Chapter 18: Night Intrusion into the Dragon Mansion

"Young Master Zhang, there is a narrow path behind the back door of the Drunken Immortal Tavern that leads straight to the rear wall of the Long family courtyard," Zhao the shopkeeper whispered, pointing to a crude map, "I happened upon this many years ago; it might be useful to you."

Zhang Jun studied the map carefully, memorized it, then nodded, "Thank you, Zhao."

"Be careful; the Long family's guard is extremely tight, especially lately, it seems something big is afoot," Zhao said, his expression solemn.

As night fell, Zhang Jun and Lin Xue followed the map, traversed the narrow path, and reached the rear wall of the Long family courtyard. The wall stood three zhang high, topped with tiled spikes, making it hard for ordinary people to climb.

"I'll go up first and take a look," Zhang Jun gathered his inner strength, leapt lightly, and landed steadily on the wall's top.

After confirming no one was around, he signaled to Lin Xue. Lin Xue vaulted up and also landed on the wall's edge. The two slipped silently into the courtyard.

The Long family courtyard spanned a vast area, complete with pavilions, towers, artificial hills and ponds. At that moment the courtyard was brightly lit, and faint voices could be heard.

Zhang Jun and Lin Xue concealed themselves in a thicket, watching their surroundings. Suddenly, a squad of guards passed by them.

"The Family Head has gathered all core members tonight; it seems there is a major announcement," a guard said.

"I heard it's about that hidden treasure map," another guard replied.

Zhang Jun and Lin Xue exchanged a glance, quietly followed the guards, and arrived before a grand hall. Inside, the lights shone brilliantly and silhouettes of people filled the space.

The two hid in a large tree outside the window, high above, giving them a clear view of the hall's interior.

Inside, Long Tianba sat on the main seat, his demeanor imposing. Beside him stood a young man, Long Aotian. The other seats were occupied by a dozen or so people, presumably the Long family's core members.

Long Tianba clapped his hands, and the hall fell silent at once.

"Everyone, I have gathered you today to announce good news," Long Tianba's deep, authoritative voice echoed through the hall, "The third piece of the hidden treasure map we have been seeking finally has a lead!"

The crowd inside the hall let out a burst of surprised cries.

Long Tianba produced a jade piece from his bosom and held it aloft, "This is the fragment of the treasure map passed down through our Long family for generations. Ancient records state the complete map consists of three pieces: one held by the Long family, one by the Liu Family, and one in the hands of the Lin family."

When the Lin family was mentioned, Lin Xue's body trembled slightly. Zhang Jun gently pressed her hand, signaling her to stay calm.

Long Tianba continued, "The Lin family has been eliminated by us, yet that treasure map piece remains unfound. Recently I received word that the Lin family's remnant—Lin Zhen's daughter Lin Xue, holding the third piece—has already arrived in Yanjing!"

Hearing her father's name, Lin Xue almost shouted, but Zhang Jun promptly covered her mouth.

"I have dispatched people to search everywhere; I believe we will find her soon," Long Tianba said with a smug smile, "Furthermore, I have already reached an agreement with the Profound Heaven Sect to jointly seek the legendary 'Nine Yang True Scripture.'"

Another stir erupted inside the hall.

"Family Head, can we trust the Profound Heaven Sect?" an Elder asked.

"Of course," Long Tianba replied confidently, "The head of the Profound Heaven Sect and I have a prior agreement; once we locate the Nine Yang True Scripture, we each take what we need. The Long family seeks the martial essence within, while the Profound Heaven Sect desires a particular secret."

"What about the Liu Family?" another Elder asked.

"I have already sent more experts to Jiangbei; this time we must obtain their piece of the treasure map no matter what," Long Tianba sneered, "That kid Zhang Jun from Jiangbei also deserves a final end."

Hearing his own name, Zhang Jun chuckled inwardly. Long Tianba was truly keeping him in mind.

At that moment, Lin Xue, agitated, accidentally kicked off a leaf. Though the sound was faint, it caught the attention of the courtyard patrol guards.

"Who's there?" a guard shouted, marching toward them.

"Run!" Zhang Jun whispered, pulling Lin Xue to retreat quickly.

The two had just leapt down from the tree when a clamor rose behind them.

"Assassins! Capture them!"

The Long family courtyard's alarm blared instantly, and guards surged out like a tide.

"We'll split up and meet at the Drunken Immortal Tavern!" Zhang Jun told Lin Xue.

Lin Xue nodded, turned eastward to run. Zhang Jun headed west, drawing away most of the pursuers.

Zhang Jun moved at lightning speed, shedding ordinary guards after a few leaps, but just as he prepared to scale the wall and leave, a strong gust struck from behind.

He swiftly dodged, slapping the wall with a palm to gain leverage and turn. A middle‑aged man stood not far away, his features about seventy percent similar to Long Tianba's.

"May I ask, you are—"

"I am the Long family's second head, Long Xiaotian," the middle‑aged man sneered, "Kid, I hear you're quite capable in Jiangbei; today I'll give you a lesson!"

No sooner had the words left his mouth than Long Xiaotian lunged like a ferocious tiger, aiming for Zhang Jun's throat.

Zhang Jun dared not delay; he instantly activated the Mysterious Yin True Skill to counterattack.

Their fists and kicks clashed, gusts of force rippling outward. Long Xiaotian proved indeed formidable, his strikes ruthless and lethal.

After more than ten exchanges, Zhang Jun felt immense pressure. Though the Mysterious Yin True Skill was powerful, against a master like Long Xiaotian it was still somewhat insufficient.

Suddenly, he recalled the "Yang‑Strong Righteous Qi Formula" bestowed by Old Master Mo. This method complements the Mysterious Yin True Skill, and using them together would surely amplify their power.

Zhang Jun's mind flashed like lightning; while sparring with Long Xiaotian, he covertly activated the Yang‑Strong Righteous Qi Formula.

The cold yin chill and the scorching yang vigor intermingled within his body, forming a peculiar equilibrium. Zhang Jun felt his entire being filled with unprecedented power.

"Kid, meet your death!" Long Xiaotian roared, unleashing a full‑force palm.

Zhang Jun neither dodged nor evaded, meeting it with his own palm.

"Bang!"

The two palms collided, and a wave of energy churned. Long Xiaotian felt a strange true qi, both cold and hot, surge through his hand, shaking his blood and qi, forcing him back several steps as he spat a mouthful of fresh blood.

"What technique is this?" Long Xiaotian asked, his face turning pale with shock.

"Yin and yang united, invincible under heaven," Zhang Jun replied calmly, striking again.

Long Xiaotian could not parry, took another palm, several ribs in his chest shattered, and he fled in disgrace.

Zhang Jun tried to pursue, but realized he too had internal injuries. Though the yin‑yang dual qi was potent, he had not fully mastered it; the strained use back‑fired on him.

He gritted his teeth against the pain, used the chaos to scale the wall and leave the Long family courtyard, heading straight for the Drunken Immortal Tavern.

However, as he neared the Drunken Immortal Tavern, he found the area surrounded by Long family members. Zhao the shopkeeper had been captured and was being led before Long Aotian.

Zhang Jun concealed himself in the shadows, observing the scene. Lin Xue's whereabouts were unknown; he felt worried yet helpless.

"Zhao, I heard you are friendly with the Liu Family?" Long Aotian sneered, asking.

Zhao the shopkeeper replied calmly, "Young Master Long, why do you say that?"

"Stop playing dumb!" Long Aotian shouted angrily, "We already have evidence; you colluded with Zhang Jun from Jiangbei!"

Shopkeeper Zhao, upon hearing this, not only was not surprised, but instead showed a strange smile. He leisurely took a token from his pocket and handed it to Long Aotian.

Long Aotian looked at the token, his complexion changed drastically: "This is…"

"Now, can you let me go?" Shopkeeper Zhao's tone suddenly became authoritative.

The Long family members, seeing this, immediately released Shopkeeper Zhao, and even some bowed to him.

Zhang Jun watched the scene from afar, his heart roiled with turbulent waves.

Who exactly is Shopkeeper Zhao? What does that token represent? Where has Lin Xue gone?

All these questions swirled in Zhang Jun's mind, while a greater danger was drawing near.