Soon, the leader of the Black-Clad Hall arrived at Cangyue Tower with a group of men. The men were all dressed in black, wearing black veils, and their hair was neatly tied up.

Upon seeing Zhu Wanqing, the black-clad hall master clasped his hands in a fist and bowed, saying, "Your subordinate greets the sect leader!"

Zhu Wanqing nodded slightly and said to the black-clad hall master, "You are the person I trust the most. With you protecting me, I have nothing to fear!"

The Black-Clad Hall Master said excitedly, "Rest assured, Master, our Black-Clad Hall was born to protect your safety. As long as one member of our Black-Clad Hall survives, we will never allow the enemy to harm you in the slightest..." After speaking, he introduced to Zhu Wanqing, "These are the guards I have trained. Each of them is exceptionally skilled in martial arts and can fight ten against one. Master, you can rest assured that we will protect you to the death!"

"We swear to protect the leader to the death!" All the men in black placed their right hands on their hearts and solemnly pledged their commitment.

Zhu Wanqing nodded and, supported by her personal maid, walked into the inner room. She retrieved a long wooden box from a cabinet. Inside the box was a beautifully crafted sword. Zhu Wanqing held the sword with both hands. With a gentle pull, a cold light shot out. The hilt was carved with a golden dragon, exuding immense majesty, and the blade was incredibly sharp, truly as cold as autumn frost.

Zhu Wanqing closed the sword with satisfaction, turned around and handed it to the black-clad hall master, saying earnestly, "This is my most prized weapon, which has been with me for many years. Now I give this sword to you, hoping it can lend you a helping hand!"

The black-clad leader was flattered and solemnly accepted the sword, kneeling down and refusing to rise: "This...isn't this the sect leader's favorite sword? How can I accept it?"

Zhu Wanqing smiled and touched her belly, saying helplessly, "Look at me now, how can I use it? It's useless to me now. Only you deserve it..." Then, with a look of shame, she added, "My body is a burden to you, and I really can't bear it..."

The black-clad leader interrupted Zhu Wanqing, saying with utmost sincerity and determination, "Master, rest assured, I will protect you and the young master even at the cost of my life!"

The commotion outside grew louder; it seemed a battle had broken out down the mountain. Zhu Wanqing faintly heard the sounds of fighting and glanced anxiously outside. The black-clad leader immediately stood up and said urgently, "Master, it's too dangerous here. The Qing army will attack soon. I should escort you to a hidden place to hide..."

Zhu Wanqing didn't want to leave, but her personal maid urged, "Master, don't hesitate any longer, hurry up and go with the Black-Clad Hall Master!" Saying this, she pushed Zhu Wanqing towards the door, but stopped herself at the entrance. Zhu Wanqing was startled and asked, "Why aren't you leaving?"

The personal maid smiled faintly and said, "I'll stay here and put on the leader's clothes. Maybe I can buy some time! Leader, you can go in peace..." Zhu Wanqing naturally refused. The black-clad leader grabbed Zhu Wanqing and pulled her outside. The personal maid knelt down before Zhu Wanqing and shouted, "If there is an afterlife, this servant is still willing to serve the leader!"

The figure of her personal maid grew increasingly blurry until it disappeared from sight. Zhu Wanqing rallied and followed the black-clad leader to the most secluded spot on the island. The area was densely forested and nestled deep within a ravine, making it difficult for anyone unfamiliar with the island's geography to find.

After Zhu Wanqing sat down, she slowly began to plan her next move. Thinking that the Seventeenth Master was still in the cave prison, she hurriedly asked the Black-Clad Hall Master to bring the Seventeenth Master to her.

The leader of the black-clad gang sent two people to accompany him back to the village, while the rest of the gang surrounded Zhu Wanqing to protect her safety.