"Is someone there?" Zhuo Qing's briefly relaxed nerves snapped taut once again. No way! Surveying the scattered, injured figures strewn about, then glancing at her own tattered and disheveled state, she groaned in despair. Had this night not been tormenting enough? Just how much misfortune could one person endure?
In the main hall of the Hot Spring Courtyard, Lou Xiyan sat lost in thought, her face shadowed with concern, her tea nearly spilling as she tilted the cup. Qi Tianyu called out once, but she remained oblivious. Frowning, he called again, "Xiyan?"
Snapped back to reality, Lou Xiyan met his gaze. "Any news?"
When had she ever appeared so unsettled? Was she anxious about Qingfeng? Unable to fathom her thoughts, Qi Tianyu said nothing further, only shook his head and replied, "No, and your tea has gone cold."
Lou Xiyan slowly raised her hand to set the cup back on the table with calm composure, betraying no embarrassment, as if her earlier distraction had been mere illusion.
"My lord," Jing Sa entered the hall with a grave expression. "The Northern Qi delegation has arrived at Shiliting, ten miles outside Huanyang City. They're camped there tonight. Tomorrow at noon, His Majesty will receive them at Qianyang Hall, followed by a banquet in their honor. The Grand Eunuch Gao inquired whether Your Lordship's health has improved sufficiently to attend?"
Lou Xiyan pondered briefly before asking, "Who are the envoys?"
"The Third Prince Xuxun Si, the Seventh Princess Xuyan Yun, and General Hu Zhangyu's eldest son, Hu Xi'ang."
Third Prince, Seventh Princess, and the General's heir? Lou Xiyan raised an eyebrow subtly. Northern Qi's envoys displayed unmistakable sincerity. If his suspicions were correct, the Seventh Princess was the tribute. Rumor had it she was not only breathtakingly beautiful but also possessed a dance skill so exquisite that spectators described it as ethereal and supernatural. Her presence here made the intention crystal clear. But would Hong Tian truly be so easily swayed?
Lou Xiyan smiled quietly. "Inform Gao Jin I shall attend tomorrow night."
"Yes, my lord." Jing Sa bowed and withdrew.
Glancing at the night sky, Qi Tianyu remarked, "It's almost the third watch. Perhaps you should rest. Return to the mansion at dawn; you must prepare for the palace banquet tonight. I'll continue searching for Qingfeng."
Lou Xiyan gently shook her head, replying coolly, "Wait a little longer."
She lifted a freshly brewed cup of tea, leisurely swirling the tea leaves with the lid, her expression unchanged.
Qi Tianyu silently wondered if he had truly misread her earlier tension.
"My lord," Mo Bai's steady footsteps echoed as he entered the hall and approached Lou Xiyan, presenting something. "Hongshan has been thoroughly searched, but Qingfeng remains missing. However, signs of a struggle were found in the forest behind the mountain. We're currently searching there."
Lou Xiyan set down her cup and took the item from Mo Bai's hand—an exquisite throwing knife. Her eyes narrowed slightly.
"This is Qianjing's weapon."
At that moment, Qianjing had been playing with it—its crescent-shaped blade razor-sharp. Such a slender throwing knife was rare; few could wield it effectively. If the figure in the back mountain was Qianjing, whom would he have clashed with? Qingfeng had been missing only three or four hours; if not in Hongshan, then most likely in the back mountain.
Suddenly rising, Lou Xiyan prepared to leave. Qi Tianyu hurriedly asked, "Xiyan, where are you going?"
Wrapping her cloak around her, she replied while walking out, "To the back mountain to take a look."
Qi Tianyu's heart leapt in alarm. "But it's late, and your health…"
Now he was certain—Xiyan cared deeply for that woman. What power did Qingfeng possess to command such concern?
"I'm fine. If I can't find her there, I'll return straight to the mansion."
Lou Xiyan's steps remained steady, unwavering.
Once Xiyan had made a decision, she would not turn back. Qi Tianyu could only relent, "Very well, we'll go together."
The group left the Hot Spring Courtyard, heading toward the back mountain.
The approaching footsteps grew nearer, even Zhuo Qing heard faint sounds. Her nerves tightened anew. Quickly surveying her surroundings, she found almost no hiding place, and certainly none large enough for three. To venture out now would be to walk into a trap. She sighed inwardly, praying the newcomers were not enemies.
Zhuo Qing fixed her anxious gaze on the cave entrance. Suddenly, Qianjing's hand gripped hers tightly. Propped up on one elbow, he said, "Help me sit up."
She moved behind him, gently pushing his shoulders until he was upright. Qianjing retrieved two throwing knives from the ground, snapping them between his fingers, then whispered to Zhuo Qing, "If there's a chance later, you run—understand?"
Zhuo Qing was startled but nodded after a moment's thought. "Understood."
As long as someone escaped, there was hope.
Reassured by her response, Qianjing relaxed slightly.
Ru'er bit her lip, her hands trembling yet still clutching her wooden staff with unwavering resolve.
All three held their breath, eyes fixed on the cave entrance.
No footsteps were audible, only a faint shadow flickered at the threshold.
Qianjing's expression darkened sharply. The newcomer's martial skill was formidable. If their intent was hostile, none of them would escape.
Clenching the slender blade tightly, when the glint of a long sword reflected coldly, Qianjing summoned his full strength and flung his blade at the shadow.
The throwing knife shot forward.
The assailant deflected it with a swift sweep of their soft sword, the clash ringing "Ding!"
The blade was knocked aside, embedding itself straight into the nearby stone wall, its exposed edge vibrating with a low hum.
To drive such a thin knife into stone revealed immense force.
Zhuo Qing and Qianjing were both shocked.
The intruder stepped inside.
Spotting the tall, upright figure, Zhuo Qing cried out with delight, "Blue Eyes!"
Tears threatened to spill—heaven truly had eyes.
After surveying the scene inside the cave, Mo Bai slightly turned aside as Lou Xiyan's slender silhouette appeared at the entrance.
Bathed in firelight, their eyes met—usually warm, now deep and inscrutable.
Zhuo Qing's heart skipped.
Why had he come?
Lou Xiyan strode directly toward her.
Zhuo Qing rose, asking, "Why are you here?"
His frail body was ill-suited to exertion, and the weather was so harsh.
Lou Xiyan gave no answer.
Seeing her long legs exposed, his gaze darkened.
A warmth spread over Zhuo Qing as Lou Xiyan's heavy cloak wrapped her tightly.
He gently lifted her chin, his cool fingertips brushing the scars on her neck.
Embarrassed, Zhuo Qing shrank her neck slightly, replying awkwardly, "I'm fine. They're more seriously injured."
The unsmiling Lou Xiyan unsettled her still; her heart beat wildly with unease.