Lan Yan and Jun Yel an exchanged a glance and stood up simultaneously, walking towards the outside of the main hall.
The two of them arrived at the highest point of the pavilion and looked into the distance, seeing a contingent of people approaching. At this speed, they would arrive tomorrow.
Jun Ye Lan's eyes deepened. He called out to the subordinates behind him, "Pass down the order, the pavilion is on high alert."
"Yes, Pavilion Master." The subordinates quickly departed, informing everyone in the pavilion. Instantly, the entire pavilion was in a state of tension.
Jun Ye Lan remained in place, gripping the two swords at his waist, and murmured, "I didn't expect them to come so quickly. This time, there will surely be a battle."
Moreover, their pavilion had already lost many elites. Facing them now, they would likely have to expend all their strength.
His eyes carried worry as he looked at Lan Yan beside him.
"Yelan, don't speak yet. I won't leave," Lan Yan knew what Jun Ye Lan was thinking and disagreed. "I came back with you, I was already prepared. I won't be afraid."
She held Jun Ye Lan's hand, their fingers intertwined, and then raised them.
Jun Ye Lan's eyes trembled slightly. He placed his other hand over theirs and nodded firmly. He would fight in the front, even if it cost him his life, he would protect Lan Yan behind him.
Lan Yan thought of something. These people couldn't possibly be targeting only the Assassin's Pavilion. She said, "Yelan, I need to go back to the Flower Pavilion to cooperate with them. If the two pavilions are separated, they can be easily broken, but if they are united, it might not be so."
The Assassin's Pavilion excelled at offense, while the Flower Pavilion excelled at defense.
Jun Ye Lan also agreed with this idea. "But the Flower Pavilion will target you. I should go."
"No, you must guard the Assassin's Pavilion now and not let this place fall into chaos," Lan Yan said. "You stall for time here. In at most two days, I will be back."
Jun Ye Lan looked into Lan Yan's eyes and knew she had made up her mind.
He hugged Lan Yan tightly, a flicker of pain in his eyes, and called out, "You must return safely!" Otherwise, he would die with her.
"With you here, how could I bear to leave?" Lan Yan's lips curved slightly. She stroked Jun Ye Lan's back, giving him and herself courage.
Jun Ye Lan finally escorted Lan Yan out of the pavilion. He watched her departing back, his eyes filled with sorrow. When she was out of sight, he turned and walked back into the pavilion, his eyes sharp as he said, "Prepare for battle!"
Instantly, everyone in the Assassin's Pavilion picked up their weapons, guarding the pavilion.
Lan Yan rode her horse at full speed and arrived at the Flower Pavilion the next morning. After she entered the stone gate, she was apprehended by the people of the Flower Pavilion. Calmly, she said, "I have an important matter to see Ruo Niang, concerning the survival of the Flower Pavilion."
The people of the Flower Pavilion exchanged glances and went to fetch Ruo Niang.
Ruo Niang saw Lan Yan in her current state and was filled with surprise. "Why are you here? Aren't you afraid I'll kill you?"
"I'm not afraid, because I have more important matters," Lan Yan's determined expression made Ruo Niang cautious. "The imperial court has sent people to attack the Assassin's Pavilion, and soon your Flower Pavilion will face the same fate."
Ruo Niang's pupils trembled, and she asked, "Is what you're saying true?"
Lan Yan nodded. "With the death of Pavilion Master Bai, some people can no longer hold back and are plotting against our two pavilions. Once the Assassin's Pavilion is destroyed, the Flower Pavilion will be next. Perhaps they are already on their way."
"If you don't believe me, you can send someone to investigate. The Flower Pavilion's intelligence is the most powerful."
Ruo Niang didn't believe it at first, but looking at Lan Yan's earnest demeanor, she couldn't help but hesitate. "Someone, go and investigate."
Lan Yan sighed in relief. She had at least managed to convince Ruo Niang.
"It seems Jun Ye Lan survived, and you are now a member of the Assassin's Pavilion," Ruo Niang said coldly, still disliking the Assassin's Pavilion.
Lan Yan didn't get angry. She replied, "I'm not helping any pavilion; I'm helping Jun Ye Lan. Ruo Niang, both pavilions are under threat now. What we need to do is protect both pavilions. If all our hard work is destroyed by outsiders, it would be a great loss."
She had feelings for both pavilions.
Ruo Niang was startled. She inwardly agreed with Lan Yan's words, but didn't show it. The Flower Pavilion and the Assassin's Pavilion had been in conflict for so many years, and she couldn't bring herself to trust the Assassin's Pavilion.
At that moment, the person sent to investigate returned, holding intelligence.
Ruo Niang opened it and was immediately shocked. "The imperial court has really sent people, and they are targeting our Flower Pavilion. All the Flower Pavilion members are outside. What should we do!"
Since the unexpected death of the previous Pavilion Master, the Flower Pavilion had not had a new one, and its management was divided among the layer leaders.
Seeing this, Lan Yan advised, "Ruo Niang, there is only one way now: cooperate with the Assassin's Pavilion."
"No!" Ruo Niang said without hesitation.
Lan Yan shook her head helplessly, walked to Ruo Niang's side, and asked, "Ruo Niang, do you really want the Flower Pavilion to be destroyed! I know your feelings for the Flower Pavilion. The Flower Pavilion is your home, so you must protect it well."
"If you take these people and leave, there's still hope for a comeback. If you die, you'll have nothing."
Ruo Niang's body trembled, her lips and chin quivering as she clutched the piece of paper in her hand. She looked at Lan Yan, "Can you guarantee that the Assassin's Pavilion will not bully the Flower Pavilion?"
Lan Yan immediately raised three fingers. "I, Lan Yan, swear here that if I intentionally harm the Flower Pavilion, I will die a terrible death. Ruo Niang, you should make your decision now!"
She needed to rush back quickly, otherwise, the Assassin's Pavilion wouldn't be able to hold on.
After a long time, Ruo Niang's voice came. She waved her hand and said, "Alright, I don't trust them, I trust you." She summoned everyone, packed the important items, burned the rest, and prepared to transfer.
Lan Yan couldn't help but smile. She stepped forward to help, and together with Ruo Niang and the others, they left from behind the Flower Pavilion.
The group returned to the Assassin's Pavilion.
At this time, the Assassin's Pavilion was engulfed in a bloody battle. Jun Ye Lan stood at the forefront, his sword already stained with blood, shouting, "We will not let you advance any further."
Those soldiers retreated in fear, feeling that the person before them was like a god of death. Their hands were trembling, and none dared to step forward.
Jun Ye Lan's eyes were ice-cold. He raised his sword again.
Those soldiers scattered and ran, retreating outside the city.
Only then did Jun Ye Lan sheathe his sword. Covered in blood, he looked at the other assassins and silently walked back into the pavilion.
The assassins were all injured and followed him. At this moment, they felt a trace more respect for Jun Ye Lan for protecting them.
Jun Ye Lan walked into the pavilion, radiating killing intent, but when he saw the smiling figure before him, he suppressed it. His face was covered in blood, and the corners of his lips curled slightly. He called out, "Yan'er."
"Yelan!" Lan Yan, heartbroken, ran over and threw herself into Jun Ye Lan's arms, hugging his waist. "I'm back, and I've brought them all."
She could smell the blood on Jun Ye Lan but didn't find it unpleasant. This was proof that Jun Ye Lan had protected them.
Jun Ye Lan's eyes welled up with a misty film, and he nodded with a smile. "Good."
He didn't fear the enemies outside; he only feared never seeing the person in his arms again. Now that Lan Yan was back, he could fight the enemy without any reservations.