Qin Yining had heard of the venomous insect arts of Miao territory but had never witnessed them. Hearing Liao Zhibing say this, she couldn’t help but ask in surprise: “You can sense his movement?”
“Yes, at close range the sensation isn’t very obvious, but he’s gone too far, so naturally I sensed it.”
In her heart, Qin Yining trusted Lu Heng. So many days of shared hardships had long shown her Lu Heng’s character. He was absolutely a trustworthy ally.
“Perhaps he just has something to attend to?” Qin Yining couldn’t help but think of reasons for Lu Heng.
Liao Zhibing said: “Alliance Leader, I can sense that he’s heading southeast, and at great speed.”
He could even sense the direction? No wonder it was called a tracking insect!
Qin Yining couldn’t help but fall into contemplation.
Cao Yuqing said hesitantly: “Southeast—isn’t that the direction of Great Zhou’s border? Could it be that these days of being pursued by enemy forces, dancing on the edge of life and death, has been too stressful, so Second Master Lu decided to return to Great Zhou on his own?”
“If he were simply returning to Great Zhou, that would be fine, but I fear he might betray us.” Liao Zhibing said gravely: “If he exposes our position to the pursuing forces and has them surround us, using that to divert the pursuers’ attention so he can return to Great Zhou more easily, then our situation would truly be dangerous.”
Hearing this, Qin Yining’s brow furrowed even tighter.
“I still don’t believe Second Master Lu would betray us. However, his leaving like this is indeed somewhat suspicious.” Qin Yining looked at Liao Zhibing: “This tracking insect you mentioned—can it track his exact position? At what distance will you lose the sensation?”
Liao Zhibing said: “The closer the distance, the more precisely the mother insect can sense the child insect’s location. At greater distances, there’s only a general direction. As for distance,” Liao Zhibing smiled confidently, “spanning half of Great Zhou’s territory wouldn’t be a problem.”
Qin Yining couldn’t help but admire: “That’s truly an excellent ability.”
After pondering for a moment, she said: “Here’s what we’ll do—let’s not spread word of this matter first. Call the Zhao brothers, and the few of us will go to his tent to check the situation. If we confirm he’s really gone, we’ll pursue him to see what’s happening.”
Liao Zhibing nodded: “That sounds good.”
Qin Yining quickly dressed properly, putting on a thick cotton coat and hat, burying half her face in a scarf. Together with Cao Yuqing and the three Azure Sky Alliance members, they naturally made their way through the camp to Lu Heng’s tent on the other side.
Just as they reached the tent and were about to lift the door flap, a head poked out from the neighboring tent.
Uncle Alhan said: “Why have you come here?”
To avoid the pursuers, everyone was very alert. Uncle Alhan, Ha’er Bala, and the Chagan Bala brothers shared a small tent, taking turns keeping watch. Uncle Alhan had just dozed off and awakened when he heard footsteps, so he quickly inquired.
Qin Yining made a shushing gesture at her lips.
They were talking at the entrance, but there was no response from Lu Heng’s tent, confirming that he truly wasn’t there.
Qin Yining swept open the tent flap—it was completely empty. Not only was Lu Heng gone, but his guards Flying Lian and Flying Eagle were also missing. Most importantly, their bundles were gone too!
Liao Zhibing said in a low voice: “He’s indeed escaped.”
Uncle Alhan had already dressed and came over with his hands tucked in his sleeves. Poking his head into the tent and seeing the situation, his expression also changed: “Where is everyone? Where did the tribal leader go?”
Qin Yining asked with a furrowed brow: “You didn’t hear any disturbance from next door?”
“No, although I dozed off just now, I remained very alert and could even hear snoring sounds. I definitely didn’t hear any commotion.”
This proved that at least no physical confrontation had occurred when Lu Heng left, or the neighbors would certainly have heard it.
Liao Zhibing said: “He must have quietly left while everyone was resting. These past days we’ve been relentlessly pursued by enemy forces—Second Master Lu probably hopes to return to Great Zhou.”
Qin Yining shook her head and said very seriously: “I don’t believe he would do such a thing. Until we have solid evidence proving he escaped, please don’t speak this way, Mr. Liao, to avoid creating a bad impression among the tribe members. Moreover, our current situation is indeed not optimistic. Even if Second Master Lu really returned to his own home, that would be understandable. Regardless of staying or leaving, he has the freedom to decide for himself.”
Liao Zhibing’s lips moved, but ultimately he didn’t continue arguing with Qin Yining, only saying: “Then what do we do now? If it’s as the Alliance Leader says—that his leaving is his freedom—then we just ignore it?”
Qin Yining looked deeply at Liao Zhibing, her gaze full of authority and disapproval, staring until Liao Zhibing lowered his head, before saying: “Regardless of his reasons for leaving, we should pursue him to ask for clarification. Even if he wants to return home, given his character, he wouldn’t leave without saying goodbye. We need to confirm his safety first.”
Uncle Alhan said: “The Princess speaks reasonably. All our tribe members regard both the Princess and Second Master Lu as our tribal leaders. At this time, please give us orders, Princess—whatever you tell us to do, we’ll do.”
Uncle Alhan’s expression was earnest and his gaze sincere, which moved Qin Yining deeply. “Uncle Alhan, my intention is to not alarm the tribe members about this matter first. My companions can sense Second Master Lu’s direction, so we’ll pursue him first to assess the situation. As for the camp, why don’t we leave brothers Ha’er Bala and Chagan Bala to lead the group, while you come with us to see what’s happening?”
Qin Yining’s decision had her own considerations. If she didn’t bring any Minuo tribe members, and if things went badly and she was suspected of also trying to escape, that would be counterproductive. She had spent so much time with the Minuo tribe people and deeply admired this tribe’s sincerity, enthusiasm, and strength. Even if she truly wanted to leave someday, she would never depart without saying goodbye. Since she had no such intention, she naturally wanted to avoid any misunderstandings.
Uncle Alhan didn’t think so deeply, only saying: “Then I’ll call two more tight-lipped, trustworthy brothers. We’ll quietly ride out and say we’re scouting the path, leaving brother Ha’er Bala to coordinate the camp. We’ll return as quickly as possible.”
“Uncle is right—let’s do as you say.” Qin Yining smiled and nodded in agreement.
Uncle Alhan made the arrangements and called two more Minuo tribe members. Together with Qin Yining, Cao Yuqing, and the three Azure Sky Alliance members, each mounted a horse and pursued in the direction Liao Zhibing indicated.
When Lu Heng groggily opened his eyes, he discovered he was being carried like a large bundle on someone’s shoulder. The person’s shoulder bone pressed painfully into his stomach, and especially when running, the head-down angle nearly made him vomit.
“You…” Lu Heng coughed twice and suddenly became fully alert. “Flying Lian, Flying Eagle! Where are you taking me!”
“Second Master, you’re awake.” Flying Lian, who was carrying him, ran breathlessly, his heavy breathing creating a cloud of white mist in front of him.
Flying Eagle, who had carried Lu Heng for a stretch earlier and was just catching his breath, said: “Don’t panic, Second Master. We’re just taking you home. What good is there in staying with those barbarians? Wouldn’t it be more comfortable to go home and be a young master?”
Lu Heng shook his heavy head, forcing himself to stay alert, and angrily scolded: “You drugged my water?”
“Don’t be angry, Second Master. We’re doing this for your own good. Look at the life you’re living now—eating raw meat and drinking blood like you’re fleeing disaster. How good it was for you at home—eating delicacies, drinking fine wine, going out with a crowd of people for show. Now you’re being hunted like a dog. We’re doing this for your benefit.”
Lu Heng gritted his teeth, and his muddled mind instantly analyzed the current situation and these two men’s true allegiance.
“You’re working for my second uncle now?”
Both Flying Eagle and Flying Lian’s expressions froze. After a long moment, Flying Eagle said: “Don’t say that, Second Master. No matter who we follow, aren’t we all Lu family people? Whether following you or the second master, it’s all for the Lu family.”
“How noble—all for the Lu family.” Lu Heng felt his chest tighten with anger and nearly spat blood from rage.
He had trusted them so completely. During this time together, he had wholeheartedly treated them both as his own brothers. He had originally thought that in such harsh conditions, they had gone through countless hardships to find him, truly showing loyalty and deep feelings. Who knew they only wanted to take him away and hand him over to his second uncle!
Of course—the Lu family’s head position now belonged to his second uncle. Flying Lian and Flying Eagle, who appeared to be devoted to the main branch, would need to show sincerity to continue surviving in the Lu family. Otherwise, why would their new master trust that they wouldn’t betray him?
By handing him over to his second uncle, his second uncle could pin all the crimes harmful to the Lu family on him. With him as a scapegoat, his second uncle could legitimately secure the family head position and even build good relations with the Emperor, becoming the Emperor’s direct subordinate.
What an excellent scheme!
Unfortunately, he had acted impulsively and trusted the wrong people!
Lu Heng truly regretted his earlier actions—why had he given his trust so readily!
He had now been carried away silently. These two men, to avoid alarming the tribe members, hadn’t even dared take horses and were traveling entirely on foot.
If Qin Yining and the tribe members thought he had fled in fear of the pursuers, what would become of things?
Lu Heng had never been someone who feared death. Flying Eagle and Flying Lian were betraying their former master for personal gain, even trampling his reputation and credibility underfoot!
Being carried head-down, Lu Heng was both angry and anxious. For a moment his vision flashed with gold stars and he had difficulty breathing. He struggled to pound Flying Lian’s back. Seeing Lu Heng’s poor condition, Flying Eagle quickly said: “Quick, put the Second Master down to catch his breath. Don’t suffocate him to death, or we brothers won’t be able to account for ourselves.”
“Right!” Flying Lian stopped beside a small grove, setting Lu Heng down like a bag of rice against a tree trunk, letting him sit with his back against the tree. Then he wiped the sweat from his head and stood with hands on his hips, panting: “That really wore me out!”