Love Sword

17

The time kept moving forward and the lantern festival approaches. Xiang Ning was so excited for the journey that he had forgotten about all the mishaps in his life lately.

Nowadays, whenever he sees He Chang, he would not try to initiate a conversation. Not wanting to slip and address the older so intimately like before.

So whenever He Chang talks to him about something serious once in a while, he would answer. If He Chang did not ask, he would not answer. The cycle continues until the festival day.

Because Ruo An is the future princess consort of the third prince, she is not allowed outside the royal palace until the marriage day. Which means, Xiang Ning has to go to the northern region of Da Dong without his sister if he wants to participate in the lantern festival held only once a year.

After dressing up, He Chang walked towards his sleek black horse and mounted on it.

Xiang Ning approached his carriage and got inside, the beautiful carriage has a beautiful decoration with comfortable seats.

Feeling the carriage swaying, the prince felt a little jolt in his stomach out of excitement. He had always wanted to come to Da Dong to enjoy the beautiful culture of this vast empire. This is his first time.

The lantern festival will be held for three days and three nights. The royal family is expected to leave the capital city to come and join this festival.

There will be singing and dancing. People will enjoy the beautiful full moon and they usually fly lanterns into the night sky. It was said that the view can be extremely phenomenal.

The journey towards the north could be said to be quite long but not too long. They will arrive at dusk if they were to set out quickly enough.

On the way, the little prince felt a little sleepy which was why he decided to take a little nap when suddenly...

'ASSASSINS!!! PROTECT THE EMPEROR AND THE CROWN PRINCE!!!' Shouted someone from outside.

Loud footsteps and screams could be heard outside. It is clear that there is a fierce battle going on. When suddenly, the curtains of Xiang Ning's carriage tore open.

He Chang jumped in and grabbed the little prince by his arm.

'Come with me.' He whispered before carrying the prince in his arms.

He flew towards the upper region of the hills nearby. Only getting out of the carriage, did Xiang Ning managed to see the view and the location they are currently in.

The forest in this area is as thick as it can be. With a dense fog covering the forest in another layer as well. There were ranges of mountains at the side, which is where He Chang is currently flying towards.

Surely, this place is the perfect place to plant assassins. It is hard to detect them and be ready. By the time they get to you through the blurry fog, you'd be dead.

Xiang Ning turned around in fear to see three black-dressed men flying from behind, their speed is extremely fast.

(Author: Although the word I am using is 'fly', I don't actually mean that they are flying in the air like fairies. They are using a type of martial art which can help them jump afloat pretty high and at a long ranging distance. They will land down on a surface before jumping up again. This helps martial artists move from one place to another at an impeccable speed.)

'C-Chang'ge! Behind you..' he muttered, burying his face in the older man's bosom.

He Chang was aware about them long ago but he had no choice. It is too dangerous to fight here and could injure Xiang Ning.

Spotting a cave nearby, he quickly went towards it.

He placed Xiang Ning down on a giant rock inside the cave. His face stern and his gaze sharp.

'Stay put and don't wander around.' He said.

After that, he turned around to meet with the three assassins chasing after them. Xiang Ning watched in awe as He Chang fought with the three men at ease. It is clear, even to someone that has zero martial arts knowledge, that He Chang's martial arts is far superior compared to those three guys.

Easily, He Chang won the fight. The three assassins were forced to retreat after spitting out a handful of blood each.

Xiang Ning sat still and continued to watch in worry.

He Chang walked back towards Xiang Ning and stared at him.

'Are you okay?' He asked in a quiet tone.

Xiang Ning nodded slowly and he suddenly caught sight of an open wound on He Chang's arm.

Sure enough, no matter how strong He Chang's martial arts skill is, he did not have a weapon and went against a bunch of skillful and properly trained assassins. They all had their own personal weapons.

His eyes laced with concern in an instance.

'Chang'ge! Your arm!' He exclaimed and he ran towards He Chang.

He Chang pulled his injured arm away from Xiang Ning.

'I'm fine, just worry about yourself. What would you do if I'm not here?' He asked in annoyance.

Xiang Ning drooped his eyelashes, appearing a little pitiful like a kicked puppy.

'Should we go back?' Asked Xiang Ning.

He Chang went silent for a moment and shook his head.

'You stay here, I'll go check the situation first.'

After he said that, He Chang flew off. His speed as fast as lightning. Xiang Ning did not have to wait long before he came back again, not even a breath out of place.

'It is too dangerous. Those assassins are clearly sent by someone with a strong backing to have that kind of skills and determination. Our parade has scattered and many guards are injured with some dead. Even the crown prince and the emperor is nowhere to be found. They must've found a safe shelter by now.' Said He Chang.

'But what about the festival?' Asked Xiang Ning in worry.

He Chang sighed

'Are you seriously worried about such a trivial thing?' Asked he.

Xiang Ning clenched his fists, not daring to say anything anymore. This might be his only chance to see the festival in real life and it has been crushed.

Sensing the little man's down mood, He Chang hesitantly said

'We'll be able to make it, don't worry.'

To Be Continued...