Six thousand and six.

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Shi Qingruo was certain she hadn’t misheard. When Su Mengzhen spoke the word “safety,” he deliberately emphasized it, as if reproaching her for asking Leng Xue to escort her here to avoid danger.

This was not surprising.

The Golden Wind and Gentle Rain Pavilion often dealt with the Six Doors Bureau and were even considered allies, yet within this network of connections, she was an unknown figure suddenly emerging from nowhere.

Su Mengzhen had his pride; without it, he would not have secured his position as the one who commanded these people.

Naturally, he disliked arrangements made without his knowledge.

Unfortunately, because of Leng Xue’s presence, he couldn’t simply send her away.

Shi Qingruo had considered this when she orchestrated the marriage to Guan Qi; she naturally ensured he would not expel her.

On the contrary…

She seemed utterly oblivious to Su Mengzhen’s implied meaning and calmly retorted, “Master Su’s claim that I invited Chief Constable Leng Xue to ride in the bridal sedan is not entirely accurate. As the chief constable said earlier, he is a lawman; this is not the outskirts of the capital where guards are sparse, allowing martial artists to draw arbitrary boundaries. If the law is to be upheld, those who murder or cause chaos must be dealt with, lest the entire capital live in fear and lose its dignity. This has nothing to do with me.”

“Besides, since the chief constable cannot travel on foot, sitting in the bridal sedan to handle the case is far more convenient than having someone carry him here.”

Judging by the outcome of the earlier assassination attempt, everyone would agree that Chief Constable Leng Xue had chosen a good vantage point.

Su Mengzhen glanced and saw Leng Xue, sword in hand, subtly twitch the corner of his mouth.

He seemed about to say something but ultimately remained silent.

Before he could speak, Shi Qingruo continued, “Besides, have I disturbed Master Su’s viewing of the show?”

“Not at all,” Su Mengzhen replied firmly.

His earlier half-complaint didn’t affect his honest answer.

In fact, he could say, “Without Miss Shi, I certainly would not have witnessed today’s spectacle.”

He could only conclude that if anyone intended to disrupt this marriage, this was the perfect place to do so, thus he brought people here as witnesses.

Yet without Shi Qingruo stirring the pot, causing some to lose patience, he wouldn’t have seen this farce unfold.

He had no reason to deny this.

“Then can we discuss a deal now?” Shi Qingruo asked calmly. “I believe the fact that I can sit before Master Su with proper standing speaks to my abilities.”

At these words, Su Mengzhen regarded her with a more serious gaze.

He always adhered to one principle—

One’s methods may be circuitous, and any means may be employed to achieve a goal.

But speech must be direct.

Yet now, it seemed someone spoke even more directly than he.

Shi Qingruo sitting before him was certainly a beauty, one so striking she could sober even a madman. But beauty alone would mean little.

Yet her confident words, despite lacking martial skill, and the resolute light in her eyes lent this exquisite portrait an irresistible vitality.

“Why me?” Su Mengzhen asked.

Shi Qingruo’s gentle demeanor shifted into a smile both barbed and mocking. “Because I don’t like those who immediately seek to end my life. There are countless ways to deal with heretics in the capital; killing is the most effective but also the most disdainful to those involved.”

She continued without flinching, “Those attackers assumed Guan Qi was mad and that I was powerless. Even if my identity were exposed, it wouldn’t matter once the deed was done. But—I'm no fool.”

“The swordsman who fought Zhu Xiaoyao, his blade singing like dragons and phoenixes, if I’m not mistaken, must be Meng Kongkong, the current heir of the Jian Bao Sword. The one who intercepted Deng Cangsheng’s attacker with swift strikes, wielding the Soul-Shaking Blade, was Xi Liantian, head of the Xi family estate. The swordsman killed by Guan Qi did not strike but his blade moved silently; known as the Five Tigers’ Soul Severing Blade, wielded by the famed Peng Jian.”

“These three, having benefited from the hero Fang, now serve under Young Lord Fang along with five other swordsmen, collectively known as the Eight Sword Kings.”

“The person who intercepted Guan Qi’s white-faced robed envoy’s hidden weapons and martial arts is also renowned in the martial world. The former wielded the unparalleled Nine Heavens Ten Earths Nineteen Divine Needles, forged by the Power Faction and once possessed by the corrupt official Wen Zhang. The latter was the disciple of the Divine Marquis Zhuge’s junior brother, Yuan Shisan’s Force Sword. His identity needs no further explanation; he is Wen Xu’an, Wen Zhang’s son and an aide to the Thunder Hall’s leader.”

“Finally, the old woman who confronted Chief Constable Leng Xue is none other than Qilian Shan Douzi Granny, the seventh leader of the Six and a Half Hall, wielding those bean-shaped weapons thrown into the sedan.”

“Master Su,” Shi Qingruo’s voice paused slightly as she arched her brow, “Young Lord Fang, the Thunder Hall leader, and that Marquis are in collusion, intent on taking my life. I have few choices, and among them, you are the first. Am I correct?”

Su Mengzhen casually glanced aside, exchanging a look with the man behind him.

Though unspoken, those who had worked with Su Mengzhen for years would understand his meaning.

The Golden Wind and Gentle Rain Pavilion had risen later in opposing the Six and a Half Hall; one thing they could not fall behind in was intelligence.

Yet the White Pavilion, which gathered information on martial artists worldwide, lacked knowledge about this eloquent Miss Shi!

More intriguingly, little was known of her background, and now even less—

Though she possessed no martial skill, she spoke clearly of the identities and abilities of those who attacked!

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Suppressing his surprise, Su Mengzhen’s expression gained a hint of respect for Shi Qingruo. “In that case, I’d like to hear your terms.”

Shi Qingruo replied, “I want the Golden Wind and Gentle Rain Pavilion’s entire network within the Maze Sky Alliance to be at my command.”

“...” Leng Xue’s hand trembled slightly on his sword.

Since someone came seeking their protection of ‘order,’ he felt they had walked into a colossal trap.

Though the troublemakers bore records and this mission wasn’t fruitless, what he now heard…

It crossed a line.

Was this something he could listen to?

Unspoken, the fact that Miss Shi had become the Maze Sky Alliance leader’s wife testified to her exceptional courage.

Master Su was no less worthy of his position as Pavilion Head; faced with such a startling request, his expression remained unmoved.

Su Mengzhen said, “Few dare negotiate terms with me, but there are some. Unfortunately, Miss Shi, as neither my elder nor my brother, such a bold proposal compels me to ask you to leave the pavilion and return to your sedan.”

“Whether it’s bold or not, Master Su, perhaps you should hear the rest of what I have to say,” Shi Qingruo calmly met his chilling gaze.

Since crossing into this world, all she had seen and experienced told her this was an utterly cruel and real world.

Yet she could be grateful for her three-playthrough gaming experience—a precious asset.

She could name those who attempted to assassinate her and also knew what to say to continue this negotiation.

She said, “Eighteen years ago, your father, Su Zhemu, founded the Wind and Rain Pavilion. Thunder Loss of the Six and a Half Hall admired your talent and arranged a marriage between you and his daughter, set to be fulfilled in months. But given the current situation, the Six and a Half Hall and the Golden Wind and Gentle Rain Pavilion are destined not for peaceful alliance as in-laws but for a fight to the death.”

“Master Su, rather than bargaining with a tiger, why not first ally with Thunder Loss to utterly eliminate the Maze Sky Alliance, turning the capital into a battleground between two parties? Wouldn’t it be better to choose a different path?”

Su Mengzhen sneered, “You mean join forces with me to first remove the Six and a Half Hall, bringing that inevitable conclusion forward?”

“Why not?” Shi Qingruo’s retort was so fluent even the usually composed Su Mengzhen faltered.

After a pause, he said, “...I suddenly think Thunder Loss made the worst decision by not personally appearing today.”

Shi Qingruo nodded, “That’s why I’m here, not him. And I believe I’m a better ally for you.”

Su Mengzhen asked, “Just based on your skill in persuading Chief Constable Leng to come here?”

Shi Qingruo smiled gracefully, “A person who only relies on external forces will eventually be shattered. The capital is deep waters; once a trick is used twice, no one is fooled again. I won’t use that as a bargaining chip—only a few words for you.”

Su Mengzhen raised a hand in acknowledgment.

Shi Qingruo continued, “When the Golden Wind and Gentle Rain Pavilion was established, the Six and a Half Hall was already powerful. Although we’ve risen quickly in recent years, in terms of foundation, we still lag far behind. Moreover, I’ve heard that due to your firm principles, the Wind and Rain Pavilion’s finances are far less robust than the Six and a Half Hall’s.”

“‘Less robust’ is a polite way of saying strained finances.”

She added, “First, I can bring a sum of wealth; second, if the plan to divide the Maze Sky Alliance and then face the Six and a Half Hall goes through, even if you win, it will be a costly victory. So why not choose an opponent more advantageous to you?”

Su Mengzhen asked, “But if, as you say, we ally and end up in conflict, what do you seek?”

Shi Qingruo pondered briefly before answering, “There are many capable people in the martial world who can only wait in hiding. Being able to soar one night is far better than fading into obscurity.”

Su Mengzhen sensed she was withholding some truth, not revealing all.

Yet there was no doubt that her answer was sincere.

He coughed harshly, suppressing a long-standing injury. A fresh handkerchief was offered to him.

He looked up.

The eyes before him remained shrouded in mist, their intent unclear.

But he clearly saw reflected within them the stubborn, lingering fire in his own eyes, signaling that the Golden Wind and Gentle Rain Pavilion’s head would not make an irrational choice.

Every word he spoke bore responsibility for many.

Shi Qingruo’s resolute voice sounded, “Master Su, would you be willing to raise the ante with some advance payment in this gamble?”

Su Mengzhen steadied his breath and slowly replied, “As you wish.”

Receiving the response he desired, Shi Qingruo’s face brightened, shedding her previous caution. She turned toward Leng Xue, “Then Chief Constable Leng, please escort me back. I trust—”

“Master Su does not give promises lightly.”

...

Doesn’t give promises lightly, huh?

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Su Mengzhen chuckled softly, unsure whether to be thankful for his good reputation in the martial world that had suddenly afforded him another option.

But the partner he had attracted was certainly no easy mark.

He wondered if it was his imagination, but whenever he looked at her, a strange sense of familiarity arose, as if this was not their first meeting, that they had crossed paths long ago.

Shi Qingruo’s every word seemed bold yet never crossed the limits he could tolerate, rather seeming to anticipate his thoughts.

Yet he searched his memory and found no clue.

Lost in thought, he was slower than the man behind him to speak: “I think the Thunder Hall leader is in trouble now that he’s tangled with Miss Shi.”

“Indeed,” Su Mengzhen said confidently.

Whether this trouble would backfire into a crisis for the Golden Wind and Gentle Rain Pavilion...

They should prepare in advance.

But for now, the headache was not theirs but…

…

Shi Qingruo descended the stairs and saw Sikong Zhaixing and his striking companion.

The man in a crimson cloak was unusually serious, even distracted as he stroked his distinctive mustache.

Yet his worry seemed unnecessary to some.

When that vibrant red entered his view, Sikong Zhaixing straightened and approached.

Lu Xiaofeng couldn’t help but cover his forehead, silently lamenting poor choices in friends.

But when they both looked in the same direction, even Lu Xiaofeng, accustomed to beauties, could hardly deny—

At this moment, all the troubles since arriving in the capital seemed to vanish in the smile of the red-clad beauty.

The spring breeze in the capital finally felt truly warm…

And on the wind came a gentle whisper: “Little Bat, thank you for earlier.”

“No thanks needed!” Sikong Zhaixing replied quickly, slapping Lu Xiaofeng’s shoulder and jolting him from his stupor. “Though I’m a master thief, I haven’t caused trouble in the capital recently, and someone has vouched for me. I won’t be thrown in jail.”

“Besides…”

“Did you really not weaken your knees entering the Six Doors Bureau?” Shi Qingruo teased.

Without hesitation, Sikong Zhaixing said, “Of course not!”

...

“I really admire you. Who was it that needed a hand when leaving the Six Doors Bureau?” Lu Xiaofeng rolled his eyes.

Sikong Zhaixing nearly jumped, shaking off Lu Xiaofeng’s hand from his shoulder.

Seeing Shi Qingruo had ended her greetings and walked toward the earlier battleground, where lacking internal energy she could not hear them, he sighed in relief.

Seeing his reaction, Lu Xiaofeng sighed more, “Do I need to remind you again? She said you’re safe, and now it’s time to go receive the marriage with the Maze Sky Alliance’s Holy Lord.”

Running around for someone else’s wife—what was the point?

“Isn’t that already known?” Sikong Zhaixing smiled wryly and brightened. “You heard her earlier; she owes me a favor and will repay me if her wishes come true. That’s no lie.”

“...” This time, Lu Xiaofeng was silent.

He suddenly felt he no longer understood the new customs of the martial world.

If that was so—

Maybe he should stay in the capital longer?

At least…

“Forget it, I don’t want to pry. But—” he pointed, “After all our efforts, we should at least get to drink a cup of Maze Sky Alliance’s wedding wine, right?”

He always attracted trouble, so now he had an instinctive feeling the day’s drama was far from over. He had to follow to see how it unfolded!