The next task was to ascertain the whereabouts of the six major sects, which proved to be rather straightforward. Zhang Wuji immediately dispatched people to gather information.
"Zhao Min has sealed off information very thoroughly," Zhang Wuji then remarked. "I think our only option is to infiltrate the Prince of Ruyang's manor."
"Alright, let's go find out," Zhou Yan replied.
Zhang Sanfeng cautioned, "You two must be extremely careful. Since the imperial court has already begun to target martial artists, they won't let them go easily."
"Don't worry, Grand-master. We will definitely rescue our martial uncles," Zhang Wuji assured him.
A group of them arrived in the capital city, Dadu, and found an inn, planning to make their move at night.
"You stay here at the inn. I'll go with Wuji," Zhou Yan said.
"Then you be careful. Zhao Min is not someone to be trifled with," Xiao Zhao warned.
"Don't worry. Martial Uncle is incredibly skilled; nothing will happen to him," Zhang Wuji expressed absolute confidence in Zhou Yan's strength.
Thus, they proceeded to the Prince of Ruyang's manor, where they witnessed Zhao Min interrogating Zhou Zhiruo, attempting to extract the Emei Swordplay. Zhao Min even brandished a dagger, intending to carve marks onto Zhou Zhiruo's face.
Zhou Yan swiftly descended, pulling Zhou Zhiruo into his embrace. Upon seeing Zhou Yan arrive to rescue her, Zhou Zhiruo joyfully cried out, "Zhou Yan, you're finally here!"
Zhang Wuji followed suit, defeating Zhao Min's subordinates and engaging in combat with Ku Toutuo.
Seeing the intimacy between Zhou Yan and Zhou Zhiruo, and recalling the incident where she was kissed, Zhao Min was enraged. She declared, "Why didn't you two announce yourselves beforehand so this humble maiden could prepare a proper welcome?"
Zhang Wuji chuckled, "Your Highness, who commands unparalleled authority, resorts to despicable means and surrounds herself with numerous experts. How can you call yourself a 'humble maiden'? 'Female demon' would be more fitting."
"Your Ming Cult is also known as a demonic cult, isn't it? How are we any different?" Zhao Min retorted.
"Zhou Yan, why do you care so much about this Zhou Zhiruo? Do you have some secret affair?" Zhao Min inquired.
"We are open and aboveboard. What secret affair could there be?" Zhou Yan replied.
Hearing this, Zhao Min felt inexplicably displeased. She then smiled, feigning innocence, and said, "Then why did you act so… previously? You almost…"
"Almost what? Tell me clearly!" Zhou Zhiruo, consumed by jealousy, pressed.
Seeing Zhou Zhiruo's urgency, Zhao Min was inwardly delighted. She smiled at Zhou Yan and said, "You'll have to ask him."
Zhou Yan did not wish to dwell on the matter. "Enough. I've come to ask you to release the six major sects."
"They are in my hands, but I refuse to release them. What can you do?" Zhao Min replied.
"Zhou Yan, my master and the others are still in Zhao Min's custody. I must stay," Zhou Zhiruo insisted.
Zhang Wuji addressed Zhao Min, "Although you are surrounded by many experts, you are aware of my and my martial uncle's skills. I hope you will not go too far with Miss Zhou, lest one day, your face bears a few new marks."
"You're threatening me!" Zhao Min was furious.
"Think whatever you like." Zhou Yan and Zhang Wuji departed.
Zhao Min was incensed and ordered Zhou Zhiruo to be taken away, then commanded, "Master, you will secretly follow them."
"Yes!" Ku Toutuo complied and pursued them.
Subsequently, Ku Toutuo attacked the two on the street. Zhang Wuji engaged him, and then the White-browed Eagle King, the Green Winged Bat King, and Yang Xiao recognized Ku Toutuo's martial arts.
"The Ming Cult has finally found a sect leader whose martial prowess is supreme and commands universal respect. I, Fan Yao, the Righteous Emissary of Light, have offended the sect leader and deserve to die," Fan Yao knelt before Zhang Wuji.
The White-browed Eagle King stepped forward, "Sect Leader, this is Fan Yao, the Righteous Emissary of Light, who has been missing for many years. He and Left Emissary Yang were once known as the Twin Immortals of Carefree."
"This is no place for conversation. Let's go to the inn," Zhou Yan suggested.
Upon arriving at the inn, Fan Yao recounted his efforts to gather intelligence, discovering that Cheng Kun had defected to the imperial court and disguised himself by disfiguring half his face to infiltrate the Prince of Ruyang's manor as Zhao Min's master.
"Then you must know where the six major sects are imprisoned. Is there any way to rescue them?" Zhang Wuji asked.
"They have all been dosed with the Ten Fragrance Soft Muscle Powder and are guarded by the Xuanming Elders. We must deal with them first," Fan Yao replied.
"Do you have a good plan?" Zhang Wuji inquired.
"Lu Zhangke is lustful, and He Zhangke is fond of wine. We can exploit these weaknesses," Fan Yao suggested.
"What do you need us to do?" Zhang Wuji asked.
"Sect Leader need not do anything. Just await my good news," Fan Yao replied.
Thus, Fan Yao and the others began to deliberate on the specifics of the plan, which everyone deemed feasible.
A day later, they commenced the rescue operation. Fan Yao placed Zhao Min's brother's wife onto Lu Zhangke's bed and deceived them into believing they had obtained the antidote for the Ten Fragrance Soft Muscle Powder.
Meanwhile, Zhou Yan invited Zhao Min for a meal, and she arrived alone at the restaurant.
"I never thought a dignified Wudang disciple would invite someone from the imperial court for a meal. Are you intending to surrender?" Zhao Min sat down and began to eat without ceremony.
"Aren't you afraid I might have poisoned it?" Zhou Yan asked.
"You are highly skilled. If you wanted to deal with me, why resort to poison?" Zhao Min replied, then glanced around and asked, "You invited me here alone. Are you trying to see me behind your little lover's back?"
"Speaking of which, you still owe me one favor," Zhao Min said.
"You may name it," Zhou Yan replied.
"It is said that the supreme ruler of the martial world, the Dragon Slaying Saber, and if the Heaven Sword does not appear, who can contend? It seems no one in the martial world has ever obtained both the Dragon Slaying Saber and the Heaven Sword. I am curious about the secrets held within these two weapons."
"Aren't you well acquainted with Zhang Wuji? Ask him to lend me the Dragon Slaying Saber for a few hours of observation. This should not be difficult, should it?" Zhao Min proposed.
"This is not something I can decide. I must return and ask Zhang Wuji."
"You invited me out today, and you still want me to release the six major sects, don't you?" Zhao Min, being sharp-witted, naturally guessed Zhou Yan's intention.
"I know you won't release them even if I ask, so why bother saying it?" Zhou Yan replied.
"Very well. As long as you persuade them to surrender to the court, I can help you become the supreme ruler of the martial world. At that point, I will agree to anything you want from me, how about it?" Zhao Min tempted.
"It is impossible for them to agree, and I have no interest in becoming the supreme ruler of the martial world. I am only interested in you," Zhou Yan stated directly.
"So, you're saying this humble maiden's charm is even greater than that of the supreme ruler of the martial world."
Hearing Zhou Yan's words, Zhao Min felt immensely pleased.
Subsequently, Zhao Min noticed a soaring fire in the distance. She glared at Zhou Yan and said, "So, you were here to stall for time."
"It's too late. I estimate they have already been rescued," Zhou Yan replied.
"You are despicable," Zhao Min fumed.
"We are each of us despicable. When you are despicable, I will bow down in admiration," Zhou Yan retorted.
Zhao Min, enraged, quickly departed, and Zhou Yan headed towards the area of the fire.
By the time he arrived, the entire pagoda was engulfed in flames. The Ming Cult members were engaged in fierce battle with the imperial forces. Zhang Wuji was rescuing the disciples of the six major sects who were falling from the high tower.
"Let me handle this." Zhang Wuji's internal energy had been significantly depleted from rescuing the others.
Seeing Zhou Yan arrive, he felt relieved.
As Zhou Zhiruo leaped from the top of the tower, Zhou Yan caught her in his arms.
Upon seeing it was Zhou Yan, Zhou Zhiruo immediately embraced him, exclaiming, "I knew you would come to save me!"
"Don't worry. With me here, nothing will happen to you," Zhou Yan assured her.
After Zhou Zhiruo was safe, she looked up at the top of the tower and said, "My master and the Xuanming Elders are still at the top."
"Let's wait," Zhou Yan said.
Later, He Zhangke, one of the Xuanming Elders, dragged Miejue down from the tower, but she was also struck by him, her meridians completely severed.
Zhou Yan placed Miejue on the ground. Zhou Zhiruo rushed forward, "Master, how are you?"
Miejue looked at Zhou Zhiruo and then at Zhou Yan, saying, "I hope you will not fail Zhiruo."
"Rest assured, I will look after Emei for you," Zhou Yan promised, adding silently that he would take all of Emei with him.
"With this, I am… at peace." Miejue died, and Zhou Zhiruo wept bitterly. Zhou Yan said, "Let us leave this place quickly."
Zhang Wuji instructed his subordinates, "Take Mistress Miejue's body with you."
They departed. Zhou Yan spotted Zhao Min on a rooftop. Zhao Min seemed furious and, after looking at him, left.
"Let's go," Zhou Yan led his people away.