At this moment, Ye Ruiyun couldn’t help but defend Wang Hongyu, saying, “Young Master Qi, I think what Young Master Wang Hongyu said makes sense. Why would a dignified Crown Prince of the Qian Dynasty need to lie to you? Besides, I think his character is many times better than Hua Yushu’s!”

She harbored resentment towards Hua Yushu for drugging her and Yao Youwei.

Wang Hongyu said solemnly, “If Brother Qi still doesn’t believe me, we can confront Hua Yushu!”

Qi Fei’s expression softened completely, and he said, “Alright, I believe you, okay?”

Wang Hongyu breathed a sigh of relief and said, “Thank you for your trust, Brother Qi! I came here today because I learned that you were going to storm the palace, so I came to dissuade you. You must believe me, you really cannot storm the palace! You have no idea how many experts are in the palace. Even if the Sword Master Ye Hongyi himself came, he would not return!”

Seeing how serious he was talking about it, Qi Fei couldn’t help but start to think about it seriously.

Ye Ruiyun asked, “Young Master Wang, could you tell us exactly how many masters are in the palace?”

“This…” Wang Hongyu looked slightly embarrassed. “Sigh, to tell you the truth, Father already knew about your martial arts conference at Mount Dayue and your arrival in the capital. He was just waiting for you to come so he could wipe you all out. As for how many experts are in the palace, besides the Imperial Guards under Eunuch Wei, Sword Demon Wei Yimu, Spear Demon Han Zhuohao, Father’s Thirteen Protectors, experts from Aojian Manor and Danxia Sect, and many experts from both the righteous and evil paths of the martial arts world… In short, there are definitely more than all of you, and they are much more powerful!”

Upon hearing this, both Qi Fei and Ye Ruiyun looked grave, their spirits dampened, and their confidence significantly diminished.

Wang Hongyu said, “Oh dear, I have to go back now. I came out with the Imperial Concubine this time, otherwise I would never have had the chance to say these things to you. Brother Qi, Miss Ye, we’ll meet again!”

After saying that, he turned and left, quickly disappearing into the crowd.

Qi Fei and Ye Ruiyun exchanged a glance and walked silently down the street, their feelings complicated.

Ye Ruiyun suddenly stopped and said, “I’m going back to the inn first. You should go back early too, it’s not safe outside.” She was referring to the fact that there were definitely the Ninth Prince’s spies around.

Qi Fei nodded and wandered aimlessly down the street.

Just then, he suddenly saw a teahouse next door with the words “Jianghu Baixiaosheng” (江湖百晓生) written on its signboard.

It’s obvious that this teahouse is the one opened by the famous Bai Xiaosheng, and it’s said to be the most popular teahouse in the capital, far surpassing the teahouses previously opened by the Diancang Sect.

Qi Fei went inside and saw a stage where someone was telling stories. Many people were sitting below, listening to the stories while sipping tea and eating peanuts.

“Three hundred years ago, the Heavenly Fiends and Earthly Fiends wreaked havoc on the world, poisoning the lives of countless people. The major sects of the martial arts world stepped forward to subdue the demons, and many great heroes emerged, such as the founding emperor of this dynasty, Wang Aotian; the founder of the Diancang Sect, the great hero Li Wuji; and the extraordinary woman Feng Wangshu, the mother of the Kun Kingdom… That battle shook the heavens and the earth, and the winds and clouds changed color…”

“Sir, would you like to listen to a story or enjoy some tea?” a waiter asked as he approached.

Qi Fei said, “Where is Bai Xiaosheng? I want to see him.”

The waiter said, “Our boss usually doesn’t see outsiders.”

Qi Fei took out a ten-tael silver ingot from his pocket and said, “What did you say?”

The waiter’s eyes lit up: “Please follow me, sir.”

Qi Fei followed him for a while, and after passing through a passageway, they entered the backyard. There, they saw an old man with a white beard teasing birds with great interest, looking like a playful old man.

“Who wants to see this old man?” The old man turned to look at Qi Fei, his eyes were cloudy and there was still some eye discharge in the corners of his eyes, he looked rather shady.

Qi Fei said, “I am Qi Fei from the Diancang Sect. Are you the All-Knowing Scholar, senior?”

“That’s right, I am the all-knowing Bai Xiaosheng.” The old man looked Qi Fei up and down, his eyes lighting up. “So you are the young hero Qi from the Diancang Sect who broke out of the capital last year. I didn’t expect you to be so young.”

Qi Fei said, “I’ve heard that you are an expert on everything under the heavens, and I would like to ask you about something.”

Bai Xiaosheng chuckled and said, “What do you want to know? One hundred taels of silver for one thing.”

Qi Fei took out one hundred taels of silver and said, “I want to know, who exactly is that bastard who tricked me into going to the Yin-Yang Sect in Pengze County?”

Upon hearing this, Bai Xiaosheng glared and said, “Are you trying to make fun of me? How would an old man like me know about such things? I’m not a god!”

Qi Fei snorted coldly: “Then why do you still boast that you know everything?”

“I…” Bai Xiaosheng glared and said, “What I mean is that I collect and analyze famous people and major events in the martial arts world, not your trivial matters! I’m really talking to a brick wall!”

Qi Fei said, “Alright, but I don’t think your analysis is very good either. For example, that list of beauties in the martial arts world is just randomly compiled!”

Bai Xiaosheng said, “Nonsense! How could it be arranged randomly? I painstakingly arranged it after a comprehensive understanding and by taking into account the opinions of many people!”

Qi Fei said, “Then tell me, why not include Empress Feng Liyao of Kun Kingdom?”

“What did you say?! Cough cough…” Upon hearing this, Bai Xiaosheng coughed loudly a few times, almost choking on his breath. He pushed Qi Fei aside with one hand, “You kid, are you bored? Don’t come here to cause trouble, get out of here! Get out of here!”

“Did I say something wrong? Why didn’t you include Feng Liyao…”

Bai Xiaosheng roared, “If I dared to speak ill of the Empress’s appearance, would I still be alive?! Wouldn’t she tear this old body of mine apart? Get out of here right now—”

Before long, Qi Fei was kicked out by Bai Xiaosheng and several waiters, who were cursing and swearing.

“Hmph, I don’t want to come back to this lousy place a second time!” Qi Fei turned and left.

Back at the inn, Hua Yushu had just gathered everyone for a meeting in a room. When he saw Qi Fei return, he smiled and nodded at him, saying, “Brother Qi is back!”

Qi Fei asked, “Has any news come from the palace?”

Hua Yushu laughed and said, “There is a lot of information. Our inside agents have already figured out the experts and troop deployment in the palace. They are indeed full of experts. In addition to the Ninth Prince and the Imperial Dragon Guards, there are also the Thirteen Protectors under the Emperor, as well as experts from Jianghu sects such as Aojian Villa and Danxia Sect. They are not to be underestimated. If I am not mistaken, even Dachan Temple and Shaoyue Sect will send people to help.”

Qi Fei said, “Then wouldn’t we be completely outmatched?”

Hua Yushu chuckled and said, “Actually, we don’t need to confront them head-on. Our goal is to save people, not to fight.”

Qi Fei suddenly realized that what he said made sense.

Hua Yushu suddenly changed the subject, his expression turning serious as he asked, “Brother Qi, did you see Wang Hongyu just now?”

Qi Fei glanced at Ye Ruiyun, who shook her head slightly, indicating that she hadn’t revealed it. Qi Fei nodded and said, “That’s right.”

Hua Yushu sighed, “I knew he wouldn’t give up his wicked intentions!”

Qi Fei asked, “Why do you say that?”

Hua Yushu sighed: “He knows that Brother Qi has the Panlong Sword, and he also knows that I must use Brother Qi’s Panlong Sword to cut the hundred-refined steel that binds my father. Yes, I have this idea! But please believe me, Brother Qi, it was really him who tricked you into going to the Yin Yang Sect. If I am lying, may I be struck by lightning and die a horrible death!”

Seeing how serious he was talking about it, Qi Fei nodded and said, “Brother Hua, I actually suspect it’s him too.”

Hua Yushu said, “Thank you for believing me, Brother Qi. In fact, Wang Hongyu’s purpose is nothing more than to undermine your confidence and shake your resolve, so that we will lose a master. But how can his evil scheme succeed? Brother Qi, would you be willing to join me in storming the palace and rescue my father, as well as Lady Gu and Lady Li?”

Qi Fei said, “Don’t worry, I will go.”

Hua Yushu breathed a sigh of relief and said, “Alright, then let’s proceed according to plan. Tonight, we’ll take a trip to the Imperial Palace and see if this den of dragons and tigers is really as terrifying as it seems!”

…………

On a summer night, the stars shine brightly, illuminating the streets and alleys. Even in the dead of night, the surrounding scenery is clearly visible.

There was no curfew in the capital, but the city was completely silent late at night. The streets and alleys were deathly quiet, and the surroundings were utterly still. The people had turned off their lights and closed their doors to rest early, with only the sound of the night watchman occasionally heard.

“The weather is dry, be careful with fire!”

The sound of “da da da” being struck against the bamboo tube echoed through the night sky.

Just then, several dark figures appeared on the roof, moving swiftly and silently like night owls.

Dressed in night clothes and carrying the Panlong Sword in his left hand, Qi Fei used his lightness skill to quickly traverse the rooftops of the capital. Accompanying him were Hua Yushu, Yao Youwei, Ye Ruiyun, Chen Chijiao, and others. Led by three top masters and assisted by more than ten first-class masters, including the eight protectors of the Fengyun Escort Agency, they headed towards the palace together.

Hua Yushu’s plan was to split the army into two groups. One group consisted of several thousand ordinary experts, led by Ye Taixuan, who would charge directly into the palace through the main gate to draw the main firepower inside. The other group, mainly composed of top experts, would rush into the prison to rescue people.

A moment later, Qi Fei and his group arrived at the foot of the palace walls. More than ten people stood against the wall, quietly waiting for their chance.

Just then, a commotion came from the direction of the palace gate. All sorts of shouts and sounds of fighting rang out, flames rose everywhere, and the clash of swords was deafening.

Clearly, they’ve already taken action.

“Let’s go!” Hua Yushu took the lead, leaping over the high wall and entering the palace.

Qi Fei, Yao Youwei, Ye Ruiyun, Chen Chijiao, and others also used their lightness skills to scale the high walls and enter the palace.

Qi Fei followed behind the crowd, looking around. He found that no one came to stop him. It seemed that the experts in the palace had all gone to the main gate to provide support. This was their chance.

Dressed in night clothes, the group moved swiftly like agile cats, more than ten figures rushing towards the prison.

Just then, flames burst forth all around, illuminating half the sky!

Qi Fei and the others suddenly stopped and looked ahead.

Suddenly, a large number of people appeared from all around, all dressed in golden robes, all of them imperial guards. In front of them, a white-haired old man with a white face and no beard sat on an official’s hat chair, squinting his narrow eyes and lazily looking at Qi Fei and the others.

It was none other than the Ninth Prince, Eunuch Wei. Behind Eunuch Wei stood a group of experts, including Gun Demon Han Zhuohao, Qiu Haixuan of Aojian Villa, and Zhang Jingzhu of Danxia Sect. There was also a person dressed in the same clothes as Han Zhuohao, who was clearly the last of the three commanders of the Imperial Palace Dragon Guard—Sword Demon Wei Yimu.

“Where are you all headed?” Eunuch Wei asked slowly, a mocking smile on his face.

Everyone’s expression changed drastically. They hadn’t expected that the others would be waiting here all along. This meant that they were fully aware of their actions. The imperial palace was indeed terrifying!

The experts under the command of the Ninth Prince were already difficult for them to deal with, and the Ninth Prince himself was an expert among experts. With such a powerful force, the people led by Hua Yushu were no match for him.

Hua Yushu said, “Wei, you dog emperor, you’ve imprisoned my father. I will rescue him no matter what. Do you think you can stop us?”

The Ninth Prince sneered, “You think you can rescue people from the Heavenly Prison? You’d be better off getting yourself imprisoned instead.”

A burst of laughter erupted from the surrounding area.

Hua Yushu snorted coldly and said loudly, “Wei Yan, you’ve been tricked! We’re just trying to hold you off. Our real strength is on the other side of the gate. I believe they will soon storm into the prison and rescue my father. Once my father is rescued, you will all die!”

The Ninth Prince burst into laughter: “Hua Yushu, Hua Yushu, you are really spouting nonsense. Do you know that His Majesty’s Thirteen Bodyguards are all over the gate? Do you think that the rabble that Ye Taixuan brought can defeat His Majesty’s Thirteen Bodyguards and thousands of Imperial Guards?”

Although Hua Yushu denied it, her heart sank.

Because he knew just how powerful the Thirteen Protectors under Emperor Gan were. Each of them was a top-notch expert. Even if the Sword Master Ye Hongyi himself came, these thirteen top experts would not gain any advantage if they joined forces, let alone Ye Taixuan and the others.

However, now that things have come to this, retreat is no longer an option; we have no choice but to fight to the death.

The Ninth Prince said, “If you kneel down and surrender, I can still leave you with a complete corpse. However, this Lady Yao and that little girl must take off their clothes so that my Imperial Guards can have some fun. After all, they have worked very hard.”

“Haha…” A lewd laugh rang out from the surroundings.

Yao Youwei and Ye Ruiyun both looked grim, wishing they could chop these people up with a single blow.

Hua Yushu remained calm. He smiled faintly and suddenly called out, “Why aren’t you coming out yet?”

As soon as she finished speaking, a sudden gust of wind was heard, and a dark figure swiftly flew over, landing lightly in front of Hua Yushu. The newcomer was tall and thin, or rather slender, a head taller than Hua Yushu, and her demeanor was somewhat feminine.

Everyone was stunned when they saw it.

The newcomer had soft facial features, fair skin, and a prominent chest. However, there was something pressing against his crotch, indicating that he was a transvestite who had slept with a woman…

This person is actually Yao Ye, the leader of the Yin Yang Sect!

The Ninth Prince laughed loudly: “Hua Yushu, hasn’t your Fengyun Escort Agency always tried to cover up your collusion with the Yin Yang Sect? And what about all the shameful things you’ve done? How dare you call out Yao Ye?”

Fengyun Escort Agency enjoys a good reputation in the martial arts world and is a powerful force in the righteous path. However, Yin Yang Sect is a criminal force. If people knew that Fengyun Escort Agency and Yin Yang Sect were in cahoots, those heroes of the martial arts world would question the justice of Fengyun Escort Agency and would never risk their lives for Hua Yushu.

At this moment, Chen Chijiao, Hua Zun, Lei Chihu, Wu Donglai, and the others all looked at Hua Yushu with puzzled expressions.

Qi Fei, who was standing to the side, was shocked. The person who saved Yao Ye from the cliff that day was actually Hua Yushu!

However, Hua Yushu was prepared and calmly said, “You misunderstand. This Demon Night Cult Leader was rescued by me by chance. He said he was willing to reform and join my Fengyun Escort Agency. From now on, he will follow me to fight for justice and benefit the people. He is no longer a member of the underworld, but a member of my righteous path. You can ask him yourself if you don’t believe me.”

Yao Ye said with a righteous expression, “That’s right. Although I, Yao Ye, have done many bad things, since the destruction of the Yin Yang Sect, I have gone through life and death and have made up my mind to turn over a new leaf and follow Young Master Hua Yushu from now on, serving him faithfully and upholding justice!”

The Ninth Prince sneered, “Are you trying to fool me?”

Hua Yushu said, “No need for nonsense, let’s fight!” He was afraid that the other party would say something else to provoke people.

Without a word, Yao Ye transformed into a series of afterimages and pounced on Jiu Qian Sui, shouting, “Wei Yan, you sent people to destroy my Yin Yang Sect. Today I will kill you to avenge my humiliation and avenge the brothers of the Yin Yang Sect who died!”

“Want to die? It’s easy! We’ll send you on your way!” As Yao Ye pointed his finger at him, the Ninth Prince remained seated in his chair, his fingers forming delicate pinkies as he faced Yao Ye.

These two were among the best of the best, many times stronger than ordinary innate masters. They were almost invincible below the Heavenly Realm. Their martial arts were evenly matched, and their battle became a fierce and evenly matched contest. Silver and gold lights flashed continuously, and the sound of explosive energy bursting was deafening.

Meanwhile, the others also engaged in combat.

Yao Youwei, wielding a long sword, blocked the sword demon Wei Yimu. Chen Chijiao, brandishing a staff, fought against the gun demon Han Zhuohao. Qi Fei blocked Qiu Haixuan, the right envoy of Aojian Villa. He had the Panlong Sword in his hand, and together with Ye Ruiyun, whose swordsmanship was fierce, the two of them were able to barely fight Qiu Haixuan to a draw.

The imperial guards were held back by the eight protectors of the Fengyun Escort Agency and a group of martial arts heroes. The fight was fierce, with screams of agony frequently rang out, followed by people falling into pools of blood. The scene was extremely gruesome.

Seeing people falling to their deaths one after another, Qi Fei grew anxious. This couldn’t go on. The experts in the palace were endless, and his own men would soon be wiped out. He had to find a way to break through.

Hua Yushu was also extremely anxious. He knew the palace was dangerous, but he had a compelling reason to come. They were currently surrounded, and if things dragged on, there might be no chance at all.

He flicked out his folding fan, the white fan whizzing around as it flew, splattering blood and slicing open the necks of several imperial guards before flying back into his hand.

He leaped to Qi Fei’s side, forcing Qiu Haixuan back, and whispered to Qi Fei, “Brother Qi, the best we can do now is let them hold off these people while we two storm into the prison and rescue my father. Once he’s free, his martial arts are unparalleled, and these people will be no threat! Rescuing Lady Gu and Lady Li will be a piece of cake!”

Qi Fei said, “Okay!”

Upon hearing this, Qi Fei raised the Panlong Sword and unleashed the ultimate move “Dragon Soaring” from the Panlong Sword Technique. Dragon-shaped sword energies flew out from the sword and spread in all directions. A series of flashes of light pierced through the bodies of more than a dozen imperial palace guards, killing them instantly.