“Who said he was alone?”

Su Fengyao and Fan Zhi arrived at some point, comforting Langhe by patting his shoulder. Su Fengyao used the Guichen Bracelet to launch a sneak attack, and all the men in black fell to the ground.

Su Fengyao, with his high crown and elegant robes, his eyes sparkling like stars, curled his lips into a charming, arrogant smile. The luxurious blue robes adorned with pearl threads made him stand with absolute disdain.

Fan Zhi saw Su Fengyao showing off and rolled his eyes disdainfully, not wanting to pay him any attention.

“Pei Mo, still not leaving? Do you really want to fight us?” Fan Zhi crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow at Pei Mo.

Pei Mo ground her teeth and reluctantly left.

High above, He Wanyu leaned against a tree branch, taking everything in.

She lightly lifted her eyelids, her crimson lips curving into a mocking smile, and disappeared in the blink of an eye.

Langhe thanked the two: “How did you know I was here?”

Su Fengyao waved his hand: “We followed you.”

“You should thank Bai Tan for this. She suspected that the ‘Guanyin Hand’ manual was a trap and that the real target was you, so she informed us in advance to follow and protect you.”

Langhe smiled with relief: “Tan’er has really grown up.”

Su Fengyao draped his arm over Langhe’s shoulder: “She’s now better than you, yet here you are, acting on your own again.”

Langhe sighed: “We have to settle things with the Tianluo Sect eventually. I couldn’t protect our big sister’s Xiyan Sect. I really don’t know how I will face her in the afterlife.”

Su Fengyao and Fan Zhi’s eyes dimmed. Each mention of Chu Yue’s death brought a surge of guilt, like a flood breaking a dam, overwhelming them.

River Moon.

Yuexia Yu Shu fought off Yan Lianpei. Yuexia Yu Shu and Bai Tan walked out of River Moon, which had nearly turned into ruins. Yuexia Yu Shu generously tossed a property deed to a trembling Xi Hui at the entrance.

“River Moon is now owned by the Thunder Sect.”

Xi Hui repeatedly thanked them.

After Yuexia Yu Shu and Bai Tan left.

Boom!

The final piece of rubble collapsed, turning the entire building into a thorough ruin.

Xi Hui smiled wryly: “At least it saves me the trouble of tearing it down.”

Pei Mo and Yan Lianpei, both heavily injured, were about to retreat when He Wanyu blocked their path.

Her eyes were icy cold, exuding a chilling, murderous aura.

“Who’s blocking the way?” Yan Lianpei gripped his whip tightly, remaining vigilant.

He Wanyu spoke slowly, her voice eerily calm, betraying no emotion: “Pei Mo, Yan Lianpei, it’s only been five years since I left as Sect Leader, and you already think I’m dead-“

Although the voice was unfamiliar, the domineering tone was all too familiar.

A wave of recognition hit Pei Mo and Yan Lianpei, causing them to hesitate and exchange a shocked glance before slowly turning around.

He Wanyu’s expression remained unchanged, but the intimidating presence she emanated instinctively filled them with fear.

“Impossible, how could it be?”

“Impossible! She’s already dead!”

Yan Lianpei and Pei Mo shook their heads repeatedly, finding countless reasons to deny the possibility.

He Wanyu sneered. She raised her delicate hand and formed an Orchid Fingers gesture in front of them. Under their shocked gaze, her entire being exuded an overwhelming coldness. Her fiery red lips parted slightly: “Guanyin Hand.” The three words came like a death sentence, accompanied by a blinding light that engulfed the two of them.

The explosion of light sent shockwaves rippling through the surroundings, causing a minor tremor in Liuguang City.

Fan Zhi and Su Fengyao were the first to sense it. Their expressions changed, and they hurried to the scene.

When they arrived, all they found were two almost burnt-to-ash corpses and a dozen or so trees that had been snapped by some force.

Thunder Sect.

Bai Tan asked, “Those two bodies are Yan Lianpei and Pei Mo?”

Fan Zhi nodded. “They were so badly burnt that we could hardly make anything out. It was only by the handle of Yan Lianpei’s whip that we identified them.”

“We had just let them go; who sent an assassin after them?” Bai Tan suddenly remembered seeing He Wanyu by chance.

But she quickly dismissed the thought. The four of them definitely didn’t have the ability; even combined, they couldn’t kill two top-notch fighters.

“Forget it. They deserved to die anyway. Second Brother, don’t you think you owe me an explanation about this time?”

Seeing that Bai Tan was about to confront him, Yuexia Yu Shu tried to make a quiet escape.

“Stop! Where do you think you’re going?”

With just a glance from Bai Tan, Yuexia Yu Shu obediently returned to his spot and began to sweet-talk her: “No, I wasn’t trying to avoid you. I was just thinking about our son and wanted to check on him.”

“You stay right here!”

“Yes, yes! I will strictly follow my Furen’s orders.”

Fan Zhi and Su Fengyao covered their mouths, stifling their laughter.

Langhe was genuinely happy to see Bai Tan find such a good partner. Bai Tan was now a wife and mother and no longer part of Xiyan Sect. Langhe didn’t want to involve Bai Tan or Thunder Sect in Xiyan Sect’s affairs. He felt he needed to handle his own problems.

Bai Tan and Langhe argued but ended up parting on bad terms.

Despite her anger, Bai Tan understood that Langhe was looking out for her, not wanting her to take unnecessary risks or to always rely on Thunder Sect.

Langhe was Bai Tan’s Second Brother! How could she just leave him be?

Yuexia Yu Shu gently placated Bai Tan until she calmed down. She reminded him, “By the way, I just saw Sage Doctor He and her entourage. They must be in Liuguang City now. If we encounter them, make sure to invite them over and treat them well.”

“Sure, I’ll send someone to look for them.”

Suddenly, Su Fengyao became excited: “Miss He is also in Liuguang City?”

Everyone looked at Su Fengyao with suspicion. Seeing their expressions, Su Fengyao quickly explained, “It’s just that they left without saying goodbye last time. I always felt we owed them. They helped us a lot, and I was thinking that if we met again, we should host a banquet to express our gratitude for their timely assistance.”

Though Su Fengyao’s explanation was hastily put together, it didn’t raise suspicions from Bai Tan and the others.

But Fan Zhi wasn’t so easily fooled.

He had keenly observed Su Fengyao’s brief moment of unease and nervousness, however slight it might have been.

At dusk, the setting sun painted the western hills in threads of golden light. The crimson clouds and golden haze blended like spilled colorful ink on silk, finally dripping into the rivers below.

On the corridor bridge, He Wanyu leaned playfully over the railing, her joyful face reflected in the deepening river, with the crescent moon shining brightly behind her.

“Shiwen, look,” He Wanyu called out sweetly, pointing to the floating river lanterns drifting away in the distance.

He Shiwen’s clear, dark eyes were filled with the flickering lights of a high city.

“Today is Liuguang City’s Apricot Blossom Festival. I’ve heard that the entire city’s apricot blossoms will bloom today—magnificent and beautiful.”

“Sometimes it’s all about timing, Shiwen, let’s go for a stroll!”

Impatiently, He Wanyu dragged He Shiwen towards the liveliest parts of the crowd.

The four of them roamed the bustling marketplace together. He Wanyu picked up a half-face mask and put it on, showcasing it to the other three: “How do I look?”

The three nodded gently, “You look great.”

Delighted, He Wanyu skipped away with the mask on, with He Shiwen ultimately picking up the tab.

The four paused in front of a stage where exotic beauties danced sensuously to captivating music, drawing rounds of applause from the audience.

After the dance ended, the host took the stage and asked, “Everyone, did you enjoy the performance?”

The audience responded in unison, “Not enough!”

“Knowing the enthusiasm here, we have a special treat! The stage is open for anyone to showcase their talent with the available instruments.”

A man in elegant dark blue robes volunteered: “I’d like to give it a try.”

He walked up casually and chose a guzheng. As his slender fingers danced across the strings, the melodious tune enchanted the audience, earning him a resounding ovation when he finished.

He Shiwen noticed the gleam of excitement in He Wanyu’s eyes and asked, “Want to give it a go?”

She nodded eagerly.

He Shiwen chose a flute, He Qing’an picked a xun, He Yi selected a pipa, and He Wanyu opted for the guzheng once again.

The cheerful melodies they played spread across the market, not particularly outstanding but certainly pleasant enough to carry through the bustling fair.

Bai Tan froze momentarily, lost in thought. After a while, the familiar tune reached her ears, startling her into motion. Tears blurred her vision as she quickened her pace towards the source of the music.

This song was deeply familiar to Bai Tan.

When she was a child and her family was destroyed, it was ten-year-old Chu Yue who avenged her. When Bai Tan was on the verge of dying from illness, it was Chu Yue’s singing that pulled her back from the clutches of death. This song gave her hope; Chu Yue made her want to live.

“Sis…” Bai Tan’s hoarse voice whispered the endearment. Trembling with anticipation, she moved closer to the direction of the song.

Suddenly stopping in her tracks, Bai Tan’s tear-filled eyes widened as she clearly saw the girl on stage, smiling joyfully, with half her face covered by a mask.

Her tears fell to the ground, shattering like glass.

Through the mask and the body it adorned, Bai Tan saw clearly—it was unmistakable.

Bai Tan broke into sobs, hurriedly hiding in a corner, covering her mouth as she wept silently.

The overwhelming emotion was beyond words; only tears could express the joy she felt now.

Before long, Yuexia Yu Shu noticed Bai Tan and asked anxiously, “Tan’er, what’s wrong? Who bullied you? Tell me, and I’ll avenge you.”

Wiping away her tears, Bai Tan smiled, “No one bullied me. Fujun, let’s go somewhere else and continue our walk.”

Bai Tan urged Yuexia Yu Shu, who was still puzzled. She glanced back at the stage, smiling at He Wanyu.

Unbeknownst to her, Fan Zhi was also staring intently at He Wanyu.

Not far away, Su Fengyao enjoyed the familiar tune.

The song ended to thunderous applause. Perhaps the applause was so vigorous that even the apricot trees joined in the celebration.

Apricot blossoms drifted down like snowflakes, coating the entire city in a floral shower. The vibrant colors and fragrance spread everywhere. He Wanyu looked up and smiled warmly.

“Shiwen, it’s so beautiful!”

He Wanyu raised her delicate hand, catching falling petals in her palm. She looked like a butterfly fluttering freely through a grove of flowers, unrestrained and unbound.

Her smile was pure and radiant.

Su Fengyao lowered his eyes, his gaze turning somber, “Even without us, you can still be this happy.”

The next morning.

Rubbing her sleepy eyes, He Wanyu groggily descended the stairs, surprised to find not only He Shiwen waiting but also others.

“Good morning, Miss He!” Fan Zhi greeted He Wanyu with a gentle smile.

The drowsiness vanished from He Wanyu in an instant. Surveying the inn, she realized there were no other guests, indicating that the whole inn had been booked out.

“Good morning, Miss He. Come have some food,” Su Fengyao appeared out of nowhere, calmly placing a platter of beef on the table.

He Wanyu greeted them and sat down obediently next to He Shiwen.

“Wanyu, Fan and Su have invited us to visit Thunder Sect. Would you like to go?”

He Shiwen sought He Wanyu’s opinion, and everyone turned their attention to her.

He Wanyu thought for a moment and then smiled, “I’ll go with you, Senior brother. If you go, I’ll go.”

He Shiwen gently patted He Wanyu’s head, “Then we’ll trouble Su and Fan with the arrangements.”

“It’s no trouble at all. We’re guests too, just passing on the host’s message. Yuexia Yu Shu is eager to be a good host,” Su Fengyao quickly deflected any suspicion from He Wanyu.

During the meal, He Shiwen and the others kept serving food to He Wanyu. The four siblings together created a heartwarming scene.

Later, in the grand hall of Thunder Sect.

Bai Tan had prepared a lavish banquet. Everyone was present, including Hu Ji, who had arrived early and was persistently hovering around He Wanyu.

After the meal, He Wanyu encountered Fan Qiujin and Su Xinwu, as well as Bai Tan and Yuexia Yu Shu’s son, Yuexia Changyu.

He Wanyu played with the children in the garden, and on their way back, they ran into Langhe.

Langhe had changed; he no longer had his former spirited demeanor. His eyes were now more somber and quiet.

He Wanyu drew her twin swords and launched a surprise attack on Langhe.

Langhe swiftly dodged the first strike but was soon overpowered by He Wanyu. Within a few moves, his leg was broken.

Sheathed her swords, He Wanyu cast a disdainful glance at him, smirked coldly, and walked away.

Langhe found He Wanyu strangely familiar.

The next morning, He Qing’an was practicing his martial arts in the courtyard. The Ornate Golden Fan in his hand moved like the wind, sweeping like a sword. One move, “Thunder Butterfly Shadow,” was lethal before the enemy could react, as it separated head from body.

He Wanyu stretched as she stepped out of her room. Seeing He Qing’an practicing so diligently, she went back to fetch her twin swords and launched a surprise attack from behind with a leap.

“Second Senior brother!”

He Qing’an smiled, bent backward to dodge the sweeping sword shadow, then twisted his body, sending the Ornate Golden Fan spinning in the air like a scythe.

He Wanyu stepped back, crossing her swords to deflect the flying blades of light.

They exchanged a glance, He Wanyu raised an eyebrow, and He Qing’an grasped her wrist, throwing her into the air.

Falling leaves and petals danced under the warm sunlight, and their lithe figures moved gracefully in the interlaced glow.

Fan Zhi and Su Fengyao, attracted by the sound, stopped at a distance to watch.

He Shiwen invited the two of them to the stone pavilion for tea.

Fan Zhi couldn’t help but ask, “You four seem very close, don’t you?”

He Shiwen set down the tea in his hand and looked over with a soft smile.

He Qing’an and He Wanyu had concluded their spar, and although He Qing’an clearly won, He Wanyu pouted and playfully refused to admit defeat, leaving He Qing’an with no choice but to reluctantly declare himself the loser.

“Our Little junior sister is our Master’s own daughter. If it weren’t for our Master, the three of us orphans would have starved to death on the streets long ago. Before he passed away, Master entrusted Little junior sister to me. Whatever she wants, even if it’s the stars in the sky, I will get them for her!” He Shiwen’s every word was filled with contentment as he took a sip of tea, a smile lingering on his lips.

“Qing’an, I can’t reach it,” He Wanyu whined, trying to get the wild fruit hanging just out of her reach. He Qing’an easily plucked it down for her with a slight stretch.

“As long as she is happy, as long as she is safe, nothing else matters,” He Shiwen said warmly, watching He Wanyu bounce over with the wild fruit in her hands.

“Shiwen, this is for you. Qing’an helped me pick it,” He Wanyu offered the fruit to He Shiwen like a prized treasure.

Qing’an pouted, feeling left out. “I picked the fruit for you, and you didn’t save any for me? That’s not fair!”

He Shiwen took a bite of the fruit, and said loudly, teasing Qing’an, “Mmm, so sweet! Thank you, my Little junior sister!”

Qing’an fumed. “Shiwen, give me back the fruit!”

The three of them laughed and chased after each other in the courtyard, their joyous laughter adding vibrant colors to the quiet surroundings.

If she faced the events of five years ago now, she might not have been alone.

Even if she stood against the whole world, He Shiwen would unhesitatingly stand by her side.

They had once considered going against the entire martial world for her, but Fan Zhi had the status of a Prince, and Chu Yue was a demoness-they were never on the same path.

Su Fengyao was a Taoist Priest, with clear principles and boundaries in everything he did, never crossing the line.

All the proclaimed love ended up being the biggest joke.

The love and expectations she never received from them, she found as He Wanyu.

To the three people who treated her as their whole world, He Wanyu was their everything, and to He Wanyu, they were her cherished warmth.

The four of them stayed at Thunder Sect for just two days before bidding farewell.

Bai Tan was reluctant to see them go, but she chose not to interfere, feeling happier now than she ever had.