand who Zhang Wuji was. She only thought that Zhang Wuji was an ordinary boy. Her dog was killed by that boy, and her father not only didn't stand up for her, but instead became close to that unknown boy.

He was already sulking, and when Zhu Changling asked him this question, his anger intensified, and he refused to answer.

Zhu Changling knew that if he didn't appease this girl, she would likely cause a huge scene today. He glanced outside and whispered:

"Zhen'er, do you know who that kid is?"

Zhu Jiuzhen said, "I don't care who he is."

"That kid is none other than Zhang Cuishan's son from Wudang."

Zhu Jiuzhen was taken aback and turned to look at her father. She didn't recognize Zhang Wuji, but she had heard of Zhang Cuishan. However, she was only eighteen or nineteen years old this year, and Zhang Cuishan had disappeared from the Central Plains martial arts world ten years ago. All she had heard of was Zhang Cuishan's lingering influence.

However, she had heard of the Wudang Sect's great reputation. In the martial arts world today, only the Shaolin and Wudang Sects are the strongest, and in recent years, Wudang's reputation has been gradually overshadowing that of the Shaolin Sect.

Zhu Jiuzhen said, "I didn't expect that kid to be from the Wudang Sect."

Zhu Changling said:

"He is Zhang Cuishan's son, but it's hard to say whether he's a member of the Wudang Sect. His mother is named Yin Susu, and she is the daughter of Yin Tianzheng of the Tianying Cult."

"Zhang Cuishan and Yin Susu disappeared from the martial arts world ten years ago, but recently reappeared and became sworn brothers with Xie Xun, the Golden Lion King."

"The Dragon-Slaying Saber is in Xie Xun's hands. Now that Zhang Cuishan and his wife are dead, only Zhang Wuji knows Xie Xun's whereabouts."

"That kid let it slip just now. Although he corrected himself in time, how could he hide it from your father's ears?"

Zhu Jiuzhen murmured, "How come I didn't notice?"

Zhu Changling snorted: "Who told you to always get angry with that kid?"

He then said seriously, "Do you know how many people in the martial arts world are eyeing this kid? I didn't care how much trouble you caused in the past, but from now on you have to pretend to be amicable. But this time, you absolutely cannot ruin things!"

Zhu Jiuzhen was puzzled: "Father, why not just tie him up and torture him severely? That kid wouldn't be able to withstand it, wouldn't that be easier?"

Zhu Changling snorted:

"You underestimate Zhang Cuishan's son. His father claims to be chivalrous and would rather die than reveal Xie Xun's whereabouts. His son might be just as stubborn. At least if we don't break off relations, we'll have more ways to deal with him."

Seeing the seriousness with which Zhu Changling spoke, Zhu Jiuzhen knew this was no ordinary matter and dared not continue her playful act. She immediately replied:

"I understand. From now on, I will greet him with a smile whenever I see him."

Zhu Changling nodded in satisfaction after hearing this, but then he was startled by a cough coming from outside the hall.

Looking outside the hall, there was no one in sight.

He strode to the outside of the hall and saw Lin Ye standing with his hands behind his back, gazing at the red plum blossoms in the courtyard.

Zhu Changling had no idea when he had entered the courtyard. He secretly cursed himself, realizing that he had been so focused on talking to his daughter that he had forgotten to be wary of his surroundings.

If this kid overheard our conversation, all our efforts would be in vain.

But he was, after all, a cunning man, and quickly concealed the ruthlessness on his face, transforming it into a smile.

"So it turns out that Young Master Zhang has such a refined interest in appreciating flowers."

Lin Ye turned around and saw Zhu Changling behind him, and laughed:

"I am not a flower lover, but seeing that the red plum blossoms here are more vibrant than elsewhere, I couldn't help but take a second look."

Zhu Jiuzhen laughed:

"Of course. Not to mention the flowers, just the soil underneath—Father went to great lengths to get this precious soil from some distant place. Naturally, the flowers grow beautifully."

Lin Ye glanced at Zhu Jiuzhen's face and saw that she was all smiles, completely unlike the fierce look she had when she saw him.

It's just like two people.

She knew that Zhu Changling had indeed said something to her.

Seeing that Lin Ye remained silent, Zhu Jiuzhen said:

"What? Still angry with your sister? Father already scolded me. If you're still angry, then... I'll let Father give me a few more whacks."

As she spoke, Zhu Jiuzhen put on an angry and aggrieved expression.

Lin Ye chuckled inwardly. If Zhang Wuji were really here, seeing this woman like this, his heart would probably melt.

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