Chapter 23 – Seems Like We Can’t Leave

Mu Nanjin noticed the Emperor and his entourage departing and instinctively followed after them.

【Eh? Why did the Emperor leave? I promised to take him to rescue Gong Xiurong—I can’t go back on my word.】

The Jinyiwei collectively groaned in silence.

We can barely protect ourselves, and she’s still thinking about rescuing someone else? She should be worrying about surviving today first!

As Mu Nanjin exited Jingtuo Temple, a crowd of terrified pilgrims rushed past her, fleeing down the path.

“Murder! Someone’s been killed!”

From halfway up the mountain came the sounds of fierce combat. Hurrying closer, she saw an elderly man in a purple martial outfit exchanging blows with the Emperor’s Martial King bodyguard.

【The assassins already discovered the Emperor’s identity!? How did they find out so fast?】

Kan Chaoyan arrived just in time, grabbing Mu Nanjin and pulling her aside.

“What are you doing here? It’s too dangerous! Once the fighting starts, no one will have time to look after you. Go hide somewhere, now!”

He had barely finished speaking when more than twenty monks from Jingtuo Temple came charging down the path. Every one of them was a martial artist—Eighth or Ninth Rank—and their faces twisted with murderous intent as they rushed straight at the Emperor.

Kan Chaoyan quickly shoved Mu Nanjin into the bushes beside the steps, drew his sword, and met the attackers head-on.

Mu Nanjin scrambled up, watching Kan Chaoyan fight two enemies at once—both Ninth-Rank martial artists. He was being steadily pushed back, barely holding his ground.

【Old Kan’s not doing great.】

Kan Chaoyan’s movements faltered for a split second—and that single instant nearly cost him his head. Veins bulged across his forehead as cold sweat drenched his temples.

That damn girl—can’t she ever stay quiet in a life-or-death fight!?

【Whew, that was close. Almost went to see the King of Hell and became his errand boy.】

Mu Nanjin broke into a cold sweat for him.

【If your cultivation’s not enough, use technique instead! Crouch—swing low for their legs, then pull back and strike for the back!】

Kan Chaoyan instinctively followed her mental instructions, and suddenly his movements became sharper, faster. It was as if he could predict his opponents’ next attacks. With precise timing, he countered and cut both assassins down in an instant.

Was that just coincidence—or something else entirely?

【Huh, Old Kan’s blade work just got a lot faster! He’s fighting like a true master now. Not bad, keep it up!】

Kan Chaoyan: “…”

Did she seriously not realize he was following her thoughts word for word!?

Mu Nanjin didn’t even notice, her attention now split, half focused on the Emperor’s side.

The old man attacking the Emperor was a Ninth-Rank Martial King. The Emperor’s Martial King bodyguard was clearly weaker—after just a few exchanges, he was already overwhelmed and on the verge of defeat.

If this continued, the Emperor’s bodyguard would die within moments.

Just then, a sharp whistle cut through the air. An ice arrow flew from afar, forcing the old man to leap back several steps. The arrow struck the ground, freezing it solid in an instant.

A gust of cold wind swept down from above as Feng Sinan descended from the sky, landing in front of the Emperor.

“National Preceptor!” the Emperor exclaimed in relief.

Feng Sinan spoke calmly, “Your Majesty, take the Empress Dowager and leave this place at once.”

“Very well. Be careful yourself.”

The Emperor supported the Empress Dowager down two steps—when suddenly, Mu Nanjin’s voice sounded again.

【Seems like we can’t leave.】

Mu Nanjin’s gaze shot toward Jingtuo Temple. From its direction, Gong Xiurong came flying out in disarray, his face pale.

Chasing closely behind him was a man dressed in black robes, his face half-covered by a black cloth. The exposed part of his face—a pair of sharp phoenix eyes—was as cold and emotionless as frozen steel. Just one glance from him could chill a man’s blood.

He followed Gong Xiurong at an unhurried pace, his sword exuding an eerie black mist—like the soul chain of the Underworld’s Black Impermanence. Even Mu Nanjin could feel the pressure radiating from him.

He must be the one mentioned in those rumors—the assassin whose cultivation level no one had ever managed to determine.