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

Hongzhou and his group slowly ventured deeper into the valley where the Xuan Ying Sect was located. The valley was shrouded in mist, the road was rugged, and the trees on both sides looked like menacing ghosts.

A chivalrous figure from the martial world frowned and said, "Fifth Prince, this place has an eerie atmosphere. There must be something strange about the Xuan Ying Sect choosing this location."

Hongzhou nodded: "Everyone, don't get separated, be careful of ambushes."

When they reached a fork in the road, Hongzhou stopped and hesitated, wondering which way to go.

Just then, a faint voice came: "Go to the left, there's a trap on the right."

Hongzhou asked warily, "Who?"

A masked man dressed in black floated down from the tree.

The masked man said in a low voice, "I am a friend, not an enemy. I know some secrets of the Xuan Ying Sect and can lend you a hand."

Hongzhou looked at him suspiciously: "Why should I believe you?"

The masked man chuckled lightly: "If I wanted to harm you, the Xuan Ying Sect would have already surrounded you. I was originally a member of the Xuan Ying Sect, but I was dissatisfied with their collusion with treacherous officials in the court and their persecution of loyal and virtuous people, so I came to help them."

Hongzhou pondered for a moment: "Alright, I'll trust you for now. Do you know who that official in the court is?"

The masked man shook his head: "I only know that they use the 'Mysterious Shadow Token' as a token to communicate, but I don't know who they are. However, I have heard them mention a 'Li' official who is quite prestigious in the court."

Hongzhou was startled: "Surname Li? Could it be...?"

In the palace, Xiao Yanzi could no longer suppress her worries and decided to go to the Imperial Study to find Hongli.

Xiao Yanzi hurriedly entered the imperial study, bowed, and said, "Your Majesty, I am really worried about Yu Xuan and Hong Zhou. The Xuan Ying Sect is so mysterious, I'm afraid they might encounter some misfortune."

Hongli stood up and comforted her, "Little Swallow, I am also worried, but they are all capable people. I have strengthened the defenses in the palace, and I don't think anything will happen. You can rest assured."

Xiao Yanzi said anxiously, "But I just can't feel at ease. There are so many conspiracies in the palace. I'm afraid of losing you, and I'm afraid of losing Yu Xuan and the others."

Hongli gently held her hand: "I will protect everyone and will not let you get into danger."

Meanwhile, Lin Yuxuan continued his investigation in the capital, searching for clues about the court official. He arrived at the residence of a retired senior official.

Lin Yuxuan said respectfully, "My lord, I am Lin Yuxuan. I have come here to ask you some questions about the collusion between officials in the imperial court and martial arts sects."

The old minister squinted at him: "Yu Xuan, the officialdom and the underworld are a deep and treacherous place. Although I have retired, I have heard some rumors. As for the Xuan Ying Sect you mentioned, I have heard that some officials have provided them with protection, and it seems to be related to border affairs."

Lin Yuxuan's heart skipped a beat: "Frontier affairs? Does Your Excellency remember which official it was?"

The old minister shook his head: "I don't know exactly who it is, I've only overheard snippets of information. You can check the trade and military movements along the border."

Lin Yuxuan bowed and said, "Thank you for your guidance, sir. I will take my leave now."

Guided by the masked man, Hongzhou led the group to a secret location of the Xuan Ying Sect.

Lights could be faintly seen flickering in the secret area, and people were talking in hushed tones.

Hongzhou whispered to the crowd, "Everyone approach carefully, and don't disturb them."

The group quietly approached and overheard someone inside saying, "The lord's plan is foolproof. As long as we control the key figures in the palace, the entire world will be in our hands."

Another voice said, "Hmph, Emperor Hongli is not easy to deal with, and there's also that Little Swallow, she's always ruining our plans."

Hongzhou clenched his fist: "They have such grand ambitions!"

Just then, they accidentally triggered a mechanism. An alarm sounded.

Hongzhou shouted, "Oh no! We've been discovered! Everyone, prepare for battle!"

Members of the Xuan Ying Sect quickly surged out, surrounding them completely. Hong Zhou drew his sword against the heroes of the martial world, and a fierce battle unfolded in the valley. Hong Zhou's swordsmanship was sharp and fierce, each strike carrying a resolute air.

"Today, you traitors will pay the price!" Hongzhou roared.

Meanwhile, in the palace, Hongli and Xiaoyanzi also heard the news. Hongli's expression was solemn: "I must go personally to support Hongzhou!"

Little Swallow said worriedly, "Your Majesty, you can't go, it's too dangerous!"

Hongli firmly said, "I cannot stand by and watch Hongzhou and the others fall into a desperate situation. I am the emperor, and I have a responsibility to protect my people and my brothers."

Between the palace and the valley, the situation grows increasingly tense. At this moment, the fates of all parties seem to be tightly linked by an invisible thread. Will Hongzhou be able to break through? And who exactly is that treacherous minister in the court? Everything gradually becomes clear amidst the life-and-death struggle and the covert investigation. This chapter is now complete. Stay tuned for the next chapter.