The Unmoving Bride

“What brings you to the Black Stockade?” Duan Shiyun asked directly, skipping any pleasantries. Seeing no need for formalities, Shang Bieye revealed their purpose. “The Time Mirror.” “The Time Mirror?” Duan Shiyun looked at him in confusion. “The ancient mirror you recently salvaged.” “So that mirror is called the Time Mirror,” Duan Shiyun realized. “Are you here for the martial arts manual as well?” He had thought they were different, but now it seemed they were just like everyone else. Was he really mistaken about them? Disappointment crept into Duan Shiyun’s heart. “We’re here for the mirror, not for any martial arts manual,” Shang Bieye clarified, understanding the look in Duan Shiyun’s eyes. “Why do you want the mirror and not the martial arts manual?” These two were certainly not typical ruffians or treasure hunters. “Heh, heh,” Shang Bieye chuckled lightly, “I believe the Second Master should know better than I do.” “Know what?” Duan Shiyun asked with interest. “There is no martial arts manual, right?” Shang Bieye stared into Duan Shiyun’s eyes, trying to read any signs and also probing his limits. “How do you know there isn’t a martial arts manual? Who told you that?” This was intriguing; information that hadn’t been leaked was known to others? Shang Bieye and Wu Yangfeng said nothing, just smiled at Duan Shiyun. An eerie atmosphere flowed among the three, with no one willing to speak first. After a moment, Duan Shiyun laughed. “I think if I’m not mistaken, you must be one of the favored disciples of Master Bao from the Divine Illusion Valley, the eldest son of the Shang family, Shang Bieye.” Duan Shiyun then turned his gaze to Wu Yangfeng, “And you must be the young doctor from the Wu family, Wu Yangfeng!” “You honor us,” both Shang Bieye and Wu Yangfeng responded with a bow. “Given that, I assume your current appearances are disguised. Would you mind revealing your true faces to me?” Duan Shiyun demanded, his tone leaving no room for refusal. Shang Bieye and Wu Yangfeng raised their hands, lightly brushing their faces, and in an instant, each held a mask in their hand. “Second Master, we are truly sorry, but it was necessary. We hope you can forgive us,” Shang Bieye said sincerely.