The night had fallen.

In the eastern part of the city, the district formerly known as Zhong'an Ward now flew the banner of "Equality King" Shi Baofeng.

Having occupied it early in the game, without experiencing too much turmoil, Zhong'an Ward had become one of the most bustling and prosperous markets in the city. Entering through the west gate, one side was filled with various businesses of Baofeng Enterprise, while the other was enclosed by numerous courtyards, serving as guest residences known as "Gathering of Talents Hall."

As the most business-savvy faction among the five forces of the Fairness Party, responsible for logistics and resource circulation, "Equality King" Shi Baofeng had been pursuing a broad network of connections from the very beginning. Although due to the initial complexities of the Fairness Party, they hadn't had any significant dealings with the biggest forces in the land, the most accessible for those small to medium-sized forces that admired wealth and risk-taking was Shi Baofeng's "Baofeng Enterprise."

In this process, many desperate individuals, through trade with "Baofeng Enterprise," engaged in dangerous material transportation, gradually rising from dire straits to become small or medium-sized armed groups, thus forging deep ties with Shi Baofeng.

When the news of the Jiangning Assembly was released, each faction displayed its unique style: "Reincarnation King" Zhou Shang gathered a large number of followers, even inviting the Great Brightness Sect leader, who had been traveling north for a long time, to oversee the proceedings; "King Yama" Zhou Shang maintained his radical approach, gathering a large number of fearless desperados, and incidentally coercing many peripheral hangers-on who wanted to take advantage, amassing a huge momentum; While "Equality King" Shi Baofeng, from the beginning, had many large and small forces come to support him. By August, representatives of forces from all over the country, with titles and even heroic deeds to tell, were gathering in Zhong'an Ward every day.

Compared to the "Reincarnation" and "King Yama" factions, whose numbers were large but mostly a rabble, Shi Baofeng's side had a stream of more "formal" and "well-organized" visitors. Among them were large escort agencies traveling around, large commercial firms entrenched in one place representing a certain gentry, and many "heroes" who had genuinely resisted during the Jurchen invasion, with deeds to their name...

Each time they entered Zhong'an Ward, specialized personnel on the nearby streets began to publicize and tout their backgrounds, attracting the admiration and praise of onlookers.

People who start in business know best what it means to praise each other, and for these large and small forces from afar, they naturally understood this principle. For a time, various forces entering the "Gathering of Talents Hall" were constantly interacting, building relationships and flattering each other every day, creating a harmonious and welcoming atmosphere. Some "knowledgeable" people even began to compare the "Gathering of Talents Hall" here to "Yingbin Road" in Chengdu.

Of course, with so many large and small forces gathered, in addition to the overt bustle and harmony, various complex things, good or bad, would emerge beneath the surface, like ripples in the water.

Like the Yan Family Fort caravan that arrived here a few days ago, initially, Yan Family's anti-Jurchen deeds, and the rumor that Yan Taiwei's only daughter might marry into the Shi Family, attracted a lot of discussion and attention. Representatives of many small and medium-sized forces even made a special trip to visit the leading Second Master of the Yan Family.

However, in the past two days, due to the sudden appearance of certain news, matters concerning the Yan Family quickly subsided. Even if someone mentioned it, most people's attitudes became ambiguous and vague, seeming to want to temporarily forget what had happened in the past few days.

On August 16th, Yan Yunzhi sat in the courtyard until late at night. Caressing the two short swords she carried with her, in the quiet night, a buzzing sound sometimes echoed in her mind.

The sudden excitement of the past few days had suddenly dissipated…

In fact, the Yan Family's purpose in coming this time wasn't necessarily to realize the marriage. From the moment they set out, her father had said that verbal agreements weren't necessarily effective. For two large families, the most reliable relationship was always the exchange of benefits that both needed. If both sides could cooperate and admired each other's character, marriage could naturally strengthen the bond, but if they didn't like each other, the Yan Family also had its dignity and didn't necessarily have to curry favor with any "Equality King."

Of course, that's what was said, but under normal circumstances, this marriage would likely be carried out.

Yan Yunzhi was seventeen years old this year and didn't have many unconventional or rebellious ideas. She had already prepared herself for marrying into the Shi Family.

Having arrived in Jiangning a few days earlier, "Equality King" Shi Baofeng was said to be still presiding over other affairs in Jiangbei. Here at Gathering of Talents Hall, the reception was being hosted by several stewards from the "Equality King's" Heaven, Earth, and Human Talents, as well as Shi Baofeng's second son, Shi Weiyang. If there were no major changes, this Young Master Shi Weiyang would be the one to fulfill the marriage contract with her.

In their initial contact, Yan Yunzhi's impression of him wasn't bad. With the assistance of several "Stewards," this Young Master Shi handled various matters appropriately, spoke eloquently, and had a decent appearance and a reputation for high martial skills. In addition to her apprehension, Yan Yunzhi didn't have much aversion to the future of marrying such a person – everyone would experience such a life, and running away was always impossible.

But with the transmission of that news, everything quickly turned sour.

In the enthusiasm of the past few days, most of the positive praises were for the Yan Family's anti-Jurchen deeds, and the marriage with the Shi Family was only circulating in whispers because Shi Baofeng hadn't yet come to make a decision. However, the "Equality King's" forces were willing to let such rumors spread, indicating that they weren't going back on their word.

But after the news about Tongshan County suddenly appeared, the dignitaries who had been constantly visiting in the past two days had moved far away from the area where the Yan Family resided. Regarding matters such as the marriage contract, people weren't joking but directly chose to remain silent. In the eyes of others, Shi Baofeng obviously wouldn't accept this marriage, and discussing it would actually offend the "Equality King."

The seventeen-year-old girl had experienced many things, even bravely killing two Jurchen soldiers, but at no stage in her life before had she witnessed such a change in the surrounding atmosphere.

Meeting enemies, she could still fight bravely, but encountering such things, she only felt that being here was a huge embarrassment, wanting to shout and defend herself, but there was nothing to say.

In the past few days, she liked to sit quietly in the front hall, listening to people talk about various things in the city. But in the past two days, she felt unnatural even leaving the courtyard and could only stay in this courtyard for meals and relaxation.

Around 10 PM, her uncle Yan Tiehe came to sit with her for a while and talked for a while.

"...A few major events happened outside today. The most exciting one is that Great Brightness Sect Leader Lin Zongwu, with his own strength, challenged Zhou Shang's Five Directions Arena. Now the outside world is spreading it like a myth..."

Perhaps worried that she was feeling suffocated here, Yan Tiehe specially told her some new news from the city. But at this moment, Yan Yunzhi's mood wasn't on this.

"Our Yan Family's matter... what should we do?" Yan Yunzhi tried to calm herself down, "Otherwise... I'll go back..."

"It hasn't come to that point." Yan Tiehe said, "This matter... everyone is actually not saying anything anymore. Because... in the end, your Uncle Shi hasn't entered the city yet. He is a person with a clear mind and understands everything. When he comes, he will make appropriate arrangements, so don't worry."

"But..." Yan Yunzhi sniffed and paused slightly, "Who released the news, has it been found out?"

Yan Tiehe lowered his head and was silent for a moment: "Five-Foot Erotic Demon... that nickname couldn't possibly have been released by that little devil himself, and the matter of Tongshan, besides us, and that damned thing... who else knows?"

"...Li Family? Why would they do this? Didn't we talk things over well in Tongshan?" Yan Yunzhi widened her eyes.

Yan Tiehe shook his head: "...Li Yanfeng is in the city now, his father is a Dharma Protector of the Great Brightness Sect, and he has now taken over the position of Dharma Protector. Releasing this kind of news is just to embarrass your Uncle Shi."

"Is Xu Zhaonan not dealing with this side?"

"Can't you understand after being in the city for these few days? Which of the five families of the Fairness Party is dealing with each other? And there are other reasons in the middle. Have you forgotten... where that kid came from..."

Yan Yunzhi thought about it and immediately understood: "He wants to... let this side... make an enemy of the Southwest..."

"If things get out of hand, you... the daughter-in-law of the Equality King being humiliated, how could this side not seek justice? And that kid from the Southwest, where is he any good? Li Yanfeng is known as the Monkey King, but he is actually very scheming, so he was able to establish that foundation in Tongshan. After the other party caused trouble in Tongshan, he threw the problem to his opponent. Now the one with a headache is either us or your Uncle Shi. We have seen his power."

Yan Yunzhi lowered her head and was silent for a moment before raising her head and saying, "In Tongshan, everything was said well... Now I just want to question him face to face and then kill him..."

The girl sitting here was thin, holding the sword in her hand, her eyes seemed to bleed. Yan Tiehe looked at her for a while, then reached out and patted her on the hand: "...You can't beat him. Endure it first, there will be a turning point in a few days." He said that he couldn't beat him, which meant that even he himself was not sure that he could beat that "Monkey King" Li Yanfeng.

The two then chatted for a while, and Yan Tiehe tried his best to comfort her, but ultimately it was not very effective. After he left, the lanterns under the eaves in the courtyard swayed gently in the night wind. Yan Yunzhi pressed the sword and sat at the stone table in the courtyard for a long time, sometimes thinking of the loathsome faces she had seen these days, and sometimes thinking of the little devil with high martial arts skills in Tongshan County... He said he would come to Jiangning... She wished she could find him now and kill him with one sword.

Time gradually passed midnight, and the noise in the distance turned to silence. Then, in a silence, someone came back here laughing and giggling, seemingly drunk, fighting and making noise along the way, and the atmosphere was quite lively.

Yan Yunzhi sat at the table and ignored them, thinking that these people would bypass the side of the yard, but unexpectedly they passed by the yard door while making a fuss. She turned her back, unwilling to look like she had seen them, and one latecomer after another passed through the door.

After a while, there were subtle footsteps coming in from the door.

When Yan Yunzhi turned her head to look, Shi Weiyang was carrying a lantern and had already walked close. He smelled of alcohol, but his words were quite polite and gentle: "Miss Yan, you haven't slept yet."

If things didn't change much, this would be her future husband. She bowed her head slightly and said, "Young Master Shi."

"I have been negligent in my greetings these past two days, it is really remiss."

"Young Master Shi has many things to do, originally there was no need..."

"That's not true." Shi Weiyang shook his head and smiled, "These past two days, rumors have been flying outside, so I had to... deal with it first, but... I should have thought that the most difficult thing to deal with when encountering such rumors is Miss Yan... It was my negligence, today... I came to apologize."

"No..." Yan Yunzhi shook her head, and for a moment her heart was warm and she couldn't speak. Shi Weiyang took a step forward and reached out to put his hand on her shoulder: "Sit down."

Yan Yunzhi took a step back and sat on the stone bench. Shi Weiyang also sat down next to her. At this time, she felt that the smell of alcohol was getting heavier, but his tone was still gentle: "I know Miss Yan's mood, in fact, there is no need to take this matter too much to heart. I have heard my father talk about the Yan family's character and temperament since I was a child, and I will definitely believe in Miss Yan's side... hic... I'm sorry..."

He comforted her with a few words, and Yan Yunzhi lowered her head and thanked him. He then said, "By the way, Miss Yan, have you gone out to play since you entered the city?"

"Alas, staying here all day will make you feel bored..."

Shi Weiyang's voice was warm and considerate, and the two said so for a while, and he said again: "Miss Yan, you study the sword, right? This sword looks really interesting, can you let me take a look?"

Yan Yunzhi nodded and handed the short sword over. Shi Weiyang reached out and held Yan Yunzhi's hand. Yan Yunzhi suddenly retracted her hand, and the short sword fell on the stone table with a clanging sound. Shi Weiyang was stunned, then smiled: "Miss Yan's sword is really interesting. I heard that the Yan family's swordsmanship is called..."

"Tan Gong Sword."

"Ah, that's right..."

Shi Weiyang played with the short sword for a while and said softly: "Actually, the Yan family's sister should also know that when my father comes, he will make the decision, make the decision... um..."

"As your brother... I have heard about the Yan family's sister killing the Jurchen dogs in the past, in fact... I have been looking forward to seeing you, a heroine..."

"In my heart... I am actually willing..."

In these heartwarming words, Yan Yunzhi lowered her head, her face was hot, but the smell of alcohol next to her was getting stronger and stronger. Shi Weiyang was talking and leaning over, he reached out and gently touched her chin, lifting Yan Yunzhi's face up.

"Yan family's sister... you are so beautiful..."

He said.

Yan Yunzhi stared at him, watching him about to kiss her lips. She pushed her hands forward, and her body suddenly窜towards the back.

"Uh..." Shi Weiyang was pushed back a little, a little surprised.

Yan Yunzhi stood there, her chest heaving: "Young Master Shi... no, you can't do this..."

"It doesn't matter..." Shi Weiyang stood up, he was breathing with his mouth open at this time, his eyes were a little excited, and he grabbed Yan Yunzhi's left hand with one hand, "Yan family's sister, I... I am sure it is you, we... we will be husband and wife sooner or later, I... I want you..."

His other hand embraced her, and Yan Yunzhi said, "No." and retreated towards the back, but Shi Weiyang's grip was extremely strong. Yan Yunzhi only felt a pain in her left wrist, and was pulled forward by him. She pushed his chest with her right hand, and her left wrist flipped, and she had already used the means to get rid of the restraint. At this time, Shi Weiyang was almost about to hug her, and felt her resistance, but smiled: "Hey, your martial arts, you can't escape..."

Both of them had years of martial arts experience. At this time, one wanted to hug and the other struggled, pulling back and forth in place. Shi Weiyang said, "Yan family's sister, I want you... I will marry you..." The smell of wine was about to print on Yan Yunzhi's face. Yan Yunzhi had only practiced swords for many years, and mostly practiced skillful strength. At this time, how could she avoid the full strength of this mature man? She struggled backwards with her feet, and pushed back with all her strength in her hands. Finally, the lips reached her eyes, and she screamed "Ah" and pulled out another short sword from behind.

With a swoosh, Yan Yunzhi took two steps back, shaking off Shi Weiyang. At this time, she held the sword in her right hand in front of her, and her left arm was behind her. It was the standard starting stance of Tan Gong Sword.

This Tan Gong Sword is said to be an assassination sword, but the sword intent in it imitates the knights in "Biographies of Assassins", with the essence of not bending but breaking and sacrificing oneself. Yan Yunzhi was just facing her future husband, so naturally she had no killing intent, but at this moment, the girl under the moonlight pursed her lips tightly, her eyes were cold, and her body stood upright, but she had already revealed a sharpness that was difficult for her to achieve in her usual practice.

Shi Weiyang's chest heaved. His martial arts were not low, but at this time, even though the alcohol helped his ferocity, he didn't dare to rush up directly for a while.

"You, you..."

"Don't come over..." Yan Yunzhi held the sword and retreated backwards.

A hint of ferocity flashed in Shi Weiyang's eyes. He walked towards the other party and reached out to pull open his clothes, revealing his chest: "Come on." He strode forward, "I want you today!"

"Get out!"

Yan Yunzhi screamed and waved her sword. After all, she still had reason in her mind. This sword only stabbed halfway and didn't dare to really stab the other party, but the sword light also flashed in front of Shi Weiyang's eyes. Shi Weiyang was striding away, and his head shook suddenly, also frightening him into a cold sweat. His right hand waved out violently.

With a "snap", it rang on Yan Yunzhi's face.

At this moment, both of them were stunned.

Yan Yunzhi's face was slapped to the side, and her hair covered her profile. She didn't react for a while. Shi Weiyang breathed heavily for a while, and looked at Yan Yunzhi fiercely. Then he was about to walk over: "Yan Yunzhi, if you don't follow me today, I will let your family get out of Jiangning..."

He only thought that Yan Yunzhi had been stunned, but the next moment, Yan Yunzhi's body changed, and the sword light in her hand stabbed forward with a swoosh. Shi Weiyang staggered back, only to see that the girl's body stood upright at this moment, holding the sword forward with her right hand, and her left hand behind her back. It was the standard starting stance of Tan Gong Sword.

This Tan Gong Sword is said to be an assassination sword, but the sword intent in it imitates the knights in "Biographies of Assassins", with the essence of not bending but breaking and sacrificing oneself. Yan Yunzhi was just facing her future husband, so naturally she had no killing intent, but at this moment, the girl under the moonlight pursed her lips tightly, her eyes were cold, and her body stood upright, but she had already revealed a sharpness that was difficult for her to achieve in her usual practice.

Shi Weiyang's chest heaved. His martial arts were not low, but at this time, even though the alcohol helped his ferocity, he didn't dare to rush up directly for a while.