Chen Ping's Sword

"What great strength."

The folding fan in Jiangh Yudie’s hand was shattered by Chen Ping’s spear, yet he seemed not to be angry.

Instead, his tone carried a frivolous mockery as his figure blurred, leaping down from the city wall. In mid-air, he twisted and turned like a colorful ribbon, letting out a strange laugh, "Too bad, having only strength won’t help you hit anyone."

Chen Ping’s pupils contracted slightly; he realized this person’s body technique was somewhat similar to his "Seven Stars Step."

However, one was a body technique, the other footwork, suitable for different environments.

The Seven Stars Step is suited for long-distance travel, advancing and retreating unpredictably in battle, and gaining the upper hand when striking...

While the opponent’s body technique, drifting like a specter, was astounding in its evasive prowess, capturing the essence of agility and subtlety.

In mid-air, Jiangh Yudie rode the wind with his flowing garments, turning as the wind shifted, every move as he wished.

As if the world were a sea of flowers, and he were a butterfly.

Unknown where he came from, unknown where he was going.

No wonder this Flower Thief, much hated by many, still lived comfortably and freely after committing all sorts of wrongs.

Outrageously, he even had the leisure to join the Beihu Envoy Team, coming here to capture the two of them.

Truly possessing astounding skills.

The black horse neighed, galloping without pause.

With just a glance, Chen Ping ceased his entanglement...

He knew this person’s body technique was exceptional, allowing him to evade capture even after so many flower-picking exploits, likely due to his cautious nature.

Engaging in combat with him out of anger would delay them, and very possibly, a large enemy force would catch up.

Jiangh Yudie watched as Chen Ping galloped towards Yuanfeng Pier, distant smoke and waves lingering. Looking back anxiously, his expression was more wicked and lewd. He clicked his tongue, "Tian Qi, if you just leave the Little Commandery Princess Mingyue behind, I will cease my pursuit...

Since growing up, I’ve experienced all sorts of beauties, yet a woman with celestial bloodline remains untasted, a regrettable matter indeed."

"Noisy..."

Chen Ping felt Hua Lian’er’s body tremble slightly on his back, knowing the little girl was truly angered, but remained silent.

Immediately, he lifted his body, tightened his legs around the horse’s belly, turned back, drew the bow, and nocked an arrow, as red light glimmered on it.

"Oh, what a temper! I’m off!"

Buzz...

A flash of fire in Chen Ping’s eyes, the arrow whistled through the air, pursuing fiercely.

However, Jiangh Yudie anticipated it. His movements, reminiscent of a butterfly amid flowers, suddenly shook, as if pulled by an invisible thread, swooshing toward the slanting direction.

This body technique was swift and agile, carving a perfect arc.

In a blink, he glided over ten yards away.

At the same time, he drew his sword, slashing swiftly.

Chen Ping’s Sunset Divine Arrow barely reached him, only trailing his shadow, as Jiangh Yudie’s sword clipped the arrow’s tail feather. The arrowhead tilted, brushing past his shoulder into the sky.

"Hehe, here I come again."

Jiangh Yudie dodged the arrow and spun around, floating back like a colorful butterfly.

However, this time he dared not get too close.

Just hanging afar.

His gaze lingered greedily on Hua Lian’er, his eyes turning, plotting unknown schemes.

"The Yan Hui Butterfly Dance body technique from Hundred Flowers Valley, nimble and fast; if focused solely on dodging, even much stronger opponents would find it hard to catch him... Seventh Brother, don’t be tangled with him, let’s leave first."

Hua Lian’er suppressed her suffocating unease, muttering.

She already felt some regret.

Knowing her identity exposed, disguise useless, she naturally wiped her face clean, thinking that if there’s no escape, dying in the Yellow Springs would be better than implicating Seventh Brother.

At the last moment, showing her most beautiful side, hoping to leave him more to remember.

Never to forget her.

At this time, under Jiangh Yudie’s wicked gaze, she felt as though crawling with bugs all over, extremely uncomfortable.

If she’d known, she’d rather have kept her face painted.

"No wonder he’s ranked 256th on the Hidden Dragon List; despite his despicable character, his strength is indeed noteworthy."

Chen Ping glanced again, seeing the opponent merely hanging afar, too cautious to approach, for the moment unable to deal with.

He couldn’t stop and chase him, either.

That would be falling into his trap.

Therefore, he disregarded the filthy words from behind, focusing on riding.

In the memories of Divine Sun Divine Archer Murong Gui, he’d long learned equestrian skills, using them now with ease, if not with ingrained proficiency.

They were approaching Yuanfeng Pier.

Amidst the bustling crowd, several small boats still moored by the riverbank.

Seeing Chen Ping galloping, people started shouting. It seemed they had already heard of the Yuanfeng Sub-Branch Squad Leader’s death from Changhe Gang, though how the news spread was unclear.

In the chaos, no one tried to stop him, but three of the small boats by the shore quickly set sail.

Judging by the sailors’ frantic demeanor, they were clearly frightened.

On a remaining dilapidated black-roofed boat, an old man was slowly loosening the ropes.

Whether due to poor eyesight or lack of agility, his movements were extra slow, shivering without untying them.

Aside from the old man, there was also a middle-aged woman on board, looking terrified.

A middle-aged and a younger scholar, their faces bewildered.

"Get on the boat, take the water route to Feiyun Crossing, it will save us some distance."

Chen Ping glanced back, jumped off the horse with Hua Lian’er on his back, darted forward, his figure leaving a trail of afterimages, landing on the boat.

In the distance, on the main road, dust billowed.

Besides Jiangh Yudie, relying solely on her body technique, swiftly chasing the galloping horse...

The rest of the group, the knights at the forefront, were each riding tall steeds.

Their speed was astonishingly faster than the black horse he had chosen.

"Of course, as Hu Nobles, even if they come to the Central Plains, how could they not bring a few good horses? If we really take the land route, we’ll be caught up in no time."

Even though he had learned the Seven Stars Step, with its remarkable endurance and rapid speed.

Chen Ping still had no interest in competing against those fine steeds using just his legs.

How foolish that would be.

"Are we really not going to Celestial Gate Pass, to mother there?"

Hua Lian’er’s face showed rare sadness.

At this critical moment, she actually longed for her mother and wanted to see her once more.

"We can’t go."

Chen Ping replied with some helplessness.

After inhabiting the Sunset Divine Archer Murong Gui, he understood the intentions of those Hu People.

And he knew that the role of Master Qiuye, who was currently defending Celestial Gate Pass against the Hu Cavalry, was extremely crucial.

If Hua Lian’er really went to Celestial Gate Pass, no one could guarantee that Master Qiuye wouldn’t abandon the ’important matters’ and engage in a fierce battle with the pursuing forces.

Perhaps, in a fit of rage, he might even charge directly to Xingqing Prefecture to vent his anger.

For women, national affairs often seem less significant.

Excluding some who prioritize righteousness.

But for most women, what matters is their own small family.

With her daughter being bullied to such an extent, why care about the Hu Cavalry or Great Li and Great Zhou, venting anger is most important.

If not done right, it could lead to major consequences.

Therefore, if there are choices, Chen Ping is particularly unwilling to escape with Hua Lian’er toward Celestial Gate Pass.

It’s not a matter of safety or not.

He came from later generations.

He deeply understands how miserable the people of the Central Plains become when the Hu People enter the Pass.

Being reduced to worse than swine and dogs is an understatement.

Whether one can survive is the genuine question.

This has been historically proven.

The nomads on the grasslands, living amidst harsh winds and snow, growing amidst bloody carnage, lack the gentle Confucian culture of the Central Plains; their guiding principle is survival of the fittest.

If they truly occupy this splendid Divine Land, the consequences would be unimaginable.

Though he’s not of this world, seeing the same dark eyes and yellow skin, he can’t help but feel empathetic.

He naturally disapproves of the Hu People.

Keeping the Hu People outside the Pass, preserving the southern region’s flourishing prosperity, is something he actually welcomes.

With a natural bias comes a goal.

Chen Ping plans to deliver Hua Lian’er to King Jinghai Ji Changlie.

According to Hua Lian’er, her father went to sea to battle to the death with the Eastern Barbarian Sword Hero and although he killed that fiend at sea, it’s uncertain if he remained unharmed.

Delayed in returning to Xingqing Prefecture, there’s the clear evidence.

Rumor has it that Ji Changlie is currently staying at Feiyun Crossing in Ling Mountain Prefecture, with the Jinghai Guard accompanying for protection...

So, as long as they enter the vicinity of neighboring Ling Mountain Prefecture, their safety can be ensured.

After all, with the honorable status of a prince, even with the Court’s reprimand, not to wield military power.

Ji Changlie has still commanded troops for more than ten years, having too many trusted followers... There are indeed a lot of leaders following him under various peculiar names.

The goal, Feiyun Crossing.

"Father, everything is fine with Father, he also dotes on me, it’s just that he’s too busy..."

At this point, Hua Lian’er couldn’t help but steal a glance at Chen Ping.

There was something left unsaid.

Unlike her mother from a Jianghu sect, her father highly values lineage and status.

He regards the face of his Celestial Family bloodline more highly than anything else.

Once he discovers her entanglement and affection with Seventh Brother, he likely wouldn’t show a kindly face.

And might stir up some trouble out of nowhere.

If Father gets angry, Hua Lian’er isn’t afraid, but she’s worried the seemingly smiling King Jinghai might secretly pull some small tricks.

If it results in her being unable to see Seventh Brother, that wouldn’t be good at all.

’We’re not out of danger yet, thinking so far ahead might not be necessary.’

Thinking this, Hua Lian’er heard the thunderous hoofbeats approaching on the road, her heart jolted awake, she spat inwardly, and decisively declared, "Let’s go to Feiyun Crossing, I don’t believe these people would dare follow us."

And so it was.

Chen Ping had already drawn his short sword, slashing through the mooring rope with one clean stroke.

With a light nudge of his foot, he pushed off the long pole against the shore.

The small boat shot like an arrow towards the center of the river.