This was the northwest exit of the small Mobei town. Heading further west from here would pass through Nangong City, eventually reaching the border between Mobei and Xiliang.

What sort of skilled fighters would show up in a place like this?

The figures were still obscured by dappled tree shadows. Ziqing and Xuanyuan Lige hid behind a rock, unable to make out the newcomers’ faces clearly.

But whether it was Ziqing or Xuanyuan Lige, both could glean certain information just from the footsteps of the two people ahead!

These two were definitely a man and a woman, both undoubtedly top-tier martial artists of the martial world — and moreover, the man’s skill was clearly several times greater than the woman’s.

Ziqing was still puzzling over who these people might be and why they’d appear here, when Xuanyuan Lige murmured softly, “Must be someone from Nangong City.”

Based on footsteps alone, the information was limited, so Xuanyuan Lige couldn’t be entirely certain of his guess.

Only then did Ziqing remember that Nangong City was nearby. Originally, Nangong City had had no dealings with the imperial court at all — each kept to their own affairs, like well water not interfering with river water.

But things were different now. Situ Haonan was out on the battlefield!

Previously, Situ Haonan had repeatedly asked Nangong City for help in finding Yelu Qianqian, but the Lord of Nangong City had never responded — his position had been quite clear.

So why would people from Nangong City be coming to this small Mobei town, so late at night?

Ziqing had only just woken up and knew nothing about the current situation, so she could only speculate. She didn’t want to press Xuanyuan Lige, because as things stood now, the matter also touched on Dongqin’s safety.

Between the two of them, they’d never much wanted to discuss state affairs — doing so only ever seemed to hurt their feelings.

But to her surprise, Xuanyuan Lige spoke lightly, “Xijing and Xiliang are still at war. A few days ago, I heard Situ Haonan single-handedly fought off the enemy and scared away Wanyan Lie.”

He hadn’t paid much attention to such matters before. But ever since she’d fallen unconscious, he had actually been keeping track of things all along.

Perhaps, only so he’d have something to tell her.

Earlier, he’d already guessed she would come to the Western Frontier!

Hearing this, the anxious knot in Ziqing’s heart finally loosened. Xijing and Xiliang were still fighting — which meant Yelu Qianqian hadn’t been delivered to Xiliang yet!

“Nanny Qin kidnapped Yelu Qianqian. I chased them here, then lost the trail.” Ziqing said flatly.

“So that’s why you just asked me if Nanny Qin had contacted me?” In the darkness, Xuanyuan Lige’s once-bright eyes dimmed considerably.

“Yes.” Ziqing admitted plainly.

Xuanyuan Lige gave a faint smile, offering no comment.

Ziqing, too, fell silent. Whether Yelu Qianqian was safe was the key to whether Da Zhou’s western frontier would hold, and also the key to whether Dongqin could survive.

In truth, he shouldn’t have saved her at all!

He should have contacted Nanny Qin immediately, personally delivered Yelu Qianqian to Xiliang, persuaded Wanyan Lie to cooperate with Xijing, and struck Da Zhou with everything they had — better yet, allied with Xichu too, driving straight from the northwest all the way to Da Zhou’s capital!

He knew perfectly well that Da Zhou’s entire military strength was currently tied up in Dongqin!

Right now, capturing Han Ziqing would be easier than anything!

Suddenly, Xuanyuan Lige laughed softly. “Consort Yao, you’re telling me all this — aren’t you afraid… aren’t you afraid I’ll contact Nanny Qin right away?”

It wasn’t easy for Nanny Qin to find him, but for him to find Nanny Qin — nothing could be easier!

The Xijing royal family had shown no movement at all so far — Nanny Qin and Yelu Qianqian must still be somewhere in the Mobei region!

Such a threat came as no surprise to Ziqing. She smiled too, calm and serious. “I’m not afraid, because I’ll stop you — whatever the cost.”

“By all means… give it a try!” The moment Xuanyuan Lige finished speaking, he immediately clamped his hand on the major artery in Ziqing’s neck. Instantly, Ziqing drew Liuguang, the blade’s tip pressed against his abdomen.

Neither of them moved, because the slightest motion would be fatal.

In the darkness, it seemed as though all of heaven and earth had fallen silent, with only time slowly flowing between the two of them.

After a long, long while, at last, the footsteps in the distance drew closer, and they could finally see the two figures clearly!

Just as they had guessed, it was a man and a woman — the man quite elderly, yet with a vigorous, powerful stride full of commanding presence. The woman, Ziqing recognized at a glance, and the shock made her gasp aloud.

This person was none other than Situ Haonan’s mother, Madam Situ!

Someone with skill surpassing even Madam Situ’s, at such an advanced age — beyond doubt, this elder had to be the Lord of Nangong City!

Father and daughter were both dressed in night-travel attire, seemingly rushing somewhere.

As they drew closer, snatches of their conversation became audible.

“Ah, Father, hurry, hurry, it’s just ahead!”

“What’s the rush for? Jun Beiyue’s Shadow Guards have been searching for so long without finding it — you needn’t worry over a day or two more.”

“What if something goes wrong, though? There absolutely cannot be any mistake with this matter. You promised me you’d deliver that wretched girl Yelu Qianqian to Xijing!”

The moment these words came out, Ziqing’s heart lurched even further in alarm, and at the same time, Xuanyuan Lige released his grip — the two of them had only ever been bluffing, after all!

If Xuanyuan Lige had truly meant to strike, why would he have waited until now?

Both of them, in silent understanding, said nothing more, listening quietly.

“Don’t worry, that Nanny Qin seems quite clever to me — nothing will go wrong.” The Lord of Nangong City said in a low, reassuring voice.

“She belongs to the Dongqin Empress — what could possibly go wrong with her? It’s Jun Beiyue I’m more worried about…” Madam Situ hesitated.

“Heh, someone stuck far away on the Northern Frontier, no matter how heaven-shaking his abilities, can’t possibly control what happens here.” The Lord of Nangong City said, giving a cold laugh. “This place — is the old man’s territory!”

The Lord of Nangong City had, of course, heard of Prince Yao’s reputation. And previously, Jun Beiyue and Lord Situ had been on good terms — Lord Situ had even praised Jun Beiyue to the Lord of Nangong City more than once, calling him a natural talent for the martial world, a pity he hadn’t been born into it.

The Lord of Nangong City genuinely wished he could meet Jun Beiyue in person someday!

Father and daughter continued talking as they moved off toward the southeast. Ziqing, ever clever, waited until the distance had widened enough not to be noticed, then immediately prepared to follow.

Nanny Qin must have been pressed too hard by the Shadow Guards and the Xijing troops, unable to make a move, and had gone to ask Madam Situ for help — this old woman really was clever!

She’d probably managed to pry quite a bit of information out of that foolish girl Yelu Qianqian’s mouth!

Ziqing took a few steps forward, then stopped abruptly, turning back to look at Xuanyuan Lige.

It had to be said, once she grew focused and intent on something, she often forgot everything and everyone around her.

She looked at Xuanyuan Lige, feeling she ought to say something, yet not knowing what — expressing thanks somehow felt inappropriate.

“You’re no match for them…” Xuanyuan Lige said, but he made no move to stop her. He knew he couldn’t hold her back. He only said quietly, “Take care of yourself, whatever happens. Don’t… hurt that old man.”

He wouldn’t stop her from taking this risk, nor would he help her.

But even by doing nothing at all, he had, in effect, yielded — and that, in itself, was a kind of help!

Xuanyuan Lige waved his hand, quietly drew a deep breath, and turned to leave.

“I’ll definitely help you find a cure!” Ziqing said, not forgetting that promise. With that, she marked her trail for the Shadow Guards as she went, chasing after the father and daughter.

She left in such a hurry that she never noticed Xuanyuan Lige had already turned back — he could no longer see her retreating figure, yet he still stood there in place, watching…

…