I cannot be without enemies.

Could it be that the person who controlled the wild wolves today was arranged by Young Master Mu? Impossible, for Young Master Mu was also seated in the distinguished section; unless he wished to risk his own life, it could not have been him!

The slip of paper bore only a single line: The secret document is suspected to be in the Prince Zhan’s residence.

Zhan Lianjing? Once again, this matter entangles with that feigned cripple?

If that’s the case, Le Qianxue had no wish to pursue this further. This man was too cunning and scheming—if she made even the slightest misstep, there would be only one outcome for her.

Le Qianxue pressed her lips together, her expression growing grave.

Yuan Tianci said, “Qianxue, why do you worry so much? You could always use your beauty to your advantage!”

Le Qianxue shot him a glare. “Use my beauty? Haven’t you heard that Zhan Lianjing is indifferent to women’s charms?”

She tossed the slip of paper aside and propped her chin on her hand. She would inform Yin Susu of this first, and then decide what to do next.

Yuan Tianci glanced at her, twirling a lock of his hair. A smile played at his lips. “Perhaps I might be able to help you with this matter.”

It was clear that Le Qianxue very much wanted that secret document. Though he didn’t know exactly why, he was more than willing to assist her. After all, he had once witnessed her use a formidable alchemical cauldron…

Le Qianxue knew Yuan Tianci would never offer help unconditionally. If he spoke thus, there was certainly a price to pay.

She fixed him with a look. “Name your condition.”

“You truly are as clever as they say!” Yuan Tianci replied. “Previously, Zhan Lianjing asked me to treat someone. Now, I can use this as an excuse to enter the Prince Zhan’s residence and help you investigate.”

Le Qianxue frowned. “With your paltry skills, you think you can move freely in the Prince Zhan’s residence? That’s hardly likely.”

The Prince Zhan’s residence was heavily guarded; to break in would be no easy feat. The secret document must be of utmost importance—otherwise, so many parties would not vie for it. Zhan Lianjing would never leave it unguarded, so even if Yuan Tianci went looking for it, his chances of finding it were slim.

Le Qianxue said, “How about this—you find a way to bring me along.”

“What? Wouldn’t that draw even more suspicion?” Yuan Tianci protested.

Le Qianxue replied, “As long as there’s a good excuse, what’s there to fear?”

“That may be so. But my condition is—you must teach me to use that alchemical cauldron!” Yuan Tianci’s face lit up with excitement. In his life, beauty and power held no appeal, only medicine and herbs.

Le Qianxue glared at him. She had guessed as much.

She shook her head gently. “That’s impossible. Only I can use that alchemical cauldron.”

In truth, only the head of the Tang family could wield it; the cauldron had traveled across worlds with her because of their soul contract. Even if Yuan Tianci desired it, his soul was incompatible.

Yuan Tianci looked aggrieved. “Why? After all I’m doing to help, and you’re so stingy?”

“This isn’t about stinginess. Others simply can’t use my cauldron,” Le Qianxue explained. “Given that, you should return to the Medicine King Valley. Staying here is dangerous for you.”

Yuan Tianci huffed, “I’m not so petty. Don’t worry, I’ll help you all the same.”

Le Qianxue smiled. “Brother Tianci, you’re the best! Tomorrow, come back to the capital with me—we’ll make proper arrangements.”

Yuan Tianci returned to his room to rest, muttering along the way, “Le Qianxue may have a pretty face, but her mind is as dull as a pig’s—I’ll have to keep an eye on her.”

In truth, it was worry that made him say so.

But while Yuan Tianci worried for others, he forgot to worry for himself. No sooner had he entered his room than he sensed someone behind him. He moved to strike, but was knocked unconscious with a swift blow!

The next morning.

Hua Tao rushed into the room. “Miss, I went to call the divine physician, but he isn’t in his room. The bedding hasn’t been touched—he must not have slept there last night.”

Le Qianxue, carelessly pinning her hair with a wooden hairpin, felt a wave of anxiety.

Yuan Tianci, heir of the Yuan family, was a coveted prize with many eyes upon him. She had only just joked with him yesterday, and now he had vanished without a trace. Yuan Tianci was not one to leave without a word—something must have happened.

She immediately went to the guest room to look for clues, but found none. For the moment, she could not fathom what had occurred.

Suddenly, Zhan Lianjing sprang to her mind. She asked, “Where is Zhan Lianjing?”

“The Prince left the city this morning after seeing that Lord Ye was well again,” Hua Tao replied.

He left so quickly? There must be something amiss!

Le Qianxue said, “Hua Tao, return with the Fourth Prince. I must go ahead.”

She set off at once, leaving Hua Tao calling after her.

Yesterday, Yuan Tianci had planned to use the pretext of a medical visit to infiltrate the Prince Zhan’s residence. But now, Zhan Lianjing had acted first—they had lost their chance!

Zhan Lianjing truly was ruthless.

Le Qianxue rode out of the city. Zhan Lianjing’s carriage convoy was sizable, but moved swiftly. By the time she reached Twin Cliffs, she could just make out the rear of the caravan.

Without hesitation, she sped up to catch them.

As she drew near, someone drew their sword. “Who goes there?! How dare you disturb the Prince!”

She ignored him and called out, “Prince Zhan!”

At the head of the convoy, Hao Yue and Zhuixing turned at the sound. Seeing it was Le Qianxue, they exchanged glances—so she had actually caught up with them.

Hao Yue gestured for her to approach.

“What brings you here, Miss Le? Why are you pursuing us?” Hao Yue inquired.

Le Qianxue glanced over the caravan—nothing seemed out of the ordinary. The only place one could hide was within the carriage.

She reached to lift the curtain.

“Impudence!” Hao Yue shouted.

She moved swiftly to block Le Qianxue, but though Le Qianxue had no internal energy, her skills were formidable. In her past life, she was a master of fist and foot, and this body had been trained in martial arts from childhood. In terms of technique, Le Qianxue would not lose!

Hao Yue was astonished as Le Qianxue brushed aside her hand with a single move!

With a flick, Le Qianxue drew back the curtain. Ready to demand an explanation, she found only Zhan Lianjing inside the spacious carriage.

Where was he…?

Le Qianxue’s expression froze. Zhan Lianjing looked up and fixed her with a stare that threatened to devour her whole.

“To disturb this prince—do you know what punishment that deserves?” Zhan Lianjing said.

Le Qianxue laughed dryly. “Actually…I saw the prince traveling alone and thought I’d join you on your journey.”

She seized the opportunity to slip into the carriage as well, leaving everyone speechless.

People said Le Qianxue shamelessly pursued the Fourth Prince, but now Hao Yue saw it with her own eyes.

Zhan Lianjing’s face darkened. “Get out.”

Le Qianxue replied, “Don’t be like this, Your Highness.”

Zhan Lianjing turned aside, his gaze frosty enough to chill the marrow.

Le Qianxue pressed her lips together and spoke again. “To tell you the truth, I couldn’t bear to part with you. I chased you all this way—how can you bring yourself to drive me away?”

Since she was here, she didn’t believe Zhan Lianjing wouldn’t slip up.

She hadn’t wanted any dealings with him, but with Yuan Tianci missing, she could not stand by idly.

Zhan Lianjing’s hand paused at her words. He stared at her. “Do you recall how you refused the task I set you before?”

Le Qianxue forced a flawless smile. “That was only feigned reluctance. I didn’t expect Your Highness to seek my help only once…”

Zhan Lianjing felt a wave of disgust. “So you were scheming after all? Hoping I would ask you again?”

Le Qianxue nodded quickly. “Who knew Your Highness wouldn’t? I had no choice but to follow you myself.”

Zhan Lianjing half-reclined on his cushion, his lower body completely still. He fixed her with a long stare before finally saying, “We’ll discuss this at the Prince’s residence.”

Le Qianxue breathed a sigh of relief. No matter what, he had allowed her to come along. But as for Yuan Tianci’s whereabouts, she still had no leads.

As the carriage rolled steadily onwards, Le Qianxue began to doze. Suddenly, Zhan Lianjing gave her a sharp push. “Be careful!”

Startled awake, she had no time to ask what was wrong before the carriage jolted violently!

She grabbed on, fear gripping her.

Though Zhan Lianjing’s face was calm, he couldn’t resist mocking her. “With vigilance like yours, you’d have died a hundred times over.”

Le Qianxue could only bite back her retort. Wasn’t it because he traveled with so many guards? She’d thought there was nothing to worry about.

But even so, someone had set an ambush!

She peeked outside—they had reached Twin Cliffs, where flaming boulders were rolling down the hills!

Le Qianxue was stunned, cold sweat covering her. “Oh no, the carriage will surely be smashed