The Jin Crown Prince did not know me. Though utterly bewitched by Jin Meili, he was acutely aware of the danger they were in. Reluctantly, he tore his gaze away from the Black Rose's fiery figure, glancing timidly at me as he spoke to Jin Meili, "Miss Jin, were you also captured by him? Who is he? How is he so powerful that my hundred elite guards were all killed by him in an instant!"

Jin Meili chuckled lightly, ignoring the Crown Prince’s question, and instead addressed him in the Jin tongue: "Your Royal Highness, Grand Preceptor Pang seems to need a word with you. If he has a request, please help me retrieve a few people. They are good friends I made in Shuangcheng. They are exceptionally beautiful, but the old man has them locked up and intends to capture me as well..."

For a moment, I couldn't understand what Jin Meili was saying to the Jin Crown Prince, but I knew she was helping me. Once they finished speaking, I turned to Pang Hu and said, "Grand Preceptor, please say what you need to say. Then we release each other's people. You should know that the sooner this is settled, the better it is for you. Otherwise, if I have to find the people myself, you won't escape with your life."

Pang Hu’s face was deathly pale. He certainly understood the logic. He had initially thought his infiltration into enemy territory was foolproof, only now realizing his adversary had gained a far superior advantage, trapping him deep in the tiger's den. His only recourse was to settle the matter before they found the hostages; otherwise, his life was forfeit.

Pang Hu feigned composure. "Officer Zhao, perhaps you and your men should step out? We can’t escape anyway. Surely you don’t intend to listen in on our conversation?"

I waved my hand at the others. At this moment, I had no desire to show off. I could hear everything perfectly well from outside the door, so rather than forcing a confrontation, it was better to let them negotiate their fate.

Once everyone had left, Pang Hu bowed to the Jin Crown Prince. "Your Royal Highness, do you still recognize this old man?"

After Jin Meili left the room, the Jin Crown Prince regained his composure. He looked at Pang Hu and nodded. "I have a faint impression. Did you arrange for the man just now to capture me? State your purpose."

Pang Hu felt a surge of annoyance. He said displeasedly, "Your Royal Highness, haven't you realized that I am also their prisoner?"

The Jin Crown Prince started. "Is that so? Then they still listen to what you say?"

Pang Hu replied, "That is because I hold hostages of theirs, so they are compelled to follow my instructions."

The Jin Crown Prince suddenly understood. "Oh, so what Miss Jin said is true. Old man, you must be quite advanced in years. Do you have the energy to manage so many beauties? And you dared to set your sights on my Black Rose! Don't let me conquer Shuangcheng, or you'll regret it!"

Pang Hu said, "Your Royal Highness, shall we discuss matters of state now? Can we put aside private affairs? My capture of those women was unavoidable. Furthermore, I am not interested in women; please be assured of that, Your Royal Highness. As for the Black Rose, I know nothing about her; perhaps you have misunderstood me."

The Jin Crown Prince glanced at Pang Hu, noticing his aged appearance. He likely lacked the vigor even if he had the inclination. Perhaps it was as he claimed—the women were merely taken as leverage. If Pang Hu coveted his Black Rose, it must be to force his submission. This fellow was too cunning; he must have seen through Jin's plan to seize Shuangcheng during the chaos.

"Hurry up and say what you need to say. I still need to figure out how to escape. If I cannot take Shuangcheng this time, I fear I will have no face to return to my Imperial Father. Dealing with the censure from my younger brothers alone will be hard enough." The Jin Crown Prince brought up the Jin Emperor and his brothers to deflect any blame Pang Hu might place on him.

Pang Hu smiled faintly. "Your Royal Highness, I have actually corresponded with your Imperial Father. This time, when I raised my forces, your Imperial Father agreed to provide moral support along the border. I simply didn't expect you to bring troops to Shuangcheng. Arriving right at our doorstep is exceedingly generous, but it perfectly solves my immediate crisis. I wish to cooperate with Your Royal Highness."

The Jin Crown Prince's attack on Shuangcheng was intended to stab Pang Hu in the back. Hiding in the underground tunnels, they were unaware of the day's events. In the evening, they gathered their forces outside the West City Gate as planned. Seeing the smoke billowing and hearing the continuous shouts mixed with intermittent gunfire, they assumed Pang Hu had already launched his power struggle. This was the perfect moment for the oriole to strike. Thus, with the help of their inside contacts, they opened the West Gate and charged in. The Jin Crown Prince never imagined that even while hidden far behind his main force, he could still be captured.

"Cooperate? Can you guarantee my life?" Aside from Jin Meili, the Jin Crown Prince cared most about his own survival.

Pang Hu replied, "Of course. Since their hostages are in my hands, they must listen to me now. As long as Your Royal Highness has no objections, I will arrange everything."

The Jin Crown Prince said, "I want to take Miss Jin with me. Can you help me? And she mentioned you captured some people—release them too. Do me a favor so I can explain things nicely to her later."

Pang Hu considered it. "That won't be possible. But once we cooperate successfully, she will eventually be yours anyway, Your Royal Highness. There’s no need to rush over this woman. As for the people I captured, they are our lifeline hostages; how could I release them? Please forgive me, Your Royal Highness."

The Jin Crown Prince weighed his options and decided his own life remained the utmost priority. "Fine. Tell me your plan. The person who captured me just now is terrifyingly powerful. We have absolutely no chance of winning in a direct fight against him."

Pang Hu said, "In a one-on-one fight, we are certainly no match for him, but why should we do that? I still have over thirty thousand troops under my command. How many did Your Royal Highness bring this time?"

The Jin Crown Prince replied, "My Father initially gave me twenty thousand. I managed to recruit some more on my own, bringing the total to over thirty thousand. However, only ten thousand are currently engaged in the battle at the West Gate; the rest are still assembling because traversing the secret passage takes time."

Pang Hu was overjoyed. "Excellent! A Jin soldier is worth three of Shuangcheng’s men. With this many troops, what do we have to fear? I will lead you out of Shuangcheng first, and then we can discuss the next step, how about that?"

The Jin Crown Prince smiled. "Grand Preceptor Pang, why don't you share your thoughts first? After all, this is an invasion on my part. I don't entirely trust you. I’ve already been stabbed in the back by you; what if you stab me in the back again?"

Pang Hu shrugged dismissively. "I don't concern myself with such things. The world belongs to the capable. If I couldn't handle such a minor issue, how could I aspire to the imperial throne? As long as Your Royal Highness assists me in taking Shuangcheng, I can cede the prefectures of Huyang and Liuyang to Jin. Not to mention countless beauties and vast stores of grain."

The Jin Crown Prince still smiled. "Grand Preceptor, my ambition lies in Shuangcheng. Do you think I traveled a thousand miles for anything else?"

Pang Hu gritted his teeth. "Fine, I will give you half of Shuangcheng, but you must leave me something."

The Jin Crown Prince chuckled inwardly. As long as he could escape alive, what was half of Shuangcheng? "Agreed. Since Grand Preceptor Pang values this Crown Prince so highly, let's proceed this way. First, we secure our lives. Then, my thirty thousand troops will follow your command. We will march back and make his blood flow like rivers!"

Pang Hu burst into laughter. Once they escaped Shuangcheng, the Jin Crown Prince would have to heed him, relying on his familiarity with the terrain. As for the potential stab in the back, he couldn't dwell on it now; otherwise, he would lose his leverage for a counterattack. Taking Shuangcheng was the priority.

Outside the door, Jin Meili anxiously asked me, "Zhao Qian, what are they saying?"

I replied, "Just as I suspected. Pang Hu wants to use the Jin Crown Prince's forces. He intends to use the hostages to safely exit Shuangcheng, then combine the two armies to besiege the city again."

Jin Meili asked with wide, round eyes, "Then the Jin Crown Prince didn't agree, did he? He should have broken off with Pang Hu for my sake."

I smiled. "You are quite mistaken; he agreed."

"Ah," Jin Meili looked disappointed. "So I have so little charm? Hmph, people say one thing but do another."

I said, "Your charm is immense, but the man's life is on the line, of course, he has to consider himself first. That’s how politicians are."

Jin Meili looked hopeful. "What about you? If you had to sacrifice your life for me, or for one of your other wives, would you do it?"

I smiled without answering. I knew the answer to that—I would give up my life for them. But some things don't need to be spoken; I just need to act. Otherwise, why would I have come to Gemini?

The door creaked open, and Pang Hu hurried out. "Officer Zhao, we are leaving. Aren't you going to see us off?"

I said, "Of course, I must see you off. Before you go, Grand Preceptor, please release half the people first as a token of sincerity. I will release the remaining half once you are safely outside the city. How about that? I’ve treated you quite generously with this arrangement."

Pang Hu nodded. "Fine. As long as one person is in my hands, you won't abandon her, right? But I invited this Jin Crown Prince here, so I must take him with me. You have no objection, correct? Also, do not trouble his troops; let them leave the city peacefully."

I waved my hand. "Go, go. I have no interest in him."

Although the Jin Crown Prince knew he was about to be rescued, he still looked displeased, his eyes fixed on Jin Meili behind me. Jin Meili repeatedly hid behind me. She never wanted to see this Prince again; her earlier engagement with him was only to secure his help in rescuing people. But now, it seemed the man was only looking out for himself.

The Jin Crown Prince said, "Miss Jin, come with me. I will find a way to rescue your friends."

Jin Meili shook her head. "I apologize, Your Royal Highness. You are not the one who truly loves me, and I will not go with you."

The Jin Crown Prince exclaimed, "How can that be? Miss Jin, I truly love you! The situation is critical now; let's escape first. In the future, when you become the Princess Consort and I ascend the throne, you will enjoy endless glory and wealth."

Jin Meili clutched my arm and said to the Jin Crown Prince with a look of bliss, "The one I truly love, and the one who truly loves me, is him. I wouldn't trade him even to be Empress. Please leave, or he will be displeased."

The Jin Crown Prince’s face changed drastically. He gritted his teeth but said nothing, though his eyes were filled with malice. Jin Meili’s wasp waist and full chest, her perfect S-curve, were intoxicating. Any man holding her so close would be unable to bear it, especially the Jin Crown Prince who had long been obsessed with her.

Pang Hu pulled the Jin Crown Prince, realizing this was the moment to leave. As he walked away, the Jin Crown Prince looked back at Jin Meili and said, "Miss Jin, you will eventually realize that I love you most and treated you best in this world. Do not be deceived by his exterior before things unfold."

Jin Meili asked me, "Zhao Qian, you will prove to him that you love me, right?"

I smiled. "Do we need to prove anything to him? To be my wife, you must have faith in me, don't you think, Meili."

Jin Meili nodded firmly and turned away from the Jin Crown Prince. The two of them walked down the road lined with soldiers toward the Pang Residence. Cheng Qiang rushed up to me. "Sir, how can you let Pang Hu go? They've made their intentions clear. Letting him return now puts the Madams in danger."

I said, "No, this will only make Pang Hu panicked and cause him to act rashly. More importantly, I want to see if I can track their whereabouts by following Pang Hu. Don't disturb me. The Pang Residence is too large; I'm afraid I'll lose track if I relax my focus."

I had tried using my awareness to probe the Pang Residence earlier, but due to its immense size and the surrounding structures, it had cost me energy without yielding results. Now, by following Pang Hu's steps, he would first have to bring me four women, or I wouldn't let him leave Shuangcheng.

However, my plan failed. As Pang Hu went deeper into the residence, I soon lost the ability to monitor him with my consciousness. Wiping the sweat beading on my forehead, I abandoned the attempt, hoping Ximen Yan might have better luck.

Pang Hu was indeed cunning. Ximen Yan found nothing either. He must be nearing his final gamble, moving with extreme caution at every step. However, he still knew that leaving without releasing hostages was impossible, and he wanted to make me more hesitant. After an hour, four girls ran out of the residence, stumbling into my arms under the escort of the Imperial Guards. I held them tightly, momentarily speechless.

These four were He Yuqing, Cheng Susu, Zhou Ni, and Cai Jingjing. They were, perhaps, the most insignificant people in Pang Hu's eyes. He knew my closest companions were Linglong and Yun Yao, Xu Chen had ties to the Emperor, and Hua Qingqing was a master of elixirs and a treasure.

The four women, regardless of age, cried out in unison, "Husband, you’re finally back! We knew you’d be fine. Do you know how much we missed you? That Pang Hu bullied us! Quick, save the others!"

I patted their backs one by one, comforting them. "Are you all alright? It’s my fault for letting you suffer. Don't worry, I'm working on it now. Once I let Pang Hu leave Shuangcheng, they will be back."

He Yuqing asked, "Are you really going to let them go? Pang Hu is wicked. What if he leaves and doesn't release the others?"

Holding He Yuqing and Zhou Ni, with Cheng Susu and Cai Jingjing behind me, caressing one and then another, I felt a wave of emotion—they were finally almost all here. "He wouldn't dare! As long as you are safe, that’s what matters most. Can the monk escape the temple? There will be future chances to deal with him. Quick, tell me where he hid the rest so I can arrange to rescue them."

The four women shook their heads. "We don't know. Our eyes were covered, and they were only uncovered when we left the manor. But it seemed we walked a long way, going up and down. We don't know where we are."

My heart sank. Just then, Ouyang Qian returned after finding Xiao Yu'er. Seeing the four girls safe, she was overjoyed. "Sister Susu, Sister Yuqing, Sister Jingjing, Sister Ni! I finally found you! I missed you so much! Qianqian was wandering alone in Wanmaguo, sob..."

The four women were naturally happy to see Ouyang Qian found too. Now they could prepare to return to Earth. The five women gathered together, chattering about what happened on the transport ship. Zhou Ni suddenly asked, "Huh? Sister Qianqian, why are you with Brother Zhao? And what exactly happened to Brother Zhao? We were so worried about him."

Ouyang Qian blushed. "Actually, the last time Wanmaguo attacked Shuangcheng, it was my idea..."

Cheng Susu exclaimed, "Qianqian, you aren't that mysterious woman from Wanmaguo, the one named Qi Da? You helped Wanmaguo develop its national strength only to attack Shuangcheng?"

He Yuqing said, "Sister Susu, don't blame Qianqian. If she had known we were in Shuangcheng, Qianqian wouldn't have come looking for us?"

Ouyang Qian whispered, "I'm sorry, sisters. It was all my fault. I almost harmed Zhao Qian. If he hadn't woken up that day, I think I would have died with him."

Cai Jingjing spat twice. "Ptooey, ptooey! Don't speak ill omens! Aren't we all fine now? Let Zhao Qian rescue the others in a moment, and we'll have a happy reunion. Who... who are you?"

Cai Jingjing suddenly stared at Jin Meili with suspicion. He Yuqing recognized Jin Meili; the memory of their wild time together in the underground cellar was still fresh, and she blushed slightly upon seeing her. "Miss Jin, it's you! Why are you with Zhao Qian?"

I said, "It’s a long story. Xiao Rui, you take care of them. Pang Hu's people are about to move; I need to watch the procession to see if Yun Yao and the others are among them. If I can rescue them now, Pang Hu might live a few minutes less."

My plan was sound, but Pang Hu wasn't foolish. He had thirty thousand Imperial Guards surrounding his residence. At his command, all thirty thousand soldiers moved in a massive procession, emerging from various directions. The marching area far exceeded the range of my conscious detection. I had intended to open only the East Gate for them, but these fellows used the West, North, and South Gates as well. Anyone who dared to stop them shouted, "Kill the hostages!" Pang Hu must have instructed them to do this. Consequently, I had no choice but to follow closely behind Pang Hu. If he wanted to leave without releasing people, it wouldn't be so easy.

Pang Hu kept his promise; he indeed left via the East Gate. Several people rode horses one after another, with large contingents of both sides following behind. When they reached the city gate, I said to Pang Hu, "Grand Preceptor Pang, our transaction should be complete now. Please release the remaining four people."

Pang Hu laughed. "Officer Zhao, have some patience, won't you? My thirty thousand troops haven't fully exited the city yet. Let’s wait a bit longer. Besides, I need them to escort me out. I know your abilities; the Jin Crown Prince told me everything just now. If I released them too early, wouldn't you just kill me?"

Pang Hu had been intimidated earlier by my mention of Ximen Yan and the Divine Doctor, making him eager to escape, so he hadn't troubled me too much. But now that the four women were safe in his hands, his arrogance returned. I stood at the city gate, my face grim, saying nothing. At that moment, I truly wanted to rescue the women and mince Pang Hu to feed the dogs.

Finally, someone approached Pang Hu and reported, "Grand Preceptor, all our men have left the city, and the Crown Prince has led his troops out of the outer city. You should retreat now."

Grand Preceptor Pang nodded. "Let's go, Officer Zhao. Aren't you going to see me off? Your four beautiful wives are waiting for you at a secret location outside the city."

I forced a casual tone. "Alright, if the Grand Preceptor is leaving, of course, I must see him off. Just be careful not to trip, or if you forget where my four wives are, it will cause a lot of trouble."

By this time, it was completely dark. Both sides lit torches, forming a winding line that looked quite spectacular under the night sky. Pang Hu led the group out of the city, turning east and west until they reached a small, dilapidated temple. I focused my mind and probed inside. There were many ambushing soldiers, but Hua Qingqing and Xu Chen were among them. I heard Pang Hu laughing heartily, "Officer Zhao, your four wives are inside. Now that our transaction is concluded, what do you have to say? I bet you want to kill me."

Pang Hu was indeed treacherous; he wanted to bait me into attacking. But two of my wives were still in his custody. If I attacked, I would fall into his trap, and who knew what tricks he would pull next. However, Pang Hu didn't know I had already ascertained the situation inside the temple. So, I said to him, "Grand Preceptor, why say such a thing? As long as my four wives are safe, I care nothing for your life or where you go."

Pang Hu laughed loudly. "Officer Zhao, you are truly extraordinary. Guards! Bring Madam Zhao out!"

When Hua Qingqing and Xu Chen saw me, the more mature one and the more reserved one both burst into tears—it was impossible to tell if it was joy or grievance, but it was heartbreaking to witness.

I kept my expression neutral and said to Pang Hu, "Grand Preceptor, what about the other two? Don't go back on your word."

Pang Hu roared with laughter. "They are naturally still in my hands. Release these two first."

Having regained their freedom, Hua Qingqing and Xu Chen rushed into my arms, shouting. Hua Qingqing pounded my chest. "Why did it take you so long to save us? Tell me, were you bewitched by some temptress?"

Hua Qingqing rarely made jokes like that, and even Xu Chen, burying himself in my embrace, looked utterly wronged. I had no time to comfort them; I turned them over to the women trailing behind me. Pang Hu stepped forward and said to me, "Zhao Supervisor, don't think I don't know what you're planning. Your speed of attack is unmatched among us. But you have two of your most cherished women in my hands; getting them back won't be simple."

I sneered, "Pang Hu, you had better be smart. I'm not someone you can lead around by the nose so easily. Hand them over now, and I might let you live another night. Otherwise, I guarantee you won't see midnight."

Pang Hu seemed utterly confident. He urged his horse forward two slow steps before turning back to me, "Don't boast before you've won, Zhao Supervisor. Do you think I'd let you rescue them so easily? If I did, even hiding among ten thousand soldiers wouldn't save me from your pursuit."

I fixed him with a gaze sharp enough to kill him ten thousand times over. "What do you want? Tell me."

Pang Hu replied, "I wonder if you’d still be so formidable without your hands and feet. Only then might I feel safe."

The women behind me gasped in shock. Ma Xiaoda and Ma Xiaorui, who had been following in silence, erupted in curses: "Pang Hu, you beast worse than a dog! May you die a terrible death!"

Pang Hu leaped backward on his horse, his voice growing colder. "Silence! You two are unworthy to speak to me! Zhao, I give you only one path: sever your own hands and feet, and then I’ll release them. Otherwise, we perish together! Don't think I don't know your plan—once I let those two go, you’ll certainly kill me. How can I rest easy unless you’re crippled?"

I gritted my teeth. "Pang Hu, you are vicious."

Pang Hu burst into laughter. "A true man must be ruthless. Zhao Qian, accept your fate. You are luckier than me, more powerful than me, but your greatest weakness is your obsession with women. Those two are the dearest to you; I don't believe you'd let them be defiled by my men. Not to mention that the Jin Crown Prince has taken an interest in them, and those brutes will certainly show no mercy."

At this moment, even with all my skills, I couldn't utilize them. Dejected, I said, "True. I cannot stand by while Yun Yao and Linglong are abused. Pang Hu, you have cleverly exploited my weakness. Fine. Let me see them once, and I will maim myself!"

Pang Hu raised an eyebrow. "Still trying to trick me? If they were nearby, you would have rescued them already. I told you, you only have one choice: cripple yourself first, and then I will naturally release them once I’m gone."

I retorted, "Do you take me for a three-year-old? If I mutilate myself and you still hold them, what then? Do you have a way to reattach them?"

Pang Hu sneered, "You have no capital to negotiate with me..."

Before Pang Hu could finish speaking, blood spattered across the air. The skull of the tall horse he was riding was smashed to pieces by my single punch. Pang Hu tumbled off with a thud, landing flat on his face. I seized him and lifted him up, the blood on my fist nearly making him vomit.

I spoke to Pang Hu word by word: "Maiming my limbs is equivalent to demanding my life. Don't think I don't know what you're truly thinking. Pang Hu, if I can't live, you won't either."

Although frightened, Pang Hu, given his experience, was not about to yield completely. He said, "Zhao, you have no choice, because those two are your closest women. However, I swear upon my life: as soon as you cripple yourself, they will be sent over safely. I can remain here at your mercy until they arrive. Once they arrive and we are one arrow's flight away, we release them. What do you say?"

The people behind me naturally objected, but I knew I had no choice while Pang Hu held my weak spot. I threw Pang Hu to the ground. "Fine, I agree!"

Before the women could stop me, I snatched the embroidered spring blade from the waist of a nearby personal guard. With two swift strokes, I severed my feet at the ankles. The piercing agony made me collapse, nearly causing me to pass out. If I hadn't been fast enough, I truly wouldn't have been able to complete the act.

I fell to the ground with both feet spurting blood. Seeing this, several women cried out and rushed over. Ma Xiaorui and Ma Xiaoda threw themselves at Pang Hu, hitting and biting him. Pang Hu had guards too, and they dared not strike me, but they were less restrained toward Ma Xiaoda and Ma Xiaorui. However, Ma Xiaoda and Ma Xiaorui also had protectors behind them; Liu Gang, Cheng Qiang, and the others were not ones to be trifled with.

Seeing that both sides were about to clash again, Pang Hu suddenly shouted, stopping his men. "Hold your fire! Zhao Qian, I admire your resolve. Just sever one arm, and I will immediately order men to bring them here. I, the Grand Tutor, never go back on my word."

Without blinking, I raised the blade to strike. The women who had rushed to stop me grabbed my arm tightly. "Zhao Qian, you're insane! Our lives aren't worth this! If anything happens to you, what meaning is left for us?"

I endured the pain and persuaded Jin Meili, who was weeping the hardest and clinging to me the tightest. "I’ve already cut off both feet; if I don’t cut this off now, all is for naught. Let go! No matter which of you was captured, I must bring this knife down! Besides, Grand Tutor Pang has bargained away one of my arms. We’ve made a huge profit! With this remaining hand, I can still touch your bodies a couple more times later."

Jin Meili choked out, "We don't want anything to happen to you! Look at the situation, and you’re still joking."

Hua Qingqing shoved Jin Meili aside. "Let him do it! If Yun Yao and Linglong aren't rescued today, Zhao Qian will never stop. Pang Hu, we will remember this debt! You had better not fall into our hands again, or you’ll wish for death but find none!"

No one stopped me. I gritted my teeth and sliced my arm off just below the elbow. Hua Qingqing quickly bandaged it for me, then took off her outer garment to cover my feet. Cheng Susu followed suit, taking off hers to cover my arm. Pang Hu seemed unconvinced and personally came over to inspect Hua Qingqing’s bandaging. The blood gushing from the wounds couldn't be faked, and the severed arm on the ground satisfied him greatly.

Pang Hu waved his hand, and someone immediately galloped away. Now it was time for him to honor his promise. He certainly couldn't think of leaving yet. Although they had tens of thousands of troops on the outer perimeter, the Imperial Guards accompanying him out of the city were also numerous. Moreover, this side was filled with battle-hardened veterans. Pang Hu understood that if he turned hostile now, he might not escape this small temple.

The clatter of hooves sounded particularly jarring in the dark night. Although tens of thousands of troops were arrayed around the small temple, no one dared to make a sound, so the hoofbeats were audible from far away.

Under the light of the torches, Hua Qingqing continuously wiped my face. Pang Hu stood to the side, watching with satisfaction as my complexion gradually paled. No one spoke, and I didn't cry out in pain. Everyone waited silently until several warhorses neighed and galloped to the front of the temple. An Imperial Guard dismounted and reported, "Grand Tutor, the women are one li away. You may depart now."

Ma Xiaoda wiped away a tear and puffed out his small chest, blocking Pang Hu's way. "Not so easily! Bring the women here first before you leave! Zhao Qian has cut off his hands and feet—what more do you want?"

Cheng Qiang, Liu Gang, Xiao Dingzi, and the others had their hands on their saber hilts, glaring menacingly. Pang Hu considered the situation and told the Imperial Guard, "Tell them to move closer, wait among our ranks near the temple. I will depart only after the exchange with Zhao Supervisor is complete."

I nodded at Pang Hu. "I didn't expect you to have some decency, Pang Hu. I am a cripple now. I want to ask you: you already held a position second only to the emperor in the court; why resort to such deeds?"

Pang Hu’s gaze became distant. He replied, "The greater the power, the greater the ambition. You wouldn't understand, because you are merely a philandering man who will never amount to anything significant, at best lingering among women to display your lower body."

I nodded and said no more. A short time later, the sound of hooves approached again. The Imperial Guard jumped off his horse and rushed forward. "Grand Tutor, the people have arrived." Indeed, under the torchlight, Yun Yao and Linglong were being carried on two horses. These two women had keen eyesight; even from the distance, they could make out the people here with near certainty.

"Zhao Qian! Master! You, you, you are really alright? That’s wonderful!" The two women, heedless of being bound to the horses, first expressed their joy at seeing me unharmed—though they failed to notice I was lying on the ground.

Pang Hu mounted another horse. No one stopped him. He moved forward two steps, then turned back to me. "Zhao Supervisor, our game has just begun. I will certainly give you the women, but I will not surrender Shuancheng. Even if I don't attack tonight, I won't let you off tomorrow."

Xiao Dingzi's eyes looked ready to spew fire. He glared fiercely at Pang Hu. "Enough nonsense! Hurry up and let them go, or you know what your end will be! Dealing with a despicable beast like you doesn't require Lord Zhao to lift a finger!"

Pang Hu knew well that any one of the people here could easily take care of him, but he wasn't overly afraid at the moment. The two women were still under his control. Once he returned to his ranks, they would shield him, and who could harm him then? Even if the Royalists chased and killed him, he would only suffer the loss of a few soldiers.

Pang Hu spurred his horse toward his own camp, about a hundred meters from the temple. Though unobstructed, Pang Hu knew that at least several hundred guns were pointed at his back. Any sudden movement might result in a stray bullet piercing his heart. But Pang Hu had no other plans; in his mind, the most formidable figure was already crippled. No one would attempt to take his head in the midst of an army. As long as he reached his ranks, the events of this night would conclude.

Yun Yao and Linglong were clever girls and certainly recognized this as a hostage exchange of sorts. Before Pang Hu could move, they urged their horses toward us. The soldiers controlling the reins gradually lost control. Grand Tutor Pang soon entered their sphere of influence, waved his hand, and the soldiers loosened the reins.

The crowd behind immediately surged forward, blocking the path. Pang Hu let out a huge sigh of relief. He had been terrified that someone might jerk their hand and fire a shot into his back—in such a tense situation, accidental discharge was a real risk.

"Hya!" Yun Yao and Linglong, despite being tied behind their backs, could still ride. Their equestrian skills were the best among the women. Almost as Pang Hu's figure disappeared into his ranks, they arrived before our group. A large contingent of Royalist Imperial Guards immediately rushed forward. Their objective wasn't to pursue Pang Hu but to shield the two charging women. Pang Hu’s faction, though startled by the sudden movement, did not engage in fighting due to the misunderstanding.

Two warhorses charged forward, one after the other. The women on horseback leaped off before the horses stopped, tumbling a few times to reach my side. They squeezed into my embrace, one on the left and one on the right. Pang Hu was correct; since arriving at the Twin Stars, these two had spent the longest time by my side, and naturally, my feelings for them were deeper. Regrettably, I could only use one hand to stroke them.

"Ah!" Linglong screamed because after a personal guard sliced the rope binding her hands, she reached for my arm and missed. "Master, your hand?"

Yun Yao also noticed something wrong with me lying on the ground. She threw aside the cloth covering her legs. "Husband, your feet!"

I sighed. "Alas, your husband not only lost his memory from a staff blow by Balu of the Wanma Kingdom, but now he’s lost his hands and feet too. You all... you all should find some handsome pretty boys to remarry. It’s my fault for being too incompetent to protect you. In this state, I’m even less worthy of being your husband."

Slap. Yun Yao actually slapped me, leaving me dizzy and bewildered. Yun Yao wept and cursed, "Bastard! Zhao Qian, you are a bastard! Even if you became a vegetable, we wouldn’t leave you for half a step!"

Linglong hugged my body, sobbing loudly, "Master, where is your hand? Where are your feet? What happened? These wounds are fresh! Who hurt you? Who, who was it?"

Ma Xiaorui also cried, "Who could hurt him? He ruined himself! Sister Qingqing, quickly reattach Zhao Qian's limbs! I know you can do it."

Linglong, ignoring the need to seek Hua Qingqing’s help, shook my body. "Why would you say that, Master? Is your brain flooded? How can you live without hands and feet from now on?"

Ma Xiaoda continued wiping his tears. "Didn't Brother-in-law do this to save the two of you? That Pang Hu said he wouldn't release you unless he crippled himself. Now that you are safe, but Brother-in-law..."

Clang. Yun Yao turned and snatched a blade from the guard standing next to Ma Xiaoda, then raised it to her own throat. "Husband, it is Yun Yao who has wronged you and the other sisters."

Hua Qingqing, standing nearby, moved swiftly and knocked the knife away. "Are you crazy? If you get hurt, all the sacrifices will have been in vain!"

Yun Yao knelt down with a thud. "Sister Qingqing, but Husband became like this for me, I..."

Linglong, held in my arms, was jolted by Yun Yao's reminder. Her martial arts were formidable, and it took all my effort to hold her back from rushing out. I asked, "What are you doing?"

Linglong declared, "I want to accept the punishment alongside Yun Yao."

I sighed. "Let me ask you all: If I truly have no hands or feet, will you still love me? Will you still agree to be my wives?"

The surrounding women all nodded, even Ma Xiaorui. I said, "Then I am relieved. It’s just that with so many beauties like you, if I only have one hand, I probably won't be able to touch all of you. Luckily, the three severed pieces haven't been eaten by dogs yet. Perhaps there's hope of reattaching them."

Hua Qingqing stomped her foot. "Oh, you! Look at the time! That dog Pang Hu is going to get away!"

Xu Chen and Yun Yao timidly tugged at Hua Qingqing’s arm. "Sister Qingqing, are you saying Zhao Qian is fine?"

Hua Qingqing snapped, "Do you think he’s an idiot? To save us safely, he had to sacrifice. Does anyone look fine after chopping off their own limbs?"

Linglong, feeling my other arm in my embrace, said, "That’s not right, Sister Qingqing. They are clearly gone. Can he perform magic tricks?"

I struggled to reach for the severed arm on the other side. He Yuqing immediately knelt beside me and helped hold it up. I grasped the arm and brought it to the wound site. "I haven't learned magic tricks, but I’ve heard earthworms and geckos can regenerate. While I might not be able to grow new ones, if this old one can be attached, that will suffice for now."

Hua Qingqing knelt before me, carefully adjusting the alignment. "Tell me, will it work? Have you tried this before?"

I replied, "Of course not. Do you think I chop up my own body for fun? This pain is real, my wife! I just have a certainty in my heart that they still have a chance to recover. Don't worry; you'll know soon enough. Qingqing, you must be precise with your cut. Otherwise, if it attaches crookedly, those beauties won't allow it."

Cheng Qiang and the others couldn't crowd over, but my wives were completely unrestrained. They left only a small gap for a torch and surrounded me tightly. They had sensed the truth of the matter. Someone immediately tried to align my foot to the ankle bone, but I hastily stopped them. "Don't mess around! Let Qingqing do it. What if they get swapped, and I can't show my face later?"

The women now held a glimmer of hope and smiled radiantly. "It’s best if you can’t show your face, lest you go flirting around. We’ll just not attach them so you have to stay home every day."

Hands and feet aligned, the women were even more tense than I was, each staring intently at the wound site. In truth, I wasn't entirely certain myself. I had acted on impulse, foolishly cutting off my feet, but the moment my feet separated, I had a sudden feeling—a feeling suggesting that the feet on the ground were still part of me. As long as the cells hadn't exceeded their death time, I could fully restore them. This was why I was willing to cut off an arm as well.

Hua Qingqing was a physician. She noticed that after the initial spurt of blood, the blood vessels and nerves in my wounds had automatically sealed closed. She knew there had to be something unusual happening. Fearing Pang Hu would notice, she immediately bandaged me and used clothes to cover the wounds, even applying some powder to my face to simulate paleness from severe blood loss, thereby numbing Pang Hu’s vigilance. Although Hua Qingqing already knew some secrets, she was still uneasy at this moment.

"Look! What is that? It looks like little bugs are moving!" Ma Xiaoda yelled out from somewhere he had snuck in from. The women glared at him, and he quickly fell silent again.

Seeing me frowning intensely, the women urgently asked, "How do you feel, Husband?"

I managed, "It’s very itchy."

Hua Qingqing rejoiced. "Don't move! Your cell vitality is truly extraordinary; they are frantically multiplying and recovering. I hope the nerves and blood vessels reconnect perfectly."

After waiting a while longer, I impatiently pushed the women away and climbed up. "If we wait any longer, Pang Hu will escape for good. We can let them reproduce slowly when we get home."