Xiao Changyan's fists clenched, emitting crisp cracking sounds from his bones. His restraint made him resemble a sharp sword that could be drawn at any moment: "What role did Imperial Uncle play in the Annam campaign?""
"Nephew commands troops like a deity, with strategies well-conceived. Why not venture a guess?" Xiao Huayong countered instead of answering, a faint smile playing on his lips.
Having a certain suspicion confirmed, Xiao Changyan's rage surged to his chest. He recalled another matter: "My maternal uncle Pei Zhan perished in the northwest. I heard Imperial Uncle was also in the northwest at that time."
"And if I was?" Xiao Huayong asked nonchalantly.
"Were you involved in my uncle's death?!" Xiao Changyan demanded bluntly.
Xiao Huayong curled his lips: "Your father and I are mortal enemies, just as in the Annam campaign. The Pei clan pledged loyalty to your father - we each serve our own masters."
This was an indirect admission that Pei Zhan's death was inextricably linked to him.
Xiao Changyan stared fixedly at Xiao Huayong, the ferocity in his eyes becoming palpable. Those accompanying Xiao Huayong grew vigilant, as Xiao Changyan appeared ready to draw his blade and strike at any moment.
Xiao Huayong raised his hand and waved dismissively, prompting his followers to retreat. He even advanced two steps, meeting Xiao Changyan eye to eye - one seething with suppressed fury, the other composed and utterly unconcerned.
Xiao Changyan ultimately swallowed his anger. This wasn't his territory; acting rashly would be foolhardy and gain him nothing: "For what instruction has Imperial Uncle summoned me here?"
"Instruction? I wouldn't presume. I merely wished to properly behold the nephew daring enough to scheme against me." Xiao Huayong spoke unhurriedly, looking Xiao Changyan up and down. Though his eyes held no contempt, it made Xiao Changyan intensely uncomfortable.
Because he felt this Xiao Juesong before him radiated disdain for him from every single hair.
However, Xiao Changyan wasn't some impetuous youth. Years of bloody warfare in Annan had tempered his cunning. Having moved beyond initial hatred, he now remained utterly calm: "In that case, I beg your leave, nephew must depart."
As Xiao Changyan turned to leave, Xiao Huayong's men blocked his path. With coldly sharp eyes, Xiao Changyan scanned them and asked without turning: "Does Imperial Uncle intend to attack his nephew?"
A faint sneer curled his lips. Just as Xiao Huayong looked down on him, he didn't believe Xiao Juesong would dare take his life at this moment.
"Since I've already 'abducted' one Prince of Yan," Xiao Huayong paced slowly to Xiao Changyan's side, one hand behind his back, "abducting another Prince Jing would perfectly corroborate your lies. Shouldn't you thank me, nephew? However distant, we share the same bloodline - uncle and nephew by direct descent. How could I disregard kinship and recklessly commit murder?"
"What purpose does imprisoning me serve?" Xiao Changyan asked, perplexed.
"Nephew commands numerous capable subordinates. Why not let your uncle witness their prowess?" Xiao Huayong stopped before Xiao Changyan, his eyes shifting to observe Xiao Changyan's dramatically altered expression. "Escort His Highness Prince Jing away. See to his proper accommodation."
Xiao Changyan's brow twitched slightly as two men approached to seize him. Just as they grasped his arms, several pellets came whistling in from outside. The pellets emitted white smoke upon hitting the ground, and in the blink of an eye, with a loud bang, thick smoke instantly filled the surroundings, reducing visibility to zero.The pellet flew in and before it could burst, Xiao Changyan shook his arms violently, forcefully breaking free from the two men restraining him. He extended his arms, fingers curved like claws, aiming straight for Xiao Huayong's throat beside him.
Xiao Huayong clumsily leaned backward, barely dodging Xiao Changyan's iron-like arm, but his leg was struck by a sweeping kick from Xiao Changyan. As he stumbled back, Xiao Changyan pressed forward, almost grabbing Xiao Huayong's arm when a surge of force intercepted his attack.
It was a masked figure dressed in black, identical to the others. With just one glance, Xiao Changyan knew this person possessed extraordinary skills. By then, Xiao Huayong had been pushed to a safe area by this black-clad figure and was now shielded behind several others.
A flicker of killing intent flashed in Xiao Changyan's eyes—he had missed the best opportunity. Unless he eliminated every one of these men, capturing Xiao Huayong would be impossible. This time, however, he had come prepared. Before the smoke cleared, numerous figures rushed in. These individuals were highly skilled, and Xiao Huayong, standing at a distance, observed their techniques, a faint, almost imperceptible smile curling at the corners of his lips—Xiao Changyan's Shadow Guards!
True to their name, these Shadow Guards moved with such speed that they appeared as elusive afterimages.
Both sides consisted of exceptional fighters, each one in ten thousand, making the battle fiercely evenly matched. Before long, a faint, sour scent wafted past Xiao Huayong's nostrils. Having spent much time with Shen Xihe, he had developed a keener sensitivity to scents than most.
He glanced down at the pellet emitting white smoke on the ground, then poured some scented powder from his sleeve and scattered it on the ground, instructing a nearby black-clad figure, "Ignite it."
The black-clad figure immediately produced a fire starter and lit the powder, releasing a delicate, refreshing fragrance.
This aroma was peculiar—intensely potent yet not overwhelming in the slightest.
It was a specially blended fragrant spice by Shen Xihe. After Xiao Huayong had once fallen victim to Shen Xihe's incense trap, she had given him this blend after their marriage. Whenever he detected an unusual scent, igniting it would clear the mind and sharpen the senses, countering most toxic fumes and mists. The ingredients were exceedingly rare, the preparation method intricate, and the process demanding specific drying conditions under precise sunlight, making each box difficult to produce.
As the fragrant smoke spread, the black-clad figures who had felt slightly dazed gradually regained clarity, becoming more energized and combative against Xiao Changyan's forces.
Xiao Changyan's men were agile and nimble, while Xiao Huayong's fighters were ruthless and decisive.
They were natural adversaries. After a quarter of an hour, casualties mounted on both sides, but Xiao Huayong's side clearly began gaining the upper hand. Just then, a piercing sound erupted from outside—a loud clash of cymbals that felt like sharp needles stabbing into one's brain.
"Clang—"
The sound immediately disturbed the focus of Xiao Huayong's black-clad figures. Even those not engaged in combat, merely guarding Xiao Huayong, found the noise unbearably grating and instinctively shook their heads.Xiao Huayong listened to the sharp, rhythmic sounds that kept coming in a regular pattern, feeling as if something had been stuffed into his mind, making it heavy. Another piercing sound echoed, causing many black-clad figures to grow restless. Their movements faltered for a moment, and Xiao Changyan's swift Shadow Guard seized the opportunity, ending them with a single sword strike!
The situation reversed instantly.
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