023, I know six ways to write the character for "return."

The Melting Gold Solution, crafted by the artisans of the Gongshu clan, was originally designed to dissolve metals during mechanical modifications. Its effectiveness was remarkable. Later, some with ulterior motives turned it into a deadly weapon, making its mere mention invoke dread.

When the man in black produced the Melting Gold Solution, Zhao Luan was immediately forced into a dilemma. Beneath the ship’s hold lay an entire warehouse of weaponry, part of a trade between the Fan Commerce Guild and the State of Qi. It was well known that the weapons of Yue were unrivaled, and every nation coveted arms forged in Yue. But Yue was no fool; their controls were strict. Apart from official channels, only a handful of commerce guilds with deep connections within Yue could acquire weapons in bulk.

The Fan Commerce Guild, thanks to the connections of Tao Zhugong from days past, managed to procure large quantities of arms, though not without significant risk. This shipment to Qi was a gamble—the first transaction between the Fan Guild and Qi. If completed successfully, it would open trade routes for the Fan Guild in Qi, promising riches in the future.

Thus, this deal was crucial, and Zhao Luan dared not let the man in black pour the Melting Gold Solution into the hold. If he did, everything would be destroyed. Despite its small size, the solution possessed immense power; a mere vial could easily ruin thousands of weapons.

Seeing Zhao Luan’s apprehension, the man in black laughed triumphantly, “Let’s see if you want to save these weapons or your mistress. You have the time it takes for one incense stick to decide. If you refuse, we’ll simply part ways and destroy it all.”

The man in black clearly believed victory was in hand.

Wang Yu could hardly bear the scene. Gou Jian, the old rascal, even at his age, was scheming after a young maiden, shameless and thoroughly despicable. It seemed he was no different from Fu Chai; the only difference was that one was cautious and patient, the other arrogant.

Wang Yu was not the only one disgusted; Wei Wuji was equally unsettled. Wang Yu suspected that Wei Wuji, like himself, was captivated by the maiden’s beauty. After all, she was a rare beauty, and Wang Yu doubted Wei Wuji was immune.

Wei Wuji was about to act, but Wang Yu quickly held him back. Wei Wuji looked at Wang Yu quizzically.

Wang Yu whispered, “Brother Wuji, if you rush in now, will you really solve the problem?”

Wei Wuji flushed with embarrassment.

Wang Yu knew his friend wanted to play the hero before the beauty, but this was not the way. What if the man in black’s hand slipped and the vial fell?

The maiden would surely hate him forever.

A plan was needed.

Wang Yu pondered briefly and said to Wei Wuji, “Brother Wuji, do this when the time comes.” He then quietly explained his strategy.

When Wang Yu finished, Wei Wuji looked doubtful, “Are you sure this will work?”

Wang Yu replied impatiently, “A man must never admit defeat. Anyway, it’s much more reliable than rushing in headlong.”

Wei Wuji thought it over and found Wang Yu’s reasoning sound. Quietly, he concealed himself.

Military strategists revered attacks as thunder from the ninth heaven, and stealth as concealment beneath the deepest earth. Wei Wuji’s technique was excellent; Wang Yu could not detect his presence at all.

Seeing Wei Wuji safely hidden, Wang Yu coughed loudly and stepped from the corner.

The two groups, locked in tense confrontation, were startled by the sudden cough. Each feared the other’s reinforcements. Though the man in black was now alone, the Fan Guild’s people did not know this.

Upon seeing Wang Yu, however, they all relaxed. It was clear from his bearing that he possessed no cultivation—neither the scholarly aura of Confucianism, nor the deadly intent of a warrior, nor any spiritual energy from the five elements. He was simply an ordinary man.

The members of the Fan Guild, while relieved, also felt a pang of disappointment.

Wang Yu ignored their gazes, smiled at the young maid as a greeting, and turned to Fan Huansha, “I am Wang Yu of Qi. May I speak a few words with the leader of the Lying-on-Brush Platform?”

Fan Huansha had no idea what Wang Yu intended, but reasoned that things could hardly get worse. She nodded, “You are free to do as you please, Master Wang.”

Her use of the title told Wang Yu she was well-informed. In this era, the title “Master” was not used lightly—only sons of nobles or marquises were addressed thus. Clearly, she knew his identity.

This piqued Wang Yu’s curiosity. The reputation of the old State of Nie must have lingered, for so many knew of the royal family’s change of surname. What had Nie done to be so well remembered? He tucked the thought away for later.

For now, his task was to outwit the man in black.

Wang Yu turned to face the leader of the Lying-on-Brush Platform. Truth be told, he had no idea what to say, but according to the Code of Provocation, rule number one was: when uncertain, laugh loudly.

Laugh three times, and confuse the opponent.

So Wang Yu suddenly burst into hearty laughter.

His laughter left everyone bewildered—was he mad?

The leader in black felt a chill run down his spine. Even though Wang Yu had no cultivation, if someone laughed in your face, it was unsettling.

Unable to bear it, the man in black shouted, “Silence!”

In his agitation, he unleashed the Aura of Death, his voice booming so loudly it sent ripples across the water.

The Aura of Death was a cultivation path for assassins and death warriors; those who mastered it could even topple kings. This man was not so powerful, but still formidable.

Wang Yu was forced back several steps before regaining his balance.

The man in black sneered, “A powerless mortal dares to stand out? Do you even know the meaning of death?”

Steadying himself, Wang Yu cursed inwardly. These people had no honor, ambushing an ordinary man—how was that fair?

It was not fair!

He fixed the man in black with a look of contempt. “Rat from the gutter, not only do I know the meaning of death, I can even write the character for ‘return’ in six different ways. Should I enlighten you?”