Under the ink-dark night sky, the Zuisheng Pavilion was ablaze with lights, the aroma of wine pervading the air. Yet, within a secluded and elegant private room of this bustling tavern, the atmosphere was solemn. Cheng Wuyue, Ye Nanqiao, and Chen Geng sat around a finely crafted octagonal table, enveloped in an almost tangible silence, broken occasionally by the whispers of the wind outside.

Cheng Wuyue, seated with a deep, contemplative expression, finally spoke after a long pause, "I've called you both here today for a candid disclosure. No more secrets. I am indeed the disciple of the old imperial physician, who miraculously escaped the purge in the case of the former governor. My master, after narrowly surviving, had been living in seclusion in Luoyang's Fuhua Temple, only to meet with an unforeseen tragedy this year. The shadows of the past still loom over us, unshaken."

Ye Nanqiao lifted her head slightly, her eyes flashing with surprise upon hearing this revelation. Even after reuniting with Cheng Wuyue, she had known about his formidable master but had never imagined such a connection. She couldn't understand why Cheng Wuyue had kept this from her despite their close relationship.

Sensing Ye Nanqiao's emotions, Cheng Wuyue turned to her, his lips pressed into a thin line, "I know you, as Lady Ye, were deeply implicated and unjustly imprisoned due to your association with the late Prince Rong. You too are a victim of the intrigue. I refrained from revealing this to you earlier to avoid putting you in danger."

"Why reveal it now, then?" Ye Nanqiao asked, puzzled.

Cheng Wuyue glanced at Chen Geng before continuing, "Today, I learned from Brother Wei that Lord Chen was transferred to Jiangnan City precisely because he probed into the case of the former governor. I've known Lord Chen for a while and am aware of his character. I deeply regret my previous offenses. Now that our goals align, it seems fitting to join forces for our common objective."

"Chen seeks only the truth. This arrangement suits me well," Chen Geng nodded slightly. "Brother Cheng, could you share what you've learned at the Wang residence today?"

"Wang's family has lost its heir and now his nephew as well. The Wang family is in dire straits, lacking a capable successor. Earlier, Wang proposed to adopt me as his son and entrust me with Xianzhi Hall..." Before Cheng Wuyue could respond, Ye Nanqiao, seemingly startled, interjected, nearly rising to her feet, "Has the great Wang family really fallen to such a state? Did you agree?"

Cheng Wuyue chuckled and shook his head, "Certainly not. I have little interest in business. My visit to Jiangnan was due to my master's dying words. He suspected the supplement regularly consumed by the former governor, known as 'Lei Gong Teng,' and only produced by Xianzhi Hall, might be connected to his sudden death."

Chen Geng lowered his voice involuntarily, "Did you find out anything today?"

"Wang revealed that 'Lei Gong Teng' doesn't exist. It's actually a highly toxic substance called 'Han Shen' from the Southern Kingdom. Han Shen is so potent that even a small amount can cause hallucinations and, if consumed long-term, lead to a slow death. It's a forbidden substance in the Daoyao Kingdom and difficult to cultivate, controlled solely by the Luosang family of the Southern Kingdom. Xianzhi Hall was involved in smuggling a batch, but the buyer's identity was unknown. They renamed it 'Lei Gong Teng' to facilitate legal distribution," Cheng Wuyue explained with a renewed gravity, "But I learned that after the purchase, the substance never made it to the market. It seems the buyer had significant influence, solely procuring it to trap the former governor."

"So we've reached another dead end. Locating the buyer seems like finding a needle in a haystack," Ye Nanqiao shook her head, aware of the difficulty, yet not entirely hopeless, "But perhaps the Luosang family from the Southern Kingdom could provide a lead."

Chen Geng sighed, "I know of the Luosang family, a major household in the Southern Kingdom. But the journey there is long and arduous, and the region is currently unstable. We must plan carefully for the long term."

Ye Nanqiao dismissed the concern with a wave, "No matter. Sister Mu has extensive experience, having spent years in the Southern Kingdom. I'll consult her first."

Mentioning this suddenly appeared woman, Cheng Wuyue couldn't help but feel distrustful, instinctively cautioning, "This matter is crucial. Can she be trusted?"

"I've had Uncle Xu thoroughly investigate her. She indeed is a disciple of Li Shande, with no false identity or other doubts," Ye Nanqiao shrugged, confident in Uncle Xu's capabilities, "You know Uncle Xu's methods. She shouldn't pose a problem."

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

Chen Geng raised an eyebrow nonchalantly but remained silent.

As the Lantern Festival filled Jiangnan City with merriment and the river was adorned with colorful lantern-lit boats carrying musicians playing zithers and flutes, the melodies wafting with the breeze, the Southern Kingdom, a thousand miles away, was suffering a century's worst drought. The ongoing strife had drained its wealth, leaving countless dead from famine. With an influx of refugees heading towards Daoyao Kingdom, none dared to interfere due to the unclear stance of the royal court, leading these people to gradually enter the boundaries of Jiangnan City...

In the early days of spring, when warmth still battled with the chill, an unexpected snow began to fall from the sky. A caravan of refugees from the Southern Kingdom trudged along the lengthy road. It was a grueling journey, especially for those accustomed to the warm climate of the south, now grappling with the unending torment of the cold and damp weather.

The sky was overcast, and fine snowflakes fluttered down, filling the air with a cold dampness. These refugees, fleeing from calamity in the Southern Kingdom, were a pitiable sight. The elderly bent over with age, children pale-faced and curled up in their tattered clothes, shivering incessantly. Even in spring, the weather was as biting as the deep winter for those scantily clad and famished.

"Brother, how much longer until we arrive?" An elderly woman, no longer able to bear the hardship, clutching a wailing infant, approached the man leading the group. He was a delicate-looking scholar, slender and elegant, his blue robe soaked by the wind and snow.

"We're close, very close," Xiang Tian Ge reassured, peering into the dense mist ahead, though it was unclear whether he was convincing his companions or himself.

Once a nobleman of the Southern Kingdom, Xiang Tian Ge had lost everything in the century's worst drought, now leading a group of vulnerable women, children, and the elderly to seek refuge in a distant land.

As the cold wind howled, threatening to engulf the weary travelers, the children's cries and the elderly's coughs echoed mournfully in the wind. Xiang Tian Ge, head bowed in silence, marched steadily forward, his lone figure stark against the snowy backdrop.

Suddenly, eerie howls pierced the night, halting the group in its tracks. Xiang Tian Ge turned back, spotting several wolves lurking in the shadows, their piercing eyes seemingly able to penetrate everything.

"Stay calm, everyone. Stand close together," Xiang Tian Ge's voice, though weak, carried an undeniable firmness.

But what could these defenseless souls do against wild beasts? As the wolves closed in, panic took hold, with people breaking down in tears. The cries of terror rippled through the crowd.

Xiang Tian Ge, witnessing his long journey north being thwarted by a pack of wolves, felt a surge of anger and brandished his staff furiously.

"Fear not, for I shall assist you," a deep voice suddenly emanated from behind. Turning, Xiang Tian Ge saw a tall, well-defined monk. Clad in a simple gray robe, rough in texture but exuding a solemn dignity on him.

Bing Chen's voice, deep and tranquil, seemed to dispel all fear. A glimmer of hope reignited in Xiang Tian Ge's eyes, "Thank you, master. What should we do?"

"Come closer," Bing Chen gestured for everyone to huddle together, back-to-back in a circle, forming a defensive formation against the wolves. As the wolves drew nearer, Bing Chen ignited his wooden staff, creating a dance of shadows, as if performing a profound martial art. His strikes were swift and precise, targeting the vital points but without excessive violence. His robe fluttered with his movements, as if ready to drift away with the wind.

The fierce battle with the wolves under the dark night sky eventually led to their retreat. The howls faded into the night, leaving behind a deathly silence. The refugees, their nerves finally eased, looked at the monk with eyes filled with reverence and gratitude.

Standing aside, Xiang Tian Ge had witnessed this scene and felt a deep respect welling up inside him. He knew that without the monk's timely intervention, they might have met a dire fate. Now more than ever, he was determined to journey alongside him.

"May I know the master's name?" Xiang Tian Ge inquired.

"I am Bing Chen," the monk replied, putting away his staff and bowing to the group.

"We come from the Southern Kingdom, seeking refuge in Daoyao to escape the disaster. After months of relentless travel, we've been turned away from city after city, forcing us northward. With the harsh weather, our survival is uncertain. We're grateful for your help, master. Would you be willing to accompany us?" Xiang Tian Ge asked earnestly, bowing deeply to Bing Chen.

Bing Chen, who had been wandering the world alone since the desolation of Fuhua Temple, was unaccustomed to traveling with others. Yet, seeing the plight of the weak and elderly, he paused to ponder and then slowly nodded, "As a monk who roams the world, it is my duty to assist those with whom fate has brought me together."

With Bing Chen's agreement, Xiang Tian Ge breathed a sigh of relief and beckoned the group to continue onward.

In the deepening night, they could not afford to linger. The darkness grew denser as Xiang Tian Ge and Bing Chen led the fatigued refugees through the challenging terrain. Bing Chen's presence seemed to infuse a warm strength into the chilly night air.