However, dwelling on these thoughts now was pointless. Zhao Min quickly composed herself and said with a charming smile, “Ah, if it isn’t Master Ouyang. It’s been months since we last met, yet you remain as dashing as ever.”

“My old bones are already halfway in the grave, living on borrowed time. How could I compare to a young noblewoman like you in the prime of her beauty?” Ouyang Feng strode in with a group of men, and as he spoke, his subordinates swiftly surrounded Zhao Min’s entourage.

Ouyang Feng glanced around and couldn’t help but chuckle, “Why isn’t that Song fellow by your side this time?”

Zhao Min’s radiant smile froze. “He’s nothing to me. Why should he be here?”

From the tree, Zhao Yingluo poked Song Qingshu teasingly. “Seems like everyone knows about you and Zhao Min.” 

Song Qingshu replied with a solemn face, “What can I say? I’m just too dazzling wherever I go.”

“Conceited.” Zhao Yingluo rolled her eyes at him.

Song Qingshu grinned and turned his attention to Ouyang Feng’s group. He immediately dismissed the uniformly dressed, insignificant lackeys, focusing instead on three notable figures: Ouyang Feng himself, the familiar Murong Bo, and—unexpectedly—not Qiu Qianren, but Gongsun Zhi, the Master of the Passionless Valley.

He quickly pieced it together. During their last encounter in Kaifeng, Qiu Qianren had been injured by him and would need months to recover, so he was undoubtedly lying low somewhere. As for Gongsun Zhi, after the Golden Serpent Camp’s grand assembly, he had somehow been recruited by Wanyan Liang.

Ouyang Feng let out a hearty laugh. “If that young friend Song were here, I might have been inclined to exchange pleasantries with you, Noblewoman. But since he isn’t, I’m afraid we’ll have to insist you stay as our guest.”

Zhao Min’s expression darkened. To maintain secrecy during her mission into the Jin Dynasty, she had brought only a small retinue, with Xuanming Elders being her only elite fighters. Against Ouyang Feng alone, they would have held their own, but with two other masters of the same caliber present, the situation had become precarious.

She inwardly regretted her overconfidence. Her original plan—to swiftly neutralize the Laundry Courtyard—had seemed risky but well within her control. Who could have predicted Wanyan Liang would strike the same target today?

The Xuanming Elders bristled at Ouyang Feng’s dismissive tone. “Ouyang Feng, don’t get too cocky! With us protecting the Lady, you won’t lay a finger on her.”

“Big words.” Ouyang Feng sneered, then turned to Murong Bo. “Murong, shall we make this quick?” Though he could defeat the Xuanming Elders alone, it would take at least a hundred exchanges, and with the palace guards likely to intervene, he wasn’t willing to take the risk.

Murong Bo, having spent time in Prince Hailing’s court, had heard of Wanyan Liang’s humiliation at Zhao Min’s hands. If not for Song Qingshu’s interference, Wanyan Liang might have been captured by the Mongols—an incident the prince considered a deep disgrace. Now, with only the Xuanming Elders guarding Zhao Min, this was a golden opportunity. Capturing her would surely earn him Wanyan Liang’s favor.

“Brother Ouyang, how about a wager? Let’s see who subdues their opponent first,” Murong Bo said lightly, as if the Xuanming Elders were beneath his notice.

“Very well. I’ll take Lu Zhangke,” Ouyang Feng declared, lunging at Lu Zhangke with a flash of movement. Proud as he was, he deliberately chose the slightly stronger of the two, confident he’d still win before Murong Bo.

The Xuanming Elders were stunned by their sudden assault but quickly retaliated with their signature weapons. Though their Xuanming Divine Palms alone had once dominated the martial world, facing the legendary Western Poison, they dared not hold back.

As He Biweng saw his brother attacked, he instinctively moved to assist—only for Murong Bo to intercept him. Left with no choice, he focused on defending himself.

The Xuanming Elders’ true strength lay in their combined techniques, which amplified their power far beyond the sum of their individual skills. This synergy had once overwhelmed even Zhang Wuji, despite his mastery of the Nine Yang Manual and the Qiankun Great Shift.

But Ouyang Feng and Murong Bo were among the world’s top martial artists, their combat experience unparalleled. They easily thwarted the duo’s attempts to merge their attacks, forcing them into isolated battles where they quickly fell into a disadvantageous position.

Zhao Min watched anxiously, her delicate brows furrowed.

Meanwhile, Gongsun Zhi stared at her with undisguised lust. ‘Who would have thought there existed another beauty to rival Xiao Longnu? While she lacks that ethereal grace, her allure is even more intoxicating—a true gem among women.’

Seeing Zhao Min’s protectors occupied, an idea struck him. ‘Since joining Prince Hailing’s faction, I’ve yet to prove my worth. Capturing Zhao Min would surely earn his favor.’

Though tempted by her beauty, he knew better than to overstep. Zhao Min’s status made her untouchable, and Wanyan Liang’s obsession with her was no secret. As his subordinate, Gongsun Zhi wouldn’t dare steal his prize.

Still, even if he couldn’t possess her, he could certainly take liberties while apprehending her. The thought excited him beyond restraint. With a sudden leap, he swooped toward Zhao Min like a diving eagle.

Her guards rushed to block him, but they were no match for Gongsun Zhi. With a swing of his serrated golden saber and black sword, he mowed through them like weeds.

Zhao Min seethed. ‘So much for Wanyan Yong’s boast about these ‘elite warriors.’’ As Gongsun Zhi closed in, she knew the day was lost. Issuing a retreat order, she sent her remaining men to cover her escape.

“Witch, you’re not getting away!” Gongsun Zhi wouldn’t let his prey slip free. Tossing his golden saber into the air, he used his black sword’s magnetism to whirl it like a fiery wheel, cutting down the surrounding guards in waves.

With a sinister laugh, he lunged, his clawed hand aimed straight for Zhao Min’s chest.