Chapter 744

The entire Yongdu was shrouded in a dense network of water lines. Wanyan Chixiong had just finished practicing his spear technique, bare‑chested, holding his spear upright in the spacious courtyard of the Red Mountain Merchants' Guild. His sculpted musculature was drenched and pounded by the rain, forming a misty veil around him that added an air of mystery. Such rain is rare in the desert; Wanyan Chixiong stood like a long‑drought‑stricken tree finally meeting sweet rain, upright amidst wind and rain, feeling the spring rain cleanse and nourish him. The water seemed to seep into every cell and joint, letting him feel a deep sense of physical and mental ease.

Possible translation: The entire Yongdu was shrouded in a dense network of water lines. Wanyan Chixiong had just finished practicing his spear technique, bare-chested, holding his spear and standing in the spacious courtyard of the Red Mountain Merchant Guild. His sculpted musculature was washed and beaten by the rain, forming a misty vapor around him that added an air of mystery. Such rain was rare in the desert; Wanyan Chixiong stood like a long‑drought‑stricken tree finally meeting sweet rain, upright amidst wind and rain, feeling the spring rain cleanse and nourish him, as if the water soaked every cell and joint, filling him with a deep sense of physical and mental ease.

Make sure to keep all info.

We'll produce single line.

Zadan waddled over with his short, stout body, hands shielding his large head, and hurried to Wanyan Chixiong, exclaiming, "Fourth Prince, why aren't you taking shelter under the eaves?"

Translation: Zadan waddled over with his short, stout body, hands clasped over his large head, and exclaimed, "Fourth Prince, Your Highness, why don't you take shelter under the eaves?"

Wanyan Chixiong laughed heartily, then seized his great spear and strode into the rain‑shelter pavilion. As soon as he entered, Lahhan approached and draped a cotton blanket over him.

Translation: Wanyan Chixiong laughed heartily, then seized his great spear and strode into the wind‑rain pavilion; as soon as he entered, Lahan came over to drape a cotton blanket over him.

Wanyan Chixiong wiped the rain from his face and body, lifted a large bowl of kumis from the stone table, and gulped it down in one go, shouting, "Refreshing! Truly refreshing! We hardly ever see such a heavy rain in Black Hu, do we?"

Translation: Wanyan Chixiong wiped the rain from his face and body, lifted a large bowl of horse‑milk wine from the stone table, gulped it down in one go, and roared, "Refreshing! Truly refreshing! We Black Hu hardly ever see such a downpour, right?"

Zadan replied, "Your Highness is joking; our country is still in deep winter, with heavy snow possibly falling."

Translation: Zadan said, "Prince, Your Highness, you're joking; our country is still in deep winter, with heavy snow possibly falling."

Wanyan Chixiong sighed and said, "In Black Hu we spend nearly eight months of the year enduring bitter cold; under the same sky, why is there such a vast difference in how the Hu and Han peoples are treated?"

Translation: Wanyan Chixiong sighed, "In Black Hu we spend nearly eight months of the year enduring bitter cold; under the same sky, why do our Hu people and the Han people receive such vastly different treatment?"

A muffled thunderclap boomed, shaking the ground, and Zadan instinctively hunched his short, thick neck.

Translation: A muffled thunderclap boomed, shaking the ground, and Zadan instinctively shrank his short, thick neck.

Wanyan Chixiong said, "Soon I will lead our Hu people to graze in the Central Plains, so we no longer have to suffer the bitter cold of the northern desert."

Translation: Wanyan Chixiong said, "Soon I will lead our Hu people to graze in the Central Plains, so we no longer suffer the bitter cold of the northern desert."

Zadan said, "Your Highness, Fourth Prince, we have just received reliable news: assassins infiltrated the Qixing Palace last night, and Princess Anping died of poison."

Translation: Zadan reported, "Your Highness, Fourth Prince, we have just received reliable news: assassins infiltrated Qichen Palace last night, and Princess Anping died of poison."

Wanyan Chixiong was startled by the news. "Princess Anping is dead? Does this mean the marriage alliance between Great Yong and Great Kang has completely collapsed? The two nations could turn into enemies, which would be a great boon for Black Hu."

Translation: Hearing this, Wanyan Chixiong was also startled. Princess Anping dead? Does that not mean the marriage alliance between Da Yong and Dakang has completely collapsed? The two nations could turn into enemies, which would be great news for Black Hu.

Wanyan Chixiong asked, "Do you know who did it?"

Translation: Wanyan Chixiong asked, "Do you know who did it?"

Zadan said, "I heard the three assassins were all from the Banlan Sect, three of the Ten Great Disciples of the Old Monster of Beize, who colluded with Yang Xuan of the Daughter's Army to stage this incident."

Translation: Zadan said, "I heard the three assassins were all from the Variegated Sect, three of the Northern Swamp Old Monster's top ten disciples, who colluded with Yang Xuan of the Women's Army to stage this."

Wanyan Chixiong chuckled, "Good! Good! Good!" He repeated the word three times, then realized a crucial question: "Isn't Yang Xuan a subordinate of Hou Shengnan?"

Translation: Wanyan Chixiong chuckled, "Good! Good! Good!" He said three goods in a row, then thought of a crucial question: "Isn't Yang Xuan a subordinate of Huo Shengnan?"

Zadan nodded with a smile, "Exactly, according to my information. Besides Yang Xuan, over ten of her other subordinates participated in the assassination; after the attack Yang Xuan fled, and eight female soldiers who disappeared with her are also formerly Hou Shengnan's most loyal followers."

Translation: Zadan nodded with a smiling brow, "Exactly, according to my information. Besides Yang Xuan, over ten other subordinates took part in the assassination; after the killing, Yang Xuan fled, and eight female soldiers disappeared with her—all of them were Huo Shengnan's most loyal followers in the past."

Wanyan Chixiong laughed, "So she must be in big trouble, then?"

Translation: Wanyan Chixiong laughed, "So she's in big trouble, then?"

Zadan said, "Prince Seven, Xu Daoming, is grief‑stricken over the death of Long Xi Yue and has publicly sworn to get to the bottom of this. It is said he has already taken Hou Shengnan and her entourage into custody from the Qixing Palace."

Translation: Zadan said, "Seventh Prince Xue Daoming, grief‑stricken over Long Xi Yue's death, publicly vowed to get to the bottom of this. It is said he has already taken Huo Shengnan and her entourage into custody from Qichen Palace."

Wanyan Chixiong replied, "That is actually good news."

Translation: Wanyan Chixiong said, "That's good news."

Zadan said, "It seems the capital will be on edge these days, Your Highness; we too ought to proceed with caution."

Translation: Zadan said, "It seems Yongdu will be on edge these days; Your Highness, we too should proceed with caution."

Wanyan Chixiong glared at him, displeased, and asked, "What do I need to be careful about?"

Translation: Wanyan Chixiong glared at him, dissatisfied, "What do I need to be careful about?"

Zadan said, "The assassination of Princess Anping is no trivial matter; Great Yong cannot avoid giving Great Kang an explanation."

Translation: Zadan said, "The assassination of Princess Anping is no trivial matter; Da Yong cannot avoid giving Dakang an explanation."

Wanyan Chixiong snorted coldly, "It has nothing to do with us; we just need to watch the show."

Translation: Wanyan Chixiong snorted coldly, "It's none of our business; we just need to watch the show."

Zadan, however, was not as optimistic as Wanyan Chixiong. Although the princess's assassination had nothing to do with them, it is an undeniable fact that the event benefits Black Hu; and whenever there is benefit, others will suspect them.

Translation: Zadan, however, was not as optimistic as Wanyan Chixiong. Although the assassination of Princess Anping had nothing to do with them, the fact that it benefited Black Hu was undeniable; if it was advantageous, others would suspect them.

Wanyan Chixiong is no fool; he certainly knows what Zadan is worried about, and he smiled, "Don't worry. Since we didn't do it, nobody can pin it on us. By the way, help me prepare—I should pay a condolence visit, both emotionally and rationally."

Translation: Wanyan Chixiong was no fool. He certainly knew what Zadan worried about, and smiled, "Don't worry. Since we didn't do it, no one can pin it on us. Anyway, help me prepare—I should pay a condolence visit, both emotionally and logically."

Hu Xiaotian and Shikuang retrieved the Ice Soul Stabilizing Pearl and the Jade Coffin and returned to the Qixing Palace; by the time they arrived, it was deep night and all was quiet.

Translation: Hu Xiaotian and Shi Kuan took the Ice Soul Stabilizing Divine Pearl and the Cold Jade Coffin and returned to Qichen Palace; by the time they arrived, it was late at night and all was quiet.

Inside the Qixing Palace the lights were cold and clear; Princess Anping had passed, so there was no need for tight security. Hou Shengnan and her retinue had been taken away, and the guard duty now fell to twelve Jinlin Guards. Xi Jimin brought many people to help, and the Minister of Rites of Great Yong, Sun Weiyuan, had stayed here all day, only just returning to rest, after which he drafted additional staff from the Rites Ministry to set up a temporary mourning hall in the outer garden for visitors to pay their respects—though few came, reflecting the diminished standing of Great Kang today.

Translation: Inside Qichen Palace the light was cold and clear; Princess Anping had passed away, so there was no need for tight security. Huo Shengnan and her followers had been taken away, and the guard duty now fell to twelve Golden Scale Guards. Xi Jimin had brought many people to help, and the Minister of Rites, Sun Weiyuan, had stayed here all day, only just returning to rest, after which he drafted additional personnel from the Rites Ministry to hastily erect a memorial hall in the Outer Garden for mourners—though few came to pay their respects, Dakang's current diminished status being a major reason.

Everyone carried the jade coffin into the inner garden and temporarily placed it beneath the corridor. Hu Xiaotian said only that, according to Great Kang custom, the princess could not be interred until a full day and night had passed; the real reason, however, was that he saw the coffin's seams were tight and feared that if he placed Xi Yan inside for a whole night, she might be suffocated alive.

Translation: Everyone first carried the Cold Jade Coffin to the inner garden, temporarily placing it under the corridor. Hu Xiaotian only said that, according to Dakang custom, the princess could not be interred yet; she must lie in state for a full day and night before the body could be placed in the coffin. The real reason, however, was that he saw the coffin's seamless fit and feared that if Xi Yan were placed inside for a whole night, she might be suffocated alive.

After everything was settled, Hu Xiaotian went alone to the princess's chamber. Two maidservants in plain white garments knelt before the window, weeping incessantly; in truth they felt no affection for the Great Kang princess—their tears were merely part of their duty, and feigning sorrow for half a day was no easy task.

Translation: After everything was settled, Hu Xiaotian alone entered the princess's chamber. Two maidservants in plain white linen knelt before the window, sobbing incessantly; in truth they felt nothing for the Dakang princess, their tears were merely part of their duties, and feigning sorrow for half a day was no easy task.

Hu Xiaotian waved his hand and said, "You may leave now."

Translation: Hu Xiaotian waved his hand and said, "You may leave now."

The two maidservants felt a great weight lift, wiping away tears as they retreated—though in fact they had hardly any tears to shed.

Translation: The two maidservants felt relieved, wiping away tears as they retreated—though in fact they had no tears to shed.

Hu Xiaotian approached Xi Yan alone, first listening closely to the surroundings. As his cultivation of the Wu Xiang Divine Skill deepened, his perception sharpened—any slight movement within a three‑zhang radius could not escape his ears. Satisfied that no one was spying, he took from his bosom the brocade box holding the Ice Soul Stabilizing Pearl and, using voice‑transmission, whispered to Xi Yan: "The Ice Soul Stabilizing Pearl is coming; the Emperor of Great Yong has also sent you a fine coffin, the Jade Coffin."

Translation: Hu Xiaotian alone approached Xi Yan's bedside, first listening closely to the surroundings. As his cultivation in the Formless Divine Skill deepened, his perception grew sharper; any slight movement within three zhang of the room could not escape his ears. Satisfied that no one was spying, he took from his bosom the brocade box holding the Ice Soul Stabilizing Divine Pearl and, using voice transmission, whispered to Xi Yan: "The Ice Soul Stabilizing Divine Pearl is coming; the Da Yong Emperor has also sent you a fine coffin, the Cold Jade Coffin."

Xi Yan opened her eyes just a slit and whispered, "You seem so carefree—do you have any idea how exhausting it is for me to lie here pretending to be dead?"

Translation: Xi Yan opened her beautiful eyes a slit and whispered, "You seem so carefree—do you know how hard it is for me to lie here pretending to be dead?"

Hu Xiaotian chuckled, "Carefree? I've been busy all day and haven't even had a sip of water. Listen, miss, the Emperor of Great Yong has agreed to our request to depart tomorrow."

Translation: Hu Xiaotian chuckled, "Carefree? I've been busy all day and haven't even had a sip of water. Listen, girl, to the matter at hand: the Da Yong Emperor has already agreed to our request to depart tomorrow."

Xi Yan asked, "You want to leave tomorrow?"

Translation: Xi Yan asked, "You want to leave tomorrow?"

Hu Xiaotian replied, "It's not just for your sake—I can't let you keep lying here pretending to be dead forever."

Translation: Hu Xiaotian replied, "It's for your sake—I can't let you keep lying here pretending to be dead forever."

Xi Yan said, "Don't forget what you promised me."

Translation: Xi Yan said, "Don't forget what you promised me."

"What did I promise you?"

Translation: "What did I promise you?"

"Help me kill Wanyan Chixiong!"

Translation: "Help me kill Wanyan Chixiong!"

Hu Xiaotian felt his scalp tighten, wondering when he had ever agreed to her; Xi Yan had indeed raised that request before, but he had not consented then, and she had not mentioned it again. He had assumed the matter was dropped, yet he never expected this girl to still be holding onto the idea.

Translation: Hu Xiaotian felt his scalp tighten—when had he ever agreed to that? Xi Yan had indeed mentioned the request before, but he had not assented then, and she had not brought it up again; he had assumed the matter was dropped, yet he never expected this girl to still be clinging to the idea.

Hu Xiaotian said, "He who knows the times is a true talent; given the present situation, we had best leave Great Yong as soon as possible, or else…"

Translation: Hu Xiaotian said, "He who knows the times is a true talent; given the present situation, we had best leave Da Yong as soon as possible, otherwise…"

"Or else what?"

Translation: "Otherwise, how?"

Hu Xiaotian gave an apologetic smile and said, "Miss, please be a bit more sensible."

Translation: Hu Xiaotian gave an apologetic smile, "Girl, please be a bit more sensible."

"Hu Xiaotian, don't you know women are often irrational? I am precisely the most irrational—once I set my mind on something, I will see it through."

Translation: "Hu Xiaotian, don't you know women are often irrational? I am precisely the most irrational—once I set my mind on something, I will see it through."

Hu Xiaotian replied, "Don't bring harm to others or to yourself."

Translation: Hu Xiaotian said, "Don't bring harm to others and to yourself!"

Xi Yan said, "You don't need to be afraid either; since you lack the courage, I won't force you—just go your own way, and I'll go mine."

Translation: Xi Yan replied, "You needn't be afraid; since you lack the courage, I won't force you—just go your own way, I'll go mine."

"What exactly do you want to do?"

Translation: "What exactly do you want?"

Xi Yan replied, "Just give me the Ice Soul Stabilizing Pearl!"

Translation: Xi Yan said, "Just give me the Ice Soul Stabilizing Divine Pearl!"

Hu Xiaotian opened the brocade box; inside lay a plain jade case. Opening it, he saw a pale‑blue pearl the size of a longan, emitting a faint glow. As soon as the jade box was opened, a chilling cold swept over him, making him turn his face away and sneeze twice. When he looked back, the Ice Soul Stabilizing Pearl was gone from the box, and Xi Yan lay motionless again, feigning death.

Translation: Hu Xiaotian opened the brocade box; inside lay a plain jade case. Opening it, he saw a pale‑blue Bright Pearl the size of a longan, emitting a faint halo. As soon as the jade case opened, a stark chill washed over him, making him turn away and sneeze twice. When he looked back, the Ice Soul Stabilizing Divine Pearl was gone from the box, and Xi Yan lay there motionless, once again feigning death.

Hu Xiaotian was both laughing and crying, convinced that Xi Yan had snatched the Pearl while he was sneezing. He leaned close to her ear and whispered, "What exactly do you intend to do?"

Translation: Hu Xiaotian could only laugh and cry; he was certain the Pearl had been snatched by Xi Yan while he was sneezing. He leaned to her ear and whispered softly, "What exactly do you intend to do?"

Xi Yan couldn't be bothered to answer him.

Translation: Xi Yan couldn't be bothered to answer him.

After Hu Xiaotian repeated his question several times with no reply, feeling bored, he sighed, "If you won't speak, then I'll have someone place you in the jade coffin."

Translation: Hu Xiaotian asked repeatedly, but she never replied, and he found it tedious. He sighed, "If you won't speak, then I'll have someone put you into the Cold Jade Coffin."

This threat actually worked; Xi Yan retorted, "You dare!"

Translation: This threat actually worked; Xi Yan retorted, "You dare!"

"There really isn't anything I, Hu Xiaotian, wouldn't dare to do."

Translation: "There really isn't anything I, Hu Xiaotian, wouldn't dare to do."

Xi Yan said, "Since you're so curious, I'll share some information with you."

Translation: Xi Yan said, "Since you're so curious, I'll let you in on some news."

Hu Xiaotian asked, "What information?"

Translation: Hu Xiaotian asked, "What news?"

Xi Yan replied, "Something big will happen at 3 a. m. tonight."

Translation: Xi Yan said, "Something big will happen at 3 a. m. tonight."

Hu Xiaotian's heart jolted—Xi Yan was indeed about to act, though he didn't know what she planned, and he whispered, "Be more specific."

Translation: Hu Xiaotian's heart jolted—Xi Yan was indeed about to act, but he didn't know what she planned, so he whispered, "Be more specific."

Xi Yan drawled, "You don't need to worry about all that; just keep your own life safe, and you'll be able to leave Yongdu for Great Kang first thing tomorrow morning."

Translation: Xi Yan drawled, "You don't need to worry about all that; just keep your own life safe, and tomorrow morning you'll be able to leave Yongdu and return to Dakang."

Hu Xiaotian said, "That's hardly fair—publicly we are partners, privately we have sworn vows; if you intend to do something, shouldn't you first let me in on the plan so I can prepare myself?"

Translation: Hu Xiaotian said, "That's too unfair—officially we are partners, privately we have sworn vows; if you want to do something, shouldn't you first clue me in so I can prepare myself?"

Xi Yan replied, "I want to kill Wanyan Chixiong; since you don't want to join me on this adventure, further talk is pointless—just make sure you're not here at that time."

Translation: Xi Yan replied, "I want to kill Wanyan Chixiong; since you don't want to join me on the adventure, further talk is pointless—just make sure you're not here at that time."

Hu Xiaotian knew she had an eccentric temperament, her moods changeable; once she made up her mind, it was hard to sway her easily, let alone now—this is not the time to persuade her. Since she spoke with such confidence, perhaps someone would come to her aid. This matter must be prepared for the worst outcome; having painstakingly crafted today's situation, we absolutely cannot let a single misstep cause us to lose everything.

Monday, seeking Recommendation tickets; all the Recommendation tickets in your hands, just smash them at the Medical Union! New week, urgently need Monthly Ticket, Zhangyu will continue to work hard typing, to repay the support of all brothers and sisters! (To be continued~^~)