Reborn as Powerful Minister's Beloved-Chapter 473 - 452 Second Update

"Milord, there hasn’t been any—" They had followed the route without the slightest deviation, leaving their marks at the posthouses and strongholds they passed, ensuring that the people dispatched from the other side could quickly discover them.

Ju Nanyi nodded slightly. The relationship between General Ling and the Marquis of Zhenbei was extremely delicate, akin to fire and water. He understood the difficulty General Ling faced at this time, trying to establish a foothold on the Marquis of Zhenbei’s territory and, in addition, far from the Zheng Capital, was like snatching meat from someone’s mouth, with its difficulty being self-evident.

Therefore, he could understand why General Ling hadn’t arrived on time.

"Let’s move on—" Ju Nanyi tried his best not to think about the affairs of the Zheng Capital, waiting for things here to end quickly so he could concentrate on what was to come.

Things were different from his previous life; therefore, Ju Nanyi dared not jump to conclusions. At least, he thought the scenario where he had been actively seduced in his last life was unlikely to occur this time around. Maybe the time wasn’t right, or perhaps...

Ju Nanyi shook his head to clear it of the myriad of thoughts. Both matters were of great importance, and although he couldn’t figure out what exactly went wrong compared to his last life, it seemed there was a different trajectory, and the slightest mistake could lead to a different outcome.

That’s why Ju Nanyi didn’t refuse the mission this time—he feared any change he made could alter the fate of this lifetime.

The cold wind whistled as Ju Nanyi looked out over the endless ice and snow to the north. In his previous life, it was only after becoming one of General Ling’s subordinates that all that followed had unfolded. Therefore, in this life, he believed that for Zheng Nianru, these affairs had no connection to her whatsoever. He also hadn’t perceived any intention from Zheng Nianru concerning General Ling’s troops. Still, he hoped it was his own oversight and that he didn’t understand why Zheng Nianru had suddenly decided to seduce him.

...

The Marquis of Zhenbei’s men had sensed something was amiss with the Qiandao Temple encampment on that very day. His patrol soldiers had gone through the countless cat-ear holes in the camp several times, yet the Marquis of Zhenbei was still hesitant to believe.

Was this a deliberate illusion created to lure the people from Ghoul Ravine?

The Marquis of Zhenbei didn’t know which important figures were in this group from Ghoul Ravine, after all, he had personally watched the Ravine Master pass through the checkpoint, who even verbally agreed to his request to receive the second group of people.

Therefore, the people exiting the checkpoint in this second group were of crucial importance, and deep down the Marquis of Zhenbei was growing anxious, although he appeared calm on the surface.

The Wen Family had been contemplating rebellion not just for a day or two; who in Nanzheng wouldn’t want to command an army and hold power? Moreover, they had a legitimate reason—they held the Fourth Prince.

Emperor Jingzhi had long wished to act against the Wen Family, a fact that was no secret, and Zheng Congyuan was closely pressuring them, covertly breaking down the Wen Family’s military strength. The Wen Family had been pushed to their limit; this was forcing their hand to rebel.

The Marquis of Zhenbei managed to wait another day, but could wait no longer. The critical moment for decision had arrived, and now it was clear that Qiandao Temple was trying to set a trap for those people.

According to what the Marquis of Zhenbei knew, Elder Can and several disciples from Ghoul Ravine were among the second group, although not many in number, their situation was already extremely perilous.

"Marquis, what do we do?" Shall we take action? But they are people from Qiandao Temple.

The Marquis of Zhenbei’s trusted aide looked at his master hesitantly; they were certainly aware of the Marquis’s intentions, but those were Qiandao Temple’s people—should they be exposed, for them...

Besides, now was not the optimal time to raise troops.

This moment was the most delicate of all, for no one wished to be the first to tear apart this veil of pretense, as doing so would lead to utter chaos.

Marquis of Zhenbei was naturally aware of the subtle opportunities hidden within, and he too dared not make the first move.

"What do you think?" The Marquis of Zhenbei looked towards his trusted aide, his indecision clear. There were things he did not wish to do and preferred not to voice himself.

"My Lord, I believe we should not act openly. It would be better to hide in the shadows and wait for the right moment to lend a push..." said the trusted aide straightforwardly.

Marquis of Zhenbei looked at his trusted aide with approval. What he found inconvenient to say, the other could always articulate his very thoughts.

"We’ll do as you suggest. Arrange for more men and watch for changes... And, see if you can make contact with someone from Ghoul Ravine," the Marquis of Zhenbei mused.

"Yes, my Lord," the trustworthy aide immediately took his leave to carry out the orders.

...

"Quickly, notify the elder brother that the monster has already arrived." Disciples from Qiandao Temple raced around swiftly, the atmosphere within instantly growing tense as they all dashed towards the main camp.

Master Ling Yi hurried out of his tent, whereupon the messenger disciple conveyed the detailed situation.

"The timing couldn’t be better." Master Ling Yi felt a burst of excitement. Although the hastily altered formation had yet to be tested, he was confident. Capturing just one monster would suffice for them to report back to Qiandao Temple.

Master Qin Liang, along with a group of mages, quickly became invisible within the tents, while Master Ling Yi, accompanied by disciples skilled in spells, approached the entrance of the tents. Off in the distance, a dark shadow was seen rushing toward their campsite.

They had found this monster in the wilderness and had slowly lured it towards their camp. Now, the monster, having scented Qiandao Temple, had completely lost its sanity.

As the figure drew closer, Master Ling Yi waited until they could clearly see the approaching "monster." Despite being prepared, the sight still took them by surprise.

The disciples from Ghoul Ravine, at first glance when still in human form, now exhibited no trace of humanity. The term "monster" was not an exaggeration to describe it. Its body was covered with lumps, its facial features were indistinguishable, the clothes torn to shreds from scrambling in the snow, with the exposed legs fused into one mass of tumors. Some of the more faint-hearted disciples couldn’t help but turn away and vomit at the sight of such a creature.

"Prepare yourselves—" Master Ling Yi commanded in a cold voice. His disciples immediately tensed, drawing their magic artifacts quietly and positioning themselves within their respective formations, waiting for the monster to charge in.

"Here it comes—" Master Ling Yi shouted, leading the charge by whipping out his Golden Whip and lashing it towards the beast. The monster let out a shrill cry, a sound that was no longer human.

In an instant, golden light scattered in all directions, and powerful energy quickly drew towards the beast. The monster leaped, pouncing directly at Master Ling Yi, who looked as helpless as a rabbit in the jaws of a cheetah.

Master Ling Yi retreated explosively, and suddenly, a golden net of light rose from the formation, firmly ensnaring the monster within.

"Ao—" The monster let out a roar of fury as it struggled frantically. "Ao—" it bellowed again, continuing its frenzied thrashing.

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