Chapter 631: Shi Ji

Those words hit like a heavy hammer, smashing into Gao Changjing's heart.

Indeed, since Chen Yan could predict their movements and silently set an ambush, how could he be foolish enough to rely only on those embroidered-cloth envoys to fight them to the death?

I never imagined that this seemingly fair standoff had been a meticulously laid trap from the very beginning!

Just as Gao Changjing's mind was violently shaken, as if falling into an ice cave, a sudden footstep shattered the forest's chaos.

Everyone turned toward the sound, their pupils contracting, faces full of disbelief.

Beside Gao Changjing, Shi Ji, who had fallen with the others, was slowly standing up.

He brushed the dust off his robe, moving calmly, expression serene—hardly a hint of weakness.

"Shi Ji?!"

Gao Changjing cried out in shock, the astonishment in his eyes nearly spilling over.

He stared at the familiar figure, feeling his blood freeze at that moment, "You... why can you still stand up?!"

Cui Yizong and Xu Langwen were also dumbfounded, staring fixedly at Shi Ji, faces full of astonishment.

They had traveled, eaten, and rested together with Shi Ji; if he were poisoned, how could Shi Ji remain unharmed?

Shi Ji heard this, gave Gao Changjing a sideways glance, a merciless sneer curling his mouth, his tone full of sarcasm: "Gongzi, the way you ask that, it's really stupid!"

Gao Changjing felt his heart constricted by that stare, a breath stuck in his chest, almost unable to breathe, his hand pointing at him trembling slightly: "You... you..."

He truly couldn't understand why this subordinate, who had been by his side for years and seemed loyal, would now show such a strange, indifferent demeanor.

Shi Ji, however, gave no riddles; his smile faded slightly, his tone resolute, each word clear to everyone: "Because, Shuyi is the one who poisoned you!"

After the words fell, he paused, then as if it weren't enough, smiled and added: "Otherwise, what else could it be?"

"What?!"

Those words were like a thunderclap, exploding in the ears of Gao Changjing and the others.

Gao Changjing's eyes widened sharply, the color in his face draining completely, leaving only a pallid white.

He stared at Shi Ji, his lips moving, yet he couldn't utter a single word.

Cui Yizong, too, trembled violently as if struck by lightning.

Xu Langwen's long sword rang "Clang!" and could no longer be held, slamming heavily onto the ground, his gaze fixed on Shi Ji, eyes filled with raging anger and disbelief.

Shi Ji, as if oblivious to their shock, still wore a faint smile, continuing leisurely, each word cutting to the heart: "Not only that, but also your hidden hideouts within Chang'an City—Yonghe Lane, Zhaoxing Lane, Shengdao Lane, Tongshan Lane..."

He deliberately paused, his gaze sweeping over the ashen-faced Gao Changjing and Cui Yizong, then slowly said: "And the movements along this route, all were Shuyi's, relayed one by one to the Pillar State and the Prince of the Commandery."

"Boom!"

Those words completely shattered the last sliver of hope in Gao Changjing's heart.

He finally understood why Chen Yan could know their movements as if by heart, why every step of their escape from Chang'an seemed to be within the opponent's calculations.

It turned out that behind all this was the person he trusted most, delivering a fatal stab from the shadows!

Gao Changjing stared fixedly at Shi Ji, his once eagle-sharp eyes now bloodshot, swirling with confusion, anger, despair, and an indescribable pain.

He seemed drained of all strength, his chest heaving wildly, screaming hysterically: "Why! Shi Ji, tell me why!"

"What did Chen Yan actually promise you!"

The hoarse, broken voice, tinged with near-collapse desperation, echoed through the silent forest, making one's hair stand on end.

Cui Yizong also recovered from shock, struggling to rise but only flailing uselessly, his gaze at Shi Ji like he wanted to devour him alive, shouting: "You, Shi, are you mad!"

"Why did you betray Qi State, betray Gongzi!"

"Do you not even want your family in Jinyang anymore!"

He thought that threatening one's family would always make Shi Ji show a hint of fear.

After all, Shi Ji's wife, children, and elders are still within Qi State's territory, under Your Majesty's control...

Xu Langwen's eyes bulged, staring at Shi Ji, a beast-like roar from his throat: "You treacherous scoundrel!"

"Young Master Gongzi treated you kindly, how can you act so self‑righteous!"

He and Shi Ji had once fought side by side, countless times, battling bloodily against enemies.

But now, that former comrade has become a back‑stabbing traitor.

Shi Ji looked at the disheveled, frantic crowd on the ground, his gaze so calm it bordered on cold, showing no remorse, not even a hint of concern.

He listened to Gao Changjing's hoarse, desperate questioning, to Cui Yizong and Xu Langwen's angry shouts, the curve of his lips not only unsoftened but grew more mocking.

Just as the crowd's curses were about to burst through the heavens, his voice suddenly changed.

It was no longer Shi Ji's usual coarse voice, but that of another man—clear and slightly lazy, like spring water tempered with ice, carrying an indescribable playfulness.

Then, leisurely, he retorted: "But what do Shi Ji's family in Qi State have to do with me?"

Those light words struck like a thunderclap, hammering Gao Changjing's heart.

Gao Changjing lay on the ground, his blood seemingly frozen at that moment.

Staring fixedly at the "Shi Ji" before him, that voice was terrifyingly unfamiliar, unlike the subordinate who had followed him for years with unwavering loyalty.

A chill surged up his spine, and he instantly reacted, pupils contracting, shouting: "You are not Shi Ji!"

"Who on earth are you?!"

Those words caused Cui Yizong and Xu Langwen to shudder, their gazes at "Shi Ji" now mixing anger and hatred with a hint of terror.

Indeed, Shi Ji's family is far away in Jinyang; if he betrayed them, why would he be so indifferent?

But the earlier voice change—could an ordinary person achieve that?

Chen Yan stood nearby, taking it all in with a calm smile, his sleeve brushing his robe as he tilted his chin toward "Shi Ji", his tone laced with indulgent amusement: "Since Brother Gao is so curious, let's satisfy his curiosity!"

"At your command."

"Shi Ji" nodded slightly, his voice shifting tone again, this time a woman's—clear as a nightingale's song—leaving the crowd stunned.

He raised his hand, fingertips landing on both sides of his cheek, gently pulling.

The thin human‑skin mask, indistinguishable from his own skin, was easily peeled away.

Beneath the mask, whose coarse face was it—still that of Shi Ji?

To everyone's surprise, it was an extraordinarily beautiful woman's face.

Eyebrows like distant indigo, eyes like autumn water, jade nose and cherry lips, skin surpassing snow; even dressed in men's clothing, the breathtaking beauty could not be concealed.

"Woman... woman?!"

Cui Yizong widened his eyes, his eyeballs nearly popping out, and let out a startled cry.

He kept his mouth open for a long time, unable to close it, his face full of incredulous astonishment.

Xu Langwen was also dumbfounded, staring at that stunning face, feeling his scalp tingle and the hair on his body stand up.

However, the upheaval was not over yet.

Just as the crowd had not yet recovered from the shock that Shi Ji was a woman, that gorgeous female face began to change slowly under everyone's gaze.

She lightly brushed her fingertip across her cheek, and her delicate features seemed reshaped; her eyes became narrow, and the curve of her lips grew sharper.

The previously gentle aura vanished instantly, replaced by a fierce heroic spirit.

It turned into a man's appearance, with sword‑like brows and starry eyes, handsome and extraordinary.

"Man... man?!"

Xu Langwen inhaled a cold gasp, shouted in shock, his voice trembling.

Cui Yizong was even more terrified, his soul scattering, his throat feeling blocked, only able to emit a hoarse sound.

Before they could recover, the man's face shifted again, and in an instant transformed into a pure, delicate young woman's face.

The eyebrows and eyes curved, exuding a hint of innocent charm, completely different from the previous stunning fierceness.

"Again... again turned into a woman?!"

Cui Yizong's voice was full of terror, as if he had seen a ghost.

These successive changes were like an absurd nightmare, leaving everyone present bewildered.

They stared at the ever‑changing face, feeling a chill run through them, a coldness rushing from their feet straight to the Heavenly Spirit Cover.

Gao Changjing stared fixedly at the ever‑changing visage, his chest heaving violently; he drew a deep breath, forced the raging turmoil in his heart down, tried to calm himself, and asked hoarsely, "You... what exactly are you, monster?!"

The words prompted the surrounding Suicide Warriors to echo him, their eyes full of fear.

Chen Yan, seeing this, finally raised his hand and halted Qin Ci's transformation.

He gave a slight smile, his gaze landing on the pure woman's face; his tone was calm yet carried an indescribable smugness, and he said with a laugh, "Let me introduce her—her name is Qin Ci!"

He paused, then added a meaning‑laden sentence, his voice low but clear to everyone: "Of course, she has another title in the jianghu..."

"She is called the Thousand‑faced Enchanting Beauty!"

"Thousand‑faced Enchanting Beauty?!" Xu Langwen was instantly dumbfounded, as if struck by a bolt of lightning, his whole body frozen.

He widened his eyes, staring at Qin Ci, his face full of shock, and shouted without voice, "You're the Thousand‑faced Enchanting Beauty?!"

This title is thunderously renowned throughout the jianghu!

It belongs to a top‑tier master who can change a hundred faces in an instant, appear and disappear like a spirit, and kill unseen.

Moreover, she is the most enigmatic among the ten greatest jianghu masters!

Gao Changjing also shivered all over, the color in his face draining completely.

He could never have imagined that he would be bested by such a legendary figure.

He stared at Qin Ci, astonished, and said in disbelief, "You... you also pledged allegiance to Chen Yan?!"

Upon hearing that, Qin Ci playfully winked at Gao Changjing, a sly smile appearing on her pure face, and nodded, "Yep!"

She said, turned around toward Chen Yan's direction, respectfully clasped her fists, her tone full of admiration, half‑smiling, and said, "As the saying goes, a fine bird chooses a sturdy tree..."

"Moreover, the terms offered by Chen Zhuguo are impossible for anyone to refuse..."

With those words, Gao Changjing's heart sank completely.

He looked at Chen Yan, his gaze extremely complex—resentment, anger, despair, and a hint of indescribable respect.

Then, shaking his head, a bitter smile tugged at his mouth, and he sighed lightly, "A truly formidable Iron Palm Flying Dragon, even the Thousand‑faced Enchanting Beauty has joined his ranks—Chen Zhuguo, you truly have great skill!"

However, Qin Ci's next words were like a bucket of ice water, chilling Gao Changjing's heart even further.

Qin Ci lifted her hand, her jade finger lightly pointing toward the two silent figures in dark robes beside Chen Yan.

She looked at Gao Changjing and the others' astonished expressions, and said teasingly, "The Jade‑faced Asura and the Night‑wandering Divine Lord, two living beings, are standing right there..."

"... and you all have ignored them?"

"Jade‑faced Asura?! Night‑wandering Divine Lord?!" Xu Langwen was as if struck by lightning, his whole body frozen.

He snapped his head around, looking at the two figures standing among the crowd, finally noticing their upright stature and composed aura.

Unlike the other embroidered‑clad envoys, they exuded a faint, intimidating killing aura.

These two titles are also top‑tier among the ten greatest jianghu masters!

The Jade‑faced Asura kills like a whirlwind, yet possesses a handsome visage.

The Night‑wandering Divine Lord excels at stealthy tracking, striking at night, never missing.

"There's... there's two more of the top ten masters?!"

Cui Yizong shouted in despair, his voice full of hopelessness.

At that moment, the cold inside him surged abruptly, a bone‑piercing chill flooding his limbs, causing him to shiver involuntarily.

He finally truly realized how terrifying this man named Chen Yan really was...

Iron Palm Flying Dragon, Thousand‑faced Enchanting Beauty, Jade‑faced Asura, Night‑wandering Divine Lord...

Among the ten greatest jianghu masters, four have already fallen under his command!

Even, it is highly possible that there are far more...

Gao Changjing collapsed on the ground, his mind a tangled mess, the previously overlooked details and hidden doubts now surged like a tide.

He suddenly froze, as if grasping a key point, his gaze sharpening instantly, and he shouted, "Wait, no!"

His gaze was locked on Qin Ci's ever‑changing face, then suddenly shifted to the composed Chen Yan, his voice tinged with stubborn resentment: "Shi Ji was with us almost every day, inseparable. When did you swap him out?"

The question was like a thorn, stabbing hard into everyone present's heart.

Indeed, Shi Ji had followed Gao Changjing for years, his temperament and habits already deeply ingrained in his mind....

If he was silently replaced, how could there be no flaw?

Chen Yan heard this, gave a calm smile, his eyes flickering with a hint of strategic composure.

He didn't answer directly; instead, he crossed his arms behind his back, stepped slowly onto a fallen green leaf, his toe lightly crushing it with a faint crack, then leisurely asked, "Brother Gao, do you still remember the only time I, the Duke, intervened, entering Chang'an's Ghost Market to besiege you?"

"Remember!"

"Of course I remember!"

Gao Changjing spat out the words through clenched teeth, a flash of humiliating scarlet in his eyes.

That memory, to him, was no different from a nightmare.

He clenched his fist, his knuckles whitening from the strain, and said in a deep voice, "Back then it was close—just about to fall completely into your hands....."

Before the words finished, Chen Yan let out a light laugh, stepped forward a few paces, his robe flapping in the wind, one hand clasped behind his back, his posture as upright as a pine, and said, "When King Qiao entered the Ghost Market to bait you, Qin Ci was disguised as his guard, following close, and that was the first time you met him....."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the pallid faces on the ground, his tone growing even calmer, yet each word cut to the heart: "Later I, the Duke, destroyed your nest in the Ghost Market. Though you escaped by luck, the survivors became trembling birds, hearts in panic, reduced to a scattering of sand....."

At that point, Chen Yan deliberately elongated his speech, his smile deepening: "It was then that Qin Ci changed his appearance, and while your hearts were scattered and you had no time to attend to anything else, he silently slipped into your ranks!"

"So that's it!"

Gao Changjing trembled as if struck by lightning, his whole body jolting, muttering under his breath, shock and realization mingling in his eyes, he couldn't help but sigh, "The timing was truly perfect!"

"What a brilliant move to fish in muddied waters, what a Death Tactic!"

At that time they had just barely escaped death in the Ghost Market; everyone was on edge, only concerned with evading pursuers and regrouping the remnants—there was no mind left to discern the lowly who had luckily fled.

Moreover, Qin Ci was only masquerading as an inconspicuous foot soldier; who could have guessed it was a deadly hidden move?

Cui Yizong leaned against a side, listening to Chen Yan's casual recount, feeling a chill surge from his feet straight up to the Heavenly Spirit Cover.

He looked at Chen Yan's young yet unfathomable face, a bitter smile curling his lips, and a storm rose in his heart: "So this is the youthful power‑broker who helped Yuwen Hu topple the two Grand Pillars of State, sit firmly on the throne, and was made a Grand Pillar of State at eighteen?"

Such meticulous scheming, such step‑by‑step planning, such deep calculation—how could that be a boy not yet twenty?

Clearly he is an old fox who has been steeped for years in court politics and the deceitful ways of the jianghu!

Every step is calculated with precise ruthlessness, every move employed with utmost mastery!

He even couldn't help but wonder in his heart whether Chen Yan's face was truly genuine.

Could such tactics truly belong to a nineteen‑year‑old boy?

Just as Cui Yizong's hair stood on end, Gao Changjing, still unwilling to accept, shook his head, furrowed his brows, his eyes full of confusion and resentment, blurted out, "That's not right either!"

He stared intently at Qin Ci, as if trying to spot a flaw on her face, and asked hoarsely, "Shi Ji has followed me for so many years—his temperament, habits, even his food preferences and walking gait are all deeply ingrained in my mind!"

"Even if she can disguise herself perfectly and replace him, after long interaction there would inevitably be some flaw!"