Time was already summer, the fourth month of the lunar calendar. Yet Qingmu Stronghold seemed to have just experienced the first peal of spring thunder after the Awakening of Insects. Those who had been quietly lurking in the shadows were now beginning to stir and cautiously poke their heads out. Search: \(¨Complete¨ Book¨ Divine¨ Site¨) to read high-quality literature for free.

As evening descended, a restless atmosphere enveloped the valley, already under pressure and like a stuffy pot. As the lights gradually came on, the summer air seemed to become even more pronounced. The people of every household came out, gazing at the higher reaches of the mountains from the edge of the valley and the roadside, discussing loudly or whispering to each other, paying attention to the events of the past few days. Qingmu Stronghold members on patrol were occasionally stopped and asked about the current situation, and the patrolmen would loudly reassure them.

Like Luan Sanlang and others, as people of the Lvliang Mountains, they mostly held a mixture of contempt and fear for outsiders. In recent days, the atmosphere in Qingmu Stronghold had gradually become tense. The gathering of a large number of outsiders, coupled with the attention of other mountain strongholds, had been felt by most of those who could survive here, and there were even secret cases of temporarily transferring family members away. Especially recently, the trend of secret gatherings by figures like King Luan Shan and Black Skull King had become more and more obvious. This afternoon, Lin Zongwu's arrival had only added to the confusion.

The Wu Dynasty had quelled Fang La's uprising, but its control over the development of religion, though regulated, was generally relaxed. The Great Brightness Sect had developed from the foundations of Manichaeism. Although the elite forces in the south had been lost in Fang La's uprising, some had been preserved in the north. In the Lvliang Mountains, there were rumors of the Great Brightness Sect providing medical treatment and medicine. In short, it was understood to be a very powerful sect. The sect leader himself had come, and whether he was good or evil was difficult to tell, but it represented the strong intervention of the most powerful part of the people outside the mountains in Lvliang, which was true.

No matter how fierce or evil the Lvliang people were, they were just a small Lvliang Mountain in the world. They could withstand a prefecture or county, but how could they withstand such a behemoth that stretched across several routes of the Wu Dynasty? And the other party, with such unparalleled skill, claimed to be paying a visit to the Blood Bodhisattva, which probably meant they were looking for trouble…

The ordinary residents of the mountains were wondering about this, probing for information about the movements on the mountain through their connections. However, on this night, there was no situation of fists and swords flying all over the place above the mountainside of Qingmu Stronghold. At least on the surface, the business currently run by Qingmu Stronghold was no longer on a scale that could be resolved by someone coming to the mountain to pay a visit and the stronghold leader exchanging a few blows to test each other's strength. And the arrival of the Great Brightness Sect leader was, on the surface, for the purpose of preaching, doing good, giving medical treatment and medicine, and sending warmth to the countryside.

In essence, Lin Echan, who had come to Lvliang, would not want to run up the mountain to find someone to exchange blows and then go down. And on the Qingmu Stronghold side, they absolutely did not want to see the other party come up the mountain and be forced to respond. Who knew if he had been conserving his energy before coming? On their own territory, they did not mind waiting a while and delaying for more time. Therefore, the reception of Lin Zongwu this afternoon was actually led by Liang Bingfu after learning of the situation.

By night, in the courtyard below where the guests were settled, groups of people were coming and going frequently, contacting each other privately, and beginning to make final efforts to win over and negotiate. If there were still changes in the situation, everyone would hope that their side could still gain benefits. Lou Shuwan was active among them, along with Yu Yulin and others, visiting each household. He Shuyuan was also doing the same, but when he saw Ning Yi, he was busy cupping his hands and smiling.

"Brother Ning." He wore a pleading expression. "Let me explain first, lest Brother Ning misunderstand. I had no knowledge of Master Lin's coming to Lvliang beforehand. Master Lin is giving medical treatment and medicine everywhere, running around for the people, thinking of the common people. If there are any changes to the affairs in Qingmu Stronghold, Brother Ning must bear with it..."

"Not at all, not at all, I naturally understand," Ning Yi replied with a smile.

Back in the small courtyard room, under the lamplight, elm cannons, crossbows, and other items were being maintained and checked. On the table in the room was a topographic map of the area above Qingmu Stronghold…

Over there, He Shuyuan was also running around excitedly. He originally had a large and powerful family and thought that this business was a sure thing, so he disdained to do more business with these people, but now it was different. This young man, called a heart demon, was blocking the way, so he had to unite all the forces that could be mobilized, with Lin Zongwu, the grandmaster who had come this time and could shake Lvliang, as the center, leveraging all the forces that wanted changes in Qingmu Stronghold, and giving the other party the greatest blow.

Soon after, he also found Lou Shuwan, Yu Yulin, and others, and the two sides discussed countermeasures enthusiastically.

In the back mountain of Qingmu Stronghold, torches were burning, illuminating the figures gathered in the room. These people, led by the Third Stronghold Leader of Qingmu, Cao Qianyong, and the Fifth Stronghold Leader, Han Jing, were discussing matters with solemn expressions. In the open space outside the room, teams and rows of black shadows stood silently, extending into the darkness, waiting for orders and mobilization. Above the night sky, there was no moon, and the stars filled the sky.

Luan Sanlang led his troops running in the mountains and fields, the sound of horses' hooves churning in the night. Forty-five miles from the outer edge of Qingmu Stronghold, stepping onto the mountain ridge ahead, in the hunting wind, he saw the light of torches spreading ahead, which was the long marching formation in the valley. Black Skull King pulled on the reins, and the horse neighed, the skull prayer beads made of steel raised in the air.

This late at night, several Lvliang bandits were approaching Qingmu Stronghold, meeting up more than ten miles outside the stronghold. And in all directions, countless individual households and leaders of small strongholds were awakened by this atmosphere and gathered here.

A little past the courtyard where Liang Bingfu lived, was a quiet row of old houses. A basin of hot water was placed in front of the steps, and a woman sat there, taking off her shoes and socks and putting her feet into the basin of water. She leaned back slightly, looking at the starry night sky, humming a little tune comfortably. Ning Yi came up from the other side of the mountain road.

He also took off his shoes and socks and sat down with her. Before long, he also began to hum a monotonous tune that was out of tune. The two of them hummed and looked at the stars under the eaves.

On the mountainside, Lin Zongwu was in his room, listening to people recounting the details of various transactions…

This night slowly arrived at dawn. The next day, in the outer market of Qingmu, some people who had smelled the murderous atmosphere began to pack up their things and flee. Some fled into Qingmu Stronghold, but half of those who had nowhere to go were still watching in the market – if Luan Sanlang and others had already forced their way over, then there was probably no truly safe route near Qingmu Stronghold.

Only in the courtyard on the mountainside, did the people who had been contacting each other all night begin to stroll and chat slowly, or learn some exercises from the people of Bamboo Journal. The events and discussions of last night seemed to have been left behind, with only the light of tacit understanding flickering in each other's eyes.

Lou Shuwan did not fall asleep until dawn. After only sleeping for an hour, she got up again, put on a cloak, and left the mountain early with her entourage, leaving the stronghold. When the sun was high in the sky in the morning, she returned again, ate a simple breakfast, and strolled around the Bamboo Journal's courtyard, but did not see Ning Yi.

Soon, she went to the place where the Great Brightness Sect members were. Many people were gathered in the courtyard at this time, listening to the Grandmaster, whose figure was like a Maitreya Buddha, giving a lecture. Lou Shuwan also went in to listen. The teachings of the Great Brightness Sect were nothing unorthodox, and were nothing more than guiding people to do good and eliminate evil. Lou Shuwan recalled listening to monks lecturing in Hangzhou, and it was the same flavor, but those years, she could never go back… After this sect leader finished speaking, he also met with her privately, but did not talk about business or transactions.

"Miss Lou has a clear mind, sees through people's hearts, and is a person with wisdom. It's just that sometimes you use your mind too much, which may cause some damage to your body. In this seat's opinion, Miss Lou's headaches, tossing and turning at night, and frequent nightmares, have probably been going on for some time. Therefore, I just want to remind Miss Lou to pay more attention to taking care of yourself."

In the deep voice, she saw the large fat man walk towards her, naturally grasp one of her hands, squeeze it, and then let go. Then, a heat current seemed to surge up from the Laogong acupoint on her hand, one rushing to her forehead and one rushing to her chest. After a moment of dizziness, she felt much lighter all over.

"In this world, it is inevitable that there will be obsessions. Sometimes we live by them, and sometimes we are troubled by them. I see that Miss Lou's eyes are also deeply obsessed, and in the long run, it will inevitably hurt your spirit. Here is a prescription that can slightly alleviate the suffering of mental fatigue. I will write it down, and Miss Lou can take it and use it."

Lou Shuwan was still stunned. Lin Zongwu had already walked to the table, wrote a prescription, and handed it to her. Lou Shuwan took it, staring blankly at it for a few glances. Seeing that this grandmaster-level expert seemed unwilling to pay attention to her anymore, she thanked him, bid farewell, and turned around, but stopped after a moment: "Wouldn't you all advise people to let go?"

Lin Zongwu was silent for a moment in the back. Lou Shuwan was about to leave again when he finally spoke: "In this world, one advances and one retreats. Letting go is certainly easy, and everyone knows this principle. I know it, and Miss Lou knows it in her heart. Knowing it, can you let go?"

"..." Lou Shuwan did not speak.

"Since you can't let go, why should I advise you? If Miss Lou can let go one day, it will be a kind of happiness, but if you can't retreat, why not move forward? Buddhism teaches people to let go, but my Great Brightness Sect only teaches people to do good and eliminate evil. If there is no evil in the world, how can you know the value of good? If there is no suffering in life, how can you recognize the pleasure of sweetness?"

Lou Shuwan left the room with the prescription in her hand, Lin Zongwu's voice still echoing in her ears. The first half of his words seemed like concern for believers or patients, and the second half was more like candor to business partners, without any airs. Lou Shuwan did not understand martial arts, but she thought, this is the real grandmaster.

What kind of grandmaster is busy getting married? That's just a female bandit…

She was thinking about this in the cracks of the tense atmosphere on this mountain. Soon, someone from Qingmu Stronghold sent an invitation, the stronghold leader was holding a banquet in the hall on the mountain tonight to entertain the Great Brightness Sect leader and friends from afar. Lou Shuwan thanked them and accepted the invitation.

Then, after noon, a team approached Qingmu Stronghold. Several representatives selected by "King Luan Shan," "Black Skull King," and the Fang Yiyang brothers came from outside with their entourages to visit the "Great Brightness Sect leader" from afar and listen to his teachings. At the same time, representatives of "Lvliang Mountain Affairs" also came to visit and ask for advice from the Blood Bodhisattva.

The sunlight in the sky seemed to be turning pale white. Outside Qingmu Stronghold, a mighty lineup of more than five thousand people was encircling this side. Inside Qingmu Stronghold, including the entourage brought by He Shuyuan, the elite under Tian Hu, the soldiers of the Wu Sheng Army who came with Vice General Xiao Cheng, the people brought by Dong Pang'er's envoy, and the representatives of some other small forces with their entourages, in total, there were nearly a thousand elites, like bombs with undetermined positions, restless in silence.

Qingmu Stronghold in the valley was tolerating all the trivial commotions in such tension. As the sun set, Lou Shuwan walked out of the room, feeling the mountain breeze in the evening. All the pieces that should have been placed had been placed.

She and Yu Yulin and others walked towards the Qingmu Stronghold Assembly Hall on the mountainside, where the lights had already been lit.

In the mountains, Tian Shi flew across the steep mountain wall and fell towards the road below. The noise attracted the attention of nearby Qingmu Stronghold soldiers, but Tian Shi first cupped his fists and bowed: "Miss Lu, I have something to say!"

Ahead were houses, open space, and a small platform suspended on the mountainside facing the bottom of the valley. On the slightly protruding edge of the platform, Lu Hongti, dressed in black, was standing there, looking towards the valley, the mountain wind blowing her clothes and hair.

"Great Brightness Sect leader Lin Zongwu has profound skills and has reached the state of transformation. Although Miss Lu's martial arts are high, you should not tie the safety of the entire mountain to one battle. Today's matter is complicated if you say it's complicated, but simple if you say it's simple. As long as Miss Lu can make a slight concession, Tian Shi is willing to run around and persuade her. The alliances of the people under the mountain are loose. As long as my Prince Jin's branch withdraws, it will be difficult for them to accomplish anything. Tian's sincere intention, Prince Jin's earnest heart, please Miss Lu think twice—"

Before he could finish speaking, a noise rang out from the mountain on the side. It was the sound of footsteps, the sound of boiling footsteps passing through the mountains and forests. First, cavalry, and then infantry, divided into two teams, passing through the mountain road and running to assemble below Qingmu Stronghold. The sound of footsteps shattered the dusk, and the murderous aura filled the air.

Lu Hongti turned her head. Behind her was the serene and prosperous valley. The setting sun shone over, and wisps of smoke were rising from the valleys divided by mountain roads and streams. In this evening smoke, the soldiers were gathering like torrents. The woman turned around, the mountain wind blowing from behind, drumming up the hunting whistling sound. Tian Shi felt her gaze sweep over him. At that moment, it seemed that the entire valley, smoke, setting sun, and ominous soldiers were gathered on the woman. The magnificent and orange-red light was rushing from behind her with a force that swallowed the sky and ate the earth, and then merged with her.

The emotion at this moment was like an illusion. It was not murderous aura, but the truly felt distance between ordinary martial artists and grandmasters. The entire world was completely integrated with her, but at this moment, what Hongti was looking at was not him. Her gaze slanted across the valley, looking at a place on the other side of the mountainside.

Time rewinds slightly. In the room, He Shuyuan finished telling Lin Zongwu all the arrangements, and then said: "In the inquiry, I also heard some things. It is said that this so-called heart demon Ning Yi, his martial arts are actually not high. If possible, perhaps other people can be arranged to deal with him. There are some experts among the followers Master Lin brought, and among the people I brought, there are also a few who are not weak. If…"

Before he could finish speaking, Lin Zongwu closed his eyes: "Heart demon Ning Yi, his own martial arts are indeed not high."

He Shuyuan immediately became happy: "Since Master Lin also says so, then…"

"...But to deal with him, he is even more troublesome than the Blood Bodhisattva of Qingmu Stronghold. Steward He, before you have truly fought him, you people should try to stay out of it as much as possible, otherwise even if you add up, I am afraid I will be devoured by him until there are no bones left. This person's methods are beyond your imagination…"

"Uh…" He Shuyuan opened his mouth slightly.

Lin Zongwu had already stood up. He smiled slightly: "Before I came, I had not thought that he would be here, but since I have encountered this matter, I suddenly remembered that there is a surprise I can give them, and at that time there will be universal celebration and everyone will be happy. At that time, Steward He, you only need to respond accordingly."

He Shuyuan was puzzled and followed him. As soon as he stepped out of the room, the sound of soldiers marching quickly roared down from the mountain on the other side. Lin Zongwu seemed to sense something, stopped, and looked towards a place on the upper side. From afar, the female grandmaster of Lvliang Mountain, whom he had not yet met, cast a fleeting glance in this setting sun. The entire world gathered momentum and pressed towards him, causing his mind to stir.

I didn't expect to encounter a real master here…

Realizing this in his heart, and then thinking of what he had just said, he gradually smiled.

"Hehehehehe… Hahahahahahaha—"

He was overjoyed and his laughter gradually rose. He put his hands behind his back, and stepped out of the courtyard, walking towards the Assembly Hall on the mountainside. The hearty laughter, driven by internal force, was powerful and deafening, like a fierce wave spreading out in the evening atmosphere of Qingmu Stronghold, covering the scope of the mountainside and circling and echoing. At this time, the sound of footsteps and murderous aura brought by the soldiers, mixed with the sudden laughter and the tense atmosphere of Qingmu Stronghold, made everyone nervous and茫然 (mangran - at a loss)…

In a courtyard on the side of the Assembly Hall, Ning Yi, who was sitting in a chair and closing his eyes to rest, frowned slightly as he listened to the laughter. People's hearts, desires, interests, demands, countless lines mixed and intertwined, will eventually turn into several key points and explode. Some of these points he can grasp, some he cannot. In the repeated calculations, Hongti came over silently.

Soon after, three people will gather together, and all the others will become supporting characters. And in the middle of this, there is still one point that he and Hongti did not expect, which became a variable and inserted into it…

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