Chapter Seven: More Than One Path

As the leader of the assassin organization, Chen Song always moved with the lightness of a swallow. Even when coming to meet the Empress, he maintained his graceful demeanor. Yan Wugou, far from angered by his silent arrival, actually admired his capabilities greatly.

“Minister Chen, you must have heard about the major event that unfolded in the court today,” Yan Wugou said as she settled onto the dragon throne. With a gentle flick of her sleeve, she exuded the majestic air of an emperor.

“The former Grand Chancellor of Dakang, Yang Chuan, has become arrogant and contemptuous of imperial authority. Despite my repeated admonitions, he fled overnight by carriage to the hostile Qi kingdom—a treason most heinous!”

“I now command you to immediately muster the elite within your organization, scour the route, and capture Yang Chuan. He must be beheaded within Dakang’s borders!”

“Your Majesty, this…” Even Chen Song, a man of formidable skill, felt a chill run through him upon hearing their target was the former Grand Chancellor Yang Chuan. Memories of Yang’s imposing presence during the founding of the Dakang Empire sent a cold wind piercing through his spine, and sweat broke out on his brow.

“Why, are you so fearful of Yang Chuan?” Yan Wugou’s tone carried a hint of disdain, unimpressed that Chen Song was already shaken before setting out. Yet, recalling the Grand Chancellor’s former glory, she found his apprehension somewhat understandable.

“Heh, Minister Chen, do not panic. Yang Chuan renounced his cultivation in court today. Now, he is but an ordinary man.” She declared with certainty. “If you follow my orders and slay this traitor, upon your return, you shall be richly rewarded!”

At these words, Chen Song immediately knelt and kowtowed deeply. “Your Majesty, rest assured. I swear to eliminate this traitor and restore peace to the Dakang Empire!”

He turned to leave, a trace of satisfaction flickering in his eyes. It was fortunate to know Yang Chuan had relinquished his powers; otherwise, destroying the entire Shadow Organization with Yang’s former martial prowess would have been as easy as slicing through melons. But now, Yang was merely an ordinary, powerless man. With a few informants, finding him would be effortless, and wealth and honor would surely be within reach.

…

The next morning, Yang Chuan and Tian Yueying awoke simultaneously. Their first act upon rising was to check on each other’s well-being. As their silhouettes overlapped in the corridor, they exchanged a smile, prepared a simple breakfast, and readied themselves to resume their journey toward Qi.

Suddenly, urgent shouts rang out from outside.

On the first floor of the inn, a group of heavily armored soldiers burst in. Their leader grabbed the innkeeper by the collar, hoisting him into the air with one hand. The soldiers swiftly produced a portrait from their sleeves and presented it before the trembling innkeeper.

“We are here by imperial decree of the Dakang Empress to apprehend the rebel Yang Chuan. Have you seen the man in this image?”

The innkeeper, terrified at the overwhelming force, barely glanced at the portrait before stammering, “N-no! I have not seen him. Please, honorable officers, spare me!”

Upstairs, Yang Chuan recognized the soldiers’ uniforms as those of Yan Wugou’s elite Imperial Guards. “These are the Empress’s forbidden troops. I didn’t expect them to catch up to us after only one night’s rest,” he confided to Tian Yueying.

Having traveled with Yang Chuan for three years, Tian was well aware of the Imperial Guards’ fearsome reputation. Seeing the soldiers prepare to thoroughly search the inn, she hastily grabbed the innkeeper’s hand and pulled him toward the back window.

“Quick! Before they recognize us, we must leave!”

Leaping from the window, the two made their way to where the carriage was parked. Seizing a moment when the guards weren’t looking, they hurriedly mounted the carriage and sped away.

Yet, at the moment Yang Chuan mounted, a man dressed in brocade silently observed from the shadows.

To avoid any mishaps, Yang personally drove the carriage without pause, racing due north through Dakang’s territory. But all his movements were already being watched by the Shadow Organization.

Hidden within a forest by the roadside, Chen Song and his men, having received a tip-off, spread out a map to analyze Yang Chuan’s possible next stop.

After a moment, Chen Song pointed north at Wumeng City and instructed his followers, “Yang Chuan must be exhausted after a day’s travel. By sunset, he will likely rest near this city. Mount up quickly, and let us lie in wait at Wumeng!”

…

After another day’s journey, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Yang Chuan and Tian Yueying arrived just outside Wumeng City.

Three li from the city, Yang Chuan dismounted and glanced at the boundary marker, a foreboding feeling stirring within him.

Wumeng City was a strategic stronghold, fiercely contested by armies. Its defenses were strict; even locals needed to show identification at the gates. As a fugitive wanted by the Empress, Yang knew he could not easily enter.

“Yueying, this city is dangerous. We must not enter lightly. Tonight, we will rest outside the city, but remain vigilant. Do not light any fires to attract attention unless absolutely necessary.”

“Understood.” Tian Yueying nodded obediently. Together, they found a concealed spot in the forest and leaned against a tree to rest.

As midnight approached, the chill deepened under the hazy moonlight. After a day’s weariness, Tian Yueying dozed off beneath the tree. Yang Chuan, however, kept his eyes wide open, keenly observing every movement around them. Even the quiet passage of wild animals did not escape his notice.

Unconsciously, the hour of midnight passed, and the cold grew sharper. The chill roused Tian Yueying from sleep. Suddenly, rustling came from the nearby bushes, causing her to urgently shake Yang Chuan.

“Master, it seems someone is following us!”

No sooner had she spoken than a dozen figures clad in black brocade burst forth from the bushes. Their long blades gleamed menacingly in the moonlight.

Yang Chuan frowned but could not recognize their identities. Drawing his sword, he faced them in a standoff.

“Who are you? Why do you pursue me here?”

Having barely escaped the Imperial Guards the day before, and now confronted by black-clad assassins, Yang Chuan realized Yan Wugou had sent more than one force after him.

Upon confirming their target was indeed the former Grand Chancellor Yang Ze, Chen Song, leader of the Shadow Organization, laughed loudly and stepped forward from the group.

“Rebel Yang Chuan! I am the private Shadow Organization chief appointed by the Dakang Empress. I am here by imperial order to capture you!”

He then assumed an arrogant posture, disdain etched on his face.

“I know you have renounced your cultivation. If you do not wish to live as a fugitive forever, come quietly with me back to the capital. Perhaps the Empress will remember past favors and spare your life!”

“Hmph! Spare my life? I have resolved to go to Qi. If you cannot kill me today, it will be your death knell!”

With that, he drew his cold blade, pointing it straight at their leader.