The guards stood rooted in place.

On one hand urgently wanting to enter and investigate.

On the other hand wary of that Princess Consort who had suddenly become formidable.

They could only remain where they were, their gazes fixed on the library interior.

Seeing they still refused to leave, Jing Xuan clenched her hands into fists inside her sleeves and said: “I told you to withdraw immediately. What are you still standing here for?”

“This subordinate is also worried someone might harm the Princess Consort.”

“No one will harm me. Rather, it’s you all who are interfering with my search for books.”

“Then please forgive this subordinate’s offense.” Worried there really was someone inside, and also worried that before the Prince’s orders arrived the person inside would escape, the guard had no choice but to order first: “Men, go in and search.”

“Yes!”

Over ten guards advanced with swords raised.

Jing Xuan retreated several more steps.

What to do?

Her heartbeat suddenly accelerated.

Inside, Jingrong pulled Ji Yinshu to hide to one side.

Seeing those guards about to enter, their gazes couldn’t help but meet.

Jingrong gripped the torn fabric in his hand, planning to cover his face and go out.

Ji Yinshu grasped his hand, indicating he should wait.

Jingrong held her hand in return, saying softly: “I’ll go out first to block them. When that happens, you must take the opportunity to leave, otherwise once many guards are drawn here, it will be difficult to escape.”

“Jingrong…”

“Don’t worry!”

Just as he was about to tie the cloth over his face—

A black shadow suddenly flashed outside, kicking away several guards who had approached the library.

Those guards fell and couldn’t get up.

The swords in their hands were also knocked to the ground!

Immediately stirring up a commotion!

The original lead guard, seeing this, shouted loudly: “Men, seize him!”

The guards rapidly rushed forward.

The black-clothed figure blocked the library entrance, knocking down each approaching guard one by one.

This person’s martial arts were formidable!

And Jingrong recognized that person’s techniques.

“It’s Bai Yin!”

Ji Yinshu also recognized him: “That’s right, it’s him!”

His timing was truly perfect.

But it also made the commotion grow larger and larger.

All the guards in the manor heard it.

Swarming over in succession!

Dozens of people!

Bai Yin alone couldn’t possibly handle them all.

Seeing the situation before her, Jing Xuan retreated back into the room repeatedly, hurriedly saying: “Elder Brother, more and more people are coming. Quickly take advantage of the chaos to leave.”

But—

Jingrong said, “We can no longer leave! Too many people.”

Even if Bai Yin could block them, he couldn’t hold out for long.

“Then… what do we do?”

“I’ll go out to help him.”

Just as he finished speaking, suddenly—

Another black-clothed figure appeared outside.

That person pulled something from their waist and threw it at those guards.

White smoke immediately billowed on the ground.

Blocking the guards’ line of sight.

Who was this suddenly appearing black-clothed person?

The black-clothed figure turned and entered the library.

“Your Highness!”

A familiar voice reached their ears.

It was…

Jingrong couldn’t believe it.

Ji Yinshu was the same!

When the black-clothed person saw them, his eyes couldn’t hide his excitement, even becoming somewhat moist: “Your Highness, Miss Ji, I’ve finally found you.”

“Lang Bo?”

“This subordinate arrived late—please forgive me, Your Highness!” Lang Bo removed the black cloth from his face.

Not having seen him in so long, he had truly gotten dark!

That skin tone had almost merged with the night clothing on his body.

Jingrong couldn’t hide his surprise: “How are you here?”

“I came to Huyi specifically to find Your Highness. But let’s leave here first and then talk—that white smoke will dissipate soon.”

“Yes.”

Jingrong pulled Ji Yinshu along as they exited the library.

Before leaving, Jingrong told Jing Xuan: “You must be careful yourself.”

“Elder Brother, rest assured. I know what to do. Hurry and go.” Jing Xuan was both worried and reluctant.

But the current situation didn’t allow for reluctance.

Jingrong instructed Lang Bo, “You stay behind to help Bai Yin.”

“Yes!”

Taking advantage of the undissipated white smoke, Jingrong carried Ji Yinshu and leaped onto the roof beams, departing.

Only after confirming they had safely left did Lang Bo say to Jing Xuan, “Princess, you should leave first too!”

“Big Brother Lang, be careful.”

Jing Xuan quickly headed toward her courtyard.

At this time, Bai Yin was still entangled with those guards.

The white smoke was also gradually dispersing!

Lang Bo re-donned his mask and went to assist Bai Yin.

The two constantly skirmished with those guards.

Neither side gained any advantage!

Ultimately they were surrounded in the middle.

The two stood back to back.

Bai Yin recognized Lang Bo’s martial arts skills and turned his head to ask: “How did you get here?”

“Let’s talk after getting out.”

“Where are they?”

“Already safely departed. We also need to escape quickly.”

“I’m afraid that’s somewhat difficult!”

They were heavily encircled—to break through would probably require a major battle!

At this time, Na Tuo had already arrived.

Because the banquet had just ended, Gong Shilin hadn’t yet left.

So he came along as well.

Seeing the scene before him, Na Tuo burned with fury. Last time the assassin escaped—this time he would definitely capture them.

He immediately ordered: “Seize them for this prince. If they escape, this prince will take your lives.”

All the guards received the command and advanced with raised swords.

Bai Yin and Lang Bo also fought with all their strength.

The two still couldn’t break free.

Their strength was also nearly exhausted.

One guard took advantage of this and wounded Lang Bo.

His arm hurt as the longsword in his hand nearly fell!

Taking advantage of his injury, multiple swords aimed at him.

At this critical moment, arrows shot from somewhere unknown.

Killing several guards.

At the same time, several black-clothed figures suddenly appeared from the darkness.

Helping Bai Yin and Lang Bo break the encirclement.

With additional help, they gained an opportunity to escape.

Bai Yin asked Lang Bo: “Are these people you brought?”

“I thought they were your people!”

“Doesn’t matter whose they are—fight first, talk later.”

“Agreed!”

Lang Bo, despite his wounded arm, fought desperately with those guards.

After an intense battle, Bai Yin, Lang Bo, and that group of suddenly appearing black-clothed figures escaped from the Third Prince’s manor.

Na Tuo, seeing the criminals escape right under his nose, was so angry his eyes turned red.

Burning with rage!

“A bunch of useless trash! Go chase them for this prince—see them alive or see their corpses. If you don’t bring them back, all of you will present your heads.”

“Yes!”

The guards pursued them one after another!

Na Tuo’s fury had not subsided, his chest heaving up and down!

He seemed to suddenly remember something, glancing toward the library—why didn’t he see that wretched woman?

Could she have been kidnapped by the black-clothed people?

With this thought, he immediately turned to glare at the guard who had come to notify him earlier: “Where is the Princess Consort?”

Hm?

The library entrance was completely empty.

How was she not there?

“The Princess Consort… this subordinate also… isn’t clear. She was here before.”

“Hmph!”

Na Tuo turned and headed straight for Jing Xuan’s courtyard.

“But…” Gong Shilin had no time to stop him.

And he himself was also worried something might happen to Jing Xuan.

So he followed along.

…

After Lang Bo, Bai Yin, and that group of black-clothed figures escaped from the Third Prince’s manor.

They hid at an alley entrance.

“Who are you people?” Bai Yin asked those black-clothed figures who had suddenly come to help them.

One black-clothed figure removed the black cloth from his face.

Revealing features with hard, cold lines.

It was…