In a world where the imperial court existed in name only, the martial arts clans held true power. Among them, the most formidable were the eleven great houses and sects, collectively known as "One Estate, Two Academies, Eight Sects." Beyond these eleven powerhouses, several other first-rate clans and families existed, along with forces from the Western Regions and Southern Yue, loosely connected to the Central Plains, yet not to be underestimated.
The Boundless Sea Pavilion, residing far in the Western Regions, was one such force, detached from the martial world of the Central Plains. The last impression the Hanhai Pavilion left on the martial world was over two decades ago, when their previous leader, Lady Yueyin, ventured out into the Jianghu. The news of Lady Yueyin's passing and her disciple, Ye Chonglou, inheriting leadership, remained largely unknown except to a few well-informed great families.
The Pei family, naturally, was among those in the know.
Therefore, upon receiving Ye Chonglou's invitation, Pei Yan wasn't surprised. He chuckled, remarking, "This Pavilion Master Ye rarely sets foot in the Central Plains. His sudden visit is rather curious."
Yao Ji tightened her grip on the invitation. "Young Master… have you heard of the Boundless Sea Pavilion?" As soon as the words left her mouth, she realized her blunder. How could the Heavenly Capital Estate, the leader of the martial world, be unaware of such matters?
Fortunately, Pei Yan didn't seem to notice her slip. Yao Ji watched his expression as a subtle look crossed his features, a flicker of realization. "Of course, I know of them. Lady Yueyin… was an old acquaintance of my mother's."
Yao Ji's heart skipped a beat. Pei Yan, realizing he had said too much, refused to elaborate. Though suspicion gnawed at her, Yao Ji dared not press him, forcing herself to set the matter aside and change the subject. Back in her room that evening, she replayed Pei Yan's words, her unease growing with each passing moment.
Could Lady Yueyin's connection to Pei Yan's mother be related to Ye Chonglou's covert schemes against the Pei family? Yao Ji had long pondered Ye Chonglou's motives. The Boundless Sea Pavilion and the Heavenly Capital Estate had no prior connection, one secluded in a remote corner, the other dominating the Central Plains. If Ye Chonglou harbored ambitions, he could easily use his exceptional skills to carve a name for himself in the Jianghu and strive for the position of Martial Alliance Leader. The Pei family was a vast and influential force, not one to be toppled by simply targeting Pei Yan alone.
The most plausible explanation for Ye Chonglou's actions, Yao Ji concluded, was a personal vendetta. The nature of this grudge, however, remained a mystery. Pei Yan's words had planted a seed of doubt in her mind.
Ye Chonglou was Lady Yueyin's disciple, and Pei Yan's mother was acquainted with Lady Yueyin. Yet, Pei Yan hadn't shown a trace of delight at the news of Ye Chonglou's impending visit. Having spent considerable time with Pei Yan, Yao Ji had learned to discern his true emotions beneath his gentle smile.
That smile had been polite and distant, even… evasive.
"Pei Mingzhu…" Yao Ji murmured the name, the name of Pei Yan's mother, the previous head of the Pei family. Yao Ji had heard tales of Lady Pei's exceptional talent, a woman who surpassed many men in ability. It was her remarkable intelligence that led Pei Che to pass the leadership not to his only son, but to his daughter. Tragically, Pei Mingzhu died young, succumbing to illness when Pei Yan was only thirteen.
It was peculiar. Despite Pei Mingzhu's renown, her husband, Pei Yan's father, was never mentioned. His name, whether he was alive or dead… it was as if everyone had forgotten his existence. While outsiders might attribute this to his obscurity, even the servants of the Pei Estate, who sometimes spoke of the former Lady, the old master, and even Second Master Pei Shou's short-lived wife, never mentioned Pei Yan's father.