The implication was clear—he wanted her to call for Zhao Xing and the others to assist.
But Hong Ning did not reply. Instead, she thrust her sword forward once more, aiming directly at Bi Gongzi’s heart.
Sensing the overwhelming Yin energy emanating from the blade, Bi Gongzi’s expression flickered with alarm. “Meddlesome girl!”
He shoved Yang Zhen aside and, in a gust of fragrant wind, vanished through the window, leaving behind a teasing hum. “I’ll play with you another day, little girl.”
Hong Ning raised her sword, prepared to pursue—
But someone was faster.
Yang Zhen.
Despite his noble status, he had made a name for himself on the battlefield from a young age. A man of both literary and martial talent, he was deeply favored by the emperor. When had he ever suffered such humiliation? Just moments ago, he had nearly fallen victim to Bi Gongzi, a disgrace he could never endure. Now that the sorcery binding him had been lifted, rage consumed him. With a flick of his foot, he kicked up the treasured sword from the floor, caught it in his hand, and was about to charge out.
Hong Ning grabbed his arm and issued a curt command. “Stay here.”
To have a woman rescue him was already intolerable. Now, she was ordering him around? The insult fanned the flames of Yang Zhen’s fury. He yanked his arm free and strode forward. “I will repay your kindness for saving me another day.”
Hong Ning’s voice remained indifferent. “Young Master Yang certainly puts on airs. Brushing off your savior is one thing, but are you also willing to sacrifice your own men? Are their lives worth nothing?”
Her words were cutting.
And they stopped Yang Zhen in his tracks.
"With you here, things will only become more difficult."
Hong Ning swiftly stuffed a talisman into Yang Zhen’s hand.
"Be careful not to fall for a diversion. Stay here. If anything happens, call for me."
With that, she turned to leave in a hurry, but before she could take a step, someone grabbed her arm.
Yang Zhen, now much calmer, said, "That person is strange. Even I had trouble dealing with him. You—"
Hong Ning was truly in a rush. She frowned. "Let go."
Yang Zhen, however, did not release her, his voice steady. "Wait until I summon Zhao Xing and the others. We’ll go together."
His concern was genuine, but Hong Ning had no time to explain. She was too anxious about missing her chance. Frustrated, she stomped her foot.
"More people? What good will that do? They’ll only get in the way! You’d be better off keeping them all in the courtyard and telling them not to run around. Now let go already!"
"That man can use sorcery. You only startled him by luck just now—if you charge in recklessly, you’ll be walking straight into death!"
Suppressing his anger, Yang Zhen finally let go of her hand. "You’re impossible! Do you have no sense of self-preservation?"
Hong Ning couldn’t be bothered to argue with him any longer. Without another word, she used a movement technique and vanished.
Yang Zhen stood frozen for a long moment, staring at the empty space where she had been. He clenched the talisman in his hand, then, still fuming, stormed off to Zhao Xing’s quarters and kicked the door open.
"Useless fools! Get up, all of you!"
* * *
A single talisman floated in midair, casting a soft glow like a lantern. Everything within a three-yard radius was illuminated clearly.
The surroundings were a deep peach grove, the ground covered in fallen leaves. Hong Ning walked cautiously through the trees, her gaze sharp and watchful. Though the rain had stopped, everything remained damp. Droplets still clung to the branches, falling now and then, slipping down the collar of her clothes—cold against her skin.
That demonic aura had vanished entirely.
She had no idea where it was hiding now.
Tonight had been a rare opportunity—missing it would make hunting such a creature far more difficult in the future. Frustration burned within her. She gritted her teeth and flung her sword to the ground in anger.
If not for that delay with Yang Zhen, she wouldn’t have lost the trail!
After a long moment, she gradually calmed herself.
Perhaps things weren’t as bad as they seemed.
This being practiced dark arts—it would likely have a strong sense of vengeance. It had said before fleeing that it would return. There was still a chance.
Rather than blindly searching, it might be wiser to lie in wait, conserving energy until the time was right.
Feeling slightly more at ease, Hong Ning bent down, picked up her sword, and prepared to head back to reconsider her next move.
It was then that she realized—
Someone was standing behind her.
A mere ten feet away.
Even in the deep darkness of night, his presence was striking.
His embroidered robes shimmered like flowing clouds and sunset hues, exuding an undeniable elegance. His features were flawless, his expression warm yet restrained.
Hong Ning paused in surprise, then smiled. "It seems Zhongtian Wang enjoys roaming the mortal world."
Jin Xiu did not return the smile.
"What exactly are you trying to do?"
Hong Ning raised a brow. "Do you really need to ask?"
Jin Xiu’s voice was calm, but his words were absolute.
"You are not capable of handling it."
“A thousand-year-old peach demon, having shed its tree form, roams the world freely. Those of evil nature delight in consuming human brains and can cultivate themselves into dark immortals.”
Hong Ning lowered her gaze and lifted the wooden sword in her hand.
“Peachwood is known to ward off evil, but ordinary talismans won’t be enough against it. However, I suspect that a cypress sword might make it hesitate.”
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