Xiao Changyan’s fists clenched tightly, making a crisp sound from his bones. His restraint made him like a sword ready to leave its sheath: “In the An Nam campaign, what role did Imperial Uncle play?”
“My royal nephew is a military genius with his calculations. Why not take a guess?” Xiao Huayong countered with a question, his lips curling in a faint smile.
With certain suspicions confirmed, Xiao Changyan’s anger surged even more. Another matter came to mind: “My uncle Pei Zhan met his death in the Northwest. I heard Imperial Uncle was also in the Northwest.”
“And what if I was?” Xiao Huayong asked carelessly.
“Was Imperial Uncle involved in my uncle’s death?” Xiao Changyan asked bluntly.
Xiao Huayong curved his lips: “Your father and I were mortal enemies. Just as in the An Nam war, the Pei family served your father – each serving their own master.”
This was a subtle admission that he was indeed connected to Pei Zhan’s death.
Xiao Changyan stared intently at Xiao Huayong, the ferocity in his eyes becoming tangible. Xiao Huayong’s followers all grew alert – Xiao Changyan looked as if he might draw his sword and strike at any moment.
Xiao Huayong waved his hand, making them step back. He even took two steps forward to face Xiao Changyan directly. Their eyes met – one simmering with barely contained rage, the other casual and unconcerned.
Xiao Changyan ultimately suppressed his anger. This wasn’t his territory; rash action would be foolish and gain him nothing. “Why did Imperial Uncle summon me here?”
“How dare I presume to teach? I merely wanted to see what kind of nephew would dare to scheme against me.” Xiao Huayong spoke unhurriedly, looking Xiao Changyan up and down. Though his eyes held no contempt, they made Xiao Changyan extremely uncomfortable.
Because he felt that every hair on Xiao Juezong’s head radiated disdain for him.
However, Xiao Changyan was no impetuous youth. His years on the bloody battlefields of An Nam had tempered his composure. Moving past his initial hatred, he remained extremely calm: “If that’s all, please excuse your nephew.”
As Xiao Changyan turned to leave, Xiao Huayong’s men blocked his path. Xiao Changyan’s gaze turned sharp as he swept them with a glance, asking while facing away from Xiao Huayong: “Does Imperial Uncle intend to use force against your nephew?”
A cold smile played on his lips – just as Xiao Huayong looked down on him, he also didn’t believe Xiao Juezong would dare take his life at this moment.
“Since I’ve already ‘kidnapped’ one Prince of Yan, kidnapping a Prince of Jing would perfectly complete your lie. Shouldn’t my royal nephew be grateful?” Xiao Huayong walked slowly to Xiao Changyan’s side with one hand behind his back. “We share the same bloodline, uncle, and nephew of the direct line. How could I disregard blood ties and kill you rashly?”
“What use is it to imprison me?” Xiao Changyan asked, puzzled.
“My royal nephew has many capable people under him. Why not let your Imperial Uncle witness their abilities?” Xiao Huayong stopped in front of Xiao Changyan, his pupils shifting as he watched Xiao Changyan’s expression change dramatically. “Please escort Prince Jing down and make him comfortable.”
Xiao Changyan’s brows twitched. Two men stepped forward to restrain him, but just as they grabbed his arms, several projectiles whistled in from outside. These projectiles emitted white smoke upon hitting the ground, and in the blink of an eye, they exploded with a bang. Thick smoke instantly filled the surroundings, making it impossible to see.
Before the projectiles exploded, Xiao Changyan had already shaken off the two men restraining him with a powerful movement of his arms. He extended his arm, fingers curved like claws, reaching for Xiao Huayong’s throat.
Xiao Huayong awkwardly jerked backward, barely avoiding Xiao Changyan’s iron grip. His knees were struck by Xiao Changyan’s sweeping leg, causing him to fall back. As Xiao Changyan lunged forward to pursue, nearly grabbing Xiao Huayong’s arm, a forceful energy intercepted him, blocking his attack.
It was a masked figure dressed in black like the others. In just one exchange, Xiao Changyan knew this person’s skills were extraordinary. By now, Xiao Huayong had been pushed to safety, protected by several black-clothed guards.
A flash of killing intent crossed Xiao Changyan’s eyes – having missed the best opportunity, he would need to kill everyone to capture Xiao Huayong. He had come prepared for this encounter.
While the smoke hadn’t cleared, many people rushed in. These people demonstrated exceptional martial arts skills. Standing at a distance, Xiao Huayong watched their fighting style and smiled imperceptibly – these were Xiao Changyan’s Shadow Guards!
True to their name as Shadow Guards, these people moved with incredible speed, appearing as elusive afterimages.
Both sides possessed exceptional martial artists, the cream of the crop, making the battle initially even. Soon after, a faint acidic scent brushed past Xiao Huayong’s nose. Having spent time with Shen Xihe, Xiao Huayong had developed a keener sense for different scents than most.
He looked down at the smoke-emitting projectiles on the ground, took some fragrant powder from his sleeve, scattered it on the ground, and ordered a nearby guard: “Light it.”
The black-clothed figure immediately took out a fire starter and lit the powder, releasing a subtle fragrance.
This fragrance was unique – though extremely potent, it wasn’t overwhelming.
This was a special incense blend made by Shen Xihe. After previously falling victim to Shen Xihe’s sleeping incense, she had given him this powder after their marriage. When encountering suspicious scents, lighting it would clear the mind and eyes, countering most poison smokes and mists. The ingredients were extremely precious, and the manufacturing process was complex, with strict requirements for materials and even the sun’s temperature during the drying process. It was very difficult to produce even one box.
As the fragrance spread, the black-clothed guards who had been feeling lightheaded gradually cleared their minds, fighting against Xiao Changyan’s men with renewed vigor and enthusiasm.
Xiao Changyan’s men were agile and nimble, while Xiao Huayong’s men fought ruthlessly and decisively.
They were natural adversaries. After a quarter hour, both sides had casualties, but Xiao Huayong’s side was gaining the upper hand. Just then, a piercing sound came from outside, extremely loud, like bronze clashing. The sound was like sharp needles trying to penetrate one’s brain.
“Clang—”
When the sound came, it affected the concentration of Xiao Huayong’s black-clothed guards. Not just those fighting, but even those protecting Xiao Huayong couldn’t help but shake their heads at the jarring noise.
Listening to these rhythmic, regular piercing sounds, Xiao Huayong also felt as if something had been stuffed into his brain, making it heavy. Another harsh sound came, and many black-clothed guards became agitated. Their movements faltered for just a moment – but that was enough for Xiao Changyan’s lightning-fast Shadow Guards to finish them with a sword strike!
The situation reversed in an instant.