Yun Zhen's expression softened slightly upon hearing Yun Xiao's words, but he remained silent, a hint of regret stirring in his heart.
The distance in Xiao'er's demeanor made him feel even more pained. However, he could never be at ease if he let Mu Rong Chong take action.
The two ceased their conversation and instructed their subordinates to gather information: where was the prison cart escorting Yun Mo now?
Yun Zhen had dozens of men under his command, while Yun Xiao had Meteor Chasing Moon, Jing Yun, and the old woman. There were also herself and Wan Wan.
As for Mo Chen, Yun Xiao had prevented him from getting involved in this matter. Moreover, she feared Zhu Yue would report it to his master.
Many things were kept from him, so Zhu Yue vaguely knew something had happened but couldn't find out what exactly they were doing.
Feng Ya Pass was over a thousand li away from the capital of Eastern Qin. The prison cart was not moving fast, but Yun Mo had been taken away days ago. Based on their travel speed, they should have covered half the distance by now.
Yun Xiao and Yun Zhen, along with their subordinates, headed to meet them, traveling day and night.
Finally, they received word that the prison cart had reached Linshan Town.
That night, their group camped in the mountains not far from Linshan Town. The prison cart was bound to pass through here tomorrow. As long as they firmly guarded the main road at the foot of the mountain, they would surely intercept the prison cart.
The night air was thin and cool, the moonlight like frost.
Tall, dense foliage occasionally shed a leaf or two in the night wind, drifting down gently under the faint moonlight.
Piercing through the gaps in the branches, the moonlight fell upon Yun Xiao's slightly closed eyelids, creating a dappled and hazy effect.
Her long eyelashes covered her sparkling eyes. A profound indifference emanated from her as she sat on a thick tree branch, resting. Her outward appearance was calm, but her heart was a tempest. How could she rest?
She wondered what the situation would be like tomorrow.
A sense of unease settled within her. Shangguan Yao was known for his extreme cunning and treachery. Since he had captured her father, he would not easily allow the prison cart to be intercepted.
Originally, she had wanted to involve Mu Rong in this matter, as it would at least increase their chances of success. But who knew Yun Zhen would object so strongly, even threatening to expose her true identity?
She had no choice but to keep it from Mu Rong. She wondered if he was alright. She had just told him last time to let her know about everything. But this time, she was acting alone. If he knew, he would likely be angry again?
But what could she do? Yun Xiao sighed softly, praying for everything to go smoothly tomorrow.
Along the way, she hadn't spoken a word to Yun Zhen, relaying messages through Wan Wan when necessary.
The night deepened, and the fog grew thicker, swirling around them. The roars of wild beasts echoed intermittently, their glowing green pupils exuding a bloodthirsty chill that permeated the forest. Moon shadows danced, shattering moonlight across the ground.
The entire group followed Yun Xiao's orders and camped in the trees for the night, to guard against attacks from wild beasts. Although they weren't afraid of beasts, they needed to conserve their strength for the rescue tomorrow.
Wan Wan, perched on a large tree not far from Yun Xiao, clutched the thick branch tightly, her voice trembling slightly.
"Mistress, what are those shimmering green things moving up and down?"
"Wolf eyes. They've caught the scent of humans, so they're gathering. Hold on tight, don't fall."
Yun Xiao, without opening her eyes, calmly instructed Wan Wan. She regretted the most bringing Wan Wan on this journey.
Wan Wan didn't know martial arts. Although she had Yin Sha, her movements were still not very convenient. But due to a shortage of personnel, Yun Xiao had to bring her along to help them.
"Yes, I know."
Wan Wan's voice was thick with a nasal tone. Despite trying to bolster her own courage, she was still somewhat afraid.
Those shimmering green eyes were not just one or two, but a dense expanse. Thinking of the pack of wolves waiting below, she gripped the tree branch with all her might, terrified of falling.
Not far from them, Zhu Yue lay at the very top of a tree, looking up at the bright, twinkling stars.
Zhu Yue's heart was not at peace. Just before, he had finally learned from Jing Yun what this trip was about – intercepting a prison cart.
As soon as he received this news, he quickly retreated to a secluded spot and sent a signal to his master. However, they were already very far from Yan Jing.
They had traveled for three days. He wondered if his master could arrive tomorrow. If not, he prayed for the safety of this group.
Far off at the edge of the woods, Yun Zhen stared intently at the slightly yellow-green canopy above, a deep pain hidden in his eyes. He hadn't expected his relationship with Xiao'er to become what it was now.
He couldn't help but miss their simpler past interactions. If he hadn't harbored demonic thoughts, Xiao'er would still be the sister he loved most.
His thoughts drifted, hovering between sleep and wakefulness, as he endured this torment.
In the morning, a pale light appeared on the horizon. Thin mists lingered, and the gentle sound of flowing water could be heard.
In the distance, water splashed, forming a white cascade resembling a magnificent silver brocade. Nearby was a green lake, hazy and dreamlike. The shore was lined with dense forests and interspersed with colorful wildflowers.
The dangerous scenes of the night had vanished with the dawn. The scene before them was so serene.
By this time, everyone had woken up. Some took out dried rations, while others went to pick wild fruits for thirst.
Suddenly, the forest was filled with soft murmurs. Frightened birds chirped and flew overhead, their calls crisp and pleasant. However, everyone's hearts felt heavy, uncertain of what the day would bring.
Yun Xiao and the old woman sat on a clean, elevated mound not far away, speaking in low tones to comfort her.
"Xiao'er, we will definitely save the Prince. Don't worry."
"Yes, as long as he is alright," Yun Xiao nodded, recalling Yun Zhen's earlier words.
If she dared to let Mu Rong know, she would let her father know that she was not the real Xiao'er.
Yun Xiao couldn't help but give a bitter smile. She looked up and met Yun Zhen's melancholic gaze. She quickly averted her head.
Perhaps ever since she had revealed that she was a soul from a thousand years later, Yun Zhen no longer saw her as his sister. She had always considered him her brother, and this feeling was unbearable.
After eating a little, the group concealed themselves in the dense foliage, waiting.
The light shifted inch by inch as the sun rose from the east. Although it was early autumn, the sunlight was still quite strong. The gentle breeze of the morning had vanished without a trace. The air was heavy and stifling, with no wind at all. Sweat trickled down everyone's faces.
But at this moment, no one dared to move rashly, as any movement would easily reveal their position.
Finally, the carriage appeared before their expectant eyes.
At the front were two small squads, consisting of about twenty-odd soldiers. Behind them were majestic horses walking abreast, pulling a large iron cage. Inside the cage sat a person with shackles on their hands and feet.
The person's hair was disheveled, and the prison clothes were stained with blood, looking extremely grim. The moment Yun Xiao saw such a wretched sight, her blood rushed to her head uncontrollably.
The image of that handsome and dignified man flashed in her mind. Even in his middle age, he still exuded mature and heroic charm. Now, this man had become a prisoner, and in such a sorry state.
Yun Xiao's eyes were clouded with mist.