Brothers

Chun Tao was extremely similar to Princess Dongyang in height, build, facial features, and even her gait. While there were some differences in their demeanor, outsiders wouldn't be able to tell them apart unless the two were standing side-by-side.

Granny Li said, "Miss, this old servant and Chun Tao will return to Kun City first. Once Miss has finished her important business, we will meet in Kun City."

With that, Granny Li took the disguised Chun Tao and left.

Unexpectedly, as Chun Tao passed by Qin Sang, she suddenly stopped, looked at him, and smiled brightly. "Young Master Qin, may I ask what kind of wood was used to make the staff in your hand? Its luster is so bright. My younger brother also enjoys practicing with staffs, but unfortunately, he has been weak and sickly since childhood, and my parents forbid it. When I return this time, I was thinking of bringing him one as a gift."

Qin Sang was taken aback, wondering why Chun Tao was suddenly asking these questions.

Noticing the old woman's displeased expression and that Princess Dongyang herself did not stop her, he replied, "To answer you, Miss Chun Tao, this staff is made from Heart of Ironwood. This Ironwood grows in Muzi Kingdom in the south. If you can find merchants from Muzi Kingdom, you'll be able to buy it."

"My younger brother will definitely like it. I'll thank you on his behalf, Young Master Qin."

Chun Tao's eyes flickered as she covered her mouth and smiled, then followed Granny Li out.

As she was getting into the carriage, Chun Tao almost slipped, but Granny Li quickly caught her.

After escorting her into the carriage, Granny Li announced loudly, "The Miss has ordered that we are not going to Three Witches City this time. Everyone turn around immediately and head back to Kun City."

The guards immediately mounted their horses and, without asking why, silently turned back.

The carriage was silent. Chun Tao covered her mouth tightly, tears streaming down her face.

After Granny Li and the others had left, everyone emerged from the forest. Looking at the empty road ahead, Princess Dongyang was silent for a moment before suddenly asking an old guard, "Elder Yue, was what Chun Tao said true?"

Elder Yue replied, "Answering the Miss, Chun Tao does indeed have a young brother at home who is often ill. He has nearly died several times and has been kept alive with medicine. Chun Tao's monthly wages are all given to her family, barely enough to buy medicine for her younger brother."

Princess Dongyang asked with confusion, "What kind of illness is it? Can't Imperial Physician Li treat it?"

"This..."

Elder Yue hesitated for a moment before saying, "Chun Tao has apparently sought treatment... However, the imperial physicians in the mansion rarely leave. Outside the mansion, apart from officials like the governor, ordinary households would need to spend a considerable sum to perhaps get them to come."

Princess Dongyang hummed in acknowledgment. "After we return to the mansion, Elder Yue, remember to use my token to invite an imperial physician to treat Chun Tao's younger brother. The consultation fees and medicine costs will be covered by the Prince's Mansion... and then find him a position within the mansion."

Elder Yue said, "The Miss's kindness is immense."

Princess Dongyang looked around and then asked, "Commander Bai, is there a way out to the north from here?"

Bai Jianglan thought for a moment and nodded. "There's a small path through the mountains that leads to Linwu City. We can also bypass the city and travel at a gallop, reaching Yingnan Prefecture in four days."

Princess Dongyang made an immediate decision. "Then we'll head north. Elder Yue, send a message along the way for my father to send people to Yingnan Prefecture to meet us."

Bai Jianglan took the lead, with Qin Sang and the Water Monkey following silently beside him. The group sped along the small path.

It was evident that Bai Jianglan was very familiar with the area, constantly changing directions and paths, making it dizzying. That evening, they passed through the territory of Linwu City without entering it.

Late at night, Bai Jianglan chose a mountain hollow to rest.

Being skilled individuals, they quickly gathered wild game. Around the fire, Elder Yue personally fetched spring water. They sustained themselves with hard, dry biscuits. Princess Dongyang found it difficult to swallow but ate every bite.

They had been fleeing all day and hadn't seen anyone pursuing them. Qin Sang estimated that even if Jiangshan Tower hadn't given up on the assassination, they might have been lured away by the decoys.

He wondered how many of the decoys had survived.

That day, Chun Tao's final smile repeatedly appeared in Qin Sang's mind, making him sigh inwardly. The cruelty of this world was more naked than in his previous life.

Forced to spend the night in the mountains, Qin Sang had no guard duty. He casually found a tree to lean against and rest.

By the campfire, Princess Dongyang lay on her side, covered with clothes. She hadn't moved for a long time, seeming to be truly asleep. Elder Yue sat cross-legged beside her.

Bai Jianglan and the Water Monkey and others set up some simple traps.

Qin Sang couldn't sleep. With so many people around, he couldn't cultivate. He sank his consciousness into his body to observe internally, his awareness returning to his soul.

Ever since the Jade Buddha had driven away the evil spirit, Qin Sang had been trying to understand it every night after cultivating. However, no matter how much he fiddled around, the Jade Buddha never reappeared. Only a faint yellowish light persisted.

After the Jade Buddha appeared, Qin Sang felt no change when cultivating the Netherworld Scripture. It seemed the Jade Buddha only intervened to save his life when he was in danger, and otherwise, it couldn't be bothered to even glance at him.

Qin Sang, who had harbored great expectations, could only gradually accept reality, attributing it to his own low realm.

The night was cold.

Qin Sang pulled his clothes tighter and closed his eyes, feigning sleep. He heard footsteps and opened his eyes to see the Water Monkey, Zhou Ning, approaching.

"Brother Qin, have a drink," the Water Monkey handed him a small gourd, winking.

Qin Sang opened the lid, and a rich aroma of wine wafted out. Seeing that no one was paying attention, he quickly took a large gulp. Although his body was excellent and he wasn't afraid of the cold, the strong liquor felt like a fiery line entering his stomach, making him feel comfortable.

"Thank you, Brother Zhou!"

Qin Sang handed the wine gourd back and said with a smile, "Brother Zhou, I'll be able to eat the river fish you catch from now on."

The Water Monkey chuckled and stood beside Qin Sang. He was not as talkative as usual today, having said little all day. He looked up at the night sky and suddenly asked in a low tone, "Brother Qin, why don't you go home for a year? Don't you miss your parents?"

Qin Sang sighed. "What's the point of missing them? If I return to the village, I'll only live a life of hardship. By coming out, I might be able to achieve something and let them enjoy wealth and honor too."

The Water Monkey's expression showed clear disagreement. "Brother Qin, you're mistaken. Parents care most about you. Reuniting with your family is the right thing to do. What is wealth and honor compared to that..."

As they were talking, Qin Sang's eyes suddenly changed. He straightened up abruptly, staring up at the dense foliage overhead, and shouted, "Someone's here! Be careful!"

Before his voice had even faded, the shadow of the tree beside Princess Dongyang distorted, and a dark figure lunged directly at Princess Dongyang.

Fortunately, Elder Yue was right beside Princess Dongyang. The moment the assassin appeared, Elder Yue drew the sword resting on his knees, leaped into the air like a falcon, blocking the assassin's path. His sword light was like a swimming dragon, aiming directly for the assassin's vital points in the chest and abdomen.

Unexpectedly, the assassin didn't dodge or evade. Instead, he charged directly into the sword light, his speed increasing even further.

Thwip!

The long sword easily pierced the assassin's abdomen. Undeterred, the assassin's speed didn't decrease at all as he rushed towards Elder Yue. He opened his mouth, and a cold glint shot straight towards Elder Yue's face.

This assassin seemed to be completely ignorant of pain.

Stared at by a pair of lifeless eyes, Elder Yue felt a chill in his heart. He hastily dodged the hidden projectile to the side and suddenly swung his hand back, attempting to retrieve his precious sword. However, the assassin twisted his body, using his bones to firmly jam the sword.