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Time flies like water, and half a month seems to have passed in the blink of an eye. The day they set sail is drawing near.

On September 18th, the group took their leave. Before leaving, Sui Qinghan only said one sentence: "After you leave, never mention this place to the world, or I, the leader of this sect, will kill you!"

His tone and gaze told them that he was not bluffing.

Yuwen Luo shuddered, then suddenly remembered Lan Qi's words: "Even if you see it, it will still be a secret."

Yes, Lan Qi and the others knew about it, but for the martial arts world, it remained a secret.

Life in the mountains is carefree, and all worldly troubles have passed.

When they left Pear Blossom Tomb and returned to the martial world, a shocking piece of news awaited them.

The first group of three thousand martial arts heroes who set sail all perished in the East Sea!

Volume 2

18. A Tree of Green, Heartless (Part 1)

After leaving Pear Blossom Tomb, walk east for half a day and you will reach Yecheng. From there, you can go to Yingzhou, which is located by the sea.

As soon as the group entered Yecheng, the news reached their ears without them even needing to ask, as the entire martial arts world was talking about it.

The group was resting in a roadside teahouse when they heard loud, boisterous conversation emanating from inside. Upon closer listening, they were all utterly shocked, Ning Lang being completely stunned. Ming Er and Lan Qi frowned, scrutinizing the conversation before their hearts sank. What other sect in the world possessed the power to wipe out three thousand martial arts masters in a single night? And just what kind of terrifying place was the Eastern Sea? Had those three thousand lives vanished so easily?!

“Let’s find an inn to stay in first, then find out the details. Once we’ve confirmed that, we can discuss what to do next.” Mingkong was the first to regain his composure and led the way out of the tea pavilion, with Feng Yi following silently behind him.

Lan Qi and Ming Er glanced at Ming Kong, their hearts stirred, and they also got up and left, while Yuwen Luo dragged the still-dazed Ning Lang behind them.

When they reached a relatively secluded place, Lan Qi spoke up, "Senior Ming, do you..." but didn't finish her question, only looking at him, while the others also turned their gazes to Ming Kong.

Mingkong stopped, pondered for a long while, and then said, "Indeed, I have always had doubts about the East Sea and even the East Sea Island. I always felt that our journey was fraught with unpredictable danger, as if it were a trap that someone had set up long ago, and we had no choice but to walk into it. So I told Brother Changtian to be careful in everything, but I never expected... Alas!"

"So, Senior Ming knows something about Dongming Island?" Ming Er asked.

Mingkong paused for a moment, as if considering how to phrase his words, before saying, "As you all know, our sect's founder, Han Pu, was very close to 'Bai Fengxi.' His notes recorded that 'Bai Feng Heixi' visited Dongming Island more than a hundred years ago."

"Huh?" The group was surprised. The mysterious Dongming Island, which was so mysterious to the people of the dynasty, actually existed, and some people had even been there and returned safely.

"Since 'White Wind and Black Breath' have been there, why did Senior Yu conclude that Dongming Island is dangerous?" Yuwen Luo asked疑惑地, "Could it be that he has a record of Dongming Island...?"

“No.” Mingkong waved his hand. “Aside from the record that ‘White Wind and Black Breath’ had been to Dongming Island, there is no other record. But… if ‘Lan Yin Bi Yue’ was truly taken by Dongming Island, they could have left no clues at all. Why would they leave half a ‘Wang Ran Palm’ imprint? Dongming Island is a place unknown to the people of the Imperial Dynasty, and they have never had any connection with it. Why would they want to take this sacred decree? And at such a high price! Thinking about it carefully, it all seems strange. It seems like a trap, but it’s just a feeling, a guess. It can’t be confirmed, so it can’t stop the heroes who are eager to fight. Besides, the sacred decree has been taken. As members of the martial arts world, no matter what the future holds—fortune, misfortune, injury, or death—we must go and take it back.”

“I see, no wonder,” Lan Qi said, looking at Ming Kong with her emerald eyes. “No wonder Senior went to Pear Blossom Tomb.”

Mingkong's gaze sharpened. He turned and looked in the direction of the Pear Blossom Tomb. He stared at it quietly for a long while before softly saying, "I think this may be the last time I see your master in this life, so I'm going to see her."

The group, suddenly realizing his plight, were deeply moved by his unwavering devotion. Who would have thought that the number one martial artist in the world could also have such a painful past, such tender emotions? Upon further reflection, they felt a growing unease about their journey to Dongming Island, their hearts heavy with worry. This might truly be a one-way trip!

“Then my senior brother… and Senior Qiu and the others… really…” Ning Lang, who had just come to his senses, suddenly spoke up. His face, which was originally slightly dark, was now as white as paper, and his usually bright eyes were filled with grief.

No one answered; everyone remained silent. At this moment, no words of comfort could be offered, nor could any predictions be made.

“Let’s go.” Mingkong suddenly turned around resolutely and strode away.

The group exchanged glances and then followed.

They searched several inns, but unfortunately, they were all full. Finally, Lan Qi said, "Follow me," and led the group to the largest inn in Ye City, "Hua Ye Inn," where they ran into an old friend.

Yuwen Lindong hadn't noticed anything at first, but then he realized that his son's gaze had suddenly become fixed on one spot, and his whole body tensed up. So he followed his son's gaze.

At noon, the sun was shining brightly. A person stood backlit at the entrance of the inn. Normally, a face should be dim and indistinct in the shadows, but that person seemed to have a radiance that surpassed the sun's brilliance. Their dazzling beauty and radiant appearance attracted everyone's attention. One glance was enough to captivate and stun them.

Yuwen Lindong was also taken aback. When he turned back to look at his son, he saw that his son had already withdrawn his gaze, coldly lowered his eyes, and tilted his head back to gulp down a glass of strong liquor.

Then, several more people walked in behind that person, and instantly the hall was filled with a sense of brilliance. From the manager to the waiter to the guests, everyone exclaimed what a wonderful day it was to see so many outstanding figures!

Upon seeing the people behind him, Yuwen Lindong stood up and greeted them warmly, "Brother Mingkong!"

"So Brother Yuwen is here too." Mingkong walked over with a smile.

"Greetings, Senior Ming." Yuwen Feng stood up and greeted him.

Mingkong nodded with a smile. Behind him, Feng Yi, Lan Qi, Ming Er, and Ning Lang also stepped forward to greet Yuwen and his son, while Yuwen Luo timidly hid behind them.

Yuwen Lindong had already seen the boy, but he had just met with Mingkong and the others and had to exchange pleasantries, so he didn't have time to pay attention to him. Looking at Feng Yi, Ming Er, Lan Qi, and Ning Lang, each with their elegant and extraordinary bearing, he couldn't help but feel even more annoyed by the boy's incompetence. But as he looked, his gaze suddenly froze. Only then did he realize something was wrong. He didn't have Mingkong's unwavering composure, nor Qiu Changtian's gentle and refined manners, so he directly expressed his surprise.

"Seventh Young Master Lan...you...this appearance..." Perhaps it was because this person's emerald eyes were too distinctive and striking that he recognized her as Lan Qi just by looking at her eyes, completely overlooking her current appearance. Yuwen Lindong couldn't help but feel a little shocked. Could it be that even this old man of several decades had been blinded by her beauty, failing to recognize her obvious disguise? Recalling the rumors circulating in the martial arts world, he wondered to himself, could this person truly be both male and female?

Lan Qi Na Riyi was dressed in white women's clothing.

When the group went to Pear Blossom Tomb, none of them brought any luggage. Fortunately, there were enough clothes in Sui Qinghan's bamboo house. According to Lan Qi, those were all prepared by Sui Qinghan for herself and Dong Weiming. It was just a pity that Dong Weiming never stayed in the bamboo house for a single day, but all the white women's clothes were given to Lan Qi to wear.

"Senior Yuwen, do I not look good like this?" Lan Qi waved her jade fan and looked at Yuwen Lindong with her green eyes.

Those emerald eyes glanced at him calmly, yet an invisible aura made Yuwen Lindong's chest tighten, leaving him speechless. You can't expect a man in his fifties, a senior, to praise a junior for being handsome, can you?

Just then, Ming Er suddenly spoke up, "Where are you going?"

Yuwen Luo was taking advantage of the moment to sneak away.

Yuwen Lindong quickly turned his gaze to his youngest son, who was cowering to the side. He immediately gained momentum, glared at him, puffed out his beard, and shouted sternly, "You brat, how dare you sneak around under your father's nose! You've got some nerve! Tell me where you've been all this time. If you've done anything wrong, I'll skin you alive!"

"Father, I didn't do anything wrong." With nowhere to hide, Yuwen Luo walked slowly to Yuwen Lindong. "I just went to..." Suddenly remembering Sui Qinghan's warning, he quickly stopped talking.

"Where did you go?" Yuwen Lindong asked immediately.

“I went…” Yuwen Luo looked at Ming Kong and the others for help, but they either smiled and remained silent or looked away. “I went…” Yuwen Luo stammered, but his usually quick mind was now blank and he couldn’t remember anything.

“Uncle Yuwen, my elder brother and I followed Brother Ming and the others to visit several martial arts seniors. We did nothing wrong.” Ning Lang suddenly said, his face still pale but his mind had returned. “Later, we met Senior Mingkong and traveled together. I never expected to meet you here, Uncle.”

Yuwen Lindong hadn't originally intended to do anything to his youngest son here; he was just taking the opportunity to escape his previous predicament. In addition, Ning Lang's words were so sincere that he had already believed him. Seeing Ming Kong nodding with a smile, he knew it was true and said, "Since that's the case, I'll spare you for now. I'll settle the score with you when we get home!"

Yuwen Luo breathed a sigh of relief at escaping unscathed and looked gratefully at Ning Lang. This sworn brother was indeed more reliable. Moreover, it was unexpected that someone who was usually too honest could be so resourceful at this moment. Sui Qinghan and Dong Weiming were indeed senior figures in the martial arts world. Saying that was both stating the facts and not revealing the truth. Hmm, honest people can be clever sometimes.

"Fifth brother, what have you gained this time?" Yuwen Feng suddenly asked out of the blue.

Yuwen Luo, who was deep in thought, was startled by the voice, and then mumbled, "Yes, I met some more seniors. I am deeply impressed by your expertise and plan to practice martial arts diligently when I return home."

"How rare." Yuwen Feng snorted and looked away without saying another word.

Yuwen Luo chuckled dryly. Actually, he really wanted to brag to his father and brothers: "I met Sui Qinghan, the leader of the Demonic Sect! I also met the most beautiful woman in the world, Dong Weiming… ah, no, I heard Dong Weiming's voice! I even stayed with them… ah, I stayed at their residence for half a month! Hmph… I've met people you'll never have the chance to meet in your entire lives!"

It was lunchtime, so they ate together. During the meal, they talked about the three thousand heroes who had perished in the Eastern Sea, and everyone was filled with sorrow. After the meal, Lan Qi's subordinates brought their luggage, and they all checked into the inn for the night. They went back to their rooms to rest for a while before going out to investigate the situation.

When Lan Qi stepped out the door again, he had already changed back into men's clothing, dressed in purple robes and with a jade fan, looking quite dashing.

Alone, he went out and walked east along the street, enjoying the scenery. When he reached a quiet corner with few pedestrians, a man suddenly rushed out from an alley on his right, a long sword following closely behind, thrusting out diagonally. It was sudden and swift. Just as the man was about to collide with him and the sword was about to strike, Lan Qi waved his jade fan with his left hand, sending the man flying three steps to the side. With a flick of his right hand, the sword was caught between two fingers. The movement was fluid and seamless, seemingly unhurried but perfectly timed, leaving onlookers in awe of his skill.

Lan Qi first looked at the person he had slapped to the ground, and was surprised to see that he said, "Oh, isn't this Palace Master Mei? Why do you look like this?" Then he turned to the right and smiled faintly, "So it's Miss Shang. Your swordsmanship is even more exquisite now."

Shang Pinghan tried to draw his sword, but the blade remained motionless, and his already cold face grew even colder.

Lan Qi tapped his fingertips, causing the sword to vibrate. Shang Pinghan's entire arm holding the sword went numb. She couldn't help but look up at him, only to see those emerald eyes watching her with amusement, as if to say: If you stay still, I might consider returning your sword. But if you move again, don't blame me for breaking it. She gritted her teeth and didn't draw her sword again.

Lan Qi released the sword with satisfaction, and Shang Pinghan made no further moves, but kept his eyes fixed on the person lying on the ground, ready to strike with his flying sword at any moment if the person made a move.

Lan Qi turned her gaze to the person on the ground who was unable to move. The fan had sealed Mei Rudai's acupoints, so she fanned her jade fan again to release the acupoints and said, "Palace Mistress Mei, please get up first."

Mei Rudai got up from the ground, her clothes tattered and filthy, her appearance withered and haggard, looking like an old woman or a beggar, with not a trace of her former charm. Lan Qi looked at her, her brows furrowing slightly, then turned her head to look at Shang Pinghan. The bloody wound on her face that day was now just a faint scar, almost invisible from a distance, so the cold beauty was still the cold beauty.

"Is this... seeking revenge?" Lan Qi raised an eyebrow. Anyone could probably see that.

"Otherwise, does Seventh Young Master think we're playing a cat-and-mouse game?" Mei Dairu sneered twice, her voice as alluring and seductive as ever, but unfortunately, paired with that face, it only made people feel disgusted.

"Oh." Lan Qi nodded and said, "Given the noble status of the Mei Palace Master as the head of a palace, even if she lost her martial arts, she shouldn't have fallen to this state."

"The master of a palace... has lost her martial arts..." Mei Rudai sneered repeatedly, her eyes filled with resentment and hatred as she glared at Lan Qi. "Isn't my current state all thanks to Seventh Young Master! You crippled my martial arts, damaged my meridians, and left me a cripple. How could I possibly be the master of Baiyan Palace? My junior sister seized the opportunity to take over the position. If I hadn't escaped in time, my grave would be overgrown with weeds by now! It's a pity that I escaped one wolf's den only to fall into another!" As she spoke, her gaze shot towards Shang Pinghan, equally venomous and ruthless.

Just by looking at her current appearance, there's no need to ask any more questions; you can tell how difficult her journey has been.

Lan Qi's gaze then turned to Shang Pinghan.

Shang Pinghan's face was cold, his gaze even colder, and of course, his voice was just as cold, "In the martial world, grudges are settled and revenge is taken! You injured me and disfigured me, and if it were a fair fight, I would accept it! But you resorted to despicable means, so don't blame me, Shang Pinghan, for taking advantage of your weakness today!"

"Yes, that makes a lot of sense." Lan Qi nodded in agreement.

Mei Rudai was no longer afraid or flustered when she tried to escape. She straightened her back, looked up at the two men, and said, "I am going to die today, but I have nothing to be afraid of. I will come back to take revenge on you when I become a ghost!" After saying that, she closed her eyes and waited for her death.

Shang Pinghan drew her sword, but Lan Qiyu waved her fan, stopping her. Her green eyes stared at Mei Rudai, and she said with a hint of surprise, "Palace Mistress Mei, you shouldn't be so forceful right now. Given your usual style, you should be kneeling down and begging for mercy, while also crying a few sweet tears to win my pity."

Mei Rudai opened her eyes and sneered, "Why are you crying? What's the use of crying? You can't cry for power, money, or status! You can't cry for food, clothes, or people who love and protect you! The weak crying and begging for mercy from the strong is nothing but a laughingstock! I, Mei Rudai, am no saint. Since I've already fallen to this point, why add to the ridicule?"

"Oh?" Lan Qi's green eyes lit up as she looked at the disheveled Mei Rudai and slowly nodded. "Palace Master Mei's words are very much to my liking."

"Hmph! No need for crocodile tears!" Mei Rudai glared coldly. Thinking of her junior sister's betrayal, the relentless pursuit, and the nearly month-long escape... her heart was filled with nothing but hatred and resentment! Since she couldn't live any longer, she would rather die a quick death, and as a ghost, she could find her enemies and avenge herself!

18. A Tree of Green, Heartless (Part 2)

Lan Qi, upon hearing this, did not get angry. Instead, he sighed and said, "Alas, I suddenly can't bear to see you die." As he spoke, he turned his gaze to Shang Pinghan.

Shang Pinghan's face was cold, and her gaze towards Lan Qi clearly told him: Even if you, Lan Qi, plead for mercy, I will never let this person go!

Lan Qi smiled, a hint of mockery flashing in her green eyes. Then she slowly raised her hand, a glint of light in her eyes. Shang Pinghan immediately became wary, raising his sword and retreating rapidly. But before he could take a step back, he felt a chill on his neck, his arm went numb, and his sword fell to the ground.

"You!" Shang Pinghan was both angry and hateful, but a cold white jade fan was pressed against his neck, like a sword across his neck, and the chilling killing intent seeped into his skin.

"Your life is in my hands right now. If I don't kill you, it's as if I'm giving you a life. I don't want you to repay the favor. I'm just exchanging your life for the life of Palace Master Mei. From this day forward, all your grudges with Palace Master Mei will be wiped clean." Lan Qi said to Shang Pinghan with a smile.

"You!" Shang Pinghan was so angry that he couldn't speak. He could only stare at that wicked face, wishing he could shove two holes into it.

"Remember my words, I mean what I say." Lan Qi was still smiling, but for no reason, Shang Pinghan sensed a chilling ruthlessness in her words, as if she would be killed instantly if she made the slightest move, and dared not move for a moment.

Lan Qi put away his jade fan, and once again adopted a dashing and debonair demeanor. His emerald eyes were full of spring-like charm, and he spoke tenderly, "Miss Shang, since we rarely meet, how about we go for a drink together? To be honest, I have long held a fondness for you on Mount Ying, but unfortunately, I have never had the chance to be intimate with you, which is a great pity."

If anyone else had spoken like that, Shang Pinghan would have either drawn her sword and sliced their tongue out or given them a cold, icy look. But facing Lan Qishao, she inexplicably blushed. It wasn't that she had fallen in love, but such a handsome and refined person, with those deep, affectionate blue eyes—if you didn't react, you'd be inhuman. Since revenge was impossible, Shang Pinghan picked up her sword, glared at Lan Qishao with a flushed face, gave Mei Rudai a cold look, and turned to leave.

Watching Shang Pinghan's figure disappear, Lan Qi shook his head with great regret. "This beauty is a bit cold, but her mind is really simple. She really is a bit like..." He glanced at her and suddenly waved his jade fan again. "How can Palace Master Mei be so heartless? I just saved your life, why didn't you even express your gratitude?"

When her escape attempt was thwarted, Mei Rudai turned back in despair, her eyes flashing as she looked at Lan Qi. She then said in a seductive voice, "As the saying goes, great kindness is not expressed with words of thanks. Young Master Qi has saved my life, and I have no way to repay him. How about I repay him with my body?"

Such a appearance paired with that voice was truly a pitiful sight, yet Lan Qi scrutinized her carefully, as if looking at a stunning beauty. The more he looked, the brighter his eyes became. Finally, he closed his jade fan and laughed, "Not bad, not bad. For such a beauty as Palace Mistress Mei to deign to serve me is truly a blessing from my past life. Since the Palace Mistress has such a kind intention, how could I refuse? Very well, I will marry you. Hmm... let me think about which number you are... Hmm... one, two, three... seven, eight, nine... oh, you are the seventeenth. Palace Mistress Mei, from today onwards you are my seventeenth wife."

After Lan Qi finished speaking, Mei Rudai opposite her was already in a daze. Even though she had experienced many storms in the martial world, she had never experienced such a strange thing as today, at this moment, and before her eyes.