Qi Hanlin displayed astonishing strength and skill in the battle, his swordsmanship sharp and precise, forcing the man to retreat step by step with each attack. Although the man also possessed some martial arts skills, he gradually became overwhelmed by the combined assault of Qi Hanlin and the Imperial Guards.
After a thrilling battle, the man fell to the ground. Although he was subdued, a complex light flickered in his eyes.
Resentment, anger, fear, and despair intertwined, like a fierce storm raging within him. His chest heaved, each breath heavy and labored, revealing his weakness and exhaustion.
Qi Hanlin stood not far away, his gaze sharp and fixed on his former rival. His face was expressionless, but his eyes revealed a hint of wariness and deep thought.
He waved for the guards to come forward and keep a close watch on the man, preventing him from escaping or launching another attack. The guards immediately sprang into action, weapons in hand, forming a circle that firmly held the man within.
"Bang bang bang!"
However, at this crucial moment, the man suddenly threw a smoke grenade. A plume of white smoke shot into the sky, quickly spreading and enveloping the entire battlefield in a hazy mist.
The smoke had a pungent smell that made people feel dizzy.
Xu Yuehuai, standing next to Qi Hanlin, saw this and immediately exclaimed, "Be careful! This smoke bomb is poisonous!"
Upon hearing this, Qi Hanlin's expression changed. He immediately waved to the Imperial Guards to cover their mouths and noses. He himself quickly took out a handkerchief and covered his mouth and nose to prevent inhaling the poisonous fumes.
The man crawled laboriously through the smoke. His body was covered in wounds and blood, but he continued moving forward with unwavering determination. He knew this was his only chance, and he had to seize it to escape.
His heart was filled with despair, but he still clung to a sliver of hope, hoping to find a way out in this long darkness.
After the toxic smoke dissipated, watching the man's figure disappear into the smoke, Qi Hanlin was filled with anger and helplessness. He knew that the arrest operation had completely failed.
Meanwhile, Qi Hanlin was also considering a strategy. He knew this man was extremely cunning and possessed exceptional combat skills. He was already very lucky to have subdued him this time.
However, the situation is now much more complicated. He must quickly devise a way to recapture the man, or the consequences will be dire.
Qi Hanlin's eyes shone with determination. He turned to Xu Yuehuai and said, "We must find him as soon as possible! The poison in his body could cause serious harm to other innocent people!"
Xu Yuehua nodded, knowing the situation was extremely urgent. She quickly took a medicine bottle from her waist and handed it to Qi Hanlin, saying, "This is the antidote; take it first."
Qi Hanlin took the medicine bottle, a warm feeling welling up in his heart.
He quickly distributed the antidote pills to the guards beside him, ordering them to turn around and chase after the smoke-filled direction.
The battle may be over, but the real contest has just begun. This contest is not only a test of strength and skill, but also a test of wisdom and perseverance.
Xu Yuehuai watched the direction the man had disappeared in, a sigh of relief washing over her. She knew she was safe for the time being. She turned to look at Qi Hanlin and the others, her eyes filled with gratitude and admiration.
"Aunt, are you alright?" Qi Hanlin asked with concern.
Xu Yuehuai shook her head: "I'm fine, thank you for saving me." Her voice was full of gratitude and admiration.
Qi Hanlin and the others looked at Xu Yuehuai with admiration and respect in their eyes. They knew that Xu Yuehuai was a brave and strong woman; she possessed not only outstanding wisdom and talent, but also unwavering faith and courage. She was their role model and example.
A short while later, they returned to the capital together and safely escorted Xu Yuehuai back to the Regent's Palace.
Qi Hanlin instructed, "Aunt, please stay in the Prince's residence during this time. Uncle has not returned, so please be extra careful!"
"Okay, take care of yourself too," Xu Yuehuai said.
Qi Hanlin nodded, then got into the carriage and left the Prince's Mansion with the Imperial Guards.
Xu Yuehuai watched Qi Hanlin and the others leave, her heart filled with gratitude. She knew that these Imperial Guards were Qi Guze's capable assistants and her strongest support.
Upon returning to the Regent's Palace, Xu Yuehuai immediately summoned his secret guards and inquired about their situation.
She learned that the guards had also been bewitched by the mysterious man, but he did not harm them; he simply confined them to a remote place.
Xu Yuehua felt a wave of fear wash over her. She knew that if Qi Hanlin hadn't arrived in time, the consequences would have been unimaginable.
Xu Yuehuai stood in the council hall of the Regent's Palace, her eyes firm and calm.
She glanced at the guards present, noticing that although they appeared somewhat tired, their expressions still revealed loyalty and determination. She took a deep breath and spoke slowly.
“You all witnessed what happened today. That mysterious man’s strength is unfathomable; even I was bewildered by him.” Xu Yuehuai’s voice was not loud, but it was full of power. “However, he did not harm us. There must be a reason for this.”
One of the guards couldn't help but speak up: "Your Highness, we will definitely be more vigilant and ensure that such a thing never happens again."
Xu Yuehua nodded, her eyes revealing appreciation: "Very good. Remember, our enemies are not ordinary martial arts figures; they have ulterior motives. We must remain vigilant at all times to ensure the safety of the Prince's Mansion."
She paused, then continued, "I will personally investigate the identity and purpose of this mysterious man. During my absence, you must strengthen the defenses of the Prince's residence without the slightest slackening."
The guards responded in unison, their eyes filled with loyalty and determination.
Xu Yuehuai knew that these guards were her most reliable support, and she believed that they would be able to protect the Prince's Mansion.
After returning to her room, Xu Yuehuai tidied up her things.
Then, she sat by the window, gazing at the scenery outside, but her heart remained unsettled. She recalled the mysterious man's face and mannerisms, her mind filled with doubt and curiosity.
She felt that the person resembled someone she had met before, but she couldn't quite place them.
In the following days, Xu Yuehuai seemed to be trapped in an invisible fog.
The doubts in her mind grew larger and larger, and each attempt was like hitting cotton, silent and without any response.
Every night, Xu Yuehuai would change into black night clothes, quietly leave the palace, and head to the scene of the incident to conduct an investigation.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com