Chapter 0150 Baiting with One’s Body

Chapter 0150 Baiting with One's Body

The sky grew darker, and as the candle burned down, Qu Yunmie extended his hands.

This gesture meant he intended to carry Xiao Rong back to his room, but Xiao Rong glanced at him and suddenly flipped over, curling up in the bed and leaving only his back to Qu Yunmie.

Qu Yunmie: "……"

He slightly pursed his lips, trying hard to suppress the rising corners of his mouth before changing direction and getting into bed by lifting the blanket.

Winter was harsh, and while skipping a bath on an ordinary day might be acceptable, both of them had consumed alcohol, and lying together with the scent of wine would be quite noticeable.

However, given the current situation, neither of them was thinking about personal hygiene.

The candle held by the lamp bearer was nearly burnt out, and it would extinguish itself in half an hour. The two men in bed remained silent, knowing that with a major battle imminent, nothing significant would happen, yet they still felt some tension.

After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, their bodies gradually relaxed. Xiao Rong’s head no longer seemed so tense, and Qu Yunmie’s posture no longer resembled one freshly lifted from a wax museum.

Xiao Rong’s breathing changed slightly, and Qu Yunmie heard it without even looking. Xiao Rong then sat up, mirroring Qu Yunmie, both silently leaning against the headboard, not touching each other, their expressions dull and calm, seemingly lost in their own thoughts, as if they had been married for twenty years. ………

Amidst the tranquility, Xiao Rong asked, "How many troops do you plan to take into battle?"

Qu Yunmie: "I intend to lead an army of two hundred thousand to serve the king."

He emphasized the last two words, causing Xiao Rong to snort in amusement.

When they first talked about serving the king, Qu Yunmie wasn’t this enthusiastic. He seemed reluctant, as if using the name of the king was a form of persecution. Now, he reminded himself of it.

Moreover, there was no need to be so formal when no one else was around.

Hmm... Xiao Rong had forgotten how he previously reminded Qu Yunmie to be careful with his words, even in private.

Xiao Rong crossed his legs lazily and responded, "Alright, serve the king. Two hundred thousand is neither too much nor too little. Since the two locations are close, if any variables arise, reinforcements can be sent in time. Which generals do you plan to bring along?"

Qu Yunmie listed a series of names, including all the high-ranking officers, even pulling Yu Shaocheng away from his task of clearing out rogue troops and assigning him to lead the two hundred thousand. The task of clearing out rogue troops was given to Di Fazeng.

At first, Xiao Rong was puzzled by the large number of people, but then he realized something.

The battle of Jinling was a pivotal moment in changing dynasties, and all the generals wanted to participate, and needed to participate. Although the war lacked prestige, its significance far outweighed its level.

Qu Yunmie arranged all those he intended to reward and promote, and these people made up ninety percent of the current Northern Pacification Army’s generals. This time, he didn’t focus on just one person; he understood the importance of balance.

That was why he brought Yu Shaocheng back. He didn’t think this battle required Yu Shaocheng’s involvement or that he could play a significant role on the battlefield. He merely wanted to use this battle to deepen Yu Shaocheng’s loyalty.

As for Di Fazeng, being of a different ethnicity and low rank, sending him to clear out rogue troops was perfect. It allowed him to earn merit without arousing jealousy among the other generals.

Qu Yunmie’s mindset had gradually shifted, though he hadn’t noticed the change himself. He simply thought this arrangement was good.

Xiao Rong listened quietly without interrupting, but after a while, he noticed Wang Xinyong’s name was missing and sat up curiously, "Why isn’t General Wang included?"

Qu Yunmie paused, looking at Xiao Rong, wanting to ask why he cared so much about Wang Xinyong. He deliberately left Wang Xinyong out to see if Xiao Rong would notice. He also didn’t mention Dong Fangjin, but Xiao Rong only remembered the Wang general. …

Wang Xinyong was old and timid, having been divorced once by his wife, with no useful relatives, and a mother who was timid and in poor health.

Even if Xiao Rong didn’t mind these things, one thing he couldn’t tolerate was Wang Xinyong’s lack of manners. Despite appearing honest, he often made shocking remarks, describing every minor ailment in vivid detail.

For example, during the first winter at Yanmen Pass, he told others in shock that he had frequent urination, going to the toilet eleven times a night, each time with a large volume, unsure if it could be cured.

Recalling this, Qu Yunmie felt reassured that Xiao Rong could never be interested in Wang Xinyong.

He even looked forward to seeing Xiao Rong’s reaction when he discovered this trait. …

Qu Yunmie looked at Xiao Rong, his smile subtly amused. Xiao Rong watched him warily, prompting Qu Yunmie to adjust his facial expression to appear more normal, "Wang Xinyong will stay behind, with Dong Fangjin assisting him."

Xiao Rong blinked and said, "Oh."

Just that? Seeing Qu Yunmie’s earlier expression, he thought Wang Xinyong was being exiled to the border.

Guarding Chenliu was also a significant achievement, deserving future rewards. Qu Yunmie left half his army behind, including his most trusted aides and one of the four main commanders. With such a strong lineup, unless Wang Xinyong decided to rebel, no one could cause trouble within Chenliu.

Ah… Xiao Rong suddenly understood.

This explained why Qu Yunmie kept Dong Fangjin around—to watch Wang Xinyong, and vice versa. On the surface, Wang Xinyong outranked Dong Fangjin, but if they opposed each other, they were evenly matched. Dong Fangjin could command Qu Yunmie’s personal guards and had equal authority within Qu Yunmie’s lineage, while Wang Xinyong had good relations outside the lineage but rarely used them, making it less obvious.

Compared to how Qu Yunmie used to fight battles, this time he covered all bases. Xiao Rong smiled lightly and leaned his head on Qu Yunmie’s shoulder, following his heart.

Qu Yunmie turned his head, only seeing Xiao Rong’s hair but not his moving lips.

"Qu Yunmie, I want to discuss something with you."

Qu Yunmie’s mind wandered but was instantly pulled back by these words, "…Yes, go ahead."

Xiao Rong crossed his arms, gazing at the foot of the bed, and after a pause, said, "If circumstances change, in a critical moment… could you be a deserter?"

Qu Yunmie: "…………"

Xiao Rong straightened up, knowing he was asking too much. Asking Qu Yunmie to desert was like asking him to die. Thus, Xiao Rong spoke hesitantly, yet didn’t retract his words.

Qu Yunmie was speechless, never expecting to be asked to desert, let alone not immediately refusing.

After a long pause, Qu Yunmie carefully replied, "Ah Rong, I won’t be a deserter."

Xiao Rong knew this would be the answer and looked away.

But then, Qu Yunmie continued, "Abandoning comrades and weapons to flee is desertion, which I will never do. But if the situation changes on the battlefield, and the enemy has the upper hand, I won’t fight to the death. I’ll retreat with others."

Xiao Rong meant the second scenario when he mentioned desertion, worried that Qu Yunmie might lose sight of his men in the heat of battle. Hearing Qu Yunmie’s response, he still wasn’t fully reassured, "Can you do this even in the midst of intense fighting?" Qu Yunmie nodded.

Xiao Rong: "Huh."

Qu Yunmie: "…………"

He didn't know how to explain it. As the main general, he would naturally go to the battlefield, but this time he didn't plan to be as hands-on as he was with the Xianbei. This time, he had brought so many generals that one by one, they could push open the gates of Jinling. He enjoyed genuine, intense battles but disliked this kind of overwhelming assault. After all, he and Jinling didn't have a deep-seated enmity; there was no need for him to personally lead the charge.

Moreover, on the battlefield, swords and spears show no mercy, and he couldn't afford to get seriously injured again. From his hand alone, Xiao Rong would watch him every day, make gloves for him, and apply medicine. Although these extra attentions felt good, they weren't always available. Instead, Xiao Rong's silent gaze always seemed to pierce through his flesh and hit his most vulnerable heart.

When Qu Yunmie didn't know how to explain himself, he would close his mouth and look at Xiao Rong with an indescribable expression. To put it inappropriately, at such times, he resembled a dog that couldn't speak, silently looking at him, hoping he could understand his meaning from his eyes.

Whether Xiao Rong understood or not, only he knew. In Qu Yunmie's eyes, he saw Xiao Rong take a deep breath, seemingly exasperated, and then let out a sigh as his shoulders slumped. Xiao Rong patted his leg and said, "Sleep."

Qu Yunmie: "……"

Afterward, they lay down together. A moment later, the candle burned out, and instantly, the light in the room vanished. *

The next day, Di Fazeng took over from Yu Shaocheng and led the troops into battle.

Xiao Rong called him over and spoke to him for a while, emphasizing the danger posed by Han Qing. Everyone else could escape, but Han Qing must be found and killed, no matter what. Eliminating him was the top priority, followed by dealing with the irregular troops.

Xiao Rong had already given up on seeing Han Qing die with his own eyes; as long as Han Qing was killed, seeing his corpse would suffice.

Di Fazeng: "……"

Although he knew Han Qing's escape wasn't his fault, he couldn't help but feel a strong sense of rivalry after witnessing Xiao Rong's attitude toward Han Qing and Han Qing's actions after leaving. He didn't want to lose to such a person, nor did he want this person to affect his career.

Not participating in the Jinling campaign didn't bother him much. The Northern Pacification King cared about the Jinling campaign, but clearly, Xiao Sutu cared more about Han Qing. If he captured Han Qing, he would be the greatest hero in Xiao Sutu's eyes. Based on his observations, gaining favor with Xiao Sutu was almost as effective as gaining favor with the Northern Pacification King. …

Di Fazeng first led fifty thousand troops away, and on the third day, Qu Yunmie led another fifty thousand.

Qu Yunmie said he wanted to bring two hundred thousand troops, but they wouldn't all leave on the same day. After all, the soldiers had just been dispersed, and the logistics units couldn't keep up immediately. Usually, logistics support came first, followed by the main army. This time, they needed to seize the opportunity, so they had to depart in batches to ease the pressure on logistics.

Xiao Rong had already said everything he needed to say. At the farewell, in front of so many people, he could only wish Qu Yunmie victory and a safe return. But this wasn't what Qu Yunmie wanted to hear, so Xiao Rong didn't stand below. Instead, he stood on the newly built city wall, looking down at Qu Yunmie and Gao Xunzhi talking. Once Qu Yunmie ordered the troops to set off, he could turn around and see the man in the red cloak standing on the city wall.

Xiao Rong didn't like red clothes. Gao Xunzhi had made one for him, but he never wore it. Eventually, Gao Xunzhi understood his preferences. Now, however, he deliberately pulled out the red clothes because they were eye-catching and striking.

Qu Yunmie could easily spot Xiao Rong, but in the vast army, Xiao Rong struggled to find Qu Yunmie. Just as Qu Yunmie left Xiao Rong's sight, suddenly, Xiao Rong felt a familiar yet unfamiliar dizziness. …

Months felt like years, and Xiao Rong almost forgot what it was like to be reminded by the system.

As the dizziness struck, Xiao Rong reflexively grabbed the battlements. He didn't know if Qu Yunmie could still see him, but he didn't want to risk it.

He understood the importance of maintaining momentum. Withdrawing right after setting out would severely dampen morale and give a bad impression of the commander's indecisiveness.

Besides, it was just dizziness, not fainting or spitting blood, which meant the obstacle ahead was minor—at least in the system's view. As long as Qu Yunmie didn't act impulsively, the outcome of the war wouldn't change.

He no longer relied on the system as much as before. The system had its drawbacks, and he didn't want to become part of an Oedipal plot.

Ah Shu looked at him worriedly, but he waved him off. They waited until the troops had all departed before descending from the city wall. *

Only an omniscient perspective could reveal the whole picture. Xiao Rong would never know why he experienced dizziness at that moment. There were too many possibilities, and no one could guess what happened. It was actually very simple—Han Qing had arrived.

Everyone thought Han Qing should be with Huang Yanjiong or the King of Nankang, but after bribing Huang Yanjiong with Breeze Sect resources, Han Qing left. His face was exposed, making it difficult for him to appear publicly. He had to cooperate with others, risking betrayal, to delegate tasks.

Ironically, historically, Han Qing secretly plotted to kill Zhou Liang's entire clan, but now Zhou Liang became Han Qing's accomplice. Zhou Liang wasn't easy to manipulate, and Han Qing paid a price to win him over. They agreed to jointly support the King of Nankang as emperor, and Zhou Liang was enticed by Han Qing's promise to eliminate Huang Yanjiong, his mortal enemy.

This alone wouldn't convince Zhou Liang to join fully. Unable to gauge Han Qing's mindset, he sought leverage elsewhere, such as Han Qing's son. …

Unlike Zhou Liang, Han Qing cared deeply about his offspring, but compared to the greater scheme of things, it mattered less. Regardless of Zhou Liang's character, his abilities were undeniable. Han Qing raced against time, and a capable ally increased his chances of success.

So he revealed his son's whereabouts to Zhou Liang, who, after investigating, reciprocated by disclosing his daughter's location, without mentioning his lack of concern for her. …

They planned accordingly and split up. Chen Jiancheng was unaware that Han Qing intended to place another person on the throne. Believing Han Qing's movements were for his benefit, Chen Jiancheng committed the sect's wealth and distributed their stored grain, hoping Han Qing would bring him a decisive victory.

Indeed, Han Qing went to fight, but for someone else.

Zhou Liang handled Jinling, Han Qing dealt with Huang Yanjiong, and Chen Jiancheng stayed with the King of Nankang. This gave Chen Jiancheng a sense of involvement and prevented him from realizing something was amiss. Afterward, the King of Nankang could execute Chen Jiancheng, demonstrating that the Breeze Sect's leader was eliminated.

Those who despised the Breeze Sect would thank the King of Nankang, while those who believed in it would hate him. This seemed honorable but was problematic during the early stages of peace. It also gave Han Qing room to blame any future issues on the remnants of the Breeze Sect.

It seemed like a well-thought-out plan, but only Han Qing knew the many flaws. He gambled at every turn, with time running out, Zhou Liang unreliable, and the King of Nankang not the perfect puppet. He never intended to rush, but someone forced his hand.

He could no longer operate with ease and even resorted to spreading disease. He wanted to control the world but didn't expect to reach this point.

To use an inappropriate analogy, Han Qing considered himself an artist with his own rules and aesthetic standards. Using the Xianbei to tarnish the Northern Pacification Army's reputation was legitimate and brilliant, but using disease to force Huang Yanjiong to mobilize was a last resort. …

To outsiders, it made no difference, but to Han Qing, the distinction was significant. The more he acted this way, the more frustrated he became, feeling like he couldn't change the outcome no matter how hard he tried.

Han Qing contemplated stopping, knowing he could evade the Northern Pacification King forever. However, once he decided to stop, he felt unwilling to give up.

In his lifetime, he had witnessed so many partings and deaths, so many nobles reduced to commoners, commoners to slaves, and even emperors fleeing in terror at the merest whisper of danger. This world of collapsing rites and music left him bewildered, yet also eager to test its limits.

The world in the book was vastly different from the one he lived in; reading countless scriptures could not save a single life. Yet, a casual word from him could make those in high positions spare the lives of common folk who were as insignificant as ants.

To those in high positions, common folk are like ants, and to Han Qing, those in high positions are also mere ants. He enjoys the pleasure of manipulating others, relishing the gradual changes in the situation under his control. It's like playing a game, spending tens of years to bring about a new world from the pages of a book for all people.

The phrase "all things and I are endless" resonated deeply with Han Qing, but what he comprehended was not a sense of equanimity. Instead, he saw that all living things and people come and go in cycles; it does not matter if they are burned or killed, for they will all grow back again over time. ...

He intended to dedicate his entire life to this god-like game, but now he has been interrupted. The time and energy he invested can never be reclaimed, his once-proud skills are no longer as effective as they used to be, and most importantly, after leaving this project, he doesn't even know what he should do next.

Having invested so much, he had completely integrated himself into this world. After the separation, he couldn't return to an ordinary life. So he came.

This final attempt led him to come in person; in the past, he always hid and never showed himself. But this time, he came to Lujiang, at the foot of Tianchuan Mountain, on the inevitable path from Yiyang to Jinling. He inspected every possible spot for any lapses, ensuring that each person left behind would face death without hesitation. Now, there was only one thing left to do: wait.

Wait until the Northern Pacification King passes by, and then watch him leave his life here.

This time, Han Qing really went all out. He sent his son away and utilized the assets of the Breeze Sect. Even these excellent brainwashers were dispatched by him, but he would never know that the mistake didn't lie with him or the unreliable Zhou Liang. His plan was proceeding smoothly. However—there was someone he had never taken seriously who intervened and completely ruined everything that followed.

That was the young emperor.

The young emperor was worried about his own life, so he sent a letter to Xiao Rong. However, in the end, this wasn't the young emperor's fault; it was because Xiao Rong had initially intended to turn the young emperor into his own pawn. When the situation became critical, the young emperor immediately thought of Xiao Rong.

But Xiao Rong had acted unintentionally. Who could have predicted how things would develop?

The young emperor had no one else to use, so he sent a frail eunuch with the message. Coincidentally, because the eunuch looked weak, the scrutiny on him was less strict, and he reached Chenliu in just two days. On the other hand, Zhou Liang's chosen person sent out a group of close confidants and retainers disguised as relatives, but due to their muscular appearance, they were frequently stopped along the way. ...

When the young emperor's letter arrived, the Northern Pacification Army reacted immediately. Qu Yunmie, who never let go of an opportunity, quickly mobilized his forces.

The problem was that the day he mobilized, Han Qing had just arrived in Lujiang. He was still inspecting the arrangements when his spies informed him that the Northern Pacification King had crossed Yiyang with his troops.

At that moment, Han Qing was stunned, as he couldn't understand why the Northern Pacification King would arrive so quickly. Could he really predict the future?

However, being stunned was useless; the army had already arrived. If they couldn't contain them here, Han Qing would lose his last chance to turn the tables.

Beyond Lujiang lay Liyang. After capturing Liyang, they could encircle Jinling. Jinling, ravaged by Sun Shannu and others, was in ruins. Their plan was for General Sun to open the city gates to welcome the army, but in their plan, General Sun was supposed to welcome the King of Nankang, not the Northern Pacification King under the guise.

It was unimaginable what kind of delighted expression General Sun would show when he actually received the Northern Pacification King. ...

No one had ever done such a thing for someone else, and problems kept arising repeatedly. Han Qing was truly enraged. He immediately mounted his horse and arranged everyone into position. This was the first time Han Qing had lost his temper with these people, which immediately terrified them. They reflexively followed orders and scattered throughout the forest.

In a short while, the entire Tianchuan Mountain fell silent. No one could see that over a thousand people were hidden there.

Tianchuan Mountain lies between Yiyang and Lujiang, making it difficult to determine which side it belongs to. It is part of a vast mountain range, and although Tianchuan Mountain is just one peak, it is the most mysterious and intimidating in the area.

Although there is an official road nearby, no one ventures inside because those who enter never come out. Even the mountain dwellers who rely on the mountains for sustenance dare not challenge such a place.

Of course, scientifically speaking, the terrain is complex and visually confusing, causing people to wander endlessly and unable to find their way out. But superstitiously, it is said to be inhabited by spirits.

The Northern Pacification Army arrived at nightfall, led by Qu Yunmie himself. He did not allow his soldiers to rest until they had left the mountain behind.

This was reasonable; sleeping at the foot of a mountain can attract wild beasts, and some mountains are toxic. Just passing through is fine, but staying too long can be dangerous. Southern Yong was not Qu Yunmie's territory; he had only stayed in Lujiang for a few months before being dispatched to Jinling. Not familiar with the terrain, he naturally had to be cautious.

However, late at night, everyone was low on energy, so they walked this stretch of the journey. Qu Yunmie's horse also slowed down to match the pace of the others.

One unique feature of Tianchuan Mountain is that it is covered with cypress trees, unlike the dense broadleaf forests found on other mountains. The straight trunks of these cypress trees seem to reach the sky, towering so high that their tops are invisible.

This is why it is called Tianchuan Mountain. Standing amidst the cypress forest and looking up at the sky, each tree appears to rise from the heavens, as if there is a corresponding mountain range above, evoking a sense of awe.

However, there are no cypress forests at the foot of the mountain; only scattered cypress trees stand among the broadleaf forest, like solitary guards. The environment was already oppressive and eerie, and sounds constantly emerged from the surrounding grass. Logically, marching together should not induce fear, but the atmosphere was so strong that everyone felt uneasy.

Under various natural coverings, many pairs of eyes watched them. They had entered the area where Han Qing had set up his ambush. The sounds and conditions were all prearranged by Han Qing, subtly leading them astray.

But the further they went, the more Qu Yunmie felt something was wrong. His brows furrowed deeply, and after hearing the sound of flapping wings again, he suddenly pulled his horse to a stop.

Gongsun Yuan rode forward: "The King?"

Qu Yunmie did not respond, merely staring ahead. After a moment, he abruptly decided, "Entire army, halt! Set up camp!"

Gongsun Yuan: "…………" Camp here??

Before Gongsun Yuan could ask why, upon hearing Qu Yunmie's order to set up camp, the people hiding in the woods panicked. Instantly, shouts erupted around them, accompanied by the sound of drums and distant torchlight, indicating at least ten to twenty thousand people.

Gongsun Yuan was stunned. There were people lying in wait here?!

He instinctively drew his sword, ready to shout a battle cry, but remembering Qu Yunmie's presence, he held back, waiting for his orders.

Qu Yunmie indeed gave orders. Staring at the sea of flames ahead, his brows knitted tightly. After a brief analysis, he shouted, "Retreat!"

Gongsun Yuan jerked his reins, and his horse reared up. Then, realizing what Qu Yunmie had said, he quickly pulled the reins again, almost causing the horse to stumble.

Gongsun Yuan widened his eyes: "Retreat?!?!"

A force of ten to twenty thousand was not their match; when had the Northern Pacification Army ever retreated?!

But whatever Qu Yunmie said was law. He immediately turned his horse, and the retreat signal sounded. Those behind, unaware of what was happening, could only follow the flow and turn back.

Hearing the retreat signal, Han Qing nearly exploded with anger.

Qu Yunmie was no ordinary man; he truly could foresee the future!

No wonder I've been losing to him... No, it's not over yet; the outcome is still uncertain!

Han Qing issued orders: "Go intercept them. Engage Qu Yunmie and lure them all over here!"

His men immediately complied.

During attacks, Qu Yunmie was always at the forefront, leaving others behind. But during retreats, he was the least eager, choosing to stay behind even after giving the order to retreat.

This was not about personality; every responsible commander would do the same. Gongsun Yuan also stayed behind. When the enemy charged, Gongsun Yuan immediately noticed their abnormality: slender figures, no armor—these were not soldiers!

Despite not being soldiers, they still had some skill and were clearly organized, actively engaging Qu Yunmie. Even though Qu Yunmie could skewer three people with one spear thrust, they remained fearless.

Gongsun Yuan: "……"

Even he felt unnerved. Were there people who didn't fear death?

With the King and General Gongsun trapped, the others naturally rushed to their rescue. But these people did not engage in prolonged battles; their slender figures made them agile and fast runners. Most targeted Qu Yunmie, surrounding him like a horde of zombies. This scene reminded him of the only other time he had seen something similar: when he nearly died from Xianbei poison arrows.

The same scene left Qu Yunmie feeling uneasy. This time, he was not losing control; he wanted to leave. However, these people seemed to know his fears, using feints to lead him in another direction. Gongsun Yuan, infuriated by their agility, roared and charged forward recklessly.

Within moments, they were off the official road. Qu Yunmie, also enraged, realized that these people were trying to lure him somewhere. Seeing his army following, he grew even angrier.

Having lost his horse, Qu Yunmie seized a horse from an archer and galloped away. His riding skills were exceptional, turning an inferior horse into a fine steed. As expected, after he fled, the pursuers chased him. While riding, he observed their reactions.

Occasionally, they glanced in one direction, quickly turning back with nervous expressions.

Qu Yunmie immediately turned his horse toward that direction, knowing what lay there: Xiao Rong's greatest threat, the culprit who desecrated his parents' graves, his last enemy in this world.

Seeing the figures on the mountain peak, Qu Yunmie immediately locked onto Han Qing among them. They were far apart, and Han Qing was startled, reflexively trying to escape. At this distance, it would have been easy for him to get away, as Qu Yunmie couldn't teleport to his side, and even if his grudge spear were longer, it wouldn't touch a single hair on Han Qing's head.

The grudge spear indeed couldn't reach. But an arrow could.

Qu Yunmie was renowned for his Snow-Drinking Grudge Spear, though he also used swords and knives. However, few knew that he could wield every weapon in the world, and he could master each one to perfection.

With a spare quiver strapped to his horse, Qu Yunmie stared at Han Qing, drawing his bow with a backhand motion while still riding at full speed. He pulled the most ordinary bow to its fullest extent, and time seemed to freeze. Qu Yunmie squinted as Han Qing turned, then suddenly released his fingers. Whoosh!

The arrow pierced through Han Qing's skull from the side, straight through his left eye.

The excruciating pain almost made Han Qing fall off his horse, but he clutched his eye, gasping heavily. In this moment, intense anger surpassed the physical pain, and Han Qing acutely realized that the situation was lost. His first reaction after realizing this was to continue riding his horse.

But he wasn't fleeing; instead, he intended to lure Qu Yunmie into hell with him.

Author's note:

Qu Yunmie (x), Link (√)