Jianghu Hero Ranking, Mirror

Ying Hu, whose intelligence network in Shànchǎn City was well-connected, said, "Gao Mingqing is obsessed with cultivation and gambling. Nowadays, all the decrees in Shànchǎn City are handled by Liu Qian'e."

"To uncover the truth, we must find Liu Tianyang of Dian Cang Mountain."

Upon hearing this, Bai Bingxue inwardly thought, "Gao Mingqing is so absurd. If I want to avenge my Marquis Manor, I need to investigate Liu Qian'e as soon as possible."

King Ziqi paced back and forth in the hall with his hands behind his back, lost in thought.

Su Jiangcheng interjected, asking, "Is the Liu Tianyang that Lord Ying mentioned the seventh-ranked individual on the Jianghu Hero Ranking's Earth Ranking?"

"Precisely!" Ying Hu said in a deep voice.

"What hero ranking?" General Abu asked.

"The Jianghu Hero Ranking is a list of top martial arts masters. It's one of the rankings overseen by the Xu family of Ruyuan in Gongjiao Country through their thousand-year-old 'Yuedan Review'," Su Jiangcheng replied.

Before General Abu could respond, King Ziqi asked with interest, "Oh, this is the first time I've heard of it. Please tell us more, Fifth Hero Su."

After cupping his hands in greeting, Su Jiangcheng said, "The Jianghu Hero Ranking is divided into the Heaven Ranking and the Earth Ranking. The Heaven Ranking consists of Grandmasters of martial arts, and the Earth Ranking consists of Masters of martial arts, each representing a significant force."

"First on the Heaven Ranking, Dragon Five Suanni of Hidden Dragon Gate, Master Zhenbao. Evaluation: Heavenly Virtue!"

"Master Zhenbao from Mount Wutai in Gongjiao Country?" King Ziqi asked.

"Does Your Highness know Master Zhenbao?" Su Jiangcheng asked.

"I've long admired him. There aren't many virtuous monks in the world! Please continue with the second name," King Ziqi replied.

"Second on the Heaven Ranking, Sect Leader of Su Xian Sect, Su Xue. Evaluation: Heavenly Might!"

"I never expected Brother Su to achieve such high standing in the martial world. My sister certainly didn't misjudge him," Abu praised.

Bai Bingxue felt displeased nearby. King Ziqi glanced at her and said, "Fifth Hero Su, please tell us about the others on the ranking as well!"

Su Jiangcheng cupped his hands and continued:

"Third on the Heaven Ranking, Leader of the Under Heaven Alliance, Zhang Bing. Evaluation: Heavenly Enlightenment!"

"First on the Earth Ranking, Leader of the Ming Cult, Fang Jia. Evaluation: Heavenly Balance!"

"Second on the Earth Ranking, Dragon Two Yazi of Hidden Dragon Gate, name unknown. Evaluation: Heavenly Law!"

"Third on the Earth Ranking, Xia Emperor's Tutor, Sang'en Dharma King. Evaluation: Heavenly Grace!"

"Fourth on the Earth Ranking, Leader of Divine Firmament Sect, Lin Lingsu. Evaluation: Heavenly Longevity!"

"Fifth on the Earth Ranking, Leader of Lao Mountain Supreme Purity Palace, He Daoxiu. Evaluation: Heavenly Wealth!"

"Sixth on the Earth Ranking, Head of Linzi Duke Manor, Jun Wanfu. Evaluation: Heavenly Authority!"

"Seventh on the Earth Ranking, Sect Leader of Dian Cang Sect, Liu Tianyang. Evaluation: Heavenly Yang!"

After Su Jiangcheng finished, Ying Hu praised, "The Hero Ranking truly features outstanding individuals."

King Ziqi was moved. A glint flashed in his eyes as he pointed at Liu Changhu and said, "Ying Hu, take him to Dian Cang Mountain tomorrow and get to the bottom of things with Liu Tianyang."

"Also, Bai Bing's golden statue must be brought back. If you encounter any difficulties, you may handle them as you see fit!"

"Your subject obeys!" Ying Hu clasped his hands and accepted the order.

Bai Bingxue's mind raced with thoughts of her mother's statue falling into the hands of villains. Hearing that they were going to Dian Cang Sect to retrieve it, she spoke up, "Grandfather, I've heard there are many spiritual herbs on Dian Cang Mountain. I'd like to go with Lord Ying."

King Ziqi looked at her and asked, "Ying Hu, can you guarantee Bingxue's safety?"

Ying Hu pondered for a moment, then said solemnly, "Your subject will give his life to ensure the Princess's safety."

Seeing this, Su Jiangcheng thought that his master's daughter could not afford to have any accidents at Dian Cang Sect. He quickly said, "Your Highness, my junior brother and I will accompany Lord Ying to Dian Cang Sect to protect the Princess's safety along the way."

King Ziqi praised and agreed.

Hong Yun and Hong Lian exchanged glances upon seeing this. They stepped forward, grabbed King Ziqi's sleeves from either side, and said, "Grandpa, we want to go with Master and Cousin too, okay?"

General Abu immediately reprimanded them, "Hong'er, Lian'er, don't be willful. Lord Ying has important matters to attend to on this trip. Go back!"

Hong Yun and Hong Lian lowered their heads in dissatisfaction, pouting.

King Ziqi dotingly stroked their hair and said to Ying Hu, "Ying Hu, take them along to broaden their horizons. Dian Cang Sect is a reputable sect. The Gao family of Southern Expedition Country wouldn't dare to trouble you."

"Your subject obeys!" Ying Hu bowed and replied.

The two princesses happily said, "Thank you, Grandpa!"

Bai Bingxue returned and told Chen Xi to stay in Milu City to prepare for the new pharmacy. Chen Xi disagreed and insisted on accompanying them to Dian Cang Sect. Chen Xi said he was very familiar with the area near the capital of Southern Expedition Country and could act as a guide. Bai Bingxue reluctantly agreed.

Penglai Immortal Island, White Jade Palace Garden.

"These martial arts masters in the mortal realm are truly exceptional, but it's a pity their spiritual energy is insufficient," Ancestor Lu sighed.

Happy Arhat chuckled, "Your Majesty, why be so concerned? Mortals have a lifespan of a hundred years. If they don't focus on enjoying life, but instead cultivate arduously, it's truly regrettable!"

Chen Renfeng, overhearing this, actually agreed with Happy Arhat's words.

"Arhat, your words are misguided. Mortals are in the cycle of reincarnation and follow the Heavenly Dao; this is their destiny!" True Martial Great Emperor responded.

Seeing this, White Deer Immortal said, "Your Majesty, Arhat, let's continue watching."

The next day, Ying Hu selected fifty skilled guards and divided them into ten teams. They disguised themselves as fur traders and scouted ahead every five miles along the route.

Ying Hu led a team of eight people: Bai Bingxue, Hong Yun, Hong Lian, Su Jiangcheng, Su Dingfeng, Chen Xi, and Liu Changhu, traveling in the center.

Su Jiangcheng divided the hundred disciples brought by the Su Xian Sect into teams of ten, disguised them as tea merchants from the north coming to collect tea, and had them follow behind at intervals of three to four li.

The journey to Milu City from Dian Cang Mountain, whether by water or land, was over eight hundred li. Ying Hu made careful arrangements along the way, traveling by boat and horse, to avoid attracting attention.

Bai Bingxue took out a wooden medical dummy from her luggage and gave it to Chen Xi. It was inscribed with human acupoints and meridians. She explained patiently. Chen Xi had exceptional talent and grasped everything instantly, progressing even faster than she had when she was learning.

Chen Xi became engrossed and began to study it himself throughout the journey.

Bai Bingxue, Hong Yun, and Hong Lian ate and slept together. When they had free time, they practiced the light-body techniques of the White Fox Three-Seven Steps. Although she wasn't as proficient as her cousins, she was still much faster than before.

Bai Bingxue's Dian Cang Swordplay also received direct guidance from Ying Hu. When she sparred with Hong Yun, she steadily had the upper hand. After only practicing for a little over a month, Ying Hu praised her high talent for martial arts.

Su Jiangcheng and Su Dingfeng talked about the martial arts world and local customs of the Central Plains along the way, which made Hong Yun and Hong Lian burst into laughter. Bai Bingxue cursed inwardly, "Su Xue's disciples are all the same, all talk and no action, good at coaxing girls."

On the seventh day, they entered Haidong Town in Southern Expedition Country. From across Erhai Lake, they could see the capital of Southern Expedition Country at the foot of Dian Cang Mountain.

Haidong Town was the largest ferry crossing for those going to the capital of Southern Expedition Country from the north. Traveling by boat from here, one could reach the capital of Southern Expedition Country in half a day. Merchants traveling north and south would rest for a night at the inns and taverns in the town.

Ying Hu issued an order for the guards who had arrived earlier to rest for the night and cross Erhai Lake tomorrow, awaiting further orders.

Su Jiangcheng also ordered the disciples of the Su Xian Sect to cross the sea at dawn tomorrow.

The largest tavern in Haidong Town was the Canghai Tavern of the Dian Cang Sect.

With the words "Canghai" hung in the bustling market of Southern Expedition Country, and under the protection of the Dian Cang Sect, the tavern was free from harassment by officials and ruffians, allowing them to conduct business with peace of mind. The price they paid was handing over half of their annual profits.

Liu Changhu invited everyone to stay at the Canghai Tavern.

Bai Bingxue walked to the entrance and looked up. It was a three-story building, ancient and elegant. A red sign with gold lacquer lettering hung above the door, exceptionally conspicuous. A waiter eagerly greeted them.

Liu Changhu produced his inner disciple token of the Dian Cang Sect.

Upon seeing the token, the waiter respectfully asked, "May I know which young master has arrived?"