While repelling the Black Guards, he held onto Nan Shiying's shoulder, pulling her back as he landed, his toes flicking up the scattered long saber fragments. The fragments flew through the air, not towards the Black Guards, but instead towards Madam Qin.
"Protect the mas—"
The words abruptly stopped. Ji Hong's pupils contracted for an instant, then returned to normal.
He held the Empress Dowager's hand, his calm face revealing no emotion, a stark contrast to the chaotic and dangerous environment.
"Clang~"
One of the Black Guards retreated, blocking the fragments aimed at Madam Qin. The sealed sword formation showed a weakness, and Ji Jinmo immediately withdrew, pulling Nan Shiying with him as they fled towards the outside of Jingren Palace.
"Pursue them!"
Madam Qin's eyes widened in fury. She had never expected Ji Jinmo to break through their encirclement while the蠱 worm in his body was raging. Anyone else would have been powerless to resist by now!
He truly lived up to his title as the God of War of Linyuan.
However... after today, Linyuan would have no God of War, and Ji Hong—a foolish individual with more ambition than talent, would be perfect as a puppet!
...
"Pfft~"
Ji Jinmo spat out a mouthful of blood. His rapid pace faltered slightly, nearly causing him to stumble and fall. Nan Shiying supported him, and the hand she held turned to grasp his wrist. As she pulled him towards the palace gates, she took out a signal flare from her embrace and fired it into the sky.
"Whoosh~ Bang!"
The fireworks exploded in the sky, painting the dark night with breathtaking splendor. The Demon Hunter Army and Xuan Yi, guarding outside the palace, saw the signal and their expressions drastically changed. In an instant, overwhelming killing intent surged from the Demon Hunter Army, condensing into a sky-obscuring black mist in mid-air.
"Charge into the imperial palace!"
"Protect the Prince!"
"Kill!"
At the command of the deputy general of the Demon Hunter Army, the entire army moved as one, their charging shouts shaking the heavens!
"Defend the imperial city!"
The commander of the Imperial Guard also shouted, raising his weapon and pointing it towards the Demon Hunter Army.
The two armies were only two meters apart. Following their commanders' orders, they soon engaged in fierce combat, the clash of weapons echoing ceaselessly. The sudden outbreak of fighting caused the nearby citizens to tightly shut their doors, their families huddled together, trembling and not daring to peek.
Outside the imperial city, officials who had rushed over dared not approach, while the military commanders laughed heartily, picking up their weapons and charging towards the Imperial Guard.
The Prince was finally going to charge into the imperial palace!
"You, you..."
The civil officials stamped their feet in agitation, but facing the battlefield, they could do nothing but curse and fume.
A hundred meters away, Nan Chaoyin watched the Imperial Guard retreat under the onslaught of the Demon Hunter Army, his brows furrowed deeply. What were Ji Jinmo and Ji Hong up to? Should he take this opportunity to...
Nan Chaoyin hesitated. He couldn't see Ji Jinmo among the engaged armies. Where had he gone? And when had the Demon Hunter Army appeared at the palace?
And no one had reported it to him?
Just then, the sound of uniform footsteps approached from nearby. Qin Qiancheng arrived late, leading the soldiers from his estate, and without preamble, surrounded the civil officials present!
After securing the officials, he walked towards Nan Chaoyin.
"Prime Minister, please alight from your carriage!"
...
"Master, are you alright?"
In the cold palace, Ji Jinmo leaned against the moss-covered and grimy wall, looking somewhat disheveled. Since the day Nan Shiying had known him, she had never seen him in such a state.
The蠱 worm within Ji Jinmo was still writhing. He held his breath, his usually fair face now completely devoid of color. His trembling muscles, every inch of him, spoke of his agony. At the corners of his temples, near his hairline, as if due to the moonlight, a faint emerald hue could be seen.
Hearing Nan Shiying's question, Ji Jinmo shook his head. "I'm fine!"
His voice was as melodious as ever, but Nan Shiying keenly detected the well-hidden tremor at the end of it.
She raised her hand, attempting to touch Ji Jinmo's temples. Ji Jinmo, however, turned his head, evading her touch.
Nan Shiying's expression faltered. The image of the monster from Weian Mountain suddenly flashed through her mind.
Fangs, scales!
So, that wasn't moonlight?
In that instant, it felt as if a thousand needles pierced Nan Shiying's heart simultaneously, so densely packed that they nearly pierced through it.
"It's her!"
She gritted her teeth. The person who had placed the蠱 worm in Ji Jinmo years ago was that very Madam from the Empress Dowager's side!
Ji Jinmo nodded, then shook his head. "Uncertain!"
Nan Shiying's eyes turned red, her voice filled with chilling intent. "They all deserve to die!"
Ji Jinmo raised his hand, stroking Nan Shiying's head, and managed a smile. "Don't worry, it'll be okay!"
Nan Shiying lowered her eyes, her tear-filled gaze fixed on him. Her eyes seemed to churn with a myriad of emotions. Ji Jinmo blinked, wanting to smile, but Nan Shiying suddenly lowered her head, leaning closer to his face.
Ji Jinmo froze abruptly. Nan Shiying's hand naturally climbed to his temples.
It wasn't until her warm fingertips brushed against his temples that Ji Jinmo finally came back to his senses, a hint of helplessness and a touch of panic in his eyes.
It was hard.
It was cold and hard!
She took a deep breath, preventing the rapidly swelling moisture from escaping her eyes.
Scales.
They covered his temples densely.
"This is what you call being fine, okay!" Nan Shiying pursed her lips, her voice low as she questioned, "Then when will it be not okay? Like that monster?"
Ji Jinmo was speechless. He pulled Nan Shiying's hand and clasped it in his.
Just then, a rustling sound came from outside the door. Nan Shiying abruptly stood up, her fingers pinching a silver needle, and held her breath, her gaze fixed on the doorway.
The moment the door was pushed open, Nan Shiying flung the silver needle.
"Ding ding~"
The newcomer raised her hand, and the silver needle collided with the silver bracelet on her slender wrist. She flicked her hand, and the needle fell. Simultaneously, a green streak shot out from her sleeve, lunging towards Nan Shiying.
It was a small snake, only as thick as a finger.
A snake?
As Nan Shiying retreated, she retracted the silver needle.
The small snake landed and darted towards Nan Shiying again!
"Enough!" a sharp roar exploded next to the snake's ear. The snake let out a piercing cry, and the small snake immediately stopped its attack.
Only then did Nan Shiying clearly see the appearance of the person before her.
A green dress, coiled black hair, a shapely figure exuding a unique allure. She slowly raised her head, and Nan Shiying saw a pair of greenish eyes.
Nan Shiying turned her head and glanced at Ji Jinmo.
With an unreadable expression in his eyes, Ji Jinmo suddenly felt a chill.