He slowly spat out a suffocating breath, then moved to exit his tent. The night guard immediately wanted to follow after, but he was refused.

Chang Geng went alone to a small river. As he was washing his face, he heard the lively noises of insects on the grass. He reached out his hand and caught a small cicada.

The Fire Star would soon fall, signaling the beginning of the cool autumn; the lifespan of this little thing was coming to an end. Chang Geng felt that this creature was very pitiful and let it go. He aimlessly strolled along the riverside until he unconsciously arrived at Gu Yun's tent.

*fire star(流火 liúhuǒ), associated with the end of summer

He then mockingly smiled to himself, but just as he was turning to leave, he suddenly saw Shen Yi rushing in, holding a porcelain bowl in his hand, a very familiar medicinal scent spreading out.

Chang Geng's nose twitched, and he was unable to make another move.

It was difficult for Chang Geng to regard Shen Shiliu and Gu Yun as the same person.

Shen Shiliu was simply some improper man from the border town, spending all his days wandering and idling about, not working for a living but also being a picky eater who was immensely difficult to please. He was genuine and true yet repulsive at the same time.

But Gu Yun was not.

For most people in this world, 'Gu Yun' might not be an individual. He was more like a symbol; an incredible being with three heads and six arms, exceptionally skillful and talented.

In a grand nation that encompassed thousands of miles, there could only be one person like Gu Yun.

Not only for Chang Geng, but also for Ge Pang Xiao and Cao Niangzi, when discussing this matter, they also felt as if they were only dreaming.

It was just that Chang Geng was different from his two little friends. After all, Shen Shiliu was not their yifu.

Chang Geng did not resent Gu Yun for deceiving him. After all, he was already surrounded by deception since the day he was born, adding one more into the midst did not make that much of a difference.

Besides, what could the Grand Marquis of Order obtain by deceiving a poor orphan boy like him?

Generally, it could be said that it was because of Xiu Niang's blessing — who forged him this false identity — that such a lowly character like him could have the chance to meet with the Marquis of Order in his lifetime. The man even lowered himself down to 'trick' him, there must be other reasons for it.