After taking the medicine given by Xiao Jian, Shen Nian's injuries didn't hurt as much. However, the intense exercise made her chest feel very uncomfortable. Sensing Ertai's strong unease and self-blame, she still tried her best to comfort him, her words filled with determination.

"Okay, okay... I promise you, just don't fall asleep..."

Ertai nodded haphazardly in response to Chen Nian's words.

Seeing that Ertai agreed, Chennian could no longer hold on and fainted, letting go of Ertai's hand.

"Nian Nian..."

"Nian Nian—"

"Young one—"

——

The others finally arrived, their minds blank. Seeing the unconscious person, the girls' legs went weak, and they had to be supported by the boys around them.

"Quickly take Niannian back to the inn!"

Finally, the emperor arrived and took charge of the situation. Looking at the people covered in blood, he was filled with heartache and roared in fury.

He failed to protect Ce'er and her, so can't he even protect Niannian?

The White Lotus Sect members were determined to kill Chen Nian and the Emperor, and they showed no mercy. Even if Chen Nian was skilled in martial arts, it was impossible for him to avoid injury when wave after wave of people attacked him.

But since the Emperor was the main character, and with Emin and Fuheng rushing to his side to help deal with those around him, the Emperor was not seriously injured.

The others also have the protagonist's halo. Cai Lian is also a character in the play. Even if she is a minor character, she is still a character in the play. In addition, she was protected by Benjamin, so she was not injured. Yong Xuan is also a martial arts overpowered character. Even though he is not a character in the play, he still protected himself and Qing'er well.

Even though Ke Yongxuan was highly skilled in martial arts, he couldn't withstand wave after wave of attacks. Even if he wanted to rush to Chen Nian's side, the White Lotus Sect members seemed endless, keeping him occupied.

Only Chen Nian was the most seriously injured. She had neither the protagonist's halo nor the White Lotus Sect's information, which led to her being put to death. Those who desperately wanted to protect her were also held back and could not get to her side. She could only fight against wave after wave of people alone.

...

Inn room.

"Uncle, I... I want to ask you for a favor: grant Xiao Yanzi a pardon. No matter what mistake she has made, please spare her life."

Stumbling and falling as she was brought to her room, the discomfort she felt, coupled with the things on her mind, woke her up. Though she was awake, she was still in a daze.

Seeing the emperor standing by the bed, his forehead sweating and his eyes filled with barely concealed anxiety, she spoke softly.

She was worried that she wouldn't survive until the incident, so she pleaded for Xiao Yanzi's life.

Hearing Chen Nian's words, everyone in the main group, including Lord Furen, felt an urge to cry.

"Nian Nian..."

Little Swallow burst into tears immediately.

Hearing Xiao Yanzi's cries, Chen Nian looked in Xiao Yanzi's direction, forced a smile, and mouthed a few words.

Don't worry, don't worry.

"Okay, okay, Uncle Emperor promises you, promises you. Whatever you say, Uncle Emperor will agree to. Our Niannian will be alright. Uncle Emperor is here. Uncle Emperor is the Emperor, he will definitely protect you. Our Niannian will be fine."

The emperor nodded repeatedly without any surprise, his subsequent words seemingly aimed at comforting others or himself.

The sight of Nian Nian covered in blood filled the Emperor with panic once more. Nian Nian must not be harmed; she absolutely must not be.

Hearing Chen Nian's words, Ertai felt an overwhelming pang of heartache.

Having received the Emperor's approval, Shen Nian was relieved of her worries and fell into a deep sleep.

She was too tired and wanted to rest.

"Nian Nian—"

...