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Chapter 17 - CHAPTER 16

Yuanli and Guanlin walked, their feet still touching the land of Silent Hill, nearly making it out.

"Are you okay?" Yuanli asked.

Guanlin glanced at her and gave a small nod. "Yes, I'm fine." He smiled gently.

"We should rest at a inn first and have a meal to regain our energy. It's almost dawn—we need some sleep," Yuanli suggested.

Guanlin nodded as they kept walking.

"I'm not really familiar with Xiping, but I know a few places. My father used to take me there when I was younger," she added.

"That's good. At least it won't be too hard this time," Guanlin replied, a hint of relief in his voice.

"It'll take a day walking through there. Looks like we'll be sleeping in forests for a while," Yuanli said.

Guanlin lowered his head, guilt crossing his face. "Song Yuanli... thank you so much. After all this, if you ever need anything, just send me a message."

Yuanli sighed. "I don't want your empathy. To ease it, I'll... think about it."

Guanlin smiled. "Xiè xiè nǐ."

Wen Clan – On the Way to Huding

Inside a carriage rolling through the roads of Haoling, Wen Hangzhuan sat with his son, heading for Hueding.

"Diē, sorry about yesterday. It won't happen again," Wen Yin said apologetically.

Wen Hangzhuan rolled his eyes. "If you do it again, I'll break your legs. I was gone for a month and you're already doing careless things—letting a stranger in, no less!"

"Diē, He Xicheng isn't dangerous. His background is believable," Wen Yin replied. "Oh, and... have you already heard about Xue Wuren?"

"I did," Hangzhuan said flatly. "Wen Jingli told me before you could."

Wen Yin chuckled awkwardly. "Sorry. What do you think about it?"

"If the Young Lord has a plan, we follow," Hangzhuan replied.

"But why does he always have to plan everything? Aren't you a little pissed you never get to suggest anything?" Wen Yin asked.

Hangzhuan glanced at his son, then looked away silently, unablt to answer.

"We're here!" a guard called out.

Hangzhuan stood up. "Come on, let's go."

They stepped out of the carriage and approached the gates of Hueding Palace. He Xicheng and Wen Jingli exited their carriage as well. Wen Yin gave Xicheng a glance and a small smile.

Standing at the entrance were Meng Jiangnan and Meng Fei.

"Brother Zhang!" Hangzhuan greeted warmly, walking over.

"Brother Wen, how have you been?!" Jiangnan rushed in for a hug.

"Wen Yin!" Jiangnan greeted.

"Uncle Zhao, it's so nice to see you again," Wen Yin said with a smile.

"And who's this young man?" Jiangnan asked, glancing at Xicheng.

"Oh, he's my right-hand assistant. I found him entering Zhongyin's main entrance. Don't worry, he's been checked. He's just a beggar with nothing left— so I took him in," Wen Yin explained.

"Well, if Young Leader Wen trusts him, then so do we," Jiangnan said, and Xicheng bowed respectfully.

"Is everything okay in Huding?" Hangzhuan asked.

Jiangnan smiled. "Let's go inside and have some wine. We'll talk there, you all must be really tired from the travel."

The two clans entered the grand halls of Huding Palace, welcomed by its vast and elegant surroundings.

"Young Leader Meng, I still remember when we first came here. It's still just as beautiful," Wen Yin said, walking beside Meng Fei.

"Ā-Yin, even though you're still young, you've become a great leader. I'm sure your father is proud," Meng Fei replied kindly.

Wen Yin smiled and nodded.

He Xicheng's POV

So this is Huding Palace... I never imagined the land of the Golden Palace would be this vast.

My eyes scanned the unfamiliar halls. Knowing this place better will make my task easier.

Inside the throne hall, everyone sat at their respective tables.

"Alright everyone, I'll cut to the chase. Last night, we were attacked by the Qi Clan," announced Clan Leader Jiangnan, his voice grave.

Attacked? Why? I'm already here, moving quietly...

I swallowed hard. I hoped no suspicion would fall on me.

Jiangnan pulled a scroll from his robe.

"They tried to steal the map of the Golden Palace—including the location of the Jade Crystal inside the Jade Temple."

"Brother Meng, they're overconfident now that Xue Wuren has revealed himself thinking we're vulnerable again," Hangzhuan said. "Also, why isn't Young Lord Zhao here?"

"We invited him too, but he seemed occupied with many important things. I respected that," Jiangnan replied.

"Uncle Meng, for Huding's safety—and the map's—we'll stay here for the week or so, just in case they return," Wen Yin offered.

"Wen Yin, that won't be necessary. Who will protect our lands if you stay here? We must defend our homes until our last breath," Jiangnan replied solemnly.

I sat quietly as Wen Yin goanced at me with a smirk on his face. Now's my only chance to steal the map.

"Uncel Wen, since you are tired from the long trip, why not stay here for the night and rest?" Meng Fei offered.

"My daughter is right. Brother Wen, stay the night and rest," Meng Jiangnan said. "For now, let's toast—it's been too long since we've gathered like this."

Wen Hangzhuan laughed, raising his cup. "To our reunion!"

Later That Evening

Guards roamed the palace outside as I peeked through the small gap on the door. How could I leave my room unnoticed by many at watch?

I opened the door quietly to take a closer look on what might I can do—

"He Xicheng."

Startled, I stumbled backward. The door opened fully—Wen Yin stood there, helping me up.

"He Xicheng, are you okay? I didn't mean to startle you," he said.

"Young Leader... aren't you supposed to be asleep?" I asked, sitting at the edge of my bed.

"I came to check on you," he said, making my heart pound. "Why are you still awake?"

"To... protect you. In case the Qi Clan returns. I owe you my life," I answered sincerely.

"Then let's sleep together." He grinned teasingly.

I scooted over, but he grabbed my hand. "Stop being so mean. I helped you, remember? You should follow my orders."

"Young Leader Wen, return to your quarters. Call out if you need me—I'll be there for you."

He rolled his eyes. "Fine, since I know you're fine here."

He gave me one last glance before closing the door behind him.

Without any more things holding me back, I stood up, covered my face with a thick leather, and left one of my robes on the bed as a decoy.

I snuck through the taverns, slipping past the guards unnoticed. Each step felt like my life is hanging on a rope, but I did it with effort

I finallu reached Clan Leader Meng's study, walking quietly, I slowly opened the door and entered inside, closing it quietly behind me.

There he lays asleep in his bed covered in curtain.

I looked around his room, big as it is, it will take me long time to search for it.

I searched shelves and drawers, but there's nothing.

Then it reminded me,

He pulled it out from his robe before, so it must be inside.

I quietly walked toward his bed, sliding the curtain aside. My hand inched forward as sweat from my face started to dwell.

Suddenly, he woke and grabbed my wrist tightly.

Startled, I ungripped my hands and I leapt back. He then drew his sword.

"Who are you?!" he demanded.

My eyes pierced and I didn't answer, but instead grabbed two daggers from inside my robe.

I lunged, our blades meeting with a loud clash. Then I slashed low, cutting his leg.

I dashed backwards as blood dripped from my dagger as he limped.

"You move like a shadow," he muttered.

He lunged forward, and I dodged, but he tore the leather off my face.

I paused and I already knew he was facing my direction.

"Who are you?! Face me!"

I hesitated, then turned slowly, revealing my face.

"He... He Xicheng?"

I didn't respond. I lunged again, blades sparking with his.

"Are you a Qi Clan spy?"

I need to end this now, now that he knows my identity. Nothing can escape.

I didn't answer. We clashed again—steel rang loudly in the room. I leaped backwards, on top of his bed.

"Why won't you answer?!"

Feeling exhausted, I threw a smoke bomb into the ground. In the confusion, I appeared behind his back, blade at his throat.

"I'm Qi Ruhan," I whispered—and slit his throat open.

His blood soaked my hands as he dropped dead into the ground.

As the smoke lifted, I froze, staring at the scene. I dropped my daggers, my knees falling to the ground as I stare at my bloody filled hands.

What... have I done...?

I crawled to his body. The map was indeed in his robe. I grabbed it and my daggers, covering my face again with the leather.

"Quick! I heard the Clan Leader cry out!" a guard shouted from outside.

Just before they could entere, I slipped out into the backdoor.

I went to a nearby river beside the palace, cleansing my hand with force.

Qi Ruhan, why would you kill someone. Why would I do it? Why would I kill?

I cried as my palms turned red, the river didn't help in cleansing my mind. I layed there as my eyes started to close.

Later that dawn…

I walked back inside the palace, the cold floor echoing beneath my steps. Wen Yin came running over, his eyes wide with panic.

"He Xicheng, where have you been?" he asked, looking distraught—though deep down, I already knew why.

"Why? What happened?" I asked, voice trembling with urgency.

"Clan Leader Meng Jiangnan is dead!" he exclaimed.

"You—!"

Before I could react, Clan Leader Hangzhuan stormed toward me from behind and shoved me to the ground.

"Where were you all night?" he barked, his voice laced with fury.

Wen Yin rushed over, stepping protectively in front of me. His arms stretched wide as if to shield me from his own father.

"Diē, I was with him last night—I even checked up on him. He didn't do anything wrong! Just because he's an outsider doesn't mean he did it!" Wen Yin snapped.

Hangzhuan let out a heavy sigh. "You're lucky my son still believes in you—and he defends you. If not, you'd be dead where you stand," he growled before storming off.

Wen Yin helped me to my feet, but his grip on my wrist was tighter than ever.

"Where were you really?" he asked, this time more serious. His gaze pierced into mine.

"Young Leader Wen, what do you mean?" I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. "We met last night, right?"

"We did," he said, narrowing his eyes. "But after I left... I decided to come back. The only thing I saw in your tavern was a piece of robe. Nothing else."

My heart sank into my stomach like a stone. I felt the blood drain from my face.

"I... I was just by the river last night," I said, voice shaking. "I couldn't sleep. I miss my parents... I hope you understand."

His grip loosened. Slowly, his hand moved to brush a strand of hair away from my face, gentle now—softer than his voice.

"He Xicheng," he murmured, "don't go outside without telling me, alright?"

He tilted his head and smiled softly. I nodded in response, unable to speak.

"If you wanted me to accompany you with your personal issues and talk about it with me," he added, his voice warm, "you could've just said so."

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