he did, her roasted fatty fish would be ruined. She immediately tried to dissuade him saying, "Alright, it’s all old history now. I’ll help you get your revenge on him someday and give him a taste of...Chapter 22 Siege Battle

Shen Zhao was taken aback by Chancellor Qin's appearance, a look of surprise and confusion flashing across his eyes.

"What's wrong Do you know him" Yun Qianyue observed Shen Zhao's expression closely.

"I don't know." Shen Zhao shook his head. He looked at her hesitantly for a moment before saying, "However, his face resembles that of the mysterious man who taught me the incantation."

"Hmm" Yun Qianyue was also taken aback, "Are you sure"

"Yes, I still remember the appearance of that mysterious person. He is older than this one, but they bear some resemblance." Shen Zhao said.

Yun Qianyue pondered for a moment and immediately said, "There are paper and ink over there, draw the portrait of the mysterious man for me to take a look."

Shen Zhao nodded his head and walked to the other side of the table. He picked up the brush without hesitation and began drawing the portrait of that mysterious person.

Yun Qianyue stood next to him, watching as he completed the portrait in a short moment. Indeed, there was some resemblance between the man drawn and Chancellor Qin. However, the man drawn looked much older than Chancellor Qin, probably due to his long stay in the mountains. His eyebrows and beard were very long. Yun Qianyue raised her eyebrows and scrutinized the person in the portrait.

"That's it!" Shen Zhao put down his brush and said to Yun Qianyue.

Yun Qianyue nodded, looking at the portrait and saying to Shen Zhao, "The man who taught you the incantation should also be from the Nanjiang royal family."

Shen Zhao looked puzzled at Yun Qianyue.

Yun Qianyue pointed at the drawing of Chancellor Qin and said to him, "This person is the former Chancellor Qin of Heavenly Saint. He was actually bought off by Emperor Chengzu of Heavenly Saint a hundred years ago from one of the direct lineages of Nanjiang royal family. Now he claims to be retiring to farm life but in reality, he has returned to Nanjiang to seize power. Currently, Fenshui City is besieged by 40,000 troops while it only holds half as many troops defending it; this indicates that they aim to capture the city decisively. However, he probably knows the hidden soul technique of Nanjiang so my people can't find his whereabouts."

Shen Zhao nodded and said softly, "I'm aware of the situation in the country. The Regent Prince and Jing Crown Prince are at odds with Miss Yun Qianyue from Yun王府, leading to their respective factions competing between Heavenly Saint and Nanjiang, interfering with Nanjiang's politics. Chancellor Qin was a supporter of the former emperor, now being one of the regent prince's supporters as well. The crown prince of Yun王府 is also the son-in-law of Nanjiang Princess Ye, thus Jing Crown Prince naturally assists Nanjiang Princess Ye and her husband in stabilizing the region. Since you are familiar with Jing Crown Prince, then you must be his man as well; your visit to Nanjiang's capital isn't for a family visit but to assist Princess Ye and her son-in-law in clearing up the unrest and securing the stability of Nanjiang."

Yun Qianyue smiled and nodded, "That's right. You are quite perceptive, saving me from having to explain further. Now you should understand that being by my side isn't just for escorting, but I'm already dragging you onto my boat and it'll be hard getting off. There are many people watching over me along the way, your name is known by many."

"When I decided to send you to Nanjiang, I knew that if a major event was to occur, one must face dangers bravely. Besides, I admire Jing Crown Prince and even in future officialdom, I will follow him as my leader; now joining you for some experience can help me understand the political situation more quickly." Shen Zhao said.

Yun Qianyue suddenly laughed, reaching out to pat Shen Zhao's shoulder and praising him, "More intelligent than I expected!"

Shen Zhao seemed startled by Yun Qianyue’s actions, his face turning red. He didn't dare look at her and said softly, "Miss Chu is astute indeed; not only does she have high martial skills but also a warm-hearted personality, easy-going and broad-minded... A woman who can match men."

Yun Qianyue coughed lightly before naturally retracting her hand. She said, "Alright, no need to flatter me anymore. Even if I'm thick-skinned, your praise would still make my face turn red." Seeing that Shen Zhao felt even more awkward, she put away her smile and said seriously, "The mysterious man you met should be the previous Nanjiang King."

Shen Zhao's eyes widened.

"Thirty years ago, it was rumored that the current Nanjiang King suddenly disappeared. The throne was passed to him after extensive searches turned up empty-handed, and he continued searching until now. If not trapped in a valley by others, then he might have chosen to stay there on his own accord." Yun Qianyue said, "They resemble each other because they are both from the royal bloodline of Nanjiang; if their portraits were ever circulated, we would see even more similarities."

Shen Zhao thought for a moment and affirmed, "That should be it then. The legs of that mysterious man seemed to have been injured, unable to walk."

"He was probably trapped in the valley because of this; you met him later." Yun Qianyue asked, "If he is indeed the former Nanjiang King, when teaching you the incantation or at his deathbed, did he say anything"

Shen Zhao nodded and said, "He told me to kill a person for him."

"Who was that person" Yun Qianyue asked.

"Called Ye Xiao." Shen Zhao replied.

Yun Qianyue understood, "That must be him then; the former name of Chancellor Qin is indeed Ye Xiao."

Shen Zhao was taken aback, "Does that mean the mysterious man was harmed by him"

"You met that strange person ten years ago. He had been trapped in the valley for twenty years. Thirty years ago, he was likely harmed and trapped there; Nanjiang was in turmoil at the time. Later on, it was then Prince of Rong王府 who helped to resolve the crisis and supported the current Nanjiang King to ascend the throne." Yun Qianyue analyzed, "Back then Ye Xiao probably came to Nanjiang to seize power but failed; now, thirty years later, he's making a comeback."

Shen Zhao nodded, resolutely saying, "If it weren't for that mysterious person, I would have fallen to my death in the valley ten years ago and wouldn’t be here today. Over these past few years, I've been working hard to study and practice the incantations he taught me. Although part of it is to honor my family’s name and rise above others, another reason is to find him and repay his kindness for teaching me and saving my life. Only by entering the government service can I have the ability to look for him. Now that I've met you, it turns out that finding him wasn’t as difficult as I had imagined at least now I know who he is."

"Since your incantations also come from the Southern Frontier royal family, there’s no guarantee that Chancellor Qin will be able to intimidate you," Yun Qianyue nodded. She thought the world was indeed full of wonders—she stayed in a mountain village out of necessity, but it turned out she had found Shen Zhao, an invaluable gem. Perhaps this would become her greatest help on this Southern Frontier journey. Smiling, she said, "Now that you’ve started your incantation, be careful! It doesn’t matter if you can’t find him; he’s in汾水城and will eventually show himself. Even if you’re not his match, you must protect yourself first before taking action."

"Okay!" Shen Zhao pursed her lips and nodded.

Yun Qianyue remained silent and stepped back from the table.

Shen Zhao stood in front of the table and used her middle fingers to trace strange symbols around Chancellor Qin’s portrait. After a moment, she closed her eyes, pointed with her middle fingers at Chancellor Qin's portrait, and muttered something under her breath. Then, she opened her eyes, pointing one hand at Chancellor Qin's portrait and circling the symbols with the other.

Yun Qianyue watched silently; since she didn’t understand incantations, all she could do was stay silent while focusing intently to protect Shen Zhao from any mishaps. If anything went wrong, Yun Qianyue would immediately intervene.

About a cup of tea later, Shen Zhao suddenly called out softly, "Water’s boiling!"

Yun Qianyue stared at the table and saw water stains on Chancellor Qin's portrait start to spread, revealing an image faintly. Just as Yun Qianyue glanced at it, Shen Zhao withdrew her hand, making the pattern vanish instantly. She immediately looked up at Shen Zhao, who had taken a step back with a pale face. "What’s wrong Are you feeling unwell"

Shen Zhao calmed herself, turning to Yun Qianyue and whispering, "I’m not feeling unwell; it seems he noticed me."

"He started following you" Yun Qianyue confirmed that the image in the water was Chancellor Qin.

Shen Zhao shook her head. “I don’t know. I left quickly and am unsure if he followed.” She continued, "He’s too vigilant; as soon as I got close to his location, he sensed me."

"As long as you’re fine, there's nothing to fear even if he follows," Yun Qianyue comforted her. "Whether or not he follows us, we need to find him anyway. If he does follow, it saves us the trouble of looking for him ourselves."

Shen Zhao nodded and asked, "Did you see his exact location I’m still inexperienced with this water magic; only now have I started grasping its basics. The best way to use water magic is by borrowing spirits in the river’s water, but those spirits also have souls, so I’ve been hesitant to use them and haven't made much progress."

"It’s not bad that you’re kind-hearted; as you said, these water spirits can retaliate if harmed. If you protect them, they’ll protect you," Yun Qianyue praised her. "Although it was just an image, I know where he is now."

Shen Zhao looked at Yun Qianyue.

"He’s in汾水灣outside the city, disguised," Yun Qianyue said.

Shen Zhao pursed her lips. "Should we go find him now"

Yun Qianyue shook her head. "No need; let's wait and see if he follows you. If not, it means your incantation still has a chance against him."

Shen Zhao nodded and looked at the water stains on the table.

Yun Qianyue also watched the table.

The pair waited for some time—about an incense stick. Shen Zhao raised her head, shaking it at Yun Qianyue with a hint of joy. "It looks like I left quickly enough; he didn’t follow. As you said, there’s still hope in defeating him."

Yun Qianyue smiled and nodded.

"Miss Qianyue!" A voice called from outside, it was Black Chrysanthemum's.

"Yes" Yun Qianyue responded.

"An army of four ten-thousand is attacking the city. The leader isn’t Ye Xiao but a young man," Black Chrysanthemum said. "The general of汾水城died unexpectedly, causing chaos at the gates. Marquis Cloud and the Southern Frontier’s Imperial Uncle have left the inn to defend the city.

"What kind of youth leads this army" Yun Qianyue asked.

Black Chrysanthemum replied, "About fifteen or sixteen years old."

"Understood. I’ll go check at the gate," Yun Qianyue nodded.

Black Chrysanthemum remained silent.

Yun Qianyue turned around and said to Shen Zhao, "Now that forty thousand troops are attacking the city, the general of Fenwater City is dead, and the prince consort and the imperial cousin from Southern Yi have gone to the gate. I will also go check at the gate. You wait in the inn; someone will be protecting you secretly."

Shen Zhao pursed his lips, "Take me with you! Maybe I can help."

"It's just weapons; it's not certain that we'll need to use curses," Yun Qianyue replied. Seeing Shen Zhao hanging his head, she reached out and held his hand, "Alright, I will take you there. It’s important for you to see how the future of the world might unfold."

Shen Zhao was startled; Yun Qianyue had already carried him out through the window. As this was the first time he experienced someone carrying him using light-foot techniques, his head spun a little and he closed his eyes uneasily.

Tilting her head to look at him, Yun Qianyue said, "Don't worry, I won’t drop you. Relax and open your eyes."

Shen Zhao blushed and slowly opened his eyes.

Yun Qianyue’s feet touched the roof ridges of houses as she heard sounds of attacks coming from all four directions. She took a moment to observe her surroundings before heading southward.

The citizens in the city were alarmed by the sound of the attack and rushed out of their homes, panic-stricken.

Someone shouted, "There are enemies attacking the city!"

Soon, people on the streets gathered together and spread the news: "Enemies are attacking the city!"

In no time, every household lit up their lamps. The entire Fenwater City was instantly as bright as daytime with light piercing through the dark night. Fireworks soared into the sky from all four directions of the city, punctuated by cries and shouts.

Shen Zhao, having adjusted to Yun Qianyue carrying him, looked down at the anxious people below and whispered, "I wonder how many lives will be lost!"

Yun Qianyue remained silent. Where there's bloodshed, there is sacrifice; where swords clash, people die.

In a short while, they arrived at the southern city gate. From atop the wall, she could see Yun Muhuan giving instructions. Standing beside him was the Southern Yi imperial cousin, and soldiers on the walls had bows and arrows drawn but showed no signs of panic, contrasting sharply with those inside.

Yun Qianyue brought Shen Zhao to land beside Yun Muhuan.

"Who are you" Yun Muhuan suddenly turned around and prepared to attack.

"Rong Jing!" Yun Qianyue uttered two words.

At once, Yun Muhuan halted his hand, looked at Yun Qianyue from head to toe, then glanced at Shen Zhao beside her. "Are you the person Rong Jing sent to assist me"

"That's right!" Yun Qianyue nodded. Observing Yun Muhuan’s determined look, she couldn’t help but recall how different he was when he taught her how to read in the shallow moon pavilion after they activated the Phoenix calamity and sealed their memories—polite and cultured then, but now he looked like a general, with an aura of decisiveness that seemed cold.

"Badge!" Yun Muhuan said as he glanced at her.

Yun Qianyue reached into her bosom and took out Rong Jing’s jade pendant. Although Rong Jing had given it to her long ago, she always kept it close to her body; she had never taken it out except when contacting the Jade Green Hall in the city of Temple two days before. Even Yun Muhuan, who once stayed with her at Cloud Manor, hadn’t seen it.

Yun Muhuan glanced at the jade pendant, on which an eye-catching "Jing" was carved using a special technique. He nodded and said, "May I ask what your surname is"

"My husband's surname is Chu! You can call me Lady Chu!" Yun Qianyue replied.

"Lady Chu," Yun Muhuan nodded and looked at Shen Zhao. "Who is this gentleman"

"He’s Shen Zhao; he knows the royal family's curses from Southern Yi, once a disciple of the missing former king. Just now, he used water magic to find Chancellor Qin Ye Xiao’s whereabouts in Fenwater Bay and changed his appearance," Yun Qianyue briefly introduced Shen Zhao.

Yun Muhuan looked at Shen Zhao with surprise.

The imperial cousin from Southern Yi immediately stepped forward to ask Shen Zhao, "You understand the royal family's curses of Southern Yi A disciple of the former king You used a curse to find Ye Xiao"

Shen Zhao nodded.

"Come, go with me to Fenwater Bay. We can't allow Ye Xiao to cause chaos today. Given that he’s in Fenwater Bay, it's likely that he plans to use the water there for his curse and make it flood. If that happens, even five thousand troops wouldn’t hold off four thousand enemy troops surrounding the city and his curses," the Southern Yi imperial cousin grabbed Shen Zhao's hand.

Shen Zhao looked at Yun Qianyue.

"I will go with you!" Yun Qianyue thought the South Jiao Imperial Uncle was right. If Chancellor Qin were by the Fen Water Bay, then just now that image did indeed look like it was about to cast a spell.

"Miss Chu, two of us working together is enough! Stay here and assist Commander-in-Chief Yun!" The South Jiao Imperial Uncle shook his head and looked down at the city gates. "That young man is very skilled; he hasn’t taken action yet. Now that General Meng has died for no reason in Fen Water City, his bodyguards have been dispatched to oversee the other three cities. This place is of utmost importance. When I leave, there won’t be anyone to take care of him. Luckily you’re here; you can look after him."

"Shen Zhao doesn't know any martial arts skills, and he hasn’t practiced his spells," Yun Qianyue said as she looked at the South Jiao Imperial Uncle. "Since I brought him out, I have to make sure nothing happens to him. Otherwise, there’s no way I can explain it to Eldest Brother Shen and Elder Sister Shen."

"Rest assured; I will protect him well. Even if I get injured, he won’t be hurt," the South Jiao Imperial Uncle immediately promised.

Yun Qianyue still wasn't at ease and softly called out, "Black Chrysanthemum!"

"Subordinate is here!" Black Chrysanthemum appeared in response. He was dressed all in black, his figure as if shrouded by mist, making it impossible to see his face clearly. But from his posture and age, he seemed similar to Qing Ying.

“Escort Shen Zhao personally with your men to Fen Water Bay; make sure you bring him back safely,” Yun Qianyue instructed Black Chrysanthemum.

"But Young Master told me not to leave Your Excellency…" Black Chrysanthemum said.

“That person down there can’t harm me. Shen Zhao is like me; go!” Yun Qianyue waved her hand and strongly ordered, “He mustn't get hurt! Understand”

"Yes!" Black Chrysanthemum saw Yun Qianyue’s firmness and nodded.

Shen Zhao watched Yun Qianyue as she was protecting him; he was somewhat moved. She had clear and delicate features, and in this moment, she appeared calm and composed, exuding a commanding aura. Yet, being a woman dressed all in black amidst the shouts of thousands on the city walls, her countenance seemed more collected and unperturbed than Commander-in-Chief Yun Muhuan’s; Shen Zhao found it hard to tear his gaze away.

"Let's go!" The South Jiao Imperial Uncle glanced at Black Chrysanthemum before pulling Shen Zhao up with him and leaping down the city wall.

Black Chrysanthemum concealed himself and followed them.

Each fortress had secret passages leading out, which those of the royal family were naturally most familiar with. The South Jiao Imperial Uncle led Shen Zhao through Fen Water City’s secret passage to the outside; Fen Water Bay was ten miles away from Fen Water City.

With Black Chrysanthemum going along, Yun Qianyue felt somewhat reassured about Shen Zhao and turned around to see Yun Muhuan staring at her. She raised an eyebrow. "Does Commander-in-Chief have anything to say"

Yun Muhuan stared into Yun Qianyue’s eyes. “Madam Chu looks very much like my younger sister!”

Yun Qianyue hadn’t expected Yun Muhuan to be so sensitive; she thought of Rong Jing's instructions and the conversation she overheard between them yesterday in the inn. Since Yun Muhuan liked her, and their current situation could affect his emotions if there was any involvement with feelings, she smiled nonchalantly. "Really This madam looks quite ordinary; many people find me to resemble an old acquaintance after meeting me. Last time at the Peach Blossom Grove of the Top Ten Noble Families, I was detained by Prince Xiao Ran for a long while."

Yun Muhuan’s emotions seemed hidden as he changed the topic and asked, "Does Madam Chu think there's a way to break through today’s situation"

"I’ve come here to help Commander-in-Chief Yun; everything will be decided based on what Commander-in-Chief thinks," Yun Qianyue clarified her position.

Yun Muhuan understood and turned around, looking down at the city gates. His gaze fell upon that young man leading the troops. "Does Madam Chu know him"

Yun Qianyue also looked toward the young man; he was indeed as Black Chrysanthemum described—about fifteen or sixteen years old, wearing silver armor but looking somewhat thin and frail with clear features that were unfamiliar to her. She squinted her eyes slightly. "Commander-in-Chief Yun can’t tell who this person is"

Yun Muhuan was stunned, carefully examining the young man for a moment before shaking his head.

"While disguise techniques are good, they're still just disguise techniques," Yun Qianyue said.

Hearing this, Yun Muhuan scrutinized the young man again for a while and suddenly squinted as well. "Could it be Qin Yunque"

“She looks somewhat similar in stature,” Yun Qianyue replied.

"After hearing Madam Chu’s description, I also feel she resembles her," Yun Muhuan said.

"Give me a bow and arrow!" Yun Qianyue watched the young man sitting upright on his horse among the soldiers with a certain commanding air. She stretched out her hand to Yun Muhuan and said, "We'll know if it's her after trying."

Yun Muhuan fetched a bow and arrow for her.

Yun Qianyue took the bow and arrow; this weapon was as big as a hug. She placed four feathers on its string, slowly drew back the bow until it was fully stretched, aimed at Qin Yucning, and with a "whoosh" sound, shot out the four arrows toward the young man.

The arrow feathers pierced through layers of soldiers, making a tearing sound as they flew fast like a violent rainstorm.

"Protect the general!" The soldiers below were in chaos.

Seeing four feathered arrows flying towards her, the young man was alarmed and instantly leaped into the air. To his surprise, the arrows seemed to have spirits of their own, circling back around and shooting towards him. Her face changed as she waved a hand to deflect one arrow, catching two with both hands, but there was no way to avoid the last arrow which directly aimed at her brow. She could only lower her head; the arrow pierced through her helmet with a "whoosh" sound, knocking off her helmet and letting down her dark hair.

"Mrs. Chu, what an amazing four-stringed bow!" Yun Muhuan praised.

Yun Qianyue put away the bow, looking at the young man's loose hair; she instantly showed a hint of panic and feminine expression. She smiled faintly and said to Yun Muhuan, "Prince Consort Yun, take a good look and tell me if this is really Qin Yucning"

"It’s her!" Yun Muhuan nodded.

“The rest is up to you!” Yun Qianyue handed the bow and arrow to Yun Muhuan.

Yun Muhuan took it with his hand, seeing the soldiers surrounding Qin Yucning below. He placed four arrows on the string, aimed at her, slowly drew back the bow until it was fully stretched, and shot out the four arrows towards Qin Yucning.

"Quickly! Protect the general!" The soldiers below were panic-stricken once again.

Someone held up a shield to protect Qin Yucning, but before they could stack them together, the four arrow feathers arrived instantly.

Qin Yucning was clearly shocked by the first arrow. Seeing the second one coming at her, she quickly calmed herself and flew into the air again, but in the chaos, she was a step too slow to dodge three arrows; one of them hit her arm.

"Good shot!" Yun Qianyue also cheered for Yun Muhuan. She knew he could never be useless, or else Ye Qian would not have gone through so much trouble to bring him to the Southern Frontier.

“General!” The soldiers' alarmed shouts echoed together; what had been a well-organized assault was now in chaos.

The soldiers within Fenwater City seized the opportunity and rushed out, with many soldiers below falling wounded.

Qin Yucning held her shoulder, seemingly enraged by being hit twice. She suddenly snatched an arrow from a soldier beside her, loaded three arrows onto it disregarding her arm wound, drew back the bow until fully stretched, and shot three arrows towards Yun Muhuan and Yun Qianyue.

The three arrows quickly flew upwards, making a tearing sound.

Yun Qianyue suddenly waved her hand, releasing a strong energy wave that caused the arrow rain to turn back around and fly toward Qin Yucning before reaching the city wall.

"Protect the general!" As the soldiers finally relaxed, seeing the arrows flying towards Qin Yucning again, they quickly stacked up shields which soon covered her.

“Clang clang clang!” Three heavy sounds echoed as the arrow rain struck the shields, piercing through three of them and causing three soldiers behind to fall wounded.

Qin Yucning held her arm, angrily staring at the city wall.

"Open the gate, kill until they have nothing left!" Yun Qianyue said.

Yun Muhuan nodded and leaped down from the city wall. He waved his hand and ordered, "Open the gate! Charge!"

The soldiers immediately opened the gate; Yun Muhuan jumped onto a horse and charged out first with other soldiers following closely behind, raising long swords and axes as they shouted.

Yun Qianyue stood on the city wall watching below, her face indifferent.

With forty thousand troops surrounding them, it would depend if Qin Yucning had the capability to do anything about it.

"Withdraw!" Suddenly, Qin Yucning shouted out loud.

The soldiers surrounding them instantly sounded their retreat signals; drums and gongs echoed as they pulled back. Under Qin Yucning's command, her troops began retreating. Standing in place, she watched Yun Muhuan leave the city gates; suddenly, she waved a hand sending a black cloud towards him.

Yun Qianyue’s heart tightened, ready to use her spiritual power when she saw Yun Muhuan's sleeve suddenly shake out a crimson ribbon. The red silk unfurled, bright and vividly red, instantly blocking the oncoming dark cloud; upon touching his red ribbon, the black cloud dispersed instantly, with some tiny particles falling to the ground.

Qin Yuning failed to land a single hit and retreated.

Yun Muhan was about to give chase after retracting the red silk, but suddenly he pulled back on the reins, looked down at his feet, and shouted loudly, "Stop chasing! Everyone halt!"

All of the soldiers behind him halted simultaneously.

"Set fire immediately! Burn everything in this place!" Yun Muhan instructed.

The soldiers had already been holding torches. At his command, they threw their torches onto the ground before Yun Muhuan, and for a moment there was only the sound of insects sizzling and bursting into flames, producing an unbearable stench.

Cloud Qianyue watched as Qin Yuning led her troops away, causing the surrounding soldiers to retreat like floodwaters. She retracted her gaze and looked towards the bottom of the city wall. These insects were familiar to her; they were flesh-eating maggots that could penetrate human skin instantly upon contact, making one watch helplessly as their muscles rotted from the inside out. Qin Yuning had a very cruel method.

The air was filled with the stench of decay.

Yun Muhuan watched coldly as Qin Yuning left and, after a moment, ordered, "Count the casualties lightly and return to the city!" He then spurred his horse back into the city.

The soldiers immediately began cleaning up the battlefield and tallying their losses.

Cloud Qianyue stood on the city wall watching. The duration of this attack was short, not even half an hour from beginning to end; however, due to Commander Fengshui’s sudden mysterious death, Qin Yuning’s assault caught the garrison off guard and resulted in initial panic within the city, causing casualties besides those who had been injured or killed by the flesh-eating maggots. Once Yun Muhuan, Southern Frontier King’s Uncle, and she arrived, they turned the tide of battle. From what could be seen on the battlefield, there were more wounded than dead, about a hundred people. But each life behind this number represented a household.

Soon after, a deputy general reported to Yun Muhuan, "Sir, we have one hundred and thirty-one casualties and two hundred and four injuries."

Yun Muhuan returned with his troops and, glancing at the fallen soldiers, ordered solemnly, "Commend the souls of the dead and give them a proper burial!"

"Yes sir," replied the deputy general.

Yun Muhuan looked up to the city wall where he saw Cloud Qianyue looking ahead without any intention of coming down. He dismounted, leaped onto the city wall and bowed towards her, "Thank you Lady Chu for your assistance!"

"No need," replied Cloud Qianyue as she looked at Yun Muhuan, shook her head slightly, and said to herself that this man was someone she had always called brother, but now they were being formal with each other which felt somewhat strange.

Yun Muhuan gazed ahead and asked, "What do you think is Qin Yuning’s next move"

"She’ll likely retreat ten miles away. With today's failure, she won’t stop here," replied Cloud Qianyue as she looked forward.

"I wonder what the situation is like in Fengshui Bay. Ye Xiao isn't an easy person to deal with." Yun Muhuan turned his gaze towards Fengshui Bay.

Cloud Qianyue thought that naturally, dealing with Chancellor Qin wouldn’t be easy either, but Southern Frontier King’s Uncle was also knowledgeable about curses and incantations. Since Shen Zhao could use water magic to find Chancellor Qin's hiding place without being tracked, it should just be a lack of practical experience in the field. With Ink Chrysanthemum's protection, even if she couldn't stop Chancellor Qin, they shouldn’t have any problems. However, she still wanted to check on them herself and so told Yun Muhuan, "I’ll go take a look at Fengshui Bay."

Yun Muhuan nodded slowly.

Cloud Qianyue was about to fly off when Ink Chrysanthemum’s voice called out, “Miss!”

She immediately stopped and saw that Ink Chrysanthemum was supporting Southern Frontier King’s Uncle back while also holding Shen Zhao. Blood flowed from the corners of Southern Frontier King’s Uncle's mouth, causing Cloud Qianyue to be alarmed as she glanced at Shen Zhao. Seeing her unharmed but pale-faced, she sighed in relief and asked, "Is the King's Uncle injured"

"Uncle, how are you" Yun Muhuan immediately went up to take Southern Frontier King’s Uncle.

Southern Frontier King’s Uncle shook his head as if he couldn't speak.

"Miss Chu, the King's Uncle was hit with a venom spell," Shen Zhao said weakly. "It was originally aimed at me, but the King's Uncle shielded me."

“Did you take an antidote” Cloud Qianyue asked.

"This isn’t just any ordinary poison—it’s flesh-eating venom that has no cure, only sucking it out. The King's Uncle used his spirit concentration technique to gather the poison around him but couldn't prevent its spread due to a large depletion of energy from fighting with Ye Xiao. I’m too exhausted to perform a technique right now and can’t help him. Currently, there’s only one way: someone who knows curses must use the spirit concentration technique to suck out the venom for the King's Uncle or he will certainly die," Shen Zhao said, her face pale.

"The spirit concentration technique is a Southern Frontier secret not passed down and it’s known by you two and Ye Qian alone. But since she’s currently in the capital, how can we get help in time" Yun Muhuan's expression immediately changed upon hearing this.

Cloud Qianyue thought that even though she didn’t know Southern Frontier spirit concentration techniques, her mother had taught her a spirit technique that allowed for absorption. She said immediately, "I can save him! step or else if my true energy disperses inside and outside your body before the seal is broken, your body could explode. This is the most difficult part. As long as we pass this stage, I believe tha...