CHAPTER 857: CHAPTER 702:

Xun Wu was taken aback.

Despite knowing Duan Mingyue’s character well, he was definitely not the genteel and gentle person he appeared to be, nor one who acted only out of self-interest.

He had ambition, courage, insight, and wisdom.

But was it not too bold to assassinate the Loulan Queen?

"Elder brother."

He voiced his concerns, "Wenliang was right in saying that we only do business, without meddling in court affairs or involving ourselves in the battles of any faction. This has been our guiding principle. Now, risking it all for someone yet uncertain is indeed a bold move."

Duan Mingyue said earnestly, "You don’t understand, old five."

Xun Wu replied seriously, "I understand. I follow elder brother out of respect, not because of any so-called favor or life-saving grace from you. Precisely because of this, my loyalty is purer than anyone’s, and I truly don’t want to see everything you’ve painstakingly built get destroyed. That’s Loulan! A feudatory state! Or rather, the foremost among the ten feudal states. The Loulan Queen is the de facto king without a crown. To fight against her is like crushing an egg against a rock!"

Duan Mingyue’s face darkened, "Old five, I don’t like what you’re saying. What’s this about crushing an egg against a rock? My fourth brother is quite formidable, don’t you think?"

Xun Wu glared at him, "Whose side are you on exactly? Are you trying to stop or fan the flames?"

Duan Wenliang covered his mouth.

"Elder brother, reconsider."

Xun Wu followed Duan Wenliang until now, witnessing his blood-soaked battles and brushes with death, and the ordeals he faced were no less than Lu Yuan’s.

He was even physically handicapped.

Thinking of this, Xun Wu would always feel a pang of sympathy for him.

No one understood his challenges better than Xun Wu, which is why he didn’t want to see him destroyed.

Duan Mingyue looked deeply at him, "Xun Wu, everything I do is for today."

"Elder brother..."

Xun Wu was stunned.

Duan Mingyue sighed, "I’ve made up my mind. If you don’t wish to, I won’t force you."

Xun Wu clenched his fists, "What are you saying, elder brother? If you are determined to face death, Xun Wu will accompany you to the end!"

After leaving the study, Duan Mingyue pulled Xun Wu aside, "Who exactly has given my fourth brother some mind-numbing potion? Or has my fourth brother been bewitched? Cursed with Gu?"

Xun Wu said, "Elder brother is very clear-headed."

Duan Mingyue stomped angrily, "Clear-headed? Doing something this foolish? Assassinating the Loulan Queen, how is this different from courting death? Did you see the witchcraft beside her? With it, all the martial artists are useless!"

"I only obey elder brother’s orders."

Xun Wu left this remark, then returned to his room and opened a secret compartment.

He took out a heavy golden order, "The Brave Shadow Guards will finally come forth. Elder brother, I hope your decision is the right one."

-

The official residence.

Ayimulan stood amidst the birds and flowers in the courtyard, lifting her noble head, quietly gazing at the azure sky.

"Princess Consort."

Mo Yi walked to her side.

Ayimulan did not speak.

Mo Yi followed her gaze, seeing nothing in the sky.

"Princess Consort."

He called again.

Ayimulan gently raised her hand, signaling him to be silent.

Mo Yi hesitated to speak.

He turned back, looking at the Loulan Witch who leaned on a cane as she approached the corridor.

The Princess Consort was gazing at the sky, and the Witch was watching her from behind.

An intangible sense of killing intent and oppression pervaded the surroundings.

Whenever the Princess Consort was about to make an important decision, she would stand alone at the peak of Witch Mountain to feel the call of the Witch God.

Though this place was far from Witch Mountain, the Princess Consort’s desire to sense the Witch God’s call was the same.

She was the most legendary eagle of the prairie, with her own ambitions.

And he was willing to be the stepping stone for her ascent to the sky, even if it meant being smeared with blood and leaving no remains in the yellow sand.