The Hidden Phoenix

[A cool, aloof swordswoman carrying the burden of her family's blood feud vs. a noble young man of mysterious identity] Thirteen years ago, the Ye family, one of the four great clans of the martial world, was slaughtered in a single night. Only the sect leader's son and daughter vanished without a trace. The Red Yuan Jade Pendant, once said to have commanded the entire martial world, disappeared along with them. Thirteen years later, a woman in blue robes came from the secluded Cangyun Mountain and headed north in search of her elder brother. But along the way, she encountered a man whose identity was impossible to fathom. At their first meeting, he was dressed in finery and full of swagger, beating a group of rough-looking men until they were bruised and howling for mercy. He was good-looking, to be sure, but her instincts told her he was a local bully. So the two of them fought. At their next meeting, he wore a kind, gentle smile, like the spring breeze outside the window. But what he said was: "I have a business proposition I'd like to discuss with you." So she agreed to a deal. After that, they traveled north together by boat. In the dead of night, the river lay still, and danger crept closer. Black-clad strangers appearing out of nowhere and an unexpected haul of pig iron seemed connected by an invisible thread, drawing them step by step toward secrets buried for years. * After a night of fighting, the boat was wrecked and everyone aboard perished. A bamboo raft drifted across the vast river and washed ashore outside a remote town. The clear river ran through the town as the two walked slowly along its banks. "What are you thinking about?" "I'm wondering who you are." His folding fan waved gently. Its jade ribs were warm to the touch, no longer stained with the crimson blood from when he killed. "Why, I'm naturally..." His smile was charming, more radiant than the spring sunshine. "...a good person." P.S. 1. Yuan: pronounced yuan. I didn't realize it was an obscure character when I chose the name, and by the time I did, I couldn't think of a replacement. So, well, here we are _(:_"∠)_ 2. Anti-piracy: Readers who have purchased less than 60% of the story will be unable to buy the latest chapters for 48 hours. 3. Feel free to discuss the plot, but please don't lecture the female lead about how she should behave. Theme: Keep moving forward, and the clouds will eventually part to reveal the sun