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Not far ahead was the courtyard where Jiu Zizai lived in seclusion, where one could vaguely see the stacks of wine jars piled up on one side of the courtyard and a large, broad training ground.

On one side of the training ground, there stood a rack with all the common weapons found in Jianghu.

Taishu Jian reined in the carriage, his eyes fixed intently ahead, holding the longsword that had accompanied him throughout his life in his hand, his thumb against the hilt, unconsciously unsheathed by an inch.

Yuchi Jie's family guard spurred his horse forward, blocking in front of Yuchi Jie.

Between the crowd and the courtyard stood a towering man, at least nine feet tall, clad in iron armor with his face covered, but with his arms bare, his hands resting on the hilt of his sword, silent and statue-like.