The sunset was already deepening by the time Feng Yinwan arrived at the sect.
The country of Yue was shrouded in a somber mood following the great defeat, and even the Xuanmen sect felt a palpable tension.
As she rode into the sect grounds amidst the lingering twilight, she paused just as she was about to dismount. A faint scent of blood wafted into her nostrils, immediately raising her guard.
Night had fallen, the sky a dark canvas. Yet, the vast sect grounds were devoid of any light. She looked up, finding the surroundings eerily silent, the atmosphere so still it was almost uncanny.
Something was amiss.
After a moment's hesitation, Feng Yinwan’s fingertips brushed against a silver needle. She urged her horse onward into the sect.
Initially, the smell of blood had been intermittent, carried by the wind. The further she went, the stronger it became, so potent that even the scent of medicinal pills couldn't mask it.
Not a soul was seen along the way, and Feng Yinwan’s heart sank. She hurried towards Feng Jin Chen’s residence. Before she could even dismount, several cold arrows from the shadows struck as if by command.
Her horse startled and reared, throwing Feng Yinwan several yards. The moment she landed, several silver needles shot from her fingertips simultaneously.
Almost instantly, muffled thuds echoed from the darkness. A cold glint flashed in Feng Yinwan’s eyes, and she sprang towards the source of the sounds.
Arrows rained down like a dense curtain. She dodged, her target fixed on a hidden spot. As her silver needles flew, a medicinal pouch suddenly appeared before her, startling her and halting her movement.
This pouch belonged to Feng Jin Chen!
Before she could ponder further, Ling Xiang’s voice cut through the air.
"Feng Yinwan, we meet again."
Her figure emerged from the gloom, her eyes fixed on Feng Yinwan with intense hatred.
Feng Yinwan was taken aback; she hadn't expected Ling Xiang to be the one tonight.
"You've returned to Yue."
After the previous day's failure, Ling Xiang had escaped amidst the chaos. News of Yue’s defeat had followed, and their whereabouts had been unknown since.
They had assumed she, with her persistent ambition, was still hiding in the country of Jing, barely surviving. They never expected her to be here.
Numerous soldiers poured out from the shadows, instantly surrounding them.
A cold light flickered in Feng Yinwan’s eyes. Her silver needles pierced the medicinal pouch and embedded themselves in Ling Xiang’s palm.
"Ah—"
Unprepared for such decisiveness, Ling Xiang winced and pulled her hand back. Feng Yinwan, however, was faster. She seized Ling Xiang with one hand and snatched the medicinal pouch.
"Where is Chen Chen? Take me to him."
The silver needle had pierced Ling Xiang’s palm, and as Feng Yinwan held her, cold sweat beaded on her forehead from the pain.
Yet, she gritted her teeth, "Forget your son, the entire Xuanmen sect is under our control. If you don't want anything to happen to him, release me immediately!"
Hearing this, Feng Yinwan tightened her grip on Ling Xiang’s wrist.
Ling Xiang cried out in pain, but her words remained unyielding.
"You can only fight like a trapped beast. This is Yue. If anything happens to me, you will never see your son again!"
Ling Xiang had been ordered by the Emperor of Yue to infiltrate the capital. Now, after the defeat, she had returned to Yue and brought her forces to the Xuanmen sect. This likely had the Emperor of Yue’s backing.
Luo Qingyi was still in the palace.
If that were the case, his situation was likely precarious.
Feng Yinwan’s gaze sharpened as she scrutinized Ling Xiang for a moment, then stated coldly, "If you dare harm Chen Chen in any way, I will kill you."
The pressure on her wrist felt as though her bones were about to be crushed.
Ling Xiang grit her teeth and wrenched her wrist free. Instantly, the surrounding soldiers swarmed forward, apprehending Feng Yinwan.