An Jiu looked up at Chu Dingjiang’s confident expression, finding no trace of doubt. She didn’t insist further. She was still shocked that she had suggested such a thing. Someone even Chu Dingjiang couldn’t handle – she’d likely struggle just to stay alive if she rushed in. Yet, why had she considered sacrificing herself?
“Face Elder Zhi with your bow. If the opportunity arises, shoot the Crown Prince,” Chu Dingjiang instructed.
“Alright,” An Jiu agreed.
Chu Dingjiang embraced her and leaped out of the side hall.
The second Prince had already led his cavalry through the Baohua Gate, clashing with a large number of guards. Just as the guards were about to be overwhelmed, the Crown Prince arrived with reinforcements.
Amidst the chaos, the Crown Prince immediately spotted the Second Prince in the thick of battle. He shouted, “Father Emperor’s body isn’t even cold, yet you dare to force the palace!”
Blood-spattered, the Second Prince laughed in response, “I’m following Father Emperor’s last edict by leading troops into the palace. Crown Prince, what are your intentions in blocking me?”
“My intentions? Since you’ve committed treason, don’t blame your elder brother for being merciless.” The Crown Prince’s expression suddenly changed. He pointed his sword at the Second Prince and coldly commanded, “Crane Control Army, heed my order! Execute this traitor!”
No one responded verbally, but at his command, over ten black shadows leaped towards the Second Prince.
The Crown Prince watched the thunderous charge, a cruel smile playing on his lips.
However, more than ten soldiers suddenly sprang up around Second Prince, intercepting the Crane Control assassins.
The Crane Control Army sent another wave of assassins, and the Second Prince’s side countered with an equal number of defenders.
Then came a third wave, a fourth…
The Crown Prince’s expression darkened. “What’s going on?”
He had closely monitored Second Prince for years. It should have been impossible for him to train or recruit such a large number of assassins.
“Some in the Crane Control Army have betrayed us,” Feng Shi calmly stated the truth. “Your Highness still has an ace.”
The Crown Prince glanced at him.
Feng Shi turned to look at Elder Zhi.
The Crown Prince’s eyes showed confusion. He vaguely remembered Elder Zhi as a talented scholar in his early years, now a master at the Zishantang. He wondered what a weak scholar could do.
But in the next moment, he realized his mistake.
Elder Zhi slowly straightened his hunched back. Though it was an ordinary movement, it felt as if a great mountain had risen before them.
“Greetings, Your Highness,” Elder Zhi bowed.
The Crown Prince steadied himself and gestured for Elder Zhi to rise. “We needn’t stand on ceremony on the battlefield. Sir, whatever skills you have, use them. Just kill that traitor!”
As Chu Dingjiang had predicted, Elder Zhi still harbored some hesitation. He had observed both the Crown Prince and Second Prince’s characters. Neither was benevolent, and the chances of the Mei clan’s resurgence were slim under either of them. Now, he had to make a decision.
Various thoughts flashed through Elder Zhi’s mind before he finally responded, “Yes.”
He took a bow and arrow from a Crane Control soldier. Across the battling crowd, he drew the bowstring. A faint blue light flowed from his fingertips, enveloping the arrow shaft and gathering into a small ball of light at the arrowhead. The fierce aura it emanated was awe-inspiring.
The Crown Prince’s eyes lit up, guessing this must be the legendary Jingxian technique! With one arrow, he was certain the Second Prince wouldn’t survive.
The arrow was nocked and ready.
Chu Dingjiang and An Jiu arrived just in time to witness this critical moment.
“Intercept his arrow!” Chu Dingjiang never doubted An Jiu’s abilities. In an instant, he chose a relatively good shooting position and placed his palm on her shoulder.
An Jiu felt internal energy flowing continuously into her body. Without overthinking, she reached back and unstrapped the Subduing Dragon Bow.