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Luo Yuanqing, who was standing to the side, was shocked and was about to step forward when a red shadow flashed and appeared behind Wen Su.

Wen Su was startled to realize someone had circled around behind him. Before he could react, he felt a palm strike on his back. The force wasn't aimed at him; instead, it flowed into his body, through his right palm, and exploded outwards.

Wen Jing, who was exchanging blows with Wen Su, could not have expected this turn of events. The sudden force of the palm strike sent him flying. He staggered back several steps and coughed lightly.

Wen Su turned around and saw Li Si standing behind him, with a charming smile on her face and a relaxed expression.

"Ah, you're welcome," Li Si said with a sly smile.

Seeing this, Yin Xiao, who was engaged in combat, withdrew from the battle and laughed, "Matchmaker, you're using someone else to do your dirty work, how despicable!"

Li Si covered her mouth and laughed, "When did I ever say I was a gentleman?" A hint of resentment flashed in her eyes as she said, "Besides... he can use someone else to do his dirty work and frame others, so why can't I? This is just giving him a taste of his own medicine."

Silver Owl clapped his hands. "Excellent! Excellent eloquence!"

Li Si glanced at Wen Su again and said, "Originally, I couldn't let you go either, but since you've already died once, I'll give you a break. All the past is wiped clean. However, if you do evil again in the future, you will definitely be on my marriage register." She turned around and said, "Wen Jing's internal energy is injured, and he is now powerless to fight back. You can decide what to do."

After she finished speaking, she turned around and joined the battle on the side.

Silver Owl shook his head, also calming his mind and focusing on his own battle.

Wen Su looked somewhat bewildered. He looked at Wen Jing, his grip on the knife tightening and loosening.

Wen Jing knew he had no chance of winning. He frowned, took a few steps back, and said, "Let's go!"

Hearing the commotion, the ninjas fighting nearby released smoke.

This smoke was no ordinary smoke. Upon seeing it, Pi Zi exclaimed, "The smoke is poisonous! Everyone, get out of the way!"

In an instant, everyone retreated and returned to the small sedan chair.

When the smoke cleared, Wei Qi and Wen Jing had already disappeared without a trace.

But the main force didn't have time to escape, and seeing this situation, they all surrendered. However, some of them were still unwilling to give up and took a risk, attacking Xiao Xiao.

Xiao Xiao was sitting in the sedan chair eating watermelon when she saw someone attacking. Her eyes widened, and she couldn't react for a moment.

Oniusu and Kanoko, who had been serving in front of the palanquin, immediately rose to meet the attack upon seeing this change.

But those men were fighting desperately; though their martial arts were weak, their spirit was not. One of them, despite being wounded, broke through and charged straight at the sedan chair.

The sedan bearers, not being江湖人士 (jianghu figures), panicked at the sight of the menacing posture. The sedan swayed, the small boy swayed, and the watermelon rind in his hand flew out, landing squarely at the man's feet.

Then, Xiao Xiao watched in astonishment as the man, caught off guard, stepped on a melon rind and fell heavily to the ground. The sharp blade flew from his hand and onto the sedan chair.

Xiao Xiao was terrified and hurriedly reached out to catch the knife in her hand.

After everyone finished their battle, they looked at Xiao Xiao and saw a disciple of Hero's Fortress kneeling on all fours in front of the sedan chair. Xiao Xiao held a sharp blade across his chest, his expression solemn.

The disciple stood up, still intending to attack, but was subdued by Oniusu and Kanoko.

Oniu and Kazuko turned around, looked at Koko, and said in unison, "Alliance Leader is divinely mighty!"

Xiao Xiao glanced at the watermelon rind on the ground, then quietly wiped her watermelon juice-stained hands behind her back. She looked at the subdued men, cleared her throat, and said, "Wei Qi and Wen Jing have committed many evil deeds. Why do you all aid and abet them? As the leader of the alliance, I only hope for peace and justice in the martial world. If you can abandon your evil ways and embrace the light, I guarantee that you will not be harmed in the slightest."

Those people looked at each other, pondered for a long time, and finally put down their weapons and knelt down before the sedan chair.

Xiao Xiao breathed a sigh of relief. When she looked up, she saw Lian Zhao and Wen Su with complicated expressions, Yin Xiao and Li Si suppressing their laughter, and the others who didn't know the details looking up at her with admiration.

Just as Xiao Xiao was feeling embarrassed, Shi Le'er rushed over and said, "Little Sister, Wei Qi has taken the 'Martial Spirit Overlord Blade' and the 'Storm Sword.' If he manages to collect all nine divine artifacts, we're in big trouble!"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Xiao immediately reacted and shouted, "Chase!"

...

The group gave chase, but couldn't find Wei Qi and Wen Jing. After some discussion, they headed to the nearby Hero's Fortress branch to look for clues.

The attack on the branch headquarters didn't take much effort. However, the branch headquarters was already deserted. After searching, they only found members of the Qi family imprisoned in the dungeon, along with Xi Yuan, Zhao Yan, and others.

Blindly searching would be a waste of effort, so the group settled down in this branch and began to plan for the future.

As the leader of the alliance, Xiaoxiao had no chance to rest at all. It wasn't that she was required to handle any important matters, but whenever there was any disturbance or news, everyone would come to report it. After this back and forth, she could only barely get a short rest when it got dark.

She walked weakly toward her room, with Oniusu and Kanoko following closely behind, carefully attending to her.

It was past August, and as night fell, a cool breeze blew into the water, bringing a chill. She walked on the veranda, looking at the frosty moonlight, and then she saw Lian Zhao.

Lian Zhao and Jiang Cheng were seen sparring in the courtyard outside the covered walkway. Neither of them used their usual weapons, but instead used longswords to fight each other.

Under the bright moonlight, Xiao Xiao stared blankly at Lian Zhao practicing his sword, completely forgetting to do her own thing.

A simple, unadorned longsword, simple, unadorned swordsmanship. The familiarity she felt brought a smile to her face. She remembered him on the East Sea, outside the city gates, within the Shennong family compound, dressed in black, carrying a longsword, coming for her.

Without betraying his own principles, he chose this method to stand by her side. This kind of protection leaves her enough room to maneuver. If a man can abandon his principles and sacrifice everything for the woman he loves, it is undoubtedly a testament to his profound and moving love. However, not giving up, not sacrificing, and striving to find an opportunity to stay together in the gentlest way is also a form of true love.

Because of this, she won't have to blame herself or feel indebted every day from now on. She can face him with equanimity and accept this relationship with a clear conscience.

Having followed her master since childhood, she gradually learned that things in this world cannot be forced. Therefore, without realizing it, she would automatically avoid and immediately give up at the slightest trouble. This trait isn't necessarily good or bad. But now she knows that even if being with him is extremely difficult, she won't give up. Because it's worth it.

As she thought about it, her smile grew even more joyful.

Seeing this, Oniu and Kanoko behind her looked worried.

"Alliance Leader, are you alright?" Bizi stepped forward and asked with concern.

Xiao Xiao suddenly snapped back to reality, "Ah? It's nothing, it's nothing..."

When she looked up at the courtyard again, Lian Zhao and Jiang Cheng had stopped practicing. Noticing her arrival, Jiang Cheng smiled, said a few words, and then took his leave.

Lian Zhao slung his longsword behind his back and turned to look at her.

Seeing this, Xiaoxiao gestured for Bizi and Guijiu to leave, and then walked over alone. She stopped in front of Lian Zhao and smiled, "It's so late, aren't you going to rest?"

Lian Zhao looked at her and smiled, "The Alliance Leader is busy with affairs, and hasn't had a break either."

Hearing this, Xiao Xiao blinked. For some reason, she sensed an eerie undertone in those words. She understood, and said plaintively, "Huh? I didn't do it willingly either. I don't know why, but I was chosen as the alliance leader, and no one objected?"

"Our leader is benevolent and wise, who dares to oppose him?" Lian Zhao replied.

"Young Master Lian, judging from your tone, you don't seem very satisfied with me becoming the alliance leader." Xiao Xiao rolled up her sleeves and said, "Alright, this alliance leader will open your eyes and convince you!"

After she finished speaking, she quickly reached out and grabbed Lian Zhao's shoulder.

Lian Zhao was slightly startled and stepped aside to avoid it.

Xiaoxiao persisted and then wrapped her arms around his.

Lian Zhao held the sword in his right hand, so he only used his left hand to counter. He parried the small move, then turned and seized her wrist.

She smiled smugly; her "must-practice" technique wasn't just for show. With a flick of her wrist, she easily broke free, then used both hands to wrap around his left hand.

Despite having his left hand sealed, Lian Zhao raised an eyebrow and smiled, "Alliance Leader, I still have my legs."

Slightly startled, she saw him raise his leg to kick her waist. She cried out in surprise, turned around, and dodged. Then she also raised her leg to block his attack.

Lian Zhao smiled, slightly raising his leg, bending and thrusting it. Her small strength was no match for his, and this change caused her to lose her balance, almost falling.

She immediately let go and stepped back.

Lian Zhao dusted himself off, a hint of provocation in his smile.

Seeing this, Xiao Xiao frowned, rubbed her hands together, and looked serious. After a moment of silence, she leaped forward and rushed towards Lian Zhao.

Lian Zhao stood calmly in place, waiting for her to make her move.

Just as she was about to reach him, Xiaoxiao was pondering her first move. Unexpectedly, she stepped on the hem of her own skirt, lost her balance, and fell forward.

Logically speaking, with Lian Zhao in front, he should have been able to catch her without a doubt. But Lian Zhao deliberately sidestepped and avoided her.

Xiao Xiao was stunned for a moment, and then fell heavily to the ground.

Lian Zhao was stunned when he saw her fall. He went over, squatted down, and reached out to help her up.

Xiao Xiao looked up and stared at him with a mournful expression.

Lian Zhao looked apologetic and said, "I'm sorry... I thought you were deliberately giving yourself away..."

"I..." Xiao Xiao sat on the ground, looking even more aggrieved, "Did I deliberately give myself away?"

Looking at her expression, Lian Zhao finally couldn't help but laugh, "...With your lightness skill, you shouldn't have fallen so easily..."

"Who says you can't fall down if you know kung fu?" Xiao Xiao said, rubbing her knee.

Lian Zhao suppressed a laugh and reached out to rub her knee. "Did you hurt yourself?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Xiao said seriously, "It hurts, it's broken."

Lian Zhao looked at her helplessly and said, "Lian Zhao knows his mistake and will accept the Alliance Leader's punishment, is that alright?"

"Okay." Xiaoxiao stretched out her hands. "Take me back to my room first."

Lian Zhao felt slightly embarrassed. He looked at Xiao Xiao's bright eyes, pondered for a moment, and then looked around to make sure no one was there. Just as he was about to lower the longsword in his right hand, suddenly someone rushed over and blurted out:

"What time is it? Why are you still playing?"

Xiao Xiao and Lian Zhao were both taken aback. They looked up and saw Shi Le'er stomping her foot angrily, her finger pointing directly at them. The two quickly stood up and looked at Shi Le'er with serious expressions.

Shi Le'er frowned deeply and said, "Wei Qi and Wen Jing have disappeared! Miss, you are the alliance leader, why haven't you sent anyone to chase them?"

The little girl answered timidly, "Uh, because I don't know where they ran off to..."

“If you don’t know, then look for it! Why are you all so leisurely! Tsk, I thought Wei Qi only wanted Hero’s Fortress and Taiping City, but I didn’t expect his ambition to be so great… They have already collected eight of the Nine Emperor’s Divine Artifacts. What if, as the rumors say, they really gain control of the world?” Shi Le’er’s tone was extremely urgent.

Xiao Xiao didn't know how to answer, and cold sweat broke out on her brow. She remembered that Shi Le'er usually acted cute, but now she was showing her true colors. It seemed she was really desperate.

Lian Zhao laughed and said, "If gathering all nine emperors would allow us to unify the world, why would my father need thousands of troops to fight on the battlefield?" He picked up his longsword and said leisurely, "The nine emperors are just rumors after all, there's no need to take them seriously."

Shi Le'er frowned. "Brother Lian, it's better to believe it's true than not to believe it's not."

Lian Zhao replied, “Le’er, I’m not familiar with the affairs of the martial world. But I do know a little about the struggles within the court. Throughout history, to gain the world, even with a vast army, one still needs a legitimate claim. If the Liu Han and Li Tang dynasties hadn’t claimed the Mandate of Heaven, how could they have become emperors?” He continued slowly, “I might as well be frank, the current emperor doesn’t take the ‘Nine Emperors’ seriously. What the emperor is worried about is that someone might use the name of the ‘Nine Emperors’ to spread rumors and disrupt the court.”

"You mean the Shenxiao Sect?" Xiao Xiao understood.

Lian Zhao nodded. "Traitors and rebels are nothing to fear. I'm afraid that Shenxiao will produce a 'true emperor,' and then the world will truly descend into chaos. However, even if they obtain the 'Nine Emperors,' it will take time for them to establish a new ruler. This period of time is enough for us to find them."

After listening, Shi Le'er pondered for a moment and said, "Then, what if the 'Nine Emperors' is truly a divine artifact that can unleash earth-shattering power?"

Lian Zhao laughed, "Taiping City has possessed the 'Martial Spirit Overlord Blade' since ancient times. Has anyone ever witnessed its divine power?" He picked up a scabbard, sheathed his longsword, and calmly said, "The 'Martial Spirit Overlord Blade' can only dominate the world in the hands of Old City Lord Shi. Similarly, the 'Frosty Sky Embracing the Moon' can only unleash its power in the hands of my Lian family. Even if others obtain it, they will only acquire a famous weapon. As for its earth-shattering power, it's utter nonsense." After he finished speaking, he looked at Xiao Xiao and added, "Even if it truly possesses earth-shattering power, I'm afraid the Divine Firmament Sect won't be able to grasp it for the time being. Otherwise, why would they repeatedly cause trouble for Xiao Xiao?"

Xiao Xiao laughed after hearing this. The "Nine Emperors' Divine Artifacts," which everyone had always coveted, suddenly sounded so ordinary to him. It turned out he had always been an outsider, holding all the advantages in his own hands, unchanged. Everyone thought she knew the secret of the Nine Emperors, but now it seemed that he was the one who truly knew.

Thinking about it this way, Xiaoxiao felt a little...

“Brother Lian, what you’re saying sounds like you’re laughing at how silly we are,” Shi Le’er said.

Lian Zhao shook his head, "I had no such intention."

Shi Le'er frowned and said, "Then why didn't you say so earlier? You made people worry for so long for nothing."