The sun sets in the west, and dusk obscures the sky.
The sound of urgent hoofbeats erupts along the official road.
A dozen or so dark shadows ride swiftly past, stirring clouds of yellow dust behind them.
"Hundred Households Qiu, we are a hundred li from Golden Sun State. It’s getting late; why don’t we find somewhere to stay?" A General leaned over his horse, suggesting.
After rushing all day, everyone felt somewhat fatigued. The Crimson Steeds were also overburdened, snorting white mist, with fine blood pearls seeping through their skin.
Though the Swift Movement Talisman greatly increased speed, the burden on the horses also multiplied.
At this rate, the horses would die of exhaustion before reaching Tiannan State.
Qiu Longgang unfolded the map, glanced at it, and nodded, "Zhaoshi County is ahead. Once we enter the town, let’s find an inn and rest for the night. We’ll proceed tomorrow morning."
The General responded.
Qiu Longgang turned his gaze toward the horizon, seeing a dark shadow trailing far behind.
"Is that a Flying Boat?"
"It should be the Demon Suppression Department’s Magical Treasure."
"Tsk tsk, Mr. Chen certainly knows how to enjoy himself..."
By the time they arrived in Zhaoshi County, night had fallen completely, and the city gate was closing slowly.
A convoy of merchants, who hadn’t entered the town, set up makeshift tents by the roadside, seemingly prepared to spend the night outdoors.
Observing another party arriving on horseback, two gate guards stepped forward. One raised his hand, saying, "Halt. The town enforces a curfew at 7 p.m.; you are late. Come back when the gate opens tomorrow morning."
The other guard, noticing the group wrapped in dark robes with long knives hanging from their waists, seemed to realize something and asked, "May I know who you are?"
Qiu Longgang said nonchalantly, tossing a projectile in an arc.
The gate guard caught it and, upon seeing the emblem on the iron plate, his pupils shrank to pinpoints.
"S-Sky Scale Guard?!"
He suddenly felt the token was scorching, and with trembling hands, he wiped it clean with his sleeve and returned it with bowed hands, "I was blind to not recognize great individuals and clashed with esteemed officials. I beg for your forgiveness."
Then, he turned to the city wall and shouted, "Sky Scale Guard on duty, open the gate quickly!"
The gate, which had closed halfway, paused then slowly opened amid the sound of grinding pulleys.
The party nudged their horses forward, slowly entering the city.
The two gate guards exchanged glances and wiped the cold sweat from their foreheads. Zhaoshi County is remote; why suddenly did this formidable group appear?
A worker from the nearby merchant convoy stepped forward, chuckling, "Lord, since the gate’s opened, why not let us in too..."
The gate guard glared at him, speaking irritably, "Stay aside. That’s a Hundred Households of the Sky Scale Guard. Even the county magistrate would nod and bow to him. Why do you join in the fun?"
In the inn, inside a room, an enchanting silhouette sits by the window.
Wearing a golden mask that covers half her face, only her vermilion lips and a clear jawline are visible.
A black gauze and red silk robe drapes over her, with a dark gold scale waist encircling her slim waist, barely a grip. Below, the curves shift sharply, with her voluptuous hips nearly breaking the silk. Her ripe peach-like figure exudes a world-shattering allure.
Long nails stained crimson like blood scabs, a vermilion mole adorns her white collarbone, and her pupils are so dark they’re almost purple, like dark flames encased in ice.
Her demeanor feels contradictory, both seductive and cold, like poison wine mixed with honey—sweet yet deadly.
The night breeze brushes past, causing the candle flame to flicker.
In a corner of the room, shadows twist. A woman in black appears out of nowhere, bowing, "Greetings, Sect Master."
"Have you clarified the situation?" the woman asks, her voice slightly raspy yet alluring.
The woman in black bows, "Sect Master, the situation in Linyang County has escalated. The Yulin Army is stationed in Nantu State and has detained all implicated officials. It seems they’re preparing to strike against the Gu God Sect."
The woman’s eyes flicker, shaking her head, "The court has long wanted to deal with the sects. The matter in Linyang County is just an excuse; they are using the Gu God Sect as a warning to others."
Though the Eight Great Sects are not weak, they are ultimately Jianghu forces and pale in comparison to the Three Saint Sect.
Moreover, the court has a legitimate reason this time, so other sects will choose to watch and respond, with no one daring to help, risking condemnation by the world. The outcome will likely be their complete destruction.
The Gu God Sect is finished!
"It doesn’t matter if the Gu God Sect is eliminated, but without obtaining the Gu Poison Worm, it hinders the continuation of our plan..."
"We can’t trace the locations of the other three branches. If we can stir the water and fish in troubled waters..."
After pondering briefly, the alluring woman spoke, "Keep an eye on the movement of the court’s forces. This may be an opportunity for us."
The woman in black responded and withdrew.
The alluring woman turned her wrist, taking out a piece of mica paper.
It was covered in scribbles, filled with tiny words, clearly listing the factions of the Imperial Consort and the Empress.
In the center of the list, a prominently marked, bolded name stood out, with one arrow pointing to the Imperial Consort and another to the Empress.
"A favorite of the Imperial Consort yet favored by the Empress. How did he achieve this?"
"With talent alone, it shouldn’t be possible, unless he’s hiding some secret..."
The woman’s fingers rhythmically tapped on the table, her expression thoughtful.
Mysteriously, she had a premonition. The key to Moon Brilliance Sect’s vengeance might lie with this person.
Just then, the sound of a chaotic array of hoofbeats came from outside the window.