"M-monster..."
In a corner of the courtyard, a boy in hemp clothes stared in terror at the scene before him. A black banner, thick fog, and a beautiful yet uncanny woman were reflected in his eyes. He was so frightened that his body went rigid and his limbs turned cold. He did not dare move.
Only after a long while, when he saw the woman sit down with the Long Banner in hand and black mist enveloping her, did he recover a little. He scrambled to his feet and fled.
He ran all the way out of the Yun Mansion and ducked into a corner before he finally breathed a sigh of relief.
"Could that monster be planning to harm Old Man Yun? He's the whole city's benefactor. If I run away like this, won't I be a man without Righteousness?"
Plagued by doubts, the boy wandered aimlessly through the streets.
But soon, people came chasing after him, shouting, "Don't let a single one of those who escaped get away! Bring them all back!"
The vicious intent in their words was unmistakable. Whatever thought he had of returning to the Yun Mansion vanished under the fright, and he fled once more!
At the relay station, Chen Cuo sensed something and looked toward the window.
"Sharp senses." Outside the window, Fu Jue grinned, flipped into the room, and sat down cross-legged on the spot. Looking at Chen Cuo, he asked, "Well? What did you make of your day touring Yun Family City?"
Chen Cuo was not surprised. He asked evenly, "Who are you, exactly? How did you sneak into the Great Hua Secret Realm?"
Fu Jue was still smiling. "What's so special about the Taihua Secret Realm? We can come and go as we please. Great Hua Mountain can't stop us."