Starting With The Martial Arts Holy Fire Order

Seeing Dai Qisi’s pale face and purplish lips, Hu Qingyang knew she had suffered severe cold-induced internal injuries. Without asking further, she rushed out to summon the innkeeper to prepare the hot water.

Not wanting to waste time, Ling Yihan said seriously, “Dai Qisi, forgive me!”

Without waiting for her reply, he carefully removed her outer garments, leaving only a red undergarment. Her skin, white as snow and as smooth as jade, was exposed, and he placed his palm gently on her back, continuously transferring his pure yang energy into her.

By the time the hot water arrived, most of the cold poison from the Phantom Yin Finger had already been forced out of her body. Then, with Hu Qingyang’s assistance, he placed Dai Qisi into the wooden tub for a hot bath.

Dai Qisi regulated her own breathing and, after more than an hour, finally regained her strength.

“Brother Ling, it’s my fault. I was a burden to you.” Dai Qisi, now dressed, looked at Ling Yihan with an apologetic expression.

Ling Yihan understood that she was referring to the moment in the Prince’s Mansion when she had accidentally stepped on a tile, alerting the guards. Not only had she suffered a serious injury from the Phantom Yin Finger, but her misstep had also disrupted their plans to steal the Heaven-Reliant Sword.

“It’s not your fault. I didn’t expect the Prince’s Mansion to have so many skilled martial artists. Even Chengkun, the ‘Primal Thunder Hand,’ is now one of the prince’s lackeys. Escaping with our lives was fortunate enough.” Seeing her guilt-ridden expression, Ling Yihan offered her some comfort.

Hu Qingyang, who had been listening, was astonished. “What? You’re talking about Lady Yang’s senior brother, Chengkun? He’s joined the court?”

Since she was close friends with Lady Yang, Hu Qingyang knew all about her connection to Chengkun.

Ling Yihan proceeded to tell them about Chengkun’s affair with Lady Yang and his enmity with Yang Dingtian. Both young women listened in shock.

“How could this be? Lady Yang betrayed the Cult Master? That’s… impossible,” Hu Qingyang struggled to accept the truth.

Dai Qisi, who had already overheard Chengkun and Gangxiang’s conversation in the Prince’s Mansion, had no doubts about Ling Yihan’s words. Still, she recalled how Lady Yang had shown such concern for her well-being at Bright Summit, and it was hard to believe that this seemingly virtuous woman was living such a double life.

Ling Yihan sighed. “Master warned me never to disrespect Lady Yang. You both must keep this knowledge to yourselves. If word gets out, it could destroy both Master and the Ming Cult’s reputation. Moreover, Chengkun is also the master of Golden-Haired Lion King Xie Xun, and without sufficient evidence, who knows what chaos this revelation might bring?”

Dai Qisi and Hu Qingyang nodded in agreement.

“Brother Ling, here’s your sword back.” Dai Qisi handed him the Longevity Sword.

Ling Yihan shook his head, smiling. “Once a gift is given, it’s not proper to take it back. The sword suits you; keep it.”

Dai Qisi looked surprised and delighted, but then hesitated. “This… doesn’t feel right. The sword seems to be a rare treasure, probably as sharp as the Heaven-Reliant Sword. I can’t accept something so precious.”

Ling Yihan gently pushed the Longevity Sword back toward her, smiling. “I meant to give it to you from the start; I just hadn’t found the right moment. Besides, I already have another fine sword. Why would I need so many?”

Realizing he was sincere, Dai Qisi no longer protested and happily accepted. “Then… thank you, Brother Ling. By the way, does this sword have a name?”

“It does. It’s called the Longevity Sword,” Ling Yihan replied, smiling.

“The Longevity Sword! What a beautiful name!” Dai Qisi admired the sword with delight.

But Hu Qingyang, listening to their conversation, felt a pang of jealousy. She muttered, “Brother Ling, you’re so biased, giving Sister Dai such a fine weapon and not giving me anything…”

Ling Yihan looked embarrassed. “Um… mainly because you don’t know martial arts, Qingyang! Even if I gave you a weapon, you wouldn’t know how to use it. What if someone saw it, took it from you, and harmed you?”

Hu Qingyang pouted, “I don’t care! If Sister Dai has the Longevity Sword, I want something just as good. If not, I won’t speak to you anymore!”

Remembering how Ling Yihan had touched her while treating her earlier and then given her such a precious sword, Dai Qisi felt both a sweetness and a pang of sadness due to her role as a Persian Holy Maiden. She handed the Longevity Sword to Hu Qingyang with a smile. “Here, Sister Qingyang. You can have the sword.”

Hu Qingyang huffed, “What’s that supposed to mean? Giving me something he gave you? I don’t want your charity. I want him to give me something himself.”

Seeing Dai Qisi’s awkward expression, Ling Yihan said, “Alright, I promise I’ll give you something even better. Is that okay? I don’t have it yet, but I’ll find something for you.”

“Really?” Hu Qingyang asked, surprised and skeptical.

Ling Yihan nodded. “Of course.”

Ding! Main quest triggered: Steal the Heaven-Reliant Sword from the Prince of Ruyang’s Mansion. Reward: Martial Secret Manual, ‘Lianhua Baojian’.

Hearing the system notification, Ling Yihan couldn’t help but feel excited.

It’s as if the system knows exactly what I need. This is perfect!

Not entirely convinced, Hu Qingyang asked, “You’re not just saying that to make me feel better, are you? So, tell me—what will you give me?”

With a smile, Ling Yihan replied, “The ‘Lianhua Baojian’!”

“The ‘Lianhua Baojian’? What’s that?” Hu Qingyang asked, puzzled.

Seeing Hu Qingyang and the equally curious Dai Qisi, Ling Yihan explained, “The ‘Lianhua Baojian’ is a legendary medical manual, said to be written by Wang Lianhua, a heroic doctor from the Southern Song dynasty. It contains not only miraculous healing techniques that can bring the dead back to life, but also advanced martial arts, poison techniques, Miaojiang’s insect arts, disguise techniques, and even Persian mental techniques…”

Hu Qingyang shook her head in disbelief. “You’re making that up! There’s no way such a powerful manual exists. And I’ve never even heard of this Wang Lianhua. If his skills were that great, wouldn’t my brother have known of him? You’re just trying to trick me!”