CHAPTER 410: CHAPTER 256: RUNNING AWAY

I didn’t expect it to go so smoothly. If I’d known, I wouldn’t have troubled Lu Ruoyun to lead the team.

Wen Zhixing, on his way alone to the Secluded Courtyard, wasn’t idle; he began to exchange information with Xianger.

He pretended to know nothing.

He simply told Xianger to follow Lu Ruoyun’s lead for now, assuring her he would handle things himself later.

After receiving his reply, Xianger also let out a huge sigh of relief.

[Lu Shidi, where are you?]

Shortly after, a message from Qin Hao quietly arrived.

Though the message seemed like a simple inquiry, it was actually a probe.

It was highly likely that Shao Zhengze had already switched sides, but Lu Shangxing’s stance was still uncertain.

[I’m currently in the front courtyard discussing tomorrow’s matters with a few elders. Senior Brother, is there something you need from me?]

Wen Zhixing responded casually, feigning ignorance.

[Nothing much, I just wanted to ask where Shao Zhengze is. Junior brother, do you happen to know?]

Qin Hao pondered for a moment, then sent another message.

[Looking for Shao? That’s quite a coincidence.]

Wen Zhixing smiled faintly at this, feigned surprise, and then replied, "[Shao said he wanted some intimate time with Feng Ruoli, so he asked me for the token to Huafeng Court. Senior Brother, do you have urgent business with him?]"

Huafeng Court?

Qin Hao was slightly stunned upon receiving the message.

Shao Zhengze went to Huafeng Court to find Feng Ruoli? Indeed, something is off!

Qin Hao didn’t bother replying to Lu Shangxing’s message. His figure seemed to transform into wind as he dashed swiftly ahead.

His speed naturally attracted the attention of many onlookers.

But at that moment, Qin Hao couldn’t care less.

"Who goes there? Stop where you are!"

As soon as Qin Hao arrived at Huafeng Court, several guards stopped him.

Qin Hao ignored them and swept the area with his spiritual sense, only to find the house empty.

This stunned him.

"How dare you!"

Seeing Qin Hao act so recklessly, one of the guards immediately berated him.

In the darkness and haste, the guard hadn’t recognized him.

"Stop!"

Luckily, someone more discerning was present. Recognizing the newcomer with a quick glance, they bowed and asked, "Might you be Sir Qin from the Purple Cloud Divine Sect?"

Upon hearing it was Qin Hao, the other guards quickly composed themselves and adjusted their attitudes.

"Where is Feng Ruoli? What happened? Where did she go?!" Qin Hao demanded, having no intention of exchanging pleasantries with them.

"Well... Feng Ruoli... she was taken away by Shao Zhengze," the guard stammered, feigning shock.

Clearly, this group had been instructed beforehand to provide an alibi for Lu Ruoyun.

"Taken away?"

Although he had already suspected this, Qin Hao couldn’t stop his anger from flaring.

"What in blazes are you paid for? How could you let a living person be taken away right under your noses?!" Qin Hao’s expression was grim.

Feng Ruoli being gone was one thing, but he feared the potential chain reactions.

"Well... Mr. Shao had the token from the elder son, and we were just following orders. Besides, he’s Feng Ruoli’s betrothed..." The guards scrambled to explain after being berated.

Token... betrothed... Qin Hao fumed internally upon hearing this. He forced himself to remain calm and asked, "Do you know where Shao Zhengze went?"

The guards exchanged glances, a hint of feigned confusion in their eyes. However, one of them bowed and said, "It seemed... it seemed he was heading towards the Secluded Courtyard..."

"The Secluded Courtyard!" Hearing this, Qin Hao was once again stunned.

Isn’t that where Si Nanyan is? Could Shao Zhengze be planning to rescue them both today? What is that Shao Zhengze thinking, or rather, what does Qin Tian intend? Could it be that Qin Tian wants to rescue them himself to lower Wen Zhixing’s guard and then pin all the blame on me?

It was a sudden, unrefined thought.

Well played, Qin Tian. So you’re the one with the most schemes. I’ve underestimated you.

Qin Hao took a deep breath, and his figure swiftly vanished.

I need to hurry and check on Si Nanyan, just in case my guess is right. My brother’s scheming mind... it might be even more profound than mine.

He then departed.

Moments after Qin Hao left, Qin Tian’s figure swiftly appeared.

He had arrived a step too late. Seeing Feng Ruoli was gone, he didn’t ask any questions and headed straight for the Secluded Courtyard.

I don’t need to know the full story; I only know that Si Nanyan must not come to any harm.

Once both brothers had departed, the guards and servants in the vicinity collectively breathed a sigh of relief.

They had been terrified of displaying any unusual behavior that might arouse the two brothers’ suspicions.

Thankfully, everything had gone smoothly. They were just brought in for an impromptu act, and they had no clue what had actually transpired prior.

Meanwhile, Lu Ruoyun had already arrived at the Secluded Courtyard with Feng Ruoli in tow.

Although the courtyard was heavily guarded, the moment Lu Ruoyun arrived, those defenses became virtually meaningless.

Xianger nodded to the other guards. Though puzzled, they still allowed Lu Ruoyun to pass.

CREAK!

Lu Ruoyun pushed the door open rather assertively.

Si Nanyan, who was inside, was already prepared and waiting quietly.

Upon hearing the noise, she lifted her dewy eyes, looking towards the newcomer.

So beautiful.

Lu Ruoyun was once again captivated by Si Nanyan’s appearance.

Her face was exquisite, seemingly flawless, as if entirely devoid of imperfections.

Si Nanyan was seated before her dressing table, several maids attending to her makeup.