nycdaug Chapter 175 Last-minute defection
Chapter 175 Last-minute defection
However, the Shadow Cult also sensed the perilous situation. Its leader secretly ordered his followers to secretly collude with lawless elements throughout the capital, attempting to expand their power in order to turn the tide.
He then secretly accelerated his plot.
In the underworld of the capital, assassins from the Shadow Cult frequently appear, attempting to kill those who pose a threat to them, such as Imperial Guard soldiers and court officials involved in the investigation.
Forced by the situation, Chen Xiao and Chu Yanxi had no choice but to strengthen the protection measures for relevant personnel. They not only increased manpower but also set up a hidden early warning array so that any unusual activity could be alerted.
At the same time, he racked his brains, trying to completely destroy the Shadow Cult's power base in the capital.
Ye Yu offered a risky plan: to use the arrested suspects as bait to lure the Shadow Cult's rescue forces into a trap, and then annihilate them in one fell swoop.
After careful consideration, Chen Xiao and Chu Yanxi finally agreed to Ye Yu's plan.
Although Xu Qian was in the imperial court and involved in many political affairs, his heart was always with Chu Yanxi.
Whenever he thought of the Shadow Cult's treacherous and cunning nature, he was filled with unbearable worry.
In the dead of night, alone with a flickering candle, he often murmured to himself, "Yan Xi is exceptionally intelligent and shrewd, but the Shadow Cult is ruthless. How will she cope with this perilous situation? I only pray that Heaven will have mercy on her and protect her from any harm from those treacherous villains. Even if I cannot be by her side to weather the crisis, I will do my utmost behind the scenes to safeguard her peace."
What Xu Qian didn't know was that his mutterings to himself late at night were heard by Chu Yanxi herself.
The reason is that the east courtyard of the Prime Minister's residence is full of spies!
Xu Jinshu and Chu Yanxi were childhood friends, and Xu Feng also had a good relationship with Chu Yanxi, not to mention Ming Zhanhe, who was compatible with Chu Yanxi.
As for Xin Hengyan and Xin Yao, they were indebted to Chu Yanxi, and their relationship can be considered quite good.
Upon learning of her close friend's return, Xu Jinshu began secretly monitoring Xu Qian, a move she had never made in the more than twenty years since she entered the household.
Xu Qian's confidants only thought that the relationship between the two had suddenly progressed rapidly, and that the mistress wanted to keep track of her master's information.
Thinking of his wife, the confidant nodded in deep agreement with Xu Jinshu's gentle instructions and solemnly agreed.
When the other four women found out, Xu Feng's first words were: "I think Xu Qian's confidant really needs to be replaced."
It received widespread approval.
But in fact, Xu Qian's confidants would report this matter to him truthfully every day: "Reporting to Master, I have informed Madam truthfully."
Xu Qian nodded calmly and dismissed him.
As for whether Xu Jinshu knows about this, that depends on how much she wants to bring Xu Qian and Chu Yanxi together.
...
Meanwhile, in the Yin residence outside the Prime Minister's mansion, Yin Yuyao also heard about the Shadow Cult's affairs and was extremely worried.
She was restless in the palace, frequently sending servants out to inquire about the situation. Each time a report came back, she would put her hands together, close her eyes, and pray silently: "Your Majesty is wise and brave, and will surely defeat the enemy and return safely. Although I cannot help you in any way, my heart is with Your Majesty on the battlefield. I pray with all my heart that Your Majesty may have a safe and peaceful journey."
At such times, Ning Yuyuan would pretend to be nonchalant on the surface, but secretly she would follow Yin Yuyao's example and wish Chen Xiao a safe return.
Although she never mentioned praying for Ye Chao.
Outside the Yin residence is the residence of the eldest princess, which has been brightly lit day and night for some time now.
There are now only three masters in the Princess's residence: Yuan Yin, Qi Yanyun, and Xu Ruyan, who recently married into the family.
All three held important positions, and therefore all received information about the palace.
During this period, the three of them discussed countermeasures day and night, trying to help Chen Xiao and Chu Yanxi in other ways.
But they all knew that Chu Yanxi alone was more than enough to deal with this crisis, not to mention that Chen Xiao was now by Chu Yanxi's side.
Meanwhile, all three of them had secretly heard rumors about Xu Qian and Chu Yanxi, which made them feel even more at ease.
...
In the palace.
Chen Xiao and Chu Yanxi believed Ye Yu's words and pretended to relax their guard on the prisoners, but secretly set up a series of ambushes at the place where the prisoners were being held.
The Shadow Cult, upon hearing the news, knew it was a scheme, but still sent a small group of people there.
A group of mediocre assassins in black infiltrated the capital under cover of night and headed straight for the place where prisoners were held.
However, what awaited them was a trap carefully constructed by Chen Xiao and his companions.
In an instant, a fierce battle erupted in a secluded corner.
This is an abandoned old house courtyard, surrounded by high walls covered with mottled vines, which look like menacing ghosts in the dim moonlight.
In the courtyard, a few withered trees stood alone, their bare branches trembling in the night wind, as if emitting a silent wail.
Dark clouds obscured most of the moonlight, with only a few faint rays struggling to penetrate the clouds and fall on the dusty, leaf-covered ground.
The Shadow Cult assassins attacked like phantoms, their blades flashing like cold lightning and their sword shadows dancing like cold stars.
Ye Li led the Imperial Guards to bravely meet the enemy. His eyes were wide open in anger, revealing determination and courage. With a loud shout, he took a step forward, raised his long sword high, and his taut arms displayed boundless power. Then, with a whistling sound, he slashed down with all his might. The long sword seemed to transform into a silver dragon, charging fiercely towards the enemy. Each slash carried the force of a thousand pounds, clashing with the weapons of the Shadow Cult assassins and sending sparks flying.
Chao Yuan and Chao Ci also personally participated in the battle.
Chao Yuan gripped her spear tightly with both hands, the tip gleaming with a chilling light. Her eyebrows furrowed, her expression cold and stern. She took a deep breath, stomped her foot, and used the force to thrust the spear forward. The tassel of the spear bloomed like a flower with her movement, like a dragon emerging from the sea, swiftly knocking away several assassins. The assassins screamed as they were flung into the air, their bodies tracing an arc through the air.
Chao Ci moved with the agility of a swallow, her toes barely touching the ground as she darted through the enemy ranks like a ghost. Her beautiful eyes held a murderous glint, her lips pressed tightly together, and her short sword danced in her hand. Sometimes she slashed horizontally, like a silver lightning bolt cutting across the enemy's throat, leaving a mist of blood; other times she thrust straight in, the short sword piercing the enemy's heart with precision. Wherever it passed, the assassins fell one after another, blood gushing from their throats.
In the midst of the fierce battle, Ling Xue heard the shouts of killing outside from inside the prison, and her heart was in turmoil.
The Shadow Cult had saved her life, extending a helping hand when she was alone and on the verge of despair. This kindness weighed heavily on her heart like a boulder.
But now the Shadow Cult is causing immense suffering and bringing calamity to the world, and she knows that it has gone against the natural order.
She was torn between a deep sense of gratitude and a call to justice.
In the end, the scales of loyalty tipped slightly, and she decided that she could not stand by and watch the Shadow Cult continue to do evil. Even if she bore the name of a traitor, she had to do something for the Shadow Cult at this last moment. Perhaps there was still a chance to atone for their sins and to bring blessings to all living beings.
So she used her extraordinary skills and successfully escaped from prison.
Although Ling Xue's escape from prison surprised Ye Yu and the others, they had no time to spare at the moment and could only focus on dealing with the Shadow Cult assassins.
After a fierce battle, the Shadow Cult assassins were finally defeated, most of them were captured, and only a few managed to escape.
Chen Xiao and his companions knew that the Shadow Cult would not give up so easily, so they decided to find the location of the Shadow Cult's headquarters as soon as possible in order to completely destroy this evil organization.
Ling Xue's whereabouts have become a mystery in everyone's hearts, and no one knows what role she will play in the subsequent battle between good and evil.
Following the clues he found in the abandoned temple, Ye Li continued to investigate the Shadow Cult. During this time, he ventured deep into the mountains and encountered a trap set by the Shadow Cult. Fortunately, he was able to escape with the help of a mysterious hermit.
Then it was discovered that the Shadow Cult seemed to have a secret stronghold in a valley outside the capital.
Chen Xiao and Chu Yanxi then led their army to the valley, intending to engage in a final battle with the Shadow Cult.
When the group arrived at the valley, they found that the terrain was treacherous, like a natural fortress, easy to defend and difficult to attack.
The valley is flanked by steep peaks and jagged rocks, with sparse pines and cypresses growing among them, swaying in the mountain wind as if warning visitors of danger.
A light mist hung in the valley, shrouding everything in mystery.
The valley floor is filled with strangely shaped rocks, covered with moss and gravel, and a narrow path winds through it, which is the only passage to the depths of the valley.
The Shadow Cult has set up numerous traps and amassed a large force in the valley, clearly intending to fight Chen Xiao and his companions to the death.
Chen Xiao and Chu Yanxi showed no fear and resolutely led their army to slowly enter the valley, thus beginning a thrilling life-or-death battle with the Shadow Sect.
This decisive battle not only concerns the fate of the Night Dynasty, but also affects the peace and tranquility of the entire martial arts world.
The two sides were locked in fierce combat. Chao Yuan and Chao Ci took the lead, their swords gleaming coldly in the sunlight, each swing bringing up a cloud of blood mist.
Chen Xiao and Chu Yanxi directed operations from the rear. Their calm and wise demeanor enabled the army to cooperate seamlessly and their formations to change in an orderly manner, resisting wave after wave of fierce attacks from the Shadow Cult.
Ye Yu led his elite troops, like a sharp blade piercing straight into the Shadow Cult's formation. He charged into the enemy ranks with the agility of a cheetah, his figure flashing rapidly, his face showing a resolute determination to die for his cause. The long sword in his hand shone brightly in the sunlight, and he would occasionally swing a horizontal slash to the left, the blade flashing like a bolt of lightning, and the enemies fell to the ground one after another.
Sometimes he would raise his long sword high to the right, sending approaching enemies flying into the air. Wherever he went, Shadow Cult members were killed like falling leaves. His fighting skills and fearless courage terrified the Shadow Cult members.
However, the Shadow Cult was no ordinary force. Relying on the advantageous terrain of the valley and their unpredictable tactics, they put up a stubborn resistance and held their ground.
For a time, the battle reached a stalemate.
At this moment, Ling Xue quietly appeared on the mountain peak in the valley.
As she surveyed the battlefield, her inner turmoil intensified.
Watching the Shadow Cult members fight to the death, and seeing Chen Xiao and others righteously battling, she knew that her choice would change the fate of many people.
She thought that if she helped the Shadow Cult now, she would be going against justice, but if she completely disregarded their past relationship, how could she live with her conscience?
After much hesitation, she decided to follow the greater good in her heart, even if the road ahead was full of thorns.
Just as Ling Xue was about to rush into the battle, a strange power surged from the depths of the valley, and then a mysterious old man in black robes appeared.
He cast a strange spell, and for a moment sand and stones flew, and a strong wind arose, causing many soldiers to be blown about and their formation to fall into chaos.
Seeing this, Ye Qi made a decisive move, personally leading a team of elite soldiers to charge towards the black-robed elder, attempting to prevent him from further disrupting the battle.
During the fierce confrontation, Ye Qi discovered that the old man was actually related to an ancient and evil force hidden behind the Shadow Cult.
Meanwhile, Chen Xiao and Chu Yanxi quickly organized forces in the rear to stabilize morale, rearrange formations, and resist the fierce attack launched by the Shadow Cult amidst the chaos.
Although Xu Qian was far away in the imperial court, he was extremely anxious upon hearing of the unexpected turn of events in the battle of the valley. He hurriedly dispatched nearby reinforcements and arranged for strategists skilled in magic and mechanical arts to travel day and night to the valley, hoping to lend a helping hand to Chen Xiao and the others.
Meanwhile, Xu Ruyu was not idle in the palace. He used his connections to raise a large amount of precious healing medicines and supplies, and sent people to deliver them to the valley by fast horse to relieve Chen Xiao and the others' urgent needs.
Upon hearing this rumor, Yin Yuyao and Ning Yuyuan were on their way.
Seeing this, Ling Xue knew she could no longer hesitate. She used her unique lightness skill, like a swallow soaring through the air, and rushed into the battle. Her goal was clear: to take down the core mechanism of the Shadow Cult.
These mechanical experts control many deadly mechanisms in the valley; if they can be subdued, the battle will be greatly altered.
When the members of the Shadow Cult saw Ling Xue turn against them, they were all shocked and sent people to stop her, but they were all repelled by Ling Xue's fierce moves.
Chen Xiao and the others also realized Ling Xue's intentions, so they quickly adjusted their tactics and increased the pressure on the Shadow Cult to create a favorable opportunity for Ling Xue.
Ling Xue was engaged in a fierce battle with the Shadow Cult. Although her martial arts skills were superb, her opponents were numerous, powerful, and well-coordinated, making it difficult for her to defeat them for the time being.
Meanwhile, on Chen Xiao's side, the army was also showing signs of fatigue, and the number of casualties continued to rise.
At this critical moment, Ye Li arrived just in time with the solution to over a thousand mechanisms he had learned from studying dilapidated temples.
He immediately directed his soldiers to dismantle the Shadow Cult's mechanisms step by step using the method of deception, and soon the situation on the battlefield began to tilt in Chen Xiao's favor.
Ling Xue did her best to break through the Shadow Cult's defenses and successfully subdue them.
With the threat of losing control of the enemy's traps, Ye Yu led his elite troops in a final all-out offensive.
Seeing that the situation was hopeless, the Shadow Cult members scattered like birds and beasts, fleeing in all directions. However, Chen Xiao had already set up an ambush at the valley exit and captured most of the Shadow Cult members.
After helping Chen Xiao and the others achieve victory, Ling Xue left behind her last words: "I will never forget the kindness of the sect leader. This defection is entirely in my heart. I hope the sect leader will not lose his original intention."
He then committed suicide in front of the valley, falling among the corpses of the Shadow Cult members.
Seeing this, Chu Yanxi remained calm, while Chen Xiao took off his outer robe and covered Ling Xue with it before properly burying her there.
After this battle, the Shadow Cult's power in the Night Dynasty was severely damaged, and the martial world and the imperial court temporarily returned to peace.
Chen Xiao and Chu Yanxi began to reorganize the court, purge officials who were involved with the Shadow Cult, and strengthen the supervision of the martial arts world to prevent similar evil organizations from causing trouble again.