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With the business concluded, the atmosphere in the open pavilion seemed to relax a bit.

Yi Huawei put down his teacup, stood up and said, "The scenery in this villa is quite nice. If Madam Shan has some free time, why don't you come with me for a walk?"

Upon hearing this, a hint of joy flashed in Shan Meixian's eyes. She quickly stood up and said softly, "It is my great honor to be invited by the Alliance Leader."

The two walked out of Lianxin Hall one after the other and entered the garden of the villa.

The morning mist had mostly dissipated, and sunlight filtered through the sparse branches and leaves, casting dappled shadows on the bluestone path. The garden in late autumn, though lacking the vibrant blooms of spring and summer, possessed a unique charm of spaciousness and openness.

In the lotus pond, withered lotus leaves listen to the rain, displaying a unique elegance; beside the rockery, autumn chrysanthemums defy the frost, subtly exuding fragrance.

Yi Huawei walked ahead with a leisurely pace, his blue robe fluttering gently in the cool autumn breeze. Occasionally, he would pause, his gaze sweeping over a strangely shaped ancient pine tree or a uniquely crafted rockery.

Shan Meixian quietly followed half a step behind him, maintaining a just-right distance. She turned her head slightly, her gaze often involuntarily falling on his handsome profile, feeling the tranquility and vastness emanating from him that seemed to be one with the world.

Her pale purple palace dress flowed gracefully, the tinkling of her jade pendants as she walked creating a strange harmony with the surrounding autumn colors. The pearl tassels hanging from the jade phoenix hairpin in her hair swayed gently with her steps, reflecting a soft, shimmering light.

Shan Meixian tried her best to maintain the dignified demeanor of the Dongming Sect leader, but only she knew how much faster her heart was beating than usual. To be able to walk side by side with him like this was a rare moment of tranquility for her.

"This place was originally built by Anlong for his own enjoyment,"

Yi Huawei stopped on a stone bridge spanning a stream, gazing at the clear water below, and said softly, "Although the layout is small, it is a quiet oasis amidst the hustle and bustle."

Following his gaze, Shan Meixian said softly, "It is a blessing for this place to have the Alliance Leader stay here. Compared to the noisy sea breeze on Ryukyu Island, this place is indeed much more tranquil."

There was a subtle longing in her words, perhaps longing for more than just the scenery of this place.

Yi Huawei remained noncommittal and turned to continue walking. The two passed through a bamboo forest, the bamboo leaves already turning yellow, rustling in the wind, making it seem even more secluded. Shan Meixian followed silently, feeling that every moment spent with him, the surrounding air seemed different, and time flowed exceptionally slowly and clearly.

Before they knew it, the sun was rising higher, and it was almost noon. A clever maidservant came to ask if it was time to serve the meal.

The dining hall was located in a separate, waterside pavilion with bright windows on all four sides, offering views of the clear pond and withered reeds outside. The dishes remained refined and light, mainly consisting of seasonal fruits, vegetables, and river delicacies, cooked to perfection to preserve the original flavor of the ingredients.

During the meal, both of them spoke very little. Yi Huawei ate with elegant and natural posture, while Shan Meixian also ate slowly and carefully, adhering to etiquette. Only occasionally, when picking up food, would she secretly glance at the person in the main seat. He sitting there was like a landscape painting with profound artistic conception, unfathomable yet irresistibly inviting one to explore it.

After the meal, the maid cleared away the table and served fragrant tea again. Shan Meixian knew it was time for her to take her leave. Although she was reluctant, she knew she had no reason, nor the right, to linger any longer.

Picking up the teacup, her fingertips tracing the warm rim, Shan Meixian paused for a moment before finally speaking. Her voice remained gentle, yet carried a hint of farewell: "Alliance Leader, it's getting late. Meixian has been bothering you for a long time, and it's time for me to take my leave."

Yi Huawei looked up at her, put down his teacup, thought for a moment, and said, "It's alright. I also need to go into the city soon, so I can travel with you, Madam."

Upon hearing this, Shan Meixian's heart skipped a beat, and an indescribable joy quickly welled up within her, almost making her doubt that she had misheard. The Alliance Leader... was actually willing to travel with her?

Suppressing her turbulent emotions, Shan Meixian tried her best to keep her voice steady: "How could I trouble the Alliance Leader? Meixian can return to the city on her own."

"Just on my way."

Yi Huawei said calmly, having already stood up, "Let's go."

Without giving Shan Meixian another chance to refuse, Yi Huawei walked straight out. Seeing this, Shan Meixian quickly got up and followed, but the corners of her lips involuntarily curved into a soft arc.

It was still that unassuming awning carriage, with four female disciples of the Dongming Sect guarding it. Yi Huawei neither rode in the carriage nor on horseback; he simply walked beside it as if taking a casual stroll. Shan Meixian, who had already stepped onto a footstool, hesitated for a moment upon seeing him like this, then abandoned her attempt to board the carriage and walked to his side, saying softly, "Since the Alliance Leader is walking, how could Meixian dare to sit comfortably in the carriage?"

Yi Huawei glanced at her but did not object.

And so, the group slowly made their way towards Chengdu. Along the official road in late autumn, the rice paddies had long since been harvested, leaving neat stubble, the exposed earth exuding a sense of tranquility and openness after the harvest. Distant mountains appeared like dark eyebrows, and the sky stretched high and far.

Yi Huawei's pace seemed slow, but Shan Meixian had to gather her breath slightly to keep up with him without being impolite. Her "Water Cloud Sleeve Technique" had reached a state of perfection, her true energy flowing smoothly and seamlessly. As she walked, her skirt fluttered slightly, and her posture remained elegant and composed.

The two didn't say much, mostly walking in silence. However, this silence wasn't awkward; instead, it had a strange tranquility. Shan Meixian would occasionally try to start a conversation, mostly about the scenery along the way or the local customs of Sichuan, and Yi Huawei would respond briefly.

The warm sunlight bathed her, dispelling the chill of autumn. Shan Meixian secretly glanced at Yi Huawei's profile, which appeared even clearer in the sunlight, and at the few strands of his dark hair that were ruffled by the breeze. She thought to herself how wonderful it would be if this road to the city could be a little longer.

However, the journey was ultimately finite. Before long, the tall and majestic city walls of Chengdu came into view. Carriages and pedestrians streamed in and out of the city gates, and the bustling sounds of the city could be faintly heard.

Upon reaching the city gate, Yi Huawei stopped and said to Shan Meixian, "I will bid farewell to you here, Madam."

A strong sense of loss welled up in Shan Meixian's heart, but she knew the time for parting had come. She curtsied and said, "Meixian thanks the Alliance Leader for seeing me off. Alliance Leader... please take care."

Yi Huawei nodded slightly, his gaze lingering on her face for a moment before turning around. His figure in the blue robe quickly disappeared into the bustling crowd and could no longer be seen.

Shan Meixian stood there, gazing in the direction he had disappeared, until a female disciple guarding her gently reminded her. She then came to her senses, sighed softly, and turned to board the carriage.

Inside the carriage, Shan Meixian leaned against the soft cushions, closed her eyes, and unconsciously stroked the delicate embroidery on her cuffs, her heart filled with mixed emotions. There was the joy of seeing him, the sweetness of their brief time together, the reluctance to part, and even more so, the feeling of insignificance and melancholy as she gazed at the stars when faced with his unfathomable depths.

The carriage slowly started moving, heading towards the stronghold established by the Dongming Sect within the city.

Shan Meixian opened her eyes, her gaze now clear and bright as before. However, the ripples that had stirred deep within her heart would likely take a long time to subside.

...............

The Dongming Sect's stronghold in Chengdu was a secluded residence in the western part of the city. It wasn't a bustling street-front shop, but rather hidden deep within several alleyways. With its white walls, gray tiles, and tightly closed vermilion doors, and the absence of a plaque above the entrance, it exuded a low-key charm. Only two plain lanterns hanging under the porch bore the Dongming Sect's distinctive water ripple emblem outlined in light ink, signifying the owner's identity.

The courtyard is exquisitely laid out, with ever-changing scenery at every turn. Several clumps of bamboo grow in the front yard; the autumn breeze rustles the leaves, adding to the tranquility. Passing through a moon gate, one enters the main courtyard, where the main hall is named "Listening to the Waves Pavilion," a naming convention still followed on the Ryukyu Islands despite being in an inland city. The hall is elegantly furnished, decorated primarily with rare imported items such as deep-sea agarwood and mother-of-pearl.

As soon as Shan Meixian returned to Tingtao Pavilion and sat down in the cushioned rosewood armchair, accepting the ginseng tea offered by a maid, she hadn't even taken a sip when a female disciple dressed in a light blue outfit, with a capable-looking face, quickly entered, bowed solemnly, and reported:
"Madam, we have news. Our men have spotted Xi Ying outside the 'Scattering Flowers Pavilion' in the West Market. He's currently inside... indulging in pleasure."

"Sanhualou?"

Shan Meixian paused slightly in her teacup, raised her eyes, and her clear, autumn-water-like eyes instantly sharpened, as if frozen in ice: "Is it really Xi Ying?"

"Confirmed."

The female disciple nodded affirmatively: "My subordinates saw it with their own eyes. The person's purple eyes were faintly visible, and his features were obvious, which was quite consistent with the description of the 'Purple Qi Heavenly Net' as being at its peak in the intelligence."

A cold glint flashed in Shan Meixian's eyes, her killing intent surging like a tidal wave, but she quickly suppressed it. She knew Xi Ying's strength well, especially after mastering the "Purple Qi Heavenly Net," making him no easy opponent. This was Chengdu, and "Sanhualou" was an important business under the control of "Gun King" Fan Zhuo and "Monkey King" Feng Zhen. If they made a move here, they would inevitably clash with the local power brokers. Shan Meixian pondered for a moment, her long fingernails unconsciously tapping lightly on the rim of her cup, producing a soft, crisp sound. The hall was silent, save for the rustling of bamboo leaves outside the window and the soft tapping of her fingertips.

"Increase manpower and closely monitor all entrances and exits of 'Sanhualou'. I need to know Xi Ying's every move."

Shan Meixian's voice regained its usual calm: "Remember, observe from afar, and do not alert the enemy."

"Yes!"

The female disciple accepted the order but did not immediately leave, a hint of hesitation on her face: "Madam, after all, 'Scattering Flowers Pavilion' is Fan Zhuo and Feng Zhen's territory. If we make a move there, I'm afraid..."

Shan Meixian naturally understood her subordinates' concerns. The Ba and Chuan factions had been entrenched in Sichuan for many years, their power deeply entrenched. Fan Zhuo and Feng Zhen were both renowned masters, not to be easily offended. She had no connection with these two, and although the Dongming faction was powerful, she still understood the principle that even a powerful dragon cannot suppress a local snake.

With a slight frown, Shan Meixian pondered a solution. Asking the Alliance Leader for help would be foolproof, but troubling him for a personal grudge seemed inappropriate. Suddenly, a figure in Chengdu, seemingly trusted by the Alliance Leader, came to mind.

"go,"

Shan Meixian instructed, "Notify Miss Wanwan and ask her to come and assist."

Upon hearing this, the female disciple's face flashed with surprise. Although the Yin Kui Sect and the Dong Ming Sect both belonged to the Heavenly Dao Alliance because of their respective leaders, they didn't usually have much interaction. Moreover, Wanwan was very young, and although it was rumored that she was favored by the Alliance Leader, was it a bit... to ask her to deal with a vicious person like Xi Ying?

Seeing her subordinates' doubts, Shan Meixian said calmly, "Do as I say. Xi Ying's martial arts are extraordinary, and it's always good to have more help. As for Fan Zhuo and Feng Zhen... I will personally prepare a generous gift for them afterward and explain to them. I'm sure they will give the Dongming Sect some face."

Unbeknownst to her, the Bashu Alliance had already been quietly subdued by Yi Huawei's silent methods.

"My subordinate understands and will do it now."

Seeing that the lady's mind was made up, the female disciple said no more and bowed as she withdrew.

Shan Meixian walked to the window and looked at the bamboo forest swaying in the autumn wind in the courtyard. She seemed calm, but her heart was in turmoil.

Time slipped away quietly as we waited.

About half an hour later, a light footstep came from outside the courtyard, accompanied by a faint, clear bell sound.

"Madam, Miss Wanwan has arrived," a maid announced from outside the door.

"Please come in quickly."

Shan Meixian turned around, straightened her wrinkle-free clothes, and regained the dignified demeanor befitting a Lady of the Eastern Sea.

The hall door was pushed open, and a graceful figure in red, like a burning flame, stepped lightly into the hall. It was Wanwan.

She still wore her signature crimson dress, but the style was slightly more solemn than before. The cuffs and hem were embroidered with intricate mandala patterns in dark gold thread, showing less of her girlish exuberance and more of the composure that comes with wielding power. Her cloud-like hair was loosely tied up with a few ruby-encrusted hairpins, with a few strands falling beside her cheeks, making her skin appear even whiter than snow. The bewitching aura in her eyes seemed to have subsided somewhat. She was barefoot, but a new string of small gold bells was tied to her delicate ankles, making a crisp, melodious tinkling sound as she walked, creating a strange contrast with the increasingly profound and unfathomable demonic aura surrounding her.

Behind her followed a plump woman dressed in a deep purple dress, with a weathered yet shrewd look in her eyes—none other than Sun Qiniang of the Heavenly Lotus Sect. Upon entering, Sun Qiniang stood respectfully by the door with her hands at her sides.

Wanwan's gaze swept across the hall, finally landing on Shan Meixian. Although she was much younger than Shan Meixian and was Zhu Yuyan's disciple, making her a generation younger, she represented part of the Heavenly Dao Alliance's authority in Chengdu and was also someone close to Yi Huawei. Therefore, her attitude lacked the humility of a junior, but still carried the proper etiquette.

Wanwan smiled slightly, her voice sweet and clear: "Wanwan greets Madam Shan. Hearing that Madam has summoned me, I dared not delay and have come to await your instructions."

When her gaze swept over Shan Meixian, she was slightly moved and secretly praised this Lady Dongming for her unparalleled beauty and graceful demeanor. No wonder she could give birth to a daughter like Junior Sister Wanjing, and even have the Alliance Leader... She quickly cut off this thought.

Shan Meixian nodded in return, her gaze lingering on Wanwan for a moment, but she was secretly shocked. She clearly sensed that Wanwan's aura was harmonious and restrained, as deep as an abyss, as if she had already broken through the seventeenth level of the Heavenly Demon Art! How could this be? How old was she? Even with extraordinary talent, this progress was simply too astonishing!
"Miss Wanwan, there's no need for such formalities."

Suppressing her surprise, Shan Meixian said gently, "I called you here in a hurry because the matter is of great importance."

She gestured for Wanwan to sit down, and Sun Qiniang quietly served tea to the two of them before stepping aside.

"Is this about Xi Ying, Madam?"

Wanwan sat down, her bare feet lightly crossed, the golden bells under her skirt making a soft tinkling sound. She had already learned the news from Shan Meixian's subordinates.

"Exactly."

Shan Meixian nodded solemnly: "This scoundrel has an irreconcilable hatred for me. Now that he has appeared at the 'Scattering Flowers Pavilion,' I absolutely cannot let this opportunity pass. However, I have heard that his 'Purple Qi Heavenly Net' has been mastered to a great degree, and his martial arts are extraordinary. Although I am eager to take revenge myself, I dare not be careless. Therefore, I would like to ask Miss Wanwan to assist me from the side and cover for me, in order to prevent this scoundrel from escaping or his accomplices from causing trouble."

As she spoke, her gaze swept over Wanwan again, and sensing the unfathomable aura emanating from her, Shan Meixian's initial worries subsided considerably. With the assistance of this Yin Kui Sect successor who had reached the seventeenth level of the Heavenly Demon Technique, their chances of dealing with Xi Ying were greatly increased.

Upon hearing this, Wanwan smiled sweetly, picked up her teacup, and gently blew away the foam: "Madam, rest assured, Wanwan will do her best. Even if a mere Xi Ying mastered the 'Purple Qi Heavenly Net,' could she possibly turn the world upside down?"

Her tone carried a strong sense of confidence, which stemmed from both her own rapidly increasing strength and the unshakeable support behind her.

As if remembering something, Wanwan's eyes flickered as she glanced at Shan Meixian, her tone carrying a hint of casual boasting, yet also an explanation: "Speaking of which, Wanwan was fortunate enough to break through to the seventeenth level thanks to the Alliance Leader's good mood a few days ago, when he casually gave me some pointers. If it weren't for the Alliance Leader's supreme profound skill helping me to regulate my true energy and open my meridians, I'm afraid I might not have been able to succeed even after three to five years of arduous cultivation on my own."

Upon hearing this, Shan Meixian's hand holding the teacup trembled almost imperceptibly, causing a subtle ripple to spread across the clear tea. Her expression remained calm, but her heart was instantly filled with an indescribable bitterness. The Alliance Leader… he actually personally helped Wanwan break through?
...What exactly is her relationship with the leader of the alliance? A mix of envy, a touch of jealousy, and a deeper sense of loss quietly crept into her heart like vines.

Realizing she had lost her composure, Shan Meixian quickly lowered her eyelids, using the act of drinking tea to conceal her inner turmoil, and forced a smile, saying, "I see... The Alliance Leader is incredibly powerful. It is truly Miss Wanwan's good fortune to receive his personal guidance."

Wanwan took in Shan Meixian's momentary loss of composure, a strange sense of pleasure passing through her heart, but she did not continue the topic, instead saying, "As for the Bashu Alliance and that 'Scattering Flowers Pavilion,' Madam need not worry at all."

Setting down her teacup, Wanwan gracefully waved her hand, her posture elegant: "Those two old fellows, Fan Zhuo and Feng Zhen, have already submitted to the Alliance Leader a few days ago. Bashu is now already in the hands of our Heavenly Dao Alliance. As for 'Sanhua Tower,' Madam, you can do whatever you want with it. I doubt they would dare utter a single word of dissent."

Shan Meixian suddenly looked up, her beautiful eyes filled with disbelief. The Sichuan Gang and the Ba Alliance had been subdued by their leader so quietly? She hadn't received a single whisper of it! What kind of cunning was this?

After the initial shock came a tidal wave of admiration. That man seemed to forever stand on a cloud, effortlessly stirring up the winds of change and establishing a powerful order. Just moments ago, she had been pondering how to deal with the Bashu Alliance, unaware that he had already taken everything into his own hands.

Seeing the complex expression on Shan Meixian's face, Wanwan's smile deepened slightly. She stood up, her red dress blazing like fire, and spoke in a relaxed tone:

“Madam, now that the news has been confirmed, the timing is perfect. Why don’t we make preparations now and go to the ‘Scattering Flowers Pavilion’ to meet this ‘Heavenly Lord’? That would put your mind at ease.”

Shan Meixian also broke free from her complex emotions, took a deep breath, and a layer of icy coldness covered her elegant and noble face as she slowly stood up:

"Alright! Thank you for your trouble, Miss Wanwan. We... will go and see him off on his journey!" (End of Chapter)