"And the worst part is, from beginning to end, we never even found out who our enemies were...
"The clan elders felt that things couldn’t go on like that. With the enemy in the shadows and us in the open, we were far too vulnerable.
"So, they used that battle as an opportunity to scatter our forces and disappear completely into the Jianghu."
This matched what Yu Yaoguang had said.
After the battle at Overhanging Heaven Cliff, the mysterious clan vanished.
Fang Shuwen nodded slightly after hearing the details. It seemed like a sound strategy.
When you’re always out in the open, constantly being plotted against, and you don’t even know your enemy’s origins, there’s no way to fight back.
The only way to bide your time and plan for revenge was to fade into the shadows and disappear from your enemy’s sight.
Hearing this, Fang Shuwen began to connect the dots.
"So you’re saying what happened back then might be connected to them?"
Fang Mingxuan nodded.
"Actually, there were signs before the incident...
"When I sensed something was wrong, I sent a letter to the main branch of the clan.
"However, while the main branch wanted to help, they were too far away to intervene. They could only tell us to leave Guangning City and find another hiding place.
"But your mother was about to give birth, so I had to put it off again and again. We didn’t leave until after you were born, and in the end, they caught up to us.
"Aside from a group of death-sworn warriors, there were eight masters in total.
"Your mother was still in her postpartum confinement. I fought those eight, and while I managed to kill them, I lost you in the chaos of the battle..."
He said it simply, but Fang Shuwen knew the events of that day must have been far more harrowing.
A mother still recovering from childbirth, a father fighting eight masters alone, and a pack of death-sworn warriors lying in wait...
Unfortunately, although Fang Shuwen had the soul of an adult, his body was still that of an infant.
His body wasn’t fully developed, so he kept drifting in and out of consciousness.
He couldn’t clearly remember any of the details of that battle.
"After that, the main branch wanted me to leave Guangning City at once.
"But I just couldn’t accept it...
"So I defied the main branch’s orders and stayed here.
"I thought that if they were truly after us, my staying here might draw them back. Then I’d have a chance to find you.
"But... all these years, everything has been quiet.
"When Lingxin got into trouble, I thought it was them... but it turned out to be the Black Death Sect causing trouble behind the scenes."
Fang Mingxuan said all this in a rush. He picked up his teacup, took a sip, and composed himself.
Fang Shuwen mulled it over for a moment before asking,
"You don’t have a single clue?"
"I do."
Fang Mingxuan took a hidden weapon from his robes and handed it to Fang Shuwen.
It was an unusually shaped dart, not one of the common Shuttle Darts seen in the Jianghu. It was about three inches long, shaped like a cross between a knife and a sword, and was cool to the touch.
Engraved on one end was the family name, Zhao.
"Of all the weapons those people used back then, this is the only one with any writing on it.
"I’ve spent years investigating in secret, and only recently did I confirm that this dart... might be connected to the Heaven-Cutting Saber Zhao Clan of the Northern Domain.
"I was about to leave for the Northern Domain at once. But then, Lingxin... sigh..."
At this, Fang Mingxuan sighed as well.
Fang Shuwen slipped the dart into his sleeve.
"She’s grown up, after all. She’s heard tales of the Jianghu her whole life. How could she be satisfied without seeing it for herself?
"You can watch over her for a time, but you can’t watch over her for a lifetime.
"Why were you so against it when I suggested sending her to Yuqing Pavilion?"
"I agree! I agree!"
Fang Mingxuan said,
"If it’s your arrangement, then of course I’ll agree."
"..."
Fang Shuwen didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. He then said,
"Well, in that case, what a coincidence.
"I was already planning a trip to the Northern Domain, so you don’t have to go."
Fang Mingxuan quickly shook his head.
"No, the Zhao Clan is not to be underestimated. If you go alone..."
"Trust me."
Fang Shuwen looked at Fang Mingxuan quietly.
Fang Mingxuan met his gaze for a long moment before finally conceding.
"Once they’re grown, children don’t listen to their fathers... or their mothers.
"You’ve made quite a name for yourself in the Jianghu. It’s clearly not for nothing...
"Alright. I’ll listen to you."
Fang Shuwen breathed a sigh of relief that he had agreed, then asked,
"Where are the people from the main branch now?"
"They’re based in the Central Domain, but our clan’s masters roam the world.
"Oh, right. You were with Lingxin in Pojun City. You must have seen him in the Earth Palace..."
Fang Mingxuan said,
"The man I’m talking about is a Swordsman.
"He doesn’t show his true face..."
’Could it be him?’
Fang Shuwen thought of the masked Swordsman. The Earth Palace had been too crowded and chaotic back then.
Many unexpected masters had appeared, but the masked Swordsman was one of the few who had stuck in his memory.
At this thought, Fang Shuwen glanced at Fang Mingxuan again.
"So you really knew all along that Lingxin was with me?"
"Yes."
At this point, there was no reason for Fang Mingxuan to deny it.
Then he suddenly shot to his feet, full of excitement.
"Come with me. First, you’ll meet your mother. Then we’ll have you and your sister formally meet. We should have a real celebration."
Fang Shuwen shook his head gently.
"Now isn’t the right time."
"Why not?"
Fang Shuwen said softly,
"Because it’s more advantageous for me to remain in the shadows for now."
"But..."
Fang Mingxuan hesitated.
"But your mother... she’s missed you so much all these years..."
"I will definitely go see her."
Fang Shuwen said with a smile,
"But let’s not tell Lingxin about my identity just yet.