Chapter 201: Tang Mingyue

“Master Tang Wu is getting anxious,” Meng Qi casually guessed while flipping through the letter Qi Zhengyan had handed him.

With Master Tang Er’s fate unknown, the head of the family position could not be left vacant indefinitely. Somehow, Master Tang Lao Ye had learned of this news, his condition worsening, seemingly not having many days left. Yet no one had a clear idea of who could inherit the family business, so naturally, Master Tang Wu was anxious. He had formally invited the leaders of the Huanhua Sword Sect to a banquet, seeking stronger support.

At least judging from the current situation and the tone of this letter, reaching the above conclusion wasn’t difficult.

Qi Zhengyan nodded solemnly: “It’s said that Master Tang Er has been holding most of the family’s power, frequently replacing the managers and guards. Master Tang Qi secretly went to Ye Du at night, so naturally, Master Tang Wu cannot just sit idle.”

Ye Du was the ancestral home of the Wang Clan of Zhou Prefecture, the prefectural capital of Zhou Prefecture and the capital city of Huan Province.

Meng Qi folded the letter back, tapping lightly on it with his fingers: “It feels a bit strange. If Master Tang Er has already seized most of the power while Master Tang Lao Ye is incapacitated, why hasn’t he sought support from either the Huanhua Sword Sect or the Wang Clan of Zhou Prefecture? Why has he not contacted either side?”

As a pawn in the covert struggle between major aristocratic families and influential sects, Master Tang Er should have had the necessary awareness that even if he ascended to the position of family head, without the recognition of either the Huanhua Sword Sect or the Wang Clan of Zhou Prefecture, his position wouldn’t be secure unless he had other backing.

“When things deviate from the norm, there must be something sinister at play,” Qi Zhengyan agreed with Meng Qi’s view, but as a deputy, his access to local resources was limited, making it impossible for him to obtain more information.

Meng Qi stood up: “Cousin, I’ll accompany you. If there’s a situation where action is needed, I’ll handle it.”

There might be some hidden faction lurking in the shadows, intentionally attempting to assassinate Qi Zhengyan or Lin Mushi. In such a case, the Huanhua Sword Sect would inevitably direct its blame toward the Ye family, the Ling family, or Master Tang Qi, whose backing by the Wang Clan of Zhou Prefecture, known for cultivating the righteous Qi of Heaven and Earth, would not allow their subordinate families to be falsely accused and attacked.

During its peak, the Heaven-Sundering Gate repeatedly used assassinations in similar situations to create chaos, incite conflicts, and profit from the confusion. The Luo Cult, the Su Maiden Sect, and others were also adept at this—among the Nine Heretical Sects, these three primarily operated within the Jin Empire, although not exclusively. For instance, Meng Qi suspected the “Unkind Pavilion,” which was rumored to have assassinated Master Tang Er’s son, Tang Jing. Its main headquarters were said to be located in the Bei Zhou Empire.

“That sounds good,” Qi Zhengyan nodded.

By evening, Lin Mushi, Lin Mu, arrived at the “Huanhua Rice Shop” from a manor outside the city.

“Master Qi, is this your cousin?” Although Lin Mu was only a junior to Qi Zhengyan, his black hair already had many silver strands, and there were noticeable wrinkles around his eyes and forehead.

He was tall and imposing, yet his back and waist were slightly hunched. His face had prominent under-eye bags, and since entering the door, he had already yawned several times, clearly a man indulging in sensual pleasures.

Qi Zhengyan politely bowed with his hands clasped together: “Yes, Master, this is my cousin Meng Qi. He has lived in exile in the western provinces since childhood and has come here to seek refuge.”

“Master Meng, your martial prowess is truly commendable,” Lin Mu said without showing the slightest trace of disdain toward Meng Qi, whose terrifying martial skills were the subject of rumors.

In the city of Yi, there were already widespread rumors about “the gallant swordsman who single-handedly stormed the Ye residence and the valiant warrior who killed his foes with a cup of wine and then departed.”

To kill Li Sui so quickly meant his martial strength was at least equal to that of a Nine Orifice cultivator, explaining why the Ye family had not launched a major retaliation.

Meng Qi smiled and said, “Master Lin flatters me. Those were merely false accusations by the Ye family.”

It would be foolish to admit guilt outright. After all, this was the Jin Empire, not the Western Regions. The Six Doors still wielded considerable power here, and once a crime was proven, even the Huanhua Sword Sect would not dare to protect him.

Lin Mu yawned again and gave Meng Qi a deep look: “Truly, heroes emerge from the youth. Master Qi, let’s go. We’re heading to Hua Yue Lou (Flower Moon Pavilion).”

The location where Master Tang Wu had invited the two senior members of the Huanhua Sword Sect was the famous Hua Yue Lou in the city, situated by the scenic Shang River that flowed through the city, offering a tranquil and picturesque environment.

As the carriage stopped in front of the pavilion, the innkeeper, who had been waiting by the door, came forward with a beaming smile: “Master Lin, you’re truly a noble and carefree soul, always enjoying yourself outside the city. If it weren’t for Master Tang Wu’s invitation, we wouldn’t know when we’d get to see you again.”

His attitude was warm and obsequious, showing no sign of neglect toward Qi Zhengyan and Meng Qi. However, when he looked at Meng Qi, there was an added layer of curiosity and scrutiny. After all, “Ghost Shadow Sword” was a renowned martial artist in the city, yet this newcomer had single-handedly slain him within the Ye residence with just a sword. The news was nothing short of shocking.

Master Lin modestly conversed with the Hua Yue Lou innkeeper as they stepped inside. The main hall was filled with square tables and bustling with customers. As they ascended to the upper floor, just stepping onto the third level’s wooden planks, they saw a middle-aged man, pale and plump, waiting there with several guards.

“Master Lin, I’ve been eagerly awaiting your arrival,” the white-faced, fat man exaggeratedly welcomed them.

This time, Master Lin did not hold back his smile: “Master Tang Wu, I would never decline your banquet invitation, no matter whose banquet it might be.”

So this was Master Tang Wu, Tang Sixun… Ah, the guards around him were indeed formidable… Meng Qi’s gaze swept over the guards beside Master Tang Wu, instinctively judging their strength. Among them, the elderly bald man with half-closed eyes likely possessed the power of the Nine Orifices.

This was Meng Qi’s increasingly heightened intuition, honed after cultivating the Illusory Transformation Technique and the Seal of Immortality.

Meng Qi didn’t find it strange. In such a situation, even if Master Tang Wu was an Eight Orifice expert, he wouldn’t dare to go out without guards, bringing along as many strong ones as possible.

“This is Master Tang Shu, an elder of the Tang family,” Qi Zhengyan whispered into Meng Qi’s ear, recognizing the bald old man.

Meng Qi slightly nodded. As he had judged, Tang Shu was one of the five elders of the Tang family. Although he hadn’t made it onto the Human Ranking in his youth, his innate talent surpassed Qi Zhengyan’s former self. Through years of refinement and the aid of medicinal pills, he finally reached the Nine Orifice level after the age of forty-five. However, he had never managed to break through the Life and Death Barrier or bridge the heavens and earth.

Generally speaking, families like the Tangs, Yees, Lings, and Wans wouldn’t have a guest of the Nine Orifice level. At this level of expertise, one’s Qi could be projected externally, as if manipulating one’s limbs, and one could establish a sect or school. Only a major aristocratic family like the Wang Clan of Zhou Prefecture could afford such a luxury, as these experts would willingly attach themselves for the sake of building their own family or sect in the future.

Of course, there were also instances where experts at the Nine Orifices level became retainers of minor aristocratic families out of gratitude or loyalty, such as the Ye family’s “Coagulating Blood Sword” Sheng Jingxuan.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries in the corridor, Master Tang Wu led them to the “Hundred Flowers Pavilion,” where the door was pushed open, revealing cold dishes already set out.

With a beaming smile, he addressed Meng Qi and the attendants of Master Lin: “Gentlemen, I have a confidential matter to discuss with these two masters. Please excuse yourselves to the adjacent room. Uncle Shu, please escort them inside.”

To demonstrate sincerity, he didn’t bring any guards either.

Just next door… Well, that would work… Meng Qi hesitated for a moment, exchanged a glance with Qi Zhengyan, and followed Master Tang Shu and the other guards to the adjacent room.

Suddenly, the door to the “Crescent Moon Room” across from them opened, and a young man stepped out, blocking the front of their group before hastily heading downstairs.

“Master Meng!” a girl’s surprised voice rang out.

Meng Qi looked over in astonishment and saw a petite young girl. Her face was endearing, her voice youthful, and beside her sat a young man wearing a black hero’s headscarf, his features sharp and his eyebrows like swords.

They were also at a banquet, their companions all young gentlemen and ladies.

“Uh, Miss Wu, Master Shangguan,” Meng Qi almost couldn’t remember who these two were.

They were none other than Wu Qinxin and Shangguan Han from the Three Mountains and Four Rivers sect, who had joined him at the birthday banquet of Hua Tiange, the leader of the Zengxian Sect, which had led to the incident of the mysterious stone from beyond the sky.

As soon as the words left his mouth, Meng Qi regretted it—he should have pretended not to know them!

Wu Qinxin was a bit excited: “Master Meng, have you been well? Following your advice, my senior and I came to travel in Huan Prefecture.”

Their “Current-Cutting Sword Sect” was affiliated with the “Fading Sunset Sword Sect,” a branch of the Huanhua Sword Sect, which had a certain degree of influence in Huan Prefecture, making it their first choice for travel.

“Very good, very good,” Meng Qi replied casually and began to take his leave.

But Wu Qinxin didn’t let him go so easily. She pointed at him to the young gentlemen and ladies at the banquet table and said: “This is the ‘Gentleman Sword’ Young Master Meng I mentioned earlier. He travels a hundred miles at night to right a wrong, slays several enemies with his sword, and none can withstand even a single round from him. Even the Luo Sect’s Void Envoy was defeated in one move. After completing his task, he simply brushed off his clothes and left, treating the mysterious stone as nothing, deeply concealing his identity and reputation!”

Her eyes sparkled, glowing with excitement and intense emotion.

Shangguan Han appeared slightly awkward but similarly shared the same kind of emotion. Meng Qi’s actions were exactly the kind of heroic deeds that these young knights and maidens, who had just stepped into the martial world, yearned for day and night!

Whether it was valuing righteousness over wealth, keeping promises, chivalrous deeds, or night travels through mountain paths, sword battles against two ghosts, cutting down thunderous foes, and defeating evil in a single move, all of these filled people with admiration and longing!

When he heard the term “Gentleman Sword,” Meng Qi covered his face with his hand. Good news doesn’t travel far, but bad news spreads quickly!

“So he’s the ‘Gentleman Sword’ Young Master Meng. No wonder, no wonder!” said a girl with bright eyes and white teeth. Her hair was lightly tied with a golden hairpin, the head of which had a luminous pearl dangling from it.

The girl stood up, smiling charmingly, though she seemed somewhat distracted: “This humble girl is Tang Mingyue of the Tang family. I greet you, Young Master Meng.”

“Ah, it’s the ninth Miss Tang,” Meng Qi returned the greeting. What a coincidence indeed.

Wu Qinxin looked at Tang Mingyue with some confusion: “Sister Tang, why do you say ‘no wonder’?”

“Dear sister Qinxin, the young man we were just talking about is none other than Master Meng,” Tang Mingyue smiled, though it seemed somewhat forced.

Wu Qinxin exclaimed: “No wonder! I was wondering who could storm the Ye residence with just a cup of wine and avenge his family by slaying the Ghost Shadow Sword with his sword!”

To young gentlemen and ladies, such feats were also the kind of heroic deeds they could only dream of!

She exclaimed in delighted surprise to Meng Qi: “So it’s you, Young Master Meng! No wonder you’re called the ‘Gentleman Sword’!”

Could he not mention it? Meng Qi forced a stiff smile and said, “I have other matters to attend to. Let’s catch up another day.”

He felt a bit uneasy, as if something was about to happen.

Just as Meng Qi turned to enter the adjacent room of the “Hundred Flowers Pavilion,” Tang Mingyue gritted her teeth, made up her mind, and quickly stepped forward. As she passed Meng Qi, she whispered through secret sound transmission: “Young Master Meng, Uncle Five has already allied with the Wang family and is acting under the Ye family’s command, planning to assassinate you as a token of loyalty!”

“Each of the four families has dispatched a Nine Orifice expert, and the Ye family is preparing a deadly move!”

Meng Qi was startled, his expression slightly changing, but he quickly regained his composure and signaled Tang Mingyue to continue walking downstairs.

No wonder something felt off. Why wouldn’t such a secret matter be discussed in person, instead choosing to be held at the Flower Moon Pavilion where everyone could see?

He appeared normal as he headed toward the adjacent room of the Hundred Flowers Pavilion. As soon as he took a step, his body strangely collided into the room behind him.

Tang Shu, an old hand at such matters, pupils constricted, immediately reacted. He clapped both hands together.

The left palm emitted a chilling coldness, while the right palm radiated searing heat. The two palm energies twisted into a spiral, alternating between cold and hot, highly concentrated, aimed directly at Meng Qi.

The palm wind spread out, covering the surrounding area.

At the same time, a slender long sword pierced from the adjacent room where Meng Qi had crashed into, its blade reflecting a crimson glow under the moonlight, exuding a cold and beautiful aura.