Starting with the divine power of the Great Vajra, he traversed the heavens.

Chapter 585, Part 1: The Red-Haired Heroine (Part 1)
fire.

A raging fire engulfed the mountains and fields.

What was once a paradise, a place to be envied by immortals, has now become a hell.

Cries, the clanging of weapons, and the sounds of collapsing buildings mingled together, their colors painted a blood-red canvas by the firelight in the night.

On the summit of Hidden Moon Mountain, a young girl cautiously clung to the edge of a cliff and saw groups of people dressed in night clothes and wearing golden masks, carrying firecrackers and shouting as they ran about.

I witnessed firsthand how Bu Xian was burned to the ground, and how my beloved family and friends were slaughtered one by one.

The little girl gritted her teeth, her eyes bloodshot, and said hatefully, "Wait, when the boss comes, I'll kill you all!"

As the surrounding clouds and mist began to rise, creating a hazy, indistinct scene, like being lost in a maze, the little girl angrily pounded the ground, closed her eyes, and breathed heavily.

"No! We have to break this damned formation, otherwise my uncle, aunt, and Little Braid won't last long!" With that thought, she pulled off the red cloak on her back and looked up with a determined expression.

"I, Zhou Hongxian, will one day be a renowned heroine of the martial arts world!"

The little girl looked at the peach tree next to her, ran over with a thud, looked up at the tall branches, and cheered herself up loudly.

"I can definitely do it! I can definitely save everyone who doesn't envy immortals!"

After encouraging herself, Zhou Hongxian climbed up nimbly like a little monkey.

She had secretly come here years ago and climbed this tree, but she slipped and fell. If Aunt Han hadn't intervened in time, the young girl's dream of wandering the martial arts world would have been cut short.

As for who Aunt Han is?

Aunt Han's original name was Han Xiangxun. She was the famous "Goddess of the Luo River" in the martial arts world. Twenty years ago, she founded Buxianxian, and her "Tears of Parting" became famous throughout the world.

Zhou Hongxian climbed very quickly, and soon reached the top of the branch, where she tied the bright red cloak high on the top of the peach tree.

The little girl watched the cloak fluttering in the wind, resembling a fiery banner in the night, and danced with joy.

"Great! As long as everyone sees the cloak, they can escape safely, right?"

Suddenly, Zhou Hongxian noticed the sky turning red. He looked up and froze in place in fright—rockets were raining down on the summit of Hidden Moon Mountain like locusts.

That blazing banner served as a guide for the immortals to escape.

Similarly, it is the most obvious target.

Whoosh whoosh!
Arrows suddenly rained down on the summit of Hidden Moon Mountain, and soon flames roared and crackled.

Zhou Hongxian was so frightened that she fell off the tree and landed on the ground with a thud. Before she could even cry out in pain, she quickly curled up her thin body and screamed, "Boss, help! Hongxian is going to die!"

The area below the mountain had become a slaughterhouse, with men in black constantly searching for something and killing anyone they saw, and the corpses piling up all around.

Amidst the clamor and raging flames, a group of men dressed in black stood.

The leader was a woman wearing a black robe embroidered with gold.

“Chief, we have searched the entire Immortal Realm but have not found the list of ‘Yan Yin’,” a man in a golden mask said, kneeling on the ground.

"Heh, Han Xiangxun is quite adept at hiding her true colors. No wonder she's the Pavilion Master's prized student." The woman let out a light, sweet laugh, but her expression suddenly turned cold. "However, Embroidered Gold Pavilion doesn't accept useless people. If you return empty-handed, you know what the Pavilion Master's methods are!"

Upon hearing this, the black-clad men around him all narrowed their eyes and trembled.

"What are you standing there for?" the woman snapped. "Go dig three feet into the ground and find it!"

"Yes!"

The men in black all agreed and, without hesitation, scattered to search.

The woman stood still, and as if sensing something, she suddenly looked up.

The firelight illuminated her face, revealing her disheveled hair, beautiful features, and exceptionally beautiful, sparkling eyes. She twirled in the night, her gaze lingering on the bright red flag atop the mountain, and chuckled softly, a laugh so sweet and seductive it seemed to stir the heart.

"What a fine little mouse!" The woman looked around the mountain for a moment, then chuckled. "Bring me a bow and arrows!"

The black-clad men quickly presented her with a bow and arrows. The woman took them without hesitation and immediately drew her bow and nocked an arrow.

collapse!
The arrow shot out, its tip flashing with light, tracing an arc that illuminated the night sky and also the pale face of Zhou Hongxian on the mountaintop.
-
"Wait a moment!"

It was freezing cold, and snow was falling heavily.

A small wooden cabin stands alone in the snowy forest. Inside, four people sit around a hot pot, cooking meat and drinking wine.

Outside, the cold wind howled, but inside, it was warm and cozy. Enjoying hot pot and drinks was truly a wonderful thing.

Upon hearing Hongxiu say this, Xiao Feng couldn't help but interrupt her.

"Oh dear, Brother Xiao!" Ding'an complained, "I was listening so intently, why did you interrupt the little beggar?"

Xiao Feng moved his lips for a long time before finally lifting the leather bag, taking a big gulp, and letting out a long breath.

He paused for a moment, then hesitated before saying, "Hmm, Miss Hongxiu, according to you, Zhou Hongxian was the famous Heroine Yaohong, who was renowned throughout the land sixty years ago?" As he spoke, he stared at the little beggar.

Hongxiu casually picked up a large bone and threw it on the ground.

"Ow!"

Fat Tiger snatched the bone in one gulp, but didn't eat it. He wiggled his body and trotted out the door. There he saw three timid tigers waiting in the forest. Fat Tiger put down the bone and watched them devour it.

Hongxiu smiled and looked at Xiao Feng: "Yes, she is the Heroine Yaohong."

"How can it be?!"

Xiao Feng was incredulous and looked at Ding An again—this fake monk was playing with a golden alms bowl.

Turning their gaze to Ren Shaoyang, they saw him staring at the golden bowl with a look of curiosity.

Finally, turning to Hongxiu, he saw that she was still smiling, occasionally picking up a bite or two of meat, chewing it slowly, and slurping a couple of sips of wine, looking quite carefree.

Xiao Feng withdrew his gaze and let out a long breath: "Although I find it unbelievable, the fact that you are all so calm makes me believe it is true."

“Of course it’s true.” Ren Shaoyang leisurely picked up his tea from the table, took a sip, and after a long while said, “Because the little beggar went back sixty years.” He looked at the shocked man and laughed, “Otherwise, how could a little girl escape the pursuit of the Embroidered Gold Pavilion of the Southern Tang Dynasty and achieve the fame of the Red-Haired Heroine?”

Upon hearing this, Xiao Feng blinked and said, "The logic is sound." Then he suddenly shook his head, "But the appearance of Miss Hongxiu sixty years ago is something I find hard to understand."

Ren Shaoyang laughed and said, "Brother Xiao, this world is very complicated, and there's a lot you don't know."

"for example?"

"For example, we have seen dragons."

"Real dragon?"

"Yes."

Xiao Feng's hand, which was drinking, froze in mid-air, unable to lower it for a long time.

Just then, Ding'an called out, "Crippled man, Brother Xiao, are you finished? Shouldn't we hear what the little beggar has to say?" He then turned to Hongxiu in a fawning manner and asked, "Little beggar, what's the next part of the story?"

"Well, alright." Xiao Feng regained his composure and looked at Hongxiu. "I also want to know what happens next in the story."

Hongxiu snorted, crossed her arms, leaned back in her chair, and said smugly, "Next, the real protagonist will make her appearance."
-
As Zhou Hongxian watched the arrows hurtling towards her from the sky, her heart suddenly pounded wildly. She almost couldn't breathe, and felt her whole body stiffen like a stone. Suddenly, her body went numb and weak, and she couldn't dodge at all. All she could do was cover her head and scream.

"Ah! Boss, Hongxian is really going to die!"

Suddenly, a dark shadow appeared behind her, like a wisp of smoke, blocking her path.

He casually extended one hand.

Snapped!
The arrow shot by the woman landed lightly in her small, white hand, as if a swallow had returned to its nest.

Zhou Hongxian was greatly shocked and hurriedly looked up to peek.

The newcomer was dressed in a blood-red ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), with two knives at her waist. She had a fierce expression on one hand and a graceful one on the other. Looking up, she suddenly turned her head and smiled gently.

"Little girl, don't be afraid. With Sister Hongxiu here, no one can hurt you."

"Hongxiu?"

Zhou Hongxian put down her hand, stood up, and tilted her head, saying, "My sister's name sounds just like mine!" "Oh?" Hongxiu looked at her and smiled, "What's your name?"

"My name is Zhou Hongxian!" the little girl declared, hands on her hips. "I want to be the renowned 'Red-Haired Heroine'!"

"Good, that's ambitious!" Hongxiu gave a thumbs up and laughed heartily. "My name is Hongxiu, and yours is Hongxian. We're destined to be together!"

Looking at her hearty smile, Zhou Hongxian suddenly felt at ease for some reason. She quickly got up, straightened her clothes, bowed deeply to Hongxiu, and said, "Sister, Hongxian would like to ask you for a favor."

Seeing her so polite, Hongxiu raised her hand and waved it away: "What are you doing? Oh dear, that's too much of a formality, please get up!"

Zhou Hongxian's eyes were red as she said, "Sister, Bu Xianxian has suffered a great calamity. Aunt Li, Uncle Wang, Little Stone, Little Dog, and even my father, many people have died." She wiped away her tears, pointed to a house at the foot of the mountain, and said, "The great formation is trapping the survivors, and they can't get out."

The little girl looked at Hongxiu and said earnestly, "Sister, your martial arts are unparalleled. You are a first-rate heroine in the martial arts world. Please help us bring everyone here. I will kowtow to you!" As she spoke, she was about to kneel down and kowtow.

"and many more!"

Hongxiu grabbed her arm and asked, "I went down the mountain, what about you?"

Zhou Hongxian tilted her small face up and said solemnly, "I will guard the red cloak here and guide everyone!"

Hongxiu frowned and said, "But you would die!" She brandished an arrow in her hand, "If I hadn't appeared, you would already be dead!"

Zhou Hongxian's face turned pale, and she couldn't help but shrink back. She only turned her head to look at Bu Xianxian, who was engulfed in flames, and forced herself to say, "It's okay, Hongxian will hide."

Hongxiu raised an eyebrow: "Not afraid of death?"

"..." Zhou Hongxian hesitated for a long time, then said in a low voice, "I'm scared." But she still looked up and said, "But I must save everyone and wait for the boss to come back!"

Looking at the little girl's resolute expression, Hongxiu felt a momentary daze, as if she had returned to the wooden house on Dripping Cliff.

They faced the same crisis, were both trapped in dire straits, had their houses burned down, and remained steadfastly by each other's side.
"Good girl, really good."

Hongxiu smiled and patted Zhou Hongxian's head.

Zhou Hongxian asked curiously, "What's good?"

Hongxiu did not answer. She straightened up, walked slowly to the edge of the cliff, and looked at the peach tree that was over a hundred years old.

It was late autumn, the leaves were falling, and the bare, old tree trunks twisted strangely, helplessly reaching towards the gloomy sky.

The thick, boundless clouds shrouded the entire world in gloom.

Only the red cloak fluttering in the wind, like a flag or a cluster of flames, made Hongxiu's eyes shine brightly.

After a long while, the little beggar smiled casually: "Little Red Thread, you remind me of the past." He glanced at the little girl, "So, I'll help you with this."

"Really?"

Zhou Hongxian's eyes widened, and she exclaimed joyfully, "Thank you so much, sister! You must be a female knight-errant!"

"No!" Hongxiu smiled wickedly, "I, Ren Hongxiu, am a witch."

Suddenly, her laughter stopped, her phoenix eyes widened, and she abruptly hurled the long arrow.

"Whoosh!"

A piercing, shrill sound echoed throughout the entire Immortal Realm.

Just then, three or four men in black appeared from the street corner. The arrow pierced their chests, sending a string of them flying backwards.

The long arrow pierced through his chest, its force undiminished, and with a hum, it pinned another leader behind him to the ground.

A shout from the group of men in black startled them, and they all popped their heads out, gathering in the street and looking towards the mountaintop.

Amidst the bright flames and the fluttering red cloak, a petite figure stood with her hands on her hips, a small moon above her head, casting a white glow upon her, her aura magnificent.

"The red thread," the little beggar suddenly said.

"exist!"

Hongxiu laughed, "Climb onto my back and watch how Sister Hongxiu wipes out all the enemies!"

Zhou Hongxian was stunned for a moment, but still did as she was told and climbed onto Hongxiu's back—just like the little beggar had climbed onto Ren Shaoyang's back back back years ago.

Hongxiu smiled and said, "Heh, little girl, next time I call you, don't say 'here'."

Zhou Hongxian asked, "Then what should I say?"

Hongxiu made a cat salute gesture and tilted her head, saying, "You have to say 'yes,' understand?"

Zhou Hongxian stuck out her tongue, and the kitten saluted: "Yes, sir!"

"Hahaha!"

Hongxiu laughed loudly and sang aloud: "Stones shatter at Cheqi Pass, swirling winds whip across the ground, striking faces. I know my own indignation, my life wasted reading tales of heroes. My horse's lash and fierce spirit vanish, I meet a man on the road with a large knife in his scabbard. In a moment of haste, he catches the eye, his murderous aura already soaring a thousand feet high!"

The singing was high-pitched and clear, like the cry of a phoenix or the song of a luan bird.

In an instant, many people and one person seemed to be hallucinating, seeing a phoenix in the raging firelight, spreading its wings and soaring into the sky.

After singing the song, Hongxiu burst into laughter, leaped off the cliff, and flew down in a streak of bright red blood.

A wicked glint flashed in the woman's eyes, and she sneered, "Where did this bumpkin come from?" She swung her arm down, "Fire!"

In an instant, arrows flew like locusts, shooting towards the Taoist's shadow.
As the arrows approached, with a clang, Hongxiu drew her twin swords.

The arrows all flew backwards, with the force of thunder, rolling and surging backwards.

Caught off guard, the men in black were instantly covered in blood, screams filled the air. Seeing the heavy casualties, they retreated hastily, huddled together in a chaotic heap.

Red sleeves fluttered gently to the ground, and she cried out in a sweet voice, "Hold on tight!"

Zhou Hongxian nodded her little head: "Mmm!"

Before the opponent could regroup, Hongxiu swayed and flashed like a ghost, floating into the crowd. With her left hand raised, she raised the Great Evil King sword and slashed down fiercely.

Hooray!
The crowd in front of them saw a blur before their eyes and felt a thunderbolt strike their heads, blasting their souls away. They all screamed in agony, leaped up, and collapsed dead.

Seeing this, the crowd behind her drew their daggers and rushed towards Hongxiu, stabbing her in the body.

Hongxiu chuckled, then leaped into the air and floated towards the distant tower. The many men in black, seeing this, erupted in uproar. They were stunned to see this beautiful woman soar faster than a flying swan, gliding for a long time without falling, covering thirty feet in the blink of an eye, and forgot to give chase.

The woman's eyes widened in astonishment: "Great lightness skill!" As she watched Hongxiu land on the distant tower top, she frowned. "This lightness skill doesn't look like Qiu Yuehai's 'Swift Meteor,' nor 'Jade Fan Mountain Tour,' nor 'Riding the Wind in the Void'!"

"If such a mysterious and wondrous technique exists, what is the background of this little bitch?"

The woman's forehead veins bulged; she was truly furious and enraged that she had failed to find the "Yan Yin" list despite suffering heavy losses.

The poster explained that she found the list so that she could hand it over to the Khitan and remove the Central Plains' thorns in their side.

Back then, these heroes from the Central Plains used the disguise technique of "Luoshen" Hanxiangxun to hide in the north, seeking an opportunity to coordinate from within and without and completely reclaim the Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun—this was the "Yan Yin" plan.

As the Song Dynasty accelerated its unification efforts, the Southern Tang Dynasty faced increasing pressure and sought to unite with the Khitan to launch a pincer attack from both the north and south.

The pledge of allegiance was the list of personnel for the "Yan Yin" plan.

Therefore, the Southern Tang Embroidery Tower followed the scent and found the place where "Luoshen" Hanxiangxun was located.

I do not envy the immortals.

Unexpectedly, despite deploying all their elite forces, they not only failed to find the list, but also suffered heavy casualties with the sudden emergence of Hongxiu.

Feeling deeply ashamed of her inability to face the tower owner, the woman glared at the tower and said hatefully, "Set the tower on fire and force them down."

The subordinate hesitated, saying, "But there are still our people inside."

The woman glanced at him sideways and sneered, "Are you the leader of the Yinluo tribe, or am I the leader of the Yinluo tribe?"

His subordinates were startled and quickly gave the order. In an instant, fire arrows rained down like a storm, engulfing the tower in flames.
-
P.S.: The plot of Sixteen Sounds of Yanyun is very good, and the side stories are also very interesting, especially the "Heavenly Sound" setting, which is surprisingly consistent with Xiao Ren's "Silent Heavenly Sound".

Of course, I really want to kill Qianye, that villain.

(End of this chapter)