I am the Holy Poisoner, the Empress advised me to calm down

After saying this, he did a backflip, leaped onto the beam, broke through the window, and disappeared into the night. Seeing their master retreat, his men also looked for opportunities to escape.

After the battle, Lin Chen counted the number of people and fortunately found no serious injuries. Zhang Xun asked in confusion, "Master Lin, did you anticipate an ambush?"

Lin Chen nodded. "I felt something was amiss since we entered the town. This Li Hu is obviously one of the prince's men. I arranged for an ambush around here in advance to prevent any accidents."

"So what should we do next?" Zhang Xun asked.

Lin Chen pondered for a moment, "Let's leave this town tonight and take a smaller road. Since the prince's men have set up an ambush here, they must have arranged for people to wait for us on the main road."

Everyone quickly packed up and quietly left the town under the cover of night. They avoided the main roads and traveled along the rugged mountain trails. Although the journey was difficult, they managed to shake off any possible pursuers.

After two days of continuous travel, they finally arrived at the edge of the northwest region. This place was rugged and sparsely populated, and it was the location of the legendary secret realm.

Lin Chen ordered his men to set up camp and rest, and personally took a few trusted men to survey the surrounding terrain. As they were passing through a dense forest, they suddenly heard the sound of fighting coming from the front.

"Something's happening." Lin Chen signaled everyone to proceed carefully.

Walking through the bushes, Lin Chen was shocked by the scene before him. A woman was being attacked by several men in black. The woman, dressed in white, was very agile and fought alone against several enemies, yet she was not at all at a disadvantage.

But Lin Chen soon noticed that the woman's breathing had become a little rapid, and she was obviously exhausted and in critical condition.

"Zhang Xun, come with me to help her." Lin Chen whispered.

The two men quickly rushed out of the bushes and joined the battle. The man in black was shocked to see reinforcements coming. Lin Chen's movements were as fast as lightning, and he quickly dispatched the two enemies.

"Who are you?" the woman in white asked warily.

"I just saw injustice and helped out with my sword." Lin Chen answered calmly, while knocking down another enemy.

Seeing that the situation was not good, the remaining men in black threw a smoke bomb and took the opportunity to escape.

"Thank you for saving me." The woman in white clasped her fists in thanks.

Lin Chen finally had the chance to take a closer look at the woman before him. She was about twenty years old, with a beautiful and refined appearance. There was a heroic spirit between her eyebrows, and her bright eyes were lively and bright.

"Why is the girl being chased in this deep forest?" Lin Chen asked.

The woman in white hesitated for a moment, as if wondering whether to tell Lin Chen. Finally, she sighed, "My name is Yunshu, and I came to the northwest to search for a secret place. Those people were sent by the prince to stop me."

"Yun Shu?" Lin Chen frowned. "Are you from the Yun family?"

Yun Shu nodded, "I am the princess's cousin."

Lin Chen suddenly understood, "I see. I am Lin Chen. I was entrusted by the princess to come to the northwest to explore the secrets. I didn't expect to meet the princess's cousin here."

"Lin Chen?" Yun Shu's eyes lit up. "I've heard my sister mention you before. She said you're resourceful and that you're her most trusted military advisor."

The two chatted happily and quickly confirmed their identities. Yun Shu told Lin Chen that she had been sent ahead by the princess to search for something in the secret realm. However, she was ambushed by the prince's men and nearly died.

"I wonder if the lady knows the exact location of the secret realm?" Lin Chen asked.

Yun Shu nodded and took out a map from his arms. "This is the map my sister gave me. It shows the location of the secret realm."

Lin Chen took the map and looked at it, his brows furrowed. This map was slightly different from the one he had in his hand, but combining the information from the two maps, the location of the secret realm seemed clearer.

"According to this map, the secret realm is less than ten miles ahead. We will set off early tomorrow morning and try to find the secret realm as soon as possible." Lin Chen decided.

Yun Shu nodded in agreement and followed Lin Chen back to the camp. Everyone welcomed Yun Shu and discussed the plan for tomorrow.

Late at night, in the stillness of the night, Lin Chen sat alone by the campfire, pondering. The prince's men had set ambushes one after another, clearly determined to prevent them from reaching the secret realm. And why had that gangster suddenly attacked him? These mysteries lingered in his mind, leaving Lin Chen feeling a sense of unease.

"Mr. Lin, haven't you rested yet?" Yun Shu's voice came from behind.

Lin Chen turned around and smiled, "Just thinking about something."

Yun Shu sat down next to Lin Chen and asked, "Are you thinking about the secret realm?"

"Well, I always feel that things are not that simple. Why is the prince so determined to stop us? What is there in the secret realm that is worth him going to such great lengths?"

Yun Shu was silent for a moment, then whispered, "It is said that there is an ancient artifact hidden in the secret realm. Whoever obtains it will be able to control the fate of the Great Qin."

Lin Chen's eyes lit up, "I see! No wonder the prince is so nervous."

"But this is just a legend. No one knows whether it is true or not." Yun Shu added.

Lin Chen nodded. "No matter whether it's true or not, we must find the secret realm as soon as possible. We can't let the prince get there first."

The two chatted for a while and agreed to go together to search for the secret place tomorrow. Late at night, Lin Chen returned to the tent to rest, but his mind was still full of thoughts.

The secret realm, the prince, the gangster... these seemingly unrelated people and events may have a deeper connection. And the truth behind all this may be hidden in the mysterious secret realm of the northwest.

Lin Chen closed his eyes, looking forward to tomorrow. No matter what difficulties and dangers lay ahead, he would move forward without hesitation. He knew that only by finding the secret realm could he solve all the mysteries and help the princess gain an advantage in her battle with the crown prince.

At daybreak, Lin Chen and his companions packed their bags and set off for the secret realm. Yun Shu walked beside Lin Chen, guiding them.

"According to the map, go through the woods in front and climb over a small hill, and you will see the entrance to the secret realm." Yun Shu said, pointing to the distance.

Lin Chen nodded and told everyone to quicken their pace. They passed through the dense forest and began to climb the hill. The path was rugged and rocky, with occasional tumbling rocks, forcing everyone to proceed with caution.

"There's someone in front!" Zhang Xun suddenly reminded in a low voice.

Lin Chen looked up and saw several figures standing on the mountainside, looking over here.

"Is it the prince's men?" Yun Shu asked nervously.

Lin Chen narrowed his eyes and observed carefully, "It doesn't look like it. Their dress is not the style of the prince's mansion."

The group continued forward and soon encountered the group. The leader was about thirty years old, with a rough face and a long sword slung at his waist. He was obviously a gangster.

"Are you here to explore the secret realm?" the man asked in a bad tone.

Lin Chen bowed and said, "My name is Lin Chen. May I know who you are?"

"The leader of the Black Bear Gang, one of Boss Hei's right-hand men." The man said proudly, "Mr. Lin, my master invites you. I hope you will do me the honor of coming."