Chapter 628: Meeting the Puppet

Chapter 628: Meeting the Puppet

So why is there news about the princess?

Lin Nuo thought it must be a new puppet, after all, the real princess is dead. If this gets out, it could be detrimental to the royal family. Currently, Luo Xiaoxue is quite a capable figure in the royal household, and her influence is growing stronger. Losing the princess might lead to some localized chaos.

He figured this is a transitional phase for the royal family, gradually taking control of the forces that the princess managed, and then later announcing her death.

Of course, it could also be from Dong Wei’s side; after all, Dong Wei has been fond of finding puppets for quite a while. Seizing power and claiming the throne isn’t something they can just do anytime now. This isn’t a matter of unifying the world where you can just become an emperor and let the Refining Demon Sect, Helong Hall, and the Evil Bone Sect all flock to your door. They’d just come to take you down under the banner of driving away the usurped tyrants.

This is like declaring war against the world—a pretty bold move for someone like him, a notorious villain; Dong Wei wouldn’t dare do such a thing!

Lin Nuo became curious and wanted to check out who this puppet really is—what little bit of luck put her in the crosshairs of either the royal family or Dong Wei as a tool.

Now, Lin Nuo was lounging in a reclining chair, sipping on chilly water, basking in the sunlight.

So comfortable.

A lazy life really is something to aspire to.

Sometimes, he still needed to relax a bit.

Mu Yiting walked over, sitting beside him, and said softly, “You really know how to enjoy yourself.”

“Just a balance of work and rest.”

“Indeed, a balance. But I have some bad news to tell you: our good days are coming to an end. My second uncle, Mu Sheng, has already taken command of my grandfather’s troops and is now targeting us.”

“Figured that out,” Lin Nuo replied calmly.

“You saw it coming? As expected of you, still able to be relaxed. I can’t do that; I roll around every night, unable to sleep.”

“That’s not because you’re moving around on my bed at night.”

Lin Nuo shot her a glance, calmly stating how she keeps tossing and turning on his bed, making it hard for him to get some shut-eye.

What a hassle.

He bent down, thinking that his original plan was shot; he was supposed to be an undercover agent but ended up with the wrong crowd, making it impossible to sneak in and grab that secret technique.

The birthday banquet of Mu Yuanfeng not only didn’t weaken Mu Yiting’s family’s influence but actually increased it. Other parties were weakened, and they shamelessly took advantage, directly seizing power, becoming stronger by the day.

Just keep your head down, that was his advice. Don’t mess with anyone, just survive.

“Report!”

At this moment, a soldier rushed in to report to Lin Nuo and the others.

“What’s the matter?” Lin Nuo asked unfazed, calm as ever.

“The Royal Guards are attacking our territory, and it’s in grave danger.”

“Oh, I see.”

Lin Nuo wasn’t surprised; it made perfect sense. If your power expands, of course, you’d attract attacks.

The good spots had all been taken by Mu Sheng, and all that was left were the vulnerable areas, so they might as well make do with them. If they fail, just let it go—what matters is the main base remains unharmed.

“What do you think?” Lin Nuo asked Mu Yiting.

“I’ll follow your lead,” Mu Yiting smiled.

“Let it be. We can’t win; let the fringes go. It’s fine. Don’t get entangled with the Royal Guards.”

“Yes! Your wisdom is unmatched, my lord! But the opponent is Princess Luo Xiaoxue—a fierce commander!”

“What? Who?”

As soon as Lin Nuo heard that name, he shot up, completely thrown off balance.

Luo Xiaoxue? She’s back from the dead?

No, it should be that puppet. She’s here to cause trouble in Helong Hall on the orders from the royal family or Dong Wei.

I have to see who this illustrious figure is.

“Don’t retreat yet, take me there.”

Lin Nuo suddenly grew serious, throwing on his outer robe, no longer lounging around, ready to head out.

Mu Yiting looked surprised; he was just lounging comfortably a moment ago, but hearing Luo Xiaoxue’s name, he turned serious and full of spirit.

What’s this, does he have a thing for Luo Xiaoxue?

“Why did you say retreat before, but now that you hear Luo Xiaoxue’s name, you’re ready to go?”

“I just want to see this troublesome character.”

Lin Nuo finished putting on his robe, about to set off, but thought it might be a trap set by Dong Wei—luring Lin Nuo out with a puppet.

“Are you coming?” Lin Nuo asked.

“Of course!” Mu Yiting said firmly.

“Alright, you take the lead, and I’ll pretend to be a follower, staying on the sidelines, observing the situation, and strategizing quietly. Anyway, my identity cannot be revealed.”

“Why? You don’t want to be the big leader and just want to be a follower?”

“This is about covert control; you wouldn’t understand.”

“Fine then, I’ll do as you say.”

Mu Yiting agreed, and then the two of them, along with their subordinates, rushed to the battlefield.

But before that, Lin Nuo needed to meet up with Qin Shili to communicate.

It was pretty understandable; he hadn’t been in touch with her about previous matters and had hidden things from her, nearly getting frozen by her.

However, he couldn’t get in touch with her. He sent signals and letters, but received no response.

That was odd. Normally, she would have come right away after a signal.

Could it be that she went back to Tianling Mountain? Or maybe she ditched him?

That shouldn’t be the case; perhaps there really was something urgent that made her return without telling him.

It’s not that he didn’t update her, but she wasn’t around.

Lin Nuo and Mu Yiting hopped into a carriage and set off for the battlefield.

…

Inside the camp, Luo Xiaoxue was seated at a wooden table, flipping through some texts, exuding the aura of a great general.

Entering was Han Xiao, her former confidante, who previously helped lead Luo Xiaoxue and Liu Shuqin to find Lin Nuo and saved them. She was still assisting Luo Xiaoxue in pretending to be the princess.

She must strategize while keeping her identity hidden to achieve victory. The key is her amulet, a trump card that must not be exposed—that’s the tactic Lin Nuo taught her.

The essence of this tactic is: survive.

Now, not only has Luo Xiaoxue’s combat prowess increased, but she also possesses military strategy, undoubtedly preparing to unify the realm.

“Helong Hall has firmly ensconced themselves but are merely struggling in their death throes. We should gather our forces in one mighty push and eradicate them.”

Luo Xiaoxue set down the scroll she held, her resolve unwavering.

“Your Highness, Helong Hall has sent reinforcements. Our troops were pushed back, and our granaries and supply lines have been attacked.”

Han Xiao reported to Luo Xiaoxue. She was somewhat taken aback; when did Helong Hall become so agile? They were just a pile of rubble not long ago!

“That’s fine. If they want to fight a guerrilla war, we can play that game.”

Luo Xiaoxue stood up, ready to unleash Lin the Hero’s combat essence: survive. Engage in guerrilla warfare.