The male supporting character was actually myself.

Ling Xiao immediately reacted and hurriedly stepped forward to straighten the disheveled skirt. In a clear, slightly angry voice, she said, "Why is this official pulling on my young lady's skirt? If you really like her, come to Lichun Courtyard earlier another day. My young lady is already taken today."

"Okay, I'll definitely come and support your business another day." The man felt he had gotten a good deal, and was also captivated by that charming and alluring gaze. He put his hand under his nose, sniffed the strong scent of cosmetics, and looked at his companion.

The other party shook his head to indicate that there was no problem, so he waved his hand to let them pass, saying, "Go, go, go, hurry up so as not to delay the carriages behind you."

Jiang Chen gave the reins a tug, and the horse galloped merrily out of the city gate, quickly disappearing into the twilight.

"That girl was really pretty!" The man with the knife thought to himself as he watched the carriage leave.

The officer glanced at him and chuckled, "Those are girls from the Lichun Courtyard, among the best in Huajin City! If you're really interested, you'd better ask if you can afford it first. These girls who come to serve you are all skilled in playing musical instruments, singing, playing the zither, calligraphy, painting, and martial arts. The price... is beyond the reach of most people!"

The man touched the empty money pouch at his waist, and after a long while sighed, "Money, it's really a damn worthless thing."

Deeply affected by this, he became even more dedicated to his duty at the city gate, hoping to personally capture the great demon Huo Changyun, which would be an excellent opportunity to gain both fame and fortune.

If you don't believe me, look at those who participated in the Battle of Bluewater Fortress. Aren't they all rolling in money?

Once I have a lot of money, I must go to the brothel and have a good time, and order that beautiful girl I saw before!

"Phew! We finally escaped!"

The carriage sped on until Hua Jincheng was far out of sight in the night, and Huo Changyun finally breathed a sigh of relief and leaned back on the soft pillow, panting heavily.

Only then did he realize that he was so nervous that his back was so tense that cold sweat had soaked through his clothes!

"You did a fantastic job!" Ling Xiao couldn't help but give him a thumbs up and praise him. "Did you see that guy's eyes? He couldn't take his eyes off you. I bet he's completely captivated by you."

"Or, you could stay dressed as a woman for the rest of the trip. No one would guess that the great demon they're looking for is actually a beautiful young lady."

Huo Changyun: Σ(°△°|||)︴

Is your sister-in-law serious?!

His face immediately turned green, and he waved his hand in refusal, saying, "No, no, this is unacceptable!"

"There's nothing wrong with it, let's decide on this." The more Ling Xiao thought about it, the safer it seemed. After all, how many people could come up with the idea of ​​a man dressing up as a woman to avoid being recognized?

After running for a while, Ling Xiao went out to relieve Jiang Chen, allowing the two men, whose injuries had not yet healed, to rest in the carriage.

As dawn broke, the three of them stopped in a small town far from Huajin City and found an inn to rest briefly. They then made a decision through a vote, winning by a landslide two to one: Huo Changyun would disguise herself as an orphan girl seeking refuge with relatives, using the alias Huo Yun'er; Ling Xiao would become her maid; and Jiang Chen would act as the housekeeper.

After disguising themselves again, the three of them set off for Luo Family Manor while tending to their wounds.

Meanwhile, in Huajin City, the original Baihualou continued to operate and provide free medicine as arranged by Shangguan Jiangchen. In the evening, the servants boarded up the doors and went home.

Having already sent spies who had vanished without a trace, the various sects were unwilling to needlessly lose manpower, so no nighttime reconnaissance was conducted. It wasn't until two or three days later, when everyone realized something was amiss, that the great demon Huo Changyun, his superior Jiang Chen, and the mysterious maid had all disappeared without a trace, leaving them with no idea where to even begin their pursuit…

Chapter Twenty-One Private Agreement

"What exactly did you guys do?"

Upon receiving the message, the martial arts alliance leader slammed the letter on the table. "I made it clear before that it is still unknown whether Huo Changyun was responsible for these tragedies. We must have a confrontation to clarify the matter before deciding whether to kill him."

What's the story behind the six major sects besieging Hundred Flowers Valley?

Why has Shangguan Jiangchen suddenly become a henchman of the devil? Is there any evidence?

Many sect leaders sat in the main hall of the Martial Arts Alliance. Among them, a thin, withered old man with piercing eyes replied in a sharp voice, "Alliance Leader, you cannot blame everyone for this matter."

All the evidence was presented that day, and you witnessed it with your own eyes.

Huo Changyun's appearance and physique are practically identical to Huo Xinde, the villain who disguised himself as a chivalrous knight back then. Now that he has committed numerous massacres, who would believe he wasn't avenging his father and harming the martial arts world?

Moreover, the six major sects gathered at Hundred Flowers Valley only to force Shangguan Jiangchen to hand over the demon and bring him back for a face-to-face confrontation. It was they who, enraged by their scheme being exposed, launched a sneak attack and killed members of the six major sects first. The fight only broke out because everyone was fighting back in self-defense.

Furthermore, if Huo Changyun is truly innocent, why doesn't he dare to confront everyone face to face, instead revealing his viciousness and killing countless people?

Therefore, it is clear that Huo Changyun and Shangguan Jiangchen are in cahoots with a cult, and the Alliance Leader should issue an iron-fisted order to arrest them!

Shen Aolong, the leader of the martial arts alliance, glanced at him and snorted coldly: "Don't talk so high and mighty. I know what you're all up to."

You, Elder Tianque, contributed many strategies and plans to the Battle of Blue Water Fortress back then.

Regardless of whether Huo Changyun is avenging his father or not, there's always someone digging up old cases and slaughtering those directly involved. You and the Tianxiang Gang are the only two remaining, and if they continue their massacres, you'll be the first to be targeted. That's why you're afraid.

Regardless of whether it's Huo Changyun or not, let's find a target and kill them first, am I right?

He pointed downwards with his hand, "And you guys, secretly stirring things up, are only after you've got your hands on the secret medical manuals of Hundred Flowers Valley."

For greedy people, Hundred Flowers Valley is a treasure trove with its doors wide open.

Shangguan Jiangchen's medical skills were superb, but his martial arts skills were ordinary. He relied on loyal guards to protect the valley. It was a remote valley far from the emperor's reach, so if something happened and a fire burned everything down, no one would know!

If the sole purpose was to slay demons and uphold justice, then fighting and killing would have sufficed. Why slaughter every single servant and maid in the valley who posed no threat and knew no martial arts? And then burn them all to ashes?

Wasn't it just that some people couldn't wait to line their own pockets and plunder the valley's wealth accumulated over a hundred years, along with its medical secrets?!

Everyone in the hall kept their eyes down and remained silent.

Old Man Tianque, whose scheme had been exposed, shrank back sheepishly and muttered to himself, "We were meritorious veterans in the battle of Blue Water Fortress back then. Now that such a big thing has happened, we must catch the culprit and bring him to justice as soon as possible."

"Heh, the battle of Blue Water Fortress?" An old woman at the table sneered. "Just like Hundred Flowers Valley now, they're rolling in money. Who doesn't know that all the gangs that participated in that siege of the demon lord reaped both fame and fortune?"

Putting everything else aside, the real money we've plundered from Bluewater Fortress is enough to satisfy your appetites, isn't it?

Just like back then, some people, upon hearing of an opportunity, couldn't wait to rush off and fish in troubled waters, while other gangs didn't even get a sip of soup.

They acted first and informed later, reaping the benefits while feigning innocence, then dumping the mess on everyone else for them to clean up. It's no wonder that honest people like us who work diligently get no reward whatsoever!

Shen Aolong coughed a few times and said with a gloomy face: "Hundred Flowers Valley has been destroyed. Fortunately, the news that came back is that Shangguan Jiangchen is still alive. He will definitely not let this matter go. I will not tolerate the Central Plains martial arts world being so chaotic and losing its principles and laws!"

The order was passed down: no sect was allowed to kill Huo Changyun, lest there be no way to prove his innocence.

At the same time, spread the word—even though I, Shen Aolong, have less than six months left in my term as leader, I will uphold justice and get to the bottom of this matter!

Everyone agreed and rose to take their leave.

As soon as they stepped out of the solemn courtyard of the Martial Arts Alliance, Elder Tianque curled his lip and said in a shrill voice, "Everyone, the position of Alliance Leader is rotated every five years. When Alliance Leader Shen first took office, he was young, strong, highly skilled in martial arts, and his words carried weight, but things are different now."

Since the mishap during our last training session, I've noticed that the Alliance Leader is barely able to take care of himself.

I wasn't involved in the events at Hundred Flowers Valley, and my anxiety stems from my fear that the demon will commit further evil and harm my disciples and followers. Since everyone is present, how about we draw up an agreement?"

The other sect leaders, each with their own agendas, neither agreed nor disagreed upon hearing this, and all waited for further explanation.

"As Alliance Leader Shen just said, there are less than six months left before the new martial arts tournament elects a new leader. The martial arts alliance leader isn't like a top scholar who's chosen based on literary or martial prowess; it's more about seeing if they can shoulder the heavy responsibility of completely annihilating the evil forces plaguing the martial arts world and their remaining followers!"

"Who among you can solve the numerous massacres of families in the martial arts world, bring the true culprit to justice, and annihilate the rampant evil cults? I will vote for him in the next martial arts alliance leader election!"

Those who can join the martial arts alliance are all somewhat ambitious for fame and fortune. What do they want from venturing into the martial arts world?

Whether it's upholding justice or fighting for the underdog, at a higher level, the greatest heroes are those who serve their country and its people.

In the end, isn't it all about fame and fortune?

Without monetary gain, who could live a life of extravagance, eating meat and drinking wine to their heart's content?

Who would be willing to risk their life if they didn't seek fame or be called a "hero"?

Those who practice martial arts say they don't seek rewards, but after all, the sect has a large group of people to support. As the sect leader, one must be considerate enough to ensure the sect is financially strapped and unable to offer anything worthwhile.

The old man's suggestion livened up the atmosphere.

Shen Aolong's training went awry and his strength is far less than before. Even if his only daughter marries into the Luo family, it will only play a supporting role. It's uncertain who will become the next leader of the martial arts alliance. In any case, the matter of the demon Huo Changyun must be resolved, so it's better to reach an agreement.

Everyone agreed that Huo Changyun was skilled in martial arts but was seriously injured, and Shangguan Jiangchen was in relatively good condition but was also seriously injured and had not yet recovered. Even with a powerful little maid by his side, how powerful could she be?

Dealing with these three defeated soldiers might even allow us to obtain the secrets of Hundred Flowers Valley. The reward would far outweigh the cost, making it a worthwhile deal.

If this can also increase one's chances in the competition for the title of martial arts leader, wouldn't that be the best of both worlds?

After a brief secret discussion, the more than twenty sect leaders and administrators reached a private agreement: whoever could capture or kill the demon Huo Changyun to stop the massacre and conflict in the martial arts world, the rest of them would wholeheartedly support him as the next leader of the martial arts alliance!

"Alas... Father's health is becoming increasingly worrying." In the Luo Family Manor, Shen Rumeng sighed with a worried expression after hearing the servant's report.

The unforgettable figure flashed through her mind. She stared blankly out the window for a moment, then softly asked, "Is there any news about Physician Shangguan from Hundred Flowers Valley? If we ask him to treat my father, it should have a miraculous effect, right?"

Chapter Twenty-Two: The Autumn Wind Blows, and Both Feel Sorrow

Seeing her worried face, the servant gently reminded her, "Miss, the master said he just had a mishap during his practice and will recover soon. You're newly married, so please don't always look so gloomy."

Even if the new son-in-law doesn't mind, it's still considered unlucky.

As for Shangguan Jiangchen... he's in deep trouble, probably in dire straits. Judging from the master's words, he doesn't want him to treat him; he'll probably recover on his own without needing a doctor.

The master instructed the maid to tell the young lady: "You must be diligent and thrifty in managing the household, live harmoniously with your new son-in-law, and try to have a son or daughter as soon as possible, so that the master can hold his grandson soon."

Shen Rumeng recalled the carefree days of boating on the lake, enjoying the scenery, and playing in Hundred Flowers Valley. She could not forget Huo Changyun's smiling face and figure, which stirred her heart.

She sighed again, her heart filled with grievance and resentment.

But how can one fight against fate?

A layer of sorrow clouded her fair and delicate face. Shen Rumeng leaned against the window and said softly, "My new husband is a good knight-errant and a good family head. He is busy with all sorts of things every day. How can he take care of me?"

Just after handing over the responsibilities of the family headship to him during their wedding, his father suddenly fell ill and became bedridden, his condition worsening day by day. Recently, Jun Fei had been inquiring about Shangguan Jiangchen, presumably intending to have him come for treatment, but then this mess occurred.

He's probably complaining about me in his heart, bringing bad luck the moment he walked in…

"Miss, don't overthink it. The young master reassured you the other day, afraid that you might be worried. Why are you still saying this?"

"Go and rest early, the young master will probably stay there and not come over again." Seeing that he couldn't persuade her, and knowing that his young mistress was used to feeling sorry for herself, the servant made up the bed and helped her to rest.

A storm is brewing, and the autumn wind howls through the dark clouds outside the window, making the trees in the courtyard groan.

Shen Rumeng tossed and turned in bed, unable to fall asleep. She listened to the autumn rain pattering all night and couldn't help but think of Huo Changyun, the man she loved, wondering how he was doing now.

Are you injured?

Are they still on the run?

Where will I find solace on such a desolate night?

My stomach may be full, but will my clothes keep me warm?

She knew that by standing up and testifying, she could clear his name, but would those people listen? Would her father allow it? And what would her newlywed husband, Luo Junfei, think?

The entire martial arts world has gone mad. Slaying evil and eliminating demons is the inevitable trend. Standing up now means standing on the opposite side of everyone's interests. How easy is it without anyone backing you up?

It's a pity that as the only daughter of the leader of the martial arts alliance, she preferred literature and never practiced martial arts. If she had practiced martial arts from a young age and grown into a female knight-errant, her situation would definitely be different now.

At the very least, having the means to roam the world, defying the marriage arranged by one's father, and wandering the world with one's beloved would save one from endless torment.

She was tormented by conflicting emotions that kept her awake all night. She was filled with longing for Huo Changyun, yet also burdened by her father's love and heavy responsibilities, and conflicted about her feelings for her new husband, Luo Junfei.