nycdaug Chapter 222: Storm is coming, and the dilemma needs to be broken
Chapter 222: Storm is coming, and the dilemma needs to be broken
Ling Xuan and Yun Mengting dressed and composed themselves before entering the palace with the guards. Yun Mengting felt uneasy along the way, and Ling Xuan gently held her hand to offer comfort. Upon entering the palace, an invisible pressure permeated the vermilion walls and yellow tiles.
In the great hall, the Emperor sat high on the dragon throne, his expression stern. Upon seeing Ling Xuan and Yun Mengting approach, the Emperor's gaze lingered on Yun Mengting before he spoke, "Ling Xuan, I heard you recently had an issue with a mysterious individual in the cave. Tell me in detail." Ling Xuan bowed and truthfully reported the events of the cave, concealing the key to the ancient book and beads, stating only that he was competing with a mysterious organization for a treasure for an unknown purpose.
The Emperor frowned upon hearing this. "I've heard of this mysterious organization; it seems they're plotting to overthrow the court. Ling Xuan, as a prince, you should share the court's concerns." Ling Xuan replied, "I will do my best, but their methods are so sinister that we must carefully consider the situation."
A eunuch beside him shrieked, "Your Highness, I've heard that the woman close to you possesses exceptional medical skills. She might be able to relieve the Emperor's worries and alleviate the court's troubles." Yun Mengting, anxious, stepped forward and bowed, "I am willing to do my best, but this mysterious organization's methods are ruthless, and I will need time to investigate."
The emperor stared at Yun Mengting: "I will give you half a month. If you have any results, I will reward you handsomely. Otherwise..." The threat was obvious.
After leaving the palace, Ling Xuan looked worried, "Ting'er, half a month is too tight. The Emperor's thoughts are hard to predict, and there might be changes." Yun Mengting shook Ling Xuan's hand in return, "Don't worry, Your Highness. The ancient book and skills are progressing smoothly. I will speed up my research and will definitely find a way to deal with it."
After returning home, Yun Mengting devoted herself to studying ancient texts and the beads day and night. One day, while practicing, she stimulated specific acupuncture points with silver needles and applied a special medicinal powder to catalyze the flow of her inner energy. Unexpectedly, she caused the beads to resonate with the ancient texts. Infused with her inner energy, the beads emitted a strange light, revealing text and patterns that revealed profound martial arts secrets and a method for breaking the mysterious organization's sorcery.
Yun Mengting informed Ling Xuan, and the two of them practiced accordingly. During practice, Ling Xuan guided her with his inner strength, while Yun Mengting used silver needles to stimulate the acupuncture points. Their cooperation gradually increased their skills.
Five days before the fortnight's deadline, the palace was attacked by a mysterious organization. Men in black swarmed in, and though the palace guards resisted, the enemy was outnumbered and possessed powerful sorcery. Yun Mengting, armed with silver needles and medicinal powder, and Ling Xuan, armed with a sword, fought side by side. Yun Mengting applied needles to key acupuncture points, while the medicinal powder blinded the enemy. Ling Xuan's sword, swift and powerful, repelled wave after wave of attacks.
But the mysterious organization refuses to give up. At a crucial moment, Li Qing arrives with martial arts masters. Anticipating an attack, Li Qing calls for reinforcements. Together, they repel the enemy. Yun Mengting realizes this is a test, and a greater crisis lies ahead. With the deadline approaching for her return to the palace, it remains uncertain whether she can uncover the secret and overcome the Emperor's challenges.
After a brief respite at the palace, Yun Mengting returned to her room to reflect. Xiaomei brought in tea and softly consoled her, "Miss, don't worry. You are incredibly intelligent and will resolve this crisis." Yun Mengting smiled wryly, "This crisis is extraordinary. Not only is there a mysterious organization, but there's also pressure from the Emperor." Xiaomei's eyes flickered, "Miss, you are a skilled doctor. Could you start from this aspect and find some miraculous remedies that can both cure the remaining poison from Young Master Li and counter the mysterious organization's sorcery, and also be presented to the Emperor?" Yun Mengting's heart moved, and she nodded in thought.
Lu Ling, hearing this, felt jealous, thinking to herself, "She only knows some medical skills, how could she be so favored by the prince and even appear before the emperor?" So she quietly spread rumors in the mansion, saying that Yun Mengting was using sorcery to deceive the people and feared it would bring disaster to the mansion. Some of the servants in the mansion believed it and began to feel uneasy.
When Yun Mengting's father learned about this, he rushed to the palace and comforted Yun Mengting together with Li: "Ting'er, don't worry about those gossips. We believe in you. Just go ahead and do it. Your family will always support you." Yun Mengting was moved to tears and felt more courageous.
At this moment, an old man requested a meeting. He claimed to have traveled extensively in the martial arts world and was privy to many secrets. Upon meeting Yun Mengting, the old man said, "Young lady, the mysterious organization you encountered wreaked havoc on the martial arts world many years ago. Their sorcery is connected to a lost ancient formation. I observe that the techniques you cultivate seem to have a connection to that formation. If you can understand the connection, you might be able to break through its core." With these words, the old man left behind an old notebook and vanished.
Yun Mengting carefully studied the notes, discovering that the information contained within them corroborated the ancient text and beads. She adjusted her cultivation accordingly, her internal energy growing stronger and more confident in breaking the mysterious organization's spells. Ling Xuan, overjoyed at Yun Mengting's apparent breakthrough, fully cooperated with her training and simultaneously strengthened security at the palace to prevent further attacks from the mysterious organization.
Amidst these intense preparations, Yun Mengting pondered how to deal with Lu Ling. She knew Lu Ling's jealousy was driving her, and if she simply tolerated it, it would only lead to further trouble. So, Yun Mengting sought an opportunity to expose Lu Ling's tricks in front of everyone, using medical knowledge to expose her true character. Lu Ling was filled with shame and anger, but she dared not act recklessly again.
Now, everything is ready, just waiting for the day to report to the palace. Yun Mengting is determined to expose the conspiracy of the mysterious organization in front of the emperor, and at the same time, to secure a glimmer of hope for herself and Ling Xuan, punish those who intend to harm her, and protect the decent people around her.