Everyone on the field was deeply moved by the scene before them. This eternal moment would forever be etched in everyone's hearts, and even in their reluctance, they would offer their sincere blessings.
Blood permeated the ancient mountain path, the sunlight a hazy red, blinding everyone's eyes. They were all consumed by the urge to kill.
Severed limbs and broken arms were flung about from time to time, the clang of metal weapons striking each other, and the grating sound of blunt objects, sparks flying. Curses were heard intermittently.
Many of the people in this group possessed formidable skills and extensive practical experience, allowing them to act with control and precision. While the assassins fought fiercely, they were no match for these seasoned fighters, leading to a swift and decisive outcome.
Their fatal flaw was their lack of combat experience. This was their first mission since emerging from seclusion, resulting in stiff movements, poor defensive awareness, and a reliance on brute force.
In contrast, Murong Chong and his companions were as cunning as snakes. They quickly eliminated more than half of the assassins. The remaining half exchanged uneasy glances.
At this moment, a strange bamboo flute melody echoed through the woods. As the sound reverberated, the assassins, like controlled puppets, retreated en masse, vanishing in the blink of an eye.
The soldiers escorting the prisoners turned pale with fright and fled in disarray.
Murong Chong and his group did not pursue. Besides Xiao'er and Wanwan, several others were injured and required immediate medical attention.
Among the Divine Dragon Palace members were those skilled in medicine, and as soon as the assassins withdrew, someone stepped forward to tend to Generals Mu Qing and Mu Bai.
Everyone moved to a clean spot to begin treating the injured.
Yun Xiao was not seriously wounded, but due to traveling for three consecutive days and then being stabbed, she had lost too much blood and fallen unconscious.
She had previously taken a hemostatic pill. Now, all that was needed was to clean and dress the wound to prevent infection, and the physician had also administered a stimulant pill, so she would awaken soon.
However, a minor dispute arose while treating the wound on her shoulder blade.
Murong Chong forbade the physician from attending to her, choosing to clean, medicate, and bandage the wound himself. Throughout the process, his expression remained dark and grim. After finishing the bandaging, he looked up and glared at Yun Zhen, not far away, conveying the depth of his anger.
His aura was so chilling and bloodthirsty that if he hadn't been Yun Xiao's brother, Yun Zhen would likely have lost his life.
This made everyone present realize one thing: this Great Hero Murong cherished that woman dearly. Therefore, it was best for all of them to be cautious, keep their distance from her, and avoid inviting trouble upon themselves.
Yun Zhen watched everything unfold before him and couldn't help but offer a bitter smile, a sense of release washing over him.
This man truly loved Xiao'er, far more deeply than he did. Shouldn't he be happy for Xiao'er?
Although he felt something being taken away, compared to his previous fear, he would rather she live well and happily.
Ye Wuyun stood not far from Yun Zhen, observing the powerless smile on his pale face. Ye Wuyun, not understanding his emotions, assumed he was uncomfortable seeing his sister occupied by another. He slowly approached and spoke softly.
"He's just distressed that she's injured. Don't blame him."
Yun Zhen looked up and saw the renowned Young Master Wuyun of Yan Jing. After the fight, his complexion was no better than Yun Zhen's.
The usually indifferent man's eyes, for once, held a rare warmth, and his handsome, elegant face was as gentle and lustrous as warm jade.
"Mm."
Upon seeing Ye Wuyun, Yun Zhen felt a sense of shared misfortune. He couldn't help but offer a wry smile, nodding for Ye Wuyun to sit down, wondering what twist of fate had made them both prisoners.
The two sat by the water, quietly gazing at the clear lake surface, which resembled a mirror of clear, glazed glass, smooth and unmarked, beautiful and enchanting.
By the time all the injured patients were treated, it was getting late. Murong Chong directed everyone to depart in batches, planning to regroup at the mountain villa.
One group was led by Shangguan Lin, which included the injured Wanwan and Yun Zhen.
Another group was led by Hua Lue of the Divine Dragon Palace, accompanied by the still recovering Yan Yu and Ye Wuyun, along with some protectors from the Divine Dragon Palace.
As for Murong Chong, he was naturally with Yun Xiao, Liu Xing, Jing Yun, and others.
There were three groups in total, departing separately. Such a large number of people could easily become targets, so they had to split into smaller units. After agreeing to meet at the mountain villa, they split into three routes.
They were heading towards the suburban estate of the Divine Dragon Palace. They needed to wait for Generals Mu Qing and Mu Bai to wake up and then gather information about the Prince's situation before formulating their next plan.
The carriage swayed gently. On the soft chaise lounge inside, a plush carpet embroidered with flowers was spread out. The carpet, with its white background and red floral embroidery, made Yun Xiao's pale face stand out.
Murong had already removed the mask from her face, revealing her naturally delicate and stunning features.
However, there was no smile on her face at this moment; she was lost in thought. Murong Chong reached out and held her hand tightly, allowing her to lean against his chest.
Yun Xiao slowly awoke with the jolting of the carriage, her senses hazy. It took her a long time to realize she was in a luxuriously decorated carriage.
The carriage was not dim; a large night-shining pearl hung in one corner, illuminating the interior. A rectangular soft couch occupied half of the space, now covered with soft bedding and a long carpet.
And she was sleeping on this soft bed, with someone holding her tightly by her side.
Yun Xiao blinked and looked at the person who was staring intently at her without moving: "Murong, thank you."
It seemed they had escaped. That was wonderful. She couldn't help but ask, "Did anything happen?"
Murong Chong began to grind his teeth. In his anger, he removed his silver mask, revealing his exquisitely handsome face, his skin smooth, his gaze deep and distant, his slender eyebrows slightly raised, and his thin lips curved in a wicked smile.
A cold, alluring anger began to rise, and his clear, warm voice resonated deeply.
"Tell me, shouldn't you be punished? Why didn't you send me a message?"
"I am?"
Yun Xiao blinked. She had intended to find him to discuss it, but Yun Zhen... Now, she didn't want to say anything more. If she did, the animosity between Murong and Yun Zhen would likely grow even greater.
Although she was angry about what Yun Zhen had done and said, he was, after all, Yun Xiao's brother, and the son of Prince Yun. Even if he didn't acknowledge her, she couldn't erase him.
"Murong, it was too urgent then, and in my haste, I forgot to come to you."
Yun Xiao reached out and hugged Murong's neck. She now understood that as long as she acted cute, Murong couldn't stay angry. This must be what the books called "gentleness conquers hardness."
Indeed, as soon as she acted cute, Murong Chong's face showed helplessness. His previous angry gaze softened, replaced by concern.
His perfectly sculpted features were framed by an air of pure elegance. The wide sleeves of his white robe, embroidered with half-blooming lotuses, were gently raised as he brushed a speck of dust from Yun Xiao's face. His movements were gentle and meticulous, yet he couldn't help but chide her.