The sun set and the moon rose. Zhan Peng's surgery had been underway for six full hours. Long Xiyue and the others were all waiting outside when Xiao Ou came over with Qiao Fangzheng. Taking Long Xiyue's hand, Xiao Ou said, "Big Sister, my mother sent me to ask how Uncle Zhan is doing." Ganuo had also remained in the Butterfly Garden, but she was injured herself and could not wait outside.
"He should be all right," Long Xiyue said softly. "He's a good man. Heaven will surely watch over him."
"Your Highness," Qiao Fangzheng said to Long Xiyue, "may I have a word with you in private?"
Long Xiyue asked Xia Changming to take Xiao Ou back first, then accompanied Qiao Fangzheng to a secluded spot. "What can I do for you, Senior?" she asked quietly.
"Zhan Peng was most likely injured by that treacherous disciple of mine," Qiao Fangzheng said.
Long Xiyue sighed softly. "He only spared Zhan Peng's life to send Xiaotian a warning."
"I never expected his martial arts to advance so quickly," Qiao Fangzheng said. "He can already unleash and retract his External Sword Qi at will."
"Doesn't that mean dealing with him will be harder than ever?" Long Xiyue asked.
"Your Highness, I have a suggestion," Qiao Fangzheng said. "I wonder whether you would be willing to agree."
Long Xiyue smiled. "Please speak freely, Senior. If it is within my power, I will do my utmost."
"There have been few people I admired in my life, but Hu Xiaotian is one of them," Qiao Fangzheng said. "Both his martial arts and his cunning place him among the finest of the younger generation. Even that treacherous disciple of mine might not be his match." Qiao Fangzheng had only come to this conclusion after Hu Xiaotian