In August, the autumn sounds rise, wild geese fly south, and the waves roll. We traveled down the river, greeted by the endless autumn scenery.

As dusk approached, the sound of the xun flute echoed from somewhere, filled with grievances and longings, sorrowful and mournful. The lingering sound weaved a melancholic web in the twilight, causing everyone on the river to sigh uncontrollably.

The Li River runs from north to south, and in less than the time it takes to burn an incense stick, we arrived at the Dongling section.

This section belongs to the Pei family of Jiangzuo. The Pei family adores maple leaves, using them as their family emblem. Both banks of the river are planted with red maples. In autumn, the frost-covered leaves layer upon layer, resembling flowers and fire, casting a red reflection on the river.

The red maples welcomed us, as our boat entered a painting, lifting everyone's spirits.

The talented and beautiful people on the boats ahead were eager to watch. Some couldn't resist composing poems or painting with a few drops of ink, while those skilled in martial arts danced with swords, and those fond of dancing played with shadows, creating a lively atmosphere.

Leaning against the boat rail, I poured myself a cup of wine, watching as the twilight gradually swallowed the red hues along the riverbank, blending the red into an endless indigo, with flickering fishing lights visible in the indigo.

"Young master, the xun player has been following us all the way," Lan Yi whispered behind me.

"Let's ignore him for now and see what he intends to do."

He's just a tail, the real threat must come from elsewhere.

I instructed the boatman to slow down, keeping a distance of a mile or two from the several painting boats ahead, to prevent any potential conflict. Swords and blades have no eyes and may harm the innocent.

The evening breeze was refreshing, gently brushing our faces. The lingering sound of the xun flute slithered into our ears like a winding snake, seeping into our hearts and lungs, testing our patience as if it were a shadow accompanying us.

As expected, just as the boat passed the Dongling section, a faint sound of a pipa emerged, intertwined with the xun flute behind us. The river wind blew, scattering the reeds, dancing in the air, hauntingly clear, evoking a sense of sorrow.

Some of my attendants with lower cultivation levels beside me couldn't help but burst into tears, deeply grieved as if mourning their deceased parents.

Lan Yi and Ling Su's faces also turned grim.

Finishing my last cup of wine, the sound of the pipa drew closer but grew softer, faint and ethereal, almost fading away.

As it approached, the sound suddenly intensified, like a thunderstorm, with cavalry charging and swords clashing.

The attendants who were previously weeping on the boat were now bleeding from their seven orifices, wailing on the ground.

I gestured for Lan Yi to protect Ling Su as they retreated into the cabin.

I transformed into my true form, with hundreds of tentacles, swiftly attacking the two fishing boats approaching the riverbank.

The boats trembled as two figures, one alluring and the other robust, one holding a pipa and the other a xun flute, rose into the air, showering us with countless silver threads.

Not good! Heavenly Silkworm Threads!

They were indeed well-prepared.

With a swift motion, I retracted my tentacles, narrowly avoiding being sliced into segments, drew my sword, and slashed three times in the air, creating a metallic sound. I dashed through the gaps, heading towards the two individuals on the river.

The woman shouted, using her pipa to block my strike, shattering the instrument into pieces that scattered into the river.

"Xiao Yan, you killed our old clan leader. I will perish with you!"

Perish together? You dare to say that?

The woman, disheveled and fierce, in a strange red attire, stood on the river waves, drew a bamboo flute from her waist, and played a tune.

The man beside her, as sturdy as a tower, wielded the silkworm threads towards me.

The attendants on the boat transformed into their true forms, ready to fight, but I halted them. They were walking into their own deaths.

Soon, cries of surprise came from the boat. Wherever the light reached, there were serpents.

Under the moonlight, countless snakes writhed on the river, hissing and spitting venom, accompanied by the eerie sound of the flute, creating a terrifying scene.

The notorious assassins from the Wu Zhen clan were indeed living up to their reputation.

I removed the silk covering my eyes, revealing my gaze. The thunder bug in my right eye buzzed incessantly, emitting a crackling sound. With a single glance, all the Heavenly Silkworm Threads were incinerated.

Dark clouds obscured the moon, thunder rumbled, and countless lightning bolts struck down instantly. Flames blazed on the river, causing the snakes to flee in panic, emitting a burnt flesh smell.

The male and female assassins dodged and maneuvered in the thunderous forest, charred by the lightning. After a miserable scream, the two disappeared into the river.

I tied the silk back over my eyes, lightly touched the river water, and returned to the boat. Lan Yi handed me a warm cup of wine, asking, "Young master, did you kill those two?"

I shook my head.

This was my fault to begin with, and they are from the same clan. A lesson was enough.

However, the wind continues to rustle the trees. Tonight's events are likely just the beginning.