"The ’Sword Madman’ Liu Lang didn’t use your name when he found her."

Xiao Jinghong’s eyes flickered. "Then how did he come to know Guanli?"

Granny Shan smiled, the wrinkles on her face crisscrossing into deep ravines. She then took a letter from her sleeve and placed it on the table.

"Liu Lang rose to fame in the harsh Northern Desert and had some contact with that rascal son of mine."

"This time, not only did he have Guanli bring you a letter, but he also brought me news of them."

Xiao Jinghong knew she was referring to Pei Guanli’s father. She took the letter and glanced over it, a flicker of emotion crossing her face.

The Five Poison Sect has returned to the Jianghu. I’ve heard some members have already headed to Shu State. Please be careful, Mother.

Immortal Bai, not seen for thirty years, has left Wind and Rain Tower. Many seniors in the Jianghu are stirring at the news.

Furthermore, I am currently on the steppes. At Hero Kang’s request, I am investigating the movements of the various tribes. Once matters here are concluded, I will set out for the south.

Xiao Jinghong read it twice before setting the letter down. She frowned slightly and said,

"You dealt the Five Poison Sect a devastating blow, Granny. How can they possibly be returning to the Jianghu?"

Granny Shan retrieved the letter and said with a chuckle,

"Although I killed their Sect Leader and a few Protectors and Elders, the Five Poison Sect still has many remnants outside of Shu State."

"I thought I’d never hear of them again in my lifetime. I never expected to have to face them again in my old age."

"A snake that isn’t killed will eventually become a menace."

Xiao Jinghong nodded. "I won’t let them run rampant in Shu State, either."

Hearing this, Granny Shan said approvingly, "I know you’re a good girl."

"But the Five Poison Sect are no ordinary Evil Demons. Their methods are too vile. If your Xiao Family makes an enemy of them, I fear you will suffer losses as well."

Xiao Jinghong fell silent.

’She knew her family’s situation all too well.’

The Xiao Family’s reputation was all that remained; their actual strength was a far cry from what it once was.

Aside from her, the manor had few Martial Arts Powerhouses whose Cultivation had even reached the Middle Three Grades.

Dealing with Evil Demons like the Five Poison Sect, who excelled at stealth, assassination, and Poisoning, was truly beyond their capabilities.

At this thought, Xiao Jinghong said softly, "If the right opportunity presents itself, I will act."

Granny Shan understood her predicament and changed the subject.

"If you can protect the Wu Mountain Mutual Market, you’ll be doing my Mountain Race a great service."

"Rest assured, Granny. The Mutual Market is just as important to my Xiao Family. I will do everything in my power."

"That’s good..."

After a moment of silence, Granny Shan gazed out the window, her ancient face filled with wistful emotion as she spoke.

"The Jianghu isn’t what it used to be."

"Decades ago, Immortal Bai reigned supreme, your master the Sword Master roamed the world with his sword, and figures like the Sword Ghost and the Spear God were mostly heroic and righteous folk."

"It’s nothing like today. In this vast Jianghu, you can barely find any decent rising stars."

After a pause, Granny Shan looked at Xiao Jinghong and smiled. "Of course, you’re one of them."

Xiao Jinghong shook her head gently. "I am still a far cry from my master and his generation."

"Besides, I’m so entangled in worldly affairs, I have neither the means nor the opportunity to get involved in the matters of the Jianghu."

Granny Shan sighed. "Be that as it may, you are still the Sword Master’s disciple."

"Before, when your connection to him wasn’t obvious, it didn’t matter. The old grudges of the Jianghu’s older generation wouldn’t be laid at your feet."

"But now that you’ve made your move, people have recognized the Sword Master’s signature arts. I’m afraid it will be difficult for you to remain detached from now on."

Xiao Jinghong was well aware of this, yet a smile touched her lips.

"My master is wandering the world. As his disciple, I can’t very well let people go and disturb him."

Granny Shan laughed at her words. "It’s good that you feel that way."

"Fortunately, you’re strong enough—far stronger than my own grandson and granddaughter."

"If Ah Da and Guanli had even a tenth of your ability, I could die without regrets."

Xiao Jinghong simply smiled and didn’t respond.

However, after this conversation, her suspicions about Pei Guanli and the letter had greatly diminished.

After all, she could doubt Pei Guanli, and she could doubt Liu Lang, but she couldn’t possibly doubt an elder like Granny Shan.

Granny Shan had even shown her a family letter from the north; she couldn’t have done all that just to provide cover for Pei Guanli.

"I wonder what business Immortal Bai has, coming out of seclusion this time."

"Him? I reckon his mouth has been idle for too long, so he’s come out of the mountains to tell people’s fortunes."

At that, Xiao Jinghong couldn’t help but laugh.

"This is bound to stir up some trouble in the Jianghu again."

Granny Shan nodded in agreement. "That old coot brings disaster wherever he goes."

"As long as he doesn’t come to Shu State, I’ll be spared the trouble of giving him a piece of my mind."

Xiao Jinghong paused, surprised. "You’ve crossed paths with Immortal Bai before, Granny?"

"That’s a story from long ago..."