Unorthodox Wuxia: While Others Practice Martial Arts, I Cultivate Immortality - Chapter 34

Chapter 34: The Treasure Revealed (Part 1)

On the other side, Xu Hongshao was taken by the man in black to a hidden corner.

“Who are you? Why did you save me?” she demanded warily.

The man in black removed his face covering, revealing a pale, clean-shaven face.

“Eunuch Wang—it’s you!” Xu Hongshao immediately recognized him. He was Wang Xi, the trusted right-hand man of the Empress.

“It is I indeed, Second Madam. I hope you’ve been well,” Wang Xi said with a faint smile.

Xu Hongshao’s expression turned cold. “If you’ve come to save me, why didn’t you also rescue my elder brother and my three nephews? Is it because my brother is now crippled and of no use to the Empress anymore?”

Wang Xi sighed deeply, his smile fading. “Second Madam, do not doubt Her Majesty’s intentions. It was difficult enough for me to come out in secret at all. If my identity were exposed, it would bring disaster. That Feng Baobao knows me well—if we crossed blades, he would recognize me instantly. And besides, Feng Baobao is only one step away from becoming a Peerless master. Even if I had struck, I would have shared Hero Xue’s fate.”

Xu Hongshao was unconvinced. “Perhaps you couldn’t defeat Feng Baobao alone—but if you had joined forces with Hero Xue, the outcome might have been different. You were already here, watching from the shadows, weren’t you? You just stood by and watched him die!”

“Second Madam, those are cruel words,” Wang Xi said helplessly. “In any case, you must live on. The First Madam and the rest of the Duke’s household are already on their way into exile. Your task is to look after them. The road ahead will not be peaceful—both of us know how the Eastern Depot operates. They won’t let their prey escape alive.”

He then took a small brocade box from his robe and handed it to her.

“This is the Supreme Rejuvenation Pill that Her Majesty once bestowed upon me. It cannot heal Feng Baobao’s Netherworld Frost Qi, but it will suppress your injuries well enough. Take it, Second Madam. And don’t think of rescuing the Duke—it’s far too late. As for the Duke, the three young masters, and Hero Xue’s remains, I will find a way to recover and bury them properly. You have my word.”

With that, his figure flickered and he vanished.

Xu Hongshao stared in the direction he disappeared, her expression shifting between grief and resolve before she finally turned to leave.

***

Meanwhile, Princess Anning, fleeing in panic with her maid, accidentally stumbled into the same alley where the human trafficking carriage lay buried.

Seeing the corpses pinned beneath the rubble, the princess screamed in horror.

“Ah! Dead people—so many dead people!”

“Don’t be afraid, Princess, I’m here,” said her maid Xiao Lian, who was trained in martial arts and served as the princess’s bodyguard.

The terrified princess clung tightly to her maid.

Then—a faint, labored breathing came from the ruins.

“Princess, someone’s still alive!” Xiao Lian exclaimed, her sharp ears catching the sound.

The kind-hearted princess immediately said, “Quickly—help them!”

Xiao Lian began clearing the debris and soon pulled a gravely injured Hong Wazi from beneath the wreckage, miraculously still alive.

“They are badly hurt. We need to get them treated right away,” Xiaolian said.

“Then let’s hurry back,” urged the princess.

Xiao Lian hoisted Hong Wazi onto her back, and together they left the alley in haste.

Just as they exited, Wang Xi appeared before them, no longer in his black disguise.

“Princess! There you are! I’ve been searching everywhere for you. Thank heavens you’re safe—otherwise Her Majesty would have had my hide!” he said with exaggerated relief.

***

Meanwhile, back to Feng Baobao’s side.

After the execution at the public square, he led his Eastern Depot agents back through the streets. Passersby shrank away in fear, not daring even to lift their heads.

Suddenly, a ragged boy was shoved from the crowd and fell headfirst beneath Feng Baobao’s carriage.

A brocaded guard immediately stepped forward, shouting, “Bold fool! How dare you disturb the Grand Director’s carriage? Do you want to die?”

He drew his sword to strike. The boy, terrified, dragged himself along the ground, his broken leg trailing behind.

“Mercy, my lord! Please! I didn’t mean it—someone pushed me!”

The boy was Guan Xiaoniu, who had narrowly survived earlier by using Hong Wazi as a shield.

Just as the blade was about to fall, Feng Baobao’s voice cut through the air: “Wait.”

“Yes, sir!” The guard instantly stepped back.

Feng Baobao looked down and asked, “What’s your name?”

“G–Guan Xiaoniu…” the boy stammered.

“Guan Xiaoniu, hmm…” Feng Baobao stared at him, and for a brief moment, he seemed to see his own frightened younger self—the day he first met the Emperor.

“From today, your name will be Feng Tiansi (Heaven’s Gift),” Feng Baobao said.

With a wave of his hand, two guards lifted the boy—now Feng Tiansi—and carried him back into the convoy.

And so, utterly bewildered, Guan Xiaoniu was taken away.

***

As for the events unfolding in the capital, Yuan Zhao knew nothing.

After careful thought, she decided to head for Yulian Mountain to help Lang Mingyue search for the Purity Grass. If they found it—good. If not—then so be it; fate would take its course.

She packed lightly: her Heaven Prison Blade, some rations, and warm clothing—nothing else.

Both Ah Qing and Xiao Kong Kong wanted to accompany her, but she refused. Ah Qing’s martial arts were too weak to be of help, and Xiao Kong Kong, though unmatched in agility, was among the weakest second-grade warriors.

Better that he stay behind and guard their home, at least he could escape with Ah Qing if danger came.

So this time, she traveled only with Old Wolf.

At the gate, Yuan Zhao bid farewell to Ah Qing, Xiao Kong Kong, and the thirty-six rescued girls who now lived with her.

“Take care of the house. I’ll be back soon,” she told Ah Qing. “And look after Uncle Ming.”

Ah Qing nodded. “Don’t worry, Sister. I’ll keep everything in order. Just come back safe.”

Then Yuan Zhao turned to Xiao Kong Kong. “Keep building the secret chamber. When I return, I expect it finished.”

Xiao Kong Kong grinned proudly. “Leave it to me! I’ve already figured out a few tricks.”

Finally, Yuan Zhao addressed the thirty-six girls. “Once I’m back, I’ll assign you all proper work. For now, stay here quietly. If you get bored, help Ah Qing with the chores.”

She had already arranged for a merchant friend to procure grape saplings, which should arrive soon.

The girls thanked her gratefully—having a purpose gave them peace of mind after living under her care for free.

“Alright, I’m off!” Yuan Zhao said, waving. “Old Wolf, let’s go!”

“Awoo!” the wolf howled, trotting after her, carrying her luggage with ease.

The beast now stood chest-high to Yuan Zhao—strong enough even to carry her if needed. She had planned to ride a horse, but realizing it would struggle in the snowy mountains, she gave up the idea.

And so, one woman and one wolf departed from Tianmen Town, heading northeast.

Not long after they left, Han Long and Lady Long Suwen arrived—too late to catch them.

As soon as Han Long entered the door, he hurriedly asked, “Ah Qing, where’s your sister?”