Although they only brought Asi, a shadow operative, with them, as the leader of the Mingying, he was in constant contact with all agents and never missed a single piece of news. Naturally, what he reported was far more precise and reliable than the hearsay Yan Qiren and the others had gathered.
Xiao Yan blinked, staring blankly at this older brother he had always considered just a driver or attendant. He never expected him to be so concealed and capable, knowing so much. It was clear he handled their information network. Events had only unfolded for two days, yet he already knew such detailed information. They had been traveling together all this time, and Xiao Yan hadn’t seen him act at all—how could he know so precisely? Even the data seemed exact. Could it be that he was actually from Mufeng Tower? If so, it made more sense.
Excitement sparked in Xiao Yan’s eyes as he regarded Asi, curiosity evident as he spun his thoughts around, scheming silently.
Murong Qiufeng nodded. “In that case, let’s continue following our previous route. Once we receive the notice, we’ll head to the Martial Alliance to see what’s happening firsthand.”
Everyone nodded in agreement.
Still slightly uneasy, Murong Qiufeng glanced at Shangguan Ye and cautiously called out, “Ye—”
“No worries, I’ll go with you,” Shangguan Ye replied with a faint smile, though a flicker of cold light swirled in his eyes. Do not provoke me, I do not provoke; provoke me, and I’ll repay tenfold.
Since Mufeng Tower required no immediate attention, they didn’t linger. After a day of rest, they set off for their next destination—the origin of the calligraphy paper, Yan Yang City.
Yan Yang City wasn’t as prosperous as Li City, but its importance was undeniable. Numerous sects clustered around it, and the martial forces within the city were plentiful. It was one of the emperor’s most vexing territories. Apart from taxes and minor administrative duties, it was largely left to its own devices—seemingly orderly but subtly chaotic.
Every year, countless cases emerged from this city. By imperial decree, the court didn’t intervene in martial affairs. Even gang disputes or massacres were left untouched. The city had effectively become a martial world enclave, its lack of railways adding to the disorder.
The night was cold, a biting wind sweeping across the sandy ground. Flames leapt from a campfire, crackling and sending sparks into the night sky. Roasting game filled the air with an irresistible aroma.
Xiao Yan and Asi helped pitch tents before crowding around Yan Qiren. Xiao Yan leaned on Yan Qiren’s shoulder, his face filled with longing as he eyed the nearly cooked rabbit, reaching for a piece. Yan Qiren slapped his hand away. “Trying to roast your pig trotters with mine?”
Xiao Yan rolled his eyes. “You’re the pig trotters! I said not to overcook it, or it’ll get tough.”
Yan Qiren shook his head, a faint, almost imperceptible fondness flashing in his eyes, handing him the bamboo skewer. “Careful, it’s hot.”
Impatient, Xiao Yan tore off a large rabbit leg from the skewer and was about to offer it to Murong Qiufeng, only to see Xiao Wu shoot him a sharp, disapproving glance. Watching Xiao Wu meticulously remove bones from roasted game onto a jade plate made Xiao Yan twitch.
Across the fire, two others huddled under layered cloaks, studying something intently. He grimaced, deciding it was best not to disturb them. Frustrated, he bit into the rabbit leg himself, then cut off a tender piece for Yan Qiren.
Meanwhile, Asi was busy arranging the camp surroundings.
Shangguan Ye adjusted his cloak around Murong Qiufeng, shielding him from the cold wind. Noticing him mulling over the Yun Luo silk, he finally spoke, “If you can’t figure it out, don’t force it. Eat first.” He accepted the plate Xiao Wu offered.
Both left only one hand free. Murong Qiufeng, smelling the delicious food, felt hungry and set aside his thoughts. He picked up a piece with the skewer and fed it to Shangguan Ye, a smooth, habitual motion, speaking as he did, “This Yun Luo feels familiar, but I can’t place it. Could it relate to Tianyi Wufeng?”
Shangguan Ye savored the food, his gaze resting on the silk. “It’s no rare treasure. You might have seen someone wear it somewhere. As for Tianyi Wufeng, first we should find Yun Feiyang and see what he’s up to.”
Murong Qiufeng nodded. Shangguan Ye’s words made sense, so he set the silk aside and discussed the Martial Alliance with him instead.
Across the fire, Xiao Yan happily ate rabbit, eyeing the two mysterious figures with curiosity. He wondered if that was how brothers or best friends behaved—was their closeness that extreme? He had never experienced it with his own master. Perhaps his bond wasn’t strong enough yet.
He furtively glanced at Yan Qiren, who was tending the fire, adding branches carefully. The firelight lit his features, softening his stern expression and highlighting his handsome face. His eyes shone with intelligence and steadiness, his slender frame radiating the reliability of a mountain.
Xiao Yan recalled being brought to the Sword Sect at age seven, later joining Ling Pavilion. Yan Qiren had entered the sect two years before him, seven years his senior, always looking out for him. Amidst the chaos of childhood friends growing up, they had never truly separated. Xiao Yan thought their bond was strong—but seeing the closeness between Murong Qiufeng and Shangguan Ye, he felt a sudden unease. He had never imagined his master might one day leave him.
Perhaps lost in thought, Yan Qiren finally noticed him. “What’s wrong?”
“Master, will you ever leave me?” Xiao Yan asked awkwardly, speaking his straightforward heart.
Yan Qiren paused, a flicker of emotion passing through his eyes, though his expression remained calm. “Why do you ask all of a sudden?”
His voice was low, almost enchanting. Xiao Yan felt a shiver. “I don’t know… I just feel like you might leave me soon.” A pang of sadness struck him—he had thought their bond strong, yet compared to those two, it seemed distant.
Yan Qiren remained silent for a moment, gazing at Xiao Yan with an unreadable depth. Then he smiled faintly, ruffling Xiao Yan’s hair. “Fool, didn’t I say it before? As long as you need me by your side, I will never leave you.”
