After her transformation and rebirth, she manipulates the innocent and ruthless to overthrow the wor

Although these words carried a hint of bitterness, Xiao Ran, with her keen perception, still managed to sense the trace of unease in the Second Master's words.

If it were just because of illness that he was unable to move around, Xiao Ran could understand why he couldn't hand over his master's belongings to Duan Li in time. But the actual situation seemed to be more complicated than that.

It's one thing if the second-in-command is incapable, but what about Mudan? Couldn't the couple try to find Duanli? Even just posting a few missing person notices would have been helpful.

Moreover, Peony has the support of Wangyue Tower. With Wangyue Tower's strong resources and extensive network, finding an old friend shouldn't be too difficult.

Therefore, there is only one possibility left: the second-in-command simply has no way to find the separation, or there are some factors that prevent him from doing so.

Is someone interfering and hindering him...?

Duan Li slowly opened the box, inside which lay a pair of crimson sword tassels, and beneath them a letter that had long since yellowed.

He opened the letter and read it. Not long after, he heard a message from the second-in-command.

“Brother Zheng said he doesn’t want to see you avenge him; he only hopes that you can pass on his swordsmanship.”

Duanli placed the letter flat on the table, on which six large characters were written.

Do not investigate, do not neglect, do not dwell on it.

"I see."

Duan Li simply responded with a faint sentence, his expression as calm as a still pond, as if nothing in this world could affect him anymore.

Looking at this separation, Xiao Ran felt as if she were seeing him again when they first met.

That's how Duanli looked back then. He exuded a cold and aloof aura, completely devoid of any human warmth. His mind and eyes were solely focused on finding clues about his master, as if that was his only goal and concern in this world.

But now? His master has been found, but they are gone forever. What will become of him now?

Just like the "Do not worry" in those six big characters?

If a person has no thoughts or desires, is he still a complete person?

Xiao Ran could guess that if Duan Li left the house today, he would return to Liuyun Valley and practice swordsmanship day and night, without any vitality, just to follow his master's last wish.

Will the person who stood up for her in Liuyun Village, the person who admired the night view with her in the dirty street, the person who gave her the pear blossom hairpin in the courtyard... ever appear again?

Those details are all real, and if someone were to forcibly destroy them...

She couldn't stand idly by.

"It was the third leader who did it, wasn't it?"

Xiao Ran's sudden remark startled the second-in-command.

"Young lady, you... know about Liuyun Village?"

"I not only know, I also know perfectly well that it was the third leader who did it!"

Just then, as if disturbed by the tense atmosphere, the lamp wick inside the room popped with a "pop," and the faint light flickered a few times. But the second-in-command remained silent, his lips tightly pressed together, not uttering a single word.

"The reason you dare not speak is simply because you fear Duan Li's revenge. You know very well the extent of Duan Li's skill, and you worry that he will destroy the Liuyun Village that you have always respected, but I am not afraid!"

Xiao Ran stared intently at the second-in-command, her gaze seemingly trying to see right through him.

"Since you know that I have been to Liuyun Village, then you should understand that, as the daughter of the Great General of the State, destroying Liuyun Village is by no means a difficult task."

Duan Li's originally indifferent expression changed because of Xiao Ran's excitement. A strange emotion spread in his heart, making the restlessness he had just felt on the roof suddenly disappear.

Previously, Xiao Ran always appeared calm and composed, handling matters with unwavering composure, but now…

Duanli had never seen her so angry.