Chapter 1043: Xiao Xiao’s Disguise

Chapter 1043: Chapter 1043: Xiao Xiao’s Disguise

Chen Rui clenched his fists tightly, his nails nearly piercing into his palms. His gaze was sharp as a knife, and his chest heaved violently with anger.

He paid no attention to his surroundings, only striding forward as if this could unleash the fury burning within him.

After walking out of the palace gates, his face remained gloomy, filled with resentment towards the guards and anxiety over his predicament.

Outside the palace gates, he swung his hand furiously, as if trying to fling away all his anger, then quickened his pace and left without looking back.

After Chen Rui’s figure disappeared into the distance, the guards finally dared to relax slightly.

They exchanged cautious glances, and then one guard muttered softly, "Isn’t he just someone with a bit of status? Look at him acting all high and mighty, thinking he’s really something."

Another guard chimed in, "Yeah, he’s so arrogant just because he’s got some backing. People like him are bound to have a fall sooner or later."

"Exactly," another guard joined in the low complaints, "With that temper of his, trouble is inevitable. When it happens, not only us, but even he won’t be able to save himself."

The guards griped one after another, their words filled with disdain and discontent towards Chen Rui. Although they didn’t dare to voice it in his presence, the dissatisfaction pent up in their hearts gradually erupted after he left.

"Hmph, being so overbearing usually, let’s see how long he can keep that up when he eventually crashes," one guard whispered, his eyes gleaming with a touch of schadenfreude.

On the other side

Ye Qingchen led Xiao Xiao through the corridors of the palace, quickly arriving at the side hall where Qin Yue was imprisoned. The side hall was located deep within the palace city, surrounded by a cold and solemn atmosphere that carried a sense of oppression. The whole side hall appeared abnormally quiet, with the walls of the building covered in moss, seemingly unattended for a long time. Only a few rays of sunlight slanted in through the dilapidated window bars, barely adding a touch of vitality here.

The doors of the side hall were heavy and ancient, emitting a dim luster, appearing weathered by countless years, yet now distinctly shut tight.

On the stone steps in front of the door, stood a master in black attire, as straight as a statue.

He was burly, his muscles taut, his expression steely, and his eyes sharp as a hawk, scanning the surroundings as if ready to capture any movement at a moment’s notice.

This master seemed to be around forty years old, with steadiness and shrewdness accumulated through years of training reflected in his features.

His hands hung by his sides, broad and powerful, his fingers occasionally subtly twitching as if ready to strike lethally at any moment.

This person was evidently not an ordinary guard. Judging by the aura emanating from him, he possessed extremely profound cultivation.

A chilling air faintly flowed around, seemingly lowering the surrounding temperature with his imposing presence alone.

Ye Qingchen hid in the shadows, furrowing his brows. He hadn’t expected such a master to be guarding the side hall door, significantly increasing the difficulty of rescuing Qin Yue.

Relying on brute force or speed alone, trying to deal with this master without causing a disturbance was almost impossible.

Ye Qingchen carefully observed the master, quickly pondering a strategy. Making a rash move might alarm other nearby guards, or even alert stronger presences within the palace city.

Moreover, judging from this person’s aura, he was definitely not someone an ordinary person could handle easily.

Ye Qingchen’s gaze swept around; he needed to find a clever way to win.

Suddenly, his gaze settled on a tall tree by the side hall door, its branches dense and robust, seemingly a perfect point for cover.

An idea swiftly took shape in his mind: perhaps he could utilize Xiao Xiao’s agility to distract the master, while he launched a surprise attack from the tree, aiming to defeat the opponent with a single strike.

This plan was risky, but it was undoubtedly an effective method. Ye Qingchen lowered his voice and briefly explained his idea to Xiao Xiao. Though a bit nervous, seeing the determination in Ye Qingchen’s eyes, Xiao Xiao nodded slightly.

Ye Qingchen took a deep breath, calculating the timing and positioning of his move. He knew the upcoming action had to be executed perfectly; any mistake could trigger a colossal battle.

In the depths of this palace city, they had no retreat and could only face the challenges head-on.

Disguised as Old Liu, Xiao Xiao walked towards the master with a smile, as if seeing an old friend, displaying a kind and friendly demeanor.

Her steps were neither hurried nor slow, each step exuding confidence and naturalness, making it impossible to sense the tension in her heart.

Once close, Xiao Xiao squinted her eyes, slightly lifting the corners of her mouth, and said in a familiar tone, "Oh, isn’t it my old brother? Long time no see, you must have been busy lately, huh?"

The master’s brow furrowed slightly, vigilance flashed in his eyes. He leaned slightly forward, instinctively clenching his fists, his imposing presence increasing slightly.

His gaze was as sharp as a blade, fixed intently on Xiao Xiao, his tone indifferent and unquestionable: "This is an important place, unauthorized personnel are not allowed! Who are you?"

Xiao Xiao’s heart tightened, but her smile remained completely natural. She seemed unaware of the hostility from the other side, continuing to smile and say, "Oh dear, brother, your memory isn’t that good, is it? I’m that old friend, how could you forget me? We’ve met several times, you haven’t forgotten me, have you?"

Xiao Xiao’s tone was friendly and natural, as if she were indeed an old friend catching up. Her expression was flawless, and the familiarity in her tone made it difficult to doubt her identity.

This performance made the master hesitate for a moment, wondering if he indeed recognized this "Old Liu."

The master maintained a stern expression, but his alertness slightly diminished.

He squinted his eyes, carefully scrutinizing Xiao Xiao, trying to find a flaw in her words or actions.

However, Xiao Xiao’s disguise was impeccable, her demeanor and words exuding a sense of natural familiarity, just like a genuine encounter with an old acquaintance.

Seeing him waver, "Xiao Xiao" seized the moment and continued, "Oh, look at you, always so serious about your duties! I know you’re just doing your job, and I don’t blame you. But I’m here on orders, just passing through and saw you, just wanted to say hi. You don’t need to react so strongly."

After speaking, Xiao Xiao even casually patted the master’s shoulder, as if cheering him up.