The three women, Zhao Yishu, were relieved to hear that their "Bao gege" had been rescued by the Sect Master and senior disciples, and was out of danger.
"I am Han Ling Shuang. Greetings, my three elder and younger sisters," Han Ling Shuang said.
Han Ling Shuang and the three women sat at a large white jade stone table. Beside them was a crescent-shaped lake with clear, shallow water teeming with fish and shrimp. Koi carp occasionally revealed their red backs, darting between the grass, hiding in the crevices of rocks, or swimming in schools like a flowing ribbon towards denser aquatic plants.
The sky and mountain scenery complemented each other, featuring poplar trees of the desert and maple trees from Yunjin City. Due to their latitude, the maple leaves here had just begun to change color, and the mountains were misty and moist, making the very air they breathed seem infused with a refreshing moisture.
"There's no need for such politeness, younger sister. We are indebted to you for your protection. Otherwise, those people from the Grey Wolf organization would have surely taken us away."
Xiao Yue appeared gracious and gentle, while Zhao Yishu gazed blankly at the autumn scenery in the mountains.
"Alright, there are rules in the valley that prohibit drinking alcohol, so we can only substitute tea for wine. Little sister toasts you all," Han Ling Shuang said.
The three women raised their cups with Han Ling Shuang. Mu Ziyue, however, after taking a sip of tea, couldn't contain her impatience.
"We don't even know how Bao gege is doing, and yet we're still here drinking tea. Isn't that a bit much?"
Han Ling Shuang bowed slightly. "He is temporarily out of danger, but his shoulder wound has become infected and he has a fever. He needs rest and should not be disturbed."
Mu Ziyue sat back on the stone stool dejectedly, mentally calculating the days. There were still five days until the recruitment period, which would have been the best time to infiltrate the Grey Wolf organization.
Unfortunately, with this incident, the Grey Wolf organization would surely be on high alert, making it difficult to disguise herself and blend in.
"By the way, everyone, I have something I wish to ask, and I hope all my sisters can tell me the truth." Han Ling Shuang cupped her fists and bowed. After receiving their consent, she continued, "I want to ask, what is your connection to Grey Wolf? Why did Liu Yu, one of the 'Eight Kings,' target you?"
Zhao Yishu knew the details of the incident best. She withdrew her gaze and recounted the events.
A moment later, Han Ling Shuang exclaimed in realization, "So that's the kind of person he is. And Miss Mu, why was your sister taken away by the Grey Wolf organization?"
"I heard it was because when she was helping them transport goods, they encountered a sandstorm, and the goods were lost. Later, Bao gege told me that the shipment was actually Mandara Gene."
Han Ling Shuang suddenly understood. "Indeed. We had previously learned that Mandara Gene was being transported by the Grey Wolf organization, so we had been coordinating with the Four Great Cultivation Sects of the Western Wilderness to obstruct them. We had successfully thwarted their actions multiple times. I didn't expect them to be so cunning and find families like yours who are merchants. They knew that we cultivators, who consider ourselves righteous, would never harm merchants, which is why they disguised themselves this way. Hmph, these fellows are indeed old and cunning."
After Han Ling Shuang explained the entire situation, Mu Ziyue became even more worried.
"I heard that the Grey Wolf organization is recruiting a large number of so-called internal members this time. It seems they are planning some major action," Mu Ziyue felt her throat go dry and her heart filled with despondency.
"What are your plans next?" Han Ling Shuang asked.
Although Mu Ziyue lacked other skills, she possessed a resolute will. She replied, "I want to save my sister. She is the only family I have in this world. Although I have always considered Bao ge as my true brother."
"Save her? Do you know where your sister is being held now?"
"I don't. Before, Bao gege and I had decided to disguise ourselves and infiltrate the Grey Wolf organization during the new recruitments in five days."
Mu Ziyue believed this was the best method. Any other approach would be foolish.
"That's a bold plan, but with five days, I'm afraid he won't even recover from his injuries."
As Han Ling Shuang finished speaking, the light in Mu Ziyue's eyes instantly dimmed.
This was precisely what was meant by "plans can't keep up with changes." Now, she couldn't think of any other method besides this one.
"Don't worry. Three cobblers are better than Zhuge Liang. Besides, we are four, and we're not cobblers."
Han Ling Shuang's meaning was clear, and Mu Ziyue was immediately excited, grasping her hand. "Sister Shuang'er is also willing to help me?"
"Anything that can give the Grey Wolf organization a headache is our business."
Han Ling Shuang, like a big sister, placed her arm on Mu Ziyue's shoulder. Her white robe was spotless. If it weren't for her extremely handsome and refined features, it would have been difficult to guess that she was a woman based on her attire.
"That's wonderful! Now my sister has a chance to be saved."
Before Mu Ziyue could finish speaking, Han Ling Shuang suddenly seemed to recall something, tapping her forehead with her fan. "Oh no, in two days is the grand competition held by the Four Great Cultivation Sects. Our Chaoyang Sect doesn't have many disciples. My grandfather registered me to make up the numbers. If any of you three are interested, you can come with me to the Martial Arts Hall."
...
Zhao Yishu and the others were new to the place, and since Ren Yuanhao was seriously injured and unable to receive visitors, the three were bored and followed Han Ling Shuang to the Martial Arts Hall.
The Martial Arts Hall was sparsely populated. Swords and spears were scattered everywhere. Han Ling Shuang shook her head. "Our Chaoyang Sect has actually opened martial arts schools in Xiling City, hoping to recruit some talented disciples from there, and also to better integrate into this world. However, the spiritual energy of heaven and earth is becoming increasingly thin, and the cultivation sects are gradually declining."
Speaking of this, Han Ling Shuang stuck out her tongue. "It's a shame my grandfather wouldn't let me take over those martial arts schools, making me feel like a wild person from the mountains. Please don't mind me, the three of you."
As they were talking, Han Ling Shuang suddenly noticed five people gathered in a corner of the Martial Arts Hall, their voices growing louder.
"Who is this brat, daring to offend your grandpa? Don't you know this is my territory?"
The five people began to punch and kick, completely unaware that Han Ling Shuang was approaching them.
"Looks like a new recruit. This guy can barely stand. He's probably another piece of trash our master picked up out of kindness."
"Alright, since we're fellow disciples from now on, as a senior brother, I'll give you your first lesson. This lesson is called: Open your eyes and recognize the situation."
After saying this, the man kicked the man lying on the ground.
"How dare you! What are you doing!"
Han Ling Shuang pulled the attackers away, but when the three women and she saw the man lying on the ground, their expressions all changed!
"Bao gege!"
Zhao Yishu, Mu Ziyue, and Xiao Yue rushed forward as if they had gone mad.