The name of Sister Gui Peak, it was said, originated from a foolish ox who, believing slander, mistook his celestial wife for a demon. Enraged, the fairy returned to her heavenly abode. He was left to beg for forgiveness, facing the moon and wind, until he turned into a stone. According to plan, they were to descend from "White Tiger Prone" towards the southeast to "Sister Gui Peak." Had Jiang Chudao not laid a trap to obstruct them, they would have rested there briefly before using the narrow river to cross and flanking "Qi Tu Villa" to rescue Grandmother. However, the path had either naturally collapsed or been artificially rerouted. Lin Chaoying wound her way through the terrain and emerged from a hidden tunnel that night, near the peak. Climbing higher, she found herself at Morning Smear Peak to the east. Though closer, and able to see Qi Tu Villa across the river to the south, the sheer cliffs and swift currents made it too dangerous to attempt. She could only rest briefly before seeking a path back to Sister Gui Peak in the southwest.
Seeing her glare across the river in silent annoyance, Wang Chongyang knew she would use this as an excuse to tease him. Nevertheless, he feigned ignorance of the peak's name, hoping to distract her from her guilt and express his true feelings, dispelling her doubts. But Lin Chaoying, with a bitter sarcasm, merely scoffed and retreated to a rock some distance away to meditate.
Understanding his good intentions, but unable to be too intimate with him in the mountains without attracting gossip.
After a stay of about two hours, they set off before dawn. The joy of their earlier joint swordplay was gradually replaced by a rising shyness and a sense of confinement. Lin Chaoying glanced at him as he approached, her pace unconsciously quickening, which in turn prompted Wang Chongyang to match her speed. Her competitive spirit ignited, Lin Chaoying used her lightness technique to widen the distance, and Wang Chongyang was, of course, unwilling to yield. They chased each other through winding hidden paths and over the branches of flowering trees for over an hour, intending to descend to the stream for a drink and a rest.
As Lin Chaoying descended from the treetops, a short-bearded man with grey hair rushed forward. Recognizing him as Lu Enshu, she thought that Jiang Chudao had indeed incited him to confront them. As they met, Lu Enshu unleashed the deadly move "Seven Stars Rotating." Lin Chaoying felt surrounded from all sides and defended herself with "Cold Branch Admiring the Moon" from the Roaming Void Swordplay. Wang Chongyang, aware of its potency, thrust out with the "Golden Boy Swordplay" to jointly repel the enemy. One contracted and danced his sword like a moon projection, the other flew diagonally with his thrusts like fluttering banners. Their paths were contrary, yet they complemented rather than clashed. Pei Ji, observing from the side, saw Lu Enshu trapped in the perilous situation of "a mountain of swords behind, a sea of swords before." Had he not been verbally restrained earlier, he would have rushed in to rescue him. Lu Enshu, treading the seven-star steps and moving erratically, could not escape Wang Chongyang's sword's influence. He risked a counterattack, only to have his sleeve sliced. Pei Ji drew his sword and rushed forward to assist. Wang Chongyang suddenly realized that injuring anyone at this time and place was unwise and would only create more trouble. His intention changed, altering his sword moves. Their combined effort failed, and Lu Enshu seized the opportunity to leap out of the fray and catch his breath.
Pei Ji checked him for injuries, only to be struck on the back of the head and berated, "Damn it, didn't I tell you only to watch from the side?" Lu Enshu turned to Lin Chaoying and Wang Chongyang, saying, "You've improved." With a shout, he lunged again. Both Lin Chaoying and Wang Chongyang felt a sudden shock. Lin Chaoying, having heard of his move "Exquisite Eight Victories," which combined with sound wave techniques, targeted unpredictable directions, responded with the elusive and random "Flowers Go, Returns Stay." Lu Enshu's attacks were like thunder and lightning, but they were met by Lin Chaoying's swordsmanship, which deflected and disarrayed them. Wang Chongyang's defense was like a deep moat echoing back, yielding no advantage and instead "reaping what he had sown." Gritting his teeth, he said, "Your coordination is good." He then unleashed his ultimate move, "Nine Revolutions Return to Chaos," which he had only used three times since mastering it.
"Nine Revolutions Return to Chaos" symbolized the end of all things, returning everything to chaos, where extreme yang gives way to pure yang again. Wang Chongyang felt his opponent's style suddenly become sinister, with a swirling, throwing force. Their combined swordplay, which leaned towards fierceness, found its edge gradually stagnated and even neutralized, as if trapped on a precipice, floating on angry waves. This, however, intensified their shared resolve to support each other through danger, and together they passed through layers of deadly attacks. Lin Chaoying glanced at Wang Chongyang, understanding his intention, and they ceased their offensive, retreating.
Lu Enshu had no intention to kill, and now felt a sense of pity for their talent, thus also withdrawing his hand. Lu Enshu said, "Considering you can withstand a few of my moves, I will spare you this time. Lin Chaoying, you two immediately roll back to the Song territory! Li Wanxue will not die. She was arrogant and overbearing her whole life; letting her taste being a toothless tiger is her just deserts. They have been plotting for years, and now people are united, with external support. Alas... we cannot resist. You two are better off enjoying your freedom and not getting involved in this mess." Pei Ji saw the despondency in his expression as he spoke the latter part and tried to comfort him, "Young Master Xun has been cultivated by you for many years. Just consider it letting go and letting him take over, don't think of it as losing power..." He was hit on the back of the head again. Lu Enshu exclaimed, "Damn it!" In a fit of shame and anger, he twisted Pei Ji's ear and hurried away, leaving Lin Chaoying behind, truly unable to manage anything more.
Watching their retreating figures, Lin Chaoying said, "That Young Master Xun is Lu Enshu's nephew, Xun Ruiyuan. Lu Enshu has always been the most active representative opposing our Li family's rule, enjoying strong support from the opposition. Now that he's been betrayed, it seems the planners have already won." Wang Chongyang gently took her hand, and Lin Chaoying returned his affectionate gaze, saying, "He's right. We two should hurry and take Grandmother away from here. Let's not bother with their schemes." Wang Chongyang's eyes twinkled with a smile, filling her heart with strength, but also with a sense of restraint, making her turn and walk forward involuntarily.
Grateful for his indulgence, this complex emotion had been growing stronger and harder to control since he said he wanted to "talk" to Grandmother. She truly needed to adjust her mindset quickly and try to adapt... After all, "that day" was not far off.
Lin Chaoying followed Wang Chongyang's instructions, responsible for gathering firewood and starting the fire, while he went out to find ingredients. As she watched him return with a large pile of vegetables, fruits, and mushrooms, she blinked indistinctly. Listening intently, she called out to the sparse trees beside him, "Uncle Jiang, why have you suddenly become a stranger again?"
A dashing young man emerged from the flowers beneath the trees. In the afterglow, his skin, as if sculpted from jade and powdered with rouge, shone brilliantly. His hair flowed like clouds, his eyes sparkled, and his thin lips curved into a shallow dimple, resembling the peach blossoms of Jiang. Jiang Chudao said, "To protect him secretly and prevent sneak attacks from others. The 'Twenty-Eight Celestial River Formation' yesterday was set up by Chang Xian Cave, and you know the dark swordsman well." His voice was like the chime of bells, and he sat casually on a rock beside the bonfire, already elegant. "The allied caves, Cao Kaixiu's group, including Li Yunxian, will hold a reform meeting tomorrow at noon outside Kai Bao Shrine. The Shang Family group will be added, with the original Xiang family members taking on those roles. The Xiang Family group will expand from four to seven members, with no restriction on origin. It is estimated that Li Ziqian and others will take five seats. Some of the supporting caves are doing so for greater benefits, while others obey orders in exchange for support in seizing power." Lin Chaoying and Wang Chongyang sat opposite him across the fire. Lin Chaoying said coldly, "You hold the positions of Alliance Leader and Roaming Void Cave Master. It wouldn't be difficult for you to take a share."
Jiang Chudao was somewhat indignant, saying, "I don't care for it. I would rather retain the original system, at least then it's all family members calling the shots. Who wants to be at the mercy of the Jin people?" Wang Chongyang couldn't help but hum. Jiang Chudao continued, "I have already gathered a group of anti-Jin and anti-reform people. If we can join forces with you, it shouldn't be difficult to capture those who are instigating the change. Ying, it's time for you to set things right."
Lin Chaoying replied, "Having been away from the mountains for many years, I still need Uncle Jiang's guidance. I feel that rescuing Li Xiangjia and the others will alleviate some of our concerns. Are they still imprisoned in the mountain house?" Jiang Chudao said, "After your commotion yesterday, I'm not entirely sure. During this period, we've been scattered in the northwestern border, and our information hasn't been very reliable. When I came out to find you, everyone was discussing how to rescue Li Xiangjia and the others, debating whether to intercept them halfway or fight them at the assembly. I personally feel that rescuing them during the meeting would be a loss of face for Li Xiangjia, who has always prioritized the overall situation. You should consider this and, when you return later, make a decision for everyone. This meal will be prepared by the two of us."
To guard against unforeseen circumstances, Wang Chongyang kept an eye on him as he added soup to the folded leaves, then placed peeled fruits and vegetables inside. He wrapped the leaves securely and placed them on a thin stone slab placed over the fire to roast. After a moment, a sweet aroma wafted out. He moved the package to another stone, cut it open, and revealed small ducks, geese, and fish swimming in wisps of green vapor, a scene resembling a painting.
After dinner, Wang Chongyang excused himself to relieve himself and slipped away to meet Jiang Chudao in a secluded spot. The reason was that while peeling the fruits earlier, he had used the rinds and scraps to form the character "Song." As soon as they met, he handed over a letter, saying, "This is from Song Prime Minister Chen Changqing." Wang Chongyang unrolled the paper and saw that it was essentially a request for him to help persuade the Roaming Void Cave to act as an inside informant to subvert the Jin country, creating an inside and outside attack. The content was vague and cliché. Moreover, Chen Changqing had previously written to him for discussion after being recommended by a strategist for his attempt to recruit pirates. Therefore, Wang Chongyang recognized the handwriting as unusual. He returned the letter and was about to question him when Jiang Chudao suddenly shouted, "Wang Chongyang, you are indeed a Song country spy, transmitting letters to sow discord and instigate me to betray the Alliance!"