Chapter 704: Ambush in the Narrow Valley, Daring Skill and Bold Heart (Part 2)

The sibling relationship seems quite good.

However, regardless of what Princess Zheng Dongli truly thinks in her heart, or whether she secretly resents us for not protecting Zheng Dongyuan diligently, it’s not important.

Situation often overpowers individuals, sometimes in life one cannot be too willful, one must learn to accept fate.

“Can we really deceive others this way? Many people know Zheng Dongyuan is dead.” Han Xiaoru habitually didn’t want to think too much.

She doesn’t like convoluted plans.

Therefore, if she doesn’t understand, she asks.

Chen Ping smiled at her remark: “What does it matter if it’s true or false? Is there a difference?”

Han Xiaoru tilted her head and pondered, suddenly understanding: “There is no difference.”

Princess Zheng Dongli did not want her brother to die, for it meant she would completely lose her support. Forget about restoring her country and seeking revenge, it’s already a question whether she could reach the capital of Chu Kingdom alive.

And the remaining guards and workers were even less willing for Young Master Dongyuan to die, for even if they weren’t blamed for failing their duty, they would become refugees…

In this era, surviving or even living well without a background has never been simple.

When everyone hopes that Chen Ping is real, then of course he is real.

“Let’s set off.”

Chen Ping looked back at Shentu Hong and others who were watching him leave from afar, then he ignored them and took the lead to board the carriage, instructing everyone to continue forward.

The corner of his eye caught the +632 Tribulation Value slipping by silently and invisibly.

A rare sense of joy arose in Chen Ping’s heart.

He was right, indeed.

With his current strength restricted by the world, facing various dangers naturally counts as a tribulation.

‘In this way, as long as I exploit this loophole, infinitely increase the Tribulation and then gain immense Power of Destiny, perhaps just staying on Bingli Island, I could infinitely improve?’

Thinking of this, Chen Ping’s heart thumped.

Some things unseen do not prove nonexistent.

When he decisively killed Dragon Maiden Ziyun, he already knew, at least in the short term, he would not be able to leave that world. Even if Ji Hai was a fool, he would not simply let go of such hatred for killing his wife and destroying his path.

Although no personnel were dispatched to Bingli Island afterward, everything appears to be calm.

The calmer it was, the less Chen Ping dared to be careless.

This is the calm before the storm.

If my strength is insufficient, I would surely be caught once I left that world.

By then, with his cultivation at the level of Law Dao Alchemy, being a talented cultivator who has also practiced Stinging Dragon Scripture and reached a high level to gather Dao Alchemy, wanting to surpass him is not an easy task, with the possibility of success being almost zero.

“Unless…”

Looking at the Tribulation Value already at over 3800, Chen Ping vaguely saw a ray of hope for breaking the situation.

If he can continue to improve, there’s no need to seek opportunities outward prematurely.

If my strength is sufficient to protect myself, why care if there’s someone guarding outside?

I believe Ji Hai would not expect me to seek within rather than outward.

The strength will grow rapidly.

When we truly face each other, I believe his expression will be quite spectacular.

…

“After passing Queshe Ridge, we will enter Chu Territory. Imperial Grandmother should send someone to welcome us. I remember seeing her once when I was young; she was very fond of both of us siblings.”

With meals in the wind and lodging in the dew, they braved the scorching sun and torrential rain. Although the group was enhanced with the Pagoda’s power by Chen Ping, speeding their journey, they were exhausted.

Especially when crossing the Zhao and Qii border, Princess Dongli was startled thrice a day, fearing interception by these two countries’ troops or that nobles might be bribed or persuaded by the Grand General Yingyang of Yan Kingdom.

Fortunately, such things did not happen.

Maybe Zhao and Qii countries also did not want the neighboring kingdom to become complete and unified, possibly hoping for Yan Kingdom’s factions to contest fiercely and remain divided long-term.

Of course, according to Chen Ping’s insight, perhaps these countries don’t really know that the runaway Prince of Yan carries an immense secret, a Pagoda that rivals a colossal treasure.

“Doesn’t Yan Kingdom’s Grand General know Young Master Dongyuan took the most precious thing?”

Thinking back to a month ago, the actions of Shentu Hong and Sunx Yi, Chen Ping is uncertain indeed.

Back then, Shentu Hong’s initial thought after capturing Zheng Dongyuan was to take him alive. Upon seeing Chen Ping’s group’s might, he immediately killed Zheng Dongyuan, attempting to eliminate reasons for conflict.

This general never thought to search Zheng Dongyuan thoroughly.

Clearly, the top priority was not treasure plundering.

Later, Sunx Yi wanted to reclaim the royal family’s token. Judging his expression, nine out of ten of his intentions lay on beauty rather than understanding the token’s significance.

Could it be inferred that the Yan Kingdom’s Grand General vaguely knows the royal token’s uniqueness but doesn’t know precisely what it is?

“In this case, things are somewhat easier.”

Chen Ping only hopes that the fewer people know about this, the better. That way, before others react, he can gather seven layers or more of the Pagoda.

“What position does your Imperial Grandmother hold in Chu Kingdom?”

From the memories Chen Ping received, he didn’t obtain detailed information, so he simply asked.

The two siblings from Yan Kingdom traveled great distances, placing their hopes on Chu Kingdom’s support to restore their kingdom, surely for good reason.

“Imperial Grandmother is the Grand Empress Dowager of Chu Kingdom. For thirty years, she has held Chu Kingdom’s power, maintaining close ties and mutual support with Yan Kingdom.”

Upon speaking, Zheng Dongli showed slight excitement.

From what he understood, this was an age-old union, Yan Kingdom’s princess married into the Chu Royal Family, later ascended, and birthed a son who became King of Chu, reigning for several years. Currently, there should still be considerable influence.

“Grandmother?”

Chen Ping’s mind turned slightly, gazing at Zheng Dongli, suddenly pondering a question.

“Who is the current King of Chu?”

“It is King Chu Qing Zhaoye, who is precisely Imperial Grandmother’s legitimate grandson. I heard he has turned sixteen, slightly younger than me; expected soon he’ll govern…”

Zheng Dongli said, then his expression suddenly stalled, looking up.

“Govern?”

Chen Ping’s eyes subtly flickered, this escape might be more challenging than these two naive siblings imagined.

Suddenly, he lifted the carriage curtain and called out: “Move at full speed, do not conserve your energy.”

The entire team seemed to be whipped, momentarily paused, then rushed forward at full speed.

Han Xiaoru and Ji Mingyue led the way on horseback, rapidly cutting through Queshe Ridge.

“Rumble…”

On the perilous peaks on both sides, suddenly dozens of large stones crumbled and collapsed, dust billowed, rumbling menacingly.

Faster than the rocks, the whizzing sounds were relentless, arrows showered down like rain.

“Losing soul perception indeed has many inconveniences, yet some mountain bandits dare lay an ambush, isn’t that somewhat laughable?”

Chen Ping hadn’t thought of sending out scouts. Even if he didn’t want to, Han Xiaoru had led armies countless times, such practices were ingrained in her nature, prevention would never be omitted.

They had their arrogance, even with suppressed soul and qi and blood, never truly considering that any ambush could catch them off guard.

Proceeding cautiously, probing the way, was only for the weak—not much necessity.

“How bold…”

Han Xiaoru charged ahead like a wild dragon storm.

Pride, of course, has its merits.

This past month, daily empowered by the Pagoda Divine Techniques, forcibly transforming marrow and tendons, she gained the essence of its Divine Techniques. Now, in Man and Horse Unity, charging through formations like strong winds on the earth, swift and fierce.

In her hands, the Narrow-Blade Spear swiftly swept and flicked, whether large stones or crossbow bolts, all lost their momentum, cleared by her sweep.

Seven or eight breaths later, she reached the narrow valley’s entrance, witnessing dozens of riders ahead.