Chapter 69 :Yang Mu Observed the Stars by Night

Once Han Qianye had taken his fellows from the Canal Guild and vanished into the night, Liu Chengyuan turned to Qian Yu and said gravely, “The man in black has made several attempts on my life—and each time with a skill that far surpasses the ordinary. I cannot fathom who he is or whence he comes. The wound I sustained years ago from the Flaming Palm was much the same—burning as though fire itself had been sealed beneath the skin. I barely survived it. Had I not been struck again by this black-clad figure, you and I would never have been parted.”Qian Yu gave a mischievous smile and teased, “If you ask me, my dear Liu, anyone who trains in such a fiery art as the Flaming Palm must surely find their temper hotter by the day. There’s no need for you to lift a finger—just fetch a dose of ox gall cooling powder from the apothecary and slip it into his tea. With luck, his inner fire will fizzle out on its own, and his powers along with it!”Liu Chengyuan threw back his head and laughed heartily. “Ox gall powder? You might as well prescribe bamboo leaf and gypsum decoction while you’re at it! This man’s martial prowess is formidable—few in the realm could match him. As for me, the fifth tier of my Benevolent Heart Mantra, the Principle of Rites, remains incomplete. In my current state, I cannot say with certainty that I could best him. Worse still, I am exposed, while he hides in shadow. I must tread with care. I’ve pursued his trail for years, all in vain—where he lurks, none can say. We would do well to let him be, for now. There are greater matters at hand. Rebels encircle Master Yan as we speak. If we are to serve the greater cause, we must make haste and lend him our strength.” And so, the two companions resumed their journey northward, toward Hebei, where Yan Zhenqing held firm against the tide of treachery.Now let us turn to Li Mi, who sat taking tea with Yang Muzhi, Es, and Que Qian’ge. The scent of jasmine curled in the air as porcelain cups clinked softly on lacquered trays. Li Mi, after a contemplative sip, turned to Yang Muzhi and inquired, “It has been several months since the Three Demons of Xiangxi adminis