Exchanging Information

Dongfang Wanrong let out a sharp cry, and a phantom, unreal giant bird materialized in the void, hooking its arms around her shoulders and soaring into the sky.

For a fifth-rank priest in the Sorcerer System, the first thing to do to control the summoning of heroic spirits is to kill a bird demon. After establishing a karmic connection, one can summon it to achieve the goal of soaring through the sky.

In low to medium-tier battles, flight is a near-invincible means of survival; air superiority is of paramount importance in both war and combat.

Dongfang Wanrong manipulated the giant bird phantom, quickly flying eastward.

Along the well-connected streets, countless pedestrians looked up, pointing and exclaiming in amazement at Dongfang Wanrong in the sky.

Dongfang Wanqing calmly issued the order, "Split into two groups, one heading north and the other south. Return immediately after half an hour, regardless of the outcome."

The accompanying subordinates responded, some running wildly through the streets, others leaping across rooftops, each pursuing their prey.

Dongfang Wanqing then pursued them westward.

Half an hour later, having failed to track down Dongfang Wanrong, she returned to Pingzhou and went back to the inn's courtyard.

"Your Highness, this is a note left by Young Master Li."

A guard hurriedly came forward, holding a note in his hand.

Li Lang left behind... Dongfang Wanrong strode forward, snatched the paper, and began to read:

"Sister Rong, Sister Qing, life is precious, love is even more so, but if it comes to freedom, both can be given up. I once thought of accompanying you in this mortal world, living freely and unrestrained, galloping on horseback, and sharing the prosperity of the world."

"But I bear the mission of inheriting the Heavenly Sect's legacy, and my love and hate are beyond my control. Please forgive my departure; I will seek my own path."

The alluring woman, her eyes red-rimmed, gritted her teeth and said, "This heartless, ungrateful man, I'll definitely kill him!"

Dongfang Wanqing returned to the inn and heard her sister sitting on the couch with a gloomy face. She knew that her sister had also failed to find Li Lang.

Dongfang Wanrong took out a slip of paper from her sleeve, placed it on the table, and said:

"The heartless man left on his own."

Dongfang Wanqing unfolded the note, and after reading it, her pretty face turned frosty, and she squeezed out each word through gritted teeth:

"Next time I see him, I'll break his legs so he can never run away again."

She suddenly frowned, looked down and examined it again, and exclaimed, "This is not Li Lang's handwriting!"

The older sister, Dongfang Wanrong, hummed in agreement.

"Although it's not Li Lang's handwriting, it was definitely left by him. There was absolutely no need for that man in blue to go to such lengths, was there? He's been right under our noses the whole time; he had no chance to leave a message."

"It must have been written by that mysterious person, and left in the room after we went out. Hmph, at least they have some conscience."

Dongfang Wanqing lowered her head and read the letter again, her beautiful eyes shimmering with tears, as if she were moved by the words.

"Yesterday he inexplicably caused trouble for the other party, which I found strange, as it wasn't like him usually. Now that I think about it, he was deliberately picking a fight, having secretly made a deal with them," the sister, as aloof as an iceberg, said with a frown.

The alluring mature woman sighed softly, "Fine, if he wants freedom, then give him freedom. He's certainly been unhappy these past six months. We'll bring him back after we've dealt with that matter."

Two horses trotted along a mountain road far from Pingzhou.

"Brother Xu, what did you write in the letter you left for me?"

"Brother Xu, your horse is truly magnificent. It carries two people with ease; it must be a warhorse."

Li Lingsu carried a pot of wine in his hand; he was handsome and had a sunny smile.

Xu Qi'an glanced at him and had to admit that he was a very charming man; anyone who was attracted to good looks would definitely develop a liking for him.

In this world, most people are attracted to good looks.

"Who is this guy? He's so long-winded and never-ending."

Mu Nanzhi leaned against Xu Qi'an's chest and murmured softly.

The most beautiful woman in the Great Feng Dynasty was a rare find; she was indifferent to handsome men, and in her eyes, men and women alike were all ugly monsters.

Xu Qi'an transmitted his voice, saying, "He is Li Miaozhen's senior brother. We should keep a low profile when we travel the martial world, so don't reveal my true identity."

Upon hearing this, Mu Nanzhi found it amusing and gave Li Lingsu a half-smile.

The latter responded with a perfectly polite smile and began to speak:

"Is this your sister-in-law?"

Before Xu Qi'an could speak, Mu Nanzhi preemptively explained:

"No, we're just traveling the world together."

Given her proud and arrogant personality, she would never admit to having any relationship with Xu Qi'an. As for being just a passerby, that's fine. This Li guy is Li Miaozhen's senior brother, so he can barely be considered a character.

Li Lingsu felt a chill run down her spine, and cold sweat broke out on her back. She thought to herself, "This damned charm of mine! I haven't even gotten to know this woman yet, and she's already so eager to distance herself from her husband."

The Holy Son of the Heavenly Sect carefully observed Xu Qi'an and sincerely added:

"My sister-in-law has an outstanding temperament, unlike those flashy and scheming women. She and Brother Xu are a match made in heaven, a perfect couple."

Yes, in terms of appearance, they are absolutely a perfect match.

Mu Nanzhi maintained a reserved expression, making it impossible to tell whether she was satisfied or indifferent.

She turned her head to scrutinize Li Lingsu, then suddenly exclaimed, "Heh!"

"This guy, like you, is good at sweet talk, so he was able to win over those two sisters?"

Hey, you're ruining my image! Xu Qi'an pinched her soft waist, expressionless, and didn't answer.

Upon hearing this, the Holy Son of the Heavenly Sect's eyes lit up. "Brother Xu is quite the ladies' man!"

These words seemed to hit a nerve with Mu Nanzhi, and she sneered, "The women he seduces are no worse than your pair of sisters, no, even the worst of them are no worse than your pair of sisters."

Xu Qi'an said calmly, "She was just joking with you."

He pinched her waist again, and Mu Nanzhi's eyes welled up with tears from the pain. She turned her head away in a huff.

Li Lingsu smiled. This woman was clearly bragging about her husband—no, she was bragging about herself.

It's true that my sister-in-law has a good temperament, but her appearance is really hard to describe. Not to mention compared to Sister Qing and Sister Rong, even the maids in the East Sea Dragon Palace are far more beautiful than her.

After walking for a while, Xu Qi'an saw a stream in the distance and immediately said:

"Rest by the stream for an incense stick's time."

Before the Holy Son of the Heavenly Sect could respond, he patted the mare's rump and galloped towards the stream.

Li Lingsu immediately followed. She saw the man surnamed Xu dismount, lift his plain-looking wife off the horse, and then take out a boar bristle brush to clean the horse's nose.

The Great Feng Horse Administration required horses to have their noses brushed every thirty li (approximately 15 kilometers) to prevent them from accumulating too much dust, which could cause breathing difficulties and affect their bodily functions.

Li Lingsu did a quick mental calculation. They left Pingzhou, chose a mountain road, and ran all the way for about thirty miles.

Has he ever joined the army? Ordinary people in the world don't have the awareness to brush a horse's nose every thirty miles. Li Lingsu secretly guessed.

"Brother Xu, can I borrow your brush?"

Li Lingsu leaned closer with a smile and said, "Brother Xu, were you a member of the imperial court before?"

Xu Qi'an nodded. "I used to work in the Imperial Saber Guard in the capital, but I offended my superiors and was dismissed."

"Offended your superiors?"

"Yes, his name is Xu Pingzhi. The nickname ' Xu Pingzhi, the Unfilial Son' is quite famous in the capital."

Xu Qi'an commemorated him in the way that Hei Ershu did.

Li Lingsu clapped her hands and smiled, "What a coincidence, Brother Xu, you're from the capital. It just so happens I'm also going to the capital to find my heartless, ungrateful junior sister who doesn't care about her senior brother's life or death. Once I get to the capital, I'll retrieve—well, retrieve my own things—and then pay the reward."

"You want to go to the capital?"

"I've long dreamed of it. The capital is the premier city in the Central Plains. In terms of prosperity, no city in the world can compare to it." Li Lingsu revealed a look of longing.

"Although I was placed under house arrest by the Dongfang sisters for half a year, I was still able to receive news from the outside world. I heard that Junior Sister Miaozhen was doing very well in the capital. The fact that she could stay in the capital for so long is enough to show how wonderful the capital is."

"Furthermore, for me, the capital city is an excellent place for cultivation and seeking enlightenment."

Xu Qi'an said, "Because the Imperial Academy of Music in the capital are full of beautiful women?"

"Brother Xu understands me."

Li Lingsu brushed the horse's nose while laughing:

"It is said that the Imperial Academy of Music in the capital has twenty-four top courtesans, each with their own unique talents and skills. In fact, they are all from noble families. Such women are most suitable for love and romance, and they help me to understand the profound mystery of transcending emotions."

"Moreover, there are almost no side effects from having romantic relationships with them."

Not only were there no aftereffects, but he also got something for free. Xu Qi'an nodded in agreement.

The Holy Son of the Heavenly Sect glanced at Mu Nanzhi not far away and lowered his voice:

"Brother Xu, have you ever been to the Imperial Academy of Music for drinks and entertainment? Have you ever seen the most famous courtesan, the one who Fuxiang because of Xu Yinluo? I wonder what the twenty-four most famous courtesans are like."

He believed that with Xu Qian's cultivation and abilities, he should have a considerable status in the capital. Sleeping with the most beautiful courtesan might be a bit difficult, but he had at least seen her before.

Fuxiang was tall and slender with excellent proportions, her long legs captivating and alluring; Ming Yan was supple, able to touch his shoulders with his knees while lying down; Xiao Ya was the most delicate, often crying out, "Good brother, please spare me!"; Dong Xue had a melodious voice and loved to whisper in others' ears; Manman was passionate and unrestrained. Xu Qi'an said in a cold tone:

"I have never been to the Imperial Academy of Music)."

Seeing his cold expression, Li Lingsu believed him somewhat and said regretfully, "What a pity."

He paused, then continued:

"Actually, the ultimate purpose of this trip down the mountain was to go to the capital, visit the Human Sect, and participate in the battle between the Celestial Person and Human disciples. If it weren't for the Dongfang sisters, I should have been the one to participate in the battle between the Celestial Person and Human disciples."

"I heard that Miaozhen fought Chu Yuanzhen to a draw, and in the end, Xu Yinluo subdued Tianyuren with his bare hands. Actually, as long as I was there, the one who would have won would definitely have been Tianzong."

At this point, he became serious, "Afterwards, based on the intelligence gathered, I analyzed the combat strength of the three parties. Chu Yuanzhen's cultivation path is different; he practices the Human Sect Swordsmanship, and his Martial Dao are limited to the basics. His combat strength is actually limited."

"As for Xu Yinluo at that time, his cultivation was still shallow, and he only managed to win by chance thanks to Confucian School Law Technique books. If I were Miaozhen, I would have more than three ways to evade and turn defeat into victory."

His tone and eyes didn't seem like he was boasting.

"No, even without the Dongfang sisters, you still wouldn't have a chance to win. In the end, you'll most likely push Chu Yuanzhen to the edge, and he'll draw his sword and kill you, "Xu Qi'an thought to himself.

How terrifying was Chu Yuanzhen's swordplay, imbued with the scholarly spirit of ten years?

Even the Prince of Zhenbei, a third-rank official, suffered a great loss.

After cleaning the horse's nose, the two continued to chat by the stream. Li Lingsu always liked to steer the conversation towards women. Xu Qi'an appeared serious, but he wasn't exactly an honest man either, and he didn't object.

"Although the Heavenly Sect and the Human Sect are at odds, the leader of the Human Sect, Luo Yuheng, is said to be a rare beauty in the world. Moreover, the Human Sect's cultivation method determines that upon reaching a high level, one will experience the seven emotions and six desires, also known as being entangled in karmic fire."

"The fire of karma not only burns the person involved, but also affects those around them, stirring up all sorts of thoughts in them, especially lust."

"I understand," Xu Qi'an said, nodding. "I've seen in Luo Yuheng the kindness of his aunt, his mother's friend, his friend's mother, and the older sister next door."

"They know a little, which is why the Human Sect likes to cultivate by relying on the flow of Qi."

Li Lingsu seemed taken aback, scrutinizing Xu Qian: "Brother Xu, you know quite a lot."

Xu Qi'an remained silent.

The two remained silent for a while. Suddenly, Xu Qi'an noticed the mare turn around, her movements light and graceful, her body curvaceous and alluring.

"Smack!"

He slapped himself.

Li Lingsu asked in surprise, "Brother Xu?"

"Oh no, the side effects of using the Heart-Controlling Gu to manipulate animals are kicking in." Xu Qi'an coldly replied, "None of your business."

To ease the slightly awkward atmosphere, Li Lingsu said:

"Actually, what I most want to meet is the Princess Consort of Zhenbei, the most beautiful woman in the Great Feng. Since my junior sister and I started traveling the martial world, whenever women are mentioned, those commoners in the martial world always bring up the Princess Consort."

"They say she's the most beautiful woman in the Great Feng Dynasty, unique in the world, even more beautiful than a celestial being. I asked them, 'What kind of beauty is she?' But they couldn't say, because none of them had ever seen her; they had only heard about her."

Xu Qi'an was momentarily dazed, and couldn't help but recall that night when he first saw Mu Nanzhi's true face. The feeling of being so amazed and captivated was still fresh in his memory.

It wasn't a matter of whether she was beautiful or not; she was the kind of woman who was very rare. Unfortunately, it was too dark that night, and I didn't see her chest.

Li Lingsu smiled and said, "This time when I go to the capital, I'm going to see the beauty of the most beautiful woman in the Great Feng. If Brother Xu wants to know what she looks like, I'll definitely tell you after I've seen her."

He paused, his frivolous smile fading, and said in a deep voice:

"I heard that the emperor of the Great Feng was beheaded by Xu Yinluo, and the imperial court's proclamation said that Yuan Jing was manipulated by the Witch God Cult, which is obviously impossible. Brother Xu, you come from the capital, do you know what happened?"

Is this a test to find out my identity? Or are they planning to exchange information?

Xu Qi'an pondered for a moment, then said, "Yuan Jing was a second-rank Daoist School. He desired longevity and wanted to sacrifice himself to the nation's fortune and the Witch God Sect, but he was killed by Xu Yinluo."

His explanation was concise, but to Li Lingsu it was like a bolt from the blue, causing all his emotions to explode and leaving him speechless for a long time.

He hadn't expected such a hidden story—no, there were even more hidden stories, such as Yuan Jing actually being a second-rank official? How did he sacrifice the nation's fortune? And how did Xu Yinluo kill him?

"This matter is shrouded in mystery; with just this short sentence, I can almost feel the undercurrents that were surging in the capital not long ago."

Li Lingsu couldn't help but glance at Xu Qian, thinking to herself, "This person's status and position are not simple."

At this moment, he heard Xu Qi'an say:

"I've heard that the inside story of the battle between Celestial Person and Man is not simple. If the leader of the Human Sect defeats the leader of the Heaven Sect, he can use this opportunity to break through to the first rank."

"Whether the Heavenly Sect leader wins or loses, it won't affect anything. But if he abandons the battle between Celestial Person and Man, he will mysteriously disappear. Do you know the inside story?"

Ta-da!

The Holy Son of the Heavenly Sect retreated several steps, his expression changed drastically, and he stared intently at Xu Qian, his voice slightly shrill:

"Who... who are you?"

P. S.: I'd like to recommend a friend's book, "My Filial Piety Has Gone Astray".

PS: There's a character event on Qidian: Huaiqing is currently in first place in Group D and has a chance to advance to the finals. Let's all vote for Huaiqing! Participation path: Qidian Reading APP → Bottom consecutive draw → Top character preliminary round → Group D Princess Huaiqing

PS: I forgot that the Holy Son's cultivation level was at the initial fourth rank. Thank you all for reminding me. I'll correct any typos later.