The ambushers in the alley hadn’t expected Wei Lingci to be so sharp. She stood there waiting for them. It was the perfect spot for an ambush, and in a busy little town, a few deaths were commonplace. The yamen wouldn’t find the killer, and after a few days’ burial, no one would care.
If they didn’t strike now, there might be no chance.
Wei Lingci tugged Xun Changqing, who stumbled into her, nearly pressing against her body. Her face inexplicably flushed again, burning to her earlobes like fire. Just as she started to struggle, she saw black-clad assassins leaping from the walls. Wei Lingci swiftly pulled her behind and she became as docile as a pet cat.
She knew Wei Lingci’s skills were no trifling matter—unassuming when teaching, but evident in spars. This time, though, Wei Lingci didn’t engage the black-clad foes herself. The Pingnan Prince’s Mansion guards had been shadowing them secretly; this was their moment to shine.
Many assailants arrived, their skills formidable. Longswords and silver blades clashed, turning the alley “lively” in an instant. Xun Changqing peeked out, but Wei Lingci quickly covered her eyes, whispering, “Don’t be afraid. They’re after me.”
Warm fingertips covered Xun Changqing’s eyes. Her hand instinctively gripped Wei Lingci’s slender wrist. Unable to see, she heard only shouts, clashes of steel, and smelled blood. The familiar scene reminded her of her previous life in the Heavenly Prison—cold, damp, endless pain, fainting and waking in agony, helpless and alone.
She gripped Wei Lingci’s wrist harder, her nails digging into flesh. Wei Lingci winced in pain but thought she was scared. At a moment of life and death, how could a pampered child unused to bloodshed not fear? She didn’t pull away, instead patting her back with her other hand. “It’s okay. Master is here.”
In the Heavenly Prison, she’d longed countless times to hear those words, but they’d been a mirage. Now she didn’t want them, yet Wei Lingci offered comfort. She was truly confused.
Her grip loosened gradually. Seeing her calm, Wei Lingci looked up at the clashing groups. The Pingnan Prince’s Mansion guards were elite, well-trained regulars, but the black-clad assassins fought slyly, disrupting their formation. A few slipped through toward them.
Wei Lingci spotted one charging straight from the fray—wind whistling, robes fluttering, eyes icy. She pushed Xun Changqing back a few steps, kicked up a sword from the ground, caught it midair, and clashed with the silver blade. Sparks flew even in daylight, in a flash of steel.
Without seeing, the piercing sounds of attacks alone tensed anyone. More black-clad foes crowded Wei Lingci, their blades nearly slicing her clothes multiple times—attacks swift and lethal.
Xun Changqing watched anxiously, but her body only knew basic moves. Even with previous life’s techniques in her mind, her body couldn’t keep up. Against ordinary foes, maybe, but these were skilled killers. Straying from Wei Lingci meant death.
They were backed into a corner. Wei Lingci’s sword whirled defensively into offense, thrusting at hearts. Seizing a gap, her eyes grew colder. She swung hard, repelling several blades, leaped outward, and shoved Xun Changqing toward the approaching Pingnan guards.
But the assassins didn’t pursue, eyes fixed on her. Clearly, their target was Wei Lingci.
Unburdened now, no holding back, Wei Lingci’s lips curved coldly. “I’ve never met such fierce assassins. Today has truly opened my eyes. I’ve never quarreled with anyone or offended a soul—such hospitality honors me.”
With that, she unleashed fully. Robes swirling, sword like light and lightning—utterly transformed. The assassins parried several moves, but their swords couldn’t match her speed. They hadn’t expected so many against one mere woman to fail. Too late. In moments, each vital spot pierced fatally; none escaped.
The slender blade carried fierce sword wind. Wei Lingci looked down coldly at the fallen bodies, her gaze as chill and emotionless as ever.
Pingnan Prince’s Mansion guards scattered through the alley, clothes torn, somewhat disheveled. Their looks toward Wei Lingci held newfound respect. One couldn’t judge by appearances—this frail-looking woman had astonishing power.
Xun Changqing hadn’t expected this. Once the assassins fell, she broke free from the guards and rushed to Wei Lingci, lifting her arm. Her small face showed unmasked worry, a far cry from her earlier distance. Her eyes flickered dimly; she saw they targeted Wei Lingci.
She wondered who Wei Lingci had offended. Assassins made sense for the Prince’s Mansion with its court enemies, but Wei Lingci was an official’s daughter, yet also of the jianghu.
The jianghu feared Lingyun Sect—no one dared offend. So it had to be court foes.
Compared to Xun Changqing’s shock, Wei Lingci remained calm. Corpses littered before her; the slaughter ended. Disgust flashed in her eyes, but seeing Xun Changqing’s furrowed brows, it turned to faint relief. Her little disciple could worry. Blood stained her green skirt; to avoid soiling Xun Changqing’s clothes, she stepped back and turned her head. “I’m fine.”
Her hand empty, Xun Changqing felt a pang of sorrow. Wei Lingci was avoiding her. She sneaked a glance at her profile—porcelain skin splattered with blood, likely an assassin’s. Without thinking, she reached up to wipe it.
The soft, childish fingertip touched her cheek. Wei Lingci instinctively dodged, but turning, saw Xun Changqing swaying slightly on tiptoes to reach. Her heart softened, and she let her.
Once wiped, Wei Lingci wanted to touch her own cheek but saw blood on her hand. Halfway extended, Xun Changqing grabbed it. “Don’t wipe. Your hands are dirty.”
Fear lingered in Xun Changqing’s eyes, her small palms slick with sweat. “Still shaken” fit her perfectly. Wei Lingci slowly lowered her gaze, feeling her fear and tension, and said softly, “Changqing, gripping your master’s hand like this—you know there’s a difference between men and women?”
Author’s Note: Suddenly feel like the master is actually the darker one…
Late by half an hour because I went to eat watermelon, but they weren’t ripe—just white… So frustrating, my teeth hurt.
Good night, muah~
