Chapter 118 Fang Xu's Inquiry
Li Bao'er woke up from a daze, and the moment her consciousness returned, she sat up abruptly!
As far as the eye can see, there is an extremely luxurious exotic atmosphere: a huge carved dome with glass lamps hanging from it, and colorful gemstones and murals inlaid on the walls. The air is filled with the rich aroma of sandalwood and fruit.
"Miss, you're awake?" Several maids dressed in Western Region attire immediately surrounded her, carrying golden basins and gorgeous dresses, their attitude respectful yet carrying an air of unquestionable authority.
Li Bao'er's anger flared, and she shouted sharply, "Where is this? Where is Ling Jin?! Tell him to come see me!"
A sharp pain shot through her wrist, and she instinctively looked down. On the inside of her left wrist, there was a lifelike lotus-shaped mark! The mark seemed to be branded onto her skin, carrying a strange burning sensation.
[Host! Host, you're finally awake!] 001's voice boomed in her mind, crying, [We're doomed! We've been kidnapped by Ling Jin—no, by that madman Helian Jin—and brought to the Western Regions Palace!]
Li Bao'er: "What is this mark?"
[It's the Crimson Lotus Gu! A vicious concoction used by the Western Regions royal family to control people! If you're afflicted with this Gu, you'll become completely weak, and the mother Gu is in Helian Jin's hands; he could make you suffer unbearable pain at any moment! He plans to force you into marriage in a few days and make you his Crown Princess!]
"How could he suddenly go insane?! I'm already married! In modern times, that's bigamy!"
[Host, now is not the time to be angry! There's even more shocking news!]
[The system energy fluctuations of that old fox Fang Xu are very clear! It's estimated his system has returned, and he's likely inside this palace right now!]
Fang Xu?! He's come to the Western Regions too?!
Bao'er quickly understood that the Western Regions were closely connected with the Crown Prince, and Fang Xu wanted to kill two birds with one stone, using Mu Cenlin to get rid of the Crown Prince and the Western Regions to pave the way for Mu Yuan!
“Tell Helian Jin,” Li Bao’er raised her head and said to the maids, “I want to see him. Now.”
Not long after, two figures walked in one after the other.
The leader was Ling Jin, or rather, he should now be called Helian Jin.
He wore the magnificent robes reserved for the crown prince of the Western Regions, embroidered with intricate flame and divine bird totems in gold thread. The collar and cuffs were adorned with fine obsidian. His dark hair was tied high with a golden crown, with a few stray strands falling across his forehead. This attire accentuated his already striking features, making them even more dazzling. His emerald eyes, framed by the luxurious robes, shone like the most precious emeralds in the desert, exuding a noble and mysterious aura befitting a king from a foreign land.
Normally, Li Bao'er might have complimented her on her good looks. But at this moment, she only felt utterly ironic. Beneath those gorgeous clothes lay a soul so despicable!
Following behind him was Xi Yuan, dressed in a dark gold-patterned prince's robe. He still had that carefree demeanor, his glassy eyes scanning between Li Bao'er and Helian Jin with interest, as if he were enjoying a good show.
Helian Jin walked up to Li Bao'er: "Bao'er, you were looking for me? Are you getting used to everything here?"
Li Bao'er asked directly, "How is A-Yu's injury?"
Helian Jin was clearly taken aback by her question, and paused for a moment. Xi Yuan raised an eyebrow and let out a soft, ambiguous chuckle.
Helian Jin pursed his lips, a complex emotion flashing in his emerald eyes, but he ultimately told the truth: "The spear tip is coated with a secret poison from the Western Regions royal family. Without an antidote, he won't last three days."
Despite being mentally prepared, hearing the confirmation with her own ears still felt like her heart was being squeezed tightly by a hand, the pain almost making it hard for her to breathe. She forced herself to stay calm, her nails digging deep into her palms.
"The antidote." She stared at Helian Jin and uttered only these two words.
Helian Jin stepped forward and tried to hold her hand, but Li Bao'er dodged away abruptly.
His hand froze in mid-air, his eyes darkened, and his voice carried an almost coaxing tone: "Baby, I have the antidote. As long as you obediently complete the wedding ceremony with me and become the rightful Crown Princess of the Western Regions, I will immediately send someone to deliver the antidote intact to Li Yu, ensuring his safety."
"This is the only condition. You have no choice."
Li Bao'er stared at him, at this boy who had once silently protected her, now using her brother's life to coerce her. A profound sense of sorrow and absurdity welled up within her.
She suddenly gave a soft laugh, a laugh that was cold and broken, filled with endless mockery.
"Okay." She said only one word, then turned away from them, no longer looking at them. "I'm tired, you can leave."
The next day, at the Western Regions Imperial Palace.
Helian Jin ordered his men to send countless rare and precious treasures, which filled the palace where Li Bao'er was temporarily residing.
"Bao'er, do you see anything you like?" Helian Jin stood in the hall, his tone carrying a hint of cautious flattery.
Li Bao'er didn't even bother to lift her eyelids. She felt utterly disgusted by the bustling scene before her and the men's attentiveness, which only fueled her growing irritation. She needed to catch her breath and calm down.
"I want to go for a walk in the garden."
Helian Jin hesitated for a moment, but when he saw the clear red lotus mark on her wrist, he finally nodded: "Alright, I'll have someone follow you."
“No need, I want to be alone.” Li Bao’er refused decisively and walked straight out of the hall.
Helian Jin watched her stubborn back and waved away the maids and guards who wanted to follow her, only ordering them to keep watch at a distance to ensure she didn't leave the palace grounds.
The gardens of the Western Regions Imperial Palace are quite different from those of Da Lin. They lack exquisite pavilions and towers, and instead feature drought-resistant plants, tall palm trees, and meticulously dug irrigation canals, giving them a rugged and exotic feel.
Li Bao'er was walking aimlessly when, just as she reached a relatively secluded corner, a cool, indifferent voice sounded from beside her:
"Princess Jing, how have you been?"
Li Bao'er paused, then turned around abruptly.
Fang Xu was still dressed in spotless white, but this time he wasn't wearing a veil. He stood quietly beside a clump of sea buckthorn, calmly watching her.
Li Bao'er: "Grand Preceptor? What a coincidence."
Fang Xu slowly took a few steps closer, his gaze lingering for a moment on the red lotus on her wrist, his voice still flat: "It's not exactly a coincidence. I knew you were here."
"Implicated in the Crimson Lotus Gu, trapped in the enemy camp, my brother's life is in danger... Your Highness, aren't you afraid?"
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