The sunset clouds blazed like peach blossoms, brilliant as fire.
A sickly-looking man dressed as a scholar rode a white mule toward the Luo River.
With a sword case on his back, a coarse cloth robe, and a square kerchief on his head, he looked down-and-out, frustrated and unable to find success.
He carried a wine jug. Every time he took a drink, he let out a long sigh, muttering something under his breath.
How could it be... him?
The moment Tang Lingqi saw the man and mule, a chill ran straight up his spine. Cold sweat soaked his palms, and his entire body went rigid.
"Grand Uncle, what is wrong with you?"
Tang Bao Er sensed that something was off with Tang Lingqi.
"Yes, why were you frightened?"
Abruptly, the man on the white mule looked over and sighed. "Why are the people of your Tang Clan so timid as well?"
He appeared deeply disappointed and shook his head.
Tang Lingqi took a deep breath. Not daring to meet the man's gaze, he said in a grave voice, "Before a peerless figure like Your Excellency, this old man naturally trembles with fear, as though treading on thin ice."
The man gave a derisive laugh. "Do not worry. Though slaughter is in my nature, I kill only those who deserve to die. An old guy like you is not even worthy of making me draw my sword."
As he spoke, his gaze shifted to Tang Bao Er, and he looked at her with interest. "Little girl, could you be the Tang Clan's treasured pearl?"
Tang Bao Er blinked her lovely almond-shaped eyes. "Pearls may be beautiful, but they are also the easiest to shatter. I would rather be an unnoticed piece of rubble."
The man burst into laughter. "A phoenix