[{"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-686":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},2262991,4415,"Chapter 686: The Pan Tao Banquet","the-cursed-blade-s-walk-chapter-686",686,"\u003Cp>\"Peaches of Pan Tao ripen once every three thousand years,\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"At the Jade Pool, immortals gather in feast.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Today, the Queen Mother celebrates her birthday,\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I, Magu, come to offer her longevity!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gong qiang qiang~\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Onstage, the actress portraying Magu glided gracefully, her water sleeves fluttering lightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No wonder this was a famed troupe from the capital—every movement and vocal inflection carried unique charm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In other places, even lowly actors would find plenty of patrons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But here, in the Ying Wang Fu, they hadn’t even eaten a hot meal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, none of the troupe members dared complain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The former Ying Wang had been a soldier, brave in battle, having followed the Emperor on campaigns north and south, earning great merit; yet in his youth, he was too poor, and according to his parents’ and matchmaker’s wishes, married the village’s notorious shrew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the Ying Wang rose in rank, the shrew gradually became the Princess Dowager, growing even more tyrannical and domineering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had the Ying Wang still lived, this old Princess Dowager could never have seized control.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the Ying Wang, battered and wounded from battle, returned to the capital, surrendered his military command, and soon afterward died.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, the Ying Wang Fu’s household Fengqi  turned completely corrupt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many distant relatives came seeking refuge—all unsavory types—who flattered the old Princess Dowager, won her favor, then used the Ying Wang Fu’s name to commit crimes outside, and how could the Wangfu ’s own descendants not be influenced?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just like that Princess earlier, who directly rushed to the side gate, barking orders, demanding the troupe perform.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Which well-bred lady would do such a thing?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Worse still, the old Princess Dowager felt no shame—she even came herself to watch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, their tyranny and infamy targeted only the common folk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among true nobility, the Ying Wang Fu maintained frequent contact, observing all proper rites during festivals and holidays.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Precisely because of this, the Wangfu  endured its Xiaoyao  in the capital long after the Ying Wang’s death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how prominent the troupe’s actors, none dared offend them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Li Yan didn’t care about any of that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment he saw Yu Wenhai, he knew the Ying Wang Fu’s end had come.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This man headed the Jinghai Gang and was a disciple of the “Rotten Scroll Scholar” Kong Hui.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Where did the Ying Wang Fu get the audacity?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan harbored doubts but said nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before the stage lay a pond, with dense bamboo groves on both sides.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan moved silently backward, slipping into the bamboo thicket, observing through the gaps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Across from him, the pavilion’s balcony was open; the old Princess Dowager sat center, slightly plump, thick layers of powder unable to hide her wrinkles and age spots, her silver hair combed immaculately, a thumb-sized emerald embedded in her gold fillet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On either side, the ladies wore brocade and silk, jade and pearls swaying; though ostensibly watching the opera, most spent their time whispering flattery, while the old Princess Dowager, surrounded by them, laughed heartily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike the others, Yu Wenhai had no seat—he stood respectfully beside her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Due to the distance and the troupe’s gongs and drums, Li Yan couldn’t make out what they were saying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Liu Guanshi, lend a hand.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan glanced at the Wangfu  guards across the way, their Yanling knives at their waists, eyes sharp, and whispered his request.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Sanhuai instantly understood, bowed low, and stepped closer: “Gentlemen, where shall we eat after this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Eat? When do we have time?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One guard scolded: “Guests will arrive soon—keep performing! We’ll eat after the banquet ends!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the exchange unfolded, Li Yan had already formed a spell-seal and closed his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a flick of his little finger, several straw spirit paper dolls shot forth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Ying Wang Fu had also hired a fengshui master to place talismans in the courtyard, suppressing spiritual detection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan could have broken through, but the disturbance would be too great—straw spirit paper dolls were more convenient.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With his current cultivation, he could control multiple dolls simultaneously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One straw spirit paper doll flew into a crevice of the rockery, weaving through it toward the ancestral hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was where Hu Yuanyuan had suggested Wu Leji might be hiding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan didn’t know how she’d deduced it, but he’d already accepted the Yin Si task—the fragment of his soul ledger warmed slightly, pointing precisely toward the Ying Wang Fu’s ancestral hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another paper doll drifted through the shadows beneath the corridor’s corner, arriving beneath the pavilion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Through the paper dolls, the images and voices above flooded Li Yan’s mind:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old Princess Dowager reclined on a Luohan couch, a maid fanning her with a pheasant-feather fan behind her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A middle-aged woman flattered: “Ancestress, your complexion grows ever better—the high monk from Daxiangguo Temple says your face bears the blessing of a Bodhisattva reborn.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not just that! The Daoist from Longhu Mountain says your Life Palace and Longevity Star shine so brightly, you’ve clearly eaten the Queen Mother’s Pan Tao!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another middle-aged woman quickly chimed in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet the old Princess Dowager’s face darkened instantly: “Zhao Shi, wasn’t your monthly allowance incorrect last month?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The woman’s face turned ashen: “Ancestress, I’m innocent…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Enough!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old Princess Dowager cast a cool glance. “It’s a joyous day—I won’t bother with you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone fell silent, afraid to speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old Princess Dowager was always capricious; they never knew what they’d said wrong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this behavior caught Li Yan’s attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Through the straw spirit paper dolls, he saw clearly—could detect finer details.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the ladies mentioned “Pan Tao,” the old Princess Dowager’s reaction was bizarre: her wrinkles, relaxed from flattery, tightened instantly; her cloudy eyes flickered with panic; her bony fingers suddenly gripped the couch arm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan had already reached his conclusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This eighty-year-old Princess Dowager was a consumer of “Pan Tao”—her radiant exterior long since hollowed out by dark arts!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No wonder…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan’s lips curled into a cold smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside, the Ying Wang Fu was managed by the Ying Wang and his younger brother.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the one who truly held power was this old Princess Dowager.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At eighty, greedy and tyrannical by nature, she couldn’t resist the temptation of the Pan Tao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ancestress, please calm yourself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Wenhai, standing nearby, suddenly spoke, smiling and bowing: “Today is the Wangfu ’s great day—everyone is here out of respect for you. When all guests arrive, we mustn’t have any mishaps.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His words were brazen, almost commanding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ladies nearby were startled, holding their breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But strangely, the old Princess Dowager didn’t anger—she seemed eager: “Really? It can work?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Wenhai smiled. “Don’t worry—everyone gathers here to help each other, don’t they?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old Princess Dowager exhaled in relief. “Where’s your master?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Wenhai bowed respectfully: “My master has urgent matters—he cannot come.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who else is coming?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’ll find out soon enough, Ancestress…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their conversation left the ladies bewildered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Li Yan caught the key point.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This gathering would draw many from the “Pan Tao Hui”—with these nobles’ aid, the Ying Wang Fu could weather its crisis.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, those in the “Pan Tao Hui” seemed unfamiliar with one another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What a surprising stroke of luck!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan hadn’t expected such fortune.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Later, Long Yan and the others would arrive with the guests; Luo Mingzi’s men were already surrounding the perimeter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If confirmed, he could net every member of the “Pan Tao Hui.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He just didn’t know if Zhao Qingxu would appear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whatever—even if he didn’t show, he couldn’t miss this chance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The “Pan Tao Hui” members were all powerful figures in the capital—major threats.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he could eliminate them, he wouldn’t need to hide his identity anymore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unaware, dusk had arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The setting sun gilded the Ying Wang Fu’s vermilion gates with gold and crimson, like burning coals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The shadows of the stone lions out front stretched long; guests arrived in a steady stream.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mother, the guests are here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A middle-aged man rushed up the stairs—it was Xiao Jingyan, the Ying Wang’s younger brother, who had captured the Hai Commandery Prince the previous night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old Princess Dowager rose slowly. “Go greet them. Let Jingyuan handle the reception.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, Mother.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Jingyan quickly turned and headed for the main gate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The first to arrive was a plain green-curtained carriage. The curtain lifted, and a hand adorned with a jade ring emerged first, followed by a middle-aged man in brocade robes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Excellency Zhou.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Jingyan’s eyes lit up with delight, and he hurried forward to greet him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To be honest, given the Wang Fu’s current state, he wasn’t sure who would come.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he hadn’t expected the Minister of Revenue, Zhou Mingyuan, to be the first to arrive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This man had risen from County Magistrate to his current rank, young and vigorous, with an unfathomable future ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“On the Princess Dowager’s birthday, I naturally came to beg a cup of wine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Mingyuan smiled faintly, his eyes holding both anticipation and a trace of fear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Excellency, please come in.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Wang Fu had never interacted with Zhou Mingyuan; Xiao Jingyan didn’t know why he had come, yet he still welcomed him with a beaming smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sedan of the Minister of Public Works, Zheng Shian, followed closely behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This official, normally fearful of cold, wore only a single robe, yet his neck was tightly wrapped in a fox-fur collar…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The wife of the Salt Transport Commissioner, Lady Lin, arrived in a fragrant carriage adorned with countless bells.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her belly swelled high; each step required her to clutch her waist and gasp for breath, yet her face was caked in thick lead powder, her lips painted a vivid, dripping red…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The most ostentatious was the eight-man palanquin of Marquis Xiao Jinghuan of Anping.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When this royal drunkard and wastrel lifted the palanquin curtain, the entire street reeked of alcohol mixed with sandalwood incense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His puffy cheeks gleamed oily in the sunset, and the jade pendants at his waist jingled chaotically…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Jingyan’s face was alight with ecstatic joy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hadn’t imagined his mother had such influence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With these people’s aid, plus the goodwill of the late Ying Wang, any disaster could be overcome.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All of this was recorded by the Commandant’s Office spies watching from afar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a side room of a nearby house, Luo Mingzi cross-checked the guest list, his expression growing darker.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For among them were two abbots from the Beijing temple of the Profound Heaven Sect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, his mind held only one thought:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This affair is about to explode!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>News came from the imperial palace: the Imperial Guards were already mobilizing, converging toward this location.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If so many nobles were members of the “Peach Banquet,” Beijing would soon face a bloody purge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the carriage of the Director of the Imperial Academy, Zou Yanli, arrived just as the last sliver of daylight faded, the Wang Fu was already ablaze with lantern light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Director Zou.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Jingyan’s smile could no longer be concealed; he hurried forward to assist him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This Zou Yanli was a great Confucian scholar of Beijing, with countless disciples among the literati.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But before he could reach out, a young man beside him seized Zou Yanli’s arm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dressed in Confucian robes, his face cold and expressionless—it was Lu San in disguise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In addition, Long Yan and Sha Li-fei had disguised themselves as maids and servants.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only Wu Ba, due to his towering frame, remained two streets away, guarding Wang Daoxuan as he set up the altar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No need for formalities.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zou Yanli stroked his beard and smiled: “This is a clansman. I brought him to broaden his horizons. I’m unwell, so my maids and servants must accompany me into the mansion—may I…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Director Zou, you jest. Of course.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Jingyan, overwhelmed with emotion, paid no heed to such minor details and immediately ushered them in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the distant house, as the number of guests dwindled, a Daoist whispered a question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not yet.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Mingzi calmly wiped his talisman sword. “Wait until Lady Long confirms—then we strike and seize them!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Twilight settled; the Ying Wang Fu blazed with lantern light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The glass palace lanterns hanging beneath the vermilion corridors cast a faint golden glow on the blue bricks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the main hall, Ying Wang Xiao Jingyuan sat upon the central seat, clad in a crimson python robe. Though nearing fifty, his face glowed as if still youthful, save for fine lines around his eyes betraying exhaustion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you all for coming—I’ll drink the first cup!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His mood was also quite good.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since inheriting the title of Ying Wang, this was the first time the Wang Fu had faced such a crisis.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had been a spoiled brat since childhood, a notorious playboy of Beijing, never having known hardship—these past two days, he’d been terrified.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, seeing the hall filled with nobles, his anxiety finally eased.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After three rounds of wine, the opera on stage continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, the jingle of jade ornaments rang out—the Princess Dowager was escorted out by two maids.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We pay our respects to the Princess Dowager—may your blessings stretch like the Eastern Sea!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The officials and nobles immediately raised their cups in greeting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My long life is thanks entirely to your kindness…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Princess Dowager’s face radiated warmth; she even drank a cup of wine to thank her guests.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, Your Highness, your complexion is splendid.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We’ve come merely to bask in your fortune…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone began to flatter her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After three rounds of wine, some immediately took their leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were officials and merchants cultivated by the Wang Fu—here only to show support, nothing more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Others were led by maids into the western courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The western courtyard’s pavilion had been converted into a secret chamber.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The window lattices were pasted with blood-charm paper; seven bronze oil lamps stood on the floor, their flames a ghostly green.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Over a dozen guests sat around—Minister of Revenue Zhou Mingyuan and Marquis Xiao Jinghuan among them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They exchanged glances, then smiled and raised their cups in idle chatter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All shared an unspoken understanding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the first time the “Peach Banquet” had gathered all its members since its founding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, as the Princess Dowager entered the room, everyone rose in unison.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My friends…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Princess Dowager smiled gently. “We’re all one family—no need for secrecy. I imagine you’re all weary.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a slight wave of her hand, she signaled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maids immediately filed in, carrying sandalwood trays.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the trays lay long smoking pipes, each with a small celadon bowl.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without hesitation, the guests took them, scooping a black paste from the celadon bowls.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After lighting them, each exhaled clouds of smoke, their expressions relaxing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ugh~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, Lady Lin, the Salt Transport Commissioner’s wife, bent over and vomited.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among the viscous fluid were several clusters of snow-white mycelia.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She quickly took a few more puffs, then slumped back in her chair, eyes drooping…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So that’s it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a nearby hall, Long Yan manipulated her venomous insects, whispering: “They’re all using Fushou Paste to ease their pain.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not yet.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu San shook his head. “We haven’t seen Li Yan yet. Wait for his confirmation before signaling.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke, Li Yan slowly emerged beside the stage, giving them a hand signal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Strike!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu San gave a low command. Sha Li-fei said nothing, pulling a bamboo tube from his sleeve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside lay a fire-stone mechanism; he yanked it sharply, and smoke erupted from the tube’s base.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shhh! Pah!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fireworks shot from windows and doors, piercing the night sky, followed by a thunderous boom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Strike!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Mingzi suddenly opened his eyes, snatching up his talisman sword and rising.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instantly, figures from the Commandant’s Office emerged from nearby alleys, swords in hand, charging toward the Wang Fu…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2629,"2026-06-19T18:28:35.913Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","6f845e39eae30d6ab6dce9b315befeee722085b41a54139fcf67ace6e25bda02","the-cursed-blade-s-walk-chapter-687","the-cursed-blade-s-walk-chapter-685",801,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-cursed-blade-s-walk-cover.jpg"]