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

As the dilapidated temple door was slowly pushed open, a musty, decaying smell, mixed with dust, rushed out, causing Xiao Yanzi to wrinkle her nose and gently cover her mouth and nose. The temple was dimly lit and filled with a thick fog. The surrounding walls were covered with moss, and several incomplete Buddha statues loomed in the haze, exuding an eerie atmosphere.

Hongli stepped into the temple first, dressed in a dark blue robe with a black cloak over it. A warm jade pendant hung at his waist, swaying gently with his movements. His hand remained firmly on the hilt of his sword, his eyes scanning the surroundings warily, not missing a single corner. "Everyone be careful, do not scatter," he said in a low voice, his tone carrying an undeniable calmness and determination.

Hongzhou followed closely behind, dressed in a sharp black outfit with a dagger at his waist. His expression was cold and stern; his usual carefree smile was gone, replaced by a serious and cautious look. "Don't worry, with me here, I'll make sure nothing happens to anyone," he said, patting Hongli on the shoulder and giving him a reassuring look.

Little Swallow took a deep breath and steadily walked into the dilapidated temple. She wore a moon-white, belted robe, her hair simply tied up, a few strands falling beside her cheeks, further emphasizing the resolute look on her face. Her right hand gripped a dagger tightly, her palm slightly sweaty, but her eyes shone with fearless light. "No matter who set this up, we will uncover the secret behind it today," she said through gritted teeth in a low voice.

Fuheng, the last to enter, wore a dark gray robe, his demeanor elegant yet subtly wary. He held a folding fan in his hand, seemingly relaxed, but the handle concealed a sharp mechanism, ready to respond to any unexpected situation. He gently closed the fan, tapped his palm, and said, "Your Majesty and Empress will protect you." His voice was soft, yet powerful.

The four men moved cautiously through the temple, their footsteps echoing clearly in the empty space. Suddenly, a sinister laugh came from all directions, reverberating throughout the temple and sending chills down their spines. "Hahahaha, you've finally come."

Little Swallow whirled around, trying to find the source of the sound, her eyes filled with anger and vigilance: "Who is it? Sneaking around like that, come out if you dare!" She brandished the dagger in her hand, assuming a defensive stance.

"Hmph, you think you can uncover the secret?" The voice rang out again, full of sarcasm.

Hongli's face was gloomy. He looked up at the temple roof and shouted, "You cowards who hide their heads and tails, if you don't show yourselves, don't blame me for being impolite!" After saying that, he tightened his grip on the sword hilt until it turned white, and he exuded an aura of authority without anger.

Just then, the roof tiles of the temple suddenly rattled, and a dark figure descended like a ghost, landing steadily in front of everyone. This person was shrouded in a black cloak, obscuring their face, revealing only a pair of cold, icy eyes.

"Who exactly are you? Why did you invite us here?" Hongzhou stepped forward, blocking Xiaoyanzi's path, his short sword drawn, its cold light flashing.

The man in black did not answer, but stared at them coldly. After a moment, he slowly raised his hand and pointed at Xiao Yanzi: "It's time to reveal the secrets you hold."

Xiao Yanzi was startled and instinctively gripped the dagger tighter: "What secrets could I possibly have? Explain yourself!" A hint of panic flashed in her eyes, but she quickly regained her composure.

The man in black let out a cold laugh: "Hmph, you think no one knows about your soul transmigration? Today is the day you'll explain your connection to the murals in the Shadow Pavilion."

Upon hearing this, Hongli, Hongzhou, and Fucha Fuheng were all startled. The three exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with shock and confusion. Hongli stepped forward, blocking Xiaoyanzi's path, his expression grave: "What exactly is your purpose? And what is your connection to those mysterious goods?"

The man in black ignored Hongli and continued, "That mural hides the secret to overthrowing the dynasty, and you are the key." His voice grew colder, like a whisper from hell.

Xiao Yanzi's heart skipped a beat. She recalled the strange murals and all the encounters she had had these past few days. Could there really be a deeper conspiracy behind all of this? "You're talking nonsense! I just happened to travel through time and have no idea about any secrets to overthrow the dynasty!" she retorted loudly, her face filled with anger and resentment.

The man in black remained unmoved. He stepped forward, emanating a powerful aura of oppression: "Today, none of you will leave alive." With that, he rapidly formed hand seals, and countless plumes of black smoke suddenly surged from around the dilapidated temple, completely enveloping the group. From within the smoke, faint roars could be heard, as if countless evil spirits were howling.