Chapter 24: Splitting into Two Routes

Qin Sang waited to the side.

Princess Dongyang and her group were deliberating in the forest. They believed they were far enough away, but in reality, Qin Sang heard every word clearly.

Granny Li said grimly, "Whether that boy is telling the truth or lying, the Princess's identity and whereabouts have inevitably been exposed. The Prince of Zhenshui's attitude is ambiguous, and Three Witch City is absolutely out of the question. The lackeys of the false emperor surely won't give up. The best course of action is to split into two groups: the convoy will take the main road back to Kun City to draw attention, while the Princess slips away in secret via the waterways to return quickly to Dongyang Commandery. My greatest fear is that the boy was sent by the false emperor's agents to sow discord among us. In my old eyes, there is no need to verify the boy's identity—just kill him with a single blade, and we won't have to worry about him reporting our movements on the road."

Qin Sang's expression remained unchanged, but his heart felt a chill; he never imagined this old woman could be so ruthless.

Glancing sideways at the black horse outside the forest, he noted that the Yama Banner was still inside the bundle on the horse. Qin Sang mentally calculated their route, pacing back and forth with feigned indifference as he stealthily approached the roadside.

If they truly intended to strike, he certainly would not sit idly by waiting for death.

Then, he heard Bai Jianglan speak: "I implore the Princess to reconsider. If Brother Qin truly wishes to repay the Princess's life-saving grace and has come to inform us despite the danger to himself, killing him under such suspicious circumstances would be..."

Before Qin Sang could breathe a sigh of relief, Granny Li sharply interrupted him. "Commander Bai, my only concern is the Princess's safety! Aside from that, I care for nothing! Let me offer you a piece of advice: since you have joined the Prince's service, you would do well to wash off that 'martial arts world' temperament as soon as possible!"

A moment of silence followed.

*I didn't expect things to escalate like this,* Qin Sang sighed inwardly. He had already prepared to fight when he suddenly heard Princess Dongyang speak: "Commander Bai, are you certain that Qin Sang did not know martial arts last year?"

Bai Jianglan replied, "On the boat that day, I personally inspected him. There was not a trace of true qi in his body, and his muscles and bones were relaxed; he appeared to have never practiced martial arts."

"To practice for less than a year and be able to kill an assassin from Jiangshan Tower!"

Princess Dongyang sighed softly. "Such talent, I presume even you have never seen before, Granny? Words are unproven. Commander Bai, I must trouble you to test him."

"Understood!"

...

Qin Sang feigned ignorance, looking at Bai Jianglan with a face of pure bewilderment as he approached.

"Brother Qin..."

Bai Jianglan walked slowly toward Qin Sang. When he was only a step away, he suddenly struck.

*Clang!*

A streak of sword light, swift as lightning, thrust straight at Qin Sang.

A harsh wind rushed against his face.

From this single strike, Qin Sang could tell that Bai Jianglan was stronger than the man in black, yet he could still clearly see the trajectory of the piercing blade—not to mention, he was already prepared.

"Brother Bai!"

Qin Sang looked shocked, but his movements were not slow. He feigned a stumble, twisted his upper body violently, and the freezing blade grazed past him, piercing through the air.

"Brother Bai, you..."

Qin Sang attempted to speak, but Bai Jianglan gave him no chance. His figure flashed, closing the distance instantly. His precious sword had vanished somewhere, and his hand, shaped like an eagle's claw, lunged fiercely toward Qin Sang.

Bai Jianglan's palm technique was exquisite, swift as thunder, and unpredictable, but Qin Sang saw it all clearly.

After exchanging several rounds in an instant, Qin Sang seized an opportunity. Using his fist against the palm, he met Bai Jianglan's strike head-on. It felt as if he had struck a solid wall; he stumbled back several steps before managing to steady himself, while Bai Jianglan had not moved an inch.

Only then did Qin Sang realize that without the Yama Banner, there was still a massive gap between himself and a true martial arts master.

Unexpectedly, it was Bai Jianglan who was more surprised.

Though the exchange was brief, Bai Jianglan had a very distinct feeling: it was as if he had nowhere to hide in front of Qin Sang. Every time he unleashed a move, Qin Sang would react and strike first, neutralizing his momentum.

During this clash, Bai Jianglan had been fighting on the defensive, nearly being forced into a submissive position several times.

It was only during that final head-on collision, by secretly circulating his true qi, that Bai Jianglan managed to stand his ground firmly.

"Brother Bai, why did you attack me!"

Qin Sang panted heavily, questioning them with a face full of grief and indignation.

At this moment, Princess Dongyang and Granny Li also approached, looking at Qin Sang with expressions of amazement.

Bai Jianglan sheathed his sword and said to the Princess, "Reporting to the Princess, I have tested him. In my opinion, Brother Qin's sharpness of the five senses and speed of reaction are rare indeed. He has also practiced the 'Tiger-Subduing Long Fist' to the absolute limit, making it difficult for others to surpass. Jiangshan Tower assassins excel at assassination and concealment—they are masters of disguise, breath control, and stealth, but they are not necessarily strong in direct combat. These methods are useless against Brother Qin; it is only natural that they could not defeat him."

Granny Li laughed sinisterly. "The Princess truly saved the right person. I did not expect young Brother Qin to possess such startling talent. To have mastered the 'Tiger-Subduing Long Fist' to such a degree... given time, he will surely become a top-tier expert. Congratulations, Princess, you have gained another formidable general!"

If he hadn't heard Granny Li insist on killing him earlier, he might have actually thought she was a good person.

Qin Sang maintained his expression of bewildered suspicion.

"Were you testing me?"

Princess Dongyang said sincerely, "Please do not blame us, Warrior Qin. This concerns our lives, and Anning must act with caution. Having received your life-saving grace, Anning will surely reward you handsomely once we are out of danger."

Granny Li interjected, "We shall discuss that later. There is no time to lose. I will go and fetch Elder Yue immediately. Commander Bai and Elder Yue will escort the Young Mistress to cross the river to the south. By following the river, we can return to Dongyang Commandery within a few days."

Princess Dongyang frowned slightly. "Granny, will you not be coming with me?"

Granny Li's gaze turned cold as she glanced outside. "Though these guards are death-sworn soldiers raised by the Prince, there will inevitably be those who fear death or lack loyalty. I must stay behind to maintain order. Only if they do not dare to harbor ulterior motives can we prevent Jiangshan Tower from noticing anything unusual. Rest assured, Princess, I will act according to the situation."

Princess Dongyang knew there was no better way. She said solemnly, "Granny, you must be careful... Please, go and call Chun Tao in. Commander Bai, you go with Granny as well. Select a few guards and bring the horses; we shall travel light."

"As you command."

Qin Sang also went out to lead the horses over. He tied the Yama Banner to a wooden staff; only having it at his side gave him peace of mind.

Leading the horses into the forest, Qin Sang saw Bai Jianglan bringing the Water Monkey along, as well as six unknown guards, one of whom was a ruddy-faced old man.

Granny Li led Chun Tao inside.

Qin Sang still vividly remembered Chun Tao's caustic attitude, but he saw that she merely spared him a glance before walking past with an expressionless face.

Granny Li produced a human-skin mask as thin as a cicada's wing and applied it to Chun Tao's face. She then had Chun Tao change into an outfit identical to the Princess's.

Once the mask was applied, no traces could be seen.

Qin Sang was secretly amazed. Once the Princess removed her accessories and placed them on Chun Tao, the disguised Chun Tao had completely transformed into the Princess—they were identical.