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

Jiang Chuan, worried about Tang Zhizhi, gritted his teeth and refused.

Su Wen looked at Yu Youwei: "Go quickly."

Yu Youwei looked at Jiang Chuan, who said in a deep voice, "You leave and take care of Uncle Long."

Yu Youwei bit her lip, sheathed her famous sword Qiushui, helped Uncle Long up, and slowly backed away.

Su Wen then looked at Fang Sheng and inquired about the situation.

Cao Jiang snorted coldly and kicked Fang Sheng toward Su Wen.

Su Wen quickly caught it, took out a pulse-protecting pill, and fed it to Fang Sheng.

Cao Jiang became increasingly arrogant and began a countdown: "I'll count to three, Jiang Chuan. If you don't put down your sword, don't blame me."

One...two..."

Tang Zhizhi looked at Jiang Chuan in despair, tears welling in her eyes.

Jiang Chuan had no choice but to loosen his grip on the sword hilt and prepare to discard it.

Su Wen suddenly spoke up: "Tang Zhizhi is the Crown Princess. If she is humiliated, she should atone with her death. The imperial family cannot afford to lose face like this."

Jiang Chuan angrily shouted, "Su Wen, you're talking nonsense! Tang Zhizhi is Jiang Wei's woman, and has nothing to do with the Crown Princess!"

Su Wen sneered: "Jiang Wei is a piece of trash. Does he dare to fight against the Crown Prince?"

Jiang Chuan was furious and turned around to slash at Su Wen with his two swords.

This unexpected turn of events shocked everyone. Cao Jiang looked on with amusement, the Demon Sect girl A Gui was stunned, and Yu Youwei called out to Jiang Chuan in disbelief.

Su Wen quickly unfolded the Qiankun Fan and used the Kamaitachi Dao Technique.

The wind howled, and sand and stones flew as it rushed towards the river.

Jiang Chuan was agile and jumped to avoid it.

The Kamaitachi turned, accidentally dragging the demon sect girl, Agui, into the fray.

Su Wen knelt down due to exhaustion from performing the technique.

At this moment, Tang Zhizhi, who was in Cao Jiang's arms, suddenly turned into a puppet, and a talisman appeared between his eyebrows.

Liu Yin Nu appeared out of nowhere and embraced Cao Jiang.

Jiang Chuan unleashed the Azure Dragon Sword Qi he had been gathering in his right hand, and the powerful sword energy enveloped both Liu Yin Nu and Cao Jiang.

With a deafening roar, the Yuelai Inn was completely destroyed by this sword strike.

Jiang Chuan used the Azure Dragon Sword Qi to push Cao Jiang and Liu Yin Nu twenty zhang away. Hearing their screams, he was about to step forward to kill Cao Jiang when he was knocked away by a tiger transformed from a feathered arrow shot by the Demon Sect girl.

Jiang Chuan fell heavily to the ground, spitting out a mouthful of blood.

In the critical moment, Jiang Wei arrived in time and used the Taihua Sword to slay the tiger.

Seeing that things were not going well, the demonic sect girl and Cao Jiang escaped on a hawk.

Jiang Chuan was seriously injured, his internal energy was flowing backward, and he lay on the ground in pain.

After regaining his composure, Su Wen told Jiang Wei, "The Tang Zhizhi I brought is fake; he's a special puppet."

Not long after you left the mountain gate, the True Man was summoned back to Haojing by imperial decree to marry the Crown Prince.

Jiang Wei's face darkened, and without saying a word, he turned and headed towards the county town.

Su Wen struggled to get up and followed behind Jiang Wei.

After Jiang Wei and Su Wen left, Jiang Chuan looked at Yu Youwei: "Youwei, Su Wen sent a message before he came, saying that Tang Zhizhi is an imposter."

"The two of us are putting on a play to rid Cao Jiang and the demonic sect's young girl."

Yu Youwei was somewhat surprised but remained silent, listening to Jiang Chuan continue.

"Tang Zhizhi is a wooden puppet made of willow shade."

Jiang Chuan said, "Puppet masters use hair or personal items as a medium, along with talismans and imbue them with memories, so that the puppets are no different from living people and can even gain some cultivation."

If the hair or any object is destroyed, the doll reveals its true form.

He seemed to be deep in thought, “The mermaid in the lotus pond is probably a puppet controlled by the Willow Shade Maiden.”

Someone close to you might betray you.

Yu Youwei's eyes dimmed, and she did not respond.

When the puppeteer's stance was discussed, the two began to speculate.

Jiang Chuan pondered for a moment: "In my opinion, it's most likely from the Crown Prince's side."

The power struggles among various factions make it understandable that the crown prince would use this method to consolidate his power.

But then he changed the subject, "However, it could also be a double agent, and there might be other forces behind it."

After the fire, Ping'an Town was reduced to ruins.

Smoke rose from the broken walls and ruins, and the air was thick with the smell of burnt metal and blood.

The next morning, the troops from the prefecture arrived, their horses kicking up dust.

Jiang Chuan learned from the soldiers that the county town had also been attacked by the Demonic Sect last night, and was in chaos.

The survivors were taken to the county town for resettlement, while Fang Sheng was taken away by the Sword-Holding Hall of the Judgment Peak of the Cloud Sea Immortal Sect.

Jiang Chuan hurriedly asked about Feng Ling'er's whereabouts, and Yu Youwei's expression tightened: "Before Cao Jiang came, the Demon Sect Supreme injured Uncle Long. In order to protect everyone, Feng Ling'er lured that person away by herself and has not returned since."

Jiang Chuan silently prayed for Feng Ling'er's safety.

Just as Jiang Chuan and Yu Youwei settled into the county town, a shocking rumor spread – the Righteous Alliance had been completely wiped out.

The message was brought by Zhang Hai, a spear cultivator from the Zhiwei Realm of Chuyun Mountain. He only repeated these words upon arriving in the county town before fainting.

Crown Prince Ding Shoucheng brought a pharmacist to treat him.

Zhang Hai awoke, pale-faced and still fearful, and recounted what had happened.

The Righteous Alliance, led by Xiao Jing, the sect leader of the Azure Sword Sect, attacked Thousand Caves City. Initially, the attack went smoothly, with the Demon Sect's gates destroyed and a Supreme Elder killed. The group then pursued the enemy into Thousand Caves City.

Thousand Caves City is a huge cave with a complex terrain. As soon as the group entered, they were scattered and attacked by the Demon Sect.

Their attempt to break through the mountain cave failed, and the Demon Sect used the terrain to gather alliance members.

The Demon Lord appeared and fought a great battle with Xiao Jing, feigning defeat. The alliance pursued him and lured him to the Tonglian Tiankeng (a type of sinkhole).

The Demon Lord set up an illusionary magic array in the sinkhole, making everyone think they had escaped from Thousand Caves City, but in reality they had fallen into a trap.

The magic array collapsed, and everyone sank into the sinkhole. A strange demonic aura in the sinkhole devoured their minds and souls. Those with lower cultivation levels could not resist and fell in, while those with higher cultivation levels were suppressed by the demon array set up by the Demon Lord even when they were riding on their swords.

In the end, only a few people managed to break through. Xiao Jing lost an arm and went to the Cloud Sea Immortal Sect for help. Zhang Hai managed to break out of the sinkhole. Only a dozen or so people managed to escape from the Lonely Mountain.

Jiang Chuan and Yu Youwei were in shock when Feng Ling'er arrived.

Jiang Chuan is using jade to protect Uncle Long's heart meridian, and Uncle Long's injuries have improved, but he is still unconscious.

Feng Ling'er said to Jiang Chuan and Yu Youwei, "You've been traveling for a long time, go and rest. I'll take care of Uncle Long."

The two nodded and left.

Meanwhile, Pei Guoguo entered the city with the Cloud Sea Immortal Sect token and hurriedly asked Da Huang to find Jiang Chuan.

Su Wen arrived at Tingfeng Pavilion, where Jiang Wei had been waiting all day.

Upon seeing Jiang Wei, Su Wen immediately said, "The Grand Preceptor does not wish to see you; the matter is settled."

"That doll was not made by me; it was given to me by Zhou Ze."

Su Wen continued, "He created this puppet to control you, so that the Crown Prince and Tang Zhizhi could get married smoothly."

Jiang Wei clenched his fists unconsciously.

Su Wen bluntly stated: "With the Crown Prince's marriage, the King's next step will likely be to eliminate Chancellor Tang."

In the long run, this might be a good thing for your Jiang family.

You absolutely must not act impulsively because of Tang Zhizhi's matter, such as trying to steal a bride; that would be absolutely unacceptable.

Behind this, the Imperial Advisor is probably implying that Tang Zhizhi is like a puppet and should be discarded.

Jiang Wei retorted, "If the Crown Prince marries Tang Zhizhi, Tang Zhizhi's death is imminent."

Imagine if the Crown Princess poisoned the Crown Prince on their wedding night; Tang Shiqi would surely be executed along with his entire family for the crime of plotting against the Crown Prince.

Tang Zhizhi is intelligent and would never do something so foolish, but someone might be forcing her to do it. Su Wen was silent for a moment, then advised, "Brother Jiang, please calm down."

"Now that the authorities in Haojing are keeping a close watch on you, if you insist on meeting with the Imperial Advisor, you will most likely be summoned back to Haojing and die in the imperial prison."

"Then, in your opinion, how should Tang Zhizhi be saved?"

Jiang Wei asked anxiously.

Su Wen said, "There is a way."

We could try to get the people of Haojing to replace the poisoned wine. Yuchoko has some influence in Haojing, so she might be able to put pressure on them.

If necessary, a prison break is not out of the question.

But the prerequisite is that you cannot die, and don't worry about whether Tang Zhizhi is a virgin or not.

Jiang Wei's expression shifted between anger and uncertainty, revealing his deep inner turmoil.

On the other side, Xiao Jing, the sect leader of the Azure Sword Sect, went to the Cloud Sea Immortal Sect for help after the Righteous Alliance suffered a crushing defeat in the Lonely Mountain Thousand Caves City.

Upon entering the Cloud Sea Immortal Gate, Xiao Jing headed straight for the main peak, intending to see Chunyangzi.

But Chunyangzi went into seclusion and refused to see anyone.

Xiao Jing searched for Ming Yangzi again, only to be told that Ming Yangzi had gone out to find medicine and had not returned.

Left with no other choice, Xiao Jing went to Judgment Peak to find Lu Chen, the head of the Law Enforcement Hall.

Xiao Jing explained his purpose, and Lu Chen simply said, "Chunyangzi is in seclusion, and Mingyangzi is away. Our sect is currently very busy with affairs, so please wait until Mingyangzi returns to the mountain before we talk."

Xiao Jing was anxious, but all he could do was wait.

Lu Chen neither arranged for anyone to treat Xiao Jing's injuries nor treated him properly. Xiao Jing waited at Duanzui Peak for a whole day and night, but Mingyangzi still did not appear.

In the end, Xiao Jing went to Tianzhu Peak, hoping to find a glimmer of hope.

At this moment, within the Cloud Sea Immortal Sect, discussions regarding the Thousand Caves City were in full swing.

Yun Wanggui instructed the cultivators: "Tonight, you will all set off for Danyang County."

I'll stay behind to deal with Xiao Jing from the Azure Sword Sect, and then we'll regroup later.

In reality, Mingyangzi had already returned to the mountain, but instead went to Qiyun Peak to drink with Daizong. The two of them got completely drunk and unconscious.

The news that Yunhai Immortal Sect was attacking Thousand Caves City caused a huge uproar.

The lineup sent by the Cloud Sea Immortal Sect this time can be described as luxurious.

Many masters, including Yun Wanggui from Tianzhu Peak, Lu Chen from Duanzui Peak, Lin Xiao from Zuowang Peak, Luoyang Fairy and Dong Xiaowan from Mengdie Peak, Chen Yang from Chiyang Peak, and Ji Kui from Panlong Peak, all set out.

Among them are seven Sage Realm True Persons and quite a few Supreme Realm experts, such as Zhuang Yan and Pei Guoguo from Zuowang Peak, Chen Qing from Mengdie Peak, and Chen Feng from Qiyun Peak.

Furthermore, there are Yun Wanggui, Lu Chen, and Chen Yang, three of the Four Heroes of the Immortal Sect, as well as the Four Young Masters of the New Generation of the Immortal Sect: Jiang Chuan, Wang Han, Jiang Wei, and Su Wen.

Such a powerful lineup shocked all forces. Everyone believed that Thousand Caves City was on the verge of collapse. The move by Cloud Sea Immortal Sect seemed to be aimed at completely overthrowing Thousand Caves City and reshaping the landscape of the martial arts world.

In Danyang County, Jiang Chuan and Yu Youwei walked side by side, their figures stretched long on the stone road.

Jiang Chuan broke the silence first: "Youwei, tomorrow morning, I will enter Lonely Mountain with my senior brothers to attack Thousand Caves City."

Yu Youwei paused in her steps: "Feng Ling'er said I was injured and wouldn't let me come along."

Jiang Chuan looked at her with heartache: "I was also worried that your injuries hadn't healed. This trip is fraught with danger, so please rest and recuperate in the county town."

Yu Youwei cautioned, "Be very careful when you go into the mountains. If you can't win, don't be reckless, just run away."

Jiang Chuan reached out and put his arm around Yu Youwei's waist: "Don't worry, I'm quick-witted, nothing will happen."

Maybe when I get back, I'll have a big surprise for you.

Yu Youwei playfully slapped his hand: "What time is it? You're still being so indecent."

As they talked, they were almost at Tongfu Inn.

Jiang Chuan suddenly stopped, took out a delicate little box from his pocket, and handed it to Yu Youwei: "Open it and take a look."

Yu Youwei took the box with a puzzled look, opened it, and a pure silver bracelet came into view.

The bracelet has a simple and elegant design, with the carved patterns symbolizing a lifetime of love that is pure and flawless.

Yu Youwei blushed: "This is..."

Jiang Chuan scratched his head, a little embarrassed: "When you saw this bracelet at the silver jewelry shop in the market, your eyes were full of love for it, but you were too shy to pull me away."

Later, I went back and bought it.

Yu Youwei was overjoyed, but also felt a little guilty: "I didn't prepare a gift for you."

Jiang Chuan held her hand: "Your presence here, by my side, is the best gift."

Yu Youwei nestled in Jiang Chuan's arms, enjoying this moment of warmth.

Inside the Tongfu Inn, Pei Guoguo was sitting opposite Lin Xiao.

Pei Guoguo asked curiously, "Senior Brother Lin, do you not like Yu Youwei?"

Lin Xiao was taken aback, then smiled and said, "How could I not like the person Jiang Chuan likes?"

Pei Guoguo persisted, "I asked about liking, but that's not what I meant."

Lin Xiao was silent for a moment, then said, "There is indeed a person named Yu Youwei at Yuelu Academy, and the Confucian swordsman Song Zhiwen also knows her."

I don't like her, perhaps because I don't want Jiang Chuan to repeat the mistakes I've made.

Pei Guoguo looked blank. Lin Xiao stood up and patted her head: "You'll understand when you have someone you like."

After saying that, he pushed open the door and left.

Pei Guoguo watched Lin Xiao's departing figure and murmured forlornly, "How could Lin Xiao know that I don't have someone I like?"

Jiang Chuan and Yu Youwei ran into Lin Xiao as they went upstairs.

Lin Xiao said, "I'm going out for a walk. You all should get some rest."

After saying that, he turned and went downstairs, disappearing into the night.

Lin Xiao was strolling through the night streets when suddenly he saw a familiar figure—Dong Xiaowan.

Their eyes met, and they initially brushed past each other as if nothing had happened.

Dong Xiaowan spoke first: "I originally wanted to participate in solving the sinkhole formation, but I felt that my skills in formations were not as good as Luo Yang's. After communicating with Yun Wanggui, I changed my participation to Luo Yang."

Lin Xiao agreed, "Yes, the Heavenly Pit Demon Formation is not simple. I was seriously injured before the New Year, so I really need to be more careful."

Dong Xiaowan gave a few more instructions before parting ways with Lin Xiao.

Watching Dong Xiaowan's departing figure, Lin Xiao's emotions were somewhat complicated.

The Cloud Sea Immortal Sect decided to take real action against Thousand Caves City. Ying Zizai harbored ulterior motives and dared not openly oppose Chunyangzi.

When the news of the Immortal Sect's expedition spread, numerous vassal sects, large and small, responded enthusiastically.

With seven True Immortals from the Cloud Sea Immortal Sect leading the way, Thousand Caves City is nothing more than a piece of cake. Besides, exorcising demons and subduing monsters is the duty of the righteous path. By joining the expedition, one might even gain both fame and fortune.

At dawn the next day, a somber atmosphere hung over the city.

Thousands of flying swords hovered in the air.

The seven True Men of the Cloud Sea Immortal Sect, led by Yun Wanggui, stood tall and proud, their swords suspended in the sky.

Crown Prince Ding Shoucheng, clad in armor and exuding an imposing aura, led three thousand elite troops, standing ready for battle, prepared to jointly conquer Gushan.

Yun Wanggui brandished his longsword and shouted, "Let's go to war!"

Swords flew in unison, piercing the sky, and the people of the county town surged into the streets, cheering and jumping for joy.

Crown Prince Ding Shoucheng also led his elite troops in a grand procession toward Gushan.

The Imperial Advisor Ying Zizai and the puppeteer Zhou Ze stood on the city wall, watching Ding Shoucheng and his men set off for war.

Ying Zizai said, "The affairs of Haojing are complicated, and we cannot stay any longer. We should also set off to return to Haojing."

Zhou Ze nodded, and the two turned around and left the county town under the watchful eyes of everyone.

After Jiang Chuan met up with Jiang Wei, Wang Han, and others, Zhuang Yan led the team.

Flying on a sword at great speed, the wind whistles in your ears.

During their sword flight, Zhuang Yan suddenly slowed down, and Jiang Chuan, unable to dodge in time, crashed into her. (End of Chapter)