The Han Qiantian Clan was situated atop the peaks, but the most famous aspect of the Han Clan were the rest houses, which were located at various points from the base up to the main clan.

  The entire mountain had been carved out with endless flights of stairs. The Han Clan was always known for its scattered markets, which were situated near every rest house.

  Walking along these stairs, Gu Zong was progressing in disguise, wearing red robes, a bamboo-woven hat on his head, and holding a bamboo flute as he moved forward.

  He reached a small open area while climbing the stairs. There were still more stairs ahead, but for resting, there was a lodge called the Qinglin Mansion (Green Forest Rest House). This was the lowest rest house, bustling with people, both inside and outside. Next to the rest house was a small market.

  Gu Zong went inside, but the commotion inside was even greater. People were sitting below, eating, and there were many rooms for staying in the upper sections.

  A woman, an attendant whose job was to look after the guests, saw Gu Zong enter and approached him. She bowed respectfully and welcomed Gu Zong."Welcome, Master. How may we assist you?"

  Gu Zong asked naturally, but his sharp gaze was surveying the entire environment. He was thinking that these rest houses weren't here before; the Han Clan had changed. But this wasn't his immediate concern.

  His eyes were searching for any member of the Han Clan, but unfortunately, there was no one there. After considering all this, Gu Zong spoke with a faint smile."Yes... thank you very much for your welcome. I just need some water. I need to reach the main Han Clan up above as soon as possible."

  Hearing that he needed to go to the Han Clan, the woman immediately asked him:"So, you wish to go to the Han Clan? Do you have an invitation token to show at the main gate, or if you are going there for trade or work, can you show an official token or seal of your business?"

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  Gu Zong's eyes narrowed slightly. He had anticipated hearing this, which was why he had come here. Then Gu Zong showed his flute, which he had bought along with these clothes. He pretended to be slightly troubled and said:"Yes, certainly, I had my seal, but last night, thieves robbed me of my belongings, and all that remained was my flute. I only wanted to go to the Han Clan because someone told me that the bamboo from the Han Clan is the best for flutes. So I was just going to procure that bamboo, but on the way, thieves robbed me and took my musician's seal along with them."

  Gu Zong spoke this lie so naturally that the woman standing in front of him showed sympathy. The woman's face softened slightly. She looked around and spoke in a very gentle voice. Her soft voice and sympathetic face indicated that Gu Zong's lie had succeeded."I am sorry for your loss, Master, but please remain calm. And you heard correctly; the highest quality bamboo grows in the upper regions. Most flutes and other goods are crafted from those bamboos. We would be delighted to assist you. Please come with us."

  The woman started walking ahead, and Gu Zong followed her. The woman stopped near a table where two people were sitting one with an ancient pipa and the other with a flute. Addressing the two of them, the woman said:"Masters, like you, this gentleman is also a musician and is heading towards the Han Qiantian Clan. You can travel there with him; you will have no trouble. Now, please excuse me. Have a good day."

  Saying this, the woman started to leave, but before going, she remembered something and turned back, asking Gu Zong one more question:"Forgive me, Master, could you please tell us your name?"Gu Zong bowed respectfully before the two individuals and introduced himself, saying:"My name is Mo Jinxiang. I am a musician from the South. Thank you for your help."Hearing this, the woman left, and Gu Zong sat down with the two of them. Gu Zong's attire was so beautiful and captivating that it greatly appealed to the two people his red robes, his covered face, and the red sword hanging at his waist.Gu Zong's intention was absolutely clear: to gather as much information as possible before reaching the Han Qiantian Clan.But then, suddenly, his body began to feel cold. He reached for his waist and searched for the medicine, but there were only two pouches there; the third pouch was missing.Fumbling with his belt, he thought, "Where did that medicine pouch go?"Then he remembered that last night, when he suddenly heard the sound of the Jiuhuang Yin, he was greatly startled, because the Jiuhuang Yin Guqin could recognize its true owner on its own and play by itself as a signal. And what the Jiuhuang Yin did last night was natural it was the nature of the Jiuhuang Yin. And that was when the pouch had fallen from his hand right there last night. But he wasn't too concerned about this. He knew that no one could get close enough to him to realize the truth about his cold body.However, Han Wuang Shi was many times more troubled than the carefree Gu Zong.