“Princess Consort?” Everyone stared at Ye Li in shock, not knowing what had happened. The Princess Consort, though not older than anyone present, possessed a composure that even battle-hardened veterans like Lü Jin Xian deeply admired. For something to make her lose color like this, the matter must be…

Yun Ting stepped forward to pick up the letter, and upon reading it, almost cried out, “Prince—”

“Silence!” Ye Li had quickly regained her composure, swiftly cutting off Yun Ting’s words. She closed her eyes briefly, and when she reopened them, they had recovered their usual calm and serenity. She extended her hand, and Yun Ting, suppressing his shock, respectfully handed over the letter with both hands.

Ye Li took the letter, looked it over once more, then asked, “Where is the messenger? Have him come in.” Soon after, a young man with reddened eyes and a travel-worn appearance entered, “Princess Consort.”

“A Jin.” Ye Li said gravely. A Jin was one of Mo Xiu Yao’s most loyal servants, and also one who appeared least often in public, making him the least likely to draw attention. Feng Zhi Yao’s choice to have A Jin personally deliver the message gave Ye Li some unsettling thoughts. Steadying herself, Ye Li asked softly, “A Jin, what happened to the Prince?” A Jin bit his lip, looking earnestly at Ye Li, and said, “The Prince… the Prince is unconscious. Young Master Feng San asked me to request the Princess Consort return quickly.” A Jin knew he wasn’t clever, which was why he was more loyal than others. And neither the Prince nor Princess Consort had ever looked down on him for his lack of intelligence, instead trusting him like family. This was precisely why Young Master Feng San had him deliver the message. Otherwise, with the Prince severely injured, he wouldn’t have left the Prince’s side even on Young Master Feng San’s orders.

Ye Li’s heart trembled slightly as she nodded, “I understand. Go rest first. We’ll depart tonight to return.”

A Jin nodded heavily. Although Young Master Feng San had suppressed news of the Prince’s unconsciousness, he certainly couldn’t keep the Prince’s continued absence from public view for long. If the Princess Consort could return quickly, things would be much easier to handle.

After dismissing A Jin, Zhuo Jing and the others finally spoke up, “Princess Consort, now we…” Ye Li raised her hand to stop his question, took a deep breath, and said, “Qin Feng, I’ll write a letter for you to personally deliver to General Lü. Zhuo Jing, Lin Han, pack up, we leave immediately.”

“Yes, Princess Consort,” the three replied in unison, then quickly left the tent to make preparations. Ye Li looked at the remaining He Su and Yun Ting and said, “After I return, all Mo family army operations against the Chu army will be under General Lü’s command. You two… must obey General Lü’s orders. Understood?”

Yun Ting and He Su nodded, respectfully saying, “We obey your command.” Seeing Ye Li’s slightly distracted appearance, Yun Ting couldn’t help saying, “Princess Consort, the Prince has heaven’s blessings, he will surely turn misfortune into fortune. Please ease your mind.”

Ye Li smiled faintly and nodded, “I understand.” Mo Xiu Yao was too lucky to die, wasn’t he? Ye Li smiled faintly, but seeing her expression only made Yun Ting and He Su more worried. The two exchanged a glance before helplessly withdrawing.

In a Chu army camp somewhere, Mo Jing Li reclined comfortably in a chair lined with thick furs in a luxurious tent, enjoying the graceful song and dance of courtesans. He held a voluptuous woman in his arms, his usually gloomy face full of smug satisfaction.

A general entered and, seeing the scene of revelry before him, almost imperceptibly frowned.

“Your Majesty.”

Mo Jing Li raised an eyebrow and asked, “What is it?” The general lowered his gaze and respectfully presented a secret message. Mo Jing Li opened and read it, immediately breaking into loud laughter. Sitting up, one hand around the woman’s slender waist and the other holding the letter, he was thoroughly pleased, “Good, excellent indeed. It truly wasn’t in vain that We… General Li, send out orders to set up ambushes along all routes to Flying Hong Pass! Intercept Ye Li! Ah yes, don’t harm her… bring her to see Us. We want to see who has the last laugh!”

General Li frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, but still reported truthfully, “Your Majesty, please reconsider. If the Princess Consort is returning to Flying Hong Pass, she will surely have Qilin’s protection along the way. Killing her would already be difficult, but to capture her alive…” He wasn’t underestimating himself, but against the Qilin that made nobles of various countries tremble in fear, no matter how many people were sent, it might not be enough. Yet His Majesty was adding to the difficulty by requiring the Princess Consort not to be harmed.

Mo Jing Li’s face darkened with displeasure as he said coldly, “You can’t do it?”

General Li hesitated, then finally sighed inwardly. Very well, the chances of killing the Princess Consort were already practically negligible. If she escaped due to their showing mercy, it would be easier to explain to His Majesty, “Your servant accepts the command.” Only then did Mo Jing Li nod in satisfaction. Seeing the general’s face still show some confusion, Mo Jing Li raised an eyebrow and smiled, “You want to know why Ye Li is suddenly in such a hurry to return?”

“Please enlighten your servant,” General Li said respectfully. The Princess Consort’s departure was naturally good for them, but her sudden departure, combined with His Majesty’s obvious joy just now, made General Li suspect something must have happened at Flying Hong Pass.

Mo Jing Li laughed loudly and said, “For us, it’s indeed good news. Mo Xiu Yao is dying… isn’t that good news?”

Hearing this, General Li’s heart jumped in shock. The words “is dying” seemed impossible to apply to Prince Ding. How many people in this world cursed Prince Ding to die early each day, but after all these years, through Prince Ding’s household’s ups and downs, Prince Ding still laughed proudly in the world. The words “Prince Ding is dying” seemed more like a daydream to General Li.

Though his mind wandered wildly, his face remained extremely respectful. He even remembered to show just the right amount of shock. Seeing his subordinate’s shocked expression, Mo Jing Li’s mood improved even further. He could hardly wait to see Ye Li’s expression now, or Lei Zhen Ting and Lei Teng Feng’s… this father and son pair who had betrayed their alliance, yet Mo Xiu Yao still died by his hand?

“Ahem, Your Majesty… it would be better to confirm this more thoroughly. After all, Prince Ding is…” General Li coughed and tactfully reminded Mo Jing Li. Years ago, Prince Ding’s injuries had been so severe that everyone in the world thought he would be crippled forever. But in less than ten years, Prince Ding had led the Mo family army to once again strike fear across the land. Seeing Mo Jing Li’s pleased expression, General Li felt compelled to remind him to be more careful. There were some people in this world better left unprovoked. If you had already provoked them, you needed to be even more careful. Unless you saw their corpse with your own eyes, you could never let your guard down. Otherwise, you might be the one to suffer in the end.

Mo Jing Li narrowed his eyes slightly, pondered for a moment, and unusually actually took his subordinate’s words to heart. He nodded and said, “You speak well. We should indeed verify this to avoid any oversight.” Mo Xiu Yao, I don’t believe you’re really that lucky! If you didn’t die once, this time you still won’t die!

In the night, several fast horses galloped along the official road, leaving a trail of dust.

Ye Li rode on horseback, continuously whipping forward at full speed. Having memories of two lifetimes and not being an impulsive person by nature, Ye Li was usually unshakeable. But this time, she couldn’t help but lose her composure somewhat. The biting cold wind struck her cheeks and disheveled her temple hair. Zhuo Jing and the others followed behind Ye Li, likewise racing without rest. The sudden accident in what had been a smoothly progressing campaign caught everyone unprepared.

Suddenly, Ye Li’s warhorse let out a neigh and reared up on its hind legs.

“Princess Consort, be careful!”

On horseback, Ye Li leaped up, landing gracefully as her originally galloping horse collapsed to the ground.

“Whoosh whoosh whoosh—” A rain of arrows shot from both sides of the road.

A trace of killing intent flashed through Ye Li’s beautiful eyes as she said in a deep voice, “Eliminate them all!” In the darkness, countless black-clad figures emerged from the shadows, charging toward the archers on both sides of the road, while Ye Li had already mounted another horse and galloped forward. Behind Ye Li, Lin Han, Zhuo Jing, and A Jin likewise paid no attention to the fighting around them, following Ye Li’s figure.

On the somewhat desolate moonlit ancient road, a tall man stood silently by the roadside, looking up at the crescent moon in the sky. His dark blue clothes appeared even more somber in the night, giving him an additional coldness and reserve he didn’t usually possess. The man held a heavy sword in his hand as if he had just arrived there, yet also as if he had been standing there since ancient times.

In the distance on the road, the sound of galloping hooves approached. A woman in black and a youth in green appeared beside the man. The woman in black frowned and said, “Elder Brother, do we have to do this?” The green-clad youth also spoke somewhat disapprovingly, “Elder Brother, provoking Prince Ding’s household is not a wise move.”

The middle-aged man turned to look at his siblings, saying calmly, “This is my affair, you two leave immediately.”

The green-clad youth’s somewhat sinister face showed a flash of agitation as he said irritably, “Elder Brother if something happens to Ye Li here, do you think Prince Ding’s household will spare us? If so, what difference does it make whether it’s you alone or all three of us?”

The middle-aged man said, “This is my affair alone. Go back, this is… an order!”

“But…” the woman in black frowned.

“Unless you no longer acknowledge me as your elder brother, leave immediately!” the middle-aged man said. The woman in black helplessly stamped her foot, pulled at the green-clad youth, and disappeared into the night. Just as the two left, the hoofbeats that had been far away moments ago arrived. In the lead was a white-clad woman wearing a cape. Seeing the middle-aged man waiting by the road, surprise flashed across her face as she reined in her horse.

The group stood in silence for a moment in the night before Ye Li said flatly, “I never imagined that among those coming to trouble me would be the Master of Yama Hall.” The middle-aged man was indeed Ling Tie Han, Master of Yama Hall and one of the world’s four great masters. With Mu Qing Cang long missing and Lei Zhen Ting growing old, Ling Tie Han and Mo Xiu Yao were now the two known highest martial artists in the world. Moreover, Lei Zhen Ting, who had devoted his life to martial arts, was not as easy to deal with as Mu Qing Cang. The moment they saw him, Zhuo Jing and the other two immediately stepped forward to shield Ye Li behind them.

Ling Tie Han paid no attention to their movements, only looking calmly at Ye Li, a trace of regret flashing across his stern, steady face, “I also never thought such a day would come.” Whether it was his mutual respect with Mo Xiu Yao, his friendship with Xu Qing Chen, or simply his admiration for this woman, Ling Tie Han had never imagined he would one day have to move against her. But unfortunately…

Zhuo Jing stood before Ye Li and said in a deep voice, “Master Ling, you’re a great master of this generation. Wouldn’t you fear the world’s mockery for troubling our Princess Consort, a mere woman?” Ling Tie Han looked at Zhuo Jing with a faint smile that wasn’t quite a smile, saying calmly, “The servants of Prince Ding’s household are indeed all loyal and righteous. Surely you all know what this seat does?” Yama Hall was itself an assassins’ organization – who would talk about fairness with assassins? Who would demand assassins to be open and honest? In his youth, before his martial arts were complete, as a bottom-level ordinary assassin, Ling Tie Han had also used many underhanded methods to assassinate his targets. And as Master of Yama Hall, Ling Tie Han had never placed much importance on his reputation.

Zhuo Jing was speechless – talking about righteousness and reputation with someone from an assassin background, even though he felt it somewhat absurd.

“I remember, Master Ling has a grudge against the Southern King of Xiling,” Ye Li said calmly. Mo Jing Li alone couldn’t have moved Ling Tie Han – it must have been Lei Zhen Ting. Ling Tie Han didn’t deny it, merely nodding slightly, “True. But even so… I am still a man of Xiling.”

Ye Li lowered her gaze, frowning as she said, “Come to think of it… few know of Master Ling’s background. Master Ling… is also of the Xiling royal family, isn’t he?”

Ling Tie Han looked at Ye Li with some surprise, and after a long moment finally smiled faintly, “The Princess Consort is indeed extraordinary.” Ye Li shook her head helplessly and said, “If Master Ling hadn’t appeared here, I would never have made such a guess.” Although many had speculated about Ling Tie Han’s background, he simply never showed any flaws or gaps. Over the years, he had shown no interaction with the Xiling royal family, naturally making it difficult for people to guess his origins. But when Ye Li eliminated all other possibilities that could make Ling Tie Han help Lei Zhen Ting, only this one remained.

Ling Tie Han’s poor relationship with Lei Zhen Ting wasn’t an act – for him to set aside years of grudges to help Lei Zhen Ting, Ling Tie Han could only be of the Xiling royal family.

The ancient road appeared cold and desolate under the dim moonlight. After a long while, Ling Tie Han finally said, “My mother… was once the previous emperor’s Noble Consort.” Ye Li’s fine eyebrows raised slightly. Palace intrigues were inevitable. Since Ling Tie Han was the previous Xiling emperor’s son yet only spoke of having a grudge against Lei Zhen Ting rather than the entire Xiling royal family, his mother’s early death and his exile into the jianghu must have been connected to Lei Zhen Ting, or rather, Lei Zhen Ting’s maternal family. Ye Li vaguely remembered there had been a highly favored Noble Consort in Xiling’s previous dynasty who was later ordered to death by the Xiling emperor. However, it was too long ago, and naturally, few paid attention to it now. Even Ye Li herself had only glimpsed it while reviewing Lei Zhen Ting’s files, not even remembering Noble Consort’s name.

Ye Li sighed softly, understanding that the current situation was unavoidable. She nodded and said, “Master Ling, please make your move.”

Ling Tie Han raised an eyebrow, “You’re not afraid?” If anyone suggested Ye Li had confidence in defeating Ling Tie Han, it would be a joke. If Ling Tie Han went all out with killing intent, forget Ye Li – even if everyone on the battlefield were tied together, they wouldn’t be enough for Ling Tie Han to kill.

Ye Li smiled helplessly and said, “What good would fear do?” If Ling Tie Han would spare her from showing fear, she wouldn’t mind demonstrating how afraid she was. Ling Tie Han looked down at the iron sword in his hand and said, “If the Princess Consort is willing, she can be a guest at Yama Hall. In half a month, I will personally escort the Princess Consort back.”

Ling Tie Han made it very clear – he didn’t want to make things difficult for Ye Li. He just needed to delay her from returning quickly, and whether Ye Li lived or died made no difference to him. His friendship with Xu Qing Chen and admiration for Ye Li also made him reluctant to move against her.

Unfortunately, although Ling Tie Han thought this way, Ye Li couldn’t accept his kindness. She smiled faintly and said, “Master Ling, please.”

As Ye Li spoke, Zhuo Jing, Lin Han, and A Jin had imperceptibly shifted their positions to surround Ling Tie Han. Yet overall, they had unanimously shielded Ye Li outside their formation. Seeing their movements, appreciation flashed in Ling Tie Han’s eyes. He nodded and said, “Since that’s the case, this seat must offend.”

Ling Tie Han slowly drew his iron sword, his movements so gradual it was as if he was hesitating whether to draw the sword at all. Just as he drew his sword, Zhuo Jing, Lin Han, and A Jin had already pounced from three directions simultaneously. This should have happened in an instant, but just as their forms began to move, a cold light cut through the night sky. Ling Tie Han’s long sword, carrying fierce sword energy, swept toward Zhuo Jing and the others.

With Ling Tie Han’s martial prowess, if Zhuo Jing’s group met him head-on, they would likely be killed or severely injured in the first exchange. So, upon seeing that piercing cold light, the three simultaneously changed direction, barely grazing past the incoming sword energy. A large piece of Lin Han’s robe was cut away.

The three stared gravely at the man before them, only now truly understanding the gap between themselves and a true top-tier master. Facing the overwhelming pressure emanating from Ling Tie Han, the three felt a burning pain in their chests. If they weren’t all people of extremely firm will, they would likely have already collapsed to the ground.

Zhuo Jing took a breath, suddenly thrust forward with his sword, and launched several swift strikes at Ling Tie Han. Shadows flashed and sword energy scattered everywhere. However, Zhuo Jing’s full-force attack couldn’t disturb Ling Tie Han’s composure – while trading blows, he even had the leisure to speak, “Not bad, in martial arts, speed is supreme. But… you’re not fast enough!”

Ling Tie Han’s movements weren’t particularly fast, but no matter how quickly Zhuo Jing moved, Ling Tie Han’s sword always easily blocked at the most appropriate spot. This style of fighting not only consumed the opponent’s physical strength and energy but also wore down their will.

Lin Han and A Jin exchanged a glance. Lin Han raised his sword and charged in as well. A Jin unfurled his whip, which shot out like a venomous snake toward Ling Tie Han.

Standing to the side, Ye Li sighed inwardly as the short blade from her sleeve slid into her hand, and she too joined the attack. In close combat, few in the world could match Ye Li. But Ling Tie Han was one of them. “The Princess Consort’s skills… pity your internal force is a bit too weak,” Ling Tie Han praised sincerely. For a woman, Ye Li’s martial prowess wasn’t bad – having practiced internal force for only ten years, she could already nearly compare with Leng Liu Yue, showing her exceptional talent. Unfortunately, she had missed the optimal age for cultivating internal force, and compared to a supreme master like Ling Tie Han, it truly wasn’t worth mentioning.

Ye Li’s movements were even faster than Zhuo Jing and Lin Han’s, and every strike targeted vital points. But such dangerous techniques still weren’t enough in Ling Tie Han’s eyes. He truly deserved his reputation as the world’s only martial artist who could rival Prince Ding.

Although it was four against one, Zhuo Jing and the others grew increasingly discouraged. Just as they could never defeat Prince Ding, they had no way to defeat Ling Tie Han, who was Prince Ding’s equal.

“Princess Consort, run!” Zhuo Jing said in a deep voice.

Ye Li smiled bitterly, but her movements didn’t slow – there was no way to escape now. Currently, Ling Tie Han wasn’t using his full strength; if she fled, Zhuo Jing and the others would die at his hands in moments. More importantly, she had no confidence in escaping Ling Tie Han’s pursuit alone.

“Princess Consort, this seat must offend,” Ling Tie Han’s voice carried a trace of regret amid its coldness.

His sword moved like the wind, easily batting aside Zhuo Jing and Lin Han, striking directly at Ye Li.

“Princess Consort!”

The three cried out in unison as Zhuo Jing let out a light whistle, and he and Lin Han flew toward her from left and right. Their swords struck down with all their might – this strike used every bit of their strength, and they managed to block Ling Tie Han’s attack. Beside them, A Jin seized the opportunity to pull Ye Li behind him with his whip, “Princess Consort, run quickly!” A Jin said, staring at Ling Tie Han with hostility.

“Interesting.” Ling Tie Han raised an eyebrow, looking at Zhuo Jing and Lin Han who had fallen to the ground. They weren’t injured – they had simply exhausted all their strength blocking that one strike from Ling Tie Han. But if these two survived this encounter, both their mental state and martial arts would make tremendous progress. “Prince Ding’s people are indeed extraordinary. However… is there anyone who can block the next strike?”

Ye Li’s expression was grave. In all these years, she had never felt as powerless as she did now. Qilin still hadn’t arrived, presumably held up by people sent by Yama Hall and Lei Zhen Ting. Moreover, against absolute strength, no amount of strategy or calculation mattered.

Looking at the white-clad woman’s calm expression, Ling Tie Han sighed softly and swept his sword out horizontally. A Jin’s whip lashed out, but the specially commissioned weapon was easily cut apart by the sword’s energy. The sword continued unabated toward Ye Li as Zhuo Jing and the others watched with despair.

“Whoosh!”

From the dark woods, a burst of energy shot out, striking Ling Tie Han’s sword perfectly. The sword aimed at Ye Li paused as Ling Tie Han’s expression changed slightly, his gaze shooting like lightning toward the woods beside the ancient road, “Who goes there?!”