Chapter Twenty-Four: Intrigue and Scheming

  Two people on the road did not see anyone, Liang Xiao thought: "Han Ningzi was defeated, and all the people here escaped? Alas, it's really a tree falling and monkeys scattering." After leaving the Red Twig Pavilion, Liang Xiao asked: "Ah Xue, do you have a place to go?" Ah Xue said: "That gentleman with the wooden sword came to the villa and asked the master for someone. The master couldn't beat him, so he said let's compare footwork, and the gentleman agreed. But as soon as they left, everyone escaped in a hurry. I was afraid that you were still locked up, so I went to the bamboo forest..." Liang Xiao listened to her chatter and impatiently said: "Alright, if you don't have a place to go, follow me temporarily!" Ah Xue's heart skipped a beat with joy, asking: "Where are you going?" Liang Xiao shook his head: "I don't know either." Ah Xue furrowed her brow in thought, seemingly making up her mind, saying: "Can I follow you wherever you go?" Liang Xiao said: "Suit yourself!" Ah Xue heard this and smiled slightly, with a shallow dimple appearing on both cheeks.

  Two people walked west for a while, and Liang Xiao remembered the "Purple Mansion's Origin" in his arms. These days were busy with practicing martial arts, but he hadn't taken a closer look. He took out the rubbing copy and saw that it had been soaked by sweat, the ink marks on the cloth were scattered, and he knew that if he didn't sort it out soon, it would be ruined. So he looked for a paper and ink shop in a nearby town, where the owner was an old scholar who wrote mediocre articles but had beautiful handwriting. After Liang Xiao explained the origin of the rubbing copy, the owner prepared a piece of sheepskin paper, dipped his brush in thick ink, and carefully copied the rubbing copy.

  After finishing the transcription, Liang Xiao checked it carefully and rewarded the shopkeeper with a gold ingot. The shopkeeper was overjoyed and couldn't contain his excitement. Liang Xiao then asked for a piece of oil paper and a red copper ink box, and carefully wrapped the scripture in the oil paper and stored it in the box.

  They had just finished setting up the paper window, and the sun was already setting in the west. In the distance, they saw an inn ahead, and Liang Xiao's stomach was growling with hunger. He and Ah Xue went inside to rest. Before long, a person burst in from outside, and the two of them took a look - it was none other than Han Ningzi. When Han Ningzi saw the two of them, he was first startled, then smiled at Ah Xue, his eyes full of deep meaning.

  A Xue shivered and said in a trembling voice: "Master is well." Han Ningzi glanced at her and sat down with a smile, saying: "I'm doing very well, you're not dead yet! Come, let me see the tea." A Xue's legs went soft and she couldn't get up. Liang Xiao pressed on her shoulder and said with a smile: "Han Ningzi, I'm also very thirsty, can you pour me some tea?" Han Ningzi gave him a cold glance and sneered: "You're really a playboy, having just let go of Liu Yanyan, now you're flirting with my family's A Xue again?" A Xue was so ashamed that her face turned bright red and she couldn't lift her head.

  Li Shuo frowned and said, "Han Ningzi, watch your mouth!" Han Ningzi smiled and said, "What are you denying? If you want her, I'll give her to you. But let's be fair, you should thank me properly." Li Shuo saw that she was speaking ambiguously, and his heart was filled with suspicion. However, he thought that if he tried to fight back, not only would he himself not be able to escape, but Ah Xue would also definitely lose her life. He smiled and said, "I'm just a lone wanderer, what do I have to thank you for?" Han Ningzi glared at him and smiled, saying, "You little scoundrel, do you think you can deceive people? Hmph, did you open the pure yang iron box or not?" Li Shuo's heart skipped a beat, and he pretended to be calm, saying, "What are you talking about?" Han Ningzi said, "Your internal energy was completely depleted, and it will take at least ten years for you to recover. But in less than a month, your internal energy has returned? Hmph, practicing martial arts is not like eating, drinking, or excreting, there's no way it can be recovered so quickly!" She paused, staring at Li Shuo with a smile, "That night, did you open the iron box?"

  Liang Xiao smiled and said, "The method of opening the box, I know a thing or two about it. It's no harm to tell you. But you must make a poisonous oath: from now on, cut off the master-slave relationship with Ah Xue, and don't make things difficult for us." Han Ningzi smiled faintly and said, "You stinky little boy, you're just a piece of dough in my palm, can I shape you as I please? You won't say it, but I have my own way to make you speak." Her eyes flashed and fell on Ah Xue.

  Liang Xiao shouted: "Han Ningzi, you have the ability, come at me!" Han Ningzi smiled and stood up. At this time, a sudden laugh was heard, and another person entered from outside, wearing a yellow shirt with white hair, looking elegant. Liang Xiao saw him and secretly cursed in his heart. The man saw Liang Xiao and showed joy on his face, but then heard Han Ningzi say coldly: "Ming Gui, what do you want to do?" As he spoke, he slapped out with a palm.

  Ming Gui dodged her palm and smiled, "Han Niang, you attack as soon as we meet, without even giving me a chance to speak." Han Ningzi coldly laughed, "What's there to say? Isn't it just about avenging your master?" Ming Gui shook his head, "You're thinking of Hua Wuyan? Wrong, wrong, she's her and I'm me, absolutely not to be confused with each other."

  Han Ningzi's face changed from bright to dark, and she coldly laughed: "What kind of trick are you playing again, old fox? Are you trying to delay time until reinforcements arrive? Humph, even if the Eight Cranes of Tianji arrive, I'm not afraid!" Ming Gui smiled and said: "Miss, your martial arts skills are strong, naturally you're not afraid. However, I've long since cut ties with the Tianji Palace and have no more relations with them. If you don't believe me, you can ask that little kid over there." He pointed to Liang Xiao.

  Han Ning's expression changed slightly, and she glared at Liang Xiao: "So you're really a running dog for the Tianji Palace? Hmph, I'll settle accounts with you later." Ming Gui smiled and said: "Miss Han, you've misunderstood him. He doesn't count as someone from the Tianji Palace either. However, I can vouch for his experience of leaving the Tianji Palace; he's seen it all firsthand."

  Han Ningzi looked at Liang Xiao, seeing his calm and collected expression, not refuting her, couldn't help but feel uncertain, saying: "You're the leader of the Eight Cranes, how could you betray Tianji Palace?" Ming Gui said: "If I were still the leader of the Eight Cranes, why would I need to come see you personally? 'Sick Crane' Qin Bosi will definitely be the first to come looking for you when he hears the news."

  Han Ningzi thought to herself, "Old Man Ming is right, there are many lackeys in the Tianji Palace, if they want to capture me, they don't need him to take action personally." She hesitated for a moment, then said, "Alright, I'll listen to what you have to say." Ming Gui smiled mysteriously and suddenly asked, "Miss, do you still remember Ling Shuangjun?" Han Ningzi's face changed color, and she spoke in a hoarse voice, "What are you bringing up that lowly person for?"

  Ming Gui smiled and said, "Doesn't Miss Han dream of killing her every morning and evening?" Han Ningzi replied coldly, "Ridiculous, she's been affected by my 'Ice River Mysterious Skill', how can she still be alive?"

  Ming Gui shook his head and said, "Man's calculations are not as good as heaven's. At that time when Ling Shuangjun was seriously injured and on the verge of death, he met 'Evil Hua Tuo' Wu Changqing." Han Ningzi's expression changed again. Ming Gui observed her words and expressions, and smiled slightly, "Wu Laoer spent three days and nights, not only did he pull Ling Shuangjun back from King Yan's place, but also..." He stopped intentionally at this point. Han Ningzi looked sideways at the door with a cold expression, "What else?" Her tone was light and casual, but her body trembled slightly.

  Ming Gui let out a sigh, seemingly somewhat regretful: "Ling Shuang Jun not only didn't die, but also gave birth to a child, named Hua Xiao Shuang." Han Ning Zi had already guessed it, but hearing Ming Gui say it in person, her body still went soft and she sat down on a wooden stool.

  Liang Xiao suddenly realized: "So the great villain who harmed Xiaoxue is actually her?" Thinking about it, his anger was burning, but he heard Han Ning's teeth gritting out words: "Hua...Xiao...Xue?" His voice was hoarse, with endless hatred.

  "Let's call her Hua Xiao Shuang! Hua, as in the flower of Qingyuan, and Shuang, naturally referring to Ling Shuangjun." His few words were like a thousand needles, piercing Han Congzi's heart with unbearable pain. She gritted her teeth and said, "Fine, so you've even given birth to a daughter?" Suddenly lifting her head, she glared at Ming Gui, "You chased me all the way here just to say these things?" Ming Gui smiled and said, "Firstly, I came to inform Miss Han; secondly, if Miss Han has the heart to seek revenge, we can join forces and destroy Tianji Palace. At that time, who to kill or execute will be entirely up to you."

  Han Ningzi fell silent for a moment, then burst out laughing loudly. Ming Gui said with a scowl: "I sincerely invited you, not to make fun of me!" Han Ningzi brushed off her sleeves and stood up, coldly smiling: "What kind of person do I, Han Ningzi, look like? How could I be your swordswoman? You despicable people and your spawn will eventually fall into my hands!" Her voice was filled with endless resentment.

  Ming Gui laughed and said, "Miss Han is really good at joking. With your own strength, can you fight against the Tianji Palace?" Han Ningzi said, "Don't worry about it." She swept her sleeve and walked out, tripping on the threshold as she left, making a "crack" sound, and kicking the threshold into powder.

  Ming Gui looked away, a hint of disappointment flashing between his eyebrows. He turned and sat down across from Liang Xiao, poured himself a cup of tea, took a sip, and sighed: "Han Ningzi is an intelligent person, but she can't escape the word 'love'!" Liang Xiao asked in surprise: "What does this have to do with love?" Ming Gui smiled wryly: "It's a long story." He put down his teacup and continued: "In the past, Han Ningzi was also a remarkable person. Her martial arts skills were excellent, she was intelligent, and her appearance was stunning..." He paused here, a cold smile spreading across his face: "It was destined that she would meet misfortune - instead of running into someone else, she encountered that little beast Hua Qingyuan. I'm not entirely clear on what happened between them, but in the end, those two privately agreed to be together for life."

  Liang Xiao said with a hint of surprise, "She and Uncle Hua are lovers?" Ming Gui smiled and said, "That's right. Hua Qingyuan obtained Han Ningzi as if he had found a treasure, and brought her back to the Tianji Palace to meet his mother. But who would have thought that Hua Wuyan was not pleased when she saw her." Ah Xue couldn't help but say, "My master is intelligent and beautiful, why wouldn't she be pleased?" Ming Gui looked at her with a glance, furrowing his brow when he heard her call Han Ningzi 'master'. Liang Xiao said, "Ah Xue, from now on you will be free, no need to call her master anymore." Ah Xue hesitated for a moment before nodding slightly.

  Ming returned with a cold hum and said, "This matter is bad because of its cleverness and beauty. Think about it, Hua Qingyuan has been sensible and obedient to her mother since childhood. Now, a mysterious daughter-in-law has appeared, not only beautiful but also intelligent and clever. This is tolerable, but what makes Hua Wuyan most resentful is that Han Ningzi's methods are ruthless, and she has made Hua Qingyuan obey her completely, listening to her every command. With Hua Wuyan's temperament, wouldn't she be furious?"

  Liang Xiaoqi said, "What? Does Hua Wuying envy her own daughter-in-law?" Ming Gui sneered, "Is this anything strange? Most women in the world are like this. They fear that their son will be too infatuated with his wife and weaken the mother-son relationship. Moreover, Hua Wuying wants her son to inherit the family business, if she lets Han Ningzi enter the household, won't the foundation of Tianji Palace have to change its surname to Han? After half a lifetime of effort, in the end, an outsider would reap the benefits, can someone with her temperament swallow this?"

  Li Xiangdao said, "Han Ningzi is not a thrifty lamp, how can she be allowed to manipulate him?" Ming Gui smiled and said, "You don't understand. When men and women are in love, they often forget themselves and make mistakes. How can Han Ningzi, who is young and inexperienced, be a match for Hua Wuyan? Hua Wuyan was unhappy in her heart, but didn't show it on her face. She just said something about parental orders and matchmaking words, wanting Han Ningzi to find her elder sister as a matchmaker, with three matchmakers and six proofs, before they could get married. Han Ningzi was fooled into going to find her sister, overjoyed and excited. But who knew that as soon as she left, Hua Wuyan made her move and pushed Ling Shuangjun into Hua Qingyuan's arms..."

  Liang Xiao interrupted, "No way, if you like someone, how can you marry another person? If it were me, I'd rather die than agree." Ming Gui sneered, "Hua Qingyuan is a coward, Hua Wuyan glared at him and he didn't dare fart. This time the joke's on him. On one side, Hua Qingyuan was making a big show of marrying with imperial orders, while on the other side, who knows how Han Ningzi got the news, she took advantage of Ling Shuangjun returning to her mother's home and ambushed her, giving her a vicious blow. At that time, Ling Shuangjun was pregnant, resulting in two birds with one stone... no, it should be called one corpse, two lives..." Ming Gui burst out laughing and then asked, "Liang Xiao, guess why Han Ningzi knew about Ling Shuangjun's whereabouts?"

  Liang Xiao frowned, looking at him deeply: "Is it what you said?" Ming Gui patted his thigh and laughed: "Not bad, if he lets Hu Qingyuan raise a son for him, it won't ruin the old man's big plan."

  Just as he was enjoying himself, Liang Xiao suddenly stood up, and Ming Gui's smile abruptly stopped. He asked: "Where are you going?" Liang Xiao coldly said: "I'm leaving!" Ming Gui said: "What's the hurry? Wait for me to finish this cup of tea. We've been apart for a long time, let's have a good chat." Liang Xiao snorted and said: "You're shameless, I still want to save face. Sitting with you, a petty person like you, would only bring me lifelong shame." Ming Gui was taken aback, then heard Liang Xiao say: "Your duel with Hua Wuyan is none of my concern. But your repeated schemes against Xiaoying are really too despicable!"

  Ming Gui's face sank, and he said coldly: "The sick girl will die sooner or later. Before she dies, let her be a stepping stone for me, this is called using things to their fullest! You little boy, you'd better follow me obediently and do something earth-shaking. Liang Xiao snorted and said: "To hell with your earth-shaking matter! Today my martial arts are not enough, I couldn't kill you, but I will surely take your life another day." With a flick of his sleeve, he strode out the door.

  Suddenly, a flower appeared in front of her eyes, and Minggui stood in front of her, holding a teacup, with a smile that was not quite a smile on his face: "Are you deaf? Didn't you hear me? I told you to sit still and wait for me to finish this cup of tea." Liang Xiao saw the fierce glint in his eyes and knew something was wrong, so he shouted loudly: "Ah Xue, run further away, don't look back!" Ah Xue looked confused and said strangely: "But didn't we agree? Wherever you go, I'll go too!" Liang Xiao saw how silly she was being and felt extremely annoyed.

  Ming Gui laughed and said, "Wherever you go, she'll follow? Liang Xiaozi, your luck is quite strong!" He struck out like lightning, suddenly grabbing towards Ah Xue. Liang Xiao urgently used the move "Bawang Gang Ding", striking Ming Gui's ribs with both fists. This move was from the Shi Zhen martial arts, and Ming Gui saw that his technique was ingenious, but couldn't help feeling a itch in his heart. He twisted his wrist, and his five fingers became sharp as swords, stabbing straight towards Liang Xiao's wrist. Liang Xiao knew that Ming Gui's claw strength was formidable, so he hastily pulled Ah Xue along and used the "Liu Liu Tian Gang Step" to retreat backwards. Ming Gui saw this and thought it strange: "After not seeing him for several months, this kid hasn't improved but instead regressed, his martial arts have weakened a lot?" He was wary of Liang Xiao's "San Cai Gui Yuan Palm", so he didn't dare to press forward too much. Instead, he used the "Ling Xi Fen Shui Gong" to palm him from afar, forcing Liang Xiao to retreat another two steps. Ming Gui saw that his internal energy had greatly decreased and was overjoyed. With his left hand holding a cup of tea, his right hand fired off three palms in succession, forcing Liang Xiao to dodge left and right.

  Ming returned a palm, swift as lightning, and Liang Xiao had no choice but to push Ah Xue away, unfolding the Three Talents Returning to the Origin Palm to counterattack with him. Ming watched his palms come and go, profound and unfathomable, and his heart slightly stirred: "This little scoundrel is cunning beyond compare, forcing him to reveal the subtleties of the 'Three Talents Returning to the Origin Palm' would be a waste of effort. Fortunately, his internal energy was weak, and his movements were slow, so I can entangle with him and slowly observe what mysteries this Three Talents Returning to the Origin Palm holds." With a plan in mind, he slowed down his hands and feet, analyzing each move with Liang Xiao.

  Liang Xiao had no choice but to go all out with his palm technique. Ming Gui watched him closely, and gradually saw some clues, feeling very proud of himself: "If I weren't so clever, how could I have come up with such a wonderful plan?" He struck left and right, forcing Liang Xiao to spin around frantically, and in his desperation, he even used the Stone Array martial arts. Ming Gui saw that although what he was using wasn't the "Three Talents Returning to the Origin Palm", it was subtle and mysterious, seemingly not inferior to the "Three Talents Returning to the Origin Palm". The only difference was that it didn't have the latter's cleverness, but what was even more surprising was that these martial arts seemed to be from the same origin as his own, making them easier to cultivate.

  Ming Gui made a move, looking down, if there was any unclear place, he would use the previous move again to force Liang Xiao to use the previous move to dismantle it. Liang Xiao only saw Ming Gui's flying eyebrows and dancing colors, but couldn't guess what he was thinking in his heart. His internal strength was not enough, although he had first-class martial arts skills, he couldn't exert the due power, and after a long time, his moves became slightly disordered. Ming Gui thought: "Being greedy for too much, as time goes on, being seen through by him would be unfavorable." He immediately stretched out his claws to grab Liang Xiao's chest, wanting to capture him first and then slowly ask about his martial arts skills.

  Ah Xue watched as Ming Gui's move was too fast, and Liang Xiao couldn't dodge in time. Panicked, Ah Xue launched herself at Ming Gui, striking his back with her palm. Ming Gui, being cautious by nature, didn't dare to underestimate Liang Xiao, so he withdrew his hand and counterattacked with the "Ling Xi Splitting Water Technique". Ah Xue let out a pained cry as she was sent flying over ten feet away, blood spilling from her mouth.

  Liang Xiao took the opportunity to break free from Minggui's grasp, blocking his way in front of Ah Xue. Minggui sneered: "You can't even protect yourself, yet you want to protect others?" Just as he was about to take a step forward, his gaze suddenly shifted, staring at Liang Xiao's back, furrowing his brow and saying: "Who is behind you?" Liang Xiao knew he was bluffing, so he let out a cold snort and continued to guard the entrance. Suddenly, Ah Xue let out a pained cry, Liang Xiao was startled, and quickly dodged to the side to avoid being attacked from both front and back. When he turned around again, Han Ningzi had somehow returned, grabbing Ah Xue with her left hand, while pointing at his abdomen with two fingers of her right hand.

  Ming Gui regarded Liang Xiao as a living secret book, and many martial arts had not been learned yet. How could he let others touch it? He laughed loudly and shouted: "Look at my move!" His left hand threw the tea water over. Han Ningzi saw that the momentum was fierce and evil, and she smiled slyly, sidestepping to hold the teacup. The tea water in the cup had only splashed out half a foot when it suddenly froze into an ice cone with her "Ice River Mysterious Skill". Han Ningzi giggled and the icy cone shot towards Liang Xiao's face.

  Ming Gui let out a loud shout, rushed to the front of the two people, and launched a surprise attack on Han Ningzi. With one palm strike, he aimed at Han Ningzi's chest. Han Ningzi coldly snorted, raised Ah Xue up, and used her as a shield against Ming Gui's palm strike. Ming Gui had no intention of pulling back his palm, and it seemed like the strike would hit Ah Xue. Just then, a strong gust of wind came from the side, and he knew that Liang Xiao had arrived. Immediately, he turned his hand over and struck out with another palm, "slap", sending him flying back two steps. Just as he was about to counterattack, a cold air hit his face, and Han Ningzi thrust an ice pick at him.

  Ming Gui stepped aside and smiled, "Miss Han has figured it out, wants to join forces with me?" Han Ningzi replied coldly, "Not interested." Ming Gui snorted, a hint of blue energy appearing between his eyebrows. Han Ningzi was on guard when she suddenly heard Liang Xiao whispering, "Left one turn, right one turn, horizontal one turn, vertical two turns..." Ming Gui felt something strange, Han Ningzi's face changed, and she shouted, "You little beast, what are you saying?"

  Liang Xiao smiled and said, "Guess!" Han Ningzi was heartbroken and ran wildly for a while before calming down. She thought of the pure yang iron box and quickly turned back. When she heard Liang Xiao's words, her heart was filled with surprise and joy, and she couldn't help but ask, "Is it the method to open the box? Is that right?" Liang Xiao smiled slightly and said, "You're clever, what I said is only one-tenth of it, there are still nine-tenths left." Han Ningzi couldn't help but ask, "How did you think of it?" Suddenly seeing Liang Xiao's cold smile, she woke up to reality: "I'm confused too, why would he tell me so easily." She hesitated for a moment, then heard Liang Xiao say, "If you want to hear the whole thing, let Ah Xue go first."

  Han Ningzi's purple eyes flashed, and she sighed: "You little boy, you have a bit of infatuation, okay, I'll let it be." Suddenly, she raised her hand, and the white light between her fingers flashed as she pressed it against Ah Xue's chest. Ah Xue couldn't help but cry out in pain. Liang Xiao was shocked and shouted: "Han Ningzi, you're going back on your word?"

  "Next!" Han Ningzi laughed and threw Ah Xue at Liang Xiao. Liang Xiao hastily caught her. Han Ningzi smiled faintly: "This girl has been implanted with the 'Heart-asking Needle', which will take effect once every moment. When it takes effect, her heart will be like a knife twisting, in unbearable pain, unable to live, and if not resolved within two hours, she will surely die. Little slippery head, you'd better tell me the method of opening the box honestly, or else... humph, you'll be sorry." Liang Xiao was both angry and anxious, looking at Ah Xue again, seeing her pale face, already in pain-induced unconsciousness.

  Liang Xiao sighed, gritted his teeth, and was about to reveal the method of opening the box. Han Ningzi suddenly waved her hand and said: "Ming Lao Gui, it's none of your business, please leave without sending us off." Ming Gui smiled and said: "Who says it's not related to my affairs? This little guy has a past with me, I want to take him away." Han Ningzi said: "I'll ask him the questions, whether to kill or punish, you can handle it afterwards."

  Ming Gui smiled and said, "That's great, I also want to ask him some questions, but it'll take about ten days or half a month. Miss, if you have time, let's travel together with me, and we can discuss the Tianji Palace matter along the way."

  Han Ningzi's eyes flashed with a cold light, and she said lightly: "Ming Lao Gui, are you intentionally making things difficult for me?" Ming Gui smiled and said: "How dare I." Suddenly, he made a move with his "Flying Swan Claw", reaching towards Liang Xiao. Han Ningzi raised her hand, and the palm of her hand shot out an icy cone at Ming Gui. Just as Ming Gui was about to defend himself, he didn't expect Han Ningzi's internal energy to enter the cone, and with a "poof" sound, the ice cone transformed into countless tiny ice needles.

  Mingui swung his palm to block, but the ice needles were too numerous and fine, and several of them pierced his forehead. Mingui was furious, his claws flashing out in rapid succession, swift as a whirlwind. With a ripping sound, he tore off a sleeve from Han Ningzi's robe.

  Two people were shocked, one yellow and one green, two figures like ghosts, fighting in a ball. Liang Xiao was left aside, staring blankly. At this time, Ah Xue's heart pain relapsed, she woke up with pain, looked at the scene for a moment, and said with pain: "Liang Xiao, you... don't care about me, go quickly." Liang Xiao hesitated, saying: "But..." Ah Xue's eyes flowed out tears, shouting: "You... if you don't leave, I'll bite my tongue to death." After speaking, she bit her tongue between her teeth. Liang Xiao didn't expect her to be so resolute, slightly stunned, suddenly carrying her on his back, running wildly. Ah Xue saw that he still wanted to take her away, her heart was both anxious and painful, and she fainted again.

  Ming Gui was gradually gaining the upper hand, and his heart was filled with joy. Suddenly, he saw Liang Xiao fleeing in a hurry, and he felt shocked and angry. He abandoned Han Ningzi and chased after him. Han Ningzi refused to fall behind, and the two of them ran shoulder to shoulder. However, because they were both holding back, neither of them dared to exert their full strength, fearing that if they revealed any weakness, their opponent would take advantage of it. Unintentionally, he fell behind Liang Xiao.

  Three men climbed up a mountain slope, suddenly heard a sound like muffled thunder, and rushed forward for ten more yards, in front of them lay a deep ravine, with rocks at the bottom, and the water rushing down like anger.

  Liang Xiao was shocked and turned his head to look, Han and Ming were both over a hundred steps away, with no time to change direction. His mind racing, he drew out his sword and cut down a pine tree by the stream, holding onto the trunk as he leaped into the air. In mid-air, he flipped his body and hid under the tree's canopy. Ming and Han rushed to the cliff edge, just in time to see him fall into the stream with the tree. As he entered the water, the buoyancy and force of the tree trunk cancelled each other out, and Liang Xiao not only escaped unharmed but also used the pine tree as a makeshift boat, shooting down the rapids. Ming Gui was furious, blowing his beard straight back, and bent down to grab a rock, shouting: "You little beast, think you can escape?"

  Rocks flew out, Liang Xiao saw the situation and buried his head in the water. The rocks hit two branches, fell into the ditch, and splashed a string of water flowers.

  Minggui picked up another stone, but heard Han Ningzi shout: "Is a dead person useful?" Minggui suddenly said: "That's right, we should catch the living one." The two had their own plans and no longer quarreled. They both used their light skills to chase along the shore. Liang Xiao was afraid that Minggui would throw another flying stone, so he hid under the tree crown and didn't dare to show his head casually.

  At this moment, the stream slowed down and merged into a wide brook. The pine tree bumped against rocks in the turbulent water, suddenly swept by an undercurrent towards the shore. Ming and Han rushed forward to see what was happening. Ming's face changed color as he stomped his foot, "Oh no, we've been tricked!" Han Jingzi took a closer look and saw that the pine tree was not moving as expected. A wave crashed over, pushing the pine tree onto the shore, rolling over twice, but there was no one under it.

  Two people were clever for a lifetime, but they fell into the trap of deceiving heaven and crossing the sea. They couldn't help but become angry and ashamed, and hurriedly went upstream to search. All they saw was the torrential water falling, with a momentum like a running horse, where was Liang Xiao's shadow?

  Liang Xiao dodged the flying stone that Ming Hui had thrown, and hugged a boulder underwater, hiding at the bottom of the river. He let the current carry him downstream, using a cypress tree as cover. Only when Ming and Han were far away did he climb up the cliff and escape. After entering the deep mountains, he finally felt safe enough to sit down and rest. As his breathing calmed, he looked down at Ah Xue, whose eyes were tightly closed, her face pale as gold paper. He checked her mouth and nose, and found that she was barely breathing. Liang Xiao's heart tightened, and he pressed his hand against her back, channeling a stream of internal energy into her.

  A Xue was seriously injured, first she suffered a blow from Ming Gui, and then she was hit by Han Ningzi's "Heart Piercing Stab", the latter being even more sinister. Liang Xiao worked on her for the time it took to burn an incense stick, but not only did he see no improvement, A Xue's breathing became even weaker. Liang Xiao looked at her pale face, and couldn't help but feel a pang in his heart, tears streaming down.

  Tears splashed on Ah Xue's forehead, she was clear-headed, wanting to comfort her, but the severe pain inside made it impossible for her to speak, she could only open her eyes wide and stare blankly at Liang Xiao. Liang Xiao felt even more heartache, watching as her breath grew weaker, just when all hope seemed lost, a thought suddenly occurred to him: "How could I have forgotten this?" He took out the yin-yang ball from his pocket, pried open Ah Xue's teeth and inserted it into her tongue.

  "The Yin-Yang Ball" is a rare treasure between heaven and earth, born from the transformation of vital energy. Ah Xue's breath was weak, but not cut off, a thread-like air flowed down from the Du Meridian, once it passed through the ball, it increased tenfold, sank to the Dan Tian, and then returned to the ball through the Du Meridian. Repeating this process for half a day, her meridians gradually filled with vital energy, and she also had breathing between her mouth and nose.

  Liang Xiao reached out and took her pulse, but felt a surge of powerful energy, no longer the weak and light sensation from before. His heart filled with excitement, he quickly transferred his internal energy into Ah Xue's body, guiding it through the yin-yang sphere into the meridians. Ah Xue regained consciousness, but felt the true energy in her meridians like a mighty tidal wave, and was greatly perplexed, furrowing her brow slightly. Liang Xiao smiled and said, "Don't be afraid! If there's anything unusual, just guide it with your internal breath."

  Ah Xue's face turned red, like a ripe peach, with an indescribable charm. Liang Xiao gazed at her, letting out a soft sigh. A moment later, Ah Xue opened her eyes, and a smile floated onto her rosy face.

  "Is it better now?" Liang Xiao asked with a smile. Ah Xue saw Liang Xiao staring at her without blinking, her cheeks burning hot, wanting to speak but feeling like there was a round ball in her mouth. Just as she was about to spit it out, a sharp pain suddenly rose from her heart, and she couldn't help but get up.

  Liang Xiao knew it was the "Heart Piercing Needle" at work, so he asked: "Ah Xue, where does it hurt?" Ah Xue wanted to lift her hand, but with just a slight movement, the pain in her chest and abdomen became unbearable, and she said: "I... my heart hurts."

  Liang Xiao thought of Han Ningzi's words and knew that delaying for a moment would add another moment of danger, so he reached out to untie her clothes. Ah Xue understood Liang Xiao's intention and felt her eyes burning with excitement, her face flushing pink, without waiting for him to undo her undergarments, she closed her eyes and tears streamed down from the corners of her eyes.

  Liang Xiao was taken aback, asking: "Ah Xue, what's wrong?" Ah Xue was too shy to speak, and didn't know how to respond. Liang Xiao unknowingly stood up, pacing back and forth. He calculated with his fingers that it had already been two hours since Ah Xue was poisoned, and if they delayed any further, the girl's life would be in danger. However, Liu Yueyue had said earlier that if he tore off the girl's clothes again, she would kill herself first, then him, showing that this concerned a woman's chastity and couldn't be done hastily.

  Thinking of Liu Xiang, the pain in Liang Xiao's heart cannot be added. These days, he has been using math problems to practice martial arts to relieve his emotions, but he is unable to let go. In his life, since his mother left and his father died, he had never felt such sadness as when he parted with Hua Xiao Xue, although he felt unbearable sorrow then, it was far from being this heart-wrenching.

  He was indulging in self-pity when he suddenly heard a faint sobbing sound. He turned around to see Ah Xue with tears in her eyes, looking painful. Unconsciously, a thought flashed through his mind: "Even though men and women are different, if it's between close relatives, treating injuries shouldn't be a problem." He hesitated for a moment before grabbing Ah Xue's small hand, only to find that her fingers were trembling lightly and her palm was full of sweat. He then smiled and said: "When my mom was alive, she often told me that she wanted to have a daughter, but later took back her words. Ah Xue, how about you and I become siblings?"

  A Xue's body trembled, she looked up at him, her eyes were confused and showed a hint of panic. Liang Xiao thought the time was pressing, so he pulled her to kneel down on the ground, loudly said: "Heaven is above, Liang Xiao and A Xue are here to swear as siblings, sharing good fortune together, sharing difficulties together, if violating this oath..." At this point, he glanced at A Xue, seeing that she was speechless, couldn't help but ask, "A Xue, you don't want to?"

  Xue's face turned red, and she blurted out: "I..." She was tongue-tied and couldn't think of a response, although in her heart there were countless refusals. But when the words reached her lips, they became: "I... I'm willing..." As soon as she finished speaking, tears poured down like a dam breaking.

  Liang Xiao's heart was still with Liu Yingying, and he had never thought of having feelings for another woman again. Seeing Ah Xue crying, he only thought she was in pain and didn't say much more. He hastily bowed a few times, reached out to untie her clothes, revealing a chest as white as snow in winter and smooth like the fat of a young sheep. Ah Xue had never been seen by a man before, and suddenly felt ashamed and flustered, her ears ringing, and she fainted.

  Liang Xiao's blood and energy had not yet subsided, when he suddenly saw the girl's skin, his eyes were dazzled by a white light, hot blood rushed into his brain. With great difficulty, he steadied his breathing, fixed his gaze, and saw that at the junction of Ah Xue's chest and abdomen, there was a small purple-red spot, slightly raised, like a tiny mole, set against her snowy skin, like a red plum reflected in snow. Liang Xiao's heart was thrown into turmoil, his hands began to tremble involuntarily.

  Although Ah Xue was unconscious, the yin-yang ball at the bottom of her tongue continued to transform and generate vital energy. When the vital energy in her meridians was sufficient, she suddenly woke up. Seeing Liang Xiao staring at her, she felt a surge of shyness and blurted out: "Brother..." Liang Xiao was startled, his face turned red, and he secretly scolded himself: "Liang Xiao, you're no different from a beast if you keep looking!" He composed himself, grasped Ah Xue's wrist, and felt her pulse. He sensed that there seemed to be an obstruction in the area between her chest and abdomen, so he said thoughtfully: "Ah Xue, this 'Heart-asking Stab' is very tricky. I'll use my internal energy to pull from the outside, while you convert your vital energy into a small ball in your mouth and push it outwards from within. We'll work together to pull it out." He took a deep breath, placed his palm on Ah Xue's chest and abdomen, pinched an absorbing seal, and manipulated his internal energy to massage back and forth. Ah Xue suddenly felt strange, her face turned red, and her heart pounded - she couldn't calm down.

  Liang Xiao only felt that her breath was disordered, and she couldn't help but frown secretly. She said, "Ah Xue." Ah Xue woke up with a start, exerting herself to suppress the fragrance in her heart, and forced out the "Heart Piercing Thorn" according to Liang Xiao's words. The two of them worked together, one from the inside and one from the outside, for a short while. Liang Xiao felt that Ah Xue's internal energy was insufficient, so she divided off a strand of true energy and injected it into Ah Xue's Du Meridian, helping her to circulate her breath and expel the thorn. Before long, the small mole on her palm slightly protruded, as if a thin thread was emerging from it. Liang Xiao didn't dare to be slow, so she pinched the thread head and slowly pulled out the fine thread. Ah Xue endured extreme pain, and when her true energy dissipated, she fainted again.

  Liang Xiao pulled out the fine thread, but it was a strand of a woman's hair. He didn't know what method Han Ningzi used to insert it into the body. After a moment's thought, he guessed that she had soaked her hair in water and then used "Ice River Mysterious Skill" to freeze it hard, like a thin needle, inserting it into the body.

  With a sigh of relief, Liang Xiao covered Ah Xue's clothes and leaned against the tree to meditate. This time, he had exhausted a lot of his energy to remove the poison. After a while, he suddenly heard a movement and opened his eyes to see that Ah Xue had woken up and was trying to sit up. Liang Xiao stretched out his hand to support her, and as soon as he touched her, Ah Xue remembered what had happened before and her heart beat faster, hanging her head low and not daring to look at him.

  Liang Xiao thought of his earlier loss of composure and felt a little embarrassed, so he smiled wryly and said: "Ah Xue, the situation forced me, don't be angry." Ah Xue remained silent, her eyebrows drooping in despair. Liang Xiao thought she was concerned about her reputation, so he said: "Ah Xue, from now on, I will treat you with brotherly and sisterly respect, and I won't be rude to you again." As he looked up, Ah Xue's long eyelashes trembled slightly, and two tears rolled down her cheeks.

  Liang Xiao hastily said: "Ah Xue, aren't you happy? Alas, it's my fault, I..." Ah Xue saw his face full of distress and felt a pang of sympathy, wiping away her tears and forcing a smile to say: "What are you talking about? Ah Xue has a good brother, so happy that she just wants to cry..." Liang Xiao's heart slightly widened, saying: "That's good." But in his heart he thought: "This girl cries not like crying, smiles not like smiling. Alas, the thoughts of girls are really hard to grasp." Suddenly thinking of Liu Xiangxiang again, his mood turned cold and his interest waned.

  A Xue's injuries had slightly improved, and Liang Xiao built two small huts in the valley for them to live separately and practice martial arts to recover from their wounds. In his free time, Liang Xiao hunted and gathered fruits to sustain themselves. Time flew by, and three days passed quickly. A Xue recovered rapidly with the help of the yin-yang ball, and seeing Liang Xiao practicing diligently, she didn't disturb him. Since childhood, she had been serving Han Ningzi, familiar with household chores, building a stove from mud, making bowls from wood, washing clothes, boiling water, and cooking meals. Although the thatched hut was small, it was tidy and organized after her careful cleaning.

  That day, Liang Xiao saw a mountain goat and chased it to the outskirts of the valley. Suddenly, he heard human voices coming from afar. His heart skipped a beat as he turned into a thicket to hide. Before long, he heard someone say: "The little thief has dug himself into the ground? We've searched every inch of this hundred-mile radius for days, but there's no sign of him, dead or alive."

  The voice was clear and mature, Liang Xiao recognized it as Ming Gui, his heart racing like thunder, he didn't dare to breathe. A woman's cold laughter echoed, "Ming old ghost, you still have the nerve to say that, I told you he wouldn't go far, but you didn't believe me. Now he's back again, what kind of logic is this?" The voice was unmistakably Han Ningzi, Liang Xiao thought to himself, "These two are in cahoots, how unlucky."

  Ming Gui smiled and said, "Didn't you say that little girl was poisoned by the 'Heart-asking Needle' and would definitely die? In my opinion, Liang Xiao has no worries and can escape as far as he wants. Now, judging from his cunning nature, he might do the opposite and hide in the mountains again." Han Ningzi coldly smiled and said, "You always have so many excuses. Hmph, let's split up and search separately, you go east-southeast, I'll go west-northwest, and whoever finds that guy's trail will set off this kind of firework as a signal." Ming Gui said, "If you catch someone but don't set off the fireworks, where can I find you?" Han Ningzi coldly smiled and said, "We're even, you old fox aren't exactly an honest or virtuous person either." Ming Gui laughed and said, "I'm an old fox, you're a snow fox, we're all half a catty and eight taels, birds of a feather flock together." Han Ningzi coldly hummed and said, "Let's catch that little thief first, then we can settle the score."