Host! I told you to do a task! I didn't tell you to bbb.

The next day, the group went to town and bought several horses.

Since Mu Yunling couldn't ride a horse, Liu Yunshu took her with her.

"Alliance Leader Xiao, where do you plan to go next?"

Liu Yunshu reined in the horse and looked at Xiao Hanxing, who was riding a black horse beside her.

Xiao Hanxing lightly tapped her folding fan against her knee, a smile playing on her lips:

"I've only just warmed up my seat as the leader of the martial arts alliance, so it's only right that I tour the entire martial arts world. This time, I'm heading southeast."

"Both Liu Family Manor and Shen Family Manor are in the southeast. Why don't you come with us, Brother Xiao?" Shen Run's face lit up with joy.

Xiao Hanxing's smile deepened. With a "whoosh," he unfurled his fan, his dark blue robes fluttering in the breeze, his tone carefree:

"Brother Shen's invitation is so kind of you, it would be too much of a formality for me to refuse. Since we're going the same way, let's travel together."

"Then let's set off." Liu Yunshu gently squeezed the horse's belly with her legs, and the horse steadily stepped onto the main road.

The group rode at full speed and arrived at Liu Family Manor on the third day.

From afar, the green tiles stretch endlessly, and the manor houses are built against the mountain, exuding an extraordinary aura.

Two imposing stone lions stand before the vermilion gate, and the four gilded characters "Liu Family Manor" on the gate are vigorous and powerful.

Liu Yunshu reined in the horse, dismounted, and helped Mu Yunling down.

Upon seeing Liu Yunshu return, the guards at the manor gate hurriedly stepped forward, bowed respectfully, and exclaimed in a loud voice, "Young Miss! You're back!"

Liu Yunshu nodded with a smile, her tone gentle: "How has the village been these days?"

"All is well. The master and mistress have been eagerly awaiting your return!"

The guard bowed in response, his gaze sweeping over the three people behind her. Though somewhat curious, he did not ask any further questions.

Liu Yunshu nodded slightly and led the three into the manor.

Passing through the carved screen wall, you are greeted by a spacious courtyard with green bamboo standing tall along the bluestone path, exuding elegance and grandeur.

"Yun Shu is back!"

A gentle voice came from the main hall.

Madam Liu, dressed in a brocade dress, strode out, her face beaming with joy as she took Liu Yunshu's hand and examined her closely.

"I've lost weight during these days of seclusion."

"Mother~"

Liu Yunshu stepped forward, her tone soft and coquettish, unlike her usual composed demeanor, revealing a touch of girlish charm.

At this moment, Master Liu also walked out slowly from the main hall, wearing a dark blue brocade robe, his face resolute yet with a gentle smile.

He first looked at Liu Yunshu and said with relief, "It's good that you're back."

He then looked at the three people behind him, his gaze landing on Shen Run: "Run, you're here too. Did the trip go smoothly?"

Shen Run stepped forward and bowed respectfully:

"Uncle Liu, you are well. Although there were some twists and turns on the journey, everything went smoothly. Thank you for your concern."

Master Liu nodded, then looked at Xiao Hanxing and clasped his hands in a fist salute, saying:

"It is an honor to have Alliance Leader Xiao grace us with his presence! I have long heard of the extraordinary skill of the 'Cold Star Sword Technique.' Since you took charge of the martial world, you have purged the evil forces, which is truly a blessing for the martial arts world."

Xiao Hanxing returned the gift with the fan, his posture upright and his smile carefree.

"Master Liu, you flatter me. I am merely doing my duty. The Liu Family Manor has a century-old foundation, and its 'Flowing Cloud Sword Technique' is renowned throughout the martial world. It is my honor to be able to visit you today."

Master Liu laughed heartily, then looked at Xiang Muyunling one last time. He saw her dressed simply and standing awkwardly beside Shen Run, a hint of inquiry flashing in his eyes.

When Liu Yun was comfortable, she stepped forward:

"Father, Mother, this is Miss Mu Yunling. We met her on the way. Her family suffered a misfortune and she lost her memory. She was all alone and helpless, so I brought her back to stay temporarily so that she could be taken care of."

Upon hearing this, Madam Liu quickly took Mu Yunling's hand. Seeing that Mu Yunling was pale and looked uneasy, her eyes were full of pity.

"Poor child, don't be afraid. Now that you're here at the Liu family's house, make yourself at home."

He gently straightened her slightly disheveled clothes as he spoke.

Mu Yunling hurriedly bowed, her voice soft but sincere: "Thank you for taking me in, Master and Madam."

"No need for such formalities."

Master Liu waved his hand, his tone gentle, "Since Yun Shu has spoken, you can stay here with peace of mind. The Liu family has no shortage of your presence."

The group followed the manor owner and his wife into the main hall.

A maidservant served tea, its aroma wafting through the air.

Madam Liu sat beside Liu Yunshu, inquiring in detail about his diet, daily life, and progress in martial arts during his seclusion, her words filled with concern.

Liu Yunshu answered each question, her expression relaxed, without any outward sharpness.

Shen Run sat to the side, his gaze frequently falling on Liu Yunshu, his eyes almost overflowing with tenderness.

Occasionally, he would interject with his observations from the journey and respectfully respond to Master Liu's questions.

Xiao Hanxing held his teacup, his fingertips lightly turning the rim, seemingly listening casually to everyone's conversation, but actually secretly observing Liu Yunshu's expression.

Seeing that she was completely relaxed in front of her parents, with a charming and innocent look in her eyes, she was completely different from the fierce fighter she had been in the forest yesterday.

Yet it appears even more vivid, and that little flutter in my heart quietly resurfaces.

That evening, Master Liu hosted a banquet in the courtyard pavilion.

The maids served up a continuous stream of delicious dishes.

It offers both roasted venison and braised pork hock, popular among江湖 (jianghu) people, as well as exquisite Jiangnan side dishes.

Paired with plum wine brewed by Liu's Manor, the aroma of the wine mingled with the fragrance of the dishes, lingering between the waterside pavilions.

Master Liu sat in the main seat, holding a wine cup, his gaze sweeping over everyone at the table, and laughed loudly:

"Yun Shu has returned today, and with such a distinguished guest as Alliance Leader Xiao at our door, let us raise a toast!"

After saying that, he took the lead and drank it all in one gulp, his brows furrowed with a hearty and generous air.

Madam Liu kept putting food on Liu Yunshu's plate: "Try this squirrel-shaped mandarin fish, it's your favorite, the kitchen made it specially to your liking."

"Thank you, Mother," Liu Yunshu replied with a smile.

Shen Run carefully removed the fish bones and quietly placed a piece of fish beside him on Mu Yunling's plate, saying in a low voice, "Miss Mu, try it, it's very delicious."

Mu Yunling looked up and met his gentle gaze, her cheeks slightly flushed, and she thanked him softly.

Xiao Hanxing caught a glimpse of this scene and frowned slightly. Then she saw Shen Run put sweet and sour pork ribs into Liu Yunshu's bowl.

He felt a strange tightness in his chest, and unconsciously gripped the wine cup in his hand until his knuckles turned slightly white.

He suddenly raised his glass and drank it all in one gulp. The liquor was spicy, but it couldn't suppress his restlessness.

After a few rounds of drinks, Xiao Hanxing spoke to Liu Yunshu again, "We didn't have enough fun sparring last night, how about another match tonight?"

Liu Yunshu paused slightly in her chopsticks, looked up at him, and smiled slightly:

"Alliance Leader Xiao has been keeping this in mind. Since you have this intention, I will gladly oblige."

She put down her chopsticks and rose, gently brushing the hem of her moon-white dress: "Father, Mother, please sit for a moment. I will go to the courtyard with Alliance Leader Xiao for a short spar and then return."

Master Liu laughed heartily, his eyes full of admiration:

"Excellent! This is perfect opportunity for me to see which is superior, my Liu family's 'Flowing Cloud Sword Technique' or Alliance Leader Xiao's 'Cold Star Sword Technique'!"

Although Madam Liu was somewhat worried, she still gently advised, "Yunshu, stop here and don't hurt our relationship."

"Don't worry, Mother." Liu Yunshu nodded in agreement and walked side by side with Xiao Hanxing towards the open area of ​​the courtyard.

The moonlight, like water, spilled onto the bluestone slabs, casting two tall and straight figures.

Xiao Hanxing's dark blue robes fluttered in the night wind as he looked intently at Liu Yunshu: "Miss Liu, this time you must not hold back."

With a flick of her wrist, Liu Yunshu drew her longsword from its sheath with a clang.

She turned slightly to the side, her voice gentle yet sharp: "Also, Alliance Leader Xiao."

As soon as he finished speaking, Xiao Hanxing's figure flashed out like a startled swan, his folding fan carrying a sharp gust of wind straight towards Liu Yunshu's face.

The moves are swift and ruthless, embodying the killing intent of the "Cold Star Sword Technique".

Liu Yunshu spun lightly, using the "Treading Snow Without a Trace" lightness skill to evade the attack, and swept her longsword horizontally to accurately block the folding fan.

Xiao Hanxing's fighting spirit intensified, and his figure blurred into several afterimages as his footwork shifted.

It was difficult to distinguish between reality and illusion; every move was accompanied by the sound of wind breaking through the air, making it exceptionally sharp.

Liu Yunshu remained calm, the longsword in her hand seeming to have a life of its own.

Sometimes it flows like clouds, gentle yet firm; sometimes it appears like a sudden thunderclap, sharp and intimidating.

The crowd in the waterside pavilion watched the battle with bated breath.

Master Liu stroked his beard and nodded, his eyes full of satisfaction.

Shen Run gripped his wine glass tightly, his gaze following Liu Yunshu. He felt both proud and a pang of disappointment.

Now, it seems she no longer needs his protection.

The sword and fan clashed again, sparks flying under the moonlight, their robes billowing like clouds chasing the moon, only the sharp sound of their blades piercing the air echoing in the courtyard.

In the end, Xiao Hanxing forced Liu Yunshu back with a move called "Frosty Star Falling Moon," and shouted:

"Miss Liu's swordsmanship is exquisite; her 'Flowing Cloud Sword Technique' perfectly blends strength and gentleness, truly living up to its reputation!"

Liu Yunshu sheathed his sword, a satisfied smile on his face.

"Alliance Leader Xiao, you flatter me. The ruthlessness and ferocity of the 'Cold Star Sword Technique' are truly admirable."

A night breeze swept through the courtyard, bringing with it the fragrance of grass and trees.

The two stood facing each other, one dashing and unrestrained under the moonlight, the other gentle and sharp, displaying a tacit understanding as if they were evenly matched.

In the waterside pavilion, Master Liu was the first to clap and cheer:

"Excellent! What a perfect blend of strength and gentleness, what an unparalleled and fierce display! Today's battle has truly broadened my horizons!"

Madam Liu also breathed a sigh of relief, her eyes filled with relief: "It's good that you're all alright. Come back and rest, have a cup of hot tea to warm yourself up."

The two returned to the waterside pavilion side by side, and Shen Run immediately stood up.

He handed Liu Yunshu a cup of hot tea and said with concern, "Yunshu, are you tired? Have some tea."

"Thank you, Brother Shen." Liu Yunshu took the teacup and sipped it, the sharpness in her eyes gradually fading, and she returned to her usual gentle demeanor.

Xiao Hanxing poured himself a glass of wine, tilted his head back and drank it all, suppressing his surging internal energy.

As her gaze swept over Shen Run's gesture of handing over the tea, a hint of irritation quietly resurfaced in her heart.

For the first time, he felt that Shen Run was a really annoying person.

It was clearly Liu Yunshu who had a great time sparring with him, so why was Shen Run the first to approach her and offer his concern?

The restlessness in Xiao Hanxing's heart grew wildly like vines, even causing the wine in his hand to lose its previous mellow aroma.

His gaze swept past Shen Run's fixed gaze on Liu Yunshu, and then fell on Liu Yunshu's gentle manner as she accepted the tea.

His Adam's apple bobbed involuntarily, and he swallowed back the sarcastic remark that was about to come out.

He and Liu Yunshu were merely fellow martial artists, while Shen Run was her rightful fiancé. He had no right to interfere with their intimacy.