Like striking metal, the man who had tried to ambush from behind screamed in pain as his hand went numb, forcing him to drop his sword. His vision blurred when a swift strike from a twig smashed against his head, and he collapsed beside his fallen comrades.Using the same sword technique, Fang Yun swiftly defeated the ten men who had surrounded the girl, finishing them off without much difficulty.“Thank you, Warrior,” the girl said, bowing her head. Her foreign accent made Fang Yun furrow his brow slightly.“Think nothing of it. It’s my duty to help anyone in need—as long as it’s in the name of justice.”Fang Yun averted his gaze toward Zhao Wen’s fight out of embarrassment. The girl’s eyes never left him, making him feel awkward.Elsewhere, Zhao Wen fought nimbly against the gang leader. When the leader saw all his subordinates lying helpless on the ground, fear took over—but Zhao Wen had no intention of letting him go.With a swift strike, Zhao Wen landed a blow that made the man l

“But if it’s an arranged marriage with you, I wouldn’t mind!” Mei Hwa blurted out impulsively. She immediately covered her mouth, realizing what she had just said.“That’s not what I meant, Fang Yun,” she added quickly, hiding her face behind both hands in embarrassment.Fang Yun was taken aback by her sudden confession but quickly composed himself, not wanting the situation to drift into something romantic.“You may come with me on this journey,” he said calmly. “But I don’t know for how long. There will come a time when we must part ways.”“Thank you, Fang Yun! I wouldn’t mind following you forever!” Mei Hwa exclaimed, unable to contain her joy as she suddenly threw her arms around him.“Hahaha… you’re quite something,” Fang Yun said with a laugh, gently prying her hands away. “If you knew what kind of journey lies ahead, I’m sure you’d regret saying that.”“All right, let’s move on. Zhao Wen must’ve woken up by now,” he added with a grin.Mei Hwa nodded and began tidying up her bel

Eleven soldiers immediately dismounted from their horses and advanced toward Mei Hwa after receiving an order from the Prince inside the carriage.Fang Yun and the others wondered why the soldiers were approaching them.“Forgive us, young man,” one of the soldiers said. “The Prince has requested that this lady accompany him to the palace.”“That’s not going to happen! She’s with us, so you can’t just take my friend away as you please!” Fang Yun snapped.“Then we’ll have to use force to make her come with us!” the soldier barked, his tone rising in defiance.“Go ahead—if you think you can!” Fang Yun challenged.“Seize the girl!” the soldier shouted to his comrades.Ten soldiers drew their swords and lunged toward Fang Yun, who had already stepped in front of Mei Hwa to protect her.But before they could even close three steps, Fang Yun shot forward with Silk Wind Step, snatching every single weapon from their hands.“So fast!”Everyone watching the confrontation stood in disbelief. Eve

The old man shook his head slowly. He had never expected that Prince Peng Fei—whom he had raised since childhood—would speak so harshly.“Very well, if Your Highness no longer regards me as your teacher. My loyalty is to Your Majesty and this kingdom, not to you, Prince! I have failed to raise you into a man who always upholds the truth.” The old man stood and walked toward the large wardrobe in the corner of the room.“And there is something the Prince must know: Prince Peng Wei is superior to you in every way. He is more worthy to be the crown prince of the Kingdom of Sintang!” he continued.“Leave, Hao Xiong, I do not need you!” Prince Peng Fei snapped fiercely, naming his teacher.The old man packed his belongings. “May you find enlightenment, Your Highness,” Hao Xiong said before leaving the chamber.“You old fool don’t know your luck!” the prince screamed in a fury.Hao Xiong walked away from the Sintang palace. He did not look back even once, wounded by the prince’s words.The

Hao Xiong—recognizing the passenger in the carriage as one of his disciples—immediately urged Fang Yun and Zhao Wen to approach the palace gate with him.Their steps, however, halted abruptly. Hundreds of soldiers surged from the palace and marched straight toward the three of them. Among those soldiers strode Commander Sin Yi, his gaze sharp and fixed on the trio.“Stop, Hao Xiong! By order of Prince Peng Fei, you are no longer allowed to set foot inside the palace!” Commander Sin Yi barked.“Commander Sin Yi, tell Prince Peng Fei to release that girl at once!” Hao Xiong demanded.“Or what? Will you dare defy the kingdom, former Master Hao Xiong?” Sin Yi sneered, mocking them.“It is not I who will oppose the kingdom,” Hao Xiong replied steadily, “but these two young men. I would not have the heart to kill you myself—but if that girl is not set free, they will show no mercy.”“Hahaha… Two inexperienced youths think they can challenge a kingdom?” Sin Yi’s derisive laughter rang out. “