Chun Tao, whether in height, physique, face shape, or even gait, closely resembled Dongyang Lady. Their temperaments differed slightly, but unless the two stood side by side, it was impossible for an outsider to discern who was who.

Granny Li said, "Miss, Chun Tao and I will return to Kun City first. Once you’ve finished your business, we will meet there."

With that, Granny Li took the disguised Chun Tao and departed.

Unexpectedly, as they walked past Qin Sang, Chun Tao suddenly stopped, looked at Qin Sang, and smiled. "Mr. Qin, may I ask what kind of wood was used to craft that staff of yours? Its luster is so bright. My younger brother at home also loves to play with staffs, but unfortunately, he has been weak and sickly since childhood, and our parents never allowed it. I was thinking of bringing one back for him as a gift this time."

Qin Sang was taken aback, not understanding why Chun Tao was asking about this.

Noticing the displeasure on the old woman’s face, Dongyang Lady didn’t intervene and replied, "Ms. Chun Tao, this staff is made from the heartwood of ironwood, which grows in the southern Muzi Kingdom. If you find merchants from Muzi, you should be able to purchase one."

"My little brother would surely love it. I thank Mr. Qin on his behalf."

Tears welled up in Chun Tao’s eyes as she covered her mouth and smiled before following Granny Li out.

As she was about to board the carriage, Chun Tao nearly slipped, but Granny Li quickly caught her.

After helping her into the carriage, Granny Li raised her voice and said, "The young lady has ordered that we will not be going to the City of Three Witches. Everyone is to turn back immediately and head to Kun City."

The guards immediately mounted their horses without asking why and silently turned to head back.

Inside the carriage, there was silence. Chun Tao covered her mouth tightly, her tears falling like rain.

…

After Granny Li and the others had left, the group emerged from the forest. Gazing at the empty road ahead, Dongyang Lady remained silent for a moment before suddenly asking an elderly guard, "Elder Yue, was what Chun Tao said true?"

Elder Yue replied, "Yes, Miss. Chun Tao indeed has a younger brother who has been sick for years, nearly dying several times. His life has been sustained by medicine, and Chun Tao has been sending all her monthly wages home to barely cover the cost of his treatment."

The Dongyang Lady was puzzled. "What kind of illness is it? Even that Imperial Physician Li couldn’t treat it?"

"Well…"

Elder Yue hesitated before saying, "Chun Tao seems to have sought help… but the imperial physicians in the residence rarely leave the palace. Unless one spends a fortune, it’s almost impossible to invite them to a common household."

The Dongyang Lady responded, "Mhmm, after we return to the residence, Elder Yue, remember to take my personal decree and ask the imperial physician to treat Chun Tao’s younger brother. The consultation fees and medicine costs will be covered by us… and find him a position within the residence as well."

Elder Yue said, "Miss, your kindness is boundless."

Dongyang Lady glanced around before asking, "Commander Bai, is there a way out to the north?"

Bai Jianglan pondered for a moment and then nodded. "There’s a small path through the mountains that leads to Linwu City. We can bypass the city and, if we ride swiftly, reach Yingnan Commandery within four days."

The Dongyang Lady made a decisive decision. "Then we’ll head north. Elder Yue, send a message to have my father dispatch people to Yingnan Commandery to meet us."

…

Bai Jianglan led the way, with Qin Sang and Water Monkey silently following beside him. The group galloped along the small path.

It was clear that Bai Jianglan was very familiar with the area, as he continuously changed directions and paths, causing confusion. By nightfall, they had passed through the territory of Linwu City without entering the city itself.

Late at night, Bai Jianglan chose a mountain pass for them to rest.

They were all skilled people, and soon they had caught some game, roasting it over the fire. Elder Yue personally fetched some spring water from the mountain to accompany the hard, dry biscuits. The Dongyang Lady struggled to swallow but managed to finish her meal bite by bite.

They had fled all day without encountering any pursuers. Qin Sang guessed that even if Jiangshan Tower hadn’t given up on the assassination, they might have been drawn away by the decoy.

He wondered how many of the decoys had survived.

That day, Chun Tao’s final smile kept replaying in Qin Sang’s mind, making him sigh inwardly. The cruelty of this world was even more blatant than that of his previous life.

Forced to spend the night in the mountains, Qin Sang had no duties to stand guard, so he casually leaned against a tree to rest.

By the campfire, the Dongyang Lady lay on her side, covered with clothing. She hadn’t moved for a long time, as if she had really fallen asleep. Elder Yue sat cross-legged right beside her.

Bai Jianglan, along with Water Monkey and the others, set up some simple traps and mechanisms.

Qin Sang couldn’t sleep. With so many people around, he couldn’t practice either, so he focused inward, letting his mind sink into his inner vision, his consciousness returning to his soul.

Ever since the jade Buddha had driven away the evil spirit, Qin Sang had entered his inner vision almost every night after training, trying to figure things out. However, no matter what he did, the jade Buddha hadn’t appeared again, leaving only that faint yellow light, which never extinguished.

Since the Jade Buddha’s appearance, Qin Sang hadn’t noticed any changes while cultivating the

Netherworld Scripture

. It seemed that the Jade Buddha only acted to save his life when he was in danger; at other times, it didn’t seem to care at all.

Qin Sang, who had held onto high hopes, gradually had to accept reality, attributing it to his own low cultivation level.

The night was cold.

Qin Sang wrapped his clothes tightly around himself, closed his eyes, and pretended to sleep. Hearing footsteps, he opened his eyes to see Water Monkey, Zhou Ning, walking over.

"Take a sip, Brother Qin," Water Monkey said, handing him a small gourd, winking playfully.

Qin Sang opened the lid, and the aroma of wine hit his nose. Seeing that no one was paying attention to them, he quickly took a big gulp. Though his body was strong and resistant to the cold, the fiery liquor burning down his throat made him feel warm and comfortable.

"Thank you, Brother Zhou!"

Qin Sang handed the gourd back with a smile. "Brother Zhou, soon we’ll be able to enjoy the river fish you catch."

Water Monkey chuckled, standing beside Qin Sang. He wasn’t as talkative as usual today and had said little throughout the journey. After glancing up at the night sky, he suddenly asked in a low voice, "Brother Qin, why haven’t you returned home in a year? Don’t you miss your parents?"

Qin Sang sighed softly. "What’s the point of missing them? Going back to the village would only mean returning to a life of hardship. Out here, there’s a chance I can make something of myself and let them enjoy wealth and honor."

Water Monkey frowned, clearly disagreeing. "Brother Qin, you’re wrong. What parents care about most is you. Being reunited with your family is what truly matters. What’s wealth and honor compared to that…"

As they spoke, Qin Sang’s expression suddenly changed. He sat up abruptly, his eyes fixed on the dense canopy above. He shouted, "Someone’s here! Be careful!"

Before the words had fully left his mouth, the shadows of the trees beside the Dongyang Lady twisted, and a dark figure lunged straight at her.

Fortunately, Elder Yue was right beside the Dongyang Lady. The moment the assassin appeared, he swiftly drew the sword lying across his knees. His body leaped into the air like a hawk, blocking the assassin’s path. The sword light danced like a dragon, striking straight at the assassin’s vital points.

Unexpectedly, the assassin didn’t dodge or evade. Instead, he sped up, moving even faster toward the blade.

𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚

Splat!

The sword easily pierced the assassin’s waist, but the assassin didn’t slow down in the slightest. He charged right up to Elder Yue, his mouth opening to reveal a cold glint aimed directly at Elder Yue’s face.

This assassin seemed immune to pain.

Being stared at by those dead, emotionless eyes sent a chill through Elder Yue’s heart. He hurriedly dodged the hidden weapon, then quickly tried to pull his sword back, but the assassin twisted his body, using his bones to lock the sword in place.