Chapter 24: Two-Pronged Attack

Human World

Qin Sang waited nearby.

The Princess of Dongyang and her companions were discussing matters in the forest, believing they were far enough away, but Qin Sang heard everything clearly.

Grandma Li said grimly, "Whether that young man is telling the truth or lying, the Princess's identity and whereabouts have certainly been exposed. The attitude of the King of Water Suppression is ambiguous, and Three Witches City is absolutely out of the question. Those pawns of the fake emperor will surely not give up. The best approach is to divide our forces: the caravan will take the main road back to Kun City to draw attention, while the Princess secretly departs and quickly returns to Dongyang Prefecture by water. My biggest fear is that the young man was sent by the fake emperor's pawns to divide our strength. In my opinion, there's no need to verify his identity at all; just kill him with one strike, and then we won't have to worry about him leaking information on the way."

Qin Sang's expression remained unchanged, but a chill ran through his heart. He had never imagined this old woman could be so ruthless.

He glanced sideways at the black horse outside the forest. The Yama Banner was still in the package on the horse. Qin Sang silently calculated the route, pacing back and forth casually, subtly moving closer to the roadside.

If they truly intended to act, he would naturally not wait to be killed.

Then, he heard Bai Jianglan say, "Please, Princess, reconsider. If Brother Qin truly came to report out of gratitude for your saving his life, disregarding his own safety, wouldn't it be… to kill him so inexplicably?"

Before Qin Sang could breathe a sigh of relief, Grandma Li sharply interrupted Bai Jianglan, "Commander Bai, I only care about the Princess's safety! Besides that, nothing else matters to me! I'm kindly advising you, since you've pledged allegiance to the Prince, it would be best to shed your jianghu tendencies as soon as possible!"

A moment of silence followed.

Qin Sang inwardly sighed, surprised things had escalated this far, and prepared himself for a confrontation. Then, he suddenly heard the Princess of Dongyang speak: "Commander Bai, are you certain Qin Sang couldn't fight last year?"

Bai Jianglan replied, "On the boat that day, I personally examined him. He had no trace of true qi in his body, and his muscles and bones were relaxed, indicating he hadn't practiced martial arts."

"He can kill a Rivers and Mountains Pavilion assassin after less than a year of martial arts training!"

The Princess of Dongyang sighed softly, "Such talent, I presume even you, Grandma, haven't seen before? Words alone are not proof, Commander Bai, please go and test him."

"Yes!"

Qin Sang feigned ignorance, looking bewildered as Bai Jianglan walked towards him.

"Brother Qin…"

Bai Jianglan slowly approached Qin Sang. When only a step away, he suddenly struck.

'Clang!'

A sword gleamed, swift as lightning, thrusting directly at Qin Sang's vital points.

A vicious wind assailed his face. In an instant, Qin Sang was about to be splattered with blood on the spot.

From this one sword strike, Qin Sang could tell that Bai Jianglan was stronger than the black-clad assailant, but he could still clearly see the sword's trajectory, especially since he was already prepared.

"Brother Bai!"

Qin Sang's face showed shock, but his movements were swift. He shifted his stance, twisting his upper body sharply, and the chilling blade grazed past Qin Sang's throat.

"Brother Bai, you…"

Qin Sang tried to speak, but Bai Jianglan gave him no chance. His figure flickered, and he instantly closed in on Qin Sang. The sword had disappeared, and his hand formed an eagle's claw, striking fiercely at Qin Sang, each move targeting a vital point.

Bai Jianglan's palm techniques were exquisite, swift as thunder, and unpredictable, but Qin Sang saw everything with perfect clarity.

After a few rapid exchanges, Qin Sang seized an opportunity. He met Bai Jianglan's palm with his fist, feeling as if he had struck a wall. He stumbled back several steps, barely regaining his balance, while Bai Jianglan remained completely still.

Only then did Qin Sang realize that without the Yama Banner, there was still a significant gap between himself and a true martial arts master.

Little did he know, Bai Jianglan was even more surprised.

Although the exchange was brief, Bai Jianglan had a very clear sensation that he had nowhere to hide before Qin Sang. Each of his moves, just as it was launched, was anticipated and countered by Qin Sang, dissolving his offensive.

In this encounter, Bai Jianglan found himself constrained, narrowly avoided being outmaneuvered by Qin Sang several times.

Only in the final forceful clash, when Bai Jianglan secretly channeled his true qi, did he manage to maintain an unshakeable stance.

"Brother Bai, why did you hit me!"

Qin Sang gasped for breath, questioning him with a look of indignation.

At this moment, the Princess of Dongyang and Grandma Li also approached, looking surprised as they scrutinized Qin Sang.

Bai Jianglan sheathed his sword and reported to the Princess, "Your Highness, I have tested him. In my opinion, Brother Qin's senses are extraordinarily sharp, and his reactions are incredibly quick; few can surpass him. He has also mastered the 'Tiger-Subduing Long Fist' to its utmost, making it difficult for others to exceed. Rivers and Mountains Pavilion assassins excel at assassination and stealth, specializing in disguise, breath concealment, and covert killing techniques. Their strength in direct combat may not be as formidable. Before Brother Qin, these methods are ineffective, so it is normal for them to be no match for him."

Grandma Li chuckled darkly, "Your Highness truly saved the right person! Who would have thought Brother Qin possesses such astonishing talent, mastering the 'Tiger-Subduing Long Fist' to this extent? Given time, he will surely become a top-tier master. Congratulations, Your Highness, on gaining another formidable general!"

If he hadn't heard Grandma Li strongly advocating for his death, he might actually have believed she was a good person.

Qin Sang's expression remained one of bewilderment and uncertainty.

"You were testing me?"

The Princess of Dongyang said sincerely, "Please, brave Qin, do not be offended. As lives were at stake, Anning had to proceed cautiously. For the grace of your saving my life, I, Anning, will surely reward you handsomely once we are out of danger."

Grandma Li interjected, "This matter can be discussed later. Without delay, I will go invite Elder Yue. Commander Bai and Elder Yue will escort the young lady south across the river, traveling along it. In a few days, you will be able to return to Dongyang Prefecture."

The Princess of Dongyang's delicate brows furrowed slightly, "Grandma, aren't you coming with me?"

Grandma Li's gaze turned slightly cold as she looked outside. "Although these guards are personal retainers trained by the Prince, there will inevitably be cowards and disloyal individuals among them. I must stay to maintain order and ensure they don't harbor ill intentions, preventing the Rivers and Mountains Pavilion from detecting anything amiss. Rest assured, young lady, I will act as circumstances demand."

Knowing there was no better solution, the Princess of Dongyang said solemnly, "Grandma, please be very careful… And Grandma, please call Chun Tao in. Commander Bai, you too, go with Grandma and select a few guards. Bring the horses; we will travel light."

"Understood."

Qin Sang also followed them out to lead the horses, tying the Yama Banner to an ironwood staff and keeping it close at hand for peace of mind.

Leading the horses into the forest, Qin Sang saw Bai Jianglan bringing Shuai Houzi, along with six unfamiliar guards, one of whom was a rosy-cheeked old man.

Grandma Li then led Chun Tao inside.

Qin Sang still vividly remembered Chun Tao's harsh demeanor, yet he saw Chun Tao merely glance at him before walking past emotionlessly.

Grandma Li took out a human-skin mask as thin as a cicada's wing and applied it to Chun Tao's face. Then, she had Chun Tao change into an outer garment identical to the Princess of Dongyang's.

The mask adhered so perfectly that no trace of it was visible.

Qin Sang secretly marveled. When the Princess took off all her accessories and gave them to Chun Tao, the disguised Chun Tao had completely transformed, looking exactly like the Princess.