Chapter 102: Crises Everywhere

The cold wind bit like a knife. Seeing Jun Jun Zijin leaped up, her dagger flashing like lightning as she thrust it at the throat of one masked man. Blade rose and fell; fear flashed in the masked man's eyes, his pupils contracting sharply. He instinctively tried to retreat, but it was too late.

The dagger pierced his throat, blood spraying forth. The man stared with wide eyes at Seeing Jun Jun Zijin, who had stabbed him through the throat. His gaze held nothing but disbelief and despair. He made no sound before collapsing, lifeless.

The other two, seeing the situation turn dire, paled instantly. They exchanged a glance, then suddenly threw smoke bombs. Thick smoke billowed out; by the time it cleared, the two were gone without a trace.

"Damn it, they got away," Guazi said, clenching his fists and grinding his teeth.

Seeing Jun Jun Zijin glanced around. Only Fei Yan was seriously injured; the others bore minor wounds, nothing serious. Relieved, she tossed Fei Yan a bottle of healing medicine and said:

"Treat it simply for now. We must leave here quickly."

Fei Ying's brows knitted tightly, a vague unease stirring in his heart. He walked to Seeing Jun Jun Zijin's side and whispered:

"Master, these people are no ordinary fighters. The one behind them must be of considerable stature."

Fei Ying's tone carried a hint of Solemnity. He sheathed his long sword, crouched, and carefully examined the clothing and accessories of the fallen masked men. Aside from a few common weapons, he found no useful clues.

Seeing Jun Jun Zijin stood beside him, eyes narrowing slightly. Her gaze was deep as a pool, radiating a chilling coldness:

"It matters not. Whoever it is, if they dare strike at me, they must be prepared to be dragged out."

Fei Yan's gaze was sharp as a hawk's, scanning the surroundings. A flicker of killing intent passed through his eyes:

"Whoever dares strike at the Master must die." He had just been saved by Seeing Jun Jun Zijin and admired her utterly.

Fei Ying stood, disappointment flashing across his face:

"Master, these men bear no markings. It seems they were prepared long ago."

She held the sword she had pulled from the carriage frame. The blade gleamed with cold light, its hilt carved with strange patterns unlike anything from Emperor Tianqi. It seemed the only clue lay in the arrows shot from the dense forest.

"Fei Ying, investigate this secretly. You must find the mastermind." Seeing Jun Jun Zijin's voice was low and firm, carrying an undeniable authority.

"Yes, Master," Fei Ying replied, accepting the order.

"Let us go to the main camp," Seeing Jun Jun Zijin said as she rose, her tone urgent. Quan Quan Aoyu was still waiting for her at the camp.

The four swiftly left the forest, galloping toward the camp. Hoofbeats echoed on the official road, dust flying.

Halfway there, they saw Quan Quan Aoyu and Bai Yu riding hard toward them. It was nearly noon, yet she had not arrived. Unease stirring in his heart, he had brought Bai Yu out of the camp to meet her.

From far away, Bai Yu waved and called out, "Crown Princess! Crown Princess!" His voice drifted on the wind, tinged with urgency and joy.

Even as Bai Yu waved, she had seen them. Far off, at the end of the road, Quan Quan Aoyu sat atop his horse. The moment he spotted her, his furrowed brows relaxed slightly.

Warmth surged in her heart. She gently squeezed her horse's flanks with her legs, urging it to speed up as she raced toward them.

Fei Ying rolled his eyes, muttering under his breath, "A cold-hearted, cold-blooded girl! A girl who values love over friends!" They had just shared life and death, yet she abandoned him so quickly to run to her lover. He was heartbroken.

Seeing Fei Ying suddenly grinding his teeth and talking to himself, Guazi blinked in confusion.

As Seeing Jun Jun Zijin drew nearer, she saw that Quan Quan Aoyu could not hide his worry. His gaze carefully scanned her, and only after confirming she was unharmed did he sigh in relief.

"As long as you are safe," he said. The words no sooner left his lips than he reached out and pulled her into his arms. He took her cold little hand, pressed it to his lips, and breathed warmth onto it, his eyes full of tenderness and pity.

Seeing Jun Jun Zijin's cheek rested against his chest. She heard the steady beat of his heart. Gently closing her eyes, she felt his warmth and heartbeat, as if the world was no longer cold and her heart was at peace. The distant clamor of soldiers could not break the stillness of this moment. No matter how many storms lay ahead, as long as he was there, she would fear nothing.

Bai Yu laughed heartily, his laughter bright and free. His master, so awkward for so many years, so cold-hearted, now had warmth. He had not been beaten once in these past months, all thanks to the Crown Princess.

Bai Yu flicked his whip, signaling everyone to continue. The group turned their horses toward the camp. When the hoofbeats sounded again, they carried a note of ease and joy.

Fei Ying followed behind, watching the pair ahead. A pang of bitterness stirred in his heart, yet he truly rejoiced for them. He shook his head, a helpless smile tugging at his lips, then quickened his pace to catch up.

The outline of the camp grew clearer, flags snapping loudly in the wind. Soldiers stood in neat rows, already waiting for their Lady Lady Qingping.

Quan Quan Aoyu and Seeing Jun Jun Zijin rode into the camp. The soldiers shouted in unison, "Welcome, Princess!" The roar was like thunder, making the earth tremble slightly.

Seeing Jun Jun Zijin smiled and nodded to everyone, her gaze sweeping over every resolute face. She dismounted and, with Quan Quan Aoyu, walked toward the tent. Bai Yu stood guard at the entrance. Inside, winter sunlight streamed in, illuminating their Solemn expressions.

Seeing Jun Jun Zijin drew the arrow from her robes and placed it gently on the table. Her voice was low: "Quan Quan Aoyu, this is a weapon taken from the masked men who attacked us. It does not seem to be from Emperor Tianqi. Take a look."

Quan Quan Aoyu took the arrow. His fingertips touched the cold metal, and his heart gave a sudden jolt. His eyes sharpened instantly, flashing with cold light. He knew this arrow too well. Five years ago, this very arrow had pierced his chest, nearly taking his life.

He fell silent for a moment, then drew an identical arrow from a wooden box and placed it on the table. The two arrows stood side by side, as if silently testifying to some hidden connection.

"I never expected the thieves to have hidden for five years, only to appear today," Quan Quan Aoyu said, his voice low and cold, as if from the depths of an abyss.

Fei Ying was shocked. "Master, these two arrows are identical! Moreover, this subordinate feels the martial arts style of the experts in the forest today closely resembles that of those from five years ago." Five years ago, Fei Ying and Bai Yu had accompanied Quan Quan Aoyu to rescue the Empress; all three had nearly lost their lives.

Quan Quan Aoyu closed his eyes. The upheaval of five years ago felt like a sharp blade, still leaving deep scars on his heart. His mother, the Empress, had not been heard from since. The Noble Consort had suddenly gone into premature labor, nearly dying along with her child. The Emperor had abandoned Empress Wang and rushed back to the palace. The Empress had been ambushed and vanished halfway. And he had been ambushed during that upheaval, severely wounded. Those masked men had wielded strange Wu Gong and struck with ruthless cruelty. It all seemed to have happened yesterday, yet felt as distant as another lifetime.

A flicker of coldness passed through Seeing Jun Jun Zijin's eyes. "Hidden for five years... It seems someone is in a hurry."