Chapter 1475

Long Xi Yue learned that his former identity was the Beggar Sect's transmission elder, and she exclaimed delightedly, "If Senior Qiao is willing to teach me, that would be perfect."

Long Xi Yue knew his past identity was that of the Beggar Sect's transmission elder, and she was delighted, saying, "If Senior Qiao is willing to teach me, that would be ideal."

Make sure to include quotes? Probably keep Chinese quotes as English quotes. We'll use English quotation marks.

Thus: 【1】 Long Xi Yue knew his past identity was that of the Beggar Sect transmission elder, delighted: "If Senior Qiao is willing to teach me, that would be best."

Note: The phrase "Senior Qiao" is correct. Good.

Qiao Fangzheng leaned in, listening to his surroundings, and said, "But you must agree to one condition: you must not tell anyone that I am teaching you martial arts, not even Xiao Tian."

Translation: Qiao Fangzheng listened closely to his surroundings and said: "But you must promise me one condition: regarding my teaching you martial arts, you must not tell anyone, not even Hu Xiaotian."

Note: The honorific term is not required here.

Thus: 【2】 Qiao Fangzheng listened closely to his surroundings and said: "But you must promise me one condition: regarding my teaching you martial arts, you must not tell anyone, not even Hu Xiaotian."

Long Xi Yue felt embarrassed and said, "I won't keep anything from him; if he asks me, I really couldn't lie."

Translation: Long Xi Yue felt somewhat embarrassed: "I won't hide anything from him; if he asks me, I really can't not say."

Thus: 【3】 Long Xi Yue felt somewhat embarrassed: "I won't hide anything from him; if he asks me, I really can't not say."

Qiao Fangzheng sighed and said, "Fine, you just need to promise me that you won't bring it up unless he asks." Actually, as long as he teaches Long Xi Yue martial arts, Xiao Tian will eventually find out.

Translation: Qiao Fangzheng sighed: "Never mind, you only need to promise me that if he doesn't ask, you won't volunteer the information." Actually, as long as he teaches Long Xi Yue martial arts, Hu Xiaotian will eventually find out.

Thus: 【4】 Qiao Fangzheng sighed: "Never mind, you only need to promise me that if he doesn't ask, you won't volunteer the information." Actually, as long as he teaches Long Xi Yue martial arts, Hu Xiaotian will eventually find out.

Long Xi Yue nodded and said, "Okay!"

Translation: Long Xi Yue nodded: "Good!"

Thus: 【5】 Long Xi Yue nodded: "Good!"

Qiao Fangzheng also snapped off a green bamboo stalk and said, "I will teach you three staff techniques; this set has seven variations, making twenty-one in total. Today you will learn one of them, and once you master all three, you should have no trouble defending yourself."

Translation: Qiao Fangzheng also broke off a green bamboo stalk and said: "I will teach you three routes of staff technique; this route has seven variations, making twenty-one variations in total. Today you will first learn one; if you master the three routes, self-defense should be fine afterward."

Thus: 【6】 Qiao Fangzheng also broke off a green bamboo stalk and said: "I will teach you three routes of staff technique; this route has seven variations, making twenty-one variations in total. Today you will first learn one; if you master the three routes, self-defense should be fine afterward."

Long Xi Yue did not realize that what Qiao Fangzheng was teaching her was the Beggar Sect's most exquisite Dog‑Beating Staff technique. The Dog‑Beating Staff comprises thirty‑six sets; each of the four transmission elders masters nine sets. From those nine sets, each elder has the right to select three to pass on to disciples. Qiao Fangzheng originally taught six sets to Officer Yun Chong, which already violated the sect's rules. Now he proactively offers to teach Long Xi Yue the staff technique, again breaking the rules. Although Long

Translation: Long Xi Yue did not know that what Qiao Fangzheng taught her was actually the Beggar Sect's most exquisite Dog-Beating Staff Technique; the Dog-Beating Staff Technique has thirty-six routes, each of the four transmission elders mastered nine routes, and for these nine routes they have the right to select three to pass on to disciples. Qiao Fangzheng originally taught Shangguan Yun Chong six routes, which already broke the sect's rules. Today he proactively offered to teach Long Xi Yue the staff technique, which in fact also broke the rules; Long Xi Yue was not originally a Beggar Sect disciple, but Qiao Fangzheng and Long Xi Yue have gotten along these past days, she has taken care of him in every way, moving Qiao Fangzheng's heart; although he is usually taciturn, he is not heartless, and moreover he still owes Hu Xiaotian a great favor, using this method to make some compensation.

Thus: 【7】 Long Xi Yue did not know that what Qiao Fangzheng taught her was actually the Beggar Sect's most exquisite Dog-Beating Staff Technique; the Dog-Beating Staff Technique has thirty-six routes, each of the four transmission elders mastered nine routes, and for these nine routes they have the right to select three to pass on to disciples. Qiao Fangzheng originally taught Shangguan Yun Chong six routes, which already broke the sect's rules. Today he proactively offered to teach Long Xi Yue the staff technique, which in fact also broke the rules; Long Xi Yue was not originally a Beggar Sect disciple, but Qiao Fangzheng and Long Xi Yue have gotten along these past days, she has taken care of him in every way, moving Qiao Fangzheng's heart; although he is usually taciturn, he is not heartless, and moreover he still owes Hu Xiaotian a great favor, using this method to make some compensation.

"Qiao Fangzheng never expected Long Xi Yue's comprehension to be so exceptional; within just half an hour she had completely mastered his three staff techniques and could even integrate them seamlessly, a feat even Officer Yun Chong, whom he called a once‑in‑a‑century genius of the Beggar Sect, could not achieve."

Translation: But Qiao Fangzheng never expected Long Xi Yue's comprehension to be so superb; within just half an hour she completely mastered his three routes of staff technique and could even integrate them thoroughly, something even Shangguan Yun Chong, whom he called a once-in-a-century genius of the Beggar Sect, did not possess.

Thus: 【8】 But Qiao Fangzheng never expected Long Xi Yue's comprehension to be so superb; within just half an hour she completely mastered his three routes of staff technique and could even integrate them thoroughly, something even Shangguan Yun Chong, whom he called a once-in-a-century genius of the Beggar Sect, did not possess.

"After hearing Long Xi Yue practice the staff technique once, Qiao Fangzheng nodded. He then silently walked toward the stream, while the people in the camp had already begun to rise."

Translation: Qiao Fangzheng listened to Long Xi Yue practice the staff technique once, nodded, and silently walked toward the stream; by then the people in the camp had already risen one after another.

Thus: 【9】 Qiao Fangzheng listened to Long Xi Yue practice the staff technique once, nodded, and silently walked toward the stream; by then the people in the camp had already risen one after another.

"Xiao Tian came to Long Xi Yue's side, saw her flushed cheeks and sweat on her forehead, reached out to wipe the sweat away, and asked, 'You're working so hard?'" No Chinese.

Translation: Hu Xiaotian came to Long Xi Yue's side, saw her pretty face flushed, sweat on her forehead, reached out to wipe the sweat from her forehead and said: "You're working so hard?"

Thus: 【10】 Hu Xiaotian came to Long Xi Yue's side, saw her pretty face flushed, sweat on her forehead, reached out to wipe the sweat from her forehead and said: "You're working so hard?"

"Long Xi Yue laughed and said, 'You said practicing martial arts strengthens the body, didn't you?' Afraid that Xiao Tian would notice she was learning martial arts from Qiao Fangzheng, she whispered, 'I'll go wash my face first.'" No Chinese.

Translation: Long Xi Yue laughed: "Didn't you say you practice martial arts to strengthen your body?" Afraid that Hu Xiaotian would notice she was learning martial arts from Qiao Fangzheng, she whispered: "I'll go wash my face first!"

Thus: 【11】 Long Xi Yue laughed: "Didn't you say you practice martial arts to strengthen your body?" Afraid that Hu Xiaotian would notice she was learning martial arts from Qiao Fangzheng, she whispered: "I'll go wash my face first!"

"Long Xi Yue arrived at the stream's edge. She saw Qiao Fangzheng downstream, feeling around to wash his hands, holding a dark, black iron pot." No Chinese.

Translation: Long Xi Yue came to the stream's edge. Seeing Qiao Fangzheng downstream, feeling around to wash his hands, holding a pitch-black iron basin.

Thus: 【12】 Long Xi Yue came to the stream's edge. Seeing Qiao Fangzheng downstream, feeling around to wash his hands, holding a pitch-black iron basin.

"Long Xi Yue said, 'Senior, let me help you.'" No Chinese.

Translation: Long Xi Yue said: "Senior, let me help you."

Thus: 【13】 Long Xi Yue said: "Senior, let me help you."

"Qiao Fangzheng nodded and handed the iron pot to her. Upon taking it, Long Xi Yue felt how extremely heavy it was, nearly dropping it into the water, and exclaimed, 'This iron pot is so heavy!'" No Chinese.

Translation: Qiao Fangzheng nodded, handed the iron basin to her; upon taking it, Long Xi Yue felt it extremely heavy, almost dropping it into the water, and exclaimed in surprise: "This iron basin is so heavy!"

Thus: 【14】 Qiao Fangzheng nodded, handed the iron basin to her; upon taking it, Long Xi Yue felt it extremely heavy, almost dropping it into the water, and exclaimed in surprise: "This iron basin is so heavy!"

"Qiao Fangzheng said, 'This is called an iron rice bowl! It is also one of the Beggar Sect's treasures.' The Dog‑Beating Staff and the iron rice bowl are the two great treasures of the Beggar Sect since its founding. If the Dog‑Beating Staff can be considered a weapon, the iron rice bowl is merely symbolic; it looks ordinary but feels heavy in hand. Buried underground for years by Qiao Fangzheng, it has not rusted, being forged from black iron." No Chinese.

Translation: Qiao Fangzheng said: "This is called the Iron Rice Bowl! It is also one of our Beggar Sect's treasures." The Dog-Beating Staff and the Iron Rice Bowl are the two supreme treasures of the Beggar Sect since its founding; if the Dog-Beating Staff can be considered a weapon, the Iron Rice Bowl has only symbolic meaning, appearing ordinary outwardly, only feeling heavy in hand. Buried underground by Qiao Fangzheng for many years without rusting, its material is forged from black iron.

Thus: 【15】 Qiao Fangzheng said: "This is called the Iron Rice Bowl! It is also one of our Beggar Sect's treasures." The Dog-Beating Staff and the Iron Rice Bowl are the two supreme treasures of the Beggar Sect since its founding; if the Dog-Beating Staff can be considered a weapon, the Iron Rice Bowl has only symbolic meaning, appearing ordinary outwardly, only feeling heavy in hand. Buried underground by Qiao Fangzheng for many years without rusting, its material is forged from black iron.

"Long Xi Yue washed and dried the iron rice bowl, then returned it to Qiao Fangzheng." No Chinese.

Translation: Long Xi Yue washed and dried the Iron Rice Bowl, then returned it to Qiao Fangzheng.

Thus: 【16】 Long Xi Yue washed and dried the Iron Rice Bowl, then returned it to Qiao Fangzheng.

"Qiao Fangzheng said, 'You must not forget what I just told you.'" No Chinese.

Translation: Qiao Fangzheng said: "You must not forget what I just said."

Thus: 【17】 Qiao Fangzheng said: "You must not forget what I just said."

"Long Xi Yue nodded and whispered, 'Understood.'" No Chinese.

Translation: Long Xi Yue nodded and whispered: "Understood."

Thus: 【18】 Long Xi Yue nodded and whispered: "Understood."

"Fire Tree City earned its name because maple trees cover the city inside and out. Every deep autumn, the maple leaves all turn red, making the whole city look as if it is ablaze, with fiery colors everywhere." No Chinese.

Translation: Fire Tree City got its name because maple trees spread throughout the city inside and out. Every deep autumn, the maple leaves all turn red; the whole city looks like it's burning, with fiery colors everywhere.

Thus: 【19】 Fire Tree City got its name because maple trees spread throughout the city inside and out. Every deep autumn, the maple leaves all turn red; the whole city looks like it's burning, with fiery colors everywhere.

"Aside from Qiao Fangzheng, everyone was visiting this place for the first time and could not stop praising the scenery. Since Fire Tree City is the largest city in Red Wood River, it serves as a gathering point for all ethnic groups, and merchants from the Central Plains states also use it as an important transit hub." No Chinese.

Translation: Apart from Qiao Fangzheng, everyone was visiting this place for the first time, praising the scenery endlessly. Because Fire Tree City is the largest city in Red Wood River, it is also a gathering place for all tribes; merchants from the various states of the Central Plains also treat this place as an important transit hub.

Thus: 【20】 Apart from Qiao Fangzheng, everyone was visiting this place for the first time, praising the scenery endlessly. Because Fire Tree City is the largest city in Red Wood River, it is also a gathering place for all tribes; merchants from the various states of the Central Plains also treat this place as an important transit hub.

"Fire Tree City is currently controlled by the leader of the Red Yi tribe, Baheer. Although the Tianxiang Kingdom had previously sent officials multiple times, all were killed by him. Left with no choice, the Tianxiang Kingdom appointed Baheer as city mayor to oversee the city's affairs, but Baheer pays no heed; in his mind, Fire Tree City belongs to him, and he is its ruler, with neither the Tianxiang Kingdom nor the Southern Yue state having any authority over it." No Chinese.

Translation: Currently Fire Tree City is controlled by the leader of the Red Barbarian tribe, Ba He Er; the Heavenly Fragrance Kingdom had previously sent officials multiple times, all of whom he killed without exception. Left with no choice, the Heavenly Fragrance Kingdom appointed Ba He Er as city mayor to oversee all affairs of Fire Tree City, but Ba He Er simply ignored it; in his mind Fire Tree City belongs to him, he is the ruler here, and neither the Heavenly Fragrance Kingdom nor the Southern Yue Kingdom has any right to interfere.

Thus: 【21】 Currently Fire Tree City is controlled by the leader of the Red Barbarian tribe, Ba He Er; the Heavenly Fragrance Kingdom had previously sent officials multiple times, all of whom he killed without exception. Left with no choice, the Heavenly Fragrance Kingdom appointed Ba He Er as city mayor to oversee all affairs of Fire Tree City, but Ba He Er simply ignored it; in his mind Fire Tree City belongs to him, he is the ruler here, and neither the Heavenly Fragrance Kingdom nor the Southern Yue Kingdom has any right to interfere.

"Along the way we saw many beggars, indicating that Fire Tree City does not expel beggars en masse like other cities in the Tianxiang Kingdom, and the Tianxiang Kingdom's decrees have no effect here." No Chinese.

Translation: Along the way we saw many beggars, indicating that Fire Tree City has not, like other towns of the Heavenly Fragrance Kingdom, carried out mass expulsions of beggars; the Heavenly Fragrance Kingdom's decrees are ineffective here.

Thus: 【22】 Along the way we saw many beggars, indicating that Fire Tree City has not, like other towns of the Heavenly Fragrance Kingdom, carried out mass expulsions of beggars; the Heavenly Fragrance Kingdom's decrees are ineffective here.

"Xiao Tian already had some knowledge of this place before arriving. Although the Empress Dowager Long Xuanjiao had promised to give him Red Wood River as a dowry, in reality the Tianxiang Kingdom does not hold administrative authority over this region; to obtain Red Wood River, he must make Baheer submit. The area is populated by many ethnic groups, the most numerous being the Red Yi tribe under Baheer's leadership, a tribe renowned for its unity and exclusivity. Persuading them to willingly submit to him would be difficult." No Chinese.

Translation: Even before arriving, Hu Xiaotian had some knowledge of this place; although the Empress Dowager Long Xuanjiao promised to give Red Wood River as her dowry to him, in fact the Heavenly Fragrance Kingdom does not have administrative authority over this region; to obtain Red Wood River, Ba He Er must be made to submit, the Red Wood River area is populated by many ethnic groups, among them the Red Barbarian tribe led by Ba He Er is the most numerous, and the Red Barbarian tribe is famous for its unity and exclusivity; making them willingly submit would likely not be easy.

Thus: 【23】 Even before arriving, Hu Xiaotian had some knowledge of this place; although the Empress Dowager Long Xuanjiao promised to give Red Wood River as her dowry to him, in fact the Heavenly Fragrance Kingdom does not have administrative authority over this region; to obtain Red Wood River, Ba He Er must be made to submit, the Red Wood River area is populated by many ethnic groups, among them the Red Barbarian tribe led by Ba He Er is the most numerous, and the Red Barbarian tribe is famous for its unity and exclusivity; making them willingly submit would likely not be easy.

"Upon reaching the city gate, they saw a detachment of soldiers come out to meet them, led by a man of Central Plains origin. He was in his thirties, with a fair complexion and three wisps of beard, appearing quite refined. He marched straight toward Xiao Tian's party, clasped his hands, and asked, 'May I inquire whether you are the entourage of Princess Yingyue and her consort?'" No Chinese.

Translation: When they reached the city gate, they saw a troop of soldiers come out to meet them; the leader was actually a Central Plains man, this man in his thirties, with a fair complexion and three wisps of beard, appearing quite refined, he straightaway approached Hu Xiaotian's entourage, clasped his fists and asked: "May I ask if the honored guests are the Princess Ying Yue and her consort's party?"

Thus: 【24】 When they reached the city gate, they saw a troop of soldiers come out to meet them; the leader was actually a Central Plains man, this man in his thirties, with a fair complexion and three wisps of beard, appearing quite refined, he straightaway approached Hu Xiaotian's entourage, clasped his fists and asked: "May I ask if the honored guests are the Princess Ying Yue and her consort's party?"

"Xiao Tian felt a jolt of surprise, having not yet announced their arrival, wondering how the stranger already knew their background." No Chinese.

Translation: Hu Xiaotian's heart skipped a beat; he had not yet announced themselves, so how did the other party know their origin?

Thus: 【25】 Hu Xiaotian's heart skipped a beat; he had not yet announced themselves, so how did the other party know their origin?

"Without waiting for Xiao Tian's reply, the man smiled and said, 'You must be the consort, sir. I am Jiang Shaoyang, the interpreter of Fire Tree City, sent by the city lord to await the arrival of the princess and her consort.'" No Chinese.

Translation: Without waiting for Hu Xiaotian to answer, the man smiled again: "You must be the consort, sir; I am Jiang Shao Yang, the interpreter of Fire Tree City, specially ordered by the city lord to await the Princess and the consort's arrival here."

Thus: 【26】 Without waiting for Hu Xiaotian to answer, the man smiled again: "You must be the consort, sir; I am Jiang Shao Yang, the interpreter of Fire Tree City, specially ordered by the city lord to await the Princess and the consort's arrival here."

"Xiao Tian asked, 'Lord Jiang, do you know me?'" No Chinese.

Translation: Hu Xiaotian said: "Sir Jiang, do you know me?"

Thus: 【27】 Hu Xiaotian said: "Sir Jiang, do you know me?"

"Jiang Shaoyang laughed and said, 'Don't worry, Lord Xiao, I have a portrait of you.' He took the painting from his subordinate's hand and unfolded it before Xiao Tian, who looked closely and saw a line‑drawing portrait. Although not as lifelike as his own sketch, it was unmistakably about eighty percent accurate. In an era of limited communication, it is surprising that his portrait arrived here so quickly; surely someone friendly is involved, perhaps someone has already begun laying groundwork, warning Baheer to prepare." No Chinese.

Translation: Jiang Shao Yang laughed: "Don't blame me, Sir Hu, I actually have a portrait of you." He took a painting from his subordinate's hand and unfolded it before Hu Xiaotian; Hu Xiaotian looked closely and saw it was a line drawing of a person, not as lifelike as his own sketch, but certainly eighty percent similar. In an era of relatively blocked information transmission, it's unexpected that his portrait would have arrived here so quickly; surely there must be some well-meaning person, perhaps someone has already begun laying groundwork in advance, reminding Ba He Er to prepare.

Thus: 【28】 Jiang Shao Yang laughed: "Don't blame me, Sir Hu, I actually have a portrait of you." He took a painting from his subordinate's hand and unfolded it before Hu Xiaotian; Hu Xiaotian looked closely and saw it was a line drawing of a person, not as lifelike as his own sketch, but certainly eighty percent similar. In an era of relatively blocked information transmission, it's unexpected that his portrait would have arrived here so quickly; surely there must be some well-meaning person, perhaps someone has already begun laying groundwork in advance, reminding Ba He Er to prepare.

"By now, Xiao Tian's plan to enter the city discreetly and settle quietly has been thwarted; he laughed and said, 'The portrait really does bear some resemblance.'" No Chinese.

Translation: By now Hu Xiaotian wanted to enter the city discreetly and settle quietly, but that plan had fallen through; he laughed: "The portrait really does bear some resemblance."

Thus: 【29】 By now Hu Xiaotian wanted to enter the city discreetly and settle quietly, but that plan had fallen through; he laughed: "The portrait really does bear some resemblance."

"Jiang Shaoyang said, 'Consort, the city lord has already prepared lodgings for you and the princess; please follow me!' He mounted his horse and rode alongside Xiao Tian, guiding him." No Chinese.

Translation: Jiang Shao Yang said: "Consort, the city lord has already prepared lodgings for you and the Princess; please follow me!" He mounted his horse and rode side by side with Hu Xiaotian to guide him.

Thus: 【30】 Jiang Shao Yang said: "Consort, the city lord has already prepared lodgings for you and the Princess; please follow me!" He mounted his horse and rode side by side with Hu Xiaotian to guide him.

"Jiang Shaoyang was quite talkative; along the way he chatted freely, occasionally informing Xiao Tian about the local customs and scenery of Fire Tree City. Besides the ubiquitous fiery maple trees, another distinctive feature is the proliferation of watchtowers both inside and outside the city. These watchtowers are built from stacked white stone blocks, octagonal in shape, ordinary ones about ten zhang tall, the tallest reaching twenty zhang. The watchtower complexes are concentrated around the city walls, with additional ones in the interior, serving not only as dwellings but also as defensive fortifications in wartime." No Chinese.

Translation: This Jiang Shao Yang is quite talkative; along the way he chatted freely, occasionally introducing Hu Xiaotian to the local customs of Fire Tree City; besides the ubiquitous fiery red maple trees, another feature is the watchtowers scattered throughout the city inside and out, built from piled white stone blocks, octagonal in shape, ordinary ones about ten zhang tall, the tallest reaching twenty zhang; watchtower construction concentrates around the city walls, with also a central section, serving not only as dwellings but also providing defensive capability in wartime.

Thus: 【31】 This Jiang Shao Yang is quite talkative; along the way he chatted freely, occasionally introducing Hu Xiaotian to the local customs of Fire Tree City; besides the ubiquitous fiery red maple trees, another feature is the watchtowers scattered throughout the city inside and out, built from piled white stone blocks, octagonal in shape, ordinary ones about ten zhang tall, the tallest reaching twenty zhang; watchtower construction concentrates around the city walls, with also a central section, serving not only as dwellings but also providing defensive capability in wartime.

"The cluster of watchtowers at the city's center marks the location of Fire Tree City's prefecture and is also where Baheer resides." No Chinese.

Translation: The cluster of watchtowers standing in the center is where the prefecture of Fire Tree City is located, and also where Ba He Er resides.

Thus: 【32】 The cluster of watchtowers standing in the center is where the prefecture of Fire Tree City is located, and also where Ba He Er resides.

"Jiang Shaoyang did not take them into the inner city; instead, he brought them to the Butterfly Garden near the southeast corner of the inner city. Here the buildings rise no higher than three stories, the scenery is exquisite, a winding stream flows through, the fiery maple trees and white structures complement each other beautifully, and butterflies flutter above the stream, creating a scene of enchanting beauty everywhere." No Chinese.

Translation: Jiang Shao Yang did not lead them into the inner city, but instead brought them to the Butterfly Garden near the southeast corner of the inner city; here the buildings are no higher than three stories, the scenery is beautiful, a stream winds through, the fiery red maple trees and white structures complement each other, butterflies dance by the stream, everywhere is a scene of enchanting beauty.

Thus: 【33】 Jiang Shao Yang did not lead them into the inner city, but instead brought them to the Butterfly Garden near the southeast corner of the inner city; here the buildings are no higher than three stories, the scenery is beautiful, a stream winds through, the fiery red maple trees and white structures complement each other, butterflies dance by the stream, everywhere is a scene of enchanting beauty.

"Jiang Shaoyang told Xiao Tian, 'Princess and consort, please stay here temporarily; all your food, clothing, and daily necessities have been arranged.'" No Chinese.

Translation: Jiang Shao Yang said to Hu Xiaotian: "Princess and consort, please stay here temporarily; all your food, clothing, and daily needs have been arranged."

Thus: 【34】 Jiang Shao Yang said to Hu Xiaotian: "Princess and consort, please stay here temporarily; all your food, clothing, and daily needs have been arranged."

"Xiao Tian replied, 'Lord Jiang, I still have pressing matters to attend to and cannot remain here for long; I hope you can arrange a meeting with the city lord as soon as possible.'" No Chinese.

Translation: Hu Xiaotian said: "Sir Jiang, I still have pressing matters; I cannot stay here long, and I hope you can arrange a meeting with the city lord as soon as possible."

Thus: 【35】 Hu Xiaotian said: "Sir Jiang, I still have pressing matters; I cannot stay here long, and I hope you can arrange a meeting with the city lord as soon as possible."

"Jiang Shaoyang smiled broadly and said, 'Consort, you may not be aware, but today is the Red Yi tribe's fasting day, with the fast ending in three days; if you wish to see the city lord, the earliest you could do so is after three days.'" No Chinese.

Translation: Jiang Shao Yang smiled broadly: "Consort, you may not be aware, but today is the fasting day of the Red Barbarian tribe; the fast ends in three days, so if you wish to see the city lord, the earliest would be after three days."

Thus: 【36】 Jiang Shao Yang smiled broadly: "Consort, you may not be aware, but today is the fasting day of the Red Barbarian tribe; the fast ends in three days, so if you wish to see the city lord, the earliest would be after three days."

"Xiao Tian nodded and said, 'Thank you for the trouble, Lord Jiang.'" No Chinese.

Translation: Hu Xiaotian nodded: "Thank you for the trouble, Sir Jiang."

Thus: 【37】 Hu Xiaotian nodded: "Thank you for the trouble, Sir Jiang."

"After Jiang Shaoyang departed, everyone settled in temporarily; Liang Yinghao was assigned to inspect the Butterfly Garden for any irregularities, while Zhan Peng led a group out to gather information." No Chinese.

Translation: After Jiang Shao Yang left, everyone temporarily settled down; Liang Yinghao was responsible for checking the Butterfly Garden for any abnormalities, while Zhan Peng led people out to gather information.

Thus: 【38】 After Jiang Shao Yang left, everyone temporarily settled down; Liang Yinghao was responsible for checking the Butterfly Garden for any abnormalities, while Zhan Peng led people out to gather information.

"Qiao Fangzheng was not idle either; he invited Xiao Ou to go out for a stroll." No Chinese.

Translation: Qiao Fangzheng was not idle either; he invited Xiao Ou to go out for a stroll together.

Thus: 【39】 Qiao Fangzheng was not idle either; he invited Xiao Ou to go out for a stroll together.

"By dinnertime, everyone returned one after another; Zhan Peng had found nothing unusual in the city, but Qiao Fangzheng brought back an important piece of news: the Beggar Sect will hold a conference five days from now at the Red Sea, where all prominent members will gather." No Chinese.

Translation: By dinnertime, everyone returned one after another; Zhan Peng had found nothing unusual in the city, but Qiao Fangzheng brought back an important piece of news: the Beggar Sect will hold a conference five days later at the Red Sea, at which time all important figures of the sect will attend.

Thus: 【40】 By dinnertime, everyone returned one after another; Zhan Peng had found nothing unusual in the city, but Qiao Fangzheng brought back an important piece of news: the Beggar Sect will hold a conference five days later at the Red Sea, at which time all important figures of the sect will attend.

"Xiao Tian said, 'Does that mean Officer Tianhuo will also appear?'" No Chinese.

Translation: Hu Xiaotian said: "That would mean Shangguan Tian Huo will also appear, wouldn't it?"

Thus: 【41】 Hu Xiaotian said: "That would mean Shangguan Tian Huo will also appear, wouldn't it?"

"Qiao Fangzheng nodded grimly and said, 'He will certainly come; the Beggar Sect is now being pressed step by step by the Tianxiang Kingdom, its foundations facing potential damage. If he does not devise a solution, his authority within the sect will surely waver, making a sect‑wide assembly inevitable, and in the coming days many prominent figures will also arrive.'" No Chinese.

Translation: Qiao Fangzheng nodded resentfully: "He will certainly come; the Beggar Sect is now being pressed step by step by the Heavenly Fragrance Kingdom, its foundation faces the threat of damage; if he does not come up with a solution, his authority within the sect will surely waver, holding a sect meeting is therefore inevitable, and in these two days many important figures will also come."

Thus: 【42】 Qiao Fangzheng nodded resentfully: "He will certainly come; the Beggar Sect is now being pressed step by step by the Heavenly Fragrance Kingdom, its foundation faces the threat of damage; if he does not come up with a solution, his authority within the sect will surely waver, holding a sect meeting is therefore inevitable, and in these two days many important figures will also come."

"Seeing Qiao Fangzheng's expression, Xiao Tian realized he had conceived a plan for revenge; he had previously promised to help Qiao Fangzheng avenge himself and eradicate treacherous officials, though he had not expected it to happen so soon. Now an opportunity has arisen, but confronting Officer Tianhuo would likely trigger a tremendous upheaval." No Chinese.

Translation: Hu Xiaotian saw Qiao Fangzheng's expression and already knew he had conceived the idea of revenge; he himself had once promised to help him take revenge and eliminate the treacherous; he originally thought it would not happen so soon, but unexpectedly this opportunity has arisen; if they deal with Shangguan Tian Huo, it would likely provoke another earth-shaking upheaval.

Thus: 【43】 Hu Xiaotian saw Qiao Fangzheng's expression and already knew he had conceived the idea of revenge; he himself had once promised to help him take revenge and eliminate the treacherous; he originally thought it would not happen so soon, but unexpectedly this opportunity has arisen; if they deal with Shangguan Tian Huo, it would likely provoke another earth-shaking upheaval.

"Xiao Tian did not pursue the topic further, instead turning to Zhan Peng and asking, 'What information have you gathered?'" No Chinese.

Translation: Hu Xiaotian did not continue discussing that topic, but turned to Zhan Peng and asked: "What information have you gathered?"

Thus: 【44】 Hu Xiaotian did not continue discussing that topic, but turned to Zhan Peng and asked: "What information have you gathered?"

"Zhan Peng replied, 'Indeed, this period is the Red Yi tribe's fasting period, with the fast ending in three days; during this time they do not light stoves, and even street vendors close their shops. However, there is an exception: on Jiangnan Street in the western part of the city, where Central Plains peoples gather, all shops remain open for business, and it is currently the main gathering place for outsiders.'" No Chinese.

Translation: Zhan Peng said: "Indeed this period is the Red Barbarian tribe's fasting day, with three days left until the fast ends; during this period they do not light stoves, even street shops are closed for business; however there is an exception: on Jiangnan Street in the west of the city, where Central Plains people gather, all shops remain open for business, and it is also currently the place where outsiders congregate most."

Thus: 【45】 Zhan Peng said: "Indeed this period is the Red Barbarian tribe's fasting day, with three days left until the fast ends; during this period they do not light stoves, even street shops are closed for business; however there is an exception: on Jiangnan Street in the west of the city, where Central Plains people gather, all shops remain open for business, and it is also currently the place where outsiders congregate most."

"Liang Yinghao said, 'I have just inspected the Butterfly Garden inside and out; there are twenty servants, all of them Black Miao people, who do not observe the fast, and so far I have detected no problems, but...'" No Chinese.

Translation: Liang Yinghao said: "I just inspected the Butterfly Garden inside and out; there are twenty servants, all of them Black Miao people, they have no fasting observance, and so far I have found no problems, but…"

Thus: 【46】 Liang Yinghao said: "I just inspected the Butterfly Garden inside and out; there are twenty servants, all of them Black Miao people, they have no fasting observance, and so far I have found no problems, but…"

"Everyone turned their attention to him, hearing that Liang Yinghao had more to say; he continued, 'However, have you noticed that although the Butterfly Garden is beautiful, it contains no watchtowers, its tallest building is only three stories high, whereas watchtowers stand at each of the four corners of the surrounding area.'" No Chinese.

Translation: Everyone turned their gaze toward him at once, hearing that Liang Yinghao still had more to say; Liang Yinghao said: "But have you noticed, although this Butterfly Garden is beautiful, it contains no watchtowers, the tallest building is only three stories, whereas watchtowers exist at all four corners around it."

Thus: 【47】 Everyone turned their gaze toward him at once, hearing that Liang Yinghao still had more to say; Liang Yinghao said: "But have you noticed, although this Butterfly Garden is beautiful, it contains no watchtowers, the tallest building is only three stories, whereas watchtowers exist at all four corners around it."

"Xiao Tian nodded and said, 'I have noticed this as well, which means we are staying completely under their surveillance.' He then turned to the silent Changming Xia and asked, 'Changming, what do you think?'" No Chinese.

Translation: Hu Xiaotian nodded: "I also noticed this, meaning we are living here completely under the other side's surveillance." He turned to the ever-silent Xia Zhangming and asked: "Zhangming, what do you think?"

Thus: 【48】 Hu Xiaotian nodded: "I also noticed this, meaning we are living here completely under the other side's surveillance." He turned to the ever-silent Xia Zhangming and asked: "Zhangming, what do you think?"

"Xia Changming blinked in confusion, his mind elsewhere, having not heard the discussion, and his expression showed unusual embarrassment." No Chinese.

Translation: Xia Zhangming blinked in confusion, his mind foggy, he hadn't heard what everyone was discussing, and his expression showed unusual embarrassment.

Thus: 【49】 Xia Zhangming blinked in confusion, his mind foggy, he hadn't heard what everyone was discussing, and his expression showed unusual embarrassment.

"Announce a VIP readers' group, verification required: 149648561." No Chinese.

Translation: Announce a VIP reader group, verification required: 149648561.

Thus: 【50】 Announce a VIP reader group, verification required: 149648561.

Just now Zhangyu got it wrong—today is Valentine's Day, not Labor Day; even Lao Zhangyu treats Valentine's Day as Labor Day. Are you all still unwilling to cast a Monthly Ticket? If you don't cast a Monthly Ticket, you can also send me a Valentine's greeting! Pick one, it's required! (To be continued~^~)