Chapter 99: Much Simpler

If the three of them joined forces, things would be much simpler.

However, she still had to test the strength of the garrison at Xuanyuan Juesi’s estate to see if there was any place where that gemstone might be hidden. If she found it, there would be no need to take the next step. But the probability of that was extremely slim.

When she arrived, she saw Si Nuosang pacing outside the gate, looking as if she were hiding something. She happened to spot her and stared at her, wondering what Si Nuosang was up to. Why was she loitering there? She couldn’t fathom what this woman was doing. No, she should have understood. Ye Xuan had told her that Si Nuosang knew everything. Was Si Nuosang helping Ye Xuan? She was a strange person; given how things had turned out, why would she still forgive Ye Xuan?

If it were her, she couldn’t do it. Moreover, to give up a man like Xuanyuan Juesi was even more inconceivable. She was truly astonished.

"Si Nuosang, why are you here?" Qin Li walked up to her. Upon seeing it was Qin Li, Si Nuosang hurriedly pulled her aside.

"Qin Li, don't play games with me. I know you and Ye Xuan are both people from the Ming Pavilion. There’s no point in pretending anymore. Tell me, have you found any clues about the gemstone?"

"No. Not a single clue. What about you and Ye Xuan?"

"Nothing either."

Si Nuosang shook her head. In truth, she doubted whether the stone that could change everything even existed. Was there really something that could change the course of destiny? If so, she would like to see it. She also wanted to change her current predicament, but she absolutely did not believe such a thing existed. Had the people of this era lost their minds? To go to such lengths for a ridiculous legend was truly laughable. Why had Xuanyuan Juesi become the target of this myth? He didn’t seem like the type of person to possess such an object.

"Miss Si, I am sorry."

Qin Li suddenly said this to Si Nuosang. Si Nuosang looked at her in surprise. For someone as unyielding as Qin Li to apologize to her—wasn't that a terrifying thing?

"You have nothing to apologize for." Si Nuosang knew Qin Li was not simple, but she hadn't expected her to be from the Ming Pavilion. Over the past few days, she had heard Ye Xuan talk a lot about the Ming Pavilion and had gathered information on the side. Generally, many people feared the Ming Pavilion because those targeted by it were destined to die.

"No, I have harmed you."

"Harm me? You don't have the capability. Don't overestimate your importance; I never cared about your affairs. In any case, it has nothing to do with me now."

"But it has to do with Ye Xuan. Do you know what Ye Xuan intends to do?" Qin Li looked at Si Nuosang, her tone grave.

"What is he going to do?" Could it be that Ye Xuan intended to challenge Xuanyuan Juesi alone? He would certainly be no match for him.

Qin Li stepped closer, and Si Nuosang retreated two steps. Qin Li gestured for her to come closer, then leaned into her ear and whispered in a voice only the two of them could hear. As she listened, Si Nuosang’s expression grew increasingly grim; it seemed to be completely beyond her imagination.

"Is this true?"

"Of course. Do you think I would lie about something that concerns my own life?" Qin Li said bluntly. Running into Si Nuosang was perfect; it saved her the time of having to track her down.

"You are taking too great a risk!"

"That is why I need your help. You don't want Ye Xuan to die, do you? After all, he has been nothing but good to you. He has risked his life for you several times. You can't just let him go to his death like this."

"You really are cunning." Si Nuosang watched Qin Li’s calculating demeanor and knew she would definitely go along with it.

"I’ll take that as a compliment." To achieve her goals, Qin Li didn't care at all how others perceived her.

"Do you know? Even if I go, the three of us might not succeed."

"Then we must leave it to fate. To see if the heavens want us to survive." Qin Li’s gaze darkened as she turned her head to look into the distance, her brow furrowed with a hint of distress.

Si Nuosang had no heart to dwell on Qin Li’s emotions. She knew that tonight would be a brutal battle. Ye Xuan would never have agreed to let her help, which was why he hadn't even asked. He had already given up on searching for the gemstone, appearing to be in the midst of his own preparations. Qin Li, on the other hand, was more pragmatic; she knew that with only her and Ye Xuan's strength, it would be difficult to succeed, and that adding her might just barely make it possible.

Qin Li looked back at Si Nuosang. Perhaps this woman could help them escape their current predicament. Everything—life or death—depended on this. If they succeeded, she would never have to live under someone else's thumb again.

"Where is the location?" Si Nuosang asked.

Qin Li produced a slip of paper; it seemed she had already written it down to ensure there were no mistakes.

"You really are cautious. Were you afraid I wouldn't go?"

"It’s not that I feared you wouldn't go, but that you wouldn't find it. Remember the time and the place. Also, do not reveal anything in front of Ye Xuan. Otherwise, he would rather die than let you get involved."

Qin Li wasn't joking; that was the reality. Given Ye Xuan’s character, that was a certainty.

"I know, so I will go. Don't worry!"

Qin Li was truly devious; otherwise, she wouldn't have been so insistent. Yet, her deviousness only stemmed from her desire to survive. Although a sense of disdain for Qin Li welled up within her, she could not deny that her actions were not necessarily wrong. To survive, one did what one must. She could not condemn someone for wanting to live; every life was equal. Only that fool Ye Xuan would try to achieve the impossible.

She prepared herself and returned to the inn. Before long, Ye Xuan returned as well. Si Nuosang pretended that nothing had happened and asked softly, "Did you find it?"

"No, I didn't find anything." He hadn't even looked. Ye Xuan knew in his heart that finding that object within a single day was impossible.

"Then what should we do? How will you report this to your master?"

"When we reach the bridge, we will cross it. Don't worry, nothing will happen. By the way, take this." Ye Xuan pulled a jade pendant from his robes.

"What is this?"

"A gift for you."

Ye Xuan smiled. Si Nuosang took it and saw the character "Ye" carved on it, with several small lines of text below. This must be the token of the Ye Estate. Realizing what he intended to do today, she understood why he had given this to her. Ye Xuan was clearly prepared to die.

"I accept it." She didn't ask any more questions, simply tucked the object away into her pocket.

"Is there anything you want to say to me?"

Si Nuosang didn't look at him but walked to the window. She pushed it open, letting the fresh air flow in, and stared at the gloomy weather outside and the strange, heavy atmosphere within the room.