General Jiang's Mansion in Guangwei, once a prominent military family in Rong City, had unfortunately suffered a decline over the years due to their failed defense of the city and their entanglement in the scandal involving the regent's family and the Duke of Sudden Influence.
Jiang Anbang entered the Cui Mansion and was left waiting in the guest hall for quite some time before finally meeting Cui Hao.
He had come to request military equipment from Cui Hao but was met with another disappointment. Cui Hao's mind was preoccupied with his son's condition, and he barely exchanged a few words with Jiang Anbang before sending him away empty-handed.
Leaving without the military equipment left Jiang Anbang feeling frustrated. He contemplated confronting Cui Hao about it, but the thought of the current state of his own Jiang family and the fact that he was reduced to a fifth-ranked commander made him restrain himself.
Despite still holding the title of the fourth-ranked General of Guangwei, the Jiang family's actual influence had waned considerably. Jiang Anbang's eldest brother had been living in seclusion for over a decade, and both his brother and his nephew weren't competent enough to manage the family affairs. Their hope now lay with a few grandsons.
Exiting the Cui Mansion, Jiang Anbang mounted his horse and, gazing across the street, he spotted the dumpling stall. He couldn't help but pause and stare, recalling the little girl who resembled his younger sister.
"Why do they look so alike?"
With a sense of amazement, Jiang Anbang returned to his own Jiang Mansion. As he entered, he immediately bumped into his younger brother, Jiang Antai. The expression on Jiang Antai's face made it evident that Jiang Anbang's visit to the Cui Mansion had been futile.
"Couldn't secure the military equipment again?" Jiang Antai asked, sighing.
Jiang Anbang didn't want to dwell on it, simply nodding in response.
Jiang Antai could sense his brother's frustration and sighed. "I know how you feel, Anbang. Being mistreated in Rong City like this, I can't imagine how hard it must be for Sister."
Jiang Anbang agreed, his mood dropping even further. "You're right. We're treated so poorly in Rong City. I can only imagine how tough Sister's life must be in the capital."
Jiang Antai tried to comfort him. "Sister is resilient; she can endure it."
Feeling a bit more encouraged, Jiang Anbang changed the subject. "By the way, today I experienced something quite extraordinary."
Jiang Antai, always eager to listen, asked, "What happened?"
Jiang Anbang recounted his encounter with the girl who resembled his sister. "I saw a young girl outside the Cui Mansion who looked remarkably like our little sister did when she was young. I was genuinely shocked when I first saw her. Isn't that remarkable?"
Jiang Antai paused, his expression turning distant. "Where did you see her?"
Jiang Anbang answered, "Right outside the Cui Mansion's gates." Noticing Jiang Antai's troubled look, he inquired, "Brother, is something bothering you?"
Jiang Antai forced a smile. "I find it remarkable too. Speaking of our sister, it's been over a decade since we last saw her. I can't help but miss her."
Jiang Anbang, sensing that Jiang Antai was distracted, grew more curious. "Brother, what's on your mind?"
Jiang Antai sighed, "It's just that... Sister wrote in her letters that Zheng Kun has entered the Hanlin Academy. To enter the academy, one needs the Emperor's approval. It seems that the current Emperor has moved on from the events of the past."
Jiang Anbang couldn't help but snort. "We were unjustly implicated in those events. For the past two or three decades, the Jiang family has been marginalized. Even if the oppression from above stops, it's now difficult for us to restore our former glory."
Finishing his thought, he noticed that Jiang Antai seemed absentminded. Jiang Anbang's surprise was evident. "Brother, what's the matter with you?"
Jiang Antai quickly conjured an excuse. "I'm just getting older. Can't escape old age, can I? I didn't rest well last night, so I've been feeling a bit off today."
Jiang Anbang expressed concern. "Take care of your health, brother. Our family can't afford to lose you."
Jiang Antai nodded and promptly sent Jiang Anbang off to rest. Once he left, Jiang Antai immediately summoned Jiang Sheng.
"Second brother mentioned that he saw a girl who resembled our sister outside the Cui Mansion. I suspect it might be Li Changsen's youngest daughter. Go find out immediately if Li Changsen has really come to Rong City."
Jiang Sheng didn't dare to delay and quickly set off to gather information.
Meanwhile, at the Cui Mansion.
Cui Hao gazed at his weak and frail son lying on the bed, his heart filled with both anger and concern. He reflected on how his son had become increasingly domineering in recent years. He decided to reprimand him.
"From now on, you're not allowed to take advantage of my position to act recklessly. You must understand that there are always people better than you in this world. No matter the situation, your father can handle it for you."
Cui Yongfeng, weakened, looked at his father with a mix of frustration and fatigue. Having spent the past two days in bed, he was well aware of the visit from the messenger of Shen Nong Hall. "Father, was the poison I suffered from sent by Shen Nong Hall?"
Cui Hao immediately recognized the vengeful tone in his son's question. He spoke sternly, "You must not provoke Shen Nong Hall any further."
Cui Yongfeng was defiant, but he didn't want to clash directly with his father. Instead, he instructed a servant to bring the medicinal pills acquired from Shen Nong Hall to show Cui Hao.
"Father, I've consulted physicians and had the pills tested. These medicinal pills are truly exceptional. If used within the military, they'll surely win the loyalty of our soldiers and enhance our family's reputation."
Cui Hao's expression grew more serious as he accepted the pills and examined them. "Is that so?"
The old physician who had been serving the Cui family for years nodded. "These pills are indeed quite remarkable. They are particularly convenient for soldiers on the march, as they are easy to carry and use."
Cui Hao's attention was piqued. He understood that his son's actions were motivated by their family's interests. His demeanor softened, although he still cautioned, "I understand that you're doing this for the family's sake, but you're still too impulsive. Consider this: if they can produce such excellent medicine, how can they be ordinary people?"
Cui Yongfeng responded, "Father, I'm not naive. I investigated the people behind Shen Nong Hall. They're merely merchants who control several trade caravans and own a few pawnshops."
"Father, these pills are truly exceptional! Even if we don't use them in the military, selling the formula elsewhere would surely bring us significant profit."
Cui Hao felt conflicted but didn't express his thoughts. He simply took the pills and instructed his son to leave. He intended to personally test the efficacy of the pills.
After two days, when Cui Hao returned to his son's room, Cui Yongfeng couldn't contain his curiosity any longer. "Father, how did the pills work? I didn't deceive you, did I?"
Cui Hao replied, "The pills are effective. However, Shen Nong Hall is not an entity to be trifled with. Bai Yu Guang is a law unto himself. Have you forgotten the commotion he caused in Rong City a few months ago?"
"You've only lost half your life this time. What about the next time? My child, listen to me. Let this matter go; your life is more important."
Cui Yongfeng grew anxious. "Father, I was almost poisoned to death. You expect me to let them continue running their pharmacy in Rong City? I won't accept this."
"I understand your concerns, but I don't believe Shen Nong Hall can afford so many skilled experts. Our family has to support three ninth-ranked predecessors, which incurs significant annual expenses. How can a newly established pharmacy have more resources than us?"
"Father, you have to believe me. This matter is for the good of our family. However, I'm not foolish enough to confront Shen Nong Hall directly. I've done my research and will continue to investigate. If they indeed have powerful backers, I'll endure and won't cause any further trouble for Shen Nong Hall."
Cui Hao frowned but didn't speak.
Cui Yongfeng persisted, "Father, Shen Nong Hall is operating in Rong City. It wouldn't hurt to gather some more information about them."
Cui Hao agreed with this sentiment. The memory of the confident smile on the face of the messenger still bothered him.
"We can try to gather more information about Shen Nong Hall, but we can't use our own people."
"Father, rest assured, I'll handle it."
With the Shen Nong Hall situation resolved, Li Wuya and Li Erya breathed sighs of relief and resumed their normal school routines.
"Sister, my husband and I are going to the Azure Wave Lake outside the city to practice playing the zither later. Do you want to join us?" Li Erya asked.
Hearing this, Li Erya quickly shook her head. Just the thought of the dreadful music Li Wuya and her husband produced with the zither and flute made her shiver involuntarily.
It was truly awful!
Not only was it unpleasant to the ears, but they even used their inner energy, making it even more unbearable.
Seeing Li Erya's reaction, Li Wuya and Li Erya's husband showed disappointment, but they quietly picked up their instruments and jade flutes and left.
After the two of them had been gone for less than half an hour, a white dove suddenly flew into the Li family's courtyard.
Li Erya recognized it immediately as one of the messenger doves from Old Man Shang. She quickly removed the note from its leg: "Help, Iron Wolf Gorge."
Reading the distressing message, Li Erya's heart sank. She was about to find Li Wuya, but at the doorstep, she hesitated. She realized that she was the older sister and couldn't rely on her younger sister every time there was a problem.
Li Erya took a moment to steady herself and reexamined the note. Messenger doves were their emergency communication method established with Old Man Shang after the incident with Shen Nong Hall. It was highly likely that this distress signal was sent by Old Man Shang himself.
Old Man Shang was intelligent. He knew about their allies, including Bai Yu Guang, Black Lotus, and Tian Shan. He shouldn't be betraying them.
Considering this, the contents of the note were likely true.
Old Man Shang was one of their allies. If they didn't help him when he was in danger, it could strain their mutual trust once they were out of danger.
So, she had to go to Iron Wolf Gorge.
After carefully analyzing the situation, Li Erya pondered for a moment and then retrieved her sword from the house. She headed out of the city straight towards Iron Wolf Gorge.
Fearing she might be too late, and to ensure everything went smoothly, Li Erya also sent her golden eagle to inform Li Wuya and her husband. She knew she needed to get to Iron Wolf Gorge ahead of time.
Iron Wolf Gorge.
Old Man Shang and his group of merchants had been intercepted by the Iron Wolf Gang.
Despite being the leader of a bandit group that intercepted both goods and people, the current leader of the Iron Wolf Gang was far from feeling triumphant. In fact, he was incredibly anxious.
The ninth-ranking expert hired by the Cui family was watching him closely, and his nervousness was evident on his forehead, which was beaded with sweat. Mockingly, the expert said, "You're trembling like a leaf. With me here, even if Bai Yu Guang himself showed up, I'd be able to save your life."
The leader of the Iron Wolf Gang was not comforted. "I know you're an exceptional martial artist, but let's still be cautious. I made a promise in advance; this is only a test. If someone does come, I'll release Old Man Shang and the others immediately."
The ninth-ranking expert felt slighted and impatiently replied, "I know what I'm doing."
Soon, the sand bandits that had been stationed in Iron Wolf Gorge rushed over. "Leader, someone's here."
The leader of the Iron Wolf Gang's expression tightened. "Someone's really here?"
The sand bandits nodded. "Yes, someone's here, but... it's a young girl, not Bai Yu Guang or Black Lotus."
Hearing this, the ninth-ranking expert burst into laughter. "And here you are, the mighty Iron Wolf Gang, the biggest bandits in Rong City, frightened by a young girl."
The leader of the Iron Wolf Gang also felt embarrassed and immediately ordered his subordinates to bring the person forward.
However, to their dismay, after several rounds of attempts, not a single person was captured. Instead, they lost several waves of men, and none of them returned.
The ninth-ranking expert and the leader of the Iron Wolf Gang sensed that something was amiss. They exchanged a glance and quickly headed towards Iron Wolf Gorge. From a distance, they spotted a slender figure standing with a sword.
It was a young girl, around thirteen or fourteen years old. Before her lay a pile of bodies, all of whom were sand bandits sent to capture her.
It seemed like her first time killing, as her complexion had paled. Her long sword trembled slightly in her hand.
"You..."
Looking at his fallen subordinates, the Iron Wolf Gang's leader was both shocked and enraged.
Upon seeing more people arriving, Li Erya immediately pointed her sword at them. "Where are the people from Jiubian Trading Company?"
The ninth-ranking expert stepped forward. "Who are you?"
Li Erya ignored him. "Release the captives!"
The expert smirked. "And if we don't?"
Hearing this, Li Erya slowly raised her sword. Then, with a swift movement, she attacked.
Every move was deadly!
When Ye Mo taught her swordsmanship, he had told her that a swordsman should strike to kill. Every attack should aim for a lethal blow.
The leader of the Iron Wolf Gang was the first to be attacked by Li Erya.
Though Li Erya lacked experience in combat, her strikes were swift and deadly. In less than ten exchanges, a bloodstain appeared on the leader's neck.
Without hesitation, Li Erya turned her attention to the ninth-ranking expert.
Moments ago, he had been watching the scene unfold, but now he was filled with shock and fear. The leader of the Iron Wolf Gang, even if he couldn't kill the expert within ten moves, had still managed to wound him. However, the young girl before them had achieved the impossible.
In battle, besides skill, one also competed in terms of aura.
The ninth-ranking expert, taken aback and retreating, clashed with Li Erya, who was resolute and unyielding. Though his combat experience was richer, and his skills surpassed Li Erya's, her relentless advance coupled with his shock caused him to reveal openings. Li Erya seized these opportunities.
After nearly a hundred exchanges, Li Erya found a gap in the ninth-ranking expert's defense and slashed his neck.
When Li Wuya and Li Qilang, who had rushed to the scene upon receiving the message, arrived at Iron Wolf Gorge, only Li Erya remained standing. Everyone else was lying on the ground.
The commonality among these fallen individuals was a red line across their necks.
"Five and Seven, you're here."
"Sister, are you okay?"
Seeing the wounds on Li Erya's body, Li Wuya and Li Qilang wore concerned expressions.
Li Erya was nonchalant. "I'm fine. Just this person was somewhat skilled; he managed to cut my arm."
Li Wuya looked at the middle-aged man lying on the ground with his eyes wide open, unable to believe it. He recognized him as one of the three ninth-ranking experts from the Cui family. Surprise filled his eyes as he looked at his sister.
Facing a ninth-ranking expert head-on, the sister he had thought to be the weakest was actually this fierce!
"Old Man Shang's group should be held captive in the stronghold. Let's hurry and free them."
"Sure!"
"Sister, I've just realized how formidable your swordsmanship has become!"
Li Erya smiled shyly. "There's still much room for improvement. Sometimes, my strikes aren't quick enough, and I lack decisiveness. I'm far from achieving what Master Ye described, striking to kill with every sword."
Li Wuya and Li Qilang couldn't help but chuckle.
"Sister, you set the bar pretty high for yourself."
Li Qilang suddenly suggested, "Erya, both Five and I have titles now. Do you want to give yourself one too?"
Li Erya smiled and shook her head. "I don't need a title."
Li Wuya added, "Erya, I thought of one: Mystic Maiden Sword. What do you think?"
Li Qilang chimed in, showing support, "I think it sounds great."
Li Erya smiled and didn't object.
Li Qilang said, "Alright, with Bai Yu Guang, Black Lotus, Mystic Maiden Sword, and me, our An Xiang Sect is now complete."