“Are you male or female?”

Lu Yun tilted his head, seemingly playful: “Why do you think I refused to be searched that day? Perhaps you’d like me to undress to verify?”

The Prefect’s face instantly became unsightly.

The snow had stopped, but the wind still carried snow particles against their faces. Heavy fog surrounded them, dyeing heaven and earth white. The soldiers beside Third Young Master Lu were like him, trapped in the mountain fog, looking around bewildered, when they saw the barely breathing Luoyang Prefect, whom they had used as a hostage all along, suddenly become enraged and throw a punch at Lu Yun’s face. Lu Yun instinctively dodged, raising his eyebrows in surprise. The Prefect grabbed Third Young Master Lu’s collar, pressing forward.

Lu Yun seemed somewhat dazed.

The soldiers beside him tensed, about to step forward to intervene, but tensed again—the Prefect was clutching Third Young Master Lu’s front collar, his fingers white, eyes red enough to drip blood, filled with bloodshot. After enduring wind and frost along the way, though physically exhausted, the Luoyang Prefect was now extremely angry: “You are Chen Xue? Did you dress as a woman? You, you, you… how malicious your thoughts!”

The soldiers: …Ah, cross-dressing.

That hardly counts as malicious, right?

Lu Yun’s eyebrows twitched slightly, black pupils flowing with light beneath. Even this subtle change in his eyes caused the Prefect pain: It was Xue’er! His Xue’er’s eyes were just this beautiful, peach blossom eyes full of feeling, with upturned corners, yet emotionless at their depths. Xue’er seemed deeply passionate, yet also seemed cold and distant… The light in Lu Yun’s eyes shimmered brilliantly, making the Luoyang Prefect’s heart ache just to look at them.

At the same time, Third Young Master Lu was an extremely observant person.

Frost had frozen on his eyelashes as he looked strangely at this impotent Prefect: “…You truly have feelings for me? Could it be love at first sight?”

The soldiers kept straight faces.

Veins bulged on the Prefect’s forehead, his anger reaching its peak as he threw another punch: “I admired Chen Xue! Chen Xue! Absolutely not you… who exactly are you?!”

The soldiers: …Poor lord, deceived in love, not even knowing who that person was.

In this era, customs were liberal, and the practice of keeping young male companions was quite popular among the nobility. However, this popularity couldn’t be openly acknowledged. Though the Luoyang Prefect was lustful, he lusted after women, absolutely not men. Chen Xue was a rare beauty in the world, proud and mysterious, with a strong character. Among the world’s mostly petite ladies, Chen Xue was the only one the Prefect had seen who had a powerful presence, tall stature, and striking beauty. When the lady stood in her carriage, her clothes fluttering in the wind, when she gazed into the distance, her profile was calm and elegant. That intimidating quality, like drawing a bow to shoot an arrow, made the Prefect’s heart yearn for her.

She rarely smiled, was quiet and reserved, with mist in her eyes. Like the wind, impossible to see through or catch.

She was also often filled with melancholy due to childhood misfortunes, her every frown making the Prefect want to cheer her up, to see her smile.

The beauty of Luoyang walked by, with a complexion like jade, beauty enough to topple cities, worthy of being immortalized in paintings of court ladies for all men and women to praise.

The Prefect had fallen in love at first sight, unable to forget her… Never imagined that such a beauty was not a “she” but a “he.”

Third Young Master Lu glanced at him, his eyes showing amusement but not much concern. For a young lord like him who had always been pursued by others, previously it had been young ladies pursuing him, now a young lady had been replaced by a man – his proud heart remained unchanged. It was precisely this lack of concern, this indifference, that made the Prefect even more angry. He wanted his Chen Xue back, but before him was only Lu Yun, no Chen Xue—

Chen Xue was fake, fictional, and never existed from beginning to end.

Yet the Prefect had fallen in love with a nonexistent person.

The Prefect shouted, charging at Lu Yun to fight him to the death. His hatred was boundless; now that he was sober, his physical strength and mental faculties had returned. Lu Yun was indeed as elegant as an immortal, but the more outstanding his appearance, the more the Luoyang Prefect despised him. Lu Yun frowned, finding this person troublesome. Originally planning to hold him as a hostage, but now the other party wouldn’t leave him alone… When the Prefect started fighting furiously, the Southern soldiers all felt embarrassed, but Lu Yun fought back without any psychological burden.

Third Young Master Lu had always had a heart of iron and stone, never showing tenderness toward beauty.

Luo Lingyu, with her thousand charms and unmatched allure, was the only one who had broken through his defenses.

This rough, burly man, the Luoyang Prefect, was even less likely to make Lu Yun show mercy while fighting him.

Lu Yun still had the presence of mind to notice his companions standing foolishly beside him: “Why just watch without moving? Can’t you tell friend from foe?”

The soldiers were speechless: …Third Young Master Lu was encouraging them to gang up on the poor Prefect who had fallen for him! This person was so wicked, having deceived someone’s heart, and now wanting to take their life too.

The Prefect seemed extremely agitated, but his eyes showed sharp coldness. Now sober, his fighting style turned out to be fierce and powerful, focused on drawing blood with every punch. His momentum was strong; Lu Yun, having been pursued by enemies all along, was already exhausted and had to keep retreating. When the soldiers all surrounded him, the Prefect suddenly turned and ran.

Third Young Master Lu’s face darkened: “Chase him—”

As everyone entered the fog, there was a “ding” sound, and Lu Yun flipped backward, shouting a warning while pulling someone rapidly back several zhang. Dozens of arrows flew from the fog, each targeting Lu Yun’s group. The soldiers dodged the arrows awkwardly, becoming alert after Lu Yun’s warning: “Be careful! The Northern soldiers have caught up!”

Indeed, well-equipped Northern soldiers emerged from the heavy fog.

The Luoyang Prefect stood before them. The Prefect looked at Lu Yun with hatred: “Did you think I had no precautions against you? My clothes have been soaked in medicine; as long as I’m here, my Northern soldiers can pursue and kill all the way. You Southern assassins… hand over Chen Xue… and the Gunpowder Master!”

Lu Yun remained expressionless.

The Prefect pointed at him: “If you don’t let Chen Xue appear, don’t hand over the Master, today will be your death day.”

He still couldn’t forget Chen Xue and still hoped Lu Yun would transform into Chen Xue. He could pretend… but it was all ultimately fake. Lu Yun was extremely cold-hearted, showing no intention of mentioning “Chen Xue” or handing over the Master. As enemy troops attacked, he and his companions immediately engaged them. The Northern army pursued with full force; the importance of the Luoyang Prefect and the loss of the Gunpowder Master warranted sending their most elite forces.

However, Lu Yun’s side was exhausted in body and mind from their long escape.

Gradually, Lu Yun’s group was surrounded, and in the battle between both sides, the Southern soldiers suffered the most injuries. Lu Yun held his sword, his arm bearing a cut wound. The Luoyang Prefect, still not satisfied, grabbed a sword and attacked personally, treating Lu Yun as a mortal enemy. At the same time, from Lu Yun’s rear, two enemy soldiers leaped high, raising their swords to attack together. Lu Yun stumbled as he turned, raising his arm with a sword, sparks flying up in a streak, jumping into his pitch-black eyes.

The two soldiers coordinated extremely well, attacking Lu Yun from left and right, with great strength. Snow particles swirled up as the two forced Lu Yun to retreat, his sword only able to defend against the two of them. The two called out in stern, authoritative voices: “Prefecture Lord!”

The Prefect behind immediately: “Die!”

Lu Yun was locked in a confrontation with the enemy, unable to dodge, as the Prefect’s sword thrust straight at his chest and abdomen, taking his life. The Southern soldiers around, similarly caught in battle and unable to help, shouted: “Third Young Master (Commander)—”

Lu Yun had no way to split his attention, gritting his teeth, arm muscles tense, sweating from his forehead as the soldiers forced him back. He couldn’t dodge the Prefect’s killing strike; just as he saw he could only risk his life and let himself be cut down, a blade flew diagonally from the fog with a clang, striking the Prefect’s sword-wielding hand.

Footsteps came chaotically from the fog, friend or foe hard to distinguish, both sides tense. Until they saw Prince Liu Mu of Hengyang and the soldiers behind him. The Southern soldiers rejoiced: “Reinforcements have arrived!”

Liu Mu and Third Young Master Lu, who was being attacked by two soldiers, exchanged a glance, their eyes meeting, a subtle understanding passing between them. The young prince raised his hand, and as his gesture fell, he and his troops decisively charged into the crowd without a word: “Kill!”

Liu Mu personally took action, his force decisive and fierce, his presence as imposing as a mountain. The Prefect’s hand was knocked aside, causing his thrust to miss. Lu Yun killed the two enemy soldiers, the wound to his waist only a graze. The situation was grave; the Prefect attacked again like a madman, but this time, Liu Mu and the troops he brought entered the battle, relieving the pressure on Lu Yun’s side.

Hair fell against his cheek, sticking to the blood on his face. Withdrawing from the front line, Lu Yun panted, half his arm numbed from the previous fight. He pulled at the corner of his mouth, thinking the Northern soldiers were indeed formidable. Third Young Master Lu shook his hand, seeing his palm was injured. Taking advantage of Liu Mu’s blocking attacks for him, Lu Yun tore off a piece of his robe to wrap his wound. Then he raised his sword and returned to battle.

The enemy troops were numerous and all elite. Even with the South’s increased forces, they showed no fear.

Liu Mu fell back, standing back-to-back with Lu Yun as enemy troops surrounded them in a circle. The two young lords stood in an extremely trusting pose, watching in all directions, alert for enemy surprise attacks as Lu Yun seized the moment to ask: “Have you seen the rescued Master? Have they been taken down the mountain?”

Liu Mu: “People have been sent to escort them… worry about yourself!”

Lu Yun smiled, staring at the enemy troops circling them, his voice still in that uniquely languid tone: “Shall we continue killing?”

The young prince wiped the splattered blood from his face, smiling coldly, his eyes as cold as wolf light gleaming: “Kill!”

As the words fell, both men leaped outward simultaneously, weapons rising and falling, their swords sweeping out semicircular arcs as they coordinated to attack these enemy troops—

“Young heroic spirit, gathering the heroes of five cities. The liver and gall are transparent. Hair standing on end. In conversation. Life and death as one.” Young men who had met in youth, later becoming strangers, yet still, they had met in youth. Those days of bright clothes and angry horses, those days of living and eating together at the academy… Memory opened a valve, vivid memories shining back.

Liu Mu laughed loudly: “Third Young Master Lu, let’s compare who kills more! Don’t tell me you only dare to assassinate me, not daring to face real enemies!”

Lu Yun raised his eyebrows, killing someone who had grabbed him from behind with a reverse sword strike, then nimbly changing positions with Liu Mu. Two more drops of blood on his face, against his jade-like complexion and narrowed eyes, made him appear somewhat bewitchingly fierce. He could only hear Liu Mu’s voice but not see him. Fog rose around them, enveloping everyone. Third Young Master Lu’s rarely seen spirit was roused as he said slowly: “That’s worth comparing.”

Fog rose in the mountains, spreading upward from the ground, growing thicker and thicker. Gradually, people could barely be seen three steps away, more and more bodies lying at both sides’ feet. Yet no one relaxed; amidst unending clashing sounds, only weapons could be seen crossing in the fog, sparks clustering, the battle exceptionally intense!

…

While the battle at Mount Funiu was tense, the situation in the various prefectures of Nanyang was equally urgent. The North was engulfed in war, either desperately rescuing people or fighting to the death. The imperial court’s northbound troops and provisions moved in great numbers, spurring their horses on, only wishing they could move even faster to support the northern battle.

Only after the troops had been gathering for half a day did the awakened Southern Emperor learn what had happened, learned that the Prince of Chen had acted first and reported later.

The Northern Princess and others present in the palace that night told of what they had witnessed, with the Northern Princess trying hard to place the blame on the Prince of Chen. Any discord in the Southern court would benefit the North. But the Southern Emperor’s face remained expressionless, not indicating whether he believed the Northern Princess’s words.

That night, after summoning the Prince of Chen to the palace for questioning, Prince Liu Huai of Zhao also entered the palace.

Liu Huai had connections with the North and coveted the prefectures they had promised him. Now seeing things slip from his control, he harbored hatred for the troublesome Prince of Chen, Liu Shu. In the hall, the Prince of Chen knelt in reflection in a side chamber, waiting for the emperor’s summons to give a perfect explanation. Meanwhile, Prince Liu Huai of Zhao leaned to his father’s ear, catching glimpses of his kneeling brother behind the pearl and jade curtain as he whispered slander: “…Originally the North could have resolved this matter peacefully with our South, but Fifth Brother ruined everything.”

“The Marshal’s mansion was also burned. Who knows if that imperial edict was real or fake, whether Father Emperor wrote it himself while drunk, or if that person took advantage of Father Emperor’s drunkenness to act willfully.”

“Father Emperor must not let him off. If he dares to act this way when Father Emperor is drunk today, what if one day he bribes palace servants to enter Father Emperor’s bedchamber while sleeping? His wolf’s ambition must be eliminated; please, Father Emperor, do not consider father-son sentiment but severely punish Fifth Brother. Only then will Fifth Brother learn his lesson.”

His Majesty’s eyes flickered.

Just as he was about to speak, a palace guard reported from outside: “Your Majesty, Minister Lu seeks an audience. Shall we summon him in?”

Minister Lu, that is Lu Mao, was the father of Second Young Master Lu Xian, and also the Left Minister of the current court.

His Majesty remained expressionless: “What do you think brings Minister Lu here in the dead of night, my son?”

Prince of Zhao: “The Lu family is proposing a marriage between Second Young Master Lu and Fifth Brother’s sister, Princess Liu Tang of Ningping. The two families want to become in-laws. Fifth Brother has always been close with Third Young Master Lu, this is no secret in Jianye. Now Third Young Master Lu is in Nanyang, and Liu Shu that fellow forged an imperial edict precisely because of Third Young Master Lu. The Lu family cannot be separated from the Fifth Brother’s affairs; Minister Lu entering the palace late at night must be to plead for the Fifth Brother.”

His Majesty neither confirmed nor denied.

Prince Liu Huai of Zhao observed his father’s eyes and continued: “The noble families have become too powerful now, imperial edicts face increasing obstruction. Minister Lu coming late at night is precisely to use his influence to force Father Emperor to let Fifth Brother off. Your son worries that if the noble families grow any stronger, our royal family…”

His Majesty said: “The noble families’ roots run too deep.”

Liu Huai’s heart jumped, sensitively guessing at the emperor’s subtle dissatisfaction. Indeed, even if the Father Emperor neglected state affairs and relied on the noble families, he was still unwilling to see Minister Lu able to influence imperial orders today.

The Prince of Zhao said softly: “The noble families are powerful, but the Lu family is just one of Jianye’s noble families. Many noble families in Jianye resent the Lu family’s position.”

The emperor exchanged a glance with his son, saying nothing more before summoning Minister Lu into the hall. The Prince of Zhao quietly withdrew, hearing the emperor switch to a warm tone in greeting Minister Lu in the main hall, speaking of the Prince of Chen with words like “not that serious,” “not that serious,” “the Prince of Chen did no wrong”… Liu Huai pulled at his mouth, being led out through the hall’s back door by the palace guard.

He knew that with the Lu family involved, Prince Liu Shu would be fine.

But this thorn had already been planted in His Majesty’s heart, excellent.

…

With his father entering the palace, the Lu family used all their influence to protect Liu Shu from the consequences of the forged imperial edict. The Lu family was arrogant, believing His Majesty would give face. And indeed His Majesty did, comforting the Prince of Chen with kind words, even sending gifts to comfort his son’s fright, before sending Minister Lu and the Prince of Chen out of the palace together.

Second Young Master Lu Xian couldn’t sleep all night.

After receiving news of the Prince of Chen’s safety, he again stayed up late at the Marshal’s mansion, waiting for news of the northern battle. He increasingly felt the timeline from his dream approaching, an inexplicable instinctive feeling. He wore a jade Buddha around his neck, reciting sutras and praying daily, hoping his third brother in the north would be safe, that everything could still be saved.

The sky slowly darkened completely, then gradually brightened again. Second Young Master Lu twisted his jade Buddha, closing his eyes and muttering, drawing strange looks from the scholars coming and going.

As the new day arrived, the sky was gray and overcast, with strong winds rising. Second Young Master Lu didn’t know that a thousand li away, the north was covered in heavy snow, a world of ice and snow.

…

Luo Lingyu also felt uneasy.

Being in Nanyang, her feelings were even clearer than Lu Xian’s. Even though Lord Zhou had come, bringing troops and provisions, and relieving the northern pressure, Luo Lingyu’s eyelids wouldn’t stop twitching as she helped in the military camp, twitching so much she couldn’t calm her heart.

Knowing the Prince of Hengyang had led troops into Mount Funiu’s Prince’s Watch, knowing Nanyang’s battle situation had begun to turn favorable after Lord Zhou brought reinforcements, she was still in turmoil. All morning, after receiving medical herbs, Luo Lingyu continued changing dressings and treating wounds with other ladies in the military camp. But she made many mistakes all morning, her technique crude.

At noon during the meal, Luo Lingyu asked around and learned that scholars had been continuously emerging from the mountain fog.

But the army was still trapped in the mountains.

“The enemy has deployed all elite troops, their military strength is superior, we are no match, so the war cannot end for now, victory or defeat unknown.”

After listening with bitten lips, Luo Lingyu couldn’t wait any longer. She refused to eat a bite, going to find Zhou Yangling, who was surrounded by several generals, pale-faced but still dutifully explaining the court situation to people. Luo Lingyu approached Zhou Yangling directly: “I need some people to go with me to the foot of Prince’s Watch.”

The battle situation was grave, General Wei’s battle was continuing, and Luo Lingyu came to request people despite knowing she was in the wrong. Those who cared for the world should be watching General Wei’s battle situation now, prioritizing the war there; yet she cared more about Lu Yun’s side.

Luo Lingyu made excuses: “That Gunpowder Master hasn’t come down the mountain yet, that person is extremely formidable…”

Zhou Yangling: “Alright.”

Luo Lingyu was surprised: “…”

She hadn’t expected Lord Zhou to be so agreeable, not requiring her to cry, act coquettish, or throw tantrums before agreeing. Her watery eyes stared blankly, biting her lip: “You’re not asking my reasons…”

Zhou Yangling: “Time is pressing, no need to ask why. Sister trusts me, and I trust sister too.”

Luo Lingyu gathered courage: “I’m very selfish…”

Zhou Yangling disagreed: “How is saving people selfish? There’s no distinction in saving people; sister is already the most impressive lady I’ve seen. Sister always says she’s not a good person, yet doesn’t know how many good deeds she’s done that benefit the country. But what I love most about sister is that she doesn’t just cry at crucial moments.”

She joked thus, looking meaningfully at Luo Lingyu’s reddened eyes. Luo Lingyu’s nose had been sour, but being teased like this, she immediately broke into laughter through her tears.

Zhou Yangling said gently: “That’s it. Sister looks so beautiful when smiling… I love to see sister smile.”

She immediately dispatched some of the people she had brought to follow Luo Lingyu to rescue people. She even urged Luo Lingyu not to waste time. Lord Zhou raised her hand, brushing away the dust on the lady’s shoulders. She comforted Luo Lingyu to stay calm no matter what happened. After a few words of comfort, Lord Zhou went to attend to other matters. Leaving in a daze, Luo Lingyu looked back every few steps, seeing Lord Zhou’s gentle gaze watching her. Her heart warmed, swaying gently: Lord Zhou was so good.

If she didn’t love Lu Yun… what a fine husband Lord Zhou would make.

…

Leaving the military camp, she rode toward the foot of Mount Funiu. The soldiers brought along went up the mountain to help, searching for and rescuing the scholars and Gunpowder Master trapped in the mountain fog. The battle in the mountains had not yet ended, and Luo Lingyu dared not rashly ascend. Such a frail lady, going up the mountain only out of concern for Lu Yun, what if she became his burden?

All the people brought along had gone up the mountain, a temporary tent was set up at the foot, and the maid watched Luo Lingyu anxiously pacing back and forth in the snow.

Though her eyes showed anxiety, she still maintained her composure.

But suddenly, she heard a rumbling from above. Luo Lingyu’s heart suddenly contracted; after a dull moment, she finally looked up to see dense white fog enveloping the high mountain before her, the fog moving like a waterfall, surrounding the entire mountain. The maid Lingyu stared blankly: “It’s like a flash flood… My lady, is this fog?”

Luo Lingyu’s face turned pale, her voice trembling: “No, no, no… it’s an avalanche! An avalanche!”

She shook, rationality instantly vanishing. She could think of nothing else, immediately running toward that peak, crying out: “Lu Yun—”

…

In the mountain battle, with Prince Liu Mu’s forces joining, the situation favored the South.

Much was different from Second Young Master Lu’s dream. Blood flowed like rivers on the ground, corpses covered by snow, sword-wielding arms too numb to raise… but the Northern army’s numbers were dwindling.

During the fighting, Lu Yun was also wounded, but not fatally. As time went on, an increasing anxiety welled up in his heart. He didn’t know what he was worried about, but he had an intuition: Quick, quick, quick! The sooner this battle ended, the better. He thought thus in his heart and ordered thus with his mouth.

When Lu Yun had killed another person, no enemies emerged from the fog within three steps. He stood calmly in the pool of blood, his arms aching, suddenly feeling the world extraordinarily quiet.

Only the sound of wind passed his ears.

The wind filled his dusty robes.

Third Young Master Lu stood in the snow, suddenly raising his head, turning his ear upward—his expression suddenly changed, and he immediately leaped several zhang toward the outer perimeter. His movements were swift, veins bulging on his forehead. Unable to see his companions in the fog, he could only shout a warning: “Run quickly! Avalanche—!”

…

Cold wind pursued, and snow and fog collapsed, pouring down from above like a flood, chasing these people in the mountain.

The snow and fog obliterated everything, thunder roaring, then instantly becoming like ten thousand horses galloping. It descended unhurriedly from above, the snow mountain rising like a giant, striding gracefully into the human world. The people fleeing in panic in the mountains were as insignificant as ants in their eyes. With a casual wave of its great hand, countless lives perished at its feet. It looked down, extending its giant palm again, swatting at that handsome young lord.

Lu Yun’s face was deathly pale as he fell to the ground, his nose and mouth touching snow. Force struck his back, brooking no argument, and he was instantly swallowed by the thunderous snow.

Afterward, all was white.

…

In that instant, like lightning, he witnessed the power of heaven’s mandate, impossible to defy.

He could escape the enemy’s slaughter, escape the court’s pressure, escape an assassin’s lethal blade… but couldn’t predict the avalanche.

Heaven wanted him dead.

This was his death trap.