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

Chapter 490: Clues Re-engaged, Danger Lurks Everywhere

After Yongqi and Xiao Yichen finished reporting the battle situation and left, the atmosphere in Kunning Palace became increasingly oppressive. Xiao Yanzi sat on the couch in the warm pavilion, clutching a handkerchief tightly in her hand, unconsciously tugging at it, the delicate embroidery crumpled under her fingertips. Hongli paced back and forth in the room with his hands behind his back, the hem of his dragon robe rustling with each hurried step, each step seeming like stepping on a taut string.

"Your Majesty, the Shadow Pavilion has escaped repeatedly, and we don't know what they'll do next." Xiao Yanzi raised her eyes, her gaze filled with worry, and her voice carried a hint of weariness and helplessness.

Hongli stopped, his expression grave: "No matter what their schemes are, I will not let them succeed. It's just that the clues to this treasure have been cut off, which is really troublesome."

Empress Dowager Zhen Huan sighed softly and slowly said, "I think we might as well start by examining the Shadow Pavilion's past activities; perhaps we can find new clues."

Just then, Su Peisheng rushed in, looking flustered. He knelt down and reported, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty the Empress, Your Majesty the Empress Dowager, we have just received news that unidentified people have been frequently entering and leaving an abandoned Taoist temple on the outskirts of the capital, and their behavior is very suspicious."

Hongli and Xiaoyanzi exchanged a glance, a hint of surprise flashing in their eyes. "This might be a crucial clue," Hongli said immediately. "When Yongqi and the others return, have them investigate this matter as soon as possible."

Su Peisheng accepted the order and left. A short while later, Yongqi and Xiao Yichen returned to Kunning Palace. Upon hearing the news, Yongqi's eyes blazed with fighting spirit: "Father, Mother, your son and Young Master Xiao will go investigate immediately."

Xiao Yichen bowed respectfully: "This humble subject will do his utmost and will not allow the Shadow Pavilion to escape easily this time."

The two changed into light night clothes and quietly left the palace under the cover of night. In the hazy moonlight on the outskirts of the capital, the abandoned Taoist temple appeared particularly eerie. Wild grass grew all around, and the dilapidated walls cast long shadows in the moonlight, like lurking wild beasts.

Yongqi and Xiao Yichen cautiously approached the Taoist temple. Just as they reached the entrance, they heard faint voices coming from inside. The two exchanged a glance, used their lightness skills to leap into the temple, and hid behind a broken wall.

"Is everything ready? The ceremony on the 15th went wrong; we can't afford another problem this time," a deep voice said.

"Don't worry, Chief, everything is arranged. That treasure is of utmost importance; we must find it as soon as possible," another shrill voice replied.

Yongqi and Xiao Yichen's hearts tightened. They exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with vigilance. They cautiously peeked out and saw several men in black standing in the courtyard. The leader was tall and imposing, a trusted subordinate of the leader of the men in black who had escaped earlier.

"We can't delay any longer; the higher-ups are getting impatient." The leader of the men in black sneered. "If we don't find the treasure soon, we'll all die."

Yongqi and Xiao Yichen exchanged a glance, preparing to act. Just then, a night owl suddenly flew overhead, letting out a piercing cry. The men in black instantly became alert. "Who goes there?" They all drew their weapons and looked around.

Knowing their whereabouts had been exposed, Yongqi and Xiao Yichen stopped hiding and leaped out from behind the broken wall. "People of the Shadow Pavilion, today is your death day!" Yongqi shouted, brandishing his sword and charging towards the men in black.

Seeing this, the men in black immediately surrounded them, and a fierce battle instantly ensued. Under the moonlight, swords flashed, and shouts of battle shattered the silence of the night. Yongqi and Xiao Yichen coordinated perfectly, their swordsmanship fierce, and for a time, the men in black found it difficult to defend themselves.

However, more and more men in black emerged from every corner of the Taoist temple. While fending off the enemy's attacks, Xiao Yichen shouted to Yongqi, "Brother Yongqi, this won't do. We have to find a way to break through and find clues to their hidden treasure."

Yongqi nodded, then used his lightness skill to leap onto the roof, drawing the attention of the men in black. Xiao Yichen seized the opportunity to rush into the main hall of the Taoist temple. The hall was filled with an old, worn-out atmosphere, and some dilapidated statues were placed around the perimeter. Xiao Yichen looked around and discovered a hidden compartment behind the statues.

Just as he was about to open the hidden compartment, he suddenly felt a gust of wind coming from behind. Xiao Yichen quickly dodged to the side, only to see a man in black wielding a sharp blade, thrusting it at him. Xiao Yichen engaged in combat, and after a few moves, he knocked the man in black to the ground.

He opened the hidden compartment and found a tattered ancient book inside, covered with strange patterns and characters. Xiao Yichen was overjoyed, tucked the book into his robes, and turned to leave.

Just then, Yongqi rushed into the main hall, followed by a group of men in black. "Young Master Xiao, let's go!" Yongqi shouted.

The two fought their way out of the Taoist temple. Upon returning to the palace, Yongqi and Xiao Yichen immediately went to Kunning Palace and presented the ancient book to Hongli and Xiaoyanzi.

Xiao Yanzi took the ancient book, examined it carefully, and frowned: "The patterns and characters on it look very strange, Mr. Su, do you recognize them?"

Mr. Su was invited again. He took the ancient book, put on his reading glasses, and began to study it carefully. After a long while, he raised his head, his expression solemn: "Your Majesty, this book records a long-lost secret technique, which is related to a mysterious treasure. It is said that this treasure possesses immense power, and whoever obtains it will be able to control the world."

Upon hearing this, everyone's expression changed drastically. Hongli's face darkened: "It seems that the Shadow Pavilion's ambitions are indeed considerable. If they obtain the treasure, the consequences will be unimaginable."

Little Swallow bit her lower lip, her eyes flashing with determination: "No matter the cost, we cannot let the Shadow Pavilion succeed. Your Majesty, we must find the treasure as soon as possible and stop their conspiracy."

Hongli nodded: "I will immediately order General Zhaohui to strengthen the defenses of the capital. At the same time, I will send people to continue investigating the whereabouts of the Shadow Pavilion. Yongqi, you and Young Master Xiao must decipher the secrets in the ancient book as soon as possible and find the whereabouts of the treasure."

Yongqi and Xiao Yichen accepted the order and departed. In the days that followed, they studied the ancient texts day and night, attempting to find clues to the treasure. However, the text and illustrations on the ancient texts were obscure and difficult to understand, and their deciphering work progressed slowly.

Meanwhile, the atmosphere in the capital grew increasingly tense. The Shadow Pavilion seemed to sense the danger and became even more secretive, causing the trail to go cold once again.

That day, Yongqi and Xiao Yichen were studying ancient books in the study when Xiaotao suddenly rushed in, looking panicked: "Brother Yongqi, Young Master Xiao, something terrible has happened! Little Princess has been kidnapped!"

Yongqi and Xiao Yichen stood up abruptly, their expressions changing drastically. "What? What happened?" Yongqi asked anxiously.

Xiao Tao, panting heavily, said, "A group of men in black just broke into the palace and kidnapped the little princess while the guards were off guard. They left a letter saying they wanted to exchange the little princess for ancient books."

Yongqi and Xiao Yichen exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with anger and worry. "These despicable bastards, how dare they threaten us with a little sister!" Yongqi said through gritted teeth.

After a moment of contemplation, Xiao Yichen said, "Brother Yongqi, we must not act rashly. This could very well be a conspiracy by the Shadow Pavilion. We must plan this carefully."

Yongqi was extremely anxious: "But Little Sister is still in their hands, how can we just sit idly by?"

Xiao Yichen patted Yongqi on the shoulder: "Let's go take a look at that letter first, and then make a decision."

The two arrived at Kunning Palace, where Xiao Yanzi was holding a letter, tears streaming down her face. "Yongqi, Young Master Xiao, you must save Xiao Xiao, she's still so young..."

Yongqi took the letter, which read: "If you want Little Princess to live, bring the ancient book to the dilapidated temple in the west of the city at noon tomorrow to exchange for it. Otherwise, you will bear the consequences."

Hongli's face turned ashen: "These traitors and rebels, I will tear them to pieces!"

Empress Dowager Zhen Huan also looked solemn: "We must proceed with caution in this matter and not fall into their trap."

The group sat together, discussing their next move. Little Swallow clenched her fists tightly, her eyes filled with determination: "No matter how dangerous it is, I will go to save Little Swallow."

Yongqi quickly said, "Your Majesty, this matter is too dangerous. Let your son and Young Master Xiao go instead."

Xiao Yichen nodded: "Your Majesty, rest assured, we will definitely rescue Princess Xiaoxiao safely. However, this ancient book is of great importance and cannot be easily handed over to the Shadow Pavilion."

After some discussion, the group devised a detailed plan. They planned to first take the fake ancient book to the dilapidated temple in the west of the city to lure the Shadow Pavilion members out, and then take the opportunity to rescue Xiao Xiao and wipe out the Shadow Pavilion in one fell swoop.

At noon the next day, outside the dilapidated temple in the west of the city, Yongqi and Xiao Yichen, dressed in plain clothes and carrying fake ancient books, slowly entered the temple. Inside, the temple was dark and filled with a sinister atmosphere.

"Hand over the ancient book, or you'll never see Little Princess again," a man in black said coldly as he emerged from the darkness.

Yongqi threw the ancient book on the ground: "Release Little Sister first."

The man in black sneered and clapped his hands. Two men in black then escorted Xiaoxiao out of the back room. Xiaoxiao saw Yongqi and Xiao Yichen, her eyes lighting up with joy: "Brother Yongqi, Young Master Xiao, save me..."

Upon seeing this, Yongqi and Xiao Yichen immediately rushed over. However, at that moment, a group of men in black suddenly emerged from the dilapidated temple and surrounded them.

"Hmph, do you think you can rescue Little Princess so easily?" The leader of the men in black stepped out from the crowd, a smug smile on his face.

Yongqi and Xiao Yichen exchanged a glance, drew their swords, and prepared for battle. Just then, at this critical moment, they suddenly heard the sound of horses' hooves…