Fortune Across the World

Chapter 191: Returning to the Palace, Meeting Old Friends (Part 1)

Ding Qiyu and Le Zhuyi carefully scouted the canyon together, confirming the area was secure before returning to the trap path ruins to bring out the two elders and Chini.

Le Mengxiao and the traitorous disciples were few in number. As soon as Le Zhuyi appeared before the female disciples of Qianli Palace, Mengxiao's lies would unravel. The real danger lay in encountering Mengxiao and her followers directly, as it would lead to a fierce battle.

If the Zhenxiao Sect remained outside the mountain, Mengxiao might have gained the trust of the disciples and taken control. In such a case, Yan Tian Hall and Qiu Ji Hall would be particularly unsafe. Conversely, if the Zhenxiao Sect had breached the defenses, Yan Tian Hall would be even less secure. The safest course was to discreetly return to Jiangshuang Hall and wait for Senior Sister Han, Menglan, and Mengchun.

With caution, the four and their horse made their way toward Jiangshuang Hall, inevitably passing the demolition site at the northeastern corner of the front mountain. From a distance, they noticed the cliff edge was deserted, marked only by the scorched remnants of a fierce battle.

Seeing no guards, Le Zhuyi grew anxious. Senior Sister's aim was likely only to eliminate her. Once that goal was "achieved," Mengxiao, true to her nature, might sever ties with Zhenxiao Sect and rally the palace sisters against them. Without the little carpenter, replenishing the mechanisms would be impossible, making a confrontation with the equally skilled Zhenxiao Sect uncertain.

Sensing her companion's unease, Ding Qiyu reassured, "Perhaps the bandits here have withdrawn..."

Le Zhuyi glanced at the little carpenter, nodded silently, and moved to the cliff's edge to verify. Ding Qiyu followed, looking down from the cliff. The Zhenxiao Sect's camp at the mountain's base was indeed gone, though the rock face bore fresh signs of explosions, charred black. The valley was littered with scattered arrows, shattered stones, and broken wooden armor. The air still seemed to carry the scent of gunpowder and blood.

Master Huai, also at the cliff's edge, noted the chaos below, pointing at the arrows, "Those are Shenji Arrows?" Though phrased as a question, his tone was certain, ending with praise, "Remarkable range." Yan Huai had noticed Zhuyi's concern and started a conversation to ease the tension.

"While it has range, its power can't match your Pojun Feihuang, Master," Ding Qiyu modestly replied.

Distracted from her worries by their dialogue, Le Zhuyi sighed, hoping the bandits had indeed been repelled, as the little carpenter suggested. Composed, the group continued toward Jiangshuang Hall as planned.

Before long, they spotted a team of Qianli Palace disciples approaching. The four quickly hid.

As the group neared, they recognized the leader as Le Menglan. She and her followers, dressed in plain attire rather than the usual vibrant red, looked serious, weary, yet determined. In a short time, Menglan seemed to have matured, no longer the mischievous girl who loved to bicker with her sister.

Menglan's patrol indicated the palace hadn't been overtaken. Le Zhuyi scanned the group, ensuring no traitors were among them, before stepping out and calling, "Menglan."

Startled, Menglan instinctively raised her whip defensively. Recognizing the voice, she froze, whip dropping as tears welled up.

Le Zhuyi, eyes moist, stepped forward to embrace her shocked sister, softly repeating, "Menglan."

Held by her sister, Menglan realized it wasn't a dream or illusion—her sister had returned! She clung tightly to Zhuyi, sobbing on her shoulder. The patrolling disciples, too, were moved, many tearing up and clustering together in joy.