At this moment, if it were a normal person, they would definitely insist on going alone to the underground secret room to retrieve the Dragon Seal Stele and then offer it to the Divine Dragon Holy Temple.
But Yan Shuang only paused slightly, then nodded and said: Good.
Then she led Fang Qingshu, Tu Lingduo, the two inquisitors, and the Heavenly Wild City Lord Ji Gang together into the underground secret room beneath the central army building.
They walked down more than ten metres of steps, arrived at the secret room door, pushed open the cabinet, opened the wall, and revealed the rotating mechanism inside.
Fang Qingshu was the first to turn his head away, indicating that he would not look at Yan Shuang turning the wheel password. Then the others also turned around.
This made Suo Lun want to laugh. It was as if a group of robbers were robbing a bank vault and, when letting the bank manager open the vault door, they still turned their backs so as not to see the vault password.
Yan Shuang turned the stone wheel according to the password as usual.
Rumble… A full minute later, the secret room stone door was opened, revealing the small secret room inside.
Suo Lun saw at first glance the portrait on the wall, which depicted himself.
But his gaze did not linger on it. Instead he first looked towards Yan Yan inside the crystal coffin, because Tu Lingduo beside him was paying attention to his every reaction at all times.
Tu Lingduo also looked towards the portrait on the wall at the first moment, then her gaze shot towards Suo Lun like lightning, watching for any subtle reaction from him.
Suo Lun had been staring at Yan Yan’s coffin all along. Only after Tu Lingduo’s gaze fixed on him did he show a moment of surprise, then deliberately shift his eyes to the portrait. The muscles on his face twitched slightly, as if showing some jealousy.
Up to this point, his performance had been flawless. From beginning to end, he had revealed subtle traces that he was not Suo Lun.
Seeing Suo Lun’s performance, Tu Lingduo could not help but fall into some doubt. But she quickly confirmed again that this person must be Suo Lun. It was just that he was extremely cunning, so there had been no flaws so far.
Compared to Tu Lingduo constantly staring at Suo Lun, Fang Qingshu and the two inquisitors looked towards the ordinary stone stele inside at the first moment, and their eyes instantly lit up with excitement.
Is it possible? Fang Qingshu asked.
Yan Shuang nodded.
Immediately, Fang Qingshu rushed inside, came to the front of the Dragon Seal Stele, closed his eyes and felt the aura inside.
Suo Lun also walked inside and carefully examined this stone stele.
This is the rubbing of the ancient Dragon Seal? There were indeed some incomprehensible characters on it, but the entire stele looked very ordinary and showed no obvious special features.
Fang Qingshu gazed at the stele with reverence, even fanaticism. His breathing even became rapid.
He first bowed deeply three times, then stretched out both hands and gently touched the stone stele.
Roar… Suddenly a wave of energy rippled inside the secret room, and it seemed as if a long dragon cry rang out in everyone’s hearts.
A sacred energy aura was released, and everyone even felt as if they were being bathed in sunlight, full of warmth and heat.
It really is extremely profound.
Correct, this is indeed the rubbing of the ancient Dragon Seal, exactly the same as the one in the Sky Dome Hall. Fang Qingshu said with a trembling voice: Miss Yan Shuang, are you sure you want to donate it to the Divine Dragon Holy Temple?
I think this is its best destination. Yan Shuang said.
Immediately, Fang Qingshu straightened his robe, bowed deeply to Yan Shuang and said: Many thanks for Miss Yan Shuang’s deep kindness and great favour. Our Divine Dragon Holy Temple will remember it in our hearts.
Yan Shuang said: I have one request.
Fang Qingshu said with a serious expression: Please speak.
Yan Shuang said: I hope the Divine Dragon Holy Temple can help save my father.
Fang Qingshu’s gaze fell on the crystal coffin beside them, looking at Yan Yan inside.
Suo Lun also stepped forward to take a closer look at Yan Yan inside the crystal coffin.
This was the first time he had seen this King of Mercenaries. He truly looked cold and domineering. Even while motionless, he exuded a fierce and murderous aura.
Fang Qingshu stepped forward and reached out to touch Yan Yan’s face. In an instant, his fingers were covered with a layer of frost.
Everyone was astonished. Yan Yan’s body showed no signs of being frozen, so why would touching him cause fingers to freeze into ice?
City Lord Ji Gang immediately asked: Young Master Fang, how is Lord Yan Yan?
Fang Qingshu asked Yan Shuang: Was your father injured by the guardian undead of the Dragon Seal Stele?
Yan Shuang nodded and said: The Divine Dragon Holy Temple is omnipotent, so please take action to save him.
Fang Qingshu said with regret: Unfortunately, no one in the world can save your father. His soul has been completely extinguished. What is occupying his body now is that guardian undead. Your father has already… passed away.
As soon as these words were spoken, Yan Shuang’s eyes became dazed and she nearly staggered.
The reason she publicly donated the Dragon Seal Stele was partly for self-preservation. But there was another purpose: she wanted the Divine Dragon Holy Temple to save her father. She had not expected that even the Divine Dragon Holy Temple would be powerless.
Hearing Fang Qingshu’s answer, a flash of wild joy passed through the eyes of the Heavenly Wild City Lord. The heavy stone in his heart finally settled.
Since Yan Yan was already dead, he could charge forward without any scruples to tear and bite, completely devouring the Silver Wolf Legion. As for the stunningly beautiful Yan Shuang before him, the best outcome would be to cripple her cultivation and then make her a plaything in a man’s chambers.
Fang Qingshu said: Of course, Miss Yan Shuang has now completely cleared her suspicions. This Dragon Seal Stele is a gift and blessing from the ancient divine dragon to you. You have the right to keep it by your side.
Fang Qingshu’s meaning was very clear. Since we cannot save your father Yan Yan, then you do not need to donate this Dragon Seal Stele either.
What a joke. Such a heavenly treasure cannot be made public. Once it is made public, it can only be donated to the Divine Dragon Holy Temple. Otherwise, countless top experts in the world would come to steal and rob it, and Yan Shuang would never have peace again.
I am donating this sacred object with no additional conditions. Yan Shuang said decisively: Now, the official representative of the Angry Wave Kingdom, Lord Ji Gang the Heavenly Wild City Lord, and the two inquisitors from the Holy Temple Tribunal are all present. I formally donate this rubbing of the ancient Dragon Seal to the Divine Dragon Holy Temple unconditionally.
Having said that, Yan Shuang picked up the thousand-jin heavy stone stele with both hands and handed it to Fang Qingshu.
Fang Qingshu used his treasured sword to cut open his palm, letting blood stain his hands, and received the relic of the ancient divine dragon with extreme solemnity and reverence.
Fang Qingshu said with sincere passion: Miss Yan Shuang’s kindness will be remembered by our Divine Dragon Holy Temple for a lifetime. We will definitely cherish this sacred object and allow people of all generations to come and admire it.
Then Fang Qingshu held the Dragon Seal Stele, bowed and retreated, and said to the two inquisitors: You two, with the sacred object in hand, I dare not delay for even a moment. I will now walk day and night to deliver it to the Holy Temple in Zhi Capital. Please accompany me to escort it together.
We obey the order. The two inquisitors said.
Then Fang Qingshu left while holding the Dragon Seal Stele, with the two inquisitors following respectfully behind.
These three would have to walk entirely on foot for several thousand li to deliver this Dragon Seal Stele to the Divine Dragon Holy Temple in the Angry Wave Royal City for safekeeping.
Sigh, heaven truly envies the talented. The departure of my worthy brother Yan Yan is truly the collapse of the pillar that supported Heavenly Wild City. Heavenly Wild City Lord Ji Gang sighed: Worthy niece, please restrain your grief and accept the change. If you need any help, please feel free to speak up.
He could hardly wait to tell the other eleven giants of Heavenly Wild City that the Wolf King was dead and they could bite without worry.
Tomorrow at the latest, the fatal attack on the Silver Wolf Legion would begin, with attacks from both inside and outside. Within a month, the Silver Wolf Legion would be completely destroyed.
And this breathtakingly beautiful woman Yan Shuang would become the best trophy of victory. Whether enjoyed by himself or offered as tribute to someone of supreme status, she would be an unparalleled fine specimen.
Farewell. Heavenly Wild City Lord Ji Gang looked at Yan Yan once more, as if mourning yet also gloating, sighed, and turned to leave.
Instantly, only Suo Lun, Yan Shuang, and Tu Lingduo remained inside the secret room.
Miss Tu Ling is not leaving? Yan Shuang asked.
Tu Lingduo said: I have a few words I want to say to Miss Yan Shuang alone.
Suo Lun decided instantly and turned to leave directly. He could not show any hesitation at this moment, otherwise Tu Lingduo would determine that he was Suo Lun.
Once he was determined to be Suo Lun, what would be the consequences? It would almost be the arrival of his death date.
This was Heavenly Wild City, outside the borders of the Angry Wave Kingdom. If Suo Lun died here, there would be nowhere to seek justice.
Seeing Suo Lun leave so cleanly, Tu Lingduo was instead stunned. If this were Suo Lun, what he would be most worried about was naturally being alone with Yan Shuang and then having his true identity revealed to her.
But this rough man called Lan Xiao left so straightforwardly, as if he had not the slightest guilty conscience.
…
After Suo Lun left, only Yan Shuang and Tu Lingduo remained inside the secret room.
How heartless the Divine Dragon Holy Temple is. They accepted such a precious gift but showed no intention of helping at all. Tu Lingduo said with a cold laugh.
Yan Shuang said: In everything, one must rely on oneself.
Correct. Tu Lingduo said: One must rely on oneself in everything, yet people often find themselves powerless. I believe that after tomorrow, the Silver Wolf Legion will face troubles from both inside and outside, and the day of its destruction is close at hand.
Yan Shuang said: That is my Silver Wolf’s private matter. There is no need for Miss Tu Ling to worry about it.
Tu Lingduo looked at Yan Shuang. Her originally strong and cold gaze suddenly softened, and she said: We are both women. You are only one year older than me, yet your cultivation is much stronger than mine. I admire you greatly in my heart. So may I call you Sister Yan Shuang?
Yan Shuang said: As you wish.
Tu Lingduo said softly: Sister Yan Shuang, listen to my advice and leave Heavenly Wild City. Whether you go to the Angry Wave Kingdom or the Western Liang Kingdom, or even become the crown prince consort in the Night Orchid Principality, it is all fine. Just leave this place. Otherwise, the Silver Wolf Legion is destined to be destroyed, and you will surely die as well.
Yan Shuang said coldly: I am the daughter of Silver Wolf Yan Yan. I would rather die gloriously than live ignobly. I am not going anywhere. If I die, I will die in Heavenly Wild City.
Good. Tu Lingduo said: Miss Yan Shuang is truly a heroine among women. Little sister admires you. Then I have a proposal. Would you like to hear it?
Yan Shuang said: Please speak.
Tu Lingduo said: You should know the influence of my Tu Ling family in the military. You also know that although Heavenly Wild City is outside the borders of the Angry Wave Kingdom, our deterrent power here is still very great.
Yan Shuang nodded, acknowledging this point.
After all, Heavenly Wild City was closest to the Angry Wave Kingdom and completely within the range of its influence. It was only that the Angry Wave Kingdom needed such a neutral trading city. Otherwise, destroying the army of Heavenly Wild City and incorporating it into the kingdom’s territory would be a matter of minutes.
Tu Lingduo said: We can protect your Silver Wolf Legion and help you eliminate Ji Gang, supporting you to become the City Lord of Heavenly Wild City and the overall governor. If you need money, we will provide money. If you need an army, we will provide an army.
Yan Shuang’s expression remained unchanged as she said: Then what do I need to pay? Become your puppet?
No, no, no. Tu Lingduo said: We will not issue any orders to you, nor interfere with any of your will. You will be completely independent.
Yan Shuang said: Tell me, what exactly do I need to pay?
It is very simple. You only need to marry one person. Tu Lingduo said: Do you still remember Liu Chen?
In Yan Shuang’s mind, there immediately appeared a graceful, elegant and unrestrained handsome man. When she was cultivating in the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains, she dressed as a man and had a very deep friendship with him, almost calling each other brothers.
All things considered, this Liu Chen was almost her only close confidant and friend. When she was with him, it felt completely like bathing in a spring breeze.
He was talented and eloquent, and could be said to be the man she had talked with the most. During that period, Yan Shuang had confided many inner thoughts to him, even including many private matters.
Before falling in love with Suo Lun, she had travelled the world dressed as a man with Liu Chen for nearly a full year.
Even Yan Nai’er going to the Angry Wave Royal City was because she had accepted Liu Chen’s invitation. In the end, she had unexpectedly met her nemesis Suo Lun in Zhi Capital, leading to a passionate love that also left her completely devastated.
When Suo Lun first pursued Yan Nai’er, Liu Chen had been completely disdainful and did not even bother to speak ill of Suo Lun.
Only later, when Yan Nai’er gradually fell, did Liu Chen become anxious. He repeatedly advised that Suo Lun had an unstable character and she might get hurt.
But at that time Yan Nai’er had been blinded by love. In order to be with Suo Lun, she could even sever her father-daughter relationship, let alone the advice of a close friend.
Moreover, because she was worried that Suo Lun would overthink it, Yan Nai’er had even taken the initiative to cut off contact with Liu Chen, even though their relationship had been completely innocent.
Liu Chen had sought meetings several times but was refused. Although he appeared very carefree on the surface, his eyes at that time looked heartbroken. From then on he disappeared from Yan Nai’er’s life and sight.
It was only after Yan Nai’er became Yan Shuang that she recalled the scene and realised that Liu Chen had always deeply admired her. He simply did not dare to show it, fearing that after confessing they could not even remain friends. So he preferred to remain her close confidant.
He appeared very unrestrained, but in fact his heart was very sensitive and extremely cautious.
Recalling this close confidant and friend, a trace of warmth finally appeared in Yan Shuang’s beautiful eyes, and she said: Is he well? It has been a long time since we last met. Where has he gone?
Tu Lingduo said with a bitter smile: After you and Suo Lun fell in love, he became disheartened and despairing. He went alone to the Divine Dragon Holy Temple to cultivate in seclusion and become a monk. Moreover he went to the Eastern Li Royal Capital, fearing that if he was too close to you he would not be able to resist coming to find you.
Yan Shuang was stunned. A trace of guilt and softness flashed in her beautiful eyes. Compared to Suo Lun, Liu Chen was the one who was loyal and deeply affectionate.
Why are you mentioning him? Yan Shuang asked.
Tu Lingduo said bitterly: Because he is… my elder brother, the direct son of the Tu Ling family and the future duke’s heir. Of course, he completely discarded such glory and titles like worn-out shoes and instead wandered the world alone. If he had not been so unconcerned with proper duties, why would I, as a woman, have to work so hard for the family?
This time Yan Shuang was truly somewhat surprised. This Liu Chen was actually the first heir of the Tu Ling family? From the very beginning of their acquaintance, he had not revealed even the slightest trace of noble identity.
Tu Lingduo said: His real name is Tu Lingchen. Because when you first met, you unintentionally said something like you hated noble descendants the most. As a result, he not only did not dare to acknowledge his identity but even changed his name to Liu Chen. Moreover, every time he returned home in the royal city, he did so like a thief. He had a home but did not return all year round, living in a small courtyard outside, fearing that you would discover he was from the Tu Ling family just because you hated noble descendants.
Suddenly a memory appeared in Yan Shuang’s mind, that small courtyard of Liu Chen.
Before she fell in love with Suo Lun, she often went there. It was a very comfortable small courtyard. Even the placement of every chair perfectly matched her preferences. There were also flowers unique to Heavenly Wild City planted inside. At the time she had been curious. Now she realised that Liu Chen had transplanted them from thousands of li away just so that she would like them.
Liu Chen had exhausted his efforts for her but never said a single word to claim credit. In contrast, Suo Lun would exaggerate three parts of effort into ten.
Tu Lingduo said with mockery: Who would have thought that in the end you would end up with Suo Lun. He is not only a noble descendant but also a playboy, completely the type you hated most in your mouth.
Yan Shuang said indifferently: Before a girl matures, she often does not know what kind of man she truly likes. And after she matures, she loses the ability to like anyone.
Tu Lingduo said with a cold laugh: In love, whoever invests first and invests more will lose completely. My brother was like that, and so were you. Therefore I will never fall in love with any man. I only love myself.
Yan Shuang did not speak, but if it were now, she would not love any man either. However she did not regret that naive period, that naive love.
Tu Lingduo said: How about I marry this brother to you? From now on you handle external affairs and he handles internal ones. You also know that he is very smart but simply unwilling to use his brain. But to protect you, he would probably squeeze out even his brain matter. Moreover, you do not need to worry that we will control you. You know him. If we dared to do so, he would definitely turn against us.
Yan Shuang completely believed this. In this world the person she loved most was Suo Lun. But if talking about the person she trusted most, it should be Liu Chen.
Sister Yan Shuang, before this I always hated you very much and even looked down on you. Tu Lingduo said: A trash man like Suo Lun, I studied with him for several years and never even glanced at him properly. Just hearing his name makes me nauseous. Yet you loved him so much and even sought death for him. In my view it was completely brainless, foolish and ignorant.
Yan Shuang showed no reaction to Tu Lingduo’s impolite words.
Tu Lingduo continued: Actually I used to admire my brother very much. In our family, only he dared to defy my father’s will. Moreover he was talented and had high martial prowess. But after he became madly infatuated with you, I looked down on him. I felt he had very poor taste, even falling for a brainless woman like you, and even became a monk for you.
Yan Shuang still showed no reaction and just listened quietly.
Now I know that you are both infatuated people, while I am a mundane person who does not understand your world. Tu Lingduo said with self-mockery and a smile: Do you know? Originally we planned to kill you to eliminate future troubles. We had even sent out several waves of assassins, at least a dozen dragon warriors. It can be said that whoever we wanted to kill would definitely die. But in the end I still stopped those assassins and came to Heavenly Wild City myself, just to meet you once, to give you a chance and also to give my brother a chance. Because in this world, the only one who can pull my infatuated brother out of the Divine Dragon Holy Temple is you.
Therefore… Tu Lingduo said: You marry my brother, and then we will help you protect the Silver Wolf Legion and take control of Heavenly Wild City. We have no interest in your army, or rather we do not look down on the power of your three thousand men at all. The only thing we are worried about is your army falling into Suo Lun’s hands. We are worried that you and Suo Lun will rekindle your old feelings and then hand over both yourself and the army to him.
Yan Shuang said: That is impossible. Although I do not hate Suo Lun and even still love him in my heart, you should know that what I love is merely the imprint of that past love. It is already impossible between him and me. Things have changed and people are no longer the same.
Tu Lingduo said: Then that is even better. You and my brother Liu Chen are truly a match made in heaven.
Yan Shuang was silent for a moment, then spoke: Tu Lingduo, you also know that I have always been selecting a man to marry. I no longer pursue love. I only hope he can help me protect the Silver Wolf Legion. So what I care about is his character and wisdom. Liu Chen is indeed the best candidate. He is smart enough, strong enough, and noble enough.
Tu Lingduo let out a long sigh of relief and said: Then that is truly wonderful. My foolish brother no longer needs to be a monk, and I… no longer need to go against my heart to kill you. Although I am unwilling to admit it, I really do like you very much.
Yan Shuang said: Unfortunately, you have come one day too late.
Tu Lingduo’s expression changed and she said: What do you mean?
Yan Shuang said: I have already promised another man and let him stay by my side to help me. Although he is far from being as powerful as Liu Chen, I have already promised him, so I cannot go back on my word.
Who? Tu Lingduo said: Is it that Lan Xiao beside you?
Correct. Yan Shuang said: It is that rough-looking man with a sallow complexion.
Tu Lingduo stared at Yan Shuang for a long time, then laughed loudly and said: Miss Yan Shuang, could it be that you really have not seen through that the so-called Lan Xiao beside you is Suo Lun, the very Suo Lun you loved so passionately yet who hurt you until you were completely devastated.
As soon as these words were spoken, Yan Shuang’s coldness instantly collapsed. Her beautiful eyes trembled violently, and she said in a hoarse and shocked voice: Impossible, impossible! Lan Ling absolutely cannot be Suo Lun. It cannot be him.
At this moment, even her voice had changed. All her strong calmness had disappeared, replaced by panic and loss of composure.
Tu Lingduo said with a cold laugh: Whether he is Suo Lun or not, you will know very soon. I will now have him come down and reveal his true face in front of you.