"The people around you are all soft-hearted," Nangong Yu said softly. Before coming to Lan Yue, he didn't even know Shangguan Jin was Xiao Man's subordinate, which showed how much Xiao Man had concealed from him.
"Yan Chi once saved him," Xiao Man said softly. "In the Crimson Feather Army, there's a strict rule: no one from the Crimson Feather Army is allowed to harm their own people, or they will be severely punished. You must know that in the past, he detested his subordinates harming each other, yet now he's engaged in such fratricidal acts."
"Perhaps he has his difficulties," Nangong Yu explained. "Why not ask him the reason?"
"He killed my father, which could be considered unintentional. But he nearly took Ah Jin's life, which has crossed the line. No matter the reason, it's not worth sacrificing the lives of his own people, especially a junior who respected him."
Nangong Yu fell silent. He knew that the former Crimson Feather Army was an entity envied by all four nations, and the Crimson Feather Cavalry struck fear into the hearts of many. Their two generals, Zhan Tian Que and Yan Chi, were once proud sons of heaven. Yet now, one lived in obscurity, and the other had degenerated into a demon, treading opposite paths.
After everyone crossed the sand drift area, they found that Wu Xiang, who was supposed to be guarding there, was nowhere to be seen.
Nangong Yu frowned, immediately understanding that Wu Xiang had likely gone in pursuit of that person.
As expected, half an hour later, Wu Xiang returned, panting. "Master, they got away."
"Let them escape," Nangong Yu said indifferently. His objective was to let Xiao Man know that he was innocent and that Xiao Zhen's death had nothing to do with him. Since his goal had been achieved, it didn't matter if the person escaped.
Wu Xiang's gaze swept over Xiao Man, then silently shifted behind Nangong Yu.
Xiao Man gave him a cold glance, and Wu Xiang felt a chill run down his spine. Although he had cursed Xiao Man countless times during this period, it was only in his mind; he hadn't dared to do anything. Could this person possibly know about his curses?
"Princess Yongning, long time no see."
"Steward Ye seems to have a poor memory. I am no longer a princess of Yusheng, but an imperial princess of Lan Yue," Xiao Man said softly.
Wu Xiang's heart skipped a beat. His identity had been exposed so quickly. Who could have guessed that Wu Xiang of the Heavenly Secret Pavilion was Ye Yichen, the steward of Prince Qin's manor?
"Greetings, Imperial Princess. May you have boundless peace and fortune," Ye Yichen said, being a man of great tact, otherwise he wouldn't have become Prince Qin's steward.
"Thank you. If it weren't for you, we might have been lost in the desert." Xiao Man looked at the gradually whitening sky. Dawn was breaking, the sandstorm was almost over, and even the air had become much quieter.
"The sandstorm has stopped," Nangong Yu said softly. "Are we heading to Xing Tang Road?" Su Dan Novel Network.
Xiao Man nodded. "Weren't you going to Bei Rong? Why are you here?"
Xiao Man asked softly. She had made up her mind and would not waver, lest she hurt more than just one person.
"Everything in Bei Rong has been arranged," Nangong Yu said. He climbed the sand dune and reached out to pull Xiao Man, but Xiao Man climbed up herself. In the distance, the outline of Xing Tang Road was already visible.
Nangong Yu looked at his hand and retracted it helplessly. "Feng Mo Ran must have plans upon his return to Bian Jing of Lan Yue. You must be careful."
"I know," Xiao Man's voice was devoid of emotion. Nangong Yu's gaze swept over Xiao Man's wrist. Her jade-like wrist was bare, empty. She had worn the bracelet he gave her, but now, only a single jade bangle adorned her wrist.
"Xiao Man, where is the bracelet I gave you?" Nangong Yu asked abruptly.
Xiao Man paused for a moment before continuing forward. "Lost."
"You lost it!" Nangong Yu asked in disbelief. "You lost it?"
Xiao Man glanced at Nangong Yu, who was holding her arm, and frowned slightly. "You're hurting me."
Nangong Yu released his hand. "Must it be this way?"
Xiao Man looked in the direction of Xing Tang Road. "Some people, some things, ultimately do not develop as we wish. You should learn to face those unsatisfactory outcomes."
"I've seen plenty of unsatisfactory things," Nangong Yu gritted out. "But the unsatisfactory outcome you speak of, I will not accept!"
Before Xiao Man could respond, a crowd of people suddenly emerged from around them. They surrounded Xiao Man and her companions, each holding sharp weapons and looking at them with ill intent.
"What do you want?" Shangguan Jin asked coldly.
"Patriarch Shangguan, you've been dominating this trade route for so many years, you've had enough glory," one man said, resting a sword on his shoulder and sneering. "The master of this trade route is dead. You, a lapdog, should not be so arrogant."
Shangguan Jin scoffed. "A pack of mad dogs gathered together thinks they can devour the king of beasts? Whose dog guts did you borrow to dare be so arrogant?"
"Shangguan Jin, do you think you are still the overlord of this trade route?" The man licked his lips, his demeanor full of insolence. "This trade route has changed hands long ago!"
"Oh, really?" Nangong Yu said coldly. "And who has taken over this trade route?"
Nangong Yu wore a mask, so his true face was hidden from them. They assumed he was a passerby who had happened to join Shangguan Jin's group.
"Kid, I advise you to mind your own business. Otherwise, you won't even know how you died."
Nangong Yu's lips curved into a mocking smile. "It's the first time someone has dared to speak to me like this."
Xiao Man took two steps back, creating distance between herself and Nangong Yu. Shangguan Jin also retreated. Ye Yichen, seeing Xiao Man and her group step back, almost bulged his eyes out. These people were here for them; what was the meaning of them hiding behind?
"Kuang San, since when is it your turn to be in charge here?" Chang Yan arrived with his men. The usual pipe he held was tucked into his waist. He stepped forward and cupped his fists. "Chang Yan pays his respects to the Merchant Lord."
"Merchant Lord?" The man named Kuang San looked at Shangguan Jin. "That pretty boy? Is he worthy? Chang Yan, it seems you have degenerated, acknowledging him as the Merchant Lord. Did the sandstorm the other day blow sand into your brain?"
Chang Yan looked at Kuang San with pity. Was he paying respects to Shangguan Jin? It was one thing to be blind, but to be so fond of thinking he was clever was another. It was pure luck that he was still alive, but unfortunately, his good luck had likely run out today!
"Merchant Lord, allow me to handle this matter," Chang Yan volunteered.
Xiao Man glanced at Chang Yan, her expression unreadable. She slowly nodded. "Capture them, and absolve yourselves of the crime of dereliction of duty."
Kuang San looked at the woman speaking, his brows furrowed. This woman looked no more than eighteen or nineteen, and indeed, she was exceptionally beautiful. But in Xing Tang Road, beauty in a woman was also a sin!