Chapter 267
Book 24 Chapter 02 - Full Confidence Recovery
Xiang Shaolong squirreled into the carriage compartment and the carriage began driving.
Lord Longyang could not hold back his emotions and leaned half of his ‘pet.i.te frame’ closer to Xiang Shaolong. With his ‘pretty eyes’ glowing, he cheered: "Using the excuse that I wanted to admire River Zi night scenery, I have laid my hands on a City Pa.s.s that allows me to leave the city. The minute we board the s.h.i.+p and raised the sails, cruising to the west, I guarantee we would be untouchable."
Xiang Shaolong was taken aback and frowned: "I heard the river route is still blockaded by ice and snow, can we still operate the s.h.i.+p?"
Lord Longyang a.s.sured: "I have already sent someone to check on this. Although the roads are still unfit for travelling, since yesterday the river has thawed and boats have begun arriving at Lin Zi from the east. Shaolong can put your mind at ease."
Hearing his description, Xiang Shaolong was dumbfounded. Is Xiao Yuetan lying to him?
Logically speaking, if Lord Longyang and Han Chuang have joined hands to get rid of him, they should have aborted all their schemes and plans upon learning that Cao Cuidao has issued a challenge to him. Even if Xiang Shaolong had survived Cao Cuidao’s sword, it is not too late a.s.sa.s.sinate him.
But upon witnessing Lord Longyang’s serious demeanor, it is as if he is indeed doing his best to help Xiang Shaolong flee away from Lin Zi. Moreover, the pa.s.sion radiating from him is something that cannot be falsified. What in the world is going on?
With his friends, Xiang Shaolong is generally straightforward. He could not bear it any longer and questioned: "Isn’t Your Lords.h.i.+p concerned about Han Chuang’s blackmail?"
His ‘tender physique’ trembling violently and his face turning ashen white, Lord Longyang stammered: "How did Shaolong know about this?"
Xiang Shaolong plainly indicated: "So it is true."
After a short spell of silence, Lord Longyang sighed: "Marquis Chuang is forced by circ.u.mstances as one of his men leaked this piece of information to that traitor Guo Kai. However, now that Shaolong has declared your real ident.i.ty, Guo Kai instantly degenerated into a state of panic and is at a loss, not knowing whether to proceed or not."
Scrutinizing Lord Longyang’s body language, Xiang Shaolong was curious: "Does Han Chuang knows about our plan to slip away tonight?"
Lord Longyang answered: "Of course he has no idea about it. I have sacrificed everything and would never allow Shaolong to perish in the hands of Cao Cuidao. I have witnessed one of this old fella’s fights and his sword skills are truly earth shattering and mind blowing."
Xiang Shaolong cannot help but put his arm around his ‘fragrant shoulders, sighing: "Knowing that Your Lords.h.i.+p did not betray me, Little Brother is br.i.m.m.i.n.g with joy and my exhilaration cannot be expressed in words. However, I cannot implicate Your Lords.h.i.+p. Please tell the carriage driver to turn back."
Lord Longyang shuddered once and cautioned: "Shaolong need not put up a strong front. According to my sources, Han Chuang and company did met up with Cao Cuidao in secret and advised him to kill you at all costs; otherwise, Qi will never enjoy days of peace. Thus, you must not a.s.sume that Cao Cuidao will show any mercy to you."
Xiang Shaolong simply smiled: "I heard even the King of Qi is unable to influence Cao Cuidao. Who does that Han Chuang think he is?"
Momentarily stunned, Lord Longyang movingly declared: "I know Shaolong is worried about me but I have my own methods when dealing with Han Chuang. At the end of the day, he has many issues that requires my collaboration and would not dare to act recklessly."
He sighed with another breath: "I am not speaking up for him but he is in a difficult position as well. His friends.h.i.+p towards Shaolong is genuine."
Right now, Xiang Shaolong is not interested in fleeing anymore. He decided: "If I have to leave, I will leave after my bout with Cao Cuidao. In fact, I did exchange blows with him before and this precious Hundred Battle Sabre is what I robbed from him during that same encounter. Otherwise, how would I come to know that Han Chuang that fella has betrayed me."
Lord Longyang was incredulous: "You exchanged blows with him before?"
Xiang Shaolong gently persuaded: "Why don’t Your Lords.h.i.+p order the carriage to turn back first? I shall furnish Your Lords.h.i.+p with the details after that!"
When Xiang Shaolong woke up, the sky is barely lighted.
Due to the frosty weather and him sleeping late last night, he does not feel like leaving his warm and comfortable bed and blankets.
Last night, he hardened his resolve and did not go over to Feng Fei’s room because he does not want to lose perspective of the situation by getting involved in another relations.h.i.+p. His grand plan is to endure the ten strokes from Cao Cuidao and get Xie Ziyuan to arrange for him to slip out of Lin Zi. With regards to Feng Fei, he can rely on Zongsun Long father and son to safely escort her away. Based on his standing and that this is not Lu Buwei’s territory, the other courtesans should not be in any danger.
Back in Xianyang, he would refuse to lead an army to partic.i.p.ate in any battles. His only fantasy now is that Xiao Pan’s ident.i.ty crisis is not as bad as what he imagines. However, he acknowledges that this is merely his own positive wishful thinking.
Based on Lu Buwei’s intelligence and such an obvious loophole, he cannot always rely on luck.
Out of the blue, the sound of noisy quarrelling can be heard from the front courtyard. Shortly, a man’s painful scream resounded. Just as Xiang Shaolong was hugging his blanket and sitting up on his bed with shock, Shan Rou broke into his room and darted to his front. Slamming his chest and grabbing the front of his s.h.i.+rt, she vociferously scolded: "You lazy b.u.m. Get out of bed at once. To think that you are still idling in bed despite knowing that you are facing Master three days later."
Hammered by Shan Rou until their faces are bruised and lips are swollen, Fei Chun, Lei Yun’er and other family warriors stumbled into his room in an extremely pathetic manner. Witnessing the magnificent Great General of Qin Xiang Shaolong wearing a helpless expression on his face while letting this shrew grab the front of his s.h.i.+rt, they were flabbergasted and froze on the spot, not knowing how to react.
With a bitter smile, Xiang Shaolong introduced: "This is Madam Xie whom even Cao Cuidao has troubling managing. The next time you see her, gentlemen should know what to expect."
Rooted to the ground with his mind and body united as one, Xiang Shaolong sliced at different angles with Hundred Battle Sabre, nullifying Shan Rou’s fierce and agile attacks with every stroke, causing her to be unable to launch a series of combo attacks. Shan Rou’s attack resembles using a sword to cut water into half; it can never be done.
Acc.u.mulating experience from the recent years of war, Xiang Shaolong’s familiarity with his sabre skills had reached another peak and he now attacks with deadly precision.
After another ten more strokes, Shan Rou is unable to gain any advantage and finally retreated after exhausting herself. Holding her sword horizontally and standing still, she aggressively glared at him with her round, almond eyes.
The spectators of the fight include the band of family warriors, Feng Fei, her fellow courtesans and their waiting maids. Also present are Zongsun Xuanhua and his ten odd followers.
Everyone in the crowd suppressed their urge to clap and cheer for fear