The green mountains were lush, the grass verdant, and travelers on the road grew scarce. He An walked at an unhurried pace in a blue robe, a Jade Pendant hanging at his waist.
The robe had been made for last year's New Year celebrations, and he usually could not bear to wear it. Han Chanjuan had given him the Jade Pendant and insisted he wear it with this scholar's robe, saying that was how he would look his best.
As it turned out, he really did look splendid-the Jade Pendant rang with clear, resonant notes, a graceful young man venturing into distant lands with a sword at his side.
But when this sight fell into Cui Zhixia's eyes, it brought only jealousy and resentment.
A vicious look surfaced on his face. Through gritted teeth, he told Li Xiu beside him, "The Knowledge and Practice Institute has truly fallen into decline... they only sent this He An. Once we're inside the secret realm, we'll work together and deal with him first..."
Li Xiu nodded, but Guo Zhun beside him wore a miserable expression. "Young Master Cui... I've heard this fellow is quite formidable. Can the three of us... really kill him?"
"Useless fool. Can't you use your brain? Experts from every sect and school have gathered here, and the fighting over the prizes is bound to be fierce. Find a way to make He An the target of everyone's arrows. Then we won't even have to lift a finger..."
A cold smile curled at Cui Zhixia's lips. His voice and expression were equally fierce. "Kill him, and let's see how the Knowledge and Practice Institute answers to His Majesty. You two had better keep your wits about you."
"Yes, yes. We'll follow all your arrangements, Young Master Cui."
Li Xiu and