Chapter 293: Chapter 235: Yao Shi Yue’s Trap

Clang.

The Iron Lantern in the hands of the Mansion Soldiers fell to the ground, ringing sharply in the night.

They stood dumbstruck at the entrance of the courtyard, looking at the shattered residence of the Commander, unable to resist taking off their helmets to rub their eyes.

"Ooh, ooh!"

Nearby, guards twisted in pain from having the backs of their necks knocked out, trying desperately to get the Mansion Soldiers’ attention.

About a minute later, ten thousand Chang’an Military Mansion soldiers were roused by the intense sound of gongs, faces bewildered as they heard shouts of ’enemy attack’ from outside, questioning whether they were still dreaming.

Enemy attack?

What the hell just happened here? This is the Chang’an Main City; what stinking outsider could attack our Lord Chang’an?

The Chang’an Military Mansion, despite its name, neither requires strategy for Secret Realm, nor has any national defense demands. It’s filled with retired Foundation Establishment Messengers or young messengers attending classes. Rather than a military mansion, it’s more like a school... Hence, the Mansion Soldiers’ reaction speed was akin to college students in a morning class—bodies up, but minds still in bed. By the time they began to search for the culprit who attacked the Commander, the thieves had long escaped.

"Six First-Turn, three Second-Turn, all equipped with attack and defense tokens," Shang Xinlei spoke with bitterness: "Did you ever consider that you could’ve helped me deal with the Prison Guards and find a way to open the Giant Gate Mechanism, instead of just jumping when you saw Black Wolf jump?"

"But you won, didn’t you? I believe in you."

"You trust me at a time like this? I’m only a Second-Turn!"

"I’m saying I believe you could at least escape, since the exit is right there. Moreover, if I didn’t jump, Black Wolf couldn’t handle it; below not only are there Divine Marquis Mansion constables but also a Zhou Kingdom Third-Turn. I even used Bingzi Pepper Forest."

"Indeed," Pharmacist’s Wish corroborated from behind, nodding to Yan Qing: "He injured his left shoulder severely and nearly died there."

"Let me take a look." Shang Xinlei quickly ran to Yan Qing’s left side, reaching out to lift his clothing.

Yan Qing felt a bit embarrassed with everyone watching and blocked her hand: "There’s nothing worth seeing."

"Stretch out your hand." Shang Xinlei removed her Green Grass Bracelet, gripped Yan Qing’s hand, removed Hand of Melting Hundred Forms, and then put the bracelet on him: "You can return it once you’re healed; I’m not injured anyway."

"Actually, a Blood Replenishing Pill could fix it; it’s not that painful now... Oof!"

Yan Qing let out a muffled sound because Shang Xinlei suddenly shoved his hand into her mask and bit him hard; he dared not pull his hand out. Previously when dining with Shang Xinlei, he witnessed her biting through beef bones and sucking the marrow... Her teeth are razor-sharp like a venomous snake’s; pulling it out forcefully could literally cost him a chunk of flesh!

When Yan Qing finally withdrew his hand, the edge of his palm bore clear bite marks, even Shang Xinlei’s left little canine appeared vividly in the flesh, still stained with saliva. Yan Qing was unsure whether to be shocked at Shang Xinlei’s fierce bite or amazed by the Third-Turn Messenger’s sturdy physique—there wasn’t even any broken skin.

Shang Xinlei, armed with his Green Grass Bracelet, immediately got to work, while Yan Qing cursed in a low voice while healing his injuries: "How about changing your nickname from Red Snake to Red Dog? What the hell, are you a dog or what, biting me like that!"

"Serves you right for abandoning me." Shang Xinlei huffed, running ahead without speaking, letting him see the alluring rear and meaty long legs beneath the Night Traveling Clothes.

Even though Yan Qing knew Shang Xinlei well, sometimes he couldn’t understand her state of mind. Just earlier, she was concerned about his injury; why the sudden fierce bite now? And it’s obviously more dangerous below with no retreat. Isn’t it better to leave you above where the enemy is weaker and there’s an escape route? How can this be blamed on me? Was there even time to sit and discuss strategic plans back then?

Yan Qing stared at Shang Xinlei’s backside, mentally preparing rebuttal arguments; once they return to Thief’s House alone, he intends to quash Shang Xinlei with reasoned logic and detailed justification until she admits her fault.

Yet while Yan Qing and Shang Xinlei were lost in their mini-drama, two other thieves observed them. If they turned around, they’d see Pharmacist’s Wish staring intensely as if saying, ’I’ll keep watching you... Forever and ever...’

In contrast, Ying Rushi was more reserved, occasionally glancing at the Snake and Dog, then at Black Wolf, unbeknownst, her mouth slightly curling upward. She previously thought Thief’s House might break apart after this mission, but now it seems their bond deepens from this shared combat.

Forget Snake and Dog, they’ve always been in cahoots secretly; now it’s just out in the open. Though Black Wolf had conflicts with Snake before, Ying Rushi knew full well—Black Wolf, the sort to love or hate openly, owes Yellow Dog this huge favor. Even if they don’t become closer after this, there’s no going back to distant relations; if not friends, they’ll be foes.

So great, Ying Rushi mused.

A group striving for a shared goal, forging camaraderie in blood and fire, relationships growing closer and more familiar. If Ying Rushi initially joined Thief’s House purely for personal gain, now she somewhat wishes to continue with them... Someday, perhaps, they could all become friends who depend on each other.

Suddenly a venomous sneer echoed behind; she seemed to hear the Empress, sitting grandly upon her throne, mocking her stupidity with a malicious grin while shaking a human head wine cup. Ying Rushi’s neck prickled with goosebumps, but she resisted looking back, forging ahead, pace quickening as if a demon chased her.

Snap.

In a reflex state, Ying Rushi immediately raised her head but saw Pharmacist’s Wish’s storage ring abruptly shatter, revealing a nearly six-foot stone in midair, its surface emitting dazzling golden light. Eight lock chains darted out from the stone.

The whole process took but an instant, the snake and dog ahead utterly unaware of the occurrence, slowing their pace and looking back...

"Look out!"

...

...

Five hundred li outside Chang’an City, in the Medicine King Valley Secret Realm.

Unlike other realms, the entrance to the Medicine King Valley Secret Realm lies within a Daoist temple. Hence, the Yao Family surrounded the mountain where the temple is to build a city to guard the realm. Normally, the temple remains lit all day, and common folk aren’t qualified to ascend. Only the loyal Yao Family messengers safeguard within, with four guards surveilling all blind spots at the realm’s entrance.

Swoosh.

A gust of wind blew through, as a girl in white silk emerged from the realm, two blood-red antlers topping her head. The guards hadn’t reacted before the Antlered Maiden exited the temple and reached outside.

After three deep breaths, someone realized what transpired, urgently covering his and another guard’s mouth to prevent shouting... Previously, Locking Dragon Bodhisattva casually stepping out would cause a citywide uproar, leading her to forbid revealing to anyone her realm departure unless she chose to meet mortals.

The guards quickly divided tasks—two to inform elders, two to follow the Bodhisattva for instructions. Yet upon leaving, they saw the Antlered Maiden standing halfway up the mountain on the Observation Platform, gazing toward Chang’an City. The night wind lifted her skirt, no one dared to glance at those fleeting pale legs, all knelt awaiting Locking Dragon Bodhisattva’s decree.

"To infiltrate Cold Marrow Prison, destroy my chains, such impressive skill," Yao Shi Yue murmured: "Yellow Dog, you’re quite brave, it’s the first time seeing mortals defy a Foundation Establishment Messenger."

"But what you never should have done, is take the Exotic Iron my second uncle left behind," Yao Shi Yue’s eyes glowed with golden circles, where a dragon seemed to roar, "Naughty thief, leave it be!"