It was said that Lei Qingzhi’s face was slashed, blood flowing, unbearable to see, as he stumbled out of the Fragrant Water Pavilion. He covered his face, fearing his ugly appearance would be revealed, and immediately entered a narrow alley.

Lei Qingzhi was terrified with no tears to cry. He both blamed himself for being naive and greedy for fame and reputation, and cursed the white-faced red bow for being insidious and cunning. However, his life was intact, which was certainly fortunate.

He opened the water bag to clean his sword wound. The sword marks were terrifying, splitting his lips into four, dividing his nose into two peaks, and piercing his left eye to bleed. He immediately performed Blood Solidification and Aperture Closure, applied secret healing medicine, and alleviated the injury.

Fortunately, Wen Caishang despised dealing with him; a slightly heavier blow, and his head would’ve been hard to keep. Though the wound seemed terrifying, it could be healed and recovered. Lei Qingzhi wrapped himself in white cloth, donned a white mask, and quickly left the city.

He arrived in the countryside. He took out a strand of hair and planted it in the snow soil. Seeing the hair touch the ground and take root was extraordinarily miraculous; he couldn’t stop marveling. He wrote in the snow, "You’ve hurt me terribly!"

In no time, seemingly out of nowhere, an arrow flew, striking the ground. The arrow had a rolled-up note attached, which, when Lei Qingzhi opened it, read three words: "Sorry!"

It turned out... Li Xian had devised a thorough plan. Layers of precautions were taken to prevent danger, for if Madam Wang and Madam Wen were connected, tracking Lei Qingzhi was also very probable. So he paved a new path for mysterious communication.

Lei Qingzhi had his hair, which could grow roots and serve as an eye and ear. Li Xian then observed Lei Qingzhi’s actions and listened to his sounds through the hair. Li Xian communicated back with arrows, ensuring that he remained hidden and safe.

In the distant mountains.

Li Xian, draped in Snow Beast fur, hid in the snow, prepared to escape without a trace if needed. His calculations were meticulous. Seeing Lei Qingzhi’s tragic state confirmed suspicion, knowing it was indeed wise to be cautious. He thought, "Lei Qingzhi’s frantic steps, terrified eyes, bloodied face indicate he didn’t obtain the Essence Treasure and was indeed driven away. Madam Wang is definitely not simple."

Li Xian shot another arrow carrying a note: "Speak directly; I can hear you."

Lei Qingzhi was even more amazed, his resentment fading. Though the white-faced red bow had harmed him terribly, its abilities were beyond comprehension, and he couldn’t help but secretly admire him. Lei Qingzhi said, "Brother, you can really hear?"

An arrow flew over with a note saying, "Naturally." Lei Qingzhi clasped his fists and praised, "Brother, you are indeed extraordinary, incredibly powerful. But with your abilities, you must have anticipated that Madam Wang was not simple; why harm me nonetheless?"

An arrow reached him with a note: "I truly couldn’t foresee it; it was merely a concern. Unexpectedly, it came true; I meant no harm to you. I apologize for this; should any trouble arise in the future, I will repay you."

A second arrow came with a healing "honey balm" attached. Lei Qingzhi sighed slightly, saying, "Ultimately I was greedy too. Ah, forget it, just let it go. Brother, take care of yourself then."

The third arrow arrived, with a note saying, "Please elaborate on the encounter." Lei Qingzhi said, "I have no qualms speaking of it." He detailed everything from waiting near the pavilion to his messy actions in the courtyard and meeting the lady... recounting all events one by one.

Li Xian frowned upon hearing it, thinking, "It seems the Human Yellow Essence Treasure was for naught. It’s not mine to acquire; better to retreat. Fortunately, I didn’t reveal my identity. Tomorrow, I’ll return to the Water Altar to leave this place of trouble."

Lei Qingzhi suddenly said, "Oh... there’s one thing that is so peculiar."

Li Xian prepared an arrow to ask, "What is peculiar?" Lei Qingzhi said, "Brother, do you know Madam Wang?"

Li Xian replied, "I’m unfamiliar; what do you mean?" Lei Qingzhi said, "When the lady left, she seemed extremely angry, and told me to deliver a message. She said, ’Tell that little thief, Madam Wang’s real surname is Wen.’ It’s strange, being Madam Wang, why is she surnamed Wen? Being surnamed Wen, why call herself Madam Wang? And why send a message to you?"

Li Xian was thunderstruck, his eyes filled with shock. Suddenly, the truth was clear; the hidden worries were indeed real. He forced himself to stay calm, replied with an arrow: "She’s indeed surnamed Wen?"

Lei Qingzhi said, "That’s what she said. Brother, you have connections with her?"

Li Xian replied, "Yes... and quite deep. Grateful for Brother Lei’s help; we’ll part ways for now." He retrieved his bow and arrow, lay back in the snow, and sighed heavily.

He immediately reflected on past events. Realizing his traces weren’t exposed, relaxing slightly, then thought, "I’m in the dark, the lady knows I’ve reached Flying Dragon City, but doesn’t know my exact location. Best seize this chance to escape swiftly. Xiaofan is also in the city; I must... I must get him out quickly. If the lady finds out, she might vent her anger."

He immediately hurried back to the city residence, heading towards Cui Zhu Residence. From afar, he saw a carriage parked at the side door of Cui Zhu Residence. Li Xian gritted his teeth, steeling himself to sneak closer. Inside the carriage were only boxes of books, miscellaneous books, worn-out clothes, calligraphy, paintings... and other items.

Li Xian observed secretly, knowing Li Xiaofan was about to leave. Slightly assured, he heard laborers moving books talking: "That lady earlier, truly beautiful." "I heard them discussing about organizing a big banquet, inviting that young man to eat and drink." "Ah, such matters, we ordinary folks absolutely shouldn’t get involved." 𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚

...

Li Xian suddenly understood: "Wen Caishang deliberately revealed her true self because she knew Xiaofan’s location long ago. Organizing a big banquet, might it be to force me to show myself?" He forced himself to stay calm, knowing revealing himself now was useless. Wen Caishang was meticulous; she likely used tricks to secretly monitor Li Xiaofan.

Li Xian deeply wished to flee, but the situation made it difficult to escape. Back at the inn, he contemplated a strategy for evasion. But the disparity in power was vast; if unseen, it was possible to maneuver, but if seen, no schemes would work.