Chapter 232
In the quiet hall, Qi Ci looked solemn, full of guilt, as he gently rubbed the leather strap in his hand, which still bore traces of blood from Ning Ziheng’s struggles and resistance, where the leather had been worn through, leaving behind blood stains.
Qi Ci took a deep breath and finally put the strap around his own neck.
If it hadn’t been for this leather strap blocking the blow, his windpipe would have been cut open directly.
Ning Ziheng’s birthday gift ended up saving him, yet he used it to harm Ning Ziheng instead. He had intended to calmly explain everything to him, to help him accept the truth gradually, but in the end… he resorted to forceful measures.
No matter how much Qi Ci regretted it, he couldn’t undo what had been done. All he could do was wait for the current turmoil to pass. However, what surprised him was His Highness… why had he changed so much? If not for those summonings, and Yue Chen and Huo Luo being by his side, Qi Ci wouldn’t have believed it.
Suddenly, he heard some commotion outside. He had been ordered not to leave the room, so he could only listen curiously, assuming it was the patrol guards. After listening for a while, he gave up trying to figure it out.
On the other side, Ning Ziheng heard the voices and woke up from unconsciousness, opening his eyes to see a bright yellow dragon robe.
“I heard you were attacked and unconscious. Is it true? Who attacked you?” the emperor questioned.
Ning Ziheng felt feverish all over his body. He wanted to move, but any movement would pull at his wounds, causing him excruciating pain. Despite this, he still struggled to kneel up.
“I do not know.”
“Why did you escape then?”
“I… I just felt unwilling. I wanted to find evidence to prove myself.”
“Is that so?” The emperor looked down at Ning Ziheng. “Well, now there is an opportunity for you to prove yourself.”
Ning Ziheng’s heart skipped a beat. He had already figured out who wanted to harm him, and how could he prove it? Moreover, since Qi Ci had returned, he would not help the emperor anymore. But he was curious about what the emperor wanted.
“Your Majesty, please be clear.”
“I’ll give you a chance to kill someone. If you succeed, I will believe in your loyalty.”
Ning Ziheng frowned slightly as he listened to the emperor’s slow words.
“Last night, another member of the Tianheng Kingdom’s Black Feather Guard, the one who clashed with you during the martial arts competition, disappeared without a trace. Today, he was found and I have detained him. I suspect his disappearance may have something to do with meeting someone or doing something. It’s a sensitive time, and we must be cautious. However, he is connected to the Tianheng Kingdom’s Saintess, so we can’t act overtly. But I believe in your abilities, Ning Ziheng. Killing one person shouldn’t be difficult for you, right?”
As the emperor spoke, his eagle-like eyes stared at Ning Ziheng, but Ning Ziheng seemed genuinely unwell, showing no reaction at all. Was it just a coincidence?
However, beneath Ning Ziheng’s lowered eyelids, there was a deep resentment. If he had a weapon in hand, he could have easily killed the treacherous emperor. After all, it was the emperor’s selfishness that almost cost Qi Ci’s life on the battlefield. And now, he wanted Ning Ziheng to take action? It was simply madness.
But Ning Ziheng also understood that the emperor must have suspicions about Qi Ci and possibly knew about Qi Ci’s identity. The emperor couldn’t act openly, so he planned to use this opportunity to verify it.
If he doesn’t comply…
“It’s naturally not difficult, as long as Your Majesty gives me this opportunity,” Ning Ziheng said with a malicious tone.
A gleam flashed in the emperor’s eyes, and he chuckled softly. “Alright, I’ll release you tonight. First, I’ll have the imperial physician treat your injuries.”
…
“The emperor didn’t blame Chief Steward Ning, but instead gave him medical treatment?” Lin Qingyang listened to the news coming from Chu Lishu and Yue Chen, unable to believe it.
“It’s indeed unbelievable. Could it be that he revealed his suspicions to the emperor about us?” Yue Chen frowned, expressing concern.
Chu Lishu shook her head. “If… then I wouldn’t be here right now.”
“True, he has already seen Qi Ci, and since Qi Ci didn’t die, Ning Ziheng has no reason to target us. Even if we were exposed, it wouldn’t protect Qi Ci,” Yue Chen said, scratching his head anxiously. “Originally, I was quite happy to hear from Huo Luo that Qi Ci had recovered his memory. But now, this situation is really unsettling. Does the emperor really suspect Qi Ci? He must, otherwise why send everyone brought by Huo Luo and not let Huo Luo be responsible for guarding? This seems like an unnecessary action. I guess he’s worried that Huo Luo, out of loyalty, might betray him, so he’s entrusted someone else to oversee things.”
Chu Lishu thought for a moment. “I’ll go see Qi Ci tonight. If the opportunity allows, I’ll help him escape overnight.”
Yue Chen felt it was appropriate. When Huo Luo passed on the message earlier, it was clear that Qi Ci had already realized that Chu Lishu was Yuan Ran, so Qi Yan would definitely listen to Yuan Ran’s words.
“I’ll accompany you!” Lin Qingyang immediately offered.
“No, I’ll go alone. It’s more convenient that way,” Chu Lishu said directly.
Lin Qingyang felt a vague sense of unease in his heart. The mission to save Qi Ci still hadn’t been completed, indicating that the danger had not passed. Moreover, these were all events outside the main plot, and he was genuinely worried.
Chu Lishu went alone at night. Lin Qingyang could only circle nearby, ready to handle any emergencies that arose.
As the night deepened and the cold wind blew, Lin Qingyang suddenly shivered, feeling a hand on his back.
Startled, Lin Qingyang jolted and turned around defensively.
“Why are you here? Where’s Chu Lishu?”
Lin Qingyang was stunned to see Ning Ziheng standing before him.
“How… How did you get out again?”
Ning Ziheng narrowed his eyes dangerously. “Where’s Chu Lishu?”
Lin Qingyang immediately asked, “What do you want?” He remembered that Ning Ziheng was considered dangerous, so instinctively gripped the dagger at his waist, just in case.
Ning Ziheng ignored his actions and continued, “You know who the imprisoned Black Feather Guard is.”
Lin Qingyang paused for a moment, then nodded. “It’s General Qi.”
Ning Ziheng spoke up then. “The Emperor ordered me to kill Qi Ci. He must have already known Qi Ci’s identity and is testing me. I can’t help him escape, but I can divert attention. Tell Chu Lishu and Huo Luo to find a way to get Qi Ci out.”
Lin Qingyang immediately understood and didn’t conceal anything. He hurriedly said, “Chu Lishu has already gone to find Qi Ci. His intention is to get Qi Ci out tonight. Huo Luo and Yue Chen have already gone to prepare.”
Ning Ziheng breathed a sigh of relief. “Alright, I’ll find a way to distract the Emperor’s surveillance.”
As Ning Ziheng was about to leave, Lin Qingyang hastily asked, “Wait, what will you do afterward?”
Ning Ziheng paused, then turned back with a cold smile. “Didn’t you all wish for my death?”
Lin Qingyang felt embarrassed. “That’s… karma will eventually catch up with good and evil…”
“So… let the retribution fall upon me alone,” Ning Ziheng said in a deep voice.
Lin Qingyang felt a strange unease and decided to speak up. “I don’t know if you’re aware, but Qi Ci has regained his memories. Before he was captured, he asked Huo Luo to check on you, but Huo Luo couldn’t get in.”
Ning Ziheng’s expression suddenly fell blank at the news of Qi Ci’s recovery of memory. Ning Ziheng couldn’t help but grit his teeth. He now preferred that Qi Ci hadn’t regained his memories.
That way, Qi Ci could safely leave without burdens, and he could die without regrets.
“I know, thank you,” Ning Ziheng’s voice inexplicably turned hoarse. “If you get the chance, tell him that my final hope for him is to live well.”
Lin Qingyang inexplicably felt that Ning Ziheng’s words were strange, could it be that the situation on the Emperor’s side was even more serious than he had imagined?
As Ning Ziheng turned to leave again, suddenly footsteps could be heard in the distance. Naturally, the two of them had to hide first.
But when they saw the sneaky figure in front of them, they couldn’t help but be surprised. It turned out to be… the Saintess?
Lin Qingyang’s mind was filled with crazy thoughts. All the characters needed for the plot on the second day had appeared: Ning Ziheng had come out, the Saintess had appeared, but Chu Lishu was not present. Naturally, there couldn’t be any plot of killing or saving without Chu Lishu. In the original plot, Chu Lishu was saved only after fleeing to where the Saintess was, rather than the Saintess actively coming out, let alone acting alone in a sneaky manner.
Seeing her heading towards the palace where Qi Ci was being held, both of them became even more suspicious.
“How about we follow her first and see what she’s up to?” Lin Qingyang couldn’t help but suggest.
With Qi Ci’s situation at stake, Ning Ziheng naturally agreed.
The two followed, but they were soon discovered.
“Who’s there? Come out! I know you’re following me!” The Saintess looked around warily, turning her head to peer into the darkness.
Lin Qingyang felt confident in his tracking skills and couldn’t understand how the Saintess had detected them. She didn’t seem skilled in martial arts.
“If you don’t come out, I’ll call for help!” The Saintess became visibly agitated.
Lin Qingyang and Ning Ziheng exchanged a glance and reluctantly stepped out.
The Saintess looked at them with surprise, then realization dawned on her. “You… I remember you. You’re theLord who was hit by Ah Wu. And you… Yes, I remember now. You’re Ah Wu’s relative. I recall, you’re Qi Ci’s foster father.”
Lin Qingyang and Ning Ziheng were instantly shocked. The Saintess seemed to know a lot. The next moment, Ning Ziheng leaped forward and held a dagger against the Saintess.
Lin Qingyang hurriedly intervened, saying, “Wait, she’s not a bad person. Let’s find out first.”
The Saintess, surprisingly calm, addressed Ning Ziheng, “You’re so anxious, it seems you’re worried about Qi Ci. Rest assured, I mean no harm. I’m here to help. Someone intends to harm Qi Ci tonight.”
Ning Ziheng responded coldly, “Why should I trust you? You’re from the Tianheng Kingdom!”
The Saintess continued, “I saved Ah Wu, so I wouldn’t harm him. I only accidentally learned of his true identity yesterday…”
It turned out that when Baya came to see Yu Suoxi last night, she happened to be there too and overheard everything. Because she had mastered a special breathing technique since childhood, it was difficult for others to detect her presence, but she could easily detect others. This was how she managed to evade Yu Suoxi’s surveillance and only just discovered Lin Qingyang and the others.
Although surprised by learning Qi Ci’s identity, she didn’t have any other thoughts. After all, she loved peace and hoped Qi Ci would regain his memories and return to his loved ones. She was even willing to help Qi Ci stay. However, she felt uneasy about Baya because when he left the room, she clearly sensed a murderous aura emanating from him.
The next day, the Saintess kept a close eye on Baya’s movements. By then, Qi Ci had already been imprisoned by the royal family. The Saintess thought he would be safe under royal custody. However, she discovered that Baya was still sneaking around. Later in the evening, he disappeared entirely. Uncertain of what to do, the Saintess decided to guard the palace where Qi Ci was being held. She hoped that by doing so, Baya would refrain from taking any rash actions.
“I hope for continuous peace between our two nations, and I wish for the safety of my Black Feather Guards. Regardless of their identities or their decisions to stay with me or leave, I will support them,” the Saintess said sincerely.
Lin Qingyang finally sensed the halo described in the original plot around the Saintess. Was this girl too pure and kind-hearted? But by being this way, wasn’t she risking stirring up more trouble?
As Ning Ziheng looked at the Saintess’s genuine concern for Qi Ci and then at her unparalleled beauty, he felt a strange pang in his heart. “What does Baya plan to do?”
“I really don’t know, otherwise, I wouldn’t resort to such a foolish way to save someone.”
“Why didn’t you bring your subordinates with you?” Ning Ziheng asked directly.
The Saintess looked troubled. “They… are also monitoring me. Only Qi Ci is genuinely protecting me, so if I want to save him, I have to do it alone.”
Lin Qingyang immediately asked nervously, “So, does that mean your people know about Qi Ci’s identity?”
The Saintess shook her head. “Most of them don’t.”
Lin Qingyang automatically translated it into, “Well, Yu Suoxi definitely knows, after all, Baya knows.”
The Saintess said, “If you don’t have a better plan, then let me go. At least I can ensure his safety. As for his future choices, that’s up to him.”
Lin Qingyang and Ning Ziheng hesitated for a moment.
Now that both the Emperor and Baya wanted to deal with Qi Ci, he had to leave tonight. But could they really trust the Saintess before them?
Lin Qingyang knew that the Saintess was portrayed as a good person in the original plot, but he couldn’t fully trust her.
Lin Qingyang quickly suggested, “Let’s go together.” Then he looked at Ning Ziheng and added, “You do whatever you need to do. I’ll go with the Saintess. With her in front of the palace, Baya shouldn’t act recklessly. And I… will take a look around.”
Lin Qingyang implied to Ning Ziheng that he would find a way to inform Chu Lishu and Qi Ci about the situation outside, while Ning Ziheng could go and divert the Emperor’s attention to buy time. This way, everyone would be safe.
Ning Ziheng nodded in agreement and then turned to look at the Saintess. His tone was somewhat awkward as he said, “Thank you… for saving Xiao Ci.”
The Saintess smiled faintly, her purity and innocence contrasting starkly with Ning Ziheng’s perception of himself. If the Saintess could protect Xiao Ci within the influence of Tianheng Kingdom, he would prefer that Xiao Ci lead a carefree life as a Black Feather Guard, rather than taking risks with Yuan Ran again.
The three of them quickly moved. The Saintess had a keen sense of perception, seemingly akin to a sixth sense, so she couldn’t help but warn Lin Qingyang as they walked, “The young man beside you, Young Master Chu, someone… has set their sights on him. Tell him to be careful.”
Lin Qingyang didn’t need to think twice to know it was Yu Suoxi. But this Saintess seemed to have boundless love for others. It made him feel guilty about using her. In fact, he intended to use her as a decoy outside the palace so they could easily take away Qi Ci. This… Hopefully, everything goes smoothly.
Lin Qingyang instructed the Saintess to lead the way to attract the guards while he quietly sneaked in. Most of the palace layout was similar, so he quickly found the place where Qi Ci was supposed to be held. Thinking they would both be there, he was about to peer through the window when he realized there was nobody inside.
Lin Qingyang was immediately dumbfounded. Instinctively, he was about to retreat, but he ended up bumping into someone’s chest.
Lin Qingyang’s heart nearly jumped out of his chest when he was suddenly embraced from behind.
“How did you sneak in here?”
The familiar scent and tone of voice relieved Lin Qingyang’s tension.
“Lishu. What are you doing here? I couldn’t find Qi Ci or you. Where are you both…”
Behind him was indeed Chu Lishu, who looked helpless as he said, “We were waiting for Huo Luo and the others to come to our aid, but when I arrived, I noticed something was amiss. So, I joined Qi Ci in investigating and found out that Baya had set up a trap to harm Qi Ci. Qi Ci went to deal with it, and I stayed here to wait. But I heard some commotion up ahead.”
Lin Qingyang relaxed a bit upon hearing this, wasting no time in recounting his encounters with Ning Ziheng and the Saintess.
As soon as he finished speaking, Chu Lishu’s expression changed drastically. He grabbed Lin Qingyang and said, “Let’s go!”
“What? There’s no need to panic. I just said Ning Ziheng was helping us…”
“He wants to help us, but it’s useless. The Emperor wants to kill him too. This is a trap. The Emperor is waiting for an opportunity to eliminate both him and Qi Ci together. This way, he can shift the blame onto Ning Ziheng to appease Tianheng Kingdom and completely cover up Qi Ci’s identity. The Emperor hopes Qi Ci never existed and also wants the uncontrollable Ning Ziheng to disappear together. There must be a trap here. The Emperor knows ordinary guards are no match for Qi Ci, so he wouldn’t send them. Therefore…”
Chu Lishu quickly pulled Lin Qingyang away, while at the same time, a system alert suddenly erupted in Lin Qingyang’s mind.
Before the two could escape the main hall, there was a deafening roar, and the whole world seemed to tremble. The consecutive explosions rang out, and fire spread like a flying dragon, instantly engulfing the palace. The entire palace began to collapse in an instant. Chu Lishu and Lin Qingyang were unlucky enough to be thrown by the shockwave of the explosion back into the main hall. Wanting to flee again, they found their path blocked by the debris that had fallen down.
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Cliffhanger!!!!
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