Volume III, Real Ancient Capital, Chapter 70: Hell means
by Xiao Xiang Dong'Er | Translated and Arranged by Angel Chua
Although their experience with marching through the wilderness was mature, each time they ascended, they could still see the torches of numerous hunters in pursuit, as if chasing their very souls. This relentless pursuit left them no time to rest, forcing them to choose escape routes through thick jungles and inexorable mountains.
When they finally managed to evade their pursuers for the time being, the sky was already completely dark, and they realized they had lost their way, unable to identify the correct direction.
The night was cold and heavy. Around midnight, a light rain began to fall, and the temperature dropped rapidly. Chu Qiao and Li Ce sat on a dense bush, the thin young girl resting beneath a tree trunk. Her body felt like it was about to fall apart. Many wounds on her body continued to bleed, and the pain in her shoulders was particularly severe. Any excessive movement caused excruciating pain, and the blood loss left her feeling weak and powerless. She almost wanted to collapse into sleep.
However, years of training and experience told her that this was a crucial moment for escape. If she succumbed to exhaustion now, she might never rise again.
"Qiao Qiao?" Li Ce's voice sounded in her ear. He draped a robe over the girl's shoulders. Chu Qiao frowned, looked up, and saw the man squatting beside her, still smiling as he said, "My clothes are dry."
Li Ce's clothes were wrinkled and waterlogged from half a day's escape through the jungle. His red robe was stained with dark red marks, uncertain if it was his blood or that of one of their pursuers.
Chu Qiao shifted slightly, causing fresh blood to seep from her shoulder wound. Li Ce's smile disappeared as his face turned pale. "You're bleeding again. What do you want me to do?" he asked hurriedly.
"Nothing," Chu Qiao frowned, tearing off part of her clothing to fashion a makeshift bandage. "Sit down first."
"Huh?" Li Ce widened his eyes in confusion.
"I said sit down!" Chu Qiao repeated, her voice weak but authoritative. "We don't have much time. Rest while you can."
"Oh," Li Ce obediently sat down, then curiously asked, "Who are those people? Do you know them?"
"If you have the energy to talk, you could run a few more paces. If you keep complaining, I might kill you myself, so you won't slow me down," Chu Qiao snapped.
Li Ce shrank back, his neck hunched, his restlessness apparent. Of course, Chu Qiao also wanted to know who was after them, but the situation was too overwhelming for her to piece together.
If Li Ce had been assassinated outside Zhen Huang City, Bian Tang would likely have blamed Great Xia, sparking inevitable war. In the event of such conflict, smaller neighboring states, like Huai-Song, would be drawn into the chaos, with their strategic locations and resources making them targets.
From an internal political perspective, Li Ce's death would provoke a struggle for succession among his blood relatives, especially his brothers, who would vie for the vast territories of Bian Tang.
For Bian Tang, the most likely culprits, apart from the royal family of Great Xia, would be the prominent clans, who had seen their power shaken after the downfall of the Muhe family. The delicate balance between imperial authority and noble power had always kept the regime stable. If one side gained too much control, a bloody coup would be inevitable.
But what Chu Qiao feared most was that the mastermind behind this was Yan Xun. If Yan Xun orchestrated this, her situation would become precarious.
Chu Qiao knew Yan Xun's strength well. From his perspective, eliminating Li Ce could be a strategic masterstroke. If Li Ce died, it would plunge the political structure of Great Xia and its noble families into chaos. Yan Xun could use the confusion to solidify his own power. The emperor would be forced to rely on his army, possibly even using Yanbei troops to combat external threats.
If Yan Xun was truly behind this, Chu Qiao wondered whether she should expose his involvement and attempt to kill Li Ce herself, thereby diverting suspicion to the rival families. If this wasn't Yan Xun's doing, she could still take advantage of the situation to benefit Yanbei.
At any moment, a special agent must consider the broader picture, making decisions that serve the best interests of their own side, no matter the personal cost.
Chu Qiao's hands slowly clenched. The coldness from her ribs seeped out, almost piercing her skin. She didn't want to think about how she had fallen unconscious earlier, or about how Li Ce had carried her through the jungle with uncharacteristic concern.
If not for me, he would have been dead already, she thought.
But a debt is a debt. Fate is fair.
Chu Qiao's mind cleared as she touched her concealed weapon. Years of training had taught her to act like a machine, driven only by the need to return to Yanbei. Everything else was secondary.
With swift movements, she prepared herself, spinning her blade and taking aim.
Everything happened in an instant. Li Ce's body was flung into the air as he shouted, "Qiao Qiao, watch out!"
A massive hound lunged at them from the shadows, and before she could react, it bit into Li Ce's wrist. With a cold precision, Chu Qiao retaliated, swiftly cutting the hound's neck. Blood sprayed as the hound collapsed.
Six masked figures emerged from the trees, their movements fluid, signaling their expertise in martial arts. Chu Qiao stepped forward, enduring the pain, and unsheathed her broken moon sword. Her eyes were cold and focused on the approaching enemies.
In moments, the battle began. Chu Qiao moved with lethal grace, dispatching her enemies one by one. The fight was brief but brutal. Her skills, honed over years as a super agent, proved superior to the assassins'. In the blink of an eye, she had killed or incapacitated several attackers.
Li Ce, still in awe of Chu Qiao's prowess, watched in stunned silence as she disposed of the last of the assassins. His attempts to help were clumsy at best, and when his incompetence accidentally caused a loud commotion, Chu Qiao shot him an icy glare, suppressing her frustration.
Despite his bumbling nature, Li Ce's loyalty was evident, and Chu Qiao grudgingly decided to let him live for now.
In the foggy night, with enemies still closing in, Chu Qiao resolved to keep moving forward, her focus unwavering.
"It will be," Chu Qiao said firmly, her eyes gleaming with determination. At that moment, Li Ce didn't fully understand the weight of her words. But years later, when it was too late, he would finally comprehend the strength of the trust she placed in him.
There is a bond that, despite adversity, remains unbroken, untouched by time or circumstance. That bond is called trust.
"Son!"
A'Jing remained on his horse, looking at the man ahead, who was dressed in black. He asked worriedly, "Is it really worth leaving the horse camp and the Green Camp army behind?"
"Drive!" The man remained silent, swinging his whip. His clothes fluttered in the wind, and his cape billowed behind him. The Yanbei noble, who had not left the city alone in eight years, now seized the chance, galloping out of the city and into the vast, endless grasslands.
"A'Chu is waiting for me."
In the darkness, the man's voice was low but determined. "I must go."
AC Afterthoughts
"There is a kind of matter the good times and adversities, whether it is wind or rain, or whether it is a sea of mountains or trees, it will not be grinded by the world and will not be polluted by time. Its name is called trust."
This chapter highlights a significant moment of tension and urgency, providing both physical and emotional stakes for the characters involved. The interaction between Chu Qiao and Li Ce showcases their stark contrasts: Chu Qiao is battle-hardened, strategic, and focused, while Li Ce, though capable and well-meaning, often comes across as carefree and somewhat inept in dire situations. Yet, their bond is palpable. Chu Qiao's moments of annoyance with Li Ce hint at her inner conflict—while she remains committed to her mission, her lingering sense of loyalty to him complicates matters.
One of the most striking elements of this chapter is how it emphasizes the relentlessness of their enemies. The hunters' pursuit feels almost inescapable, building a sense of claustrophobia despite the wide wilderness they traverse. This constant chase serves as a metaphor for Chu Qiao's internal struggle; no matter how far she runs, she cannot escape the emotional and moral dilemmas tied to her relationships and her past.
Moreover, the action scenes are intense and fast-paced, perfectly matching Chu Qiao's role as a highly skilled agent. Her combat against the assassins, detailed and swift, portrays her as nearly unstoppable, but her increasing exhaustion adds a layer of vulnerability. Her physical weariness reflects her mental and emotional strain, as the chapter also delves into the potential political ramifications of their current situation. Chu Qiao's mind constantly races with possibilities and consequences, showing that she's not just a fighter but also a master tactician.
The brief section with A'Jing and the unnamed man riding into the grasslands adds another layer to the unfolding events. The man's determination to reach A'Chu (likely Chu Qiao) suggests that greater forces are converging, and the urgency of his mission hints at future developments that could shift the balance of power.
At its heart, this chapter explores themes of trust, loyalty, and survival. Chu Qiao's ability to navigate both the immediate dangers and the broader political landscape is what sets her apart as a protagonist. Despite her cool demeanor, her inner conflict about the fate of Li Ce and the potential involvement of Yan Xun shows her humanity and the complexities of her loyalties.
In conclusion, this chapter sets the stage for deeper revelations, both in terms of the looming political conflict and the personal dynamics between the characters. The relentless pace, mixed with moments of introspection, keeps the reader on edge, wondering not only what will happen next but also how these characters will evolve as their paths intertwine.