First time in Hangzhou
As night fell, Jiang Yingyue walked aimlessly on her way to Hangzhou. In just one day, she had lost everything; what use was this freedom now?
Thinking of this, Jiang Yingyue gripped the Qingyun Sword tightly in her hand. She was determined to avenge everyone in the sect herself.
The Heavenly Dao Alliance's territory is located within Hangzhou City. Although this move is risky, it has the advantage of allowing for a thorough investigation. After all, upon careful consideration, there are far too many suspicious points from that day. Although the Bright Moon Sect is at odds with the Heavenly Dao Alliance, it would never warrant such a massacre. Moreover, such a major incident would be a significant blow to Bai Yu's reputation if it got out.
Furthermore, she needed to find the Thunder Sword. Jiang Yingyue wouldn't allow these people to take the sword so easily; it was the symbol of the Bright Moon Sect and absolutely could not fall into their hands.
Jiang Yingyue had no appetite and didn't want to rest. She just wanted to get to Hangzhou as quickly as possible. She traveled day and night for two whole days and nights.
As the morning light shone, she finally entered the city.
Zhuque Street was bustling with activity, the shouts of vendors, the clatter of horses' hooves, and the rumble of wheels weaving together a unique symphony of everyday life. In the teahouse, waiters deftly wiped the tables and chairs, the aroma of freshly brewed Longjing tea filling the air. Early risers gathered around, sipping their tea and chatting about local gossip.
Jiang Yingyue had never seen anything like it before. The city walls, separated only by a single wall, felt like two completely different worlds. Jiang Yingyue was immediately captivated by the scenery; no one could resist the urge to explore it.
As she walked along the main road, she suddenly saw a large crowd gathered ahead. She immediately went forward and saw that the people on the stage were dressed in gorgeous costumes. It turned out that a troupe was performing. Unfortunately, Jiang Yingyue had never seen a play before and was completely confused by what she heard.
"Is this your first time seeing opera, young lady?" An old man's voice sounded beside her. Jiang Yingyue nodded. "How did you know?"
The old man stroked his beard and laughed, pointing to the female lead on stage who was twirling her flowing sleeves: "Look, everyone else is humming along to the tune, but you're the only one gripping the sword hilt with a furrowed brow." As he spoke, he pulled half a piece of sesame candy from his sleeve. "This play is 'The Story of the Thorn Hairpin,' which tells the story of a poor scholar who becomes the top scholar in the imperial examination but is then framed, leading to his wife throwing herself into the river. That pale-faced one is Sun Ruquan, the one who steals family letters; he's more ruthless than a poisonous snake."
As the old man spoke, he handed the candy to Jiang Yingyue, who then began to re-examine the figures, following his words. However, Sun Ruquan looked increasingly familiar, but she couldn't recall where she had seen him before.
"Old man, do you know the origin of this opera troupe?" Jiang Yingyue asked.
“Jinghuatai is the most famous opera troupe in Hangzhou! So many merchants and officials are eager to have them perform at their residences.” The old man coughed lightly twice. “But, apart from the Ye family, they have never been to any other family.”
"The Ye residence?"
"Yes," the old man said in a low voice. "It is said that their troupe leader had a deep relationship with the Ye family. Back then, Master Ye was the most capable strategist by the White Alliance Leader's side, but he died mysteriously. At that time, the whole city was talking about this."
Bai Yu. Upon hearing this name, Jiang Yingyue felt a surge of anger, and the cloud pattern on the sword hilt hurt her palm. According to the old man, the Ye family must also be involved in the massacre, and Bai Yu didn't seem to have spread the news of the massacre of the Mingyue Sect.
Things in the martial arts world can't be kept secret for long. In just a few days, the Mingyue Sect will become the main character in the people's mouths.
Jiang Yingyue looked back at the stage, and the actor playing Sun Ruquan happened to glance in her direction as well. In that instant, their eyes met. His eyes widened slightly, and although it was only for a brief moment, Jiang Yingyue saw it. It was as if she could already hear him say: I know you.
Soon, the scene ended, and Jiang Yingyue immediately went backstage to confront the actor, but when she rushed in, she found that there was no one there at all.
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