Underneath The Moonlit Night

Chapter 72 - The Fragrance of Time (18+)

***Content Advisory: This chapter contains intimate physical scenes between consenting same-sex adults. If you prefer to avoid such content, please consider skipping this chapter. The story can be followed without this section if needed. ***

The rhythmic lapping of waves against the ship's hull melded with the mournful cries of distant seabirds, creating a symphony that gradually pulled Duke FengXian from the depths of unconsciousness. As awareness slowly returned, he felt the warm caress of sunlight on his face, its golden rays piercing through his closed eyelids. The gentle rocking of the ship beneath him sent a wave of nausea through his body, a stark reminder of his current predicament.

With great effort, the Duke forced his eyes open, only to be momentarily blinded by the harsh glare of the sun reflecting off the endless expanse of ocean surrounding them. As his vision slowly adjusted, the world around him came into focus—a blur of colors and shapes gradually sharpening into recognizable forms.

A figure loomed over him, features materializing as the Duke blinked away the last vestiges of his enforced slumber. The weathered face of a man he knew well came into view, lined with a mixture of relief and barely concealed concern.

"Ah, good. His Grace has finally come to," the man remarked, his voice a familiar timbre that carried both reassurance and a hint of dry amusement.

The Duke's eyes widened in recognition, his parched lips parting to form a single word. "Instructor Yuanhun?" he murmured, his voice hoarse and barely above a whisper.

The Shadow Assassin Instructor nodded, a wry smile playing on his lips. His calm demeanor was a stark contrast to the tumultuous events that had led them to this moment, a mask of composure that belied the turmoil the Duke knew must be churning beneath the surface.

Beside the Instructor stood a lithe figure clad in dark assassin's garb, her back turned but her head slightly angled, revealing the unmistakable profile of He Xuan. Her posture was tense, coiled like a spring ready to unleash at a moment's notice.

As the Duke struggled to push himself up, his arms trembling with the effort, the full scope of his surroundings came into stark relief. The wooden deck of a large ship stretched out before him, its weathered planks bearing silent witness to countless voyages. Shadow assassins moved with purposeful grace across the deck, their vigilant gazes constantly scanning the horizon for any sign of threat.

To his left and right, propped unceremoniously against the ship's railing, were the unconscious forms of Prince Ming Zhe and the Grandmaster from Gusu. The sight of them, so vulnerable and unaware, sent a chill down the Duke's spine as the gravity of their situation truly began to sink in.

"Are we..." the Duke began, his voice cracking. He swallowed hard, trying to moisten his dry throat before continuing, "Are we on a ship?"

Instructor Yuanhun's expression softened almost imperceptibly, a flicker of sympathy crossing his features before the mask of professional detachment slipped back into place. "Indeed, Your Grace," he confirmed, his tone measured and even. "We're currently en route to one of the more... discreet islands of Luzhu Dao."

Before the Duke could inquire further, the sharp sound of boots striking wood with barely contained fury drew his attention. Prince Liu Shang of Sha Hai stormed towards the group, his face contorted with rage. Close on his heels, Prince Tianyu followed, his expression a mix of concern and frustration.

As they approached, Duke FengXian could sense the tension crackling between the two princes, like lightning waiting to strike. Liu Shang's eyes, usually cold and calculating, now blazed with a fire that spoke of fear poorly disguised as anger.