The night wind carried the faint fishy smell of the Red River, gently blowing against their clothes. The countless stars in the sky resembled brilliant jewels embedded in the heavens, emitting a soft radiance. A crescent moon hung obliquely like a curved hook among the stars, illuminating the grass below in a misty white glow.

Chu Qiao’s expression was calm as she rode on horseback through the war-torn Woopeng City, rushing out of the wide-open city gates and galloping across the desolate grasslands.

The night was deep, and Woopeng City had disappeared into the darkness. From afar, half the sky had turned red from the fires. The night wind was cold, the moonlight serene. After half a night of pursuit, Chu Qiao had finally left Woopeng City behind.

She had to kill Zhu Shun—there was no room for compromise. If before it was because she hadn’t encountered him, lost in the vast sea of humanity with nowhere to search, then this time, she absolutely could not let him escape with his life right under her nose.

Chu Qiao knew there was a heavy sense of guilt in her heart. The current her could not kill Zhuge Yue to avenge the Jing family children, nor did she have the ability to completely eradicate the Zhuge Manor. There were practical reasons for this, personal reasons, and many factors that couldn’t be clearly explained. So, she was desperately eager to eliminate Zhu Shun. From another perspective, this was perhaps her selfishness, a form of indirect repayment.

She was human, with human emotions and human selfishness. Many times, she couldn’t be completely rational.

Just as before, if she had truly been rational, she wouldn’t have stubbornly remained by Yan Xun’s side out of emotional impulse. Today, she wouldn’t have given up the opportunity to kill Zhuge Yue.

She was just such a person—unable to owe others, unable to accept favors.

At this moment, the Red River rushed past in the distance. Black reefs rose menacingly high along the shore, with countless white waves crashing against them one after another, shattering into thousands of broken crystals. Just then, the sound of hoofbeats approached from behind. Zhuge Yue called out furiously: “Stop right there!”

Chu Qiao coldly turned her head and said in a deep voice: “Why are you following me?”

“Did I say I would let you go?”

Zhuge Yue wore a brocade robe, his eyebrows slanting upward, his lips eerily red in the night. There were marks from ropes on his hands and feet, and the rope around his ankles had not yet been removed, clearly having been tricked by someone.

Both were outstanding experts of the younger generation and in a confrontation, it would be difficult to determine a winner. But when it came to ambush, trickery, or assassination, Zhuge Yue was far from a match for Chu Qiao, who had received professional special forces training.

The two glared at each other angrily, neither willing to compromise.

Finally, a sudden gust of wind brought a strong smell of blood from the distance. Chu Qiao started slightly and looked toward the distance.

On the peaceful wilderness, black grass grew everywhere, reaching waist-high, covering half of a horse’s back. In that thick darkness, something seemed to be hidden—green eyes moving slightly.

Wolves!

There were wolves here! Chu Qiao and Zhuge Yue glanced at each other. Even though they thought highly of themselves, if attacked by a wolf pack in such a remote area, the consequences would be unimaginable.

“Zhuge Yue, shall we call a temporary truce?”

Zhuge Yue glanced at her sideways, then snorted lightly and turned his head away.

“I’m pursuing my enemy, you’re eliminating your family’s traitor—we each have our needs, we should cooperate.”

Chu Qiao rode forward, continuing to persuade him.

Zhuge Yue jumped off his horse with a thud, about to walk forward. Chu Qiao followed behind, but as soon as she took a step forward, her horse’s hooves suddenly sank. Zhuge Yue grabbed her hand and, holding her waist, quickly retreated.

Then, Chu Qiao watched in shock as her warhorse gradually disappeared into the barren grass, emitting a miserable wail!

“This is a swamp, be careful.”

After saying this, Zhuge Yue took the lead, saying as he walked: “After crossing this swamp, we can reach Xiangma Pass before those bandits.”

Chu Qiao asked: “So you agree to cooperate with me?”

Zhuge Yue glanced at her lightly but didn’t answer. Chu Qiao was slightly stunned, suddenly feeling somewhat uneasy. This atmosphere made her feel dangerous. She wasn’t a fool—what status did Zhu Shun have to warrant Zhuge Yue’s capture? And speaking of escaped slaves, wasn’t she the more significant escaped slave?

Zhuge Yue’s voice sounded softly: “I’ll scout ahead, you follow me.” Then he paid no more attention, walking into the swamp as casually as if strolling in his courtyard. This mysterious and treacherous place that even local people dared not enter lightly, he entered with such ease, without a trace of hesitation.

Chu Qiao watched as that cyan silhouette gradually disappeared into the air. Her slender phoenix eyes narrowed slowly. In the darkness, her expression was unclear, but she calmly looked at Zhuge Yue once, and then her figure flashed as she quickly followed his steps.

The darkness before dawn grew increasingly gloomy and black. It seemed that as soon as they entered the swamp, the surroundings changed suddenly. It wasn’t the imagined scene of swirling gloomy winds, ferocious beasts roaming, poisonous insects everywhere, and corpses lining the path. Instead, it was a death-like stillness devoid of everything—as if there wasn’t a single person, animal, or living being, not even a wisp of wind. The air in the entire space was congealed, with only the sound of their breathing and footsteps echoing slowly through the swamp.

Suddenly, Chu Qiao’s foot sank, and she thought she had stepped into the swamp. She quickly looked down. At first glance, she nearly cried out—Zhuge Yue turned to look and saw a headless corpse, its chest torn open, internal organs scattered everywhere, evidently attacked by some wild beast.

“You’re afraid of this?”

The man’s voice carried a faint mockery. Chu Qiao coldly rolled her eyes at him but didn’t retort.

“Here, hold this.”

Chu Qiao looked down to see the Broken Moon sword. She was slightly stunned, then heard Zhuge Yue say: “You dare to casually discard my things—you’re truly bold.”

Chu Qiao frowned at him: “I’ve been thinking about killing you for more than a day or two. Do you think I’d be afraid of offending you by losing your possessions?”

“Hmph, an untrustworthy woman!” Zhuge Yue snorted coldly, turning his head away and walking ahead with his head down.

Chu Qiao ignored him, trying hard to recall the swamp survival skills taught during her military training, taking careful steps forward.

“Didn’t you hear me tell you to hold on?”

Zhuge Yue turned back in a rage. Chu Qiao immediately shouted angrily: “Why should I listen to you? Are you better than me?”

“If you don’t accept it, feel free to try!”

Chu Qiao’s face turned red with anger: “Zhuge Yue! If you think you’re so great, we can go our separate ways. I’ll seek my revenge, you catch your house slave—we don’t need to get involved together. If you want to cooperate, show some cooperative spirit. Don’t keep showing your teeth and claws at me angrily. I’m no longer your slave, and I don’t need to watch your mood!”

Zhuge Yue was so angry his face turned blue, his chest heaving. Chu Qiao pushed him away and was about to walk forward.

Unexpectedly, Zhuge Yue grabbed her, his hands like pincers, his eyes angry as he said: “Let me tell you, this swamp is fraught with danger. If you don’t know the path, there’s a ninety percent chance you’ll perish and be eaten by wild dogs. Don’t think your skills are so great that you don’t take this place seriously. Without me leading the way, you wouldn’t last a hundred steps. If you want to die, go far away to die, don’t linger in front of me!”

Hearing this, Chu Qiao didn’t utter a word, brushed off Zhuge Yue’s hand, and turned to leave.

Zhuge Yue was stunned. He stepped forward, grabbed her, and angrily said: “Where are you going?”

“Didn’t you tell me to go far away to die? Just right, I also plan to keep my distance from you.”

“You!” Never in his life had he been treated like this. He was momentarily dumbfounded with anger, looking at Chu Qiao viciously as if wanting to swallow her whole. Suddenly, he took a deep breath and said: “We’ll call a truce.”

Chu Qiao smiled slyly and nodded: “Good.”

“However, I warn you…”

“Mind your words and attitude!”

The conversation truly couldn’t continue. Zhuge Yue’s eyes turned red as he handed over the Broken Moon sword, saying in a deep voice: “Take it.”

Chu Qiao claimed a complete victory, happily gripping the sword hilt.

The night was deep, darkness surrounded them, and the cold wind was like iron, carrying a chilly taste.

Zhuge Yue turned his head in anger, his right foot stepping out onto the dust-covered ground. With a slight force of his hand, he pulled Chu Qiao toward himself.

In this most dangerous swamp, the two walked quietly and carefully. Between them, a blade of Eastern Sea’s hardest iron firmly connected them.

Though angry, they were safe.

The territory of this swamp was vast. After walking for nearly half an hour, the surroundings remained unchanged. Chu Qiao felt somewhat confused. Just as she was about to speak and inquire, a faint human voice suddenly came through. Chu Qiao froze, immediately holding her breath, silently listening carefully to the sounds ahead.

“Xi Jiu, why haven’t the boss and the others arrived yet? I hope nothing’s happened.”

A deep male voice suddenly sounded, mixed with a hissing intake of breath, as if he had suffered a significant injury.

“Let’s wait another half hour. If they still haven’t arrived, we’ll leave first.” Unexpectedly, a cold female voice suddenly rang out, sounding somewhat eerie in this deadly silent environment.

Just then, another voice suddenly said: “What the hell kind of ghost place is this? The bite I got earlier still hurts. Cloud family’s red medicine doesn’t work at all. One of these days, I’ll find time to go to the Cloud family and steal all of old man Cloud’s concubines. Xi Jiu, why does the boss insist on meeting here? Aren’t we just asking for trouble?”

Xi Jiu said in a low voice: “Do you think Tian Ruchen’s reputation these many years is for nothing? Though he’s old, his vigor hasn’t diminished. If we were on the plains riding horses, we’d be caught by them in less than half an hour, and then we’d be at their mercy. But this swamp is different. The terrain is dangerous, and it’s close to Woopeng City. No matter how clever Tian Ruchen is, how would he think we’re hiding right under his nose? Even if he discovers us, we can still escape using the complex terrain. Woopeng is not an easy bone to chew, we must act cautiously. Sigh, if not for the Great Xia’s wartime chaos lately, with few large merchants traveling, our income wouldn’t be so poor, and we wouldn’t need to resort to such desperate measures.”

Saying this, she paused slightly, then continued in a soft voice: “According to my suggestion, after succeeding, we should just hide in the city. They know we’re a horse gang, they wouldn’t look for us in the city. When they all go out searching, we break up into smaller groups and find opportunities to escape. That way, our chances of survival would be greater.”

Zhuge Yue and Chu Qiao were both moved by these words. This woman’s deep thinking and boldness were incredible. A small horse gang dared to openly attack a major city, and afterward, instead of fleeing, they planned to stay in the city. Nevertheless, they had to admit that this tactic was indeed very effective. Honestly speaking, even if they knew about this, their first reaction would also be to search outside the city.

Just then, a sudden gust of wind blew, carrying the complex fragrance from Chu Qiao’s elaborate clothing above the three bandit members.

Zhuge Yue and Chu Qiao were immediately alarmed. They heard the people in the darkness suddenly panic, but being hardened bandits who had walked the thin line between life and death for years, their silence lasted less than a second. Xi Jiu and the others immediately decided to use offense as defense. The three figures instantly rushed forward, flying toward the high, middle, and low routes of the two. Their movements were agile, their techniques fierce. As soon as they attacked, they went for the kill, willing to be severely injured just to slay the two under their blades.

Zhuge Yue’s lips curved into a cold smile. His sword instantly left its sheath, the sword light surging, his techniques fierce, slashing through the air like lightning, leaving a bright trail. With three sharp “clings,” three sharp daggers were knocked flying backward. Xi Jiu and the other two were shocked. They landed around Zhuge Yue, forming a triangle, surrounding him, but no longer attacking.

At this moment, Chu Qiao suddenly moved. Her form was like a cheetah, extraordinarily agile, kicking one man in the chest. The sound of breaking bones immediately rang out, and the man cried in pain as he flew backward.

Zhuge Yue’s face was cold as his low, deep voice rang out, sounding quite eerie in the deathly silent air: “Tell me your horse gang’s number, lair, and retreat routes, and I’ll spare your lives.”

With a “swoosh,” the woman named Xi Jiu suddenly threw her battle knife onto the ground and said casually: “We are no match for you. I will tell you what you want to know. Please let me and my companions leave.”

Zhuge Yue was stunned, not expecting this female bandit to be so sensible. He nodded and said: “Of course.”

“A gentleman’s promise is worth a thousand gold. Don’t go back on your word. We’re just small fry in the gang, we work for whoever pays us.”

“Good,” Zhuge Yue said. “Tell me, and not only will I let you go, but I’ll also give you a sum of money.”

Xi Jiu nodded and said: “That’s fair.” She then slowly approached, very normally about to reveal their hideout.

However, looking at her black clothing, a sense of unease suddenly arose in Chu Qiao’s heart. By this time, Xi Jiu was only one step away from Zhuge Yue!

At this moment, a strong sense of unease suddenly struck Chu Qiao’s heart. She couldn’t explain the source of this panic, but this vigilance, honed from years on the edge of life and death, had saved her too many times. So in this instant, she chose to completely trust her instincts. She suddenly leaped up, her form flying forward, her dagger held horizontally in front of her, quickly deflecting that cold flash with absolute strength and posture.

“Watch out!”

However, the awakening at this moment seemed still too late. Xi Jiu’s body, hit by the dagger, instantly flew backward, but the corner of her mouth revealed a faint, wicked smile. Chu Qiao instantly knew that the weakened final slash could no longer harm her vital points, but the concealed weapon, fired from the optimal position by a top assassin, was completely sufficient to deal a fatal blow!

This was truly a perfect illustration of fighting to the death as a last resort!

As Chu Qiao was greatly alarmed, a crisp sound suddenly rang out in front of her. A dagger flashing with black-blue light instantly broke into two pieces, fell to the ground, and immediately sank into the swamp below!

Zhuge Yue’s face was gloomy, his eyes cold as he said in a deep voice: “You’re truly stubborn.”

Xi Jiu crouched on the ground like a wildcat, supporting herself with one hand. She looked at Chu Qiao and Zhuge Yue with cold eyes, her voice as cold as ice, snorting: “Are you daydreaming? If I said that if you joined our horse gang, I’d guarantee you’d live a life of luxury, would you agree?”

Chu Qiao angrily said in a cold voice: “Incorrigible!”

Like a magician, Xi Jiu reached into her bosom and pulled out another small dagger, suddenly springing up from the ground like an agile wildcat, not retreating a single step as she charged forward.

The other two, though crude in their speech, were rarely calm experts. Even though one was severely injured, they still fought to the death. The two coordinated without a word, also charging at Zhuge Yue like lightning, holding long knives, their movements flowing like water, clean and efficient.

Chu Qiao hadn’t expected that a mere horse gang would have such skilled individuals.

But they didn’t possess any superior combat techniques. These people might excel in assassination, tracking, and agility, but they were not masters of combat.

Sure enough, in less than a moment, the battle was over. Zhuge Yue still maintained his previous posture, standing lightly as if he had never fought, his gaze cold, his demeanor calm, his long sword placed at Xi Jiu’s neck as he said in a deep voice: “Will you speak or not?”

Xi Jiu was lying face down in the swamp, blood streaming from the corner of her mouth. Dressed in black robes, it was impossible to see if she was injured or not. But it was clear that her body had already slightly sunk into the soft swamp.

Xi Jiu acted as if she hadn’t heard him speak, turning her head to her two companions and saying in a deep voice: “We can’t escape.”

The two nodded slightly, their gazes calm, showing no panic. Suddenly, they both raised their daggers to their heart meridians and fiercely stabbed down!

The daggers had been poisoned. The two only twitched slightly before collapsing to the ground with a thud.

Zhuge Yue moved quickly, stepping forward to restrain Xi Jiu to prevent her from committing suicide.

But Xi Jiu’s lips suddenly flashed a cold smile. Chu Qiao’s mind raced, and her hands moved like lightning—without time to think, she suddenly lunged forward, fiercely colliding with Zhuge Yue’s shoulder. As she turned her body, a silver needle as thin as cow hair shot into Chu Qiao’s arm with a “poof,” the deep blue poison instantly spreading, causing the entire arm to become numb and swollen.

“Are you alright?” Zhuge Yue was greatly alarmed, grabbing Chu Qiao. Chu Qiao frowned tightly, tearing off a strip of cloth and tightly binding it above her arm to prevent the poisoned blood from spreading to her heart.

“I’m fine.”

“Fine?” Xi Jiu snorted coldly, saying in a gloomy tone: “I’ll be waiting for you in hell!”

“Bitch!” Zhuge Yue’s fist fiercely struck the woman’s face. The sound of breaking bones immediately rang out. The enraged man said in a deep voice: “Give me the antidote!”

Xi Jiu laughed coldly, lying in the swamp with half her body already sunk in, continuously spitting out large mouthfuls of black blood. Yet her eyes were full of cold, gloating mockery.

Chu Qiao’s heart chilled. This Xi Jiu was vicious and poisonous, not resting until her goal was achieved, and willing to risk her life. She might not have superior skills, but she was meticulous, good at hiding, ambushing, and using poison, and possessed a strong will and sufficient patience—truly a first-class, excellent assassin.

“Where’s the antidote? Speak!” Zhuge Yue tightly gripped her throat.

“Who are you?” A hoarse voice suddenly rang out. Chu Qiao looked down and saw that Xi Jiu was speaking to her. Zhuge Yue looked at her and said coldly: “Give me the antidote, and I’ll tell you.”

Xi Jiu snorted coldly, looking quite disdainful, as if saying that such a dispensable piece of information wasn’t worth trading for. Seeing her willing to die rather than reveal information, Chu Qiao felt some admiration for this tough female assassin and answered in a deep voice: “I am Chu Qiao of Yan Bei.”

Hearing this, Xi Jiu’s pupils instantly widened. After a long while, she finally exhaled slowly and said softly: “No wonder…”

The night was pitch black, with clouds covering the sky, not a single star visible.

Xi Jiu laughed coldly, and after a while, spoke weakly in a small voice: “So it’s… someone from… Yan Bei… If you… weren’t our… enemy… I could save you, but unfortunately…”

She suddenly coughed up blood. Chu Qiao knew that such people usually had poison sacs in their mouths. Once captured, they would immediately commit suicide to avoid suffering.

“Can Yan Bei… achieve… Great Unity…”

Zhuge Yue frowned, his arm relaxing. Xi Jiu’s body rolled several times, falling into a pit, and gradually sinking into the swamp. After a while, no trace of her remained.

“How are you?”

Zhuge Yue supported Chu Qiao, who shook her head and said in a hoarse voice: “It’s not a lethal poison.”

“We’ll go to Tang Capital immediately. The Imperial Palace’s Physician Zhu has excellent medical skills and will certainly be able to cure your poison.”

Chu Qiao’s brows furrowed slightly as she asked in a deep voice: “Aren’t you waiting for your subordinates?”

Zhuge Yue put her on his back without concern, saying deeply: “There’s no time.”

A cold crow suddenly flapped its wings, fluttering over the swamp and flying toward the distance.

Zhuge Yue carried Chu Qiao on his back, running urgently across the swamp.

The long night was about to end.