The Powerful and Favored Coroner Imperial Concubine

Chapter 145 : Buried Together in Life and Death, Yan Chi's Kiss

145: Buried Together in Life and Death, Yan Chi's Kiss

Wanxing remained as silent and shadow-like as ever. Qin Wan looked at her, her gaze momentarily deepening.

Beside her, Qin Xiang also stared at Wanxing in astonishment. She had never known that this unremarkable maid among the servants possessed such exquisite skills and had saved them...

"Alright, let's go now..."

Qin Wan responded swiftly, stepping forward to help Qin Xiang up.

"Young Miss, allow this servant."

Wanxing stepped forward, firmly supporting Qin Xiang with surprising strength. Qin Wan nodded, glanced once more at the unconscious Shang Lu on the ground, then turned and left the room. The flame of the fire starter in Qin Wan's hand flickered. She looked back to see Wanxing efficiently supporting Qin Xiang as she followed, her impassive face showing not a trace of confusion.

Qin Wan retracted her gaze, her heart gradually settling into a heavy calm.

When she reached the door of the main hall in the Benevolent Heart Courtyard, Qin Wan had sensed the incense inside was strange. Therefore, before entering the Benevolent Heart Hall, she had taken a Heart-Clearing Antidote pill. Because of this, while others began to grow drowsy, Qin Wan herself remained clear-headed. Later, she pretended to faint and was brought along into this underground secret residence. She had detected the danger early and taken precautions, but what about Wanxing?

At this moment, the vague suspicions that had flitted through Qin Wan's mind earlier instantly became clear.

Following the passageway they had come through, they soon reached the front of the Ice Chamber. The door to the Ice Chamber remained tightly shut, and the path leading from the chamber toward the exit was also quiet. Qin Wan's heart relaxed slightly. She immediately headed toward the nearby storage room. They had come to rescue Qin Xiang, but they couldn't leave the others behind after saving her.

Qin Wan hurried toward the storage room...

The storage room was narrow. Qin Wan slipped inside, followed by Wanxing supporting Qin Xiang. Closing the door, Qin Wan took out her medicine pouch and fed each of them. Qin Shuang, Fuling, and the others a Heart-Clearing Antidote pill.

After administering the pills, Qin Wan kept watch on the movement outside. The antidote didn't take effect immediately. Time passed bit by bit. Shang Lu wouldn't wake for a while, but people from above might come down at any moment.

"Young Miss, perhaps this servant should take you out first?"

Wanxing suddenly spoke. Normally silent, she now seemed unusually urgent. Qin Wan glanced at her; in the dim light, she could only see Wanxing's clear, sharp eyes.

Qin Wan shook her head. "Going out now might alert the people outside. Then rescuing the others would be difficult."

Wanxing seemed deeply concerned for Qin Wan's safety. "But waiting further also risks change."

Upon hearing this, Qin Xiang quickly grabbed Qin Wan's arm, afraid Wanxing would take Qin Wan out and leave her behind. Qin Wan glanced at the unconscious figures on the ground and still shook her head. "Soon. Wait a little longer."

After Qin Wan spoke, Wanxing seemed to want to say more but held back. Seeing Qin Wan's uncompromising expression, she simply leaned against the door, listening intently to the outside.

Qin Xiang looked at Qin Shuang and Fuling, her eyes growing hot with unshed tears. She never expected that without Qin Yan present, these few young women would dare to come save her. And now, everyone trapped here was because of her.

"Ah... Young... Young Miss..."

At some moment, the unconscious Fuling softly moaned. Qin Wan felt a wave of relief and quickly helped her up. The room was pitch black. Fuling first recognized Qin Wan, then Wanxing, and finally Qin Xiang. She was momentarily surprised. "Why is Fifth Young Miss here? Young Miss, how did you and Wanxing find Fifth Young Miss?"

Qin Wan lowered her voice. "We woke up early. Don't speak yet. We're locked up and need to get out."

Fuling composed herself, likely remembering they were at the Hundred Herb Garden, and immediately frowned.

"We were locked up by Divine Physician Sun..."

Hearing this, Qin Wan couldn't help but let out a bitter smile. Before she could speak, Qin Shuang, who had been lying still, stirred.

"Ah... my head hurts..."

"Shh, don't speak." Qin Wan warned in a hushed tone near Qin Shuang's ear. Qin Shuang was startled but reacted even faster than Fuling. "Ninth Younger Sister... Fifth Sister... How did you..."

"Don't speak yet. We're locked up."

Qin Shuang pushed herself up to sit. Upon hearing this, she instinctively shrank back, clearly remembering where she was.

Soon, Wan Qing and Xiu Yun also woke up one after another. Qin Wan gave them instructions and waited for them to regain some strength before having Wanxing lead everyone out. Once outside the storage room, Qin Shuang was amazed. "I never imagined there was such a secret residence beneath the Hundred Herb Garden. What was this estate originally for? Why would the owner build an underground secret residence?"

Qin Shuang still had the leisure to ask such questions at a time like this. Qin Wan didn't answer. Beside her, Qin Xiang also nervously watched the exit direction. Seeing no one paid her any mind, Qin Shuang shrank her neck. She was also afraid, but tried to mask her fear by talking.

Wanxing led everyone toward the exit. Those who had woken up later were also surprised that the usually silent Wanxing was now leading the way. Climbing the winding stairs for about twenty steps, the stone exit door soon appeared before them. Qin Wan gave Qin Shuang and the others a warning glance. Everyone held their breath, not daring to make a sound.

Just as they were about to reach the door, Wanxing paused and signaled to those behind. Everyone stopped. Wanxing approached the door, pressing her ear against the stone for a moment. Hearing only silence outside, she turned and nodded to the group. Only then did Qin Wan lead the others forward.

Though they had reached the door, how would they get out?

Everyone stared wide-eyed at the dark stone door, at a loss.

At that moment, they saw Wanxing raise her hand and lightly tap several times on the wall. Her knocks produced only dull thuds. She tapped along the wall until one spot sounded slightly different.

Qin Wan frowned. She saw Wanxing gently press on a specific gray brick. It sank inward, and instantly, a faint whirring of mechanisms came from within the dark stone door. Moments later, the stone door slowly began to open. Light from outside filtered in.

Wanxing signaled for silence to those behind and stepped out first. Qin Wan followed closely. The room they entered was spacious, like a study, but compared to other places, the ceiling here seemed more imposing and thick.

A dim lamp burned in the corner, indicating someone had been here recently. The room was elegantly furnished with many books, paintings, and writing implements on shelves and desks. Qin Wan glanced around and saw the books were mostly medical texts.

"Be careful. This is Sun Haoyue's study..."

Qin Wan whispered a warning. No sooner had she spoken than the lamp flame in the corner flickered. At the same time, the stone door behind them began to rumble again. Qin Wan looked back to see the door slowly closing.

Wanxing stood at the front, her gaze alert as she surveyed the surroundings. Qin Shuang, seeing they had exited, instinctively moved toward the doorway. "Quickly."

Before Qin Shuang could take two steps, Wanxing suddenly raised a hand to stop her.

Qin Shuang was momentarily surprised, then saw Wanxing's alertness instantly turn to guardedness.

"There are people outside. Be careful, Young Miss."

Wanxing was warning Qin Wan. Simultaneously, a figure in white robes appeared at the study's only exit.

Sun Haoyue stood quietly in the doorway, looking at them with pity in his eyes. His gaze swept over them, landing on Qin Xiang's fearful face. Soon, Uncle Dong's figure also appeared behind Sun Haoyue.

Master and servant stood at the doorway, their expressions ordinary, not at all like wrongdoers who had been discovered.

"Where is Shang Lu?"

Sun Haoyue asked suddenly, clearly aware that if Qin Wan and the others had escaped from below, Shang Lu would not have been unaware. Yet Shang Lu hadn't followed them up, which could only mean Shang Lu had been subdued by Qin Wan's group.

Wanxing raised her hands, assuming a defensive posture. Her martial arts were superb; Sun Haoyue and Uncle Dong were no match for her. Dealing with these two would be easy.

But Sun Haoyue only glanced at her. Then, a strange draft swept through the room. The next moment, a row of small, dark holes appeared in the ceiling beams above, cold glints of light flickering within. It turned out that besides the secret residence underground, this room also housed arrow mechanisms.

Wanxing's brow furrowed instantly. She shifted her stance, positioning herself in front of Qin Wan.

"I never expected the Ninth Young Miss's medical skills to be so remarkable."

Sun Haoyue stopped looking at Qin Xiang and focused on Qin Wan. Half of Qin Wan was shielded by Wanxing. She too saw the mechanisms on the beams. "The Divine Physician comes from Medicine King Valley, a person of benevolence and virtue who saves all living beings. How did you come to this?"

As she spoke, Qin Wan looked past Sun Haoyue to the room behind him. She caught sight of heavy purple drapes, with points of lamplight glowing behind them like fireflies in a vast purple mist. Qin Wan had glimpsed the ailing Madam Sun's bed from afar with Sun Muqing. Seeing the familiar drapes, she knew what lay beyond.

Qin Wan continued, "Madam Sun lies there. If she knew you harmed so many lives to cure her, what would she think? If she knew that beneath her bed lay the organs and decaying bodies of other innocent people, would she find peace even in her dreams? If she knew the person she loved most became a monster because of her, would she wish to sleep forever? The world calls you Divine Physician. A physician's duty is to heal the world. Have you forgotten the Sun family motto of Medicine King Valley?"

Qin Wan spoke with gravity. Yet Sun Haoyue's perpetually pitiful, impassive eyes remained unchanged. He merely asked in an ordinary tone, as if discussing the weather, "Has the Ninth Young Miss studied Medicine King Valley's medical arts?"

Qin Wan hadn't expected this question. Sun Haoyue said, "The 'Sinking Dream' I used can only be countered this quickly by Medicine King Valley's Heart-Clearing Nectar. What did the Ninth Young Miss use?"

Sun Haoyue's tone was calm, as if merely discussing medicine with Qin Wan.

But seeing his utter lack of reaction sent a chill through Qin Wan's heart. The mechanisms on the beams were poised to strike. Those weren't her sleeve arrows; if the arrows within were released, taking their lives would be effortless. Among them, only Wanxing might escape. That was not her intention.

"I have long heard of the profound medical knowledge of Medicine King Valley, and now I see it is true. Yet, even if Madam's illness truly requires another's heart to cure, how can the Divine Physician bear to treat human lives as worthless as grass?"

She turned her gaze to Uncle Dong. "Aunt Lin's illness, Xiao Lizhi's illness, and the deceased Da Cheng, were they all cured by the Divine Physician's heart transplantation technique? That man who killed Xiao Songz, whose body received his daughter's heart?"

Sun Haoyue looked at Qin Wan indifferently, the pity in his eyes seemingly dispersed by her words, leaving only empty coldness. Uncle Dong stood behind Sun Haoyue and sighed softly. "Since the Ninth Young Miss left, why did you return?"

The corner of Qin Wan's mouth lifted slightly. "Uncle Dong, life and death matter not to cats and dogs, but your young master has also harmed people."

Uncle Dong sighed again. "The Ninth Young Miss has also studied medicine. Have you ever experienced being able to save all under heaven, yet unable to save your own closest loved one? Only then do you understand heaven's injustice."

Qin Wan felt a pang in her heart. Uncle Dong continued, "Heaven is unjust. It drives people to a dead end. When there is no way out, there is always one last path... sin."

Uncle Dong spoke with gravity, seemingly without any intention to conceal. Qin Wan's heart turned cold; the others also showed fear. Qin Wan narrowed her eyes. "Between good and evil, there is a choice. Does the Divine Physician wish to save Madam Sun? Have you asked Madam Sun what she thinks?"

At this, Uncle Dong's expression changed slightly, and he looked with deep pity at Sun Haoyue standing before him. Seeing his silence, Qin Wan pressed on, "He wants to save Madam Sun, but has he considered implicating all of you?"

Uncle Dong withdrew his gaze, lowering his eyes with a faint smile. "Not to mention this humble one has reached the age of knowing destiny, even if I hadn't, I would be willing to lay down my life for the young master. My life, Shang Lu's life, and the lives of many others outside were all saved by the young master. Heaven has a virtue of cherishing life; the young master shares it. He merely wishes to save his beloved."

Qin Wan wanted to say more, but seeing the expressions of Sun Haoyue and Uncle Dong, she knew any words would be useless. She calmed herself and asked, "Then what does Uncle Dong intend to do with us?"

Uncle Dong sighed again, as if facing a difficult decision. "The Ninth Young Miss need not have returned. Even if you returned, you need not have learned so much. But now, you have blocked your own path."

Qin Wan shook her head. "Uncle Dong is mistaken. At this point, do you still think this matter can be minimized? I have already reported to the authorities. Soon, officials will come. The proprietor of Laifu Inn knows we came to the Hundred Herb Garden. My Third Brother will come looking. Uncle Dong, no sin can truly leave no trace. It is not too late to turn back now."

"Turn back?" Uncle Dong smiled faintly. "No need, Ninth Young Miss. The Ninth Young Miss is a good person. In the next life, you will surely receive good fortune."

As Uncle Dong spoke, Sun Haoyue's gaze returned to Qin Wan. Strangely, Qin Wan felt he wasn't looking at her, but rather examining a corpse, pondering which parts might prove useful.

Qin Wan instinctively tightened her grip on Cold Moon. Meanwhile, Uncle Dong asked inquiringly, "Young Master?"

He was asking for Sun Haoyue's decision. Instantly, Qin Wan's eyes swept rapidly over the spacious, somewhat empty study. If the mechanisms were activated, how could they protect themselves? With Wanxing's skills, she could likely escape a rain of arrows. As long as they didn't die, there was still hope…

Sun Haoyue glanced over them again. But just as he was about to nod, voices suddenly arose from the courtyard outside. In the distance, Qin Wan could faintly hear Aunt Lin's voice.

Qin Wan's heart leaped. Sun Haoyue also heard it. He looked at Uncle Dong. "Go see."

Uncle Dong immediately turned and went out. Seeing him leave, Wanxing, quick-eyed, made to move. But the moment she did, a flying arrow shot toward her. Wanxing twisted her body sharply; the arrow grazed her shoulder with a tearing sound, instantly creating a rip and releasing a faint scent of blood.

Qin Wan's heart clenched in anxiety. Qin Shuang and the others were also startled. Wanxing raised a hand. "Don't move."

In mere moments, a sheen of cold sweat had broken out on Wanxing's forehead. Her voice held a stern warning. Qin Shuang, frightened, stood frozen, not daring to move.

Wanxing looked down at the floor tile beneath her feet.

The room was paved with black square tiles, one beside another, of some unknown material, hard yet not cold. Now, Wanxing stood with one foot on a specific tile. Sweat dripped from her temple. She said, "Don't move. Moving will trigger the mechanism."

Qin Wan knew nothing of the esoteric arts, but she clearly saw that when the arrow flew, Sun Haoyue hadn't moved at all, indicating the mechanism wasn't triggered by him.

Qin Wan was both alarmed that the estate contained such powerful mechanisms and felt as if rooted to the spot, not daring to move. Wanxing had only taken a step and triggered one arrow. If they all moved, a rain of arrows would likely be unleashed instantly. Qin Wan's heart pounded with fear, yet her gaze remained fixed on Wanxing's face.

Wanxing focused intently on her feet, her head slightly tilted as if listening for something.

Qin Wan also tilted her head slightly to listen. Soon, she faintly heard the sound of something flowing.

Unfamiliar with such mechanisms, Qin Wan could only pin her hopes on Wanxing. Simultaneously, she wondered what matter Aunt Lin outside wished to discuss. Lost in thought, listening intently, she suddenly seemed to hear the thunderous sound of galloping hooves.

"What do we do..." Qin Shuang was on the verge of tears, her face covered in cold sweat. Her legs felt frozen; she stood rooted, not daring to move, looking at Qin Wan as if for salvation.

Disturbed, Qin Wan listened again but heard nothing more.

Qin Wan lifted her chin, gesturing toward Wanxing. "Follow her."

Qin Shuang stared wide-eyed at Qin Wan, clearly distrustful of Wanxing. Yet Qin Wan's gaze was resolute. Qin Shuang finally nodded. Even with this instruction, she felt little hope and glared fiercely at Qin Xiang.

Qin Xiang stood weakly, her body cold and wretched, almost ready to collapse. Yet she knew she couldn't move and was barely holding on. Seeing Qin Shuang's look, she felt both wronged and terrified, yet also knew Qin Shuang and the others had come for her. She could only weep silently. Looking at Qin Wan, she saw her gaze fixed on the doorway.

Soon, Uncle Dong re-entered. Compared to his slightly puzzled expression when he left, his face now was filled with urgency and severity. He first glanced at Qin Wan and the others, then quickly whispered something in Sun Haoyue's ear. They weren't close enough for Qin Wan to hear clearly, but she distinctly saw Sun Haoyue's brow furrow.

Seeing their expressions, Qin Wan's heart immediately lightened. It must be Qin Yan arriving!

It was still early; likely not the authorities. All things considered, it had to be Qin Yan. Qin Yan might have reached Sanyuan Village, learned they had come to the Hundred Herb Garden, and followed. The timing roughly matched.

Now, whoever came was good, at least it would disrupt Sun Haoyue's plans.

As Qin Wan pondered, movement arose again outside the courtyard. Sun Haoyue cast a cold glance at Qin Wan and the others, then said to Uncle Dong, "Go out and placate them..."

Uncle Dong hurried out. Sun Haoyue's gaze grew increasingly colder.

He scrutinized Qin Wan and the others, seemingly deciding how to deal with them. Yet he showed no urgency or panic, as if waiting for Uncle Dong's report...

Qin Wan looked at Sun Haoyue. Sun Haoyue looked back. His eyes held no madness or obsession, but that very calmness gradually stirred unease in Qin Wan's heart.

"Senior Brother Sun..."

Qin Wan suddenly blurted out, somehow calling him "Senior Brother." A flicker passed through Sun Haoyue's eyes before returning to darkness. Qin Wan immediately said, "Senior Brother Sun, think of Medicine King Valley, think of the Bai and Sun families. It's not too late to turn back. Madam Sun's illness can be treated again at Medicine King Valley. Even if it cannot be fully cured, she can live longer."

Sun Haoyue's gaze grew distant for a moment at her words, but quickly turned cold again, like frost and snow shrouded in gloom, chilling and oppressive.

He remained unmoved, still waiting for Uncle Dong. Soon, the sound of Uncle Dong's footsteps returned.

This time, his steps were faster and more urgent than before. Reaching Sun Haoyue, he didn't even wait to whisper. "They've broken in. Couldn't stop them. Young Master Cousin opened the gate."

Sun Haoyue's brow immediately furrowed, but it relaxed just as quickly.

He looked at Qin Wan and the others, suddenly appearing more relaxed than ever. He turned to gaze at the bed beyond the sea of purple mist. "Uncle Dong, do you remember what we agreed upon before?"

"Young Master!" Uncle Dong's voice suddenly grew hoarse. He looked at Sun Haoyue with eyes full of unspoken words, yet facing Sun Haoyue's utterly ordinary profile, he ultimately said nothing.

"I remember... This humble one remembers..."

Sun Haoyue glanced at Uncle Dong. "Good, then go."

That glance seemed like a final farewell. Sun Haoyue's gaze lingered on Uncle Dong's face for a moment before turning away.

Uncle Dong, in turn, looked at Sun Haoyue with struggle and hesitation. His feet seemed rooted for a long moment, his hands clenched into fists as if restraining the impulse to grab Sun Haoyue...

"Uncle Dong, having these six months, I am already content. Go."

"Young Master... Alright..." Uncle Dong nodded, voice choked with emotion, then finally turned and strode out with determination.

Once Uncle Dong left, Sun Haoyue's posture slowly relaxed. He seemed to know his current complexion was poor and adjusted his breathing until it softened before walking toward the ethereal purple sea.

His steps were extremely slow, as if afraid of disturbing the sleeper on the bed. He intended to reach that person's side silently, but Heaven seemed unwilling to grant his wish. Perhaps Uncle Dong had forgotten to close the outer door when leaving, for suddenly a bone-chilling cold wind rushed in. Instantly, the purple mist surged and swirled like ominous clouds.

Sun Haoyue's white robes billowed in the cold wind, and the layers of purple gauze in the room floated and danced like a vast, undulating sea. Amidst the rising and falling drapes, Qin Wan finally had an unobstructed view of the person lying on the bed. Bai Feiyan lay under a brocade quilt, exactly as Qin Wan had seen her during her first visit. So many days had passed, yet Qin Wan felt Bai Feiyan's position hadn't changed an inch.

The distance wasn't close, and with the quilt covering her, Qin Wan couldn't see Bai Feiyan's profile clearly, but she could see the perfectly neat cloud-like hairstyle. Her inky black hair had long been tied up; even from this distance, one could see the meticulousness of the person who had styled it. Her temples were like clouds adorned with hairpins, resembling a finely dressed woman resting after returning from an outing, weary. Yet Qin Wan remembered Sun Muqing saying Bai Feiyan hadn't woken for many days.

A strange unease gripped Qin Wan. In that brief moment, Sun Haoyue had already reached Bai Feiyan's bedside.

He leaned over, sitting on the high stool by the bed. He bent close, whispering something in Bai Feiyan's ear, a faint smile appearing on his face, a smile of contentment and joy, as if whispering sweet nothings to Bai Feiyan. After speaking, he gently brushed her cloud-like hair.

He meticulously tucked in the quilt corners, then stroked Bai Feiyan's cheek, like an ordinary husband caring tenderly for his sick wife. The smile never left his lips, so gentle it made Qin Wan almost feel the person sitting there wasn't the same Sun Haoyue they had met, once lofty and frost-like, now like a piece of finest warm jade, crystal clear, offering warmth to the ailing Bai Feiyan.

Sun Haoyue seemed to have forgotten Qin Wan and the others. After murmuring a few more words, he suddenly reached under the brocade quilt and slowly drew out Bai Feiyan's hand. Simultaneously, a dense sound of footsteps erupted from outside the courtyard, fast and urgent. For a moment, Qin Wan wondered if hundreds of people had stormed into the Benevolent Heart Courtyard.

The noise made Sun Haoyue instantly frown. Yet, a smile still graced his lips. He held Bai Feiyan's hand, leaned down, and kissed her knuckles with ardent tenderness. Then, he pressed her hand against his cheek, as if wanting Bai Feiyan to feel its warmth.

But at that very moment, Qin Wan's eyes widened in disbelief.

This final movement exposed Bai Feiyan's arm outside the quilt. The arm that should have been like lotus root was covered in deep purple lividity. Qin Wan had seen far too many corpses bearing such marks. Seeing the faint greenish tint within the purple spots, Qin Wan's mind went blank for an instant, her breath seized by an invisible hand.

Bai Feiyan... Bai Feiyan was dead. She had died long ago!

Qin Wan stared wide-eyed at Sun Haoyue. Wanxing and the others were frozen in place. Some had seen corpses before, others hadn't. But anyone could tell that was not the arm of a living person. The mottled decay of that arm formed a shocking contrast with Sun Haoyue's jade-like gentleness. Goosebumps rose on Fuling and Wanxing from head to toe; Qin Shuang and the others were scared out of their wits. Madam Sun was dead. The Madam Sun whom Sun Haoyue cared for day and night, accompanied day and night, was a corpse...

No one spoke. Qin Shuang's eyes nearly popped out of her head. Fear, terror, horror, various emotions flooded her heart, making her instinctively want to move closer to Qin Wan. But the moment she took a step, a sharp whoosh rang out. Qin Shuang screamed, then remembered that moving would trigger the arrow mechanisms!

As Qin Shuang screamed, a strong force struck her left shoulder, sending her stumbling backward. Simultaneously, Wanxing suddenly moved with incredible speed toward a specific floor tile in the eastern corner of the room. Her toe tapped it lightly, then she swiftly darted to the south, landing on another tile. In these movements, over a dozen arrows shot toward Qin Wan and the others. Qin Shuang, pushed back by Wanxing's palm, avoided the arrows, but being close to Qin Wan, she implicated her. Seeing the last two long arrows aimed at Qin Wan, Wanxing threw herself in front of her.

A thud sounded, and the scent of blood filled the air. Qin Wan caught Wanxing, seeing two long arrows embedded like nails in Wanxing's left shoulder blade. Qin Wan's throat tightened. "Wanxing."

Wanxing forced herself upright, gripping Qin Wan's arm tightly. "The mechanism stopped. Go!"

Seeing Wanxing had deactivated the mechanisms and taken an arrow for her, Qin Wan's heart ached. Hearing the commotion outside the courtyard growing louder, she quickly helped Wanxing move toward the exit. Just leaving this room would be enough. The people outside must be coming to rescue them!

Sun Haoyue, who seemed to have forgotten their existence, moved then. He turned his gaze to Qin Wan and the others, frowning slightly as if displeased by their disturbance. Squinting, he suddenly reached out and touched something by Bai Feiyan's bedside. Instantly, a tremendous rumbling sound erupted; the entire room shook as if heaven and earth were collapsing!

Qin Wan, supporting Wanxing, both staggered.

Wanxing cried out in a low voice, "He's going to destroy this place! Young Miss, go quickly!"

Qin Wan's heart pounded. Fuling moved to support Qin Wan, but Qin Wan pushed her outward. "Go!"

Wanxing and Qin Wan's words terrified Qin Shuang out of her wits. Barely able to save herself, she naturally couldn't help Qin Wan. Fortunately, Wan Qing and Xiu Yun, usually strong, practically dragged Qin Shuang out. Meanwhile, Qin Xiang, seeing everyone ahead of her, instinctively grabbed Wanxing's arm. Already injured, Wanxing couldn't bring herself to push her away and instead used her strength to shove Qin Xiang forward. The scent of blood grew stronger!

The rumbling grew louder. Qin Wan instantly remembered Uncle Dong's earlier expression. No wonder it had seemed like a final farewell. Uncle Dong had known Sun Haoyue's plan. Once he left, once the outsiders broke in, this place would be destroyed. The room had these mysterious arrow mechanisms; beneath it lay the secret residence. Qin Wan didn't doubt this room could truly be demolished. So she summoned all her strength to help Wanxing move forward.

"Young Miss, you go first."

Wanxing intended to push Qin Wan as well, but Qin Wan was supporting her injured left arm. For a moment, she couldn't muster the strength to shove Qin Wan. "Young Miss, go quickly."

Wanxing urged again in a low voice. But Qin Wan refused to let go. Suddenly, the floor beneath her feet shifted strangely. The once tightly fitted floor tiles abruptly split apart. She was only one step away from leaving the room. Qin Wan frowned and, using all her strength, pushed Wanxing beside her forward...

The push used all Qin Wan's strength. Caught off guard, Wanxing stumbled forward, barely crossing the widening gap. Wanxing's face paled. Looking back, she saw the fissure expanding rapidly. At the same time, the massive, thick beam above crashed down with a deafening bang, physically separating Qin Wan from Wanxing and the others. Seeing Qin Wan alone left behind, Fuling turned and let out a heart-wrenching scream...

She tried to turn back, but debris rained down as the entire roof seemed to collapse. Fuling's eyes turned bloodshot; she frantically tried to crawl back, but a falling beam grazed her shoulder. Qin Shuang, whose legs had gone weak with fear, found courage in desperation. Grabbing Wanxing with one hand and Fuling with the other, she dragged them both backward.

Wanxing was right: the cataclysmic destruction left Qin Wan and the others utterly helpless. After that push, Qin Wan sought another chance, but the thick beam blocked her path. Just as she considered other options, she suddenly felt the floor tiles beneath her sinking rapidly...

Qin Wan looked around but saw nothing to grab hold of.

Her heart tightened as if she were falling off a cliff. The next moment, a soft plop sounded, and simultaneously, bone-chilling cold water engulfed her.

Qin Wan felt as if she had fallen into a bottomless well. Looking up faintly, she could still see the dim lamplight from the room. Her hands found no purchase; her body involuntarily sank. In an instant, the scent of death made her heart ache. Though in icy water, she seemed to see again the blood, fire, and cold arrows of that night...

Just as Qin Wan felt all hope of survival was lost, something flashed past the square opening above. Then, a shadow drew closer and closer. Her mind foggy, she couldn't discern who it was until a warm softness touched her lips...

Qin Wan's eyes flew open wide...

Within reach were those star-filled, brilliant eyes she had seen in her dreams.