At Hong Beimo's instruction, news of Ji Feihua's reappearance in the Imperial Palace had not spread. After hiding in the Dragon Spirit Sanctuary for a day and a night, Hu Xiaotian and Xi Yan left the Jade Pool again under cover of darkness. There were no signs that anyone had entered the secret passage. Hu Xiaotian made a point of checking the tunnel leading to the Purple Orchid Palace and found the collapsed section unchanged. Apparently, his killing of Li Yan had not prompted a large-scale search of the palace. He could not help feeling disappointed.
After careful consideration, he decided to return to the Library Pavilion. He wondered whether Li Yuncong had already left.
With Xi Yan in tow, he followed the secret passage to the Library Pavilion. Hu Xiaotian moved aside the Sage Statue sealing the entrance and climbed out. Although he and Xi Yan had spent their days and nights together recently, he had somehow offended her. Whatever he said, she refused to answer.
Xi Yan silently watched Hu Xiaotian move the Sage Statue back into place and change into Xiao Dezi's disguise again. He told her, "Wait here. I'll go out and find out what's happening first."
When Hu Xiaotian reached the door, Xi Yan finally could not help saying, "Be careful!"
Hu Xiaotian turned and smiled at her, then opened the door and stepped outside. When he approached Li Yuncong's room, he discovered a light burning inside. He was puzzled. Could Li Yuncong still be in the palace? Brimming with curiosity, he tiptoed toward the room. After a few steps, he heard faint footsteps behind him. Assuming Xi Yan had followed him, he abruptly turned around, only to see a figure flash into the darkness.
Hu Xiaotian looked closely. The person extended a hand from