Chapter 2783: Exposed

Firework nudged Zu An with her shoulder. “Are they talking about Xiaolongnu? You told me she was the number one beauty in this world.”

Zu An scoffed, “Xiaolongnu is beautiful, but think of her age. Even if she maintains her appearance well, I don’t see how she can make a Mongol prince go to such an extent for her.”

Meeting the aged Huang Rong had driven home the fact that Xiaolongnu wasn’t young anymore for him.

“Then who’s the beauty they’re talking about?” Firework was intrigued.

“I don’t know.” Zu An was confused. 'Return of the Condor Heroes' started with Huodu[1] bringing an army of experts to the Chongyang Palace to request marriage with Xiaolongnu. To think that history would repeat itself decades later.

He knew that he was in a trial world and the events were likely fabricated, but it still left him feeling wistful.

“I’m curious about that woman now. How beautiful must she be to drive a prince to do this?” Firework suddenly thought about something. “Could it be Tingxue or Isabella?”

Putting the gorgeous Tingxue aside, Isabella was beautiful as well. The Mongol prince could be a lolicon[2].

“Let’s take a look.” Zu An’s eyes lit up. It would be great if we could reunite with the two of them.

The two of them began scaling Mount Zhongnan. Along the way, they saw buildings covered in algae and Quanzhen disciples with dead looks in their eyes. The Quanzhen Sect used to be the number one sect in the world, but they've fallen into decline.

The Quanzhen Sect had previously fought against the Mongols, but its disciples had now grown accustomed to seeing Mongol soldiers strutting in and out of the Quanzhen Palace. Mount Zhongnan must have fallen into Mongol hands, leaving the Quanzhen Sect with no choice but to surrender to the Mongols.

“Quanzhen Sect’s teachings are very aligned with cultivation. Its founder must have been a formidable individual. It’s a pity this world is devoid of ki, so his cultivation methods are only theories at most,” Firework said. This was her evaluation from eavesdropping on bits and pieces of the disciples’ training along the way.

“Their founder, Wang Chongyang, is an amazing man. He’s the only one whom the Five Greats recognized as number one,” Zu An replied.

“Ah, so he’s the Central Divinity[3]. He’s not all talk,” Firework said, though it wasn't a very high evaluation.

The two of them secretly followed the trail of the Mongol soldiers and soon arrived at the mountain behind the Quanzhen Sect.

Firework asked in confusion, “Is the Ancient Tomb Sect located on the mountain behind the Quanzhen Sect?”

“It is.” Zu An found the irony in the situation amusing. They were searching for the Xuan Metal Sword to deal with the Mongols, but it just so happened there was a group of Mongols here, too.

There was an opulently dressed young man surrounded by a group of Mongol soldiers. The young man shouted at the mountainous slope, bragging about how noble his liege was and imploring the lady to come out and meet him.

“That prince appears to be the incumbent Mongol Khan’s most doted-on son, their future ruler?” Firework swiftly grasped the gist of the message.

Zu An nodded. “He seems to be Kublai Khan’s son, Prince Yan Zhenjin.”

After the previous Mongol Khan died in battle, Kublai Khan had taken over his mantle. Zhenjin was the oldest son he had with his empress, and was currently the most likely candidate to inherit the imperial throne.

To think such a person would travel southward in search of some beauty. With his stature, he should be able to get all the beauties he wants in the world.

Firework was thrilled. “If we capture this fellow, won’t Xiangyang be saved? We won’t have to carry out that nonsensical Heavenly Sword and Dragon Slaying Saber Plan anymore.”

She keenly sensed that a huge pitfall was awaiting them if they carried out the Heavenly Sword and Dragon Slaying Saber Plan, and that it would be best if they went down a different path.

Zu An frowned. “He’s bound to have many experts accompanying him. We shouldn’t make a reckless move.”

He could already sense several strong auras around the prince. Unfortunately, his senses were too suppressed here to gauge their strengths from afar.

“Hmph, you’re too indecisive. Wait here. I’ll settle it,” Firework sneered as she strutted forth.

Zu An couldn’t stop her, though he was also curious to know what her plan was.

Instead of charging in recklessly, Firework calmly made her way over. Even though her features were sweet, her strut was graceful and seductive, reminiscent of Dreamland’s Diodora.

Zu An was amazed. She wasn't boasting when she said she could play all kinds of women. That’s probably how she grasped her ability.

Firework's approach alarmed the Mongol soldiers, and they instinctively reached for their swords. However, upon seeing it was a beauty, they breathed a sigh of relief.

“Miss, who are you looking for?” a middle-aged Quanzhen daoist asked.

This was the Quanzhen Sect’s turf. It would spell disaster for them if a mishap were to befall Prince Zhenjin here.

Judging from his clothes, he should be in the upper echelons of the Quanzhen Sect, perhaps from the ‘Zhi’ generation[4].

Zu An had previously introduced some of the key members of the Quanzhen Sect to Firework, but she couldn’t be bothered to remember them.

“You’re asking who I am looking for? Weren’t you the one looking for me? I’m here now. You can state your business with me.”

The crowd exchanged looks. They'd followed their prince here in search of a ravishing beauty, and looking at Firework... She was indeed worthy of being called that.

The Mongol prince was indeed drawn to her. “You’re as beautiful as the rumors say...”

A few Mongols traded conflicted looks. This woman doesn’t fit the description of the woman our prince is looking for... but our prince was throwing a tantrum at being ignored earlier, so it might be good to have a substitute.

As the Mongol prince walked over, Firework’s smile brightened. He has some experts accompanying him, but as long as he takes three steps closer, I’ll be able to hold him hostage. Those experts won’t be able to do a thing at all.

It was then a Mongol soldier suddenly spoke up in their native tongue, causing Prince Zhenjin to halt his footsteps. An expert stepped in front of him and glared at Firework, saying, “You’re the girl we held hostage back when Möngke Khan died!”

Firework was confused. She had no idea what had given her away.

Zu An facepalmed. He hadn’t expected veteran Mongol soldiers who participated in the Xiangyang battle many years ago to be here.

Back then, Guo Xiang had been tied up atop a platform to serve as a hostage. Given her appearance, it was hard for anyone who had seen her to forget her. The death of Möngke Khan by a flying stone only made that incident more memorable.

“That’s the girl the Golden Wheel Reverend wanted to take as his disciple? Her physique is indeed extraordinary. Girl, why don’t you come under me? Let’s study Esoteric Buddhism’s Pleasure Tantra[5] together.” An old lama[6] dressed in a red kasaya robe stepped forward.

1. A Mongol prince who serves as an antagonist in the story. ☜

2. Lolicon is a Japanese term referring to people attracted to smaller-sized girls, though they don’t necessarily have to be children. ☜

3. The Five Greats are named with a direction and a descriptor, such as East Heretic and North Beggar. ☜

4. Those in the same generation carry the same character in their names. ☜

5. The proper translation is Annutarayoga Tantra. A portion of this tantra celebrates sex between a male and female practitioner, though it is more than that. ☜

6. A monk who practices Tibetan Buddhism ☜

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