Even without turning his head, A-Ke could tell from the steady rhythm of A-Luo’s breathing that his ragged companion had already fallen asleep. His mind wandered back to the events of several nights prior, when he had returned to Wei City and encountered this grimy youth once more at the shrine. Though they had crossed paths once before, they were effectively strangers. Yet, when the unkempt young man invited him to seek work at the docks, he had followed without a moment's hesitation.

  The harbor had been teeming with a chaotic throng of people. The two of them signed on as laborers to haul cargo onto the ships.

  Once that task was complete, three large vessels announced the hiring of additional porters. Upon hearing that the voyage was bound for the Southern Seas, they applied to work together again, accepting wages for a trip to the Isle of the Pearl to offload another shipment. Little did they suspect that these merchant vessels belonged to the Emerald Dragon Brotherhood, nor could they have known that the Brotherhood’s accountant was the Peerless Poison Beggar, Sun Daming. Had they known, no matter how hungry or thirsty they were, they would never have dared to eat a single bite of food prepared by the Poison Beggar.

  If Sun Daming was indeed the Peerless Poison Beggar, then A-Ke himself was Jin Tian Wang, the Merry Meanderer. They had recognized each other from the very first glance, yet neither had any intention of exposing the other.

  Though the Isle of the Pearl was but a small island not far from the mainland, it was a vital port of call. Most mariners used it to replenish their fresh water supplies. In truth, this island was a lawless haven, under the jurisdiction of no government or official bureau. Travelers from every direction came and went, utilizing it as a meeting place to exchange goods until it became renowned as a significant hub of commerce.

  The Emerald Dragon Brotherhood’s ships arrived at the Isle of the Pearl in the afternoon. A multitude of travelers were already awaiting their vessels to negotiate and trade wares. Once the deals were concluded, it became the duty of the porters to transfer the cargo. Since most exchanges were with foreign merchants speaking strange tongues, goods had to be hauled both on and off, making for backbreaking labor. The porters worked diligently until nightfall before the task was finished. All received their wages along with a sum of extra silver, and they dispersed to celebrate in the village upon the island.

  Jin Tian Wang, under the guise of A-Ke, continued to roam with A-Luo through various spots in the village. The two took their earnings to wager at the "Torn Shirt" gambling den. Tonight, fortune favored them, and they won a considerable amount to share. Jin Tian Wang had no desire to gamble the entire night away, so he separated to stroll about, while A-Luo remained to continue his gambling.

  Jin Tian Wang walked alone through the bustling streets of the Isle of the Pearl. As he passed the Four Harmony Inn, he suddenly heard the faint sound of a zither drifting from within. It instantly reminded him of a certain woman, prompting him to step inside.

  The Four Harmony Inn was a premier establishment on the Isle of the Pearl. A ragged laborer like him clearly did not belong in a place like this. Before he could even step onto the staircase leading to the second floor, a number of people moved to block his path. However, his luck was not entirely rotten, for he spotted the Poison Beggar, Sun Daming, ascending the stairs as well.

  “Senior Sun! I’m here!” Jin Tian Wang called out loudly.

  Sun Daming turned to see Jin Tian Wang in his beggar-like guise and initially feigned ignorance, turning his face away. But after taking another half-step, he seemed to recall something and intervened to aid Jin Tian Wang. “The Young Miss requires someone to carry items. A-Ke, since you are here, follow me up.”

  Thus, those who intended to drive Jin Tian Wang away cleared a path for him.

  Jin Tian Wang hurried after Sun Daming to the upper floor.

  “What is your intent in coming to this place?” Sun Daming spoke in a flat tone, quiet enough for only the two of them to hear.

  “I came to listen to the zither on the third floor.”

  “Ha ha, you count as having no small amount of fortune. We happen to be drinking there. Follow behind me and do not cause any disturbance.”

  Jin Tian Wang gave no verbal reply; the smile on his face was answer enough.

  The third floor of the Four Harmony Inn was arranged as a spacious hall. Currently, there were only four tables set for guests. In front of these tables was a raised platform resembling a stage, where a middle-aged woman was currently playing the zither.

  Jin Tian Wang saw that the musician was not the person he had hoped to find. Even so, the music was so exquisite that he found himself completely absorbed in it, the melody weaving through the hall and holding every listener spellbound.

  The four tables at the front were divided into two sides, two tables each. On one side sat the people of the Emerald Dragon Brotherhood, consisting of Fan Qingqing and the skilled ship captains who filled the two tables. On the other side sat a middle-aged man sporting a five-pointed beard, who appeared to be the leader of that group. Beside him sat a middle-aged woman in a bright red dress. Only these two sat together at one table, while the other table was occupied by a number of martial artists serving as their entourage.

  Beside Fan Qingqing, an empty chair had been left, presumably for Sun Daming. The music continued to play. Jin Tian Wang followed Sun Daming to the table. The skilled experts of the Emerald Dragon Brotherhood regarded him with open irritation. Fan Qingqing, in particular, nearly rose in fury to drive him out at once. However, as both parties were in the midst of negotiating important matters, even she was forced to restrain her temper and wait to see how events would unfold.

  Jin Tian Wang feigned ignorance of the tension. Though there was no seat for him on this side, he remained standing, gazing at the middle-aged woman playing the zither with such extraordinary skill. In his heart, he mused that this musician reminded him somewhat of the Frostflower Maiden (冰心花), Han Yue Xin (韩月心). He did not know why, for their appearances were not in the least bit alike. Perhaps it was the aura radiating from this woman. Though her youth had passed, she remained remarkably beautiful for her age.

  “That little brother there, if you cannot see clearly from where you stand, you are invited to join us for food and drink over here.” A female voice called out from across the aisle. It was the middle-aged woman in the bright red dress speaking to Jin Tian Wang.

  Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author's consent. Report any sightings.

  Hearing the invitation, Jin Tian Wang shuffled toward her with an air of foolish simplicity.

  Fan Qingqing saw this and her brows knitted tightly together. She shouted, “You ignorant fool, why have you not scrambled away yet?” As she spoke, she struck out with her palm, sending a surge of palm-force howling toward the back of the insolent coolie.

  Before the forceful gale could touch Jin Tian Wang, the zither player suddenly flicked her sleeve upward, creating a counter-current of wind to intercept Fan Qingqing’s palm force. Yet, the zither music did not break its rhythm and continued to enchant without pause.

  Fan Qingqing immediately rose and shouted, “This man is a member of the Emerald Dragon Brotherhood; this is not a matter for you to interfere in.”

  The zither player ceased her playing and locked eyes with Fan Qingqing. Before she could utter a word, a streak of red light sliced through the air with a sharp whistling sound, shooting straight toward Fan Qingqing.

  The skilled captains surrounding the Young Miss of the Emerald Dragon Brotherhood drew their weapons. The closest one swung his blade at the red light. When the blade edge made contact, it met with a violent rebounding force, causing the blade to fly from his hand and spin through the air. It was Sun Daming who snatched the blade, preventing harm to anyone.

  “Old hag, if you’re looking for a fight, face me instead.” The middle-aged woman in the bright red dress was the one who had struck first. In her hand, a bright red whip was poised in readiness.

  “Blood Spider, Tian Yi Hui, do not think that I fear you,” Fan Qingqing declared, and immediately leaped forward.

  Jin Tian Wang, standing in the center of the skirmish, recalled the name of the Blood Spider, Tian Yi Hui... and a legend of the martial world came to mind.

  The Defying Heaven Sect was founded by a supreme master of the unorthodox path—the Demonic Doctor, Di Jiao. He had eight foremost disciples, known throughout the martial world as the Eight Demon Beasts .

  They were the Silver Serpent, Verdant Dragonfly, Tiger Frog, Yellow Centipede, Blood Spider, Violet Scorpion, Azure Squirrel, and Shadow Bat—each a master of martial arts and poison alike.

  After Di Jiao’s death, however, the sect was handed to his son-in-law, the Stone Fiend, Shi Wu Sha. The decision split the sect apart. The Tiger Frog, Ung Sa Khong, and his wife, the Blood Spider, Tian Yi Hui, broke away in resentment.

  Later, when Han Zhao Ming of Heaven-Equaling Peak and the Blood Hawk, Zhang Zhu Fan, led the orthodox factions in an assault, only six Demon Beasts remained. The Stone Fiend, the Yellow Centipede, and the Violet Scorpion perished in battle. The survivors swore to the Blood Hawk that they would withdraw to the Mystic Valley for the rest of their lives.

  If this middle-aged woman in the red dress was the Blood Spider, Tian Yi Hui, then the middle-aged man with the five-pointed beard must naturally be the Tiger Frog, Ung Sa Khong.

  Ung Sa Khong abruptly stood up and spoke as well. “Facing the three of us, even your father, Fan Baojian, would not dare to be so disrespectful. Little girl, you are far too bold.”

  The Tiger Frog, Ung Sa Khong, was the third disciple of the Demonic Doctor Di Jiao, but he was rumored to possess the most superb skills among the Eight Demon Beasts. Furthermore, he was known for his ruthless and cruel nature. Whenever he engaged in battle, tiger-like stripes would appear on the skin of his face. Now, he circulated his internal energy for two cycles, and stripes manifested upon his face. Within the Four Harmony Inn, a heatwave suddenly spread, accompanied by a strange, pungent odor.

  “Ung Sa Khong, surely you do not intend to destroy the relationship between our Sect Leader and Senior Ouyang?” Sun Daming spoke in a flat tone. His hunched back seemed at odds with his polite demeanor. He waved his sleeve, generating a stream of cold wind that dispersed the surrounding heat.

  “Old Poison Beggar, if you wish to join the fun, then make your move. I have never placed your three-legged cat skills in my eyes.”

  “Today we honored you because we are on the Isle of the Pearl, an area under your influence. But how can the Emerald Dragon Brotherhood allow itself to be insulted?”

  “Tonight, it is you who lacked manners. My Junior Sister, surnamed Yang, was playing the finest zither music in the land for you, yet you ruined the listening atmosphere.”

  The zither-playing woman surnamed Yang was the Junior Sister of Ung Sa Khong; she could be none other than the Azure Squirrel, Yang Qian Lian.

  Jin Tian Wang’s heart stirred with unease. Why were those who should have remained confined within the Mystic Valley appearing here upon the distant Isle of the Pearl? Had the unorthodox sects returned once more to the world? Had they broken the solemn oaths they once swore? Was some vast calamity about to descend upon the martial realm?

  Fan Qingqing was the one who had struck first. Though she had not attacked the opposing party, it was indeed she who had shattered the atmosphere. Although she felt a twinge of guilt and self-reproach for her impulsiveness, her lips remained stubborn. “I intended to punish a member of my own sect; it is you who are meddling in our internal affairs.”

  “That your Emerald Dragon Brotherhood is now willing to accept destitute beggars into its ranks is laughable indeed.”

  “Let us cease this hostility here,” Sun Daming said firmly, speaking on behalf of Fan Qingqing, the young girl with a fiery temper.

  “Old Sun, you may speak for the Young Miss of the Emerald Dragon Brotherhood, but I am merely a low-ranking pawn. This matter must wait for the Fifth Young Master to speak before it can be concluded.”

  Fan Qingqing knew well that tonight she had an appointment to dine with Ouyang Lao Bai. However, though she had dined until late into the night, she had yet to meet him. She believed the other party had intended to disrespect her from the start.

  Ouyang Lao Bai, or the Fifth Young Master, was a supreme expert in the art of the spear. He possessed an eccentric habit of disliking speech. He would speak only in single words. If he was compelled to speak more than one word to anyone, he would take that person's life. Thus, he bore the title “One Word Ends Life.”

  “We are leaving!” Fan Qingqing shouted in frustration.

  The sound of the zither rose, accompanied by a violent stream of wind attacking Fan Qingqing.

  Sun Daming could no longer sit still. He kicked off into the fray, but before he could reach Fan Qingqing to assist, a web of red light from the Blood Spider Tian Yi Hui’s hands spread out to ensnare him.

  The skilled ship captains leaped forward to confront the martial artists accompanying Ung Sa Khong, resulting in a chaotic brawl.

  Fan Qingqing was already hard-pressed dealing with the Azure Squirrel, Yang Qian Lian. Ung Sa Khong, seeing that Tian Yi Hui was keeping Sun Daming occupied, seized the opportunity to subdue the daughter of the Emerald Dragon Brotherhood’s leader.

  Ung Sa Khong circulated his internal energy, radiating heat from his body. He executed his renowned Poison Mist Palm, generating a pungent smoke that expanded to cover the area.

  “The Poison Mist Palm! Young Miss, flee immediately!” Sun Daming shouted a warning to Fan Qingqing.

  How could Fan Qingqing possibly escape? Razor-sharp gusts unleashed from the zither strings tore through the air, while the web of red light spread wider and wider, leaving her almost no room to maneuver. She could only raise her sword to parry and defend. A chill crept into her heart as she realized she was steadily losing ground.

  Sun Daming, though unafraid of Tian Yi Hui’s whip, could not afford to underestimate the combined assault of the three Demon Beasts. The finger techniques of the Azure Squirrel, Yang Qian Lian, were even subtler and more treacherous than the skills of Ung Sa Khong and Tian Yi Hui. Should the battle drag on, the poison mist would only grow denser, placing his side at an ever greater disadvantage. His heart tightened as the thickening haze finally swallowed Fan Qingqing from sight.

  Ung Sa Khong would not let this opportunity slip away. He moved freely through his own curtain of poison mist and launched a silent palm strike at Fan Qingqing. In the blink of an eye, his palm struck solid flesh. Yet an overwhelming force rebounded into him, numbing his entire arm. He had not expected a supreme expert to be hiding here. Forced to reassess the situation, he shouted, “Retreat!”—for his Poison Mist Palm had already struck its mark.

  When the poison mist finally dispersed, Jin Tian Wang stood revealed, shielding Fan Qingqing within his arms. A faint smile touched his lips. The next instant, his body went limp and he crumpled to the floor.

  Upon his back lay a jet-black palm imprint—clear, dreadful, undeniable.