The sharp edge of Yu Meixian's sword rested against Tang Xiuying's neck. The two women locked eyes, their gazes sharp and unwavering—tension so thick that even the wind seemed to hold its breath. Then, suddenly, both of them burst into laughter, their weapons lowering as the air shifted from hostility to warmth.
They stepped forward and embraced tightly.
"It's been a while," Tang Xiuying said softly, a smile curving on her lips.
"Yes," Yu Meixian replied with a light chuckle. "It's been a while. You've improved a lot compared to last time."
Tang Xiuying gave a small sigh. "Still lost to you again."
Yu Meixian smirked slightly. "Well, if you used your Tang Clan's secret art, maybe I'd lose to you."
Tang Xiuying grinned mischievously. "I don't want to kill you. And even if I used it, I still couldn't beat your ultimate attack."
Nearby, the Tang Clan's captain bowed respectfully. "Young Lady, you know her?"
"Yes," Tang Xiuying replied. "We're friends. We already met at the previous Dragon and Phoenix Tournament. My mother and her master were friends too."
The captain raised a brow. "Matriarch is a friend of her master?"
"Yes," Tang Xiuying nodded.
"Then why didn't you say earlier, Young Lady?" the captain asked curiously.
Tang Xiuying laughed lightly, placing her hands on her hips. "It was to test your capability—to see if you could lead the Tang Clan warriors in battle. You performed nicely."
Her expression suddenly turned serious. "But even though our clan is a Great Clan, that doesn't mean we can do whatever we please. There are masters in this world who can oppose and even attack us. Such reckless actions could bring great trouble to the Tang Clan in the future."
The captain lowered her head and clasped her hands together. "I apologize, Young Lady."
She then turned toward Yu Meixian, bowing deeply. "I apologize for my actions, Righteous Young Heroine."
Yu Meixian waved her hand lightly, her calm voice carrying authority. "No need to apologize. I know who's behind this."
She shifted her gaze toward Tang Xiuying, whose eyes widened slightly as her cheeks flushed. "W-whatever! Captain, you can go back to your post."
The captain bowed once again and departed with her worriors.
Tang Xiuying exhaled softly, turning back to Yu Meixian. "How about this—let's talk at the inn. I already have a room ready for you. You can leave your caravan here."
Yu Meixian smiled faintly. "Well, okay. But I have companions with me."
"Companions?" Tang Xiuying blinked in surprise.
Yu Meixian called out, "You can come down now."
Two men stepped down from the cart, both wearing veils. They approached Yu Meixian, their steps elegant yet firm.
One of them spoke first, his voice carrying a teasing tone. "Yu Meixian, are you done chatting? Let's leave. I'm tired of this long journey."
Before he could continue, the other man hit him lightly on the shoulder. "Rin, don't be rude. We need to greet the Tang Clan's Young Lady."
Both men bowed politely.
Tang Xiuying's eyes widened in astonishment. "Yu Meixian is… traveling with men?"
She glanced toward Yu Meixian, who deliberately looked away, pretending to examine the scenery to avoid eye contact. A spark of curiosity ignited in Tang Xiuying's mind. Which men could tempt the Righteous Sword Heroine to travel together with them?
"Can you introduce yourselves?" she asked, her tone curious yet playful.
The taller man smiled. "My name is Lianzhen, and he is my younger brother, Rin."
"Well," Tang Xiuying tilted her head. "It's hard to know who you are with those veils on."
Both men slowly removed their veils.
The moment their faces were revealed, Tang Xiuying's eyes lit up. Before her stood two of the most beautiful men she had ever seen. The younger one's beauty, in particular, could rival Sichuan's number one beauty herself. Her jaw slackened slightly before she quickly regained composure, her eyes gleaming with mischief.
She grabbed Yu Meixian's arm, leaning close to whisper in her ear, "How did you pull this off?"
"I'm just traveling with them," Yu Meixian replied flatly.
"Just traveling?" Tang Xiuying arched an eyebrow, smirking. "If it's something else too, I'm fine with it."
She shot a flirtatious smile toward Lianzhen, her voice teasing. "Is it okay if I go for the younger one?"
Yu Meixian's expression darkened. "He'll kill you."
Tang Xiuying smirked proudly. "Ha! A thousand men are lining up to be my concubines. I am the Young Lady of the Tang Clan—the future of Sichuan!"
Yu Meixian gave her a discreet look, her eyes narrowing as an amused thought crossed her mind. "Well, you can try however many times you want. But make sure you separate him from his brother first."
"Why?" Tang Xiuying asked curiously.
Yu Meixian leaned close, placing a hand on her shoulder. Her tone was low and teasing. "Because how can an elder brother watch his younger brother be with a woman?"
"Oh…" Tang Xiuying blinked, surprised. "I never thought of that."
A voice suddenly cut through the air. "Yu Meixian, what are you doing?" It was Rin, his tone slightly irritated.
"Nothing," Tang Xiuying replied quickly, straightening her posture and walking toward them with confident strides.
Yu Meixian sighed with a helpless smile. "Sorry, my friend, but I need to use you a little," she muttered under her breath, a sly grin forming on her lips.
Tang Xiuying approached the brothers, her eyes shimmering with charm. "Oh, how can I let such beautiful jades stand under this hot sunlight? Let this Young Lady escort you into Chengdu City."
Both Rin and Lianzhen exchanged glances, their expressions mixed with confusion and discomfort.
Yu Meixian walked closer, smiling faintly. "She's my friend, and she's already booked rooms for us."
Lianzhen nodded politely. "Oh, then we accept your courtesy. Thank you for booking our rooms."
"No, no need to thank me," Tang Xiuying said quickly, waving her hands. "It's my pleasure. And even if Yu wasn't here, I would've helped such… sexy men—ah, I mean, gentle men like you both."
A sudden cough escaped her lips as she corrected herself, flustered but grinning.
Moments later, a luxurious carriage appeared. The Tang Clan captain rode at the front with several mounted warriors surrounding it.
"Your carriage is ready, Young Lady," the captain announced.
"Come," Tang Xiuying said brightly. "Let me help you reach the inn."
Rin and Lianzhen exchanged another look before entering the carriage. Tang Xiuying and Yu Meixian followed, settling onto the cushioned seats as the carriage began to move.
Inside, the soft rhythm of the wheels accompanied the quiet tension. Tang Xiuying kept glancing at Rin, her curious eyes scanning him from head to toe, while Rin frowned slightly, clearly irritated by her persistent gaze. He knew exactly what she was trying to do.
"May I ask where you are traveling to?" Tang Xiuying asked sweetly.
"Chengdu," Rin replied flatly.
She laughed awkwardly, hiding her smirk behind her fan. "Haha—oh, I mean your actual destination for this whole trip."
"Kunlun Sect," Rin answered simply.
"Such a far place," Tang Xiuying mused, pretending concern. "It's really a harsh journey. I fear how such a beautiful man like you can travel there."
"Don't worry. I'm a martial artist," Rin replied calmly.
"I know you're a martial artist," Tang Xiuying said, leaning forward slightly. "I can feel your Qi. To think I'd see such a talented man in martial arts—you're gifted."
"Thank you," Rin said shortly.
"Are you going to the Kunlun Sect to learn their martial arts?" she asked curiously.
Rin remained silent.
"If yes," Tang Xiuying continued playfully, "I'll tell you—it's boring and full of Taoist nuns who just sit all day. It's cold and dull there. It's better if you join the Tang Clan instead. We have fine martial arts for men too, and Sichuan has many beautiful places that would suit you perfectly."
"I'm not interested," Rin said curtly.
"Don't be rude, Rin," Lianzhen scolded softly, smiling at Tang Xiuying. "Young Lady, we're going to Kunlun for a different reason."
Before she could speak again, the carriage slowed to a stop.
The driver's voice called from outside, "We've reached the inn."