Huanzhu Time Travel: Yan Luo's Unbreakable Love in the Yong Dynasty

Inside the ancient temple, the ground shook violently, and cracks spread across the walls like a spiderweb. Little Swallow looked anxiously at Hongli: "Your Majesty, what should we do?"

Hongli said in a deep voice, "Don't panic, let's find an exit."

Hongzhou looked around and shouted, "Over here, I see a passage, but it's blocked by rocks! Someone come quick and help!"

The guards rushed over, trying to move the stones. At that moment, the Shadow Society leader attempted to escape again amidst the chaos.

When Little Swallow discovered this, she chased after him and stopped him, saying, "Don't even think about escaping! Even if it costs me my life, I won't let you go today."

The leader sneered, "You think you can leave alive? Once the mechanisms in this ancient temple are activated, no one can escape."

Little Swallow glared angrily: "Then you won't survive either!" With that, she began to fight with the leader.

While directing the movement of stones, Hongli kept an eye on Xiao Yanzi's situation and shouted, "Xiao Yanzi, be careful!"

Hongzhou also came over to help, saying to Xiaoyanzi, "Sister-in-law, I'll deal with him. You go and check the exit."

Little Swallow nodded and turned to run towards the exit. Together with the guards, she managed to move some of the stones, revealing a narrow opening.

Little Swallow called out, "Your Majesty, Hongzhou, there's an exit this way!"

Upon hearing the shouts, Hongli and Hongzhou fought their way back towards the cave entrance. However, the Shadow Society members pursued them relentlessly.

Hongzhou said to Hongli, "Brother, you go first, I'll cover the rear."

Hongli frowned: "How can I abandon you and everyone else?"

Little Swallow ran over and grabbed Hongli's hand: "Your Majesty, there is no time to hesitate. You are the ruler of the country and must get out safely first."

Hongli looked at Xiaoyanzi and Hongzhou, gritted his teeth, and crawled into the cave. Xiaoyanzi and Hongzhou, along with the guards, fought bravely against the Shadow Society's attack, retreating as they fought.

Finally, they successfully evacuated the ancient temple. Just as they left the temple, a deafening roar came from behind them, and the temple collapsed completely.

Hongzhou, panting heavily, said, "That was close, we almost didn't make it out."

Looking at the collapsed ancient temple, Xiao Yanzi said to Hongli, "Your Majesty, the Shadow Society is too hateful. They must have other conspiracies."

Hongli nodded: "I know. After returning to the palace, I will redeploy my forces and not let them lead us by the nose anymore."

Back at the palace, Consort Ling greeted them. Seeing their disheveled appearance, she asked with concern, "Your Majesty, Your Highness, what happened?"

Xiao Yanzi briefly recounted what had happened, and Consort Ling exclaimed in surprise, "The Shadow Society is so powerful that they even dared to set a trap to harm the Emperor."

Hongzhou snorted, "They shouldn't be so smug for long. I will definitely settle accounts with them."

Hongli sat in his chair, pondered for a moment, and then said, "Although this trip to the ancient temple was fraught with danger, it also made me realize that the Shadow Society has been preparing in the shadows for many years and its power should not be underestimated. I plan to have General Zhaohui secretly train an elite force specifically to deal with the Shadow Society."

Little Swallow's eyes lit up: "Your Majesty's plan is excellent. With elite troops, we will be even more confident in fighting against the Shadow Society."

Hongzhou, however, was somewhat worried: "Brother, training troops takes time. What if the Shadow Society stirs up trouble again during this period?"

Hongli said, "During this period, we need to strengthen the palace guards. At the same time, I will have Su Peisheng keep a close eye on the Shadow Society's movements outside the palace. If there is any news, report it immediately."

At this moment, Lin Yuxuan entered the palace to request an audience. Upon seeing Xiao Yanzi, he hurriedly said, "Sister, I heard you encountered danger at the ancient temple, and I was so worried. I'm so glad you're alright."

Little Swallow looked at him with relief: "Yuxuan, I'm alright. You're all grown up now, you can't be as reckless as you were when you were little."

Lin Yuxuan nodded: "Sister, don't worry, I also want to share your and the Emperor's burdens."

Hongli looked at Lin Yuxuan and said, "It is admirable that Young Master Lin has such a kind intention. The court is currently facing the threat of the Shadow Society, and it needs the concerted efforts of all parties."

Lin Yuxuan said respectfully, "Your Majesty, although I am not talented, I am willing to do my best to assist the court in fighting against the Shadow Society."

Afterwards, everyone dispersed. Xiao Yanzi returned to her palace, sat in front of her dressing table, and said to Xiao Tao, "Xiao Tao, today at the ancient temple, I always felt that the leader of the Shadow Society had something left unsaid. Their conspiracy is definitely not just about treasure and palace secrets."

While combing Xiao Yanzi's hair, Xiao Tao said, "Your Majesty, don't think too much. The Emperor is already arranging countermeasures. You've had a long day, so please get some rest."

Little Swallow, however, found it hard to sleep, her mind filled with suspicion about the Shadow Society's conspiracy. Meanwhile, Hongli, in his study, pondered the map, considering the Shadow Society's possible hiding places and their next move. Inside and outside the palace, though things were temporarily calm, a much larger storm seemed to be brewing. Various forces were secretly preparing, awaiting the next clash. What their fate would be in this war without gunpowder remained unpredictable.

This chapter concludes here. Stay tuned for the next chapter.