365 Liu Baixue's Plan

The three individuals all wore black cloaks, their faces completely obscured. "The sword is in hand," the leader spoke, their voice somewhat androgynous.

Liu Baixue appeared indifferent. She took the Dragon Spring Sword from the person's hand and nodded slightly, saying, "As expected of the Flying Mouse, renowned throughout all corners of the country!" With that, she retrieved a package and handed it to them. "This is your reward."

It was simply a transaction: an exchange of money for goods—straightforward, with no further interaction. After checking the silver taels, the three individuals vanished.

In the vast forest, only Liu Baixue remained. The occasional, unidentifiable cry from the trees sounded particularly loud in the silent night. Liu Baixue wrapped the sword in cloth and turned to walk out of the woods.

"So, you're the one who stole the Dragon Spring Sword." At that moment, a woman's voice suddenly sounded. Immediately after, a woman in a yellow dress emerged from the darkness. The newcomer was none other than Ding Xiang. She had gained Liu Yian's favor and had been staying with the Liu Clan.

Liu Baixue disliked Ding Xiang immensely; she considered her to be just like her own Uncle, someone who would resort to any means to achieve her goals. Ding Xiang stopped about two meters from Liu Baixue, looking at her with a faintly amused expression. "Young Lady of the Liu Clan, hiring someone to steal your own family's heirloom... Tell me, what do you think the Young Master would feel if he knew his most beloved sister ruined his succession ceremony?" After speaking, Ding Xiang gazed at Liu Baixue with a clear hint of threat.

Previously, she had received news from her brother. His current master was colluding with the Liu Clan, plotting a rebellion. Her brother had instructed her to get close to the Liu Clan, secretly gain the trust of the new Villa Master, and bide her time. Lingjian Villa was powerful, and Master Liu was about to abdicate. The new Villa Master would be easy to manipulate, so Ding Xiang was determined to secure her place within the Liu Clan. However, the Liu Clan had a shrewd young lady—Liu Baixue. She would be the greatest obstacle to Ding Xiang's infiltration! All obstacles hindering her ambitions had to be eliminated, no matter who they were! She believed that by discovering Liu Baixue had stolen the Dragon Spring Sword, she now had Liu Baixue in her grasp, which explained her arrogant demeanor. However, it was clear Liu Baixue was not threatened by her.

Liu Baixue stared coldly at Ding Xiang, her usually gentle voice now laced with icy killing intent. "You can try. Let's see if you can walk out of here today." As her words fell, Liu Baixue's entire demeanor changed instantly. In the windless woods, a sudden gust of wind swirled around her, whipping her long black hair and dress about.

Ding Xiang's expression changed instantly, and she whirled around, about to flee the woods. "Trying to escape?" With a fierce RUSH of wind, a white figure shot towards Ding Xiang like a streak of light...

Ding Xiang barely registered a flash of white light before a cold hand seized her neck, too fast for her to react. Before her stood Liu Baixue, her face exquisite and beautiful, yet her limpid eyes now blazed with bloodthirsty killing intent. As the grip on her neck tightened, terror filled Ding Xiang's eyes, but she was unable to utter a sound.

Liu Baixue's grip tightened, her bloodthirsty aura intensifying, her eyes gradually succumbing to a crazed, murderous glint. A single voice echoed in her mind: "Kill! Kill!" Yet, a sliver of lucidity still battled the encroaching madness. Pulled apart by these conflicting forces, Liu Baixue's aura grew increasingly turbulent.

Finally, succumbing completely, she went berserk. Still clutching Ding Xiang's neck, Liu Baixue hurled her away. Such was her strength that Ding Xiang's body slammed into a tree like a broken doll. A muffled groan sounded, and Ding Xiang lost consciousness.

Meanwhile, Liu Baixue remained lost in her frenzy. Just then, Zhao Zhitong and Qiao Muchen rushed toward her. The pair had discovered a secret passage in Master Liu's room and had gone to investigate, finding countless gold, silver, jewels, and weaponry hidden within the underground tunnel. Just as they were about to leave, Master Liu returned, forcing them to hide in the passage until late at night. Zhao Zhitong eventually used a sedative to knock him unconscious, allowing them to escape. Afterward, they planned to use the rockery passage Liu Baixue had mentioned. Soon after entering, they spotted a figure heading in a different direction down the passage. Zhao Zhitong thought the silhouette resembled Liu Baixue and, fearing she might encounter trouble late at night, the two followed. That was how they came upon Liu Baixue in the throes of her episode.

Zhao Zhitong and Qiao Muchen arrived just before Liu Baixue completely succumbed to her madness. Qiao Muchen managed to restrain her, and Zhao Zhitong pricked her with a silver needle. Instantly, the still-frenzied Liu Baixue fainted. Zhao Zhitong sighed in relief, her face etched with worry. "Let's get her back first." With that, Qiao Muchen carried the unconscious Liu Baixue on his back, and the two hurriedly left the woods, completely unaware of Ding Xiang lying unconscious nearby. They retraced their steps, re-entered the secret passage, and finally returned to Liu Baixue's room.

「The next morning.」

When Liu Baixue awoke, it was already the following morning. Since it was a young lady's private chamber, Qiao Muchen had left the previous night, leaving only Zhao Zhitong to care for her.

"You're awake?" Zhao Zhitong, who had been resting her head on the table, jolted awake at the sound from the bed. She quickly poured a glass of water and brought it to Liu Baixue.

Realizing she was in her own room with Zhao Zhitong present, Liu Baixue's eyes dimmed. "Did I... did I have another episode?" Seeing the expression on Zhao Zhitong's face, she knew the answer before Zhao Zhitong could speak. Liu Baixue sighed. "You don't have to say it. I know."

Seeing Liu Baixue's dejected expression, Zhao Zhitong's heart ached. "Don't worry," she said, "I will definitely cure you." Looking at Zhao Zhitong's worried face, Liu Baixue managed a relieved smile. "Thank you, Tongtong." To have such a good friend in this lifetime, she thought, was the greatest blessing in her tragic existence.

Zhao Zhitong said with a helpless sigh, "Look at you, being so formal again." Just then, a servant girl knocked and entered. "Miss Zhao, the medicine is ready." As soon as she spoke, she saw that her Young Lady was awake, and her eyes instantly reddened. "Young Lady, you're awake!"

Late last night, she had been standing guard outside her Young Lady's room when she suddenly heard a commotion. Pushing the door open, she had found Miss Zhao inside, while her Young Lady lay unconscious. Although she didn't understand what had transpired, she knew Miss Zhao was her Young Lady's most trusted friend, and she was also aware that her Young Lady had secrets. Thus, despite her surprise, she hadn't asked too many questions, obediently following Zhao Zhitong's instructions to take the prescription and brew the medicine.

After Liu Baixue took the medicine, the servant girl took the empty bowl and discreetly withdrew. Once they were alone, Zhao Zhitong sat by the bed and took out the Dragon Spring Sword. "Xiaoxue," she asked, "what are you planning?"