Qu Feiyan stepped forward, seemingly unintentionally standing in front of Nie Yun, and asked with a smile, “Sister Lan, did you come here just to see me?” As she spoke, she used her body to block Lan Fenghuang’s burning gaze.

Lan Fenghuang found Qu Feiyan’s nervous appearance quite amusing, thinking to herself, “What a silly girl, she wears her heart on her sleeve!”

She smiled radiantly and said, “You could say that, or you could say that. I have some business to attend to in Luoyang, and I stopped by to see you on the way.”

When Nie Yun heard that she was going to Luoyang, a thought struck him: “Could it be that Ren Yingying is preparing to gather troops to rescue Ren Woxing?”

He feigned curiosity and asked, “Luoyang is thousands of miles away from Miao territory, what is Phoenix going there for?”

Lan Fenghuang’s eyes darted around and she smiled, “I’ve heard that Luoyang peonies are the best in the world, so I want to go and admire them.”

“I don’t believe you’re lying!”

Nie Yun chuckled, glanced at the Peach Valley Six Immortals who were still standing stiffly to the side, and said to Lan Fenghuang, “These Peach Valley Six Immortals aren’t really bad people. Fenghuang, give me some face and let them go.”

Lan Fenghuang chuckled and said, “If Brother Yun asks, of course there’s no problem.” She stepped forward and casually flicked her hand, and the six poisonous insects instantly disappeared, their whereabouts unknown.

The Six Immortals of Peach Valley felt as if they had been granted a pardon and hurriedly patted themselves. Peach Root Immortal said, “Oh no, it crawled on me for so long just now, I wonder if it will lay an egg.”

Peach Blossom Fairy said, “Yes, yes, I feel so itchy right now. I wonder if a snake will grow out of me in a few days.”

Peach Fairy cried out with a mournful face, “How terrifying! I don’t want to give birth to little snakes!”

The group started arguing again. Lan Fenghuang frowned and said in a delicate voice, “Shut up, all of you! It’s so annoying!”

Upon hearing this, the six people immediately covered their mouths with their hands, their eyes wide open, not daring to utter a single word.

Nie Yun chuckled inwardly, wondering if this could be considered a case of one thing subduing another.

He said to the Six Immortals of Peach Valley, “Go back and tell that great monk that I will go to Hengshan in a few days to give him an explanation, so he can rest assured.”

The Six Immortals of Peach Valley looked at each other, then nodded to Nie Yun, and ran away without looking back, still tightly covering their mouths and not daring to let go.

The six people disappeared in a few leaps, their lightness and agility leaving Nie Yun in awe.

Nie Yun smiled at Lan Fenghuang and said, “Luoyang is nice, but my Mount Hua is not bad either. Since you’re here, Fenghuang, enjoy the beautiful scenery of Mount Hua.”

Blue Phoenix’s eyes lit up, and she laughed, “Okay, but I want you to come with me.”

“No way!” the other three women said in unison.

As soon as the words left their mouths, all three of them were stunned. They looked at each other and their faces immediately turned red.

Lan Fenghuang chuckled and said to Nie Yun, “Brother Yun, you really are a romantic! Not only are the two girls devoted to you, but even your mother-in-law is so worried about you!”

Ning Zhongze was both ashamed and angry, and shouted, “What nonsense are you talking about!”

Lan Fenghuang didn’t care at all, and shook her head, saying, “It’s just a mother and daughter sharing a husband, what’s the big deal? In our Miao family, this kind of thing is very common. Outstanding men can marry as many as they want, who cares about mothers, daughters, or sisters, as long as they are happy.”

Ning Zhongze and Yue Lingshan were speechless for a moment, but they seemed to think that what this person said made a lot of sense.

Nie Yun wanted to give Lan Fenghuang a hundred thumbs up in his heart. He laughed and said to Qu Feiyan, “Feifei, why don’t you take Fenghuang to rest first?”

Then he said to Lan Fenghuang, “Fenghuang, put your luggage down for a while. After lunch, we’ll go for a walk in the mountains.”

Lan Fenghuang was delighted to hear this and gave Nie Yun a flirtatious wink, saying, “Then I’ll wait for you! Hehehe…” After saying that, she followed Qu Feiyan and gracefully left.

Nie Yun turned his head and met the dissatisfied looks from Ning Zhongze and her daughter. He touched his nose, coughed lightly, and said, “I’ll go and see them practice martial arts.”

Without waiting for their reply, he quickly turned and ran towards the training ground, his slightly disheveled appearance making the mother and daughter smile.

Yue Lingshan turned to her mother and asked, “Mother, are you going this afternoon?”

Ning Zhongze wanted to say no, but thinking of Lan Fenghuang’s fiery gaze towards Nie Yun and her shocking remarks just now, she steeled herself and said, “Go, why not go!”

Their eyes met, and they both guessed each other’s thoughts, unable to help but chuckle. After that night of honesty and openness, what was there to be embarrassed about?

********************

Nie Yun arrived at the training ground and nodded in satisfaction as he watched the Huashan disciples practicing diligently.

He was not Yue Buqun, so he did not require all his disciples to strictly follow the training method of first practicing internal energy and then swordsmanship. Instead, he taught according to their aptitude and arranged the learning content according to each person’s characteristics.

Those suited to sword practice should delve into the Huashan sword technique; those suited to internal energy cultivation should diligently practice the Zixia Divine Skill.

Indeed, the Purple Cloud Divine Skill is now a required skill for all inner disciples of Mount Hua.

Ning Zhongze initially felt it was inappropriate, but after seeing the Ziyang Divine Skill given by Nie Yun, she no longer objected.

The Purple Sun Divine Skill is a technique that Nie Yun obtained by fusing the Nine Suns Divine Skill and the Purple Cloud Divine Skill together using the Mysterious Spirit Jade Disc. It combines the advantages of the two divine skills and greatly enhances their power.

Ning Zhongze and the other two women are now practicing the Ziyang Divine Skill. Moreover, Nie Yun has spent three days opening up all the meridians and acupoints in their bodies so that their cultivation process can proceed smoothly and directly to perfection.

The three women are now much stronger than before. As long as they don’t encounter old monsters like Ren Woxing, Fang Zheng, and Chongxu in the martial arts world, they can basically hold their own against minor bosses like Zuo Lengchan. Of course, this only refers to internal strength; experience is another matter.

If you add the lightness skill taught by Nie Yun and the techniques from the secret cave, you can say that you already have enough power to protect yourself.

In this way, the disciples of Mount Hua were all grateful to the new sect leader, and Nie Yun established supreme prestige without anyone noticing.

However, among the many disciples, there was one exception: Shi Zhongyu. Although he was also practicing swordsmanship, his listless and dispirited appearance showed that he was not taking it seriously at all.

Nie Yun stroked his chin, thinking of a poison he had read about in Wang Nangu’s Poison Classic, and a strange smile appeared on his lips.

********************

In the afternoon, as Nie Yun looked at the group of women chatting and laughing like sisters, a bead of cold sweat trickled down her forehead.

There’s no way around it; I started this whole thing, so I have to finish it.

Along the way, Nie Yun witnessed firsthand just how terrifying the battles between women, hidden beneath their radiant smiles, could be: explicit and implicit statements, subtle hints, veiled attacks, and hidden meanings in their words…

Even the dignified Ning Zhongze was almost overwhelmed by Nie Yun. In the end, he couldn’t stand the torment anymore and didn’t bother to hide his philandering. He embraced each of the three women who had been completely conquered and gave them a French kiss, making them blush and fall silent.

Lan Fenghuang was also secretly moved, and she admired Nie Yun’s bold and decisive personality, and her eyes were practically sparkling when she looked at him.

Of course, the reason she fell in love so quickly was not only because of Nie Yun’s “Hidden Dragon Heart-Hunting Technique,” which was a powerful tool for picking up girls, but also because of Nie Yun’s extensive knowledge from the information explosion era of the future.

People in the information age can hardly understand the level of isolation in ancient times. In this era, even if you only go on a mission as a镖师 (bodyguard/courier) or take a long trip, you can be considered to have seen the world.

Even so, many of these so-called worldly people are still narrow-minded, just look at Lin Zhennan, who ran the Fuwei Escort Agency for decades in the original novel.

Many more people will never leave their province in their entire lives, seeing only their own small plot of land every day. Even if they can read, it’s only the Four Books and Five Classics. Books about local customs and other miscellaneous knowledge do exist, but they are indeed pitifully few.

In his previous life, Nie Yun was an archaeology and adventure enthusiast. Even in modern society, he could be considered experienced and knowledgeable. In ancient times, it goes without saying that he could easily throw out a little knowledge that would make the girls listen with great interest and marvel.

Moreover, Nie Yun has another major difference from men in ancient times: his respect and care for women.

The concept of gender equality has taken root in people’s hearts in later generations, so Nie Yun unconsciously embodies this idea.

A gentleman’s courtesy and assistance, a casual remark lamenting the suffering of women, or a heartfelt viewpoint on gender equality can all evoke genuine emotion and admiration in women of this era.

After a day of sightseeing, Nie Yun was, in the eyes of the girls, the most perfect man in the world, without exception.

That evening, Nie Yun arrived at the door of Lan Fenghuang’s room and gently knocked.

“Who is it?” The door opened, and a fragrant breeze wafted out.

Lan Fenghuang had let her hair down, her smooth, black hair cascading over her shoulders like a waterfall. Her large eyes were filled with a gentle charm, and she looked stunningly beautiful.

Seeing that Nie Yun had arrived so late, Lan Fenghuang’s expression changed, and her opinion of Nie Yun plummeted.

She narrowed her eyes slightly and said with a half-smile, “Sect Leader Nie, what brings you here so late?”

Nie Yun was taken aback, but he quickly understood what she meant. He didn’t explain, but smiled and handed her the thing in his hand, saying, “Here, this might be useful to you.” Then he turned and left.

Lan Fenghuang was taken aback as she watched Nie Yun leave without looking back, wondering, “Could I have misunderstood him?”

She wanted to call out to Nie Yun, but she was too embarrassed to speak, so she closed the door with a lot of doubt in her heart.

Back inside, she looked at the booklet by the light and saw that Nie Yun had given her. She gently opened it and flipped through it a few times, and was greatly surprised. Her expression became very serious.

That night, the light in Lan Fenghuang’s house stayed on until dawn before it was turned off…

Early the next morning, Lan Fenghuang and her men bid farewell to Nie Yun.

She had dark circles under her eyes, but she was very excited.

She looked deeply at Nie Yun and said with great gratitude, “Brother Yun, I will remember your kindness. This is something I wrote overnight. Although it is not as valuable as what you gave me, it is still my token of appreciation. Please accept it.”

After she finished speaking, she handed a stack of papers covered with writing to Nie Yun.

Nie Yun accepted it readily and smiled, “That thing was originally useful to you, so since I have it, I naturally have to give it to you.”

Although there were no sweet words, Lan Fenghuang suddenly felt a warm current surge in her heart, and her throat felt as if something was blocking it.

“Since I have it, I will naturally give it to you.” This sentence contains a man’s greatest and most sincere promise to a woman.

Lan Fenghuang blinked, took a deep breath, and stepped forward to hug Nie Yun tightly. She rested her head against Nie Yun’s chest, closed her eyes, and murmured, “Brother Yun, I’m leaving now. Please remember me.”

Nie Yun gently stroked her hair and said softly, “Your sisters behind you are looking at you, aren’t you ashamed!”

Lan Fenghuang nuzzled her head against Nie Yun’s chest before taking a few steps back, laughing as she said, “They’re all my best friends who grew up with me, what’s there to be afraid of! And who knows… hehe, maybe they’ll even be family with me in the future!”

Although the Miao girls didn’t understand Mandarin, they all looked at Nie Yun with smiles, their eyes filled with passionate affection.

Before leaving, Nie Yun suddenly asked, “Phoenix, have you ever heard of the Golden Wave Flower?”

Lan Fenghuang was taken aback, her expression turning serious. She nodded and said, “I’ve heard of it. The Golden Bōjū flower is a poisonous flower that came from India. The word ‘Bōjū’ means ‘devil’ in Sanskrit, meaning that the people of India call it the ‘devil flower.’ This flower is exceptionally beautiful, with petals as yellow as gold, shimmering brightly. But its fragrance is extremely poisonous; just a whiff can cause dizziness. If you come into contact with it, you’ll die in no time. This flower’s poison is terrifying, and there is no antidote in the world.”

Nie Yun’s expression remained unchanged as he smiled and said, “I see, I understand. Take care on your journey, and we’ll meet again someday.”

Lan Fenghuang thought Nie Yun was just asking casually, so she didn’t take it seriously, smiled, nodded, and took her leave.

********************

The moon hangs high in the sky, and the stars twinkle.

Nie Yun stood on the mountaintop, looking at the bright moon, a hint of struggle on his face.

“Yun’er, what’s wrong?” A gentle voice interrupted his thoughts.

Nie Yun turned around and saw Ning Zhongze and the other two women standing behind him, their faces filled with worry and concern.

Nie Yun smiled and said, “It’s nothing. I just came out to enjoy the moonlight when I had nothing else to do.”

Yue Lingshan shook her head and said, “Senior brother, why hide it? You’ve been preoccupied ever since Leader Lan left today, and you were even distracted while eating.”

Qu Feiyan continued, “Yes, Brother Nie, is there something you can’t tell us?”

Ning Zhongze stepped forward, looked at Nie Yun, and said softly, “Yun’er, no matter what happens, we will face it with you.”

Looking at the three women he loved, Nie Yun felt a pang of heartache as he thought about the dangers and potential consequences he might face. But if he didn’t do it, he feared he would never be able to find peace.

He stepped forward and embraced the three women, savoring their familiar warmth and fragrance, remaining silent for a long time. The three women didn’t speak either, but simply snuggled closer to him.

After a while, Nie Yun released them, looked up at the moon, and said, “I’m going to do something very dangerous, and I might not come back.”

“Yun’er/Senior Brother/Brother Nie…” The three girls were taken aback, but Nie Yun raised his hand to stop them.

He looked at the moon and said in a low but resolute voice, “If I don’t do this, I will be tormented by my conscience for the rest of my life, and I may even die with regrets. Don’t ask, and I won’t tell you. You just need to know that I’m going to save a group of kind and lovely people. If I don’t go, they will suffer the most miserable torment of their lives and die in great pain, so I must go.”

Nie Yun turned his head and looked at the three women, whose eyes were already brimming with tears. His heart ached again, but he still gritted his teeth and said, “A true man has things he will not do, and things he must do.”

The three women looked at Nie Yun’s resolute face and knew that he had made up his mind. They couldn’t help but shed tears.

Ning Zhongze looked at Nie Yun, tears gently streaming down her face.

She tilted her head back, took a breath, and whispered to Nie Yun, “Yun’er, since you’ve made your decision, your master won’t say anything more. Be careful on your journey and be sure to come back safely.”

Yue Lingshan and Qu Feiyan were already sobbing uncontrollably. The two girls buried their heads in Nie Yun’s arms and cried their hearts out.

Nie Yun felt his clothes getting wet quickly, and he was very reluctant to leave, but as he said, some things had to be done.

Now that he’s come to this world, besides pursuing love and cultivating, Nie Yun also wants to make up for the regrets of his past life and save some kind people who should have been happy.

That night, Nie Yun and the three women lay quietly on his newly built large bed, snuggling together.

********************

Early the next morning, Nie Yun packed his belongings and descended the mountain alone. He didn’t use his light-footed skills, but walked step by step like an ordinary person.

Behind him, three beautiful women gazed longingly at his retreating figure.

Qu Feiyan hugged Yue Lingshan tightly, tears streaming down her face.

Yue Lingshan looked at Nie Yun and cried out, “Senior brother, you…you should come back soon.”

With tears in her eyes but a relieved smile on her face, Ning Zhongze said, “Yun’er, I have no regrets in this life for falling in love with a man like you.”

She looked up at the sky and silently prayed, “May God protect Yun’er and let her return safely.”

Nie Yun did not look back, and walked down Mount Hua step by step.

Standing at the foot of the mountain, Nie Yun looked back at the steep and beautiful peaks and thought to himself, “I will definitely come back.”

He pulled a piece of paper from his sleeve, on which was written: “On the fifth day of this month, Ling Tuisi, the prefect of Jingzhou, imprisoned a man named Ding Dian.”