Using oneself as bait
*
The appearance of the silver-haired guest elder made the already ambiguous situation even more unpredictable.
Xiao Zhouyan and Xu Qingyao both knew that conventional investigative methods were no longer effective and they had to take a risky approach.
"Chen Rou manipulates the situation and knows the general trend; the silver-haired guest is proficient in trickery and is impossible to guard against; Yan Zhan is in charge of the Li Kingdom and is eyeing it covetously."
Xiao Zhouyan paced back and forth in his study, the candlelight casting his tall figure on the wall, carrying a heavy sense of pressure. "They are colluding with each other, complementing each other's strengths. If this is allowed to continue, the Great Zhou Dynasty will be in grave danger."
Xu Qingyao sat under the lamp, her fingertips unconsciously tracing the patterns on the teacup: "Their alliance seems solid, but in reality, they each have their own calculations. Shen Rou wants to use Yan Zhan's power to take revenge and ascend to the pinnacle of power; Yan Zhan wants to annex the Great Zhou; and that silver-haired guest elder... what does he seek? Is it merely wealth and glory, or does he have other schemes?"
This is crucial. If we can figure out the silver-haired retainer's true purpose, we might find an opportunity to divide them.
The system cannot directly read other people's thoughts...
Xu Qingyao sighed inwardly, "But perhaps... we can find a breakthrough through Shen Rou."
"Shen Rou?" Xiao Zhouyan stopped and looked at her.
"Her greatest reliance now is her prophecy of the future. But her appearance, and my appearance, have already made the future uncontrollable."
Xu Qingyao raised her eyes, a calm analytical glint in them. "Her repeated setbacks must have made her anxious. Cooperating with the silver-haired guest is a last resort, but it also means she will have to pay a price and may be subject to his evil magic."
She paused, then continued, "The silver-haired guest elder chose to cooperate with Shen Rou and Yan Zhan simply because he valued Shen Rou's 'prophecy' and Yan Zhan's power. If we can create a false impression that Shen Rou's ability to foresee the future is failing, or... that Shen Rou herself has lost her value..."
Xiao Zhouyan immediately understood her meaning: "A scheme to sow discord?"
"more than."
Xu Qingyao stood up, walked to him, and lowered her voice even further, "The person Shen Rou hates the most is me, and the person she most wants to get rid of is also me. If the silver-haired guest elder wants to prove his worth, the best pledge of allegiance might be my life."
"And His Majesty... after the incident at Lengxiang Garden, although he is wary of us, he is even more wary of those lurking in the shadows who could threaten the safety of the imperial power."
Xiao Zhouyan's pupils contracted slightly: "You want to use yourself as bait?"
"This is the fastest, and currently the only, way to lure the snake out of its hole and test the reactions of all parties."
Xu Qingyao spoke calmly, as if he were talking about something unrelated to himself, “We need an opportunity, an opportunity that Shen Rou feels there is a chance, an opportunity that the silver-haired guest elder is willing to take action, and an opportunity that His Majesty has no choice but to rely on you to stabilize the situation.”
Xiao Zhouyan looked at her silently, his gaze complex.
He knew full well that this move was extremely risky. Shen Rou and that silver-haired guest had unpredictable methods, and if he was not careful, he would be doomed.
I won't let you risk your life alone.
He finally spoke in a deep voice, his tone leaving no room for argument.
“I understand.” Xu Qingyao smiled slightly. “Therefore, we need to carefully arrange a stage.”
**
Three days later, news spread from the palace that the head of the Imperial Medical Academy said that although the remaining poison in the Princess's palace had been cleared, it had damaged her mind and spirit. She needed to go to Huangjue Temple in the suburbs of Beijing to recuperate quietly, and only by relying on the pure energy of Buddhism and the chanting of sutras by high monks could she fully recover.
The emperor granted the request and set the departure date for five days later.
Almost simultaneously, another message quietly circulated through certain channels: Lady Zhenyuan, due to days of overwork and excessive worry, was experiencing renewed instability in her pregnancy, and the imperial physician suggested that she accompany him to Huangjue Temple to pray for a safe pregnancy through the temple's hot spring water.
Huangjue Temple is located in the Western Hills on the outskirts of Beijing. It is not far away, but there is a relatively secluded section of the mountain road.
More importantly, Huangjue Temple is not completely isolated from the world. There are many worshippers coming and going, and the people are diverse, which makes it easy to hide and also easy to... take action.
This is a stage that appears perfect, but in reality, it harbors hidden dangers.
The news elicited mixed reactions from various parties.
The emperor was pleased with this outcome, as it would demonstrate the imperial family's care for the eldest princess, show consideration for the families of meritorious officials, and temporarily send these two "troublemakers" out of the palace, giving him some peace and quiet.
Upon hearing the news, the Fifth Prince Chu Huaijin merely sneered and made no move, clearly still observing, or rather, waiting for the two sides to fight.
What choices will Shen Rou and the silver-haired guest, who are hiding in the shadows, make?
**
On the eve of their departure, Xiao Zhouyan placed a warm, smooth jade pendant into Xu Qingyao's hand.
The jade pendant was bright white, and there seemed to be flowing clouds inside; it was clearly no ordinary item.
"What is this?" Xu Qingyao sensed the faint energy fluctuations emanating from the jade pendant.
"Obtained by chance in my early years, it is said to ward off evil and protect the body."
Xiao Zhouyan succinctly stated, "Wear it."
He didn't say much, but his eyes suggested that this item might be able to resist some of the evil magic.
Xu Qingyao did not refuse and carefully put the jade pendant close to her body.
"Is everything arranged?"
"Um."
Xiao Zhouyan nodded, "Everything inside and outside the temple has been arranged. I will escort you to the mountain gate in the open, and then a double will impersonate me to return to the capital to handle urgent military affairs. As for me, I will remain in the shadows."
He looked at her, his gaze deep and unfathomable: "Remember, your safety is the most important thing. If things become unbearable, send a signal immediately, and I will do everything in my power to get you away."
Xu Qingyao met his gaze, feeling a warmth in her heart, and nodded: "I know."
In this game, I used myself as bait to lure the snake out of its hole.
Success or failure hinges on this moment.
It not only concerns their safety, but also whether they can break the deadlock, expose the mastermind, and turn the tide.
As night deepened, the outline of Huangjue Temple in Xishan was faintly visible under the moonlight, like a lurking beast, quietly awaiting the coming storm.
*
Five days later, a grand procession escorted the Princess's carriage and the Zhenyuan Marquis's carriage to Huangjue Temple.
Xiao Zhouyan, dressed in military uniform, personally led his elite guards to his side, his expression cold and stern, his gaze sweeping across the mountains and forests like that of a hawk.
Xu Qingyao and the eldest princess rode together in a spacious phoenix carriage.
The eldest princess remained unconscious, her face pale, leaning against a cushion. Xu Qingyao, on the other hand, leaned against the window, seemingly resting with her eyes closed, but in reality, she was constantly scanning the surrounding environment through the system.
The energy field is stable, and no abnormal fluctuations have been detected.
Everything seemed calm and peaceful.
But the calmer it is, the more uneasy people feel.
The convoy arrived smoothly at the gate of Huangjue Temple.
The abbot and the monks were already waiting outside the mountain gate to greet them.
Xiao Zhouyan settled the eldest princess and Xu Qingyao in the most quiet and safe Zen courtyard in the temple, Tingsong Courtyard. After carefully inspecting the defenses, he seemed to receive an urgent military report. His brows furrowed, and he hurriedly gave a few instructions to the abbot before riding away with most of the guards, leaving only a dozen or so guards from the Marquis's residence on duty.
The play has already begun.
**
Inside the meditation room of Tingsong Temple, the air was filled with the fragrance of sandalwood.
After administering acupuncture to the princess, Xu Qingyao sat by the window and quietly read Buddhist scriptures. Yuejian was brewing tea beside her, looking tense and glancing out the window from time to time.
"Relax," Xu Qingyao said softly without looking up, "What's meant to come will come."
She had barely finished speaking when the system suddenly issued an urgent alarm:
[WARNING! High-intensity mental interference fluctuations detected! Target: Host and Princess! Source: From the direction of the temple's back mountain!]
Almost simultaneously, Xu Qingyao felt a slight dizziness, and it seemed as if countless faint and eerie whispers echoed in her ears, while the scenery before her eyes also distorted slightly.
She immediately activated the system's energy to protect her mind, and the discomfort quickly subsided.
Even in her unconscious state, the eldest princess on the bed had her brows furrowed, her breathing became rapid, and cold sweat beaded on her forehead.
"Madam!" Yuejian also felt a pang of fear, and her face turned pale.
"Concentrate your mind and silently recite the Buddha's name."
Xu Qingyao said in a deep voice, while secretly activating the jade pendant left behind by Xiao Zhouyan.
A gentle and peaceful power rippled out from her, enveloping the meditation room and instantly isolating the invisible mental interference.
The opponent made a move, and it was a wide-ranging mental attack. The methods were ruthless, and they didn't even spare the unconscious princess.
[The interference source's energy level has increased! Suspected of using a magical artifact for amplification!]
Xu Qingyao's eyes turned cold.
She walked to the door and whispered a few words to the head of the guards. The head of the guards nodded and quietly disappeared into the shadows.
A few moments later, the faint sounds of weapons clashing could be heard from the direction of the back mountain of the temple, before silence fell.
The leader of the secret guards quickly returned and whispered, "Madam, three men in black robes were found in the back mountain setting up some kind of formation. They have been killed by us. However... one of them crushed a bone talisman before he died, and the energy burst out, which we were unable to stop."
Xu Qingyao knew this was bad; she had alerted the enemy, and they would surely know that her plan had been discovered.
Sure enough, the system alarm sounded again, this time even more shrill.
[Spatial teleportation energy fluctuation detected! Coordinates: Bamboo grove outside Tingsong Courtyard!]
They actually used teleportation to force their way in.
"Be on guard!" Xu Qingyao shouted sharply, while protecting the princess behind him.
At the same time, the doors and windows of the meditation room were smashed open by a tremendous force! Amidst flying sawdust, three figures darted in like ghosts.
The leader was dressed in a black robe with a hood covering his face, but his long, flowing silver hair was unusually striking in the dim light.
He held a twisted, snake-shaped dagger in his hand, which gleamed with an eerie green light.
The other two were dressed as ordinary assassins, with empty eyes, but their movements were as swift as leopards.
"kill!"
The silver-haired guest's voice was hoarse and dry, like sandpaper being rubbed, devoid of any emotion.
Two assassins fearlessly lunged at Xu Qingyao, their blades flashing fiercely!
The guards left behind immediately rushed forward and engaged them in battle. The meditation room was small, and the sounds of clashing swords were incessant, with energy surging everywhere.
The silver-haired guest elder walked straight towards the eldest princess, who was being protected by Xu Qingyao, and thrust his snake-shaped dagger into her heart.
His target from the very beginning was the eldest princess.
As long as the eldest princess dies here, regardless of whether Xu Qingyao lives or dies, Xiao Zhouyan will be implicated, the emperor will be furious, and the capital will be thrown into chaos.
Xu Qingyao was not about to let him succeed.
Although she was not skilled in martial arts, with the system's enhancement, her reaction and speed far surpassed that of ordinary people. She grabbed the incense burner on the table and smashed it into the face of the silver-haired guest, while simultaneously stepping aside to block in front of the princess's bed.
With a flick of his dagger, the silver-haired retainer easily cleaved the incense burner in two, sending ash flying. His icy gaze locked onto Xu Qingyao, the dagger carrying a chilling aura as it turned to stab her.
Just then—
"Buzz!"
The jade pendant in Xu Qingyao's arms suddenly burst forth with a dazzling white light, forming a light shield that blocked the fatal blow.
The dagger collided with the light shield, producing a piercing sizzling sound, and the eerie green light and white light eroded each other.
A hint of surprise flashed in the silver-haired guest's eyes, clearly not expecting Xu Qingyao to possess such a protective treasure. But he didn't stop; his other hand quickly formed hand seals, and he chanted incantations, causing an even more powerful dark energy to begin to condense.
Xu Qingyao felt the pressure increase dramatically, and her light shield began to tremble slightly. She knew she couldn't just passively defend; she had to counterattack!
"System, interfere with his spellcasting!"
[Activate high-frequency energy pulse!]
An invisible energy ripple spread out from Xu Qingyao as the center.
The silver-haired guest elder grunted, his hand seal movement paused slightly, and the condensed energy momentarily became disordered.
Taking advantage of the moment, Xu Qingyao grabbed a silver hairpin from the side, poured all her strength into it, and stabbed it fiercely into the wrist of the silver-haired guest who was holding a dagger!
The silver-haired guest reacted extremely quickly, flipping his wrist to avoid a fatal blow, but his sleeve was still torn, revealing a pale, bloodless arm and a strange, wriggling black totem on it.
"It's you!"
Xu Qingyao's pupils shrank suddenly. The style of the totem was exactly the same as the runes she had seen on the altar in Lengxiang Garden.
The silver-haired guest elder's eyes blazed with murderous intent, and he held nothing back. Black energy surged around him, clearly indicating that he was about to use even more powerful methods.
At that very moment—
"Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!"
Several crossbow bolts shot in through the window like venomous snakes, accurately targeting the silver-haired guest's vital points.
The arrows shimmered with the light of anti-magic runes.
Xiao Zhouyan has arrived!
The silver-haired guest had no choice but to abandon his attack and use his dagger to parry the arrows.
At the same time, Xiao Zhouyan burst through the window like a god of war, his long sword carrying an incomparably sharp sword aura, aiming straight for the head of the silver-haired guest elder!
"Your opponent is me!" Xiao Zhouyan's voice was icy, and his sword light cascaded down, completely enveloping the silver-haired guest.
The battle inside the meditation room escalated instantly.
The silver-haired guest possessed eerie and unpredictable evil magic, his movements were elusive, and his black aura could corrode weapons; Xiao Zhouyan's swordsmanship was fierce and powerful, his momentum was like a rainbow, and his sword energy crisscrossed, constantly cleaving away the black aura.
Taking advantage of the opportunity, Xu Qingyao moved the eldest princess to a safer corner, where Yuejian and two bodyguards protected her. She watched the fierce battle unfold with bated breath, knowing that the outcome depended on this one move.
However, seeing that things were hopeless, the silver-haired guest suddenly made a feint, forcing Xiao Zhouyan back, and then plunged his snake-shaped dagger into the ground.
"With blood as the catalyst, ten thousand souls will devour the heart!"
He roared, bit his tongue, and spat a mouthful of blood onto the dagger!
In an instant, the entire meditation room was filled with howling winds and the wailing of ghosts! Countless twisted black shadows surged out from the daggers and pounced on Xiao Zhouyan and Xu Qingyao!
This is a forbidden technique that results in mutual destruction.
Xiao Zhouyan's expression changed, and he tightly protected Xu Qingyao behind him. His sword energy surged, forming a barrier to block the impact of the dark figure.
But the shadows were endless and extremely corrosive, and the sword energy barrier was slowly dissolving!
Xu Qingyao could feel Xiao Zhouyan's body tense and his strength rapidly depleting. If this continued, they would both die!
She looked at the snake-shaped dagger stuck in the ground, then at Xiao Zhouyan who was struggling to hold on, and a resolute look flashed in her eyes.
"System, maximum power, energy overload! Target, that dagger!"
[WARNING! Overload operation will cause the system to temporarily hibernate, and the host may suffer backlash!]
"implement!"
Xu Qingyao poured all the energy in her body, along with the remaining power in the jade pendant, into the system.
A beam of white light, condensed to its extreme and almost tangible, shot out from her palm. Like a sharp sword, it ignored the dark shadows and struck the snake-shaped dagger with precision!
"Snap!"
The dagger shattered instantly!
The countless dark shadows let out a shrill scream and vanished in an instant.
The silver-haired guest elder was struck as if by a heavy blow, spitting out a mouthful of black blood. His aura instantly weakened, and he looked at Xu Qingyao in disbelief: "You... how could this be..."
Xiao Zhouyan would not let such a good opportunity pass by. With a flash of sword light, he pierced directly through his heart.
The silver-haired guest stiffened, looking down at the sword blade at his chest. His hood slipped down, revealing a pale, handsome face covered with strange black markings.
He stared intently at Xu Qingyao, his lips moving as if he wanted to say something, but in the end, it only turned into a sigh of unwillingness before he breathed his last.
The battle is over.
Xu Qingyao felt all her strength drain away, her vision went black, and she collapsed softly into a warm and firm embrace.
"Qingyao!" Xiao Zhouyan's anxious voice rang in my ears.
She barely opened her eyes, saw the undisguised worry in them, and forced a weak smile: "It's done..."
Before the words were even finished, darkness descended completely. The consequences of system overload began to manifest.
Xiao Zhouyan held her tightly, feeling her faint breath, and felt a wave of fear and relief.
He glanced at the silver-haired guest's corpse on the ground, then looked out the window at the deep night.
The deadly game at Xishan ended in a Pyrrhic victory for them.
The silver-haired guest was executed, and Shen Rou lost an arm.
But the undercurrents in the capital are far from over.
Everything the woman in his arms had done for him was deeply etched into his heart.
The storm has only just begun.
And they will continue to join hands and navigate through this chaos.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
