Chapter 287: Chapter 287: Night-Shining Jade Lion, Martial Saint Empress

Yang Chan watched the chase unfold, lost in thought.

From their conversation, he could guess their identities, and the woman fleeing at the front confirmed his suspicions.

Yang Chan had seen Princess Lan Yue before. Despite the distance between them, his senses were greatly enhanced, allowing him to see her clearly and confirm her identity.

However, their conversation gave Yang Chan a bad feeling.

A war between the two nations would have widespread repercussions. His previous hope for peace was shattered, especially since this was happening after news of a political marriage between them. This left Yang Chan feeling deeply unsettled.

If the two nations went to war, the Cyan Yuan Sect would likely be caught in the crossfire. As a Pharmacist of the Cyan Yuan Sect, he would probably be affected as well, which was precisely why Yang Chan had hoped the marriage alliance would succeed.

Unfortunately, this was now the situation, and he was in no position to influence such major international affairs.

As for the pursuit, being a low-key Pharmacist, Yang Chan naturally chose to turn a blind eye. ’What does this have to do with me? I was just taking a break. I don’t want to get involved in something so complicated.’

Besides, according to Princess Lan Yue, the Court might have arranged for people from the Six Gates to be involved, which would make things even more complex and troublesome. ’It’s better to stay away.’

Yang Chan was on one side of a tree, using its trunk for cover. Combined with his Concealing Breath technique, he was confident no one would discover him.

Not far away, the three drew closer. Yang Chan stopped watching, as Martial Arts Experts possessed a keen Spiritual Sense. A prolonged stare could be detected even by these External Refining Experts.

"Commandery Princess, since you refuse to be sensible, don’t blame me for getting rough."

"Bone-Piercing Nail!"

Nalan Hongbo’s brow furrowed. Although he wanted to capture Princess Lan Yue unharmed, that was clearly no longer an option.

He took out the Hidden Weapon he had prepared, the Bone-Piercing Nail. It was specifically designed to counter External Iron Bone Refining, capable of piercing through bones of steel. It was highly effective and even coated with a Poison to subdue enemies.

However, someone severely injured by a Bone-Piercing Nail would become a burden during the subsequent journey. He certainly didn’t want a burden at a time like this, which was why he hadn’t used the weapon until now.

But now, he had no choice. Their horses couldn’t match the famous steed Princess Lan Yue had prepared, the Night-Shining Jade Lion. It was far faster than the horses the Jin Meng Empire had provided for them.

If they continued the chase, the Night-Shining Jade Lion would surely leave them in the dust. That wasn’t the outcome they wanted, so they had to act.

As long as Princess Lan Yue served some purpose before she left the Great Zhou Imperial Dynasty, it would be better than letting her escape completely.

When Nalan Hongbo threw the Bone-Piercing Nails, he used the Three Talents Technique to block Princess Lan Yue’s escape routes. He was well aware that she also practiced External Iron Bone Refining; although her Cultivation was slightly lower than his, it wasn’t by much.

CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!

As expected, Princess Lan Yue sensed the danger. A Sharp Sword appeared in her hand, and with a slight flick of her wrist, she deflected all three Bone-Piercing Nails.

Although Princess Lan Yue wasn’t struck by the Hidden Weapon, her speed slowed considerably. She had still been affected.

Seeing this, Wulan Haochuan, who was off to the side, also took out the Hidden Weapon he had prepared before coming to the Great Zhou Imperial Dynasty—the Golden Armor Sleeve Arrow. This was a specially crafted Hidden Weapon capable of injuring even an Inner Master.

His Cultivation wasn’t high, so he naturally prepared more external items for his own protection.

Hidden Weapons were only one part of his arsenal. He had other Treasures, such as the Armor he wore and a Renowned Sword, all acquired with his savings over many years.

After all, since no expert of the Inner Refining Grandmaster Level was escorting them on this trip to the Great Zhou Imperial Dynasty, he had to be extra prepared.

Now that Nalan Hongbo had made a move, he naturally had to follow suit. He was no match for Princess Lan Yue in a direct confrontation, but he had no problem with a sneak attack from behind.

’To survive, a sneak attack is nothing to be ashamed of.’

As a Prince, he was naturally ambitious, and Princess Lan Yue was meant to be the starting point for those ambitions. Unfortunately, his plans were over before they had even begun. Now, he had to use her to escape the Great Zhou Imperial Dynasty. After all, only the living have a future.

Sensing the danger, Princess Lan Yue could only draw her Sharp Sword once more to block the Hidden Weapons.

Although she wore Armor, these Hidden Weapons were aimed at the unprotected parts of her body—her neck, arms, and head.

Princess Lan Yue would not allow these Hidden Weapons to hit her, whether they were poisoned or not.

"Instead of tangling with me, you’d be better off running in the other direction. You’re getting farther and farther away from the Jin Meng Empire."

Princess Lan Yue shouted, her brow furrowed.

She had deliberately chosen this direction when she fled, hoping Nalan Hongbo and the other would give up the chase.

At the Huayun Dao crossroads, one path led back the way they came, one led toward the Jin Meng Empire, and the third led toward another border region.

Her plan was to evade these men, disguise herself using a Concealing Breath Technique and other means of changing her appearance, hide for a while, and then make her way to the border.

With a war between the two nations about to break out, she would have more opportunities to escape.

As an Intermediate Pharmacist with numerous resources at her disposal, it wouldn’t be long before she became an Inner Master. If things went smoothly, she could even advance to become a Bone Marrow Cleansing Grandmaster, and reaching the Martial Saint Realm was not out of the question.

After all, the inheritance she now possessed included records on reaching the Martial Saint Realm, giving her a greater chance than others.

If her Cultivation could reach the National Guardian Martial Saint Realm, she could take her revenge, ascend the throne of the Great Zhou Imperial Dynasty, and become its Empress.

As a chosen daughter of heaven, she was nothing if not ambitious.

Having followed her rebellious father and master, how could she possibly be some naive "white lotus" who knew nothing of the world? She was simply very good at hiding her true nature.

Even in this desperate situation, Princess Lan Yue was focused on how to escape, never once giving up hope.

"Commandery Princess, you should just give up and stay! We don’t want to hurt you. As long as you don’t run, we won’t harm you. We can even get you out of the Great Zhou Imperial Dynasty and give you the power to take revenge."

"Your father died at the hands of the Old Emperor. Don’t you want to avenge him?"

"The Jin Meng Empire is about to move against the Great Zhou Imperial Dynasty. This is your chance!"

Nalan Hongbo said with a seemingly kind expression.

He had investigated Princess Lan Yue’s situation and could guess at her inner thoughts. He was now trying to exploit those desires to achieve his own goals, or at the very least, to stall for more time.

’If I had known it would come to this,’ he thought, ’I should have put some Poison in her food.’

It wasn’t that Nalan Hongbo hadn’t considered it. The problem was that Princess Lan Yue only ever ate the food she brought with her. She refused everything he offered, never giving him an opportunity.