The Gate of Opening

Miao Chengfeng remained silent.

The Young Woman chuckled, "Everything is entrusted to Mr. Miao; there can be no mistakes!" As her voice fell, her eyes sharpened, exuding a solemn authority that was far from ordinary.

Miao Chengfeng let out a long sigh.

The Young Woman then turned to Chang'an and said, "Ning Family's Chang'an, hand her over to Miao Chengfeng."

Chang'an replied, "Is there such a good thing?"

The Young Woman said, "Of course not!"

However, Chang'an didn't hesitate. He handed Yu Fu to Miao Chengfeng and then looked at the Young Woman, asking, "Speak, what do you want?"

The Young Woman lightly smiled, "Help me do one thing."

Chang'an asked, "What thing?"

The Young Woman said, "Kill someone."

Yaya had already taken out paper and brush from the carriage, dipping the brush in ink. The Young Woman took the paper and brush, holding the paper in one hand and the brush in the other. Her wrist trembled slightly, and a string of characters appeared on the paper. After finishing, the Young Woman's slender fingers flicked lightly, and the paper floated through the air, landing precisely in Chang'an's hand.

Chang'an looked at the paper in his hand. Three names were neatly written on it in clerical script. After glancing at them, he tore the paper into small pieces, then ground them into the dirt with his foot.

The Young Woman said with admiration, "If you can't accomplish this, you might never see her again. So you must do your best!"

Chang'an replied, "If Yu Fu is harmed in any way when I see her, don't blame me for being impolite."

The Young Woman smiled, "I have no intention of offending someone who is good at fighting to the death; it would make me restless and age me prematurely!" The Young Woman subconsciously stroked her cheek, exuding an alluring charm.

Miao Suyi said, "Brother Ning, let's go for a drink!"

Chang'an nodded without hesitation. When he was troubled, he would always drink until he was completely drunk. When he was happy, he would also drink, but with someone accompanying him. If anyone saw him drinking cup after cup alone, with only a plate of sweet and sour peanuts on the table, they should absolutely not speak to him. Because he would definitely be rude, even resorting to violence.

Every person in the Jianghu has their own peculiar temperaments.

The heavy stone in Chang'an's heart finally lifted. Yu Fu was saved, and he felt very happy, like the clouds parting to reveal a bright and clear sky.

When Miao Suyi suggested going for a drink, he immediately felt as if he could smell the wine. Now, all he wanted was to get drunk, sleep soundly, and then go to Longyuan Province to find Erhu, and by the way, complete the task he promised the Young Woman.

Someone who could make Miao Chengfeng owe them a favor was no simple person, but Chang'an didn't want to think too much about it. Yu Fu was saved, and that was enough.

He had killed many people, especially in the one or two years after he made a name for himself. Sometimes, there was no reason of good or evil for killing; it was simply for money, hired by others. Later, he set a rule for himself: he would not kill unless the person was evil. But this time, he was afraid he would have to break his own rule. However, if it meant Yu Fu could get better, what did it matter?! Although it was cruel, he had to make a choice, and he wouldn't hesitate at all.

Miao Chengfeng's rescue required no one else to be present.

So, Yaya drove the carriage with the Young Woman away.

Miao Suyi invited Chang'an to the best restaurant in Sanhe Commandery, Spring Breeze Tower, for a drink.

Spring Breeze Tower was located in Mohe City. Because of the excellent water source, the wine brewed there was exceptionally mellow and famous. Moreover, Spring Breeze Tower had the most beautiful proprietress, a renowned beauty in the Jianghu, an unattached pearl, so it was impossible for Spring Breeze Tower's business to be bad.

Chang'an, covered in dust, rode his horse towards Mohe City with Miao Suyi.

"Brother Ning, why would someone frame you and ruin your reputation? When Suyi received the news, she immediately knew there had to be something fishy. Given your character, it's impossible for you to do such extreme things without reason, let alone cultivate Demonic Arts. I was wondering then, why would those people be so viciously intent on harming you," Miao Suyi said as she rode her horse.

Chang'an replied, "I offended a madwoman. I once killed her own brother, and she happened to have intricate ties with Lu Jing. She learned the secret of my crippled cultivation and thus set a trap. Her meticulous planning, ruthless methods, and unscrupulousness are unlike anything I've ever seen."

Miao Suyi exclaimed in surprise, "Who is that person?"

Chang'an said, "Her identity is mysterious. She can use the Poison Dragon Cult's Heartbreak Poison Incense and various other poisons, yet she might be the closed-door disciple of the Hundred Herbs Divine Doctor. There's no definitive conclusion."

Miao Suyi asked in astonishment, "The Hundred Herbs Divine Doctor's closed-door disciple? Is her name Guo Qingshui?"

Chang'an was surprised, "Indeed, her name is Guo Qingshui."

Miao Suyi said, "If it's Guo Qingshui, then she is indeed the Hundred Herbs Divine Doctor's closed-door disciple. I heard from my grandfather that the Hundred Herbs Divine Doctor has decided to pass on her legacy to her and has already taught her the Shen Nong's Hundred Herbs Scripture. This woman's talent in medicine and poison is so praised by the Hundred Herbs Divine Doctor herself that she is a once-in-a-century prodigy."

Chang'an smiled and said, "Let's not talk about this. Suyi, have you heard any news from Brother Wang Qiandang recently?"

Miao Suyi shook her head, "Brother Qiandang went beyond the pass. I heard he's going to the Great Zhou Dynasty to study and comprehend a martial art. We haven't exchanged letters in a long time."

Chang'an murmured, "Is that so?!"

Miao Suyi asked curiously, "Brother Ning, is something wrong?"

Chang'an just shook his head. He actually wanted to tell Wang Qiandang about Sister Yueru's matter, but it seemed impossible now.

Mohe City, Spring Breeze Tower.

Both floors of Spring Breeze Tower were filled with people, with young masters and heroes from all walks of life gathering here. From its opening in the morning until its closing late at night, Spring Breeze Tower was always fully occupied.

On the upper floor of Spring Breeze Tower, a woman in fine clothes sat lazily, her eyes half-closed. Her gaze occasionally swept over the crowded guests downstairs, her face expressionless, appearing exceptionally cold and solitary.

Anyone who saw her would perceive her as noble, possessing an unapproachable aura that might even make them feel inferior.

Especially when she opened her eyes, her gaze was like the radiance of countless stars scattered across the sky. Those eyes were filled with an indescribable brilliance. Anyone caught in her gaze would feel comfortable, even if they were about to draw their swords to kill, their murderous intent would dissipate, and they would become calm.

Those eyes were captivating, making one feel a sense of belonging, a sense of peace.

She was the owner of Spring Breeze Tower, though people preferred to call her the most beautiful proprietress. She actually had no husband.

She was Liu Ruyan.

Every day, she would sit alone on the second floor of Spring Breeze Tower, drinking a small pot of wine. She would drink for exactly half an hour and then leave.

She didn't like to smile, because when she smiled, men would go mad.

Goddesses are always stingy with their smiles, for they fear they might overturn the world. This is a form of kindness.

Many people, both upstairs and downstairs, kept glancing at Liu Ruyan. Their gazes held admiration or fervent passion, but never naked desire. Such people could never establish themselves in Spring Breeze Tower, for any scoundrel who desecrated the goddess would be mobbed and beaten like a rat in the street.

Suddenly, a commotion erupted downstairs, stirring up a frenzy.

Normally, even the roughest men in the martial world would try to appear refined and gentle upon arriving here. But now, the place was a noisy hubbub, filled with chatter, making the entire Spring Breeze Tower feel like a marketplace.

All eyes turned to Liu Ruyan, who was quietly drinking upstairs.

Even with a blank expression as she slowly sipped her wine, she presented a stunning picture, breathtakingly beautiful.

What's more, a faint smile now graced Liu Ruyan's face.

The clamor instantly subsided, and the entire Spring Breeze Tower fell silent once more.

Liu Ruyan's smile was like the ephemeral flower, the Tanhua. When it bloomed, one could only hold their breath and admire it quietly, lest they miss even a single detail, for every detail was soul-stirring.

A rare and fleeting moment!

Such a scene could likely only occur in Spring Breeze Tower.

Chang'an, standing at the entrance of Spring Breeze Tower, froze for a moment, then a wry smile spread across his face.

Liu Ruyan finished her wine and gracefully rose to leave.

Everyone let out a sigh, yet they knew that no one could stop Liu Ruyan if she wished to depart, nor did anyone dare to try.

Chang'an and Miao Suyi ascended the stairs.

Someone immediately recognized him.

He was once renowned; now, he was "infamous." Chang'an couldn't help but admire Guo Qingshui's methods.

"Ning Family's Chang'an, you actually have the guts to show your face?"

"Great Demon, let's kill him together!"

"This is no place for you, get lost!"

Were it not for Spring Breeze Tower, most people would likely have drawn their weapons. Killing Chang'an would not only earn them the reputation of eliminating evil but also a considerable bounty. This bounty was promised by Liu Ye, the master of Crimson Blood Fortress. Whoever could present Ning Family's Chang'an's severed head would receive fifty thousand taels of silver.

For fame and fortune, a double win – this was what too many martial artists pursued, flocking to it like moths to a flame.

However, no one in Spring Breeze Tower made a move, as it would be disrespectful to Liu Ruyan.

Under no circumstances could one display their ferocity, cruelty, or greed on Liu Ruyan's turf. This was because Liu Ruyan always favored elegance and tranquility.

Everyone in Spring Breeze Tower treated Liu Ruyan's every word and action with caution and respect, never overstepping.

Chang'an merely smiled, while Miao Suyi glared, her eyes filled with fierce light that sent a chill down one's spine.

Suddenly, a young man in green robes emerged, a treasured sword hanging at his waist. He first offered a slight smile to Miao Suyi, "The White Snake Heroine, Miao Suyi, is indeed outstanding. It is truly my good fortune to see Miss Miao again, Lu Sheng."

Miao Suyi's martial arts nickname was the White Snake Heroine. She always wore white, her graceful figure as captivating as a lithe snake, possessing the spirit of a chivalrous woman, hence the esteemed title of White Snake Heroine.

Furthermore, there was once a legendary heroine in the martial world named White Snake. The nickname White Snake Heroine carried a sense of inheriting the past, which Miao Suyi did not reject, though she had never explicitly acknowledged it. She actually preferred to be called Rose, White Rose.

Miao Suyi snorted, "Am I outstanding just because I'm with Brother Ning, a great demon?! Lu Sheng, your flattery has gone awry."

Lu Sheng's face flushed. "Miss Miao, I didn't mean it that way. Ning Family's Chang'an is infamous; how could Miss Miao be involved with such a person?! I was merely praising Miss Miao's peerless beauty and elegance, with no hidden criticism intended."

Miao Suyi suddenly laughed, looking at Lu Sheng. "Brother Ning and I are intimately close, our entanglement is significant. Lu Sheng, it's best for a chivalrous young master like you not to harbor any improper thoughts, lest you ruin your reputation. That would be most unfortunate."