Splitting Up

Qin Sang waited to the side.

Princess Dongyang and the others discussed in the woods, believing they were far enough away, but Qin Sang heard everything clearly.

Granny Li said grimly, "Whether that kid's words are true or false, the Princess's identity and whereabouts have definitely been exposed. King Zhenshui's attitude is ambiguous, and we absolutely cannot go to Three Witches City. Those lackeys of the False Emperor won't give up. The best plan is to split into two groups: the convoy takes the main road back to Kun City to draw attention, while the Princess secretly leaves and returns to Dongyang County quickly via the water route. I fear that kid was sent by the False Emperor's lackeys to divide our forces. In my opinion, there's no need to verify the kid's identity; just kill him with one blow, and we won't have to worry about him reporting back on the way."

Qin Sang's expression remained unchanged, but a chill ran through his heart. He never expected this old woman to be so ruthless.

He glanced at the black horse outside the woods. The Yanluo Banner was still in the package on the horse. Qin Sang mentally calculated the route, pacing back and forth intentionally or unintentionally, subtly moving closer to the roadside.

If they truly intended to make a move, he naturally wouldn't sit idly by.

Then, he heard Bai Jianglan speak, "Please reconsider, Your Highness. If Brother Qin truly came to inform us out of gratitude for saving his life, disregarding his own safety, wouldn't it be... unfair to kill him so unceremoniously..."

Before Qin Sang could feel relieved, Granny Li sharply interrupted Bai Jianglan, "Commander Bai, my only concern is the Princess's safety. Other than that, I care about nothing else! I offer you a piece of advice: since you've pledged allegiance to the Prince, it's best to shed your rogue aura as soon as possible!"

A moment of silence followed.

Qin Sang secretly sighed, not expecting things to escalate like this. He had already prepared to fight when he suddenly heard Princess Dongyang speak, "Commander Bai, are you sure Qin Sang couldn't practice martial arts last year?"

Bai Jianglan replied, "On the boat that day, I personally examined him. There wasn't a trace of True Qi in his body, and his bones and muscles were relaxed. He shouldn't have practiced martial arts."

"To be able to kill a Jiangshan Tower assassin after less than a year of martial arts training!"

Princess Dongyang sighed softly. "Such talent, I imagine even you, Madam, have rarely seen? Words are not proof. Commander Bai, please test him."

"Yes!"

Qin Sang feigned ignorance, looking at Bai Jianglan approaching with a bewildered expression.

"Brother Qin..."

Bai Jianglan walked slowly to Qin Sang. When he was only one step away, he suddenly attacked.

Zheng!

A sword light, swift as lightning, pierced directly at Qin Sang.

A fierce wind hit his face.

From this sword strike, Qin Sang could tell that Bai Jianglan was stronger than the black-clothed assassin, but he could still see the trajectory of the sharp sword. Moreover, he was prepared.

"Brother Bai!"

Qin Sang looked shocked, but his movements were not slow. His steps were staggered, and his upper body twisted sharply. The cold sword blade grazed Qin Sang and passed through.

"Brother Bai, you..."

Qin Sang tried to speak, but Bai Jianglan gave him no chance. His figure flashed, and he instantly closed in on Qin Sang. Where he had put his sword was unknown. His palm formed an eagle's claw, and he fiercely grabbed at Qin Sang.

Bai Jianglan's palm techniques were exquisite, swift as thunder, and unpredictable, but Qin Sang saw them very clearly.

After a few brief exchanges, Qin Sang seized an opportunity and met Bai Jianglan's palm with his fist in a head-on clash. It felt like hitting a wall. He stumbled back several steps, barely managing to stand firm, while Bai Jianglan remained motionless.

Qin Sang then realized that without the Yanluo Banner, there was still a significant gap between himself and a true martial arts master.

Unbeknownst to him, Bai Jianglan was even more surprised.

Although the exchange was brief, Bai Jianglan had a very clear feeling that he was nowhere to hide from Qin Sang. With every move, as soon as it was made, Qin Sang could react faster and dismantle his attacks.

In this exchange, Bai Jianglan fought with reservations, and several times he was almost turned the tables by Qin Sang.

Only in the final head-on clash did Bai Jianglan secretly circulate his True Qi, allowing him to maintain his unassailable position.

"Brother Bai, why did you hit me!"

Qin Sang gasped for breath, questioning him with a look of grief and indignation.

At this moment, Princess Dongyang and Granny Li also walked over, looking surprised as they sized up Qin Sang.

Bai Jianglan sheathed his sword and reported to the Princess, "Reporting to Your Highness, I have tested him. In my opinion, Qin Sang's sensory acuity and reaction speed are second to none. He has also practiced this 'Tiger Subduing Long Fist' to its extreme, making it difficult for others to surpass. Jiangshan Tower assassins are best at assassination and stealth, skilled in disguise, breath concealment, and assassination techniques. They may not be very strong in direct combat. These skills are all exposed before Qin Sang, so it's normal for him to defeat them."

Granny Li chuckled sinisterly, "Your Highness was right to save him. I didn't expect young brother Qin to have such astonishing talent, practicing a 'Tiger Subduing Long Fist' to this level. In time, he will surely become a top expert. Congratulations, Your Highness, you have gained another fierce general!"

If he hadn't heard Granny Li forcefully advocate for his death, he would have truly believed she was a good person.

Qin Sang's face still showed an expression of disbelief.

"You were testing me?"

Princess Dongyang said sincerely, "Please forgive me, brave Qin. This concerns my life, and Anning had to act cautiously. I am grateful for your life-saving grace, and once we are out of danger, Anning will surely repay you handsomely."

Granny Li interjected, "This matter can be discussed later. There is no time to delay. I will go invite Elder Yue now. Commander Bai and Elder Yue will escort the young lady south across the river. Traveling downstream, we can return to Dongyang County in a few days."

Princess Dongyang frowned slightly. "Aren't you coming with me, Madam?"

Granny Li's gaze turned cold as she glanced outside. "Although these guards are the Prince's trained death warriors, there may be those who fear death and are disloyal. I must stay behind to maintain order. As long as they dare not have any rebellious thoughts, they can prevent Jiangshan Tower from discovering anything unusual. Please do not worry, young lady, I will act according to the situation."

Princess Dongyang knew there was no better plan. She said solemnly, "Madam, you must be careful... Please, Madam, call Chun Tao in. Commander Bai, you go with Madam as well, select a few guards, and bring the horses. We will travel light."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Qin Sang also went out to bring the horses. He tied the Yanluo Banner to the ironwood staff, feeling at ease only when he had it by his side.

As he led the horses into the woods, Qin Sang saw Bai Jianglan bringing the Water Monkey and six unfamiliar guards, one of whom was a rosy-cheeked old man.

Granny Li led Chun Tao in.

Qin Sang still vividly remembered Chun Tao's harsh expression. However, Chun Tao merely glanced at him before walking past expressionlessly.

Granny Li took out a human skin mask, as thin as a cicada's wing, and placed it on Chun Tao's face. Then, she had Chun Tao change into the same outer clothing as Princess Dongyang.

The mask fit perfectly, leaving no trace.

Qin Sang marveled inwardly. After the Princess removed her accessories and gave them to Chun Tao, the disguised Chun Tao looked exactly like the Princess.