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

Wanchunlou was brightly lit, and the aroma of tea filled the air.

The leaders of all the major sects have arrived to discuss how to attack the Demon Sect.

"This attack on the Demonic Sect is crucial to the safety of the Northern Territory. Does anyone have any good ideas?"

Xiao Jing's sharp gaze swept over the crowd.

An old man with white hair slowly stood up and said in a deep voice, "In my opinion, we can divide our forces into three groups and attack from the east, south and north, so that the Demon Sect will be unable to attend to both ends."

"That's a good idea, but it requires a lot of troops. How do we allocate them?"

Another person raised a question.

Everyone chimed in with their own opinions, and the discussion was lively and engaging.

After a heated debate, a plan was set for them to gather and depart in three days.

But at this moment, Ying Zizai, the Grand Preceptor sent by the Emperor of Zhou, stepped forward.

"Gentlemen, Marquis Weiyuan has been assassinated and seriously injured. The heir is busy capturing the assassin, and the garrison of the prefecture simply cannot spare any manpower to participate in the battle."

Please understand.

The moment those words were spoken, the entire room erupted in uproar.

"What kind of reason is that? The search doesn't even have a sketch of the assassin, yet they expect the military and civilians to remain peaceful. Isn't that just cheating?"

Someone shouted angrily.

Ying Zizai remained calm and said indifferently, "This is a secret of the imperial court, and it is not convenient to say more."

I hope you will all be understanding.

Not only did the northern mountain gates like Yunhai Immortal Sect stand idly by, but the troops from Danyang Prefecture also did not participate in the battle.

The attack on the Demon Sect was already shrouded in shadow before it even began.

At this time, Jiang Chuan was comfortably living and cultivating in Ping'an Town.

After listening to Feng Ling'er's advice, Yu Youwei rarely went out.

Feng Ling'er kept a close eye on Jiang Chuan as if he were a thief.

One day, Feng Ling'er went out on business.

Jiang Chuan's eyes lit up immediately upon hearing the news, and he rushed off to find Yu Youwei.

"Youwei, the weather's nice today, how about I go for a walk?"

Jiang Chuan smiled broadly, his eyes full of anticipation.

Yu Youwei hesitated for a moment, but finally nodded: "Okay."

Jiang Chuan was overjoyed. He reached out and took Yu Youwei's hand, and they headed towards the market.

Yu Youwei blushed instantly and tried to pull her hand back, but she couldn't break free after a few attempts and could only let Jiang Chuan hold her.

The market was bustling with people.

Jiang Chuan walked ahead carrying two strings of candied hawthorns. The red berries were coated with a shiny sugar shell, gleaming with an amber luster in the sunlight.

Behind her stood Yu Youwei, dressed in a simple blue dress, with only a bamboo hairpin in her hair, giving her a more aloof and elegant air than the average young lady from a noble family.

"This osmanthus sugar cake looks good."

Jiang Chuan stopped in front of the restaurant and, before Yu Youwei could answer, took out some loose silver from his sleeve and handed it to the stall owner.

The square cakes were neatly stacked on the porcelain plate, and the golden osmanthus filling could be vaguely seen through the translucent steamed dough.

He took a bite first, crumbs still on his lips, and mumbled, "Sweet but not cloying, you should try it."

Yu Youwei sighed softly, took out a handkerchief from her sleeve and handed it over: "Wipe it clean first."

Seeing Jiang Chuan eating with a smile on his face, she finally took the wooden fork he offered and took a small bite.

The sugar cake melts on the tongue, the fragrance of osmanthus coating the delicate powder, and the taste is indeed quite remarkable.

Seeing this, Jiang Chuan laughed even harder, lightly tapping the table with his knuckles: "How about it? My judgment has always been good."

"It's just food, yet you boast about it so much."

Yu Youwei lowered her eyes to avoid his burning gaze, but the tips of her ears were burning.

Suddenly, the sound of a rattle drum came from the street corner. Looking up, I saw a peddler carrying a load of rouge, face powder and silk flowers walking by.

Before Jiang Chuan could speak, Yu Youwei interrupted, "Don't buy any more of these. I rarely dress up."

What young lady doesn't love to look beautiful?

Jiang Chuan, however, refused to give up. He walked straight up to the peddler, picked out a silver hairpin with intertwined branches, the head of which was adorned with a perfectly round pearl that gleamed warmly in the sunlight.

He turned and tucked the hair into Yu Youwei's hair, his fingertips brushing against the stray hairs at her temples: "This will suit you even better."

Yu Youwei felt a warmth at her temple and hurriedly took a half step back, twisting the handkerchief in her sleeve with her jade fingers. She saw that Jiang Chuan had already paid the money, so she could only whisper "Thank you".

As you approach the fabric shop on the street corner, a plaque reading "Yun Jin Ge" hangs above the vermilion lintel, and two moon-white silk skirts with intertwined floral patterns hang down from the eaves, swaying gently in the wind like flowing springs.

Jiang Chuan grabbed Yu Youwei's sleeve and led her inside: "This material looks good, why don't you go in and try it on?"

Yu Youwei struggled, but ultimately couldn't overcome his strength and was pulled into the shop.

Upon seeing the guests arrive, the shopkeeper hurriedly greeted them with a smile, "Esteemed guests, our shop has just received some Shu brocade from Sichuan and some silk from Wu. Why don't you pick out a few pieces to try on, young lady?"

Jiang Chuan had already pulled out a piece of dark blue satin, embroidered with distant mountains and plum blossoms outlined in silver thread: "This one is nice, go and change it and see."

Unable to refuse, Yu Youwei had no choice but to accept the fabric and follow the shop assistant into the inner room.

When she came out after changing her clothes, Jiang Chuan almost dropped the teacup in his hand.

Her moon-white silk dress accentuated her snow-white skin, while her dark blue satin outer garment was embroidered with delicate silver plum blossoms, and a matching silk sash was tied around her waist, making her appear slender and graceful.

The shopkeeper also praised her repeatedly: "Young lady, you look absolutely stunning in this dress. It even enhances the beauty of our shop's clothes."

Yu Youwei felt a little uncomfortable, and twisted her clothes with her head down: "It's too gorgeous, I should change it."

Jiang Chuan waved his hand and said, "Very good, pick a few more items."

As she spoke, she selected several more pieces of fabric in different colors and patterns, including begonia red with intertwined branches, pine green with bamboo patterns, and moon white with ink wash landscapes.

Yu Youwei couldn't refuse him, so she tried on a few more outfits. When she came out after changing into the last dress, a pale yellow embroidered butterfly ruqun, Jiang Chuan had already had the shopkeeper pack up more than a dozen clothes. He paid the silver notes and was about to leave.

After leaving the cloth shop, Yu Youwei carried the package, her steps became much lighter, and a smile appeared on her face.

Just as Jiang Chuan was about to speak, he suddenly heard a commotion ahead. Looking up, he saw Lin Xiao and Chen Qing walking towards him.

Chen Qing, dressed in moon-white robes with a jade pendant hanging from her waist, saw Jiang Chuan and Yu Youwei holding hands and immediately unfolded her fan with a "snap," covering half of her face.

Yu Youwei felt a sudden tightening in her palm and hurriedly tried to pull her hand back, but Jiang Chuan held it even tighter.

She looked up and saw Lin Xiao dressed in a blue robe with a long sword hanging at his waist, looking at them with a half-smile.

"Junior brother, where did you have such a romantic encounter?"

Lin Xiao stepped forward, his gaze sweeping over Yu Youwei before settling on their clasped hands, a teasing smile playing on his lips.

Jiang Chuan felt a chill run down his spine and forced a smile, saying, "Second Senior Brother is joking. This is Miss Yu, a disciple of Yuelu Academy."

Yu Youwei quickly curtsied and said, "Greetings, Young Master Lin."

Lin Xiao waved his hand: "No need for formalities. I am Jiang Chuan's second senior brother. Just call me Second Senior Brother." He then pointed to Chen Qing: "This is Fourth Senior Brother's younger sister, Chen Qing. She has a rather eccentric temperament, so please don't take offense."

Chen Qing glared at him, but smiled at Yu Youwei and said, "Miss Yu is very beautiful. She and Jiang Chuan look like they stepped out of a painting."

Yu Youwei's cheeks flushed, and she didn't know how to answer.

Seeing the awkward atmosphere, Jiang Chuan quickly asked, "What brings Second Senior Brother here?"

Lin Xiao raised an eyebrow: "Of course we've come to find you. We heard you brought a girl back to the inn, so we naturally want to meet her."

He patted Jiang Chuan on the shoulder and said, "Let's go, don't keep everyone waiting."

On the way back to the inn, Jiang Chuan felt his steps were heavy.

He originally thought Lin Xiao had a gentle personality, but he didn't expect the other party to be so cunning when he remembered his grudge.

That day on the mountain, he merely stole Lin Xiao's collection of books, never expecting it to be remembered to this day.

Seeing his serious expression, Yu Youwei couldn't help but tease him, "Are you afraid of your second senior brother?"

Jiang Chuan forced himself to remain calm: "How could that be? It's just that we haven't seen each other for a long time, so it's a bit of a surprise."

We arrived at the inn. The carved wooden door was wide open, and several people were already sitting in the lobby.

Lin Xiao walked in first and said loudly, "The person has been brought here. Please don't frighten the young lady."

Yu Youwei looked up and saw several people sitting at the table. There was a man in a dark green robe with an iron sword hanging at his waist, a woman in a pink dress with a rouge flower in her hair, and a man in a blue robe who was pouring wine from a wine pot into his mouth.

“This is Jiang Wei from Tianzhu Peak, and Fang Sheng from Duanzui Peak,” Lin Xiao introduced them one by one. “This is Pei Guoguo, Jiang Chuan’s sixth senior sister, and Huang Yue, his fifth senior brother, but we all call him Da Huang.”

Pei Guoguo smiled and waved: "Miss Yu, please sit down. Don't be shy. We're not monsters."

Jiang Wei slammed his hand on the table: "Even if it's a flood or a ferocious beast, it's because Jiang Chuan abducted the girl. We're here to act on behalf of Heaven."

Everyone burst into laughter, and Yu Youwei had no choice but to sit down.

When the food and wine were served, Lin Xiao raised his glass and said, "It's a rare occasion for us to get together today, let's drink to that first."

Chen Qing stared at Yu Youwei and asked curiously, "How did Miss Yu and Jiang Chuan meet?"

Yu Youwei recalled the Battle of Heyang City. That day, she followed her master down the mountain and encountered the enemy attacking the city. Jiang Chuan stood alone in front of the city gate, his long sword dancing like a silver dragon emerging from the sea, killing the enemy soldiers so that they dared not come closer.

Later, she took advantage of the chaos to rescue the injured Jiang Chuan, and the two traveled together.

He then briefly recounted the matter, concluding, "It was thanks to Young Master Jiang's bravery that I was able to escape."

Jiang Chuan shook his head: "If it weren't for Miss Yu's rescue, I would have already lost my life. I'm the one who should be thanking you."

Pei Guoguo laughed and said, "It's more like a hero saving a beauty, or a beauty saving a hero. The two of you seem like a match made in heaven."

The crowd burst into laughter again. Jiang Chuan felt his ears burning and took a big gulp of wine.

After a few rounds of drinks, Lin Xiao suddenly said seriously, "Miss Yu is a disciple of Yuelu Academy, so you must have heard about the Kunlun Secret Realm Trial next year?"

Yu Youwei nodded: "My master once mentioned that disciples from all the major sects will participate in the opening of this secret realm."

Lin Xiao said, "That's right. This secret realm is dangerous. If Miss Yu doesn't mind, you can come with us. Jiang Chuan is a playful boy, but he has some skills. He will definitely be able to protect you."

Yu Youwei politely declined, saying, "Thank you for your kind offer, Second Senior Brother, but I have already made arrangements with the other students at the academy, and I will accompany them."

Lin Xiao didn't press the matter, but simply instructed Jiang Chuan: "In that case, you should be more careful and make sure Miss Yu doesn't suffer any injustice."

Jiang Chuan nodded hurriedly, feeling that this meal was more tiring than fighting a tough battle.

During the meal, everyone talked about the war between Zheng and Song again.

Lin Xiao said, "The contest between the Confucian swordsman Song Zhiwen and the young master Chen Shouren has attracted the attention of the heroes of the Northern Border."

This internal strife within the Confucian school, regardless of who wins or loses, will be a drain on the Confucian community.

Yu Youwei spoke softly: "From a moral standpoint, Song Zhiwen is an outstanding disciple of my Yuelu Academy. More than twenty years ago, the State of Song suffered a tragedy, and the late king died with resentment. Now the whole country wants revenge, and the State of Zheng should pay the price."

From the perspective of the greater good, war could very likely trigger a civil war among the seven states, so the Jixia Academy's advocacy of stopping the fighting had its reasons.

However… I secretly hope that Senior Brother Song Zhiwen can win, so that perhaps an even greater disaster can be avoided.”

Everyone appreciated her insights.

Lin Xiao looked at Jiang Chuan and teased with a smile, "Junior brother is so lucky to have won the heart of such a smart and beautiful woman as Miss Yu."

Jiang Chuan blushed and said solemnly, "I will definitely cherish it."

After a few drinks, Chen Qing's face turned red, and she started talking nonsense. Pei Guoguo had no choice but to help her back to her room to rest.

Seeing that Yu Youwei was also somewhat drunk, Lin Xiao said to Jiang Chuan, "Take Miss Yu back to her room and take good care of her."

Jiang Chuan carefully carried Yu Youwei back to her room and placed her on the bed.

Yu Youwei's cheeks were flushed and her eyes were glazed. Jiang Chuan couldn't help but tease her, "You, you have such a low alcohol tolerance, yet you still try to be strong."

Yu Youwei pretended to be angry and turned her head away.

Jiang Chuan quickly leaned close to her ear and coaxed her gently, telling jokes and making funny faces.

Yu Youwei couldn't help but chuckle. Just as she was about to speak, Jiang Chuan suddenly leaned in and kissed her.

Yu Youwei was taken aback at first, then closed her eyes, immersing herself in this tender moment, her little temper long since vanished.

Jiang Chuan reluctantly left Yu Youwei's room. Just as he reached the corner of the corridor, he heard a deep call: "Jiang Chuan".

He turned his head and saw that it was Uncle Long.

Uncle Long waved to him: "Come with me."

Jiang Chuan, filled with doubt, followed Uncle Long to the rooftop of the inn.

On the rooftop, the moonlight was like water, and Uncle Long had already set out a jar of peach blossom wine and two wine bowls.

He raised his hand to break the seal, filled both bowls with wine, and handed one of them to Jiang Chuan: "Come on, have a few bowls with me."

Jiang Chuan took the wine bowl, clinked it with Uncle Long's, and drank it all in one gulp.

The spicy liquor flowed down my throat, and a warm sensation spread throughout my body.

After a few bowls of wine, Uncle Long suddenly drew the ancient sword from his waist.

Jiang Chuan was startled and instinctively took a step back, placing his hand on the hilt of his sword.

Uncle Long simply looked at him, his eyes filled with expectation: "Draw your sword."

Jiang Chuan hesitated for a moment, then drew his sword.

Uncle Long flicked his wrist, and the ancient sword drew a sharp arc. The sword move seemed casual, but it contained hidden secrets.

As Jiang Chuan was wondering, he suddenly realized that Uncle Long's sword moves were actually from the "Yellow Dragon Sword Manual".

He quickly focused his mind and began practicing the sword moves as Uncle Long did.

As Uncle Long demonstrated, he explained the essence of the sword moves in a low voice. Jiang Chuan listened attentively and carefully imitated each move.

Before he knew it, the sky was beginning to lighten, and Jiang Chuan had gained a lot from the night's sword practice.

He sheathed his sword and bowed deeply to Uncle Long: "Thank you for your guidance, Uncle Long."

Uncle Long patted him on the shoulder: "Practice hard, don't waste this talent."

The following day, outside the inn, Lin Xiao and his group had prepared their horses and their luggage was full, clearly ready to embark on a long journey. (End of Chapter)