The hidden arrow saved her life.

Two days later.

Chang Lili sat on a stone bench, with a hidden arrow and various other utensils on the round table.

When the plum blossom-shaped hidden weapon struck, it had already turned slightly black, but the river water washed it clean, leaving only a small notch. Although it didn't prevent its use, she still couldn't stand the mark.

She took the sleeve and carefully filled in the mark.

"Chang Lili".

Someone strode toward her, their voice deep and resonant.

Chang Lili's eyes lit up, and a surge of joy welled up in her heart, coursing through her entire body. She threw down the sleeve in her hand, stood on tiptoe, hugged the person's neck, and rammed her head into the hard armor. Before she could even cry out in pain, she complained, "You're finally back! I was so bored when you didn't come back!"

Meng Yuxiu put his arm around her waist, listening to the little woman in his arms murmur.

Chang Lili said enough, let go of his hand, and looked Meng Yuxiu up and down to make sure he was back in perfect condition, without missing any limbs.

"Has the matter at Yumen Pass been resolved? Have those barbarians been dealt with? I knew it! No matter how fierce those people are, they can't compare to you. The moment they see you arrive, they have to think twice before doing anything."

"How fierce am I?" Meng Yuxiu sat on the stone bench, pulling the person into his arms, and glanced at the mess on the table. "Tell me, what trouble did you get into?"

"It's nothing..." Chang Lili felt guilty and quickly brushed the matter aside.

Meng Yuxiu reached out and pulled her cheeks, pinching and tugging at them: "I'm at Yumen Pass, how could I not know what happened in Duanzhou? Leave the Three Pages Gate matter to me, don't be so reckless, you can't always be so lucky."

With a huff, Chang Lili grabbed Meng Yuxiu's hand that was causing trouble and explained, "I wanted to help you out. We were originally going to catch the ringleader, but he didn't show up, so we sent a small fry instead. Catching him would only alert him."

Meng Yuxiu said, "Having something like this happen, isn't that disturbing them?"

Chang Lili bit her lip and thought for a moment: "Although I messed up the gambling den and had it closed for two days, that person didn't catch up with me. He assumed I was dead, so there shouldn't be any major changes."

Faced with Chang Lili's obedient face, Meng Yuxiu's anger vanished, leaving only a bellyful of helplessness.

Chang Lili deliberately changed the subject, pestering Meng Yuxiu to ask about what had happened at the border. Meng Yuxiu, exasperated by her persistence, avoided the important points and simply recounted what he had done.

Chang Lili's eyes widened in surprise: "Aren't you afraid that other tribes will be unhappy with what you're doing?"

Meng Yuxiu replied calmly, "You overestimate their relationship. Winter is coming, and this is the fastest way to get food. It's a win-win situation."

“Okay…” Chang Lili was gradually persuaded by him. Thinking of the tribe, she thought of something else. “Have you heard them talk about the tribe women disappearing without a trace?”

You know?

Chang Lili nodded and explained in detail why she had become acquainted with Burji.

"After you left, I made a friend whose sister also disappeared. At first, I suspected she had been tricked into going to Duanzhou, and I searched everywhere but couldn't find her. But! I overheard people in the gambling den talking about the Northern Woman! I think it must be related to the Three Pages Sect!"

Meng Yuxiu's face was stern, carrying the chill of years of battle. If it really was related to the Three Pages Sect, then the nature of this matter was serious.

“You must be tired after investigating for so long. Leave the rest to me. The barbarians mentioned it to me, and I need to give them an explanation.”

Chang Lili said reluctantly, "I want to share your burdens."

Meng Yuxiu pinched her cheek: "Didn't you say you got your hands on some new weapon blueprints? I'm really looking forward to your finished product. What you make will definitely be even more exquisite than the original."

This reminded Chang Lili, and she suddenly stood up straight, pounding her palms: "That's right! It's good that you reminded me, I still have Bulgi's scimitar, and I haven't fixed it yet."

Meng Yuxiu burst into laughter, a hearty laugh.

After spending some time with Meng Yuxiu, Chang Lili was in a hurry to repair the scimitar for Bulgi and got so engrossed in it that she forgot it was time to eat. Meng Yuxiu had to come and urge her on.

"Wait a minute, it's almost there."

Chang Lili reforged and polished the weapon. The red-hot weapon was placed in water and made a "hissing" sound. After the final step was completed, the brand-new scimitar showed no signs of damage.

Chang Lili had just finished her lunch and was feeling peckish. She ate a couple of bites of pastry and drank half a cup of tea after the meal when a guard came to report that Xu Yuandao was requesting an audience.

Xu Yuandao's appearance is very likely related to the Three Pages Gate.

Meng Yuxiu hesitated, then Chang Lili brushed the debris off her hands and said, "I'm going to return the scimitar to Bulji. Remember to let me know when I get back."

Chang Lili found a piece of blue cloth, wrapped the curved knife, and said goodbye to Xu Yuandao when she went out. Xu Yuandao nodded in greeting, and Chang Lili waved her hand and walked away briskly.

Bulgi and his group stayed at an inn, and Chang Lili handed him the weapons.

Bulgi removed the blue cloth wrapped around his hands, reached out and stroked the perfectly intact scimitar, a smile appearing on his worried face: "The young lady is indeed skillful."

Chang Lili waved her hand modestly, noticing his increasingly haggard appearance, as if he hadn't rested well in a long time. She carefully chose her words, "Your sister might really be in the Central Plains..."

“Really?” Burgi’s eyes lit up with elation as he seized on the key point. “You mean—she’s in the Central Plains! Not Duanzhou. No wonder…no wonder I couldn’t find her anywhere in Duanzhou.”

Chang Lili nodded: "A couple of days ago, I accidentally heard that a sect was abducting women from the grasslands. I didn't know if it was true or not, and I hesitated whether I should tell you. Now I've thought it through. Whether it is or not, it's a clue. Since they've appeared on the grasslands, this is a starting point!"

Chang Lili had thought it over carefully. She wanted to find out the truth, not only for herself, but also for her other lost brothers and sisters. If Meng Yuxiu knew her thoughts, he definitely wouldn't agree.

She could only make this one decision on her own.

"I want to go to the grasslands, can you help me?"

Bulgi and his men exchanged a glance and hesitated, saying, "The grasslands are not the Central Plains. You are a weak woman, and I'm afraid you might run into trouble."

Chang Lili said nonchalantly, "Isn't that what I have? I'll help you find your sister, and you'll be responsible for protecting my safety. You're not losing out."

After a moment's thought, Bulgi said, "Alright, I agree."

Chang Lili smiled with satisfaction, beckoned to him with her finger, and lowered her voice to explain the plan: "I will disguise myself as a woman from the Northern Border. Your people should be ready at any time, is that alright?"

Bulgi said, "It's not difficult, but if the other party doesn't fall for it..."

Chang Lili wondered, "The women who have disappeared so far are always connected with people from the Central Plains. I fit the bill, so why don't they come?"

Bulgi was taken aback. Although Chang Lili's words were crude, he couldn't find a suitable way to refute her.

"Then let's do it this way."