Tense Situation

Tense Situation

A group of more than ten individuals gracefully soared through the skies, their bodies transforming into radiant streaks of white light as they dispersed in various directions. This assembly of individuals was none other than the members of the Battle Sword Sect, tasked with escorting Ye Lingshuang on her journey.

Among them, Qin Wentian was a conspicuous presence. All the escorting members from the Battle Sword Sect boasted Heavenly Dipper Realm cultivation bases, an indication of the significance of this mission. While the Battle Sword Sect couldn't intervene directly in the internal disputes of a powerful nation like Ye Country, their deep-rooted friendships allowed them to ensure Ye Lingshuang's safety, at the very least.

The leader of this escort was a young man dressed in black, possessing an eighth-level Heavenly Dipper cultivation. Remarkably, he was another personal disciple under the tutelage of Sword Sovereign Ling Tian, often referred to by the sect members as Ninth Senior Brother. Personal disciples of Sword Sovereign Ling Tian held an esteemed position in the sect hierarchy. Even when interacting with fellow disciples, they would address him as Ninth Senior Brother out of respect, despite the fact that their masters were not Sword Sovereigns. This special status bestowed preferential treatment.

Duan Han, the Ninth Senior Brother, exuded an icy demeanor, a stark contrast to Lin Shuai's amicable nature. His aura was frigid, and his sharpness was evident, all accentuated by his penchant for brevity in speech. These traits only served to enhance his prestige among his peers.

"Don't fret too much, Junior Sister. With the Holy Maiden from the Medicine Sovereign Sect present, she should be able to temporarily mitigate the injuries of the Human Emperor," consoled a female disciple named Qiao Yu. She had always shared a strong bond with Ye Lingshuang.

Ye Lingshuang nodded, but the anxiety was unmistakable in her eyes.

"Rumor has it that the Holy Maiden of the Medicine Sovereign Valley possesses unparalleled beauty. Soon, we'll have the opportunity to see her. I'm quite excited," chimed in Liu Yun, his eyes gleaming with enthusiasm. His remark earned disdainful glances from some of the others. Despite his flirtatious nature, Liu Yun had a knack for lightening the mood.

"You don't stand a chance," Qiao Yu retorted, her tone dripping with contempt.

"The Holy Maiden from the Medicine Sovereign Valley is a fifth-ranked alchemist. Countless individuals from ancient clans and powerful sects seek her favor but stand no chance. Ultimately, it depends on her personal preferences. Only individuals like myself, blessed with innate good looks, have a shot," Liu Yun boasted, wrapped in his own fantasy.

However, Qin Wentian couldn't help but feel a pang of sorrow hearing their banter, as it reminded him of Mo Qingcheng. He recalled the Pill Emperor Hall from his past, which bore similarities to the Medicine Sovereign Valley they were discussing. Such powers, focusing on herbs and alchemy, were coveted allies for most major factions.

But right now, he couldn't help but wonder about Mo Qingcheng's fate, whether she was still alive or if her existence had been snuffed out by that abhorrent skeleton. The Pill Emperor Hall had left an indelible mark on him, and he was determined to return.

However, the question that gnawed at him was whether Mo Qingcheng still existed in this world. He had conducted investigations during his time in Grand Xia, but there was a complete absence of information regarding her whereabouts. After he fell unconscious in that fateful battle, Mo Qingcheng vanished, as if she had never set foot in Grand Xia. Even the survivors from the Pill Emperor Hall remained tight-lipped.

Only Qing`er had offered a glimmer of hope, suggesting that Mo Qingcheng might still be alive.

Deep in thought, Qin Wentian was abruptly pulled from his reverie by Liu Yun's voice. The mention of wooing the Holy Maiden from the Medicine Sovereign Valley drew a wry smile from Qin Wentian.

Qin Wentian shook his head gently. "The Holy Maiden is a fifth-ranked alchemist, after all. By the way, how powerful is the Medicine Sovereign Valley?"

Liu Yun, eager to share knowledge, began to explain, "The Medicine Sovereign Valley is undoubtedly a formidable force. They rarely engage with other powers, and few dare to provoke them. The Medicine Sovereign himself is a peak fifth-ranked alchemist, and even the great sects' experts would struggle to persuade him to help them. In terms of medicinal herbs and cultivation pills, the Medicine Sovereign Valley stands at the pinnacle of the Royal Sacred Region, unrivaled in strength."

Listening to Liu Yun's explanation, Qin Wentian nodded in understanding.

During their journey, Qin Wentian engaged in conversation with Liu Yun, with the latter doing most of the talking while Qin Wentian listened attentively. Liu Yun's topics ranged from current events in the Royal Sacred Region to beautiful women and enticing destinations. He even hinted at his desire to introduce Qin Wentian to some exciting experiences, leaving Qin Wentian somewhat bemused.

After half a month of travel through various territories, Qin Wentian and the group finally arrived at the capital of Ye Country.

The inner city, adorned with magnificent armor-clad guards, boasted towering golden gates with an elegantly simple design. This location served as the heart of Ye Country, housing the royal palace and numerous opulent estates. Security measures were stringent, and martial experts abounded.

"HOLD IT RIGHT THERE!" A thunderous voice rang out as a guard, armed with a golden spear, ascended into the sky. He pointed his weapon at the members of the Battle Sword Sect.

Ye Lingshuang urged, "Let's descend." As they descended, seven guards in golden armor took flight to block their path. The commander, with a hint of mockery in his eyes, stated, "This is a restricted area in Ye Country, accessible only to members of the royal clan."

Ye Lingshuang responded coolly, "How dare you?" Her dignified demeanor conveyed her irritation. "Do you not recognize me, despite my presence before you?"

The commander, as if just realizing Ye Lingshuang's identity, attempted to save face. However, his amusement was thinly veiled. With the Qi King in power, Ye Lingshuang was on the brink of becoming a prisoner, yet she still attempted to assert her status as a princess. Nevertheless, her beauty and membership in the Battle Sword Sect gave him pause.

"Ah, Princess Lingshuang, I apologize for not recognizing you sooner. Please forgive me," the commander said, his apology laced with sarcasm. He then turned his attention to the others. "But this area is off-limits to outsiders. Surely the princess understands the impropriety of bringing strangers here?"

Ye Lingshuang's voice grew colder as she replied, "Audacious! Who are you to question my decisions? Your insubordination is unacceptable. Everyone, detain him."

She was the princess of Ye Country, yet this mere commander dared to challenge her authority. Her father's situation must be even graver than she had feared, which only heightened her anxiety.

However, when Ye Lingshuang issued her command, the guards remained immobile, refusing to carry out her orders.

Duan Han swiftly sprang into action, his black robes billowing like the wind as he unleashed a cold, sword-like beam of light. The commander's expression changed abruptly, but his spear strike came too late.

"Puchi..." A black sword, imbued with deadly intent, pierced through the commander's forehead, ending his life instantly. The other guards, all of whom possessed Heavenly Dipper Realm cultivation bases, momentarily hesitated before releasing their formidable auras.

However, Duan Han didn't need to take further action. A single glance from him was enough to send shivers down their spines. His eyes were like razor-sharp swords, poised to strike down anyone who dared to defy him.

Ye Lingshuang observed Duan Han's methods and grasped his intentions. She spoke in a frigid tone, "This man has forgotten his place and dared to disrespect his superiors. Death is the only consequence for such individuals. If anyone still dares to obstruct my path, they will face my merciless wrath."

With her words hanging in the air, Ye Lingshuang and her entourage pressed forward, and this time, no one dared to challenge them. The guards were pallid as they gazed upon their former commander's lifeless body. He had perished so easily? Regardless of his position, the commander was a seventh-level Heavenly Dipper expert, yet a single sword strike had claimed his life.

"Are all members of the Battle Sword Sect like this?" the guards wondered, chilled to the bone. They hadn't anticipated Duan Han's ruthless efficiency, his willingness to kill without hesitation.

The group from the Battle Sword Sect continued on their way. The royal clan's restricted area was a breathtaking sight to behold, with opulent estates dotting the landscape. Occasionally, the inhabitants of these estates cast their eyes upon the members of the Battle Sword Sect flying through the air. From his observations, Qin Wentian could tell that the might of one of these estates could easily crush the entire Grand Xia, let alone the Ye Country.

At last, a magnificent ancient palace came into view. Everything, from the palace walls to the gates, gleamed with pure gold. As the palace gates swung open, a group of figures emerged, wearing smiles.

"Princess Lingshuang, why didn't you inform us of your return? We would have prepared a grander welcome," one of the experts said with a chuckle. However, Ye Lingshuang's expression soured upon seeing him. He was from the Han King Manor, a subordinate of her royal uncles. Their appearance in the royal palace at this time was a clear indication of the dire situation. The Han King had always maintained a close relationship with the Qi King.

"I want to see my father, the Emperor," Ye Lingshuang demanded. The expert cast a glance at the Battle Sword Sect members around her before smiling. "The arrival of the young heroes of the Battle Sword Sect brightens our humble country. Please enter the royal palace and rest."

The members of the Battle Sword Sect remained stoic, fully aware that their identities were no longer concealed. They had arrived openly, so it was only natural that the Ye Country's experts had learned of their presence.

They proceeded to enter the palace, where every corner was guarded by imposing figures. It was evident just how tense the situation had become.

Without delay, Ye Lingshuang sprinted towards the Hall of the Human Emperor, her swiftness reflecting her deep concern for her father. Outside the ancient hall, several formidable experts had gathered.

Ye Lingshuang's gaze swept over the assembly of experts, but her attention was abruptly arrested when she spotted someone in a particular direction—an enigmatic young man adorned in imperial attire, emanating an air of regal distinction. His profound gaze seemed capable of peering into the depths of one's soul.

In addition to this compelling figure, a retinue of young scions encircled him. Each of them exuded an undeniable air of superiority, each radiating an unmatched brilliance. They were unquestionably exceptional members of the younger generation, their radiance dazzling like the sun.

The moment their eyes locked onto the members of the Battle Sword Sect, an aura of formidable sharpness swept over the entire area, sending shivers down spines.

"Violet Thunder Sect's experts," Qin Wentian speculated, and he couldn't have been more correct. The young man in imperial attire was none other than the prince mentioned by Liu Yun, the son of the Qi King, and Ye Lingshuang's cousin. He was hailed as a prodigious talent of the Violet Thunder Sect and a demon-level genius. Those accompanying him were his guards from the Violet Thunder Sect. If the Violet Thunder Sect denied their involvement in the Qi King's scheme to take control of the Ye Country, no one would believe them.

Ye Lingshuang paid them no heed and continued her advance, intent on entering the Hall of the Human Emperor. However, a group of figures intercepted her path. "Princess, the Human Emperor is currently gravely injured, and the Holy Maiden from the Medicine Sovereign Sect is administering treatment. Perhaps it would be prudent for the Princess to wait a while longer before entering."

"I cannot stay away from my father in his time of need. Let me through," Ye Lingshuang asserted. Observing her unwavering resolve, the royal guards cleared a path for her to pass, though they barred the members of the Battle Sword Sect from entering.

"Wait here for me," Ye Lingshuang instructed her sect members. Since they had gained admittance to the royal palace, there would be no one daring to harm her with so many formidable guards present. Consequently, Duan Han and the others respected her wishes and waited outside the ancient hall.