Another group of maidens in green walked behind them, bowed to the people from Diancang Pavilion, and invited them to move to another side.
Diancang Pavilion, a renowned assassin organization in the martial world, was rumored to specialize in eliminating the heartless and unjust.
If their targets were truly cruel and depraved, they would complete their missions even without payment. As they maintained neutrality with all factions and were elusive, their reputation in the jianghu was not particularly high, often being categorized among the eccentric and sinister.
The pavilion master of Diancang Pavilion, Cang Lang, was clad in black, his face concealed by a silver-grey mask, revealing only a pair of ordinary eyes. He walked past Liu Liu inadvertently.
The two exchanged glances and parted ways without a word, following the maidens from Qinglian Villa to their respective accommodations.
Mei Yuan was extremely spacious, with a small pond in the center separating the eastern and western courtyards. Pink lotus flowers bloomed on the pond, swaying gently in the water. Mist turned into dewdrops that slid into the water with a very delicate sound.
Liu Liu and her companions resided in the East Courtyard, while the people from Diancang Pavilion stayed in the West Courtyard. Although they were in the same compound, as long as neither side was intentionally seeking interaction, they basically had no contact with each other.
People in the martial world detested prying into others' privacy, so the two factions remained at peace. Their daily meals and living arrangements were all provided. The maids were not only beautiful but also skilled in martial arts.
The leader of the martial arts alliance, Zhan Yun, had not been seen since the grand banquet. Liu Liu spent two days exploring Qinglian Villa and drew a map of its layout.
To her surprise, the small Qinglian Villa was riddled with mechanisms and hidden passages. Without the guidance of the maidens, one could easily trigger a trap and lose their life.
However, Liu Liu’s Qinggong was exceptional, which saved her from harm, though it was still perilous. Zhan Yun had filled an entire estate with deadly traps; what was his intention?
Could there be a significant conspiracy afoot?
The crescent moon was like a hook, and the night sky was heavy. Liu Liu wore a pink long dress and styled her hair in a peach blossom bun, with two jingling jade hairpins inserted on the side. Her steps were light and melodious.
Although the red birthmark on her face remained, it possessed a unique charm in the darkness. After she had outlined it, the birthmark resembled a large, vibrant peony, exuding opulence and allure.
Dai Mei, dressed as a man, followed closely behind Liu Liu, protesting with dissatisfaction.
“Sect Leader, what are you doing? What if someone recognizes you?”
Liu Liu stopped and stretched her arms. She had never felt so free. Previously, if she walked out dressed like this, people would immediately recognize her as the ugly daughter of the Prime Minister’s mansion.
But this place was thousands of miles away from the capital, and no one knew who she was. Conversely, the masked Qi Ye was widely known.
If she wore a mask to court, people would surely point fingers. But now, no one paid them any attention.
“Alright, cheer up. It’s rare to come to Black Wind City, let’s have some fun.”
Hearing Liu Liu’s words, Dai Mei could not argue further. Her master was right; it was a rare opportunity to visit Black Wind City, so why spoil the mood?
Moreover, they were currently dressed as master and servant. In such a lively moment, no one would pay attention to others, so she nodded.
“Okay, then let’s have a good time.” Thinking of Duanmu being confined by the Sect Leader, Dai Mei’s lips curved into a mischievous smile. Not only did the Sect Leader forbid Duanmu from coming out, but she also assigned Zhi Gu and Wu Lang Jun to watch him. It was safe to assume he wouldn't be able to escape tonight.
To the east of Black Wind City lay a clear blue lake called Ming Lake. The water of Ming Lake resembled a shimmering blue silk ribbon. The moonlight, like water, sprinkled on the lake, shrouded in mist.
Numerous painted boats were anchored by the lake, their music intoxicating. The rows of willows along the shore were strung with crystal beads, from which hung bright red lanterns, illuminating the lake as if it were day, yet retaining the misty elegance of the night.
The lakeside was bustling with activity, filled with scholars and beauties, as well as romantic and chivalrous heroes. Among them were many renowned young ladies and daughters from Black Wind City, all elaborately dressed, ranging from voluptuous to slender.
Everyone’s eyes were filled with anticipation and longing. They covered their smiles with their sleeves, but their eyes roamed everywhere. Whenever they saw a handsome young master pass by, their eyes would be filled with affection, making the night romantic and enchanting.
Liu Liu and Dai Mei mingled in the crowd, gazing up at the painted boats on the lake, which were decorated luxuriously and beautifully. Liu Liu couldn’t help but look up and smile at Dai Mei.
“Dai Mei, let’s rent one to have some fun too?”
Dai Mei’s bright eyes looked at her mistress. She had always been cool and indifferent, never as happy as she was tonight, perhaps due to the lack of restraint.
Countless times had Dai Mei felt distressed for her mistress. Seeing her in such rare spirits tonight, and with such a girlish demeanor, made Dai Mei unable to refuse any of her requests, even if it meant risking recognition, she wanted her mistress to have a happy outing.
“Okay, let’s rent one together.” Dai Mei reached out to take Liu Liu’s hand. She then heard gasps from the side; it turned out several women were secretly staring at Dai Mei.
They were surprised that the elegant young master was holding the ugly girl’s hand so tightly and not refusing any of her requests, which made them feel envious and jealous. However, this small flicker of anger did not last long before they heard exclamations.
“Wow, the Alliance Leader is here!” The crowd surged forward. On the green willow-lined bank, stood two tall and straight men. One was clad in a crimson brocade robe, and the other, Zhan Yun, had his ink-black hair falling over his shoulders.
The other man was dressed in black and wore a silver mask. The moonlight shone with a silver glow, and the mask emitted a cold and captivating radiance. Liu Liu watched from a distance.
She felt that Cang Lang tonight was different from the one she had seen two days ago. Just standing there, he exuded an aura of aloofness that made him unapproachable.
How did the two of them end up together? Liu Liu pondered, and then noticed that the people around her had multiplied. Dai Mei had been pushed somewhere unknown. She turned and scanned the surroundings.
Unfortunately, there were too many people, pushing her east and west. Everyone wanted to get closer to the martial arts alliance leader, Zhan Yun, which caused Liu Liu to be pushed forward.
At this moment, she was very close to Zhan Yun and Cang Lang. She couldn’t use her internal energy, so she had to endure it. Her earlier good mood had completely vanished, and her small face turned cold as she observed the overexcited women beside her.
If she remembered correctly, Zhan Yun seemed to have a wife, so was there any need for them to be so ecstatic?
Zhan Yun’s features were unrestrained and heroic, his slender eyebrows soaring towards his temples, and his narrow eyes resembled the waxing moon in the sky. His bronze skin contrasted with his pink lips, making him indescribably sexy.
Moreover, tonight he was wearing a flamboyant crimson brocade robe, making him so conspicuous that, from afar, he resembled a piece of ancient profound iron, firmly anchoring people’s gaze. Perhaps this was the effect he desired, Liu Liu thought with a sarcastic smile.
Suddenly, someone pushed her from behind. She lost her balance and stumbled forward, on the verge of kissing the ground. At this moment, she didn’t know whether to move or not.
Just as she was in a dilemma, it was as if a fiery cloud had drifted past, and a strong arm supported her, preventing her from a close encounter with the ground.
The person who caught her spun her in an arc, and they landed gracefully. She raised her head, preparing to say thank you, and found herself gazing into eyes as dark as a deep pool, profound and obscure, making them impossible to see or understand.
Unexpectedly, it was Zhan Yun who caught her. She smiled foolishly, thinking he would never know that she was the Qi Ye who had provocatively challenged him a few days ago. Her eyes darted around like a frightened fawn, her long eyelashes fluttering as if she were extremely timid and cautious.
Zhan Yun looked at the woman in his arms, and a sense of tenderness inexplicably stirred within him. He felt a desire to pamper this woman, and even with the birthmark on her face, she didn’t seem ugly to him at all.