Chapter 1: Chapter 078: Holy Spirit Island, Young Master

A bunch of idiots!

"That's... that's right."

"Then I shall tell you exactly who I was with at dusk on the day I arrived in the Southern Barbarian lands." Gu Xiaowu sneered, then turned her head and raised her voice: "Hey, Yan Shaoqing, have you seen enough? If you've seen enough, come out and bear witness for me."

Should she be grateful to Yan Shaoqing? If he hadn't come looking for her then, she feared she wouldn't even have a single witness.

The Young Master of the Divine Doctor Valley and the Seventh Prince of the Yan Kingdom—she truly wanted to know who would dare to doubt him?

The crowd looked around with doubt on their faces, but no one came forward.

Only Su Yunqing and the three Dugu brothers knew what was happening. Yan Shaoqing—wasn't he one of the people who had come to the Southern Barbarian lands with them!

"What? You won't come out just because she hasn't spoken? Don't forget, I'm not the only one being framed!" Gu Xiaowu smiled brightly, not appearing angry at all.

In the blink of an eye, Yan Shaoqing appeared beside Su Yunqing.

Everyone present was startled by Yan Shaoqing's sudden appearance; no one saw clearly how he had arrived.

"Pardon my rudeness. I am Yan Shaoqing, Young Master of the Divine Doctor Valley." Yan Shaoqing nodded politely to the crowd.

Yan Shaoqing's identity was considered a semi-public secret in the Yan Kingdom, but no one had ever met him in person.

And now, with the man who had only existed in rumors suddenly appearing before their eyes, the noble young ladies were in an uproar.

Upon seeing Yan Shaoqing, the Southern Barbarian Emperor's expression grew even worse.

He had not misheard Gu Xiaowu just now. If this man truly came to testify for her, things would indeed become difficult to handle.

Even if he were the Emperor of the Southern Barbarians, if the opponent was the Young Master of the Divine Doctor Valley, he truly wouldn't dare claim the man was committing perjury.

"It is quite unfortunate. At dusk on the day Miss Gu arrived in the Southern Barbarian lands, I happened to be with her. If the Southern Barbarian Emperor still does not believe me, we can summon the innkeeper of the establishment where we stayed that day." Yan Shaoqing smiled elegantly.

His smile looked harmless, but in his heart, he was muttering incessantly: *A bunch of fools. If you're going to frame someone, you should at least check their itinerary first. To accidentally mention a time when she was with me... truly, even the heavens are not on your side.*

"Since Young Master Yan has said so, then I shall believe the Crown Princess is innocent. However, for these rebels to actually attempt to frame the Crown Princess of Tianchen is an unpardonable crime. Guards, execute them on the spot!" the Southern Barbarian Emperor said fiercely.

That girl Yu'er was truly regressing; she had actually found such an utterly foolish group of idiots to act out this play. If he didn't settle this quickly, things would become troublesome.

"Southern Barbarian Emperor, why such haste?" Dugu Xun sneered, blocking the guards who were about to move. "These people likely have no grudge against our Tianchen Crown Princess. The fact that they are doing this suggests someone is pulling the strings from behind. If the true mastermind is not found, Tianchen will not let this matter rest."

Hmph, were the people of Tianchen so easy to frame? If they wanted to kill someone to silence them, they would have to see if he agreed first!

The Southern Barbarian Emperor's expression changed, and he said sheepishly, "I only wished to kill them to vent the Crown Princess's anger. Since King Xun has said so, I shall conduct further interrogations!"

"Leave this matter to me! Since they framed my consort, it is only right that I conduct the interrogation," Dugu Chen suddenly spoke.

The forced smile on the Southern Barbarian Emperor's face instantly froze. If the interrogation were truly handed over to Dugu Chen, then Yu'er...

"Imperial Father, Crown Prince Chen is a guest. It would be more appropriate not to trouble a guest who has traveled from afar with such matters." Feng Xiling, who had been standing aside observing coldly, suddenly spoke. She looked at Gu Xiaowu and continued, "I believe Crown Prince Chen's consort also does not wish for him to be overly fatigued. Therefore, it is better if you conduct the interrogation. As long as you provide a reasonable explanation to Crown Prince Chen and the others, I believe neither the Crown Prince nor his Crown Princess will object."

No matter what, Xiyu was her sister after all. If she didn't help her, she would truly be finished this time.

"Ling'er thinks most thoroughly. Crown Prince Chen, it is better if I continue the interrogation. I will certainly provide you with a satisfactory answer," the Southern Barbarian Emperor naturally agreed, pleased.

"If..." Dugu Yi was about to say something, but suddenly stopped.

Because that group of men in black suddenly collapsed to the ground with expressions of agony, convulsed a few times, and then fell silent.

"This..." The Southern Barbarian Emperor looked troubled, but in his heart, he breathed a sigh of relief.

*Good, they're dead. Once they're dead, there's no evidence left. Next, he only needs to find a scapegoat to hand over to Tianchen.*

Gu Xiaowu and Su Yunqing both revealed knowing smiles at the same time. While facing these people, they had already seen that they had been poisoned with a potent toxin and were near death; they simply hadn't said anything.

They did not possess such broad-mindedness as to save a group of people who were trying to frame them.

Yan Shaoqing cast a faint glance at the corpses and said coldly, "They have been poisoned for several days; it is only now that the toxin has taken effect."

His indifferent gaze swept over Gu Xiaowu and Su Yunqing. He didn't believe they didn't know; they just hadn't mentioned it, so he had waited until the poison took effect before speaking.

"Since these people are already dead, let us return to the palace to discuss this matter further!" The Southern Barbarian Emperor couldn't help but feel lucky. These people had died at just the right time. Had it been any later, he might have had to clash with the people of Tianchen right here.

"I say... shouldn't you ask me, since I was also present at the time?" Just as everyone was preparing to leave, Su Zhaohua suddenly spoke up.

Meeting the surprised and suspicious gazes of the crowd, Su Zhaohua looked somewhat innocent.

The Southern Barbarian Emperor lowered his eyes, pondering whether he should let her speak.

Although he had heard that the two daughters of General Su of the Yan Kingdom were not on good terms, her single word at a time like this would decide Yu'er's fate. Should he agree?

"Since Miss Su was also present, then would you be so kind as to tell us the situation at the time?" Dugu Xun said with a half-smile.

"After entering the hunting grounds, Su Yunqing—who is my sister—and I originally went our separate ways. Who would have thought we would meet here? And just as we met, a group of men in black arrived to assassinate us. After about fifteen minutes, Miss Gu and a pair of guards arrived one after another. Not long after they joined us, a clanging sound suddenly came from the forest. Those guards all rushed toward the source of the sound, and at that moment, the Third Princess appeared alone..."

She paused here, looked at Feng Xiyu with a hint of contempt, and continued: "Then, the Third Princess said these people were hers. She said the reason she sent them to assassinate my sister and me was entirely to lure Miss Gu into the hunting grounds. After saying that, she jumped off her horse, and those men in black who were fighting us suddenly all lunged toward the Third Princess. The Third Princess did not resist, and then Crown Prince Chen and the others arrived one after another."

Having finished in one breath, a faint smile finally appeared on Su Zhaohua's face, though the smile seemed laced with a hint of mockery.

"Southern Barbarian Emperor, did you hear clearly?" Dugu Xun asked coldly. "If you have not heard clearly, this King can ask Miss Su to narrate it once more."

The Southern Barbarian Emperor froze in place, momentarily forgetting to react.

Feng Xiyu, however, glared at Su Zhaohua with hatred, secretly regretting that she hadn't had someone kill her directly just now. She truly never dreamed that the trap she had meticulously designed would be destroyed by her hands.

She had originally thought Su Zhaohua would stand up and help her frame Su Yunqing and Gu Qingcheng, but instead, she had laid out the entire truth. Truly hateful!

"Southern Barbarian Emperor, I hope you can provide an explanation to me and my consort as soon as possible. If you intend to shield the Third Princess, Tianchen will certainly not let this matter rest," Dugu Chen said coldly, standing beside Gu Xiaowu.

"And my Yan Kingdom as well. If the Southern Barbarian Emperor cannot give us an explanation, then it will be difficult for this Prince to report back to Miss Su's father, the Great General of our Yan Kingdom," the Sixth Prince of Yan added immediately.

The Southern Barbarian Emperor looked at the determined crowd and felt extremely conflicted.

On one side was his most beloved daughter, and on the other were Tianchen and Yan, who were eyeing the Southern Barbarian lands hungrily. What choice should he make?

No, wasn't the answer already in his heart?

Between a nation and a daughter, which was heavier? Hadn't he already answered that long ago?

"Imperial Father, I did not... I did not do such a thing. You must believe me. If even you do not believe me, then I... I might as well just die." Feng Xiyu's tears fell like rain. If even this could not move her Imperial Father, she would truly be finished this time.

She absolutely could not. She still had to take revenge on Su Zhaohua. How could she fall here?

"Yu'er..." The Southern Barbarian Emperor called Feng Xiyu's name in a low voice. "You..."

After all, she was a daughter he had doted on for over a decade. How could he just abandon her?

While the Southern Barbarian Emperor and Feng Xiyu were performing a scene of deep father-daughter affection, Feng Xiling suddenly knelt before Gu Xiaowu.

"Crown Princess, Xiling begs your greatness to spare Xiyu's life. She was spoiled by Imperial Father since childhood, which is why she committed such an act of rebellion. I hope you will show mercy and grant her a way to live."

Seeing Feng Xiling kneel before Gu Xiaowu, everyone was stunned by her actions.

Except for Gu Xiaowu.

She stood before Feng Xiling without a shred of guilt, smiling somewhat maliciously: "On what grounds? Who do you think you are?"

When she was being framed, why didn't you stand up? To think of begging me now—it's too late!

Feng Xiling's kneeling body stiffened slightly. She had already humbled herself so much; could she not let Xiyu off just this once?

Although she knew her third sister had gone too far this time, she hadn't actually lost anything, had she? Why not generously let Xiyu off once? It could also serve to demonstrate her own magnanimity.

"Is the Young Master of my Sacred Spirit Island someone that just anyone can frame? Since you dared to frame the Young Master of my Sacred Spirit Island, you must be prepared to die." A male voice, carrying a hint of wickedness, suddenly rang in everyone's ears. Before they could react in surprise, a man dressed in red was seen walking slowly from a distance.

Hearing the three words "Sacred Spirit Island," Gu Xiaowu actually felt her body trembling.

Before the man in red could even approach, she recognized him.

That person was none other than Feng Xiyan, whom she had met once in Jiangning City!

Feng Xiyan's words stunned countless people.

Although the Sacred Spirit Island was very mysterious, many present had heard rumors about it.

And now, a woman who might be the Young Master of the Sacred Spirit Island was standing beside them. How could they not be shocked?

Dugu Chen stared blankly at Gu Xiaowu, his expression quite complex.

Although Dugu Xun was smiling, the smile was somewhat forced. As for Dugu Yi, he had long since forgotten to react.

Gu Xiaowu stared blankly as Feng Xiyan approached her. Her heart had already fallen into chaos the moment Feng Xiyan's words rang out.

"Southern Barbarian Emperor, my Sacred Spirit Island's Young Master is not someone a mere princess can frame. You had better weigh the consequences of how this matter is handled." Feng Xiyan winked at Gu Xiaowu, then looked at the Southern Barbarian Emperor with a wicked smile.

The Southern Barbarian Emperor forced a smile and said stiffly, "Although you claim to be from the Sacred Spirit Island, how can you prove that you are a true member of the Sacred Spirit Island?"

How could he not know of the Sacred Spirit Island? Years ago, he had accidentally married a woman from the Sacred Spirit Island, so he was naturally more aware of its dangers than anyone.

However, it was also fortunate that he had that woman; otherwise, he would not have ascended to the throne so smoothly.

"Since the Southern Barbarian Emperor does not believe me, I have no choice but to produce something that can prove my identity." Feng Xiyan smiled and pulled a token engraved with the character 'Sacred' from her sleeve.

However, unlike the one in Gu Xiaowu's hand, the token in her hand was made of jade, which was likely quite valuable.

Upon seeing this token, everyone except those who were uninformed had their expressions change. In particular, the faces of the Southern Barbarian Emperor and Dugu Chen changed most drastically.

The smile on the Southern Barbarian Emperor's face froze. He opened his mouth, only to find he could not make a sound.

Dugu Chen's expression was the most complex. He looked at Gu Xiaowu, then at Feng Xiyan. A multitude of words ultimately transformed into a single sigh.

"Feng Xiyan..." Gu Xiaowu lowered her head, her tone carrying an undeniable chill.

Feng Xiyan turned around with a smile and said somewhat flirtatiously, "Cheng'er, whatever you want to say, let's talk later. For now, it is better to first deal with the person who attempted to frame you."

After saying that, Feng Xiyan looked back at the Southern Barbarian Emperor and said coldly, "Southern Barbarian Emperor, if you cannot give me a satisfactory answer, my Sacred Spirit Island will certainly do its utmost to demand an explanation from your Southern Barbarians."

Though there was a smile on her face, her voice was extraordinarily cold.

To say "do its utmost" was perhaps a bit of an exaggeration, but for a mere Southern Barbarian land, the Sacred Spirit Island wouldn't even need to exhaust its resources to easily wipe them out.

Cold sweat began to bead on the Southern Barbarian Emperor's forehead. At this point, even if he wanted to protect Feng Xiyu, he had no choice but to give her up.

The Sacred Spirit Island was not something his small Southern Barbarian land could provoke.

Never mind the Southern Barbarians; even Tianchen, the largest of the three kingdoms, would not dare to easily challenge the Sacred Spirit Island.

"Imperial Father..." Seeing the change in the Southern Barbarian Emperor, Feng Xiyu finally began to grow nervous.

Feng Xiling also stood up silently. Things had reached a point where they were no longer within her control.

Before this man in red appeared, she felt she had some chance of persuading Gu Qingcheng, but after his appearance, she truly felt she could no longer influence this matter.

This man did not look like someone who would compromise easily.

And just what kind of place was this Sacred Spirit Island he spoke of? To the point that even her Imperial Father felt fear?

The Southern Barbarian Emperor ignored Feng Xiyu. He looked at Gu Xiaowu, his eyes filled with a plea that had not been there before.

"Crown Princess..." the Southern Barbarian Emperor said with a pleading face, "Could I ask you to..."

"Did the Southern Barbarian Emperor not hear what I just said?" Before he could finish, Feng Xiyan interrupted him. "If you do not wish to give me an explanation, then I will have no choice but to send word back and have the Island Master come personally to demand an explanation from the Southern Barbarian Emperor."

The Southern Barbarian Emperor was nearly fainted from anger by Feng Xiyan's words. To have the Island Master of the Sacred Spirit Island come personally? Was this not a blatant threat to have the Island Master bring troops to destroy his Southern Barbarians?

At this stage, did he even have a choice but to agree?

"Please, Young Master, calm your anger. We can discuss this reasonably." The Southern Barbarian Emperor hurriedly tried to steady Feng Xiyan. He was anxious beyond belief, but for the moment, he truly could not think of a way to stall for time.

Moreover, even if he could stall for time, it wouldn't change the fate of the child, Yu'er, would it?

"Discuss? I don't think there is anything for us to discuss." Feng Xiyan did not buy into it at all.

"This..." The Southern Barbarian Emperor was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan. His gaze inadvertently swept over Dugu Chen, and he hurriedly said, "Can this matter wait until after the Hunting Assembly to be discussed? At that time, I will certainly give you a satisfactory explanation. However, for now, could we allow the guests from Tianchen and the Yan Kingdom to return to the palace to rest first? Whatever it is, can we not discuss it after returning to our respective nations?"

If all else failed, he would first trick them back to the palace. He did not yet know the depth of their martial arts, so it was unwise to act rashly. Once they were back in the palace, he would find an opportunity to poison them and solve the problem all at once.

In any case, he had only heard of the Sacred Spirit Island; no one knew exactly where it was. When the time came, with the heavens high and the emperor far away, they would not be able to know what he did to these two.

Furthermore, if the Sacred Spirit Island were to strike his Southern Barbarians, the people of Tianchen and Yan would certainly not stand idly by. They would understand the principle of "when the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold."

"No." Gu Xiaowu refused without a second thought. "Doesn't the Southern Barbarian Emperor already have the answer in his heart regarding what the truth is? Why wait until returning to the palace to discuss it? I don't believe there is any room for discussion in this matter."

She only wanted to settle this matter quickly and then drag Feng Xiyan to a deserted place to properly question her about the Sacred Spirit Island.

At this moment, Gu Xiaowu was actually filled with a belly full of rage. Since when had she become the Young Master of the Sacred Spirit Island? Why did she, the person involved, know nothing about it?

And the Southern Barbarian Emperor was merely being the target of her misplaced anger.

Feng Xiyan pursed her lips and smiled, saying, "Since the Young Master of my Sacred Spirit Island has said there is no room for discussion, then we shall not discuss. Southern Barbarian Emperor, you only need to hand over the person who attempted to frame my Young Master to us for disposal. I guarantee that we will absolutely not take our anger out on anyone else. Of course, if the Southern Barbarian Emperor is unwilling, then that is another matter."

Threat! A naked threat!

The Southern Barbarian Emperor was nearly spitting blood from anger. At this point, could he even say no?

Although it was true that he loved Yu'er very much, if the price of preserving her was the entire Southern Barbarian land, then he would choose to preserve his throne without hesitation over this third daughter he had doted on for over a decade.

The Southern Barbarian Emperor let out a long sigh. He looked reluctantly at the pleading Feng Xiyu, finally closed his eyes, waved his hand, and said, "As you wish! The... the person who intended to frame your Island's Young Master, I leave them to you."

After saying this, the Southern Barbarian Emperor did not look at Feng Xiyu again. He turned around and said indifferently, "Guards, prepare the carriage to return to the palace."

Perhaps because he was too heartbroken, for a moment, he even forgot about the people from Tianchen and Yan.

"Xiaowu..." Su Yunqing reached out to pull Gu Xiaowu, her eyes full of worry.

"I'm fine. You go back to the palace with them first. I still have some things to ask him." There were some things that, if not asked clearly, would leave her unable to eat or sleep.

"Xiaowu, aren't you coming back with us?" Dugu Yi asked uneasily. He had known Xiaowu for so long and had never seen her like this; he felt a sense of unease.

"Mm, you all go back first. I'll be back later." Gu Xiaowu lowered her head weakly, her hands still trembling slightly.

Dugu Yi wanted to say something more, but he was stopped by Dugu Xun.

"Then come back early. You won't be able to eat lunch at this time, but we will wait for you to come back for dinner," Dugu Xun said calmly, then took the lead in mounting his horse and galloping away without hesitation.

The remaining people from Tianchen and Yan also left one after another, leaving only Dugu Chen, who stood quietly in place.

Gu Xiaowu walked over to Feng Xiyu, who was preparing to take the opportunity to flee, and reached out to strike her acupoints.

Turning around, she found that Dugu Chen was still there. She looked at him in surprise, not understanding why he hadn't left.

"Aren't you going back?" As the Crown Prince of Tianchen, shouldn't he be going back to preside over the situation? Why was he still standing here motionless?

Dugu Chen pulled his lips into a beautiful curve and said, "I am waiting to go back with you."

At some point, he had begun using "I" instead of that lonely-sounding "This King."

Her heart suddenly felt warm. Gu Xiaowu nodded. "I'll be as quick as possible. I'll have to trouble you to keep an eye on her for a while for me."

After saying that, she turned and pulled Feng Xiyan toward the depths of the forest.

There were some words that Dugu Chen was not yet suited to hear.

After walking a few steps, Feng Xiyan suddenly turned back, gave Dugu Chen a meaningful smile, and then gripped Gu Xiaowu's hand, walking away briskly.

Only when Dugu Chen was out of sight did the two of them stop.

Feng Xiyan crossed her arms and leaned lazily against a nearby tree trunk, raising an eyebrow with a light smile: "Speak. What do you want to ask?"