Chapter 64: Sword Calamity in the Maple Shadows, Schemes Unfolding in Yin

Before taking action, Li Chengyin knew deeply that he had to ensure Xiaofeng's safety.

He assigned his most loyal guards to keep a tight watch around Xiaofeng's quarters, ensuring that no matter what happened, she would come to no harm.

He entered Xiaofeng's room and, looking at her carefree sleeping face, felt his heart heavy with guilt and reluctance. Gently stroking her hair, he pressed a kiss to her forehead and whispered softly:

"Xiaofeng, no matter what happens, you are the most important person in my heart. I will surely return safely to spend the rest of my life with you."

With those words, Li Chengyin turned and walked away resolutely. His figure gradually faded into the darkness as he headed toward the perilous and challenging battlefield of power.

He knew this battle concerned his life, death, and honor, the fate of the imperial court, and the future between him and Xiaofeng.

He had to give it his all without the slightest hesitation.

As the morning light first broke, Li Chengyin was already in his study, his brow furrowed in deep concentration as he devised a plan to counter Prime Minister Gao's rebellion.

He was well aware that the challenge before him was like a towering, steep mountain, difficult to scale. Prime Minister Gao's influence in the court was deeply rooted and staggeringly vast.

His tentacles reached into every corner of the imperial court, and even numerous local officials had been secretly bribed to become his pawns, following his every command.

The deeper Li Chengyin thought, the more arduous every step felt, and a sense of helpless frustration washed over him like a tide, threatening to drown him.

Just as he was lost in thought, searching desperately for a way to break the deadlock, a commotion suddenly erupted outside the study.

Li Chengyin's heart tightened violently, and an ominous premonition stirred within him.

A figure flashed like a ghost into Xiaofeng's room, and immediately afterward, a strange fragrance filled the air.

The intruder quickly approached Xiaofeng, who instantly lost consciousness and slumped down limply. Without a moment's hesitation, the person hoisted Xiaofeng onto their shoulder and turned to leave.

A maid passing by just then witnessed this heart-pounding scene and turned pale with fright. She screamed in terror:

"Someone, help! The Crown Princess has been abducted!"

This sharp cry instantly shattered the tranquility of the Eastern Palace, acting like a giant boulder tossed into a calm lake, stirring up a thousand ripples.

Li Chengyin heard the cry and, like an enraged lion, burst out the door. In the courtyard stood a lone figure, standing single-handedly.

With that stern face and familiar posture, who could it be if not Gu Jian?

A raging fire instantly ignited in Li Chengyin's eyes as he stared fixedly at Gu Jian, his gaze seemingly capable of piercing right through him.

Gu Jian glared back fiercely at Li Chengyin, his eyes a tangled web of complex emotions—resentment, reluctance, and a trace of unspeakable determination.

He said through gritted teeth:

"In the end, she still fell in love with you and forgave you."

His voice was fraught with pain and struggle, as though every word were being painfully squeezed from between his teeth.

Looking at the unconscious Xiaofeng in Gu Jian's arms, Li Chengyin felt a pang of heartache and roared:

"Put her down! She is my wife!"

The shout echoed across the entire courtyard, carrying unquestionable majesty and firmness.

Gu Jian sneered derisively:

"The Li Empire is on the verge of chaos now; what ability do you have to protect her? Following you, she will only live in constant fear."

His words were like a sharp dagger thrust straight into Li Chengyin's heart.

Li Chengyin glared at Gu Jian, veins bulging on his forehead, and shouted back:

"That is none of your concern! Even if I must exhaust my every effort, I will keep her safe."

His eyes revealed an incomparable steadfastness and persistence—a determination to fight the entire world if necessary to protect the one he loved.

Yet Gu Jian did not retreat in the slightest. Holding Xiaofeng tightly, he said resolutely:

"No matter what, I am taking her with me today. If you are unwilling, we shall fight to the death."

With that, he slowly and gently laid Xiaofeng aside, his movement gentle yet filled with strength.

He slowly drew the sword from his waist, the blade flashing with a cold glare as if foretelling the fierce battle about to ensue.

Seeing this, Li Chengyin drew his own sword without hesitation, and the two immediately engaged in a fierce clash.

Li Chengyin's swordsmanship was sharp and decisive, every strike carrying a lethal intent; Gu Jian's moves were more ethereal yet no less inferior, each maneuver fatal.

For a time, sword shadows crossed in the courtyard, cold light flashed, and sword Qi surged.

As they fought, a sudden thought crossed Li Chengyin's mind.

He realized that amidst the impending chaos of the Li Empire, temporarily entrusting Xiaofeng to Gu Jian and leveraging his strength might genuinely be the way to keep her safe.

Once this thought took root, it sprouted like a seed in his heart, quickly occupying his entire mind.

Therefore, he feigned a strike, leaped out of the combat circle, and sheathed his sword.

He cast a deep glance at Gu Jian, his tone carrying a trace of helplessness and compromise as he said:

"Take her back to Xizhou as quickly as possible. If any harm comes to her, I will not spare you."

Though his gaze still held lingering reluctance and worry, it was predominantly a consideration for Xiaofeng's long-term safety.

Gu Jian was slightly stunned, seemingly caught off guard by Li Chengyin's sudden decision.

Yet he said no more, silently picking up Xiaofeng and turning to gallop off into the distance.

Li Chengyin stood quietly in place, watching their departing figures, his eyes filled with complex emotions—loss, lingering attachment, but above all, a steadfast conviction.

He knew that what awaited him next would be an even harder battle, and he had to give it his all, not only for the Li Empire, but for the day he might reunite with Xiaofeng once again.