[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-cursed-blade-s-walk":3,"chapter-the-cursed-blade-s-walk-the-cursed-blade-s-walk-chapter-678":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","The Cursed Blade's Walk",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2262983,4415,"Chapter 678","the-cursed-blade-s-walk-chapter-678",678,"\u003Cp>How is Mrs. Wang here?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan felt surprised and stepped back slightly, hiding himself in the shadows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To be honest, he wasn’t well-liked in Li Family Fortress; besides Hei Dan, he had almost no friends.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One reason was that most of his energy went into perfecting his martial skills.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other was a clash with his past-life beliefs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He spoke bluntly, had no patience for social niceties, and never let himself be taken advantage of.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Others couldn’t afford to provoke him, so they simply avoided him and whispered behind his back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for Mrs. Wang, their interactions were even rarer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t until the Cold Altar’s fierce soldiers appeared that the two were forced into an uneasy alliance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But afterward, Mrs. Wang and the fox immortal she worshipped vanished immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan only knew they were out-of-horse immortals from the northern frontier, seemingly fleeing enemies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If they’d met on the road, it’d be one thing—but now they appeared here…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The matter seemed far from simple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Li Yan pondered, the atmosphere in the courtyard shifted again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Truly a beauty of heavenly grace!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A white-robed young lord snapped his fan shut and sighed, gesturing to his servant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The servant immediately ran off with a silver sack, and soon a pimp shouted loudly in the courtyard: “Mr. Lu presents two flower baskets to Miss Hu—what a perfect night, flowers in bloom, moon full, the moment is here!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At once, two flower baskets were placed on the embroidered pavilion above.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wow, Mr. Lu really knows how to spend!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gasps erupted from several rooms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan knew this custom—it was much like a theater troupe’s applause, just for show.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Similar to tipping in his past life: first to claim the spotlight, then to draw attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In Chang’an, flower baskets ranged from twenty taels to two hundred taels.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But judging by this scene, the price was surely higher.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tsk tsk…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Li Yan could ask, Dong Cunshan snorted: “Each basket costs five hundred taels—rarely do you see even one in a day, and now he sends two at once. A thousand taels just to make a beauty smile—those in the Ministry of Revenue really have money.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Li Yan’s confusion, he whispered: “This brat is Lu Deqian. His father is Vice Minister Lu Wang, and his maternal family is a southern magnate. Using his father’s name, he runs a weaving workshop and has made a fortune.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan frowned. “Such flaunting—doesn’t he fear trouble?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dong Cunshan chuckled. “Lu Wang was originally a minor official in the south, but the Open-Sea Faction shoved him into power over the sea trade.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Over the years, many such officials have shot up overnight in the capital. Some still know how to keep a low profile, but most haven’t shed their merchant habits—arrogant, reckless, and bound to cause trouble!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His tone clearly showed disdain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan nodded slightly, saying nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dong Cunshan came from Bagua Gate, one of the top sects in the martial world, renowned since the Daxing era, and now even had a Grandmaster residing there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could be called a true native of the capital.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though Bagua Gate had wisely aligned itself with the Open-Sea Faction early on—even sending many disciples to Chengdu to assist and protect the Censor—what they did and what they thought were entirely different matters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Open-Sea Faction’s methods clearly displeased Dong Cunshan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In Chengdu, Li Yan had sensed it vaguely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now injured and lacking energy, Dong Cunshan no longer held back his tongue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mr. Lu really knows how to spend.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the east wing, a mocking laugh rang out: “But didn’t your Ministry just investigate the grain transport deficit this spring? How can your father afford to let his son squander like this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The white-robed young lord’s face darkened. He sneered: “A thousand taels? My uncle runs legitimate business—some expenses mean nothing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But you—spreading lies and dragging the Ministry into it…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you think my family embezzled silver, why not have your father file a complaint?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At these words, the other side fell silent immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s the son of Inspector Zhou Zhe.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dong Cunshan shook his head. “A lapdog of the Native Faction. Once a Confucian scholar, now he bites anyone he can. Lately, he’s exploited the foreign merchants’ cannon fire at Jinmen Pier to launch attacks against the Open-Sea Faction, causing several officials to lose their posts—not a good bird.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The capital really is lively…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan joined in with a light remark.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was already used to such things—they’d existed since ancient times.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He also knew why the other side dared not reply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone knew the true master of the Ministry of Revenue was the Emperor himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This emperor nearly lost his throne as a child; perhaps due to psychological trauma, he had tightly held onto finances and military power from the start, forbidding any faction from touching them. Though he’d caused many problems, he’d also gained absolute control over the court.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, this emperor wanted too many things.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Ministry’s ledgers had become a tangled mess.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without the profits from sea trade, the imperial treasury would have collapsed long ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Audit the books?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who dared?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the end, the blame would all fall on the Emperor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor couldn’t possibly be at fault.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So someone had to lose their head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, a thousand taels couldn’t intimidate the capital’s young nobles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon after, others sent three baskets, then four.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They mocked and undermined each other relentlessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dong Cunshan hadn’t lied—he was here purely for the spectacle, sipping wine as he explained:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The man in purple robes is Wang Chongming, only son of Vice Minister Wang Xianzhao—he killed a scholar last month over a woman…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That one playing with the firelock is worse—his grandfather is Duke Zhao Bi, commander of the Three Capital Camps…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pointed to the quiet scholar in blue in the north wing. “That one looks refined, but he’s Feng Yuan’s adopted son, Feng Shaoqing, Deputy Commander of the Regional Military Commission—never speaks, but secretly vicious.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan was growing impatient. “Are all the capital’s young nobles like this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not at all,” Dong Cunshan shook his head. “Some are serious—either studying or joining the army, avoiding these wastrels entirely.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dong Cunshan shook his head and said, “Some are formidable—either they study classics or join the military, avoiding these pampered brats entirely.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, the Hai Prince could bear it no longer. Drunk, he tore off his waistband’s coiled-dragon jade pendant. “I offer this as my bride-price—I’m lighting the great candle tonight, and none of you dare compete!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, the Prince of Hai could no longer hold back; drunk and stumbling, he tore off the coiled-dragon jade pendant from his waist, “I offer this as my betrothal gift—I’m lighting this giant candle tonight, and none of you dare compete with me!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two guards saw this and immediately fell to their knees in terror—but they couldn’t stop the Hai Prince from flinging the jade toward the pavilion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the jade flew through the air, a figure shot out, leaping off the courtyard’s rockery, overtaking it mid-air, snatching the pendant, then executing a flawless kite-flip to land gracefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was Feng Shaoqing, the adopted son of the Deputy Commander.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was none other than the acting deputy commander of the Regional Military Commissioner’s office, Feng Shaoqing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Hai Prince clapped happily—he was clearly drunk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng Shaoqing smiled and shook his head. “Your Highness, this jade was bestowed by the Emperor upon your birth, when Prince Ying still lived. It’s no trifle—please take it back.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I… my thing. Why do you interfere?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Hai Prince slurred, visibly annoyed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was neglected in his princely mansion, received only a meager monthly allowance, and had been confined as punishment. He’d sneaked out with little money.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Already irritable, seeing these wastrels outdo each other in extravagance, and remembering how far he’d fallen—a son of Prince Ying reduced to this—he’d lost his temper and thrown away his most precious possession.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the saying goes: even a Buddha fights for a stick of incense; a man fights for his pride.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the Hai Prince’s pride had chosen the wrong battlefield.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you, Master Feng.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One guard hurried forward to carefully retrieve the jade. Seeing this, the Hai Prince’s face twisted in rage. “Stop! I said I gave it—I gave it! Even if I lose my head tomorrow, this thing leaves my hands tonight!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A guard hurried forward and carefully took the jade pendant. Seeing this, the Prince of Hai’s face twisted in rage, “Stop! I said I gave it—that’s final! Even if they take my head tomorrow, this thing leaves my hands today!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two guards nearly wept.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the jade was truly given away, the Hai Prince’s fate was unknown—but they would surely die.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he truly gives away the item, the Prince of Hai doesn’t know what fate awaits him—but they will surely die without doubt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another wastrel laughed. “Xiao Chenghai, you’ve lost your mind—we won’t join you. We’re leaving!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, he stood and walked out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several others also shook their heads and departed, but their glances at Xiao Chenghai were already those reserved for the dead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan now learned the Hai Prince’s name was Xiao Chenghai.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Prince Ying’s original surname was Qin, but as the Emperor’s trusted general, he changed to the imperial surname—so the Ying Prince’s line all bore the surname Xiao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This incident, in itself, wasn’t serious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Giving away the jade—just steal it back later, no one would press it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Feng Shaoqing, though seeming to rescue the situation, had in public torn the veil off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was clearly setting a trap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is clearly setting a trap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some wealthy playboys sensed something was amiss, so despite the beauty before them, they quickly left, fearing trouble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dong Cunshan, lost in thought, murmured, “The Ying Wang’s mansion is being watched—someone wants to use them as stepping stones…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Xiao Chenghai!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, a furious voice rang out from outside the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A middle-aged man with a square face and dark skin, accompanied by several others, strode in. Seeing the sea prince, reeking of alcohol and cowering, he let out a cold snort. “Take him back!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He then turned to the two guards, eyes dark. “What the hell were you doing?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two guards trembled violently and quickly recounted what had happened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man, clearly seasoned, immediately turned his gaze toward Feng Shaoqing, a flicker of killing intent in his eyes—but he said nothing more, simply ordered his men to drag the sea prince out like a dead dog.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s Xiao Jingyan, the second younger brother of the current Ying Wang.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dong Cunshan drank a cup of wine and whispered, “Everything big and small in the Ying Wang’s mansion is decided by him and the Ying Wang. If you want to know anything, he’s the one who knows best.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan bowed slightly. “Thank you, Brother Dong.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew that this old veteran Dong Cunshan had already figured out who his target was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Haha, no need to thank me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dong Cunshan smiled and raised his cup. “This place is far too shabby for a proper reception. When you’re free, Li Brother, I’ll host a banquet to welcome you—and perhaps help me discipline my sect’s disciples, so they learn there are always greater minds beyond theirs, heavens beyond heavens.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother Dong, you’re joking.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan drained his cup and gave a vague reply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew Dong Cunshan’s invitation was far from simple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were three Grand Masters stationed in the capital.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides Huo Yin, the Grand Master of Bagua Sect was among them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rumor had it the two had been at odds since youth, and the Dong family forbade its members from joining the Divine Fist Society.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how renowned he was, he was still just a junior—coming to teach him was pure nonsense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who knew what tricks lay hidden? He certainly wouldn’t accept lightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dong Cunshan laughed heartily and said no more, only pressing wine upon him. After several cups, he rose to take his leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before stepping out, he turned back deliberately. “Li Younger Brother, rest easy—I didn’t see you tonight.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly, he knew Li Yan had entered the capital in disguise and intended something major; pretending not to see him was already a sign of proper martial arts etiquette.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother Dong, let’s meet again soon.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan returned the bow, but his attention remained fixed on the courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What had begun as a courtesan’s farewell performance had turned into a farce.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng Shaoqing, however, did not hurry to leave. Instead, after others had departed, he turned and walked toward the Embroidered Tower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The pimp and enforcers of Wenxiang Tower not only did not stop him—they bowed respectfully and stepped aside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This kid is connected to Huwei Hall!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan’s mind stirred. He immediately formed the Yang Seal, slightly lifting his little finger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A straw spirit paper doll flew from his waist pouch, gliding swiftly along the shadowed wall corner, silent as smoke, slipping into the Embroidered Tower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He remembered Luo Mingzi’s warning: the capital teemed with mundane deities—never use magic lightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though his Heavenly Official status rendered him utterly unafraid, he still avoided unnecessary trouble, so he chose the quietest, most covert method: a paper doll for reconnaissance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he closed his eyes, his vision surged forward with the doll.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It first drifted up from the dark corner, then landed in a crack beneath the eaves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The scene inside the Embroidered Tower was now clear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There sat the Hu girl, on the main seat, eyelids lowered, her slender white fingers holding a teacup, gently skimming off the foam.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though still dazzlingly beautiful, she now carried the air of a superior.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang the Widow stood nearby, serving carefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Feng Shaoqing bowed his chest and head, standing respectfully in the hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly, something was wrong!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan grew curious and further suppressed his aura.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After sipping tea, the Hu girl cast a cool glance. “Speak. Why was the plan interrupted?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master, don’t be angry.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng Shaoqing quickly bowed, his face full of flattery. “The Panlong Jade Pendant isn’t known only to me. If we pretend ignorance, tomorrow they’ll make a huge fuss over it. The Ying Wang’s mansion will be furious and investigate deeply—your identity will be exposed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“By exposing it myself, they’ll assume it’s the Capital Commandant’s Office trying to trouble the Ying Wang’s mansion.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hahaha…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Hu woman suddenly let out a mocking laugh. “So I should thank you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Five parts seduction, five parts wild boldness—unsettling the mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Powerful charm art!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan was startled, and unbidden, he thought of a fox.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng Shaoqing’s face was also filled with infatuation, but he shuddered, sweat breaking on his brow. “Master, I swear—I mean no harm. Recently, in Jinmen, foreign demons bombarded the docks. The Jinghai Gang, controlled by the Ying Wang’s mansion, was involved.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The incident stirred up the whole city. Many wanted to take down the Ying Wang’s mansion—but none succeeded. Do you know why?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Hu woman lifted her eyes. “Don’t play games.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng Shaoqing hurried on. “Over the years, His Majesty has steadily stripped the feudal lords of power, centralizing military authority. The old generals who helped him ascend the throne have been thrown into prison one by one—even his own brother, the Shu Wang, rebelled. Whispers now spread through the streets: His Majesty is cold and heartless, purging the old ministers.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“After Jinmen, the Ying Wang spent the entire night kneeling outside the palace. His Majesty didn’t speak to him—but he subtly confined the court’s power struggle to the conflict between the ocean-opening faction and the regional faction, clearly intending to spare the Ying Wang’s mansion.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“As long as the Ying Wang’s mansion remains intact, even if you’ve summoned a Living Yin Officer and controlled Xiao Chenghai, you still won’t force out Wu Leji…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So it was for the “Dark Five Immortals” they had come.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan suddenly understood—he now guessed their identity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Five Immortals Hall of the Northern Frontier!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, the Hu woman suddenly raised her hand, her gaze turning fierce toward the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who the hell is spying on me?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan thought he’d been exposed, but frowned sharply and snapped his eyes open toward the courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He smelled a sharp, acrid stench of blood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the darkness came faint sounds—heads of the Wenxiang Tower’s pimp and guests tumbled one after another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All of them, as if possessed, died without uttering a single sound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Li Yan simultaneously smelled incense smoke hovering above the small courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the Embroidered Tower, the Hu woman’s face turned pale.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No! It’s the Night Walker!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2780,"2026-06-19T18:28:35.913Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","3c6938fb0e17424a986c3f681f9e6d86352d9a451a1b12cff0c432638f858f90","the-cursed-blade-s-walk-chapter-679","the-cursed-blade-s-walk-chapter-677",801,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-cursed-blade-s-walk-cover.jpg"]