The man had a countenance as cold and clear as the moonlight, and especially the aura around him, gave off a sense of sanctity that seemed inviolable.
Qin Quexi admitted that his own looks were no less than the man’s, but the latter’s temperament was what really drew people in.
Indeed, he subconsciously glanced towards Gu Shengyin and discovered that her eyes brightened, a flash of astonishment sweeping through them.
She was interested in this man. This realization darkened Qin Quexi’s face.
The Phoenix Monarch also seemed quite satisfied with this gentleman, asking him a series of questions.
After he finished asking, the Phoenix Monarch’s inquiring gaze turned toward his eldest daughter.
Even though that man was standing obediently, it made others feel like he was looking down on them from a superior height.
Gu Shengyin seemed to be enchanted by him and said faintly, "Come closer, let me have a good look at you."
The man obediently took two steps forward.
Gu Shengyin apparently still found it insufficient, "Closer."
Any closer and the two would be leaning on each other! Qin Quexi’s hands clenched the arms of his chair so tightly it seemed as if he would crush them.
Just as the distance between the two narrowed, an incident occurred in that instant.
The man suddenly raised his head, and with a "swoosh" from his long sleeve, a flexible sword sprang out, its blade moving like flowing water toward the Crown Prince seated in the chair.
The Phoenix Monarch let out a cry of alarm.
Yet Gu Shengyin remained expressionless, swiftly dodging the soft sword’s attack.
At the same time, several of the gentlemen who had been standing behind stepped forward, surrounding Gu Shengyin who was engaged in a fight with the man.
Clearly, Gu Shengyin was their target.
The Phoenix Monarch had already been surrounded by Palace Attendants, and the Imperial Guard had not yet arrived.
Gu Shengyin also felt a touch of difficulty; these assassins didn’t seem to be from the Heavenly Phoenix Dynasty, their moves were unpredictable, and she couldn’t extricate herself for a moment.
A shadow flashed before her eyes, and a handily wielded folding fan parried a short blade thrusting at her from the side.
"What are you doing here?" When Gu Shengyin recognized the newcomer, her expression soured.
Qin Quexi, calm and collected, parried an assassin, "I came to see what charm this gentleman has that you have your eye on."
This man, even at a time , was still sharp-tongued.
Gu Shengyin felt a bit helpless; she had known that there were assassins among this group of gentlemen, and she had even deliberately given that man a chance to strike by letting him get close.
She even knew crystal-clear who the person behind the scenes was.
The reason she dared to be so bold was that she was completely confident she could hold out until the Imperial Guard arrived.
However, Qin Quexi’s arrival did indeed alleviate some of her pressure.
Conversely, the assassins on the other side felt a bad premonition; they didn’t have much time left, and if the Imperial Guard arrived, they would likely have no chance to strike.
Remembering the consequences of a failed mission, the group’s offensive shifted, and they adopted a suicidal fighting style.
Rather than suffer severe injuries themselves, they aimed to leave at least one wound on Gu Shengyin.
An enemy who is not afraid of death is often the most difficult to deal with.
Her gaze swept across the room; the Imperial Guard had already reached the doors of the great hall. Gu Shengyin breathed a sigh of relief, but her eyes then caught a sight that made her pupils contract.
"Be careful!" Qin Quexi felt his body being embraced and forcefully flipped over, then watched in horror as the gleaming tip of a blade pierced through Gu Shengyin’s chest.
Gu Shengyin’s last thought before losing consciousness was, "System, extract the pain."
Qin Quexi watched her close her eyes in his arms, his entire being trembling.