"Given the situation at that time, Qian Renxue and her companions should be somewhere in this area," Xun Yu mused, his gaze fixed on the detailed map spread across the table. His finger traced a route along the parchment, mapping the possible movements.
"The Spirit Hall lies in the west, while the lord and his group entered from the north. This alignment is no coincidence. So, how do they ensure the success of their scheme? The key element revolves around the lord himself, and the factor that guarantees his involvement is..."
A light chuckle escaped his lips as realization dawned upon him. "Ah, I see now. It's him. As expected of the Spirit Hall—such an intricate web of influence. Now, the question is whether this manipulation stems from the Worship Hall or the Pope's Palace? Hmph, it hardly matters. Either way, the lord's future plans will need some adjustments. I should gather more intelligence... perhaps even use this knowledge to devise a counterstrategy on his behalf. If only Fengxiao or Wenhe were here—it would make things so much simpler."
Xun Yu's strengths lay in administration and governance, a talent that even two Jias combined could not match. However, when it came to grand strategy, the art of manipulating a battlefield from miles away, he was not on par with Guo Jia or Jia Xu.
The advisors under Cao Cao each had their own unique specialties, unlike Liu Bei, who in the early days had to rely solely on Zhuge Liang.
Though he had seen through the Spirit Hall's machinations in an instant, Xun Yu found himself momentarily stumped.
First, it fell outside his usual expertise—he could only focus on gathering intelligence for now.
Second, no matter how brilliant a strategist might be, they could not perform miracles without sufficient resources. The strength of the Ancient Thunder (Gu Lei) Kingdom paled in comparison to the overwhelming might of the Spirit Hall.
Even if he formulated a plan, it would be futile without the means to execute it. It was akin to Zhuge Liang at Changbanpo, where despite his brilliance, all he could do was flee before Cao Cao's vast army of 830,000.
---
The following day, Nan Feihuang finished her preparations and boarded the carriage once more. This time, however, Lan Xue decided to personally accompany her son. The previous incident had left her shaken, like a bird startled by the mere rustling of leaves.
The lingering fear gnawed at her—who was to say another assassin wouldn't emerge from the shadows, one who cared nothing for their own life? The thought alone ignited a simmering fury within her. If anyone dared to cross her path again, she would not hesitate to let them taste the might of her Black Ice Halberd.
Fortunately, another assassination attempt was unlikely. Xun Yu had no need to issue the same order twice, and after the previous incident, no mercenary organization would be foolish enough to take on such a dangerous job.
---
Several days later, their carriage crossed into the borders of Tiandou City.
Upon arrival, Lan Xue personally escorted Nan Feihuang to the academy before taking her leave. But before departing, she made a visit to the three education committee members, her expression one of solemn determination.
"I entrust my son's safety to you. Ensure that no harm comes to him," she urged, her tone brooking no argument.
The three members exchanged glances and quickly nodded in agreement. "Rest assured, Lady Lan Xue, we will protect him with our lives."
Meanwhile, Qian Renxue had already returned to the Eastern Palace. With a subtle activation of her soul bone ability, she seamlessly reverted to her identity as Xue Qinghe, as though nothing had ever changed.
Nan Feihuang, after bidding farewell to his mother, wasted no time. He first paid a visit to Emperor Xue Ye before heading to the Eastern Palace, suspecting that Qian Renxue had already returned.
Given the season, Xue Ke was most likely still within the palace. After all, even Yuexuan had closed for the New Year holiday. Tang Yuehua, too, had her own family to return to, and though her second brother was missing, her eldest brother remained.
As Nan Feihuang neared the Eastern Palace, a gentle, melodious tune drifted through the crisp winter air. He paused for a moment, allowing the music to wash over him.
The piano notes cascaded like flowing water, while the flute's harmony fluttered like falling petals. There was something deeply melancholic about it—an unspoken yearning woven into each note.
"Feng Qiu Huang..." Nan Feihuang murmured under his breath.
It seemed Xue Ke had been missing him. Or perhaps, she was still brooding over the fact that the two people she cherished most had gone off to meet in the Star Dou(Xingdou) Forest while she had been left behind in the palace, all alone.
His thoughts were interrupted by a delighted voice.
"Brother Feihuang! You're finally back!"
Nan Feihuang turned just in time to see Xue Ke abandon her instrument and rush toward him. Unlike Lu Lingqi, who would have thrown herself directly into his arms, Xue Ke instead reached for his arm, clasping it in both hands.
He smiled warmly. "Sister Xue Ke, it's been a while."
At her insistence, he had long abandoned the formal title of "Princess." She had preferred it this way—to hear him address her more intimately.
A fleeting thought crossed Nan Feihuang's mind:
Was he, perhaps, a master of time management?
He had survived life-and-death trials alongside Qian Renxue in the Star Dou Forest. He had shared quiet moments of comfort and understanding with Lu Lingqi in the Gu Lei Palace. And now, here he was, standing in the Tiandou Palace, offering his company to his betrothed.
What a scoundrel...
No matter how much he disliked Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun of Shrek, he would no longer have the right to criticize them. In some ways, he might be even worse than Dai Mubai.
After all, at least Dai Mubai had only married Zhu Zhuqing in the end.
Nan Feihuang, on the other hand, had already decided that he would honor his engagement to Xue Ke—but he would never let go of Lu Lingqi.
He smirked to himself. "It's fine. I have Elai."
If he couldn't scold others, he could always let Elai do it for him.
---
"Brother Feihuang, you returned so late!" Xue Ke pouted. "Big brother has been in seclusion all this time, and even the teacher closed Yuexuan for the holiday. I've been so lonely."
Her words carried a tinge of sadness. It wasn't surprising. The people she cared about most had all been absent.
Suddenly, the large doors of the Eastern Palace swung open. Xue Qinghe emerged, his expression calm as he prepared to pay his respects to Emperor Xue Ye and announce his return from "seclusion."
But as soon as he stepped into the garden, he saw Xue Ke holding Nan Feihuang's arm, chatting happily.
A strange flicker crossed his face. He had never felt anything when seeing them together before, so why did it suddenly irritate him now?
"Ke'er, have you forgotten Yuexuan's etiquette? Holding hands so openly—what would people think?" Xue Qinghe chided.
Xue Ke quickly let go, startled. "I... I was just happy to see Brother Feihuang again..."
Realizing his reaction was too harsh, Xue Qinghe quickly softened his tone. "Ke'er, I'm only looking out for you. You aren't married yet, and gossip can be cruel. Behind closed doors, I have no objections to your friendship."
Xue Ke beamed. "I understand, big brother!"
Nan Feihuang and Xue Qinghe locked eyes. Both were scoundrels in their own right, each hiding secrets behind carefully crafted facades.
Coincidentally, before coming here, he and Xun Yu designed a simple deception process together, which can be used a little.