The Dandy's Duchess

Chapter 139: Full Force Applied (4)

Yun Qianyue's face darkened; it was that persistent ghost again!

Rongjing frowned slightly.

"Amitabha!" An old voice echoed from outside, full of vitality.

"Your Highness, do you think Young Master Jing and Sister Yue are here? It's been three days now; can they still be alive?" The familiar voice of Ye Tianyu came through, laced with skepticism.

"They won't be dead!" It was Yun Muhan's voice, stern and cold.

"It's only been three days," Ye Tianqing said, his tone heavy. "We have to see if they can survive."

Yun Qianyue was taken aback again and looked at Rongjing. Had they really been in here for three days already? Was it that fast?

"About that," Rongjing nodded.

Thinking back to when they entered, they hadn't stopped fighting and detoxifying even for a moment. Given all the challenges they faced, it seemed plausible that three days had indeed passed. She whispered, "Who was that person just ordered by Ye Tianqing? Do you recognize the voice?"

"He's the head of the world's foremost family of mechanisms and concealed weapons, named Qian Yan," Rongjing replied quietly.

"Do you think he can break this mechanism?" Yun Qianyue asked again.

"The Qian family has been dedicated to solving intricate mechanisms and secret paths for generations. A century-old family, and this current head is especially talented. All news about concealed paths and mechanisms in the world cannot escape the Qian family. So, it shouldn't be a problem; breaking it is just a matter of time," Rongjing explained.

Yun Qianyue furrowed her brow. "No, we can't let him break it."

"Even if he does, it doesn't matter; we can just leave," Rongjing said.

"How can that be? If they discover these golden Buddha statues, wouldn't that mean Ye Tianqing will have to turn them over to the national treasury? How will I spend money in the future? I absolutely cannot let him break it!" Yun Qianyue exclaimed immediately.

Rongjing was taken aback and couldn't help but chuckle. "You're still thinking about smashing those golden Buddha statues to take the money?"

"Of course! If I don't spend it, what a waste! If it's on my plate, I'm not about to share it!" Yun Qianyue declared without hesitation.

"I'm afraid we won't have a say in this. Qian Yan will definitely be able to break it. In that case, we will lose these things anyway, and we'll likely have to turn them over to the treasury. Perhaps the Emperor will let these Buddha statues remain here. After all, they are Buddha statues; who would dare to smash them for money?" Rongjing replied.

"That's not certain. If the treasury is empty, the Emperor might not hesitate," Yun Qianyue shook her head.

Rongjing fell silent.

"Am I right? Is the treasury really empty now?" Yun Qianyue asked.

"Yes!" Rongjing nodded, seemingly letting out a sigh.

"Damn! If that old emperor finds out, he would definitely seize those Buddha statues. The treasury isn't mine; if it were, I might have been lenient. Since it belongs to the old emperor and will eventually be handed over to that annoying Ye Tianqing, I can't let these golden statues fall into the hands of the old emperor and Ye Tianqing," Yun Qianyue said.

"Do you have a way to stop Qian Yan from breaking it? I'm not very knowledgeable about mechanisms and secret paths, so I'm afraid I can't prevent it," Rongjing looked at Yun Qianyue, seeing her furrowed brow, as if deep in thought.

"Let's not worry about him for now. This secret chamber is so intricate that he probably won't break it anytime soon. We should continue treating your injuries," Yun Qianyue said.

Rongjing shook his head. "Let's stop here! You've exhausted too much of your inner strength. It seems like a steady stream, but I'm afraid you can't sustain this level of consumption. You've already treated me halfway; the rest I can handle on my own. At least I won't die this time. I have you to thank for turning this disaster into a blessing."

"I believe I can still do more. No need to argue; continue!" Yun Qianyue shook her head, ignoring the noises and occasional voices from outside, and continued to heal Rongjing. This was based on her principle of doing things: once she made up her mind, she wouldn't give up halfway.

Seeing her persistence, Rongjing said nothing further. During their few days together, he had come to understand her temperament somewhat. Some people spend their whole lives pursuing something, amassing knowledge, but they probably can't match her resilience and nonchalance when the moment calls for it.

Time slowly passed.

After about half a day, Rongjing's injuries had healed eighty percent, and a satisfied smile finally appeared at the corner of Yun Qianyue's mouth.

But Rongjing remained serious, gazing deeply at Yun Qianyue, his eyes unblinking.

"We just need a little more, and we'll achieve great success! Indeed, where there's a will, there's a way," Yun Qianyue couldn't hide her excitement. She was extremely tired, feeling the inner strength in her dantian weakening. There was no more true energy surging out; it was as if a great mountain had been lifted away. But she had no regrets; instead, she felt a sense of fulfillment from achieving something that once seemed impossible.

"Yes, we can stop now!" Rongjing said.

"Just wait a moment; I can't leave this last bit unfinished," Yun Qianyue shook her head and continued her efforts.

"Really, it's enough. I'll handle the rest myself," Rongjing pushed her away.

"Don't move! Why don't you listen when I tell you not to, you stubborn child?" Yun Qianyue glared at Rongjing.

Child? Rongjing couldn't help but want to laugh.

At that moment, Ye Tianqing's impatient roar echoed outside, "Qian Yan, when will you be able to break it?"

"Your Highness, don't worry; this mechanism is extremely clever, and I still need some time," Qian Yan's voice responded.

"Please be patient, Your Highness. Master Lingyin believes that Qian's efforts will yield results soon," Master Lingyin added.

"Then let's wait a bit longer! Hurry up!" Ye Tianqing suppressed his anger.

There was no more conversation outside, but then a series of cracking sounds came through.

"It seems this last bit really depends on you," Yun Qianyue withdrew her hand, the little true energy remaining flowed back into her body.

"Yes!" Rongjing nodded. He was already very satisfied to have come this far. After years of suffering, finding relief in an instant made him feel as though he were dreaming. As Yun Qianyue withdrew her hand, he slowly retracted his own.

Yun Qianyue moved her stiff body and stood up. As soon as she stood, she felt a powerful weakness and began to fall back down. Rongjing quickly reached out to support her, but he too lacked strength, and Yun Qianyue fell, causing him to topple as well.