Heaven Beyond the Heavens was their enemy—why would they be so generous as to send them a secret letter? There had to be a trap!
Quickly opening the envelope, Nangong Mo scanned the contents at lightning speed. As he read the words, his face instantly turned grave.
“The Young Master of Qiongyu Immortal Island was ambushed in the Bamboo Sea! He is being pursued by agents from Heaven Beyond the Heavens, and his current whereabouts are unknown!”
Seeing these words, Nangong Mo’s heart trembled.
Qiongyu Immortal Island was one of the strongest forces on the Dragonbound Continent, on par with the Heaven Beyond the Heavens faction. The island was shrouded in mist year-round and produced exquisite jade and fine wine, hence its name.
Northern Ning had always revered Duanyun Kingdom above all. This secret letter had been received by the King of Duanyun and passed down to them. The Bamboo Sea was within their Northern Ning territory. If the Young Master of Qiongyu Immortal Island was harmed, their responsibility would be immense.
No wonder Nangong Qin had issued three imperial tokens—this was the reason.
If Duanyun Kingdom blamed them, Northern Ning would bear full responsibility. And if Qiongyu Immortal Island grew angry, the consequences would be unimaginable!
How serious this was!
Nangong Mo’s heart raced. He quickly turned to Ye Ningfeng, his voice trembling: “Ningfeng, what do we do now? Without Duanyun Kingdom’s protection, Northern Ning will soon become a mere snack for other countries. We might be wiped out by tomorrow!”
“Don’t panic. Look at the next page.” Ye Ningfeng frowned, pointing at the rest of the letter.
As Nangong Mo quickly flipped to the second page, he let out a breath of relief, but his expression soon darkened. “Escort the Young Master of Qiongyu back? He’s now at Lancang Lake in Northern Ning’s Bamboo Sea? How is that possible? Is the Young Master planning to take a boat across the lake to reach the sea and then sail to Qiongyu Immortal Island?”
His face grew even grimmer. “It’s not that simple. The letter was sent by Heaven Beyond the Heavens—they clearly know the Young Master’s location. If we move recklessly, we will suffer heavy losses.”
“But if we don’t go, Duanyun Kingdom will still blame us. So whether it’s a trap or not, we have to go.” Ye Ningfeng sighed lightly and continued: “Moreover, the Young Master’s presence in Northern Ning must remain secret. We cannot bring too many troops. Here’s the plan: Your Highness, the Crown Prince, the two of us will take ten guards to Lancang Lake. We will instruct General Ling to lead five thousand elite soldiers there. We cannot let Heaven Beyond the Heavens get the upper hand!”
“Good. Let’s do as you say. There’s no time to waste—we leave immediately!”
Busy with preparations, a dreamlike scene passed like the wind.
Ling Ruoxi, holding her favorite foxtail grass between her teeth, patted the horse beneath her. This was the first time she felt so relaxed—seeing new scenery, breathing fresh air unlike that of Earth.
Her silver sword, wrapped in black cloth, was slung on her back. She had heard that the Bamboo Sea was dangerous, but walking the righteous path, she hadn’t yet encountered a single demonic beast. However, with her current strength, even if she did see one, it wouldn’t escape.
The bluish lake shimmered with mottled reflections. Boats went back and forth on the water, and people had set up temporary stalls and small huts for trade. It looked like a small town. The vast lake stretched endlessly, waves lapping at the shore.
“So beautiful! Even on Earth, only some scenic spots abroad could match a lake this stunning.” Ling Ruoxi dismounted, holding the reins as she approached a makeshift tea stall.
The tea stall was simple, with just a few tables and benches. A pot of tea cost one or two silver coins.
Ling Ruoxi didn’t care. Her eyes immediately locked on two men ahead, practically drooling.
One man wore a tight-fitting outfit and a mask, though this time his jaw was exposed. A few hairs adorned his pointed chin. His black outfit was so eye-catching that Ling Ruoxi recognized him instantly.
“Yo, handsome! We meet again!” She waved without hesitation, placing her package and the silver sword on a bench and pouring herself a cup of tea.
The tea warmed her from within, and she finally felt a sense of relief under the blazing sun. She exhaled, grinning.
“You?” The man raised his sword-like brows. Ting Hai simply held his cup and turned away.
Ling Ruoxi nodded, smiling faintly. “Yes, it’s me. You tried to assassinate me back then—I remember that. You can’t have forgotten me, right?”
Tilting her head, Ling Ruoxi glanced at the other man, wearing a dark golden robe. Even in June, he wore winter cotton, and like Ting Hai, a mask covered half his face. His complexion was pale.
“You’re injured?” She ignored etiquette and reached for his wrist.
Having studied the Poison Scriptures and combined them with Zuo Mingfeng’s notes, she had some medical knowledge. Using observation, palpation, questioning, and pulse, she immediately realized this man was seriously hurt—his skin pale, his aura chaotic.
The seated man snorted. With lightning-fast speed, his hand gripped Ling Ruoxi’s arm and pulled her toward him.
“Ow, ow, ow!” The speed was so fast she couldn’t react. Her right hand was in his firm grasp, powerless.
Clenching her teeth, tears threatening to fall, she kicked his foot. The man grunted and released her arm.
“Seriously, don’t you know to treat a lady with care? I was only checking your condition!” She scowled, angered at her nearly-twisted arm.
Yet she couldn’t shake the sense that this man seemed familiar in some indescribable way.
“You alright, Young Master?” Ting Hai hurriedly intervened, holding the man steady.
He shook his head faintly. “Who is she?”
“The Ling Family’s Third Miss, Ling Ruoxi.” Ting Hai spoke cautiously, supporting him. “Young Master, ships to the Open Sea depart only once every ten days. It’s been seven days—three more days, and we can leave.”
“Open Sea? What’s that? Fun?” Ling Ruoxi looked at the man, holding her arm. “Are there many handsome men there? If there are guys with bodies like yours, I’m going with you.”
“Hmph…” Ting Hai frowned and snorted coldly.
The man said nothing, sitting down again.
“This place is temporary. You’ve been waiting seven days? Sleeping here every night? Handsome, you look drained—pale and panting. Classic kidney deficiency! If untreated, it’ll affect your life. Here, give me your hand. I’m a medical practitioner—I can help.”
Ling Ruoxi didn’t really want to meddle, but the man looked so weak. After being kicked and with his chaotic aura, he was clearly forcing himself. How could his body endure this?
Ting Hai’s eyes brightened. “You’re a medical practitioner?”
“Yes. I’ve recently read some good medical books. Let me help him, and I’ll get some practice too.” She quickly pulled silver needles from her bag.
She had just learned the local medical techniques from the Poison Scriptures—this man would be her test subject.
“You said… I have kidney deficiency?” The man’s face went even paler, his aura chaotic. Clearly angry—what man wants to admit that?
Ling Ruoxi chuckled. “It’s not serious yet, but if left untreated, it’ll affect your body. Let me take a look!”
“I’m fine. I don’t need it.” He turned coldly, fists clenched.
Ting Hai whispered: “Young Master, your condition has been neglected for days. This injury is severe. Let her help. Until we return, we can’t reveal our identity—she’s just an ordinary woman and won’t leak our secrets.”
“Hmph.” The man finally stood. “Take her to my room.”
“Eh?” The imposing man waved his sleeve and vanished within the tea stall. Ling Ruoxi’s eyes widened.
She couldn’t study Dou Qi in this world, but she knew: when someone was strong enough, even their casual movements were invisible to the naked eye. This man was clearly powerful. A few stabs from her wouldn’t be lethal, right?
“Miss Ling, please follow me.” Ting Hai led the way.
Ling Ruoxi didn’t delay. Grabbing her package and silver sword, she followed, eyes drawn to the man’s perfect body in the black outfit—straight legs, no excess fat, a tight, well-shaped rear, and well-defined back muscles. Even modern models wouldn’t match his physique.
Almost drooling, she quickly wiped her mouth and accidentally bumped into Ting Hai’s back, nearly smashing her nose.
“We’ve arrived.” Ting Hai frowned. The temporary building was simple inside—just a bed with a thick tiger pelt.
In the Bamboo Sea, where demonic beasts roamed, this was already a safe resting place. But the soft area was occupied by the man, leaving her to stand.
“Get down.” The man said coldly. Ting Hai closed the door, standing outside.
“Come over.” The man beckoned.
For some reason, Ling Ruoxi felt a flicker of fear. Scratching her head, she asked with a nervous laugh: “Hehe… um, handsome, what should I call you?”
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