The male supporting character was actually myself.

Jiang Chen immediately became alert; this person was a powerful figure from a world where women were superior to men.

Her attitude towards men is similar to that of a wealthy man keeping a beautiful woman as a mistress, could it be...?

Huo Changyun clearly didn't notice his expression, but having never been stared at so boldly by a woman and directly praised for his appearance, he was immediately embarrassed and hurriedly bowed, "You flatter me, young lady. May I ask who you are...?"

"Me?" Ling Xiao leaned casually against Jiang Chen to assert his ownership, "This is my man!"

Jiang Chen: (^～^)

Yes, yes, that's right!

"Greetings, sister-in-law!" Huo Changyun quickly bowed respectfully again and sincerely congratulated, "Congratulations, brother, on finding your beautiful wife."

This address of "sister-in-law" clearly touched Ling Xiao's heart.

She was overjoyed, as if she had eaten honey, and wrapped her arms around Jiang Chen's waist, snuggling against him like a little bird. However, her words remained unchanged, "Yes, yes, from now on, sister-in-law will protect you."

Huo Changyun: ∑('△｀)？ !

Brother Shangguan is always so tame, and I don't think we've been apart for more than a few days. Where did this beautiful, petite, and skilled martial arts sister-in-law come from?

And judging from his behavior, he seems to be particularly... carefree?

Jiang Chen couldn't help but rub his forehead. "Changyun, please sit down first. Let's talk about what happened after we separated. I have a lot of information here, so let's analyze it together. Maybe we can find some answers."

The three of them sat around the tea table, slowly sipping their tea.

At the beginning, Jiang Chen narrated the story in a gentle and detailed manner; in the middle, Ling Xiao chimed in with a few words of explanation; and finally, Huo Changyun briefly recounted his escape experience.

This leads to the revelation of the reasons behind the various family massacres that Huo Changyun was falsely accused of, the Blue Water Fort incident, the Dragon Flame Island in the South China Sea, the Luo Family Manor, and so on. As night falls again and the entire Flower Street comes alive, Huo Changyun, carrying the unlucky protagonist's halo, finally catches up with the progress that Jiang Chen already knows.

The idle little white cat, while playing with its fluffy tail, complained, "This protagonist is such a clueless greenhorn. Judging from his silly look, he probably won't provide any clues. Tonight, who knows how many people will be drawn here by his aura. Host, if all else fails, shall we consider running away?"

"So there are so many secrets behind this!" Huo Changyun's head was buzzing after listening all afternoon. He rubbed his head and said blankly, "I have been practicing martial arts with my master in Wuming Mountain since I was a child. I have never known the names of my biological parents."

My master said he found me by the river at the foot of the mountain.

At that time, I was only two or three months old. I was lying in a large wooden tub, wrapped only in a small floral quilt. There was a piece of paper under me with the three words "Huo Changyun" written crookedly. There were no other keepsakes, birthmarks or anything else.

My master took pity on me and took me back home. He even found a wet nurse to raise me until I was three years old, at which point I began to learn martial arts from him. During that time, no one looked for me. The world is so vast, and I drifted along with the current; even if I wanted to look for him, I wouldn't know where to begin.

Chapter Nineteen: Is this really how it has to be?

"Drifting downstream?"

Jiang Chen raised an eyebrow. "Did your master say when he found you by the river? Blue Water Fortress is surrounded by such a unique terrain. Is it possible that the waters where Nameless Mountain is located are connected to Blue Water Lake?"

When it came to his own background, Huo Changyun nervously recalled carefully and said softly, "I just turned eighteen this year. My master celebrates my birthday according to the date he found me, which is June 25th every year..."

Ling Xiao had already taken the exquisite sheepskin map that her master had given her and spread it out on the table, so that he could find the location of the nameless mountain. Then, the three of them, with a fluffy cat's head sandwiched between them, huddled together to search for Blue Water Fortress.

A moment later, only Huo Changyun's heavy breathing could be heard in the room.

Bluewater Fortress and the nameless mountain are quite far apart, but their waterways are indeed connected. Coupled with the perfect timing, the answer is obvious!

"Could it be that I really am..." Huo Changyun looked up at the two of them with rapid breathing, his eyes filled with deep confusion.

Jiang Chen gently fanned himself with a white folding fan, a strand of his black hair swaying in the wind. "Perhaps it's just a coincidence. How can we draw conclusions so hastily when our background is so important? Let's look for some more evidence, and perhaps we can find the answer."

"A fire eighteen years ago left nothing behind. Where can we find corroborating evidence?"

"The Three Heroes of Red Courage roamed the martial world more than twenty years ago, which is not unverifiable." He looked at the other person's handsome face and pondered, "If we can find a senior who has seen them, perhaps we can tell something from their appearance."

Although the Crimson Flame Sect, where the Three Heroes of Chidan studied under a master, is not as powerful as it once was, it has not collapsed. Their master has been in seclusion for many years, and can always be found if one searches. If Changyun is truly related to Huo Xinde, one of the Three Heroes, he would certainly bear a resemblance to him now that he is eighteen years old.

After listening, Ling Xiao blinked his big eyes and asked, "Then, shall we make a trip to the Crimson Flame Sect first?"

Jiang Chen waved his hand and refused, saying, "No, whether Chang Yun is related to Blue Water Fortress or not, he is not the real culprit in the massacre. The most urgent task is to clear our names and find the real culprit behind it all!"

“In that case, Miss Shen is the only surviving witness besides you and me, so shouldn’t we…” Mentioning his beloved, a blush appeared on Huo Changyun’s pale face, which was still recovering from serious injuries.

"Changyun, you and Shen Rumeng had a brief acquaintance in Hundred Flowers Valley. Did she ever tell you then that she was betrothed to Luo Junfei, the young master of the number one family in the martial arts world, since childhood?"

"Ah?! An arranged marriage since childhood?" Huo Changyun was taken aback. "No, no, Miss Shen didn't say anything. When we met and I confessed my feelings to her, she agreed."

After they poured out their hearts to each other, Miss Shen left without saying goodbye, only writing a letter saying that she was forced by her father to marry Luo Junfei for the sake of the family's political alliance..."

He paused for a moment, feeling as if his heart was being torn apart, and sighed, "What's the use of saying all this? She's already married and is now the wife of the new head of the Luo family."

Ling Xiao caught a whiff of gossip and her almond-shaped eyes widened immediately. "Huh? You and Luo Junfei's new wife met in Hundred Flowers Valley and felt an instant connection? Tsk tsk tsk, originally all we needed to do was find a witness to speak the truth for you, but now it seems a bit complicated."

However, since you've already confessed your feelings, why doesn't she mention that she already has a fiancé?

This is... trying to have your cake and eat it too, and it's making things difficult for you!

It's only natural to not announce your engagement at first; after all, no one would go around telling a complete stranger about their engagement. But to confess your feelings and pour out your heart to each other is a bit inappropriate.

If she truly loved you, she wouldn't have married someone else!

Anyway…

She glanced at Jiang Chen beside her, casually hooked her arm around his, and said haughtily, "Once I've made up my mind about a man, I'll never let go, even if the King of Heaven forces me. At worst, I'll just die! Being with someone I don't love is worse than death."

Being suddenly confronted with a display of affection only made Huo Changyun, who was already heartbroken, feel even worse.

"Changyun, your sister-in-law's words, though a bit blunt, make sense." Jiang Chen carefully chose his words to gently remind her, "Perhaps Miss Shen really has a secret she can't tell you, and she really can't help but feel reluctant to part with you."

But if she truly loves you, she is now the mistress of the Luo family and the only daughter of the martial arts alliance leader. Why won't she speak a fair word?

Is it really that difficult to testify that she had a brief encounter with you in Hundred Flowers Valley during the massacre at Lieguang Hall? Who in the martial world would infer that you had an unresolved past based on just one meeting and a single testimony?

Perhaps Shen Rumeng's feelings for you are not as beautiful as you imagine.

"Those involved are often blinded by their own perspective. As an outsider, I just want to offer some advice, especially since she's now married. Even if you still have feelings for her, you must restrain yourself to respect her decision."

The information he received throughout the afternoon could no longer have much of an impact on him.

Brother Shangguan is still alive; there is still a glimmer of hope for him, and he must clear his name and find the mystery of his origins. The love and affection that are no longer possible can only be suppressed in his heart.

"Alright, brother, I will try my best to keep my composure and not let emotions get the better of me." Huo Changyun took a deep breath and asked, "Next, shall we plan how to get to Luo Family Manor?"

“Well…” Jiang Chen glanced at the fluffy little thing perched on his shoulder, trying to block out the protagonist’s aura, and gave a meaningful smile.

The scent of autumn is diluted and blended by the red lanterns and colorful gauze fluttering in the wind on the flower-lined street, giving it a light, powdery fragrance.

Amidst the bustling atmosphere of brothels and brothels, where all sorts of charming young women solicit customers and drink and chat, no one noticed a horse-drawn carriage weaving through the crowds and carriages heading towards the city gate.

"Brother, is this really the way to go? Can we really get away with this?" Huo Changyun's voice trembled slightly.

At this moment, he was not trembling with fear, but rather with extreme tension and overwhelming shame.

Jiang Chen, disguised as a groom and a dark-faced man, suppressed a laugh and turned back to whisper, "You have to trust your sister-in-law's disguise skills; it's definitely the easiest way to hide. Don't worry, today we forcefully repelled the White Bird Sect's swordsmen at the main entrance, making a big fuss so everyone knows you were seriously injured."

Therefore, that deserted brothel is their target now, and they will definitely wait until late at night before sending scouts to check the situation. They will never suspect that you have already left the city disguised as a woman.

Huo Changyun felt even more ashamed and covered his face with a handkerchief, not knowing what to say for a moment.

In fact, he did try to resist at first, reasoning that since his elder brother could disguise himself as a man driving a carriage, why couldn't he also disguise himself as a strong man?

Unfortunately, the elder brother and sister-in-law both believed that dressing up as a woman was the safest option...

So he was dressed in layers of beautiful clothes, his hair was styled into a bun and adorned with flowers, and he was made up in heavy makeup to look like a courtesan from out of town, and then he was put into a carriage.

After disguising himself as a maid, Ling Xiao cupped his face and grinned, "What are you shy about? Let me tell you, with your current appearance, standing there without saying a word, it's the women who should be ashamed!"

You look much prettier than the average girl when you dress up!

Remember this: when we get to the city gate for inspection, the soldiers are easy to deal with, but the spies from various factions mixed in will definitely be watching closely. Don't speak a word. If anything unexpected happens, we'll charge out.

"Both of our swords are hidden under your skirt. Remember, don't panic, I'll take care of everything."

Huo Changyun had just nodded in agreement when Ling Xiao glanced outside, sighed, and lowered his voice, saying, "Your elder brother's martial arts skills are average. If we start fighting and I can't keep an eye on him, remember to protect him."

Chapter Twenty was thus happily decided.

The fluffy little creature perched on Huo Changyun's shoulder heard every word and, standing on tiptoe, shouted outside, "Host, your wife says your martial arts aren't good enough. You should push her away quickly and let her know you're actually very good!"

Jiang Chen: ?_?...

You know I'm capable, there's no need to keep bragging about it.

The wheels rumbled and soon they arrived at the north gate of Huajin City.

At a glance, although it was already night, there were still many people coming and going from the city. Many martial arts practitioners carrying knives were mixed in among them, wandering around without doing anything. They were probably spies from various sects.

After all, Jiang Chen had paid money to get official access from the city lord's mansion. With this connection, people in the martial arts world didn't want to cause trouble. So, they basically kept the demonic people inside the city and prevented them from leaving. This way, when all the major sects gathered, they would have a large and powerful force and could easily rush into that brothel to kill the demon and his henchmen!

"Where are you going so late at night?" As usual, the soldiers went forward to check the carriage when it left the city, and one of them even lifted the curtain to peek into the carriage.

A beautiful woman, dressed in gorgeous clothes and with her face half-covered by a handkerchief, leaned on a soft pillow. A petite maidservant was curled up beside her. The strong smell of perfume wafted over them, and the soldiers in charge of the inspection revealed knowing smiles.

Jiang Chen took out a token from his waist and handed it over, along with a few copper coins. "It's getting cold, everyone, have some wine to warm yourselves up."

"Lichun Brothel?" The officer glanced at the waist token, took the copper coin, weighed it a few times, then threw the token back and chuckled, "Your brothel is doing really well. One girl after another goes out to serve you, and the madam must be making a fortune!"

As they were chatting and laughing, two men carrying knives walked over and lifted the curtain to peer inside.

The fluffy little thing huddled on Huo Changyun's shoulder, trembling. "Host, I can't keep up with the protagonist's unlucky aura any longer! What should I do? Heavenly spirits, earthly spirits, please leave already..."

Huo Changyun was also extremely nervous, afraid of revealing any flaws.

"Tsk, you've caught a girl from the brothel, and you're making a huge fuss about it?" The officers and soldiers were quite dissatisfied with these gangsters who bribed their captains to infiltrate the area. They caused trouble, didn't offer any benefits, and even made the officers take the blame for their mistakes.

Seeing the two men staring furtively into the carriage, he stepped forward and impatiently nudged them, saying, "That's enough! Every brothel owner has a powerful backer. Do you know which wealthy and powerful family those girls serve? Do you think you can afford to offend them? If you want to see more, go to a brothel yourself and pay to go. There are plenty of pretty girls for you to choose from!"

The man with the knife wasn't annoyed by the retort.

They were assigned to guard the city gate to prevent the great villain Huo Changyun from sneaking out of the city. If they could capture him on the spot, it would be a great opportunity to make a name for themselves!

Even if he escapes, he will not be punished as long as he is not on duty.

They had to check everything carefully, no matter what it was for, especially since carriages were the easiest places to hide people!

"You're quite pretty, young lady. What's your name?" A burly man lifted the curtain and reached inside, trying to see if anyone was hiding under the soft pillows the young lady was leaning against.

The other man circled the carriage, mainly checking if anyone was hiding under the chassis or if there were any small compartments in the carriage.

As she watched the other person's hand reach towards her skirt, Huo Changyun's heart pounded wildly with nervousness.

In an instant, countless possibilities flashed through his mind, and he realized that he absolutely could not start a fight! Otherwise, Brother Shangguan's martial arts skills were mediocre, and he was still recovering from internal injuries while sitting in such a dangerous place. If a fight broke out, he and his sister-in-law would be too restrained to protect him immediately.

But now...

Just as that hand was about to touch the sword under her skirt, Huo Changyun had a sudden inspiration and gently kicked the other person. She lowered her handkerchief slightly, revealing her beautiful face, and gave him a flirtatious wink and a faint smile. In a soft, coquettish voice, she said, "You're so annoying~"