In a world that stands in stark contrast to reality yet captivates the imagination, Mona Lisa is the most notorious assassin in the underworld. Alongside her, the top figure in this realm is the legendary Dragon Blade Leopard Sword, known as Tang Xiaotang. The saying goes, "A dark guest every decade, a Xiaotang every century," a legend that thrills the heart of every listener.
This narrative revolves around two male protagonists, Dragon Blade Leopard Sword Tang Xiaotang and the sole elder figure in the Great Desert, Gentleman Orchid. Their stories will unfold in the two volumes of this novel, inviting readers to follow and decipher their tales in this intoxicating world of the martial arts.
Mona Lisa has recently become infamous for her blood-soaked deeds, casting the shadow of the White Robe Phantom over half of the martial world. Even among ordinary people, many tales of this terrifying figure circulate, yet no one knows the origins or intentions of this enigmatic killer.
Tang Xiaotang, the leader of the Central Plains righteous path, sits alone in a corner of the "Fresh Breeze" tavern, gazing blankly at the passersby. His reputation and prestige have surpassed even that of the former Martial Emperor, Song Wuyan.
Five hundred years ago, Song Wuyan was recognized as the number one martial artist of his time. Half a millennium later, another swordsman has been hailed with the same title鈥擳ang Xiaotang, the master of the Sky Sword Manor, sitting alone in the corner of the tavern.
Three decades ago, the young Tang Xiaotang, along with the Wind and Cloud figures of the Golden Sand organization, the three immortals of the martial world, lived and trained with two mentors. After years of learning, he was taken to the Sky Sword Manor by his mentors and became the only adopted son of the manors master, Tang Shan.
After Tang Xiaotang became the master of the Sky Sword Manor, the master Tang Shan died in a closed-door practice, allegedly due to the interference of the dark guest organizations National Preceptor Basba. Some say it was because he saw his wife having an affair with Tang Xiaotang that he lost control. The truth remains unknown.
Now, Tang Xiaotang leads the Central Plains martial world amidst internal and external troubles. At this moment, an old monk in yellow with white eyebrows passes by the window of the Fresh Breeze tavern, followed by a child. The child, about thirteen or fourteen years old, asks with a chuckle, "Master, where are we going now?"
The monk sighs, "To the Flowing Flower Palace. Your life was practically snatched back from the Buddhas side. When you meet my lord, you can tell him any wish you have, for there is no wish that cannot be granted in this world."
"Master, Ive heard you say many times that you have a very powerful lord. Is he a good person or a bad one?"
The monk shakes his head, "You are still young, and its natural to be curious, but too much curiosity can lead to trouble. It seems my lord has taken a liking to you, or else why would he have me bring you to the Flowing Flower Palace to meet him?"
The child giggles, "Master, is your lord a man or a woman? How could he have taken a liking to me?"
"Alright! I will first take you to an inn and teach you the method of breathing and energy regulation. In no time, you will be bouncing around again."
"Master, you havent told me how long I have been lying down this time?"
"Five days and six nights!"
"Five days and six nights? How come I dont know?"
"You have been unconscious. If not for my large yellow pill, you might have lain there for ten days or a month. Alright! There is an inn ahead, lets go and stay there."
It turns out that this old monk in yellow with white eyebrows is the National Preceptor Basba, the second-in-command of the dark guest organization. Tang Xiaotang encounters him here, and a sense of foreboding arises in his heart.