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

Chapter 514: Crisis Strikes Again, But a Twist of Fate

Little Swallow escaped the Shadow Pavilion headquarters with great difficulty, and it was already broad daylight. The morning sun shone on her tired but determined face, and sweat mixed with dust made her look disheveled. But in her eyes, an unquenchable fighting spirit burned.

"Hmph, Shadow Pavilion, don't think you can stop me like this. I will definitely come back!" she murmured, her fists clenched tightly, her knuckles turning white, as if she wanted to concentrate all her anger and resentment into that fist.

Little Swallow dragged her heavy steps toward the palace. Along the way, she recalled her experiences at the Shadow Pavilion—the tight security, the deadly traps, and the mysterious men in black—all of which sent chills down her spine. But she also knew that she had grasped some crucial clues; if she followed them, she would surely uncover the Shadow Pavilion's conspiracy.

When she returned to the palace, it was already noon. The palace was still bustling with activity, with palace maids and eunuchs coming and going, each performing their duties. But Xiao Yanzi had no interest in appreciating any of this. She went straight to Shufangzhai, intending to go back and rest before discussing the next steps with Yongqi, Erkang, and the others.

"Little Swallow, you're finally back!" Yongqi saw Little Swallow from afar and immediately rushed to greet her. He was dressed in a moon-white robe with a blue ribbon tied around his waist, and his usually gentle face was now filled with anxiety and worry. "Your departure has worried us terribly!"

Erkang followed behind Yongqi, dressed in a dark blue outfit, his expression grave: "Little Swallow, how is it? Have you found anything?"

Little Swallow shook her head wearily. "It's a long story. Let's go back to Shufangzhai first." Her voice was hoarse and her steps were unsteady, clearly indicating that she was extremely tired.

The three returned to Shufangzhai, and Xiaoyanzi recounted her experiences at the Shadow Pavilion to Yongqi and Erkang in detail. Yongqi and Erkang were stunned; they hadn't expected the Shadow Pavilion's conspiracy to be so vast, and that Xiaoyanzi had faced so many dangers along the way.

"That was too dangerous, Little Swallow! You can't take such risks again!" Yongqi frowned, looking at Little Swallow with a pained expression, and gently smoothed her messy hair.

Little Swallow smiled nonchalantly, "How can we uncover the truth without taking risks? Don't worry, I know what I'm doing." She patted Yongqi's hand to comfort him.

After a moment of contemplation, Er Kang said, "It seems that the Shadow Pavilion's power is even stronger than we imagined. We must find a way as soon as possible to prevent their conspiracy from succeeding." He crossed his arms and paced back and forth in the room, his eyes revealing determination and resolve.

Just then, the door to Shufangzhai was suddenly pushed open, and Lin Yuxuan hurriedly walked in. He was still wearing that white robe, but his expression was somewhat flustered. "I just received news that the Shadow Pavilion seems to have noticed our investigation and has already begun to take action!" His voice was urgent, and his forehead was covered in sweat.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yanzi and the others' expressions changed drastically. "What are they planning?" Xiao Yanzi asked anxiously, standing up and unconsciously gripping the long whip at her waist.

Lin Yuxuan took a breath and said, "As far as I know, they are secretly gathering manpower, seemingly preparing to launch an attack on the palace. Moreover, they are also searching everywhere for an ancient book, as if that book is crucial to their conspiracy."

Xiao Yanzi was startled. She immediately thought of the ancient book she had brought out from the secret chamber of the Shadow Pavilion. "Could this be the book they're looking for?" She took the ancient book out of her bosom and handed it to Lin Yuxuan.

Lin Yuxuan took the ancient book, examined it carefully, and his expression turned extremely grim. "That's right, it's this one! This ancient book records the core secrets of the Shadow Pavilion. If they get their hands on it, the consequences will be unimaginable!" His voice trembled, and his eyes were filled with fear.

Yongqi and Erkang also gathered around, looking at the ancient book with solemn expressions. "It seems we must find the key to the Shadow Pavilion's conspiracy as soon as possible, and then find a way to stop them," Yongqi said, his eyes firm, revealing an undeniable determination.

Little Swallow nodded. "I think there must be some secret behind that stone platform and box at the Shadow Pavilion headquarters. We need to go there again." Her eyes shone with a light, a testament to her unwavering pursuit of the truth.

Er Kang shook his head. "No, it's too dangerous. The Shadow Pavilion has definitely increased its defenses. If we go there rashly, we'll be walking into a trap." He frowned, his tone resolute.

Little Swallow said anxiously, "What should we do? Are we just going to sit here and wait to die?" She put her hands on her hips, her face full of anxiety and helplessness.

Just as everyone was lost in thought, a commotion suddenly broke out outside the window. Xiao Yanzi and the others quickly went to the window and looked out. They saw a group of eunuchs and palace maids walking towards Shufangzhai, led by a stern-faced eunuch.

"This is bad, it seems the Empress's men have arrived." Yongqi frowned and said, instinctively stepping in front of Xiaoyanzi with a wary look in his eyes.

Xiao Yanzi quickly hid the ancient book, straightened her clothes, and stood calmly in the room. A moment later, a eunuch entered Shufangzhai and said in a shrill voice, "His Majesty's decree summons Xiao Yanzi, Yongqi, Erkang, and Lin Yuxuan to the Hall of Mental Cultivation for an audience immediately."

The four exchanged glances, their hearts filled with doubt, but they could only follow the eunuch to the Hall of Mental Cultivation. The sun shone brightly along the way, but their hearts were heavy. The atmosphere within the palace seemed to grow oppressive; the footsteps of the guards echoed on the stone path, creating a palpable sense of tension.

Upon arriving at the Hall of Mental Cultivation, the four knelt and paid their respects. The Emperor sat on the dragon throne, his expression solemn, toying with a jade pendant in his hand. After a moment of silence, he said, "I have learned of your investigation into the Shadow Pavilion. The situation is critical now, and the Shadow Pavilion is stirring. I need you to find out the truth as soon as possible and stop their conspiracy."

Xiao Yanzi stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, we will certainly do our utmost. However, the Shadow Pavilion is heavily guarded, and we need some time to prepare." She raised her head, looking at the Emperor with firm eyes, her face full of confidence and determination.

The Emperor nodded slightly. "I will provide you with all the necessary support. However, you must be careful and report to me immediately if you discover anything." His voice was deep and powerful, revealing the importance he attached to this matter.

After receiving their orders, the four left the Hall of Mental Cultivation. Back at the Shufangzhai, they began to discuss countermeasures in earnest. Xiao Yanzi suggested starting with the Shadow Pavilion's spies in the capital to see if they could find any useful clues. Yongqi and Erkang agreed, while Lin Yuxuan volunteered to gather intelligence.

As night fell, the moonlight, like water, bathed the streets and alleys of the capital. Xiao Yanzi, Yongqi, and Erkang, dressed in black, quietly left the palace, heading towards a secret hideout of the Shadow Pavilion in the capital. They moved nimbly, like phantoms, through the darkness.

Upon arriving near the outpost, the three cautiously observed their surroundings. The outpost was brightly lit, with shadowy figures frequently entering and exiting, indicating heavy security.

"What do we do? There are so many people, how are we going to get in?" Xiao Yanzi asked in a low voice, her brows furrowed and her eyes revealing a hint of anxiety.

After a moment of contemplation, Yongqi said, "Let's find a way to distract them first, and then take the opportunity to go in." His eyes were firm, revealing a calm and composed demeanor.

Er Kang nodded, took out a smoke grenade from his pocket, and threw it into the stronghold. With a "bang," the smoke grenade exploded, instantly billowing thick smoke and throwing the stronghold into chaos.

"Now's the time, let's go!" Yongqi whispered, and the three of them took advantage of the chaos to quickly scale the wall and enter the stronghold.

Inside the stronghold, Shadow Pavilion disciples scattered in all directions, shouting loudly. Amidst the chaos, Little Swallow and her companions searched for clues, meticulously examining each room and leaving no corner unchecked.

Suddenly, Xiao Yanzi discovered a map in a secret room. The map marked all of the Shadow Pavilion's strongholds in the capital and their operational plans. Excitedly, she showed the map to Yongqi and Erkang, "Look, their plans are on this!"

Yongqi and Erkang took the map, examined it carefully, and their expressions turned grim. "This is bad! They plan to launch an attack during the palace celebration three days from now. The Emperor and many ministers will be there. What are we going to do?" Yongqi said anxiously, his brows furrowed and beads of sweat appearing on his forehead.

Little Swallow gritted her teeth. "We absolutely cannot let them succeed! We'll go back now, tell the Emperor this, and then discuss countermeasures." Her eyes were firm, revealing an indomitable fighting spirit.

The three men, carrying the map, took advantage of the chaos and quickly left the stronghold. Upon returning to the palace, they immediately went to the Hall of Mental Cultivation and presented the map to the Emperor. After reviewing the map, the Emperor's face darkened considerably.

"These traitors! How dare they plot against me right under my nose!" The Emperor slammed his fist on the table in anger, stood up, and paced back and forth in the room. "What countermeasures do you have?" He stopped and asked Xiao Yanzi and the others.

After a moment of contemplation, Xiao Yanzi said, "Your Majesty, we can turn the tables on them. Since they intend to make a move at the celebration, we can set up an ambush and wipe them out in one fell swoop." She raised her head, looking at the Emperor with unwavering determination, her tone full of confidence.

The Emperor nodded. "Hmm, this is a good idea. However, we must be fully prepared and cannot afford any mistakes." A hint of worry appeared in his eyes, after all, this was a contest concerning the safety of the nation.

Over the next two days, with the Emperor's support, Xiao Yanzi and her companions began their preparations in earnest. They deployed troops and set up ambushes in every corner of the palace, waiting for the Shadow Pavilion members to walk right into their trap.

Finally, the day of the royal celebration arrived. The palace was brightly decorated and bustling with activity. The Emperor sat on the dragon throne, his expression majestic, as ministers came to offer their congratulations. Little Swallow and her companions, however, remained hidden in the shadows, closely observing the surrounding events.

As the celebration progressed, Xiao Yanzi's heart grew increasingly tense. She gripped her long whip tightly, ready to respond to any unexpected situation. Suddenly, she saw several dark figures mingling in the crowd, heading towards the Emperor.

"Oh no, they're here!" Xiao Yanzi whispered. She gave Yongqi and Erkang a look, and the three of them immediately rushed out from the shadows and pounced on the shadowy figures.

A fierce battle ensued, with members of the Shadow Pavilion drawing their weapons and engaging in a desperate struggle with Xiao Yanzi and her companions. The air was filled with the glint of swords and the deafening shouts of battle.

"Hmph, do you think you can stop us like this? How naive!" said the leader of the dark figures coldly, brandishing a long sword and thrusting it towards Xiao Yanzi.

Little Swallow dodged the attack with a quick sidestep, then brandished her long whip, lashing it fiercely at the shadowy figure. The whip, like a black lightning bolt, whistled through the air, forcing the shadowy figure to retreat repeatedly.

"Today is your doomsday!" Little Swallow shouted, her eyes burning with fury, her long whip whirling faster and faster, as if it had become an impenetrable barrier.

Under Xiao Yanzi and the others' valiant resistance, the Shadow Pavilion members gradually lost ground. Just then, the soldiers who had been lying in ambush all around rushed out and surrounded the Shadow Pavilion members.

"Surrender! You have nowhere to escape!" the Emperor stood up and shouted. His voice was majestic and powerful, echoing throughout the palace.

Seeing that all was lost, the members of the Shadow Pavilion laid down their weapons and knelt in surrender. Little Swallow and the others successfully thwarted the Shadow Pavilion's plot, and the entire palace was filled with joy.

However, Xiao Yanzi knew this was only a temporary victory. The Shadow Pavilion was a powerful force, and although their plot had been thwarted this time, they certainly wouldn't give up easily. She secretly vowed to completely destroy the Shadow Pavilion and restore peace to the world.

In the days that followed, Xiao Yanzi and her companions continued their investigation into the secrets of the Shadow Pavilion. They discovered that an even more powerful force was supporting them behind the Shadow Pavilion, and the true purpose of this force was far more terrifying than they had imagined…