Watching Mu Mu step out under the identity of the Ninth Imperial Uncle, Feng Jiu’er had genuinely been worried.

But she never expected that Mu Mu, upon stepping out, would accomplish something so remarkably bold!

Now, among the entire new Longqi Army, anyone who did not already know the truth would absolutely have no other brother casting doubt on whether the person inside the carriage was truly the Ninth Prince.

Most importantly, through the mouth of that man who had been sent flying with a kick, those lurking in the shadows watching them would certainly come to know — the Ninth Prince had not only suffered no injury, but carried within him peerless martial arts.

With things standing as they were, those who dared come to cause trouble would swiftly be cut in half, and those who had been watching and waiting would no longer dare make any rash moves.

Feng Jiu’er had only wanted everyone’s attention to fall upon their own convoy, away from the Ninth Imperial Uncle’s group — nothing more.

She had no desire to cross blades with these people at all; they still had to make their way to Phoenix City.

What Mu Mu had done tonight was of truly momentous significance.

“That genuinely gave me a fright just now.” Watching Mu Mu return through the moonlight, Feng Jiu’er let out a soft breath, her eyes lit with a quiet smile. “I never imagined — your wits are just as remarkable as your looks!”

Mu Mu did not respond to that. Though he did not quite follow the words, he understood the meaning well enough.

“But — that kick just now. Are you truly certain you didn’t take that man’s life?” They were still counting on that man’s mouth to go around proclaiming far and wide just how formidable and hale the Ninth Prince was!

“He shouldn’t be dead. Should still be able to speak.” Mu Mu’s expression grew a touch grave. “You ought to sleep.”

Feng Jiu’er truly did want to sleep — she was exhausted.

She had thought the night would still bring many complications, yet with Mu Mu having stirred things up the way he had, even those watching from the shadows would surely not dare make a bold move.

The Ninth Prince had suffered no injury whatsoever, and his martial arts were unfathomably profound — who would dare act recklessly now?

Besides, even if there were still some petty scoundrels truly brazen enough to come, Feng Jiu’er was unafraid.

With Mu Mu here, she could sleep in peace.

The moment she closed her eyes, before even half an incense stick of time had passed, she had already sunk into a deep slumber.

This girl — she really had worn herself to the bone. It was chiefly her frail constitution; she had not properly rested since the moment she woke.

Yet right now, she seemed to be sleeping with such ease and tranquility.

Mu Mu lay on the long bench watching her, and the corners of his lips lifted, unbidden, into a smile he was not even aware of himself.

She could finally sleep at ease by his side. Was it because she knew — that with him here, he could resolve so many of her troubles?

Could this be called a dependence, gradually taking root? If this girl were willing to rely on him…

Yet he swiftly drew his gaze away, turned himself over, and fixed his eyes on the night beyond the window, his expression deep and unreadable.

……

At the very start of the Yin hour in the early morning — just past three o’clock — the convoy set off at once.

The Ninth Prince remained seated in the carriage as always, while everyone else rode on horseback, pressing forward along the road toward the city gates.

By now, the tale of how His Highness had defeated an enemy in a single move the previous night had spread through the convoy like wildfire. At this point, barring those who were in on the secret, not a single soul harbored any doubt that the person in the carriage was not the Ninth Prince himself.

So it turned out that their mission this time truly was to escort the Ninth Prince to Phoenix City. Even those who had once held a sliver of suspicion now believed it completely.

With this understanding settled in their minds, every last person in the convoy felt their spirits surge with vigor — not sleeping did not make them feel drowsy in the least.

Their very first mission upon joining the new Longqi Army, and the responsibility fell upon them so heavily — it was nothing short of extraordinary!

After more than half a shichen, they departed the city and pressed on toward Xuan City.

Just as Jian Yi had said, the road to Xuan City did indeed pass through a stretch of mountain path. What loomed ahead, dark and dense, was the very stretch Jian Yi had spoken of — the most perilous section they were about to enter!