Chapter 616: The Peasant Girl’s Splendid Manor
Chapter 616: The Might of the Scarlet Python (1)
The sound of horses' hooves echoed as dozens of steeds raced down the broad avenue, resembling fast-moving dark clouds in the night sky.
Mo Yan and Xiao Ruiyuan were surrounded by fifty royal guards as they sped toward the capital. The four beasts, with their senses far keener than humans', coordinated perfectly. The fluffy white beast led the way, ready to alert those behind at any sign of trouble, while the scarlet python stayed at the rear to guard against ambushes.
The golden beast carrying Mo Yan tried to slow its pace to match Xiao Ruiyuan's mount, but its overwhelming presence spurred all the horses to move faster than usual.
Thus, in less than half an hour, they were only fifty miles from the capital.
It was either their imposing appearance or the golden beast's intimidating aura that kept the journey smooth; they didn't encounter a single rabbit, let alone any trouble.
Seeing that they would reach the capital in another half hour, Mo Yan relaxed slightly. She turned to Xiao Ruiyuan, who was riding beside her, and said, "Brother Xiao, time is tight. When we reach the South Gate, we'll split up. You go to Jing Mountain Villa for the scarlet python's gallbladder, and I'll head to Liuyang Village for the black lingze and ginseng. We'll meet back at the South Gate."
"No!" Xiao Ruiyuan frowned, refusing without hesitation, "It's not safe for you to go into the mountains alone. I'll go with you!"
Mo Yan's eye twitched, glancing at the fifty guards around them. Were they not considered people?
"Brother Xiao, with the five beasts, you don't need to worry! Besides, the terrain in the mountains is complicated, and it's even harder to navigate at night. It would be faster if the golden beast carried me in to get the black lingze."
The black lingze was in her space, and even if she had to put on an act of going into the mountains, it had to look convincing. With so many people following, she'd need to find a way to send them away, which would be a waste of time.
Xiao Ruiyuan was about to agree, finding her reasoning sound, when suddenly a warning roar came from the scarlet python behind them. He immediately reined in his horse and turned to look back, his gaze sharp.
The other guards also stopped, their faces tense beneath their black masks. The rear guards quickly dismounted, crouching down to listen to the ground. After a moment, one stood up and saluted Xiao Ruiyuan, saying, "General Xiao, five miles away, a group of people is heading our way. Their numbers are unclear."
Xiao Ruiyuan's brow furrowed as he spoke in a deep voice, "Time is of the essence; ignore them! If anyone dares to interfere... kill without mercy!" His words were filled with a chilling killing intent.
The guards straightened, responding in unison, "Yes!"
If the approaching group was merely passing by, that was fine. But if they were sent by some prince or official to hinder their return to the capital, they couldn't afford to get entangled. Everyone knew that the Crown Prince's condition couldn't tolerate any delay!
The group continued onward, the golden beast urging the horses to their utmost speed. Fortunately, these were top-quality steeds, with exceptional stamina and endurance. Though the fast pace was taxing, it wasn't beyond their limits.
The golden beast increased its speed, and Mo Yan squinted at the swiftly receding shadows of trees along the road. The sound of hooves had faded, replaced by the rush of wind in her ears.
As dust kicked up by the horses still hung in the air, the pursuing group quickly closed the distance. These newcomers were not masked, each looking fierce and exuding a bandit-like air, as if they specialized in robbery and plunder.
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