Han Qingxiao wants to investigate the Phoenix Banquet. He orders the three to act separately and arrive at the Phoenix Banquet one after another to avoid drawing attention. Han Qingxiao says, "Precisely because of this, He Wentian has pushed all the wrongdoing onto the Flower Cage Sect. Brother Li ca to investigate to save his life."
Li Xian laughed and said, "Brother Han, you’re clever! With that said, we are excellent allies." Wang Long knew Li Xian was the Flower Thief, and said sharply, "You are the Flower Thief. Although we share the sa goal, forming an alliance with you is absolutely unacceptable. Brother Han, don’t you agree? Ao Shan sister, what about you? How can we associate with a Flower Thief?"
Li Xian looked at Han Qingxiao and suddenly burst into laughter. Li Xian said, "As the saying goes, you gain wisdom through experience. It seems Brother Wang has yet to learn from his mistakes."
Han Qingxiao nodded and said, "That’s reasonable." Wang Long, ready to scold, was taken aback by Han Qingxiao’s nod of approval, hesitated, and swallowed his words.
Lin Aoshan asked in confusion, "Li Xian, explain your words. I don’t like listening to riddles." Wang Long saw Lin Aoshan’s natural interaction with Li Xian, which made him even more perplexed.
Li Xian laughed and said, "Brother Wang Long, have you ever reflected on why you and your master and junior sister ended up in this situation? City Lord He’s reputation is good, yet you’ve been repeatedly humiliated but still believe him. My reputation is bad, but I’ve never disrespected you in the slightest, yet you resent wholly."
Wang Long was startled, his face paling, realizing the crucial matter here. Lin Aoshan nodded and said, "No wonder you all laughed. Oh dear, Xiao Long, why don’t you learn your lesson? You should rember this in the future." She often addressed Han Qingxiao as Xiao Han.
Wang Long hesitated for a mont, cupped his hands, and said, "Lesson learned!" He told Lin Aoshan, "Auntie, it’s strange that you call Xiao Long; it sounds like I’m your grandson."
Lin Aoshan put her hands on her hips and said, "Oh, you don’t want to be my grandson?!" Wang Long’s face turned beet red, mumbling for a long ti without uttering a word. Lin Aoshan waved her hand, saying, "Forget it, forget it. You want to be, but I don’t want you. Li Xian is the charming young man I admire."
Li Xian jested, "Please don’t, just stick with Wang Long. Brother Han will do too." Han Qingxiao laughed and said, "That’s nonsense. I’m older than Ao Shan. It’s completely reversed."
They joked for a while. Wang Long felt odd, frequently observing Lin Aoshan. He embarked on this event, facing nurous challenges. His master and junior sister’s lives were uncertain, and whereabouts unknown. His life was at risk when he encountered Lin Aoshan and Han Qingxiao, who saved him.
Lin Aoshan was cheerful and open, often making remarks like an elder scolding juniors, but was never overbearing. As interactions increased, Wang Long couldn’t help but feel drawn to her. Han Qingxiao, composed and wise, evoked his admiration.
He saw many fellow disciples of the Sword Sect conversing closely with City Lord He. Afraid to approach, he moved with Lin Aoshan and Han Qingxiao, noting that the two people he admired and respected interacted well with Li Xian. Gradually eliminating his misgivings, he took the initiative to cup his hands, saying, "Brother Li, my previous words were excessive. I hope Brother Li won’t take offense!"
Han Qingxiao and Lin Aoshan both looked at him with appreciation. Li Xian laughed heartily and said, "I’m not petty."
Han Qingxiao said, "To the east of Flying Dragon City lies the Snow Dragon Mountains, to the north is Dragon Roar Gorge, extrely perilous terrain with majestic landscapes, attracting scholars and poets. From high above, it resembles a snow-covered giant dragon, as if ready to soar across the gorge, presenting a spectacle of a dragon leaping through the air, akin to fish jumping through the dragon gate."
He took out a map detailing the city’s surroundings, broadly sketching the terrain. Han Qingxiao said, "As re city lord of Flying Dragon City, planning such machinations during chaotic tis and the Dynasty’s decline would be unthinkable without relying on sothing. City Lord He must have other support."
"A predecessor from the Star-picking Bureau ntioned that a great tomb might be hidden within this city. The northern Dragon Roar Gorge should be one of the entrances. I suspect City Lord He’s reliance lies within the tomb. By investigating thoroughly at this location, we can unveil City Lord He’s conspiracy. All actions taken... can help Li Xian escape his predicant. Additionally, we fulfill our duty to supervise."
Li Xian asked, "This matter is significant. Why doesn’t the Celestial Patrol Bureau dispatch more personnel?" Han Qingxiao said, "He Wentian is as cunning as a fox. No matter how many people are sent, they can’t outnumber his troops. We, however, co rely for inspection, not assassination. Naturally, it’s more discreet."
Li Xian said, "So it seems... this City Lord He must be even more scheming." Wang Long and Lin Aoshan, not as insightful, asked, "What do you an by that?"
Li Xian said, "If Brother Han’s words are correct, He Wentian’s plan should be beginning to show results, intricately linked. The Five Great Sword Sects have ford an alliance and co to Flying Dragon City. For He Wentian, it’s a major opportunity."
Wang Long asked, "Why do you say that?"
Li Xian speculated:
"Each of the Five Great Sword Sects has its own sect. Why travel far to Flying Dragon City to discuss alliance matters? The Five Great Sword Sects’ alliance treats all equally, with each sect having the sa status. Therefore, only by choosing a neutral location can the equal standing of each Sword Sect be emphasized."
"Although the Five Great Sword Sects share the sa roots and values, when discussing interests, disputes are sure to arise. Thus, after careful selection, Flying Dragon City and Jieyou Tower were chosen, with the intention of using a third party to diate smoothly. If there’s any conflict, having a respected figure step in can make a big difference."
Han Qingxiao nodded and said, "Indeed. The Martial Artists are driven by emotion, making simple matters complex. They often clash due to stubbornness without clarifying statents. Thus, misunderstandings and unpleasant matters frequently arise."
Li Xian said, "I suspect that He Wentian knew of this through Jing Chun Daoist’s discussions and secretly plotted, deeply and strategically."
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