Meanwhile, the Ghost Doctor and Yan Qing embarked on a journey to find information.
In the darkness, the two figures moved nimbly and swiftly through the streets and alleys, their eyes sharp as eagles, unwilling to miss any useful clues. Their steps were light and quick, as if they had blended into the night, becoming a part of it.
Lu Li, this gentle and refined man, would often return to the villa late at night and come to Xu Yuehuai's door to report the news from the outside world each day.
He gently knocked on the door, and after Xu Yuehuai responded, he pushed the door open and entered.
Their meetings were always filled with a harmonious atmosphere. They would sit around the table, sometimes exchanging insights on martial arts, sometimes sharing anecdotes from the martial arts world. Their conversations were always filled with mutual respect and trust, as well as an unspoken understanding.
"Your Highness, your martial arts have improved quite a bit." Lu Li looked at Xu Yuehuai with a hint of admiration in his voice, as if he were seeing a martial arts legend who was constantly growing.
Xu Yuehuai chuckled and shook his head, saying, "Not at all, I'm still far behind Brother Lu."
Just as the two were chatting and laughing, a series of hurried footsteps suddenly sounded outside the door. Then, the Ghost Doctor and Yan Qing pushed the door open and entered, their faces showing exhaustion and solemnity.
"Your Highness, Brother Lu, we've obtained important information," the Ghost Doctor said hurriedly, still catching his breath.
"Oh? What news is it?" Xu Yuehuai and Lu Li asked at the same time, their expressions serious.
Yan Qing handed the secret report to the two men, saying, "The men in black are actually members of the Four Kingdoms Slaughter. They have been secretly monitoring us, attempting to kidnap the princess to coerce the Great Zhou Kingdom into handing over something important."
Upon hearing this, Xu Yuehuai and Lu Li's expressions immediately turned serious. They hadn't expected that this man in black was related to the recently emerging Four Kingdoms Slaughter, and they certainly hadn't expected that their target was Xu Yuehuai.
Xu Yuehuai clenched her fists, determined not to let these people succeed.
“We can’t just sit here and wait to die,” Xu Yuehuai said. “We must take action to deal with this powerful enemy!”
Lu Li nodded and said in a deep voice, "That's right, we need to quickly formulate a counterattack plan, otherwise we will lose the initiative if the other side strikes first."
With Lu Li's assistance, Xu Yuehuai and the others began to formulate a counterattack plan.
They discussed how to lead the guards of Tianxiang Tower, as well as the Ghost Doctor, Yan Qing, and the five guards, in separate groups.
Night had fallen, but the courtyard was brightly lit.
Xu Yuehuai, Lu Li, the Ghost Doctor, and Yan Qing sat around the table, discussing the specific action plan.
“Our first task is to find out the whereabouts of the men in black,” Xu Yuehuai looked up at the Ghost Doctor. “Ghost Doctor, your medical skills are superb. You can disguise yourself as a merchant or a traveling doctor to get close to them.”
The Ghost Doctor smiled and said, "No problem, I'll be careful." He blinked, as if he was already confident. Dong Sang was his home turf; he had countless ways to complete the mission.
“Yan Qing, you are skilled in light footwork and hidden weapons. You can lead our men to secretly follow them,” Xu Yuehuai said to Yan Qing. “Once you find their whereabouts, come back and report immediately.”
Yan Qing replied respectfully, "Yes, I understand."
Lu Li added, "I will return to the capital of Dongsang and go to the palace to advise King Baiyu. We need the strength of Dongsang to fight against those people."
"Okay, it's settled then." Xu Yuehuai stood up, looking at everyone with a determined gaze. "We must succeed!"
Everyone stood up, their eyes meeting, as if they could see the future flames of war, and also their ultimate victory.
Night fell, heavy as ink, enveloping the mountaintop villa. Inside, the lights shone brightly. Xu Yuehuai stood by the window, gazing at the distant starry sky, her heart churning with turmoil. Her meticulously planned operation had encountered an unexpected turn of events just before its execution.
“Your Highness, Lord Yan Qing…” The voice of the first guard was low and anxious, breaking the silence in the room.
Xu Yuehuai turned around abruptly, a dark glint flashing in her eyes: "What happened to Yan Qing?"
The guard said gravely, "He was assassinated in his guest room and his whereabouts are unknown."
Xu Yuehuai's face turned pale instantly. She clenched her fists tightly, her nails digging deep into her palms: "Where is the assassin?"
"The person escaped." The guard said with a hint of guilt.
Xu Yuehuai angrily waved her sleeve: "Go and hunt them down! And make sure Yan Qing's life is saved!"
As soon as the guard left to carry out his orders, the atmosphere inside the room became even more tense.
Lu Li rushed over, her face full of worry: "Your Highness, just now Yan Qing—"
Xu Yuehuai waved her hand, interrupting him: "I understand. Immediately send more people to help with the search. But our plan cannot be delayed. Yan Qing is not here, so I will personally handle his task."
The Ghost Doctor rushed over and stepped forward with Lu Li, trying to dissuade her: "Your Highness, this is too dangerous, you can't go."
Xu Yuehuai's eyes were firm: "My mind is made up, you don't need to say anything more."
As dawn broke, a somber atmosphere pervaded the mountaintop villa.
The guards rushed over, their faces pale: "Your Highness, we've lost track of the assassin, and we haven't found Lord Yan Qing either."
"Keep searching! We need to find them alive or dead!"
The letter in Xu Yuehuai's hand instantly turned to ashes. She looked up, a hint of panic flashing in her eyes, but she quickly regained her composure. She straightened herself and walked out of the main house, where the Ghost Doctor, Lu Li, and the others were already waiting.
"Everyone, be careful on the way, let's go!" Xu Yuehuai's voice echoed throughout the entire courtyard.
Under the rising sun, the group left the villa in batches, each carrying a heavy mission, and quietly disappeared into the forest.
Xu Yuehuai, the woman chosen by fate, led three loyal bodyguards, spurred her horse, and resolutely headed towards the border of the Great Zhou Dynasty.
She was fearless; this mission concerned the lives of countless people, and she had to complete it as quickly as possible!
...
The wind whistled past her ears, and Xu Yuehuai gripped the reins tightly, her heart churning like a stormy sea.
Suddenly, the rapid sound of hooves interrupted her thoughts. A guard rode up, his face full of anxiety: "Your Highness, something terrible has happened! Young Master Lu went to the palace to see Bai Yu, but encountered an accident and has been detained in the royal palace in the capital of Dongsang!"
Xu Yuehuai's face stiffened. "Where is the Ghost Doctor? What happened to him?"
The guard shook his head, his voice low: "The Ghost Doctor and two guards have mysteriously disappeared, and we don't know their whereabouts."
Xu Yuehuai's heart sank to the bottom; she felt an unprecedented pressure.
She looked up at the distant sky, a resolute glint in her eyes. She turned to the guards beside her and said, "Go back and rescue the Ghost Doctor and Brother Lu separately."
The guards exchanged glances, their faces showing hesitation.
One of the guards mustered his courage and said, "Your Highness, we must protect you and cannot leave your side!"
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