Chapter Seventy-Eight: Taking Action

Late at night, in a secluded alley near the Prince of Yu’s residence.

Jiang Yuyan and Hua Wuqian, accompanied by fifteen elite Blackstone experts stationed in the capital, concealed themselves within the shadows. Among them were the Trickster, Drizzle, and Lei Bin—three top-tier masters of the first rank. The rest, too, were all upper second-rank fighters, each one a battle-hardened veteran.

Ever since Ye Zhanqing had received the Muscle-Tendon Transformation chapter from the Nine Yin Manual, bestowed by Zhu Yushang, his martial prowess had advanced by leaps and bounds. Last month, he was promoted to the upper second rank, an achievement that shocked even the Blackstone organization. It was this remarkable progress that earned Ye Zhanqing the right to observe Blackstone’s senior meetings; after all, it was widely believed that he was destined to hold a high position within the organization in the future.

Originally, Ye Zhanqing had intended to join this operation, but Jiang Yuyan vetoed it without hesitation. This only confirmed to the Blackstone leadership that Jiang Yuyan’s attitude toward Ye Zhanqing was not without reason—there must be a secret behind it. But this was not the time for speculation; the team doused their curiosity and focused on the task at hand.

In the alley, Jiang Yuyan donned her prepared veil and double-checked the plan with everyone. Once assured that all were ready, she shot a sidelong glance at Hua Wuqian and said, “Old Hua, let me ask you—how long do you plan to keep wearing those white robes? It’s practically become your trademark. What’s the point of covering your face? Besides, you’ve already got Sister Xinlan, and even a child now. Why keep dressing so handsomely? Still hunting for another pretty girl? I’m telling you, even if Sister Xinlan agreed, I wouldn’t.”

Hua Wuqian arched a brow at her teasing and replied, “No one keeps you company in the harem? Why all the chatter? Let’s get to business—Xinlan is waiting for me at home.”

Jiang Yuyan, momentarily stunned by his retort, marveled at how this normally aloof man had become so sharp-tongued. Yet he was right—there was no time for banter.

She stated, “Old Hua, I’ll sneak in first. Listen carefully for any trouble. If things go wrong, don’t worry about me—just break in with everyone and make sure you get the Prince of Yu out.”

Hua Wuqian nodded. “Don’t worry.”

With his reassurance, Jiang Yuyan wasted no time. Gathering her inner energy, she vanished into the darkness.

She scaled the wall from a remote corner, just as she had at the Prince of Duan’s manor. Inside, she found the security much the same—only the layout differed. Yet a new difficulty presented itself: it was the middle of the night, and apart from the patrols, everyone was asleep. If the prince wasn’t in his main chambers, finding him would be no easy task.

With no one to consult, Jiang Yuyan steeled herself and made her way toward the main residence.

Reaching the door, she caught a strange fragrance wafting through the air. It was faint but unmistakable to her keen senses. Though she couldn’t identify the scent, its singular nature told her it was no ordinary substance. Who but the prince himself would use such a thing in his own residence?

Her mind made up, Jiang Yuyan broke the bolt with a surge of inner force and entered, heading straight for the prince.

She had expected this operation to go as smoothly as the last, but as she neared the bed, the Prince of Yu opened his eyes in alarm. Without hesitation, he struck out at her with his palm, but Jiang Yuyan easily met the blow. She was surprised, however, to discover that the prince—so unassuming in public—was himself a master of the upper second rank.

“A Grandmaster?” the prince remarked, surprised to see such a formidable intruder.

Jiang Yuyan did not reply, but her stance made her intentions clear.

“What brings such an esteemed guest to my humble residence? If there is anything you require, you need only say the word. I shall assist you with all my power. Indeed, with your skills, such methods are unnecessary. If you would but agree to become my retainer, you may take anything you like from my house.”

“Who would have thought the Prince of Yu had such courage? But I’m afraid there is nothing here worth my taking—except you. Your Highness, accept your fate.”

With those words, Jiang Yuyan prepared to seize him.

“Wait,” the prince interjected, “Let us be clear. Do you mean to take my life, or simply wish me to accompany you? If you do not intend to kill me here, I confess I am curious to see who could send a Grandmaster to assassinate a prince of Jingchao.”

Jiang Yuyan was taken aback by his composure. “What trick are you playing at? I do intend to take you with me, but I trust myself more than your cooperation.”

“Is that so? But don’t you think it’s a little late for that now?”

At these words, Jiang Yuyan’s instincts screamed danger—she spun, just in time to see two foreign monks standing where she had just been. Before she could create a commotion and signal for Hua Wuqian and the others to storm in, the prince spoke again.

“So it is a Grandmaster. Now I am truly intrigued. What do you say? My offer still stands. You lead the way, and I’ll come with you—alone.”

“Do you take me for a fool, Your Highness? Did you think two mere first-rate monks could stop me?” Jiang Yuyan cast a mocking glance at the monks.

“Certainly not. I have the utmost respect for every Grandmaster, and my word is my bond. If I say I will come alone, I shall not bring a single extra person.”

“Don’t treat me like a fool. Give me a reason—or you’ll die here tonight.”

The prince’s patience snapped. “Then, if you please, esteemed Grandmaster whose name I do not know, look at your own palm.”

The situation had reached its peak; Jiang Yuyan reflexively glanced down—and saw her palm stained with deep black.

A cold dread seized her. “Poisoned? When did it happen? The scent in this room!”

In a flash, the answer came to her.

“Truly clever,” the prince applauded, smiling.

“Not as ruthless as you, Your Highness, sleeping every night enveloped in poison,” Jiang Yuyan replied bitterly.

“You wrong me,” the prince said. “This is a powerful tonic from the Star Sect, beneficial when used both internally and externally. Merely inhaling the scent, however, results in severe poisoning. But rest assured—obey me, and the antidote will be yours.”