Yang Heying smiled, “Ah I can still picture Heroine Cai Pingzhu’s grace and beauty. In her youth, she dominated the martial world, braving demon lairs and bandit strongholds, upholding justice. Everyone admired her. Though she’s gone now, I see her spirit in you, Valley Master Cai. Fortunately, Luoying Valley has a worthy successor. Congratulations!” While seemingly reminiscing about Cai Pingzhu, he was implying that Luoying Valley had lost its former glory without her.
Chang Ning frowned, “Why does this man speak so ambiguously?”
“Not just his words, but his actions too are dubious,” Cai Zhao gritted her teeth. “I met him when I was young.”
Chang Ning and Fan Xingjia were surprised.
Little Cai Han interjected, “Why haven’t I met him?”
Cai Zhao scolded softly, “Silly, I was four then. You didn’t exist! Don’t interrupt, eat your pastries!”
After pushing down her little brother’s head, she continued, “That year, some ‘Three Heroes of Sha River’ came, claiming they wanted to challenge my father in the name of martial fellowship. We don’t even know how they entered the valley. Those shameless men said that even against a hundred opponents, the three brothers would fight together, so they’d face my father three-on-one.”
Chang Ning sneered, “If it were me, I’d find a hundred people to fight them. I’d exhaust them to death, draining all their energy.”
“Then what happened? Did Valley Master Cai win?” Fan Xingjia asked eagerly.
“Is that even a question? Of course, Valley Master Cai won. Otherwise, this story would have spread throughout the martial world,” Chang Ning snorted.
Fan Xingjia was puzzled, “What do you mean?”
Chang Ning explained, “When Nie Hengcheng was alive, the Demonic Sect was invincible. Many skilled fighters from the six Northern sects died or were injured in several major battles, especially from Luoying Valley. Those three scoundrels were taking advantage of the situation. Seeing that Valley Master Cai’s uncle and sister were either dead or injured and that he was young and unknown, they thought they could easily win. If they had won, they would have boasted about defeating the Luoying Valley leader and brother of Heroine Cai. Since no one knows about this incident, Valley Master Cai must have won.”
Cai Han was amazed, “Wow, Senior Brother Chang, you’re so smart! Sister, is that what happened?”
Cai Zhao glanced at Chang Ning, “Yes, it’s just as Senior Brother Chang said, Father won. Sigh, mother said Father practiced day and night for years to prepare for such situations.”
Fan Xingjia also praised, “Junior Brother Chang is indeed clever. I’m far behind.”
Chang Ning ignored him and continued, “What does this have to do with Yang Heying?”
“Two years before those scoundrels came, Father had already made a breakthrough. Dealing with those three wouldn’t have been difficult. The despicable part was Yang Heying’s behavior. He pretended to mediate but just stood by watching the show. When the Sha River Three Heroes attacked Father, he did nothing. But when father was about to disable those scoundrels, he intervened, saying nonsense like ‘Fellow martial artists should know when to stop.’ Bah!” Cai Zhao said angrily.
Chang Ning nodded, “I see. It seems Yang Heying was there to test your father’s abilities.”
Cai Zhao was confused, “Test his abilities? Yang Heying? Why would he do that?”
Chang Ning explained, “Your aunt, Cai Pingzhu, was once as renowned as a thunderbolt from the blue. She was invincible in her adventures and acquired many rare treasures, medicines, and secret manuals. Strong sects like Qingque and Guangtian wouldn’t covet these, and proud ones like Peiqiong Manor and Taichu Temple wouldn’t stoop to such actions. But Siqimen? Hmph. With their outdated rules and stagnant ways, they’ve been declining for generations. How could they not be tempted?”
Hearing this, Cai Han couldn’t help but interject, “Actually, Mother said Luoying Valley had been declining for generations even before Aunt…”
“Say one more word and you can forget about supper!” Cai Zhao wished she could sew her little brother’s mouth shut.
Chang Ning smiled, “Yang Heying went to assess the situation. If your father’s skills were profound, he’d back off. If not, he’d see an opportunity. I bet those Sha River Three Heroes were his way into Luoying Valley. After you changed the formation at your valley’s entrance, few could enter, right?”
As Chang Ning spoke, he noticed Fan Xingjia serving food to Cai Zhao with his endearing dimples showing. He changed his tone, implying, “Even with Sect Leader Qi’s protection, Luoying Valley can’t rely on distant help for immediate problems. As long as Valley Master Cai can’t stand firm on his own, villains will always find weak spots. Don’t you agree, Junior Sister?”
Cai Zhao lowered her head, silent.
Displeased at losing his audience, Chang Ning prodded, “Why aren’t you saying anything?”
Cai Zhao seemed lost in thought, “Your father, the great hero Chang Haosheng, roamed the martial world for many years, even longer than my aunt. He rarely lost. So, did the Chang family also accumulate many rare treasures, medicines, and secret manuals?”
Fan Xingjia’s eyes lit up as if no one had ever considered this. He quickly looked at Chang Ning.
Chang Ning stared at Cai Zhao, “Indeed. My father accumulated quite a lot. I can’t speak for medicines and manuals, but there are many treasures and riches, hidden in various places. Now, only I know their locations.”
Fan Xingjia, being straightforward, immediately showed respect for the wealthy.
Cai Zhao felt a bit sour. Her aunt Cai Pingzhu had viewed wealth as dirt, only collecting odd curiosities in her adventures. While valuable, these items couldn’t be easily converted to money.
Chang Haosheng was different. He was mature beyond his years and knew how to live well, accepting gold bricks, silver bars, pearls, and gems without hesitation—all this according to Ning Xiaofeng’s casual chats.
Chang Ning, enjoying Cai Zhao’s changing expressions, smiled, “Next time, I’ll buy you some hair ornaments, Junior Sister. Do you prefer eastern pearls, southern pearls, or jade?”
Cai Zhao snorted and turned away haughtily.
She wouldn’t bow for mere wealth. If pushed, she’d just open her rice shop.