Chapter 1034: The Death of Xuan Dongsi
Editor: Henyee Translations

“Stop!”

“Stop right there!”

“If you don’t stop, we’ll shoot arrows!”

The pursuing soldiers were closing in. Being caught would endanger the entire Dalin kingdom. Chu Qingzhi couldn’t afford to be cautious. Using her spiritual power, she enveloped Yuan Hongjun and Bao Linjiang, who felt a force wrap around their bodies. The cold wind whistled past their ears, and in the blink of an eye, they had traveled a great distance.

The pursuers, unable to find their targets, were left bewildered, looking ahead in confusion. Where did they go?

After running for a while, Chu Qingzhi finally stopped. “We should be safe now. Let’s rest for a bit.”

Having expended a significant amount of spiritual power, she needed to recover, or it would be difficult to handle another crisis.

Tang Jinghong sat near Chu Qingzhi, keeping watch.

Yuan Hongjun and Bao Linjiang were torn between focusing on their master’s powerful abilities and the fact that they had been deceived for so long.

“Brother Tang, we really didn’t notice anything unusual in the camp,” Yuan Hongjun said, unable to hide his frustration.

Bao Linjiang added, “And we were taken to the camp by the Chen’an national guards, so we had no reason to suspect anything.”

Tang Jinghong’s expression was stern. “Some people in Chen’an have already colluded with Xia Sang Kingdom.”

Bao Linjiang asked uneasily, “Brother Tang, what should we do now?”

“First, we return to Dalin. We’ll figure things out from there,” Tang Jinghong replied.

“Alright.” The two disciples had no better plan, feeling only deep regret that would take a long time to overcome.

At that moment, a shadow passed by them.

Tang Jinghong hesitated briefly, then gave chase. Soon, sounds of a scuffle were heard, and he returned with a captured man.

The captive was masked, his hands and feet bound. Tang Jinghong threw him to the ground, his eyes filled with anger.

Yuan Hongjun stepped forward and removed the mask. “I don’t recognize him.”

Tang Jinghong didn’t either.

Chu Qingzhi opened her eyes in surprise. “Xuan Dongsi!”

Xuan Dongsi’s eyes were filled with malice, but upon hearing Chu Qingzhi’s words, he grew uneasy. “Who are you?”

Ignoring his question, Chu Qingzhi asked directly, “What were you doing at the camp?”

Xuan Dongsi couldn’t help but reply, “I went to find the top fighter, Xu Yun, to deal with Xuan Louze.”

Tang Jinghong glanced at Chu Qingzhi, wondering what she had done at the Xuan residence to provoke such hatred that he would go to the extent of seeking reinforcements at night.

Chu Qingzhi smiled innocently at Tang Jinghong and continued questioning Xuan Dongsi, “Is Xu Yun from Xia Sang Kingdom?”

“Yes, so what? Are you scared?” Xuan Dongsi answered arrogantly, hoping to intimidate these unknown people.

“Xuan Dongsi, when is your family planning to assassinate Tang Jinghong?” Chu Qingzhi pressed on, “Where are your shadow guards? How are they planning to carry out the assassination?”

With each question, Xuan Dongsi grew more terrified. “How do you know this?”

“Answer me!” Chu Qingzhi commanded.

Xuan Dongsi clenched his teeth, refusing to speak. Blood trickled from his lips.

Chu Qingzhi patted Xuan Dongsi’s head, and he finally spoke, “The assassination is planned for the night of the succession ceremony. The shadow guards are already in Liang City, lying in wait. Once they receive news of the ceremony, Liang City will host a grand sacrificial ceremony, and the governor will certainly invite Tang Jinghong. The shadow guards will strike during the ceremony.”

The group was shocked. The enemy had laid out their plans long ago, and they were completely unaware.

“Who is leading the operation?” Chu Qingzhi asked.

“The new head of the Xuan family, Xuan Dongsheng.” As soon as Xuan Dongsi finished speaking, he spat out blood and fainted.

“We must return quickly to stop the succession ceremony,” Chu Qingzhi said.

Tang Jinghong suggested, “Let’s find a nearby county town and get some horses to hurry back.”

“Good idea.”

…

By noon the next day, the four, disguised by Chu Qingzhi, entered Zhongling City. The succession ceremony was only a day away.

Chu Qingzhi, back in the guise of Xuan Louze, was immediately confronted by Xuan Nanzhou, who led a group of guards toward them. “Xuan Louze, grandfather ordered you not to return home. Leave Zhongling City immediately.”

“Isn’t this a family matter? Why can’t I participate?” Xuan Louze mocked.

“You never considered the Xuan family your own,” Xuan Nanzhou replied sternly. “Leave now, or I’ll have the army escort you out.”

Zhongling City had several thousand guards. While Chu Qingzhi wasn’t afraid alone, with Tang Jinghong and her two disciples, she couldn’t take the risk. Moreover, there were tens of thousands of other soldiers, and they were no match for such numbers.

“Let’s go. We’re leaving,” Xuan Louze said, taking a few steps. “Where is Zeng Huo?”

“He’s at the city gate waiting for you. If you don’t leave, I’m afraid he’ll have to be executed,” Xuan Nanzhou said coldly.

“I’ll make sure you use that knife,” Xuan Louze replied emotionlessly.

“You’re welcome to try,” Xuan Nanzhou responded indifferently. “Now, please leave.”

Forced to leave the city, they reached the gate to find Zeng Huo tied up, a soldier holding a knife to his neck.

Xuan Nanzhou gestured, and the soldier removed the knife, cutting Zeng Huo’s bonds and pushing him toward Xuan Louze.

Xuan Nanzhou watched Xuan Louze and his companions leave like defeated dogs, finally feeling a sense of satisfaction. “Leave and never come back.”

As they walked away, Zeng Huo pulled out a long sword from his sleeve. “Here.”

Xuan Louze, surprised, took the sword and examined it. “I was planning to come back and get it tonight.”

“No need. I brought it for you,” Zeng Huo replied.

Xuan Louze smiled, slinging the sword over his shoulder. “Thanks.”

“What kind of sword is this?” Tang Jinghong asked, noticing its extraordinary quality.

“It’s a Ujin sword, the only one in existence, taken from the Xuan family,” Xuan Louze explained, handing it to Tang Jinghong.

The sword was unexpectedly heavy, and Tang Jinghong had to steady himself to hold it properly. “Impressive. But what do you need it for?”

“I’ll tell you later,” Xuan Louze replied, planning to find the ancient family’s ruins, avoiding more trouble.

The five mounted fast horses and hurried back to Liang City.

…

At the Xuan residence.

“Young Master, Fourth Young Master has been killed.” The shadow guard reported to Xuan Dongsheng.

“What did you say?” Xuan Dongsheng was shocked, unable to believe it.

“We’ve already brought the body back,” the shadow guard said, also terrified, not knowing who dared to kill someone from the Xuan family.

“Take me to see,” Xuan Dongsheng said, his feelings for Xuan Dongsi making the news even harder to accept.

Xuan Dongsi’s body lay in his courtyard, surrounded by people. The First Lady sobbed and cursed, “We must avenge Dongsi! We must!”