Zuan did indeed go to the capital quite early on, because during the Battle of Songjin, the people from the Chamber of Commerce thought he was dead, and they even held a grand memorial ceremony.

Of course, not long after, news of his surrender reached back, and one can imagine how shocked and angry the people in the capital were.

Isabella must be heartbroken.

As for Chu Yan, he wasn't worried. He knew that Chu Yan would definitely trust him, and even if he really sided with Jie Mie, Chu Yan would most likely be with him. Unlike Isabella, she didn't have an Order faction.

In addition, he has lost contact with Tang Tian'er. Now that Li Zicheng's army has become a breeding camp, he doesn't know if she is in danger.

Previously, Wuluzhixian disagreed with his return to the capital because he was worried that he would betray him again. Now, however, the Conqueror King clearly understands that the two sides are now bound together on the same chariot, so of course he will not turn against him again.

In addition, Jiang Luofu is left here, ostensibly as the Empress Dowager, but actually as a hostage. I don't believe she won't come back.

Besides, there's Zhao Xiaodie; in a sense, he's still her son-in-law.

After being freed from her identity as Hailanzhu, the Little Demon Queen originally planned to go to the capital with him. However, thinking that it would be dangerous for Jiang Luofu to stay here alone, she ultimately stayed behind, disguised as a palace maid to take care of her at all times.

The two women bid him a reluctant farewell. After leaving Shengjing, Zu'an discovered that Zhao Xiaodie was waiting for him at the city gate.

"What are you doing here?" Zuan asked in surprise.

"It wouldn't be right to compete with those two women in the palace, so I just came here to wait," Zhao Xiaodie said with a smile, like a smug little fox.

Zuan felt a chill run down her spine; she had clearly recognized the disguised Little Demon Queen.

"Did you tell the Conqueror King about this?"

Zhao Xiaodie's smile froze instantly, and she said quietly, "So this is how you guard against me."

"This matter concerns the lives and fortunes of countless people, so we must be careful," Zu An said apologetically.

"He's not really my father. Even if he were, a woman follows her husband after marriage, and I would never do anything to hurt you," Zhao Xiaodie sighed softly. Although the two were only engaged in this world as part of an alliance, she already considered him her husband in her heart.

Seeing her on the verge of tears, Zu An was somewhat lost in thought. Had he bullied this little girl so badly that she developed Stockholm syndrome?

To be honest, the two of them had no romantic experience, so he subconsciously became wary and suspicious of her, but the deep affection in her eyes was undeniable.

However, after experiencing so much, he also understood that love is indeed a wondrous thing.

If one could truly explain the specific reasons, it probably wouldn't be love.

He took her hand and used his romantic skills to comfort her.

As expected, Zhao Xiaodie quickly stopped crying and started laughing: "Then take me with you to make it up to me."

Zuan: "???"

So that's what she was after all that.

"Don't be ridiculous. If those people in the Ming court find out your identity, you wouldn't have enough lives to kill."

"Now that you've become a traitor, if you're discovered, wouldn't ten lives be more than enough to kill you? Compared to me, an insignificant princess, they probably want your life even more."

"I'm different..."

“What’s the difference? Anyway, you’re protecting me. Whether you want to take me as a prisoner to plead guilty to the Ming court or sell me, I’m already married to you.”

"We're not married yet."

"You want to renege on your promise?"

...

In the end, Zu'an couldn't dissuade her and took her with him to the capital.

It was mainly Zhao Xiaodie's last words that convinced him. Firstly, with her by his side, they could use their marriage as cover and be less likely to be mistaken for spies by towns along the way. Secondly, with her by his side, the Silent Extinction faction felt more at ease.

If she doesn't go with him, the Silent Camp might send another spies to monitor him, which would make it more difficult for them to act.

Fortresses like Shanhaiguan are mainly for defense against large-scale troop movements. Zu'an and Zhao Xiaodie traveled through the mountains and fields, taking great care to avoid being discovered by patrolling troops.

Because of the arrival of these extraterrestrial visitors, the world has undergone tremendous changes. Wild animals have also turned into monsters, and ordinary people who enter the mountains are almost certainly doomed.

The two weren't afraid of the monsters, but they were mainly worried that the aftermath of the battle would attract patrols.

Fortunately, heavy rains have fallen in the past few days, enough to conceal their movements.

Taking advantage of the heavy rain, the two finally managed to bypass Shanhaiguan.

With their tense nerves relaxed, the two finally had a chance to rest.

They found a cave, lit a campfire, built a simple frame to separate themselves, and took off their clothes to dry on the frame.

Although their current cultivation level is sufficient to dry clothes, they were not born this strong and still retain many habits from their ordinary life.

As Zuan pondered his next plan, a head suddenly popped out from the shelf: "Brother Zu~"

"What's wrong?" Zuan came to his senses. Luckily, it was just his clothes that were being roasted, and he was still wearing his pants. Otherwise, he would have been completely exposed.

"It's nothing, I'm just a little uneasy because these clothes are blocking my view of you," Zhao Xiaodie said with a smile, her eyes scanning his body as a faint blush appeared on her cheeks.

What man could resist such heartfelt affection from a young girl? Zu An chuckled and said, "Get some rest. We have to travel early tomorrow morning. Our identities are in great danger within the Ming Dynasty. We may not have time to rest like this again in the coming days."

"Okay," Zhao Xiaodie mumbled, reluctantly pulling her head back.

The two then chatted occasionally through the clothes on the rack, their conversations devoid of the usual purposeful ones, simply reminiscing about everyday life.

After a long while, Zhao Xiaodie suddenly sighed, "Brother Zu, although these past few days of hiding from the patrol team have been very tense and dangerous, they have been the happiest days for me. I even hope that these days will never end."

Zuan remained silent for a moment, then comforted him, "I will always be with you from now on."

"Um."

The two chatted and gradually fell asleep. In the middle of the night, Zu An suddenly felt a stirring in his heart as a smooth, youthful body snuggled into his arms.

Before he could even speak, the girl had already kissed his lips.

Zuan stiffened for a moment, but then hugged her tightly.

He knew how hurtful it would be to reject a woman at this moment, and given their special relationship, it might turn into hatred.

Feeling his embrace, the girl's heart, which had been pounding with anxiety, finally settled down, and she kissed him even more passionately.

Feeling the youthful energy bursting from the body in his arms, Zu An's breathing quickened.

In fact, these days the Little Demon Queen has been advising him to make the relationship irreversible and completely tie Zhao Xiaodie to him.

But he ultimately didn't want to be so pragmatic. Now that everything had fallen into place, he naturally wouldn't act like a saint.

The girl's inexperienced skills quickly faltered, and her initial initiative turned into a shy defensiveness...