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As the diminutive children pressed together, their inquisitive gazes betrayed a deep-seated trepidation, born from years of living in perpetual fear. The traumatic aftermath of the devastating massacre had indelibly scarred their psyche.

Su Ruo's countenance remained stoic, her mind racing with concerns for Xiao Zhan and Xiao Fan's safety. These innocent souls required assistance, and she pondered the possibility of enlisting their aid to clear their names, tarnished by the false accusations of Yihua Palace's disciples.

Five years ago, the news had reverberated with the shocking revelation of the palace's brutality, leaving an indelible stain on the collective conscience. Su Ruo's resolve hardened as she knelt beside the children, their bewildered expressions mirroring each other. The girl who had escorted her to this sanctuary let out a subdued sigh, offering reassuring pats on their shoulders.

"Why do you entrust me with your secret?" Su Ruo asked, her curiosity piqued. "Aren't you apprehensive I might betray your trust and expose your hiding place to our pursuers?" The girl's response was a gentle shake of her head, accompanied by a meaningful gesture toward the dragon tattoo on her lower shoulder.

Su Ruo's eyes widened as she traced the familiar design on her own skin, a permanent mark whose origins remained shrouded in mystery. Her thoughts swirled with questions: How did she acquire this tattoo? What significance did it hold? The enigmatic symbol now seemed to forge an unspoken bond between her and these strangers.

As the children's gazes lingered on Su Ruo, their initial wariness gradually gave way to tentative trust. The girl's nod served as a silent affirmation, acknowledging the unspoken understanding forged between them.

The girl glided effortlessly towards the elderly woman, carefully retrieving a scroll from its resting place. With an ink-stained brush, she began to write with deliberate strokes, each character a testament to her urgency. As she finished, she beckoned Su Ruo closer with a subtle nod.

Su Ruo hastened to their side, her eyes scanning the scroll with an intensity that bordered on desperation. The words danced before her, revealing a shocking truth.

"Some elite Yihua Palace disciples bore that tattoo," the message read. "As a surviving sect member, you can aid us. We were ambushed by individuals dressed as Yihua Palace disciples, but their martial arts and appearances were anomalous—like blood venom puppets—and they fought like ordinary palace guards."

Su Ruo's eyes widened in shock, her mind racing with the implications. Palace guards? This implied involvement from a high-ranking state official, someone with the power to manipulate events from the shadows. But what could they gain from dismantling Yihua Palace? And what about her own connection to the palace? Was she truly a disciple, or was it just a facade?

Her head throbbed, memories resurfacing like a tidal wave. The little children gathered around, concern etched on their faces as they shook her sleeves. Ling Long stepped closer, observing Su Ruo intently, her expression a mix of empathy and curiosity.

"Try this," Ling Long said, offering a small bottle filled with a glowing elixir. "Our state is renowned for its medical expertise, courtesy of Apothecary Valley. After the massacre, several doctors were taken, along with our precious herbs. I managed to preserve a few on the run."

Su Ruo swallowed the proffered pill, feeling its soothing effects course through her veins. Ling Long wrote another message, handing it to Su Ruo with a supportive nod.

"We've hidden here for five years, awaiting our savior. Our benefactor assured us a Yihua Palace survivor would come. You're the proof we've been searching for. Together, we can unravel the truth and bring justice to those responsible."

As Su Ruo read the words, a sense of purpose ignited within her. She was no longer just a survivor; she was a key to unlocking the secrets of Yihua Palace's downfall.

Su Ruo gazed up at Ling Long, her hands dropping to her sides. More questions swirled in her mind than answers. Who was their mysterious savior?

Ling Long seemed to sense Su Ruo's confusion and wrote another message, handing it to her.

"He possessed the aura of a sect elder, yet his face and attire remained anonymous. He left this behind for us to give to the one who would help us."

Su Ruo stepped back, breathing heavily. The medicine had worked wonders; her memories, though incomplete, were no longer shrouded. The headaches had vanished.

How did this person know she'd arrive here, needing this specific medicine to cure her memory loss? Which sect elder was behind this?

For now, Su Ruo prioritized escaping safely and quietly, ensuring their voices didn't betray their presence. Xiao Fan needed urgent treatment.

As long as they reached Rouran, all would be cured, and Yihua Palace's reputation would be redeemed.

Just as they exchanged contemplative glances, the sound of guards groaning with fatigue and their heavy footsteps echoed through the air, prompting an uneasy silence.

"Have you heard the latest scandal?" one guard whispered to another, their voices hushed but laced with excitement. "Jing Ke, that infamous mercenary, and his daughter – the one who masqueraded as a Liang soldier – both met their demise in Ming!"

The other guard's eyes widened. "No! What happened?"

"Rumor has it Zhao Yun from Luoxia Palace took down Jing Yi himself," the first guard revealed, his tone dripping with intrigue.

Su Ruo's jaw slackened, an inexplicable pang gnawing at her heart. Why did the news of their demise resonate so deeply within her? What bond had she shared with Jing Ke and his daughter?

The guards continued their hushed conversation, their words spilling like gossip.

"And that's not all – the Princess of Liang, poor thing, is trapped in Ming, forced to marry Crown Prince Feng Liu despite being betrothed to another. A calamity is brewing among the states!"

"A catastrophe, indeed!" the second guard concurred. "The Liang Emperor will not take this lying down. Mark my words, war will soon engulf our lands."

Their conversation was a tangled web of whispers, speculation, and concern.

Su Ruo's thoughts swirled, her mind grappling with the implications. Jing Ke's demise signaled a power shift, and the Princess's predicament threatened to destabilize the fragile balance between the states.

The guards hotly pursued Xu Feng and Gui Li, their footsteps pounding the stone pavement as they weaved through the crowded streets. Merchants and pedestrians scattered, knocked aside in the chaos, their angry murmurs and discontented glances lost amidst the din.

"Hurry! Catch them!" the guards bellowed, their hoarse voices echoing off the ancient buildings. The cheerful atmosphere of moments before dissolved, replaced by cries and screams as panic set in.

Xu Feng expertly navigated the throng, Gui Li in tow, dodging vendors and leaping over obstacles with an agility born of desperation. They vanished into the sea of faces, leaving the guards to struggle through the dense crowd.

By the time they reached the south wing, the guards were far behind, but still pursuing with unrelenting vigor. The masked man burst forth from the shadows, flinging open a door to reveal a humble family gathered around a steaming evening meal.

A couple and their young son sat frozen, chopsticks clattering against the table as they beheld the sword-wielding figure clad in black. The parents swiftly enveloped their child, poised to scream for help, their eyes wide with terror.

Xu Feng swiftly assessed the scene, his gaze locking onto the family's. With a subtle nod, he signaled Gui Li to follow him. Together, they melted into the shadows, disappearing as suddenly as they appeared.

The guards stormed past the doorway, their shouts and clanging armor receding into the distance. The family exhaled collectively, their trembling subsiding as they realized they had inadvertently sheltered the fugitives.

The masked man utilized his qinggong skills, swiftly gliding across the room. He pressed his finger to his lips, signaling the family to remain silent. The couple and their child squealed inaudibly, their eyes wide with fear, before bowing their heads in a silent promise of secrecy.

Xu Feng and Gui Li exchanged surprised glances, taking in the scene. "Don't harm them," Xu Feng cautioned, his voice low.

Just then, guards battered down doors in adjacent houses, their shouts and clangs echoing through the neighborhood. The couple's eyes darted toward a hidden panel in the wall, near the wooden dining table.

"Quickly, follow us!" they urged, rushing toward the panel.

Xu Feng, Gui Li, and the masked man hastened after them. The couple slid the panel open, revealing a narrow stairway leading to a secret basement.

As they descended, the guards stormed into the room above, their footsteps thundering across the wooden floorboards.

They overturned chairs, scattered utensils, and flung open cabinets, revealing the family's modest possessions.

"Have you seen any three intruders, one with a mask?" a guard barked, his voice dripping with suspicion.

The couple shook their heads in unison, trembling convincingly.

"No, sir. We've seen no one," the father stammered.

The guards exchanged skeptical glances, their eyes scanning the room for any sign of concealment.

"We received reports of suspicious individuals fleeing in this direction," another guard growled.

They rummaged through the room, tearing apart bedding, inspecting clay vases, and peering behind scroll paintings.

"Impossible," one guard muttered. "They must be hiding here somewhere."

The couple cowered, their faces pale.

"We swear, sir. We've seen no one," the mother pleaded.

Undeterred, the guards continued their destructive search, leaving the room in disarray.

Only when they'd satisfied themselves that the intruders weren't hiding in plain sight did they reluctantly depart.

As the guards' footsteps faded, the family exhaled collectively.

After the guards departed, Xu Feng emerged from the basement, followed by Gui Li and the masked man.

He bowed his head, hands clasped together in gratitude.

"You have our thanks," Xu Feng said sincerely.

The child giggled, eyes sparkling with mischief.

The couple exchanged worried glances.

"This city's no longer safe since the emperor forced the princess of Liang into marriage," they whispered.

"Judging by your attire, you're not ordinary folk," they added.

Xu Feng nodded, his smile tinged with gratitude. "For your safety, I must conceal my identity for now, but rest assured, I shall exert every effort to prevent the impending catastrophe."

Gui Li echoed his sentiment, her gaze drifting into the past, nostalgia flickering in her eyes. Memories of similar gatherings, filled with warmth and camaraderie, flooded her mind. The ache of longing surprised her; she had missed this sense of belonging.

"We must depart before our presence endangers your family," Xu Feng urged, his voice laced with concern.

The couple exchanged knowing glances, their faces etched with empathy. The woman disappeared into the kitchen, returning with three steaming bowls of noodles.

"Tonight's streets will be treacherous," she cautioned. "Stay with us, nourish your bodies, and depart at dawn. Safety lies in the morning light."

The child's eyes sparkled as he devoured the noodles, his smiles interspersed with delighted giggles.

The masked man turned to Xu Feng, seeking his decision. After contemplative moments, Xu Feng nodded, influenced by Gui Li's wistful gaze and the couple's kindness.

As they sat, hands clasped in gratitude, the couple retreated to their chambers, leaving the trio to their meal.

Once alone, the masked man shed his disguise, revealing features that stirred recognition in Xu Feng. However, Gui Li's expression remained puzzlingly blank.

Gui Li's curiosity intensified, her gaze darting between the two men.

"Qian Zhao?" Xu Feng inquired, his voice laced with surprise.

Qian Zhao nodded, his eyes locked onto Xu Feng's.

Gui Li's gaze darted between the two men, astonishment etched on her face. "You know each other?"

Xu Feng's expression remained thoughtful. "One of Zhao Yun's closest friends, I presume?"

Qian Zhao nodded again, his chest expanding with a deep breath.

Zhao Yun's name resonated within Xu Feng's mind. Had he foreseen Xu Jing's escape and subsequent inquiry? Months ago, assassins targeted Xu Jing; now, Qian Zhao arrived, sent by Zhao Yun.

"I owe him a debt of gratitude," Qian Zhao explained, his voice filled with conviction. "He saved me when I lay wounded, a broken guard after a brutal war. Weak and distraught, I found solace in his kindness. He helped me heal, and I pledged to aid his noble cause."

"Great cause?" Gui Li's curiosity got the better of her.

Qian Zhao's fists clenched. "Against Duke Wei's tyranny. To safeguard Ming, Liang, Rouran, and Wei from his oppressive grasp."

Xu Feng's brow furrowed. "Song's sudden fall was a surprise, but Duke Wei's ambition wasn't."

Qian Zhao chuckled, shaking his head. "You misunderstand, Xu Feng. Song's fall was merely a stepping stone. Duke Wei's true target lies elsewhere."

Gui Li's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?"

"Duke Wei seeks to exploit Liang's vulnerability," Qian Zhao revealed. "With Song under his control, he'll turn his attention to Liang, crushing any opposition."

Xu Feng's expression darkened. "And what of Zhao Yun's role in this?"

Qian Zhao's gaze turned resolute. "Zhao Yun will ensure Duke Wei's ambitions are checked. I'm honored to stand alongside him in this fight."

"Who do you think instigated the attack on your emperor?" Qian Zhao asked, his eyes locked onto Gui Li's.

Gui Li's fists clenched, her face set in determination. She grasped her sword, rising from her seat.

"Duke Wei," she spat, her voice venomous. "He's hell-bent on unifying the world, no matter the cost."

Xu Feng's expression turned grave, his mind racing with the implications.

"Song, renowned for its warriors, was conquered to enslave its people and create venom puppets," Qian Zhao explained. "Qing fell to acquire medicinal expertise and resources, enhancing the venom's potency. Rouran's vast military resources and Ming's fertile lands make them prime targets."

Gui Li's eyes blazed with anger. "And Apothecary Valley? Xiao Fan and Su Ruo haven't returned. Has Duke Wei seized control?"

Qian Zhao nodded solemnly. " Likely, to conceal his puppet army within the valley's hidden mountains."

The trio fell silent, piecing together the puzzle.

"What did Duke Wei promise my brother?" Xu Feng asked finally.

Qian Zhao's sigh weighed heavy. "The throne. As long as Wei conquers Ming, he'll ensure Jing's ascension."

Gui Li's gaze narrowed. "What value does Wei hold?"

"Your people's mastery of minting and smelting," Qian Zhao replied. "The legendary Guo Se sword, unbeatable in battle, was forged in Wei."

Xu Feng's eyes widened. "A sword of unparalleled craftsmanship."

Qian Zhao nodded. "Duke Wei will stop at nothing to exploit Ming's expertise."

"The Guo Se sword wielded by Zhao Yun originated from Yihua Palace's elders, passed down through generations," Qian Zhao revealed. "It vanished after the palace's tragic massacre."

Xu Feng's eyes widened in awe. "Then how did Zhao Yun acquire it?"

Qian Zhao's gaze drifted, his voice low. "Zhao Yun didn't find it. Jing Ke, his mentor, gifted it to him before the massacre. Jing Ke had secured it within Yihua Palace's sacred hall."

Xu Feng's face contorted, shock and elation warring within. His eyes trembled, fingers quivering.

"Shifu... Jing Ke... Jing Yi... Yu Chen?" Xu Feng's whisper grew. "Yu Chen is alive?!"

Qian Zhao nodded discreetly, studying the surroundings before responding.

Xu Feng's joy radiated, his face aglow. All this time, his bosom friend, Yu Chen, had been alive, yet he thought him lost forever.

"What does he want me to do?" Xu Feng asked, eagerness infusing his tone.

Qian Zhao's fist struck the table, determination etched on his face.

"Tomorrow, we embark on a crucial mission," Qian Zhao declared.

Gui Li, though initially reluctant, now sat upright, resolve firm.

"Will you require my assistance?" she asked.

Qian Zhao nodded, a smile spreading.

"You, Gui Li, are the linchpin in tomorrow's drama."

Amidst the vibrant throng, laughter and cheers filled the air as lanterns illuminated the night sky. I stood apart, my gaze locked onto Shifu, a warm smile spreading across my face. Clutching a candied stick in one hand and an ointment in the other, I rushed to his side, flinging my arms around his neck in an exuberant embrace.

Shifu's hands rested motionless, his eyes fluttering closed as emotions swirled within. A mixture of surprise and longing danced across his face, betraying his usual composure. His hand hesitated, then rose, as if to reciprocate the hug. A faint smile touched his lips, but the haunting memories of bloodshed and loss restrained him. The weight of his responsibilities, the cumulative toll of lives lost in his quest, threatened to suffocate him.

Our joyful surroundings only accentuated the chasm between his past and present. The carefree laughter of the crowd served as a poignant reminder of all he had forsaken. Yihua Palace's massacre had extinguished any hope of a simple life.

I pulled back, still smiling, and began tending to his wound. "I thought you'd vanish without me," I teased. "Let's treat that cut."

Shifu's eyes revealed turmoil, his heart torn between duty and desire. Though he knew distance was necessary, his emotions rebelled against the notion.

With gentle persistence, I coaxed him toward the temple, our footsteps merging with the festive crowd.Here's a revised version with enhanced emotional depth and descriptive language:

As we fled through the winding alleys, I glanced back at Shifu, his eyes inscrutable. Yet, his proximity brought me solace. We descended into the temple square, where the newlywed couple emerged, surrounded by dispersing onlookers.

My gaze lingered on the bride, thoughts drifting to Liang and my unresolved engagement to Zhen Lan. I must annul it before it's too late.

Settling onto a nearby step, I retrieved the balm from my hanfu and turned to Shifu, still observing the crowd. His vigilance hinted at hidden dangers.

With a gentle tug, I coaxed him to sit beside me, grasping his hand firmly as he resisted.

"Balm," I offered.

His reluctance dissipated at the sight of the balm, allowing me to tend to his wound. His flinch at the burn sparked curiosity.

This wasn't a grievous wound; had he never applied balm before? I met his dazed gaze.

After bandaging the wound, we sat in comfortable silence, watching passersby. Time suspended.

I rested my head on his shoulder, feeling an intimate connection.

Though surprised, Shifu didn't pull away.

Lost in the moment, he forgot the balm's scent, reminiscent of his childhood, when his mother soothed his injuries.

Snowflakes gently fell.

Just as the snowflakes began to fall, a contingent of palace guards stormed into the square, Feng Liu at the forefront, astride his majestic horse. Their sudden arrival encircled us, blocking escape routes.

The sound of clanging armor and pounding hooves echoed through the alley, shattering the serene atmosphere. Feng Liu's authoritative voice cut through the chaos.

"By the Emperor's decree, you are summoned to return immediately. The marriage procession begins tomorrow."

The guards formed a tight cordon, trapping us. Their stern faces and drawn weapons left no room for negotiation.

I tensed, prepared to flee, but Zhao Yun's swift intervention stayed my hand.

His eyes locked onto Feng Liu, his voice firm and commanding.

"You have no authority here, Prince. This is not the palace."

Feng Liu's gaze narrowed, his jaw clenched.

Zhao Yun's sword, now poised at Feng Liu's neck, halted the prince's advance.

The standoff had begun. My heart pounded.

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