Returning to the Qian Mansion, Nangong Shuang declined Qian Wan'er’s invitation to dinner and went straight back to her courtyard to rest.
As soon as she entered, she slumped down beside her bed, her face pale as paper, cold sweat trickling down her forehead.
"Sister!" Qiao Er exclaimed, rushing forward to support her. "You really have been poisoned!"
Nangong Shuang forced a smile. "It's nothing, just the residual effects of Hazy Powder. Bring me the medicine box."
Qiao Er quickly fetched the medicine box. Nangong Shuang took out a black pill, swallowed it, and sat cross-legged to begin expelling the poison. After a moment, she suddenly coughed up a mouthful of black blood, and her complexion improved slightly.
"Sister!" Qiao Er handed her a cup of hot tea with concern.
Nangong Shuang accepted the cup and took a gentle sip. "Thank you."
"That Li Yingxue is despicable!" Qiao Er said indignantly. "To set such a poisonous trap!"
Nangong Shuang shook her head. "This is just the beginning. Since Zheng Yushi has already suspected my identity, there will surely be more trouble ahead. We must be prepared."
Qiao Er nodded gravely. "Then... are we still going to meet in three days?"
"Of course," Nangong Shuang said firmly. "No matter how dangerous it is, I must obtain the Heavenly Fragrance Life-Extending Technique and uncover the truth about the Nangong Family."
As they were speaking, a faint sound of footsteps suddenly came from outside the courtyard. Nangong Shuang stood up alertly and signaled for Qiao Er to be on guard.
"Who’s out there?" Nangong Shuang asked softly.
There was no response.
Furrowing her brow, Nangong Shuang quietly approached the door and suddenly pulled it open—
Outside stood no one, only a blood-red envelope lying quietly on the threshold.
Nangong Shuang carefully picked up the letter and saw that it was addressed to "Nan Gong Shuang," written in strong, vigorous strokes that clearly belonged to a skilled calligrapher.
She quickly opened the envelope; inside was a sheet of white paper with only a few brief lines: "Descendant of Nan Gong, Zheng Yushi has grown suspicious; Shadow Pavilion assassins will arrive tonight. Leave Qian Mansion at once and go to No. 18 in Liu Alley south of the city for safety. Remember, do not trust anyone, including those from the Xiao Family.—Feng Yu"
Nangong Shuang's heart sank at the mention of Feng Yu—wasn't that the mysterious organization "Feng Yu Pavilion" mentioned in her father's message?
Her identity had been exposed to this extent; tonight could hold great peril! But was this letter a warning or a trap? Was Feng Yu Pavilion friend or foe?
Just then, a sharp whistling sound pierced through the air from afar as an arrow shot swiftly from the darkness, aimed directly at Nangong Shuang's throat!
"Watch out!" Qiao Er screamed as she lunged toward Nangong Shuang.
Nangong Shuang's figure flickered as she narrowly dodged; the arrow struck with a thud against the door frame!
A piece of paper was tied to the arrow. Nangong Shuang took it down and saw that it was hastily written: “The assassins from Shadow Pavilion have arrived, flee quickly! — Yan.”
Nangong Shuang's heart raced; this was a warning from Xiao Zhongyan! But who had left the previous blood letter? Was it a genuine offer of help, or a trap to draw her in?
In this moment of decision, Nangong Shuang's mind raced: staying could mean encountering the Shadow Pavilion assassins; leaving might lead her into another trap.
Just as she hesitated, distant muffled sounds reached her ears—someone at Qian Mansion had clearly been attacked!
“Let’s go!” Nangong Shuang decided decisively, quickly gathering a few essential items. “It’s not safe to stay at Qian Mansion tonight!”
Qiao Er nodded, and the two sprang into action.
Whether ahead lay a dragon's den or a tiger's lair, Nangong Shuang had no choice but to press on. For the sake of her family's grievances and the life-and-death matter concerning the Heavenly Fragrance Life-Extending Technique, she had to move forward with courage!
Meanwhile, in the darkness, several pairs of cold eyes were watching everything unfold. A deadly game of life and death was about to begin...
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