Chapter 812: Who to Choose?

After Zu'an departed, the Gu brothers became even more diligent in attending to Bi Linglong, serving her with heightened enthusiasm. However, Bi Linglong was visibly dispirited due to the events concerning Zu'an.

Gu Xing said, "Linglong, I know you're sad right now for trusting the wrong person, but things will improve soon. We've eliminated the troublemaker and removed hidden dangers, so we're much more confident about successfully completing the Crown Prince's major trial."

Gu Heng, standing nearby, also nodded. "Exactly. As long as the young masters from each family are united, our strength won't be affected in the slightest by Zu'an's absence. And my brother and I will stand by the Crown Princess's side from beginning to end."

Bi Linglong forced a faint smile. "Thank you both. I'm truly relying on you now. The young masters from each family are all arrogant and proud, only showing me superficial respect on normal days. But I worry they might not be reliable when we encounter danger in the secret realm. After Zu'an left, you are the only ones I can trust."

The Gu brothers were overjoyed. "We brothers will go through fire and water for the Crown Princess, sparing no effort!"

Bi Linglong's mood improved somewhat, and she then spoke with them for a while, smiling and encouraging them.

As the two brothers chatted, they gazed at the elegant and noble Crown Princess before them, finding it truly a refreshing and pleasant experience.

Being quite close, they could clearly smell the subtle fragrance emanating from her. Their minds couldn't help but wander, and their eyes brazenly glanced at her chest, waist, and other sensitive areas. Lustful thoughts began to sprout in their hearts:

"Before, I only thought Linglong was beautiful and noble, but I never expected her figure to be so good."

"She truly has a curvaceous figure with a slender waist. What virtue or ability does that foolish fat Crown Prince have to enjoy such a beauty?"

"Hmm, the Crown Prince didn't seem to mind Zu'an embracing Linglong before. Does he have a certain fetish, or does he simply not understand what that implies? Either way, it seems we have a chance."

For the next two days, no more scouts went missing, and everyone in the main party breathed a sigh of relief.

Zhao Xi laughed heartily, "It seems the culprit really was Zu'an. As soon as he left, all the strange incidents stopped?"

Gu Xing echoed, "Exactly. Before, he deliberately led us in circles, ostensibly to avoid danger. It seems he most likely accepted a mission from King Qi to obstruct our actions. All that meandering made it easier for him to eliminate people from our group."

Gu Heng also cupped his hands towards Pei You. "Speaking of which, we have Young Master Pei to thank. If you hadn't exposed his scheme, we would have all died without knowing what happened."

Pei You said indifferently, "I merely made the most logical deduction; I wasn't specifically targeting anyone."

After speaking, he coolly turned and walked away, clutching his sword.

From a distance, Bi Linglong watched his retreating figure, lost in thought.

The relaxed atmosphere within the group didn't last long, as they soon encountered danger.

They didn't know why they had entered the territory of a pack of Pale Giant Wolves and were surrounded and pursued. Fortunately, each member of their group possessed unique skills, and they also carried a lot of equipment for their mission, which allowed them to escape the wolves' territory.

Their relief was short-lived, as they soon stumbled into the territory of Ghost-Faced Green Flame Spiders. It was then they realized why the Pale Giant Wolves hadn't pursued them.

Many warriors were caught in spider webs and dragged into caves, instantly sucked dry by the Ghost-Faced Green Flame Spiders.

Others were splattered by the green flames spat out by the Ghost-Faced Green Flame Spiders, turning into balls of green fire that could not be extinguished, burning to ashes in mere breaths.

They fled in a hurry, only to encounter an attack from the Iron-Bone Black Thunder Python while crossing a river. As its name implied, the Iron-Bone Black Thunder Python had incredibly tough skin and iron-like bones, rendering the attacks of the various aristocratic warriors ineffective. It could also summon thunder power, using the river's conductivity to give everyone a thorough electric shock.

Fortunately, Bi Linglong's excellent command eventually led the main force to a safe location.

But after this triple onslaught, the once mighty main force had lost a third of its members. The remaining individuals were all wounded and disheveled; even Bi Linglong's clothes had several tears.

The only one completely unharmed was the Crown Prince, as he was the primary target of everyone's protection; no one dared let anything happen to him.

In their current state, they couldn't continue the journey. After ensuring the surroundings were safe, they began setting up camp, applying medicine, and tending to their wounds.

However, the leaders still needed to hold a meeting to discuss the continuous incidents.

They shared information on their respective family's losses and discussed the next leg of their journey.

All of them had lost their previous high spirits and were now sighing constantly.

"Is there something wrong with this secret realm? Why are the fierce beasts we've encountered along the way much stronger than the intelligence reports indicated?" The aristocratic young masters, usually talkative, were now deflated, while the usually quiet Gao Ying spoke up instead.

"Exactly. According to our intelligence, whether it was the Pale Giant Wolves or the Ghost-Faced Green Flame Spiders, while dangerous, with so many experts and ample preparations, we shouldn't have suffered such heavy losses," Meng Pan analyzed.

Zhao Xi frowned, "Could it be that the academy deliberately misled us, intentionally understating the grade of these fierce beasts?"

"Impossible!" Bi Linglong directly denied this speculation. "The academy has always been neutral; they wouldn't conspire with King Qi to harm us. Furthermore, it's not just academy personnel who have entered this secret realm; our own people have entered it too, and their intelligence reports were identical to the academy's."

"Then why have these fierce beasts' strengths increased so much?" Meng Pan said darkly.

The group thought for a long time but couldn't figure out why. It was then that Pu Duandiao suddenly said, "It seems that when Brother Zu led us on a detour some days ago, he was avoiding these dangerous fierce beasts. If he were still here, how could we have suffered such heavy losses?"

Jiao Sigun, standing nearby, also said, "Yes, everyone thought he was deliberately taking a detour before. Now it's clear we misunderstood him."

Everyone else's faces flushed with embarrassment, feeling somewhat awkward, as they had all played a part in forcing Zu'an away.

Some people indeed felt a bit regretful, but others remained dismissive.

"Zu'an, after all, had the strongest motive and suspicion. Perhaps we could avoid these demonic beasts with him, but if he killed a few people every day, our losses would be even heavier soon enough." Pei You snorted. After all, he was the ringleader in forcing Zu'an away and was trying to save face.

Jiao Sigun said, "That's too unfounded. Those people weren't necessarily killed by Zu'an."

"Exactly, I also find it a bit suspicious." At this moment, Gu Heng suddenly spoke, startling Jiao Sigun and Pu Duandiao. This guy used to detest Zu'an the most; why was he suddenly speaking up for him today?

He then continued, "Previously, we were misled by a villain and forced Lord Zu away. Now, it's too late for regret."

Pei You frowned, "You, Gu, what do you mean?"

Gu Heng said in a deep voice, "Who chose this route?"

Everyone was startled and looked towards Pei You.

Pei You's expression changed. "I was just tracking the lingering traces of the Azure Sky Jade Dragon. How would I know there were so many fierce beast lairs along the way?"

"Are you genuinely unaware or feigning ignorance?" Gu Xing said. "Lord Zu repeatedly changed your route to avoid the fierce beasts along the way. Seeing his plan disrupted, you deliberately found a way to drive him off, and then you could justifiably lead us into an ambush."

Liu Xian wiped a smudge of soot from his face and cursed loudly, "Alright, I always thought you were a shady character, always acting mysterious. I knew there was something fishy about you, but I never imagined you were this evil!"

Zhao Xi also stood up at this point, subtly surrounding him. "Pei, I trusted you so much in vain, and as a result, I misunderstood Zu'an. Tell me, who sent you?!"

Pei You clutched his sword tightly. "Ridiculous! What motive would I have to harm you all?"

Meng Pan said gloomily, "How could there be no motive? Your Pei family has two branches; one is staunchly loyal to King Qi. Your grandfather's branch is at odds with Lord Bi, yet your father is on good terms with Bi Zi'ang. It's truly bizarre to think about. Most likely, the Pei family sent you to infiltrate the Bi family, and now you've finally served your purpose."

Clearly, Bi Linglong wasn't the only one who suspected Pei You.

Pei You's expression changed several times. "It's perfectly normal for a family to have different factions. Even fathers and sons belonging to different political parties is not uncommon in history. What's so strange about that?"

"By itself, that's certainly not strange. But when you connect it to you forcing Zu'an away and deliberately leading us into a fierce beast encirclement, are so many coincidences combined still just coincidences?" Gu Heng sneered.

Noticing everyone's suspicious gazes, Pei You gave a desolate smile. "I never thought all of you harbored such grudges against our Pei family. It seems my father's decision back then was indeed terribly wrong!"

No sooner had he spoken than his long sword flashed out of its scabbard, a dazzling sword light seemingly attacking everyone.

"Protect the Crown Prince and Crown Princess!" The group immediately fell into a panic, each feeling as if the sword was aimed at them, and hastily put up their full guard.

But to their surprise, it was just a feint, not an actual attack. He merely seized the opportunity to swiftly flee into the distance.

His movements were incredibly fast; he disappeared into the forest in just a few leaps.

"Damn it, that bastard actually hid his strength! He truly has wolfish ambitions!" Zhao Xi chased for a few steps but couldn't catch up, spitting and yelling furiously in anger.

"Don't pursue him," Bi Linglong ordered. "The depths of these mountains are fraught with danger. If he deliberately lures us into the territory of some fierce beasts, it will be dangerous. First, detain the Pei family members."

The remaining Pei family warriors were terrified. Faced with the combined forces of several families surrounding them, they all showed expressions of desperation, ready to fight to the death.

Fortunately, Bi Linglong stepped forward and said, "I believe you were unaware of Pei You's actions. As long as you lay down your weapons, I guarantee your safety on my honor. You will be interrogated by the court after we leave the secret realm."

The Pei family warriors looked at each other, and ultimately, due to the Crown Princess's usual prestige, they all gave up resistance. After all, their young master had fled, leaving them leaderless. If they fought, they would surely die, at most taking a few opponents down with them.

Since the Crown Princess had given such a promise, they also wanted to save their lives.

After the Pei family members were properly detained, the young masters from the other families also came to the Crown Prince's tent to discuss.

"This is truly adding insult to injury," Liu Xian sighed, fanning himself with his somewhat tattered fan.

Gao Ying also frowned, "Even more serious is another problem: among us, only Pei You knows the method for tracking the Azure Sky Jade Dragon. In these vast mountains, we won't be able to find it at all. How are we supposed to complete the mission then?"

Gu Heng said, "Why don't we bring Lord Zu back? Since he could accurately avoid these fierce beast lairs, it proves he's very familiar with these mountains. He should have a solution."

Hearing his words, everyone looked at him sideways, and even Bi Linglong gave him a few extra glances.

Gu Heng's face flushed. "I admit I was somewhat displeased with Lord Zu before, jealous that he gained the Crown Princess's trust. But now I know he truly has ability, and this mission concerns the Crown Prince's major trial. How could I let personal grudges affect the overall situation?"

Bi Linglong couldn't help but say, "Brother Gu, thank you!"

Hearing that address, "Brother Gu," Gu Heng felt a tingling sensation all over. She had only called him that when they were very young; it had been so long since he heard such a term of address.

"It is our duty to share the Crown Princess's worries; there's no need for thanks," Gu Xing, who was nearby, quickly interjected, not wanting his brother to steal all the thunder.

The group then discussed for a while and decided to wait until dawn. The mountains were too dangerous at night, so they would send people to search for Zu'an after daybreak.

They then returned to their respective tents to rest and recuperate. Due to the successive battles over the past two days, everyone was wounded, and soon, thunderous snoring echoed from every tent.

Although Bi Linglong was exhausted, she couldn't sleep at all, worried about the success or failure of their operation.

Suddenly, she heard footsteps outside her tent, and turning her head, she asked, "Who's there?"

"It's us," came the voices of the Gu brothers from outside.

"Is there something you need?" Bi Linglong frowned.

"We have an important matter to report to the Crown Princess," Gu Heng said.

Bi Linglong tightened the collar of her clothes and said in a deep voice, "It's late. Whatever it is, let's discuss it tomorrow."

"This matter concerns the safety of all of us; discussing it tomorrow will be too late," Gu Xing's voice came.

Bi Linglong hesitated for a moment, then took a cloak from nearby and wrapped it around herself before saying, "Come in."

The Gu brothers quickly slipped in from outside. After entering, their eyes darted around and soon noticed that Bi Linglong was the only one in the tent.

"The Crown Prince isn't staying here?" Gu Xing sounded a little surprised.

It was a closely guarded secret that Bi Linglong and the Crown Prince slept in separate rooms, known only to a few in the Eastern Palace.

For this expedition, to prevent outsiders from discovering the Eastern Palace's secret, she had created the illusion that she was sharing a tent with the Crown Prince.

Her expression turned cold. "That is not your concern."

"Yes, yes, my apologies for being presumptuous," Gu Xing said with a chuckle.

Bi Linglong didn't want to pursue the matter and instead asked, "What is this urgent matter you speak of?"

Gu Heng said, "Does the Crown Princess truly believe that Pei You is the mastermind behind all this?"

"Why do you suddenly ask that?" Bi Linglong's delicate brows furrowed tightly.

Gu Xing said, "It's like this: after my brother and I discussed it, we found things a bit suspicious. Previously, Zu'an was forced away, and all the evidence pointed to him, but today we realized we wronged him. So, it's possible we're making the same mistake with Pei You today. He may appear to be the mastermind, but it's very likely someone else."

As he spoke, he secretly sized up Bi Linglong. It was the first time he had seen her in her "boudoir." Although she was wrapped in a cloak, he could faintly see the clothing underneath.

It seemed she hadn't had time to change; her clothes from the previous battles were somewhat damaged, faintly revealing her glistening skin.

Bi Linglong hesitated, "But Pei You had motive, took action, and even fled due to guilt..."

Gu Heng said, "Wasn'an the same before?"

Bi Linglong's expression sobered. "Then who do you think is the real culprit?"

"We suspect Meng Pan. That guy has been targeting Zu'an all this time, and he also played a part in driving away Pei You. It's hard not to suspect his motives."

"Meng Pan?" Bi Linglong fell into deep thought.

Gu Heng also took this opportunity to observe her up close. Her slightly furrowed delicate brows truly made her look pitifully lovely. Alas, how could that fat pig of a Crown Prince ever deserve such a graceful and intelligent woman?

As he thought of this, his gaze grew increasingly fervent.

Bi Linglong seemed to sense something, and her crimson lips parted slightly. "I understand. You two should go back first. I need to think about this further."

The Gu brothers exchanged a glance and quickly said, "Why don't we summon Gao Ying and the people from Prince Liang's manor and subdue Meng Pan first?"

Bi Linglong said indifferently, "I still need to weigh the specifics. You two should go back first. It's already late."

The Gu brothers said, "Opportunity knocks but once!"

Bi Linglong's voice turned cold. "Are you trying to teach me how to do my job? Frankly, if Meng Pan is a suspect, so are you. You were both involved in forcing Zu'an and Pei You away."

Gu Heng's expression slightly changed. "The Crown Princess actually suspects us?"

Bi Linglong said, "Of course I don't suspect you. It's just that it's late now, and your staying here is highly inconvenient. Whatever it is, let's discuss it tomorrow."

Gu Heng's expression shifted, clearly hesitating about something.

At this point, Gu Xing sneered, "Brother, you're too indecisive. You want to have your cake and eat it too. If we leave now, I guarantee she'll immediately gather others to arrest us."

Gu Heng sighed, "I didn't want it to come to this unless it was the last resort."

Bi Linglong's beautiful face slightly changed. "What do you mean?"

Gu Xing smiled, "Linglong, you've been clever since childhood, and we know that. So you don't need to feign ignorance with us; you can't fool us."

Bi Linglong finally stopped pretending and quickly shouted, "Guards! Quick, someone!"

Unfortunately, no matter how she called, not a single guard who should have been stationed outside rushed in.

Gu Heng shook his head. "Crown Princess, there's no need to waste your breath. They won't come."

"What did you do to them?" Bi Linglong tried to go out and see, but Gu Xing stopped her.

"Nothing much. We just put some sleeping incense in the campfire, and they're all sleeping like pigs now," Gu Xing said. "Not just them, but also the people from the Liu and Meng families, and Prince Liang's manor."

Gu Heng sighed, "If you had agreed to let us capture and kill Meng Pan together, it wouldn't have come to this. After all, we grew up together as childhood friends."

"Why, why would you betray me!" Bi Linglong slowly retreated.

Hearing her words, the always composed Gu Heng suddenly became agitated. "Linglong, do you truly not know? You're so intelligent; you must have known our feelings for you all along. But for all these years, you've pretended not to know! Instead, you used our admiration to make us serve your purposes."

Bi Linglong's expression darkened. "You should know, our statuses are different; it's impossible!"

"Why impossible?" Gu Heng's expression turned fierce, no longer showing his usual composure. "That pig-headed idiot Zhao Ruizhi can possess you, so why can't we? Which one of us doesn't surpass him a hundredfold? Is it just because we come from a vassal family to your Bi family that you've never considered us?"

Bi Linglong sighed, "I've always considered you brothers since childhood and never had any other thoughts."

"Ultimately, isn't it because you disdain our background?" Gu Xing sneered. "Since you look down on the Gu family as a second-rate family, then we'll transform the Gu family into a first-rate family, on equal footing with your Bi family. Wouldn't that make us a suitable match then?"

Bi Linglong snorted, "Are you still dreaming?"

Gu Xing laughed heartily. "Exactly. Under normal circumstances, a vassal family like ours isn't even worthy of carrying your Bi family's shoes, so it's naturally impossible for us to be truly treated as equals by you. So, we had no choice but to find another way."

"Fortunately, King Qi is incomparably wise and has extensively recruited talent. As long as we help him complete this mission, it will be a foundational merit for a new dynasty. In the future, the Gu family will naturally become a top-tier family. Conversely, your Bi family will become a vassal of our Gu family."

"Don't worry, Linglong, even after King Qi ascends the throne, you will still be safe. You will become the mistress of our Gu family; this is also a condition King Qi promised us."

"Now, the question is, which one of us brothers will you choose?"