Chapter 191 - 200

Even though it was late at night, the Qi Prince's mansion was still bustling with activity.

Consort De had long since forgotten about her disfigurement and was now celebrating her promotion. She had coveted the position of principal wife since her days at home; if Yelü Lingrong hadn't come, she would have been the true mistress of the Qi Prince's mansion.

Even Consort De of Jingde was hosting a banquet for her sisters; all the former allies of Consort Xi and Consort Mo were there, forced to curry favor with the new principal wife. Only Yelü Lingrong, feigning illness, hadn't come. Abandoned on her wedding night, even with her airs of a right principal wife, no one wanted to curry favor with her.Full novel: Greedy Baby: Abandoned Wife Mother Becomes a Concubine — read the rest free on N​o⁠v​e⁠l​C⁠o​d⁠e​x⁠.​o⁠r​g⁠

Jingxuan was dark, but the Guiju residence across the way was lit.

Xuanyuan Che sat lazily in a rocking chair in the courtyard, while Sister Li quietly brewed flower tea for him. The aroma of the tea lingered, strong and subtle, the scent of pale summer violets.

Xuanyuan Che's eyes were slightly narrowed, as if he were asleep; his handsome face held a serene calm that no one could disturb.

“Your Majesty, Consort De… is being far too ostentatious,” Li Jie said softly, serving hot tea.

Xuan Yuanche opened his eyes, took the porcelain cup, and seemingly ignored Li Jie's words. He slowly sniffed the tea, then casually poured it out, saying indifferently, “Too strong.”

“Doesn’t Your Majesty always prefer strong flavors? This servant was worried it wouldn’t be strong enough,” Li Jie said with a smile, emptying all the purple tea from the cup and starting afresh.

“Has the ‘disguise’ been found?” Xuan Yuanche asked calmly.

“A message came from Yanxi Palace. Checking the records, the item did indeed reach Consort Si’s hands, but later the Emperor took it back. Once it’s in the Emperor’s possession, it’s difficult to trace,” Li Jie replied.

“Why did he ask Consort Si for it again?” Xuan Yuanche asked.

“Your Majesty, if Consort De’s appearance is restored, won’t her arrogance be even greater?” Li Jie asked.

Xuan Yuanche remained silent, instead asking, "Has Lord Mo's matter been reported to the Dali Temple?" "

As soon as the Emperor left, two people from the Military Affairs Bureau went to report it. Lord Mo doesn't treat his subordinates well; there are quite a few who want to climb the ranks," Sister Li laughed.

"How many days until the autumn hunt?" Xuan Yuanche asked again. His words, seemingly casual, contained countless hidden meanings. Even Sister Li couldn't grasp all his plans and thoughts, only knowing that he had a deep understanding of strategy and had been planning for so many years, yet the result he desired was something he could achieve with a mere smile.

"Three days left, does Master want to hide?" Sister Li asked. Apart from the royal family members, everyone, regardless of gender, had to participate in the autumn hunt. Xuan Yuanche had just gained the throne, and the Emperor had to test the riding and archery skills of the royal descendants every year.

"Prepare a riding outfit, ice blue, with wrist and knee pads, and a white fox fur coat on the collar and cuffs," Xuan Yuanche said, then stood up, his peripheral vision catching a glimpse of a slender man in black standing on the wall under the moonlight.

Sister Li glanced at him, knowing the answer but feigning ignorance, and asked, "Doesn't Master always like the white riding attire?"

"For her," Xuan Yuanche said, the "her" he was referring to was someone Sister Li knew.

"Master, her mother, Chen Xiao, might still be alive, perhaps we should..." Sister Li probed. Master rarely mentioned this matter, not even to the Empress Dowager.

Xuan Yuanche turned to look at her, his cold eyes flashing sharply. Sister Li quickly lowered her head, not daring to speak further. Although she had served him since childhood, he was still her master. When she looked up, Xuan Yuanche had already landed beside the man in black on the wall.

Dressed in white riding attire, his dark hair billowing under the bright moonlight, he resembled a demon of the night even more than the mysterious man in black, mysterious and unapproachable.

"Don't give me this kind of task next time. That woman is extremely troublesome!" the man in black said coldly, then rose into the air like a startled dragon.

"Where to?" Xuan Yuanche asked calmly.

“The Shen family villa.” The man in black finished speaking, his figure disappearing into the night without a trace.

“Trouble?” Xuan Yuanche muttered thoughtfully, then flew towards Jing Xuan, his white robes flowing gracefully in the night.

In the bright moonlight, he silently appeared in Jing Xuan’s second-floor bedroom. Without lighting a lamp, he looked at the unconscious woman on the bed, immediately smelling the strong scent of alcohol on her.

His gaze darkened as he sat down beside her, removing the light veil from her face. His long, elegant fingers gently stroked her slightly flushed face, inch by inch… inch by inch, slowly… slowly, his fingers lightly hooking open her collar.

The unconscious woman remained motionless, only her long eyelashes trembling slightly.

Seeing her lack of reaction, a warm smile slowly curved his lips, slightly paler than usual, revealing a hint of playfulness never before seen on his usually aloof and detached face.

His large hand slowly moved down, covering her flat stomach. Suddenly, his palm felt warm, and she jerked her head back, letting out a cry of pain, but still didn't wake up.

He seemed to be testing something, or perhaps searching for something. One hand braced himself beside her, the other resting on her stomach, pressing against her. From afar, in the tranquil moonlight, amidst the disheveled gauze curtains, their figure was so ambiguous, so beautiful, making one's heart flutter, unable to look away.

Such a cold and lonely man—if one day he truly lost control on the bed and transformed into a wolf, who would be lucky enough to see the deep glint in his eyes?

After a long while, he checked her pulse again before releasing her with satisfaction. His cool lips gently kissed her forehead, but he did nothing more. He carefully lifted her into his arms, a warm smile playing on his lips, and said softly, "Let's go. You don't belong here. It's too tiring here..."

...

As the first rays of sunlight streamed through the open window onto the bed, Murong Wei finally opened her sleepy eyes. She paused, trying to remember, then suddenly jumped up. Seeing that she hadn't been touched at all, she breathed a sigh of relief.

She had no memory of how she got back. Her memories of last night were limited to her conversation with Liu Jian. Had she really been drunk last night?

But her head didn't hurt at all. Surely she couldn't have been rendered unconscious by just a few dozen jars of wine?

After tidying her clothes and hair, Murong Wei opened the door, full of questions, only to find Bai Wushang resting in the courtyard, his head propped up on his hand!

"Hey?" Murong Wei walked over and knocked his hand away.

"Hmm?" Bai Wushang was suddenly surprised; he really was asleep, his handsome brows showing exhaustion.

"What are you doing in my courtyard so early in the morning?" Murong Wei asked suspiciously.

Bai Wushang lazily stretched, glanced at the wine cup on the stone table, and smiled, "I drank too much last night... Look, even when I'm drunk, I still remember to watch over you."

"Where did you go yesterday?" Murong Wei asked irritably.

"This, here." Bai Wushang took out a pistol that he didn't recognize from his sleeve; it was the one he had left in the palace that day.

Murong Wei carefully put it away, as if it were a treasure. "I've been looking for it for ages!"

"How do you use this? Show me, my lady." Bai Wushang said with a smile.

"This thing, a gift from heaven, can't be used casually." Murong Wei was delighted, overjoyed to have her treasured possession back.

"You seem to have more than one in your backpack, right?" Bai Wushang asked.

"It's a secret. I heard that in a few days, the Thirteenth Master is taking us on the autumn hunt. I'll show you, and you'll be dumbfounded!" Murong Wei smiled mysteriously. She was confident that if she took this hunting, Xuan Yuanche wouldn't be able to hunt any deer or get any medicine this year!

The mornings at the Prince's Mansion were always unusually quiet, much like the ancient temple deep in the mountains, where the sounds of morning bells and evening drums filled the air.

Adding to the silence, Xuan Yuanli was still drunk from the previous night, and the only thing visible in the mansion was the hurried coming and going of the steward. Amidst this stillness, two figures could be seen darting through the courtyards and gardens, seemingly chasing each other, or perhaps fleeing. Occasionally, the sounds of clashing weapons could be heard, clanging and clashing…

Suddenly!

With a "whoosh," a golden butterfly dart flew from the flowerbed, but before it could land on the opposite tree, it was struck back with a "clang…" by an arrow that appeared out of nowhere!

No one was seen, only the clash of two weapons. In an instant, several more darts rained down from all directions.

At this moment, Murong Wei finally emerged from the flower bushes, sword in hand, soaring upwards. Her body's rotation caused the ice-blue sword in her hand to spin, deflecting the incoming darts one by one. She then flipped and landed gently, her grip on the ice-blue sword steady and effortless, her swordsmanship demonstrating skill.

"How was it?" she asked, looking up at Bai Wushang in the tree.

"Your grip on the sword is steady, but you only know these three moves. It's not impressive. An ordinary person could reach your level in a morning. And you call yourself an assassin!" Bai Wushang said, clearly discouraging her.

Murong Wei didn't bother arguing about the vast difference between modern and ancient assassins. She simply shouted, "Again! Like that night!"

That night, she clearly felt herself pushed to her limit. Her strength came from her abdomen, transforming into qi, and then into sword qi. In the water, she swung her sword until the very end, without losing any strength, all thanks to the qi within her body.

However, she couldn't use it now. When she moved, she felt a surge of heat in her abdomen, but she didn't know how to convert it into power.

Bai Wushang said nothing, only letting her figure it out herself. Perhaps if she increased the intensity of the practice and did it again, she would discover something?

"That night, we were forced to be in the water. In broad daylight, do you intend to take advantage of me, sir?" Bai Wushang raised an eyebrow, asking seriously.

"Pah!" Murong Wei's eyes darkened, and she slashed fiercely at the tree trunk with her sword. This time, she relied on brute force, but still couldn't shake the century-old tree trunk. Fortunately, the Ice Blue Sword was hard enough; otherwise, an ordinary sword would have cracked on the spot.

Bai Wushang hurriedly landed, heartbroken. "Murong Wei, you should at least cherish the things I gave you!"

"Then you have to tell me first what kind of treasure this is, and you have to tell me how to use it," Murong Wei said with a smile.

"Transforming qi into power, and even internal qi into sword qi, requires you to explore and discover it yourself, because the constitutions of people who practice qi are different, and the methods vary. I cannot teach you this, sir," Bai Wushang said earnestly.

"You cultivate cold qi?" Murong Wei asked.

"Yes, both cold and scorching energy have nine ranks. Cold energy is divided into White Cold Rank, Cold Warrior, Profound Cold Rank, Great Cold Warrior, Cold Cold Rank, Cold Spirit, Ice Cold Rank, Cold King, and Fierce Cold Rank, Ghost Cold Rank, Immortal Cold Rank, and Divine Cold Rank, all with nine ranks: White Scorching Rank, Scorching Warrior, Profound Scorching Rank, Great Scorching Warrior, Fire Scorching Rank, Scorching King, and Blazing Scorching Rank, all with nine ranks: Ghost Scorching Rank, Immortal Scorching Rank, and Divine Scorching Rank, all with nine ranks: White Scorching Rank, Scorching Warrior, Profound Scorching Rank, Great Scorching Warrior, Fire Scorching Rank, Scorching Spirit, Blazing Scorching Rank, Blazing Scorching King, and Blazing Scorching Rank, all with nine ranks: Ghost Scorching Rank, Scorching Rank, Immortal Scorching Rank, and Divine Scorching Rank, and Divine Scorching Rank, and Divine Scorching Rank, all with nine ranks: early, middle, and late stages." Bai Wushang said, reciting the convoluted and complicated ranks without hesitation, as if he knew them by heart.

Murong Wei lowered her head, holding something in her hand, and didn't react much.

"Do you understand?" Bai Wushang asked, frowning. He glanced at the object in her hand and looked puzzled. "What is this?"

Murong Wei ignored him, her brows furrowed. She gripped a fountain pen and hurriedly wrote down what Bai Wushang had just said in the blank space of the sword manual he had given her. This detailed hierarchy was even more difficult than memorizing the official ranks and concubine ranks of various dynasties in China's five thousand years of history. She had to write it down.

She had found this fountain pen when she returned from the hot springs and checked her backpack. She remembered clearly that when she transmigrated, she had grabbed this fountain pen to tie her long hair, and by the time she realized her head was heavy, it was too late to remove it.

She didn't know whose pen it was. She had checked it when she transmigrated, and the ink inside had long since dried up and was unusable.

However, when she checked it that day, she found that the pen could write. When she opened it, there was ink inside. She was certain she hadn't touched it. How could this be? Only Ye Bao had touched her bag, but even if that child was smart, he wouldn't know how to refill a modern fountain pen with ink.

The transmigration itself was bizarre, so she could accept the strangeness of this pen and kept it with her, no longer daring to put it in her bag.

After a while, Murong Wei finally remembered what Bai Wushang had just said about the ninth level of cold qi cultivation and the ninth level of scorching qi cultivation. She breathed a sigh of relief and asked, "Which level have you reached?"

"Tell me what this thing is first. It can actually... it can actually write. Is this a pen?" Bai Wushang took the pen with amusement and played with it. It even knew how to spin the pen without being taught!

"A pen brought from overseas... it's called... it's called... it's called an automatic brush pen. You see, it's actually the same principle as a regular brush pen, except that a regular brush pen needs to be dipped in ink, and this one has the ink inside." Murong Wei explained with a smile.

"It can only write?" Bai Wushang asked suspiciously, not quite believing it.

"It can also..." Murong Wei looked mysterious, hesitant to speak.

"Such a small thing, I don't think it can do anything special. I'll just give it to you, sir." Bai Wushang said with a smile, skillfully spinning the gilded pen with his long, slender fingers.

"You wouldn't know how to use it even if I gave it to you!" Murong Wei hurriedly snatched it away.

"No offense, sir, but you brought back so many treasures from overseas, and you didn't even give me one? I've taken such good care of you...you and your son..." Bai Wushang sighed helplessly and turned to leave.

Murong Wei immediately understood the implication in his words and hurriedly chased after him. "Did Ye Bao write?"

"Sir, I'm very disappointed right now," Bai Wushang said weakly.

"Didn't I give you a multi-purpose knife?" Murong Wei said, to be precise, that Swiss Army knife was one he had taken and never returned.

"How many bombs do you have left in your bag?" Bai Wushang stopped, turned around, and asked with a smile.

"Not many. You can't study those things, and neither can I. They're all controlled by computer boards with chips inside," Murong Wei explained deliberately, knowing he didn't understand.

Bai Wushang was indeed stunned, saying, "At least you know about explosive force and can calculate the blast radius, right?"

"That depends on the formula of the explosives and the proportions of various ingredients," Murong Wei said, frowning as she asked, "What do you want to do with them?"

"My lord, I recently discovered an ancient tomb and I need these things. When can you write me a formula?" Bai Wushang asked.

"Exchange it for Ye Bao's letter," Murong Wei said, holding out her hand.

Bai Wushang laughed, "It should arrive this afternoon."

"You're not lying to me?" Murong Wei narrowed her eyes.

Bai Wushang narrowed his eyes, and when he did, he looked even better than her. He chuckled and said, "I'm not lying to you. Go practice your sword. I'm a late-stage Great Cold Qi cultivator, which is the late stage of the third level, the Linghan level. You, although you're a Qi cultivator, are only at the late stage of the first level, the Baizhi level, a Zhi cultivator."

"Innate?" Murong Wei was puzzled, but this difference didn't seem to bother her.

"Those who cultivate Cold Qi are all acquired Qi cultivators. They must rely on their own abilities to cultivate and cannot rely on external forces. But those who cultivate Zhi Qi are all innate Qi cultivators. They can transform internal energy into Qi, absorb the Zhi Qi of others, and increase their cultivation by consuming extremely Yang spirit beasts," Bai Wushang explained.

"What's the difference between the different stages?" Murong Wei asked, still not showing much reaction.

Bai Wushang smiled, a beautiful curve forming at the corner of his lips. He took the icy blue sword from her hand, lifted it gently, and then swung it backward with a sudden, swift motion. In an instant, Murong Wei was stunned. So beautiful! He had actually unleashed an icy blue sword aura. Although it was only for a moment, it silently destroyed the flower bushes in front of him, sending petals flying. The sharp edge of what seemed like both cold air and sword energy lingered in the surroundings.

"This is the late stage of the third tier..." Murong Wei murmured.

"Indeed. If one can cultivate to the seventh tier, the Ghostly Cold tier, then one can freeze all things, including people," Bai Wushang said calmly, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes.

"What about the scorching aura?" Murong Wei asked eagerly, finally becoming excited.

“I don’t know either. Those who cultivate Qi are all innate cultivators, but so far, no one has been able to reach the third level. Even among the Shen family, Shen Zui’s father, Shen Xiao, only reached the late stage of the third level at most. I heard that his sister, Shen Xiao, went mad after reaching the third level, and no one knows her whereabouts.” Bai Wushang said, looking at Murong Wei.

“The Shen family?” Murong Wei asked doubtfully, showing no reaction to the name Shen Xiao.

“The Shen family has produced quite a few innate Qi cultivators. The steward Chen from that day was a second-level Xuanzhi stage Qi cultivator in the early stage. As for Shen Zui, I didn’t recognize her.” Bai Wushang said.

“What about Prince Qi? Does Prince Qi also cultivate Qi?” Murong Wei asked anxiously.

“What are you asking him for?” Bai Wushang raised an eyebrow and asked.

“Just asking.” Murong Wei said.

“My lord, I don’t want to mention him.” Bai Wushang said indifferently.

“I’m just asking, to find out.” Murong Wei said.

“What are you trying to find out?” Bai Wushang asked.

“If I don’t probe him first, how can I compete with him for the lost path? What if you’re even more skilled than him, and your sword energy is faster than my bullets? How am I supposed to win?” Murong Wei asked.

“Why would you compete with him for the deer?” Bai Wushang asked suspiciously.

“The Thirteenth Prince said that whoever gets the deer during the autumn hunt can ask the dog emperor for something! I want the ‘disguise’ from Nanzhao to enter the palace!” Murong Wei said seriously.

“Don’t worry, I’ll steal that for you, sir!” Bai Wushang said just as seriously.

“No need, I want to get it myself, and I’ll get it from him!” Murong Wei said resentfully.

“By the way, when did that handsome and dashing Prince Qi offend you? Didn’t he help you out at the Chrysanthemum Banquet last time?” Bai Wushang asked, his tone somewhat indifferent.

How had Prince Qi offended her?

Or perhaps, she couldn't quite put her finger on it, but she just felt uncomfortable.

"Speak up, how did Prince Qi offend you?" Bai Wushang asked, his roguish smile hidden in his eyes.

"I just feel uncomfortable. I don't need you to find a disguise for me, I'll find one myself, and I'll heal this face myself!" Murong Wei said, turning to leave.

Bai Wushang suddenly grabbed her, his voice very calm, "Explain yourself. If you're still unhappy, what are you sulking about after drinking so much yesterday?"

"Who's sulking!" Murong Wei retorted sharply.

"Not yet? Dozens of jars of wine, I didn't know you could hold your liquor so well." Bai Wushang said calmly, though he was actually angry long ago. He got angry just from smelling her alcohol. No matter how much she could drink, she couldn't drink out of his sight.

"Let go!" Murong Wei retorted without hesitation.

"Explain yourself and I'll let go." Bai Wushang said sternly.

"I'm being stubborn? Who am I stubborn with? Who can make me stubborn?" Murong Wei said, forcefully shaking off his hand. Bai Wushang, however, gripped it tightly, his face grim. "Because of Prince Qi?" "

None of your business!" Murong Wei said coldly.

"You still like Prince Qi!" Bai Wushang was direct; he had asked her this question back in Han Kingdom.

"None of your business!" Murong Wei frowned, her voice sharp.

"You care because he refused to ask for a disguise for you?" Bai Wushang seemed to be talking to himself.

"Why should I explain to you?" Murong Wei retorted, glaring at Bai Wushang through gritted teeth.

"What do you like about him? His status, his looks, his wealth?" Bai Wushang asked, enunciating each word clearly.

"You're being ridiculous. This is my own business!" Murong Wei struggled violently, but couldn't break free.

"Answer me!" Bai Wushang said in a deep voice.

"Let go! You're being ridiculous!" Murong Wei frowned, a nameless fear creeping in. Even when he was angry, this guy would still chuckle and mock her; he had never spoken to her so loudly before.

"Because he's handsome, because he's a prince, with a noble status, you also want the position of Princess Qi?" Bai Wushang asked almost desperately. He hadn't wanted to bring this up, but he couldn't help himself.

"Enough! Who do you take me for?" Murong Wei suddenly stopped struggling and looked at him coldly.

Bai Wushang was startled and didn't speak.

"I originally thought he was different. The first time I saw him, my intuition told me he was different. Yes, I liked him, it was that damned love at first sight. But at the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet in Han Kingdom, he still rejected me because of my appearance. I was desperate. I'm not the heroine in a cliché novel, rejected by the male lead because of my appearance and status, yet still humbly loving him to the end, easily forgiven with an excuse or a misunderstanding. I'm not. I don't care. I'm just sad. Prince Qi is a pitiful person, but also a despicable one. The disguise fell into his hands, it must have been given to Consort De. Consort De was made the principal wife by the concubine, and the war in Prince Qi's mansion has only just begun." Murong Wei said calmly.

"Are you so sure?" Bai Wushang asked calmly.

"How about we make a bet?" Murong Wei smiled.

"Okay, what do you want?" Bai Wushang smiled as well, a hint of helplessness in his eyes.

"I want... I want you to paint a portrait of me, once my face is healed." Murong Wei said.

"Okay, I'll paint one for you once you're healed." Bai Wushang said, as if he already knew she would win.

"If I lose, this brush is yours." Murong Wei said.

"It's a deal." Bai Wushang gave a thumbs up.

Murong Wei smiled and pressed her thumb against it, "I'm a doctor, my face is just injured, I can heal myself."

Bai Wushang was about to let go, but suddenly gripped it tightly. Murong Wei didn't say anything more, subtly pulling her hand away and turning to leave. The sadness

was mostly for herself. Yesterday, when Xuan Yuanli pleaded with Prince Qi, she didn't look at Prince Qi; her gaze was fixed on Consort De's face.

She vividly remembered the smug look in Consort De's eyes yesterday—a look that seemed to be a declaration, a boast, a declaration of certainty.

Yesterday, it appeared to be her victory; she had stolen the spotlight. But the true victor was Consort De, and how could she let the proud, high-spirited Thirteenth Prince have to beg for help?

She walked slowly, but Bai Wushang didn't catch up.

She could see Bai Wushang's affection, the care put into his clothes, but she disliked this ambiguity. A master of seduction, she had tasted countless ambiguous relationships and feigned affections; she wanted something real, straightforward, and genuine.

Perhaps it was because of Ye Bao's joking remark, "Mommy, you're carrying this big burden of mine. Either find a rich grandfather, and we'll team up to kill him and inherit all the family fortune, or you can become incredibly rich and use that money to buy me a father who won't despise you and won't want any more children."

Thinking of this, she quickened her pace. Could love really be worth more than gold? Can love be used as power to torment people? Can it be used as martial arts to protect oneself? He shook his head helplessly. What was the point of thinking about romance? Her child was already so grown up!

Bai Wushang remained where he was, watching Murong Wei's figure disappear into the flower bushes before letting out a sigh. Just as he turned to leave, an old woman suddenly appeared and blocked his way. This old woman, dressed simply and plainly, was quick and agile, with kind eyes and gentle brows; she was none other than Aunt Li, who had raised Ye Bao.

"It's rare to see Lord Wushang sighing, truly a rare sight!" Aunt Li said with a smile.

"My lord, I'm not a god," Bai Wushang said with a calm smile.

"Look at that smile, it's not even pretty anymore. Could it be that Lord Wushang also fell in love at first sight?" Aunt Li laughed even harder.

"Old lady, your sudden visit, is there some good news?" Bai Wushang squinted, still sporting that handsome smile.

"Aren't you afraid that one day she'll find out the truth and won't forgive you? That child is fierce; what she said just now was quite resolute," Aunt Li asked.

"How could I not be afraid? I'm so afraid I can't sleep at night, thinking and thinking, wondering what to do!" Bai Wushang said jokingly, his smile widening. Whether it was a joke or not, only he knew. He turned his head, frowning as he looked at Aunt Li, and said again, "Old lady, what do you think we should do? You really like her!"

"Then marry her now! If Lord Wushang were to marry, the ceremony would surely rival the current emperor's empress selection. I've been looking forward to it day and night," Aunt Li exclaimed.

"It's different. An emperor is an emperor after all. The selection of an empress is a momentous event that will be recorded in history. Even the queen of a vassal state can't compare! Haha, Weiwei must marry the best!" Bai Wushang sighed to himself, ignoring Aunt Li, and left with a laugh.

The afternoon sun was strong but not scorching. Winter was just around the corner, the beginning of winter was approaching.

Xuan Yuanli opened the door, lazily stretching, finally waking up. He'd drunk too much the night before and was only now sobering up.

Just as he stepped outside, he saw Murong Wei under the shade of a tree in his courtyard, propping her head up with one hand, seemingly asleep, a sword still clutched in her hand.

He chuckled, cautiously approaching and touching her arm. Seeing no reaction, he abruptly slapped her hand away. "Murong Wei!"

Murong Wei nearly fell backward, startled, frowning at him, displeased. "Awake!"

"Did you need something?" Xuan Yuanli asked with a smile. Being drunk was indeed a good thing; once sober, he could forget everything.

"Nothing, just checking to see if you were awake. The steward said you drank with Guiguzi all night?" Murong Wei asked.

"Where is he? That guy is not only a gambler, but also a drunkard! He swindled all my wine!" Xuan Yuanli then remembered Guiguzi.

"He's always appearing and disappearing like a ghost, I wonder where he's gone again," Murong Wei said.

Xuan Yuanli sat down, seeing her gloomy expression, and tilted his head, saying, "Are you still unhappy? Is it because of yesterday?"

"No, the steward said Chen Zui has been waiting in the hall for half a day and didn't dare to wake you," Murong Wei said.

"I don't know, the steward said he brought a lot of things, and came alone," Murong Wei said.

"Is Lao Bai back? Let Lao Bai handle it, he'll definitely be happy to," Xuan Yuanli said, he didn't have a good impression of people from the martial arts world.

"I wonder where he went, I really want to ask him for Ye Bao's letter! Let's go, let's go meet him, at least he has what we need." Murong Wei said, lazily getting up, she couldn't muster any energy.

“He’s willing to wait for half a day, he must have something to ask of him. Let him wait, I’ll take you somewhere!” Xuan Yuanli said, naturally pulling Murong Wei’s hand and running towards the backyard. If he were younger, he would really be comparable to Ye Bao—a mischievous child whose moods were unpredictable, coming and going quickly.

Murong Wei smiled, a knowing smile. Being with Xuan Yuanli always made her feel more relaxed, although she always vaguely sensed that this childlike prince harbored a secret—a secret about his dislike of others getting close.

Xuan Yuanli led her all the way to the backyard. The backyard of the Prince’s mansion wasn’t anything special, just an abandoned hot spring pool where Xuan Yuanli had last attempted suicide.

“Hey, you’re not going to take me to jump into the water and commit suicide, are you?” Murong Wei said, half-jokingly, half-testing.

Xuan Yuanli rolled his eyes at her, didn’t speak, and pulled her towards the back mountain.

“Where are we going?” Murong Wei asked.

Xuan Yuanli remained silent, weaving through branches and leaves until they finally reached the mountainside. Before them lay a temple hidden in the forest.

"Thirteenth Master…you…you wouldn't…" Murong Wei was startled; this was a Buddhist temple!

"Come with me. I hide here when I'm unhappy," Xuan Yuanli said, pushing open the door. A delicate sandalwood scent wafted out, instantly calming the mind.

It was a very small temple, with only a courtyard and a main hall. A Bodhi tree grew in the courtyard, not very tall, probably less than ten years old. The main hall was open, with no visible door, and housed a golden Maitreya Buddha, bare-chested and smiling.

Murong Wei was still stunned when Xuan Yuanli pulled her to kneel on a prayer mat, smiling, "Maitreya doesn't laugh at your ugly face."

"He's clearly smiling," Murong Wei asked with a smile, still kneeling. She had loved the atmosphere the moment she entered; even the sandalwood scent brought tranquility. Just a step away, all her troubles were gone.

"Then stop laughing?" Xuan Yuanli countered.

Murong Wei paused, then smiled gently. Indeed, she had laughed too. Maitreya laughed at all the people and things under heaven, not mocking, but accepting.

"Do you like it? This is my secret, only you know. I won't hold it against you. You can use this place." Xuan Yuanli said generously.

"You learned this from Liu Sha, right? Xuan Yuan doesn't believe in Buddhism." Murong Wei asked.

"Shh... don't speak here." Xuan Yuanli said, putting his hands together and closing his eyes.

Murong Wei smiled faintly, mimicking him, slowly closing her eyes, calming her mind, and immersing herself in the tranquil sandalwood scent. Even in this small temple, her heart felt suddenly empty. Murong Wei had fallen in love with this place...

By the time she and Xuan Yuanli left, the sun had already set. Time had flown by so quickly.

The two chatted and laughed as they descended the mountain. Just as they stepped out of the backyard, they saw Bai Wushang holding a letter, frowning at them.

"Where did you go? You didn't even call me, sir." He asked cheerfully, as if he hadn't argued with Murong Wei that morning.

"Is Chenzui still waiting?" Xuan Yuanli asked, changing the subject.

"He came to us willingly, and you're ignoring him?" Bai Wushang looked at Murong Wei.

Murong Wei avoided his gaze and said calmly, "I've been waiting for most of the day, I'll definitely keep waiting."

"He came to apologize to you, go ahead." Bai Wushang smiled, not caring about her avoidance.

"Apologize?" Murong Wei was immediately surprised and looked over.

Bai Wushang nodded with a smile, "That kid brought quite a lot of things!" After saying that, he turned and headed towards the main hall.

"Murong Wei, what happened in the back mountain is our secret, don't tell him!" Xuan Yuanli warned urgently.

Murong Wei didn't hear clearly and hurriedly chased after Bai Wushang, then remembered something, "Hey! Where's Ye Bao's letter!"

He chased after her all the way to the main hall, and sure enough, he found Chen Zui still waiting. He was dressed in pristine white robes, his long, flowing black hair casually tied back with a white jade hairpin, exuding a relaxed yet handsome air. His eyes were crystal clear, and sitting there quietly, he truly possessed the air of a carefree immortal.

However, the moment he saw Murong Wei, he broke character, quickly standing up and bowing with his hands clasped, "Doctor Murong Wei..."

"Bai Wushang, give it to me!" Murong Wei didn't even glance at him, snapping at Bai Wushang, her mind solely focused on Ye Bao's letter.

"Weiwei, don't rush, don't rush. Young Master Chen is here. This letter says they've found a master craftsman who can unlock all the locks in the world. Read it later," Bai Wushang said with a smile.

Murong Wei was taken aback. What was this guy saying?

"That's just how our Weiwei is. Please forgive her, Young Master Chen," Bai Wushang said with a smile, very politely, practically treating Murong Wei as his own. “It’s alright, that’s just his personality, I like it.”

Shen Zui

was straightforward and made no attempt to hide it. Murong Wei frowned. She didn’t believe that the young master of such a martial arts overlord would fall for her for no reason. She raised

an eyebrow and asked, “May I ask what brings you here, Young Master Shen?” “Nothing much, just came to apologize to Doctor Murong. I was truly impolite last time and showed no respect to Doctor Murong, so I came today specifically to apologize. Doctor Murong, please forgive me.” After saying this, Shen Zui bowed generously to Murong Wei.

“I’ve long forgotten about that matter. Young Master Shen, you’re too polite. If there’s nothing else, please leave.” Murong Wei forgave him just as generously, but was so stingy that she wouldn’t even let him stay for a meal.

"Thank you, Doctor Murong Wei. I'll take my leave now." Chen Zui smiled faintly, turned, and slowly walked to the door. Still hearing no one try to stop her, she hesitated for a moment before turning back. "Lord Wu Shang, I think I just heard you mention a master craftsman who can unlock all the locks in the world?"

Upon hearing Bai Wushang's question, Murong Wei understood his intention and, too lazy to intervene, sat languidly to the side to observe. With him around, anything could be handled.

"There are too many skilled craftsmen who can open any lock in the world. I wonder which one Young Master Shen wishes to ask about?" Bai Wushang asked with a smile.

"Uh… I just heard you mention skilled craftsmen. I wonder which one you're referring to?" Chen Zui countered.

"Too many. Does Young Master want to find a locksmith?" Bai Wushang asked again.

"Indeed, I am looking. I wonder what skills this skilled craftsman possesses?" Chen Zui asked, forced to reveal the truth by Bai Wushang within a few words.

"A descendant of Lu Ban. No lock in the world can escape his grasp. I have an ancient lock, sent from a thousand-year-old tomb. I've searched for a long time without finding anyone to open it. Having heard of this person, I'm also busy searching for him!" Bai Wushang said, gesturing for Chen Zui to sit down.

At this moment, Xuan Yuanli also entered through the side door. After bowing, Shen Zui sat down, somewhat anxiously, and asked, "I wonder what the name of this locksmith is?"

"Guiguzi, rumored to be addicted to gambling and fine wine, and whose whereabouts are unpredictable," Bai Wushang replied.

"Then does Your Excellency know where he is?" Shen Zui asked hastily.

"I heard someone saw him at the Big Winner's Mansion today. Hehe, Your Excellency, I've been guarding the gate of the Big Winner's Mansion for several days, but I haven't seen him. By the way, I heard that this capable man only unlocks locks once a year, and he charges an exorbitant price. The fee for one lock is enough for his expenses for a year. Your Excellency, I'm afraid his pockets are full this year, and he won't take any more jobs!" Bai Wushang said helplessly.

"Won't it be even harder to find him then?" Shen Zui asked.

"Exactly, so Your Excellency, I still have to go and stake out the place today," Bai Wushang said.

"What a strange man. I wonder how Your Excellency heard about this person?" Shen Zui asked with a slight smile.

"Hehe, with some inquiries, you'll surely find someone in the circle who knows them." Bai Wushang chuckled, leaning lazily against the warm couch, legs crossed, his languid nobility tinged with a roguish air.

"Then... what's the background of this Guiguzi?" Chen Zui asked again.

Murong Wei observed quietly from the side, her heart filled with suspicion. Chen Zui seemed interested not only in lock picking but also in Chen Zui himself.

"That's unknown. Young Master Chen, have you not heard of this person?" Bai Wushang asked.

Chen Zui shook his head and smiled, "I'm ignorant... Does Your Excellency know this person's age and appearance?"

"You're even more ignorant, Your Excellency. I've never even seen him. Young Master Chen, are you perhaps looking for a locksmith?" Bai Wushang asked.

"Just asking, nothing more than a casual inquiry," Chen Zui said with a smile, then rose to take his leave. "I have important matters to attend to, so I won't stay any longer. If you have free time, my Maple Leaf Villa is always open to you."

"Hehe, we'll definitely come and bother you when we have time," Bai Wushang added with a smile. Xuan Yuanli and Murong Wei crossed their arms, looking at Chen Zui with less-than-friendly expressions, sitting like two great Buddhas, too lazy to move.

"Farewell, farewell," Chen Zui said, glancing at Murong Wei before turning to leave.

As soon as the person left, Murong Wei rushed over, "Bai Wushang, give me the letter, right now!"

Xuan Yuanli muttered to himself, "Lord Wushang, you're quite the talker!"

Bai Wushang smiled and handed the letter to Murong Wei, chuckling, "Want to make a bet?"

Murong Wei ignored him, eagerly reading the letter. Xuan Yuanli leaned closer and said, "I bet that guy will definitely go to the Big Winner's place to wait for others."

Bai Wushang replied, "Then the winner should treat everyone to dinner."

"Haha...hehe...heehe...my son, hahaha..." Murong Wei suddenly burst into silly laughter, grinning from ear to ear.

"Weiwei, what's wrong?" Xuan Yuanli asked, puzzled.

"It's wonderful! Ye Bao has those two guys completely under his thumb, acting like a master and treating them like beasts of burden the whole way! He even said he was so happy after seeing what I gave him that he dreamt about me!" Murong Wei was eager to share her joy with everyone.

"What an adorable child." Bai Wushang smiled, his eyes narrowed, looking completely innocent.

"Let me see." Xuan Yuanli took the letter, and upon seeing the crooked handwriting, his brows furrowed. "Did he really go to his uncle's house?"

"Yes!" Murong Wei snatched the letter, carefully tucking it into her sleeve like a precious treasure, all her gloom vanishing.

Xuan Yuanli was still suspicious, so Bai Wushang called the steward, "Go and call Guiguzi here, it's urgent."

"Lord Wushang, Guiguzi's whereabouts are always unpredictable. We haven't seen him since this morning, he's probably hiding somewhere sleeping again." The steward said with difficulty.

Bai Wushang frowned, looked at Murong Wei, and said, "He's one of your men, where is he?"

"I told him not to leave the palace, he shouldn't have left. Steward, take a few people and search everywhere." Murong Wei said, also taking it seriously, this was a good opportunity to lure out Chen Zui, that precious treasure.

As they spoke, a report came from outside, the palace eunuchs had arrived.

"Autumn hunt! It must be." Xuan Yuanli said.

Neither Murong Wei nor Bai Wushang spoke. The autumn hunt was a major event within the royal family, and they generally didn't invite too many outsiders.

A young eunuch hurried over, respectfully presenting the invitation, saying, "Thirteenth Prince, His Majesty sent me with the invitation to the autumn hunt. Please take

a look." Xuan Yuanli opened it and frowned, saying, "Why is it a nighttime trip?"

"His Majesty said that he has been busy with state affairs lately, so to save time, we won't depart the day after tomorrow morning. We've changed it to tomorrow evening. Please be on time at Xuanwu Gate, Your Highness," the young eunuch said.

"How are the carriages and horses arranged?" Xuan Yuanli asked.

"Each of the two Empress Dowagers has a carriage with ten servants, Princess Qixi has one with five servants, Prince Qi's residence has two carriages with ten servants, other officials of the third rank and above each have one or two carriages, and several friends invited by the Emperor each have a carriage," the eunuch reported truthfully.

"And what about me?" Xuan Yuanli asked anxiously.

"Your Highness, the Empress Dowager said that since Your Highness has no concubines and Consort Si is ill and cannot accompany the Emperor, she will send you to accompany him," the eunuch said timidly. The matter of Consort Si's disappearance had been kept secret, and it had always been claimed that she was ill.

Xuan Yuanli snorted coldly and said, "Are you just bullying me because I have no family? Go back and tell the Empress Dowager that I am not feeling well and will not participate in this year's autumn hunt!"

"Thirteenth Prince, please spare me! The autumn hunt is a big event. If I give such a reply, the Empress Dowager will surely kill me," the eunuch begged repeatedly.

"Then go back and tell her that I want to entertain some friends. Ask her to arrange a carriage and see if she approves!" Xuan Yuanli said coldly.

"This...this..." the little eunuch hesitated.

"Go now!" Xuan Yuanli roared immediately, scaring the little eunuch into scrambling away in a panic.

"Your Highness, I've heard that the royal hunting grounds are three days and three nights' journey from the capital, on the desolate grasslands to the north. It's getting colder and colder. I have no interest in autumn hunting, so please don't count me in." Bai Wushang said with a smile.

"I didn't say I'd take you." Xuan Yuanli glared at him, then looked at Murong Wei and said seriously, "Weiwei, are you going? Come with me to hunt deer!"

"Yes! I really want to go!" Murong Wei stood up abruptly and said loudly.

"Let's go! I'll take you to pick out riding gear and a fine horse." Xuan Yuanli was beaming with excitement, finally showing the spirited demeanor of a young man.

"Riding gear and a fine horse?" Murong Wei asked in surprise.

"We don't have any women's clothing at home. Come on, I'll take you to the biggest riding outfit shop in the capital to pick some out!" Xuan Yuanli said with a smile.

Murong Wei was overjoyed and was about to follow him.

Bai Wushang crossed his arms, lowered his eyes, and lazily watched them step out the door before speaking indifferently, "You two... shouldn't you find Guiguzi first and go to the Big Winner's House?"

Xuan Yuanli was about to speak when Murong Wei smiled and turned around, saying, "Old Bai, the Thirteenth Master and I trust you very much. We hope that when our autumn hunt is successful, you will also have a harvest!"

"Murong Wei, you can't do this!" Bai Wushang jumped up suddenly.

Murong Wei, however, grabbed Xuan Yuanli and turned to run.

"Murong Wei, how could you leave me, your master, to work myself to death? How could you bear it!"

"Weiwei, you've broken my heart so much!"

"Weiwei...you don't want...Ye Bao's...letter anymore?"

Bai Wushang chased after her to the door, his steps slowing, his words growing more deliberate. He stopped, still feigning seriousness, "Weiwei, are you really willing to leave me behind..."

Seeing Murong Wei and Xuan Yuanli's figures disappear into the courtyard, a helpless yet indulgent smile slowly curved his lips. He turned and went inside, looking up at the black-robed figure lying on the roof beam with his arms behind his head—Guiguzi—and chuckled, "Brother Gui, see you at the big win tonight."

The person on the roof beam didn't answer, but waved a thin, bony hand.

Bai Wushang smiled mysteriously, then turned and left.

After a while, Guiguzi lazily sat up. With a flick of his thin, bony hand, the wine gourd hanging opposite him flew through the air. He grasped it with his large hand, took a sip, and his movements were elegant and graceful. Just looking at his back, ignoring his terrifying hands, he didn't resemble a strange old man at all. Instead, he looked exactly like a carefree, indifferent, and leisurely wine immortal, living a life of unbridled freedom and intoxication.

In a short while, the wine in the gourd was gone. He drunkenly threw down the wine pot, hooked his legs around the beam, and hung upside down!

At this moment, his long black robe slid down his body, revealing a bamboo-green robe with a bamboo-green short flute at his waist. At first glance, it looked like a flute, but upon closer inspection, it was clear that it was a short sword with a scabbard that could be used as a flute.

His attire immediately revealed his age, placing him around twenty. The bamboo-green flute he carried also instantly identified him; bamboo green was the favorite color of the chivalrous warriors of Nanzhao.

His black robe completely concealed his features, making him impossible to discern. Suddenly, he somersaulted and landed, vanishing mid-air…

In the stillness of the night, the capital's prosperity spilled over into two places: one was the alluring red lanterns that burned eternally in the Flower Lane, and the other was the bustling, never-ending noise of the Big Winner

's Mansion. Although Consort Si's disappearance was kept secret, the entire Nangong household was under house arrest, leaving them with no energy to contend with the Empress Dowager for the Big Winner's Mansion. Now, the Empress Dowager herself was the master of the Big Winner's Mansion, making this place a true forbidden zone, a forbidden zone for both the legitimate and illegitimate worlds, eliminating the need for any further connections.

A figure in black robes slowly emerged from the dim night, slender yet tall—it was Guiguzi. He weighed the heavy silver in his hand. Before even stepping into the Big Winner's Mansion, he was recognized, and several servants surrounded him.

The leader was very polite, saying, "Sir, my master invites you. Would you mind coming with us?"

"Who is your master? I don't know him," Guiguzi's eerie voice was old and hoarse. If one only heard the voice and didn't see the man, they would surely think I was an old man with white hair.

"My master is Master Chen from the western suburbs. He's heard that you're skilled at lock picking, and there's no lock in the world you can't open. He'd like to invite you to come and see an antique lock," the man explained.

"Have you inquired about my price?" Guiguzi asked coldly.

"The price is negotiable. My master said that if you can see the lock, in addition to the agreed price, he'll also give you ten jars of Ice Snow Plum Blossom Wine and ten jars of Ten-Year Green Plum Wine!" the man said hastily.

"Hahaha, just what I'm looking for! Lead the way!" Guiguzi readily accepted and followed the servants towards the suburbs.

They arrived at the western suburbs, in a desolate place, but still couldn't find any trace of the Chen family's residence.

Guiguzi walked slowly, only stopping when the leader ahead halted. Beneath his black veil, a pair of dark eyes silently surveyed his surroundings.

Several servants stepped aside, and emerging from the darkness was Chen, the steward of the Shen family. Though advanced in years, he was remarkably capable, standing ramrod straight with his hands behind his back and legs shoulder-width apart.

"Master Chen?" Guiguzi asked with a sinister smile.

"Indeed," Steward Chen replied calmly.

"Where's the lock? My time is precious!" Guiguzi said, remaining unperturbed despite the servants drawing their swords.

"Young Master Yin, the lock is with the master. If you have the guts, come back with this old servant, how about it?" Steward Chen asked. Upon

hearing this, Bai Wushang, who had been sleeping with his hands behind his head on a nearby tree, suddenly sprang up, frowning at Guiguzi with astonishment in his eyes. This Guiguzi was no ordinary fellow!

It seems he wasn't wrong. Shen Zui's behavior today clearly indicated he wasn't looking for a locksmith, but rather that he was!

Butler Chen called him Young Master Yin—could this guy be the long-lost illegitimate son of the Shen family, a late-stage third-level Qi Refining cultivator? This guy is far more powerful than Butler Chen and Shen Zui! Butler Chen is at the early-stage second-level Qi Refining cultivator, while Shen Zui is at most the late-stage second-level.

Aside from the Shen family head, Shen Xiao, and the still-unknown Shen Xiao, the highest-ranking Qi Refining cultivator is probably Shen Yin!

Good heavens, he actually concealed his true strength during their fight! What is this guy's purpose in hiding his power and identity?

Steward Chen's words didn't elicit much of a reaction from Guiguzi. He merely chuckled a few times and said, "Old man, I don't understand what you're talking about. Quickly take out the lock you want to open, or the price of fooling me will be higher than the price of asking me to open it!"

"Hehe, Shen Yin, it's only been a few years. You might not recognize Steward Chen, but you must recognize me, right?" A familiar voice rang out; it was none other than

Shen Zui. "I don't recognize anyone! You've got the wrong person!" Guiguzi said, raising his hand in anger.

"Is that so? Then let me see if I've really got the wrong person!" Shen Zui sneered, drawing his sharp bamboo-green longsword. Giving Guiguzi no time, he suddenly soared into the air, slashing vertically at Guiguzi. Although it was a bamboo-green arrow, it burst forth with a fiery red sword light. However, it only appeared briefly before quickly disappearing. In that instant, Bai Wushang saw an even more dazzling red than the fiery red sword light, suddenly bursting forth from Guiguzi's black robe!

In a battle between masters, victory or defeat is decided in an instant. The tree behind Guiguzi cracked with a snapping sound, and before it even broke, the sword in Chenzui's hand shattered into pieces. Simultaneously, blood flowed silently down his white robes.

These two brothers were indeed decisive; one move was their ultimate attack, one move decided the outcome.

"Young Master Yin, how dare you injure the young master!" Butler Chen roared in fury, brandishing his broadsword and leaping towards Guiguzi. His entire body, including the broadsword, glowed with a faint, fiery red light, unlike Chenzui's earlier dazzling display.

Guiguzi remained motionless, standing quietly until Butler Chen's broadsword was almost overhead before he reached out to stop him.

"I'll say it again, I'm not the person you're looking for!" Guiguzi shouted impatiently. With that, he abruptly raised his hand, and the dazzling red light flashed again, instantly throwing Butler Chen to the ground, sending him crashing heavily into a nearby tree.

Chen Zui glanced at the blood-spitting Steward Chen and hesitated, only reminding him, "Father has been looking for you for a long time. You'd better go back and see him."

"I don't know him!" Guiguzi snorted coldly and turned to leave. Chen

Zui frowned, his forehead veins bulging with anger, but he was helpless. He had used unlocking the door as an excuse to search for so long, and although he had found the man, he still couldn't do anything about him. It seemed that the Shen family no longer held any sway over him.

"Young Master, this old servant told you long ago that Young Master Yin will not return to the Shen family!" Steward Chen was helped over.

"But Father will still give the Shen family to him. He is the only one in the Shen family who inherited the Blazing Qi talent. Back then, when Mother was alive, didn't she say that he would be the second Shen Xiao, able to break through to the third level of Blazing Qi..." Chen Zui said calmly. He was the legitimate young master of the Shen family, but the Shen family valued seniority first and ability second. Whoever was stronger was qualified to inherit the position of family head.

"If he won't come back, we'll find a way to make him come back. Only in the Shen family mansion will we have a chance to kill him, right?" Shen Zui asked in a low voice.

Butler Chen understood and nodded without saying anything more. After the group disappeared into the night, Bai Wushang slowly descended from the large tree, his long, handsome hand stroking his smooth chin, a thoughtful smile playing on his lips.

Only by returning to the Shen residence could he have a chance to kill him?

It seems the Shen family has many secrets.

Was it also in the Shen residence that Shen Xiao, who possessed similarly high talent as Shen Yin and had a chance to inherit the position of family head, met his end?

Thinking of this, his smile deepened. He would have to test his skills against Guiguzi. Blazing Qi relied mainly on external force, easy to cultivate but difficult to master; Cold Qi relied on internal cultivation, easy to advance in, but its power was inferior to Blazing Qi.

He wanted to see who would win between a Blazing Qi early-stage level 3 practitioner and a Cold Qi late-stage level 3 practitioner!

Bai Wushang followed silently until he saw Guiguzi scale the wall and enter the Li Prince's residence. Only then did he laugh and follow. This guy had indeed come with a purpose.

The two landed on a high pavilion in the courtyard. Guiguzi leaned lazily against the railing, taking deep breaths, inhaling the lingering aroma of wine in the pavilion, completely absorbed.

Bai Wushang sat down opposite him lazily, one leg propped on the railing, his hand casually resting on his knee, exuding a roguish air. He chuckled and said, "Brother, you've got quite a background."

"Hehe, to Lord Wushang, he's just a locksmith, nothing to worry about." Guiguzi laughed, his voice eerie and aged.

Bai Wushang waved his hand on his knee, then patted it lightly, completely at ease, and laughed, "No, no... I should say that to our Doctor Murong, he's just a locksmith."

"The same goes for you, sir. Do you and Weiwei still distinguish between you and me?" Guiguzi laughed, and with a flick of his wrist, a bamboo-green wine gourd fell from the top of the pavilion.

Bai Wushang frowned, then immediately looked up and saw that the round, protruding pavilion roof was covered with countless wine gourds.

Guiguzi took a sip and handed it to Bai Wushang, saying, "Lord Wushang, try this. It's the osmanthus wine that the Thirteenth Prince treasures."

"Hehe, if the Thirteenth Prince knew, he'd yell at you to death!" Bai Wushang laughed heartily, not taking the gourd from Guiguzi, but instead flicking his wrist, sending one down with him.

The two clinked their gourds together, laughing heartily, and downed them in one gulp. After a long while, they both threw away their gourds and smiled at each other.

"Impressive drinking capacity!" Bai Wushang said with a smile.

"Not as good as Lord Wushang. I've heard that Lord Wushang once drank a thousand cups without getting drunk at the Thousand Table Banquet in Nanzhao, becoming famous throughout Nanzhao! Unfortunately, I wasn't in Nanzhao at the time and couldn't witness it firsthand." Guiguzi laughed, his aged voice tinged with melancholy and the smell of alcohol, truly that of an old man who had experienced many vicissitudes of life.

"Hehe, that was only three years ago. The Shen family funded a thousand-table banquet. Why wouldn't you be in Nanzhao?" Bai Wushang asked with a smile, finally getting to the point.

"I'm used to wandering around. Why would I be in Nanzhao?" Guiguzi countered.

"Is that so? The young master of the Shen family seemed quite familiar with you just now!" Bai Wushang still smiled, tossing down a wine gourd and playing with it in his hand. He leaned back lazily, his long, beautiful eyes revealing a deep, playful, and meaningful look.

"They just mistook me for someone else," Guiguzi explained.

"Is that so? Then... what did I ask for, sir?" Bai Wushang asked casually, but his voice was deep. He turned to look into the garden. His handsome features were almost perfectly outlined by the moonlight in the dim light. The beauty mark a centimeter below the corner of his right eye looked like a real tear falling from the corner of his eye under the pale moonlight, as beautiful and desolate as the autumn night.

"You went along too, sir. You must have made a mistake. Young Master Shen doesn't have what you're looking for," Guiguzi said with a smile, as if chatting casually.

"Oh... I see..." Bai Wushang seemed to understand, slowly tilting his head back to look at the densely packed wine gourds above him, his long, beautiful eyes narrowing... He stared for a long, long time without speaking.

Guiguzi immediately sat up straight, becoming wary.

However, Bai Wushang didn't make much of a move. He stretched and slowly stood up. "You're under Weiwei's command, not under my jurisdiction. But don't blame me for not warning you, Murong Wei isn't someone easy to serve."

With that, he smiled faintly and turned to leave.

"What do you mean?" Guiguzi immediately spoke up. Finally, his voice wasn't old; it was somewhat hurried and deep, revealing his age—probably in his early twenties.

"The literal meaning," Bai Wushang continued forward, whistling lightly.

"Don't touch my wine, or I'll tell you where you want it!" Guiguzi said seriously. Compared to gambling, wine was his Achilles' heel; serving Murong Wei was secondary.

Bai Wushang then slowly turned around, a harmless smile on his face, and said, "Actually, my lord, I can give you even more fine wine. The Three Pools of Thousand-Year Snowflake Brew dug from the icy forests of Shang Kingdom. Even a person who can drink a thousand cups without getting drunk can be intoxicated for three days and three nights with just one sip. Have you ever tasted it?"

Guiguzi immediately shuddered, his whole body stiffening. Thousand-Year Snowflake Brew... that was the emperor of wines!

Bai Wushang slowly approached, leaning close to Guiguzi's ear, and whispered, "Chen Xiao, is it life or death?"

Guiguzi suddenly took a step back, his dark eyes hidden under his black robe deep and clear. Bai Wushang didn't say anything more, quietly watching him.

Suddenly, Guiguzi laughed, "I knew I hadn't chosen the wrong person."

Bai Wushang leaned against the railing, and Guiguzi also sat down. The two raised their cups and clinked them together.

"What you want isn't in Chen Zui's hands. He's just using lock picking as a pretext to search for me. The real item is in the Shen family's forbidden area. I secretly went in once, but the place is guarded by a golden toad, so there's no way to get close," Guiguzi said.

"Is the one Chen Zui has a replica?" Bai Wushang asked. This matter was investigated by Liu Jian, who had never made a mistake.

"Hehe, it is indeed the platinum treasure box that I made! Back then, in order to steal that thing, I made many fakes, but I was discovered by Chen Zui. Actually, the real item in the Shen family is not the platinum treasure box, but the silver treasure of the fourth layer," Guiguzi said.

"So, this is why you left the Shen family?" Bai Wushang asked, slightly surprised.

"That's one reason," Guiguzi said.

"You came to us also for this eight-layered treasure box?" Bai Wushang asked.

"To be precise, I didn't come to you. It was just a coincidence. I used lock picking as an excuse to meet someone capable of finding the eight-layered treasure box. If Xuan Yuanlie had found me first today, perhaps I wouldn't be here," Guiguzi said with a smile.

"What use do you have for the Xuanyuan Coffin?" Bai Wushang asked again.

"It has its own purpose. I was planning to lead you to the Shen family after leaving the capital, but now that you know, I'll save myself some trouble!" Guiguzi said with a smile.

Bai Wushang smiled, not pursuing the matter because of his concealment, and said thoughtfully, "The Shen family is far away in Nanzhao..."

"If Lord Wushang can help me get rid of Shen Zui's pursuit for the time being, I can go to Liusha with you first." Guiguzi said. Xuanyuan Li had mentioned that there was a grand Dharma assembly in Liusha Kingdom, and the time was approaching.

"This Young Master Shen... really can't be killed." Bai Wushang stroked his chin thoughtfully, glanced at Guiguzi, and then said, "It wouldn't be good to alarm your old man."

Guiguzi shrugged, indicating helplessness.

Bai Wushang smiled and said, "I have no way to help you, my lord. I'm more concerned about the whereabouts of your aunt Shen Xiao."

"Hehe, I wasn't even born yet! I only heard that she went mad from a qi deviation and got lost. Some people said they saw her in Han Kingdom, already a wife and mother, but after inquiring, there was no news. Your old man has been looking for her for more than ten years!" Guiguzi said.

"You weren't even born yet, so that means Shen Xiao wasn't very old when she advanced to the fourth level of Blazing Qi!" Bai Wushang suddenly frowned, becoming serious.

"Legend has it that the Shen family has the blood of a Black Qilin flowing in their veins, producing many highly talented innate Qi cultivators. Shen Xiao is a once-in-a-century talent, far more talented than the old man. Unfortunately, she was indifferent by nature and disliked competition. As for how she went mad from her cultivation, there must be a reason." Guiguzi said calmly.

"The Black Qilin is the king of earth beasts, and all beasts fear its blood!" Bai Wushang said.

"Not every member of the Shen family has Black Qilin blood. So far, only Shen Xiao has it. The old man only reached the late stage of the third level of Blazing Qi at an advanced age; his talent wasn't actually that high." Guiguzi said.

"What about you?" Bai Wushang asked.

"Hehe, I don't know either. Perhaps it will be activated one day, or perhaps, like the old man, I'll never break through to the late stage of the third tier in my entire life," Guiguzi said with a smile. Even with the Black Qilin blood within him, it still requires external stimulation to unleash its full potential. This is the fatal weakness of those who cultivate Qi Refining; external force is always full of luck.

Bai Wushang didn't speak, but instead drank a few sips of wine.

"Although the Silver Treasure Box is in the Shen family, the Shen family doesn't know its use. The eight-layered treasure box in the forbidden area contains the Shen family's taboo," Guiguzi said calmly.

"A taboo?" Bai Wushang asked, puzzled.

"A book, a secret manual that even the old man has never seen. Legend has it that it records the internal cultivation method of Qi Refining. Because the method is extremely cruel, it was forbidden by our ancestors," Guiguzi said.

"The old man was easily fooled. The Golden Toad is a big problem..." Bai Wushang sighed.

At this moment, a line of lights slowly approached from afar, passing under the pavilion.

"Weiwei is back..." Bai Wushang smiled, his mood clearly different.

"Let the master report for me, hehe, I'm going to lie down and win big, I'll be back tomorrow morning!" Guiguzi's voice returned to its old and eerie tone. He weighed the money bag in his hand, and before he finished speaking, he was gone.

Bai Wushang didn't turn his head, smiling as he watched the lights disappear into the bright courtyard ahead. He said calmly, "Liu Jian, has the riding outfit I asked for arrived?"

A thin, dark figure slowly emerged from the darkness of the pavilion and said calmly, "It's been sent over, Master. On the brocade map, there are indeed totem symbols similar to those of the Shang and Han kingdoms in Nanzhao. The silver treasure box should be in the Shen residence." Liu Jian said calmly.

"Thirteen said there are two eight-layered treasure boxes in the underground palace of the Flowing Sand Dharma Assembly. So that makes five. There are no symbols inside the Xuanyuan Corpse. Could it be that the missing part of the Flowing Sand Kingdom has five treasure boxes?" Bai Wushang asked with a frown.

"Perhaps you guessed right. Perhaps this brocade map isn't the layout of the Eight-Layered Treasure Box," Liu Jian said calmly.

"Where did you find this map? How can you be so sure it's related to the Xuanyuan Emperor's mausoleum?" Bai Wushang asked, frowning.

"I don't remember, but I'm certain it's related," Liu Jian said earnestly. He had even forgotten who he was, yet he remembered countless things related to the Xuanyuan Emperor's mausoleum. "

Keep an eye on Murong Wei. I have to attend to other matters..." Bai Wushang was already used to Liu Jian's amnesia. Smiling, he got up and headed towards the Qi Prince's residence.

Autumn Hunt, time to go...

...

It was past midnight, but lights were still on in Murong Wei's courtyard. Xuan Yuanli was earnestly explaining the rules and procedures of the autumn hunt to her.

On the table lay a bright red riding outfit, which they had spent most of the day urging the tailor to finish. Murong Wei loved it. Modern riding outfits consisted of white shirts, black suits, and dark hats—quite monotonous. Ancient riding outfits were different; the accessories alone were a complex art.

"Your name isn't on the invitation. If Mother gives me a separate carriage tomorrow, dress up as a royal physician and say you're my accompanying physician. Use my asthma as an excuse, understand?" Xuan Yuanli instructed in a low voice, making it seem like they were doing something wrong even though they were in their own residence.

Murong Wei nodded repeatedly. "What about Lao Bai? He really won't let me come?"

Xuan Yuanli coughed a few times and said, "There are limited spots. Anyway, he still has the Shen family's young master to deal with."

Murong Wei nodded and then asked, "What if the Empress Dowager doesn't give you a private carriage?"

"I never ride in the same carriage as anyone else!" Xuan Yuanli said coldly.

"If she uses that eight-wheeled carriage, with so much space, she'll definitely let you go," Murong Wei said with a smile.

"Then I...I...I..." Xuan Yuanli hesitated for a long time without getting to the point, then pouted and said, "Anyway, if she doesn't give me a private carriage, I'll just hitch a ride with Seventh Brother. If you come with me, it won't be so easy for her to cause you trouble. She won't dare to openly provoke Seventh Brother."

A complex look flashed across Murong Wei's eyes, but she remained silent.

"The royal hunting grounds are on the desolate grasslands to the north. Even at the fastest speed, it takes three days to get there from the capital, with very few stops along the way. Aside from the royal palace, the area is almost deserted. Make sure you check everything you need; you won't find anything there if you're missing anything," Xuan Yuanli said.

"How exactly are deer shot?" Murong Wei was most concerned about this.

"On the last day, there are no deer in the hunting grounds. Those creatures are specially transported from the Shang Kingdom; they're spirit beasts. They can fly into the sky in a few leaps. It's not as simple as you think," Xuan Yuanli said seriously.

Murong Wei frowned, recalling the reindeer in Western legends that pull Santa Claus through the sky. Could such spirit beasts really exist?

"I've seen them a few times. Seventh Brother always shot them down, only taking the antlers for the emperor as medicine. The emperor would exchange them for something else. It was the same when Father was alive," Xuan Yuanli said.

"Isn't there anyone in the royal family capable of shooting deer?" Murong Wei asked.

"No, and besides, none of them are willing. The elk is a sacred beast; legend says that shooting a sacred beast shortens one's lifespan, while consuming elk antlers prolongs it. The emperor wanted these things but dared not hunt them himself, so he established this rule, which has continued within the royal family for hundreds of years."

"Prince Qi, you've been shooting elk since childhood, was it to curry favor with the late emperor?" Murong Wei asked calmly.

"Perhaps he didn't believe the legends." Xuan Yuanli glanced at Murong Wei and then said, "Are you afraid too?"

"I don't believe it either." Murong Wei smiled and asked, "On the last day… how many days does a normal autumn hunt last?"

"Ten days, plus the travel time, it'll take at least half a month. Every year after the autumn hunt, winter arrives." Xuan Yuanli said.

"No wonder this riding outfit is trimmed with fox fur, hehe, it's really beautiful." Murong Wei smiled, picking up the bright red riding outfit and examining it. The fiery red garment had meticulous stitching; the outside looked like silk fabric, but the inside was filled with a thin layer of fox fur, perfect for keeping warm. She even wore a bright red veil of the same color, making it quite complete.

"The timing is too rushed, otherwise I would have made you several sets, ten colors for you to wear in rotation, to dazzle those old women's eyes!" Xuan Yuanli said with a smile, still holding a grudge from the Chrysanthemum Garden incident!

"The first bird to stick its head out gets shot, Your Highness, this time we're just aiming for the deer, let's not cause any trouble." Murong Wei said.

"Don't worry, don't worry!" Xuan Yuanli raised his hand, about to get up but then paused, saying, "Weiwei... I forgot to ask you... can you ride a horse?"

Murong Wei was taken aback, then burst out laughing, "Thirteenth Prince, you don't even know if I can ride a horse, yet you dare to take me to hunt deer?"

"Can you or can't you?" Xuan Yuanli asked anxiously.

"It's a secret! Your Highness should go and rest early!" Murong Wei smiled, picked up the riding outfit and turned to go inside, thinking to herself when to make a riding outfit for Ye Bao and send it over, that kid would definitely look very handsome and stylish in riding clothes!

Upon entering, she saw a set of ice-blue clothes on the table, the same color scheme as the gauze skirt she was wearing.

Could it be Bai Wushang? When was it delivered?

Just as she was about to ask, Xuan Yuanli outside the door had already left.

She unfolded the clothes, her heart pounding wildly. So beautiful! She had never imagined that riding attire made of such ice-blue could be so stunning!

The collar, cuffs, and hem of the top, the trousers, and the hem of the skirt were all trimmed with white velvet fox fur, exuding nobility and luxury. The combination with the ice-blue color was perfect, creating a look that was both dashing and ethereal.

Along the slanted collar, a row of buttons cascaded down to the right sleeve and the left edge of the skirt, all embroidered with a row of plum blossoms made of fox fur, the stitching delicate and exquisite.

Murong Wei frowned, taking a gentle sniff. The clothes even faintly emitted a delicate and elegant plum blossom fragrance. She searched for a while, but couldn't find where the sachet was embroidered.

Like the red riding outfit, the material was top-quality silk, very lightweight. There was no fox fur underneath, but a white fox fur cloak was added. The discerning Murong Wei knew from a light touch that this item was quite valuable; it was trimmed with peacock gold thread, woven from silk, with a thin layer of fox fur as the base. Lightweight yet very warm, it was perfect for hot weather or prolonged activity, as the red riding outfit would be stuffy.

Murong Wei's delicate brows furrowed, one hand covering her mouth through the light veil, the other holding the ice-blue riding outfit. She seemed lost in thought, or perhaps hesitant about something, remaining silent for a long time.

"Son, tell me which one..." Suddenly, she unconsciously turned around, stopping abruptly halfway through her sentence, realizing her son, who often offered advice, wasn't beside her.

With a helpless smile, she carried the two sets of clothes towards the inner room. As she walked, something fell to the ground. Looking down, her heart clenched, her breath caught in her throat, and a complex mix of emotions surged within her. Her hand trembled, and both the ice-blue and fiery-red riding outfits fell to the ground.

Lying quietly on the ground was only an ice-blue, half-openwork mask. The craftsmanship was exquisite and detailed; the openwork patterns on the cheeks were dense yet uncluttered. Even though it was openwork, the face beneath the mask was not clearly visible. Below the empty eyes, a small row of fragments of blue jade, like blue crystal, shimmered and shone brightly.

Only one word could describe this half-mask: coldly gorgeous.

Murong Wei stood there stunned for a long time before carefully picking up the mask. Even though she had a suspicion, her heart still skipped a beat when she touched it. This mask was incredibly light, much lighter than her old silkworm-embroidered gold mask. It was made of gauze woven from thousand-year-old ice silkworms, adorned with carvings and jade inlays. What exquisite craftsmanship could create such a rare treasure?

Only he, Bai Wushang, could afford such a grand gesture.

She carefully lifted the veil and gently placed half of the mask over her face. The size was perfect, and the edges seemed specially treated so that they wouldn't leave marks even after prolonged wear. Like the silkworm-embroidered gold mask, it was warm in winter and cool in summer.

The mirror was behind her. Like all women, she had always loved beauty, and even though she was naturally lazy, she was meticulous about her clothes and appearance. But when she awoke from her coma and saw that half of her face was ruined, she stopped caring about her appearance altogether. Her clothes became purely practical and comfortable; she wore the simplest hairstyle, casually tied up and adorned with a hairpin. She rarely even looked in the mirror.

She wanted to turn around, to see what this mask, more beautiful than her real face, looked like on her. But she hesitated, standing there for a long, long time before finally slowly removing the mask, deftly picking up her clothes from the floor, and turning to leave.

Yet, it was precisely this turn, this distance, that allowed her to see herself clearly in the mirror, along with her flowing, ice-blue gauze dress.

She hadn't looked in a mirror since she put on that dress.

In that instant, she understood why so many people turned their heads and whispered among her on the street. That icy blue gauze dress was so beautiful; it not only accentuated her graceful, alluring figure but also her pure and pristine beauty. The low-cut, cinched waist, the white veil, and the flowing skirt trailing on the ground—elegant yet refined, dignified yet not extravagant—complemented by the blue jade hairpin tucked into her hair. If one didn't see her face, her figure alone made her seem like a woman straight out of an ancient painting, so beautiful.

In that instant, she finally couldn't resist. She raised the icy blue mask, slowly concealing half of her flaws. Dressed entirely in icy blue and snow-white, even she herself couldn't recognize the person in the mirror.

Beneath the mask, her bright eyes were filled with an overwhelming icy blue.

Was it his favorite color? Cold and silent, elegant yet noble, seemingly aloof yet also charmingly lively and approachable.

In the deep of night, in the empty room, she faced only a stranger, speechless, until tears inadvertently welled in her clear eyes. She lowered her head, slowly removing half of her mask, and hurriedly carried a pile of clothes into the inner room, somewhat disheveled.

Almost instinctively, she put away her ice-blue riding attire, including the mask.

She spent the entire night packing and organizing her belongings, the overly conspicuous canvas now covered with a layer of pure white silk, draped diagonally across her body, quite similar to the style of Liu Sha's riding outfit.

"Knock, knock, knock..." Just as she was dozing off on the couch, a rapid knocking came at the door.

"Weiwei, Murong Wei, good news! My mother agreed! Come on, I'll take you to buy snacks for the road!" Xuan Yuanli's excited voice boomed.

Startled, Murong Wei hurriedly opened the door, only to realize it was almost noon. She shielded her eyes from the sunlight and said casually, "Where's Lao Bai? Even if you're not coming, you could at least see us off, right?"

"I haven't seen him since yesterday, nor have I seen Guiguzi. He's probably busy tidying up Chenzui," Xuan Yuanli said with a smile, ignoring the hint of disappointment in Murong Wei's eyes that she herself didn't even notice…

If the hunt were to take place during the day, hunting flags would be fluttering and the procession vast and imposing. Unfortunately, at night, only a trail of lights could be seen, winding and stretching for miles.

The annual autumn hunt was the grandest outdoor event for the royal family. The procession stretched from Xuanwu Gate to the northern suburbs, a magnificent spectacle. Xuanyuan Lie, Prince Qi, Xuanyuan Li, and officials rode at the head of the procession, followed by a creaking procession of carriages carrying the two empress dowagers, Prince Qi's two principal wives, and the families and attendants of officials of the third rank and above. Behind them were Xuanyuan Lie's personal guards, nearly half of whom were present.

Xuanyuan Lie was arguably the youngest emperor in Xuanyuan history; however, the absence of any concubines or children in this grand procession inevitably sparked discussion among the onlookers.

Murong Wei, dressed discreetly as a royal physician, rode alongside Xuan Yuanli's empty carriage. Ahead of her were two carriages belonging to the Qi Prince's residence. The first one was empty, with Jin Chan and Cai Zai riding alongside on either side. The second carriage carried the two principal consorts of the Qi Prince's residence, each accompanied by their respective matrons on either side of the coachman.

Further ahead was Princess Qi Xi's carriage, a charming pink one, reflecting her independent nature. This princess was deeply favored by the Eastern Empress Dowager and often sneaked out of the palace to play, making her a rare sight. Although willful and capricious, she still understood right from wrong, as Xuan Yuanli had mentioned to her several times.

Ahead of Princess Qi Xi were two carriages side-by-side, representing the two empress dowagers. This arrangement demonstrated that the Western Empress Dowager's position was still considerable. The late emperor had given the throne to Xuan Yuanlie, yet he had shown considerable care for Xuan Yuanche and his mother; at least Xuan Yuanlie dared not openly disrespect her.

The two empress dowagers led the way, followed by several rows of attendants, and then the civil and military officials. Even with the lights on, Murong Wei couldn't see Xuan Yuanli. He had led her to Xuanwu Gate, only giving her a few instructions before hurrying off. He certainly didn't know she was starving!

Murong Wei looked back; a dark mass of carriages, all similar in size. She'd heard that Xuan Yuanche's invited friends were at the very back of the procession, yet to be seen. She wondered who they were. Head bowed, she anxiously awaited the procession to stop so the people at the front could board their carriages.

The north wind howled, the night deepened, and the capital's prosperity was left far behind. Only the creaking of carriage axles and the clatter of horses' hooves remained in the vast procession; the faint sounds of laughter and conversation from ahead were drowned out by the wind.

Murong Wei stood in the cold wind for three whole hours. The government offices didn't have hoods, and her long, neatly styled hair was blown into disarray. Along the way, she saw servants frequently bringing hot water and food to the passengers of each carriage. She glanced pitifully at the steward sitting with the coachman and whispered, "Steward, could I have some hot water?"

"Doctor Murong," the steward advised, "I can't make that decision. There's no one in this carriage, and the servants might not even listen to you. Please wait a little longer; the Thirteenth Prince will be here soon."

Murong Wei nodded helplessly. Last night, Xuan Yuanli had said that the rules for the autumn hunt were even more numerous than those for the chrysanthemum banquet, especially those serving at the hunting grounds and palace—they were shrewd and opportunistic. It was best not to give anyone a reason to cause trouble, otherwise, she'd be grounded and sent back before the last day.

That guy was even more nervous than she was; she'd better not cause him any trouble.

Just then, the curtain of the carriage ahead was lifted, and Consort De, her face veiled, peeked out. She spoke to the accompanying eunuch, who nodded repeatedly and hurried forward.

Murong Wei, suspicious, said, "Steward, could you call the Thirteenth Prince over? He could at least get in the carriage for a while so we can have some refreshments before he leaves." "Doctor Murong

," the steward said earnestly, "His Highness has instructed me several times to be discreet and ensure you remain until the last day of the hunt. The Thirteenth Prince said our principle is to avoid it if possible!"

Murong Wei was utterly exasperated, wishing she could drag Xuan Yuanli over and give him a good scolding. Did he really have to treat her like this, making her feel like she was facing a formidable enemy?

"Doctor Murong, you have the status of an imperial physician and you can ride a horse. Do you see? Apart from the one maidservant who serves you personally, all the servants have to run with the carriage. The Thirteenth Prince has already taken good care of you, so just ride your horse with peace of mind. Don't worry about anything else. This time, only this old servant, the steward, ten maidservants, and twenty attendants from our Prince's Mansion have come with us. The Prince has given instructions to them all, and they won't make any mistakes." The steward said solemnly.

Murong Wei simply turned her head to look elsewhere. At this moment, the person who came with the little eunuch from the Qi Prince's Mansion was actually Prince Qi, Xuan Yuanche!

He was still dressed in his flowing white robes, his long black hair only held up with a single black jade hairpin, most of it casually falling down his back. His entire outfit consisted of only two colors, even the jade pendant he had just put on at his waist was black. He rode high on his white horse, looking like a celestial being, his handsome eyebrows slightly furrowed. The reins were held beside the carriage, but there was no lower part of him.

Consort De had been eagerly awaiting Xuan Yuanche's arrival, her face lighting up with joy. "Your Highness, Qi'er was sleeping restlessly; he kept calling for his father."

Xuan Yuanche immediately dismounted, whispered a few words to a eunuch, and boarded his carriage.

Murong Wei wondered, "Steward, can't Prince Qi come too?"

"Doctor Murong, there's a child in that carriage, the only boy in the royal family to date. He's very precious!" the steward said. "Consort

De's son, Xuan Yuanmingqi, has returned?" Murong Wei was startled. When she and Xuan Yuanche arrived, everyone had already boarded the carriage, and she hadn't seen him at all.

"I heard Consort De was made a principal wife and brought him back. Prince Qi's sons all unfortunately died young, and this child is almost five years old this year," the steward said, the implication of which Murong Wei understood more or less. Almost five years

old—that's a year younger than Ye Bao. She wondered what he looked like; did he resemble Prince Qi more, or Consort De more?

Murong Wei smiled, unable to help but think of Ye Bao. She wondered if that brat had caused any trouble along the way. He should probably be out at sea by now!

He'd always been clamoring to go to the beach since he was little, but she never had time to take him, and she was always worried he wouldn't be able to handle the harvest and would eat too much seafood. He'd only been twice in his life.

Had Xuan Yuan Ming Qi ever been to the beach? Was he as mischievous as Ye Bao? When Ye Bao was five, he could already scale walls with her using her all-purpose hook. What about Xuan Yuan Ming Qi? Had he learned martial arts? Would the Prince of Qi personally teach him?

Ye Bao knew so many things—swindling, cheating, stealing, arson, poisoning, buying and selling slaves, and so on. Did Xuan Yuan Ming Qi know any of those?

Unconsciously, she made all sorts of comparisons in her mind, comparing five-year-old Ye Bao to Xuan Yuan Ming Qi now. Her Ye Bao had won in several ways, losing only in one aspect: status. Ultimately, it was just about having a father. Xuan Yuan Ming Qi had a father to hold and comfort him, while Ye Bao only had her as his mother.

Thinking of this, she quickly tilted her head back, blinking frantically to keep the tears from falling. When her son had nightmares at night, did Qinglong and Huofeng hold him tight?

The ocean night is always mysterious and dangerous. The howling wind whips the sails, and the terrifying waves send shivers down the spine of everyone on board.

This is a rather large cargo ship, shaped like a dragon boat, with sails soaring into the clouds and a huge dragon head at the bow, lifelike in the night.

Everyone on board is in a hurry, bustling about. The old captain and a few crew members stand in the wheelhouse, gazing at the sea, the atmosphere tense. The other crew members are skillfully and rapidly furling the three large sails.

A storm is approaching. Fire Phoenix stands with her hands behind her back on the crossbeam of the sail, her bright red clothes billowing wildly in the wind. Even with the help of the lights, she can't see the sea ahead clearly, only a black line rapidly approaching on the horizon. Fire Phoenix has sailed many times before and knows this is the calm before a storm. However, even the most capable person is helpless at sea, like someone who has lost their left and right arms.

She glanced at the busy crowd, her brow furrowed, and flew towards the cabin.

The ship was rocking so violently that only one person could sleep on the entire ship—that brat, Ye Xiaobao.

The cabin had a separate room, but the one reserved for Ye Xiaobao was a small, cramped storage room converted from the innermost compartment, with tatami mats right at the entrance.

Huo Feng opened the door and saw Qinglong quietly standing guard to the side, and immediately felt annoyed. "Go out and take a look. That old captain isn't saying anything, and I can't figure anything out. Judging from the wind and the humidity in the air, this storm isn't small."

"That old captain travels between the ports of Shang Kingdom and Nanzhao year-round; he's seen all kinds of storms. Let them handle it," Qinglong said calmly, staring at Ye Xiaobao's quiet little face. Even though he had his own room on the ship, he still stayed by Ye Xiaobao's side all night. His master had instructed him more than ten times to watch over the child while he slept, never leaving his side.

"You should at least go and check on him. This kid isn't your son, why are you so concerned?" Fire Phoenix was extremely jealous, even though the two had always been partners.

"Lord Wushang instructed me. His mother said he has nightmares at night and needs to be watched over." Azure Dragon explained, his temper mild.

"You do whatever she says? How old is he? He'll suffer a lot at the Hundred Poisons Sect. Can you guarantee you'll be watching over him every night when he gets there?" Fire Phoenix said coldly, sitting down irritably and spitting out another curse, "Master will tear you apart!"

"This kid is different. Lord Wushang personally instructed me, so Master will get a share." Azure Dragon said.

"Heh, you haven't seen all the poison kids Master raised. Aren't they all clever, lively, and adorable? They were still used to raise Gu poisons, weren't they? I think this kid is already quite skilled at such a young age, he definitely won't escape!" Fire Phoenix said with a sneer.

"No." Qinglong didn't argue, stating his position before carefully covering Ye Bao with the blanket.

Just then, the ship suddenly lurched and capsized to the right. Qinglong immediately scooped Ye Bao into his arms, protecting him with both hands. As everything in the cabin slid to the right, Huofeng grabbed the door threshold, trying to close it but failing. A chaotic mess of things from the corridor rushed in with a rumble.

"Huofeng, let go!" Qinglong shouted, protecting Ye Bao and letting everything hit him.

"Watch your godson!" Huofeng said coldly, grabbing the door frame with her other hand, using her body to block everything.

However, before the debris could hit Huofeng, the ship suddenly tilted to the left, and everything slid to the left. Qinglong, holding Ye Bao, spun around, crashing heavily into the door, then spun again, blocking the falling debris, while Huofeng was thrown out of the door.

A storm seemed to be approaching; the large ship was rocking violently, the roar of the waves growing louder and louder. Huge waves surged up, crashing heavily onto the deck, splashing water into the cabins!

Those inside were tossed about violently, while the crew on deck clung tightly to anything secure to avoid falling into the sea. The old captain, personally leading several tall slaves, struggled to maintain the ship's direction and speed. The scene in the storm was breathtaking; every now and then, crew members couldn't hold on and were violently thrown onto the sea, quickly swallowed by the darkness…

How much time passed, it was unclear, but dawn was breaking… The morning sea was so calm, the horizon a golden line of light, the sun about to peek over the horizon, seagulls flying low in the distance, a cool breeze gently caressing the face, filled with the scent of the ocean.

Besides the captain busy gazing into the distance, using a compass to find his way, several slaves were waking the unconscious crew members one by one, while inside the cabins, Qinglong and Huofeng were in a panic.

The storm stopped just before dawn. Neither of them had slept; they were covered in bruises from the impact. They glanced at Ye Bao, assuming the child had fainted from fright, but he wouldn't wake up no matter how many times they called him!

"He must have fainted before the storm even arrived! What happened?!" Huo Feng was frantic, her face turning pale. Although she was strict with Ye Bao, she couldn't face anyone if something happened to him.

"Impossible! He was clearly asleep. Before he fell asleep, he was making up stories for me! He had all sorts of male and female protagonists, I couldn't understand a word!" Qing Long was anxious, touching Ye Bao's forehead several times, checking his pulse—everything was normal—but he just wouldn't wake up!

"There's a doctor on this ship, I'll go find one!" Huo Feng said urgently.

"What use is a doctor if we can't find anything?" Qing Long rarely spoke loudly. As a member of the Hundred Poisons Sect, he knew a little about medicine, much better than the barefoot doctor on the ship.

At that one loud shout, Ye Bao suddenly moved, his little hands gripping his arm tightly, crying out, "Mommy, run! Mommy, run faster!"

"No, go away, bad people, you're all bad people, Mommy, where are you?"

"Mommy, I want Daddy, Mommy, go find Daddy, go find Daddy quickly to save us!"

"Mommy, I want Daddy..."

...

He seemed to be having a nightmare, his tender little face flushed red, either shouting or clenching his teeth, his nails digging into Qinglong's flesh, his narrow eyes tightly closed, tears welling up in the corners of his eyes, a sight that would break anyone's heart.

Huo Feng didn't care about anything else, rushing forward and patting Ye Bao's little face, "You brat, wake up! Wake up, you won't be afraid when you wake up!"

However, it would have been better if she hadn't moved. With that pat, Ye Bao burst into tears and wouldn't wake up. Her body convulsed, and she curled up in a ball. Huo Feng was so shocked that she fell to the ground with a thud, completely bewildered. "How... how could this happen?"