I Rely On The Collapse Of The Character Setting To Survive In The Hands Of The Male Lead Chapter 260

Chapter 260

Before the incident in the capital, Liu Jingchen had noticed unfamiliar people watching them, indicating that someone was keeping an eye on Lin Qingyang and Chu Lishu. Although Liu Xiaowei resolved it several times, it seemed endless and became quite annoying.

Liu Jingchen speculated that these people were probably just responsible for surveillance. However, it was the situation in the capital that worried him the most. Therefore, he spent a large sum of money to invite martial artists known to Liu Xiaowei to protect their residence, freeing Liu Xiaowei to go to the capital and assist there.

When Liu Xiaowei rushed to the scene, they coincidentally encountered Mu Huichun and his two companions who had been attacked. After dealing with the assassins, they found that everyone had sustained injuries.

Mu Huichun briefed Liu Xiaowei on the situation in the capital and urged him to go rescue Lin Qingyang.

However, for once, Liu Xiaowei’s mind was unusually sharp. He believed that since Lin Qingyang dared to stay behind, he must be relatively safe for the time being. On the other hand, Chu Lishu, who had encountered skilled pursuers, was in real danger. Therefore, Liu Xiaowei temporarily acted as their protector, escorting them to the border.

Thanks to Liu Xiaowei’s assistance, during that period, the people sent out by Xu Lanxin returned empty-handed.

Upon reaching the border, they first found Qi Ci and Ning Ziheng. Qi Ci had already secretly met with Huo Luo and knew the general situation, understanding that it was unsafe on Huo Luo’s side. Immediately, they hid the unconscious Chu Lishu in their hiding place.

However, after they settled down, Chu Lishu’s condition suddenly changed.

At this point, Liu Xiaowei’s expression changed, and he glanced at Xu Wenze, intentionally or unintentionally.

Xu Wenze, who had been listening attentively, immediately caught on and said with a meaningful look, “I’ll go outside and keep watch. You guys continue.”

Although a bit embarrassed, Lin Qingyang didn’t object. Seeing Liu Xiaowei’s expression, he figured Liu Xiaowei must have noticed something.

Indeed, after the door closed, Liu Xiaowei exclaimed in astonishment, “Previously, Liu Jingchen mentioned he wasn’t your cousin, wondering who he was. But I never expected him to be… the Crown Prince.”

Even though Lin Qingyang had mentally prepared himself, hearing that title still made his heart skip a beat.

Chu Lishu… has he finally reverted to being Yuan Ran?

Chu Lishu endured three full days of intense pain, spending the transformation period in several episodes of fainting and awakening.

When Liu Xiaowei rushed in upon hearing the commotion, what he saw was Yuan Ran.

Liu Xiaowei was dumbfounded on the spot. Yuan Ran’s appearance, even after many years of separation and even from childhood memories, was unforgettable.

However, at that moment, Liu Xiaowei had no time to be surprised because Yuan Ran was already in a state of frenzy. If he hadn’t arrived in time, Mu Huichun, who was guarding Yuan Ran, might have been choked to death by him.

Yuan Ran was covered in blood, his hair had grown long, and his eyes were a fiery red, devoid of any trace of rationality, replaced instead by a menacing, almost feral, aura. His martial prowess had fully recovered, and his internal energy was astonishing.

Qi Ci and Lu Yi, even in tandem, couldn’t contain Yuan Ran and ended up heavily injured instead. Even Liu Xiaowei had to exert all his strength to barely hold his ground.

Yuan Ran’s gaze toward them was hostile, akin to that of an enemy. “Get out of my way… I need to find…”

Seizing the moment when Yuan Ran was distracted by talking, Mu Huichun hurried forward and managed to knock him unconscious again, finally alleviating the danger.

Lu Yi and Qi Ci anxiously inquired about the situation, while Mu Huichun, with a splitting headache, explained, “It seems he couldn’t adapt to his power momentarily, lost control of his inner energy, and fell into Qi Deviation. I’ll need to adjust him again.”

Lu Yi and Qi Ci quickly helped Yuan Ran into the house, then returned to explain to Liu Xiaowei. Upon hearing that Lin Qingyang was aware of the situation, Liu Xiaowei didn’t say much more.

However, each time Yuan Ran was awakened, it caused significant disturbances. He seemed to want to escape but couldn’t express his intentions clearly. Soon, their hiding place was discovered.

Moreover, Ho Luo’s original force of one hundred thousand soldiers was divided into three locations, with troops from Zhao Cheng interspersed among them. While not directly seizing military power, this arrangement effectively weakened Ho Luo’s command authority. In terms of position, Ho Luo also had to obey Zhao Cheng’s orders. Therefore, the border was no longer safe for Yuan Ran in his current state.

They had to continue fleeing, but Yuan Ran’s condition remained unstable. Just when things were dire, an old man with white hair and a youthful face appeared, immediately stabilizing Yuan Ran’s condition.

That person was none other than Yuan Ran and Mu Huichun’s master…

“And then?” Lin Qingyang felt anxious, quickly pressing for more information. “Why did you say only you and Lu Yi came, he didn’t come, what happened to him?”

Lin Qingyang remembered that although Chu Lishu had endured painful torture to revert back to Yuan Ran, he hadn’t experienced a situation like going into Qi Deviation frenzy. Was it indeed the physical trauma from the severe blows that caused different residual effects?

“I don’t know, because his master is very powerful and didn’t need my help there. I saw that Chu Lishu still needed some time to fully recover his consciousness. Unable to wait any longer, I decided to come back to find you. Lu Yi was worried, so he insisted on coming back with me to fetch you,” said Liu Xiaowei directly.

“How could you not see the outcome?” Lin Qingyang was genuinely frustrated with his uncle.

“What’s there to see? His master’s martial arts surpass both him and me combined, and his medical skills are superior to those of Mu Huichun. If something were to happen even under those circumstances, then it’s destined to happen. Besides, his master was annoyed by the flies over there, so he plans to take him across the border and settle him in Tianheng Kingdom for recovery. I had to come back and forth, it wasted time.”

“It’s alright. With Master Wu Yin there, the master will definitely be fine,” reassured Lu Shi firmly.

Lin Qingyang felt disappointed but could only say helplessly, “Why did Lu Yi also come back with you? Shouldn’t he have waited until Chu Lishu’s safety was confirmed before doing anything else?”

“I asked him. He said that every time he was guarding Chu Lishu, Chu Lishu, who was half awake and half asleep, would only say one thing.”

Lin Qingyang was stunned, staring blankly at Liu Xiaowei. Liu Xiaowei repeated without expression, “Why didn’t you go with me?”

Lin Qingyang froze instantly, feeling as if lightning had struck him. His heart raced painfully, echoing the memory of the day when he sent Chu Lishu away, holding onto his clothes while unconscious, urging him to leave together. He couldn’t utter a word.

Shrugging, Liusiwei said, “He was worried that if Chu Lishu woke up and didn’t see you, he’d be upset, so he thought it was more important to come and save you first. Plus, he was also concerned about Lu Shi’s situation.”

Upon hearing this, Lu Shi said, “Everything we, the Shadow Wolves, do is focused on the safety of our master’s life. Unless we determine that it affects the safety of our master’s life, Lu Yi won’t act recklessly. Lin Qingyang, our master surely can’t be separated from you now. Even if it means risking our lives, I will still send you away.”

Lin Qingyang slowly closed his eyes, digesting the news about Chu Lishu. Despite his persistent hope, he opened the interface, only to see the gray progress bar indicating a pause in progress.

He… couldn’t leave.

What exactly are the criteria for this system’s review? Chu Lishu shouldn’t be in danger now, logically speaking.

“Qingyang, are you going or not?” asked Liu Xiaowei.

Lu Shi also looked at Lin Qingyang.

The two of them were surprised to see Lin Qingyang shaking his head.

“Although I’m slightly injured, with Lu Yi and Lu Shi, it’s absolutely safe for me to take you out,” Liu Xiaowei frowned.

“Yeah, Qingyang, don’t you want to see the master? He’s waiting for you! What’s holding you back here? Is it because of the Huo and Yue families? Didn’t Xu Wenze say it? He’ll protect these two families.”

“It’s not that. Even if I leave, Xu Lanxin won’t act against them. I just can’t leave for now. I need the right opportunity,” Lin Qingyang couldn’t articulate the real reason and simply said, “I can’t explain it clearly to you, but when Lishu recovers, he’ll understand.”

“You…” Lu Shi was getting anxious.

Liu Xiaowei also disagreed.

But Lin Qingyang insisted, and they couldn’t do anything about it.

Lin Qingyang wrote a letter directly, allowing Chu Lishu to understand that he was being restricted. Although many words were left blank, he believed that Chu Lishu, being so intelligent, would understand. He told Chu Lishu to take his time and assured him of his safety, so Chu Lishu wouldn’t worry. Then he briefed him on the situation in the capital and, finally, mustering his courage, expressed his love and longing.

Lin Qingyang asked Liu Xiaowei to deliver the letter to Chu Lishu and begged his uncle to protect Chu Lishu.

Originally, they also wanted Lu Shi to leave with them, but seeing Lin Qingyang so determined to stay, Lu Shi spoke up, “Even with the skills of Fifth Lord Liu, it’s hard to avoid alerting others. I don’t think I can leave either. I’ll stay here with you. Lu Yi will understand.”

Lin Qingyang smiled and agreed. Finally, they forced Liu Xiaowei to bandage his wounds and apply medicine before letting him leave.

Looking at the various wounds on Liu Xiaowei, Lin Qingyang knew that they had indeed encountered many dangers along the way. He was truly grateful that his uncle could help them this far.

On the other hand, Lu Yi, who was guarding outside the city, was also not idle. Naturally, he found Mr. Cao’s home aand met with the others. Because there were too many spies from the side of Huo Luo, Qi Ci cut off contact with Huo Luo after receiving Chu Lishu. Naturally, Yue Chen wouldn’t know anything about it. Therefore, Lu Yi’s arrival brought them the latest news.

Yue Chen knew that they could only wait patiently until everything was restored for Yuan Ran. He also agreed with Lo Yi and the others taking Lin Qingyang away because he wouldn’t feel at ease otherwise. He could help with the remaining matters and keep an eye on Chu Lishu here.

However, when dawn approached, they were surprised to hear from Liu Xiaowei that Lin Qingyang had a special reason for not being able to leave.

After some debate, expressing their confusion, they understood from Liu Xiaowei’s message that Lin Qingyang was very firm in his decision. Even if it was the safest option, he wouldn’t leave. They had no choice but to give up.

Lu Yi, upon hearing that Lu Shi was safe and intended to stay to accompany Lin Qingyang, didn’t say anything further. He took Lin Qingyang’s letter and prepared to return to report.

As for Liu Xiaowei, he decided to stay.

When Lin Qingyang saw Liu Xiaowei again at Xu Wenze’s place, he learned of his uncle’s decision.

“I’m not leaving. I’ll stay by your side. You’re my nephew after all. Chu Lishu has his own people over there, and with me here, it’ll be easier for you to communicate with them in the future.”

Uncles hold authority as elders, and their decisions are not easily swayed by ordinary people.

“However, you can’t stay hidden forever, and it’s not safe for you to stay hidden where I am.”

At this point, Xu Wenze spoke up, “He can stay here with me. Not many people dare to come here anyway.”

Lin Qingyang didn’t hesitate this time and said, “That’s a good idea. It’s safe for me to visit you and see my uncle at other times. I just feel like I’m bothering you.”

Xu Wenze was about to smile, but seeing the look from Xie Xiaowei, he spoke up, “If you don’t trust me, then you’ll have to find a hiding place in the palace yourself. There are some places in the palace where no one goes…”

“I trust you,” Liu Xiaowei suddenly interjected. “I know you’re different from the Xu family.”

Xu Wenze was taken aback, his emotions difficult to describe, he could only smile wryly.

So, temporarily, Liu Xiaowei resided in Xu Wenze’s palace. However, every night, Liu Xiaowei would perch atop the palace like a night owl, silently observing the patrol patterns of the guards. He aimed to know the palace’s defenses like the back of his hand, making ingress and egress more convenient.

Yet, every time Liu Xiaowei returned, he found Xu Wenze still awake, only retiring to rest after Liu Xiaowei did.

Finally, one evening, Liu Xiaowei arrived beneath his window and said, “There’s no need to keep the light on for me.”

Xu Wenze set aside his book, gazing at the figure outside the window, and smiled, “No, I just can’t sleep. Besides, it gives me a chance to see if your nightly adventures cause any commotion.”

Liu Xiaowei frowned, “I doubt it. They won’t notice me now.”

Xu Wenze chuckled, “Then, Fifth Lord Liu, go rest.”

Liu Xiaowei nodded, about to leave, when he suddenly noticed Xu Wenze’s pale face under the candlelight. The once robust features seemed diminished, almost as if he had lost something since their last encounter. He remembered how light Liu Xiaowei felt when he had held him captive, as if there was hardly anything left.

“Is the injury from last time still bothering you?”

Xu Wenze paused, “Are you referring to the incident two months ago? It’s long healed.”

Liu Xiaowei hesitated for a moment before speaking, “About that time… I’m sorry. I was misled by your father.”

Xu Wenze quickly understood what Liu Xiaowei was implying. In truth, during that incident, he had also acted out of desperation, seeking help wherever he could. He never blamed Liu Xiaowei for waking up in his house after the ordeal.

“It’s alright… My fate was never one to escape,” Xu Wenze said with a faint smile, though it carried a bitter undertone.

Liu Xiaowei furrowed his brows, then spoke abruptly, “If there’s a next time…”

Xu Wenze looked at Liu Xiaowei with confusion.

Liu Xiaowei said earnestly, “I owe you one. If there’s a next time, I won’t go back on my word.”

With that, Liu Xiaowei left, leaving behind the bright moon outside the window.

Xu Wenze stared blankly, hoping deep down that if there truly was a next time, someone would help him leave all this behind.

Thanks to Liu Xiaowei’s help, Lin Qingyang managed to contact Chu Lishu.

Yue Chen didn’t press him on why he chose not to leave. Instead, he talked to him about the situation in the court, expressing his desire to uncover any hidden dangers under the governance of Empress Dowager Xu.

The current court had undergone cleanup efforts led by Chu Lishu. While many were dissatisfied with the current regime, they each focused on their duties, making it difficult for major problems to arise. The only potential trouble spots were the various provinces and the surviving relatives who hadn’t been completely suppressed.

Yue Chen also worried about one person: Zhao Cheng. He didn’t believe Zhao Cheng would continue to obediently follow Xu Lanxin’s orders. Therefore, he instructed Lin Qingyang to keep a close eye on Zhao Cheng.

Although Zhao Cheng was in the capital, he rarely ventured outside except for court sessions. The gates of his mansion were shut, refusing entry to anyone. Most of the military orders were delegated to his subordinates. He was solely focused on trying to placate Concubine Mei and convince the Fourth Prince to accept reality, completely absorbed in family matters.

……

At the border of Tianheng Kingdom, there was a treacherous valley filled with medicinal herbs. Adjacent to the valley was a den of bandits who terrorized the local villagers year-round with acts of arson, murder, and robbery.

In a rush, Mu Huichun and Qi Ci found their way up the mountain. As they entered the bandits’ den, they were shocked by the gruesome scene before them.

The ground was littered with blood and corpses, none spared from the brutality. A tall figure was about to depart from the scene.

“Senior Brother!”

“Your Highness!”

The figure paused, casting a sidelong glance with lowered eyes. His crimson eyes were sharp and cold, exuding an aura imbued with a lethal edge. Despite his celestial beauty, in this setting, he seemed more akin to a demon lord descending upon the mortal realm from the depths of hell.

Both individuals who met his gaze couldn’t help but shiver.

“Master said you cannot leave for the time being. You…” Mu Huichun hurriedly interjected.

“Do you also wish to block my path like them?” Yuan Ran said coldly, extending his hand. Each finger’s upper part was stained red with blood.

Qie Ci hurriedly replied, “Your Highness, are you planning to return to the capital to find Lin Qingyang? Both Lu Yi and Liu Xiaowei have already gone. Perhaps while they’re bringing him back, we can wait here to avoid getting separated.”

“No, I must go back for revenge. He’s dead, I saw his heart… I must kill everyone who harmed him. I must… go join him in death, as I promised,” Yuan Ran said, his eyes seeming as if they might bleed, his body trembling uncontrollably from deep within his bones, radiating fear.

He saw it, saw Lin Qingyang stab his own heart right before his eyes. He saw Lin Qingyang fall, while he couldn’t even summon the strength to hold his beloved.

They were supposed to die together. Why was he still alive? He shouldn’t be alive.

Thinking of this, Yuan Ran completely lost control of his emotions, and then a frenzy of murderous intent spread out, instinctively making Qi Ci and Mu Huichun nervous.

“No, it’s not real. It’s just your imagination. Think carefully, you know he’s still alive,” Mu Huichun hurriedly said. He didn’t understand how his senior brother could suddenly have such thoughts, as if he had witnessed it firsthand. But the scene he described simply hadn’t happened. After all, Mu Huichun had also been in the palace at the time.

After Mu Huichun spoke, Yuan Ran seemed to have a headache, covering his forehead. “Right… he didn’t die… he pulled me away… we escaped… that’s right… he just didn’t want to go with me, I begged him… but he refused… why…”

“Senior brother…” Mu Huichun was about to approach, but Yuan Ran seemed to be stimulated, waving his hand, and Mu Huichun was shaken back by his inner force.

Qi Ci stepped forward to catch Mu Huichun. In just a moment, a figure drifted past and landed lightly in front of Yuan Ran.

Yuan Ran had just lifted his head when a finger pressed against his forehead.

Instantly, the hostility in Yuan Ran’s eyes dissipated, as if a layer of water had been laid over them, softening his gaze.

“Master… let me go.”

“Ran’er, you should know, right? You… have gone mad.”

Upon hearing these words, both Mu Huichun and Qi Ci couldn’t bear to meet the gaze. They were also surprised; although Yuan Ran seemed a bit agitated, their master had deemed him mad. The cause was complex, related to his original madness and the aftermath of Tianxuan Pill. Their master couldn’t be sure and could only try to treat and alleviate it gradually.

Yuan Ran’s eyes flickered, a sane madness evident. “I know, but I have to go…”

“You can’t go anywhere right now.”

“Master, please, let me go find him… Qingyang, he… isn’t by my side… why? Why isn’t he by my side?” Yuan Ran couldn’t help but murmur.

“He knows a lot… Does he know I’ll go mad, so he doesn’t want me anymore?” Yuan Ran became increasingly agitated as he spoke.

“Master is very happy. The prophecy didn’t come true. Ran’er has found a lover. Master believes that someone you love won’t easily give up on you. But if you continue like this, it’s really dangerous. Listen to Master, cooperate with the treatment. It won’t take much time to stabilize your emotions. By then, Master won’t stop you.”

With the transmission of Master Wu Yin’s inner energy, Yuan Ran’s gaze gradually regained clarity, and his breathing gradually calmed down.

“Yeah, he’s Qingyang. How could he… give up on me?”

As Yuan Ran’s aura completely calmed down, he regained true composure and self-possession.

Qi Ci and Mu Huichun breathed a sigh of relief.

At that moment, Master Wu Yin suddenly looked towards the trees in the distance. “A friend is approaching. If you come down and prove to be an enemy, then leave now. I don’t kill, but my disciples are not to be trifled with.”

Yuan Ran also instantly looked towards the distance, where a figure accompanied by laughter descended. “I’ve just arrived and already witnessing a good show. Yuan Ran, we finally meet. You… have finally become the way I like it.”

“Yu Suoxi!” Yuan Ran’s gaze darkened as he looked at him, and he immediately moved to attack.

Qi Ci also immediately followed suit.

Yu Suoxi, however, offered no resistance as Yuan Ran grabbed his neck and threw him down from the tree, still smiling with his hands raised to indicate no hostility. Then, with a smirk, he said, “Yuan Ran… I know about the news from the Great Zhou. Your little darling is doing very well now, warmly received by the Xu siblings. He’s probably living in bliss and has already forgotten about you.”

Yuan Ran’s body stiffened, and a coldness spread across his face.

Qi Ci sneered, “Stop sowing discord. Are you here to capture us? I think you’re here to meet your demise, aren’t you?”

Yu Suoxi shrugged. “I came alone, sincerely inviting Yuan Ran.”

Yuan Ran didn’t reply, just stared coldly at Yu Suoxi.

Yu Suoxi smiled. “You’re still being defeated by the snake. Remember our agreement back then? I can help you reclaim everything, as long as you want.”

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