Chapter 753: Emergency

Translator: Henyee Translations | Editor: Henyee Translations

After inflicting the final wounds, Chu Qingzhi grabbed Qi Donghao’s clothes, flipping him over to face her. His eyes filled with terror, he begged her as if seeing a demon, “Give me a quick end…

His voice, pleading and fraught with fear, elicited only a scoff from Chu Qingzhi.

“Quick? Do you thinkyou have a choice?” With those words, she drove the dagger into his thigh.

Qi Donghao’s screams seemed to shake dust from the ceiling above. Then came several swift slashes, allowing Qi Donghao to distinctly feel the knife’s chill as it sliced his skin, blood flowing out as if life itself was leaking away…

Yet, it wasn’t the loss of blood that tormented him most but the intense pain. He had suffered injuries before, but never had he experienced such agony.

His complexion turned a sickly green from the pain, too overwhelmed to even cry out, only able to stare at Chu Qingzhi with wide, despairing eyes.

After a moment, he gasped, “Please, end it quickly!”

Chu Qingzhi, twirling the dagger in her hand, considered his request. “I could grant you that… if you answer a few questions.”

Qi Donghao, utterly defeated, dropped his arms, “Alright… alright…

” who sent you?” Chu Qingzhi asked.

Qi Donghao, sweat beading on his forehead, revealed, “The military governor of the eastern border. He’s desperate for that ledger. Even if you kill me, he’ll send others. Ling Yanjiang can’t escape.”

Chu Qingzhi’s lips curved into a smirk, “Within five days, that ledger will reach the emperor. So, do you thinkyou have time?

Qi Donghao’s expression darkened, “That’s impossible.

Ignoring his disbelief, Chu Qingzhi continued, “What does this military governor fear the most?”

After a pause, Qi Donghao admitted, “He fears snakes the most.’

“Very good.” The dagger spun twice in Chu Qingzhi’s hand. “I’m done asking my questions.”

Qi Donghao’s agony intensified, breathing now a torturous task. “Can you end it now?”

“Yes.” A swift motion of her hand, and a crimson line appeared across Qi Donghao’s neck, expanding as his life ebbed away.

Surveying her surroundings, Chu Qingzhi then made her way to the dungeon’s exit.

Upon reaching it, she unleashed all her spiritual energy in a single burst, causing an immediate collapse of the structure, burying everything beneath it.

The neighbors, feeling the disturbance, emerged from their homes to investigate. Seizing the moment before more arrived, Chu Qingzhi swiftly departed from the area.

At the inn.

In the room, Ling Yanjiang frowned with worry, “Can Miss Qingzhi handle Qi Donghao and his men? Facing such overwhelming odds, what if they capture her?”

Ge Lihua, who understood Chu Qingzhi well, assured, “Qingzhi’s martial arts skills are more than ten times superior to ours. You should worry about Qi Donghao and his crew instead.”

“Ten times?” Ling Yanjiang found it hard to believe, thinking Ge Lihua was exaggerating.

Without further argument, as actions speak louder than words, Ge Lihua said, “I’ll go check on Qingzhi; she should be back by now.”

“Be careful,” Ling Yanjiang cautioned.

Just as he finished speaking, Chu Qingzhi’s figure suddenly flew in through the window, “I’mback.”

Ge Lihua hurried over, “Qingzhi, are you alright?’

“I’m fine.” Chu Qingzhi turned to Ling Yanjiang, “Qi Donghao is dead. No one will come after you now. Where is the ledger? I’ll have Jinghong send someone to retrieve it.”

Before, Ling Yanjiang would have never disclosed the location, but now, it seemed Chu Qingzhi was his only hope, “The ledger is buried under the pear tree in my family’s backyard. First, you’ll find a wine jar, dig a half-foot deeper, and you’ll find the ledger.”

Knowing the ledger’s location, Chu Qingzhi turned to Ge Lihua, “Let’s go home. Third brother must be worried sick.”

Ge Lihua was also deeply concerned about Chu Xujin, “Mhm.”

In the Chu Village.

The Chu family, gathered in the main hall, wore expressions of concern, occasionally glancing outside…

Chu Xujin was still unconscious, sleeping in a chair. Chu Qingzhi had exerted quite a force when knocking him unconscious, fearing his impulsiveness might lead to trouble.

Unable to stay put, Chu Xuhua said, “I’ll go take a look.” Shen Ruyue quickly responded, “Please do, but be careful.

Nodding, Chu Xuhua strode outside, where his horse was tied at the entrance of the courtyard, and rode towards the county town.

However, before he could leave the village, he spotted Chu Qingzhi and Ge Lihua returning. He hastily dismounted and anxiously asked, “Fifth sister, Lihua, are you both alright?”

“We’re fine, big brother. Let’s talk more back home,” Chu Qingzhi replied. “Good, everyone’s been very worried about you,” Chu Xuhua said with relief. Together, the three of them headed back home.

Seeing Chu Qingzhi and Ge Lihua return safe and sound brought a collective sigh of relief from the family.

Li Qingyu asked with concern, “Is everything resolved?”

“It’s resolved,” Chu Qingzhi said with a relaxed expression. “Mom, we’re hungry. Let’s eat first.”

“Of course, of course. Let’s eat. I’ll warm up the food, and you all rest a bit,” Li Qingyu agreed immediately.

The women of the household went to the kitchen to help.

Chu Qingzhi approached Chu Xujin and gently tapped his brow, waking him up. “Lihua, Lihua…” Seeing Ge Lihua, Chu Xujin immediately stood up from the chair and hugged her tightly, “I was so worried…”

Ge Lihua softly patted his back, reassuring him, “Luckily, Qingzhi arrived in time. I’m fine.”

Chu Xujin gave a soft “hmm”. He still felt a lingering fear in his heart and hugged Ge Lihua even tighter.

After dinner, everyone retired to their rooms to rest.

After returning to her room, Chu Qingzhi immediately summoned the Golden Phoenix to inform Tang Jinghong about Ling Yanjiang’s situation.

Upon hearing the news, Tang Jinghong wasn’t concerned about the ledger but was worried about Chu Qingzhi’s safety. He asked urgently, “Why didn’t you tell me about this earlier? What if something had happened to you while you were handling it alone?”

“I’ll tell you next time. The situation was too urgent,” she explained. She had considered asking for Tang Jinghong’s help, but given the inefficiency of the era, she ultimately chose not to.

With the incident behind them, Tang Jinghong couldn’t say much more, “You should rest now. It’s been a long night.”

Feeling very tired, Chu Qingzhi agreed, “Okay.”

In his study, Tang Jinghong allowed the Golden Phoenix to return to his arm before quickly writing a letter for an eagle to deliver to the eastern border, instructing his people to retrieve the ledger.

It’s time to clean up the eastern border!

In her room, Chu Qingzhi went to the windowsill, intending to check on the little parrot before sleeping.

The parrot, well cared for by Shuang’er, was sleeping soundly.

Seeing Chu Qingzhi, Shuang’er quickly flew out of the nest to the windowsill, “Qingzhi, Qingzhi…”

Chu Qingzhi extended a finger to gently stroke Shuang’er’s head, “What is it? Shuang’er chirped, “Worried about you, worried about you…”

Chu Qingzhi smiled, “No need to worry. No one in this world can harm me.” Shuang’er puffed up proudly, “You’re the strongest, the strongest…” “Go back to sleep now.”

“Sleep, sleep…”