She waited quietly for news, each time a slight sound came from the doorway, whether it was the rustling of the curtain in the wind or the faint sound of footsteps in the distance.
Her heart would suddenly tighten, as if gripped by an invisible hand, and then slowly relax in disappointment.
At the same time, her brain was like a high-speed, incredibly sophisticated instrument, processing the clues and details of the situation at an extraordinary pace.
She repeatedly analyzed in her mind the personality traits of each character, the ins and outs of each event, and every possible turning point and breakthrough.
Like a master strategist trying to find the crucial move in this complex game of chess.
In order to break the current predicament and cope with the various uncertainties that are about to come.
Every decision at this moment is a matter of life and death, a matter of the fate of the entire world; it is of paramount importance and cannot afford the slightest mistake.
Otherwise, they will surely fall into an abyss of no return.
The guards, with their superb stealth skills honed through rigorous training, moved like phantoms darting through the night.
With a light and agile figure, she successfully evaded the Imperial Guards' dense, layered patrols.
Bathed in the dappled moonlight, their figures resembled wisps of smoke, silently approaching the Hall of Mental Cultivation.
The moonlight shone on the glazed tiles of the palace, reflecting a cool light that shrouded their actions in mystery and tension.
They walked cautiously with every step, as if the slightest mistake would shatter the silence of the night and bring endless danger.
As the group cautiously crept to the vicinity of the Hall of Mental Cultivation, just as they were about to seize the opportunity to sneak in,
Xuan Ying's ears, as sharp as a cheetah's, twitched slightly, instantly catching the faintest sound.
The sound was as light as a spider's thread falling to the ground, yet to his highly alert perception, it was like a resounding bell.
His expression suddenly hardened, like a hunter sensing danger. He immediately raised his hand, palm down, making a shushing gesture.
The movement was clean and swift, as if drawing an invisible command in the air, instantly stopping the group's actions.
Immediately, the group, like well-trained shadows, swiftly and methodically found an extremely secluded spot and quietly concealed themselves.
The air around them seemed to freeze at that moment, with only their soft, steady breathing, as if they were having a silent conversation with the quiet night.
Although the breathing was deliberately suppressed, one could still feel the tension and focus contained within it.
Xuan Ying tilted his ear slightly, carefully listening to the faint breathing sound again, then lowered his voice, which was as soft as a gentle breeze rustling through the leaves.
Yet, the words reached everyone's ears clearly: "Judging from the breathing sounds, there are still one or two people guarding inside the Hall of Mental Cultivation. It's hard to tell whether they are the Emperor's secret guards."
This journey is perilous; we must not go together. You may go to the inner palace and try to pay your respects to the Empress, while I will go alone to explore the Hall of Mental Cultivation.
"Wait until half an incense stick has burned out. Regardless of whether there has been any gain or loss, all should gather here. Do not delay."
His words, though spoken softly, carried an undeniable composure and decisiveness.
Like a lighthouse guiding people in the darkness, it pointed them in the right direction in this confusing and dangerous situation.
Upon hearing this, the group quickly exchanged glances, their eyes revealing their approval and trust in Xuan Ying's arrangements.
Their eyes shone with a resolute light, like stars twinkling in the night sky.
The light contained both absolute trust in Xuan Ying's abilities and a fearless commitment to this mission.
They knew in their hearts that Xuan Ying's martial arts were superb, making him a standout among them, like the most dazzling North Star in the night sky, shining brightly and guiding everyone's path.
This arrangement is undoubtedly the most reasonable choice based on the current situation, and a wise decision made after careful consideration.
So, the group nodded slightly in acknowledgment. The gesture was light, but it conveyed an unwavering determination, as if they were silently declaring to heaven and earth their loyalty and commitment to their mission.
Then, they carefully left their hiding place, crouching low, their steps as light as those of a raccoon dog in the night.
Each step seemed meticulously calculated, aiming to make as little noise as possible.
Their figures gradually blended into the deep night, like drops of water merging into the ocean, disappearing without a trace.
They quietly made their way towards the inner palace, leaving Xuan Ying alone to face this unknown challenge.
After watching everyone leave, Xuan Ying turned all her attention back to the Hall of Mental Cultivation.
He first narrowed his eyes, his gaze sharp and focused like that of a seasoned hunter locking onto his prey, and carefully observed the patrol routes and positions of the guards outside the Hall of Mental Cultivation.
The guards stood tall and straight, like majestic sculptures, outside the palace. Their eyes were firm and vigilant, constantly scanning the surroundings.
Each patrol's steps were perfectly synchronized, as precise as machinery, as if they were guarding some earth-shattering secret concerning the survival of the nation.
Xuan Ying's ears twitched slightly, like sensitive radar, not missing any subtle sound.
Even the slightest breathing sound or the rustling of clothes cannot escape his keen perception.
After confirming that there was no immediate danger, he slightly bent his knees, his body gathering strength like an arrow about to be released from a bow.
Immediately, with a few almost silent leaps, he gracefully landed on the roof of the Hall of Mental Cultivation, just like a nimble bird.
The roof tiles made a very faint sound under his feet, a sound like the whisper of an ancient palace, as if telling countless stories and secrets that this palace had experienced.
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