"Shuashuashua——"

Dozens of dark figures swooped down from the treetops, like a flock of bloodthirsty crows emerging from the darkness, carrying a suffocating murderous aura.

They landed almost silently, their steps light and steady, clearly those of highly trained assassins.

The leader of the men in black raised his hand and made a gesture. The others immediately surrounded them in a fan shape. Their swords and knives gleamed with a cold light in the darkening sky, carrying an aura of death.

"You guys run first, I'll cover the rear!"

Ye Qingzhou's shout tore through the heavy air, carrying a hint of panic and urgency.

Most of the men they brought were chasing after the remaining bandits, while the rest were led by Gu Yanqing to escort the Crown Prince back to the palace.

So now there are only the three of them here, and they can only rely on themselves!

Ye Qingzhou suddenly drew his sword from his waist, the blade drawing a silver arc in the twilight, like lightning piercing the night.

However, this pampered young master was ultimately not good at fighting. Before he could even unleash his full sword move, a man in black dodged to the side.

The opponent's iron boots, carrying a sharp gust of wind, kicked straight at his chest. Ye Qingzhou was sent flying backward, his back slamming heavily onto the ground covered with withered leaves with a dull thud.

"Well……"

He curled up, coughed up a mouthful of blood, his vision blurred, and his consciousness rapidly faded.

Gu Zhixing shoved Shen Jintang to the side of the ancient pine tree. The rough bark hurt her back, as if reminding her of the sudden crisis.

His knuckles were white from gripping the sword, and the veins on the back of his hand were like coiled dragons, each one bulging, showing his tension and determination at that moment.

"Stay here and don't move!"

His voice was hoarse, like sandpaper scraping, deep and powerful, carrying an unquestionable command.

As he turned, his dark robes fluttered like eagle wings, rustling as if he were about to tear all his enemies to shreds.

The moment he took a step, a slender hand, as precise as a venomous snake, struck the back of his neck.

"Thump—"

Gu Zhixing froze, his movements instantly stiffening, and slowly turned around in disbelief.

His pupils were filled with disorientation and shock, as if he couldn't believe what he was seeing.

His unfocused pupils reflected Shen Jintang's terrifyingly calm eyes—there was no trace of the tenderness of the past in them, only a bottomless pool of icy water, as if capable of freezing all warmth.

Her face was expressionless, and the coldness and determination in her eyes were completely different from her usual self.