Princess and Lu Yun climbed up the cliff and repeatedly fought off strong enemies, finally achieving safety, so they each rested on the cliff. Having barely endured the first night, on the second day morning, Lu Yun knew they weren’t yet out of danger, so he rose early to investigate possible escape routes.

At dawn, the mountain top was extremely cold. Lu Yun saw the Princess had not yet risen and knew she had been badly frightened these past days, wanting to let her sleep more, so he didn’t call her but climbed alone to a high platform to observe the terrain.

Looking as far as he could see, this cliff had sheer drops on three sides, with only the eastern side adjacent to a plateau, but separated by a canyon about twenty zhang wide. Lu Yun looked at the canyon thinking, “If I could bring the Princess and leap across, then no matter how many barbarians there are, we wouldn’t fear them.” But the opposite plateau was a full twenty zhang away—who in the world could leap across such a distance? He had to abandon this idea.

Seeing escape was difficult, he could only strengthen their defenses. Lu Yun carefully examined the terrain and calculated that if enemies wanted to attack this place, they would definitely climb up from the northwestern cliff faces, so he loosened the rocks on both sides—when enemy troops climbed up again, they would surely slip and fall to their deaths below.

Knowing the eastern peak was the final defensive position, he carefully set up traps. First he erected several large stones, piling them high with withered branches supporting them below—as long as the branches were pulled away, the great stones would roll down and surely kill many. He also made preparations at dangerous spots along the cliff edge, pouring water to form ice and sprinkling dirt to disguise it as flat ground—when enemy troops arrived, they would get what they deserved.

Lu Yun understood clearly that if all these traps were used up and enemy troops still didn’t retreat, he would have to jump into that extremely wide canyon—as for life and death, he could only leave it to fate.

For several days straight, Lu Yun was digging at the cliff and making traps, painstakingly devising escape plans. But the Princess was carefree and happy—sometimes moving round stones into the cave saying she wanted them as tables and chairs, other times cleaning and arranging, decorating the cave interior beautifully as if quite delighted. Sometimes when Lu Yun caught snow grouse, the Princess would actively learn to roast them, seeming to find every task fascinating.

Lu Yun observed this and thought, “This Princess is truly strange—clearly death looms before us, yet she still has the mood to play. Imperial daughters are indeed different from ordinary people.” But regardless, the Princess being so happy was far better than sitting gloomily awaiting death, so thinking this, he felt at peace.

In these deep mountains and wilderness, the two faced each other day and night, catching birds for food. Though one was of golden branch and jade leaf while the other was poor and destitute, with lives at stake and no one knowing if they could descend the cliff alive, they gradually shed unnecessary constraints. When Lu Yun spoke to the Princess, he slowly became less formal than before, and when the Princess joked with him, he dared respond with a few words. Sometimes Lu Yun recalled the Princess’s nobility in the Central Plains compared to today’s easy laughter and conversation—it felt like a lifetime ago.

This evening, the Princess pulled Lu Yun to show him her masterpiece. Walking into the cave, Lu Yun saw strange rocks arranged on the ground like a courtyard, with tree branches hanging on the stone walls like window decorations. He couldn’t help but smile and say, “Your Highness truly knows how to find joy in hardship—I deeply admire this.”

The Princess shook her head, “Who says I’m finding joy in hardship? I enjoy doing these things!” She touched the rocks and branches she had personally arranged, her face showing a gentle expression.

Lu Yun smiled slightly, thinking, “This Princess must usually be strictly controlled by His Majesty—rarely having her own residence, she’s having fun here.”

Seeing his lips curved in a smile, the Princess asked, “Staff Officer Lu, do you like my arrangements?”

Lu Yun smiled awkwardly, “Your Highness’s ingenuity is naturally good, but these tasks are too tiring. Next time if you want to arrange things, why not let me do it instead?”

The Princess suddenly sighed softly, turned her head away and said wistfully, “Next time? Will there be a next time?”

Seeing her sadness, Lu Yun thought she must be worried about the barbarian monks attacking and quickly said, “Your Highness need not worry—even if I lose my life, I will ensure Your Highness leaves this place safely.”

The Princess sighed softly. She slowly sat on the bed, gently stroking the dry grass she had personally laid down, sighing, “Leave here? Where would we go?”

Lu Yun replied, “Leaving here would naturally mean returning to the Central Plains. With the Tamerlane Khan nation in great turmoil, I think Your Highness’s marriage will be difficult to arrange, so we should return to the Central Plains first.”

Hearing him say this, the Princess’s eyes revealed joyful light and she glanced at Lu Yun, but immediately her face flushed red and she lowered her head.

Seeing her expression was quite unusual, Lu Yun couldn’t help feeling alarmed, “This Princess’s expression is so strange—could she be ill?”

Just as he was about to inquire, he suddenly heard a thunderous crash from the cliff top—someone had triggered a trap. Lu Yun had no time for detailed thought and quickly said, “Your Highness, hide here for a moment—I’ll go see!”

Just as he was about to leave the cave, he heard a sinister voice from the cave entrance: “Princess Yinchuan, a few mere traps can’t stop people. Please come out quickly—the Fourth Prince is waiting to see you.”

Lu Yun and the Princess’s faces both changed color. Just now they heard the trap triggered, but in an instant this person had suddenly arrived—his martial arts must be extraordinarily high, but they didn’t know who this divine being was.

Lu Yun blocked in front of the Princess and said softly, “Your Highness, don’t panic—let’s charge out together.” He then embraced her slender waist, ready to rush out at any moment. Lu Yun held his blade and shouted toward the cave entrance, “Who is making such noise here? The Princess’s sacred presence is here—how dare you disturb her!”

Only a long laugh was heard outside the cave, then a person walked in. This man had a bald head, was about fifty years old, wore deep red robes, and held prayer beads in his hand—clearly a middle-aged monk. It seemed he was the one who had spoken.

He said, “This humble monk is the Grand Monk of the Tamerlane Khan nation, with the dharma name Luo Moshi, sent by the Fourth Prince to invite the Princess down the mountain.” He gestured with both hands in a formal greeting.

Lu Yun sneered, “Master, Princess Yinchuan is a princess of our dynasty—even if the Crown Prince wanted to see her, he would need repeated invitations. Your Fourth Prince is merely a small barbarian king—with just one word from him, does he think he can invite our Princess?”

National Teacher Luo Moshi smiled, “What words are these, General? The Fourth Prince merely admires the Princess’s reputation and has long wished to pay respects—how could he have other intentions? Since ancient times, relations between two nations have been on equal footing—why does Your Excellency regard yourself so highly?”

This person spoke fluent Chinese and with such eloquence that he appeared quite learned and refined.

The Princess, hearing him speak politely and not like those crude barbarian monks, asked Lu Yun to step aside and said, “In the deep of night, it’s improper for me to see outsiders. Whether prince or khan, due to propriety I cannot meet with them, or wouldn’t people gossip behind our backs? For my reputation and for the Fourth Prince’s standing, please return, National Teacher.”

That lama had originally put on the appearance of an accomplished high monk, intending to show off his eloquence, but the Princess’s few words were quite sharp, immediately blocking his mouth and making it hard for him to respond. He smiled awkwardly, “Why must Your Highness keep people at arm’s length? In these times of war and chaos, the Fourth Prince fears you might suffer some harm, so he ordered me to escort the Princess back early. Your Highness must not mislead herself.”

Lu Yun sneered, “You monk, why do you speak so shamelessly? You’re clearly here to kidnap her—why say these boring words? Come on and fight!”

Luo Moshi pressed his palms together, “The benefactor speaks wrongly. If the Princess doesn’t heed this humble monk’s advice, there are only two difficult paths ahead—I fear the Princess cannot bear them.”

Lu Yun sneered and was about to speak when the Princess said, “What difficult paths? Tell us.”

Luo Moshi said, “Even if the Princess escapes this great disaster, I fear she will still have to marry Prince Karachi in the future. Your Highness has already seen what a boring and shameless person he is. To think the Princess, in the flower of her youth, would have to marry such a person—how can this be allowed?”

The Princess sighed, “Don’t speak of this. What’s the second path?”

Luo Moshi said, “The second path is even more difficult. If the Princess stubbornly opposes the Fourth Prince and refuses this toast, given the Fourth Prince’s nature, he will certainly burn the Princess alive as a sacrifice to our nation’s heroes who died defending the frontier. That would be even more regrettable.”

Lu Yun was furious, “Bold barbarian monk! How dare you speak such words! Do you still recognize the laws of the Celestial Dynasty?”

The Princess sighed, “Master, besides these two paths, do I have no other choice?”

Luo Moshi smiled slightly, “Your Highness need not worry. As long as you come with this humble monk, not only will I preserve your life, but your future achievements will be immeasurable.”

Lu Yun and the Princess looked at each other, both not understanding what he meant by “immeasurable.”

Seeing their confusion, Luo Moshi smiled, “Currently our Fourth Prince is about to ascend the throne and assume the position of Khan. In this humble monk’s opinion, why doesn’t Your Highness take this opportunity to marry our emperor? Your Highness came west this time only following orders for a marriage alliance—to speak harshly, the Great Han Emperor doesn’t care whom the Princess marries, as long as it can stabilize China’s borders, he’ll be at peace. Our lord the Fourth Prince is wise and capable, young and handsome, far beyond what Prince Karachi can compare to. Please consider this deeply, Your Highness.”

The Princess’s face changed—she hadn’t expected the Fourth Prince’s intentions to be such, actually wanting to opportunistically receive his elder brother’s unwed wife. No matter how poor and boring this Dabaer Khan might be, she couldn’t do such a thing as changing sides and going against propriety. She said coldly, “The National Teacher speaks wrongly. Though I am merely a woman, I still understand propriety and proper upbringing. Since ancient times, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law cannot jest with each other. The Fourth Prince’s rebellion comes first, which is already completely wrong. Now he wants to take his sister-in-law as wife—what kind of immoral act is this? I would rather die than agree.”

Lu Yun, hearing these words, couldn’t help silently applauding, “What a Princess Yinchuan! No wonder people throughout the land respect and admire her so.”

Luo Moshi shook his head, “If Your Highness won’t plan for yourself, you should at least consider the Chinese people! After the Fourth Prince’s great army reaches Jade Gate Pass, he will kill his way into the Central Plains and claim territory as king. If you become his queen, the treatment of Chinese soldiers and civilians will certainly be much better.”

Hearing this, Lu Yun couldn’t help being furious and shouted, “Nonsense! Jade Gate Pass has fifty thousand garrison troops defending a strategic position—how can your mere tens of thousands of troops break through?”

Luo Moshi said lightly, “Heaven’s mandate lies with our Fourth Prince. When he enters the Central Plains and dominates the world in the future, you’ll know his power.”

Lu Yun and the Princess, hearing his confident tone, couldn’t help looking at each other, both secretly alarmed.

Luo Moshi smiled slightly, “I’ve said all I need to say. Please come with me now, Your Highness.”

Lu Yun jumped out and said sternly, “If you want to take the Princess, let’s see if your abilities are sufficient.” He brandished the curved blade in his hand and looked proudly at Luo Moshi.

Luo Moshi shook his head, “Pity, such a pity. Since kind words have no effect, this humble monk can only give offense. Please be careful, both of you.”

He slowly extended his finger toward Lu Yun—the technique was extremely ordinary and the finger held no power at all. Lu Yun didn’t know what mystery he had, so he raised his curved blade to cut at his finger. Just as the blade was about to reach Luo Moshi’s hand, he bent his finger and lightly touched the blade. With a loud “clang,” the curved blade suddenly shattered, followed by a strange yin energy transmitting to Lu Yun’s palm.

Lu Yun was amazed in his heart. He had crossed weapons with Zhuo Lingzhao, An’dao Jing and others, had even been struck and injured by palms, but had never been attacked by such strange yin energy. Seeing this barbarian monk’s martial arts were bizarre, he deeply gathered a breath of true qi and used palm energy to try dissolving the enemy’s yin energy. But though that yin energy was weak, it was concentrated to a single point like a sharp needle—Lu Yun exerted force repeatedly but couldn’t dispel it. Suddenly his palm hurt as that yin energy penetrated his palm and forced its way into Lu Yun’s body.

Luo Moshi sighed, “The benefactor was too presumptuous, actually hard-receiving this seat’s ‘Netherworld Mysterious Energy.’ Though this monk has no intention to kill, the benefactor will die because of this. Amitabha, well done, well done.”

As he spoke, he actually began reciting the “Rebirth Mantra,” already starting to help Lu Yun pass on—truly extremely arrogant.

This Luo Moshi’s martial arts was a style from Tibet called “Netherworld Mysterious Energy,” skilled at using yin energy to harm people. His martial arts foundation was roughly the same as the barbarian monks Yang Suguan and others had encountered. At that time Wei Zizhuang had been amazed by the monks’ powerful finger techniques, and Yang Suguan had considered several barbarian monks’ finger skills formidable enough to match Shaolin’s “Great Strength Vajra Finger”—showing the power of this “Netherworld Mysterious Energy.” But the several barbarian monks encountered in Zhengzhou were disciples and grand-disciples of this Luo Moshi. Now Lu Yun unfortunately encountered this master figure—his life was in danger. Indeed, as soon as he received the finger attack, Luo Moshi began helping him pass on, showing supreme confidence.

Lu Yun’s face was iron-blue as he felt that internal energy drilling into his meridians like a poisonous insect—indescribably painful and difficult to endure. This martial art was like the Kunlun Mountains’ ultimate technique “Sword Gu,” also using yin energy to split the heart and break the lungs, killing people through the five organs and six viscera. If Wu Dingyuan were here, he would definitely know the danger and never dare fight this person directly, but Lu Yun’s jianghu experience was shallow—how could he know? His life was already in peril.

The Princess beside him, seeing his painful expression, screamed repeatedly and grabbed Lu Yun’s arm. Lu Yun, deeply fearing the yin energy would transmit to her body, gently waved his hand to push the Princess away.

Lu Yun felt that yin energy was quite strange, extending along the “Hand Taiyin Heart Meridian” upward—wherever it passed was uncomfortable and numb. It seemed that soon, once it entered his heart, he would die from heart rupture. Lu Yun wouldn’t sit and wait for death. He gathered his internal energy—the “Inexhaustible Heart Method” immediately activated. Know that this heart method was self-created; though it still had some flaws, in terms of power it was not inferior to any contemporary internal cultivation. He detected this internal force was extremely small, like a needle. When the “Inexhaustible Heart Method” was used, it only moved slowly within his body and couldn’t surge upward violently—this internal force, though sinister and poisonous, seemed to lack sufficient strength.

With this thought, confident he had a way to break it, immediately a surging pure internal breath rose from his dantian, also moving toward the “Hand Taiyin Heart Meridian.” He concentrated his strength, sending waves of internal power to the “Shoulder Well Point,” setting up layers of barriers and walls to defend his heart meridian inch by inch. Seeing him concentrating on circulating qi, Luo Moshi didn’t launch a sneak attack but said lightly, “Benefactor, don’t mislead yourself—you’re only increasing pain before death.”

Lu Yun snorted and only focused on his cultivation, paying no attention to his words.

That small yin energy charged upward and immediately broke through the first barrier. Lu Yun gritted his teeth and intensified his cultivation. Internal power spread everywhere, gradually suppressing that yin energy. The two forces contested, and that yin energy became weaker and weaker. Seeing the tide turn, Lu Yun took a deep breath and shouted loudly. Internal power surged even more from his dantian, and that yin energy, oppressed by Lu Yun’s fierce internal power, actually spurted out backward from his palm and shot toward Luo Moshi.

That yin energy originally had substance but no form, but after concentrating had become a tiny point the size of a needle tip, like a solid object. Now oppressed by Lu Yun’s internal power, it shot toward Luo Moshi’s chest like a hidden weapon.

Luo Moshi was currently reciting sutras for the passing—how could he expect that Lu Yun, so young, would have such deep internal power? With a “pop” sound, his chest was already struck by his own yin energy. Luo Moshi raised his head, his face full of amazement.

Seeing him stunned and momentarily off guard, Lu Yun was delighted. He immediately picked up the Princess and went around his side to rush out of the cave. Seeing him escape from beside him, Luo Moshi finally came to his senses and quickly shouted, “Where are you going!” He extended a finger toward the “Jade Pillow Point” behind Lu Yun’s head.

Lu Yun crouched down and kicked toward Luo Moshi’s ankle. Luo Moshi, considering his high status, was unwilling to leap up to avoid it and only raised his foot to block. But Lu Yun’s kick was only a feint meant to lure the enemy. Seeing Luo Moshi raise his foot with his center of gravity shifting slightly backward, exposing weakness in his chest and abdomen—seeing such a perfect opportunity, how could he miss it? He had already kicked out his right foot but suddenly stepped down heavily, placing his right foot as a support point, then with a “hey” angry shout, his body suddenly crashed toward Luo Moshi.

This shoulder-crashing ultimate technique was quite strange—not any contemporary boxing or fist technique but a move Lu Yun had randomly created himself. Only in later generations would there be Bajiquan’s “Earthquake Foot” technique comparable to it. Though Luo Moshi was erudite, how could he recognize such newly created martial arts? With a “bang” sound, his chest was immediately struck by Lu Yun’s shoulder. The force of this crash was incredibly powerful—a full thousand pounds of force. Luo Moshi was forced back a step, immediately looking extremely embarrassed. He held the position of Grand Monk of the Khan nation, a generation’s martial arts grandmaster—who would have thought he’d be beaten back by a young junior? How could he not feel shame? For a moment he was annoyed and deeply self-reproachful.

Seeing him standing there stupefied, Lu Yun quickly picked up the Princess and rushed out of the cave.

As soon as Lu Yun left the cave, heavy snow was already hitting his face. He squinted and was about to discern direction when he suddenly felt fierce wind sounds. With two swishing sounds, weapons had chopped down from left and right—people were actually hidden at the cave entrance. Lu Yun held the Princess and forcefully leaped forward to dodge, then rushed toward the cliff edge.

In the heavy snow, he heard someone shouting in the distance, “The thief has run out! Quickly stop him!” Lu Yun was shocked and looked back to see over ten people pursuing, with countless voices shouting all around—who knew how many experts had climbed the peak.

Lu Yun had surveyed the nearby terrain these past days and was quite familiar with the topography. He immediately carried the Princess on his back and quickly climbed toward the platform he had set up in previous days. As soon as he reached the platform, he turned and hid behind a huge boulder.

In a moment, the pursuing troops had caught up. Seeing him hiding behind the rock, they immediately cursed, “Thief, come out! Your damned traps ruined dozens of our brothers! If we don’t slice you to pieces, we won’t be finished with you!”

Over ten people shouted and climbed up. Lu Yun chuckled coldly and reached down to pull something—using some unknown method, with a thunderous crash, countless rocks rolled down. Those ten-odd people, seeing the chaotic rocks rushing down, were scared pale and quickly dodged.

Lu Yun gave a great shout and took advantage of the falling rocks to rush out. His hands rose and palms fell—in an instant he killed five or six people, while the rest were also crushed to death by the falling rocks.

Suddenly someone called, “Bold madman! How dare you still resist!” The person was bald-headed—it was Luo Moshi personally coming to kill. This person’s body movement was agile and graceful, and in the blink of an eye he had approached Lu Yun’s side. The two immediately fought together.

Luo Moshi activated his “Netherworld Mysterious Finger,” rapidly pointing downward like heavenly maidens scattering flowers, already locking onto Lu Yun’s vital points throughout his body. Lu Yun was shocked—having suffered at this barbarian monk’s hands, he knew this person’s martial arts were extremely sinister. He received one finger and retreated one step, protective internal power filling his whole body, fearing yin energy would attack his body. After receiving over ten finger attacks, he had retreated to the cliff edge—a situation with no further retreat.

Luo Moshi, having lost face earlier when beaten back, was now eager to subdue his enemy and said coldly, “Benefactor, don’t mislead yourself—quickly surrender!”

Lu Yun shouted, “Never!” His right fist feinted toward Luo Moshi’s face. Luo Moshi was about to raise his arm to block when he saw Lu Yun’s left fist flash, arriving first despite starting second—actually faster than the right fist by a fraction, already striking toward Luo Moshi’s chest.

Luo Moshi formed circles with both hands, wanting to block the continuous attacking moves at once. Lu Yun’s left foot stepped forward heavily and he roared loudly—his right foot had already kicked out with great force. Luo Moshi hadn’t expected his left and right consecutive punches were both feints and couldn’t help being startled, thinking, “What kind of strange martial art is this?” His knowledge was extensive and he was quite familiar with various jianghu ultimate techniques, but he had never seen such chaotic offensive moves. Shocked in his heart, he protected his chest with both palms and hard-received Lu Yun’s kick. This kick had over a thousand pounds of force. Luo Moshi’s body shook and immediately slid backward, leaving two deep footprints on the ground. Though he hadn’t lost the exchange on the surface, Lu Yun’s kick had made Luo Moshi’s chest ache and his ribs feel like they were breaking.

This move came from the “Peerless Consecutive Fists” taught by Master Lu of Jiangdong years ago, called “Fist and Leg Double Excellence.” Lu Yun’s sudden use of it indeed achieved great effect.

Seeing fast attacks gave him the upper hand, Lu Yun immediately swung his right fist toward Luo Moshi’s lower abdomen. The two fought dozens of moves with crackling sounds. Lu Yun used hands and feet together with full effort, while Luo Moshi was caught off guard by his fast attacks and for a time could only defend without any ability to counterattack. When their arms collided, the sounds were crisp and clear. The Princess, hiding behind the great boulder, felt she couldn’t even breathe under the pressure of their internal power.

After dozens of moves, Luo Moshi’s fear gradually subsided. His martial arts foundation was deep and definitely superior to Lu Yun’s. By now he had seen through the gaps in Lu Yun’s fist and foot techniques, knowing this person’s known moves were limited—after a few more exchanges, he would have to repeat his offensive moves. Indeed, after several moves, Lu Yun’s left and right consecutive punches came again—this move had already been used before. Luo Moshi’s face showed a cold smile, knowing his left foot would step forward. Luo Moshi struck first—before Lu Yun could attack, he had already extended his foot to block Lu Yun’s offensive, then his right palm struck heavily, sending Lu Yun flying.

Lu Yun was shaken by the palm force and thrown far away, rolling to one side. Fortunately, first his internal cultivation foundation was thick, and second he followed the palm force to leap outward—this move didn’t take his life.

At this time over ten people had caught up from behind. Seeing Lu Yun fall, they wanted to take advantage of his misfortune. Hearing everyone shout “Hit!” they chopped at Lu Yun’s body. Lu Yun couldn’t regulate his internal breath in time and hurriedly rolled away on the ground, then quickly got up and fled to one side. Where he landed was bright and slippery—a large sheet of thin ice.

The barbarian monks, seeing him flee, didn’t suspect anything and quickly pursued. At this time Luo Moshi had also caught up. He shouted, “Boy, why are you still running!” and reached out to grab Lu Yun’s back.

At this moment Lu Yun leaped forcefully, jumping five or six zhang away and dodging that ice layer. How could the pursuing troops behind know the cleverness involved? They all chased over, shouting continuously as they stepped onto the ice. Suddenly hearing a crisp “crack” sound, over ten people felt emptiness under their feet—that thin ice actually shattered, revealing the ten-thousand-foot abyss below. Everyone was shocked, only now realizing the thin ice under their feet was a fake—a trap Lu Yun had made in previous days. Hearing continuous screams, the crowd of barbarian monks fell from the great height.

Luo Moshi was mixed in the crowd and was also falling at this time, but his martial arts were exquisite, far beyond what others could compare to. Seeing a disciple falling in front of him, he forcefully stepped on that person’s head and borrowed the force to fly upward several feet. That disciple screamed and still called loudly, “Master! Save me!”

Luo Moshi sneered, “I save you? Then who will save me?” In the confusion, he saw that disciple fall far away, still shouting incessantly.

Luo Moshi’s form floated upward. He heard another disciple screaming as he fell beside him. Luo Moshi was delighted, thinking, “Heaven helps me!” He kicked heavily at that person’s chest with both feet. His body flew out several zhang like a paper kite. Borrowing the force of this kick, he had risen near the cliff. He reached up and grabbed—in his panic he caught a tree branch. With a “hey” sound he gripped tightly and swung toward the cliff top. Before long he had stepped onto solid ground.

Having escaped death, Luo Moshi was naturally both shocked and angry. He looked up at Lu Yun on the high platform, not knowing how many more traps and schemes he had. He shouted and cursed, “Little thief! If you have courage, come down and fight to the death! Don’t play these shameless tricks!” His mouth cursed fiercely, but fearing Lu Yun’s formidable methods, he didn’t dare rashly go up.

Lu Yun saw that Luo Moshi not only had formidable martial arts but was utterly ruthless, using his own disciples as stepping stones to escape with his life. He despised this evil monk’s character and pointed back, cursing, “Shameless creature! You don’t even spare your own disciples! If you have guts, come up and fight! Don’t chatter down there!”

The two cursed at each other across the distance, but neither dared make a rash move. Luo Moshi calculated that the platform above was full of traps and couldn’t be attacked directly, so he wanted to climb the cliff from another side. He ordered his remaining disciples over and instructed, “Prepare your bows and hidden weapons. When I give the command, just shoot at the platform. The rest of you, follow me!”

Lu Yun looked into the distance and saw Luo Moshi dividing his forces skillfully—one group raised bows while another group was about to attack from behind. He knew this evil monk must have some sinister plot. Lu Yun understood clearly that if they couldn’t repel the strong enemies tonight, he and the Princess would surely lose their lives.

Lu Yun was worried and anxious, looking down to scout below, when suddenly a warm, soft body leaned against his arm. Lu Yun was startled and quickly turned his head. In the moonlight, Princess Yinchuan’s pretty face was gentle and moving as she stared at him in a daze.

At this moment, the two could hear each other’s breathing, their skin touching. Lu Yun thought, “If the Princess is so close to me and this gets out, ten heads wouldn’t be enough to lose.”

Just as he was thinking of gently pushing the Princess away, he reconsidered—facing more likelihood of death than life, the Princess was probably afraid and wanted to nestle beside him. So he only coughed lightly and said nothing more to avoid embarrassing the Princess.

The Princess was completely unaware of Lu Yun’s thoughts. She lowered her beautiful eyes and asked softly, “Are we going to die?”

Hearing her ask so directly, Lu Yun didn’t know how to respond and could only sigh, “It’s all because I failed to protect Your Highness properly—I truly have no face to meet Lord Liu…”

Before he finished speaking, the Princess’s delicate hand had already covered his mouth, shaking her head, “Don’t say such things anymore. You’ve already done your best. Even if we die here today, I won’t blame you at all.”

Seeing her serene expression, Lu Yun could only smile bitterly, “No matter what, even if I’m torn to pieces, I must kill several more barbarian monks to vent anger for Your Highness…”

The Princess cut off his words. She pointed at the moon on the horizon and exclaimed, “Look how beautiful that moon is!”

Lu Yun looked up and indeed saw a crescent moon hanging high in the sky. The moon was like a hook, its silver light spilling over the layers of Tianshan Mountains—the distant view was especially magnificent. Lu Yun was shocked by the vast scenery before him and momentarily forgot about life and death, spontaneously reciting, “The bright moon emerges from Tianshan, amid the vast sea of clouds—what a magnificent sight!”

The Princess gazed far at the Tianshan Mountains shimmering with silver light under the moonlight, countless stars dotting the sky behind the mountains like a dream. She said wistfully, “Though heaven and earth are vast, no matter where you go, you can still see the same bright moon. When I was in the Forbidden City, I never looked carefully at the moon. Now with life and death hanging by a thread… sigh… only now do I know how beautiful this moon is…” She gently embraced Lu Yun’s arm and rested her cheek on his shoulder, her expression seemingly entranced.

Hearing much sighing in her words, Lu Yun was also moved to personal feelings. He gazed at the bright moon on the horizon and sighed, “Yes! When I traveled south from Shandong to Yangzhou and then to the capital, over those thousands of li, alone and solitary, only this moon accompanied me through heaven and earth.”

The Princess, nestled in his embrace, said softly, “Staff Officer Lu… that day I asked about your background and you never would tell me. Now that we’re about to die, can you tell me?”

Lu Yun smiled bitterly, “My humble life isn’t worth mentioning.” The Princess shook her head, “Staff Officer Lu, I know you’re a person with aspirations—don’t belittle yourself. Please?” She raised her head to look at Lu Yun’s face, her pair of clear large eyes blinking as if containing infinite deep feeling.

Lu Yun saw her small face was absolutely beautiful, her large eyes like autumn water with waves. Despite considering himself strong-willed, he was moved by this capital’s foremost beauty and thought for a moment, “This Princess is so beautiful!” For a time he almost couldn’t control himself. When he remembered he was in danger, he quickly collected his mind and turned his head away, not daring to look again.

The Princess pillowed on his chest, gently embracing his arm, and said softly, “I heard General Qin say you seem to be from Shandong and were a scholar? Is that right?”

Hearing her mention his background, Lu Yun couldn’t help feeling sad. He looked at the starry sky thinking, “So be it—perhaps this Western Region will be where I die, so why hide anything?” Thinking of Gu Qianxi made him feel even more heartbroken. He sighed and nodded, “Your Highness speaks correctly. I was formerly a poor and destitute scholar. Because I failed the imperial examinations and wandered in foreign lands, I joined the army… sigh… there’s really nothing glorious worth mentioning.” He laughed self-mockingly and shook his head.

The Princess nodded slightly, “No wonder you have such a scholarly air—you’re really a scholar.”

Lu Yun smiled bitterly twice, “In chaotic times, literary works are worthless. When all is said and done, failed scholars are the most worthless.” He looked up at the stars in the sky and said wistfully, “That year when I failed the imperial examination and was rejected everywhere, I finally fell to being a book servant in Jiangnan. Who would have thought… who would have thought I’d fall in love with a wealthy family’s young lady… sigh… where do I even begin…”

The Princess exclaimed, “You fell in love with a wealthy family’s young lady? Who is she?”

Lu Yun lowered his head and said lightly, “Her surname is Gu—she’s the daughter of the current Minister of War.”

The Princess, seeing his infatuated expression, clearly couldn’t forget that Miss Gu. Suddenly her heart ached and she felt somewhat uncomfortable. She quickly shook her head and asked, “Since you love this young lady so deeply, why did you go to the capital to serve under General Qin?”

Lu Yun smiled miserably, “To tell Your Highness the truth, when I was in Shandong, I was framed by a corrupt official who falsely accused me of being a bandit. Now I’m still a fugitive. I couldn’t stay at the Gu family home and could only wander the world, selling noodles to survive. If General Qin hadn’t taken me in, I’d still be selling noodles to make a living.”

At this moment with their lives hanging by a thread, he spoke without reservation, telling all his past experiences. He didn’t realize that if this matter spread, how would Qin Zhonghai explain it to the court?

The Princess, hearing this, only sighed lightly and shook her head, “Corrupt officials harming people is just a casual act, but who would have thought it would ruin your entire life.” She paused and suddenly asked again, “What about that Miss Gu? Have you seen her again?” When she spoke the words “Miss Gu,” her voice actually trembled slightly.

Lu Yun said, “Miss Gu was extremely good to me, but I… I was born lowly and couldn’t match her… sigh… actually, even if I weren’t a fugitive, I shouldn’t have known her, much less constantly think of her…” Speaking to this point, tears rolled down his face.

Seeing his expression, the Princess couldn’t help showing pity and reached out to tightly grasp his palm.

Lu Yun was completely unaware and continued in a daze, “That day in the capital when I saw her again, over these years she had become even more beautiful and moving, but I, Lu Yun, am still unsuccessful and poor—how could I have the face to appear before her again? I… I really wish I could die immediately…”

The Princess gently stroked Lu Yun’s palm and said softly, “Staff Officer Lu, don’t look down on yourself. With your character and learning, there’s no woman in the world you wouldn’t be worthy of.”

Hearing this, Lu Yun was startled and finally came to his senses. He quickly turned his head, and seeing the Princess holding his hand, hurriedly withdrew it and knelt on one knee in panic, “Your Highness, I lost my composure—please don’t take offense.”

The Princess gazed at him and said softly, “Staff Officer Lu, in life one shouldn’t take gains and losses too seriously. Perhaps you and this Miss Gu will still have a good match in the future—who can say?”

Lu Yun, hearing her pray for him, though knowing the future was uncertain, was still moved in his heart. He lowered his head and sighed, “Thank you for Your Highness’s golden words of blessing. But I dare not have such foolish hopes again. If I can rescue Your Highness safely, I’ll be completely satisfied.”

The two faced each other speechlessly. In the complete silence, both thought of Luo Moshi soon leading an attack and knew tonight was extremely dangerous—how they’d fare in life and death was hard to say.

The Princess, gazing at the bright moon on the horizon, suddenly said, “Staff Officer Lu, for the rest of my life I’ll never forget tonight’s moon.”

Lu Yun’s heart trembled as he said gravely, “Your Highness treats me so well—even if I lose my life, I must protect Your Highness’s safety.”

Suddenly several swishing sounds were heard as arrows shot through mid-air. Lu Yun knew enemies were attacking. These people drew bows shooting toward Lu Yun, but with large stones blocking between them, they changed to shooting into mid-air, adopting an attack pattern from above downward. Though their accuracy was poor, shooting over a hundred arrows, one or two would always hit. He quickly pressed the Princess down and brandished his blade to defend.

In the distance, Luo Moshi’s voice was heard, “Surrender quickly! We have countless arrows shooting over—it’s really too dangerous. If you want to live, speak up and agree.”

Lu Yun called out loudly, “Evil monk, stop your chatter! Even if we die here, we don’t need you to say a single word!”

Luo Moshi shouted, “If you continue to resist, I’ll come up personally. Then don’t blame me for being too heavy-handed and knocking you into the ten-thousand-foot abyss!” Lu Yun laughed heartily and challenged, “Evil monk, if you have courage, come up and fight! Don’t pretend to be good down there!” He relied on still having several unused traps and wasn’t afraid of Luo Moshi’s attack.

Luo Moshi shouted, “Fine! Don’t blame me for being merciless! Shoot arrows!” Instantly thousands of arrows rained down, the sky full of gleaming silver arrowheads with nowhere to escape. Lu Yun repeatedly swung the curved blade in his hand to block the arrows flying at his head, but his arms and shoulders were hit repeatedly, blood flowing freely. The Princess cried out, “You… you’re injured!”

Lu Yun saw the barbarian monks below shooting arrows while slowly advancing. They would charge up the slope momentarily. That Luo Moshi showed a face full of conspiracy, still pacing indecisively below, obviously ready to give Lu Yun a final blow at any time.

The Princess, seeing they were about to attack and Lu Yun was wounded, though she had seen through life and death, still felt panic and fear when crisis approached.

Lu Yun thought, “Looking at these people’s manner, they’ll definitely split into two routes for a pincer attack from front and back—this place can’t be defended.” He reached out to pull the Princess and pointed to the plateau behind the high platform, “Your Highness, if we can jump over there, we can certainly escape disaster.”

The Princess, seeing the great distance between the two places, couldn’t help crying out in alarm, “The two places are separated by dozens of zhang—how can we jump across?”

Lu Yun said, “I have my methods. If life becomes critical, Your Highness just jump over—I guarantee your life will be safe.”

The Princess looked at him and said softly, “As long as we can escape together, I’m not afraid of any danger.”

Seeing Luo Moshi give a great shout and lead over ten barbarian monks charging toward the great stone, with killing sounds rising below as ten-odd barbarian monks also attacked upward—clearly a pincer attack from both sides.

Lu Yun gazed at the Princess and said, “From here to the cliff edge is exactly seven steps. You rush over from here, counting with each step. When you count to seven, jump out with all your strength and don’t worry about anything else. Do you understand?”

The Princess turned to look at the cliff and saw the two sides were really too far apart—she couldn’t even jump half a zhang, so how could she leap across this extremely wide and distant cliff in one bound? But since Lu Yun said so, she wouldn’t say more and gritted her teeth, “Fine! When I count to seven, I’ll jump out with all my strength!”

Lu Yun’s face showed joy as he nodded, “Exactly so.”

Suddenly hearing great shouts and yells, the troops below had already charged up. Several barbarian monks with good lightness skills were only a few feet from the two. Lu Yun snorted and forcefully triggered the mechanism. Instantly chaotic rocks crashed down again. He shouted loudly, “Princess, run quickly! Don’t look back!”

The Princess cried out in alarm, “What about you? Aren’t you leaving?” Lu Yun shouted, “Just run—I’ll come in a moment!”

The Princess hurried out but heard someone behind call, “The Princess is escaping! Quickly stop her!” The Princess was startled and wanted to look back, but heard Lu Yun shout loudly, “Your Highness, go quickly! Don’t look back!”

Hearing this, the Princess could only grit her teeth and flee in panic. As she ran, she heard Lu Yun’s voice, “You evil monks, not one of you will get past!” As soon as his voice stopped, she heard Luo Moshi shout, “Get out of the way!” followed by two muffled “hey” and “hmph” sounds—apparently he had engaged Lu Yun in combat.

The Princess was greatly alarmed and quickly turned to look, seeing Lu Yun’s body kicked up heavily by Luo Moshi, blood spurting wildly from his mouth. The Princess was extremely anxious and tears were about to fall. Lu Yun, spitting blood, turned and called, “Run! Run quickly!”

The Princess gritted her teeth and forcefully ran forward. She was counting in her heart when suddenly great killing sounds arose behind her, the continuous sounds of clashing weapons. Instantly a spray of blood shot into mid-air, splashing all over her body. The Princess, looking at the blood on her hands, was greatly shocked, not knowing whether Lu Yun was alive or dead. She cried out, “Staff Officer Lu! Staff Officer Lu!”

Through tearful eyes, she seemed to hear Lu Yun call, “Remember! Jump on the seventh step!” The Princess’s heart was both sad and confused—she had long forgotten how many steps she’d taken. In her panic, her feet suddenly found empty air and her body fell into the ten-thousand-foot abyss.

The Princess screamed shrilly, waving her hands wildly, “Staff Officer Lu! Staff Officer Lu!” Thinking she would fall alone off the cliff, tears couldn’t help bursting from her eyes.

At this moment, a low voice suddenly reached her ears, “Your Highness, don’t be afraid—I’ve come to protect you.” The Princess turned to look and saw Lu Yun had somehow already fallen beside her. She cried “Ah!” and reached out to grab Lu Yun, holding him tightly as both fell rapidly through mid-air.

It turned out Lu Yun had calculated the timing, first using his own flesh and blood to block Luo Moshi so the Princess could escape, then quickly jumping off the cliff to catch up with the Princess. This was indeed prepared and not a reckless act.

The Princess held Lu Yun tightly and cried, “Staff Officer Lu! Let’s die together!”

Lu Yun shook his head, “I promised Lord Liu—how can I let the Princess die in the Western Regions?”

He grasped the Princess’s hands and with a great “roar,” twisted his waist and exerted his whole body’s strength, instantly summoning his life’s power to forcefully throw the Princess away. It turned out Lu Yun had calculated this days ago—when life became critical, he would use himself as a stepping stone to let the Princess escape.

The Princess only felt a great force transmitted to her, her body involuntarily flying up like a kite floating toward the cliff. Lu Yun, having thrown the Princess out, fell even faster, immediately plummeting rapidly toward the cliff bottom.

Princess Yinchuan, suspended in mid-air, looked down at Lu Yun falling below. She wanted to reach out to pull him but saw the two growing farther and farther apart. She immediately screamed, “No! Don’t die!”

Lu Yun looked up at the Princess and saw she had escaped danger. His heart felt somewhat comforted and he couldn’t help showing a slight smile. Though he was giving up his life now, he could exchange it for the Princess’s noble purity—everything was worth it. He looked at the Princess’s gradually distancing tender face and thought, “Your Highness, let’s meet again in the next life.” In an instant, his body plummeted straight into the deep valley and he could see nothing more.

The Princess screamed, but Lu Yun’s body fell faster and faster, already becoming a tiny black dot. At this moment she suddenly felt pain in her body—she had finally flown across the cliff and fallen to the ground.

The Princess hurriedly got up and knelt at the cliff edge, screaming, “Staff Officer Lu! Staff Officer Lu!” She only heard the whistling wind below, and amid the vast mountains and wilderness, only her own voice calling. In the dark deep valley there was no shadow of Lu Yun—he must have already died falling off the cliff.

The Princess’s heart turned cold, knowing she would never see this person again in this life. She felt darkness before her eyes and her heart was shattered. She wanted to cry but her tears seemed dried up.

Suddenly she heard people shouting loudly across the way. She looked up and saw dozens of barbarian monks standing at the cliff edge, jumping up and down in fury—it was Luo Moshi and others. Princess Yinchuan paid no attention. She stood up in a daze, not knowing what she should do. She looked at the bright moon on the horizon, her heart seeming dead without any feeling, walking down the plateau in a daze.

Suddenly there was a tremendous explosion in the sky, and the distant Tianshan Mountains erupted with violent sparks, followed by ground tremors that shook Princess Yinchuan’s delicate body to the ground.

Princess Yinchuan fell to the ground, completely unaware of the great changes in the world around her. As the earth heaved like waves, her heart also surged like wild billows. Her mind was full of scenes from these past days living and dying together with Lu Yun. Thinking of Lu Yun’s gaze fixed on her before his death, her throat suddenly choked as if something was stuck. She wanted to cry but couldn’t make a sound, only feeling stifled chest pain beyond words.

Luo Moshi, seeing Lu Yun’s strange moves before death, was deeply resentful, but the Princess had already escaped the dangerous area—what could he do? Unwilling to give up, he called to his disciples, “Try jumping over and see if you can jump to the other side!”

The disciples, seeing his ominous expression and fearing he’d throw them across, all quickly retreated.

Luo Moshi muttered incantations. Suddenly there were thunderous rumbling sounds, then a gas flow erupted from the canyon, and the ground shook continuously. Luo Moshi looked toward the horizon and saw the night sky full of red light already covering the mountain peaks.

The disciples were shocked and pointed at the horizon, “What… what is this? Is it the end of the world?”

Luo Moshi chuckled, “It’s not the end of the world—just a change of dynasties.” He gazed at the night sky, shook his head, and led his men down the mountain.