Ling Yue didn’t keep any secrets from her big sister now that she’s back out. Whatever love affairs, whatever Chen Hong Ru being the mastermind, she said it all. However, the girl also specifically forbade Lan Caier from sharing the information to anyone, in particular was General Lan and their closest friends. The consequences would be dire if words get loose. For example, like causing a war between Da Xia and North Qing would be catastrophic.
“Ling Yue, why is your expression looking so ugly? Oh right, Feng Shen was looking particularly strange when he left. We better move now and catch up to them before its too late. There’s only Dao Nu by his side so it’s unsafe.” Unsettled by the ominous feeling inside, Lan Caier urged her younger sister to move out of concern.
“I will go now, but Sister, you and Little Crow should stay behind for now. I fear the third cave tunnel would be even more dangerous.” In the end, this was the decision Ye Ling Yue decided upon with after deliberating what’s for the best.
Surprisingly enough, for the one that’s usually the first to charge into things, Lan Caier didn’t object to the idea. The big girl knew this was the right choice; after all, she’s not dumb. During their fight with Zhu Ge Yi, it has become quite apparent her strength was lacking and unfit to continue.
“I will take Little Squeak with me and go ahead. Little Crow, you stay with Sister here okay? This would be a good chance to further both your cultivations with the treasures we found in the room earlier.” Ling Yue figured the furball could at least transform when the need arises, hence the choice.
With the plan settled, it was time to take action. Ling Yue did as she said and went into the third tunnel after using the blank tablet. As for Lan Caier and Little Crow, they found a hiding spot somewhere and bunkered down. There’s plenty of good stuff around for them to use so it’s not a bad arrangement.
…………………..
“Milord, which way should we go?” Dao Nu asks, worried that the one in front of him has already swapped with that “one”.
There’s good reason for the big guy’s worry actually. For one, Feng Shen’s iris was abnormally cold, frosty even, and the air around the boy was starting to turn distant and dangerous.
“There’s sound in that direction. We going.” Feng Shen points to the southern pathway after the question.
But before Dao Nu could react in time, the boy’s figure was already gone and running away. Very soon, the source of the commotion was in sight.
“Brother Feng Shen!” The one crying out was Princess Qing Bi who recognized the newcomer right away.
Turns out the North Qing team had run into Hong Ming Yue’s team after the incident back at the fourth cave. Since the latter refuses to explain the whereabouts of Prince Hou Qi to this lovestruck princess, a fight quickly ensued and thus the current brawl.
“Why is it only you two? Where’s Miss Ye and the other ladies?” Considering how dark and ugly his close friend’s was acting, Cong Lu (royal guard) could already tell things are going to turn from bad to worse.
“Cong Lu, where’s the last member of your team?” Not meeting the eyes of his friend, Feng Shen scanned the area with his intense stare and found something amiss among the North Qing’s team who only had ten members left.
Every delegation team had permission to bring along eleven teammates along when entering the Star Cave. Aside from Ling Yue’s party who came with only five, it’s no secret everyone else had filled their rosters to the brim. Now that left to beckon, where’s the missing last person if there’s only ten?
There should be no reason for the North Qing team to lose someone this early on in the Star Cave Venture, especially when they are operating on their own home turf.
Now this left Cong Lu in an odd state of mind. The captain of the royal guard was definitely taken aback by the question that came right out of the blue, but he’s more worried about the answer he’s about to give after noticing that frosty look in the boy’s face at this point. They’ve known each since they were kids so Feng Shen’s every move won’t be missed by this royal guard captain.
“Hoho, I can answer that in Captain Cong’s stead. When the North Qing’s team entered the cave tunnel, one of their members had left in the beginning, claiming they are unwell.” The voice had a hair-raising effect to any whom listened to it.
Turning over, everyone’s attention soon fell upon the third party that was coming out from the other tunnel. This was the Kai Jiang Manor’s team and they were being led by none other than Chen Minzhi, the demonic being that’s currently disguising himself as a human.
Now this was a troubling turn of event for Hong Ming Yue’s team. The ice beauty had originally intended to score it big in the third cave tunnel after coming here, but after witnessing how strong the North Qing and Kai Jiang Manor’s lineups were, her confidence was starting to sway for the worse.
“Oh don’t look at me like that dear Phoenix Lord, I merely saw what happened by coincidence. Pity though the gentleman was sporting a hooded gown, otherwise I could’ve seen his face as a result. However, I did see the person disappearing after using a blank jade tablet in hand. If I’m not mistaken, it’s the same as the one issued by the Dan Palace, just that it’s not engraved with a number like the ones we received at the entrance.” Retracting his gaze from everyone, Chen Minzhi puts on the air of someone urgently waiting for everyone to fall into a fight.
This revelation sent the royal guard captain into a panic. Cong Lu knew exactly what the man was indicating too. Among the people in his party, Xue Pian Ran definitely has one and he too has seen some before!
“Dao Nu, we’re leaving.” That said, Feng Shen immediately turns back for the direction in which he came from.
If Cong Lu was intent on protecting that said person then his only recourse was to seek out the individual on his own, with or without his friends help.
“Hold on Phoenix Lord, I’m afraid you can’t leave yet.” Swinging in front of the boy, Chen Minzhi blocks the path without a clear reason why.
“What is the meaning of this?” The boy’s voice has lost all its patience and showed off a hint of intimidating flavor.
“I believe Captain Cong is thinking the same thing as I am. In fact, none can leave here until we are finished.” Saying no more, Chen Minzhi then brings out a jade piece from his sleeve. The item was the same as the tablets they used to enter, just that it’s been cut in half.
As it turns out, Cong Lu also had one in his possession so the royal guard captain could guess exactly what the opposition meant by none could leave. Unless they combined both pieces together, neither party could advance less they do.
“Sir Minzhi, even if that is the case, what difference is there between me staying or not?” Feng Shen’s expression grew stern and harsh.
“Of course there is a difference.” Flipping the half piece over, he reveals the reason why….