Chapter 198: Execute on the Spot, Leave None

Half a day later, Gesang Gong.

Gongsun Chi had just finished reviewing a memorial, holding a cup of ginseng tea, about to drink.

A eunuch came running in, stumbling and crawling, and knelt with a thud: "Your Majesty! The Guoshi Residence! An urgent report from the Guoshi Residence!"

Gongsun Chi set down his teacup: "What's the panic about?"

The National Preceptor is unconscious! His breath is faint!

The Daoists in the residence said that about half a day ago, the National Preceptor personally sent that Immortal Envoy of Fierce Country out of the gate; at that time his beard and hair were all white, his face withered, as if… as if he had instantly aged decades! He then collapsed and couldn't get up.

What?!

They have already summoned the Director of the Imperial Medical Bureau to personally treat him, but acupuncture and medicine were ineffective; the National Preceptor remains unconscious, they are helpless, and that's why they have come to disturb Your Majesty!

Gongsun Chi sprang to his feet; the teacup on the table was knocked over by his sleeve, spilling everywhere!

On that usually stern face, expression finally changed, filled with disbelief.

Wu Luo's abilities, he knows them all too well!

All along, he has been his greatest reliance for controlling the court and plotting major affairs!

How could he, in his own mansion, be rendered unconscious and near death by a little girl from Fierce Country!

How could this happen?

"Trash!" Gongsun Chi exclaimed in shock and anger.

He slowly sat back on the Dragon Throne, his eyes flashing with icy light.

Zhi Er is crippled, the decoy girls have all vanished, and whether the National Preceptor can still be used is uncertain.

That Immortal Envoy of Fierce Country is actually so formidable?

She must absolutely not be allowed to return to Fierce Country!

After a moment, he regained the emperor's coldness and resolve:

"Issue my order."

"Order the Hidden Guard to move out immediately, retrieve the Fierce Country Immortal Envoy unharmed, bring her to Tianqi Cheng; no need to worry about anyone else."

"If they chase to the border and still cannot capture her…"

He paused for a moment: "Execute her on the spot, leave none alive."

"My capital is not a place you can come and go as you please!"

"If you cannot leave your fortune here, then leave your life for me!"

"We must not let the tiger return to the mountain!"

"Yes!"

The Fierce Country entourage didn't even turn back to Yiguan to fetch their luggage and mounts, but directly bought the fastest horses at the nearby market and galloped toward the gate of Tianqi Cheng.

They dared not take the main road, but plunged into a rarely used small path, rushing full speed toward the border pass.

The next night, at a ferry crossing.

By the turbulent river, they finally managed to find a small boat.

"Hurry aboard!"

Xiao Er, carrying Tuan Tuan, was the first to jump aboard.

Several black shadows leapt from the trees on the riverbank, their aim clear; several pairs of large hands reached for Tuan Tuan behind Xiao Er.

Xiao Ningchen drew his long sword, weaving a curtain of light, but two fearless black-clad assailants grabbed him; his blade sliced their clothes, drawing blood, yet they seemed unfazed.

Xiao Ze and Xiao Ningxun, with guards, surrounded Xiao Er and Tuan Tuan in the center; more black-clad figures appeared, forming a deadly outer ring, attempting to break through the encirclement.

The small boat rocked; the enemy outnumbered us, the situation dire.

"Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!"

Several faint tearing sounds came from the reeds by the riverbank!

Countless black iron lotus seeds struck precisely at the outer black-clad figures.

"Ah!" "Ah!"

Several black-clad individuals were caught off guard and collapsed.

The first few black-clad men panicked instantly; Xiao Ningchen and Xiao Er seized the chance to cut them down together.

"Whoosh!"

Another iron lotus seed whistled through the air, its target not a person but the mooring rope at the boat's prow!

"Crack!" The rope snapped.

The small boat was instantly pushed away from the bank by the rapid current, swiftly sliding to the river's center.

Everyone escaped danger, but remained doubtful and uneasy.

The pursuers are surely the Emperor of Xia's men; who then lent us aid?

Xiao Ningxun pondered: "It should be that mysterious messenger."

Tuan Tuan lifted her head from Xiao Er's back: "Good uncle? He's still here!"

Three days later, at dusk, in a desolate village amidst ruined walls.

Dozens of black-clad men wielding sabers closed in from all directions, their moves vicious, each blade aimed at vital spots!

Furthermore, fire arrows "whoosh" toward the nearby thatched hut, flames instantly erupting.

Xiao Ze swung his sword to deflect a flying arrow: "Protect Tuan Tuan!"

Xiao Er still carried Tuan Tuan, fighting and retreating alongside Xiao Ningchen and Xiao Ningxun, his body already bearing several bloodstains.

The enemy, numerous and well-coordinated, gradually drove them into a dead end.

"Whoosh—!"

A tearing sound rang out, coming from a broken wall beyond the village!

It pierced the leading black‑clad man's throat with unparalleled precision!

He widened his eyes and instantly collapsed onto the ground.

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

Again a volley of several Arrows shot from the same direction, more black‑clad men fell with a single lethal strike!

"Ambush!"

"Watch your back!" the black‑clad men shouted.

Then, with a light "Bang", a pitch‑black object was thrown from afar into the midst of the black‑clad men, instantly bursting into a massive cloud of dense yellow smoke that completely obscured vision.

"Go!"

At Xiao Ningchen's command, everyone without hesitation surged out of the encirclement, running toward the dense forest outside the village.

Later the group encountered danger several times, each time at a critical moment, they were saved by mysterious Arrows or hidden weapons.

Finally, that morning, the group arrived at the last small town of the Da Xia border pass.

Yan Gui City.

The place was a mix of all sorts, with a constant flow of caravans, porters, and wandering martial folk.

After deliberation, the group decided to infiltrate the city in batches.

According to the prior arrangement, after entering the city they silently regrouped at the largest market.

It was a market composed of countless simple tents and various stalls.

The crowd roared, noisy and bustling.

Xiao Ningxun scanned the surroundings: "Dark under the lamps. They would never think we'd dare hide here."

The market's cries of vendors, haggling, and animal brays blended together; no one would mind a few hurried passersby.

Tuan Tuan lay on Xiao Er's back, their face full of curiosity as they looked left and right.

Xiao Er's tall frame shielded her completely, his eyes constantly vigilant of the surroundings.

Suddenly, a man dressed in ordinary Lieguo merchant attire, wearing a sun‑shade conical hat, walked toward them at an unhurried pace.

The man stood tall and walked steadily; the dense Luosaihu on his face covered most of it, revealing only a pair of calm eyes.

Xiao Ningchen's hand silently pressed the sword hilt, Xiao Ze stepped forward to Xiao Er's side, shielding Tuan Tuan without a hint of exposure.

The man stopped before them, his gaze fixed on Xiao Er; Xiao Er's whole body tensed, and he placed his hand behind Tuan Tuan's back.

The man smiled faintly: "Are you still carrying the Jade Bone Whistle I gave you, Tuan Tuan?"