The dust had settled, and the gaze of the three individuals became clearer. Tian Hua widened his eyes, looking straight in the direction of the recent voice. Mu Xiong and Chang Qing also looked inquisitively in that direction.

The sound of swords had ceased, and Cheng Kong and Kong Xu stood facing each other. Cheng Kong's long sword was unsheathed, and he calmly observed Kong Xu, who held twin knives, glaring with anger. Little Bell remained seated, her wide eyes fixed on Tian Hua, and upon seeing him sitting there, she smiled. Zou Ming stood quietly behind Little Bell, watching Cheng Kong and Kong Xu.

"Cheng Kong, what do you intend to do?" Mu Xiong questioned from a distance, perplexed.

Cheng Kong didn't answer, still calmly watching Kong Xu.

Mu Xiong, feeling anger rise within him at Cheng Kong's behavior, couldn't rebuke loudly as he used to. So, after a moment of contemplation, he suppressed the anger and said, "Cheng Kong, what exactly do you want?"

"Town Leader, I don't want anything! I just want to take Tian Hua and Little Bell away!" Cheng Kong spoke at this moment.

Mu Xiong, upon hearing this, was greatly surprised and angrily exclaimed, "You... Today, you dare to betray me! Don't forget how you promised me back then!"

"Yes, you showed kindness to me back then, and I promised to serve you. But I think what I've done for you over the years is enough repayment!" Cheng Kong replied.

"Cheng Kong, fine, fine! As long as you capture Tian Hua today, I'll pretend nothing happened earlier. After we go back, I promise no blame will be placed on you, and you'll receive more rewards!" Mu Xiong said.

Cheng Kong looked at Mu Xiong, smiled, and then said, "When the long sword was drawn just now, blocking Kong Xu, I had no other choice!"

Mu Xiong, upon hearing this, was shocked and couldn't help but get angry, shouting, "Cheng Kong! Are you really so obstinate?!"

Cheng Kong looked at Mu Xiong without saying anything more. Seeing Cheng Kong's silence, Mu Xiong felt both anxious and angry. He then turned to Kong Xu and Zou Ming, suddenly delighted, "Zou Ming, Kong Xu, the two of you take down Cheng Kong first, and then capture Tian Hua. After going back, I will consider it your first merit!"

Having said that, Mu Xiong felt somewhat relieved: with two people here, Cheng Kong wouldn't be able to do anything!

"Having blood on my hands for so long, and my heart is tired. I think it's time to stop!" Zou Ming said.

After Zou Ming spoke, he stood quietly there, watching Cheng Kong and Kong Xu.

Mu Xiong, upon hearing this, was again surprised and somewhat apprehensive, saying, "Zou Ming, you..." Mu Xiong at this moment didn't know what to say. Perhaps he understood that whatever he said wouldn't change anything.

"But, Town Leader, you can rest assured. Cheng Kong and I won't attack at the same time." Zou Ming said.

Mu Xiong, with a gloomy face, sat there in silence.

"Cheng Kong, today you and Zou Ming made such a decision. Aren't you afraid of regretting it in the future?" Kong Xu said.

"Our decision today is in line with your intentions. In fact, you have been dissatisfied with Zou Ming and me for a long time, just haven't found a suitable opportunity. Today, with such a good chance, shouldn't you be happy? Moreover, Zou Ming and I won't join forces. For you, there's no need to worry about retaliation!" Cheng Kong said.

Kong Xu, upon hearing this, burst into laughter and then said, "I do want to know whose double knives and your long sword, as well as Zou Ming's silver needle, are truly superior."

"Kong Xu, we've known each other for many years. Why do we have to resort to arms? I think it's better for us to stop now. You take the Town Leader and the others back for recuperation, and I'll take Tian Hua and the others away. Isn't that better?" Cheng Kong said.

"Cheng Kong, what do you mean by saying that? Are you afraid, afraid of losing to me?" Kong Xu said loudly.

"Afraid? We've come to this point, what else do I have to fear! I just feel that no matter what, you have no chance of winning: even if you are stronger, you can't defeat the two of us taking turns!" Cheng Kong said.

Kong Xu, upon hearing this, turned pale, shouted, "Cheng Kong, spare the nonsense, let's speak with our weapons!"

Kong Xu finished speaking and, without waiting for Cheng Kong to respond, swung his twin knives towards Cheng Kong. Cheng Kong, seeing this, quickly raised the long sword in his hand to meet the attack. The knives descended like tigers rushing down a mountain, unstoppable, while the long sword moved like a snake striking its target, unpredictable. The glint of blades and the shadows of swords scattered in confusion, dazzling the onlookers. In the blink of an eye, more than a dozen moves had passed, yet there was still no winner.

The two engaged in a back-and-forth, unable to determine a victor. Kong Xu, growing impatient, leaped out of the circle, raising his left hand. The long knife in his left hand immediately flew towards Cheng Kong. Cheng Kong, upon seeing this, turned to the side, and the long knife passed by him. Cheng Kong turned to look at Kong Xu, seemingly unaware.

"Be careful!" Tian Hua, on the side, shouted with all his might.

Cheng Kong, hearing the shout, looked towards Tian Hua. Seeing Cheng Kong looking towards Tian Hua, Kong Xu felt a surge of joy. By now, the long knife was close to Cheng Kong's back, but Cheng Kong seemed completely oblivious, still looking towards Tian Hua. Seeing Cheng Kong like this, Tian Hua felt inwardly distressed. He wanted to shout again to remind Cheng Kong, but it seemed too late: the long knife was already at Cheng Kong's back.

Feeling anguish in his heart, Tian Hua called out, and Cheng Kong, in that moment of confusion, swiftly performed a somersault. The long knife missed its mark, and Cheng Kong, while still in mid-air, thrust the long sword downwards, hitting the ground. Cheng Kong landed, stepping on the long knife, and looked at Kong Xu, saying, "That makes things a bit easier."

Kong Xu, seeing Cheng Kong effortlessly break his technique, felt both surprised and angry. At this moment, Cheng Kong could only look helplessly at the motionless long knife beneath his foot!

"Since that's the case, today I'll let you see my secret!" Cheng Kong said.

Finishing his words, Cheng Kong casually tossed his sword, and the blade immediately flew towards Kong Xu. Kong Xu, seeing this, was greatly shocked and hastily dodged, but as Kong Xu moved to the left

, the sword tip followed him as if it had a life of its own.

Flying sword...

Mu Xiong, upon seeing this, was also greatly shocked: after following him for so many years, he never knew that Cheng Kong had such a move! He didn't expect him to conceal it so deeply!

On the side, Tian Hua didn't show much surprise: he had already experienced it!

The flying sword, like a shadow accompanying its form, seemed unstoppable for Kong Xu. Just when he was about to succumb, suddenly, the long sword grazed Kong Xu's right wrist. Kong Xu grimaced, yelled in pain, and the long knife fell to the ground. Cheng Kong, seeing this, gave a shake of his hand, and the long sword flew straight back, merging with its hilt.

"Kong Xu, now you have lost. Take the Town Leader and leave!" Cheng Kong retrieved the flying sword.

Kong Xu stared with wide eyes at Cheng Kong, saying nothing.

"Alright, Kong Xu, help us back!" Mu Xiong, from a distance, said.

Mu Xiong, seeing the situation, had already understood that staying here was meaningless.

Kong Xu looked at Cheng Kong, then turned and walked towards Mu Xiong. When he reached them, he helped Mu Xiong and Chang Qing up. The three of them stood there, looking at Tian Hua, Cheng Kong, and Zou Ming. Mu Xiong said, "Let's go!"

Tian Hua watched Mu Xiong and the others walk away, feeling a burst of joy. He smiled at Little Bell, then raised his head and fell to the ground.

"Tian Hua, big brother!" Little Bell jumped off the chair and ran towards Tian Hua.

At this moment, Cheng Kong and Zou Ming also ran towards Tian Hua.

Chapter 40: Reunion

Tian Hua lay on the ground, utterly exhausted. His eyes, no longer under his control, slowly closed. In that moment of closure, he saw the three figures of Little Bell running towards him!

The warm sunlight spilled onto the bed, and Tian Hua opened his eyes to find himself lying in bed. As he looked around, the room seemed oddly familiar, but he couldn't recall where he had seen it before.

Stretching lazily, Tian Hua sat up, realizing that he hadn't slept so comfortably in a long time. Despite the room's familiarity, the exact memory eluded him, leaving him shaking his head.

Creak...

The door was gently pushed open, and Tian Hua stared at the opening. A figure entered, and upon seeing that person, Tian Hua joyfully jumped off the bed, exclaiming, "Ali!"

The person entering was indeed Ali!

Overjoyed at Tian Hua waking up, Ali rushed towards him, tightly embracing him. His voice was choked with emotion as he said, "Tian Hua, you're finally awake! It's fantastic, absolutely fantastic..."

Tian Hua returned the embrace, his heart filled with a myriad of emotions, unsure of what to say. All he could do was hold Ali tightly.

After a while, Ali released Tian Hua, wiping away the tears in his eyes with a smile. "A few days ago, when I saw you being carried back, I thought I was dreaming! When I realized it wasn't a dream and saw your condition, I was terrified! These past two days, seeing you not waking up, I thought you might never wake up! Tian Hua, you really scared me!" Finishing his words, Ali punched Tian Hua's shoulder.

"Ali, how could that be! I'm standing here fine now!" Tian Hua chuckled.

"You say that lightly, do you know how worried I was then? Do you know how anxious I felt?" Ali said.

Tian Hua patted Ali's shoulder, saying, "Ali, I understand your feelings. I'm sorry for making you worry."

"As long as you know!" Ali smiled.

Just as Tian Hua was about to say something, Ali suddenly exclaimed, "I got carried away and forgot to prepare food for you. You've been unconscious for three days; you must be hungry now!"

Tian Hua chuckled, "I didn't feel hungry until you mentioned it!"

"Tian Hua, I'll go prepare food for you now. After eating, we can have a good chat!" Ali said happily.

Tian Hua nodded, and Ali left the room.

Shortly after, Ali returned with a tray of food. Cheng Kong, Zou Ming, Little Bell, and Grandpa followed him. Seeing everyone, Tian Hua happily approached them.

Approaching, Tian Hua lifted Little Bell and looked into her big eyes. Tian Hua's eyes moistened, and after a moment, he said, "Little Bell, Tian Hua has made you suffer!"

"Big brother Tian Hua, I'm fine!" Little Bell wiped away Tian Hua's tears with her small hand.

Tian Hua smiled at this and put down Little Bell, then turned to Cheng Kong and Zou Ming, saying, "Thank you both!"

"Tian Hua, you're being too polite. In fact, we should thank you. If it weren't for you, we wouldn't know when we could turn things around!" Cheng Kong said.

Tian Hua looked at the two of them, nodded with a smile, and then turned to the old man, approaching with a smile. "Grandpa, how have you been during this time?"

"Tian Hua, I'm doing well. I'm so happy to see you!" Grandpa said joyfully.

"Oh, Tian Hua, stop talking for now. Come over and eat; the food will get cold soon." Ali, seeing Tian Hua talking with the others, urged.

"Yes, Tian Hua, you've been unconscious for a few days. Have something to eat first!" everyone echoed.

After saying that, everyone surrounded Tian Hua, and they all sat down to eat. Tian Hua took a few bites of the food and then asked, "Mr. Zou, how did you decide to bring me here?"

"The night we took away Little Bell, Chang Qing and I went together. Knowing the situation there, I thought it wasn't safe to go back. After some thought, I decided this place would be safer. So, I brought you here!" Zou Ming explained.

"It really is a good place. If it weren't for Mr. Zou leading the way, who would have known there was a family here!" Cheng Kong added.

Just as Tian Hua was about to speak, Little Bell, who had been playing on the side, suddenly burst into tears, saying between sobs, "Big brother Tian Hua, I want to see Daddy!"

Hearing Little Bell's words, Tian Hua's heart ached. He looked at Zou Ming, and Zou Ming whispered, "Tian Hua, when you were still unconscious, I told Little Bell that Mr. Han is in a place only known to you, and only you know his whereabouts."

Tian Hua nodded, gratitude filling his eyes as he looked at Zou Ming. He then turned to Little Bell and said, "Little Bell, don't cry. Once I recover, I'll go find Mr. Han and bring him back, alright?"

Upon hearing this, Little Bell stopped crying, nodded, and said, "Okay."

Tian Hua patted Little Bell's head and continued eating.

After the meal, everyone sat around the table, chatting casually. The sun set, and darkness enveloped the surroundings. The old man looked at the sky and said, "You guys continue talking; I'll go prepare dinner!"

After the old man left, Ali also stood up, saying, "I'll help!"

At this point, only Tian Hua, Zou Ming, Cheng Kong, and Little Bell were left in the room. Tian Hua turned to Zou Ming and Cheng Kong, asking, "You've helped me a lot this time. What are your plans now?"

"We don't have any specific plans! We'll take it one step at a time!" Cheng Kong smiled.

"Yes, both Cheng Kong and I are wanted in the 'Three Cities and One Town.' For now, there's no place for us there!" Zou Ming added.

"I'm truly sorry for the trouble I've caused both of you. If it weren't for me, you wouldn't be in this situation today." Tian Hua expressed his apologies.

"Tian Hua, you're saying that again. If it weren't for you, we wouldn't have turned our lives around!" Cheng Kong said.

Tian Hua looked at both of them, thought for a moment, and then said, "Since you're here, stay for a while. Once I find Yu Xing Tian and defeat him, you can return to the 'Three Cities and One Town' without worry."

"What! You want to find Yu Xing Tian?" Cheng Kong was surprised.

"Yes!" Tian Hua nodded.

Chapter 41: Unexpected Arrival

"He is the one who unified the thirteen tribes back then and established the 'Three Cities and One Town.' Seeking him out would be risking your life for nothing!" Cheng Kong said.

"Ruling over the thirteen tribes and establishing the 'Three Cities and One Town' is not just a matter of brute force. There must be hidden secrets behind it, and those are the things I want to know!" Tian Hua replied.

"Tian Hua, how do you know there are hidden secrets in this?" Cheng Kong asked.

Tian Hua glanced at the two and fell silent for a moment before saying, "To be honest, I am the descendant of the 'Sky Dragon Tribe.' My father was Tian Long, the most powerful figure in the 'Sky Dragon Tribe' back then. But now, he and other experts from the thirteen tribes are living in seclusion in a mountain village. I didn't know about this initially, but when I left my hometown and came to 'Three Cities and One Town,' I occasionally heard and saw some things about the past. Connecting the dots with the people and events in my village, I believe that when Yu Xing Tian established the 'Three Cities and One Town,' something must have happened, causing my father and others to leave and go into hiding."

"Tian Hua, you say your father and others are in seclusion in a village. I remember Mu Xiong and others have sent people to investigate multiple times, but there have been no traces near or around 'Three Cities and One Town'!" Zou Ming said in confusion.

"That's because they live in a barrier, and not everyone can see it or enter it," Tian Hua explained.

"How do you plan to go back then?" Zou Ming asked.

"When I left, my father gave me a scroll. If I want to go back, I just need to open that scroll," Tian Hua said.

"Oh, I see. Where is this scroll, and is it safe?" Zou Ming asked cautiously.

"Don't worry! I carry this scroll with me at all times. There won't be any problems!" Tian Hua reassured.

Zou Ming nodded after hearing this and said, "That's good."

"It sounds quite unbelievable!" Cheng Kong remarked in amazement.

Tian Hua smiled upon hearing this.

"Tian Hua, since you've said that, it seems we'll have to stay here for now and wait for you to find Yu Xing Tian to come back!" Cheng Kong said with a smile.

"Rest assured! I'll be back soon!" Tian Hua said.

"Hope so!" Cheng Kong said with a smile.

While the three were chatting, Ali entered the room and said, "Alright, the food is ready. Come out and eat!"

The three stood up and walked out together.

Seated, Tian Hua looked at the table full of wild game and laughed, "Dinner is so rich. It's been a long time since I had such fragrant game!"

After finishing his words, Tian Hua picked up a piece of meat and put it in Little Bell's bowl, saying, "Little Bell, try this piece of meat. How does it taste?"

Little Bell took a bite and said, "It's delicious! Much better than the meat Big Brother Tian Hua cooks!"

Upon hearing Little Bell's words, everyone looked at Tian Hua and laughed.

Amidst the laughter, the six finished their meal. Tian Hua was about to clean up the tableware, but Ali stopped him. Seeing this, Tian Hua had no choice but to sit down. Ali and the old man cleaned up the table, took the dishes to the kitchen, and then joined Tian Hua and Zou Ming in chatting.

After a while, Ali and the old man came out of the kitchen and sat beside the three, joining their conversation.

After some casual chat, Little Bell called out from the side, "Big Brother Tian Hua, I want to go to sleep!"

Upon hearing this, Tian Hua was about to stand up, and the old man, standing up, said, "Tian Hua, you sit here. I'll take Little Bell to wash up and sleep." He then gently held Little Bell's hand and said, "Let's go, Little Bell, Grandpa will take you inside!"

Tian Hua sat down, watching the old man take Little Bell inside. Then he continued chatting with Ali and the others. After some time, Cheng Kong and Zou Ming also went inside to sleep, leaving only Tian Hua and Ali in the room.

"Ali, let's go sit in the courtyard!" Tian Hua stood up, picking up a bench.

Ali nodded and followed Tian Hua to the courtyard. Once there, Tian Hua set down the bench, and the two sat down.

The night was pitch black, and their vision extended only a short distance. The two sat close together on the bench, gazing into the boundless darkness without speaking for a long time.

The wind blew gently, bringing a hint of chill to the season. However, the two sitting there didn't feel any cold.

"Tian Hua, can you tell me in detail what happened after you left?" Ali broke the silence.

Hearing Ali's words, images of Uncle Han, Master, and Murong Feiyan suddenly flashed in Tian Hua's mind. Thinking of the three of them, his heart ached. Looking into the endless darkness, Tian Hua began recounting his experiences during this time. Ali listened quietly by his side.

When Tian Hua mentioned Murong Feiyan, he couldn't help but

feel regret. When he spoke about Uncle Han and the old man's ordeal, his heart was filled with sorrow. With a slightly choked voice, he said, "It's all my fault. If I hadn't gone to meet Murong Feiyan that night, Uncle Han and the others wouldn't have been in trouble!"

"Tian Hua, it's not your fault. Even if you hadn't gone to meet Murong Feiyan that night, they would have found a way to keep you away at another time. So, what happened to them was just a matter of time. You shouldn't blame yourself too much. It really isn't your fault, Tian Hua. Now, you need to think about how to tell Little Bell about this. Such a young child encountering such a situation, if she knows the truth—her father is gone—can she accept it?" Ali said beside him.

After hearing this, Tian Hua fell into contemplation. He had thought about this matter long ago, but until now, he didn't know how to handle it. At this moment, the pain in Tian Hua's heart became even more intense.

"Tian Hua..." Ali was about to say something, but Tian Hua suddenly interrupted him, saying, "Someone is coming!"

"Who is it?" Ali asked in confusion.

"I don't know either. My body hasn't fully recovered, and I can only sense a group of people coming in this direction. As for how many people and who they are, I can't perceive that with my current condition," Tian Hua said.

"What should we do?" Ali asked.

"Regardless of who it is, let's wake everyone up and be prepared in advance," Tian Hua suggested.

"Alright, let's do that!" Ali agreed.

After saying that, the two ran back towards the house. They woke up Cheng Kong, Zou Ming, and the old man, explained the situation, and the old man took Little Bell into his arms. The six of them went to the front yard.

The faint light of torches approached the house, and footsteps became louder and more chaotic. In a short while, the five could hear the clamor.

"Watch closely, don't let anyone come out!" came a shout from outside.

Tian Hua was surprised to hear the voice—it was clearly Kong Xu!

In the courtyard, the five exchanged doubtful and uneasy glances. Outside, the torches swayed with the wind.