Zhou Zishu had always found walnuts very repulsive: they tasted disgusting, and also looked like human brains. Revolted, he pinched the packet with two fingers and held it far away from himself at arm’s length, while he continued to instruct Zhang Chengling by sending his voice across the distance as he remained a spectator.

Gu Xiang took the chance to sneak to Cao Weining’s side, punting a person who tried to stop her, and glared venomously at Mo Huaikong. She thought, I don’t care who you are--if you dare to block my path, I’ll give you the same treatment as well!

Yet, even before she could draw near, she saw Mo Huaikong suddenly exclaim “Aiyo” and bend at the waist. His expression was agonised as he pointed at a baffled Gu Xiang and panted raggedly, “This...this little demon girl is...is too strong, I am no match for her any longer!”

Then he sat down on the floor with a plop, eyes shut tight, and stopped moving.

Gu Xiang and Cao Weining glanced at each other, neither of them knowing how to react.

Mo Huaikong, who had closed his eyes, suddenly opened one and cast it at them, scolding them a low voice, “Hurry up and run, have you become stupid?”

Gu Xiang whipped out her dagger immediately and cut away the rope binding Cao Weining with a few efficient strokes. Jumping to his feet, Cao Weining replied in an equally soft voice, “Many thanks to shishu.”

Gu Xiang followed suit hastily, “Old man, we will never forget your great mercy for as long as we live. When I make it out, I will definitely erect a memorial archway in your name!”

“Fuck you, you’re the one that has an archway erected for yourself, your whole family has archways erected for them!” As he shut his eyes tight and faked incapacitation, Mo Huaikong cursed nonstop silently, discovering that although this young maiden Gu Xiang had a decent appearance, her words truly rubbed people the wrong way.

Seeing that Gu Xiang and Cao Weining had already fled, Zhou Zishu suddenly flitted over, grabbed Zhang Chengling by the back of his neck, and swung him like a bat. Whirled in mid-air, Zhang Chengling’s leg hit Huang Daoren in the chest, forcing him back ten or so steps. Taking the opportunity to stuff the packet of walnuts into Zhang Chengling’s arms, Zhou Zishu told Wen Kexing, “Are you enjoying this too much to leave? Hurry up and let’s go!”

Wen Kexing chortled and flew out of the crowd, saying, “Just as the lush mountains will remain evergreen and the clear rivers flowing, our ties will remain as they are until we next meet. I will be taking my leave now, everyone!"