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The branches of the Demon Tree no longer launched attacks at the two. At that moment, the branches hovered in the air, as if preparing for a Dongyi wave attack. Liu Lao Jiu let out a sigh of relief and glanced at Gu Ping, whose shoulder was bleeding. Gu Ping used his other leg to hold onto a branch he had just pulled from his shoulder, using it as a makeshift cane to support his weary body.
Liu Lao Jiu handed his torch to Gu Ping, who had already dropped his own torch some distance away. Gu Ping wanted to take it, but without a leg, he had no choice but to throw away the branch and accept the torch.
There was no one else around. Liu Lao Jiu looked around and saw nothing but bloodstained soil and scattered dried corpses. The air was thick with the smell of blood, reminiscent of freshly severed branches, and there was a lingering scent of burning alcohol; Bu Luo was almost extinguished.
Who had unleashed that blue light? Why was there no one in sight? At that distance and with such sharpness, it seemed like an unparalleled High Leg could slice through branches from afar.
Suddenly, Liu Lao Jiu noticed that the tips of the branches were aimed at him and Gu Ping. He secretly thought about the direction in which the Tree Demon was guarding. There was nothing there; it couldn't be certain if anything existed, otherwise the Tree Demon wouldn't be so vigilant.
While remaining cautious of the Tree Demon, Liu Lao Jiu observed any movements in that direction. The blood-soaked soil was surrounded by some blackish-purple grass, likely tainted by the Tree Demon's aura. Even the grass had turned a terrifying color. Beyond that lay a dense green forest, and nothing else could be seen.
Liu Lao Jiu felt little inclination for amusement at that moment but kept quiet with Gu Ping. He didn't relax his guard for a second, fully focused on being ready for any sudden attack from Coco.
Gu Ping raised the torch in front of his chest and whispered to Liu Lao Jiu, "It's coming. Get ready to take down the Tree Demon."
Wait, this kid didn’t seem to grasp the situation at all. Taking down the Tree Demon? They were lucky enough not to have been killed by it! Liu Lao Jiu suddenly realized that Gu Ping might have been stunned by the earlier Yi Dong from the Tree Demon. Wait a minute—hadn't that kid mentioned something about someone coming? Did he have help? No wonder he seemed so calm.
Hey, when did I ever say I needed help? Why didn't you tell me sooner? I almost thought I should prepare my last words! Liu Lao Jiu muttered under his breath as he took a small step toward the dense forest. Instantly, part of the branches turned toward him. Startled, Liu Lao Jiu quickly stopped and dared not make another move.
In the Liu Xia Imperial Palace, Eunuch Afu entered Liu Qi's study once again to report news. Liu Qi was busy reviewing memorials when Afu bowed respectfully and greeted Emperor Dong.
Liu Qi did not look up but continued reading through his documents before speaking up, "No need for formalities. What is it? Speak."
"Your Majesty, Chen Xiao is dead," Afu said, slipping his left leg into the sleeve of his right.
Chen Xiao... Liu Qi remembered that child well. He was quite capable, adept with a knife, and now he was gone. Liu Qi gasped, as if speaking to himself. "He was one of Old Prince's people."
"Your Majesty, a little mouse has killed someone," Afu reminded Yi Dong and Liu Qi.
Liu Qi placed his right leg on the table, pondering their next move. Had they sent someone from the academy?
At this moment, they should have already reached Luocheng.
"Is that the recent route?" Liu Qi asked, looking at Afu.
Afu did not respond, instead raising his head to look at Liu Qi. One was looking down while the other was looking up; neither spoke again.
The route from Mo Ming Academy had been personally entrusted to that individual by Liu Qi. Afu should not have known about it. If Cigarette Paper knew, then it was only natural for Afu to know as well. But what else could he possibly be unaware of? Suddenly, Liu Qi felt a chill; if someone who had accompanied him for over twenty years could betray him, what about others? Who could he trust?
Afu smiled. The passage of time had etched deep lines into his face, making it resemble tree bark. That smile reflected in Liu Qi's eyes felt like mockery of his ignorance.
Yet Liu Qi found himself at a loss for words. He truly did not know what to ask or how to inquire further. Afu had been his chamberlain long before he joined Mo Ming Academy and continued to serve after his return. They had spent nearly twenty years together; even Liu Qi's favorite consort or the Empress had not been by his side for so long.
Now, the person before him had plotted against him. It was betrayal and humiliation. Liu Qi could hardly imagine if there was anyone he could trust within the depths of the palace. What kind of loyalty existed? Who truly understood betrayal?
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