Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
Nangong Shuang smiled faintly, but her thoughts drifted to the mysterious note: "Plum Blossom Mark, Royal Bloodline." These eight characters hung over her like a shroud of mist.
"Miss, the water is ready," Qiao Er said softly. "You can bathe first while I prepare some calming tea."
Nangong Shuang nodded. After Qiao Er and Guan Chunyi left, she took out the mysterious note to examine it once more. Bai Lu Guan was a Taoist temple located in the west of the city, said to have been built a hundred years ago. Its incense offerings were sparse, and few visited it on ordinary days. Why did Xiao Zhongyan want to meet her there? And why mention "Royal Bloodline"? Could there be an even greater secret regarding her origins?
After washing up, Nangong Shuang lay in bed, tossing and turning, unable to sleep. Although her encounter at Xiao Mansion had been perilous, it felt like merely a test; the real storm had yet to arrive. With Xiao Xiang taken away by the Crown Prince, chaos would surely ensue at Xiao Mansion. The true mastermind behind it all likely already knew of her existence.
After pondering for a moment, Nangong Shuang made a decision. Rather than waiting for the enemy to strike, she would take the initiative and draw them out!
The next morning, Nangong Shuang rose early and asked for leave from Guo Residence, claiming she was going to gather herbs on the outskirts of the city. Madam Guo expressed concern but did not press further; she simply sent two servants to accompany her.
"No need," Nangong Shuang declined. "I’m only going to the herb garden near the city; I won’t go far. Having company will only attract attention."
Madam Guo could not persuade her otherwise and could only remind her, "Come back early; the city has been unsettled lately. Don’t make us worry."
Nangong Shuang nodded in agreement, taking a herb basket and leaving Guo Residence alone. Instead of heading directly to the herb garden, she first wandered through several bustling areas of the city to ensure she was being followed before making her way toward the outskirts.
The herb garden was located three miles outside Dong Cheng and was well-known for its medicinal plants. Many doctors and shop assistants frequented it for supplies. The weather was pleasant that day, and about a dozen herb gatherers were scattered throughout the garden.
Nangong Shuang pretended to be diligently collecting herbs while secretly observing her surroundings. She deliberately distanced herself from the crowd and ventured deeper into the garden where a bamboo grove stood—an ideal place to draw out any lurking enemies.
Sure enough, shortly after entering the bamboo grove, she sensed an unusual presence. Someone was following her—and there was more than one.
Feigning ignorance, Nangong Shuang continued deeper into the grove. The dim light filtered through the bamboo leaves, rustling softly and masking any sounds of footsteps. When she reached a relatively open area in the center of the grove, she suddenly stopped and said softly, "Aren't you all tired of hiding?"
As soon as her words fell, three shadowy figures sprang from the bamboo thicket, surrounding Nangong Shuang. All three were dressed in black clothing with their faces concealed by black cloths, revealing only their cold eyes.
"Nangong Family's Remnants, we finally caught you!" The leader of the black-clad figures sneered with a hoarse voice that seemed deliberately disguised.
Nangong Shuang remained calm as she set down her herb basket, letting her hands hang by her sides while cautiously assessing the three men. "Who sent you? Xiao Xiang? Or is it that hidden mastermind pulling the strings?"
"You know quite a bit," another black-clad figure mocked. "No wonder Xiao Xiang failed. But today, you won't escape!"
Nangong Shuang chuckled lightly. "Is that so? Then let’s see about that."
Before she could finish speaking, all three black-clad figures attacked simultaneously! One wielded a knife, another a sword, while the third approached empty-handed; their coordination indicated they were well-trained assassins.
Taking a deep breath, Nangong Shuang lightly tapped her toes against the ground and floated backward like a feather, evading their initial assault. This was Nangong Family's unique lightness skill—Mei Ying Bu—graceful and ethereal like plum blossoms dancing in the wind.
"You really have some skills," sneered the knife-wielding assassin. "Take another strike from me!"
Comment 0 Comment Count