To the First Emperor of Qin: The state has decreed this!

As soon as he finished speaking, the room fell into a deathly silence.

Mi Yueyao, Luo Ying, and Luo Li, the mistress and servant, all raised their heads at the same time.

Three pairs of beautiful eyes stared blankly at Zhang Fan, who was gesturing wildly, their gazes filled with confusion, bewilderment, and even...

It even carries a kind of caring look towards idiots!

The atmosphere was incredibly awkward at that moment.

"Cough cough..."

Feeling uneasy under the gazes of the three women, Zhang Fan awkwardly withdrew his hand, which had been hovering in mid-air, and scratched his head in embarrassment. "Well... I was just asking casually."

Those things that can fly and disappear into the ground are indeed unlikely...

"Pfft~"

Mi Yueyao couldn't help but cover her mouth and chuckle softly, the rise and fall of her chest quite a sight.

"Young master's imagination is truly boundless and breathtaking."

She gave Zhang Fan a playful glare, then her tone became more serious, "Although I can't do the exaggerated 'splitting mountains and earth' that you described, the internal energy and external martial arts of this world are far beyond the capabilities of ordinary people."

At this point, a hint of pride flashed in Mi Yueyao's eyes: "In the past, the royal family of the Great Chu had a profound foundation. When the country was destroyed, some of the top martial arts manuals fell into my hands."

It was precisely by using these secret manuals to train assassins that I was able to secretly establish the "Wind and Rain Pavilion."

Hearing this explanation, the clues in Zhang Fan's mind immediately became clear.

So it turns out that this courtyard not only hides a princess of a fallen kingdom, but also the headquarters and legacy of an assassin's guild!

But then he thought again and frowned: "Wait a minute! Even if they're here to steal, couldn't you just chase them away or take them to the authorities? It's not a capital offense, is it? Are you just going to kill them right there in the backyard?"

That's incredibly murderous!

Seeing that Zhang Fan had returned to the topic of murder, Luo Ying quickly stepped forward, cupped her hands, and explained:

"Master, please calm your anger. It is not that we are bloodthirsty. These people are extremely cunning. They followed the assassins of the Wind and Rain Pavilion who were on missions outside, and that's how they found out the location of the Gewu Academy."

A chilling killing intent flashed across Luo Ying's delicate face: "The Gewu Academy is the master's most important place. If we don't kill them on the spot and deal with them cleanly, and they manage to return alive and report back, attracting the remnants of the six kingdoms or even the martial arts forces to attack, we'll be in endless trouble!"

After listening to Luo Ying's explanation, Zhang Fan stroked his chin and nodded thoughtfully.

Now that the enemy has found their hideout, only the dead can keep the secret.

While this method of handling things is a bit bloody, it's logically sound.

"Fine, you're in the right this time."

With the life-threatening crisis averted, Zhang Fan's "martial arts spirit" was immediately stirred again.

He leaned closer to Mi Yueyao, rubbing his hands together, his eyes gleaming as he chuckled, "Um... Yueyao, since you really do have martial arts manuals, could you let me take a look?"

I'd also like to practice some internal energy cultivation, to improve my health!

Who hasn't dreamed of being a chivalrous hero?

However, Mi Yueyao looked Zhang Fan up and down, her gaze lingering for a moment on his shoulders, which were slightly thinner than average, before shaking her head helplessly.

"Young master, please forgive my bluntness... but your body is weak and your blood and qi are insufficient, so it's best not to push yourself too hard."

Mi Yueyao sighed and ruthlessly shattered Zhang Fan's martial arts dream: "The path of martial arts emphasizes both innate talent and opportunity. One must hone one's bones and refine one's qi and blood from a young age."

"Young master's bones are already fully formed, and his meridians are blocked. It's too late for him to only now think of practicing martial arts."

This woman said something about me...

No?

To be judged as "inadequate" by a woman to her face, especially in front of two maids!

Zhang Fan's smile froze instantly, and three black lines appeared on his forehead.

Seeing this, Luo Ying thought her young master was discouraged, so she quickly spoke up in a soft voice to comfort him: "Young master, practicing martial arts is really extremely hard. You have to practice in the coldest days of winter and the hottest days of summer, and you have to soak in bitter medicine soup all year round to beat your skin and flesh."

"Your precious body is more than enough to be protected by me and Luo Li day and night. There's really no need for you to push yourself so hard."

Looking at the twin maids, Zhang Fan could only sigh helplessly and resign himself to his fate.

Oh well, so be it if my dream of becoming a chivalrous hero is shattered. Being a tech tycoon protected by a beautiful female assassin isn't so bad either.

But... to say I'm weak?

Are you kidding me? This young master is not afraid at all!

When have I ever not started by the hour?

When the opportunity arises, I'll make sure that aloof and arrogant Chu princess experiences what a "strong physique" truly means!

Just as Zhang Fan was secretly trying to save face, Mi Yueyao suddenly changed the subject, her tone becoming more serious than ever before:

"However, young master, there is a troublesome matter now. Someone has leaked the news, and now the entire martial arts world is saying that my Fengyu Pavilion possesses a peerless secret manual that can lead to the pinnacle of power. Now, all the martial arts forces are looking for me! The Gewu Academy... is probably not going to be too peaceful from now on."

"Holy crap?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Fan immediately felt a headache coming on.

As the saying goes, Confucian scholars use their knowledge to disrupt the law, while knights-errant use their martial arts to break the law!

Throughout history, these so-called chivalrous heroes and martial arts figures have actually been a group of lawless outlaws who walk on the edge of the law and are extremely difficult to manage!

If you encounter a reputable sect like Taoism that emphasizes tranquility and non-action, and has principles and bottom lines, then it's fine;

But in this martial arts world, there are many sects that are ruthless and merciless, willing to kill without batting an eye for profit and martial arts manuals!

As for the exact structure of the martial arts world during the Qin Dynasty, and what sects existed, Zhang Fan was completely clueless and knew very little.

But there was one thing he was very clear about!

If those江湖草莽 (jianghu caomang, meaning roughnecks and outlaws) find out that Mi Yueyao is hiding here, the Gewu Academy will probably turn into a meat grinder!

There will definitely be a ton of trouble!

"Then why are you still here drinking tea with me?"

Zhang Fan jumped up in a panic, yelling, "Hurry up and bury the body in the backyard! Fill it in! Tamp it down! Don't let anyone notice anything!"

"Also, you guys quickly go and check if there are any spies or followers outside. If so, kill them all immediately, nip it in the bud! We absolutely cannot let them trace their trail back to us!"

Seeing her master, who was "righteously" condemning the murder one second and then urgently demanding "destroying the body and silencing the witnesses" the next, Luo Li, who was standing to the side, couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed.

She covered her mouth and burst out laughing, her shoulders shaking as she tried to suppress her laughter.

"What are you laughing at!"

Zhang Fan's face flushed, and he glared at her angrily, pointing to the door and shouting, "This is a matter of life and death, get to it now! If you don't fill those two holes today, I'll dock your dinner!"

"Young master, it's no use."