Chapter 62: ◎The Young Master Shows Favoritism◎

Chapter 62: ◎The Young Master Shows Favoritism◎

At these words, everyone stopped in their tracks, and Luo Wanqing immediately turned around to see Xing Ling bursting in, covered in blood.

She scanned the crowd and said urgently, "Anyone who knows medicine would be best."

"How many?" Liu Jianye's expression turned cold, and Xing Ling shook her head. "Can't count them all, but there are at least a hundred skilled fighters."

Liu Jianye’s face darkened. After some thought, he surveyed the area and said, "All Si Shi present should follow Supervisor Xing Ling first. I will go to the Vermilion Bird Division for reinforcements!"

With that, Liu Jianye turned and left. Xing Ling raised her hand. "Let’s go."

With this command, Xing Ling rushed out, and all the supervisors followed immediately.

Luo Wanqing blended into the crowd. Although she didn’t know what was happening, she still followed Xing Ling as they raced eastward towards Lane Seven.

The main street appeared peaceful, with no sign of anything unusual. To avoid disturbing the citizens, the Supervision Division members traveled on rooftops. Dressed in black with golden crowns, they ran swiftly and soon arrived at Lane Seven.

From a distance, Luo Wanqing heard the sounds of battle but couldn’t see anyone until Xing Ling led them into a courtyard. There, Luo Wanqing saw the courtyard filled with people.

The Fang brothers were surrounded and fighting in the courtyard. Xing Ling leaped in, cutting down those in the yard as she asked, "Where is Supervisor Cui?"

"The basement!" Fang Yuan shouted. "No one who went down has returned!"

Hearing this, Xing Ling’s expression turned stern. She pointed toward the gate. "Charge in!"

As she led the charge, the enemy clearly sensed their intentions and surged forward, blocking all the arriving supervisors at the entrance.

"Break through!" Xing Ling roared. "Break through and get inside!"

"Hold them back! Hold them back at all costs!"

Both sides issued orders to fight to the death, and the two groups clashed.

Although the enemy was not as skilled as the Supervision Division, they made up for it in numbers. For a moment, they used sheer force of numbers to block the entrance, keeping all the supervisors outside.

Seeing this, Luo Wanqing thought for a moment before breaking away from the Supervision Division members and rushing toward a side window.

Once she was alone, a large group tried to block her. Luo Wanqing charged forward with her sword. Her swordsmanship was powerful, and in an instant, she cut across three people, splattering blood on herself. Before the others could react, Luo Wanqing had leaped through the window and rushed inside.

"Capture her!"

"Push through!"

The shouts behind her grew louder, but Luo Wanqing ignored them.

Alone in the room, she faced a crowd of bandits. She cut down one after another, pushing her way downstairs.

There were several levels below the building. Luo Wanqing jumped between staircases, using them to evade her pursuers. Her ability to break through was exceptional, and she quickly reached the ground floor, where several supervisor corpses lay. A sword wind attacked her from behind, but Luo Wanqing remained calm. She spun her sword around her body, creating a safe space, then grabbed someone by the neck and hurled them toward the front door!

The door burst open as someone crashed through it, and arrows flew out. Luo Wanqing was prepared. She grabbed another person and used them as a shield against the arrows, then rushed inside before the enemy could react. She stepped over the archer and leaped onto the high platform!

"Kill him!"

Someone shouted, and the man standing next to the torture rack immediately raised his hand to strike.

Luo Wanqing threw her sword, which pierced the executioner’s body. At the same time, she lunged at the one who had given the order.

Her change of direction was too fast. In an instant, she appeared in front of the one who had spoken. The guard barely managed to block her before Luo Wanqing snatched his sword, spun around, and grabbed the speaker, shouting, "Everyone stop!"

The entire room fell silent at her words.

Luo Wanqing glanced around. The supervisor on the torture rack was covered in blood and unconscious; this must be the "Supervisor Cui" Xing Ling had mentioned.

And the one she held captive seemed to be the leader here, based on his earlier commands.

Luo Wanqing held her captive close and approached the torture rack, warning everyone, "Don’t move, or I’ll kill him."

"This supervisor," the captive said calmly, "you can kill me today, but think carefully. If you kill me, you’ll have only one path ahead: death. My master will never forgive you!"

"Oh?" Luo Wanqing observed her surroundings, her tone dismissive. "Who is your master?"

"It’s naturally…"

Before he could finish, a loud explosion shook the entire house. It seemed someone had ignited a fire bomb.

In that instant, the captive she held suddenly struck. He pushed against her sword-wielding hand with one hand and stabbed at her with a dagger in the other!

Everyone around them surged forward, and Luo Wanqing raised her hand to block the dagger. She used the captive as a weapon, throwing him aside while simultaneously thrusting her sword backward to protect the supervisor. Then, she fought the enemy.

Xing Ling’s voice came from outside. "Supervisor Cui? Supervisor Liu?"

"Here!"

Luo Wanqing shouted, kicking aside those who charged at her. More explosions sounded, and the beams above creaked.

Luo Wanqing realized something was wrong. She quickly cut the ropes binding the supervisor and hoisted him onto her shoulder, fighting her way out as she carried him.

Carrying someone was much less agile than moving alone. Moreover, the supervisor on her shoulder was breathing abnormally, causing Luo Wanqing’s heart to sink. Fortunately, just as she emerged from the basement, she saw Xing Ling leap down from above.

Seeing her, Xing Ling hurried over and said coldly, "Come on, they’re upstairs."

With that, Xing Ling protected Luo Wanqing as they fought their way out.

By the time they reached the surface, the Supervision Division had already taken control of the first floor. Seeing the two, the Fang brothers immediately approached. Luo Wanqing said urgently, "Make way, hurry, he’s not doing well!"

Hearing Luo Wanqing’s words, everyone quickly made space. The others surrounded Luo Wanqing and her companions. Luo Wanqing laid the supervisor on the ground and said immediately, "Give him a Fragrant Concentration Pill."

The Nixiang Pills were life-saving medicines that every envoy of the Supervision Division carried with them. They were used to give someone a breath of air. As Luo Wanqing spoke, she pressed urgently on his chest.

Xingling fed the medicine to the person. Luo Wanqing watched the other's face. After a moment, the other suddenly exhaled and then began gasping for breath.

Luo Wanqing took a deep breath and selected some medicines from what she had brought, feeding them to the other. She started treating the other's wounds while asking, "Envoy Cui? How are you?"

The other couldn't speak but responded with their eyes.

Luo Wanqing felt relieved and then turned to look at Xingling who was chopping people. "Have reinforcements arrived? Prepare a stretcher. His wound is very dangerous, he can't be moved anymore."

"Almost."

Xingling calculated the time. "One moment."

Luo Wanqing understood and took out needles from her Qianji. Although they weren't silver needles, she didn't have time to worry about infection.

She inserted the needles into his arm to keep him alive and stayed by the envoy's side. If anyone tried to take advantage of the situation, she would strike them down.

The chaos lasted for less than a moment before reinforcements arrived.

As soon as the reinforcements from the Supervision Division arrived, they immediately suppressed the situation. Zhuque led his men into the room and shouted, "What happened?"

He then looked at the person beside Luo Wanqing and his expression changed slightly. He hurried forward. "Brother Ziran?"

He couldn't help calling out a title that exceeded his position and quickly added, "What happened? How are you?"

"Envoy Zhuque, he needs to be taken back on a stretcher," Luo Wanqing reminded Zhuque. "He has serious injuries and lost too much blood. The situation is very dangerous."

Hearing this, Zhuque immediately raised his hand and ordered his men to carry the envoy away on a stretcher. Then he glanced coldly around and instructed one of his subordinates, "Find out what happened here. I'll take him back for questioning."

Zhuque left some of his men behind to guard the area and then led everyone back.

Luo Wanqing followed the group back. This time, the Supervision Division had sent out so many people that they drew attention on the streets.

But Luo Wanqing had already gotten used to it over the past few days. As long as she wore the clothes of the Supervision Division, she would always attract attention. Besides, with so many people today, she didn't care.

She mixed in with the crowd and took out a square handkerchief to wipe the blood off her hands.

Fang Yuan squeezed over and asked curiously, "Envoy Liu, you can save people?"

"Mm."

Luo Wanqing wiped her hands clean and then lowered her voice to ask Fang Yuan, "Who did we save today? Why did even Envoy Zhuque get involved?"

"Envoy Cui Ziran, Fifth Rank," Fang Yuan whispered so only the two of them could hear. "He has been following the head of the division since the establishment of the Supervision Division. It's said that he was part of the old Cui clan, so there's an emotional connection there."

"The old Cui clan?"

Luo Wanqing was surprised. Could members of the old Cui clan appear openly in public?

She couldn't help lowering her voice. "Members of the old Cui clan... Is the court not worried?"

"How would I know?"

Fang Yuan shrugged. "Anyway, only the main branch of the Cui clan died back then. The guests were fine."

When Luo Wanqing heard this, she understood. Her father was still alive, so why couldn't Cui Ziran, who was just an old member, appear in the Supervision Division?

"What happened today?"

After finding out who they had saved, Luo Wanqing started to inquire about the situation today.

Ever since she joined the Supervision Division, everything had gone smoothly until she saw this scene for the first time.

"What case are you investigating that's so troublesome?" Luo Wanqing wondered.

At this question, Fang Yuan's expression darkened and he gritted his teeth. "It's those bastards from the Eastern Palace."

He waved his hand. "Forget it, let's not talk about it."

The group followed Zhuque back to the Supervision Division. When they reached the entrance, they saw Qingya standing there to greet them.

Seeing Zhuque return, Qingya smiled at everyone and raised his hand. "All the envoys have worked hard."

Qingya had the best temper among the Four Envoys, but everyone still didn't dare accept his greeting. They quickly returned the greeting respectfully. "Envoy Qinglong."

"Please go to the great hall. Envoy Xuanshan is waiting for you all."

Hearing this, everyone was a little unsure of what had happened, but they still followed Qingya and Zhuque to the great hall according to his instructions.

The great hall of the Supervision Division could accommodate hundreds of people at the same time. When Luo Wanqing entered, the room was almost full, leaving only a central aisle for passage.

At the top of the room was a high platform with a long table placed on it, but no one was there.

On either side of the long table, one step down, were four cushions. Xuanshan and Bai Li were already kneeling on the cushions. After Qingya and Zhuque entered and sat down, the room was closed.

"I have called everyone here to discuss a case."

When Xuanshan spoke, everyone became quiet.

Luo Wanqing stood blankly in the great hall and then heard Xuanshan say, "Just now, Envoy Cui Ziran was seriously injured."

Hearing this, everyone was shocked. Xuanshan continued, "This is the third envoy who has been involved in an incident this month. We were lucky this time, and there were no fatalities. The previous two envoys unfortunately died. These three envoys were originally in charge of the Eastern Palace case. There are currently no suitable candidates within the division to handle this case. Today, I have called everyone here to ask if any envoy present is willing to take on the case?"

When these words came out, everyone looked at each other, but no one stepped forward.

In less than half a month, three envoys had been involved in incidents. This was no longer an ordinary case. Everyone present valued their lives.

Luo Wanqing looked around and was about to speak when she heard Xuanshan say, "According to the rules of the division, if an envoy dies due to a case and the case remains unfinished, after being assessed by the Four Envoys and confirmed as an urgent case, the envoy taking over the case can be promoted based on the danger level of the case. For every envoy who dies, the rank is increased by one. Is there no one here willing to take on the case?"

"Starling Spirit wishes to take the case."

"Liu Xiniang wishes to take the case."

As soon as the words were spoken, Luo Wanqing and Starling Spirit spoke up at the same time.

Surprised that someone else had spoken up, Luo Wanqing looked over and saw Starling Spirit looking back at her through the crowd.

"Step forward."

Xuanshan spoke, and Luo Wanqing retracted her gaze, stepping out alongside Starling Spirit.

The aisle in the middle of the great hall was just wide enough for the two of them to stand side by side.

Xuanshan held pen and paper, glancing at the two of them before sweeping his eyes around the others. "Anyone else?"

No one nearby spoke up. Xuanshan waited for a moment, then looked at Luo Wanqing and Starling Spirit. After some thought, he said to everyone, "Go about your own business. These two Si Shi can stay behind."

As he spoke, the great doors opened, and hundreds of Si Shi filed out in an orderly fashion. Before long, only Luo Wanqing and Starling Spirit remained in the room.

The Four Envoys sat above. Xuanshan tapped the table and said slowly, "Si Shi Starling Spirit, you were working on a case with Si Shi Cui before?"

"Yes," Starling Spirit replied respectfully. "This case has gone through three Si Shi, and I have assisted each one."

"Quite experienced." Xuanshan pondered this, speaking casually. "But do you have the ability to protect yourself?"

"Yes."

"She's the strongest Si Shi in the Supervision Division these past two years," Zhuque added. "Invincible beneath the Four Envoys. If she can't protect herself, then we're the only ones left who can handle it."

"Such good abilities, yet you didn't protect your superior?" Qingya laughed when he heard this, his eyes flickering. "Or were you conveniently absent when they got into trouble?"

"Self-protection and protecting others are different things," Starling Spirit answered neither humbly nor arrogantly. "Please rest assured, Azure Dragon Envoy."

Luo Wanqing listened to their questioning, feeling slightly heavy-hearted. She knew that no matter the experience or status, Starling Spirit seemed more suitable than her.

However, this case today was her best—and possibly only—chance.

She lowered her head and thought, trying to discern the thoughts of the Four Envoys.

Starling Spirit was far more suitable than her, and there was no need to say anything about that.

But if they were only considering suitability, they wouldn't have asked them to stay behind. By keeping her here, there was still a chance.

Qingya's words earlier were her opportunity.

Three Si Shi had been assassinated, and Starling Spirit, the strongest Si Shi beneath the Four Envoys, had survived unscathed while her superiors were killed. This could be considered a coincidence.

But Starling Spirit came from the palace, and this coincidence, combined with her identity, made people wary.

The current purge of Li Shangwen's remaining Eastern Palace faction was intricately connected to the palace. Starling Spirit's origins in the palace were a major concern.

Starling Spirit had reasons for people to be wary, but if she wanted to take on this case, she needed to demonstrate a certain advantage to convince the Four Envoys.

After all, if they were only considering her background, such considerations couldn't be openly discussed. She needed to give the Four Envoys a way out, a reason that the other members of the Supervision Division would accept for giving her the case.

For this case, what mattered most was martial arts. If someone with low martial arts skills took charge of the case and was killed a few days later, it would be a waste. Therefore, the most direct way for her to take the case from Starling Spirit was to prove that she was stronger.

Stronger than her, with a cleaner background, and having rescued Cui Ziran today, her taking on the case would be more convincing.

Luo Wanqing thought through this in her mind, then heard Xuanshan ask, "Luo Wanqing, do you have any objections to giving this case to Starling Spirit?"

"Yes."

Luo Wanqing spoke decisively.

Starling Spirit turned to look at her and heard Luo Wanqing say seriously, "I believe that the most important thing for the person in charge of this case is not experience, but being able to survive. I boldly believe that I am more suitable for this position than Si Shi Starling Spirit."

"Do you think your martial arts are better than hers?" Zhuque laughed when he heard Luo Wanqing's words. "Do you know what she's capable of?"

Luo Wanqing wasn't too clear. She and Starling Spirit had only interacted during the days they were guarding Zhang Yiran. During those days, she had been watching the people in the palace, so she hadn't actually seen Starling Spirit fight. She had only heard Fang Yuan say that Starling Spirit was the strongest Si Shi beneath the Four Envoys.

"Si Shi Liu has such aspirations, which isn't bad," Qingya nodded, smiling at Xuanshan. "According to the rules of the division, disputes are settled on the sparring platform. Si Shi Liu's request is reasonable, right?"

Xuanshan didn't speak upon hearing this. He lightly tapped the table and finally looked at Starling Spirit, saying calmly, "Starling Spirit, what do you think?"

"I have no objections," Starling Spirit bowed in salute.

Zhuque clapped his hands, somewhat excited. "Then after dinner, prepare yourselves. You'll fight tonight, and I'll inform everyone to watch!"

"Zhuque," Bai Li said helplessly beside him. "Rein in your excitement."

Upon hearing this, Zhuque hurriedly sat up straight, putting on an adult-like demeanor.

Xuanshan thought for a moment and nodded. "Then go rest first. After dinner, meet at the sparring platform at the hour of Dog. Zhuque and I will witness your match."

Luo Wanqing and Starling Spirit both responded and then bowed and left.

The two walked out of the great hall together. Starling Spirit didn't say much to her, as cold and aloof as usual. She nodded at Luo Wanqing before turning to leave.

This was the first time Luo Wanqing observed her back so seriously.

She was a woman born in the northern lands, half a head taller than Luo Wanqing. Her features were clear and graceful, carrying the unique nobility of the palace. When she walked, her steps were steady and dignified, her gaze fixed straight ahead, and the distance between each step was equal, clearly the result of long-term training.

Her muscles were firm and powerful, and her breathing was calm and deep. Those hands that held a sword looked especially strong.

Since she started practicing martial arts, Luo Wanqing had engaged in solo battles very few times.

Fengyu Pavilion's Silver Serpent, Zhao Yuyan, and Dark Pavilion's Wang Yunzhi. The rest were mostly one-on-many or many-on-many battles. Her only somewhat instructional practice with Cui Heng didn't really count as a solo battle.

She couldn't gauge the exact difference between herself and Xingling, only vaguely knowing that the person before her was likely around the same level as Wang Yunzhi.

Not dwelling on it, she returned to meditate and rest since there was still some time before the match. As she rested, she heard footsteps outside. She looked up to see Bai Li standing at the door, smiling at her.

"Master?"

Luo Wanqing hurriedly got up to greet her. Bai Li came in and sat down with Luo Wanqing's support.

Ever since returning from Li Guiyu, her health hadn't been great. Now, she mostly handled trivial matters within the division.

Luo Wanqing poured her tea, knowing that Bai Li wouldn't visit without reason. She respectfully asked, "Is there something you need, Master?"

"You don't blame me for not speaking up for you today, do you?"

Bai Li held the teacup, smiling as she spoke.

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing quickly shook her head. "Master and I are too close. It wouldn't have been appropriate for you to speak up. You did the right thing."

"It's good that you understand. Although your martial arts are strong and you're smart, having participated in many important matters, no one in the division knows about them. You've been here for too short a time. If I had spoken up for you, others might not have been convinced."

Bai Li explained, and Luo Wanqing understood, remaining silent.

Bai Li took a sip of tea, then continued, "But since you call me Master, I must give you some advice."

"Please go ahead, Master."

"Whether your martial arts are higher or lower than Xingling's is hard to say, but there's one thing you must remember: The Nine-Curve Sword in her hand was crafted by a master. When she joined the Supervision Division, she won the top spot in the competition for two consecutive years. She requested it from Young Master, and it can cut through iron like mud, being unstoppable. You must not engage in a direct confrontation with her."

Upon hearing this reminder, Luo Wanqing nodded. Then, she became curious. "Can the winner of the Supervision Division's competition request anything from the Young Master?"

"Certainly." Bai Li nodded, then smiled. "However, if you defeat Xingling, it would be equivalent to winning the top spot in the division's competition. Perhaps Young Master will gift you a treasured sword then?"

"I'll do my best."

Luo Wanqing said it lightly, almost jokingly.

Bai Li looked at her, her gaze gentle. After thinking for a moment, she said, "Then rest well. I'll come watch tonight."

Luo Wanqing got up to see Bai Li off.

Once out of Luo Wanqing's courtyard, Bai Li returned to Xie Heng's residence.

Xie Heng sat in the long corridor, polishing a sword with a piece of silk. Bai Li bowed respectfully and said gently, "Young Master, the message has been delivered."

Xie Heng gave a low acknowledgment, then said, "Thank you, Aunt."

"Since you're so worried, why not gift her the sword in your hand?"

Bai Li glanced at the sword in Xie Heng's hand, somewhat curious. "The sword was sought after for her even before she joined the Supervision Division. Why not gift it to her now?"

"No reward without merit," Xie Heng said gently, stroking the blade in his hand. "In the Supervision Division, she is no different from Xingling."

"I haven't seen you forge a sword specifically for Xingling."

Bai Li knelt opposite Xie Heng, her tone laced with amusement.

Xie Heng remained expressionless, simply saying, "Someone else forged it for her."

"What if no one did?"

"I also forged a sword for Zhuque," Xie Heng reminded him. "For any promising seedlings in the Supervision Division, I always pay extra attention."

This left Bai Li speechless. After a moment, she could only remind him, "You personally engraved words on the sword using plum blossom clerical script."

His clerical script was inherited from his mother, Cui Muhua, rarely shown to others.

At this, Xie Heng paused slightly, then put away the sword, saying, "That was engraved by Cui Heng."

He looked at Bai Li and said calmly, "Her path in the Supervision Division is still long. Rushing her growth would not benefit her."

"I'm just concerned about you." Bai Li sighed, looking at Xie Heng with concern. "I don't know how much longer I can stay by your side."

Xie Heng didn't respond. After a while, he smiled. "Aunt, your death doesn't mean you're alone, and my life doesn't mean I'm alone either. Life and death are no different; there's no need to be afraid."

"That makes me even more scared."

Bai Li glared at him, then turned to look at the courtyard, murmuring, "It's still good to have someone around."

Xie Heng didn't reply, getting up to put the sword away in the house.

Luo Wanqing ate early in the afternoon. Approaching the hour of Dog, she went down the mountain to the martial arts arena.

When she arrived, many curious Si Shi were already waiting at the arena. Luo Wanqing walked over, and from afar, she saw Fang Yuan and others greeting her. "Si Shi Liu!"

Luo Wanqing looked up to see Fang Yuan smiling. "You must win today!"

Beside him, Fang Zhi gave him a cold glance but didn't say anything. Fang Shun raised his hand to salute Luo Wanqing.

Luo Wanqing smiled and waved, then climbed onto the arena. Behind her, Fang Yuan's voice rang out again, excitedly saying, "Si Shi Xingling! You must win today!"

Luo Wanqing looked back at Fang Yuan's bright smile, remaining silent.

Then Xingling stepped up. She nodded to Luo Wanqing, then sat down on one side to meditate.

The arena was shaped like a Tai Chi symbol. Xingling sat on the white star position, and Luo Wanqing thought for a moment before sitting on the black star position.

After a while, Zhuque and Xuanshan arrived at the arena. After they sat down, Zhuque exclaimed, "It's time! Get ready, let's fight! Whoever falls off the stage first loses."

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing opened her eyes and saw that Xingling had also opened hers.

She silently looked at her; the moment their eyes met, they both knew that the other was ready.

Xingling rose to her feet first, and Luo Wanqing stood up as well. After a moment, Xingling stood still and said coldly, "Let's begin."

Luo Wanqing didn't hold back. The instant Xingling spoke, she drew her blade and instantly appeared before Xingling, slashing down from high to low with a powerful strike!

Her initial slash showed no restraint, but Xingling didn't meet it head-on. She dodged to the side, and Luo Wanqing's second strike came in an instant, forcing her to raise her sword to block Luo Wanqing's blade.

Xingling's sword hadn't left its scabbard, and Luo Wanqing's strike cracked the scabbard. Her expression finally changed, and Luo Wanqing said coldly, "Draw your sword!"

The words had barely left her mouth when her third strike arrived.

Luo Wanqing's style of wielding a blade was characterized by broad, sweeping motions, each strike imbued with immense force, as if she were wielding mountains and seas, causing one's arms to tingle with the impact.

Typically, such powerful strikes required buildup, making them clumsy.

However, Luo Wanqing was different. She used speed to compensate for the delay caused by buildup, which meant that each of her strikes was both swift and powerful. Moreover, the faster she moved, the stronger the force of her strikes would become. This placed extremely high demands on the wielder's physical stamina and inner strength. Without sufficient energy, this style of fighting couldn't be sustained for long.

Luo Wanqing's nearly flawless blade work forced Xingling into retreat, but her sword remained sheathed. She simply observed Luo Wanqing.

Luo Wanqing knew that until Xingling drew her sword, the fight hadn't truly begun. Now, Xingling was trying to observe her style while also wearing down her stamina.

However, Luo Wanqing's use of the blade was always domineering and ruthless. If Xingling yielded, Luo Wanqing pressed forward relentlessly, without any hesitation.

In less than half a moment, she had forced Xingling to the edge of the platform. As her final strike was about to fall, a commotion erupted below. Xingling's expression finally changed, and just before Luo Wanqing's blade reached her, she forcefully held the blade with her scabbard. Under the pressure of Luo Wanqing's strike, she slowly drew the sword from its scabbard, inch by inch.

It was indeed a treasured sword. The moment it left its scabbard, a clear light shone, filling the hall with a chill.

Luo Wanqing increased her strength, attempting to force Xingling off the stage. Xingling sensed her intention and instantly unsheathed her longsword, swinging it downward!

Forced to dodge to the side, the force behind Luo Wanqing's blade pressing against Xingling's scabbard dissipated. Xingling kicked out, and Luo Wanqing leaped backward into the air, only to feel Xingling's longsword chasing after her.

Her sword moved like a serpent spitting out its tongue, so fast that it left no room for breath, swiftly pushing Luo Wanqing back to the center of the stage.

Luo Wanqing could no longer retreat, so she twisted her blade around the sword, but the moment they touched, she sensed something was wrong. She immediately poured her inner strength into the blade, barely managing to hold Xingling's sword at bay.

"My sword is named Nine-Curve," Xingling said coldly. "It was crafted by the renowned artisan Longxu Zi over the course of a year. It cuts through iron like mud and is indestructible. This sword was made for me, corresponding to the nine forms I've learned. How many forms can you withstand?"

Upon hearing this, Luo Wanqing sensed something amiss. Then, she saw Xingling suddenly retract her sword. Its tip thrust forward with great speed, striking toward her face.

The sword moved like a torrential rain, its sharpness fully unleashed.

The sounds of clashing blades echoed, like pearls falling onto a jade plate.

As the sword tip advanced rapidly, Luo Wanqing didn't retreat. She raised her blade, carrying the surging current down. A light "ding" sounded as the sword grazed the blade, emitting a soft hum and pointing directly at Luo Wanqing's throat.

The Nine-Curve sword was too sharp. The blade flattened, and Luo Wanqing's expression turned grim. She dodged to the side and then slashed toward Xingling's neck.

Xingling blocked with her sword and looked up coldly. "Your blade is too hard. Sometimes, you need to yield."

"My blade," Luo Wanqing maintained the integrity of the blade with her inner strength and gritted her teeth as she spoke, "only moves forward."

Upon hearing this, Xingling's expression turned colder. As if triggered, she suddenly raised her sword, her sword momentum surging as she swung it down fiercely!

"Then let's see."

From this moment on, her sword momentum no longer held back. It didn't resemble ordinary sword techniques but rather resembled blade techniques.

Horizontal slashes and vertical chops, both swift and powerful.

Luo Wanqing didn't show any fear and clashed with her again and again. Xingling had a sharp blade, so Luo Wanqing could only protect her blade with her inner strength. This meant that her consumption of inner strength far exceeded Xingling's.

Each clash between them was all-out, leaving those around them in shock and awe.

But soon, everyone realized that despite the significant difference in their weapons, Luo Wanqing was able to hold her own, indicating that her skill level was actually higher than Xingling's.

Xingling understood this as well. Winning wasn't enough; she needed a decisive victory to truly claim victory.

She didn't deliberately drag out the fight with Luo Wanqing. She struck down with her sword, heavily imbued with inner strength, and as it collided with Luo Wanqing's blade, she didn't withdraw her inner strength, pressing down inch by inch.

In no time, Luo Wanqing felt the strain. She watched as cracks appeared on her blade, spreading bit by bit. Moments later, the blade snapped, and Luo Wanqing hastily retreated. Xingling pursued relentlessly, grabbing Luo Wanqing by the collar and throwing her out violently!

The moment Luo Wanqing was thrown off the stage, she grabbed a stone pillar and pulled herself back. Xingling was already before her, striking toward Luo Wanqing's hand holding the stone pillar. Luo Wanqing quickly withdrew her hand, and the stone pillar shattered. Xingling pursued closely, and the sword wind grazed her cheek, leaving a bloody mark.

"Surrender."

Xingling spoke, but Luo Wanqing remained silent, her gaze cold.

With only half of her blade remaining, Luo Wanqing was at a disadvantage and dared not confront Xingling. However, she couldn't hide either. Those who wielded blades relied on the sharpness of moving forward. If she dodged, she would be inferior.

She could only use the remaining half of her blade to oppose Xingling. Xingling repeatedly tried to force her off the stage, but she always managed to survive in dire straits.

When she was kicked off, she adjusted her angle and collided with a stone pillar. When the stone pillar shattered, she clung to the stage and climbed back up.

Eventually, even Xingling became agitated. She struck blow after blow, urging Luo Wanqing, "Surrender!"

Luo Wanqing's expression remained unchanged, maintaining absolute calm.

No matter the pain or the intensity of the blows, nothing affected her.

She was waiting.

Her blade was inferior to Xingling's, so she was competing in terms of composure. She didn't believe Xingling was flawless, and she was waiting for an opportunity.

They dragged on for a long time, and as the hour approached, Xingling finally lost her patience. She built up her strength and struck toward Luo Wanqing with her sword. Luo Wanqing stood at the edge of the stage, waiting for her.

She knew that this was their final strike, and it was her last chance.

She focused on Xingling's movements. Every joint of her body seemed to be analyzed, and the future trajectory was discerned in her eyes.

She waited, and as Xingling swung her sword down, Wan Qing suddenly struck. She found the opening and lunged for Xingling's neck with one hand while using the other to grip her blade and block Xingling's strike.

The broken blade halted on Xingling's sword before shattering.

But in that moment, Luo Wanqing had already lunged forward. Taking advantage of the opening at Xingling's abdomen when she attacked with all her might, Luo Wanqing reached up and grabbed Xingling's neck. Just before Xingling's blade touched her, Luo Wanqing used all her strength to smash Xingling down hard from the stage!

Xingling crashed heavily into the ground, met with a chorus of gasps.

Dazed from the impact, Xingling still forced herself to stand, staring intently at Luo Wanqing.

Luo Wanqing stood above, her heart racing. In that instant, she had gambled.

She bet that she was faster than Xingling, that her inner energy and the broken blade could withstand Xingling's full-force attack.

If she had lost that bet, she would have been cut in half.

Fortunately, she won.

She had won.

Standing on the platform, her muscles quivered lightly as she caught her breath, locking eyes with the bleeding Xingling below.

After a moment, the doctor who had been prepared nearby finally reacted and rushed over to examine both of them.

Xuanshan exchanged glances with the surrounding Four Envoys, then rose to his feet and announced calmly, "This round goes to Liu Xiniang."

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing relaxed, allowing the doctor to help her sit beside Xingling for examination.

Xingling kept her head down, seemingly lost in thought.

Xuanshan descended and approached the two, looking seriously at Xingling. "Xingling, the case of the remnants of the Eastern Palace is assigned to Liu Xiniang, with you assisting her. Do you have any objections?"

At these words, Xingling pursed her lips tightly.

Luo Wanqing remained silent, watching as blood flowed from her arm to her fingertips, dripping down.

When she poured all her inner energy into the blade just now, the veins in her arm nearly couldn't bear it. She forcefully received Xingling's strike, causing her muscles to tear.

She was aware that Xingling would not readily accept this outcome, considering the brief period she had been present. Despite having triumphed over Xingling, it was only natural for her to feel discontent.

But she had won, and the case was hers.

Regardless of whether Xingling accepted it or not, this was her case now.

Luo Wanqing looked down at the blood on her fingertips, listening to the surrounding Si Shi murmur, their voices hinting at sympathy for Xingling.

Xingling didn't respond, and Xuanshan frowned, about to speak, when they heard Qingya's voice in the distance: "Envoy Xingling, Envoy Liu."

Hearing Qingya's voice, Luo Wanqing felt a sense of foreboding.

Everyone looked up to see the young man in a simple green robe, a red cord tied around his waist, smiling as he said, "Young Master requests your presence."

Upon hearing this, everyone was taken aback.

Luo Wanqing instinctively stood up, asking, "May I ask, Dragon Envoy, what does Young Master summon us for?"

"Young Master heard about the two of you fighting for the case today and deemed it inappropriate," Qingya explained without hiding anything. "The Eastern Palace case is significant and cannot be decided by mere strength. He wishes to invite both of you to discuss your approaches to the case."

Hearing this explanation, the Si Shi who had been sympathizing with Xingling fell silent.

This was clearly favoring Xingling.

Even though Luo Wanqing had won, there would be an additional test, focusing on the area where Xingling excelled – case-solving experience.

Luo Wanqing clenched her fists, reminding him, "But I won."

"Yes," Qingya replied gently but firmly, "but there will still be an additional test."

No one spoke. Zhuque couldn't help but interject, "But we agreed this afternoon..."

"According to Young Master," Qingya interrupted Zhuque, staring at Luo Wanqing, "please come up the mountain, both of you."

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing pursed her lips. Xingling stood up and whispered, "I'm sorry."

Then, she lifted her Nine-Curves Sword and walked past Luo Wanqing toward Qingya. "Please lead the way."

The surrounding Si Shi looked at Luo Wanqing with sympathetic gazes. She took a deep breath and finally stepped forward.

Following Qingya, the two walked out of the crowd, up the mountain path, and arrived together in front of Xie Heng's small cottage.

Xie Heng sat as usual on the long corridor in the courtyard. Luo Wanqing and Xingling entered together, kneeling to pay their respects. Xie Heng raised his gaze to look at the two envoys kneeling on the ground, both injured. His eyes swept lightly over them before he turned and walked into the house, saying, "Rise. Xingling, come in."

Xingling got up and stepped onto the long corridor, following Xie Heng inside.

Then she closed the door. Xie Heng's room seemed specially designed; even someone like her, skilled in martial arts, couldn't hear anything being said inside once the door was shut.

Once Xingling went inside and no one was around, Luo Wanqing let her emotions fully show. She couldn't help kicking a tree in the courtyard before forcing herself to stop thinking about it.

Xie Heng's decision to add another test clearly indicated that he wanted Xingling to take charge of the case. It seemed that Qingya was the one mainly concerned about Xingling, but Xie Heng trusted her greatly.

Not only did he trust her, but he also held her in high regard. A precious sword like the Nine-Curves Sword was gifted so casually.

With Xie Heng's support, it would be incredibly difficult for her to secure the case.

But she couldn't give up now. She needed to find a way.

Luo Wanqing sat on the steps, forcing herself to use reason to suppress her emotions as she thought about how to answer Xie Heng's questions later.

Xie Heng wanted them to demonstrate their investigative capabilities, but in terms of investigative thinking, she could never match Xiniang's maturity. So far, she had not independently completed any case. Even if she had participated in or even led major events such as escorting Qin Jue, destroying the Fengyu Pavilion, and even attempting to assassinate the Crown Prince, in fact, she had no experience when it came to handling these trivial cases.

If she merely thought about how to conduct an investigation, she couldn't win against Xiniang. This was her weakness to begin with.

To convince Xie Heng, she couldn't approach it from the angle of whether she could handle a case well, because in Xie Heng's mind, Xiniang was already more suitable than her. No matter what she said, it might not change Xie Heng's mind.

So, what she needed to do was prove whether she could satisfy Xie Heng.

Xie Heng was not just a simple official in charge of punishment.

Luo Wanqing analyzed that, regardless of whether it was allowing and even promoting the Crown Prince's assassination attempt at Fangfei Pavilion, having her push forward the Qin family case, or covering up her attempt to assassinate the Crown Prince, Xie Heng's purpose was very clear.

He wanted more power.

No matter what he intended to do, consolidating power was something he had to achieve.

In the case of the Eastern Palace, what could she do to help Xie Heng gain more power?

Luo Wanqing pondered this, starting to recall what connections there were between Xie Heng and the Eastern Palace in her previous life.

The first charge against Xie Heng's death was "attempting to assassinate the Crown Prince."

The second charge was...

"False accusations against the Eastern Palace's Six Armies."

This charge appeared in her mind, and Luo Wanqing suddenly realized what Xie Heng truly wanted in this case.

There were three armies in East Capital: Emperor Li Zong held the Northern Barracks' Four Armies, scions from various noble families controlled the Southern Barracks' Sixteen Guards, and the only ones left that could sway the situation in East Capital were the Eastern Palace's Six Armies.

Controlling the imperial city's army was crucial for certain moments in the future, and currently, the leaders of the Six Armies were all from the Wang family.

If they could use this case to remove these leaders from the Wang family, even if they didn't replace them with people loyal to Xie Heng, at least they wouldn't be from the Wang family.

In her dream, Xie Heng had not hesitated to frame the Eastern Palace's Six Armies to eliminate them.

In this life, he would certainly not let this opportunity pass.

Perhaps this was the true reason why Xie Heng placed so much importance on this case.

Having understood this, Luo Wanqing felt reassured.

At that moment, the sound of the door creaking open echoed, and Xiniang walked out of the room, turning her gaze to Luo Wanqing. Her tone was considerably gentler as she said, "Young Master has asked you to come in."

Luo Wanqing nodded upon hearing this, then stood up and passed by Xiniang, entering the room.

Xie Heng sat behind the desk in the room, dressed in black and white, wearing a string of Qianji beads on his hand. One hand rested on the table, and he was unconsciously tapping his index finger on the tabletop.

Luo Wanqing glanced at the Qianji on his hand, recalling how Cui Heng had placed the Qianji around her wrist.

Actually, the Qianji had many forms, but Cui Heng had initially taught her to disguise the Qianji as a bracelet, hairpin, or waist chain, and she had become accustomed to this form. But now, she realized that not many people used the Qianji in this way. More often, the Si Shi seemed to be accustomed to assembling the Qianji into a complete waist chain and wrapping it around their waists.

Xie Heng was one of the few people she had seen in the Supervision Division who disassembled the Qianji into a string of beads and wore it on his hand.

But this was irrelevant to her.

Thinking about the reason for her presence here, Luo Wanqing couldn't help feeling a bit vexed towards the person before her.

She didn't look at him for long, moving her gaze away and kneeling opposite Xie Heng, respectfully saying, "Young Master."

Xie Heng looked at her, his gaze pausing on the wound on her face. After a moment, he forced himself to turn away, speaking coldly, "Do you have to take this case?"

"Yes."

Hearing Xie Heng ask directly like this, she knew that the additional test was intentionally set by Xie Heng to make things difficult for her.

She pursed her lips tightly. "This is my best chance to be promoted to a Fifth Rank Si Shi within three months."

Upon hearing this, Xie Heng slowly raised his eyes.

He stared at Luo Wanqing and calmly said, "Liu Xiniang, haste makes waste."

"But if there's a path," Luo Wanqing raised her head, staring seriously at Xie Heng, "I will walk it."

Xie Heng remained silent. He looked at the bloodstain on her face and her eyes that resembled those washed by water. After a while, he turned away and tapped on the table, saying, "Speak. Tell me your thoughts. How do you plan to approach this case?"

"I haven't thought about where to start," Luo Wanqing spoke directly, candidly stating, "I haven't reviewed the case files, so I can't determine where to begin. But I know where the outcome should lie."

Xie Heng stopped tapping on the table and turned to look at Luo Wanqing, using his gaze to signal her to continue.

Luo Wanqing lowered her voice and said earnestly, "The Eastern Palace's Six Armies."

The two of them remained silent, quietly looking at each other, yet both understood each other's intentions.

The fastest way to build trust with someone was to conspire together on something unknown to others.

From the outside, it seemed that they sought justice in the case of the remaining members of the Eastern Palace.

However, for Xie Heng, the most important thing wasn't justice, but the position of the Eastern Palace's Six Armies under the guise of justice.

Luo Wanqing wasn't sure how far Xie Heng would go for this, waiting for Xie Heng to reveal his limits.

Xie Heng looked at her, seemingly contemplating.

After a long time, Xie Heng lowered his gaze and simply said, "Proceed according to the law."

"Of course." Luo Wanqing sighed in relief, understanding that Xie Heng had decided to entrust the case to her. She nodded and replied, "If they are indeed innocent, I couldn't force a crime upon them. To harm them like this would also..."

Luo Wanqing hesitated slightly but still spoke as if foretelling, looking at Xie Heng, "Harm Young Master."

Xie Heng didn't catch the undertone in her words. He composed himself and nodded indifferently, then turned to look out the window, saying faintly, "Go out."

Luo Wanqing understood that the case had fallen into her hands.

She bowed and withdrew, stepping outside the door, where she let out a deep sigh of relief.

Once she was far enough away, Xie Heng's gaze fell on the spot where she had been kneeling. He stared at the bloodstains on the ground, unable to look away for a long time.

---

In the mini-theater:

Xie Heng: "I won’t allow any other overachievers to answer questions for my wife!!! I'm so angry!!!"

---

In another mini-theater:

Luo Wanqing's past: A serene and gentle fairy.

Ever since she started having to submit daily reports and go to work every day—

Luo Wanqing's present: An icy, irritable office worker who's been killing fish at RT-Mart for ten years.

By the way, I usually don't mention minor edits that don't affect the plot. You can just read on without going back. But if you're curious, here are some updates:

1. At the end of Chapter 46: Two sentences were added to enrich Xie Heng's thoughts. When he recalled Luo Wanqing standing under a tree, his possessiveness and reliance on her surpassed what they once were.

2. In Chapter 47: The scene where Xie Heng forcefully kissed Luo Wanqing due to jealousy was added. Following this, he was moved by her views on love and began to seriously consider his own perspective on it, deciding not to rush things with Luo Wanqing and to restrain his possessiveness. This is why Luo Wanqing thought Cui Heng wasn't very serious about such matters.

3. In Chapter 49: After Luo Wanqing drunkenly kissed Xie Heng, his reaction was revised to be more assertive, with richer psychological descriptions. Because of her initiative, he felt favored by Luo Wanqing as Cui Heng, finding a reasonable excuse for "you initiated it first." He couldn't help but indulge himself in getting closer to Luo Wanqing.

4. In Chapter 56: Additional psychological descriptions were included when Luo Wanqing voluntarily offered to follow the Young Master down the path of a thousand cuts. This expressed Xie Heng's transition from possessiveness and desire to genuine affection for the heroine, accepting his feelings.

5. At the beginning of Chapter 57: More psychological descriptions were added to show his acceptance of his feelings for the heroine.

6. In Chapter 58: Li Guiyu's uncontrollable urge to find the heroine and his brief confrontation with Xie Heng in secret were added, advancing Li Guiyu's gradual acceptance of the heroine's role and his readiness to take significant actions.

These are the main changes made so far, all aimed at clarifying and enriching the emotional storyline, with minimal impact on subsequent reading. Feel free to check them out or skip them.