However, no matter how sad they were, they could not stay here for long. It was still a long way from them escaping danger and the time to grieve to their heart's content.

As the people below rushed forward, the narrow and dark tunnel was immediately filled with the sound of rapid and fierce fighting. Soon, the several black-clad warriors who came over to search again were all killed.

Everyone quickly turned back. After a moment of silence, Tang Xianzhou whispered, "Master, we should not stay here for long."

There was no time even to grieve, I had to leave immediately.

Ji Yuanhao covered his face for a while, raised his head, and said in a very hoarse voice: "Pack up and leave immediately."

But when they got here, the two groups went their separate ways.

The main thing is that we don't know what's going on with the Ren family. According to Su Ci, there will be an exit following the secret mark. The Ren family may have already gone out. Ji Yuanhao has to catch up with them to know what happens next. There are too many uncertainties.

But after considering it, Yang Yanzong still preferred to continue along the original route to leave.

The two discussed for a while and finally decided that Yang Yanzong would go to Liwei first to explore the way, while Ji Yuanhao would go to look for Ren first.

After a brief discussion and decision, they set off without hesitation.

Yang Yanzong immediately picked up Su Ci and turned around with his men to go in the opposite direction.

It was still a dark and narrow tunnel like a maze, but with them there, the safety factor immediately increased greatly. Even if they encountered two groups of black-clad assassins along the way, they were immediately dealt with. The murderous aura of the group was so strong that even the venomous snakes were subconsciously cautious and alert, holding their heads high and not daring to move forward.

Even snakes bully the weak and fear the strong!

This scene reminded people of the terrifying crawling and rolling in the tunnel with Ji Chengtan. Su Ci murmured, "He was bitten by a poisonous snake and the flesh was gouged out directly. I never thought that he would be so cruel to himself one day."

Recalling the naive young man in the drought-stricken military town who only cared about his own business, the young man who became fierce but actually weak after being scared by Liang Shen, he has grown and changed a lot over the years.

"...So the dagger was meant for me. That person was able to get up again. If it wasn't him, then it would have been me..."

Yang Yanzong listened with pursed lips, feeling extremely upset. He really wished he could get stabbed. He tried his best to dilute and eliminate the mark left by Ji Chengtan in her heart, and finally achieved remarkable results. Unexpectedly, this guy died suddenly. This death became a cinnabar mole in her heart, which she would probably never be able to erase for the rest of her life!

He was really pissed off, and she had just pushed him away!

But that man died to save her, and seeing that Su Ci was not in a good mood, he could only bear it reluctantly. After listening for a while, he said in a muffled voice: "He is not well-trained. He is just an ordinary warrior with ordinary skills."

If he takes over, everything will be fine.

You are a grown man, but you can't even protect your own woman. What's the point of your life?

Bah, bah, that's not right. Ci'er is his woman and has nothing to do with that Ji girl!

Yang Yanzong was extremely annoyed, and the wound was so sloppy in bandaging that it started bleeding.

Su Ci touched it, she cheered herself up, raised herself up a little, tore off the lining of her skirt and bandaged him to stop the bleeding.

It took a long time to deal with the larger wound on his upper body, bit by bit, by groping for it.

"Fortunately, the injury is not serious." She murmured.

Her mood calmed down a bit, but her smile was still a bit forced.

Yang Yanzong felt sorry for her and kissed her. Su Ci put her face on his neck and asked in a low voice: "Are you tired? Does it hurt?"

"It doesn't hurt." "I'm fine."

Yang Yanzong touched her messy hair with his chin, and touched her dirty forehead and bruises with his hand, feeling distressed. "We will be able to get out soon."

Yang Yanzong had gradually figured out the pattern of the direction of the Longling Tunnel. Their speed was getting faster and faster, and their errors were getting smaller and smaller. Finally, after spending about half an hour, they finally arrived at the Liwei Shengmen.

The life gate changes according to the time. At this point, the life gate is in the Li position. I believe that the Kun brothers and sisters are also well aware of this. If nothing unexpected happens, there should be an ambush by assassins outside.

If you want to get out safely, you have to kill all these people first.

Yang Yanzong carefully put Su Ci down, gave him a few instructions, and then made a gesture.

His confidants and subordinates, including Li Shengen, understood immediately and divided into two lines on the left and right. Each of them took out the things they had prepared along the way and held them tightly in their hands, staring closely at the door.

This is a stone door that is one and a half meters tall and three or four feet wide. However, it is covered with moss and scattered short weeds and vines, so it is impossible to see any trace of the door. If Yang Yanzong had not been sure that this was the approximate location, he would probably not have been able to tell that there was a door here even if he stood next to it.

But one thing is very obvious, the moss and plants on this stone wall grow much more luxuriantly than other places. This also proves that going out is the outside world, and this side of the mountain wall can absorb heat when exposed to sunlight to a certain extent.

The reservation of the life gate was, of course, for Emperor Taizong and his confidants to deal with the powerful ministers.

Yang Yanzong observed carefully for a long time, and used his long sword to cut and dig out all the vines and the moss stuck at the bottom. Finally, he put his hand on the mechanism, raised his hand to signal, and pulled it hard!

With a "swish", the stone door opened silently. Yang Yanzong moved as fast as lightning. With a flick of the sword tip, several rattan dolls wearing outer clothes flew out like meteors!

“Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh!”

really! Arrows shot out, and those vine dolls were instantly pierced into a hornet's nest, falling to the ground motionless.

Yang Yanzong and others seized the opportunity, rushed out along the two sides of the mountain walls, and a rapid clash of weapons and a fierce battle began immediately!

It is worth mentioning that snake venom comes in handy here.

Knowing that there must be an ambush of experts outside the gate, they have discussed for more than one round how to deal with it. It is necessary to use local materials, and snake venom, a hidden weapon with great lethality, is naturally mentioned.

This Su Ci Club!

Her grandfather was very good at this. Snake venom is a very precious Chinese medicine. It can dispel wind, dredge meridians, and stop spasms. It is very effective for stubborn rheumatism and stroke.

Su Ci knew very well how to extract poison without hurting the snake.

Everyone was overjoyed when they heard this, and immediately shook out all the empty porcelain bottles, medicine jars and other things on their bodies. Fortunately, they remembered to scrape the bottom and didn't throw them away. Then everyone went to dig out the snake's nest separately. Under Su Ci's guidance, they spent some time and filled up all the stuff.

In the fierce battle that followed, Yang Yanzong rushed out like a whirlwind, seized the opportunity, and suddenly shouted: "Go!"

Everyone took out the snake venom that they had prepared long ago, pulled the cork out with all their strength, and scattered it like flowers from heaven, focusing their attack on the enemy's eyes.

In an instant the enemy was in chaos and many people were hit. Yang Yanzong and others seized the opportunity and attacked immediately! It took more than a quarter of an hour to finally resolve the battle.

Thirty-seven black-clad warriors were killed.

soon.

Originally, we were outnumbered by the enemy, who were highly skilled and well-rested, while we were wounded, tired and hungry. It would have been extremely difficult and time-consuming, and might even have turned into a chase with heavy casualties in the end.

Li Shengen carefully dropped the porcelain bottle: "This is really a good thing."

Yang Yanzong pulled Su Ci up. Su Ci had not been idle just now. She gathered her energy and held the dagger to finish off the seriously injured black-clad warrior. Yang Yanzong saw that the ambush was resolved and said, "Okay, we will leave immediately."

Yang Yanzhen, Azhao and others must have known about the accident, and the search and support must be underway. I just don’t know how long it will take to find this place?

Yang Yanzong looked around and saw only towering green mountains surrounding him. There was no sign of human beings in the vast wilderness. Judging from the vegetation, they had already gone deep into the mountains. Their target was too small, and it might be difficult to search for the moment.

This underground mechanism, which took five years and the whole country's efforts to build, is indeed large enough, and even the slightest trace of the imperial mausoleum can be seen here.

It is now mid-afternoon, but unfortunately it is cloudy with thick clouds, making it difficult to determine the direction. Yang Yanzong observed for a moment, made a rough judgment, and pointed down the slope to the left.

They are still a long way from being completely safe, they must find their own people and reunite as soon as possible!

Before leaving, Yang Yanzong glanced at the door that had been closed again and the corpses scattered on the ground in front of the door.

According to his calculations, the Life Gate changes every three hours, and twenty-four hours is exactly one cycle. The Li Gate will be the Life Gate for about half an hour at most.

Moreover, after these assassins were killed, their remains should be discovered soon.

I hope Ji Yuanhao and his team can get out in time, otherwise he will be in big trouble.

…

Ji Yuanhao was indeed rushing towards the gate.

It is worth mentioning that Ren did not go out from that hole. After discussing with several people, she finally decided that it would be better to stay here and wait. Firstly, they thought that this marginal area was relatively safe, and secondly, she wanted to wait for Ji Chengtan.

Unexpectedly, I didn’t wait for Ji Chengtan in the end, but waited for Ji Yuanhao instead.

No, that’s not right. It should be said that it was Ji Yuanhao who was holding Ji Chengtan.

Ji Yuanhao stood at the opening and stared for a moment, then said decisively: "Pack up immediately and leave through the gate as planned."

His expression was a little stiff. After hearing Qu Chengrong and others going from here to the main hall to support him, a layer of gloom appeared on his face. His hoarse voice sounded as if it had been honed by sand and gravel, hoarse and dull. After standing there for no more than five seconds after the meeting, he immediately decided to turn around.

This opening won’t work.

Leaving here would be like walking into a trap.

Everyone set off immediately, not caring about the difference between men and women. Ji Yuanhao held Ji Chengtan and walked in front. Tang Xianzhou and others apologized, and held Ren in the middle, one on the left and one on the right. Ji Zimu followed quickly, and the last few people were the rear guard.

Their trip was relatively smooth, because Yang Yanzong and others had already walked this route once. Apart from occasionally encountering a few waves of black-clad assassins who were still searching for Su Ci and Ji Chengtan, Ji Yuanhao was extremely ruthless and cut off their heads and broke their chests with his sword. They did not encounter any other obstacles.

They rushed all the way to the Li Gate, and the Sheng Gate was still there, so they immediately left from there.

After going out, there were vast mountains and wilderness. Ji Yuanhao identified the hidden sign left by Yang Yanzong and went in the same direction.

It would be best if we could reunite with our search team as soon as possible. If that is not possible for the time being, then we should quickly catch up with Yang Yanzong and his team.

It is not completely safe now. It will be safer if the two groups work together.

However, before they could catch up with Yang Yanzong and his group, someone on Ji Yuanhao's side was too seriously injured to hold on.

It was a cloudy day in winter, and it got dark early. After running for about half an hour, the forest had already begun to darken. Someone behind him started breathing irregularly, and Tang Xianzhou hurriedly held him up: "Oh no, Master, Yiqiu can't hold on any longer."

Not only Chen Yiqiu, several of Ji Yuanhao's men were seriously injured and were holding on by a single breath. Now they have finally escaped from the imperial mausoleum and are gradually leaving the dead body. They felt a little relieved, but they were really exhausted and could not hold on any longer.

Ji Yuanhao bent over to check Chen Yiqiu's injuries, no! I had to stop and bandage the wound. "Where's the medicine? Do you have any left? Let's find a place to stop and rest first!"

The group immediately searched around, carrying the semi-conscious Chen Yiqu on their backs, supporting each other, and soon found a sheltered valley. They quickly took off their coats and helped Chen Yiqu lie down. Tang Xianzhou had specially learned how to suture trauma, and they also had penicillin on hand. He whispered, "Master, don't worry, Yiqu's injury is not fatal, he will be fine."

Several people fetched water, cleaned the area, and started to suture and give medication.

Seeing that Chen Yiqiu was still conscious, Ji Yuanhao felt relieved, nodded, and stopped talking.

He carefully held Ji Chengtan and walked a little further inside, picked the flattest and softest grass nest, knelt down on his knees, and carefully put down his brother's body.

Ji Chengtan's body was already cold. He hugged his brother and could clearly feel his body temperature dropping little by little. His body became stiff and his joints could no longer be straightened.

Ji Yuanhao could only let him lie on his side and curl up in the grass nest to sleep.

He let him go, and tears began to fall, dripping onto Ji Chengtan's already pale and bloodless lips.

"Cheng Tan, Cheng Tan?"

Ren took a short break, then hurriedly stood up and walked over: "Husband, how is Chengtan's injury? Doesn't he need to be bandaged?"

Ren didn't know that Ji Chengtan was dead. Ji Yuanhao took off his coat and carefully wrapped it around his brother. They walked very fast along the way, so Ren thought that Ji Chengtan was just injured and unconscious.

Her question instantly triggered Ji Yuanhao's long-suppressed emotions. He hadn't spoken to Ren directly along the way just now because he was afraid that he couldn't control himself. The environment just now was not suitable for an argument.

Until this moment, Ji Yuanhao covered his eyes for a while, then slowly stood up: "Do you know about him and Su Ci?"

Ji Yuanhao's eyes were red, but his hair was a little messy, and his face was covered with blood and dust. His face was facing away from the light, so it was not particularly obvious at the moment.

When Ren heard this question, she started to panic. She stopped leaning forward and looked up at him in fear.

“I, I…”

Ji Yuanhao's voice was hoarse: "How long have you known this? When did you know this?"

Ren hesitated for a long while and whispered: "...I found out when I was with Feng Chuan, more than a year ago. Cheng Tan asked me to tell him at that time..."

Feng Chuan? More than a year? !

Ji Yuanhao's brain exploded and he could hardly think. He slapped Ren in the face with his backhand!

"Why didn't you tell me earlier? Why?!"

Under normal circumstances, Ji Yuanhao would definitely not be like this, but he really collapsed in an instant. More than a year, more than a full year? !

He grabbed Ren's shoulders: "Why don't you tell me, why?!"

Ji Zimu, who was busy helping Chen Yiqu and the others to wring a handkerchief to wipe the blood off their faces, suddenly became confused. He threw the handkerchief away and rushed over, "Why did you hit my mother?!"

But when he rushed over, he was stunned. His father was in tears. The mother and son looked at Ji Yuanhao, whose eyes were red and he was overwhelmed with grief.

"He's dead."

"He's dead!"

So there is no need to bandage him or use medicine to stop the bleeding. He will never wake up!

Ji Yuanhao was in great sorrow, and his heart was in a spasmodic pain: "Why didn't you tell me earlier? Huh?!"

If Ren had told him earlier, Ji Yuanhao would definitely transfer Ji Chengtan away.

After all, staying in Yangdu would only hurt Yang Yanzong's eyes and affect the harmonious cooperation between the two sides.

He wouldn't have died!

For a moment, Ji Yuanhao simply couldn't face Ren, because her momentary thought indirectly caused him to lose his only brother!

Ren was stunned.

"Dead, dead, ..." she murmured and sat down in the grass. For a moment, her mind seemed unable to understand the meaning of these two words.

"Have you bandaged it? Be patient, we will find a suitable place to stay."

Ji Yuanhao was exhausted and heartbroken, but he still had to hold on. He forced himself to look at the big wounds that had been bandaged by Chen Yiqiu and others. This place was not far enough and not hidden enough to rest here.

Tang Xianzhou and others nodded, then carried their more seriously injured companions on their backs, quickly cleaned up the traces, and continued to rush forward.

After walking for another half an hour, they finally found a relatively dry and well-hidden cave. After driving away the small animals inside, they finally stopped.

Ji Yuanhao didn't look at Ren again. After carefully putting Ji Chengtan down, he called a few people and went out with him to find something to eat.

Everyone was hungry, tired, and had lost too much blood. They had to eat some hot food to replenish their energy, otherwise they would have difficulty holding on, especially Chen Yiqu and the others. In addition, he also had to look for the secret mark left by Yang Yanzong.

Currently, Ji Yuanhao has a total of eleven people under his command, not including Ren. Excluding the three who were seriously injured and unable to move, there are eight people left. Ji Yuanhao finally selected three people. In addition to the lightly injured, there were two who were not seriously injured and were still fully capable of fighting.

Although he and Ren quarreled and had a cold war, he still left most of his men with the pregnant Ren in the end.

"If there is anything, send out a signal."

Ji Yuanhao said this with a cold face, then turned and walked out.

Ren sat there in a daze. When Tang Xianzhou put her down, he took her pulse and found the fetus was stable, so he didn't say anything more. It was not their turn to talk about their master's family affairs, so they all sat near the cave entrance tacitly.

Inside the cave were Ren, Ji Zimu, and Ji Chengtan who was lying quietly on the ground.

Ji Yuanhao turned and left. Ren seemed to be awakened. She blinked her eyes and tears came down. Ren used her hands and feet to crawl to Ji Chengtan, "Chengtan, Chengtan!"

But this young man whom she raised, who was shy when he was a child and regarded her as a mother when he grew up, will never open his eyes. His fair face has turned iron blue and is cold to the touch.

Ren burst into tears. She knelt on the ground and hugged Ji Chengtan, feeling so sad that she couldn't control herself. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry!... It's my fault. I hurt you, oooooo."

She regarded Ji Chengtan as her own son and brother, and she was so grief-stricken that she could hardly control herself, and Ji Yuanhao's grief would be even worse than hers.

She wanted to apologize to Ji Yuanhao, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry!"

It was her fault. If she had not promised to keep the secret to Ji Chengtan, he probably wouldn't have died today!

She hugged Ji Chengtan and cried for a long time until Tang Xianzhou and others came to persuade her. She said that it was okay to cry for a while, but being overly sad should take care of the baby in her belly instead of herself.

Ren covered her stomach and tried to calm herself down. She raised her tearful eyes and searched for Ji Yuanhao's trace.

But it was not until Ren adjusted her mood and stopped crying for a long time, tucked in Ji Chengtan's clothes, wiped his face, and waited for a long, long time, until it was dark, but Ji Yuanhao and the other three did not come back!

"What's going on?"

Ren was too busy being sad to care about it for a moment. Her heart tightened. Could it be that there were pursuers? ! He took so few people out.