Embers Smoldering
Dawn completely dispelled the darkness of night, and also the soaring, eerie blue beam of light. But Chang'an City did not return to peace. The strange phenomena at Wanghai Villa, the underground tremors and explosions, and the large-scale mobilization of the Imperial Guards all caused immense panic and various speculations within the city.
The Yaotian headquarters was temporarily closed to focus on treating Ming Shiyin and the other wounded. Meanwhile, the Dali Temple was busy handling the aftermath, reassuring the public, and investigating possible remnants of the "Ink of the Night."
In a quiet room, Yang Yuhuan's pipa music flowed like a gentle stream, continuously soothing the unconscious Ming Shiyin. His breathing, though weak, had become much more steady, and his face was no longer a horrifying deathly pale. Gongsun Li and Pei Qinhu took turns guarding outside, never leaving his side.
In another room, Yi Xing lay on the couch, his face as white as paper. Yang Yuhuan would come over to examine his pulse and treat him in between treating Ming Shiyin.
"Xing'er, how are you?" Pei Qinhu came in carrying a bowl of ginseng soup, his face full of worry.
Yi Xing forced a smile and shook his head: "I'm fine, just mentally exhausted. I'll be alright after a few days of rest. Master... he..."
"Lord Ming is blessed with good fortune; he will surely pull through!" Pei Qinhu handed him the ginseng soup, his tone firm, as if comforting Yi Xing, but also as if comforting himself. He paused for a moment, then said in a muffled voice, "This time... it's all thanks to you. If it weren't for your last-minute solution..."
“It’s not just my achievement.” Yi Xing interrupted softly, looking out the window. “It’s everyone… including Mr. Bian Que and Sister Yu Huan.” He paused, his brows furrowing slightly. “It’s just that… Mo Zun and Mo Heng… Qian Ji escaped.”
This is the biggest regret of the battle. In the final underground collapse, Mo Zun, along with the heavily injured Mo Heng (Qianji) and some of his core followers, disappeared using some unknown secret technique or a pre-arranged escape route. Also disappearing was the notorious thief Kong Kong'er, who had ignited the energy storm and whose fate remains unknown.
Di Renjie has ordered a thorough search of the entire city and surrounding counties, but the other party has clearly been planning this for a long time and is very well hidden, so it will probably be difficult to find them in a short period of time.
"And that Kongkong'er! That traitor!" Pei Qinhu flew into a rage at the mention of it. "If he hadn't defected at the last minute, we might not have suffered such a devastating defeat!"
Yi Xing was silent for a moment, then shook his head: "His behavior... is very strange. It's not like simple betrayal, but more like... extreme madness and greed. He seems to be pursuing something... that we cannot understand." He recalled the fanatical and greedy look in Kong Kong'er's eyes when he pounced on the energy focus, and a sense of unease crept into his heart. This person is probably more dangerous than he imagined.
At this time, Li Yuanfang came to visit and brought a message from Di Renjie.
"Lord Di said that although the mission was not accomplished, destroying the 'Night Ink' base and preventing the opening of the 'Gate of the Ruins' is already a tremendous achievement. The court will reward you accordingly. In addition..." Li Yuanfang paused and said in a low voice, "His Majesty is aware of this matter and has changed his opinion of Yaotian. Lord Di hopes that we can cooperate more in the future."
This means that, after this battle, Yaotian's official situation may improve. This is a stroke of luck amidst misfortune.
After seeing Li Yuanfang off, Yi Xing lay alone on the couch, staring at the ceiling. The tragic scene at the underground altar, the cold look in Mo Heng's eyes when he betrayed him, Ming Shiyin's resolute figure guiding the earth's veins, Kong Kong'er's crazy actions... all flashed through his mind.
The "Ink of the Night" has not been eradicated; Ink Master and Thousand Machines escaped, and they will not easily abandon their extreme and dangerous ideals. Kongkong'er, this variable, has disappeared without a trace. The imperial court's attitude remains delicate. And Master is still seriously injured and unconscious…
"After the storm, the sea will not remain calm forever; beneath the seemingly extinguished ashes, there often lies a rekindled flame. True protection lies in unwavering vigilance and an enduring belief in the future."
Yi Xing silently recited this sentence in his heart. It was both a clear understanding of the current situation and an expression of his determination to inherit his master's will to protect.
The road ahead is still long and fraught with danger. But as long as the spark remains, hope will endure.
He slowly closed his eyes, feeling the strength slowly returning to his body, and the increasingly heavy responsibility. He knew that when his master awoke, when Yao Tian regained his strength, their struggle against the "Ink of the Night" and against the darkness of this world was far from over.
At this moment, he needs rest, and he needs to become stronger. To protect this land they love, and everything he cherishes on it.
Outside the window, the sunlight was perfect, shining brightly on the golden ginkgo tree in the courtyard that had weathered the storms and still stood tall.
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