"But I just want to follow you," she giggled. Following you would be much more fun; you're not the type to sit still, so the journey will surely be interesting. What fun could there be following those three Big Rice Bear brothers?" Seeing her ploy fail, Dugu Xiaoyi clung to him stubbornly.

Jun Mo Xie instantly understood—the girl must have been thoroughly rejected by the three brothers before turning to pester him.

Otherwise, why would she bother seeking me out?

"I told you, no way; forget the door, there isn't even a window." Jun Mo Xie’s heart was like iron. He absolutely refused to yield. "You should stay home and keep my sister-in-law company. That kind of place isn't for people like you. Girl, that's going to risk your life, not a simple outing!"

"Whether she's home or not, I don't know, but she certainly won't be keeping me company, because I am going to Tiannan too." A cool, clear voice sounded. A stiffness shot down Jun Mo Xie’s spine as he slowly turned his head. The speaker was none other than Guan Qinghan.

Guan Qinghan felt an undeniable sense of unease regarding this expedition to Tiannan. Few people knew about the matters concerning the Blood Soul Villa, but the great families of the capital must have gotten wind of it; the Imperial Palace would certainly be no exception.

And at such a crucial time, to specifically name Jun Wuyi and Jun Mo Xie to lead the expedition—what was the logic behind that?

Even if it was somewhat understandable for Jun Wuyi to lead the troops, why did Jun Mo Xie also have to be involved? Thus, Guan Qinghan had many thoughts churning. What concerned her most was: if, because of her connection, the Blood Soul Villa in Tiannan used it as an excuse to make things difficult for Jun Wuyi and Jun Mo Xie once they arrived? What then? The temperaments of these two uncles and nephews were each worse than the last!

If things escalated, with their meager strength, how could they possibly stand against the formidable might of the Blood Soul Villa? But if even one of them brought up the matter, given Jun Wuyi's nature and Jun Mo Xie's temperament, a complete falling out was certain. How would they clean up that mess then!

These two, especially Jun Mo Xie, were people who feared neither heaven nor earth!

What was there he wouldn't dare to do?

Therefore, Guan Qinghan absolutely had to go, and she had to go even if it meant death! Even if they refused to take her, she would set out on her own!

If nothing untoward happened, it would be best if they all returned together.

But if conflict did erupt, having Guan Qinghan there would serve as at least one bargaining chip. If it truly came to the worst, she would rather sacrifice herself to ensure the safe return of the uncle and nephew, Jun Wuyi and Jun Mo Xie! However, she absolutely could not let them know these thoughts. Otherwise, both of them would sooner break their own legs than allow her to go. Third Uncle was perhaps more reasonable, but given the wicked nature of her nephew, Jun Mo Xie, confining her was something he was definitely capable of doing!

Guan Qinghan knew this very well.

"My goodness, sister-in-law, my dear sister-in-law, why are you stirring up trouble now?" she wailed. "Why are you all coming after me? Do you think I'm easy to bully?" Jun Mo Xie ran a hand through his hair in frustration. "Even if you want to go, don't come asking me! I'm not the one who makes the decisions—just go ask Third Uncle."

"Whether you make the decisions or not is your business; whether I go is mine," Guan Qinghan said coolly, glancing at him, then linking arms with Dugu Xiaoyi and walking away. Before leaving, Dugu Xiaoyi still winked and stuck her tongue out teasingly at Jun Mo Xie.

Tease all you want. As long as you don't cause me trouble, do whatever you want; I won't care.

Jun Mo Xie twisted his mouth.

That afternoon, Jun Mo Xie and his two hundred-plus guards melted away from the Jun Residence, vanishing silently, their formation broken.

That night.

Jun Jiyezi’s imposing figure stood in the courtyard, saying a few words to the dozens of shadowy figures before him. In an instant, those figures dispersed with a rustle and vanished without a trace.

The old man sighed, asking Old Pang, who stood beside him, "When do you think they will arrive?"

Old Pang pondered for a moment. "Probably by tomorrow night."

"Hmm." The old man knitted his brows. "Old Pang, prepare the face masks and dark clothes."

A smile touched Old Pang's eyes.

In Jun Wuyi's small courtyard, Third Master Jun clapped his palms together. A slip of paper in his hand disintegrated into powder. He chuckled softly and murmured, "Tomorrow night, eh?"

Night fell, the long night swiftly passed, the sun rose and set, and dusk returned.

The sun dipped and the moon ascended; time slipped by in a flash. Zhao Wuji had lost count of how many times he had urged his horse forward. Two full days had passed since they abandoned the boats and landed ashore—two days of relentless galloping!

Since leaving Jiangnan, they had traveled non-stop for nine days. The reward for such continuous day-and-night rushing was evident: they were a full two days ahead of schedule.

Those extra two days could avoid numerous unforeseen incidents! This was predictable.

This gave him a sliver of excitement. For the past nine days, whether by water or land, not a single unexpected event had occurred; the journey had been smooth to the point of elation, yet also difficult to believe—it had been entirely too smooth.

But precisely because of this, Zhao Wuji felt no relaxation; on the contrary, the string in his mind was pulled tighter and tighter. This situation was simply too abnormal, so smooth it felt astounding!

Since accepting this commission, Zhao Wuji, as the head of the Zhao family, understood what this undertaking implied. Profit. But by the time he understood, it was already too late to regret.

Because when he understood, the batch of goods was already in production.

Those items demanded by the Second Prince!

As a prince, what use did he have for these things? Moreover, why the need for such absolute secrecy in their preparation? Zhao Wuji knew that, without realizing it, he had already stepped onto the Second Prince's pirate ship, and there was no turning back now.

From the moment he accepted the job, every person killed by these Profound Beast Crossbows would tie his family tighter to the Second Prince’s war chariot. If the blood of other princes or even—was spilled, there would be absolutely no retreat!

Yet, he had no means to resist!

Let alone that production had already started, even if it hadn't, could he still back out?

Though his family held some influence, it was insignificant compared to the power of a prince. If he refused this business, his entire family might turn to ash overnight, vanishing from the world.

But high risk often signaled high reward. For a merchant, when presented with a deal that might bring him three hundred percent, or even greater, profit, staking one's life might be worth the gamble!

What’s more, this matter also carried subtle political implications—if he could gain a title or reward because of it…

Therefore, although Zhao Wuji felt as if he had swallowed a fly, he still had to force a smile and praise it: While this black snake was indeed disgusting upon first taste, it was truly nutritious, containing abundant high protein!

The batch of Profound Beast Crossbows was finally completed in a short time, without a single error during production. Zhao Wuji, the Zhao family head, finally breathed a sigh of relief, but his nerves immediately tightened further. He knew clearly that the journey of these crossbows to the capital would likely be the true test!

So, Zhao Wuji suspended all other family business and gathered the full strength of the family's masters to escort the crossbows to the capital. Still uneasy, he paid an enormous price to hire experts from the Jiangnan Guild, securing the Vice Guild Master himself to lead a contingent of masters along the route, ensuring foolproof safety.

But just as he finalized his arrangements here, the Second Prince had also dispatched his elite guards, utilizing a scattered deployment method, to escort the crossbows to the capital. This action, intended as an extra layer of security, only made Zhao Wuji more anxious. In his view, the escort forces he arranged were already substantial, enough to handle most contingencies!

Yet, the Second Prince’s side was clearly still not at ease, taking such solemn measures. Didn't this suggest that the transport of these crossbows might face interception beyond the ordinary scope—interception that his own escort strength could not handle!

By extension, the true purpose of these crossbows became glaringly obvious, and the chance he had been hoping for vanished completely!

Every step of the horse’s hoof brought him closer to the bloody strife between the royal houses!

Finally, they were approaching the capital city of Tianxiang.

"Big Brother, this journey is essentially guaranteed to be safe now. In another two hundred li, we reach Tianxiang City! Even if someone intended to intercept us, they surely wouldn't dare commit such a blatant offense within the capital's jurisdiction, would they!" A lean man spurred his horse forward a few paces, his face radiating relieved smiles. "This journey, it seems we worried for nothing. I never expected it to go so smoothly. It appears Second Master’s secrecy measures were remarkably effective."

This lean man was Zhao Wutian, Zhao Wuji's own younger brother, and one of the few members of the Zhao family aware of the commission's client.

"I dearly hope so," Zhao Wuji sighed deeply. Watching the sky dim once more, he suddenly felt as if the darkening world had become a gigantic black hole, swallowing him and his family whole, leaving him utterly powerless to resist.

"Only the last stretch remains. Everyone, stay alert, muster all remaining strength, and push forward at full speed. Only when we reach the capital quickly and hand over these goods will our burden truly be lifted, and only then can we rest in peace!" Zhao Wuji exhaled, forcefully shaking off the chaotic thoughts in his mind, and said sternly.

"Yes!" Zhao Wutian agreed, slowing his pace before taking a flag from his robe and waving it twice rapidly in the air; the already brisk speed of the entire contingent instantly increased slightly.

The rapid sound of hooves erupted, and a stout middle-aged man riding a spirited dark-red horse rapidly caught up, his face covered in dust, an undercurrent of impatience evident. "Family Head Zhao, we are not far from Tianxiang now. Must we rush so fiercely? Traveling like this, constantly on edge, the brothers are already exhausted. The sky is dim and uncertain, and night travel invites trouble. Why don't we find a place to rest for the night and set out tomorrow morning? By the time limit set three days ago, we are already two days early. There is no need to fight over every moment, is there?"

The speaker was Meng Xiaosong, First Vice Guild Master of the Jiangnan Guild.