Old friend
In early spring, the biting wind carried the scent of thawing earth, but it could not dispel the heavy atmosphere that had settled in the Shen family study.
The confusion in Su Wan's eyes, the slight frown on Xuan Chenzi's brows, and Ling Zhan's all-knowing, icy gaze were like invisible shackles binding Shen Yan.
He tried to remain calm as he picked up the teacup, but his fingertips trembled slightly uncontrollably.
That inexplicable unease, like a poisonous vine coiling around my heart, tightened ever more.
Knock knock knock!
The study door was knocked on urgently yet restrainedly, instantly breaking the stagnant air.
Outside the door, Liu Quan's deliberately lowered voice, tinged with a hint of panic, pierced through the door panel:
"Master! Madam Ling! Uncle Yang... Uncle Yang is outside the door, saying... saying that the disaster is imminent, concerning the survival of the entire household! We must immediately report this to Master and Madam in private!"
He emphasized the word "alone" with great force, as if it were a heavy hammer blow to Shen Yan's heart.
"The threat of collapse? A private meeting to report?"
Shen Yan suddenly stood up, slamming his teacup against the edge of the table with a loud bang, spilling tea.
That unease instantly transformed into a chilling fear that gripped him.
Ling Zhan's eyes suddenly sharpened like a drawn blade.
"Su Wan, Daoist Master, Mr. Wang, please wait in the side hall!" Shen Yan's voice was urgent and left no room for doubt.
At this moment, Yang Bo and Liu Quan's warnings took precedence over everything else.
Although Su Wan and the others were surprised and suspicious, they knew that the situation was unusual and quickly withdrew.
Liu Quan stood guard at the door, his hawk-like eyes scanning the surroundings to ensure complete silence.
The heavy, carved wooden door slowly closed behind Yang Bo's hunched figure, shutting out the last trace of outside noise.
The candlelight flickered, casting distorted shadows of the three people onto the wall, swaying and uncertain, creating a suffocating atmosphere in the room.
Yang Bo stood in the center of the study, as if he had finally unloaded the heavy burden that he had carried for twenty years.
That hunched back straightened inch by inch, and in his cloudy eyes, numbness was completely shattered, and flames that had been dormant for many years burst forth—grief, reminiscence, and scrutiny, which ultimately transformed into a desperate gamble!
His gaze, like two ancient swords weathered by time yet still sharp, pierced straight into Shen Yan's face.
It seemed to pierce through the dust of time, reaching the source of that blood and fire!
Shen Yan's heart pounded wildly under that gaze, and a chill ran from the soles of her feet straight to the top of her head.
In the deathly silence, Yang Bo, with his only remaining right hand, trembled but reached out with unusual determination to the inside of his clothes.
Instead of groping, he exerted force and tore the lining seam with a "rip"!
The movements were resolute, carrying a tragic sense of ritual.
He slowly and solemnly pulled out a small, hard object from the inner layer of his body, which was close to his skin and stained with sweat and body heat. The object was wrapped and bound layer by layer with the toughest oilcloth.
The dark brown oilcloth, with worn edges, tells the story of years of cherished possession.
His withered fingers trembled as he peeled away layer after layer of oilcloth, which was stained with the marks of time and his body heat.
Each peeling was like removing a scab, the air thick with the weight of water.
Finally, the last layer faded away.
What was revealed was not a jade pendant or seal, but a dark purple brocade pouch with a dull, blood-like color and rounded, worn edges!
The material is neither silk nor satin, with subtle patterns that exude a breathtaking sense of nobility.
Under the candlelight, the gold-embroidered pattern on the front of the brocade pouch was crystal clear, exuding a breathtaking majesty.
A five-clawed golden dragon! Its body was lithe and agile, coiled around auspicious clouds, its head held high, its eyes like torches, and its immense power instantly filled the small room!
"Clang!"
The teacup in Shen Yan's hand fell completely, shattering into pieces, and the scalding tea soaked through the corner of his robe!
He was struck as if by an invisible giant hammer, jolting violently from his chair. His face was ashen, and his body swayed wildly. Had he not clung tightly to the desk, he would have collapsed long ago! His eyes were fixed on the five-clawed golden dragon, his pupils shrinking to pinpoints, as if he were witnessing the most terrifying sight in the world!
Ling Zhan remained seated, his posture as steady as a mountain.
But those clear, cold eyes suddenly flashed with an unprecedented sharp light, locking onto the brocade pouch, the emblem, and Shen Yan's ghost-like, violent reaction!
Uncle Yang seemed oblivious to all of this.
On his deeply lined face, turbid tears streamed down his face, washing away the dust and revealing the deep marks of suffering beneath.
His emaciated body trembled violently from the immense emotional shock.
He suddenly looked up, his eyes blurred with tears, staring intently at Shen Yan's face, which was distorted by extreme shock and fear.
His hoarse voice, filled with a heart-wrenching grief, spoke each word like a thunderclap: "Your Highness! This old minister, Yang Sijian... has lived for eighteen years, and finally... finally found you!"
His trembling, single arm, imbued with immense strength, pointed fiercely at the brocade pouch. "Do you still remember... the raging inferno at the Eastern Palace that burned everything and destroyed half the imperial city?! Do you still remember... who, amidst the flames and choking smoke, risked their life to place this 'Xuanji Key' into your bosom?! Do you still remember... who used their only son... to replace your... four-clawed python robe, stained with the blood of the late Crown Prince and Crown Princess?!"
"Boom—!"
The floodgates of memory have been completely blasted open!
Countless fragments of images, filled with scorching heat, thick smoke, blood, and desperate screams, swept through the fragile defenses of the oppressive atmosphere like a raging flood!
Soaring flames… collapsing beams and pillars… his mother’s piercing screams… a pair of bloodstained hands that shoved him violently into the cold, dark passageway… the cold, hard touch of a dragon-patterned garment in his arms… and… the terrified, desperate face of a boy about his age, consumed by flames, the last thing he saw before the passage closed… that python robe that had been forcibly stripped off and placed on him?!
"Ah—!" Shen Yan let out a scream that was inhuman and extremely painful!
He clutched his head tightly with both hands, his body curled up and slid to his knees on the ground, as if he were being torn to pieces!
The forgotten, tragic past transformed into a hideous demon, utterly devouring him!
The candlelight flickered wildly, illuminating the collapsing Shen Yan, the tearful Yang Sijian, and Ling Zhan's cold, insightful gaze.
The heavy shackles of identity and the overwhelming blood feud descended upon them!
Just as Shen Yan was curled up and roaring, his consciousness being torn apart by the Bloodfire Hell—
A cool, steady hand, calloused and gripping the back of his neck like an iron clamp!
Precise pressure was applied to stop the uncontrollable trembling of nerve nodes!
The roar abruptly stopped.
Shen Yan looked up in horror, only to meet Ling Zhan's icy gaze, which was inches away from hers—
There was no warmth, only cold, ruthless orders that pierced through flesh and blood!
"Look at me. Breathe." The voice, sharp as ice, pierced through the chaos.
The pressure on the back of his neck was like a cold anchor chain, forcibly nailing his raging consciousness back into his body! He greedily locked his gaze onto her, swallowing the air, trying to regain a foothold in absolute control.
Ling Zhan ignored Yang Sijian's exhaustion after surviving the ordeal and shot his cold, sharp gaze at him.
"The source of the disaster? Evidence?" — Precise coordinates, no more lamentations.
Yang Sijian stiffened, fiercely wiping away his tears with his single arm. The sharp edge of a former high-ranking official pierced through his grief: "Your Highness! Lady Ling! Three guillotines hang overhead! The Poisonous Eye Wu gang has been eradicated from the mountaintop, and their master will surely investigate! He will surely launch a full-scale attack! The Shen family will be the first to be targeted! That's the first point!" His teeth trembled, each word clear, "Secondly, in my haste to repair the connecting rod, I used the Xuanji Secret Technique! That exiled craftsman Liu San may have already betrayed his master! This technique is related to the old case of the Eastern Palace. If it is connected to 'Shenji Loom' and 'Your Highness's Appearance'... 'Street-Cleansing Tiger' will surely arrive!"
When the term "street-cleaning tiger" was mentioned, a deep-seated hatred and fear flashed in his eyes.
He pointed with his one arm to the empty window, his voice filled with despair: "Thirdly, there is no protection here! Magistrate Chen has left office, the new official is unfamiliar with the situation, and the yamen is just sitting idle! If the thieves come, there will be no help, and the officials may become weapons! If we stay here..." His eyes were bloodshot, "we will be the entire yamen ready to be slaughtered!"
"Only Linzhou Prefecture can survive!" He pointed westward, making a desperate gamble. "Prefect Chen knows of Lady Ling's abilities and wields real power! The prefecture has a million people, like needles hidden in the sea! Only by leveraging their strength can we cut off their pursuit and fight for a sliver of hope!"
"Clatter!"
Chen Ya's fingernails dug into the floor! Fear gripped her again, but froze when she met Ling Zhan's icy profile—
Her eyes were expressionless, only conveying a resolute "as expected."
"Got it?"
Ling Zhan's voice slammed down, delivering a death sentence: "Stay, and await slaughter."
His fingertips pointed westward like knives, "In the prefectural city, with Magistrate Chen, there is a way out."
She turned abruptly, her voice sharp like a battle horn: "Liu Quan!"
The door burst open, and Liu Quan, his face deathly pale, rushed in, his breathing heavy and labored: "Madam!"
"Liu Quan!"
"Here!" Liu Quan straightened his back abruptly, his bloodshot eyes fixed on the main seat.
"Workshop Spark: You and Su Wan, act immediately! All the core artisans on the list and their closest relatives, without exception, travel light, carrying only the necessary tools and blueprints! Follow the secret route map and secretly relocate to the stronghold in the western suburbs of the prefectural city! As long as people are alive, the spark remains! Assemble and depart within the time it takes for an incense stick to burn!"
"Yes! The artisans must be relocated in secret, and the flame must not be extinguished!" Liu Quan responded hoarsely, then turned and ran off.
"Accountant Wang! Su Wan!"
Ling Zhan's gaze swept sharply toward the side hall, where the two had already rushed back upon hearing the commotion.
"The lifeline is packed: ledgers, land deeds, house deeds, all the secret diagrams of the core looms, especially the improved Xuanji technique, the 'Snow Velvet' mother seed and cultivation records—all packed into specially made iron boxes, with double locks and double keys, one for each of you! The boxes will be sealed within two incense sticks' time! This is the foundation of the Shen family, and it cannot be lost!"
"Yes, sir! Pack the vital items into boxes, make sure everything is safe!"
Wang the accountant's voice trembled but remained firm.
Although Su Wan didn't know what had happened, she nodded emphatically, her eyes resolute, and ran off with Accountant Wang.
"Where are the Asura Guards!" Ling Zhan's voice suddenly rose, carrying a metallic clang.
Several towering figures surged into the doorway in an instant, their armor clashing dully, and a chilling aura permeated the air.
The leader knelt on one knee: "The entire Asura Guard, heed my command!"
"The entire team, armor on! Equipped with specially modified crossbows! Guard the front, rear, and flank gates! Control the high ground at the back! Not a single fly is allowed in! Trespassers will be killed on sight!"
"Understood! Guard the gate and control the back mountain! Anyone who trespasses will die!"
The commander's voice was like iron striking stone, leading his men out like a whirlwind.
“Xuan Chenzi!” Ling Zhan’s gaze fell on the shadowy corner.
“Yes, Madam.” Xuan Chenzi stepped forward silently.
"Young Eagles Return to the Nest: You must depart immediately! Take Chen Hong, Wan Su, Sui He, and Xiao Shi Tou with you! All the children, the older ones carry the younger ones, and only bring your personal belongings and necessities! Protect them well, and before midnight, Dou Ya will lead you to the mine entrance to await orders! They are the future, and we cannot afford to lose them!"
"This humble Taoist obeys the order." Xuan Chenzi bowed.
Just then, Yang Sijian's sharp gaze locked onto an old scar half-hidden in Xuan Chenzi's hair on his forehead, his voice filled with suppressed excitement: "Wait! This Daoist priest... possesses a profound and awe-inspiring presence, with the subtle rhythm of swirling stars..."
Xuan Chenzi waved his hand, and Ling Zhan signaled all bystanders to step back.
Only four people remained in the room. She nodded, and Yang Sijian continued, "Although I have encountered you several times, your head, forehead, and most of the back of your neck were always covered by your ceremonial scarf, so I never saw your bearing. Now that I have seen you, if my eyes are not blind, could you be the former Director of the Imperial Observatory, Daoist Xuanweizi?! That scar on your forehead... was it from when you bravely withstood the 'Star-Breaking Cone' of the Street-Cleansing Tiger to protect the Eastern Palace's star map?!"
The entire room was filled with shock! Even Shen Yan, whose mind was in shock, suddenly looked up in disbelief.
Xuan Chenzi paused slightly, and under the shocked gazes of the crowd, slowly brushed away the gray hair at his temples.
A dark brown, old scar resembling a frozen star trail was clearly visible.
His usual nonchalance had vanished, replaced by a calm and dignified air born of experience.
He bowed deeply towards the direction of Chen Yan: "I am Xuanweizi... The past is long gone. But the witchcraft case broke out and the framing was overwhelming. Fortunately, the late Crown Prince was wise and knew my sincerity. He secretly sent assassins to warn me, which allowed me to escape with my broken body... After wandering around, I finally got to see my former master again."
The last four words carry immense weight.
Once the identity was confirmed, a profound sense of history instantly filled the air.
Ling Zhan's understanding deepened: "Lord Supervisor! The fledglings are returning to their nest, and we entrust them with full authority! If any unforeseen circumstances arise along the way, you may make decisions on the spot! Also: You know how to open the Shura Guardian Cave Secret Realm in the back mountain. If we encounter a powerful enemy along the way and are unable to carry all the children at a fast pace, you can temporarily hide the children under three years old inside! Leave reliable guards and seven days' worth of water and food! We can provide them with reinforcements when the crisis has subsided!"
This was her last resort.
Xuanweizi (Xuanchenzi) solemnly cupped his hands: "Madam, rest assured! With me here, the fledgling eagle will be safe and sound! As for the secret realm, I'll take care of it! It was I who helped you survey it back then."
With a swift movement, he disappeared into the night outside the door.
"Yang Sijian!" Ling Zhan finally looked at the one-armed old man.
"Old Yang is here!" Yang Sijian stepped forward, his body straight, his eyes sharp and shrewd.
"You will accompany Xuan Chenzi. 'Living Map': Identify all possible marks, traps, and ambush points set up by pursuers along the way! Your eyes are the path to survival!"
"Don't worry, Madam! Old Yang's eyes are made for these underhanded tricks!" Yang Sijian patted his chest to assure him and quickly followed Xuan Chenzi.
Only the flickering candlelight and heavy breathing remained in the study.
Shen Yan leaned against the cold wall, his inner shirt soaked with cold sweat. The illusion of a sea of fire and Yang Sijian's tearful words were still tearing at his mind.
He looked at Ling Zhan's cold, aloof profile as he gazed at the night outside the door, and a deep sense of guilt tightened around his heart like a poisonous vine.
“Ling…Ling Zhan…”
His voice was dry and hoarse, trembling with brokenness. He struggled to stand up and tried to grab her sleeve. "I...I'm sorry. That fire...I thought it burned everything, including the name 'Shenyan' before...I just wanted...I just wanted to be here, an ordinary person selling cloth..."
The fear that implicated her even overwhelmed all other emotions.
Ling Zhan suddenly turned around.
The candlelight reflected in her eyes, revealing turbulent undercurrents.
"Ordinary people?"
Her voice wasn't loud: "Shen Yan, look at these Shura Guards! And think about how you repeatedly rejected Su Wan's suggestions to develop in the prefectural city, and how you stubbornly clung to Linshan! Would such a 'beauty-loving' merchant give up a bright future in the prefectural city and the capital? Would you tacitly allow me to train these... 'servants'?"
She took a step closer, her breath icy: "The fear deep in your bones has imprisoned you! Today's calamity is an old debt, and also the 'premonition' that you and I both tacitly shared has taken root!"
Her words ripped away all his pretense, starkly exposing his cowardly attempts to escape.
Shen Yan was struck dumb, staggered, and turned deathly pale.
So she already knew! Although she didn't know exactly what it was!
Those expansion proposals he rejected, the Asura Guards she secretly trained… were all anchors she had prepared for this foreseen storm! The ordinariness he thought he was protecting was, in her eyes, a prison riddled with flaws!
An overwhelming sense of shame and powerlessness gripped his throat.
“An apology is useless, Your Highness.”
Ling Zhan withdrew his arm, his eyes freezing back into the cold iron of command: "Want to atone? Live! Keep up with the group!"
She stopped looking at him, turned to face the deep night outside the door, her figure straight as a sword about to be drawn.
"Midnight! Mine entrance, convoy stealthily advancing! Remember—anyone who blocks the way, regardless of who they are or their reason, will be executed on the spot!"
Every word was like an iron nail soaked in ice water, hammering into the hearts of everyone present.
The air froze, leaving only the echo of commands and the pounding of hearts.
In the distance, the faint, cold click of the Shura Guard crossbow being cocked could be heard.
The night wind howled, as if playing the prelude to the bloody and fiery path that was about to be embarked upon.
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