As soon as the Emperor of Yuexi left, the Great Khan wearily pinched the bridge of his nose, then collapsed onto the felt carpet and sighed. After all, Batu was his eldest son. Although this person was extremely reckless, he could still be considered brave and skilled in battle. According to their customs, the eldest son must inherit his position. Batu had committed no crimes, so the position of heir prince naturally fell to him. Especially since Batu’s mother was the Great Khan’s principal consort, his inheritance of the position was something everyone could accept. Regardless of what other princes thought in their hearts, on the surface they all had to be respectful to Batu, so this situation had been very stable.

But now with Batu’s death, the struggle for the great position would probably become fierce again. Thinking of those brothers he had killed when competing for position, he couldn’t help but feel his hands and feet turn cold. He didn’t want disputes to arise again. Whether it was the Yuexi imperial family or his grassland’s power struggles, they were equally cruel… Thinking of the Emperor of Yuexi’s icy face and cold eyes just now, the Great Khan couldn’t help but shudder. He sighed—he himself had killed countless people, yet under such a gaze, his heart still trembled. He truly didn’t know what kind of husband and wife this Emperor and Empress Pei were. So incompatible yet peacefully passing so many years together—were they family or enemies?

But just as the Emperor of Yuexi said, having accepted Empress Pei’s jewels and grain, he naturally had to do things for her. Since the Emperor hadn’t stopped him from executing this Miss Guo, he needn’t show mercy either. After carefully thinking through the matter, the Great Khan peacefully prepared to sleep.

At this moment, he suddenly heard faint breathing sounds. The Great Khan was an extremely cunning person. He suddenly sat up, drew the dagger from under his pillow with lightning speed, and quickly blocked the cold light rushing toward his face! A clang rang through the air. The attacker’s force was considerable, but was forcibly pushed back three steps by the Great Khan’s arm strength. Seeing the first strike failed, the person didn’t entangle further—the assassin lifted the tent flap and ran out.

The Great Khan quickly jumped up from the bed and shouted angrily: “There’s an assassin! Are all the people outside dead?” Then, disregarding everything else, he rushed out of the golden tent to see sixteen guards outside the tent had all silently died, blood flowing everywhere. The Great Khan’s face couldn’t help but pale. In all his years of rule, countless people had wanted him dead, so whether eating or sleeping, even entering dreams, he would subconsciously grip his dagger tightly. Just now, if not for that innate vigilance, he would already be separated from his head. Thinking of that cold light so close at hand, he couldn’t help but shout loudly: “Someone! Come quickly!”

The golden tent was at the very center. With such shouting, many generals and guards emerged from the surroundings. The second prince Baru quickly ran over. Seeing the Great Khan run out barefoot without even dressing properly, he hurriedly said: “Great Khan, what happened?”

“What happened? Can’t you see?” The Great Khan slapped him across the face: “Why haven’t you quickly assembled troops to capture the assassin?”

The second prince Baru inexplicably received a slap. He covered his face and looked in disbelief at the sixteen guards fallen outside the golden tent. These sixteen people were death warriors who had followed the Great Khan for many years—not only were their martial arts superb, they were fearless of death. Yet today they couldn’t even manage to warn them. One could imagine how high the opponent’s martial arts were. If he had succeeded in killing the Great Khan just now, the entire grassland would immediately fall into chaos. The second prince couldn’t help but shiver, immediately shouting loudly to those around him: “Immediately sound the horn! Pass down the order—capture the assassin! Life or death doesn’t matter!”

Just then, the Great Khan raged thunderously: “No, leave him alive. I want to personally interrogate him to see who has such audacity to try to kill me.”

The second prince shivered and hurriedly said: “Yes.” Speaking thus, he quickly left with his men.

In the Pei family tent, Pei Hui’s expression was cold. The flickering candlelight illuminated his handsome face, showing several parts coldness and eeriness. Pei Yang said angrily: “This time, fourth brother inexplicably died. How will we explain to Father when we return?”

Pei Hui sneered coldly: “I already told Pei Bai to be cautious and careful, not to trust Princess Xiangyun too much. Since she dared kill her own husband, how could she not betray him?” Pei Hui’s voice was cold. He hadn’t thought that if Pei Bai hadn’t deceived the Princess first, how could she possibly have publicly revealed his name? In the end, it was all because the Pei family people were too cold-hearted, using a weak woman’s true feelings, then abandoning her. This was Pei Bai’s deserved fate, only that scene was too cruel, such that Pei Hui could never forget it no matter what.

Pei Xian at the side remained silent throughout, his gaze icy cold. Pei Yang glared at him: “Why aren’t you speaking?”

Pei Xian’s face was very calm, the white film in his eyes making his expression unclear as he spoke: “Did you all see Li Weiyang’s eyes today?” They long ago stopped calling her Guo Jia, instead calling her Li Weiyang, which also contained several parts contempt.

Pei Yang sneered: “Are you afraid of that little cheap woman?”

Pei Xian said indifferently: “Afraid? Since I was born, I’ve never known what fear means. But this woman is definitely not as simple as she appears. Today she dared plead for Princess Xiangyun in the great tent—this courage isn’t something ordinary women possess. What’s even more incredible is that both the Emperor of Yuexi and the Great Khan actually acquiesced to her proposal. Princess Xiangyun committed the crime of killing her husband, yet they allowed her ashes to be transported back to Yuexi—this has never happened on the grasslands before. Don’t you think Li Weiyang’s influence is too great?”

Pei Yang sneered: “In the end, you still fear her. She first humiliated our family’s daughter, then colluded with Prince Xu Yuan Lie to cause fourth brother’s death. I will absolutely never let her go, and even less will I let her return alive to Yuexi. Tomorrow’s hunt, I must find a way to eliminate her.”

Pei Hui rebuked: “Don’t act rashly!”

Pei Yang said urgently: “But fourth brother died so miserably—I’ll never forget it my whole life!” Speaking thus, he punched the table. The teacup jumped and rolled to the floor, shattering to pieces, the jade-green tea flowing everywhere.

Pei Hui’s gaze turned cold: “You’re angry, you resent—I’m angrier than you, more pained than you. But what of it? The more furious we are, the easier we fall into their schemes. Since one plan failed, we’ll deliberate carefully. Anyway, we still have to stay on these grasslands for a full fifteen days. In these fifteen days, we’ll surely find a suitable method to capture both Li Weiyang and Prince Xu Yuan Lie in one strike!” When he said “capture in one strike,” his gaze was already full of hatred. If Li Weiyang were before him, she would probably be torn apart alive by him.

Pei Xian frowned and reminded him: “Second brother, you’ve always been the most steady among us four. Eldest brother’s health is poor and he doesn’t like handling affairs, constantly recuperating at the hot spring manor. Father has placed all his hopes on you since childhood. The more critical the moment, the calmer you must be.”

Pei Hui clenched his fists and said coldly: “Am I not calm enough? Should I just watch that murderer get away unpunished?” Actually, the one who cleaved Pei Bai in half was the Great Khan, but in Pei Hui’s eyes, Li Weiyang was the culprit. His mind kept turning, urgently trying to find a method to quickly eliminate Li Weiyang. Just then, shouting sounds came from outside. His martial arts were high, his hearing and vision sharp—not the slightest movement escaped his attention. Moreover, the Pei family tent guards were strict—it was impossible for people to be shouting outside. He couldn’t help but raise his eyebrows and look up: “What’s happening outside?”

The tent was suddenly lifted, and a guard walked over quickly with panic on his face, saying loudly: “Young master, something’s happened outside!”

Pei Yang immediately stood up and sternly rebuked: “What exactly happened? Speak clearly quickly.”

That guard had sweat beads on his forehead, looking like he’d run over, stammering anxiously: “The Great Khan was just attacked by an assassin. Now the entire camp is hunting the assassin. His Majesty ordered cooperation in the capture—many Yuexi nobles have mobilized their own guards, but news that the assassin was caught hasn’t come yet. Young master, what should we do now?”

Pei Hui’s face darkened: “Who’s so bold as to dare assassinate the Great Khan?”

Pei Xian frowned tightly. He always felt this matter was very ominous, as if some conspiracy was right before their eyes. Pei Hui immediately made a decision, saying loudly: “Since His Majesty wants us to search and capture, then let’s go. Move quickly—go count the men.” The Emperor of Yuexi requiring all Yuexi nobles to join the search and quickly find that assassin wasn’t strange. After all, assassinating the Great Khan in this camp meant Yuexi also had an obligation to help them find the culprit. Of course, it could also reassure the grassland nobles, clearing any connection between Yuexi and the assassin—the considerations involved were very complex.

Just then, more clamor came from outside, this time very chaotic. Thunderous hoofbeats close at hand made hearts tremble with fear. Pei Hui frowned and was first to walk out. The guards at the tent entrance gripped their long swords tightly, saying in panic: “Young master, someone has brought troops to surround our tent.” “Who?” Pei Hui’s brow furrowed tighter.

“Seems like the leaders are Guo family people.”

“Guo family people?” Pei Hui’s face was expressionless, but his jaw clenched tightly.

“Not just the Guo family, there are also Chen family people…” In fact, the most striking in the cavalry were the three spirited sons of the Guo family.

Pei Yang had already rushed forward, grabbing the guard’s collar and shouting: “What exactly is going on? Speak clearly.”

Pei Hui waved to stop him, his expression cold: “Asking him is slower than asking the Guo family people directly.” As he finished speaking, the cavalry had already arrived. The billowing dust made people involuntarily frown. He called out: “Guo Cheng! What are you bringing people here for?”

Guo Cheng sat high on his horse, that handsome face appearing exceptionally cold. The torches beside him burned fiercely—half his face was hidden in shadow while the other half was expressionless, with over a hundred cavalry behind him. The Guo family’s other two young masters and Chen family people all followed at his side.

On Guo Cheng’s horse was also an unsheathed sharp sword, gleaming coldly in the firelight. He looked at Pei Hui indifferently, his tone cold: “Young Master Pei, pardon the intrusion. I’m following orders to lead guards searching everywhere. That assassin ran to this area and disappeared. I led troops searching other tents—none are suspicious. Only your tent remains unsearched. Please move aside, Young Master Pei, and let us see whether the assassin is in your tent or not!”

Pei Yang was thoroughly enraged by these lukewarm words. His young face quickly flushed red as he raged furiously: “Guo Cheng! Have you gone mad? This is the Pei family tent! There are female family members inside! What assassin is in our tent? This is clearly slander! You inexplicably charge in here wanting us to make way for you! Daydreaming!”

Guo Cheng smiled coldly: “It’s night now—where’s the daylight? I think Young Master Pei Yang’s head is confused. I merely want to look at the Pei family tent, yet you’re so furious. Could there truly be some unspeakable matter inside?”

Pei Yang was about to charge forward but was restrained by Pei Hui with one hand. Pei Hui’s expression was extremely cold, his tone without the slightest fluctuation as he looked at Guo Cheng coldly: “Only the Imperial Guards have the right to search this tent. What are you?”

Guo Cheng sneered: “In ordinary times, I naturally have no right to search the Pei family tent. But now it’s His Majesty’s oral decree requiring Yuexi noble sons to participate in the investigation. Emergency measures for urgent times—since someone saw that assassin come here, Young Master Pei, you should honestly move aside. Searching for the assassin is everyone’s responsibility. This is also for relations between our two nations. If you obstruct, it instead appears you have ulterior motives.”

Pei Yang stepped forward, unable to suppress his heart’s fury. The white film in his eyes became even more frightening: “You want to search? Fine. Unless His Majesty has an edict sending Imperial Guards, but you Guo family people—don’t think of stepping into this tent even once!” One could imagine that if the Guo family searched the Pei family tent today, tomorrow all of Yuexi’s upper echelons would know about it. The Pei family had always held the upper hand—they could never bow their heads to the Guo family under any circumstances. Moreover, the current situation gave them all an inexplicable feeling, as if this was a trap. If they truly let them search, then… they didn’t dare think further.

The Pei family had three tents total—one for the four Pei young masters to live in, one specially set up for Pei Bao’er, and another for the Pei family’s other people. But these three tents couldn’t be randomly searched by anyone, so the Pei family refused publicly without thinking.

Guo Cheng had long guessed they would say this. He merely curved his lips slightly and said indifferently: “Then don’t blame me for being ruthless!” His face darkened as he raised his sword toward the sky and declared loudly: “His Highness already gave orders to definitely capture that assassin. Now the assassin is in this tent. Whoever dares obstruct—kill without mercy!”

The Pei family people froze. They hadn’t expected the Guo family people to be so murderous. Hearing the order to kill, the cavalry behind the Guo family all froze. Guo Cheng coldly swept his sword down with imposing momentum: “Whoever dares obstruct becomes a dead soul under my blade!” Speaking thus, he rode his horse charging in. The people behind him also drew their long swords together. Steeds neighed loudly as they swiftly hacked toward the opposition.

Pei Hui naturally wouldn’t sit waiting for death either. He waved his hand, and dozens of guards near the tent quickly entangled with the Guo family guards.

Guo Cheng sneered: “Truly full of schemes—there was already an ambush. Looks like I still underestimated you.” Guo Cheng’s long sword savagely hacked toward one Pei family guard’s head. Scarlet blood gushed as he withdrew his long sword, spraying his face. He paid no heed, his gaze icy cold. With one kick, he sent the corpse tumbling off the horse’s back.

Pei Hui hadn’t expected Guo Cheng would truly dare act, and with such killing intent. The Guo family guards similarly raised their long swords with no intention of showing mercy whatsoever. Everywhere one looked, blades swung and hacked. In this night, jet after jet of blood spurted forth, bringing strange bloodiness—even the air carried unstoppable killing intent.

Pei Hui gritted his teeth and drew the long sword at his waist, saying to his brothers beside him: “One of you go protect our sister, one come with me.” Speaking thus, he had already quickly rushed toward Guo Cheng, swinging his long sword down to actually sever the four legs of the steed beneath Guo Cheng. Guo Cheng sneered and flipped down. The two fought on the open ground. Not far from Guo Cheng, Guo Dun removed his scabbard—in the moonlight, his blade edge emitted waves of cold light. He shouted loudly: “Pei Yang, receive death!” Speaking thus, he swung his great blade and charged toward Pei Yang. This was his commonly used chopping blade, made of steel, the entire blade head rounded, the handle about two feet long, the entire blade body weighing dozens of pounds, incomparably sharp and invincible. Others couldn’t even lift it, but Guo Dun was skilled in martial arts and naturally strong—this blade was an extremely handy weapon for him. In his hands, a light shake actually caught the moon’s reflection.

Pei Yang sneered and drew his long sword to meet him. His movements were like a gentle breeze—clearly his martial arts were superb. He suddenly leaped, his right foot kicking toward two inches below Guo Dun’s ribs. Guo Dun’s body feinted several moves in the air, avoiding this kick. His form lunged forward, leaping down from the horse. That long blade’s momentum was like thunderous roar—in one instant, their blades and swords clashed together. Under flying sparks, Guo Dun’s strength was extremely great, forcibly pushing Pei Yang back several steps. However, Pei Yang was absolutely no ordinary person either. His garments fluttered, his form like a gale spinning back, extremely turbulent. His long sword actually coiled like a spirit snake, instantly wrapping around Guo Dun’s arm. Guo Dun only felt a force firmly locking his blade left and right, unable to break free. Light suddenly blazed in his eyes as he shouted violently. His sleeve suddenly shattered and burst open. The long blade in his hand suddenly broke free and chopped toward Pei Yang’s right arm. Pei Yang somersaulted backward, barely landing on the ground. He shouted loudly: “Guo Dun, you truly dare kill me?”

Guo Dun merely sneered: “You wretch has long been discourteous to my sister! I’ve waited for this day a long time!” Speaking thus, he said no more, his gaze coldly pressing forward.

Pei Yang was a cunning type. Borrowing the speaking time just now, his sword technique was like a violent gale, once again launching continuous attacks toward Guo Dun. His form was flexible—between flashes and leaps, sword moves changed again, rising and falling like waves, endlessly variable. Guo Dun was led by these several moves until his form swayed slightly, nearly toppling. Pei Yang was greatly pleased, thinking he’d found an opportunity, lunging forward and pouncing. Who knew that a cold gleam flashed in Guo Dun’s eyes—he actually barely leaped up. The great chopping blade swept through the air and actually separated Pei Yang’s head from his body on the spot! Pei Yang only felt severe neck pain, yet watched helplessly as his body collapsed… Guo Dun finally vented the anger long suppressed in his heart. He reached out to push aside the topknot on Pei Yang’s severed head, wound the long hair around his own hand, and raised it high. Everyone only saw blood still dripping from where Pei Yang’s neck was severed—the appearance extremely horrifying. And Guo Dun standing there actually had a murderous feeling.

In this instant, Pei Hui’s eyes split with rage, his heart tremendously shaken. He screamed heart-rendingly: “Guo Dun! You actually dare kill my brother!” Speaking thus, he abandoned Guo Cheng and charged toward Guo Dun.

Guo Cheng sneered and quickly raised his long sword, pursuing and attacking. He had long made up his mind—this time he must kill the Pei family people completely clean before he’d be satisfied. Over there, Guo Dao and Pei Xian had yet to make a move. Pei Xian looked at Guo Dao: “Do you truly want to kill me?”

Guo Dao’s gaze was merely very calm. He slowly said: “I’m very sorry, senior martial brother. In the past, I received your kindness, but I’ve also helped you much. Consider it settled. This battle today, I’ve waited for a long time. Either I die or you perish!”

Pei Xian sneered: “Do you know what fate your Guo family will have after killing us?”

Guo Dao smiled lightly, his smile seemingly containing mockery. He said indifferently: “After all this, senior martial brother still doesn’t understand? Before everyone’s eyes, today we’re executing the assassin yet were obstructed by the Pei family. You clearly colluded with the assassin. Assassinating the Great Khan—what kind of crime is that? Can your Pei family bear it?”

Pei Xian’s gaze changed, instantly understanding. He couldn’t help but shout sharply: “Li Weiyang! Your heart is truly vicious!” The Pei family had clashed with the Guo family several times, but the Guo family people always used fair and square methods. Never had anyone used such sinister tactics. One could imagine who the mastermind behind this was.

At this moment, in the Guo family tent not far away, wind blew in, making the candlelight flicker unsteadily. Bronze bells hung at the tent entrance—at this moment, the bells tinkled as if someone were weeping.

Li Weiyang’s right hand picked up a chess piece and placed it on the board. Yuan Lie watched quietly, the corner of his mouth imperceptibly twitching: “Look, this move is truly too ruthless. I already said you should let me off three parts. With this move, haven’t you blocked all my paths?”

Li Weiyang smiled slightly: “I’ve already laid out this chess game. Whether you can resolve it depends on yourself. I’ve already let you have three pieces—should I let you have ten more?”

Yuan Lie looked at the chessboard in distress, not placing his piece for a long time. Li Weiyang looked at the game, then at Yuan Lie’s face, and couldn’t help but snort lightly: “This game only uses surprise attack tactics, requiring no defenses. You just walked this step too hastily, so you gave me an opening.”

Yuan Lie looked at Li Weiyang’s face and smiled slightly: “No one would imagine you’d walk this step. I thought you’d still wait patiently. After all, this is an extremely risky action.”

Li Weiyang’s gaze was clear and cold, her smile enigmatic: “He wants to draw fire upon himself—why shouldn’t I fulfill his wish? I’m very patient, only sometimes when my mood is bad, patience wears thin entirely.”

Yuan Lie smiled faintly: “The grassland people are very barbarous. This time their Great Khan was assassinated—the matter is extremely serious. Even if the Pei family has tremendous ability, I’m afraid they can hardly avoid the disaster of clan extermination.”

Li Weiyang remained silent for a long time, then smiled: “The situation probably isn’t so optimistic.”

Yuan Lie looked at her and couldn’t help but raise his eyebrows: “Oh? What do you mean?”

Li Weiyang didn’t speak, only pondered for a moment, then smiled faintly: “I merely want to sever one of their arms. To uproot them completely, Empress Pei must die first.” Speaking to this point, she said nothing more and made another move. Yuan Lie immediately shouted: “You can’t move this step!”

Li Weiyang laughed, her eyes flashing with certainty: “I insist on moving this way. What will you do about it?” Then she relaxed her body, leaning against the chair beside her, gazing at that face opposite for a long time. Under the candlelight, although Yuan Lie’s face wore a smile, his eyes still held indignation—spring breeze satisfaction mixed with several parts grievance. Li Weiyang felt her heart warm. For a time, all around was silent except for the crisp tinkling of bells.

Yuan Lie stood up, his gaze like torches: “The time is about right. I should make my entrance too.”

At this moment, Guo Dao and Pei Xian had already begun fighting. Guo Dao’s sword momentum was like violent wind and rain, quick as lightning striking a point on Pei Xian’s body. With a clang, Pei Xian blocked with his long sword in time, sparks flying. The two immediately separated, then crossed over a dozen more moves. Guo Dao shouted loudly, his long sword flashing cold light, charging toward the opponent. Pei Xian was the senior martial brother after all—his martial arts were somewhat higher. His wrist sank and turned, the long sword slanting forward to deflect Guo Dao’s long sword. But seeing Guo Dao reach his face, his vision blurred—Guo Dao’s form disappeared. He hadn’t expected that in a split second, Guo Dao had already reached behind him, thrusting toward his back! Pei Xian was suddenly shocked, almost thinking he would die, but that icy sensation stabbed with pain—he discovered he was still alive. He whipped his head around, only to see Guo Dao was actually using the sword handle toward him—the blade edge wasn’t facing him at all. He couldn’t help but frown and look at the other party, saying coolly: “Looks like you still remember old sentiment.”

Guo Dao’s expression didn’t move: “You’re my senior martial brother after all. I can never forget your help.”

But just then, before his words finished, he saw Pei Xian quickly slash toward him, stabbing him with one sword. Guo Dao merely shifted slightly to the side, and that sword pierced horizontally into his left shoulder, immediately bleeding profusely. Guo Dao’s blood churned as he fell backward. Pei Xian showed no mercy—immediately thrusting his sword from top to bottom to pierce Guo Dao’s chest, when suddenly a scream came from a nearby tent. He immediately sensed something wrong. Unable to concern himself with killing Guo Dao, he immediately withdrew his sword and charged toward the tent. No wonder he was so nervous—that tent was where Pei Bao’er was located.

Originally when fighting started outside, Pei Bao’er lifted the tent curtain and saw torches rolling outside, blades and swords flying horizontally, along with people’s wailing sounds—very terrifying. It was an extremely tragic slaughter. When Pei Bao’er saw her brother Pei Yang’s head forcibly severed by someone, she could bear it no longer and screamed. This scream drew the attention of Guo family guards, who walked toward her raising swords. Pei Bao’er couldn’t help but cry out in alarm. Just then, Pei Hui gripped his long sword inverted and stabbed over, piercing straight through the heart of the guard pouncing toward Pei Bao’er from behind!

On the other side, Guo Cheng had already used his long sword to sever several of Pei Hui’s hair strands. His long sword was like howling wind, swiftly slashing over. But Pei Hui was after all the person with highest martial arts in the Pei family. He flashed past in time, then gave Guo Dun one sword stroke. Pei Hui’s eyes were filled with blood light as he hissed: “Guo Dun, I will never forgive you!”

The three fought together—all had extremely high martial arts. But that Pei Hui had already killed until his eyes were red. His expression grew increasingly ferocious as he hacked toward Guo Dun regardless of everything. Pei Hui had fallen into madness. His strength was so great that he actually forced Guo Dun back three steps. Just at this critical moment, Pei Hui’s long sword was actually blocked by Guo Cheng. The scraping sound of blades and swords in the night was extremely ear-piercing. Guo Cheng gritted his teeth and exerted all his strength. The force turned, cutting back along that sharp blade edge. Pei Hui couldn’t turn in time—twisting his waist, he forcibly turned around, bringing the twisting waist momentum horizontally chopping toward Guo Cheng. Guo Cheng couldn’t dodge in time. His waist was stabbed by one sword, blood gushing out. Yet he wasn’t afraid, accumulating force to chop again, his pitch-black eyes in this dark night calm like a hunter poised to strike.

Just then, waves of clamor came from not far away. Large cavalry troops arrived, countless torches entering view. The arrivals were all soldiers wearing armor. Guo Cheng recognized this imposing armor—it was the Emperor’s Imperial Guards. He remembered Li Weiyang’s instructions when she came—if he saw the Emperor’s army, immediately stop. He smiled coldly, savagely gave Pei Hui one sword strike, then quickly retreated while not forgetting to pull Guo Dun, quickly running toward those Imperial Guards: “The Pei family harbors assassins, intending rebellion!”

Just as he finished this sentence, Pei Hui behind him shouted sharply: “Complete lies! Clearly you brought people to kill my brother. Guo Cheng! I’m irreconcilable with you!”

Those cavalry ran here extremely quickly, the ears full of thunderous hoofbeats striking the ground. The person riding the horse was precisely the Emperor of Yuexi. At his side were various princes. The Crown Prince saw this situation and exclaimed in shock: “All stop!”

Over there, two guards still couldn’t stop in time, slashing at each other. The Crown Prince was enraged. The long sword in his hand forcefully swung through the air. One guard had no time to resist and was instantly beheaded, his body toppling sideways. Someone nearby shouted loudly: “Are you all mad? All stop—His Majesty is here!” Thus, everyone stopped, but both Guo and Pei family guards had already suffered heavy casualties. The Crown Prince looked at this scene in disbelief and shouted angrily: “What exactly are you doing?”

Guo Cheng wiped the blood on his face, his gaze cold: “Following His Majesty’s oral decree, we came here to search for the assassin. Other aristocratic families all allowed us to enter tents to search. Only Young Master Pei refused without a word, enraged and humiliated, he refused. That Pei Yang even charged up wanting to die together with me. I had no choice but to order the guards to resist.”

The Emperor’s icy gaze fell on Pei Hui’s face as he said indifferently: “Oh, is that so?”

Pei Hui shouted loudly: “He speaks complete nonsense! The Guo family people suddenly charged to our camp, insisting the assassin was here and must search. We didn’t understand, so naturally had to stop him. He even killed my brother!” Speaking thus, his finger pointed at Pei Yang over there, whose severed head was thrown on the ground—his young, proud brother died in this struggle with his head severed from body, identical to today’s Princess’s death method, almost as if carrying some omen.

The Emperor of Yuexi’s expression showed no emotion whatsoever, while the Crown Prince’s expression was even uglier. He raged: “Guo Cheng, how do you explain?”

Guo Cheng didn’t respond to the Crown Prince, instead saying indifferently: “Your Majesty, what Young Master Pei says is actually easy to verify. As long as Your Highness orders a search of the Pei family tent, you’ll know what’s going on.”

Pei Xian hurried forward. His eyes were cold, carrying intimidating chilliness. He shouted loudly: “First compensate my brother’s life!”

Guo Dao stepped forward, his gaze carrying cold mockery: “Pei Xian, you say my Guo family bullied you. Look—we three brothers are all wounded. Clearly your Pei family also showed no mercy whatsoever. In the end, it’s just even. If you’re truly innocent, why won’t you let us search your camp? Moreover, we’re searching by decree. You publicly defied orders, fighting to the death—if not guilty conscience, what else could it be!”

The Emperor momentarily narrowed his eyes slightly, looking at them coldly.

Just then, a swift horse arrived in an instant. The young man on the horse rode a snow-white steed, his black cloak flying in the wind, jade-green crown on pitch-black hair, handsome appearance, proud eyes—his entire person like dark fragrance floating in deep night, intoxicating hearts and swaying spirits. At this moment, his eye corners raised high, his face enigmatically smiling, casually capturing hearts easily: “Young Master Pei, if your conscience is clear, what harm in a search?”

Everyone immediately recognized him—such peerless elegance could only be Prince Xu. Prince Jing looked at him coldly, his eyes flashing with imperceptible understanding.

The Emperor glanced at him and finally made up his mind, murmuring briefly: “Fine, search the Pei family tent. If there’s someone, I’ll convict the Pei family. If not…”

Guo Cheng said loudly: “If not, the Guo family is willing to bear responsibility for killing innocents.”

Pei Hui’s face turned deathly pale. He suddenly remembered Guo Dao’s words, vaguely feeling something was wrong with this matter. But his obstruction was already too late. With the Emperor’s order, Imperial Guards rushed into the Pei family tent. Torches illuminated everything. Yuan Lie watched from afar, his lips curved in a trace of cold smile.

Pei Hui said coldly: “Guo Cheng, you’re so confident that person is in my family’s tent?”

Guo Cheng laughed, his smile carrying endless mockery. Pei Hui looked at him full of hatred. Just then, an Imperial Guard had already dragged out a black-clothed person from the tent—but with a dagger in the chest, already dead. Guo Cheng sneered and looked at Pei Hui: “Did everyone see? This is what Young Master Pei claims—they didn’t harbor the assassin.” While speaking, he pointed his sword at Pei Hui’s throat: “What more do you have to say?”

Pei Hui looked at the black-clothed person’s corpse in disbelief, hardly able to speak a word. He suddenly realized that today this entire matter was a setup. Just now he should have understood this point. From when Guo Cheng dared break into the Pei family camp, the other party already held certainty of winning. Otherwise, how could Guo Cheng be so bold, daring to have killing intent toward Pei family people? He walked forward one step, intending to see the black-clothed assassin’s face clearly, when he heard Pei Xian shout loudly: “Even if this assassin is in our tent, it doesn’t prove we sent him.”

Guo Cheng sneered: “So many tents, yet he ran to your Pei family. If you hadn’t obstructed just now and let me go in to search, I still wouldn’t suspect. But you’d rather sacrifice a brother than let us search—isn’t this too suspicious?”

Pei Hui raged: “You speak honeyed words—clearly you designed this to slander my Pei family.” His words hadn’t finished when in the firelight he saw Guo Cheng’s enigmatic smiling eyes. Pei Hui suddenly closed his eyes. He knew when the other party made their move—merely during the fierce battle between both sides, only then was the Pei family’s defense weakest! If it were a living person, they’d still have a way to make the black-clothed person speak. But it happened to be a corpse… He sighed—one move behind, just one move behind. Who could imagine Li Weiyang would act so quickly, methods so ruthless!

Just then, everyone heard Pei Xian suddenly shout loudly: “I did it alone.”

Everyone listening were dumbfounded looking at him. Pei Hui rebuked loudly: “What nonsense are you saying?”

Pei Xian sneered. Those eyes with white film looked somewhat ghostly in the moonlight, yet very resolute: “The Great Khan killed my brother. What’s wrong with me sending someone to kill him? This is merely personal revenge, absolutely not involving others. Second brother and other Pei family people knew nothing. All this was done by me alone. I brought in the assassin, I also hid him. Second brother only had conflict with the Guo family to protect me.” While speaking, he raised his sword to stab his own chest. Just then, a long sword suddenly blocked his blade edge. Pei Xian raged: “What are you doing?”

It was Guo Dao. Guo Dao looked at him with a cold smile: “Since you’ve already borne all responsibility, you should receive appropriate punishment, shouldn’t you?” His tone was extremely cold—clearly when Pei Xian raised the executioner’s blade against him, their past friendship had already vanished into smoke.

Pei Xian’s expression was very dejected. In such a situation, he had no choice but to stand out and admit his crimes. Because that assassin was discovered in the Pei family’s own tent, and he had already recognized it—that dagger on the assassin’s body was carved with the Pei family clan emblem. If he said Pei family people killed the assassin, others would definitely suspect why they didn’t hand the assassin over. There was only one possibility—they were silencing witnesses. The earlier action of stopping Guo Cheng from entering to search the tent further confirmed the Pei family’s guilt. If he didn’t stand out to admit fault, the entire Pei clan would suffer calamity. Since the other side did this much, below there must be countless traps waiting, determined to press this assassination crime onto them! So he severed his own arm, stood out to actively admit fault, originally wanting to end himself with one blade and thus cut off the Guo family’s intentions. He hadn’t expected Guo Dao to be so quick to stop him.

He gripped his dagger tightly and said coldly: “Get away from me.”

Guo Dao stood in place unmoving, his gaze slightly cold and mocking. The Crown Prince seeing this, his gaze revealed a trace of chagrin, but he had no other choice. He could only wave his hand: “Bind him and hand him to the Great Khan for disposal.” At this moment, all the Pei family people’s faces changed, especially Pei Hui. He hadn’t expected matters would develop to this point. He looked at Guo Cheng angrily, wishing he could rush forward and hack him into ten or eight pieces. But he was even more disappointed in Pei Xian. At this time, he should deny to the death. Once admitting it, everyone would suspect the Pei family! This stupid brother—did he think this could preserve the whole family’s safety?!

And Guo Cheng stood there, his gaze carrying amusement. All these years, the Guo family had been very forbearing toward the Pei clan. They followed Father’s instructions, never willing to act first. But correspondingly, the other side grew increasingly excessive. If so, what was wrong with severing their delusions? Now he believed Li Weiyang was right—in this world, some people, if you don’t make them pay blood debts with blood, they won’t feel satisfied.

Soon Pei Xian was escorted away. The Emperor said: “Leave everything to the Great Khan for disposal. Everyone should also rest.” Speaking thus, he rode away leisurely, not mentioning any disposal decision toward the Guo family—clearly acquiescing.

The Crown Prince looked at his back, his gaze becoming incomparably cold.

Guo Cheng sneered. This matter clearly would no longer pursue the Guo family’s responsibility. He turned to his two brothers: “All right, let’s return.” Speaking thus, they nodded toward Prince Jing and Yuan Lie, then quickly departed. Yuan Lie smiled slightly while spurring his horse away.

Prince Jing’s gaze was calm, vaguely still hiding a trace of loneliness. This matter—Yuan Lie knew, but he himself didn’t know. What did this mean? He stood in place for a while before turning his horse and leaving.

On the entire open ground, besides those corpses, only Pei Hui and trembling Pei Bao’er remained. Pei Bao’er cried out loudly and threw herself into Pei Hui’s embrace. She trembled all over in terror: “Second brother, let’s go back. This place is so terrifying, so terrifying!”

Pei Hui pushed her away with one motion, his face expressionless: “Useless waste!” While speaking, his gaze didn’t fall on Pei Bao’er at all.

The Crown Prince rode toward him. Pei Hui stood on the ground, looking up at the Crown Prince, saying indifferently: “We underestimated Li Weiyang, this woman. She’s truly vicious.” Such a scheme—one mistake and even the Guo family would be completely destroyed. Yet she dared gamble. Truly a madwoman!

The Crown Prince glanced at him, his gaze carrying a trace of regret: “This time, the price the Pei family paid is truly too tragic.”

The two momentarily stopped speaking. In a gust of cold wind, they simultaneously felt an indescribably cold aura attacking them. Pei Bao’er shivered, turning her head—behind her was empty nothingness. Yet she felt as if in the darkness, a pair of eyes ancient as wells were mockingly watching them.