"This Wu Fang Huanxi..."
Chen Ping'an gazed at Wu Fang Huanxi, slightly startled within.
Hearing her words, he smiled openly, his demeanor calm and composed.
"Fairy Wu Fang misunderstands. This Envoy was seeing Fairy for the first time and was so astonished that she seemed Celestial that he lost his composure for a moment. Please forgive me. It is said that Fairy Wu Fang is Thunderclap's Number One Beauty. Having seen you today, the rumors are indeed true!"
Chen Ping'an's expression was frank and his words sincere. No one pursued his earlier breach of etiquette.
Wu Fang Huanxi herself had offered him a way out, so naturally, no one else had any grounds to press the matter.
Yet Chen Ping'an's words completely confirmed the suspicions in their hearts.
Since ancient times, gifted geniuses had been amorous. The ancients had truly not deceived them.
"Lord Chen flatters me too highly. I possess only the bearing of a willow by the wayside and would not enter your eye. I have heard that the Gu Family Fairy and the Alluring Fairy are the ones with faces capable of toppling cities, their beauty astonishing the world." Wu Fang Huanxi smiled sweetly, her lively almond eyes carrying a hint of bashfulness.
It had to be said that Wu Fang Huanxi's appearance was indeed exceptionally fine.
Her skin was fair as snow. From afar, it seemed to gleam with a faint chill, like jade stone covered in the first snowfall of winter—smooth, flawless, and touched by a noble elegance.
Her almond-shaped eyes resembled black gemstones. As her gaze shifted, they revealed an indescribable grace, as though they concealed endless thoughts that made people unable to resist probing deeper.
Chen Ping'an smiled faintly but said no more.
Wu Fang Huanxi was indeed extraordinarily beautiful, but that was not why he had been studying her. There was another reason.
"Lord Chen, this is not a place for conversation. Please move to the inner hall."
Wu Fanghong stood to one side and extended the invitation with a smile.
After several exchanges, he had already gained a preliminary understanding of Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an. He now had some idea of how to deal with him going forward.
There were no perfect people in this world, and naturally, no perfect geniuses either!
Reckless Saber had risen to fame young and achieved success in his youth. Coveting beautiful women was nothing unusual. But if this matter
were handled properly, perhaps it could bring benefits to the Five Directions Family.
Perhaps to display their enthusiasm, Wu Fang Huanxi and Wu Fanghong walked into the inner hall with Chen Ping'an between them, one on either side.
Chen Ping'an remained calm. Positioned between the two, he strode with the gait of a dragon and tiger, fearless and unhurried as he entered the inner hall.
Seeing this, many of the Five Directions Family's upper echelons revised their impression of Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an, and a trace of admiration arose in their hearts.
Wu Fang Huanxi and Wu Fanghong were both Martial Dao Great Grandmasters. At such close range, if the two attacked together, the consequences would likely be unimaginable.
Yet under such circumstances, Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an showed not the slightest fear. He was as composed as if strolling through a leisurely courtyard, displaying boundless dominance with casual ease.
Everyone present was naturally an old hand with vast experience. They could tell that Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an was not putting on airs—his confidence was utterly genuine.
There was not a shred of fear in him, only endless confidence and dominance.
At this sight, Wu Fang Huanxi and Wu Fanghong could not help exchanging glances.
Perhaps only such bearing could earn one the name Reckless Saber!
Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an, a genius of the Hidden Dragon Rankings, possessed the bearing to contend for Celestial!
Within the Five Directions Family's inner hall, Chen Ping'an, Wu Fanghong, and Wu Fang Huanxi sat in a triangle. Before them were long tables laden with spirit wine, delicacies, precious fruits, and fresh offerings.
Though this was Five Directions Family territory, to show their respect for Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an, the two did not use the traditional arrangement of host and guest seats.
The Five Directions Family had operated in Thunderclap for many years. As old rivals and old partners who frequently dealt with one another, they had vaguely gathered some intelligence as well.
If that intelligence was true, then their attitude toward Chen Ping'an would likely need to change.
As he took his seat, Chen Ping'an could not help giving Wu Fang Huanxi another look. His thoughts shifted as he tested the speculation in his heart.
Naturally, this did not escape the notice of the two.
This Reckless Saber... Wu Fanghong secretly chuckled. He truly has his soul bestowed by lust.
Still, setting aside their positions, it was understandable. Reckless Saber had achieved fame while young; he was brimming with vigor and blood. Upon seeing a beautiful woman, it was inevitable that some thoughts would arise.
Even ordinary people were like this, let alone a Female Great Grandmaster.
Wu Fang Huanxi bore the title of Thunderclap's Number One Beauty. It was no baseless rumor; it was entirely true.
Compared with Wu Fanghong's change of mood, Wu Fang Huanxi's expression was unreadable for the moment.
Her fair jade-like hands moved lightly as she poured herself a cup of tea, then began gently blowing on it.
Wu Fanghong sat to one side and said with a smile, "Lord Chen, please try this wine. It is a treasured brew stored by my Five Directions Family. I wonder whether it suits your taste?"
Chen Ping'an's spiritual perception was keen, and he examined the wine before him.
At his Martial Path Realm, ordinary poisons no longer posed any threat to him. Even some rare poisons would likely find it difficult to take effect against his body tempered through external cultivation.
Most crucially, Chen Ping'an cultivated the Azure Sun Blood Refinement Method. He had now completed its first refinement, gained the wondrous traits of the earth dragon, and possessed Primordial Power. He also had a certain resistance to poisons.
With so many factors combined, Chen Ping'an did not shy away from the matter.
Even so, he would not omit the necessary inspection.
After finding nothing unusual, he raised his wine cup and took a sip.
"Not bad." Chen Ping'an offered his praise.
Though this treasured brew of the Five Directions Family was not high-grade spirit wine, its flavor was distinctive and its aftertaste rich.
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Chen Ping'an did not beat around the bush and went straight to the point.
"You two, is the Five Directions Family willing to assist my Thunderclap Town Pacification Office in jointly exterminating evil demons and sweeping away this wicked scourge?"
Among those who had responded earlier, the Five Directions Family had shown the best attitude, so Chen Ping'an's words were not especially aggressive.
Hearing this, Wu Fanghong glanced at Wu Fang Huanxi. Seeing that she was still blowing on her tea, he spoke. "Evil demons rage and affect the situation in Thunderclap. It is not only the Thunderclap Town Pacification Office that has been affected. Lord Chen's proposal is naturally one my Five Directions Family is willing to accept, but..." Wu Fanghong paused before continuing, "The encirclement and suppression involve countless complicated matters, and the various expenses are too numerous to count. They cannot be explained in just a few words. I personally have no objections to such consumption, but my Five Directions Family has a great household and vast holdings, with tangled factions. As the Head of the Five Directions Family, I must consider those below me as well."
Though Wu Fanghong did not finish his words, his meaning could not have been clearer.
He was asking for benefits!
Still, this was not bad. Compared to the Blood Owl Gang, the Five Directions Family was at least willing to negotiate.
No wonder they had grown their business so large and held the largest black market in the Thunderclap Mountain Range.
However...
Chen Ping'an smiled.
Since he had come here today, there was naturally no talk of offering benefits.
The encirclement concerned Thunderclap. Since it was a matter of Thunderclap, everyone in Thunderclap naturally bore responsibility. The Five Directions Family could not stay out of it either.
"What Patriarch Hong says is not without reason." Chen Ping'an gave him that much, then changed the subject. "However, evil demons rage and ruin Thunderclap's great affairs. This concerns every party in Thunderclap; it is not something that can be accomplished through the Thunderclap Town Pacification Office alone! Since this is an encirclement, every family must contribute. That is why This Envoy has come."
"Lord Chen, this does not accord with the rules, does it?" Wu Fanghong's expression turned somewhat unpleasant.
Whether it looked pleasant or not was only a matter of appearances. They were all old foxes who had become spirits. Changes of mood were merely bargaining chips in verbal negotiations—altered as they pleased.
Chen Ping'an smiled indifferently and poured himself another cup of wine. "Patriarch Hong, under Great Qian's rule, there is Dynastic Law. The word 'rules' is not something to be tossed about casually!"
Wu Fanghong's expression did not change as he looked at Chen Ping'an. "Dynastic Law should naturally be obeyed. But Thunderclap has Thunderclap's rules."
Chen Ping'an smiled. "In Thunderclap, my Town Pacification Office is the rule."
Wu Fanghong's aura shifted. His eyes narrowed slightly, carrying a silent challenge.
"What does Lord Chen mean by this?"
Chen Ping'an gently raised his cup and smiled calmly. "Precisely what Patriarch Hong understands it to mean. Under Great Qian's rule, all are subject to law. Thunderclap can naturally be no exception. It falls under Dynastic Law, and my Thunderclap Town Pacification Office governs Thunderclap and controls this region. This is the will of the dynasty.
Could Patriarch Hong believe that Thunderclap's rules could surpass those of the dynasty?"
Without waiting for Wu Fanghong's reply, Chen Ping'an drained the wine in his cup in a single swallow.
Wu Fanghong's face darkened, looking incomparably ugly.
Chen Ping'an's words had sounded natural, but his attitude was fully revealed. What Chen Ping'an sought had already exceeded his expectations. Today's matter would likely not end peacefully.
Just as he was still considering matters, Chen Ping'an's voice rang out again.
"Under all Heaven, is there any soil that is not the king's land? Along the shores of the land, is there any who is not the king's subject? This world is ultimately Great Qian's world! Patriarch Hong, do not lead yourself astray!"
Wu Fanghong's expression flickered between light and dark.
The threat in Chen Ping'an's words was too obvious, leaving him no way to step down.
This world belonged to Great Qian. Who did not know that!?
Dragon Peace Stronghold had suffered demonic chaos that stirred up storms. Though it had gained a moment of glory, it ultimately met a panicked end. The Evil Extremity Path had been destroyed, the Ten Thousand Demons Sect grievously wounded, and the Heavenly Lotus Sect...
The events involved were too many to describe.
Wu Fanghong steadied his thoughts and sneered. "I naturally understand Lord Chen's words. But Lord Chen wishes to make the Five Directions Family wade into this muddy water with nothing but empty words. Is that not a little too idealistic?"
"Patriarch Hong, when it comes to certain matters, whether one does them should not depend on what one gains, but on what one avoids." Chen Ping'an remained calm as he lifted the wine jug and poured himself another cup with utter composure. "The Thunderclap Mountain Range harbors filth and corruption. Every side is entwined, while interests crisscross. Canglong has long been dissatisfied. If evil demons continue to rage, tragedies occur repeatedly, and the situation remains delayed and uncontrolled, how does Patriarch Hong think those above will view this?"
Chen Ping'an said with a faint smile, "I advise Patriarch Hong not to believe that someone will come forward to protect you simply because Thunderclap's interests are tangled and its factions collude. Once certain matters are handled, it will be one pot swept clean! The Town Pacification Office has repeatedly encircled Thunderclap without results. Patriarch Hong should not think it was because Thunderclap's favorable terrain and everyone's unity made it so.
"The reason you have survived until today is not because of yourselves, but because the Town Pacification Office has never truly gotten serious! The Evil Extremity Path had been passed down for years, raging across several provinces. It believed itself impregnable and unbreakable. Yet what of it now? Surely This Envoy need not say more.
"Before a great army, sects are broken and lands conquered; mountains are leveled and valleys filled! Even mountain ranges can be flattened, let alone your Five Directions Family!
"Patriarch Hong need not rush to refute me. Once the bowstring is drawn, there is no turning back. Once certain matters begin, they cannot be stopped. The Town Pacification Office's patience over the Dragon Peace matter has reached its limit. If any further trouble arises, Canglong may tolerate it, but the Northern Territory will not! Under the tide of the greater situation, let alone Thunderclap—even if someone from Canglong steps forward, they will not be able to protect your Five Directions Family!"
Chen Ping'an's expression was calm, as though he were merely chatting idly, without the slightest anger.
Yet the truth of his words was so cold and cruel that it filled others with awe and inexpressible fear.
The effect and weight of the same words were completely different depending on who spoke them.
If an ordinary person had spoken today, Wu Fanghong likely would not have paid him any mind. But Chen Ping'an was the one speaking, and Wu Fanghong could not help weighing his words carefully and contemplating them in detail.
For a time, the scene fell silent.
Wu Fanghong sat before the table, his face dark, seemingly lost in thought.
Chen Ping'an remained composed, calmly sipping wine.
By chance, he glanced at Wu Fang Huanxi and found her holding her cup with both hands, devotedly blowing on her tea. The sight was rather pleasing to the eye.
Chen Ping'an could not help wanting to laugh.
A Martial Dao Great Grandmaster feared neither heat nor cold. Her behavior was mostly a habit.
Still, Wu Fang Huanxi looked somewhat adorable in this state. Combined with her jade-like crown ornament and blue-white long dress, the contrast was especially striking.
Recalling his earlier speculation, Chen Ping'an grew a touch more cautious.
Judging from Wu Fanghong's appearance, the timing should be about right.
"The Left Path Alliance and the Blood Owl Gang have already learned of this matter, and they are willing to cooperate fully. The situation in Thunderclap now depends only upon Patriarch Hong's decision!" Chen Ping'an spoke calmly, his gaze tranquil.
Wu Fanghong was startled upon hearing this and could not help looking up at Chen Ping'an.
He did not know much about the Left Path Alliance, but the Blood Owl Gang's attitude had been aggressive and unmistakable. They had even specifically sent an envoy bearing the head of the person who had delivered the Thunderclap Town Pacification Office's message. How could such extreme methods be so easily altered? Could it be that...
Wu Fanghong's thoughts shifted, and his eyes gained a measure of speculation.
Chen Ping'an smiled faintly and raised a hand. A sealed wooden box and a jade token appeared in midair.
Buzz—
In a flash of flowing light, the wooden box opened, revealing a very large head.
"What!"
Wu Fanghong's eyelids twitched, and shock surged through his heart.
When he looked at Chen Ping'an again, horror had already appeared in his eyes.
The discussion within the inner hall ultimately settled like dust, drawing to a close.
Chen Ping'an's speech, the head of the Blood Owl Gang's Owl Dragon, and the aura jade token of Hu Yanqing, the Left Path Alliance Great Elder, all became the final straw that broke the camel's back in Wu Fanghong's heart.
Under Chen Ping'an's calm eyes, unfathomable as a deep pool, Wu Fanghong ultimately braced himself and agreed to the matter.
Evil demons raged in the Thunderclap Mountain Range, leaving the people unable to live. For the sake of the greater situation, the Five Directions Family was willing to support the encirclement with all its strength. So long as the evil demons remained, the Five Directions Family's support would not cease.
With this agreement, Chen Ping'an's trip was finally complete.
This discussion appeared simple, but in truth, every beat of its verbal rhythm had been indispensable.
Moreover, the strength and methods displayed at the end had been of utmost importance.
Though Wu Fanghong was a Martial Dao Great Grandmaster, in terms of combat strength, he was still inferior to Owl Dragon, let alone Hu Yanqing, the Left Path Alliance Great Elder.
Since even those two had taken such an attitude, let alone him.
As for Wu Fang Huanxi...
Chen Ping'an could only say that aside from looking up in alarm when he produced the head and jade token, she had spent virtually all her remaining time blowing on her cup of tea.
Wu Fang Huanxi, Thunderclap's Number One Beauty—by his reckoning, she might as well change her name to Tea-Blowing Fairy.
After interacting with her, Chen Ping'an discovered that Wu Fang Huanxi was perfectly normal most of the time as long as she was not seated. Whether in bearing or appearance, in dealing with people or conversing with them, she was beyond reproach and without flaw.
But once she sat down, especially when tea was nearby, Wu Fang Huanxi's posture was basically fixed.
With a cold, world-weary face, she simply blew on her cup of tea.
Worth mentioning was that the jade tea cup Wu Fang Huanxi used for blowing on tea had been brought by her personally.
The matter had been successfully settled, and all business was concluded. It was already sunset at dusk, with night about to fall.
"Lord Chen, my Five Directions Family has prepared a banquet. Please be sure to honor us with your presence." Wu Fanghong spoke with a smile, showing not the slightest discomfort. It was as though the events in the inner hall had all been an illusion.
Chen Ping'an did not refuse Wu Fanghong's invitation.
The Five Directions Family controlled the Thunder Bamboo Mountain Black Market and possessed abundant goods and countless treasures.
Naturally, the evening banquet was one of extravagant feasting and entertainment.
Spirit fruits, fine delicacies, rare fine wines, rare teas, and countless other fine things filled the gathering.
Wu Fang Huanxi, Wu Fanghong, and many upper echelons of the Five Directions Family all attended, giving Chen Ping'an ample face.
Is it someone else, or does she hide in plain sight?
Watching Wu Fang Huanxi hold her tea with both hands and blow on it with focused attention, Chen Ping'an's thoughts settled as he secretly speculated.
At the banquet, many people noticed Chen Ping'an's gaze, and the speculation in their hearts deepened.
It had to be said that Wu Fang Huanxi looked truly pleasing to the eye when she lowered her gaze and blew on her tea. Coupled with her title as a Female Great Grandmaster and the Thunderclap Mountain Range's Number One beauty, her charm was even more difficult to describe.
Wu Fang Huanxi remained focused, as though she had not perceived Chen Ping'an's gaze at all.
Her long lashes trembled lightly like butterfly wings with every breath she blew. The curling fragrance of tea seemed to blend with all the tenderness and reverie in her heart. The grace between her brows and eyes spread faintly, so clear it seemed capable of reflecting moonlight.
Within the rippling shimmer, she possessed both a girl's purity and the gentle tranquility of someone who had weathered the world.
That contradictory union gave Wu Fang Huanxi an indescribable allure.
That allure alone was enough to make her one of the world's foremost figures of charm and elegance.
Her title as the Thunderclap Mountain Range's Number One beauty was indeed no empty name.
And if her cultivation were taken into account as well, then...
Chen Ping'an's expression remained calm as he drank his wine.
"Lord Chen's prestige is unmatched, and your might shakes Canglong. We are deeply impressed."
"The name Hidden Dragon has long been as thunder in our ears. To see Lord Chen today is an honor beyond measure; we are truly humbled and terrified!"
"Lord Chen, allow me to toast you!"
"."
During the banquet, quite a few people came forward to offer toasts as a show of respect.
Chen Ping'an remained calm and did not refuse, accepting each one in turn.
Everyone present was part of the Five Directions Family's upper echelon. Since they were willing to submit and cooperate with him, some appropriate interaction would benefit the overall situation.
He was, by nature, exceptionally amiable.
Anyone who had dealt with him at length understood this clearly.
Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an had risen to fame in his youth. The name of a heavenly talent had spread across the world, yet he was humble and friendly, his expression gentle as the wind, as warm and refined as a gentleman.
Anyone who had witnessed the bearing of Reckless Saber deeply agreed with this. They did not dare—oh no, they simply would not have the slightest objection.
The banquet was filled with music, dancing, and endless enjoyment.
Whether the Five Directions Family had arranged it deliberately or whether this was simply their customary style of banqueting, the music and dances at this feast far surpassed in both standard and splendor any banquet entertainment Chen Ping'an had encountered before.
Their postures were graceful, their faces beautiful, and their bodies light and supple, filling the hall with exquisite color.
The singing girls were like this, as were the dancers and the maidservants standing nearby.
Their faces were delicate and pretty, their beauty pure and moving.
As they attended to the guests, fragrance filled their sleeves, carrying a faintly soul-hooking allure.
"This Five Directions Family." Chen Ping'an smiled and shook his head.
The banquet passed amid clinking cups and lively revelry, with host and guests all enjoying themselves to the fullest.
"Lord Chen, how about staying here tonight and setting off tomorrow morning?" Once the banquet ended, Wu Fanghong warmly extended the invitation.
Naturally, Chen Ping'an declined Wu Fanghong's invitation. Citing the press of official business, he politely refused the offer to stay the night.
Wu Fanghong tried to persuade him several times, but seeing that Chen Ping'an's mind was made up, he did not press the matter further.
However, just as Chen Ping'an was about to depart, Wu Fanghong said with a smile, "Lord Chen, please wait a moment."
With that, he lightly clapped his hands, and a large group of beautiful women filed out in single file.
"Lord Chen is a Young Heavenly Talent, high-spirited and full of vigor. As they say, a treasured sword is bestowed upon a hero, and a beauty is matched with a heavenly talent! This is a small token from our Five Directions Family. I hope Lord Chen will not disdain our humble offering and accept this modest show of strength, to ease the heartfelt sincerity of our Five Directions Family."
Wu Fanghong's expression was sincere as he clasped his hands in salute.
Chen Ping'an truly had not expected the Five Directions Family to harbor such intentions. He looked at Wu Fanghong, then at the women in the field, and in the end, he did not accept the Five Directions Family's "modest gift."
As they spoke, Wu Fanghong attempted to persuade him again. "Lord Chen already has a Marriage Contract and will join hands in marriage with the Gu Family's Alluring Fairy. That is the position of a beloved wife. Now, if you gain beautiful concubines as well, with your youthful romantic spirit, a beloved wife and beautiful concubines would become a fine tale for the ages. If it is inconvenient for you to handle this matter, our Five Directions Family can do the work on your behalf. We will certainly satisfy Lord Chen and satisfy every side."
Wu Fanghong smiled warmly, having considered every angle.
Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an was a heavenly talent on the Hidden Dragon Rankings. Previously, he had ranked fifty-ninth among the Hidden Dragons. Given the combat power he had now displayed, even if some secret art had affected it, his overall strength would surely stand Beyond Great Grandmaster. Once the Hidden Dragon Rankings were updated again, his ranking ought to make a tremendous leap.
By then, the name Reckless Saber would likely not merely shake the Northern Territory. Even looking across the entire world, he would possess extremely high prestige and popularity.
Though the Gu Family was a great clan, a heavenly talent like this, favored by fate itself, would be cherished beyond measure by them. Every treatment and provision would certainly differ from that of an ordinary son-in-law.
Although Gu Qingcheng was the Gu Family's foremost talent of this generation, once the top of the New Talent Rankings and now a Jade Balance Grandmaster, she was still far inferior before Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an.
Moreover, Reckless Saber was domineering by nature. He appeared modest and gentle, but thunder lay hidden within him.
Putting the two together, Reckless Saber ought to take the lead!
Given Reckless Saber's romantic inclinations, if he were so inclined, Gu Qingcheng likely would not be able to restrain him!
Furthermore, these women being sent were not Concubine Equal Wives. If he wished, they need not even be concubines; they were merely beautiful maidservants gifted by the Five Directions Family. Even if the outside world learned of it, they likely would have nothing to say.
Even if the Gu Family learned of this, they could only let it take its course. They might even feel a faint sense of crisis and increase the scale of their provisions. Gu Qingcheng's dowry, for instance, and the maidservants accompanying her in marriage would all increase to varying degrees.
If Reckless Saber could see through this matter, he would understand precisely what sort of gift the Five Directions Family had given him.
Looking at Wu Fanghong's warm smile, Chen Ping'an suddenly saw in his mind that cool radiance beneath the moonlight.
Like the eternal Bright Moon, hanging high in the vast night sky, it cast down cold, clear light upon this world.
"No need." Chen Ping'an was concise and resolute in his refusal. "Chen does not favor such things. Patriarch Hong need not trouble himself."
"This..." Wu Fanghong's expression froze. He had not expected Chen Ping'an to refuse so decisively.
Something was Wrong here!
Wu Fanghong was somewhat dumbfounded.
He had thought this gift perfectly catered to Chen Ping'an's tastes, yet he had received such an answer.
What was going on?
He recalled the scene from not long ago, when Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an had first met Wu Fang Huanxi, and the doubts in his heart only deepened.
Especially the prolonged scrutiny during tea tasting—the sense of division in his heart grew even more severe.
These maidservants had all been meticulously selected by the Five Directions Family. While they lacked the distinctive bearing brought by cultivation, every one of them possessed at least eighty percent beauty. Looking across the world, they were all first-rate beauties.
With such city-toppling beauty before him, Reckless Saber was actually unmoved?
Something was Wrong here!
Wu Fanghong's thoughts ran wild.
His gaze shifted slightly and fell upon Wu Fang Huanxi, who stood nearby, single-mindedly blowing on her tea.
Her jet-black hair cascaded like a waterfall, bound by two plain white jade hairpins crossed together. The pins were smooth and flawless, decorated only with dark ice-crystal patterns at their tips. Small buns rested on either side, moon-white silk ribbons winding around them in spiral patterns. Some ribbons fell beside her ears, swaying faintly with her movements as she blew on the tea, like scattered stars trembling in the night.
A cool aloofness rested between her brows, making her clear eyes even more striking. A thin gauze robe covered her blue-white long dress, concealing her slender, fair legs.
Such charm and bearing were surely among the finest sights in the world.
Could it be...
Wu Fanghong wore a strange expression, his eyes filled with unspoken meaning.
This Reckless Saber...
"This Reckless Saber's standards are rather high. Not a single one of these women caught his eye."
Wu Fang Huanxi held a celadon tea cup in both hands. Her fingers were slender and white like jade bamboo shoots, while the wide sleeve of her right hand hung down. Lowering her head, she gently blew and examined the tea. Her lowered eyes made her skin appear even more porcelain-white, giving her the exquisite delicacy of a doll.
"Still, Reckless Saber's talent exceeded expectations. Though this is our first meeting, it can be judged that he will certainly not remain a thing trapped in a pond one day."
"Pass down the order. In this campaign to suppress the evil demons, our Five Directions Family must Do One's Utmost to cooperate. Also..."
Holding the tea cup, Wu Fang Huanxi spoke at length, yet received none of the response she had expected. She slightly looked up and glanced toward Wu Fanghong at her side.
She discovered that he was standing there blankly with a strange expression, seemingly lost in thought.
"Old Hong!?"
"Ah!" Wu Fanghong snapped out of it as if waking from a dream, but he reacted quickly. "Elder Huanxi, the matters you just mentioned will certainly be handled properly."
"This Reckless Saber is unfathomable and cannot be underestimated. Put more effort into everything."
"Understood, Elder Huanxi."
"Mm." Wu Fang Huanxi nodded lightly and lowered her head once more to blow on her tea.
Wu Fanghong glanced at Wu Fang Huanxi. Seeing that she had no intention of speaking further, he offered a word of farewell and departed.
Wu Fang Huanxi had been in the Thunderclap Mountain Range for many years. Though there were many things Wu Fanghong could not see through, he had gained a general understanding of her character. Beneath her seemingly coquettish and ever-changing exterior lay a core filled with the air of a girl.
Having cultivated to her current realm, yet still retaining such true nature—this was the heart of a pure child.
Even among the direct main branch of the Five Directions Noble Family, such temperament would mark one as an unparalleled figure of astonishing talent.
Such a person had been sent to his Thunderclap branch for so long. Just what was...
What was their intention?
Wu Fanghong's thoughts shifted. His figure darted through the air as he left the inner hall.
Within the inner hall, only the woman remained, blowing on her tea beneath the cold, clear radiance, its chill carrying the unique liveliness of a girl.
Whoosh!
A figure flashed through the dense forest of the mountain range.
"I wonder how things are going on Feng Wuhen's side?"
Chen Ping'an Gazed into the Distance at the mountain range, where the Outer Path Alliance lay.
"No matter what, three of the Five Thunderclap Families have already been secured. Everything has gone smoothly. Return to Leiming first!"
Chen Ping'an's mind was calm. With a flash of his figure, he vanished into the dense forest.
The game of Leiming was also time for a change!
Before you continue