Chapter 808: Who to Choose

After Zu An left, the Gu brothers became even more attentive and diligent toward Bi Linglong. Unfortunately, Bi Linglong was clearly not in high spirits due to Zu An's situation.

Gu Xing said, "Linglong, I know you're very sad right now, having trusted the wrong person. But things will get better soon. Now that we've removed the troublemaker and eliminated the hidden danger, we'll be more confident in completing the Crown Prince's grand examination."

Gu Heng, who was beside him, also nodded, "That's right. As long as the disciples from all families unite, with our strength, missing one Zu An won't have any impact at all. And we brothers will stand by the Crown Princess's side from beginning to end."

Bi Linglong forced a smile. "Thank you both. I'll truly have to rely on you two from now on. The disciples from each family are all arrogant, and while they show me superficial respect, I worry they might not be reliable if danger strikes in the secret realm. After Zu An left, you two are the only ones I can trust."

The Gu brothers were overjoyed. "We brothers will go through fire and water for the Crown Princess, no matter the cost!"

Bi Linglong's mood improved slightly. Then, smiling, she chatted with them for a while, encouraging them both.

As the two brothers chatted, they gazed at the elegant and noble Crown Princess before them. It was truly a delightful experience, like basking in the spring breeze.

They were quite close to each other, and the two could clearly smell the faint fragrance emanating from her. They couldn't help but let their minds wander and their thoughts turn wild with desire, their eyes brazenly glancing at her chest, waist, and other sensitive areas. Desires began to sprout in their hearts.

"Before, I only thought Linglong was beautiful and had a noble temperament. I never imagined she had such a great figure."

"She truly has a voluptuous figure with a slender waist. How could that stupid fat Crown Prince possibly deserve such a blessing of beauty?"

"Hmm, it seemed the Crown Prince didn't mind Zu An embracing Linglong earlier. Does he have some kind of fetish, or does he simply not understand what that implies? Either way, it seems we have a chance now."

***

Over the next two days, no more scouts went missing, and everyone in the main contingent breathed a sigh of relief.

Zhao Xi laughed and said, "It seems the culprit was indeed that Zu An. The moment he left, all the strange incidents stopped?"

Gu Xing chimed in, "That's right. Before, he deliberately led us around in circles, claiming it was to avoid danger. It seems he most likely accepted Prince Qi's mission and came to obstruct our actions; all that circling around made it easier for him to eliminate people from our group."

Gu Heng also cupped his hands to Pei You, "Speaking of which, we really owe it to Young Master Pei. If you hadn't exposed his scheme, we would have all died without knowing what happened."

Pei You said indifferently, "I merely made the most logical deduction. I wasn't specifically targeting anyone."

After speaking, he coolly turned and walked away, clutching his sword.

From a distance, Bi Linglong watched his retreating figure, deep in thought.

The relaxed mood in the group didn't last long, because they soon encountered danger.

They didn't know why they had entered the territory of a pack of pale giant wolves and were surrounded and pursued. Fortunately, each member of their group possessed unique skills, and they also carried a large number of tools and equipment to complete their mission. Only then did they manage to escape the wolf pack's territory.

Not long after they celebrated their escape, they trespassed into the territory of the Ghost-Mask Green Flame Spiders. Only then did they understand why the pale giant wolves hadn't pursued them.

Many warriors were ensnared by spiderwebs and dragged into caves. Instantly, they were sucked dry by the Ghost-Mask Green Flame Spiders, becoming mummified corpses.

Others were touched by the green flames spat out by the Ghost-Mask Green Flame Spiders. Their entire bodies would then turn into a mass of green fire that couldn't be extinguished, and in just a few breaths, they would be reduced to a pile of ashes.

They fled in a panic, and when crossing a river, they encountered an attack from Iron-Bone Black Thunder Pythons. As their name suggested, these pythons had bodies of copper and iron, rendering the attacks of the aristocratic warriors ineffective. They could also summon the power of thunder, and using the conductive properties of the river, it was truly as if everyone received a session of Grand Master Yang's electroshock therapy.

Fortunately, Bi Linglong's command was effective, and she finally led the main contingent to safety.

However, after this triple assault, the once vast main contingent had lost a third of its members. The remaining people were all wounded and disheveled, and even Bi Linglong's clothes had several scrapes.

The only one completely unharmed was the Crown Prince. After all, he was the primary target of everyone's protection; no one dared to let anything happen to him.

In their current state, they couldn't continue their journey. After confirming the surroundings were safe, everyone began to set up camp, applying medicine and tending to their wounds.

However, regarding the continuous incidents, the high-ranking individuals still needed to hold a meeting to discuss them.

Everyone exchanged information on their respective family's losses and discussed the next travel plan.

Everyone had lost their previous high spirits and began to sigh.

"Is there something wrong with this secret realm? Why are the fierce beasts we've encountered along the way so much stronger than what the intelligence reports indicated?" The other aristocratic disciples, who were usually eloquent, now looked crestfallen; it was the usually taciturn Gao Ying who spoke up.

"That's right," Meng Pan analyzed. "According to our own intelligence, whether it's the pack of pale giant wolves or the Ghost-Mask Green Flame Spiders, even though they are dangerous to us, with so many masters and ample preparations, our losses shouldn't have been so heavy."

Zhao Xi frowned. "Could the academy have deliberately misled us, intentionally understating the grade of these fierce beasts?"

"Impossible!" Bi Linglong directly refuted this speculation. "The academy has always been neutral and would not help Prince Qi harm us. Furthermore, it's not just academy personnel who have entered this secret realm; we've also had our own people come in, and the intelligence they provided was identical to what the academy gave."

"Then why have these fierce beasts increased so much in strength?" Meng Pan said eerily.

The group thought for a long time but couldn't come up with an explanation. At this moment, Pu Duandiao suddenly said, "It seems that when Brother Zu led us on detours a few days ago, he was trying to avoid these dangerous fierce beasts. If he were still here, how could we have suffered such heavy losses?"

Jiao Sigun, who was nearby, also said, "That's right, before, everyone thought he was deliberately taking detours, but now it's clear we misunderstood him."

The others' faces flushed, and all felt a bit awkward, as each of them had a hand in forcing Zu An away.

Some people indeed felt some regret, but others remained unconvinced.

"After all, Zu An had the most motive and suspicion," Pei You snorted. "Perhaps we could avoid these magical beasts with him, but if he killed a few people every day, our losses would soon become even heavier." He was, after all, the leader in forcing Zu An away, and he forcibly tried to save face.

Jiao Sigun said, "That's too groundless, isn't it? Those people weren't necessarily killed by Zu An."

"That's right, I also find it a bit strange." At this moment, Gu Heng suddenly spoke. Jiao Sigun and Pu Duandiao were stunned; this fellow used to despise Zu An the most, so why was he suddenly speaking up for him today?

Then he continued, "Previously, we were misled by a treacherous person and forced Lord Zu away. Now it's too late to regret it."

Pei You frowned. "Gu, what do you mean?"

Gu Heng said in a deep voice, "Who chose this route?"

The others were startled and looked toward Pei You one after another.

Pei You's expression changed. "I merely tracked the remnant traces of the Sky-Measuring Azure Moon Dragon all the way. How could I have known there were so many fierce beast lairs along the way?"

"Are you truly ignorant or feigning ignorance?" Gu Xing said. "Lord Zu had previously changed your route several times to avoid fierce beasts along the way. When you saw your plan disrupted, you deliberately found a way to drive him away, and then you could finally legitimately lead us into an ambush."

Liu Xian wiped the soot from his face and cursed loudly, "Ah, fine! I always thought you were a shady character, acting mysteriously all day, clearly up to no good. I never imagined you were this evil!"

Zhao Xi also stood up at this moment, subtly surrounding him. "Pei, it's a shame I trusted you so much before, and as a result, I misunderstood Zu An! Tell me, who sent you?!"

Pei You held his sword tightly. "Ridiculous! What motive would I have to harm you?!"

Meng Pan said eerily, "How could there be no motive? Your Pei family has two branches; the other is a staunch supporter of Prince Qi. Your branch, your grandfather is at odds with Lord Bi, yet your father is close to Bi Zi'ang. It's truly strange to think about. Most likely, the Pei family sent you to infiltrate the Bi family, and now you've finally served your purpose."

Clearly, Bi Linglong was not the only one who suspected Pei You.

Pei You's expression changed several times. "It's normal for a family to have different factions. Even fathers and sons belonging to different political parties is common throughout history. What's so strange about that?"

"On its own, that's certainly not strange," Gu Heng sneered. "But connect it with you forcing Zu An away and deliberately leading us into an encirclement of fierce beasts—are so many coincidences still just coincidences when put together?"

Noticing everyone's suspicious gazes, Pei You gave a desolate smile. "I never imagined all of you harbored resentment towards our Pei family. It seems my father's decision back then was indeed wrong, terribly wrong!"

The moment he finished speaking, his long sword suddenly left its sheath, and a dazzling sword light seemed to strike at everyone.

"Protect the Crown Prince and Crown Princess!" The group immediately fell into disarray, each feeling as if the sword strike was aimed at them, and hastily prepared their defenses with utmost vigilance.

But little did they know the opponent merely faked an attack, without any actual strike, and instead took the opportunity to quickly flee into the distance.

His movements were incredibly fast; he disappeared into the forest in just a few bounds.

"Damn it, that guy actually hid his strength! He truly has wolfish ambitions!" Zhao Xi chased for a few steps but couldn't catch up, so angry that he spat and yelled furiously.

"Don't pursue him. The depths of the mountains are full of hidden dangers now," Bi Linglong ordered. "What if he deliberately leads us into the territory of some fierce beasts? That would be dangerous. First, detain the Pei family members."

The remaining Pei family warriors were filled with despair. As warriors from several families surrounded them together, they each showed expressions of fighting to the death.

Fortunately, Bi Linglong came forward at this moment and said, "I believe you were unaware of Pei You's actions. As long as you lay down your weapons, I guarantee your safety on my honor. You will be questioned by the imperial court after we exit the secret realm."

The Pei family warriors looked at each other. Ultimately, due to the Crown Princess's usual prestige, they all gave up resistance. After all, with their young master having fled, they were leaderless, and if they truly fought, they would surely die; at best, they could only try to take a few enemies down with them.

Now that the Crown Princess had given such a promise, they also wanted to preserve their lives.

After the Pei family members were detained, the young masters from the other families also came to the Crown Prince's tent to discuss.

"This is adding insult to injury," Liu Xian said, fanning himself with his somewhat dilapidated fan and sighing.

Gao Ying also frowned and said, "More seriously, there's another problem. Among our group, only Pei You knows how to track the Sky-Measuring Azure Moon Dragon. In these vast mountains, we can't find it at all, so how can we complete the mission?"

Gu Heng said, "Why don't we bring Lord Zu back? Since he could accurately avoid the lairs of these fierce beasts, it proves he's very familiar with these mountains. He should have a way."

Hearing his words, everyone looked at him sideways, and even Bi Linglong gave him a few extra glances.

Gu Heng's old face flushed. "I was indeed somewhat dissatisfied with Lord Zu before, jealous that he could gain the Crown Princess's trust. But now that I know he truly has ability, and this trip concerns the Crown Prince's grand examination, how can I let personal grudges affect the bigger picture?"

Bi Linglong couldn't help but say, "Brother Gu, thank you!"

Hearing this "Brother Gu," Gu Heng felt half his body go numb. She had only called him that when they were very young; it had been so long since he heard that address.

"It is my honor to share the Crown Princess's worries; there's no need for thanks," Gu Xing, who was nearby, hastily jumped in and said. He couldn't let his brother hog all the glory, could he?

Next, the group discussed for a while and decided to wait until dawn to do anything. The mountains were too dangerous at night, so they would send people to search for Zu An after daybreak.

Then they each returned to their tents to rest. Because of the continuous battles over the past two days, everyone was injured, and soon, thunderous snoring echoed from every tent.

Although Bi Linglong was tired, she couldn't sleep at all, worrying about the success or failure of this operation.

Suddenly, she heard footsteps outside her tent. She turned her head and asked, "Who's there?"

"It's us," came the voices of the Gu brothers from outside.

"Is there something?" Bi Linglong frowned.

"We have an important matter to report to the Crown Princess," Gu Heng said.

Bi Linglong tightened the collar of her clothes and said in a low voice, "It's late. Whatever it is, let's discuss it tomorrow."

"This matter concerns the safety of all of us; it will be too late if we wait until tomorrow," Gu Xing's voice came through.

Bi Linglong hesitated for a moment. She took a cloak from nearby and wrapped it around herself. Only then did she say, "Come in."

The Gu brothers quickly slipped in from outside. Once inside, their eyes darted around, and they soon discovered that Bi Linglong was the only one in the tent.

"The Crown Prince isn't staying here?" Gu Xing was a little surprised.

It was a very secret matter that Bi Linglong and the Crown Prince slept in separate quarters, known only to a few people in the Eastern Palace.

For this operation, to prevent outsiders from discovering the secret of the Eastern Palace, she had created the illusion that she was sharing a tent with the Crown Prince.

Her expression turned cold. "That's none of your business."

"Yes, yes, yes, my apologies for being presumptuous," Gu Xing said with a smirk.

Bi Linglong didn't want to continue this topic. Instead, she asked, "What is this matter you speak of?"

Gu Heng said, "Does the Crown Princess truly believe Pei You is the mastermind behind this?"

"Why do you ask that suddenly?" Bi Linglong's delicate brows furrowed.

Gu Xing said, "Here's the thing. After we brothers discussed it, we felt something was off. When Zu An was forced away, all the evidence pointed to him, but today we realized we had wronged him. So, it's possible we're making the same mistake with Pei You's matter today. It looks like he's the mastermind, but it's very likely someone else."

As he spoke, he secretly observed Bi Linglong. This was the first time he had seen her inside her "boudoir." Although she was wrapped in a cloak, he could vaguely see the clothes underneath.

It seemed she hadn't had time to change her clothes; her clothes were somewhat damaged from the previous battle, vaguely revealing her radiant skin.

Bi Linglong hesitated, "But Pei You had a motive, took action, and fled guiltily..."

Gu Heng said, "Wasn't Zu An the same before?"

Bi Linglong's expression turned serious. "Then who do you think the real culprit is?"

"We suspect Meng Pan. That guy has been targeting Zu An all this time, and he also had a hand in driving Pei You away. It's hard not to suspect his motives."

"Meng Pan?" Bi Linglong fell into deep thought.

Gu Heng also took this opportunity to observe her closely. The sight of her delicate brows slightly furrowed was truly pitiable and captivating. Alas, how could that fat pig of a Crown Prince be worthy of such a graceful and intelligent woman?

Thinking of this, his gaze grew more fervent.

Bi Linglong seemed to sense something. Her red lips parted slightly as she said, "I understand. You two can go back first. I need to think about it further."

The Gu brothers exchanged glances and quickly said, "Why don't we summon Gao Ying and the people from Prince Liang's mansion, and first apprehend Meng Pan?"

Bi Linglong said calmly, "I still need to weigh the specifics. You two go back first. It's already late."

The Gu brothers said, "Opportunity knocks but once!"

Bi Linglong's voice turned cold. "Are you trying to tell me what to do? To be honest, if Meng Pan is a suspect, so are you. You were both involved in forcing Zu An and Pei You away."

Gu Heng's expression slightly changed. "The Crown Princess actually suspects us?"

Bi Linglong said, "Of course, I don't suspect you. It's just that it's late now, and it's inconvenient for you to stay here. We can discuss anything else tomorrow."

Gu Heng's expression flickered; he was clearly hesitating about something.

At this moment, Gu Xing scoffed, "Brother, you're too indecisive. You want to have your cake and eat it too. If we go back now, I guarantee she'll immediately gather others to arrest us."

Gu Heng sighed, "I didn't want to resort to this unless it was the last resort."

Bi Linglong's beautiful face slightly changed. "What do you mean?"

Gu Xing smiled. "Linglong, you've been smart since childhood, and we know that. So you don't need to play dumb with us; you can't fool us."

Bi Linglong finally dropped her pretense and urgently shouted, "Guards! Quick, guards!"

Unfortunately, no matter how she called, not a single guard who should have been stationed outside rushed in.

Gu Heng shook his head. "Crown Princess, there's no need to waste your energy. They won't come."

"What did you do to them?" Bi Linglong tried to go out to see, but Gu Xing stopped her.

"Nothing much. We just put some intoxicating incense in the campfire earlier," Gu Xing said. "They're sleeping like pigs right now. Not just them, but even the people from the Liu family, Meng family, and Prince Liang's mansion."

Gu Heng sighed, "Originally, if you had agreed for us to go and capture Meng Pan together, it wouldn't have come to this. After all, we grew up together as childhood sweethearts."

"Why? Why would you betray me!" Bi Linglong slowly retreated backward.

Hearing her words, the usually steady Gu Heng suddenly became agitated. "Linglong, are you truly unaware? Someone as smart as you must have known our feelings for you for a long time. But all these years, you've pretended not to know! Instead, you've used our admiration for you to make us serve your purposes."

Bi Linglong's expression darkened. "You should know that our statuses are different; it's impossible!"

"Why impossible?" Gu Heng's expression became somewhat distorted, no longer retaining his usual calm. "If that pig-headed fool Zhao Ruizhi can have you, why can't we? In what way are we not a hundred times better than him? Is it just because we come from a subordinate family of your Bi family that you've never considered us?"

Bi Linglong sighed, "I've always thought of you as my elder brothers since childhood, and nothing else."

"In the end, isn't it just that you despise our origins?" Gu Xing sneered. "Since you look down on the Gu family as a second-rate family, then we'll make the Gu family a first-rate family, on par with your Bi family. Won't we then be a suitable match?"

Bi Linglong scoffed, "Are you still dreaming?"

Gu Xing laughed heartily. "That's right. Under normal circumstances, an affiliated family like ours isn't even worthy of carrying your Bi family's shoes. Naturally, it's impossible for you to truly treat us as equals, so we had no choice but to find another way."

"Fortunately, Prince Qi is incredibly wise and has extensively recruited talented individuals. As long as we can help him complete this mission, it will be a merit of aiding a rising power. In the future, the Gu family will naturally become a top-tier family. Conversely, your Bi family will become a subordinate of our Gu family."

"Linglong, don't worry. Even after Prince Qi ascends the throne, you will still be safe. You will become the lady of our Gu family; this is also a condition Prince Qi promised us."

"Now, the question is, who will you choose between us two brothers?"