Not So Simple

The outline of a plan gradually took shape in Lu Chen's mind.

He immediately rose, left the secret chamber, summoned Zhao Tieying and Gu Mingxuan, and gave them their instructions.

He then wrote two letters—one to Mo Qianqiu, detailing what had been gained from the assassination incident and proposing recommendations for the next course of action;

The other was for Xiao Jingyan, asking him to use the intelligence network to coordinate with the operation and find a way to create a plausible excuse for Lu Chen's subsequent "departure from the Capital City" without arousing suspicion.

After finishing all this, Lu Chen went to the estate's alchemy room.

Yun Qingyue was busy before the pill furnace, with her two senior brothers and sister assisting at the side.

Seeing Lu Chen enter, Yun Qingyue wiped the fine sweat from her brow and broke into a radiant smile. "Brother Lu, you came at just the right time. The Azure Emperor Soul-Protecting Pills and Blood Burning Pills have all been refined—three of each. We've also prepared ample quantities of other pills for healing, recovery, and detoxification."

Looking at the jade bottles piled high in the alchemy room, then at Yun Qingyue's slightly weary yet bright eyes, Lu Chen was deeply moved. He said warmly, "You've worked hard, Qingyue. With you all here, I feel much more at ease."

Yun Qingyue's cheeks flushed faintly. "You're too polite, Brother Lu. Medicine King Valley and the Demon Suppression Division are allies to begin with, and besides..." She paused, her voice becoming even softer. "Your affairs are my affairs."

Warmth surged through Lu Chen's heart as he gently took her hand. "When I return from the Return to Ruins Secret Realm and settle all these troubles for good, I will..."

He did not finish the sentence, but its