In the evening, on a cloudy day, the twilight was boundless.

In front of him was a forest with no end in sight. King Wu Li Ke stood on a hillside and looked forward with his hand on his back. He couldn’t help but frown.

It was already midsummer and the weather was hot. There was a faint mist floating in the forest in the twilight, as if a demon was about to appear in the world, and the ghost aura was dense.

“Your Highness, why don’t you return to the Tranquil Relay House and set off tomorrow?” The accompanying guard general, Yin Yang, advised.

Li Ke pondered for a moment and said, “Turn around and settle down. It will take another twenty miles back and forth. Moreover, the city gates are closed now. It is inconvenient to go back. I remember that two years ago, when we passed through this place, there were quite a few villages and towns. We did not see such a desolate place. How come we do not see anyone all the way here, not even have a place to stay?”

Yin Yang replied, “Perhaps it was because of Gaer Qinling’s sneak attack on Xinjiang years ago.” At that time, the villagers outside many cities in the western border moved to the interior to avoid disaster. In addition, it is said that there are still some Tibetan remnants who occupy the mountainous areas and rob passers-by. In particular, the three prefectures of Hui, Yuan and Jing were the most unpeaceful. “Although the government is doing its best to exterminate them, the road conditions in these places are complicated and the mountains are dangerous, and it is difficult to capture the whereabouts of the bandits. Therefore, they have been exterminated endlessly and the damage is very deep.”

Li Ke sighed softly. “It seems that Tibet has been calmed down for a long time, but I didn’t expect that the calamity left behind by the war would still linger. Yin Yang, you don’t want to say that there might be bandits and bandits in this forest, do you?”

“It’s hard to say!” Yin Yang said worriedly, “Therefore, we should return to the Tranquil Relay House and rest for a night. We will go to the government to show our identities by the end of tomorrow. We can only pass through this forest safely by hiring the accompanying guards of the local government soldiers.”

“No need. We haven’t been worried about anything along the way. There’s no need to be afraid of this because of a mountain forest.” Li Ke turned around and looked at the more than ten cavalry behind him. “We’ll hurry up and try to get through the jungle before sunset. If we really can’t, it’s fine to set up camp and stay for one night. Back then, when we marched thousands of miles in the barren highlands, we had already survived that kind of day. What’s there to worry about in the mountains and forests?”

“Since His Highness insists, this subordinate has nothing to say.” Yin Yang subconsciously tightened his grip on the scabbard and shouted behind him, “Brothers, cheer up! It’s good that His Highness the Guard is well-rounded!”

“Yes!”

“Let’s go!” Li Ke raised his whip and the horse galloped into the forest. Yin Yang and a dozen other elite soldiers from King Wu’s Mansion followed closely behind.

An hour later, night officially descended.

A bonfire rose in the forest. Li Ke, Yin Yang and the others surrounded the campfire and cooked some hot soup to eat some dry food. There were quite a few mosquitoes in the mountain forest. Fortunately, before leaving, they had prepared some repellent and repellent potions. At this time, a few soldiers were packing up their tents and spraying potions. They were going to sleep in the forest for a night.

Li Ke sat by the fire, munching on a bowl of hot soup while staring at the flames. He remained silent.

“Your Highness, the couch has been prepared. Why don’t you go to bed earlier?” Yin Yang said.

Li Ke nodded, “Sit down, Yin Yang. You’ve been busy for so long, so you should rest for a while and eat something.”

“Thank you, Your Highness.” Yin Yang sat beside Li Ke and drank some soup and pancakes.

Li Ke looked at Yin Yang and smiled, “Yin Yang, I think you’ve been following me for a while. Back then, you, Qin Mubai, and Yuwen Hongtai were both military lieutenants in my mansion. Now that Qin Mubai’s feudal territory is in charge, and Yuwen Hongtai has become famous as a general, are you still in my mansion, a military lieutenant who has yielded to this song?”

Yin Yang hurriedly put down his bowl of noodles and cupped his fists, “I will follow Your Highness until I die!”

“Alright, I know you’re loyal.” Li Ke smiled and patted his shoulder, saying, “You, Quan Wanji, and many of the officials in the manor have followed me for a long time. They are intimate with each other, and their names are like brothers.” I, Li Ke, am virtuous and talented. I have received the loyal assistance of so many of you, and I have given you nothing in return. Every time he thought of it, he felt extremely ashamed. This time back to the capital, I don’t know fierce good luck. If it is fierce, then I, Li Ke, would rather shatter my body and leave a good path for you. “If we are lucky, we will definitely not forget that we will share the glory and wealth in the future!”

“We are only willing to follow His Highness Yang Mu, who respects the virtuous servant and the righteous Bo Yuntian, without any regrets or grievances!” Yin Yang said seriously, “Your Highness is a hero. The heavens have eyes, so we will not let him down!”

Li Ke smiled indifferently and said, “Good fortune never succeeds.” There were nine out of ten things that were unsatisfactory in this world. Actually, over the years, if it weren’t for your concerted support and Qin Mubai’s secret assistance, I would have lost my reputation and accomplished nothing, let alone today. Now that Father has summoned me back to the capital, as expected, it is most likely related to Donggong Lichu. Therefore, our trip is in fact very dangerous. ”

“This subordinate knows.” Yin Yang’s expression darkened as he whispered, “There are quite a few people in the Imperial Court who don’t want His Highness to return to the capital. Back when we left Luo Xi City, our subordinates and Chief Quan Shi suggested that His Highness bring more guards. Why didn’t Your Highness listen?”

Li Ke smiled and said, “What’s the difference between bringing ten people and bringing a hundred people?” I am only returning to the capital to report my work, and the Imperial Court has not allowed me to lead troops with me. How can I make a big show and boast all the way to disturb the people? Yin Yang, under the heavens, there are countless pairs of eyes staring at me, Li Ke. Anything out of line was just a wave of criticism, how could he endure it? Many years ago, Qin Mubai had warned me to keep a low profile in everything, to endure it, not to show off, and not to be impudent. It turned out that he was right. I, Li Ke, have lived to this day and have had the opportunity to serve my country and obtain merits because of these words. However, there has always been a desire for calm and endless wind. No matter how low-key I am, there have always been people who refuse to let me go. Ah … ”

“Young Marshal Qin is indeed an extraordinary person.” Yin Yang said, “This subordinate has always been puzzled. Actually, his entry into the official profession is even shallower than mine. Why is he always superior to me? He seems to be able to predict many things. Anything he wants to do, he will definitely be able to do very well.”

“Haha!” Li Ke smiled, “He is such a person, it makes people jealous and respectful, there is nothing they can do.” I remember drinking and chatting with him for a few more drinks, and he boasted that no matter if it was Wen Congwu or anything else, as long as he did it with all his heart, he would definitely be able to do it better than ordinary people. I was unconvinced at that time, but when I look back, it is indeed the case. “Qin Mubai, he is a very outstanding person in all aspects. Perhaps he doesn’t have a top-notch side, but as long as he does it with all his heart, it will definitely not be bad. This is his precious place.”

“Yes, I can’t help but be convinced!” Yin Yang said, “When it comes to the use of force, he is definitely inferior to Medicine Master Li, Duke Wei, and even inferior to his two senior brothers, Su Dingfang and Hou Junji.” If one were to talk about wenzhi, he might not be as good as one of his subordinates, nor could he compare to His Highness, Fang Xuanling, Eldest Sun Wuji, and the others in the Imperial Court. If it comes to martial arts, he is close to me, far inferior to his subordinate general Xue Rengui. In terms of talent, if he wasn’t good at poetry and music, he would be able to play the pipa with both hands. However, he has a wide range of knowledge and has no obvious shortcomings. ”

“You’ve missed an important point.” Li Ke smiled faintly, “His use of force is inferior to Su and Hou, but his two senior brothers are sincerely convinced of him, willing to go through fire and water for him;” His ability to govern was average, but there was a large number of capable officials of Xiao Liang and the others standing beside him. He was an ordinary martial artist with average talent, but Xue Rengui, Yuwen Hongtai, and the other Tiger Lion generals were willing to cut him in the ribs. Even the distinguished King of Jiangxia, who was famous all over the world, regarded him as his own descendant and respected him incomparably. There had never been a shortage of talented people beside him. The four pillars of the Kansai army and the eight armies were all independent talents. Just wait for the court to show its merits in the future, and all of them will surely soar to the next level. ”

“Yeah, why?” Yin Yang said in confusion.

“Personality.” Li Ke said two words briefly and smiled with interest. “This guy has a special charm that can’t be seen or touched. Anyone who comes into contact with him can’t help but like him, trust him, and respect him.” Men are willing to be friends with him, and women are willing to entrust their lives to him. “Actually, even I have always been very glad to be his friend.”

Yin Yang grinned and said, “We are very glad to be able to follow His Highness. Just as His Highness said, His Highness also possesses such a special charm that makes us willing to risk our lives for His Highness. Actually, Young Marshal Qin and His Highness have many similarities. Perhaps this is one of the reasons why you two are so close to each other, right?”

“Is that so?” Li Ke laughed loudly, “I haven’t seen him for a while. Let alone, I really miss him a little. Yin Yang, say, if Qin Mubai was a woman, I would marry him!”

“Haha!” The soldiers laughed heartily.

Just as he was laughing, someone suddenly shouted-“Be careful, there’s an assassin!”

Everyone was shocked. Before the word’assassin ‘fell, they heard a sharp arrow piercing through the air. The warning man cried out in pain and fell heavily to the ground!

Apparently, he was hit by an arrow!

“Everyone be careful, protect Your Highness!!” Yin Yang jumped up and decisively took off his clothes to extinguish the bonfire. He and the other two soldiers protected Li Ke at the core and hid in the dark.

A whistle rang out in the surrounding woods. Sharp arrows flew everywhere, and there were really assassins ambushing them!

Li Ke also pulled out his saber and thought to himself, “I didn’t expect that the most unfortunate thing would still happen. There really were assassins on the way!”

“Your Highness, be careful. There are quite a few of them!” In the darkness, Yin Yang whispered, “From the direction of the arrow, we have completely fallen into an ambush. The other party’s organization is well-planned, and it doesn’t look like an ordinary bandit!”

“That’s right. Ordinary bandits seek wealth for their superiors and murder for their subordinates.” In a dangerous situation, Li Ke was still calm and sneered, “But now, the other party wants to take his life before meeting him. Obviously, he is here to assassinate!”

Yin Yang’s entire body trembled, and he didn’t dare to continue.

“Don’t guess blindly. Focus on escaping!” Li Ke said briefly.

“Yes!”

Not far ahead, several guards were already engaged in close combat with the assassin. In the darkness, shouts of killing rose loudly. Occasionally, a spark of flames appeared in the night sky, and the battle was extremely fierce.

Yin Yang and the other two guards put on the same shape, firmly protecting Li Ke at the core. After watching the battle in front of him, his heart jumped and he shouted, “The opponent is not weak!” I chose all the elite soldiers among the elite soldiers, all of whom have extraordinary martial arts skills. I didn’t expect that the assassins here would be even more skilled, and our people would be unable to withstand them anymore!

This time, he was in danger!

“Your Highness, let’s go! This subordinate will lead you out of the encirclement!” Immediately making a decision, Yin Yang pulled Li Ke into the shadows.

Li Ke stood still and frowned deeply, “Those brothers are still fighting to the death, but how can they live alone?”

“Your Highness, if you don’t leave, there will be more casualties!” Yin Yang said anxiously. Seeing that Li Ke was still motionless, he knelt on one knee and said, “Your Highness, please go ahead! We are willing to risk our lives for Your Highness! But if Your Highness does not escape, the lives of those brothers will be wasted!”

Li Ke gritted his teeth and said, “Alright, let’s go!”

The three guards protected Li Ke and killed two assassins who were blocking the path. They dodged several sneak arrows and broke through to a corner of the Dark Forest.

The fierce battle in the woods was fierce. More than half of King Wu’s Mansion’s ten guards were killed or injured. However, these people treated their deaths as if they were going home, and the battle dragged on, buying time for Li Ke and the others to retreat.

In the dense forest of the night, Li Ke and the others panicked and didn’t choose a path, but they managed to escape for more than a mile. The sounds of intense battle behind them had already faded away. The four of them hid behind a few large trees and panted heavily.

“Your Highness, keep running. We’re not out of danger yet!” Yin Yang pulled Li Ke and wanted to leave again.

“Alright …”

Before Li Ke could finish his words, two sharp piercing sounds suddenly pierced through the air, and the two guards standing in front of him neatly fell to the ground and died. Li Ke and Yin Yang were shocked, and when they looked closely, the two of them were shot by an arrow in their throats at the same time, and their necks were broken!

“Expert!” Yin Yang sucked in a breath of cold air!

“Du, du, du, du.” With the sound of horse hooves, a horse appeared in the night, blocking Li Ke and Yin Yang’s path.

“I’ve been waiting for you here for a long time, Your Highness King Wu!”

Immediately, the man’s voice was blurry, and it was clear that it was coming from the masked scarf. Borrowing the hazy moonlight, Li Ke looked up and saw that the rider was indeed wearing a black scarf and his eyes were cold as killing intent burst out.

Yin Yang’s hand was covered in sweat, and his face was covered in sweat. He gritted his teeth and whispered, “Your Highness, be careful, this person’s methods are extraordinary! When this subordinate fought to the death, Your Highness will wait for an opportunity to escape!”

“No need.” Li Ke shouted and stood in front of Yin Yang in a flash. He sheathed his saber and looked up at the man on the horse. He said in a loud voice, “Sir, since you came here specifically for me, you must be an old acquaintance. Otherwise, you wouldn’t need to mask your face!”

Immediately, that person stared at Li Ke, his eyes flashing with killing intent and coldness. He had a knife hanging on his waist and a bow on his saddle, and he seemed to be in perfect order, as if he did not put the two of them in his eyes at all, nor was he afraid that they would suddenly attack or flee.

“Why don’t you say anything? Are you afraid that I will recognize your accent?” Li Ke smiled coldly and said, “Just now, you only said one sentence. I seem to have known your Excellency before.”

“Is that so?” Immediately, the man smiled and spat out these two words. The horse he stepped down raised its hooves a few times, and Yin Yang held his saber in front of Li Ke as if he was facing a great enemy.

“I can tell you’re Jing Xiang Ren Shi!” Li Ke pulled Yin Yang away and took a step forward and shouted, “As expected, you are an old acquaintance of mine when I was an official in Xiangzhou!-Who exactly are you?!”

“Good ears, good memory!” Immediately, the man sneered, “Unfortunately, you’re going to die. A dying person doesn’t need to know so much.”

With a “bang”, the knight unsheathed his saber and shot out a cold light!

“Your Highness, be careful!” Yin Yang shouted loudly as he pulled out his body and brandished his saber towards the knight.

“No!”

Li Ke shouted loudly. Before he could finish his sentence, he heard Yin Yang scream miserably. He fell to the ground and rolled a few times. He twitched a few times, but didn’t say a word. It was as if he was dead!

“Yin Yang!!” Li Ke cried out in sorrow as he was about to step forward when a long saber was already on his neck.

“Don’t move.” Immediately, the man said in a deep voice.

“Do it.” Li Ke took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. He straightened his body and closed his eyes.

“Don’t worry, I didn’t kill him.” Not only did that person not make a move immediately, he said, “King Wu chongyi, there are many loyal people who dare to die beside him. If one of these people kills one less, how can one bear to do so?”

Li Ke opened his eyes in astonishment and looked at the man on the horse. He withdrew his saber and sheathed it. He even extended a hand to Li Ke and said, “King Wu, please get on the horse!”

“This!” Li Ke was stunned for a moment. “Sir, what exactly do you mean?”

“I want to kill you, but I only want to flip my hand. Since I don’t want to kill you, I will save you.” Immediately, the man’s voice was as calm as the water of an ancient well, and he said leisurely, “You guessed correctly, it was an old acquaintance of King Wu, but not an old acquaintance. He was also a prisoner of your rank.”

“What? Then … who are you? What’s the point of coming here?”

“Naturally, it was specifically for the sake of intercepting and killing King Wu.”

“Then what do you mean now?!” Li Ke looked sideways at Yin Yang, who was quietly lying on the ground. He was both shocked and angry.

After a moment of silence, the man reached out and pulled off the black scarf on his face.

Li Ke was stunned and speechless.

“Your Highness definitely didn’t expect it to be me.” The man immediately smiled.

“Indeed, I didn’t think of it. Ten thousand … I didn’t think of it!” Li Ke took a deep breath and said, “Didn’t you die long ago?!”

“Heh, that’s a long story!” Immediately, the man extended his hand to Li Ke and said, “King Wu, please get on the horse! If you delay for a moment longer, you will not be able to escape! Your subordinate was only knocked unconscious by someone, and there is no danger of his life. When he wakes up, it may not be a bad thing to report to the government. Please follow someone and run for your life first!”

“You … since you are a killer who came here to intercept and kill, why did you do this?” Li Ke said in surprise, “If it didn’t mean that I, Wang Ning, would not have followed you unwittingly if I had received the saber and axe!”

“Ah!” The man immediately sighed and said, “Yes, I was ordered to kill you. But I can’t kill you with my old kindness in mind.”

“Old kindness? Has this king ever been kind to you?”

‘”It’s not that you owe someone a favor. It’s a friend of yours who owes someone a great favor and has an appointment with a friend from the rest of his life. Because of him, I can’t kill you. Because you are very important to him and are his good friend.” Immediately, the man raised his head to look at the moon and looked back. He sighed leisurely and said, “Your Highness King Wu, please remember that you were able to escape today … It was all because of the blessings that your friend created back then.”

“I understand. You’re talking about Qin Mubai! Back in Xiangyang, it was Qin Mubai who broke through the River Ghost and captured you, the leader of the bandits in the green forest. Then, he solved the treasure secret left behind by your grandfather in the Mausoleum of Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty. As a result, the two of you became confidantes instead of acquaintances. Am I right? Cao Master Song-Zhao Chong?” Li Ke said.

“That’s right.” Immediately, that person was actually Zhao Chong!

“Alright, although I still have many things I don’t understand, I’m willing to go with you.” Li Ke took a deep breath and said, “Not for anything else-I believe that Qin Mubai’s vision is correct!”

“Please get on the horse!”