Chapter 100: A Fierce Battle

At Yang Qi’s command, his men sprang into action, all rushing toward the Gu family mansion. They bypassed the main gate entirely, employing their lightness skills to scale the walls, hoping to catch the mansion’s guards off guard.

Unbeknownst to them, the moment Yang Qi departed, Zhongli Yu was fully prepared, awaiting their arrival. Both sides had anticipated this confrontation. Thus, the disciples of the Thousand Poison Sect clashed fiercely with the covert guards of the Tranquil Pavilion.

Inside the Gu mansion, the clash of weapons rang out loudly, a cacophony of metal striking metal. Even the nearby townsfolk heard the commotion, but since nearly all residents of Wenyang Town were common folk, none dared investigate the source of the noise. Consequently, the battle raged behind closed doors within the estate.

Zhongli Yu awaited calmly. Though Yang Qi concealed his face, Zhongli Yu recognized his silhouette and surmised it was him. Neither Yang Qi nor Liang Wei hurried to engage; instead, they observed the fierce combat between the two sides. It was evident their strengths were evenly matched—after the time it took to drink a cup of tea, no one had fallen.

“Yang Qi, what is your intent, breaking into my mansion in the dead of night?” Zhongli Yu’s voice was clear and resolute, carrying over the clashing sounds so even the fighters heard him distinctly.

Yang Qi paused, surprised that Zhongli Yu had identified him. He ceased hiding and replied, “Zhongli Yu, do we not have a grudge?”

“Indeed. You nearly drove me to death,” Zhongli Yu responded coldly.

Yang Qi sneered, “The Prince of Chun seems to remember only that I nearly killed you, but have you forgotten that you once kidnapped me?”

Zhongli Yu chuckled darkly, “Do you think the kidnapping is more serious than you nearly killing me?”

“Enough nonsense. I heard you captured the leader of the Thousand Poison Sect. I’ve come to take him back today,” Yang Qi declared bluntly.

“The chief of the Thousand Poison Sect? I don’t know him. You must be mistaken; I haven’t captured anyone like that. Please leave,” Zhongli Yu said indifferently, his gaze shifting to Liang Wei beside Yang Qi. Liang Wei did not cover her face; in Dongling, few recognized her, so she saw no need to conceal herself. Proud of her beauty, she disliked hiding her face.

Seeing Zhongli Yu dismiss him so casually, Yang Qi’s patience snapped. Without further words, he struck out at Zhongli Yu. Zhongli Yu dodged swiftly and countered.

Zhongli Yu had suffered internal injuries from capturing Zhou Lan and should have refrained from fighting. But Yang Qi was no ordinary opponent, and with the guards busy fending off Thousand Poison Sect disciples, he had no choice but to fight. However, his martial skills were diminished due to his injuries.

Liang Wei, watching Yang Qi hold his own against Zhongli Yu, doubted whether Zhongli Yu could truly have captured Senior Brother Zhou. Yet, she had other matters pressing her—the need to find Zhan Yan.

Inside the courtyard, Zhan Yan heard the fierce fighting and knew the battle was intense. Now pregnant, she could neither assist nor fight; she had to rely on Zhongli Yu’s men like Lihun to protect her. Anxiety gnawed at her as she caught fragments of the dialogue between Zhongli Yu and Yang Qi. Knowing Yang Qi had come and Zhongli Yu was injured, the situation seemed grim. She tried to step outside to look but before she could, Liang Wei found her.

Lihun and the others drew swords immediately, blocking Liang Wei's path.

Leaning on her beauty despite her pregnancy, Zhan Yan’s jealousy sparked at the woman before her. Coldly, Liang Wei asked, “Are you the Princess of Chun?”

Zhan Yan, seeing a woman in her thirties, searched her memory but could not place her. Puzzled, she asked, “Who are you? What business do you have breaking into my home at night?”

Though Zhan Yan did not confirm Liang Wei’s identity, she was certain the woman was the Princess of Chun, famed for her ethereal beauty. Jealousy and resentment roiled within Zhan Yan—how could one person be so fortunate, blessed with beauty and peerless martial prowess?

Liang Wei sneered, “You’ll understand my purpose soon enough—if you survive tonight.” She then struck toward Zhan Yan.

Lihun and the others immediately stepped forward, their blades meeting Liang Wei’s. Qingyun, Lanyun, Lanxue, Lanyu, and Lanxiang formed a protective circle around Zhan Yan, alert to any sudden attacks.

Hearing the commotion, Gu Qingyang hurried in. Unable to see Zhan Yan in the front courtyard, he worried and rushed into Lixiang Courtyard. Upon entering, he saw Liang Wei battling Lihun’s group. It was clear that Liang Wei’s martial prowess far surpassed theirs—they were no match. Gu Qinghan quickly joined the fray.

Liang Wei fighting five opponents alone without retreat surprised Zhan Yan. Lihun’s group were among the best warriors, and Gu Qingyang’s skills rivaled theirs. Yet, five against one, they could not subdue Liang Wei.

Seeing their comrades falter, Qingyun and the others rushed in to assist. Though slightly less skilled, they were formidable. Still, Liang Wei’s strength was overwhelming—one against ten, yet she held her ground.

Zhan Yan’s anxiety mounted. She longed to intervene but feared for her unborn child. Watching Qingyun and the others suffer injuries deepened her worry. If they failed to stop Liang Wei, she would have no choice but to act.

Meanwhile, Zhongli Yu, fighting Yang Qi in the front courtyard, heard the noise from Lixiang Courtyard and became anxious. Unwilling to continue the duel, he used his lightness skill to rush toward the courtyard.

Upon arrival, Lihun and others lay defeated, as did Qingyun and her group. Only Gu Qingyang struggled on. Despite his internal injuries, Gu Qingyang mustered eighty percent of his strength to deflect Liang Wei’s attack.

Liang Wei was surprised by Zhongli Yu’s sudden appearance and assault. Caught off guard, she staggered, nearly falling, and spat blood.

Yang Qi, following closely, called out anxiously, “Mother!” He caught the faltering Liang Wei, ignoring his subordinates still fighting, and scaled the wall away.

With Yang Qi and Liang Wei’s departure, the rest breathed a sigh of relief. Zhan Yan glanced at Zhongli Yu, noting his pale, nearly translucent complexion. Worried, she approached and asked anxiously, “Husband, how are you?”

Zhongli Yu smiled weakly, “Yan’er, I’m fine...” but before he finished, he collapsed backward. Zhan Yan hurried to catch him, calling out, “Husband! Husband! Someone, quickly find Grandpa Meng!”

Lihun and the others were gravely wounded, barely able to rise. Seeing their master fall, they struggled desperately to reach a doctor but were too weak.

Gu Qingyang, lightly injured, responded to Zhan Yan’s call, “Little sister, wait—I’ll fetch Grandpa Meng at once.”

Meng Tao was in a small courtyard researching antidotes with Zhou Lan, unaware of the chaos in the front. When Gu Qingyang rushed in, urgently reporting Zhongli Yu’s severe injury, Meng Tao wasted no time and hurried to Lixiang Courtyard.

Zhan Yan’s face turned pale with worry. Zhongli Yu was unconscious and unresponsive, leaning lifeless in her arms. Seeing Meng Tao arrive was like seeing a savior. “Grandpa Meng, please, my husband is gravely wounded,” she pleaded.

Meng Tao quickly instructed, “Help him onto the bed first.”

Gu Qingyang and Zhan Yan carefully lifted Zhongli Yu onto the bed. Meng Tao produced a pill, administering it to Zhongli Yu before taking his pulse.

Zhan Yan stood nervously by, watching as Meng Tao’s brows furrowed deeper. After a moment, he said, “This young man truly has no regard for his life. Already nursing internal injuries, he exerted himself fully tonight, dealing a powerful blow that damaged his foundation. It seems he won’t recover in less than ten to fifteen days.”

“Grandpa Meng, does that mean my husband will be alright? Just needs rest for ten to fifteen days?” Zhan Yan clung to his words anxiously.

Meng Tao nodded, “Don’t worry, he’s got a strong constitution. I gave him a top-grade internal injury medicine, so he should recover faster. But within half a month, he cannot use internal energy again, or he'll be ruined.”

Relieved, Zhan Yan said, “Thank you, Grandpa Meng.”

“Don’t be so formal, silly girl,” he chuckled.

Just then, the elderly lord hurried in, alarmed at Zhongli Yu’s condition. “Brother Meng, how is my grandson?” he asked anxiously.

Meng Tao assured him, “Rest easy. Brother Zhongli’s injuries are serious but not critical. With rest, he will recover.”

The elder finally exhaled in relief.

Meng Tao then examined Lihun and the others, all heavily injured. The battle had been costly. Several covert guards in the front courtyard had also perished or been wounded. The Thousand Poison Sect’s hundred-plus disciples were entirely wiped out.

Now, the Gu estate’s inhabitants, from master to servant, bore wounds. Fortunately, Zhongli Yu had also injured Liang Wei. For the time being, an attack was unlikely; otherwise, the consequences would be dire.

Nearly an hour later, Zhongli Yu slowly regained consciousness. Opening his eyes, he saw his wife quietly watching by his bedside.

“You’re awake,” Zhan Yan whispered.

Zhongli Yu blinked, still dizzy, and asked, “Yan’er, how long have I slept? Why aren’t you resting?”

Noting the late hour, he was touched by her vigilance.

Zhan Yan looked at him earnestly. “Zhongli Yu, we need to discuss something.”

His heart skipped a beat at her serious tone and the use of his full name. Nervously, he asked, “What is it, Yan’er?”

Seeing his tension warmed her heart. This man cared for her deeply. Yet some things must be said plainly.

“From now on, no matter what happens, you must value your own life. You don’t cherish your body, and if something happens to you, what will become of me?”

Zhongli Yu felt guilty. “Yan’er, protecting you and our child is my duty. I can’t let anyone harm you.”

Zhan Yan grew angry at his certainty. “Is your responsibility worth risking your life?”

He looked at her earnestly. “Yan’er, as long as it keeps you safe, I’d rather lose my life. You’re far more important to me.”

She didn’t know what to say. She should feel grateful or happy, but she didn’t want him to sacrifice himself. To her, he was as precious as her own life. She wanted him to cherish his life, not recklessly throw it away for her. What would she do if he died? Could she live without him? No, she couldn’t—she loved him deeply, to the bone. She could not bear losing him.

Looking into his eyes, she spoke slowly, “Husband, if you don’t cherish yourself, if you ever leave me, I won’t live. If you want me to survive, then you must live.”

Zhongli Yu sighed at her stubbornness. “Yan’er, you really are a silly girl.”

“You’re the silly one,” she shot back.

“Yes, I’m foolish—especially when it comes to you.”

“Don’t change the subject. You haven’t promised me yet. No more foolishness. Do you hear me? You knew you had internal injuries but still used your full strength. Were you trying to throw your life away?”

“But if I hadn’t used that strike, we wouldn’t have driven them back.”

“Wasn’t I here?”

“You’re pregnant. If you fought, you’d risk the child.”

“Husband, how can you be so foolish? If the child is lost, we can have another. But if you’re hurt, what will I do? If you’re gone, what meaning does having a child hold?”

“I’m fine now, aren’t I? I don’t regret using that strike because I protected you and the child.”

“This is the last time. If you do it again, I’ll leave you,” Zhan Yan declared firmly.

Seeing her seriousness, Zhongli Yu relented. “Alright, Yan’er. I promise, no matter what, I’ll try to protect myself. Is that enough?”

Only then did Zhan Yan relax.

She called out softly, “Who’s outside the door?”

“Miss, it’s your servant Qingyun,” came the reply.

“Qingyun, is the medicine for the lord ready?”

“Yes, Miss, it’s brewed.”

“Bring it in.”

“Yes, Miss.”

Zhan Yan helped Zhongli Yu take the medicine, then lay down beside him, embracing him as they fell asleep.

Back at the Thousand Poison Sect’s headquarters, Yang Qi returned with the injured Liang Wei and immediately ordered the doctors to treat her wounds. The blow from Zhongli Yu had been severe; she wouldn’t be able to fight for at least ten to fifteen days.

The doctor prescribed several healing medicines and instructed Liang Wei on precautions before leaving.

“Mother, how do you feel?” Yang Qi asked anxiously.

Liang Wei weakly replied, “Qi’er, it hurts deeply, as if all my internal organs are wounded. I didn’t expect Zhongli Yu’s martial skill to be so formidable. No wonder your senior uncle was captured by him.”

“Mother, what do we do now? You’re incapacitated, and if Zhongli Yu comes after us, won’t that be dangerous?”

“For now, we must summon more Thousand Poison Sect disciples. Once I recover, we’ll return to Xiyuan and help you reclaim the throne.”

“But Mother, Yang Rui firmly holds the throne now. It won’t be so easy to overthrow him.”

“Don’t worry. The prime minister and general of Xiyuan are on my side. The military power lies with the general, and I control over a dozen key officials. Bringing him down won’t be difficult.”

“The general? You mean the newly appointed Yan Shi?” Yan Shi was Yan Kuan’s younger brother, and after Yan Kuan’s death, Yang Yuxiong had appointed him general.

“Mother, how is Yan Shi on your side? When did you win him over?” Yang Qi asked, surprised.

Liang Wei sneered, “Not just Yan Shi. Yan Kuan was my man too. Years ago, I suggested to Yang Yuxiong to have Yan Kuan impersonate the King of Zhen Nan.”

Yang Qi stared at his mother in shock, as if she were a stranger. How many years had she schemed? His mother had truly labored painstakingly for him to become emperor.

“Mother, I’m in awe of you. You had everything planned out.”

Liang Wei smiled faintly. “Qi’er, gaining this world is never easy. That’s why I had to strategize. Remember, everything I’ve done is for you.”

Moved, Yang Qi said, “Mother, I understand. When I become emperor, I’ll never forget you and will honor you even more.”

“That’s all I wish to hear, Qi’er.”

“Mother, how much medicine do we have left? Several officials need their antidotes now,” Yang Qi asked with concern.

Liang Wei retrieved a bottle from her bosom and handed it to him. “Give these to Mo Qing first, to be used on those whose poison is about to awaken. After more than ten days, once I’ve recovered, we’ll act. Make sure no one knows we’re out of antidote here.”

“You always think of everything, Mother. I’ll take care of it now.”

“Good. Go ahead.”

“Mother, rest well. I’ll return to see you after I finish.”

“Alright.”