CHAPTER 34: SHADOWS IN THE CAPITAL

Not long after Yue Mingxuan left, Shang Qinghua woke up.

His sleep had been restless and his brows furrowed slightly.

Hearing movement inside, Mo Yi immediately knocked on the door.

A low and deep voice came from within, "Come in."

After getting permission, Mo Yi quickly entered the room and after stopping in front of Shang Qinghua he bowing his head respectfully. "Your Highness."

Shang Qinghua sat at the edge of the bed, his long legs bent slightly and one of his hand rubbing at his forehead with his index finger.

He had slept unusually well last night and now he felt refreshed, his body light and clear.

But why had he slept so deeply? Normally, with someone nearby, he would never relax enough to fall asleep so soundly.

Then he remembered the pair of small hands pressing gently along his back in steady rhythm.

The motion had been so soothing that it was almost like a lullaby, pulling him unknowingly into deep sleep.

"Where is he?" His voice was still rough from sleep, carrying a husky tone that could make anyone’s heart tremble.

"She has already left," Mo Yi answered respectfully.

He remembered Yue Mingxuan’s words from last night, detoxification could not be done every day.

It had to be spaced out, only five or six times a month.

Since he had finished what he came for, it was only natural that he left afterward.

Shang Qinghua said nothing more.

He reached for a robe, put it on, and started walking toward the door. "Has Gu Xiang returned?"

"She is already waiting for Your Highness in the secret chamber," Mo Yi replied quickly, following his master’s long strides toward the main hall.

Inside the secret chamber of the main hall, a woman sat quietly.

When she heard footsteps from outside, her dark eyes lit up and she fixed her gaze tightly on the entrance.

Moments later, a tall and lean figure appeared just as expected, stepping into her sight before quickly moving closer to her side.

She looked up but could not yet see his face clearly.

A sudden gust of cold air brushed past her, and the faint dangerous scent of his presence followed.

He moved away from her and took his seat in the high backed chair.

Cautiously, she raised her eyes to glance at the man above her, then quickly lowered her head again to hide the trace of excitement in her eyes.

She took a deep breath to calm herself and when she looked up again, her expression had become serious.

"Your Highness," she said steadily, "people from the Nine Abyssal Gate have already arrived in the capital."

Shang Qinghua took the cup of tea handed over by Mo Yi, rinsed his mouth lightly, and only then did his cold and sharp gaze fall on Gu Xiang.

Meeting the prince’s frosty eyes, Gu Xiang’s heart skipped a beat.

She lowered her head quickly, her voice trembling slightly as she asked, "Should I send someone to follow them?"

"No need," Shang Qinghua replied, his tone cool and distant.

He had only been awake for a short time, yet his usual calm and pride had already returned.

About the Nine Abyssal Gate, their information was still too limited.

Their higher ranks were shrouded in secrecy.

Since they had come to the capital, they must have a purpose.

In Beirong’s royal city, someone must be working with them.

If he acted rashly, it would only alert them and ruin any chance of uncovering the real mastermind behind them.

Gu Xiang realized her question had been foolish, but when she met those narrow, piercing eyes earlier, panic had taken over and she had spoken only to hide the turmoil in her heart.

Among all the women who had ever served under the prince, she was the only one who remained by his side.

With her mastery of light movement and concealment techniques, few in the martial world could surpass her.

But she knew Shang Qinghua despised those who crossed boundaries.

If he ever sensed her personal feelings, no matter how skilled she was, he would dismiss her without hesitation.

"Your Highness," she continued after steadying her mind, "Mogushu has also arrived in the capital."

Shang Qinghua’s hand, which held the teacup, paused slightly.

His brows moved faintly, but he said nothing.

Mogushu is one of the top three assassins in all of Central Continent.

He was ruthless, cruel, and never failed to complete a job as long as he was paid.

He is known for his speed and unpredictable methods.

He was a rare and dangerous opponent.

What was he doing here? Who was his target?

"Your Highness, Mogushu is as cunning as his name suggests. I fear he won’t be easy to deal with," said Mo Yi seriously from behind. "Should I go and meet him first?"

Shang Qinghua loosened his grip on the cup and looked up, his dark eyes unreadable, his tone lazy but sharp. "Are you worried his target is me?"

"It’s best to stay cautious," Mo Yi said firmly. "After Your Highness was poisoned, many assassins have already appeared. I fear Mogushu may also be here for you. If so, it’s better to eliminate him early to avoid danger later."

"If you kill him, there will still be others," Shang Qinghua replied evenly. "Can you kill them all? Besides, his target is unknown, his mission unclear. It’s better to wait until he reveals himself. There’s no need to waste effort."

Gu Xiang understood what Shang Qinghua meant.

She leaned forward slightly, her eyes now calm and professional. "Then allow me to find out what Mogushu is up to, at least from a distance."

Shang Qinghua rubbed his thumb and index finger together slowly.

His deep eyes revealed no emotion, leaving no clue as to what he was thinking.

After a long moment of silence, the corners of his lips curved slightly. "Do not follow him too closely. The moment you senses something strange, pull back immediately."