Chapter 110

"Good." Fu Junmo coldly lifted his head to look at me, a gloomy, dark storm brewing in his eyes, his tone mocking, "I agree to all your conditions."

Sigh! I raised my head to gaze at the tall city wall engraved with hidden wings, let out a long sigh, and because of his words I have become a utter prisoner, dragged into the city.

"Take her to the water prison." Fu Junmo didn't even glance at me, coldly ordering the soldiers escorting me.

I saw the soldiers around clearly showing reluctance and fear on their faces, and I couldn't help feeling secretly terrified. A youth resembling a squad leader stepped forward a few steps, hesitantly lowering his head to ask: "Your Highness, a weak woman like her being thrown into the water prison is dreadful… Moreover, she is after all the Empress of Qi, a goddess descended from heaven; treating her this way, isn't it inviting ridicule?"

His voice cut off abruptly, warm blood spattered in drops onto my face and neck, making me shudder involuntarily. The youth before me was already beheaded; his headless body spurted blood, twitched reflexively twice, then slowly collapsed. That skull rolled several times and came to rest at my feet.

I jerked my head away, one hand clapped over my mouth, retching continuously. My intestines clenched, my qi and blood surged, yet I couldn't vomit anything. I couldn't help lamenting, this mother-and-child grass medicine is really over the top—do I really need to react this realistically?

"Whoever dares to say another word, this is the consequence." Fu Junmo coldly swept his gaze over the pallid crowd, finally resting on me.

My jaw was suddenly pinched, then my right wrist; Fu Junmo ruthlessly dragged me forward a few steps, lifted his head, and that cold, sinister face loomed before my eyes.

He curled the corner of his mouth, that smile expressing indescribable contempt and hatred, his voice icy, "I almost forgot, Ruoer, you're covered in thorns from head to toe."

Having said that, he jerked his left hand, and it had already been severed from my wrist. My heart jumped, my face paled another notch.

"How? Quite unexpected?" Fu Junmo single-handedly restrained my struggling hands, regardless of whether in front of the crowd, his other hand roughly roamed over my whole body, coldly saying, "By now, do you think I'll still show you mercy?"

I secretly rejoiced in my heart that I had left the handgun with Wei Lingfeng, my expression calming, I submitted to his actions.

My jaw ached again, a foul-smelling pill was shoved into my mouth, heavily pressed down, and I swallowed it.

My intestines churned again; I jerked my head away and retched nonstop.

"Rest assured, that's merely a temporary Power-Dissolving Pill to cripple your martial arts." He held my face without allowing resistance, his icy fingertips gently wiping the bloodstains from my face, smiling cruelly and ruthlessly, "How could the Crown Prince bear to kill you so easily?"

I drew a deep breath, barely suppressing the surging fear in my heart, calmly looked at him, and said, "I want to see Xiao Yifei."

Fu Junmo's expression suddenly changed; he ruthlessly shoved me into the midst of the soldiers, coldly shouting, "Do you really want to die that badly?"

"Not that easy!" He flung his hand away violently, his voice terrifyingly sharp, "Take her to the water prison. No one may move her without the Crown Prince's order!"

I let out a long sigh, forcibly suppressing the churning of stomach acid, stepping on the blood-soaked ground, I slowly walked toward the water prison. It seems I won't be able to see Xiao Yifei in the short term; everything will have to be improvised.

Speaking of which, this is my third time in jail. The previous two times, I entered silently and left with a earth-shaking commotion. Those who detained me were Qi Ran and Wei Lingfeng; no matter how harsh, it couldn't be considered a desperate situation. But this time, the predicament is worrisome.

As I was mercilessly shoved into the water prison, I couldn't help but gasp a breath of cold air, realizing that this was no longer describable as merely worrisome.

Waist-deep water, murky and black, the kind where you don't know if drinking it would kill you. Occasionally water fleas skimmed across the surface, hinting at the abundance of aquatic life below. Looking down, fewer than ten people were held in the water prison; a few looked kind-hearted, they were Qi's commanders, presumably captives, half their bodies submerged, faces purplish, bodies shivering.

The youngest man, with thick brows and big eyes, yet his cheeks were sunken from exhaustion, his eye sockets dark. He was the first to lift his head and see me, then he was shocked, incredulously crying, "Empress?!"

I saw his bare upper body covered with several leeches, frantically sucking his blood, then swelling and detaching. Yet his hands, waist, and likely his feet were fixed, unable to move an inch.

Damn it! Fu Junmo, you bastard, actually locking a woman like me in this ghoulish place, and still daring to say you won't so easily take my life!

My stomach churned again; I instantly switched from cursing Fu Junmo to cursing that rotten mother-and-child grass herb. I gave a dry heave, then barely suppressed it, offering a bitter smile to the shocked crowd.

Suddenly, a scorching surge rose slowly from my dantian, rushing through my limbs and bones. I cried out in shock, then felt as if all my strength had been drained in an instant; I couldn't even stand normally.

A pair of sturdy, rough hands behind me steadied me; vaguely I saw the hesitant faces of the soldiers behind me, heard the angry shouts of Qi's troops, but couldn't make them out clearly at the moment.

After the medicinal effect finally eased, I gradually regained my hearing and sight, but when I tried to use my internal true qi, I found my dantian empty as a void—obviously, my inner power had been suppressed.

The jie had been taken away, my internal power was gone, and my handgun wasn't at hand. I couldn't help but wryly smile—does this count as being at the end of my rope?

"Miss Lan… Miss Lan…"

I started, came to my senses, then realized they were calling me, and quickly responded.

The Key State's soldiers looked at me, then exchanged glances, all showing worry in their eyes; finally the one who had just steadied me stepped forward a half-bow and said, "We must imprison you here by the Crown Prince's order; we have offended you greatly, Miss, and hope for your understanding."

This man may be unremarkable in appearance, yet he is pleasant to look at, his eyes holding a calm and wisdom beyond the ordinary.

I forced out a smile uglier than crying, my voice trembling, "Do I really have to go down?"

That person lifted his head to glance at me, his expression filled with reluctance, "The Crown Prince's order cannot be defied…" He paused, raised his short, thick forefinger and pointed to the front right, continuing, "At the far right end of the water prison, the water is lowest, only up to the knees. Moreover, there is a stone step there; we won't lock your legs and waist, so the water will reach only the tops of your shoes."

He glanced at me again, couldn't help sighing, "That's all we can do for you, Miss."

I nodded, the fear in my heart finally easing a little, and whispered, "Thank you!"

My feet sloshed in icy water, my nostrils caught a faint fishy stench, my ears heard the furious roars of Qi's officers, and I couldn't help but sigh deeply, Good heavens! When will this kind of day ever end!

On the Xin Yuan city wall, Wei Lingfeng wore a dark white embroidered gold brocade robe, his hair bound high with a golden crown; the summer breeze mixed with a hint of heat brushed past his ears. He clasped his hands behind his back, expressionless, gazing at the featureless distant horizon, the corner of his mouth suddenly twitching into a cold smile; his mocking tone made those already kneeling behind him bow their heads even lower. "Didn't you hear my words clearly? You may withdraw."

"Your Majesty…" Among the kneeling crowd, the sole white-robed scholar dragged his legs forward, crawling to Wei Lingfeng's side, continuously kowtowing, "Your Majesty, please punish this humble official; it was I who incited those soldiers to kneel outside the Empress's hall, and it has nothing to do with them!"

Wei Lingfeng's smile grew colder and more severe; he slowly turned his head, looking down at him from above, his voice tranquil, almost gentle, "I haven't punished them; what crime do you confess to yourself, Ren Zhiyi?"

This person is none other than the deputy general and military advisor beside Xuantian—Ren Zhiyi.

"Your Majesty!!" The eldest among the kneeling commanders also stepped forward, kowtowing heavily, his voice hoarse, "Your Majesty! We know we shouldn't wrongfully accuse the Empress, nor slander her. No matter how you punish your subordinates, it's of no concern to us… but… we absolutely cannot be barred from joining the war—defending our homeland is our lifelong dream… if… if we cannot personally guard Qi, protect our kin, what meaning is there for us to live?! Your Majesty, please withdraw your order!"

"Your Majesty! We'll march out right now, kill that damn flowery water, and rescue the Empress!!"

"Your Majesty! Please withdraw your order!!"

Everyone on the ground kowtowed, the sound thudding repeatedly. Wei Lingfeng merely flicked his sleeve lightly, smiling faintly, "If you love to kneel, then kneel here until tomorrow!"

"Xuantian!" Wei Lingfeng's smile vanished abruptly, he lifted his gaze to the grim-faced Xuantian standing not far away, his tone solemn, "Immediately mobilize thirty thousand Heavenly Armor infantry, ten thousand archers. Fifty thousand ordinary soldiers, gather and report to me!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Xuantian responded reflexively, then suddenly hesitated, his face showing difficulty, "But who will command all these troops?" As he spoke, he kept signaling those commanders with his eyes.

"Your Majesty—Your Majesty—" those soldiers scrambled desperately to Wei Lingfeng's face, shouting at the top of their lungs, "Your Majesty, let me go, let me go!"

Wei Lingfeng stepped back, keeping more than three feet from them, glanced at them coldly, "I'm not hiding it from you either—this is a mission with no return; the outcome will likely be death; are you also willing to go?"

"Willing!" After barely a breath's pause, a rough voice shouted, then rose and fell in echo, fearing to lag behind, they bellowed, "Your Majesty! Let me go, please let me go!"

Wei Lingfeng fell silent for a long while, as if suddenly weary, he waved his hand lightly, "Forget it. Xuantian, once the troops are assembled, bring them to see me."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Wei Lingfeng walked step by step along the corridor; the sleeping palace was not far away. Before, whether in military councils or supervising battles on the city walls, he constantly longed to return to that palace as quickly as possible—even just to hold her for a moment, or glance at her once, his heart would warm a little. But now, the pavilion remains the same, yet everything and everyone has changed.

He slowly shook his head, burying his pain and longing deep down, contemplating the strategy he had set today, pondering the half‑month‑later surprise attack, wondering if any loopholes remained.

Bingyi had sacrificed herself to exchange for the current situation for him; he absolutely, absolutely must not waste it lightly. If he could, he would launch the surprise attack sooner, rescue Bingyi sooner, but he knows he cannot.

The timing hasn't arrived; acting impulsively would only squander Bingyi's painstaking efforts, utterly ruining the hard‑won situation we've struggled to achieve. Therefore he must wait. Even if the hand hidden in his sleeve has grown stiff, even if his chest aches to numbness, he must… wait on.

Before his eyes, there was a sudden flicker; Cheng You's figure had already appeared before him, assuming a defensive stance. His dark face was now filled with solemnity as he gazed at some empty place, coldly shouting: 'Who?! Come out!'

Wei Lingfeng blinked slightly; a blue-white figure fluttered down, his long hair tied with silver strands shimmering and leaping in the sunlight, his youthful, peerless face bore a relaxed faint smile, his thin lips slightly raised, uttering a voice clearer than a stream: 'Big brother, long time no see.'

The stunned pause was only a moment; Wei Lingfeng lightly flicked his sleeve, his hands naturally clasped behind his back, his extraordinarily handsome face showing a half‑smile, his voice giving no hint of joy or sorrow: "Qi Ran, you've finally come."

"My lady, are you alright?"

I shook my head; I'd been imprisoned for three days and three nights, grown used to this situation, used to this incessant questioning, my head heavy and dizzy with pain. Who said that once a powerful martial artist loses all his inner strength, his physique becomes worse than an ordinary person's? I'm roughly in that state now.

I know they occasionally call me "my lady" and speak to me for fear I might faint. Here, if I lose consciousness completely, I may never wake again.

I barely steadied myself, looked at the youth who had spoken, and asked, "I've never asked—how long have you been held here?"

"My lady, it's been over two months."

"Then… do you know me?" I stared at him in surprise, scrutinizing him, then uncertainly asked, "You were also among the wedding guards..."

"My lady, do you remember your subordinate?" His eyes lit up; on his gaunt, bloodless face appeared a strange vigor: "I am Wang Jian! My lady, you healed so many in our village—I… I truly don't know how to repay your great kindness!"

I gave a bitter smile and shook my head, about to say I actually don't remember. Suddenly the sound of the iron door being pushed came from above. I startled, looked up, and wondered why dinner was being brought so early today.

Sunlight streamed through the slowly opening iron door, stabbing the long‑unseeing eyes with a sudden soreness; I couldn't help but narrow my eyes slightly.

When I opened my eyes again, the sight above instantly tensed every nerve in my body.

She was a peerlessly beautiful young woman, her cloud‑like hair and fragrant cheeks, eyebrows and eyes like a painting; sunlight fell on her youthful, stunning face, making her lovely and dreamlike. Everyone in the prison was stunned, bewitched, feeling that such a woman could only exist in heaven, rarely seen on earth.

Yet her captivating single phoenix eyes were fixed solely on me. Her gaze was cold and clear, yet could not hide jealousy and hatred; her expression was calm, yet could not extinguish the fire of anger. I lowered my head to look at my disheveled self, felt my wretched condition, and couldn't help but sigh inwardly, suddenly recalling Gorky's line—"Let the storm come even more fiercely!"

I cracked a smile at her, relaxed and cheerful as if greeting an old friend: "Yin Tianxue, long time no see." Deep down I admired myself for being able to tease myself even in this predicament.

Yin Tianxue gave a cold smile and stepped forward a few paces. I watched her flower‑like visage and thought: a beauty is a beauty, even her cold smile has its own charm. As Yin Tianxue shifted her position, the people she had been blocking behind the door stepped forward together in the lingering glow of the setting sun.

My eyes brightened—another top‑tier beauty? When I focused, I couldn't help lamenting my miserable fate anew. The newcomer was dressed as a palace lady, her features lovely, only slightly less stunning than Yin Tianxue's, yet possessing a gentle, alluring charm that Yin Tianxue lacked. She was none other than Lan Yingyu, the Third Miss of the Lan Manor, with whom I had a deep grudge.

I couldn't help shouting to the heavens in my mind, XD! Do you think my situation isn't miserable enough? Wei Lingfeng, can I take it back? If I'd known I'd be tortured by these two before even meeting Xiao Yifei, I would never have done such a foolish self‑sacrificial act!

Truly, I wanted to cry but had no tears.

"Take her up!" Yin Tianxue stared at me, her expression icy, and waved her hand at the men behind her.

Before my eyes blurred, the two black‑clad men behind Yin Tianxue leapt to my sides; with a slight exertion of force, the iron chains snapped link by link. I felt a pain in my arm, and my body was already lifted; in an instant, Yin Tianxue's flawless face was before my eyes.

"Seventh Princess, the Prince ordered that without his command no one may move Miss Lan; Princess, you are doing this…" said the guard who had helped me yesterday.

Yin Tianxue snorted coldly and said: "The Prince is your Yao Guo's prince, while I am the princess of Yin Guo; why should I obey him? Don't forget, your Yao Guo needs our Yin Guo's help to defeat Wei Lingfeng!"

The youth's eyes flashed with anger, but he could not retaliate; he merely lowered his head reluctantly and said, "The princess is right; I'll take my leave." Having spoken, he led the guards behind him out the door.

"Stop them!" Yin Tianxue flicked her sleeve, and the two other black‑clad men at her side sprang up, weaving through the crowd; in moments the guards all went limp on the ground, unable to move, clearly having had their acupuncture points sealed, then tossed aside like rags.

Yin Tianxue snorted repeatedly, swept past the slightly astonished Lan Yingyu, approached them, and spoke in a moving, pleasant voice: "Don't think I don't know what you're planning? Wanting Fu Junmo to come rescue her? Hmph…" She turned gracefully, her beautiful eyes holding a cruel smile, scanning the shocked Qi Guo officers below, finally resting on me.

The cold malice in her eyes, the jealousy and hatred in her voice made me shudder: "Today I will make you suffer utter humiliation before these Qi Guo soldiers. I will return the pain you inflicted on me a thousand, a hundredfold!"

"Come, bring the torture rack, bind this lowly woman to it!"

I pressed my lips, wanting to say, "When have I ever inflicted pain on you?" Wanting to say, "You, a princess, speak so crudely and act so viciously." Thinking it pointless, I kept quiet, letting those black‑clad men roughly haul my arms up and suspend me in midair, my feet hovering between touching and not touching the ground, my wrists chafed bloody, my shoulders near dislocation—utter misery.

Yin Tianxue took the whip from the man beside her, flicked it, and sparks flew across the ground. I couldn't help but shrink back—there was nowhere to retreat.

"Whack—" a lash, searing pain, the whitish‑black fabric split at a button, blood seeping out.

"Whack—whack—"…

I was tossed helplessly by the swinging lash, turning this way and that; I saw the iron door slowly closing, shutting out all sunlight from outside; I saw the candlelight flickering, illuminating Yin Tianxue's lustrous hand gripping the black whip as she lashed down again and again; I saw Lan Yingyu's fearful yet almost ecstatic twisted expression; I heard the Qi Guo soldiers' hoarse shouts, the splashing water, their fury and despair; and… and…

(End of chapter)