Chapter 2833: The Stand‑In Was Taken by Force by the Mountain Bandit

At the foot of Black Mountain Stronghold, the mountain wind swept through the jagged rocks and dense treetops, emitting a mournful wail that added a touch of solemnity and eeriness.

Gu Fanghe stood on a rock halfway up the slope, his dark combat gear blending into the morning mist; only his eyes, in the faint dawn light, showed a dark blood‑red hue.

He lowered his gaze to the winding mountain path below.

It was the essential route in and out of Black Mountain Stronghold, and today's battlefield for catching the turtle in the jar.

According to the plan, Jin Chen would continue to pose as Ruan Shutong, guiding the Third Prince Wu Zhengchu and his troops to lure them into the narrow pass of One Line Sky.

Gu Fanghe would lead men to ambush both sides of the cliffs; once the troops entered the interior, they would be cut off from front and rear and annihilated in one strike.

Gu Fanghe gripped his spear tightly, though sweat beaded on his palms.

"Dage." Chen Xiaoshan stepped before him, saying, "The scout reports that Wu Zhengchu's forces have already reached the mountain's base; in about two hours they'll arrive at One Line Sky."

Gu Fanghe said nothing.

Chen Xiaoshan glanced at him and added, "Jin Chen is capable; even without your protection, he can handle things splendidly, so put your mind at ease."

"... I know." Gu Fanghe finally spoke, his voice hoarse.

He knew, of course he knew.

Jin Chen was not the sort of delicate noble who needed to be shielded behind others.

He could command fierce tigers, devise counterattacks, and even turn the tables to seize control of the whole situation.

Knowing is one thing; worrying is another.

From love arises worry.

He was so unwilling to see Jin Chen injured in any way—even a mere scrape made his heart feel as if pricked by a needle.

Gu Fanghe withdrew his gaze, turned, and faced the solemnly standing crowd behind him; dozens of elite warriors rose in unison, each gripping swords or blades, eyes sharp.

"According to the plan, take your positions."

——

Below, the peril of Black Mountain Cliff far exceeded what Wu Zhengchu and most of his men, who had never truly experienced mountain‑forests warfare, could imagine.

The cliffs on either side rose sheer as if cut, the central passage narrow; looking up, only a slit of sky was visible, hence the name One Line Sky.

Wu Zhengchu rode on horseback, lifting his head to gaze at the defile, his brows furrowed tight enough to crush a fly.

He didn't know why, but from morning on he felt off all over, as if he'd caught a chill yet without fever; as he went deeper into the mountains and forests, this discomfort grew more pronounced, even a faint nausea rising.

Wu Zhengchu felt vexed, with a faint unease, and lifted his eyes to see Jin Chen walking a few steps ahead.

"Shutong," he lowered his voice, "this place… is it really safe?"

Jin Chen glanced back at him, the corners of his eyes slightly lifted in an almost demonic smile, "Of course."

"Minister Shen's plan is foolproof; as long as we lure Gu Fanghe out of the stronghold and draw him here, cutting off his front and rear, even if he grew wings he couldn't escape."

Wu Zhengchu's heart eased a little; yes, with Shutong present, Minister Shen's brilliant scheme, his own hundreds of elite troops, and the assistance of the Southern Province's forces… even if Gu Fanghe were braver, he'd be nothing more than a mountain bandit turned outlaw—how could he resist?

But that uncomfortable feeling surged again; he instinctively raised a hand to rub his temples, his face turning somewhat pale.

Minister Shen beside him saw this and hurriedly said, "Your Highness, rest assured; I have ordered General Wei to lead the elite troops ahead to clear the way, guaranteeing your safety."

General Wei was a man in his forties, broad‑shouldered, with a knife scar on his face that made him look fierce.

He cupped his fists and said, "Your Highness, I vow to lay down my life to protect your safety."

Only then did Wu Zhengchu nod weakly and force himself to rally his spirits.

"Good! General Wei, take a unit ahead to scout! The rest follow closely behind, stay vigilant."

"Today we will surely capture Gu Fanghe and all the bandits of Black Mountain Stronghold in one sweep!"

"Yes!" the crowd replied in unison.

The column pressed on, having already entered the interior of One Line Sky.

The cliffs on both sides loomed high, blocking out most of the sky.

Wu Zhengchu's heart jumped; the anxiety he had forcibly suppressed surged back up, growing ever stronger.

"This place… is perfect for an ambush."

"If…"

Before he could react, a piercing scream suddenly came from ahead!

Then came a second, a third…

The sound of arrows tearing through the air fell like a torrential rain, pouring down from above the cliffs on both sides.

"An ambush!" General Wei bellowed, drawing his blade to shield Wu Zhengchu, "Protect Your Highness!"

But it was already too late.

Above the cliffs, dozens of figures took cover behind the rock, loosing arrows that never missed.

What was more terrifying, bestial howls came from deep within the mountains and forests.

Not just one, but many—tiger roars, wolf howls, and bear cries mingled together, echoing in the narrow valley, shaking eardrums to pain and chilling the heart.

That sound seemed to come from all directions, making it impossible to tell where it came from, let alone gauge distance; it was as if every ferocious beast and venomous creature of Black Mountain Cliff had been roused at this moment, baring their fangs at them!

"It's beasts! So many beasts!"

"And poisonous snakes! In the trees, on the rocks—everywhere!"

The troops, already frightened by the ambush, were now terrified by the omnipresent roars and hisses; their ranks fell into chaos, the timid even began to wail, dropping their weapons to flee, only to be blocked by the narrow terrain and their comrades, descending into utter disorder.

Fear spread through the troops like a plague.

Although they were numerous, in this defile their numerical advantage became a burden—crowded front and rear, with no way left or right, they could only become living targets.

General Wei shielded Wu Zhengchu as they retreated, but after just two steps he heard a scream from behind—the rear route was also cut off!

Amid the chaos, Gu Fanghe swooped down from above the cliffs.

Gu Fanghe drew his spear with a blank expression, blood dripping from its tip.

He stood amid a pile of corpses at the mountainside, his dark combat gear stained with blood, his gaze sweeping over the throng to lock onto Wu Zhengchu, bare killing intent in his eyes.

Wu Zhengchu shuddered all over, instinctively stepped back, but was firmly grabbed by a hand.

"Your Highness," Jin Chen said, "come with me."

Without further ado, he grabbed his wrist and dragged him into the dense forest on the inner side of the cliff.

Jin Chen's movements were astonishingly fast; Wu Zhengchu didn't even have time to react before being dragged into the dim woods.

Behind him rose earth-shaking cries of battle; ahead lay unknown darkness.

"Let go of me! Shu Tong! Where are you taking me?!" Wu Zhengchu was jerked about, stumbling; the pain in his arm and Jin Chen's abnormal conduct drove his sense of foreboding to its peak. He struggled, hoarsely demanding, "Why do you betray the palace?! The palace has treated you well! You…"

Jin Chen turned a deaf ear.

He dragged Wu Zhengchu through the forest at speed; after about the time it takes to burn an incense stick, the path ahead suddenly opened up.

In the center of the clearing lay a deep pit; Jin Chen dragged Wu Zhengchu to its edge before releasing his grip.

Wu Zhengchu staggered to his feet, looked up at Jin Chen, and said, "Shu Tong… you…"

Suddenly he heard footsteps behind him and whirled around.

Gu Fanghe stepped slowly out of the woods, still holding that blood‑dripping spear, like an asura emerging from hell.

He raised his other hand, the one not holding the spear, toward Jin Chen.

Jin Chen took hold of the hand Gu Fanghe extended.

"Ruan Shutong!!"

Wu Zhengchu bellowed hoarsely, eyes nearly bursting, "You… you dare betray the palace! With this bandit leader… you… you adulterous couple! I will exterminate your nine clans! I will tear your bodies to myriad fragments!"

Jin Chen merely raised his hand, removed Gu Fanghe's mask, and kissed his cheek, saying, "Victors need not conceal themselves."

"You… you…" Wu Zhengchu watched this scene, nearly vomiting blood from rage, his vision darkening, and the weakness from the snake poison grew stronger.

Before he could finish speaking, Jin Chen jerked back and shoved Wu Zhengchu into the pit.

The pit was not deep, but it was enough to confine a pampered prince.