Chapter 25: Brothers

Whether in height, physique, face shape, or even gait, Chun Tao was extremely similar to Princess Dongyang. There were slight differences in temperament, but unless the two stood side by side for comparison, an outsider could not distinguish the real from the fake.

Old Mrs. Li said, "Miss, I and Chun Tao will return to Kun City first. Once you have finished your official business, we shall regroup in Kun City."

With that, Old Mrs. Li led the disguised Chun Tao away.

Unexpectedly, as she passed by Qin Sang, Chun Tao suddenly stopped. Looking at Qin Sang, she broke into a bright smile. "Young Master Qin, I wonder what kind of wood was used to make that staff of yours? Its luster is so bright. My little brother at home also loves playing with sticks, but unfortunately, he has been sickly since childhood. My parents won't allow it, so I was thinking of bringing him one as a gift when I return this time."

Qin Sang was stunned, unsure why Chun Tao was suddenly asking such things.

Glancing at the old woman's displeased expression and seeing that Princess Dongyang herself did not intervene, he replied, "To answer your question, Miss Chun Tao, this staff is made from the heart of Ironwood. This type of wood grows in the southern country of Mu Zi. If you find a merchant from Mu Zi, you will be able to purchase it."

"My little brother will surely love it. I shall thank Young Master Qin on his behalf."

Chun Tao's eyes shimmered as she smiled behind her hand, and only then did she follow Old Mrs. Li out.

As she boarded the carriage, Chun Tao nearly slipped, but Old Mrs. Li was quick to steady her.

Once she had ushered her into the carriage, Old Mrs. Li raised her voice: "By the Lady's command, we are not going to Three Witches City this time. Everyone, turn around immediately and return to Kun City!"

The guards immediately mounted their horses and, without asking for reasons, silently turned back.

Inside the silent carriage, Chun Tao covered her mouth tightly, tears falling like rain.

...

After Old Mrs. Li and the others had departed, the group emerged from the forest. Gazing at the empty road ahead, Princess Dongyang remained silent for a moment before suddenly asking an old guard, "Elder Yue, is what Chun Tao said true?"

Elder Yue replied, "Reporting to the Miss, Chun Tao indeed has a younger brother at home who is chronically ill. He has nearly died several times and has been kept alive by constant medication. Miss Chun Tao gives her entire monthly salary to her family, which is barely enough to buy medicine for her brother."

Princess Dongyang was puzzled. "What kind of ailment is it? Is it something even Imperial Physician Li cannot diagnose?"

"This..."

Elder Yue hesitated before saying, "It seems Chun Tao has made requests... However, the imperial physicians of the manor rarely leave the Prince's mansion. Outside the mansion, aside from officials like the Prefect, an ordinary household could perhaps only hire one if they spent a fortune."

Princess Dongyang gave an "Mm." "Upon returning to the manor, Elder Yue, remember to take my written order to invite an imperial physician to examine Chun Tao's brother. The medical fees and medicine costs shall all be drawn from the manor... and then, find a position for him within the manor."

Elder Yue said, "The Miss is most benevolent."

Princess Dongyang looked around and asked again, "Commander Bai, is there an exit to the north from here?"

Bai Jianglan pondered for a moment and nodded. "There is a small path through the mountains that leads to Linwu City. Alternatively, we can bypass the city; if we ride hard, we can reach Yingnan County in four days."

Princess Dongyang decided instantly, "Then we head north. Elder Yue, send a message on the road to ask my Father to send men to meet us in Yingnan County."

...

Bai Jianglan led the way, while Qin Sang and Water Monkey followed silently by his side as the group sped along the small path.

It was evident that Bai Jianglan was very familiar with the area; his constant changes in direction and route were dizzying. That night, they passed through the jurisdiction of Linwu City, passing by without entering.

Late at night, Bai Jianglan selected a mountain hollow for rest.

They were all skilled individuals, and game was quickly hunted. Sitting by the fire, Elder Yue personally fetched spring water, and they ate dried, hard biscuits to stave off hunger. Princess Dongyang struggled to swallow, but she finished every bite.

They had been fleeing all day and had not seen anyone in pursuit. Qin Sang estimated that even if the Jiangshan Pavilion had not given up on the assassination, they might have been lured away by the decoy.

He wondered how many of the decoys would survive.

Throughout this day, Chun Tao's final smile recurred in Qin Sang's mind, making him sigh inwardly; the cruelty of this world was even more naked than in his previous life.

Forced to spend the night in the mountains, Qin Sang had no duty to stand guard, so he leaned against a tree to rest.

By the campfire, Princess Dongyang lay on her side, covered by clothing. She did not move for a long time, appearing to be truly asleep, while Elder Yue sat cross-legged beside her.

Bai Jianglan led Water Monkey and the others in setting up some simple mechanical traps.

Qin Sang could not sleep, and with so many people around, he could not practice cultivation. Thus, he sank his consciousness into his body for internal inspection, returning his awareness to his soul.

Ever since the Jade Buddha had driven away the evil spirit, Qin Sang had entered to contemplate it almost every night after cultivation. But no matter how much Qin Sang agitated himself, the Jade Buddha never appeared again; only that faint yellowish light remained unextinguished.

After the Jade Buddha's appearance, Qin Sang felt no change in his cultivation of the *Nether Scripture*. It seemed the Jade Buddha only intervened to save his life when he was in mortal danger; otherwise, it didn't even bother to glance at him.

Full of expectation, Qin Sang could only gradually accept reality, attributing it to his own low cultivation realm.

The night was cold.

Qin Sang wrapped his clothes tightly and closed his eyes to feign sleep. Hearing footsteps, he opened his eyes to see Water Monkey, Zhou Ning, walking over.

"Brother Qin, have a sip," Water Monkey said, winking as he handed him a small gourd.

Qin Sang removed the cap, and the aroma of wine hit his nose. Seeing that no one was watching, he quickly took a large gulp. Although his body was in excellent condition and he did not fear the cold, the strong liquor felt like a line of fire entering his abdomen, which felt quite refreshing.

"Thank you, Brother Zhou!"

Qin Sang handed the gourd back and smiled. "Brother Zhou, from now on, I'll be able to eat the river fish you catch."

Water Monkey gave a chuckle and stood beside Qin Sang. He was less talkative than usual today, having said little along the way. He looked up at the night sky and suddenly asked in a low tone, "Brother Qin, why don't you go home for a whole year? Don't you miss your parents?"

Qin Sang sighed softly. "Even if I do, what of it? Returning to the village means living a life of hardship. Coming out might allow me to make a name for myself and let them enjoy wealth and honor."

Water Monkey looked completely unconvinced. "Brother Qin, you are mistaken. What your parents care about most is you. Being reunited with family is the only right way; what does wealth and honor matter..."

As the two were speaking, Qin Sang's expression changed abruptly. He bolted upright, staring at the canopy of leaves blocking the sky above, and shouted loudly, "Someone! Watch out!"

Before his voice could fade, the shadows of the trees beside Princess Dongyang distorted, and a dark figure lunged straight at her.

Fortunately, Elder Yue was right beside the Princess. The moment the assassin appeared, Elder Yue drew the precious sword resting on his knees. Like a falcon, he leaped into the air to intercept the assassin, his sword light moving like a swimming dragon, aiming straight for the assassin's vital organs in the chest and abdomen.

Unexpectedly, the assassin did not dodge or evade; instead, facing the sword light, his speed actually increased.

*Puchi!*

The long sword easily pierced the assassin's waist and abdomen, yet the assassin's speed did not diminish in the slightest. He charged straight toward Elder Yue, opening his mouth to unleash a flash of cold light toward Elder Yue's face.

This assassin seemed to know nothing of pain.

Staring into a pair of deathly eyes, Elder Yue felt a chill in his heart. He hurriedly dodged the hidden projectile and attempted to pull back his sword, but the assassin twisted his body, using his bones to firmly jam the sword in place.