Facing a woman who looked exactly like Leng Wu Shuang and had outed herself right away, Jiang Xuan wasn’t immediately buying her story.
Every time a situation like this came up, Jiang Xuan couldn’t help but miss his recently gone System for maintenance.
If the System were around, one scan would’ve seen through any disguise the woman might be wearing, regardless of how good she was at it.
Shaking off his daze, Jiang Xuan responded with a hint of doubt:
“National Master, what brings you knocking on my door all of a sudden? And isn’t barging directly into the Empress’s private quarters a bit against the rules?”
“Don’t worry, Emperor. I come with no ill intentions, on the contrary, I’m here to help you.”
“Help me? What do you mean by that, National Master?”
As Jiang Xuan spoke, the National Master feigned mystery:
“I heard that you were forcibly taken to the streets. Obviously, you don’t have the best relationship with the Empress; you’re always looking to escape her presence. Am I correct?”
Jiang Xuan’s mind went wild: “Is she trying to help me escape? Or maybe using me to take down Empress Leng Wu Shuang? Or is she testing if I want to run away? No, she’s way too dangerous, stay away!”
Outwardly, Jiang Xuan denied it flatly:
“National Master, your assumptions are incorrect. Me and the Empress are perfectly in harmony. There’s nothing I desire more than to stay. Thank you for your concern, but leave now. The Empress will return soon.”
“Well, given how close you are with the Empress,” the National Master sighed, “then leaving the Cold Light Dynasty sooner rather than later would be prudent. You wouldn’t want the Empress to meet a tragic early fate, would you?”
Jiang Xuan looked perplexed: “What are you talking about, cursing the Empress? That’s a grave offense!”
“Emperor, let me be frank. I specialize in odd and peculiar magic, particularly divination. My divinations predict a calamity coming to the Cold Light Dynasty.
A white-robed woman will descend upon us soon. Her power is incredible; even the royal ancestors couldn’t block a single blow from her. She comes only to take you away.
Sadly, the Empress loves you deeply and won’t let go, leading to the total downfall of our dynasty.
To prevent this grim prediction, I’m here to genuinely help you. Only by leaving can we avoid a disaster.”
Jiang Xuan: “Are you serious?”
Confused yet intrigued, Jiang Xuan pondered:
“She’s genuinely trying to help me escape? Unheard of! If this is true, there’s a logical reason behind helping me.
But something feels off. She offers help but never mentioned any cost.”
Suddenly, he realized the offness:
The National Master offered to help him run yet never asked for anything in return.
How generous! But that’s what made him suspicious. He never got something for nothing.
“National Master, I don’t believe your story. Besides, the Empress will be fine,” said Jiang Xuan firmly.
Smiling, the National Master replied, “I understand why Emperor you doubt me. But before I came, I divined your future.”
“Oh? Let’s hear your prophecy then. I’m curious.”
“You were planning to fly the coup. Sadly, the Empress caught on and you lost her trust, locked in a dark cell, enduring unimaginable torment.”
“If you wish to successfully flee, only I can help.”
Jiang Xuan: “Are you serious!?”
“Of course not!” Jiang Xuan protested. But deep down, those words resonated.
“Emperor, since you’re interested, follow me. I know of a secret passage that leads out of the Imperial City without anyone knowing.
If you trust me, let’s check it out.”
After hesitating, Jiang Xuan agreed.
“In fact, Emperor, you’re worried about me tricking you? Have no fear. You’re my precious little emperor; it’s beneath me to turn sinister.”
With a heavenly oath, the National Master cleared all doubts.
“This way, we can see the secret passage.”
In silence, they reached the Imperial Garden where a hidden tunnel lay.
“Emperor, this secret trail leads straight outside the city limits.”
Jiang Xuan cautiously followed the National Master into the tunnel. His System beeped suddenly.
“Update complete. Here’s a gift. Scanning…”
“Scanning complete. Name: Leng Wu Shuang. Rank: Martial Emperor Third Grade Peak. Power: Cold Light Dynasty – Empress. Goodwill towards Host: -8888.”
Jiang Xuan was shocked: “I’m doomed! She’s tricked me again!”
“It’s an escape plan after all. Isn’t it obvious?”
A voice rang out nearby:
“Emperor, we’re here. Let’s investigate.”
