"This medicine is called Thousand Muscle Inducing Agent. This old servant has been adding extremely small amounts of each of the six different ingredients to the objects, clothes, and snacks that Master touches daily," Tang De patiently explained. Tang Yun is well-versed in various poisons and is extremely cautious; poisoning him would be incredibly difficult. Young Master Tang Huan is truly a genius, inventing Thousand Muscle Inducing Agent. It combines six separate, non-toxic ingredients, then uses the final ingredient as a trigger. A candle wick is soaked in this final ingredient, the candle is lit, and the poison is inhaled into the recipient's chest cavity, ultimately triggering the six latent drugs. Once the candle burns out, the evidence naturally disappears, and even if the other ingredients are discovered, they cannot be detected as poisonous.
Poisoning typically occurs through three routes: ingestion, contact, and inhalation. This Thousand Muscle Inhaler, however, employs all three simultaneously, each application being non-toxic and undetectable. As for injuring someone with a hidden weapon, directly penetrating the bloodstream, this method is only suitable for combat, not for Xiao Qin and Tang Yun. The Chun Jun sword is also a crucial element in this poisoning scheme. Legend has it that wounds inflicted by the Chun Jun sword take a long time to heal. Tang Huan repeatedly mentioned his admiration for this peerless sword to Xiao Qin, offering a Jade Bead in exchange as a gesture of sincerity, which the young lady readily accepted. When Xiao Qingyuan visited, he indeed mentioned the Jade Bead, which the Tang Clan couldn't refuse. These two items, working together, provided Tang Yun with a plausible explanation for Xiao Qin's death, even though he was suspicious. He maintained that the Jade Bead Xiao Qin wore was genuine, thus avoiding the possibility of poisoning and preventing a thorough investigation that would have allowed him to discover the poison on his body earlier. So much so that it was only at the perfect moment for Tang Yun's poison to take effect—when the Yuejianmen army was at the city gates—that Tang Decai lit the candle.
"What a vicious mind you have! Don't be too happy yet. Tang Huan, that little bastard, will never amount to anything." Tang Yun felt his blood rapidly draining away, his voice growing weaker. At this moment, he fully understood that he and Xiao Qin had been poisoned by the same kind of poison. And that Jade Bead was actually fake. Thinking of this, he tremblingly took out the fake bead he had kept close to his body, and said with grief and indignation, "I thought he finally acknowledged me as his son before he died, and that's why he passed the Jade Bead to me. I never expected that the old bastard would give me a fake bead!" The first of the Tang Clan's Four Treasures, the "Ten Thousand Poisons Scripture," and the second, the Ice Silk Armor, were naturally passed down from generation to generation by the sect leaders, while the Jade Bead and the Langya Staff had to be given to other virtuous and capable individuals to keep the sect leader in check. Before his death, Tang Ling gifted Tang Yun with the jade and pearl, which was tantamount to removing a shackle from Tang Yun's body. No wonder Tang Yun thought this meant he had finally won his father's appreciation and trust, and felt a trace of guilt for poisoning his own father with "Day and Night." So this was all a lie; the real one must have been passed on to Tang Jue!
"The sect leader understands the principle of 'a new emperor, a new court.' He knows that after you succeed him, you will inevitably cultivate your own faction and carry out a major reshuffle of the Tang Clan, purging the old guard. To protect these people and secretly assist Young Master Tang Huan, the sect leader made them swear a solemn oath of loyalty to you before the ancestral tablets before his death. To convince you of his sincerity and accept their surrender, he presented them with the jade and pearl, dispelling your suspicions." Tang De clearly admired Tang Ling's unparalleled wisdom, his expression respectful and solemn as he spoke.
"Then why did he pass the position to me? Wouldn't it have been better to directly support Tang Huan, that little bastard, to take the throne?"
"The sect leader once said, 'Huan'er is young, and both his parents have passed away. Originally, this old man could still protect him, but now that I'm gone too, passing the leadership to him would not only fail to win over the people, but would also bring about a bloodbath.'" Tang De left out the second half of the story: Tang Ling had also instructed him to be obedient to Tang Yun and to secretly and carefully educate Tang Huan. If he was indeed a talented and vengeful man, he could secretly help him achieve his goals once he was fully capable. Tang Ling was a man of deep foresight. He saw that Tang Yun would cause trouble, so he urgently summoned Tang Jue back to the fortress. Unfortunately, he was already poisoned and delirious, and could not warn Tang Jue in advance. The poisoning of his most beloved son, Tang Jue, was naturally heartbreaking. However, Tang Yun was also his son. If Tang Yun were dealt with, Tang Family Fortress would be without a successor for a time, inevitably leading to chaos. As the head of the sect, Tang Ling had to consider the overall situation. In other words, everything he thought and planned prioritized Tang Family Fortress over his personal feelings. If Tang Huan were merely a piece of rotten wood, Tang Ling would have allowed Tang Yun to continue as the sect leader even knowing that Tang Yun had poisoned him and Tang Jue.
Under Tang Ling's painstaking efforts, Tang Huan, this rough gem, was finally polished into the fine talent he is today by Tang Yun, the whetstone. Tang Ling's poisoning worsened daily, his periods of lucidity dwindling until, in his final moments, he only had half an hour a day. Thus, his plan was only half-finished, and he was unable to secretly send Tang Huan out of Tang Family Fortress. Tang De, deeply ashamed that Tang Huan had been betrayed by Tang Li and severely injured, felt he had failed Tang Ling's trust and therefore did everything in his power to help Tang Huan. Tang De had groveled before Tang Yun for decades to gain his trust, enabling him to act with absolute authority in Tang Family Fortress and secretly cover for Tang Huan. Tang Huan's several secret trips to Jinling were largely due to Tang De's contributions.
"You deliberately removed the defenses of the outer city, allowing Yuejianmen to breach it..." Tang Yun was now utterly despondent and barely breathing.
“Not bad.” At this point, Tang De had no more reservations.
Seeing Tang Yun finally close his eyes, Tang De couldn't help but shed tears. He knelt down and kowtowed three times towards the Tang Clan's cemetery behind the mountain, saying, "Tang De has not failed in his mission." Luan Su, who had been hiding in the shadows, then helped Tang De up and said, "Father, don't be sad. The Fourth Young Master has already secured victory." The father and daughter wept with relief.
The following day, Tang Family Fortress hung a mourning flag, and several elders of the Tang Clan jointly sent a letter of appeal to the Yue Sword Clan, returning the Chun Jun Sword. Xiao Qingyuan confirmed that Tang Yun was dead, and the Yue Sword Clan had also suffered heavy losses in this battle. Even his most prized disciple was injured by a trap and died on the spot. In addition, the inner city of the Tang Clan was protected by the Yao River, making it difficult to cross by air, so they lowered their flags and returned home.
――――――――
Mo Xi's prediction of the battle situation, though not entirely accurate, was not far off. Tang Huan faced two major challenges in achieving his goal: first, to kill Tang Yun; and second, to carefully manage the situation while simultaneously destroying his own defenses and allowing Yue Jianmen to attack Tang Family Fortress. He needed to both eliminate Tang Yun's core forces through a borrowed knife and preserve the foundation of the Tang Clan.
However, being neither a member of the Tang Clan nor having lived in Jinling for a long time, she was naturally unaware of the unique terrain of the Tang Clan's inner and outer cities, nor of Tang De's existence, and therefore knew nothing of Tang Huan's overall plans. Moreover, in her view, the battle between the Tang Clan and the Yuejian Clan was an internal affair of Tang Huan's family, completely unrelated to her. From her perspective as the poisoned victim, it was neither convenient nor interesting for her to inquire about Tang Huan's arrangements. All she needed to do was hold onto Tang Huan, her lifeline, until she obtained the antidote.
Working day and night
( ) Tang Huan looked at the woman in front of her, dressed in a light gray cloth robe, sitting idly against a tree trunk amidst a carpet of yellow leaves. The thin twilight shone on her, and her dusty hair hung down to one side, half-covering her usually calm face.
They traveled day and night, enduring wind and rain, never complaining. When it was time to eat, they ate whatever they could find, from wild game to simple fare, without hesitation. When it was time to sleep, they slept contentedly under any tree in the deep mountains and forests. Even though he himself felt weary from such a journey, she showed no signs of fatigue, rising at dawn every day to practice her swordsmanship on her own. This group of twenty were all his top-tier warriors, their speed was naturally swift, yet she always managed to catch up within an hour. It was clear that she still had plenty of energy to spare. However, since leaving Jinling, she had rarely spoken, never asking about his plans, and never mentioning the antidote again.
The greatest risk of this trip was a direct encounter with Tang Yun's five hundred personal guards. While traveling light would allow for speed, the sheer number of men was a fatal flaw. Conversely, if her group of twenty-two remained concealed, evading the menacing five hundred cavalry wouldn't be difficult. However, she was always the first to notice the slightest movement. Even five days ago, when those five hundred were ten miles away, she was the first to lie down and listen intently to pinpoint their location. What rigorous training must one undergo to react so quickly, to make counter-tracking instinct ingrained in one's very being…
Mo Xi knew Tang Huan was observing her, but she didn't open her eyes. She relaxed all her muscles and adjusted her breathing to the most peaceful state. This was a method she had recently discovered that could regulate her internal energy without meditation: blending herself into the surrounding environment and diminishing her presence in a calm and inactive way. In this way, the process of slowly increasing her internal energy was also a process of gradually restoring her physical strength.
At first, Mo Xi was slightly surprised that Tang Huan hadn't chosen to confront Tang Li in Jinling, but instead left Lüyun and Ahen in Jinling to handle the aftermath while he himself traveled day and night to Sichuan. However, upon reflection, he realized that Tang Huan's actions indicated a strong grasp of the Tang Clan's situation. If the Tang Clan's crisis could be resolved immediately, with Tang Yun dead and the Yuejian Sect subdued, Tang Huan's first task would be to return to the Tang Clan to take charge. This was similar to a succession struggle; sometimes, it wasn't about who was the strongest or had the most troops that won. Often, the one who first controlled the inner palace was the one who secured the throne. Emperor Yongzheng, for example, used the troops of the Fengtai camp to control the Forbidden City, proclaimed his will, established titles, and then, as emperor, sent fourteen men alone to the capital to mourn. Even the renowned General Wang, who commanded 100,000 troops and had achieved great military exploits, was powerless to reverse the tide and had to submit. Conversely, if Tang Li returns to the Tang Clan first, his status as the young master of the fortress will be legitimate. Furthermore, with Tang Yun dead, he only needs to play the role of a filial son to gain countless sympathies, which will bring variables to Tang Huan, who already has the victory in his grasp.
As expected, within three days, a rumor spread throughout the martial arts world: Tang Li had died at the hands of the Yuejian Sect on his way to his father's funeral. Needless to say, it was Tang Huan's doing. Tang Li's death was inevitable; this act both earned him a favor with the Yuejian Sect and cleared his own name. After all, Tang Yun had nominally died as the sect leader in the battle against the Yuejian Sect, and bearing the stigma of killing his only son was not a good thing. Even if Tang Li managed to escape the combined forces of Tang Huan and the Yuejian Sect and successfully return to Tang Family Fortress, if Tang Huan seized control of the situation first, Tang Li would become an unregistered individual, unable to escape if Tang Huan turned his back on him. Tang Li had no choice but to gamble this one time; if he didn't return, he would be giving up his last chance to turn the tables, destined to a life of wandering.
The Peak of Chongyao
( ) Twenty days later.
Tang De had been guarding the Chonghui Gate outside Tangjiabao since early morning. He waited until dusk before he could see Tang Huan and his group of about twenty people appearing on the horizon, looking travel-worn. When Tang Huan approached, Tang De was so moved that he choked up and wanted to perform the grand ceremony of a sect leader.
Tang Huan refused, saying, "Duke De, there's no need for that. I would feel ashamed to accept it." He paused, smiled slightly, and introduced Mo Xi, "This is Miss Mu. I was able to bypass the pursuers and return quickly thanks to Miss Mu."
Tang De suppressed his surprise, raised his bright eyes to examine Mo Xi, and after a moment a smile of satisfaction appeared on his face. He said, "If you need anything in Tang Family Fortress, please feel free to ask this old servant. There's no need to be polite." This young lady was no ordinary person; her eyes were clear and calm as deep water.
Mo Xi smiled slightly and said, "I wouldn't dare. I'll follow the host's lead." When you're on someone else's turf, how could you be so rude...
After exchanging pleasantries, Tang De led them into the city. Along the way, the outer city seemed to have survived a devastating storm, with only ruins remaining, offering glimpses of its former glory. Not far away, a patch of yellow earth and blue brick foundation lay forlornly in the setting sun amidst withered grass. Tang Huan was filled with emotion, but his expression quickly brightened, and he said to Mo Xi, "This is where we can build the cascading waterfall and multi-tiered platform, as you suggested, young lady."
Mo Xi nodded, thinking: You actually believed what I made up before just for the mission. Now that there's no design fee, why bother? I'm cured, time to get out of here.
Seeing that she was not in a good mood, Tang Huan remained silent for a while.
After walking briskly for a while, the sound of rushing water gradually came into view.
The distant river before me is as clear as a jade belt and as wide as a flowing river, with white waves surging and surging endlessly.
A man dressed as a fisherman, wearing a straw hat and a raincoat, sat among the reeds on the bank, but his face was not visible.
Tang De stepped forward, took out a jade pendant carved with orchids, and presented it with both hands, his attitude extremely humble. The man didn't say a word, stood up, and with one hand casually picked up the bamboo raft at his feet, tossing it into the river. It turned out to be a boatman waiting on the bank. Tang Huan led the way, and the group leaped up and boarded the raft. The boatman was truly remarkable; crossing the river at such high winds and rapids, he seemed to be strolling leisurely, with complete ease.
Mo Xi was utterly amazed. This person's skill was unparalleled in his entire life!
In the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, the group reached the other side. The boatman picked up the bamboo raft and sailed away without looking back.
The group entered the inner city.
Tang Huan had been waiting for Mo Xi to ask who this person was, hoping it would break the ice, but Mo Xi turned to Tang De instead and asked, "Does Master De know who this person is?" (Tang Huan, you've miscalculated: Tang De is the one who pulled out the jade pendant, so who else should you ask...?)
Tang De had long observed their expressions, lowered his eyes to conceal the smile in them, and solemnly said, "This old servant only knows that this person was a close friend of Sect Leader Jue in his lifetime. Since the Sect Leader's passing, he has been rowing this raft here every day. However, this person's martial arts are exceptionally high, and no one can force him; only the Sect Leader's personal seal can be used. Moreover, he has only spoken once in the past few years, and that was to the Fourth Young Master." He then stopped there and said nothing more.
Tang Huan looked at Mo Xi again, only to see her looking up at the magnificent sky with a look of amazement. Her usually ordinary features suddenly seemed to have gained a lively and bright quality. For some reason, the slight gloom that had just risen in Tang Huan's heart vanished instantly.
In the distance, a towering platform, ten zhang high, stood majestically, its buildings connected by palaces and pavilions, exuding a magnificent aura. Atop the platform sat a giant winged bird, proudly bathed in the slanting sunlight, its body gleaming with golden light, its expression haughty, its wings outstretched as if ready to take flight. Mo Xi couldn't help but sigh inwardly. Cao Pi had once ascended the Bronze Sparrow Terrace and composed a poem, containing the lines, "Soaring high amidst the clouds, its layers reaching to the heavens," which must have been a scene from this very moment. No wonder Tang Huan was so desperate to become the sect leader; anyone witnessing such a sight would be moved.
Legend has it that Cao Cao loved to hold grand banquets for his ministers on the Bronze Sparrow Terrace, where he would passionately express his ambition to conquer the world. Each banquet was a scene of revelry and music. How wonderful it would be to indulge in such revelry here! Mo Xi began to imagine himself holding a cup, dancing and singing, thinking to himself that this place was a waste for Tang Huan, and he would never be able to fully appreciate its beauty.
Tang De led them towards Chongyao Terrace without any obstacles.
Chongyao Terrace is located in the center, connecting Yunxia to the south and Chiyan to the north, each seventy paces away. All three terraces are connected by a floating bridge in the form of a covered walkway. "When in use, the three terraces are connected; when abandoned, the central terrace is completely isolated."
The sound of water could be heard in the distance. Approaching closer, its imposing grandeur became even more apparent, its height resembling a mountain. It turned out that a stream of water from a distant river flowed through a secret passage beneath the platform, converging into a vast pool. Mo Xi couldn't help but secretly admire the strength of the Tang family's genes; from the founding ancestor Tang Fan to the current Tang Huan, it seemed that every generation had produced design geniuses.
On a whim, she lightly touched the ground with her toes and, like a kite with a broken string, soared upwards to the highest point of Chongyao Terrace. There, amidst a sea of golden, resplendent rooftops, she sat and gazed at the clouds, enjoying a panoramic view of a thousand miles. Instantly, all the resentment she had accumulated over the past few days—due to Tang Huan's poisoning and the forced journey of a thousand miles—vanished. Only then did she truly understand the meaning of "ascending to a high place and gazing freely, letting one's eyes roam freely."
Upon seeing this, Tang De exclaimed in amazement, "This young lady Mu's lightness skill is not far from being unparalleled in the world!"
Tang Huan's gaze followed her figure, but he didn't say anything.
Mo Xi, having seen enough, descended on the wind and returned to the crowd in an instant, laughing loudly, "Mu Xi was unruly and presumptuous just now." After a pause, she exclaimed, "The Tang Clan is truly magnificent and awe-inspiring!" As a newcomer, it's always good to flatter them a bit, especially since it's true.
As expected, Tang De became even more friendly towards her, introducing the pavilion along the way. The two chatted happily, completely ignoring Tang Huan, the proper host.
Ascending the steps, one sees Luan Su standing on the platform, dressed in a sky-blue pleated gauze dress, craning her neck in anticipation, clearly having waited for some time. Upon seeing Tang Huan, she smiles sweetly, bows gracefully, and calls out, "Fourth Young Master."
“Luan Su, there’s no need for such formalities. This is Miss Mu. You will be following her for the next few days.” Luan Su was startled and then noticed Mo Xi. She saw that Mo Xi’s face was covered in dust, her hair was disheveled, her clothes were dirty, and her features were only average, but she could be described as pretty. She suppressed her distracting thoughts and smiled, “Miss Mu, please come with me. The side hall has been prepared.”