The world of film and television starts from the flow of money

Yi Huawei and Shan Wanjing found a quiet inn called "Guiyunju" in Huai De Fang, a place near the West Market and relatively chaotic. The inn was small but quite elegant, with several independent small rooms in the backyard, which suited Yi Huawei's preference for quiet and aversion to noise.

After settling in, Yi Huawei went out alone, seemingly casually strolling around the West Market. He sat for half an hour in a bustling Sogdian tavern, ordering only a pot of ordinary wine, slowly sipping it while listening to the idle chatter of the various people around him. During this time, he struck up a conversation with an elderly Sogdian merchant who seemed to have drunk too much mare's milk wine and was boasting about his travels and experiences. The conversation started with the customs and traditions of the Western Regions, and inadvertently drifted to stories of the past dynasties and exotic treasures.

In the afternoon, Yi Huawei went to a shop in the East Market that specialized in ancient books and paintings. He discussed the techniques of the master craftsmen of the previous dynasty with the shopkeeper for a while, appearing as a refined and cultured scholar. As he left, he seemed to have unintentionally left behind a small, seemingly ordinary bronze component, engraved with the extremely subtle unique mark of Lu Miaozi, in an inconspicuous corner inside the shop's threshold.

Having done all this, he leisurely returned to the inn and did nothing else.

However, that very evening, seemingly random and vague words began to drift silently through certain corners of Chang'an.

It all started in a private room of a brothel in Pingkangfang, where a slightly tipsy minor official from the Ministry of Works was boasting to his favorite courtesan: "...Hey, you don't know, that old scoundrel Yang Su amassed far more than just what's on the surface! I heard he's hiding it! Right beneath Chang'an! Blueprints...yes, there's such a blueprint, supposedly in...uh..."

Before he could finish speaking, he passed out drunk, which made the girl giggle and think it was just drunken ramblings.

Almost simultaneously, in the back alley of that foreign tavern in the West Market, two Turkic merchants, seemingly sobering up, were conversing in hushed tones in heavily accented Chinese. A beggar, huddled in the corner dozing, overheard bits and pieces of their conversation: "...A treasure trove...really? The news leaked from...the palace?...The Wolf God's protection...if we obtain this treasure..."

The ripples began to spread.

The owner of the antique bookstore in the East Market "accidentally" discovered the peculiar bronze artifact while cleaning the doorstep. A man of considerable knowledge, he sensed its unusual nature and showed it to a long-time customer who was a collector of antiquities. The customer, a retired Hanlin scholar, examined it for a long time, then his expression changed, and he lowered his voice, saying, "These patterns... seem remarkably similar to the handwriting of Lu Miaozi, the Grand Supervisor of Works of the previous dynasty! I've heard that in his later years he supervised the construction of the secret palace for Yang Su..."

Before they could finish speaking, they stopped abruptly. They exchanged a glance and saw the surprise and greed in each other's eyes. They then tacitly stopped talking, but the old editor carefully put the bronze piece into his pocket.

Even more shockingly, in Chongrenfang, a neighborhood teeming with powerful and wealthy people, the second steward of a certain Duke's mansion, while drinking with others, mysteriously revealed: "Yesterday, I overheard the Prince having a private conversation with an advisor, mentioning things like 'treasury,' 'authenticity,' and 'former members of the Xiaoguo Army'... Tsk tsk, I was so scared that I quickly slipped away."

These fragmented whispers, seemingly plausible clues, and "lost objects" of unknown origin, on their own, all sound like nonsense or drunken ramblings. But almost simultaneously, from different sources, they all subtly point to the same alluring target—the Yang Gong Treasure Trove.

The news spread much faster than expected, especially in Chang'an, where various forces were intertwined.

Inside the Liangyi Hall in the Imperial City.

Li Yuan listened with a solemn expression to the reports from his eldest son Li Jiancheng and his trusted advisor Changsun Wuji.

"Father,"

Li Jiancheng frowned: "Recently, rumors about the Yang Gong Treasure Vault have been rampant in the city. Although most of them are absurd, after careful investigation, I found that several details vaguely match the records in the secret archives of the previous dynasty and the old files of the Xiaoguo Army. In particular, there are rumors that the entrance to the treasure vault is related to underground waterways and abandoned Buddhist temples, which coincides with some of our previous guesses."

Changsun Wuji added, “Your Majesty, rumors may come from nowhere. The current spread of rumors is not a good thing. If the treasure vault is indeed in Chang'an, the consequences would be unimaginable if it were found by someone with ulterior motives. I believe we should immediately increase manpower, both overtly and covertly, to closely monitor all locations in the city that may be related to the rumors, to trace the source of the rumors, and... perhaps we can use this opportunity to lure the snake out of its hole.”

Li Yuan pondered for a moment, then lightly tapped his finger on the imperial desk: "I understand. You, my eldest son, will be fully in charge of this matter, with the Xuanjia Army providing covert support. As for the treasure vault, it's better to err on the side of caution than to dismiss it entirely. We must investigate thoroughly and not allow the treasure to fall into the wrong hands, especially... those with ulterior motives."

His words were pointed, clearly referring to the menacing Wang Shichong and Dou Jiande, as well as the disunited factions within the Guanlong Group.

"Your subject obeys the decree!" Li Jiancheng and the others accepted the order and left, leaving the atmosphere in the hall tense and solemn.

At the same time, the forces of the two demonic sects and six paths lurking in Chang'an were also quietly stirring, like stones thrown into a dark pool.

Inside the Turkic post station in Chang'an.

A Turkic envoy, disguised as a caravan leader, revealed a wolf-like greed in his eyes: "May the Eternal Heaven protect us! If we can obtain the enormous wealth accumulated by the previous dynasty, the Khan's army will be even more powerful! Inform everyone in Chang'an to spare no effort to find out the authenticity and location of the treasure vault! If necessary, we can use those hidden pawns."

Wang Shichong in Luoyang and Dou Jiande in Hebei, both secretly, received urgent reports from Chang'an regarding the rumors about Yang Gong's treasure vault. Their reactions differed—some were surprised and suspicious, others overjoyed—but they both made the same decision: to immediately dispatch more capable men to infiltrate Chang'an and seize the treasure!
In just a few days, a rumor, its veracity uncertain, was like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, stirring up ripples. On the surface, Chang'an remained orderly and prosperous, but beneath the surface, undercurrents surged. Various factions sharpened their knives, and countless eyes gleamed in the darkness, searching for any clues that might be related to the "Yang Gong Treasure Vault."

The person who started all of this had already taken Shan Wanjing back to Luoyang.

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

The midday sun shines on the Tianjin Bridge in Luoyang, making the white marble bridge gleam. Below the bridge, the Luo River ripples, boats come and go, willows sway on both banks, shops line the streets, and people bustle about, showcasing the prosperity of the eastern capital.

At the bridgehead, a beautiful scene attracted the attention of countless passersby.

Dugu Feng stood there gracefully, her pale yellow outfit highlighting her well-developed, agile, and slender figure. She was tall with long, straight legs and a slim waist, yet she was not frail; rather, she possessed a fluid and explosive beauty, like a cheetah.

Sunlight shone on her radiant face, her skin fair and delicate, like fine white porcelain, with a healthy blush. Her eyebrows were arched, naturally dark without makeup, and her almond-shaped eyes were large and bright. Her gaze held both the lively mischief of a young girl and a sharp edge born from her improved swordsmanship; her every glance was full of spirit. Her nose was delicate and pert, and her lips were full and cherry-red without lipstick. At this moment, they were slightly pursed due to a hint of anxiety, adding to her charming naiveté.

A simple jade hairpin held her hair back in a high ponytail, a few wisps of hair brushing against her smooth forehead and cheeks in the wind, giving her a refreshing, neat, and strikingly handsome appearance. However, upon closer inspection, one could discover her unique and extraordinary temperament.

After breaking through to the tenth level of the Azure Dust Sword Technique, "No Moves are Better Than Moves," her aura became increasingly refined and harmonious, blurring the boundaries between herself, her sword, and her surroundings. Standing there quietly, she was like a peerless sword sheathed, its brilliance restrained, yet no one dared to ignore its earth-shattering sharpness once drawn. Her lively and unrestrained spirit remained, but it had deepened and settled, transforming into a confident and composed foundation.

Dugu Feng kept glancing around, her bright eyes filled with obvious urgency. The sun gradually rose to its zenith, and the appointed time had arrived, but the person was still nowhere to be seen, making her feel anxious and uncertain. She gently bit her lip.

Just as she was about to stomp her foot, a gentle breeze swept across the bridgehead without warning, ruffling the stray hairs on her forehead. The breeze was soft and gentle, no different from the usual river breeze on the Luo River, but Dugu Feng keenly sensed an unusual atmosphere; the breeze seemed to carry some indescribable spirituality.

Immediately, a clear, gentle, and slightly magnetic voice drifted over:

"Miss Dugu is exceptionally intelligent and insightful. In just three days, she has broken through the barriers and reached the tenth level of the 'no moves are better than moves' realm in the mortal world. Congratulations!"

The sound came so suddenly that no one around noticed it; it was as if only she heard it. Dugu Fengjiao's body trembled violently, and she turned around abruptly.

Suddenly, Wuming appeared, standing three feet away from her, hands behind his back, looking at her with a smile.

He was still dressed in a simple blue robe, with a handsome face and a gentle and profound temperament. He seemed to blend perfectly with the bustling Tianjin Bridge and the flowing Luo River. Although he was standing there, he gave people a sense of harmony as if he belonged there. If he did not take the initiative to appear, almost no one would notice his presence.

Half a step behind him followed a slender woman wearing a light veil. Although her face was obscured, her unique aura—serene as a lotus, profound as an abyss—caused Dugu Feng, who had already broken through to the next level, to feel a slight chill. He instinctively felt that this woman was no ordinary person; her cultivation had probably reached a level that even he himself had not yet attained. "You... when did you arrive, sir?"

Dugu Feng was both surprised and delighted. Her bright eyes instantly sparkled, and her previous anxiety and complaints vanished in a flash. She subconsciously took a step forward, her voice tinged with a coquettish reproach she herself didn't realize: "You scared me! I thought you weren't coming!"

Yi Huawei smiled slightly, his gaze sweeping over her for a moment before he nodded approvingly: "It's noon, so you're not late. As for Miss Dugu, after three days apart, your sharpness is even greater than before, and your aura is smooth and unimpeded. It seems you have truly grasped the profound meaning of 'the intention precedes the sword, without restraint or form.' Congratulations!"

Hearing him reaffirm her progress, Dugu Feng felt a sweet warmth in her heart, her pretty face flushing slightly. A touch of girlish charm suddenly appeared amidst her heroic spirit. She tried to suppress the upturned corners of her mouth, raised her chin, and, with a hint of pride, feigned nonchalance: "What you said that day… I thought about it for a long time afterward, and suddenly I understood! Even Grandma said my progress this time far exceeded her expectations!"

Yi Huawei naturally knew that the grandmother she was talking about was none other than You Chuhong, the abbot of the "Laojun Temple," a pillar of the Dugu clan, renowned throughout the martial arts world for her cloak and staff techniques.

"So good."

Yi Huawei smiled and nodded: "In the path of martial arts, guidance from a master is certainly indispensable, but ultimately it depends on one's own comprehension and diligence. If you have this understanding, your future achievements are limitless."

Receiving such high praise, Dugu Feng was overjoyed. She glanced curiously at Shan Wanjing, who remained silent behind Yi Huawei, and couldn't help but ask, "And who is this lady...?"

"This is my apprentice, Wanjing," Yi Huawei introduced simply.

Shan Wanjing nodded slightly in acknowledgment, her veil fluttering gently, but she remained silent, her demeanor elegant and aloof.

Dugu Feng was secretly astonished. Yi Huawei looked so young, yet his disciple already possessed such an unfathomable aura? She felt increasingly that the person before her was extraordinary and mysterious.

Dugu Feng never expected that Shan Wanjing was the girl he had met once before.

At this moment, she suddenly remembered her business, and a serious look appeared on her face. She said to Yi Huawei, "By the way, sir, my grandmother... she wants to see you. Is it convenient for you at this moment? She is resting in a private room at the 'Tingchao Teahouse' not far from the bridge."

As she spoke, Dugu Feng pointed to a three-story wooden building with an elegant design, built on the waterfront, not far from the south end of Tianjin Bridge.

The teahouse features upturned eaves and elegant lanterns, with the four characters "Tingchao Teahouse" on its signboard written in bold, powerful strokes. Its location is superb, offering panoramic views of the Luo River and the surrounding area around Tianjin Bridge; clearly, You Chuhong's choice of this spot was well-considered.

Upon hearing this, Yi Huawei showed no surprise, as if he had expected it. After a moment's thought, he readily nodded: "Since it is an invitation from Madam You, I will naturally accept. Miss Dugu, please lead the way."

"Okay! Come with me!"

Seeing that he readily agreed, Dugu Feng's smile widened. She immediately turned around and led the way with light steps. Her movements were agile as she weaved through the crowd.

Yi Huawei and Shan Wanjing followed behind at a leisurely pace. Shan Wanjing used her telepathic ability to say to Yi Huawei, "Master, the Dugu Clan's invitation at this time must mean they intend to seek refuge with us, right?"

Yi Huawei glanced at Dugu Feng's graceful figure ahead and replied calmly, "It's alright. We can just observe how things develop. You Chuhong is a smart person."

Before long, the three of them arrived at the foot of Tingchao Teahouse.

The teahouse was quiet and secluded, filled with the gentle fragrance of sandalwood, a world apart from the hustle and bustle outside. On the ground floor, scattered seats were occupied by patrons, mostly scholars, gentlemen, or wealthy merchants, who enjoyed tea and conversation.

Dugu Feng was clearly a regular customer, and the innkeeper immediately bowed and greeted her with a smile. She didn't linger, but led Yi Huawei and his companion directly up to the third floor, to the door of the most spacious private room on the riverside.

"Grandma, Mr. Wuming has arrived," Dugu Feng whispered from outside the door.

"Please come in."

A slightly deep, hoarse, yet powerful and authoritative old woman's voice came from inside the door.

Dugu Feng pushed open the carved wooden door and stepped aside to let Yi Huawei go first.

The private room was decorated with great elegance. Ancient landscape paintings hung on the walls, and porcelain incense burners were placed on the antique shelves. Facing the river was a row of huge carved windows. The windows were open, and a cool breeze carrying moisture blew in, ruffling the gray hair of an old woman standing in front of the window.

The old woman sat upright in a rosewood armchair, her figure slightly hunched, leaning on a heavy, dark-colored iron staff with a dragon head. She wore a deep purple brocade robe, her face deeply wrinkled, but her eyes were clear and bright, gleaming with a sharp, eagle-like light as she opened and closed them. At this moment, she was scrutinizing and probing Yi Huawei as he entered the room.

It was You Chuhong, the pillar of the Dugu clan, renowned throughout the world as the "Cloak Staff".

Her gaze first fell on Yi Huawei, a barely perceptible hint of surprise flashing in her sharp eyes. Even with her cultivation and eyesight, she couldn't quite see through this seemingly young man. Then, her gaze swept over Shan Wanjing, who wore a veil behind Yi Huawei, and her pupils contracted slightly. Clearly, Shan Wanjing's restrained yet powerful aura was putting considerable pressure on even a master like herself.

Yi Huawei entered the private room and calmly bowed slightly to You Chuhong: "How has Madam You been lately?"

Shan Wanjing also curtsied, her posture elegant and silent.

Dugu Feng obediently walked behind You Chuhong and stood still, then secretly winked at Yi Huawei.

You Chuhong forced a smile onto her wrinkled face: "I heard from Feng'er that I recently received guidance from the nameless gentleman, which enabled me to gain a clear understanding of swordsmanship and break through my bottleneck. You are truly talented, and I thank you for your kindness. Please forgive my impertinence in inviting you. Please have a seat."

"Madam, you flatter me. Miss Dugu has exceptional comprehension; she grasps things immediately. I was somewhat surprised as well."

Yi Huawei smiled calmly and sat down in the chair opposite You Chuhong as instructed, while Shan Wanjing stood quietly behind him.

After the maid served fragrant tea, she quietly withdrew, leaving only four people in the private room, along with the sound of the Luo River flowing outside the window.

You Chuhong picked up her teacup, gently skimmed off the foam, and did not drink it immediately. Instead, she raised her eyes, her gaze falling squarely on Yi Huawei's face, and slowly spoke:
"Sir, you are no ordinary person. I will not beat around the bush. May I ask your opinion of the Dugu clan?" (End of Chapter)