Just three words.
Yet, they fell upon Cao Cong's ears like a thunderclap, scattering his thoughts.
Everyone around also inexplicably felt a shiver run through their bodies.
Previously, they had always heard tales about how remarkable Princess Ling'er was; truly, hearing about her was nothing compared to meeting her.
The next second.
Bang.
Cao Cong immediately prostrated himself on the ground, continuously knocking his head. "I, I am sorry, I know I've been wrong. Please, Princess Ling'er, spare me!"
"I will change. I will never dare again. Have mercy, Princess Ling'er!"
His voice was desperate and hoarse, but all that came was Mu Ling'er's indifferent response, "Did I say I wanted to kill you?"
Cao Cong: "..."
"Take action."
Whoosh!!
Mu Gang kicked the knife on the ground, sending it hurtling with a sharp sound, piercing through Cao Cong's legs, and with the tremendous force from the war knife, it lifted him off the ground.
Flying several meters backward, he was pinned diagonally against the hall's wall.
"Ah..."
The piercing scream echoed endlessly within the tavern.
Cao Cong's pallid face was completely twisted, his whole body convulsing uncontrollably.
Then, his eyes flipped back, and he fainted, hanging on the wall just like that.
"Clear the room."
Mu Ling'er didn't even bother to glance, once again ordering Mu Gang, then walked towards Gu Zhiqing.
In fact, Mu Gang didn't need to move at all. Upon hearing they could leave, everyone felt a huge relief and hurriedly rushed out.
"What do you want?"
Gu Zhiqing stared coldly at Mu Ling'er ahead, speaking indifferently.
"I recall during the time at the Northern Mountain, you were always with Chen Yang. So, is he still alive?" Mu Ling'er spoke directly to the point.
Gu Zhiqing raised her eyebrows; she had naturally heard of the commotion between Princess Ling'er and Chen Yang.
However, she was unaware of the exact reason the princess was searching for Chen Yang.
"I don't know." Gu Zhiqing replied coldly.
"How can you not know?"
Mu Ling'er wasn't resigned, speaking emphatically, "I saw clearly that day, you and Chen Yang were always together. Since you're fine, he must be alive, right?"
"I said, I don't know."
"Cough, cough."
Gu Zhiqing coughed out a mouthful of blood, her delicate face completely devoid of color.
"You're gravely injured. Our City Lord's Mansion has the best physicians who can heal you," Mu Gang interjected.
"No need."
Gu Zhiqing turned and left.
Even though she had no special relationship with Chen Yang, she wouldn't reveal his whereabouts or any matters concerning the Changsheng Sect. This was her basic principle.
"Gu Zhiqing, I order you..."
Mu Ling'er was infuriated, about to chase after her, but Mu Gang promptly blocked her, advising, "I've heard this Gu Zhiqing is famously cold-hearted. Your usual approach is not only ineffective but backfires with her."
"I will have someone follow her."
Mu Gang patted Mu Ling'er on the shoulder, consoling her, "As soon as she meets with Chen Yang, we will know immediately."
"Fine then." Mu Ling'er gritted her teeth, having no choice but to relent.
Mu Gang stared in the direction where Gu Zhiqing had disappeared, squinting, "If you are still alive, then who killed Mu Feng and the two Ning brothers?"
In reality, he was almost certain in his heart that Chen Yang was still alive.
At the same time.
In a nearby teahouse, a middle-aged man in a blue robe, looking very ordinary, stood by a second-floor window, watching Gu Zhiqing's departing figure, a faint smile gradually tugging at the corners of his mouth.
"I, Li Yuanshan, have never set foot in the Northern Mountain, yet you have our Dao Sect bear such a massive false charge. It doesn't make sense whatever the reason."
The middle-aged man took a sip from his teacup and murmured, "I'm quite curious as to who acted in the shadows?"
"Does Gu Zhong's death also relate to you?"
"Chen Yang, War God of the State, Supreme Martial Commander, it's rather interesting. It even makes me think of Chen Changsheng from fifty years ago."
"Hehe, it indeed is interesting."
Clat.
The teacup settled on the table, the tea rippling.
Yet, the holder of the teacup was gone, only a shadow gradually melting into the darkness above.
...
That night.
The wind and rain lashed fiercely.
After a grand dinner, Chen Yang stood before the hall, with thoughts only on Gu Zhiqing.
The wind cut like a blade.
And you, where are you now?
Yang Hu walked over and asked, "Want a smoke?"
Clap.
Lighting a cigarette, Chen Yang became more silent, thoughts churning endlessly.
Perhaps he should have pursued her that day.
He really should have pursued her.
"Boss, tomorrow we'll go to Shisu Town. We'll surely find news of her," Yang Hu couldn't help but say.
"We'll go today."
Chen Yang extinguished the cigarette after just a couple of puffs, adding, "Now."
Yang Hu was taken aback, then smiled; it was the first time seeing his boss in such a hurry.
Before setting off.
Liu Changzheng and Liu Qingmei came to send him off together.
They tried to persuade him to wait until daylight before leaving, but seeing they couldn't dissuade him, they had to let it be.
Finally, Liu Changzheng reminded, "Chen Yang, recently because of the Blue Sea Ruins Fragment Map surfacing, Yuning Mountain has become unstable. The only reason large forces haven't come to seize it is that they are fighting over two larger fragments."
"Once the dust settles there, they will surely target you."
Liu Changzheng wore a worried look, continuing, "Besides, I heard some outsiders from the Youdu Snow Region have recently come, and they're moving between major forces frequently. It's unclear why they're here."
"Overall, Yuning Mountain, calm for fifty years, is likely to turn turbulent again, stirring up a bloodstorm."
"Youdu Snow Region?"
Chen Yang was taken aback, furrowing his brows tightly together, "You're talking about people from Xiankong Island?"
"That's correct." Liu Changzheng nodded, "Usually, we have almost no contact with them. This time, whether the story of the maps reached them or some other reason, I do not know."
"Right now, things are unclear, but I'll have someone investigate. I'll inform you first if there's any news."
"Okay."
With that, Chen Yang mounted his horse and left.
"Grandfather, aren't you curious how Chen Yang quickly entered Divine Conquest, and who killed those people in the Northern Mountain?"
Liu Qingmei asked Liu Changzheng in wonder.
"Chen Yang doesn't mention it, presumably for a reason," Liu Changzheng smiled and said, "Anyway, this is a tremendously good thing for Chen Yang."
"Prepare yourself, I will help you break through."
Liu Qingmei shuddered, took a deep breath, then nodded heavily.
"..."