The entire capital city was silent late at night, with only the imperial palace lit. Su Cheng and Gu Qianying had settled Lu Zhu and Xiao Yihhao.
With the two of them taken care of, they could finally focus on their mission: rescuing their loved ones and friends, a task they were determined to complete.
Gu Qianying and Su Cheng changed into black night-blooming clothes, moving through the imperial palace like phantoms in the darkness.
Through numerous shared experiences, they had developed a profound understanding and seamless coordination. A single glance was enough for them to comprehend each other's thoughts, ensuring no action would hinder the other.
Meanwhile, deep within the imperial palace, in a dungeon, the missing individuals were all suspended upside down in a water prison. Below them was murky water teeming with countless crocodiles and man-eating beasts. Facing them were the Empress and Grand Tutor Su.
The Empress, adorned in a purple robe with golden thread embroidery, exuded an air of regal grace. Her facial features suggested a gentle disposition, but the scene before her told a different story. The ground was stained with blood, and several spirit beasts were confined in cages, on the verge of death.
The Empress, arm in arm with Grand Tutor Su, stood before them, a sinister smile on her face. She watched them writhe in agony, instructing her subordinates to inflict fresh lash marks on their bodies. They reveled in the spectacle, believing that those who refused to submit to their rule had no reason to live and deserved to be eliminated.
However, as the Empress raised her hand to continue the whipping, she was intercepted. A figure, clad in a dark python robe, appeared as if descending from the heavens. He seemed disgusted by the blood and filth of the dungeon, even covering his mouth and nose with a white handkerchief, feigning extreme aversion and projecting an air of princely dignity. He paid no heed to the individuals before him, viewing them as mere beasts. Yet, he saw this as a potential means to control Gu Qianying. Crucially, these people could not die; the Empress and Grand Tutor Su must not be allowed to torture them to death.
"What do you want?"
The Empress's expression soured at his arrival. Though they were currently allied, past grievances could never be erased. Thus, despite their common front, they still harbored mutual disdain. The Empress, for instance, found the First Prince's affectation unbearable.
"I've come to observe how you torment them. These individuals are crucial to us now, but they must not die. Once they are gone, we will have no leverage over Gu Qianying. How then shall we keep them in check?"
The First Prince's words held merit. However, the enraged Empress was at a loss. The spirit beasts, once captured, had remained defiant, refusing to divulge any information. It was worth noting that these spirit beasts, usually proud and immensely powerful, had been captured so easily due to a potent poison secretly administered by the Empress.
Now, finding themselves in the same predicament, she wondered if she should seek Gu Qianying's help. Regardless, she had to persevere through these trials and not falter, lest she fail to account for herself to Gu Qianying.
The Empress, glaring at the still-defiant spirit beasts in their cages, who endured the lashings with unwavering resolve, felt a surge of anger. They needed Gu Qianying, but with her whereabouts unknown, she could only vent her frustration on these spirit beasts. Now, to be told that the spirit beasts were off-limits was preposterous. She shot a glare at Grand Tutor Su, blaming him for the entire predicament. Had he not instigated these events, she would never have allied herself with this arrogant fool.
"Then what do you suggest we do?"
The Empress could not stand his pretentious demeanor and leaned against Grand Tutor Su. Grand Tutor Su, feeling helpless, tried to mediate but found himself in a difficult position with the Empress in a fit of rage. He could only cast a pleading glance at the First Prince, hoping he would understand his unspoken request.
However, the First Prince remained indifferent, maintaining his haughty demeanor. He picked up a searing iron and moved to brand the spirit beast Bai Ze. The spirit beast Bai Ze cowered in its cage, filled with dread, unsure where to escape.
At that moment, the roof of the dungeon was split open by a flash of sword light. Two figures in black descended from above, carrying an aura of sword energy and the night's dew. The arrivals were Su Cheng and Gu Qianying. Dressed in their night-blooming attire, their stern expressions mirrored their displeasure at seeing their companions and the spirit beasts so cruelly tormented. Gu Qianying's eyes welled up with a hint of redness.
The three in the dungeon, seeing them, felt their arrival was opportune. Instead of having to seek them out, they had come to them, saving them the trouble.
"You've come at the perfect time!"
The First Prince dropped the searing iron, a cold smile gracing his lips as he looked at Su Cheng and Gu Qianying. Now, their grievances could be settled. The Empress desired Gu Qianying's blood, while he sought Su Cheng's life. This would solidify his claim to the throne. With this thought, he signaled Grand Tutor Su to act swiftly. Fortunately, Grand Tutor Su was perceptive and immediately ordered a group of men to surround Su Cheng and Gu Qianying.
"Why didn't you reveal yourselves earlier? Why did you flee?"
Su Cheng and Gu Qianying stood back-to-back, their gazes fixed on the surrounding guards. A sense of unease settled upon them. Had these people anticipated their arrival?
"What's going on?" Su Cheng asked. Gu Qianying frowned, remaining silent. She tightly gripped her sword, her eyes on the Empress, and said coldly, "We're only here to rescue people! Do you really want me to tear down your palace?"
They had anticipated the possibility of the opposition being prepared and were not foolish enough to arrive alone, expecting to be easily dealt with.
"Then you can certainly try!"
Gu Qianying drew her sword, her gaze towards the Empress filled with cold resolve. Looking at the people struggling in the dungeon, a pang of pain struck her heart. Tonight, she was determined to rescue them all, or she would be unworthy of being the sect leader of Luocha Palace!
"Then stop wasting your breath!"
The Empress sneered and waved her hand. As the surrounding guards prepared to charge, the First Prince stopped them.
"Wait. They have traveled a long distance; we must not resort to violence!"
His pretense of goodwill was nothing but hypocrisy, and Gu Qianying detested such people. She leaned closer to Su Cheng and whispered, "Later, we'll just..."
She did not finish. Years of unspoken understanding meant that some things did not need to be articulated.
"Alright!"
Su Cheng nodded gently, immediately understanding Gu Qianying's intention. The two exchanged a knowing glance, ready to act in concert.