Plucking the Tiger's Beard

Inside an unnamed small building not far away, three Dragon Guards in black brocade martial attire leaned against the window, taking in the entire battle.

The person in the middle was a woman around thirty years old. She had a melon-seed shaped face, skin as fair as snow, eyebrows like distant mountains, and eyes like autumn water. A faint, almost imperceptible smile played on her lips.

Her hair was raven black and lustrous, tied into a simple bun with a jade hairpin, giving her an air of understated elegance.

She was tall and slender, with a delicate waist and a curvaceous figure. Every movement she made exuded confidence and composure, drawing people's attention involuntarily.

A purple-patterned black brocade martial uniform – she was actually a Dragon Guard Military Marquis!

To her left stood a middle-aged man. His eyes were as dark and bright as stars, deep and full of spirit, reflecting his keen observation skills and resolute will.

A prominent scar ran across his face, from the corner of his left eye down to his chin. This scar did not mar his appearance; instead, it added a touch of coldness and authority.

He wasn't tall, but no one would mistake him for short, as he seemed to radiate a potent, intimidating strength.

To her right was a gaunt old man. He had a broad forehead, and beneath his high-bridged nose were tightly closed lips, revealing his meticulousness and focus.

His eyes were bright and sharp, filled with wisdom and insight.

His sparse, graying hair was neatly combed back, and he presented a clean and sharp appearance.

Blue-patterned black brocade martial uniforms – both of them were Dragon Guard Garrison Generals.

"You want that brat surnamed Qin dead too?" the gaunt old man spoke first.

Seeing the woman did not respond, he pressed on, "Feng Xiniang, don't forget, Boss Xiao sent us to protect him. In such a critical situation just now, why did you hesitate to give the order to act?"

"Are you worried that this kid will threaten Boss's future if he grows up, and you're deliberately watching from the sidelines?"

"How foolish! Doing this will only embarrass Boss!"

"Shut up, Gongsun Ling. If you don't speak, no one will think you're mute!" the woman, addressed as Feng Xiniang, retorted before turning and heading downstairs.

"What's this supposed to mean?" Gongsun Ling looked helplessly at the middle-aged man beside him. "Hua Ping, say something fair!"

"I think you're overthinking it," Hua Ping said concisely, then followed Feng Xiniang and also went downstairs.

"How am I overthinking it? Explain yourself!" Gongsun Ling chased after him.

"Military Marquis Feng doesn't even take this kid seriously, so why would she bother to stand by and watch him die?" Hua Ping said calmly.

"Doesn't take him seriously?" Gongsun Ling looked puzzled.

"Boss Xiao's talent is the highest I've ever seen. Even if this kid is a prodigy, they are nearly ten years apart. The gap created by ten years of cultivation is something he can never overcome. Since he's destined to never catch up to Boss Xiao, why would Military Marquis Feng need to eliminate him prematurely?" Hua Ping explained and concluded, "You're just getting old and overthinking things!"

"Then why didn't you let us help just now?"

"Was the kid alright in the end?"

"Well... he was!"

"Then that's that."

"Uh, so we're just leaving like this?"

"You don't need to worry about that. Hua Cuo has already taken people to follow them."

"So you all had it planned, and you just kept me in the dark!" Gongsun Ling suddenly understood, his face flushed with embarrassment as he apologized to Feng Xiniang, "Um, Military Marquis, I was too hasty just now. Please don't take my words to heart!"

"Get lost! I'll transfer you to Yang Kaitai's post when we get back!" Feng Xiniang said, mounting her horse.

"Don't! Having to face that dead face all day, you might as well kill me!"

"Slandering your superior behind their back, I've noted it," Hua Ping teased from the side.

"I... this..." Gongsun Ling looked mortified.

"Haha... haha..."

Qin Shuang rode his horse along the official road. By his estimation, he would be back in Chaoge City in less than half a day. Thinking of his mother, whom he rarely saw, he spurred his horse on with greater force.

Following closely behind him was another rider. The young man on the horse had a fresh, immature face, but his eyes held a sharp determination. His entire countenance was filled with confident, ambitious fervor.

His hair was unkempt, his movements flamboyant, and he exuded an aura of youth, as if wanting everyone to know his strong ambition to pursue his dreams!

He was a Section Leader of the Desolation Unit (Camp) Shanzhou Division under the Dragon Guard – Hua Cuo!

"Brother Shuang!" A familiar voice suddenly rang out from behind a nearby dirt mound.

Qin Shuang recognized the voice, reined in his steed, and exclaimed in surprise, "Little Fish?"

The three met on the mound. Seeing Jiang Xiaoyu looking even more travel-worn and haggard than himself, Qin Shuang asked curiously, "Little Fish, did you just finish a mission?"

"No, I've been waiting here specifically for you for five days!" Jiang Xiaoyu, unlike his usual lively self, looked dejected.

Qin Shuang keenly sensed something was wrong. "What happened?"

Jiang Xiaoyu glanced at Hua Cuo behind Qin Shuang, hesitating to speak.

"He's one of us!" Qin Shuang understood his concern and immediately explained.

Jiang Xiaoyu paused. Although he had rehearsed and prepared countless times, he still felt awkward facing Qin Shuang. "Brother Shuang, a month ago, Commander Wuchen (Military Sima) was killed by accident while on a mission. The Moon Unit doesn't seem to want to avenge him, and instead, several Military Marquis are fighting for power, making the Moon Unit a mess."

"Commander (Military Sima) Wuchen of the Cosmos Unit (Camp) Moon Division? What does that have to do with our Yu Unit (Camp) Divine Department?" Qin Shuang asked, then immediately realized and added, "Did Ling Su get into trouble?"

"Yes, her senior disciples have confined her within the Moon Unit's yamen, forcing her to hand over Commander (Military Sima) Wuchen's posthumous work, the 'Medicine King Divine Chapter'!"

"House arrest?" Qin Shuang's face changed drastically, a chilling frost radiating from him.

Jiang Xiaoyu nodded. Before he could speak, Qin Shuang had already grabbed him by the collar. "How could you just stand by and watch them put Ling Su under house arrest? You know she's not just one of us from the Yu Unit's Divine Department, she's also your savior!"

"Brother Shuang, after all, we're all from the Dragon Guard. I was afraid things would get too strained if I intervened," Jiang Xiaoyu said sheepishly.

"Too strained? Aren't they afraid? What audacity!"

"Brother Shuang, I stayed here guarding you precisely to wait for you to return and decide what to do. Whatever you say, we'll all follow your lead!" Jiang Xiaoyu's eyes were bloodshot as he spoke with conviction.

"Go back and gather everyone. All those from our Garrison who are in Chaoge City, gather at Fugui Mountain Villa immediately!" Qin Shuang declared decisively. "Immediately!"

"Yes!"