Thousands of years ago, long before she took residence on Mount Huazhuo, Qian Hui had once been exiled to Mount Kunlun as punishment for a grave mistake.However, Qian Hui never spoke of her wrongdoing; to her, it was a shameful secret that must remain forever buried.After completing her exile, she was forbidden to return home and was instead sent to Mount Huazhuo to rule as its guardian spirit.Fang Yun smiled faintly as he listened to his mother’s tale. His smile, however, was not of amusement—it was because she omitted the truth that she now resided in another realm entirely.As Qian Hui continued speaking, Qiang Mo interrupted Fang Yun, warning him of the presence of dark energy lingering within the palace.“Wait, Mother… You can continue your story later. I need to speak with you privately.”“Is it so urgent that you must interrupt me, my son?” she asked softly.Fang Yun nodded. “Please, Mother. Follow me.”The young man led her into a small chamber not far from the main hall.“

Princess Lu Lian and Wu Ming personally escorted the two of them to the city gates of the Xi Dynasty capital.“Why don’t you just marry Princess Lu Lian?” whispered Fang Yun to Wu Ming as they walked toward the gates.“Are you out of your mind, Fang Yun? Have you forgotten that I’m an old man? Princess Lu Lian is young enough to be my daughter—perhaps even my granddaughter.”“Your age may be old, Wu Ming, but your face still looks young and handsome. Don’t tell me something else of yours didn’t stay young?”“Would you like to find out?” Wu Ming replied with mock seriousness, and the two of them burst into laughter.Princess Lu Lian and Mei Hwa turned to look at the laughing men with puzzled expressions.“What are you two laughing about?” asked the princess.“Just a matter between men, Your Majesty!” Wu Ming replied cheerfully.When they finally reached the city gates, Fang Yun and Mei Hwa mounted their horses. During her stay in the palace, Mei Hwa had learned to ride skillfully and h

“Divide these gold coins equally among everyone and rebuild your homes. After this, I will make sure the soldiers of the Ghuozing Duchy — and Duke Ceng Ho himself — never come back here!” Fang Yun said as he handed the pouch to Bai San.Bai San grabbed the pouch and opened it. His eyes widened at the sight of so many gold coins in his hands.He then dropped to his knees and offered a torrent of thanks to Fang Yun.“Rise, Uncle. This is only a small help I can give. By chance I was entrusted with wealth to distribute.” Fang Yun placed a hand on Bai San’s shoulder and helped him to his feet.The man looked at Fang Yun with awe. To him, Fang Yun was more than human — a guardian angel. After saving Bai San’s wife, Fang Yun gave away a pouch of gold without asking and promised to teach Duke Ceng Ho a lesson.Once Bai San distributed the coins fairly, dozens of people immediately knelt and expressed their gratitude toward Fang Yun.“Please, stand up, all of you. I am only a man like you. It

Meanwhile, Fang Yun and Mei Hwa, who had already left the Lufeng district, continued their journey toward the crater of Dieng Mountain.The long and exhausting journey did not make the two warriors complain in the slightest. Along the way, they even took time to help the villagers they encountered before reaching the last destination on their quest for the Flame Sword.Ten days passed swiftly. They finally arrived at the foot of Mount Dieng—a place that appeared serene yet radiated a mysterious, mystical aura.As dusk began to fall, Fang Yun decided they should rest before climbing the mountain the following morning.“Mei… after this, I don’t know where my next mission to find the Flame Sword will take me. What I want to ask is—do you still wish to continue this journey with me?”“Why are you asking that, Fang Yun? Didn’t you promise to take me to China once your duty is complete?”“Alright then, if you still wish to wander with me, I hope you won’t regret or complain about this long

If Fang Yun wasn’t mistaken, the three maidens had called the woman Her Majesty the Queen, which meant she was clearly not living alone.“If you refuse to tell me, then return to the foot of the mountain this instant! Do not take a single step higher, unless you wish to see my wrath!”Fang Yun hissed under his breath. “I’ve come too far to turn back now. I won’t leave this mountain until I’ve completed my mission—even if it costs me my life!”“How amusing. Then let’s see how strong you truly are,” the woman said with a faint, mocking smile. “Show me all your power, young man.”Frustration burned in Fang Yun’s chest. His journey to the summit of Mount Dieng had already been arduous, and now it was being delayed further. He released his deadliest killing aura, hoping to pressure the woman into submission. But what he saw next sent a dull ache through his temples—she stood there, utterly unfazed. A faint smile even graced her lips.“Don’t flaunt childish tricks before me,” she said calml