"Stubborn fool!" The youth's expression darkened, and then his figure flickered, instantly closing in on Chu Chen.
However, at that moment, he felt a dangerous aura approaching. Immediately, his body trembled, and he froze in place.
Chu Chen grabbed the youth's chest, and a cold glint rapidly enlarged in the youth's pupils.
The youth's eyes widened in disbelief. He never expected to be defeated so swiftly.
"Swish!" A sharp dagger mercilessly slit the youth's throat. His eyes remained wide open in death, filled with unwillingness.
Chu Chen then discarded the dagger, picked up the brocade cloak the youth had dropped into the lake, and wrapped it around himself before swimming towards the surface.
There was a boat by the lake shore. Chu Chen boarded it and rowed unsteadily towards the bank, completely drenched.
He had numerous wounds, and blood stained his clothes, making him look utterly pathetic. As soon as Chu Chen landed, a group of soldiers spotted him.
However, Chu Chen did not dodge or evade. He allowed an arrow to strike him, then stomped on the deck, using the force to spin and roll, dissipating the arrow's momentum.
"Pfft!" Chu Chen swung his dagger, cutting the throat of the guard. Blood spurted wildly, and he threw the corpse overboard.
Covered in blood, Chu Chen stumbled towards the land, having spotted a patrol of soldiers rapidly approaching.
"What's going on? Why is that young man covered in blood?"
"He's seriously injured. Could he be an assassin? Quickly inform the First Princess!"
Some soldiers reacted immediately and rushed towards the lake.
"Chu Chen!" Qin Xianyin heard the commotion and rushed over. Upon seeing Chu Chen covered in blood, her pretty face suddenly changed drastically.
"Are you alright?" Qin Xianyin quickly supported Chu Chen, her beautiful eyes filled with worry. She had never seen Chu Chen in such a state, as if he had endured some form of torture.
Chu Chen coughed a few times, covering his mouth. He raised his head with difficulty and asked weakly, "Where is this?"
"This is Nanjian Prefecture. How did you end up like this?" Qin Xianyin asked anxiously.
"That's good. Let's leave here quickly." Chu Chen nodded and stumbled along with Qin Xianyin.
"This prefecture is very prosperous and has a large population, but the public order is not good, making it prone to trouble."
Chu Chen narrowed his eyes slightly. His current situation was dire. His identity was exposed, and he was injured. If he continued to stay in this city, it would surely be problematic.
"It seems I need to find another place. This prefecture is too dangerous," Chu Chen murmured to himself, daring not to linger.
He immediately set off to leave Nanjian Prefecture, preparing to return to the capital.
"Chu Chen, wait a moment!" Qin Xianyin called out to him.
"Is there anything else?" Chu Chen asked with a frown, not wanting to waste any more time. He needed to find a hidden place to heal his injuries.
"My… my home is not far from here. Come with me," Qin Xianyin said after a moment of hesitation, finally mustering her courage.
Upon hearing this, a hint of surprise flashed in Chu Chen's eyes. However, he did not refuse, as he was severely injured.
Moreover, with his wounds, he indeed needed a secluded place to recuperate, so he agreed.
Qin Xianyin's family held considerable influence in the capital and owned a mansion there called the Yunyang Marquis's Estate.
It was a branch of the Nanling Marquis's Estate, so Chu Chen naturally stayed there temporarily.
The Qin family resided in the eastern suburbs of the capital, occupying a vast area with numerous houses, pavilions, and tiered buildings, boasting elegant scenery and a tranquil environment.
"Miss!" Upon seeing Qin Xianyin supporting a blood-covered youth, they all exclaimed and rushed forward.
"Help him inside," Qin Xianyin instructed, then led Chu Chen into the main hall, where hot soup had already been prepared.
After bathing and changing his clothes, and consuming some tonics, Chu Chen's spirits recovered somewhat.
"Rest here for tonight. I'll arrange for a carriage to send you back to the capital tomorrow," Qin Xianyin sighed softly.
"No need. I can go back myself," Chu Chen said indifferently. He was now eager to leave this accursed place and couldn't stay another moment.
"I'll escort you," Qin Xianyin insisted.
"Don't be difficult. I really have urgent matters to attend to," Chu Chen said helplessly.
"What urgent matters do you have? Tell me, and I'll help you with them," Qin Xianyin said stubbornly.
"I killed the heir of the Nanling Marquis!" After a moment of silence, Chu Chen finally uttered five words.
As soon as these words were spoken, the hall fell silent. Everyone stared at Chu Chen in shock, their eyes filled with fear and awe.
Chu Chen took a deep breath and said calmly, "I need to leave the Nanling King's Estate as soon as possible, or the trouble will be immense."
He wasn't afraid of the Nanling King's retaliation, but rather of the Emperor's pursuit. Although he was loyal to the Tianwu Kingdom, the royal family was, after all, the supreme ruler of the Tianwu Kingdom. Who would dare disobey the Emperor's command?
Qin Xianyin pondered for a moment, then said earnestly, "My father is the Yunyang Marquis. Perhaps he can protect you."
"No need. You are not suited to get involved. I will leave the Nanling King's Estate as soon as possible. As for me killing the heir of the Nanling Marquis, I hope you will forget it. Even if the Emperor inquires, do not mention it, or you will bring disaster upon yourself, and even implicate the entire Qin family," Chu Chen shook his head, his attitude firm.
"Chu Chen, just trust me this once. I will definitely ensure your safety!" Qin Xianyin gritted her teeth, her gaze extremely resolute.
Seeing Qin Xianyin's persistent gaze, Chu Chen hesitated for a moment before finally nodding, agreeing to let Qin Xianyin escort him back.
However, he had a condition: Qin Xianyin must relay the message back to the Qin family as soon as possible, otherwise, he would not leave today.
Chu Chen was led into a bedroom to rest, with Qin Xianyin personally guarding the outside. She secretly felt grateful to Chu Chen.
Her father, as the Nanling Marquis, held great prestige in Nanling City. If she were to ask for help, her father would surely dispatch troops to rescue him.
Chu Chen lay on the bed, his eyes closed, recuperating. However, at that moment, he suddenly opened his eyes because he sensed someone else's presence in the room.
"Who!" Chu Chen suddenly exclaimed, his eyes flashing with sharp intent. In an instant, he drew his sword and pointed it towards the door.
At the same time, Qin Xianyin also heard Chu Chen's shout. Her expression changed, and she quickly pushed the door open and rushed in.
"Chu Chen, what's wrong?" Qin Xianyin asked hurriedly, seeing Chu Chen pointing his sword at the room's entrance.
"Step back. Don't come near me," Chu Chen said coldly, staring at the doorway.
"Chu Chen, what happened? Your wound..."
Qin Xianyin noticed a short dagger lodged in Chu Chen's left chest, the bright red blood soaking his clothes, a shocking sight.