Although a woman, her cultivation was profound, and Feng Xie did not dare to be careless. He flicked his Jade Bone Fan, blocking the oncoming gust of wind, and sidestepped. His large hand still pulled Liu Liu back with him.
Liu Liu wanted to shake off his hand, but with a formidable enemy before them, she did not want him to be distracted. She spoke in a clear, cold voice, "Let go, I don't need help."
Feng Xie immediately recalled that this brat's martial arts were actually quite formidable, and only then did he release his grip with relief, focusing entirely on dealing with the black-clothed assailant before him.
In an instant, everyone joined the fray. Amidst the clash of swords and the glint of blades, the wind whistled past their ears, and killing intent surged. Some people were already injured, though it was unclear whose side had suffered.
In any case, these black-clothed figures were not weaklings; they were a group of highly trained assassins. Their moves were extremely vicious, each strike and every move a desperate gambit aimed at mutual destruction.
Seeing that they were at a disadvantage, the leader of the black-clothed figures focused solely on Feng Xie, completely ignoring Liu Liu. Even when Liu Liu attacked, she deftly evaded.
Although others did not notice, Liu Liu did. Furthermore, her moves seemed to contain something familiar, resembling someone.
Master? The thought struck Liu Liu, and her eyes scanned across with a piercing gaze.
She saw that the woman was veiled, revealing only a pair of bright, dark eyes. Although these eyes were filled with deep hatred, Liu Liu knew they were exceedingly beautiful eyes.
Suddenly, the woman's sword tip shifted, attacking Feng Xie's lower vital points. Liu Liu gasped in alarm. This move was her master's ultimate killing technique; the lower body was merely a feint, a diversion, with the fatal blow coming at the end.
This move was called the Consecutive Death Strike. Liu Liu had seen it once while secretly watching. At the time, she had been surprised why her master practiced such a vicious move. It turned out she had learned it to deal with Feng Xie.
What deep enmity existed between them? Seeing the urgent situation, Liu Liu dared not think further and flew forward, drawing her sword to block. The incredibly powerful strike came forward, and Liu Liu blocked it.
The masked woman hadn't expected Liu Liu to jump out and forcefully shifted her move slightly. The sword qi shattered nearby willow branches, sending fragments flying everywhere.
"Damn it," she cursed lowly, clearly annoyed. Others didn't know, but Liu Liu did: her master was afraid of harming her.
Feng Xie was no incompetent fighter. Seeing the masked woman's attack miss, his figure shot forward like a breaking rainbow. The white jade fan in his hand swept towards the woman. The woman came back to her senses, but it was still a moment too late. She was struck on the chest by the white jade fan, blood trickling from the corner of her lips. Her sinister eyes swept towards Feng Xie, and she struggled to prepare for another attack.
At this moment, several figures suddenly appeared in mid-air. It was Nangong Yue and Prince Yan, Feng Lie, leading their respective subordinates.
It turned out that Xiao Wanzi had secretly instructed a eunuch to inform Nangong Yue and Feng Lie that the Emperor had left the palace. Upon receiving the news, these two had rushed over without delay.
Seeing that they had lost their advantage, the leader of the black-clothed figures did not hesitate. Their figures flickered, and they led their men to retreat rapidly. Ri Ying and Jian Ying prepared to pursue, but Liu Liu quickly coughed, her body swaying. Seeing this, Feng Xie waved his hand and ordered, "Alright, no need to pursue."
"Yes, Master," Ri Ying and Jian Ying bowed in obedience.
Feng Xie reached out and pulled Liu Liu towards him, anxiously asking, "How are you? Are you alright?"
Liu Liu waved away his hand and said faintly, "I'm fine. We should go."
Upon hearing his words, Jin Shaoyuan's expression soured. He had just held the Emperor hostage, and now he spoke of leaving as if nothing had happened. His tall frame leaped forward, blocking Liu Liu's path.
"How dare you, villain, try to leave? Dream on."
Hearing Jin Shaoyuan's words, Dai Mei's alluring face displayed a cold smile. "Well said, a loyal servant. Ask your master if our master truly intended to harm him. It was merely a jest. If he had intended harm, would he still be alive?"
"Who is he?" Feng Lie asked with confusion. Jin Shaoyuan beside him spoke resentfully, "Qi Ye." This detestable fellow had actually deceived him.
"Qi Ye? Qi Ye, the black street hoodlum?" There was no sign of a hoodlum in his demeanor. With just one glance, he appeared as a handsome, delicate youth. Nangong Yue and Feng Lie exchanged glances.
Looking at this small youth, who barely reached their shoulders, the aura he exuded was detached and serene, as if the world's affairs were beneath his notice.
This bearing was somewhat similar to the one in the palace, both men thought. However, this was a handsome young gentleman before them.
"Yes, he certainly fooled me," Jin Shaoyuan said mockingly. The thought that this brat dared to fool him made his face contort with displeasure.
Feng Lie and Nangong Yue's lips curved into playful smiles. They were delighted that Jin Shaoyuan had been made to look foolish, and they found this youth quite agreeable – handsome, refined in his every movement, and completely unlike the wicked rumors.
Liu Liu remained silent, glaring coldly at Jin Shaoyuan. Her eyes flickered with icy sharpness, radiating authority without anger, rivaling Feng Xie. Jin Shaoyuan was astonished, but his body remained still; he wasn't someone who was easily intimidated.
Suddenly, Feng Xie spoke in a cold voice, "Shaoyuan, do not be disrespectful. Young Master Qi Ye saved my life just now."
Jin Shaoyuan found this hard to believe. When had this brat saved his master? He didn't know. A flicker of doubt crossed his face, but he moved aside. Liu Liu stepped forward, preparing to leave, but was pulled back by Feng Xie's outstretched hand.
"You saved me, making you my savior. I wish to thank you and Miss Dai Mei."
Liu Liu struggled. She reached out, preparing to knock away Feng Xie's jade hand, which was as exquisitely carved as if sculpted, incredibly beautiful. Compared to her own hand, it was a world of difference – one large, one small.
"Let me go, I have matters to attend to."
"What matters? Distributing alms to those beggars? Why don't we cooperate? That would make it official, with the Emperor decreeing the distribution of porridge." Feng Xie, usually cold and arrogant, was uncharacteristically friendly towards someone.
Nangong Yue and Feng Lie couldn't help but look at the youth before them with renewed respect. The problem was that he seemed unwilling to acknowledge them.
"You, let go of me." Since Feng Xie was already alert, Liu Liu couldn't attack him by surprise. The two began to spar, and to onlookers, it appeared as though they were playing. Liu Liu was entirely held within Feng Xie's embrace, her hands bound behind her. She stomped forcefully on Feng Xie's large foot, causing him to wince, but he did not release her, still gripping her tightly.
The pleasant scent of herbs mixed with the unique charm of a man wafted towards her, making her increasingly exasperated.
"Alright, I'll go with you. Let go." Liu Liu said fiercely. She considered herself unlucky to have encountered him. But at this moment, he no longer resembled an emperor; he was clearly a rogue, or perhaps he was plotting something? Liu Liu speculated silently.
"Good," Feng Xie readily agreed. He released one hand, but the other still held her. He tilted his handsome face slightly and whispered to her, "Since you saved me, I invite you to Wangyue Tower for tea."
So, he merely wanted to invite Liu Liu to Wangyue Tower in the western suburbs. Seeing that she couldn't contend with him for the moment, Liu Liu could only sigh helplessly, "Alright."