The memories of all humanity are awakening, except for mine.

The three followed the flow of people to Qinghe Residence, which was already bustling with activity.

Beautifully decorated painted boats sway gently on the Qinghe River, resembling palaces on the water.

They boarded a painted boat, and as soon as they sat down, the innkeeper warmly served them fine wine and delicacies.

Jiang Chuan leaned on the railing and gazed at the night view of Heyang City. The brightly lit buildings in the distance reflected in the water, creating a dreamlike scene.

"The night in Heyang City is truly breathtakingly beautiful."

Mu Qingling picked up a cup of tea, took a sip, and said, "Yes, even the wind carries a romantic scent on this night of the Lantern Festival."

Mu Chen picked up his chopsticks, took a piece of pastry and put it in his mouth. "Romantic as it may be, I still feel that the lantern festival of the Buddhist kingdom has changed its flavor when it comes to us. As for reincarnation, I still believe more in the Taoist longevity techniques."

Jiang Chuan shook his head slightly, "Brother Mu, your words are somewhat biased. Buddhism and Taoism each have their strengths. Buddhism emphasizes reincarnation and karma, and encourages people to do good; Taoism pursues longevity and freedom, and follows the natural order. There is no superiority or inferiority between the two, so how can you easily deny them?"

Mu Chen was about to retort when his gaze was drawn to the scene outside the window. He saw people on the riverbank lighting river lanterns and carefully placing them into the clear river.

In an instant, the river lanterns, like countless stars, drifted slowly into the distance. "Look, they're releasing river lanterns!"

Jiang Chuan and Mu Qingling also quickly got up and walked to the window. Looking at the dreamlike scenery, they were filled with emotion. "Such a beautiful day and night, wouldn't it be a pity if we didn't play some music?" Mu Chen said, and then asked someone to bring out a guqin.

Jiang Chuan smiled slightly, "Since Brother Mu has such an elegant interest, then I will use this Jiangyu flute to play a duet with you to match this beautiful scenery."

After saying that, he took out the Jiangyu flute from his bosom and gently wiped it.

Although Mu Qingling doesn't play any musical instruments, she is full of anticipation. "I'll be a loyal listener and enjoy your performance."

Mu Chen tuned the strings, and with a gentle pluck of his fingers, melodious music flowed forth. Jiang Chuan also placed his flute to his lips and began to play.

The clear and melodious sound of the flute blended with the mellow tone of the guqin, and the melody of "Phoenix Seeking Its Mate" was slowly played on the Qinghe River.

Just as the two were immersed in the music, a beautiful figure leaped down from the arched bridge and landed on the painted boat.

Everyone was startled. Upon closer inspection, they saw a woman dressed in a pink silk dress, holding a zither, with a smile on her face.

“Young lady, who are you…” Mu Chen spoke first, his eyes full of doubt.

The woman gave a slight bow. "I am Yu Youwei. I was attracted by the music of you two gentlemen and came here without permission. I hope you will not be offended."

Mu Chen's lips curled up slightly as he teased, "I wonder if Miss Yu, this 'phoenix,' has come for me, this 'phoenix,' or for Brother Jiang?"

Yu Youwei covered her mouth and chuckled, "Young master, you flatter me. I was simply moved by the beautiful music and couldn't help myself, which is why I flew over here. It would be wonderful if I could play a duet with you two."

Jiang Chuan nodded slightly, "In that case, I'll have to trouble Miss Yu."

Yu Youwei gently sat down, placed the zither on her lap, and lightly stroked the strings with her fingers, joining in the ensemble.

Her piano playing was like pearls falling on a jade plate, clear and melodious, echoing the flute and piano sounds, making the music even more beautiful.

The music played by the three musicians on the Qinghe River sounded like the harmonious chirping of phoenixes, attracting pedestrians on the riverbank and tourists in the painted boats to stop and listen.

The entire Qinghe River, illuminated by lanterns, resembles a flowing painting, captivating all who behold it.

After the piece ended, everyone applauded and cheered. Yu Youwei stood up and bowed again, saying, "It is truly an honor for me to play with you two gentlemen."

Jiang Chuan returned the greeting, saying, "Miss Yu's musical skills are superb, which greatly enhances this piece."

Mu Chen smiled and said, "Miss Yu, with such talent, may I ask where you come from?"

A barely perceptible sadness flashed in Yu Youwei's eyes. "I come from afar, drawn by the prosperity of Heyang City, and have come here for a visit."

Mu Qingling stepped forward and took Yu Youwei's hand. "Since you're here, it must be fate. If you ever encounter any difficulties in the future, feel free to come to us."

Yu Youwei looked at Mu Qingling gratefully, "Thank you, Miss."

By this time, the night had deepened, but the liveliness on the Qinghe River remained undiminished.

Jiang Chuan and the others sat on the painted boat, chatting and enjoying the beautiful scenery on the river.

"This lantern festival is truly unforgettable," Jiang Chuan remarked.

Mu Chen nodded in agreement, "Yes, it is truly a great pleasure in life to be able to spend this wonderful evening with Brother Jiang and Miss Yu."

Looking at the river lanterns on the river, Yu Youwei said softly, "These river lanterns carry people's wishes. I wonder where they will drift to."

Mu Qingling smiled and said, "No matter where it drifts, it's a beautiful hope. Just like our lives, full of unknowns, but also full of hope."

"I never expected that Miss Yu would be the young master of the East City Chamber of Commerce. My apologies for not recognizing her." Mu Chen's eyes were full of surprise as he clasped his hands in a gesture of respect.

The East City Chamber of Commerce holds a pivotal position in Heyang City, with businesses spanning the Southern Region. It was truly unexpected for him to become acquainted with the young master of the Chamber of Commerce.

Jiang Chuan nodded slightly, deep in thought: "No wonder Miss Yu has such an extraordinary temperament, displaying the demeanor of a great lady in every gesture."

Yu Youwei smiled slightly and waved her hand: "It's just inheriting the family business, you two gentlemen are too kind." Her smile was gentle, but the shrewdness that occasionally flashed in her eyes revealed the competence she had honed through years of hard work in the business guild.

As the group was talking, three fishing boats slowly approached the painted boat.

Jiang Chuan frowned, a chill rising from the bottom of his heart. He keenly sensed that there was a hidden danger lurking in that seemingly ordinary fishing boat.

"Be careful, there's danger," he whispered, his hand unconsciously resting on the hilt of his sword at his waist.

Mu Chen sneered, quite disdainfully: "Hmph, these aristocratic family assassins finally couldn't hold back and made their move."

He had long anticipated that, as the crown prince, his every move would be closely watched, especially on occasions like the Lantern Festival, where he would easily become a target for his enemies.

Yu Youwei remained calm, as if the impending crisis had nothing to do with her. She took a sip of tea, a faint smile still playing on her lips: "It seems the excitement tonight isn't over yet."

Mu Chen swiftly drew his sword, its blade gleaming coldly: "Brother Jiang, let's show them today that we're not to be trifled with!"

Jiang Chuan took a deep breath, circulated his pure Yang true energy, and a faint golden light emanated from his body.

He slightly raised his hands, palms facing the river, and the river water began to flow slowly under his control.

"Attack!" With a low shout, the assassins on the fishing boat drew their weapons, their cold glints flashing.

Mu Chen flashed forward like a black lightning bolt, meeting the oncoming assassin head-on.

His swordplay was impenetrable; each swing brought forth a chilling aura, easily deflecting the crossbow bolts fired by the assassin.

"Watch this!" Jiang Chuan shouted, manipulating the river to create a huge wave that crashed towards a fishing boat. The fishing boat was instantly capsized by the impact of the wave, and the assassins fell into the water, looking disheveled.

However, the assassins did not back down. They quickly emerged from the water, used ropes to leap onto the painted boat, and launched an even fiercer attack on the group. Mu Chen was fearless; his swordplay was sharp, each strike aimed directly at the assassins' vital points.

With a loud shout, he raised his long sword high and then slashed down fiercely, unleashing a powerful sword aura that cleaved a fishing boat in two.

Jiang Chuan was not to be outdone. He quickly formed hand seals, and sword energy shot out from his hands, repelling several assassins who tried to approach.

"You're not qualified to hurt my friend!" His eyes were firm and full of fighting spirit.

Just then, a masked assassin dressed in black leaped from a fishing boat and pounced straight at Mu Chen.

His swordsmanship was extremely high, his sword moves were sharp and fierce, and each sword strike carried a powerful force.

When Mu Chen fought him, he found it difficult to gain the upper hand and was forced to retreat repeatedly.

"Interesting. I'll take you down today!" Mu Chen gritted his teeth, a fierce glint in his eyes, and his swordplay became even more swift.

On the other side, a swordsman in black leaped down from the arched bridge, his target Mu Qingling.

Jiang Chuan was startled and flew forward without hesitation to meet her: "Don't even think about hurting her!"

Yu Youwei remained calm as she watched the chaotic battle unfold before her. She gently waved her hand, signaling the swordsman in the straw raincoat beside her not to make any rash moves.

"Let's take another look, this scene hasn't reached its climax yet." Her voice was soft, but it carried an enigmatic meaning.

Jiang Chuan and the black-clad swordsman met in mid-air, exchanging several blows in an instant. Jiang Chuan's sword energy was fierce, but the black-clad swordsman's strength far exceeded his expectations, and each of his attacks was easily neutralized.

The black-clad swordsman sneered, "You think you can stop me?" With that, he kicked Jiang Chuan hard, and Jiang Chuan was unable to dodge and was kicked into the river.

"Brother Jiang!" Mu Chen and Mu Qingling exclaimed in surprise.

Jiang Chuan flipped over in the water, quickly regained his balance, and then, using the buoyancy of the water, leaped out of the water again.

"I won't let you succeed!" His eyes burned with fury as he thrust his longsword at the black-clad swordsman once more.

The black-clad swordsman remained calm and deflected Jiang Chuan's attack with a light flick of his sword.

"You are no match for me. Get out of my way, and I will only take Mu Qingling's life." His voice was cold and devoid of any emotion.

"Dream on!" Jiang Chuan roared, ignoring his injuries, and launched another attack.

At this moment, the battle between Mu Chen and the masked assassin in black also entered a more intense phase.

The two of them went back and forth without giving in to each other.

Mu Chen's forehead was covered in sweat, and his breathing became rapid, but his eyes remained firm: "I want to see just how capable you really are!"

Chaos reigned on the painted boat. The assassins' attacks surged like a tidal wave, and although Mu Chen and Jiang Chuan fought valiantly, the situation grew increasingly dire.

The black-clad swordsman was too powerful, and Jiang Chuan gradually became overwhelmed by his attacks.

"Jiang Chuan, are you alright?" Mu Qingling called out anxiously.

Jiang Chuan forced a smile: "Don't worry, I'm fine." He gritted his teeth and launched another attack, but each time it was easily thwarted by the black-clad swordsman.

Yu Youwei looked at everything in front of her, feeling somewhat hesitant.

She sighed softly, "It seems it's time to end this farce."

After saying that, she clapped her hands lightly.

Just then, the swordsman in the straw raincoat who had been standing next to Yu Youwei suddenly moved.

His movements were incredibly fast, like a black lightning bolt, instantly rushing towards the black-clad swordsman. Sensing the danger, the black-clad swordsman quickly turned to defend himself.

"Who are you?" the black-clad swordsman asked warily.

The swordsman in the straw raincoat did not answer, but instead swung his sword rapidly, each strike carrying a powerful force.

The black-clad swordsman gradually found himself unable to withstand his attacks.

"How is this possible?" The black-clad swordsman was shocked. He hadn't expected that this swordsman in the straw raincoat, who had been hiding beside Yu Youwei, would have such powerful strength.

"That's enough." The swordsman in the straw raincoat suddenly shouted, thrusting his sword out with all his might. A powerful sword aura instantly pierced through the black-clad swordsman's body.

The black-clad swordsman stared wide-eyed, seemingly unable to believe that he had been defeated so easily.

At the same time, Mu Chen was tightly entangled by the masked assassin. The assassin's swordsmanship was strange and ruthless, with each strike carrying the aura of certain death.

Mu Chen's forehead was covered in sweat. As he struggled to defend himself, he looked anxiously in Mu Qingling's direction: "Qingling, you absolutely cannot be hurt!"

Seeing that Mu Chen was entangled, the black-clad swordsman's expression turned fierce. He rushed towards Mu Qingling like a ghost, his sword flashing coldly as he thrust it straight at her chest.

Mu Qingling's eyes widened, fear instantly engulfing her, but she had nowhere to hide.

At this critical moment, a pink figure flashed by like lightning—Yu Youwei had made her move!
The zither in her hand had somehow transformed into a soft sword, its blade writhing like a serpent, instantly coiling around the black-clad swordsman's blade. "If you want to hurt her, you'll have to get past me first!"

Yu Youwei's voice was clear and cold, yet full of power.

The black-clad swordsman's expression changed; he hadn't expected this seemingly frail woman to possess such skill.

He suddenly exerted force, trying to break free from Yu Youwei's entanglement, but Yu Youwei's soft sword only tightened its grip.

"Hmph, overestimating yourself!" the black-clad swordsman roared, his other hand quickly forming a hand seal, and a black sword aura shot towards Yu Youwei.

Yu Youwei remained calm and composed. She lightly leaped away from the sword energy, then suddenly flicked her soft sword and activated the "Qinghe Fire Tornado".

The river water instantly boiled, and a huge fire dragon rose from the river, carrying rolling heat waves, rushing towards the black-clad swordsman.

"What... what kind of technique is this?" The black-clad swordsman stared wide-eyed in horror. He tried to dodge, but found himself firmly locked in place by the power of the fire dragon.

With a deafening roar, the fire dragon instantly engulfed the black-clad swordsman, who screamed in agony as he was thrown into the river.

The masked assassin was alarmed when he saw his companion fail; he knew that today's assassination attempt was unlikely to succeed.

He glared at Mu Chen fiercely, then turned and jumped into the water, disappearing from sight.

After rescuing Mu Qingling, Yu Youwei gently patted her shoulder: "Don't be afraid, it's alright now." Her gentle voice instantly calmed Mu Qingling's previously panicked heart. (End of Chapter)