The same Mid-Autumn Festival.

West of Jiangning City, in a brightly lit palace called "New Tiger Palace."

Jiangning was where King Kang, Zhou Yong, had lived most of his life. After he became emperor, although he suffered the great catastrophe of being hunted down, and later fled overseas in fear, eventually dying at sea, the middle years of the Jianshuo Dynasty saw the Jiangnan region absorb the population of the Central Plains, making it prosperous. At the time, many boasted of this situation as a "revival" under the "laissez-faire" rule of Emperor Jianshuo. Thus, several palaces and gardens were built, enclosing land in Jiangning, his hometown.

This "New Tiger Palace" was one of them. It was originally called "Changyu Garden." After the Fairness Party entered Jiangning, it changed hands twice and fell into the possession of Xu Zhaonan, who renamed it and used it as a base for the "King Yama" forces.

At this moment, the main hall of the palace was resplendent and filled with prominent figures.

Sitting at the head of the hall was a massive figure, resembling an ancient Buddha. It was none other than Lin Zongwu, the "Number One Martial Artist in the World" and "Leader of the Great Brightness Sect," who had arrived in Jiangning a few days prior.

Seated to Lin Zongwu's left was a burly man in a blue robe. This man had a broad forehead, eyes like phoenixes, and a solemn demeanor that exuded an imposing aura. He was Xu Zhaonan, the "King Yama," who now controlled a region and was one of the five great kings of the Fairness Party, enjoying immense fame throughout Jiangnan.

Before rising in rebellion, Xu Zhaonan was a branch leader in the Great Brightness Sect. He used the sect's foundation to start his uprising, and his call to action was met with widespread support. By this point, the number of followers under the "King Yama" exceeded a million, and even his elite troops numbered in the hundreds of thousands. Structurally, his power had surpassed the loosely organized Great Brightness Sect. However, unlike the ruthless and treacherous "Descended Mysterious Maiden" in Jin, who deceived and betrayed her master, it was evident from the seating arrangement that this now powerful "King Yama" still maintained absolute respect for the former sect leader.

Corresponding to Xu Zhaonan on the left, on the right was "Mad Tiger" Wang Nanda, the vice leader of the Great Brightness Sect and Lin Zongwu's junior brother.

Wang Nanda made a name for himself in his youth with his martial arts skills. After the failure of Fang La's uprising, he returned with Lin Zongwu and Sikong Nan, and his hand skills could still contend with Chen Fan, one of the strongest of the younger generation at the time. However, he injured his arm in a strange battle in Wozhou a few years ago, and coupled with his advancing age, his actual skills were not what they once were.

However, in the world of martial arts, skill is not always the deciding factor. After Lin Zongwu became disillusioned with worldly affairs, Wang Nanda worked hard to support the various affairs of the Great Brightness Sect throughout the land. Although he lacked the ability to expand and advance, he ultimately waited for Xu Zhaonan to succeed in Jiangnan. His intermediate role earned him the respect of many, including Xu Zhaonan. Moreover, wherever Lin Zongwu arrived, no one dared to underestimate this aging tiger, even based on past friendships.

Below Wang Nanda were "Heavenly Saber" Tan Zheng, "Raven" Chen Juefang, "Martial Overlord" Gao Huiyun, "Monkey King" Li Yanfeng, "Fivefold Cleaver" Tang Qinghua, "Tuo River Hermit" Xu Longbiao... and many other masters, members of the Great Brightness Sect, and members of the "King Yama" faction of the Fairness Party, all lined up in the hall.

These individuals were either highly respected masters of their craft, renowned throughout the land, or young talents who had already achieved remarkable skills. Some controlled formidable forces, while others had proven their abilities on the battlefield. In the past, they were all arrogant and unwilling to submit to others. Only a small number of them had received guidance from the old sect leader, Lin Zongwu, in the past.

But this was the fourth day of Lin Zongwu's arrival in Jiangning. In the previous three days, he had commented on the skills of everyone present, engaging in brief exchanges. This display revealed the terrifying skill hidden beneath his massive form, shocking everyone present. Even Gao Huiyun, the "Martial Overlord," known for his mastery of all eighteen weapons and dedicated to military affairs, truly understood what it meant to be "an enemy of the state within arm's reach."

On this basis, coupled with the fact that everyone spoke of the Great Brightness Sect's contributions to resisting the Jin in Jin and the heroic sacrifices of countless followers under the leader's leadership, even the most arrogant individuals now acknowledged the legend of this holy leader's life and offered him their respect.

In fact, the Fairness Party now controlled a vast territory. King Yama Xu Zhaonan was originally handling matters near Taihu Lake and only rushed back to Jiangning after hearing the news of Lin Zongwu's arrival, entering the city this afternoon.

Upon meeting Lin Zongwu, this leader, who was now one of the most influential figures in the world, apologized for the delay and even knelt down to express his remorse. His respect pleased Lin Zongwu greatly. After a harmonious conversation, Xu Zhaonan immediately summoned all the important members of the King Yama faction in Jiangning. After this Mid-Autumn Festival audience, Lin Zongwu's position as a near "Supreme Emperor" of the King Yama faction was basically established.

The grand gathering began seriously, then gradually became harmonious. After the audience ended, Lin Zongwu and Xu Zhaonan went to the side hall at the back. The two of them set up a tea table in the courtyard of the side hall and talked privately for a long time.

After Xu Zhaonan bid farewell, Wang Nanda entered the side hall. The courtyard still had the tables, chairs, and tea that Lin Zongwu and Xu Zhaonan had used for their conversation. To the side was a raised platform. The palace wall facing the platform had collapsed. Walking up to the platform, through the broken wall, it had become a small terrace overlooking half of Jiangning. He saw his massive senior brother standing there with his hands behind his back, gazing at the bright moon and the city lights stretching forward, lost in thought.

"...Senior Brother."

Wang Nanda spoke and stood next to Lin Zongwu, looking with him at the lights in the city. He knew that Lin Zongwu and Xu Zhaonan should have had their first exchange, but he did not ask about the development of events or what Lin Zongwu's plans were at this time.

"Junior Brother." After a while, Lin Zongwu opened his mouth. "...Do you still remember Fang La?"

"...Of course I remember," Wang Nanda nodded.

Lin Zongwu stood there, looking ahead. After another period of silence, he said, "...Thirty years ago, he had extraordinary martial arts and unified the Holy Sect. After that, heroes gathered from all directions, dominating the world. Among those people, not to mention the brilliant Saber Tyrant Liu Dabiao, setting aside Fang Baihua, and not speaking of Shi Bao and Li Tianrun, just the brothers Fang La and Fang Qifo had the potential to be invincible in the world. I once said that one day, I would replace them."

Lin Zongwu's words were calm but slow, speaking to the last confidant in the world about those events of the past.

"Tell me, if we were to fight today, you and I, against the Fang La brothers, what would be the outcome?"

Wang Nanda thought about it. "Senior Brother's martial arts have improved over the years and are immeasurable. Whether Fang La or Fang Qifo returned, they would surely be defeated under Senior Brother's palm. However, if you and I were to fight them, I am afraid they would still win and I would lose... It is I, Junior Brother, who would hold you back."

Lin Zongwu turned his head to look at Wang Nanda, whose hair was as disheveled as a lion's mane, and shook his head with a smile. "We are old. Fang La and Fang Qifo both died in their prime. Neither of them lived to our age. In that case, you and I have won."

Wang Nanda frowned. "Senior Brother... What about Xu Zhaonan..."

"It has nothing to do with Xu Zhaonan. I was reminded of Zhou Tong."

In front of the small terrace was a broken palace wall. Through the gap in the wall, a bright moon fell from the vast sky. In front of the gap, the massive monk stood with his hands behind his back, looking up at the moon in the sky. He had spoken of Fang La earlier, but for some reason, he now thought of Zhou Tong. There was a slight hint of desolation in his tone.

Wang Nanda looked at this scene, and a complex feeling arose in his heart involuntarily. Suddenly, a popular poem from the martial arts world came to mind:

*Peach blossoms and spring breeze, a cup of wine; the martial world's night rain, a decade of lamps.*

More than ten years of lamps scattered. What their brothers were facing was just this broken city in front of them. They spoke of lofty positions, but who could know the regrets in their hearts.

...

"Xu Zhaonan is a good seedling, and I know why you called me south this time, Junior Brother."

The two looked at the scenery in front of them for a while. Lin Zongwu turned around with his hands behind his back and spoke slowly. Wang Nanda frowned. "Senior Brother..."

Lin Zongwu raised a hand, interrupting him.

"These days since arriving in Jiangning, Xu Zhaonan's two sons have been entertaining us from the beginning. It would be easy for me to take their lives. Little Xu's arrangements show sincerity. Today, he entered the city and knelt before me, regardless of his status. He has fulfilled his etiquette. Moreover, today is in his territory, and he invited me to sit in the seat of honor, taking a risk. As a junior, he has done all this, and we old ones should be sensible."

"Senior Brother, this is what he should do."

"The affairs of the world depend on who has the power. There is no such thing as what he is destined to do. But you are right, Junior Brother. If he wants the mantle of my Great Brightness Sect, these things are what he should do."

"Senior Brother..."

Lin Zongwu walked down. Wang Nanda followed behind. Now understanding what the other party meant, he wanted to refute, but the words stuck in his throat. In fact, although he had not thought much about it when he sought his senior brother's journey south, it was hard to say whether he had these thoughts deep down in his heart. But realizing it now, he only felt uncomfortable.

Lin Zongwu sat down at the tea table and pointed to the opposite seat. Wang Nanda walked over. "Senior Brother, I really... did not..."

"I know. You and I are brothers. There is no need to say so much. Actually, I am the one who thought of most of this."

He waved his hand, asking Wang Nanda to sit down opposite him. Then, he washed the teapot and teacups, stoked the charcoal fire. Wang Nanda also reached out to help, but his movements were clumsy, far from as relaxed as his Buddha-like senior brother.

"...In the 14th year of Jinghan, I heard that the imperial court dealt with the Right Minister and abolished the Secret Detection Agency. I led the team north and intercepted Qin Si Yuan at Zhuxian Town. He and his old wife committed suicide by taking poison, dismissive of me, who could take his life at any time."

"Scholars like the old dog Qin are arrogant and ignorant."

"He spoke of Zhou Tong." Lin Zongwu sighed slightly. "Zhou Tong's martial arts were hailed as the best in the world since he took over the Imperial Boxing Hall. In those years, many martial artists from the *jianghu* came to challenge him, and Zhou Tong received them all, indeed defeating all rivals in the world. You and I both know that Zhou Tong aspired to be a general in the military and lead troops to kill enemies throughout his life. But in the end, he only led a team of *jianghu* people to assassinate Nianhan in Xinzhou City..."

"He died because of this, and Qin Siyuan, who used to look down on *jianghu* people, admired him because of this. That old man... used these words to provoke me, although his intention was only to hurt people, the consistent thoughts of these people revealed in them were clear." Lin Zongwu smiled. "Tonight, I sat in that seat, looking at these people below... Junior Brother, we thought of becoming Fang La all our lives, but in the end, perhaps we can only be Zhou Tong. A mere martial artist, at most, sheds blood within ten steps..."

"I have only seen it clearly in recent years," Wang Nanda said. "Practicing martial arts is completely different from employing and governing people."

"Yes." Lin Zongwu fiddled with the teapot on the stove. "After the failure of resisting the Jin in Jin, I have been considering these things. This time I went south, you told me about Xu Zhaonan, and I was moved in my heart. *Jianghu* heroes grow old in the *jianghu*. You and I will eventually have a day to leave. The Great Brightness Sect has been in my hands for so many years, and apart from contributing to resisting the Jin, it has not achieved much... Of course, the specific plans depend on Xu Zhaonan's performance in this Jiangning Assembly. If he can handle it, then it's okay to give it to him."

Wang Nanda looked at the flames in the stove. "...Has Senior Brother considered Ping An?"

"Haha... Hahahaha." Speaking of Ping An, Lin Zongwu laughed. The laughter gradually grew louder. "Junior Brother, did you think that I originally intended to pass the Great Brightness Sect on to him?"

"...He is, after all, Senior Brother's closed-door disciple."

"Ping An will have his own path. He has to think for himself, to find it himself. My expectations for him are far more than just the Great Brightness Sect's bit of conservatism. If he is interested in the future, he can take it and play with it himself. If he is not interested, his eyes should be on freedom. He should do what we cannot do, either becoming a general or a minister..." Lin Zongwu said these words, his tone impassioned. At this time, he paused slightly, picked up the teacup to pour tea for the other party, and then poured some for himself. "...Or living a peaceful and joyful life."

After the words fell, both of them were silent for a moment. Then, Wang Nanda picked up the teacup, and Lin Zongwu also picked it up. After raising their glasses, they took a sip.

After a while, Wang Nanda said, "Has Xu Zhaonan revealed his bottom line to Senior Brother?"

Lin Zongwu nodded. "What Little Xu said... is very interesting."

"Is there anything I can know?"

"You and I are brothers. There is nothing to hide, but I am also thinking about all the key points in the middle." Lin Zongwu smiled. "These days entering the city, what I have heard the most is nothing more than the Gathering of Five Factions, or which family will take the lead in fighting Zhou Shang or Shibao Feng. Of course, the big picture is uncertain, but overall, it is still an opportunity for the Fairness Party to sort out its differences, clear out some scum, and then unite as one."

"That's what I think too," Wang Nanda nodded. Then, he smiled, "Although the hatred between people like 'Raven' and Zhou Shang is difficult to resolve, in the face of the big picture, these messy grudges will eventually have to be put aside."

"However, Little Xu talked to me about a possibility, although it may not happen, it is... quite sensational."

"..." Wang Nanda frowned, looking at him.

"Little Xu said... this time it is also possible that it will become He Wen's family against the other four families. At that time, it will really become a... big melee."

Wang Nanda thought for a moment, incredulous. "The four families... discussed cleaning up He Wen? Who really wants to be in power so much?"

"No."

Lin Zongwu shook his head.

"It is He Wen's family who wants to clean up the other four families, without negotiation, without leaving any room, to start a full-scale war."

"How is that possible." Wang Nanda lowered his voice. "Is He Wen crazy? Although he is the current Fairness King, and the Fairness Party's main lineage is on his side, now comparing territory and manpower, whether it's us here or Yanluo King Zhou Shang, we have already surpassed him. He is not enough to fight two, let alone four, that's just asking for death!"

"That's what I thought too." Lin Zongwu held the teacup, his eyes showing restraint, and doubts swirling in his eyes. "This time I came down, indeed, I am useful as a mere commoner. With my reputation, I may be able to gather more followers. With my martial arts, I can subdue the other arenas in Jiangning City. He borrows a knife to kill, but there are also upright ways to borrow a knife and ways to borrow a knife with ulterior motives..."

"If he is upright and tells me what he wants, and after I consider it and nod, that thing will naturally be his. But if he has ulterior motives, has greater ambitions but hides them, unwilling to be clear, then this trip to Jiangning... will not be so simple."

Lin Zongwu's words were calm and low. He had wandered through the world's malice for decades. Although he had no achievements in top-level political situations, he was not someone who could be easily deceived. The Jiangning Assembly had just begun, and all parties were wooing external assistance, forming alliances horizontally and vertically, with many variables, but even so, there were still some developments that seemed absurd at this time. And Xu Zhaonan's absurd speculation, although it had some foreshadowing and statements, contained more of what could not help but make people think deeply.

Wang Nanda was also thinking about this. He was silent for a moment, a fierce glint flashing in his eyes:

"I will inquire about it privately. If it proves that Little Xu's statement is just to trick you and me into assassinating He Wen so that he can go higher. Senior Brother, I will personally take action and clean up the house."

"There is still time. Let's see, when it really comes time to take action, there is no need for you to come, Junior Brother."

Lin Zongwu smiled slightly. "What's more, having ambition is not a bad thing. We came for his ambition in the first place. As long as this Jiangning Assembly goes smoothly, the Great Brightness Sect will always be his."

At this moment, the moonlight quietly illuminated the earth. In the city, the light of torches, the light of oil lamps, stretched out little by little. Figures gathered in the faint light or in the darkness, following their respective desires, leaving their respective traces, some like demons dancing wildly, and some shadowy and intriguing... There were too many desires here, and there were too many mysteries.

In the moonlight of the New Tiger Palace, Lin Zongwu and Wang Nanda stood up from the tea table and smiled slightly.

"In short, what we need to do next still needs to be done. Tomorrow morning, you and I will call Chen Juefang and go and step on Zhou Shang's Five Directions Arena, to see how many punches and kicks these people's arenas can withstand."

"With Senior Brother's出手, their arena will probably collapse." (*Shouchu* is kept in pinyin because it's a common martial arts term for taking action or making a move)

"Hehe, but today, what happened to the injuries on Chen Juefang's body? His *qinggong* is superb, but when I saw him today, it seemed like he had knife wounds all over his body..." (*Qinggong* is kept in pinyin because it's a common martial arts term for lightness skill)

The voices of the two slowly merged into the silver brilliance of the bright moon. At this moment, in the bustling Jiangning City, among the five great kings of the Fairness Party, only Xu Zhaonan had entered the city early because of Lin Zongwu's relationship.

The arrival of the "King Yama" stirred up the undercurrents in secret. Some of the "King Yama"'s subordinates learned of this matter and became even more arrogant. On the Undying Guard side, in order to capture the man and woman who had caused trouble last night and force Zhou Shang's people to hand over the rebellious Miao Zheng, after the night banquet in the New Tiger Palace, "Raven" Chen Juefang led people to sweep several of Zhou Shang's venues. You Hongzhuo walked in the shadows of the city, helplessly yet amusedly spying on everything that was happening...

The moonlight traveled across the sky. Outside the range of Jiangning City, the lights on the earth became increasingly scarce. At this moment, on the north bank of the Yangtze River, several miles away from Jiangning City, there was a two-story ship with dim lights floating on the water. From this position, one could faintly see the cluster of lights gathered in the distance of Jiangnan.

"Fairness King" He Wen was sitting in the cabin reading a book. At this time, someone had already told him the information about Xu Zhaonan entering Jiangning. Late at night, a small boat approached, and the guards on the boat came in and whispered the news that someone had come on board.

After a moment, a figure came in from the outside. This figure was covered in a black cloak and handed his long saber to the guard at the door. After coming in, facing the rising He Wen, he also gave a salute.

"Greetings, Fairness King."

"Master Qian, long time no see."

The hood of the cloak was lowered, and the person who appeared here was none other than "Feather Saber" Qian Luoning of the Tyrant Saber. In fact, the two had had dealings during the time of He Deng San County, so meeting at this time seemed natural.

"Coming from the southwest for thousands of miles, rushing day and night is not easy. Fortunately, I finally arrived." Qian Luoning looked at the Yangtze River and the night outside the ship, smiling slightly. "Fairness King has a good mood. I don't know if you are admiring the moon and thinking of someone, or looking at Jiangning, plotting great things?"

"To be honest, the Mid-Autumn Festival is a full moon. It's really touching to see things and think of people." He Wen was wearing a long shirt, his smile frank. "I tell Master Qian that my He family's ancestral home is Suzhou. My original wife, children, and parents all died in the tenth year of Jianshuo. I am alone now. Today, seeing the moon, I can't help but be saddened by the moon."

He Wen was a famous scholar-errant back then. His appearance was handsome and carried the scholarly air of a scholar. In Jishan in the past, he pointed out the country, inspired words, and had many debates with a group of young people in the Huaxia Army who had been influenced by new thinking, and he often convinced the other party in these debates.

Qian Luoning was the youngest of the Tyrant Saber Eight Heroes, even younger than Ning Yi and Xigua. He was intelligent, and his talent for saber techniques goes without saying. His acceptance of reading and new thinking was also much deeper than some of his brothers, so he was among those who debated with He Wen at the beginning.

Back then, when the two sides met, they inevitably refused to give in to each other because of their different positions, so Qian Luoning satirized him as to whether he was planning great things as soon as they met. This was both a friendly act and a bit of ease and casualness. However, He Wen's chivalrous spirit seemed to have completely disappeared. At this moment, he revealed more of the scholar's thinness and the thoroughness after seeing the world. In his smile, his calm and frank words spoke of his longing for his relatives, which made Qian Luoning stunned slightly.

He looked at He Wen. He Wen spread out his hands, indicating that he could sit down beside him. Qian Luoning hesitated for a moment, then sighed. "Why bother..."

"What does Brother Qian mean?"

Qian Luoning did not speak. He sat down on the chair next to him, watching He Wen sit down, pouring tea for him, and scanning the moonlight and Jiangning outside the window. "How did it become like this?"

"What does Brother Qian mean?" He Wen still said this sentence.

"Your Fairness Party," Qian Luoning said, "And this Jiangning."

He Wen finished pouring the tea and put the teapot aside. He was silent for a moment before he raised his head.

"What does Mr. Ning say?"

"He praised you."

Qian Luoning looked at him.

"Do you believe it?"