Into Cold Crow

Lu Chen was moved. He gently drew her into his arms. "Once this is settled and we return from the Return to Ruins Secret Realm, I'll go to Medicine King Valley and ask for your hand."

Yun Qingyue's body trembled faintly, her cheeks flushing crimson. Yet she did not pull away, only gently rested her head against Lu Chen's shoulder and gave a soft "Mm."

The two embraced for a while, savoring this rare peace before the storm.

The next day, just as dawn began to break.

Three inconspicuous little teams quietly departed the Loyal Brave Marquis Residence, blending into the morning crowds leaving the city and heading toward different gates.

Lu Chen disguised himself as a sallow-faced young scholar with a sickly look, carrying a book chest on his back. Together with Yun Qingyue, who had likewise disguised herself as a bookboy, he rode out through the south gate in an ordinary hired donkey cart, swaying along at an unhurried pace.

The inspections at the city gate were much stricter than usual, but for scholars like them, who looked too weak to truss a chicken, the guards merely checked their travel permits before letting them pass.

The donkey cart rolled onto the official road, gradually leaving the Capital City behind.

Lu Chen looked back at the towering walls and the direction of the imperial palace, a cold gleam flashing through his eyes.

"Cold Crow Pool... I'm here."

Blackwind Ridge lay fifty li west of the Capital City, a desolate range of steep mountains and dense forests. Other than a few hunters and herb gatherers, few people ever came here.

Around noon, the three teams arrived one after another at their designated rendezvous point—a hidden mountain ravine.

Everyone swiftly changed clothes, shedding their disguises and donning matching black fitted outfits,