"My family's young prince is still quite young—somewhat unruly by nature. If he offended you in any way, allow me to apologize on his behalf. I hope you'll show mercy where mercy is due."
The lama reacted swiftly. Sensing that his opponent was beyond his ability to handle, he immediately softened his stance.
Fear aside, the lama knew all too well that if anything happened to the young prince here, the first to die would be him and Liang Ziweng.
He clasped his hands in greeting, but both of them—swollen and misshapen like something out of a cartoon—looked so bizarre that the surrounding crowd couldn't help but laugh.
Young prince?
Chu Yang glanced at the old man beside him—Liang Ziweng—and suddenly realized something.
"You're Spiritual Wisdom Master, aren't you?" Chu Yang asked.
The lama's face lit up with joy. "That would be me!"
"The one on the ground is Prince Kang of the Zhao Prince's Manor, Wanyan Kang—the only son of Prince Zhao, Wanyan Honglie. Since you know my name, you must also know Prince Zhao."
Chu Yang smiled and nodded. "Prince Zhao, huh? What a coincidence. I was just about to pay him a visit…"
Spiritual Wisdom Master and Liang Ziweng exchanged looks, both seeing delight in each other's eyes.
Though the young prince had been injured, they would be bringing back an absolutely top-tier body-refinement expert. With Prince Zhao's magnanimity, not only would they avoid punishment—there might even be a reward waiting for them.
Liang Ziweng cupped his hands with a smile. "What a case of the flood washing over the Dragon King's Temple—family failing to recognize family. So you also wish to serve Prince Zhao and contribute to the Great Jin."
Lying on the ground, Wanyan Kang finally let out a breath of relief. He had almost thought he was going to die here.
But before he could fully relax, Chu Yang's next words sent his heart straight to his throat.
"Old man, you've misunderstood. I'm going to the Zhao Prince's Manor because my friend was abducted there. I'm going to demand his release."
Chu Yang sneered. "You two can go back and tell Wanyan Honglie to bring my friend here. Otherwise, there's a good chance he'll have no descendants by the end of today."
Wanyan Kang shuddered violently.
Liang Ziweng hurriedly supported the injured Wanyan Kang, while Spiritual Wisdom Master hesitated for a moment before gritting his teeth and stepping in front of them, choosing to shield the pair.
"May I ask your friend's honored name?" Wanyan Kang asked weakly, his face pale and his voice far fainter than before. "Once I return to the manor, I will certainly have your friend brought out safely and unharmed."
Chu Yang glanced at him. "My friend's surname is Huang. He's a young beggar."
The moment those words fell, Wanyan Kang and the others stared at one another, completely at a loss.
A beggar?
How could the grand Zhao Prince's Manor possibly abduct a beggar?
Wanyan Kang forced an ugly smile. "Might you be… making a joke at our expense?"
Chu Yang replied with a half-smile. "If I were really looking for amusement, wouldn't it be more fun to hang the three of you from a tree for a few days and nights?"
Spiritual Wisdom Master and Liang Ziweng both felt a chill run down their spines. Chu Yang's tone was anything but joking.
Wanyan Kang took a deep breath and clasped his hands. "Please wait here for a moment. Once I return, I'll turn the manor upside down if I have to, and personally bring your friend before you."
Chu Yang shook his head. "I never said you could leave."
Wanyan Kang's smile froze, and the atmosphere instantly became awkward.
Wanyan Kang, Spiritual Wisdom Master, and Liang Ziweng slowly shifted their positions, forming a triangular stance—as if preparing for a desperate last stand.
Suddenly—
A clamor rose around them, followed by the synchronized thudding of footsteps that made the ground tremble slightly.
The civilians who had been watching hurriedly retreated to both sides of the street, clearing a wide path.
A troop of soldiers approached from the distance. At the center of their formation was a magnificent red sedan chair, which soon came to a stop in front of Wanyan Kang and the others.
"Kang'er, what are you doing?"
A woman's voice came from inside the sedan—soft and gentle, with the distinct charm of a Jiangnan lady.
Wanyan Kang slowly approached the sedan and, in a plaintive tone, complained that he had been bullied and requested permission to use the troops against Chu Yang.
The woman inside the sedan was none other than Bao Xiruo, Wanyan Kang's biological mother.
She knew her son's temperament well and understood that this was most likely trouble he had brought upon himself. No matter what Wanyan Kang said, she refused to agree.
Bao Xiruo harbored deep resentment toward her status as a prince's consort—let alone using Jin troops to bully others. That crossed her bottom line.
Seeing that he couldn't persuade his mother, Wanyan Kang abandoned the idea of using the army outright. Still, the soldiers' presence gave him a considerable boost of confidence.
His attitude toward Chu Yang changed completely, reverting to his usual arrogance.
"I showed respect for your martial skill earlier and treated you politely out of appreciation for talent," Wanyan Kang sneered. "Yet you refuse to recognize goodwill and act with such outrageous arrogance."
"I'll give you two choices—either get lost immediately, or wait to be escorted back to my manor!"
Chu Yang stared at him as if he were an idiot. "I'm a petty person. I'll give you just one choice—stay put and have my friend brought here."
Wanyan Kang narrowed his eyes, killing intent slowly gathering within them.
Inside the sedan, Bao Xiruo had heard their exchange and hurriedly called Wanyan Kang over.
Once he approached, she quietly asked him to explain what had happened.
Wanyan Kang had no choice but to recount why Chu Yang was blocking his way.
Bao Xiruo hesitated after hearing it. How could such a vast manor abduct a beggar?
"Kang'er," she said uncertainly, "perhaps that man is actually targeting you…"
Sensing his mother's wavering stance, Wanyan Kang immediately grew excited.
"He's relying on his strong martial arts to try to kidnap me! He probably intends to use me to threaten Father. That beggar friend is completely fabricated!"
"Such a criminal must be captured and handed over to Father for judgment!"
Bao Xiruo gently lifted the curtain and looked at Chu Yang, dressed like a scholar. After a brief hesitation, she nodded.
"You may detain him—but do not harm his life. Once you return to the manor, we will determine right and wrong."
Wanyan Kang was displeased but still agreed not to harm Chu Yang. He knew his mother was kind-hearted.
With Bao Xiruo's consent, Wanyan Kang signaled to the guard captain. The latter understood immediately and led a large contingent of soldiers to surround Chu Yang.
The civilians scattered like startled birds, terrified of being caught in the crossfire.
Even the bald monk who had earlier been shouting "Who else?" on the arena fled in panic.
Mu Nianci, dressed in red, didn't spare the monk a glance. From the moment before, her eyes had been fixed on Chu Yang.
"Father, you were right," she exclaimed in awe. "That refined scholar really is an expert!"
"He crushed the Great Lama's bronze cymbal with his bare hands!"
"He's so young—probably not much older than me—and yet he possesses such terrifying body-refinement skills!"
Disguised under the name "Mu Yi," Yang Tiexin hadn't heard a word his daughter said. His attention was wholly captured by the crimson sedan chair.
From within it came the voice he had yearned for day and night.
That gentle, wind-chime-like voice instantly dragged his thoughts back eighteen years—to Ox Village.
In a blink, the arena transformed into the warm little home of his memories.
"Tie-ge."
His gentle, virtuous wife stood vividly before him, smiling softly.
Lost in a daze, Yang Tiexin subconsciously reached out to touch her.
The instant his fingers brushed her cheek, everything around him shattered like a dream.
It was gone.
His home—his wife, his child, his sworn brother Guo Xiaotian, his sister-in-law Li Ping—everyone was gone!
Returning to reality, Yang Tiexin's eyes turned bloodshot. Veins bulged across his face as he descended into madness.
He stared fixedly at the sedan chair.
He needed to know who was sitting behind that curtain!
To Mu Nianci's horror, Yang Tiexin grabbed a spear from the weapon rack and leapt off the arena without a single word of explanation, charging forward alone.
Only after he had rushed out did Mu Nianci cry out belatedly:
"Father—don't!"
Consumed by frenzy, Yang Tiexin couldn't hear her at all. His only thought was to see the wife he had missed for so long.
Even if the path ahead were a mountain of blades or a sea of fire, he would charge through it!
Because the guard captain had mobilized most of the Jin soldiers to contain Chu Yang, only a small unit remained to stop Yang Tiexin.
The Yang Family Spear Art was broad and imposing—a battlefield technique honed through war. Against military formations, it was even more effective than against martial artists.
Even with his body far from its prime, dealing with a handful of Jin soldiers was no problem.
In moments, he tore through the thin defensive line and advanced to within fifty paces of the sedan chair.
Only Wanyan Kang stood before him now.
Yang Tiexin's actions completely enraged Wanyan Kang. Murderous intent filled his eyes.
Being brutally beaten by Chu Yang earlier had already humiliated him beyond measure.
Now even this street-performing commoner dared to attack him!
Seething with rage, Wanyan Kang circulated his internal energy, his five fingers forming claws as a sinister, chilling aura spread.
He intended to crush the middle-aged man's skull with the Nine Yin White Bone Claw.
At that moment, Spiritual Wisdom Master and Liang Ziweng struck together, intercepting Yang Tiexin.
If the young prince were injured, Wanyan Honglie might spare them.
But if the princess consort were harmed—even slightly—they would surely die.
With his hands trapped inside the mangled cymbals, Spiritual Wisdom Master couldn't use his signature Great Hand Seal or Poison Sand Palm. His strength was severely reduced—he couldn't kill Yang Tiexin.
Thus, Liang Ziweng became the main force, and with Spiritual Wisdom Master's support, they used the Great Seizing Hand to suppress Yang Tiexin.
Had Yang Tiexin not been fighting in a suicidal, injury-for-injury manner, he would likely have already been subdued.
As the three fought fiercely, Mu Nianci also rushed over.
Though she didn't understand her father's actions, her only thought was to help him fight.
Unfortunately, her martial skills were even inferior to Yang Tiexin's. She couldn't even break through the Jin soldiers' line and was pinned down at a distance.
All she could do was watch helplessly as Yang Tiexin was beaten until he spat blood repeatedly.
"Someone—please save my father!"
Mu Nianci fought the Jin soldiers while desperately praying in her heart.
Meanwhile, under the guard captain's command, more soldiers launched attacks on Chu Yang.
Knowing Chu Yang was a body-refinement expert, the captain had the soldiers wield long spears, attacking from multiple angles in hopes of finding his vital point.
Such experts were rare, but all of them had fatal weaknesses. Once those were broken, a lifetime of cultivation would be lost.
Yet facing countless spear tips thrusting toward him, Chu Yang merely watched coldly, unmoved.
With his current Armament Haki, even Shanks' sword Gryphon would struggle to break his defense—let alone ordinary weapons.
The moment the spear tips touched his long robe, they shattered.
Dozens of spears snapped simultaneously—a visually shocking scene. Jin soldiers now held shaft-only poles, as if clutching firewood sticks.
Their discipline was commendable. When the front line's weapons were ruined, they immediately retreated and shifted formation, letting the rear ranks attack.
Wave after wave, spears rained down across every inch of Chu Yang's body.
Once set in motion, a military formation became an unfeeling killing machine—relentless and unstoppable.
Under normal circumstances.
But after seven or eight volleys, the Jin soldiers stopped moving.
Every spear in their hands had turned into firewood.
And the ground was littered with shattered spearheads…
The Jin soldiers froze in place.The guard captain behind them—and Wanyan Kang as well—were completely stunned.
Wanyan Kang's face flushed red. After a long pause, he finally forced out a sentence:
"What kind of demonic art is this of yours?!"
Chu Yang looked at him with a half-smile."You'll find out in a moment."
Wanyan Kang's head buzzed. He was truly terrified now—terrified in a way he had never been in his entire life.
Ignoring his mother's earlier instructions, he screamed hysterically:
"All of you, charge! Use your fists, use your teeth—bite him to death if you have to! Kill him!"
The Jin soldiers threw away the bare spear shafts in their hands, eyes bloodshot, and surged forward as one!
The young prince had lost his temper. If they couldn't kill this scholar today, then the ones who would die tomorrow would be them.
Chu Yang shook his head.
His Conqueror's Haki erupted completely.
An invisible golden storm swept outward, invisible to the naked eye.
It was like tossing a stone into a calm lake—the ripples of Conqueror's Haki spread endlessly.
The scene of the Jin soldiers charging forward came to an abrupt halt, as if someone had forcibly pressed a pause button.
The formation of nearly a thousand soldiers froze in place, motionless, the entire area plunging into instant silence.
The eerie sight made Wanyan Kang's scalp go numb, every hair on his body standing on end.
Boom!!!
The Jin soldier closest to Chu Yang suddenly collapsed, falling stiffly to the ground. Immediately after, the rest followed like dominoes, one after another.
A dense mass of Jin soldiers lay sprawled across the ground—the sight was utterly shocking.
Wanyan Kang's mouth fell open, an intense sense of suffocation gripping his chest.
What Chu Yang had displayed was already far beyond anything he could comprehend.
Wanyan Kang wasn't the only one terrified.
Lingzhi Shangren and Liang Ziweng, who had been attacking Yang Tiexin, were equally shaken out of their wits by the scene.
Yang Tiexin, despite being heavily injured, seized the opening and drove his spear forward twice in succession, piercing vital points!
Lingzhi Shangren and Liang Ziweng screamed miserably and collapsed to the ground.
Seeing the unconscious Jin soldiers everywhere, and her father turning the tables at the brink of death, Mu Nianci stood there dumbstruck.
Had the heavens truly heard her plea?
Chu Yang slowly walked toward Wanyan Kang. As he passed Mu Nianci, she finally reacted and asked:
"Did you do this?"
Chu Yang nodded.
He suddenly stopped, looking at the beautiful young woman dressed in red before him.
A martial arts marriage contest.Wanyan Kang had appeared.Then she must be Mu Nianci.
Mu Nianci grew shy under Chu Yang's direct gaze. A blush rose to her delicate face as she lowered her eyes, avoiding his stare.
"Miss Mu, shouldn't you go check on your father?" Chu Yang asked, puzzled as he watched her fidget in place.
Mu Nianci cried out softly, her face flushing even redder, then turned and ran toward Yang Tiexin.
Yang Tiexin, gravely wounded, had collapsed by the roadside like Lingzhi Shangren and the others.
Even so, his gaze never left the red sedan.
Mu Nianci supported Yang Tiexin, anxiously checking his injuries—only for him to push her away.
"Nianci, don't worry about me. Go lift the curtain of that sedan. Let me see who's inside."
Mu Nianci stared at her father in confusion. He was injured so badly—why was he still fixated on who was inside a sedan?
"Go!" Yang Tiexin shouted excitedly, then coughed up a mouthful of hot blood.
Terrified, Mu Nianci didn't dare delay and hurried toward the sedan.
Wanyan Kang suddenly stepped out to block her, preparing to strike—only for searing pain to explode in his wrist.
He looked up and saw Chu Yang standing beside him, gripping his wrist.
Wanyan Kang broke out in a cold sweat.
The memory of being lifted and slammed into the ground flashed through his mind, and he didn't dare move at all.
Inside the sedan, Bao Xiruo had no idea what was happening outside. She only sensed that everything had suddenly gone unnaturally quiet.
Uneasy, she lifted the curtain slightly, poking her head out as she softly called for Wanyan Kang.
"Kang'er… what's going on?"
There was no reply.
Wanyan Kang was already in too much pain to speak.
At that moment, Mu Nianci stepped forward and lifted the curtain completely, revealing the person inside.
She froze.
Inside sat an exceptionally beautiful woman—her bearing and looks unlike anything Mu Nianci had ever seen in her life.
"So beautiful…"
That single thought filled Mu Nianci's mind.
What did such a beautiful woman have to do with her father?Why did he insist on seeing her face?
Mu Nianci turned to look at Yang Tiexin.
Yang Tiexin strained his neck, desperate to see the face inside the sedan.
It was a face almost identical to eighteen years ago, as though time had never left a trace upon it.
He stared, transfixed, tears sliding down his face uncontrollably.
"Xiruo…"
The weathered middle-aged man spoke softly—whether from lack of strength due to his injuries, or from shame that kept him from calling her name aloud, no one knew.
Bao Xiruo was dressed in elegant, luxurious garments, her complexion radiant, her beauty like that of a woman in her prime. It was obvious she was living well now.
In a daze, Yang Tiexin suddenly realized—
Bao Xiruo was now the Princess Consort spoken of by the Jin soldiers.
"She's a princess consort… how could she be a princess consort…?"
Yang Tiexin murmured, utterly despondent, as if all the vitality had been drained from his body.
Once the curtain was fully lifted, Bao Xiruo saw the Jin soldiers collapsed all around, then noticed her son being restrained. Panic flooded her face.
Despite her fear, a mother's instinct compelled her to step out of the sedan, trembling.
"My son has been unruly and offended you," Bao Xiruo said gently."Please, sir, show mercy and do not harm him. I apologize to you on his behalf."
Seeing his mother bow and plead for him ignited a surge of rage in Wanyan Kang's heart.
He didn't know where the courage came from, but he roared at Chu Yang:
"Villain! If you've got the guts, kill me! If I die here today, don't even think about leaving Yanjing alive!"
"So now you're acting tough?" Chu Yang mocked.
He lightly stamped his foot.
Crack—!
The stone slabs beneath his feet shattered instantly, the ground collapsing three feet downward.
Wanyan Kang sucked in a sharp breath. Reason instantly overcame his anger. He lowered his head and said sincerely:
"I'm sorry. I was wrong."
"Tsk." Chu Yang looked at him with contempt, then released his wrist and pointed at Lingzhi Shangren and Liang Ziweng.
"Didn't you want to go back to the Zhao Prince's Manor? Those two can't move now—perfect timing."
Wanyan Kang's eyes widened, joy mixed with disbelief.
Chu Yang pointed at Bao Xiruo.
"But as a substitute, she stays."
Wanyan Kang's face turned deathly pale.
Chu Yang patted his shoulder meaningfully.
"I see your features are pale, your crown dark—you've got the look of a cursed lone star."
Wanyan Kang gritted his teeth."Rest assured, sir. I will bring your friend back completely unharmed."
Chu Yang smiled.
"You've already made that promise twice. Remember—third time's the limit."
Wanyan Kang nodded, leaned over to whisper a few words to Bao Xiruo, then turned and left.
Only after Wanyan Kang disappeared from sight did Bao Xiruo begin secretly observing the scholar before her.
She suddenly realized—what Chu Yang said might actually be true.
The Zhao Prince's Manor was a chaotic mix of people from all walks of life. Perhaps someone really had taken his friend…
But why would such a powerful expert befriend a beggar?
Bao Xiruo frowned deeply, unable to make sense of it.
She didn't notice Yang Tiexin still staring at her in a daze.
Chu Yang glanced at Yang Tiexin and silently shook his head.
This man's head really seemed broken—his wife, lost for eighteen years, was standing right in front of him, and he hadn't said a single word.
Chu Yang had thought Yang Tiexin would immediately acknowledge her, but instead he seemed inferior, too ashamed to step forward.
"This resolve doesn't even come close to Wanyan Honglie's," Chu Yang sighed inwardly."Good thing Bao Xiruo is loyal and sentimental—otherwise she would've kicked you long ago."
Mu Nianci noticed her father's strange behavior.
She was almost certain there had to be some connection between the two.
Seeing her father hesitate, Mu Nianci gathered her courage and stepped forward herself.
"Are you the Princess Consort?" she asked Bao Xiruo.
Bao Xiruo looked at the girl who had dragged her out of the sedan and nodded.
Mu Nianci continued, "My father seems to know you."
Bao Xiruo asked in confusion, "And who is your father?"
Mu Nianci pointed toward Yang Tiexin. Bao Xiruo followed her gesture and looked over.
A middle-aged man with a sorrow-worn face came into view.
Bao Xiruo studied him for a while, then shook her head gently.
"I don't know your father. You must have mistaken me for someone else."
Her soft voice struck Yang Tiexin's ears like a thunderclap.
The world spun violently before his eyes.
Mu Nianci hadn't expected such an answer either and instantly became flustered.
Chu Yang couldn't watch any longer. He stepped forward and said directly:
"That man's surname is Yang. His given name is Tiexin. You should know him."
At the name Yang Tiexin, Bao Xiruo's body trembled violently.
She turned to look at the unfamiliar middle-aged man once more.
That face was vastly different from the Yang Tiexin in her memories—so different that it hardly seemed related at all.
"That's impossible… Tie-ge died long ago…"
Remembering her husband, Bao Xiruo's emotions surged. Her voice was firm, almost resolute—because for eighteen years, this was what she had believed.
Yang Tiexin was dead.
Yet Chu Yang asked just one more question—and it shattered her final psychological defense.
"You say Yang Tiexin is dead. Then tell me—have you ever seen Yang Tiexin's body?"
Those calm words struck Bao Xiruo like a thunderbolt out of a clear sky.
"I… I never saw Tie-ge's body, but—"
She couldn't go on.
Slowly, Bao Xiruo raised her head and looked toward the middle-aged man.
At the same time, Yang Tiexin was gazing at her with deep affection.
With that final veil torn away by Chu Yang without warning, he no longer avoided her eyes.
A person's face may be altered by time and suffering—
—but the way one looks at the person they love never changes.
Feeling Yang Tiexin's gaze, Bao Xiruo's heart completely wavered. Her voice trembled as she asked,
"Are you… really Tie-ge?"
Yang Tiexin struggled to rise from the ground, but his body refused to obey him.
Seeing this, Mu Nianci hurried over and helped her father up.
Yang Tiexin took several deep breaths and said,
"Nianci, help me pick up my spear."
Mu Nianci obediently picked it up and placed it in her father's hands.
The long spear that normally moved like an extension of his arm now felt unbearably heavy in Yang Tiexin's grip, drained by blood loss.
He tried to perform the Yang Family Spear—yet he had barely begun the opening stance when the spear slipped from his hand with a clang, crashing to the ground. His vision went black, dizziness overwhelming him, and he could barely stay standing.
Mu Nianci quickly supported him.
Seeing this, Bao Xiruo felt an inexplicable pain in her heart. Concern surfaced on her face.
Chu Yang knew that Yang Tiexin's condition was the result of his fierce battle with Lingzhi Shangren and Liang Ziweng earlier.
Liang Ziweng's martial arts were far from weak—before mastering the Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms, even Guo Jing together with Huang Rong couldn't defeat him. Lingzhi Shangren was even stronger.
To survive a fight against both of them and last until now already meant Yang Tiexin had pushed himself beyond his limits.
Chu Yang stepped beside Yang Tiexin, placed a hand on his shoulder, and channeled a stream of life energy into his body.
Having played the "support role" in many worlds, Chu Yang was extremely practiced at this.
As a warm current flowed through him, Yang Tiexin's pain eased dramatically, his expression relaxing.
A few seconds later, his condition visibly improved. The pallor faded from his face, replaced by healthy color—his lost vitality clearly restored.
Although his old hidden injuries remained, his spirit was much improved—better even than before he was wounded.
Mu Nianci watched as her father's face recovered color bit by bit, so moved she couldn't find words.
Feeling his body filled with strength, Yang Tiexin looked at Chu Yang with a complicated expression. This young scholar not only knew his true identity at a glance, but possessed mysterious methods—he was clearly no ordinary man.
Casting aside stray thoughts, Yang Tiexin clasped his hands and said gratefully,
"Thank you, sir, for saving my life. I—Mu… Yang Tiexin—will never forget this kindness. May I ask your honored name?"
"Chu Yang," he replied, then added, "You still have something to do."
"Please wait a moment, Sir Chu. Allow me to fulfill a long-held wish, then I will speak with you," Yang Tiexin said.
He picked up his spear and walked toward Bao Xiruo.
The cold wind swept past.
Yang Tiexin looked at Bao Xiruo with deep emotion, then began to perform the Yang Family Spear. His movements were broad and powerful, carrying the momentum of breaking through a thousand troops.
To Bao Xiruo, this spear technique was achingly familiar.
Eighteen years ago, she had watched her husband practice the same movements almost every day.
Memories surged like a tide, drowning her in an instant. Tears burst from her eyes, impossible to hold back.
She finally knew for certain—the middle-aged man before her, who felt so unfamiliar, was the husband she had yearned for day and night.
"Tie-ge!!!"
Her soft, trembling cry echoed in Yang Tiexin's ears. He could no longer hold onto the spear.
The long-separated couple embraced tightly, pouring out the stories of their years apart.
The scene was moving—but also a little awkward for Chu Yang.
He rubbed his nose and turned away, only to see Mu Nianci standing there, eyes wide, utterly stunned.
The impact was overwhelming—for the woman embracing her father was a princess consort.
Chu Yang found the girl rather cute and couldn't resist teasing her. Shaking his head with mock criticism, he said,
"Senior Yang truly lives up to his reputation—hugging whoever he wants, and even hugging another man's wife. Impressive!"
Mu Nianci immediately shot Chu Yang a glare, then realized it was inappropriate and quickly softened her expression, saying gently,
"Sir Chu, please don't tease my father. Since you know my father's true name, you should also know the circumstances…"
Halfway through, she realized Chu Yang was deliberately teasing her, and her face flushed red.
Chu Yang clicked his tongue in amazement.
"In just a few breaths, Miss Mu changed expressions four or five times. If you went into opera, you'd surely become a legendary star."
The blush spread instantly from Mu Nianci's cheeks to her ears and neck.
Chu Yang smiled knowingly. The red-clad girl before him was truly adorable—just like Xiao Huang. That kid sometimes wore the same kind of expression.
Cute, a little dumb, and just a bit tsundere…
Not good.
Chu Yang's face abruptly changed, as if facing a great enemy. He straightened up and began muttering under his breath:
"I'm straight. I like mature women. I like lolis. I like JKs. I like black stockings…"
Mu Nianci looked completely confused, having no idea what Chu Yang was talking about—only that he seemed oddly anxious.
After muttering for a while, Chu Yang glanced again at Mu Nianci's pretty face and her impossibly long legs.
His heart stirred.
Good!
Only then did Chu Yang finally let out a sigh of relief.
Meanwhile, Yang Tiexin and Bao Xiruo, having finished pouring out their hearts, walked over supporting each other.
Yang Tiexin clasped his hands and said,
"Today, my wife and I were able to reunite entirely thanks to Sir Chu. If you ever have need of me in the future, I would go through fire and death without hesitation."
Chu Yang waved his hand with a smile.
"No need for that."
They chatted for a bit. Several times, Yang Tiexin hesitated, clearly wanting to ask something. In the end, he couldn't hold back and asked,
"I know Sir Chu possesses extraordinary abilities, but I'm still curious—how did you know my true name?"
Chu Yang smacked his lips, thinking the man really lacked tact—digging into things with his benefactor. In terms of social sense, Wanyan Honglie was far superior.
Chu Yang raised his hand and rapidly moved his fingers in complex patterns, so fast they left afterimages, dazzling the other three.
"My family has passed down fortune-telling for generations."
The gestures looked extremely professional—at least, Yang Tiexin couldn't spot any flaw. He immediately showed admiration and nodded.
"Sir Chu truly comes from a distinguished lineage…"
You actually believe that?
Chu Yang rolled his eyes inwardly.
Mu Nianci asked curiously,
"Father, what exactly is the relationship between you and this… lady?"
Yang Tiexin then recounted the events of eighteen years ago in detail.
Only then did Mu Nianci fully understand. She looked at Bao Xiruo, her gaze growing complicated.
As a woman herself, she could completely empathize with Bao Xiruo's experiences.
Mu Nianci was about to say something when her expression suddenly became awkward.
At that moment, Bao Xiruo reached out, took Mu Nianci's hand, and said gently,
"Since you are Tie-ge's adopted daughter, then you are naturally my adopted daughter as well. If you are willing… you may call me 'Mother.'"
Mu Nianci's eyes instantly reddened.
In all her life, she had never once called anyone "Mother."
"…Mother."
Mu Nianci called out softly, her gentle and graceful demeanor instantly winning Bao Xiruo's affection. Bao Xiruo beamed with joy and held Mu Nianci's hand, rubbing it back and forth affectionately.
"So… what should we do next?"Mu Nianci asked shyly, her face flushed.
Yang Tiexin and Bao Xiruo exchanged a look, both of them filled with hesitation.
On one hand, they wanted to leave together immediately, change their names, and live out the rest of their lives in seclusion.On the other hand, they still wanted to see their son—more precisely, Yang Tiexin wanted to acknowledge him.
Bao Xiruo sighed and said, "I know Kang'er's temperament. Once he returns to the Prince's Mansion, he will definitely ask Prince Zhao to mobilize the army. And Prince Zhao, for my sake, will surely agree. If we stay here, it will be extremely dangerous."
"It would be best to leave first. When there's an opportunity in the future, we can explain everything to Kang'er."
Hearing this, Yang Tiexin hesitated for a moment, then slowly nodded.
Seeing her father agree to leave, Mu Nianci turned to Chu Yang and asked,"Sir Chu, will you come with us?"
When she said this, she truly hoped Chu Yang would nod.
But—
Chu Yang shook his head without hesitation."I'm still waiting for that little prince to bring my friend here. So I can't leave yet."
Yang Tiexin tried to persuade him."Sir Chu's martial arts are extraordinary—unlike anything I've seen in my life. But if the Prince's Mansion mobilizes its army, it won't be hundreds or thousands, but tens of thousands of Jin soldiers!"
"'If the Jurchens exceed ten thousand, they are unbeatable'—this saying is no exaggeration. Sir, please don't act rashly. With your abilities, you could infiltrate the Prince's Mansion in secret and rescue your friend when they least expect it."
Mu Nianci nodded vigorously at the side. She had also been startled when she heard Chu Yang intended to stay.
Bao Xiruo joined in persuading him as well.
Yet Chu Yang still shook his head. He didn't explain further—he simply found a place to sit, closed his eyes, and quietly waited for Wanyan Kang to return.
Seeing that persuasion was futile, Yang Tiexin fell silent for a moment. Then he turned to Bao Xiruo and said,"Xiruo, Sir Chu saved my life. I can't just leave like this… I'm sorry."
Bao Xiruo didn't complain. Instead, she smiled gently."All these years, what I've always been most proud of is your character. Ever since Kang'er was young, I told him you were a great hero—loyal and righteous. So I won't blame you."
Seeing that both parents intended to stay, Mu Nianci said anxiously,"Father, Mother, you've waited so many years just to reunite—you can't stay here. You should go. I'll stay and help Sir Chu."
Yang Tiexin shook his head with a wry smile."I taught you your martial arts. I know exactly how capable you are. If you stay, you'll only distract Sir Chu."
Father and daughter argued back and forth.
Chu Yang found it a bit noisy. In truth, whether they left or stayed made no difference to him. The saying "Jurchens over ten thousand are unbeatable" held no intimidation for him whatsoever.
Not to mention that before Conqueror's Haki, these soldiers were no different from paper figures—even in terms of raw firepower, he had nothing to fear.
The Second Mizukage, Gengetsu Hōzuki's Steam Imp Danger Tyranny was a battlefield-grade weapon. In an era without mushroom clouds, no number of ancient soldiers could deal with a bug-level "strategic weapon" like that.
If Wanyan Kang failed to bring the person back and instead led a massive army here, then Chu Yang wouldn't blame himself for playing dirty—he'd give him a memory he'd never forget.
Meanwhile, Wanyan Kang dragged his injured body back to the Prince Zhao's Mansion, throwing the entire estate into chaos.
The young prince injured, the princess consort taken hostage—these were things the servants would never have dared imagine.
When Wanyan Honglie received the news, he was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan. He immediately decided to mobilize the army in his capacity as prince, capture the culprit, and ensure the princess consort's safety.
But Wanyan Kang stopped him.
Chu Yang had underestimated just how deep a shadow he had left in Wanyan Kang's heart. The latter had completely lost any will to oppose him.
"Father, that scholar's martial arts are terrifying—unlike anything I've ever seen. And what he wants isn't difficult. There's no need for us to clash with him head-on."
Wanyan Kang kept persuading Wanyan Honglie as the latter paced back and forth in the hall.
"Kang'er, my Prince Zhao's Mansion—how could we possibly abduct a beggar?"Wanyan Honglie waved his sleeve, half amused, half exasperated.
"The people of the Prince's Mansion naturally wouldn't do such a thing. But what if it was one of the odd experts you've recruited, Father? They come from all sorts of backgrounds in the martial world—nothing they do would be surprising."
Wanyan Kang's words plunged Wanyan Honglie into thought. He had to admit—there was truth to them.
Those people were respectful before him and his son, but outside they acted arrogantly, committing many outrageous deeds that stirred public resentment. Wanyan Honglie had heard of this long ago.
Wanyan Kang continued,"Father, why don't we summon those experts and question them?"
The situation was urgent. With the princess consort in danger, Wanyan Honglie couldn't afford further delay. He immediately ordered those experts to be summoned to the main hall.
Before long—
Peng Lianhu, Sha Tongtian, and a handsome young man in white robes appeared in the hall.
There were also several other miscellaneous martial artists.
Wanyan Honglie explained the situation, then asked,"I would like to ask everyone present—has anyone, due to personal grudges, abducted someone and brought them into the Prince Zhao's Mansion without authorization?"
Peng Lianhu and Sha Tongtian were instantly startled, both thinking of Guo Jing.
The white-robed young man frowned as well.
No one spoke.
Wanyan Honglie's tone grew heavier as he said coldly,"This concerns the safety of the princess consort. If anyone knows something and chooses to conceal it, don't blame me for settling accounts later."
Peng Lianhu and Sha Tongtian exchanged a glance. Gritting his teeth, the latter stepped forward and said,"Some time ago, I captured someone and locked him in the mansion's dungeon. I don't know if he's the person Your Highness is looking for."
Wanyan Honglie narrowed his eyes."What is his name?"
Sha Tongtian replied,"You've heard of him too, Your Highness. It's Guo Jing—the one who ruined our plans in Mongolia."
Wanyan Honglie looked toward Wanyan Kang. The latter shook his head and said,"The friend he mentioned is surnamed Huang, not Guo. It shouldn't be him."
Hearing this, the white-robed young man's expression changed.
Wanyan Kang noticed and frowned."Ouyang Ke, did you also capture someone and bring them into the mansion?"
The white-robed Ouyang Ke nodded."The person I captured is indeed surnamed Huang—but it's a woman."
Wanyan Honglie let out a long sigh."One has the wrong surname, the other the wrong gender. What are we supposed to do?"
Wanyan Kang clenched his teeth."Bring them both over. Let him choose!"
(End of Chapter)