Qiu Jinfeng was greatly alarmed. He jerked his head up to warn Gong Yin, but from the corner of his eye he glimpsed that Gong Yin was no longer in his original position.
That blue needle shot through space with a “whoosh,” landing somewhere unknown. Then came a “bang” as the young man in black crashed to the ground, but immediately rolled and sprang up, rushing to the doorway and frantically opening the door to rush out. As he left, he didn’t forget to grab a small package from the bookshelf by the door.
This entire series of movements happened in just an instant. The coolness at Qiu Jinfeng’s nose tip was still there when the young man in black had already staggered out of sight. Qiu Jinfeng stood dazed, touching his nose, then turned around to see Gong Yin sitting cross-legged on the ground, his face pale, pointing at Yelu Qi to indicate he should immediately suture Yelu Qi’s wound.
Qiu Jinfeng had to hurry to complete the suturing. After finishing, seeing Yelu Qi’s complexion improve, he breathed a sigh of relief and asked: “What happened?”
“Your friend is problematic,” Gong Yin answered flatly.
“How did you see the problem? From your manner, it seems you were prepared long ago?” Qiu Jinfeng stared at Gong Yin, quite displeased that he seemed inferior in wisdom at every turn.
“Since he’s your close friend, he should know you have a dedicated old servant as an assistant. When you temporarily changed people, he didn’t ask where the old servant had gone, which shows he knew what had happened earlier.” Gong Yin said flatly: “Additionally, a true close friend, knowing the importance of your secret chamber, would have some reservations before stepping in, but his expression seemed very expectant. I think his purpose was this secret chamber of yours.”
Qiu Jinfeng was stunned. Looking at the bookshelf, he sighed deeply: “I was careless. Many poison classics and ancient texts hidden in this secret chamber are untransmitted secrets of my clan. As a medical family heir, what he coveted should be this. Regrettably, his schemes ran deep. Living on my island for several years, he usually never approached my courtyard. Over time, I relaxed my vigilance…”
He suddenly started in alarm: “Could it be that after the Heavenly Net Army landed on the island, they received his guidance? Otherwise, with so many people, why didn’t we discover them? Could the ghost courtyard people’s disaster also be his idea? But the ghost courtyard people were clearly brought by him, living peacefully for years with no reason to suddenly act now!” He knocked his own head, utterly confused.
Gong Yin remained silent, thinking that he had ultimately temporarily lost all his true energy, able only to protect himself but not eliminate the traitor, allowing this person to escape. Hopefully he wouldn’t encounter Jing Hengbo…
Qiu Jinfeng finished tending to Yelu Qi, gave him medicine, then hurriedly packed the important books in the secret chamber, muttering: “Must leave quickly…”
“Too late,” Gong Yin’s voice was calm and steady. “The Heavenly Net Army has arrived.”
…
The great fire at the ghost courtyard forced Jing Hengbo out of the courtyard again.
She led Zuoqiu Mo, Dong Chi, and Noble Consort Yun, following the Heavenly Net Army from a distance toward the island’s east side. No matter what, the exit was on the island’s eastern part—no one could avoid it.
Jing Hengbo felt uneasy, wanting to go ahead first to see how Qiu Jinfeng’s situation was handled. Logically, after most of the night had passed, and ancient people’s medical treatment wasn’t surgery, it shouldn’t need so many hours. Best would be if Qiu Jinfeng had taken advantage of the Heavenly Net Army being drawn away to leave the lake-heart island.
She never expected that during that time, Qiu Jinfeng had indeed performed major surgery.
Suddenly wind sounded ahead as a figure rushed from afar, heading straight for the ghost courtyard.
Zuoqiu Mo drew her blade. Jing Hengbo found the figure familiar and tentatively called low: “Zhongli!”
The figure indeed paused, then rushed over. Like a giant bat in the darkness, by the gradually rising dawn light, Jing Hengbo saw traces of blood at the corners of the young man in black’s lips and said in alarm: “You’re injured?”
The youth Zhongli Zhi showed a moment’s surprise seeing them, then said: “Why did you come out? Where are the others from the ghost courtyard? Leave quickly—the Heavenly Net Army has landed on the island!”
“The ghost courtyard people are all dead,” Jing Hengbo said miserably. “Did you encounter the Heavenly Net Army and get injured?”
“Yes,” Zhongli Zhi said. “I’m a light sleeper and heard something wrong, so I went to investigate. I happened to encounter the Heavenly Net Army and was chased by one of their small squads all the way, nearly falling off a cliff. I barely escaped to come notify you. How is it that the ghost courtyard people are all…”
Dong Chi closed his eyes. Noble Consort Yun bit her teeth tightly. Zhongli Zhi’s expression was gloomy, and after a long while he made a dark sound.
“Did you pass by the island’s eastern end?” Jing Hengbo asked anxiously. “How is Qiu Jinfeng’s side? Any movement?”
“No,” Zhongli Zhi shook his head. “It’s pitch black over there. He should have already left. I know a place where one can secretly leave the lake-heart island—there are backup boats there. Follow me.”
Just as everyone was about to follow him, Zuoqiu Mo suddenly said: “Who knows if you’re a Heavenly Net Army spy? You suddenly disappeared and suddenly appeared just now—very suspicious!”
Zhongli Zhi suddenly turned around, staring at Zuoqiu Mo: “And who are you?”
“Falling Cloud Zuoqiu!”
A mocking smile floated to Zhongli Zhi’s lips as he said coldly: “The Falling Cloud Zuoqiu family—thunderously famous indeed. Who would have thought that seeing you in person doesn’t match your reputation—such a hesitant, suspicious, timid sort. That’s right, with the Zuoqiu family’s achievements threatening their lord, having seen all manner of deceptive methods in Falling Cloud, you assume we Floating Water people are all the same!” He looked contemptuously at Zuoqiu Mo: “You’re quite free not to come!” With that he turned and left.
Jing Hengbo stared at his back thoughtfully. Dong Chi sighed: “So you’re General Zuoqiu from the Zuoqiu family. You don’t know—Zhongli is our lifesaver who has protected us for several years. He would never harm us.”
Zuoqiu Mo looked somewhat embarrassed. Jing Hengbo tugged her sleeve and smiled: “In extraordinary times, your suspicion is normal, and his anger is normal too. Don’t anyone hold grudges—survival is what matters. Let’s go.”
Zuoqiu Mo said nothing more. The group followed Zhongli Zhi forward. He was obviously very familiar with the lake-heart island, leading them left and right, indeed getting farther and farther from the Heavenly Net Army.
Just when it seemed there was no path ahead, Zhongli Zhi suddenly parted a clump of wild grass. Everyone’s eyes brightened to see a protruding low slope ahead, with a boat moored below.
Zhongli Zhi pointed at the boat: “Get on the boat quickly, let’s leave!”
…
The sound of hurried footsteps rushing from the distance was violent as tigers descending a mountain.
Qiu Jinfeng, who was hastily packing his classics and precious medicines, stopped and looked around: “We’re in trouble—we can’t get out.”
Without taking a pulse, just looking at Gong Yin now, he knew this great expert’s true essence was exhausted—even inferior to himself.
As for Yelu Qi, he hadn’t yet awakened from the anesthetic. Even when he woke, he’d be severely injured, needing at least seven days at fastest speed before he could move freely—even more hopeless.
The secret chamber had no other exits. His lake-heart island had numerous mechanisms, but no outsiders had ever landed before. The secret chamber was only for storing his things away from moisture and insects, not for escape.
Charging out now would definitely collide with the Heavenly Net Army. Qiu Jinfeng stared blankly, muttering: “This is great—finished. I’ll die along with inexplicable people.”
Gong Yin opened his eyes and saw him wrapping many things together. One item made his gaze flash as he suddenly asked: “Can you make masks?”
“Of course,” Qiu Jinfeng said. “Those skilled in medicine are mostly skilled in making masks. Only truly good doctors can prepare the best medicinal waters and create the most delicate masks that best fit human faces.”
“What about disguise?”
“Naturally I can. I can see through bone structure—my disguises can change facial bone shapes.”
“What kind of place is the ghost courtyard? What kind of people are there?”
Qiu Jinfeng couldn’t keep up with his thinking and instinctively said: “A group of exiles from the Floating Water royal family. The Heavenly Net Army should be hunting them.”
“Who among them is most important?” Gong Yin immediately asked. “I mean, who still has residual influence on the Floating Water royal family?”
Qiu Jinfeng couldn’t answer this question. Just as he was puzzled, suddenly a voice said softly: “Those who once had the closest relationship with the Floating Water Great King…”
Yelu Qi had awakened and suddenly joined the conversation.
Qiu Jinfeng said blankly: “That should be Noble Consort Yun—the only woman with the noble consort title, the Great King’s pillow companion.”
“Very good,” Gong Yin made the final decision. “Disguise—disguise Yelu Qi as Noble Consort Yun, disguise me as Zhongli Zhi, and you remain yourself. Hurry.”
“That won’t work,” Yelu Qi immediately objected. “I roughly know what Noble Consort Yun looks like. Appearance can be changed, but my build is extremely unsuited. Rather, you’re slender and tall—could barely try.”
“The ghost courtyard people are sick as ghosts. Lying on a stretcher, both appearance and build would change. If not you, then who? Can you even stand?” Gong Yin sneered in refutation.
“Naturally I can.” Yelu Qi drew a breath and slowly got up. Someone like him might struggle with life and death from poison, but would never collapse from mere flesh wounds. With the toxins basically gone, though Yelu Qi’s complexion was still pale, his spirit had improved considerably.
He glanced at Qiu Jinfeng: “How could he lie seamlessly before the Heavenly Net Army? He can’t play Qiu Jinfeng.”
Gong Yin remained silent, seemingly acknowledging his view, then said: “I won’t play a woman.”
Yelu Qi’s expression seemed to want to roll his eyes—who would want to?
“Then let him do it,” Yelu Qi said. “You play Zhongli, I play Qiu Jinfeng, he just needs to lie on a stretcher playing the noble consort. Consider it some repayment to our lifesaver.”
Gong Yin nodded in agreement. The two men thus arranged Qiu Jinfeng’s role through their own discussion.
“Hey!” Qiu Jinfeng said angrily. “You’re the ones who need my protection now! You’re the ones who need my disguise skills! Why should I be the one to play a woman just because you don’t want to! Shouldn’t you be begging me!”
“Force isn’t the only path to self-rescue. Now wisdom is needed to determine who’s more suitable to take the stage. Undoubtedly, you’re the weakest,” Yelu Qi smiled and patted his head with the blade, indicating he should listen outside.
The Heavenly Net Army’s footsteps were already close at hand.
“Let’s begin!” Yelu Qi smiled: “First we’ll be prisoners, then imprison others.”
…
“Quick, quick,” Zhongli Zhi kept urging Jing Hengbo and the others to hurry down the slope. He also pulled up a rope from below: “There’s no path down here—slide down using the rope.”
“Excellent.” Jing Hengbo looked down—roughly a ten-foot-high low slope. Though the terrain protruded, making the slope’s bottom unclear, she could see the boat by the riverbank in the distance.
She smiled: “You first.”
“You go first,” Zhongli Zhi said. “I’m familiar with the route—I’ll cover your rear.”
“Fine.” But Jing Hengbo didn’t have Dong Chi and Noble Consort Yun come up, grasping the rope herself.
Zhongli Zhi stepped back.
Jing Hengbo giggled softly.
The rope suddenly flew up from the cliff below, coiling around Zhongli Zhi’s neck like a spirit snake. With whirring sounds, Jing Hengbo pulled and had already made a slip knot.
Zhongli Zhi’s face turned pale as he drew his blade to cut the rope and suddenly lunged forward. In an instant he opened his mouth to shout, but Jing Hengbo was quick-eyed and fast-handed, already stuffing a clump of mud into his mouth.
Zhongli Zhi fell to the ground, convulsing all over. Behind him, Zuoqiu Mo stepped on his shoulder and slowly withdrew her bloodied blade from under his ribs.
Facing Zhongli Zhi’s surprised and furious gaze, Zuoqiu Mo innocently shook her head: “Don’t look at me. I don’t know why—I just received the Queen’s secret order to cooperate in taking you down.”
“What are you doing!” Dong Chi suddenly drew his blade, blocking in front of Zhongli Zhi.
“Fool!” Jing Hengbo stopped smiling, her gaze cold: “You’re still protecting him at this time! He’s the spy who caused the ghost courtyard’s destruction!”
“Impossible!” Noble Consort Yun vehemently objected: “He saved us, protected us for four years. If he wanted to act, there were plenty of opportunities!”
“That’s because you had value to use, and Qiu Jinfeng had value to use,” Jing Hengbo sneered. “If I’m not mistaken, your so-called escape from Floating Water and hiding here for medical treatment were all under Floating Water royal family control, and the one responsible for controlling you was this person. The reason he didn’t kill you was presumably because one of you holds a secret you don’t even know you possess. The Floating Water royal family needed to learn this secret without alarming anyone, so they sent this person day after day, year after year to guard and monitor you, not letting you leave. Otherwise why would you be sick like this? Isn’t it just treating a strange disease? Why does everyone look like ghosts? My plague was quickly cured by Qiu Jinfeng—why have you gotten worse after years of treatment? Both Qiu Jinfeng and you are fools. How could you not realize someone has been continuously sabotaging the medicine’s effects?”
“Then why did the Heavenly Net Army suddenly come to kill us?”
“The Heavenly Net Army doesn’t necessarily know the Floating Water royal family’s true intentions, or perhaps the Floating Water royal family felt they’d waited too long. Unable to discover anything after so long, they’d try a different approach. Taking advantage of this island opportunity to eliminate those already cleared of suspicion, leaving behind those the Floating Water royal family felt might possess secrets.” Jing Hengbo glanced at Dong Chi: “Otherwise, a well barely a foot wide where you could see a person just by sticking your head in—why would they ignore what they saw?” She glanced at Noble Consort Yun: “Otherwise, having already searched my house, why wouldn’t they search my latrine? That latrine is so clean—shouldn’t they have taken a look?”
The two stood dumbfounded, shaking their heads after a long while: “But we truly don’t know any secrets…”
“If you knew, you’d be dead long ago, and the ghost courtyard people would be dead long ago. You must have unconsciously encountered something the Floating Water royal family thinks you know but you actually don’t.” Jing Hengbo shook her head: “Still don’t believe? Then let’s test it.”
She suddenly threw Zhongli Zhi over the cliff.
Almost immediately, from the protruding cliff below, from those unseen dead angles, came continuous hissing sounds as countless thin arrows shot forth!
Jing Hengbo gestured with her hand and pulled Zhongli Zhi back up. The fellow was convulsing all over, his body bristling with thin bamboo arrows. Zuoqiu Mo came forward to examine them: “Not fatal, but has hallucinogenic components—very potent. Probably from Qiu Jinfeng’s collection.”
Jing Hengbo pulled out a bamboo dart to examine carefully: “If you’d gotten this earlier, your mission would have been completed long ago. Presumably Qiu Jinfeng kept it well hidden—fortunately he kept it well hidden.”
Dong Chi and Noble Consort Yun’s faces were deathly pale, clearly devastated mentally.
“How… how did you see through it…” Zhongli Zhi opened his mouth wide like a dead fish, gasping at the sky, asking unwillingly in his dazed state.
“You overdid the act,” Jing Hengbo’s eyes sparkled. “You pretended not to recognize Yelu Qi and called him the Left State Preceptor, your memory of worldly affairs stopping four years ago. If so, why would you know about the Zuoqiu family being framed and squeezed out by the Falling Cloud royal family? If I remember correctly, the Falling Cloud royal family’s targeting of the Zuoqiu family only began in recent years.”
Zhongli Zhi said nothing more, his rolled-back eyes truly resembling a dead fish.
“How should I deal with you?” Jing Hengbo looked down the cliff with a smile: “Hidden in the dead angles below the cliff is a Heavenly Net Army squad, right? As soon as someone goes down, they’ll capture them with bamboo darts containing hallucinogenic drugs. However, the hallucinogenic drugs should be something you just obtained—the quantity shouldn’t be much. What do you say I hang you down several more times, letting you exhaust all the drug-laden bamboo arrows before dealing with this small squad? I just wonder if too much of this non-fatal hallucinogenic drug might still kill someone?”
“You… you’re so vicious…”
“People are always so hypocritical—cutting people down like vegetables when they kill, but demanding humanity when others treat them the same way,” Jing Hengbo sneered. “When those ghost courtyard people who trusted you wholeheartedly died, when those young girls were violated, when those who had lived with you day and night for four years, treating you like family, died before your eyes—did they ever say such words to you?”
Zhongli Zhi stared at her with blood-red eyes full of unwillingness. Jing Hengbo glared back with equal murderous intent, feeling that no method was too harsh for this shameless wretch.
If there were a male brothel here, she would immediately throw this heartless person into a pile of strong men, letting him thoroughly experience the violation those young girls had suffered before dying.
“Bah…” Zhongli Zhi spat out bloody saliva, gasping: “Don’t… don’t be smug… You think you’ve won? Qiu Jinfeng didn’t escape at all… He… and your Yelu Qi… and a man in white… also came looking for you, right… Three people exhausted themselves treating illness… Now… now they’ve probably fallen into the Heavenly Net Army’s hands… Hahaha the Heavenly Net Army’s torture… is much harsher than what you’re doing to me… Hahahaha…”
Jing Hengbo suddenly looked up!