The Eastern Capital of the Sui Dynasty, Luoyang, was a place of unparalleled splendor, like a dream come true.
On both sides of the wide streets, towering pavilions stood side by side with bustling shops.
The dazzling glazed tiles, shimmering in the sunlight, reflected a radiant brilliance.
The streets were teeming with life, a vibrant tapestry of merchants, travelers, and carts.
The cries of vendors, the laughter of passersby, and the rumble of carts blended into a lively symphony of urban life.
In the distance, the Imperial Palace stood tall and majestic, its red walls and golden tiles exuding an imposing presence.
It resembled a celestial realm, overlooking the bustling world below.
Amidst this cacophony, a grand inn stood proudly on one side of the street.
In a private room on the second floor, the curtains were partially drawn, revealing a clear view of the towering walls of the Imperial Palace through the open balcony.
A man clad in dark black martial attire sat calmly on a couch, a fragrant cup of tea in his hand.
His eyes, deep and penetrating, gazed intently at the Imperial Palace in the distance.
A mysterious light flickered in his eyes, as if he were lost in thought.
Just then, the door to the private room opened silently.
A man dressed in the uniform of an "Unruly Man" appeared suddenly in the room.
He had a tall, upright figure, a cold, stern face, and eyes that radiated intelligence and competence.
The newcomer bowed respectfully and reported in a low voice:
"Young Master, there's news of the Unruly Leader!"
The man was none other than Kou Zhong. His eyes flashed with excitement upon hearing these words.
He gently placed his teacup on the table and said:
"Speak quickly!"
The Unruly Man responded respectfully, then said:
"The Unruly Leader successfully infiltrated Emperor Yang Guang's side after entering the Imperial Palace."
"Just as he was about to make his move, he was discovered by Dugu Sheng, a master of the Dugu Clan who resides in the palace! He was injured by Dugu Sheng's long blade!"
"Dugu Sheng is an old man, thin and wiry like a monkey, a master swordsman of the Dugu Clan stationed in the palace."
"According to reports from our hidden informants, he led over a hundred Imperial Guards to capture the Unruly Leader alive."
"The Unruly Leader killed dozens of Imperial Guards in the process, but the tyrannical emperor still allowed him to escape!"
Kou Zhong's brow furrowed slightly, his grip tightening unconsciously around his teacup.
The Unruly Man continued:
"The Unruly Leader managed to escape from the Imperial Palace with the help of several informants who detonated themselves as a distraction."
"However, he was seriously injured and his whereabouts remain unknown…"
Upon hearing this, Kou Zhong’s body suddenly erupted with a fierce aura.
It was as if an invisible storm had swept through the entire private room.
His eyes, sharp as knives, pierced the air as he coldly asked:
"Where was Jun Juang last seen?"
The Unruly Man felt Kou Zhong's powerful aura and his body trembled involuntarily.
Suppressing his fear, he replied with a trembling voice:
"Reporting to Young Master, the Unruly Leader last disappeared near the Imperial Palace's moat."
"Based on the evidence at the scene, it seems someone rescued the Unruly Leader…"
"My guess is that the Unruly Leader followed the moat towards the Grand Canal!"
Kou Zhong pondered for a moment, a complex mix of emotions swirling in his eyes.
He slowly set down his teacup, took a deep breath, and instructed the Unruly Man:
"Calm down all the Unruly Men in the capital, ensure no one detects any unusual activity."
"I will bring the Unruly Leader back."
With that, Kou Zhong vanished from the private room.
The Unruly Man kept his head lowered, unable to look up.
Only after confirming Kou Zhong's departure did he dare to breathe heavily…
…
Four large warships sailed slowly along the wide Grand Canal.
Each warship had a towering sail.
On the white canvas of each sail was a majestic and graceful character: "Song"!
With the wind filling their sails, they resembled birds with outstretched wings, ready to take flight.
On either side of the vessels, the waves gently lapped against the hulls, producing a low, rhythmic sound.
Inside a room within one of the ships, sunlight streamed through a small window, casting a soft glow.
A faint fragrance of medicinal herbs permeated the air.
On a carved red sandalwood bed, lay a graceful figure.
It was none other than Fu Jun Juang, the assassin who had failed to kill Yang Guang.
Her plain white martial attire was now stained with blood.
Bandages, smeared with medicinal ointment, wrapped around her body, making her appear even more miserable.
Her face was now pale as paper, devoid of any color.
Her eyes were closed, her breathing shallow, and her delicate brows were slightly furrowed, as if she was in immense pain...
Two figures stood by the bedside.
A man and a woman stood quietly, their bodies both exceptionally tall and their bearing radiating nobility.
The woman, tall and slender, wore a flowing, pale yellow dress.
She possessed a temperament that lacked the usual feminine grace and gentleness.
Instead, she exuded a masculine boldness and confidence.
Her brows held a hint of cunning, and her every smile and frown reflected a captivating intelligence and grace.
While her features were not breathtakingly beautiful, her delicate charm was enough to draw the eye.
The man wore a splendid brocade robe, with an exquisite jade pendant hanging from his waist.
He was handsome and elegant, with a refined air that befitted a wealthy young master.
However, he lacked any weakness, his spine straight, his shoulders broad.
Despite his scholar’s attire, he gave off an aura of someone deeply skilled in martial arts.
"Brother, do you think this is the assassin from the Imperial Palace?"
A clear and melodious voice echoed through the room. The woman turned her head and asked with a furrowed brow.
The man's brow furrowed as well, and he said in a deep voice:
"Judging by her injuries, inflicted by Dugu Sheng, and the news of the lockdown in the capital."
"She's most likely the female assassin!"
The woman in the pale yellow dress continued:
"Are you sure it's okay that we rescued her?"
"This is the second time Yang Guang has been targeted for assassination, could it be the same person?"
The man shook his head with a faint smile:
"Li Zi Tong of Donghai and Du Fuwei are currently allied and attacking Liyang, in order to secure the Yangtze River waterway."
"There aren't many soldiers on the canal right now, and besides, this is a Song Clan ship!"
"Would they dare to board and search our vessel?"
The two were none other than Song Shi Dao, the eldest son of the Song Clan, and Song Yu Zhi, his younger sister!
Among the four powerful noble families of the time, the Song Clan held the most prominent reputation.
But if one were to speak of influence, the Song Clan was undoubtedly the most powerful in the South.
The Song Clan was the most influential noble family in the South.
Their clan leader, Tian Dao Song Que, was renowned as the greatest swordsman in the world!
It was said that when Yang Jian unified the nation and established the Sui Dynasty.
He had to adopt a pacifying policy toward the Song Clan, fearing their immense power!
He conferred upon Song Que the title of Duke of the South, and Song Que, knowing that the Southern Dynasty's fate was sealed.
Pretended to submit and pledge allegiance to preserve his family.
The other three noble families had mixed bloodlines with non-Han Chinese.
However, this last surviving and influential Southern clan, had always adhered to tradition.
They strictly forbade marriage with those outside the Han Chinese race, hence they were seen as the true successors to the Han tradition in the martial world.
During Emperor Wen's reign, Song Que still dared not make a move, preserving his strength!
He bided his time and cultivated his skills, avoiding unnecessary trouble!
When Emperor Yang Guang ascended the throne, the country faced internal unrest and external threats, with corruption in the court and rebellions erupting everywhere.
The Song Clan became active once more!
Song Que's younger brother, Di Jian Song Zhi, was also a renowned swordsman.
He was known throughout the martial world for his cunning and strategy, recognizing that the Sui Dynasty still held a powerful aura, and a premature rebellion would only make them a primary target.
Therefore, he advised his older brother to postpone their rebellion against the Sui Dynasty!
Instead, they engaged in various lucrative ventures!
The most profitable of these ventures was smuggling salt from coastal counties to the interior via the Yangtze River!
These four ships of Song Shi Dao were actually smuggling salt.
On the surface, they were assigned by the Song Clan's leader, Tian Dao Song Que, to conduct salt trade with the capital.
In reality, they were used to collect intelligence from the capital, gathering information from the Song Clan's informants!
Song Shi Dao looked at Fu Jun Juang, who lay injured on the bed, and couldn’t help but think back to the events of the previous night…
The previous night, Song Shi Dao and Song Yu Zhi were collecting intelligence from their clan's informants.
They happened to encounter Fu Jun Juang's assassination attempt on Yang Guang!
Song Shi Dao and his informants were unsure of the details but had to withdraw separately due to the commotion within the Imperial Palace.
Just as Song Shi Dao was retreating from the city wall, he felt a gust of wind behind him!
A beam of sword light pierced towards his back!
But as the eldest son of the Song Clan, he was already a half-step Grandmaster.
He also possessed the true essence of Tian Dao's swordsmanship, and Song Shi Dao turned around and blocked that sword with a single strike.
Turning his head, he saw a stunning and dignified woman, gravely injured and appearing faint.
Just as he was about to question her, the woman closed her eyes and fainted.
Song Shi Dao was about to think things over, but he heard the sounds of the Imperial Guard searching from a distance.
He could only instruct Song Yu Zhi to bring the woman aboard the ship, allowing his sister to tend to her wounds…
Song Yu Zhi was still somewhat worried and said:
"Brother, her injuries are too severe, we can't heal her…"
"Not good! Young Master, Miss, not good!"
"Someone's blocking our path ahead on the canal!"
A servant's voice suddenly came from outside the cabin.
Song Shi Dao and Song Yu Zhi exchanged a glance, their hearts pounding.
Could it be that the Imperial Guard had caught up to them?
They glanced again at Fu Jun Juang, who lay with her eyes closed, breathing weakly, and simultaneously made their way out of the cabin…