Volume 1, Chapter 23: Journey Through the Darkness

"The back alley of the Sword Casting Bureau? Whatever the Princess Royal demands, I shall do!"

Long Zhan’s gaze naturally drifted away from Li Zhaohua’s curvaceous figure, and he slowly lowered his eyes. He had already learned from his senior sister, Ling Qingxue, that the Princess Royal, Li Zhaohua, had been keeping a low profile while secretly amassing significant influence. If he could align himself with her, his path to power would surely accelerate. Moreover, Li Zhaohua lived up to the rumors circulating in the capital—a scandalous woman indeed. Her attire was sheer and revealing, showcasing a full, voluptuous figure, and her beauty remained as striking and alluring as ever. If he could one day have such a seductress as his companion, would he ever be able to leave her bed?

Li Zhaohua pushed a brocade box toward Long Zhan. "Go to the back alley of the Sword Casting Bureau and deliver this box to an old acquaintance of mine. Once the task is completed, I shall reward you handsomely."

Long Zhan noticed the two intricate locks on the box and understood that the Princess Royal did not truly trust him yet. To win her over, he knew he had to perform this task flawlessly. He carefully took the box and replied firmly, "Please rest assured, Princess, I will certainly complete the mission!"

The Princess Royal nodded, her expression remaining icy. Compared to Zhao Wujiang, Long Zhan was merely another pawn to be utilized. However, unlike Zhao Wujiang, Long Zhan currently possessed more raw strength, making him a more useful piece on the board.

...

Night fell.

The Prince of Zhenbei’s estate.

To keep a low profile and avoid drawing attention, Zhao Wujiang decided to slip away to the Sword Casting Bureau alone under the cover of darkness. The Emperor had ordered him to go, but had not specified a time. Before leaving, he repeatedly instructed his old steward to stand guard over the estate, ensuring that neither Liu Ruyan nor Chiba Nichiteru could escape, be killed, or run off.

"Feed them regularly; keep those two women in a daze, as long as they don't die. Wait for my return. If necessary, send someone to ask the Princess Royal for help."

Once he was certain everything was secure, he slipped through a neglected dog hole in the wall, blending into the shadows. At every street corner, he would crouch down, pretending to search for a pebble in his boot, while secretly scanning the surroundings to ensure he wasn't being followed. After several checks, he found nothing amiss.

The Sword Casting Bureau was located on the outskirts of the capital. As he reached the perimeter, he crouched down once more. This time, his heightened senses detected an anomaly—a blurred figure flickered in the darkness, trying to evade his sight.

*I specifically chose to leave in the middle of the night, yet I’m still being followed? Who is so persistent?*

Zhao Wujiang pretended not to notice and silently quickened his pace. The follower, acting timidly, reached the edge of the alleyway, stood on tiptoe to peer ahead, and muttered in confusion, "Where did he go?"

"I'm right here, Grandpa!"

Zhao Wujiang dropped from a large tree, driving an elbow into the follower’s chest. The expected dull thud of impact never came; instead, he hit something soft and exceptionally elastic.

"Well now, golden silk soft armor?"

Seeing the elbow strike was ineffective, Zhao Wujiang didn't wait for the follower to argue and dropped his arm, lunging downward. "Monkey steals the peach!"

"Where’s the peach?" He grabbed at thin air and his brow furrowed deeply.

"Zhao..."

The follower was shamed and furious. Before they could finish, Zhao Wujiang clamped a hand over the masked mouth, shoved them hard against the wall, and pinned them down. Trapped beneath him in the insect-filled darkness of the alley, the intruder could only emit muffled whimpers.

"Who sent you to follow me!"

Zhao Wujiang ripped off the follower’s mask, revealing a delicate, porcelain-skinned face that was all too familiar.

"Ugh... why is it you?"

Seeing that face, Zhao Wujiang felt a massive headache coming on. "Seventh Princess, why are you following me?"

*[She’s supposed to be Long Zhan’s fated heroine, so why is she clinging to me? What exactly is this woman thinking?]*

Having been subjected to chest-groping and a "stolen peach" attempt, Li Yunrui’s face was flushed a deep crimson. Hearing Zhao Wujiang’s harsh tone, she threw her arms around him and refused to let go.

"Zhao Wujiang, stop pretending!"

"Huh?" Zhao Wujiang was confused.

Li Yunrui stared at him with starry eyes. After their argument earlier that day, she had returned to the palace and learned that her father had been keeping the Prince of Zhenbei’s estate under constant surveillance. She finally understood: because of her father’s scrutiny and disapproval, Zhao Wujiang’s actions had been intended to protect her from being implicated! He had pushed her away solely to keep her safe.

"No matter where you go, you won't be able to push me away this time."

Li Yunrui hugged him tighter, completely indifferent to the fact that Zhao Wujiang was pressing against her full, supple body. Zhao Wujiang tried to reason with her.

"It’s dangerous! If I take you with me, not only are you in danger, but I am too!"

"I knew you were worried about me. You care about me, you’re just saying the opposite of what you feel!"

Li Yunrui seemed to have found a crack in his armor; she knew his heart was truly with her. Zhao Wujiang was rendered speechless.

"Nothing to say, right?" Li Yunrui smirked triumphantly. "We should face hardships together to prove to my father that our love is real."

"Real love, my foot!"

Zhao Wujiang struggled, but while Li Yunrui might be lovesick, he was not. However, she had wrapped her legs tightly around his waist and locked her arms around him.

"I said, this time, you won't be able to push me away!" As she spoke, her voice took on a hint of grievance, as if she were on the verge of tears.

"Fine, fine, I’ll take you! Just don’t make any noise and draw attention." Zhao Wujiang finally compromised.

"Hmph!" Li Yunrui slowly loosened her grip but, fearing he might escape, she didn't let go entirely.

Helpless, Zhao Wujiang accompanied her toward the side gate of the Sword Casting Bureau. The main gate would certainly be guarded. The alley was desolate at night, devoid of people, filled only with the occasional chirping of insects. Li Yunrui chattered away beside him, and Zhao Wujiang gave the occasional response.

Meanwhile, Long Zhan and Ling Qingxue had also set out from the Commander’s Mansion of the Xiaoji Camp, heading toward the Sword Casting Bureau. However, the two of them remained mostly silent during their journey. Ling Qingxue remained as cold as a fairy, silently regulating her internal injuries and neutralizing the lingering heat of the True Yang energy within her. Long Zhan wanted to draw closer to his senior sister, but every time he tried to strike up a conversation, he was cut off.

Finally, after walking for some time, Ling Qingxue’s eyes flickered. Seeking to resolve some of her doubts, she probed, "Junior brother, I know our sect has always been strict and demanding, perhaps a bit restrictive. But since you descended the mountain and came to the capital to serve as a commander, even the Emperor favors you. Your potential is limitless... You are destined for glory and success. But although the imperial court treats you well, do you still remember who taught you these skills? And do you still consider yourself a disciple of the Daoist Sect?"