I believe in you

Yaoxi Princess wandered the streets for quite some time, but her unhappy mood persisted, and she returned to the palace with a displeased expression.

As the carriage traveled down a secluded alley, it suddenly came to a halt.

Yaoxi Princess found it strange and opened the carriage door to take a look. The coachman was already dead, and her guards were unconscious.

Upon seeing the scene, Yaoxi Princess was taken aback and became highly vigilant, scanning her surroundings.

"Who's there? Come out!" Fear flickered in Yaoxi Princess's eyes.

A gust of wind swept over the top of the carriage, causing Yaoxi Princess to look up. She saw a fiery figure passing by. Before Yaoxi Princess could react, that bewitching figure had already landed in front of the carriage. The person's wide red sleeves gracefully swirled through the air.

Yaoxi Princess quickly regained her composure and exclaimed, "Ji Rui, why is it you?" She surveyed the deceased individuals around her, her eyes glinting with hidden sharpness. "Did you kill them? Why would you do such a thing?"

Yaoxi Princess couldn't understand. She had just reprimanded Su Zimo on the street for her, so how could Ji Rui kill her own people?

Then Yaoxi Princess seemed to recall something and asked, "Ji Rui, weren't you sent to the nunnery by the Emperor? How did you end up here?"

"Hmph!" Ji Rui sneered coldly. "Who would stay at a nunnery for a whole year? Su Zimo ruined everything for me. How could I endure a year?"

Ji Rui gazed at Yaoxi Princess with a sinister expression, full of malevolence.

"And so?" Yaoxi Princess felt a sense of unease creeping over her.

"And so, I seek revenge," Ji Rui shouted fiercely.

In her eyes, there was nothing but deep-seated hatred.

"Even if you want revenge, you should go after Su Zimo, not kill my people. Don't you know that cultivating a group of highly skilled guards, each a powerful cultivator at the Golden Profound Realm, is no easy feat?" Yaoxi Princess retorted.

"They're nothing more than worthless sacks of flesh." Ji Rui spoke softly, casting a sarcastic glance at the seven or eight guards on the ground. "Don't worry, they're not dead. They've merely fallen victim to my secret medicine. They'll wake up soon. If they died, I wouldn't have anyone to accompany me into the palace, would I?"

Ji Rui's beautiful face wore a smile with a hidden meaning.

Yaoxi Princess furrowed her brows, feeling an increasingly powerful sense of foreboding. Moreover, she sensed her own spiritual energy gradually dissipating, which caused her utmost panic.

"Bang!" A gust of wind rushed towards Yaoxi Princess. The top of the carriage shattered under the impact. Due to the loss of a large portion of her spiritual energy, Yaoxi Princess managed to barely evade Ji Rui's strike and jumped out of the carriage.

As she landed on the ground, Yaoxi Princess swayed unsteadily, appearing weak and fragile.

"Hmph, no wonder you're a pampered princess. You can't withstand a single blow." Ji Rui sneered, wearing a mocking smile, and slowly approached Yaoxi Princess.

At this moment, Yaoxi Princess's head felt heavy, and she saw Ji Rui's figure split into two.

"What... What have you done to me?" Yaoxi Princess's first thought was that Ji Rui had poisoned her.

She slapped her own face, smudging her exquisitely crafted makeup, erasing any trace of her enchanting beauty.

"Yaoxi, it's your fortune to be replaced by me. It's your honor. Only someone as dim-witted as you could be worthy of being a princess." Ji Rui steadily advanced, her eyes malicious and filled with wickedness as she looked at Yaoxi Princess's face.

Hearing Ji Rui's words, Yaoxi Princess gasped for breath.

How could Ji Rui possibly want to replace her? How could she harbor such a crazy idea?

"Slap!" Ji Rui slapped Yaoxi Princess's face hard. The force was too strong, and when Yaoxi Princess regained her senses, the ground beneath her had turned shockingly red. Her lips had been forcefully split open by Ji Rui.

"Now, only by using your princess identity can I successfully kill that wretched Su Zimo." Ji Rui's face exuded madness. Whenever Su Zimo was mentioned, she would lose her rationality.

Wide-eyed, Yaoxi Princess stared at Ji Rui, unable to believe what she was seeing.

"Yaoxi, don't look at me like that. I'll have nightmares at night. If you want to blame someone, blame yourself for not returning at the right time."

Ji Rui smiled sweetly, observing the disheveled and pitiful state of Yaoxi Princess.

Yaoxi Princess suddenly laughed. "Do you think you will succeed?"

"Whether I'll succeed or not, the outcome is already evident, isn't it?" Ji Rui maintained her smiling expression, her voice light and serene.

"Ji Rui, I've truly misjudged you. We grew up together, played together, cultivated together. How could you bring yourself to do this...?" Yaoxi Princess questioned Ji Rui in disbelief.

"Why can't you bring yourself to do it?" Ji Rui's expression changed, becoming dark and gloomy. "I have been completely ruined simply because we grew up together. You didn't have to do anything and yet you became a lofty princess, while I, despite giving my all, ended up being subjected to criticism."

Ji Rui shouted almost madly.

"Yaoxi, do you know? I've always envied you. Even though my brother-in-law is the emperor, he is accepting of his own children. But my father only cares about his own interests. Tell me, how could our fates be so different?"

After yelling, Ji Rui crouched down, looking at the frightened and pale Jun Yaoxi with a smile.

"Don't worry, I won't let you die. I've given you a medicine that will make you lose your spiritual energy. I will bring you back to the palace and let you live there. We grew up together, and I know everything about you. They won't suspect me."

"Ji Rui, you're insane...!"

Jun Yaoxi couldn't finish her sentence before Ji Rui knocked her unconscious.

"Hehe!" Ji Rui's voice laughed maniacally, sending shivers down the spine. "Insane, Yaoxi, you're right. I've already gone insane. Otherwise, I wouldn't be doing such crazy things."

Ji Rui stood up and clapped three times, and a carriage identical to the one Jun Yaoxi was previously in was brought over by someone.

"Carry her into the carriage for me."

Ji Rui quickly instructed her people.

"Yes, Princess." The seven or eight people Ji Rui brought with her appeared well-trained. In no time, they cleaned up the broken carriage.

Another person swiftly disguised themselves as the coachman.

Ji Rui, who had also entered the carriage, didn't waste any time. She quickly exchanged clothes with Jun Yaoxi and placed Jun Yaoxi into a hidden compartment in the carriage before wearing a prepared skin mask that resembled Jun Yaoxi.

Soon, a woman identical to Jun Yaoxi emerged.

Ji Rui smiled darkly. Su Zimo, let's see if you can still compete with me this time.

"Wake up the guards and go to the other courtyard. Wait for my orders."

"Yes, Princess."

The seven or eight people Ji Rui brought knew their place and addressed Ji Rui as Princess.

"And pay close attention to any movement from Mingyue Villa. Report to me immediately if there's any situation."

Ji Rui's tone and actions mirrored those of the real Jun Yaoxi.

"Yes, Princess." They respectfully replied, and after tidying up the scene, they left, leaving Ji Rui and the slowly waking guards behind.

After respectfully answering, the group swiftly cleaned up the scene and left, leaving Ji Rui and the slowly awakening guards behind. In the Sanwang Mansion, Qi Lei went to the study but didn't find Jun Lintian. Instead, he saw Jun Lintian chatting with the new steward, Lin Puda, in the hall.

"My lord," Qi Lei called out, and Jun Lintian nodded at him, stood up, and walked out.

"What's going on?"

"My lord, Prince Yu took people to Bugui Mountain. It seems that there are traces of the Eight Profound Artifacts in Bugui Mountain."

"Heh!" Jun Lintian sneered. "Has Prince Yu gone mad for the Eight Profound Artifacts? Should we believe Su Zimo's words? Even if there are Eight Profound Artifacts in Bugui Mountain, would Su Zimo announce it in front of everyone? Even if they do exist, acquiring the Eight Profound Artifacts is either more difficult than reaching the heavens or they simply don't exist."

Jun Lintian frowned, completely skeptical of Su Zimo's words. He didn't need the help of the Eight Profound Artifacts at all. He possessed two treasures that were even more powerful. When the time came, he would strike back with all his might. A victorious smile crossed Jun Lintian's mind, and his eyes revealed boundless satisfaction.

"Has Su Ziyun arrived?"

"Yes, my lord. She has arrived, but Miss Yafei also came. It seems she's unhappy upon hearing Miss Su's arrival."

Qi Lei was quite satisfied with Yafei's influence and naturally supported her.

"A woman who wants to be mine should not be jealous. Let's go and see Su Ziyun."

Jun Lintian's face was filled with anticipation. The woman who once indulged in pleasure beneath him, how has she changed now?

In Mingyue Villa, after Su Zimo returned, she spent time chatting with her parents when suddenly, Li Xiaonuan burst in through the front door, shouting urgently. She was desperately looking for Su Zimo.

"Master, something bad happened to Young Master!"

As soon as Su Zimo heard Li Xiaonuan's voice, her expression sank. Young Master? Qi'er, has something happened to Qi'er?

Su Zimo's face turned grim. Who dared to lay a hand on Qi'er? The people in the hall also had their expressions darken upon hearing the news. Su Zimo strode out, meeting the frantically running Li Xiaonuan.

"Xiaonuan, what's going on?"

"Hoo!" Li Xiaonuan gasped for breath, "Master, there was a woman in a red dress who kidnapped Young Master and left this note. She asked Little Li to bring it back to the master."

Li Xiaonuan quickly handed the note to Su Zimo.

Su Zimo swiftly opened it and her face darkened instantly.

As she read the contents, anger flashed in Su Zimo's eyes.

"Momo, what's going on? What happened to Qier?" Seeing her daughter's gloomy expression, Nalan Wenhao knew that the situation must be serious.

"This note says that to save Qier, we must bring the Eight Profound Artifacts as an exchange, but it doesn't specify the location or the time of the exchange."

Su Zimo said coldly, considering that it was related to the Eight Profound Artifacts. Who could it be? Prince Yu, who desperately wanted the Eight Profound Artifacts, seemed unlikely. He had believed her words and had already gone to Bugui Mountain. Su Zimo quickly dismissed her suspicions.

"No time or location specified. How are we supposed to go and make the exchange? This person has a strange temperament," Situ Ruoyan bit her lip, her eyes showing a hint of worry.

"Momo, in my opinion, it's best to inform the Holy Lord as soon as possible! The Holy Lord has many talented individuals under his command, and he should be able to quickly find out who kidnapped Qier."

Su Ziyun was also worried, but for now, they could only think of ways to save Qier.

"Sister, there's no need to worry. Since their target is the Eight Profound Artifacts, Qier won't be in immediate danger. They will definitely send a message."

Su Zimo angrily burned the note to ashes. Cloud Pavilion had secretly sent people to protect Qier, and they should have received news as well.

Seeing the anger on Su Zimo's face, it felt as if a dark cloud was hovering above, making it hard to breathe.

"What about Yunting?"

Su Zimo turned to Qinghe.

"Master, Steward He also left after you went out. He said he was going to the jewelry store. There's a jeweler named Li who wants to collaborate with our Mingyue Villa. Steward He only said that and then left."

Instantly, the atmosphere became tense, and not even a pin dropping could be heard.

"Xiaonuan, where was Qier abducted?"

Su Zimo felt a sense of worry. Ordinary people wouldn't be able to touch Qier at all unless that woman had astonishing cultivation.

"It happened in an alley not far from the Dan Ge. In the blink of an eye, Xiaonuan only saw a red figure pass by, and then Young Master disappeared. Immediately after, the note fell into Xiaonuan's hand on its own. After realizing what had happened, Xiaonuan rushed straight to Mingyue Villa. Master, could something happen to Young Master?"

Li Xiaonuan looked at Su Zimo with teary eyes, hoping that Young Master would be safe.

"Xiaonuan, don't worry! Qier will be fine. You've had a long day, so go back and rest. Once we receive news about Qier, I will let you know immediately."

Su Zimo looked at Li Xiaonuan with a heart full of love and concern. She genuinely worried about Qier.

"No, Master, Xiaonuan will wait here for Young Master to return." Li Xiaonuan's tender voice conveyed determination.

Seeing her persistence, Su Zimo didn't say anything more.

"Mother, we're back."

Xiaoli brought Su Li and Yue Tongzi back. Although they had almost faced a life-threatening situation at Bugui Mountain, the outcome turned out surprisingly well, and Su Li was very happy.

"It's good that you've come back safely!" Su Zimo said in a heavy tone.

Su Li noticed her mother's expression and a hint of confusion flashed in her eyes. The atmosphere was clearly not right, even Yue Tongzi could sense it.

"Mother, what's happened?"

Su Li asked anxiously.

"Li'er, Qier has been kidnapped."

"What? Qier has been kidnapped?" Su Li paused for a moment. With Qier's cultivation, how could he be easily kidnapped?

"Moye," Mu Yunxuan's figure suddenly appeared.

"You received the news too?" Su Zimo could tell by his expression.

"Moye, don't worry. I'll go rescue Qie'er now. Stay at the manor and rest assured," Mu Yunxuan said as he received the news of their son's incident. He came back to inform Su Zimo and prevent her from worrying.

"Qie'er is in trouble. How can I stay calm at the manor?" Su Zimo's emotions became agitated. Mu Yunxuan's intention to go save their son indicated that he knew where Qie'er was.

"Moye, please don't get upset. Those people are not ordinary. Don't you trust me?" Mu Yunxuan looked at her with affection, realizing he hadn't done enough to make her feel safe every day.

The words "Don't you trust me?" helped calm Su Zimo's emotions. Yes, she should trust Yunxuan. He was her pillar of support now.

"Alright! I trust you. Go bring our Qie'er back," Su Zimo's eyes gleamed with trust.

Mu Yunxuan felt a sense of relief upon seeing this.

"Lie'er, stay with your mother. Trust your father. I will safely bring your little brother back," Mu Yunxuan looked at Su Li. This time, he wanted to go save Qie'er alone. He wanted them to know that with him, Mu Yunxuan, around, he could protect them.

"Father, I trust you," Su Li nodded, feeling for the first time that having a father was truly wonderful!

Mu Yunxuan glanced back at Su Zimo before disappearing in the blink of an eye.

"Moye, you've endured so much. How did you manage to get through all of this?" Situ Ruoyan anxiously held Su Zimo's hand and asked.

Feeling the warmth in her palm, Su Zimo's heart also warmed.

"Sometimes, a person's mood is like clothes. When they get dirty, you take them out, wash them, and let them bask in the sun. When the warmth spreads, the heart naturally warms up. Reluctantly accepting fate, strong-willed women have all gone through it like this," Su Zimo said calmly.

"Mother, Father, let's go inside and wait for news."

"Alright," Situ Ruoyan nodded, silently praying that her grandson would be safe.

News of Su Qi's incident quickly spread throughout Mingyue Manor.

Murong Shaofeng sent out all his people to search.

Murong Zeyu, who shamelessly came to Mingyue Manor, also received the news.

"This is truly fortunate for me," Murong Zeyu's eyes flickered with calculation.

"Yi Yun," Murong Zeyu urgently called.

"My Lord, what's the matter?" Yi Yun entered the room upon hearing the call.

"Go and have Chu Yourou detain Su Zimo and the others. We will pay a visit to the Treasure Pavilion in Mingyue Manor."

Yi Yun glanced at Murong Zeyu. It was indeed a rare opportunity.

"Yes, my Lord. I will go instruct Miss Chu right away."

Yi Yun turned and left the room. Murong Zeyu quickly changed into black clothes and silently jumped out of the window.

In the forest outside Mingyue Manor, Qing Feng quickly approached Mu Yunxuan.

Kneeling on the ground, Qing Feng said, "Holy Lord, Qing Feng failed to protect the young master and let him be captured. I apologize for my incompetence."

The forest became incredibly quiet, filled with an eerie silence.

"The forest became eerily quiet, an unsettling silence that made Qingfeng feel uneasy. It was the first time he had failed to protect his master. Mu Yunxuan's gaze turned cold as he stared at Qingfeng, an invisible pressure enveloping him. Even the surroundings seemed affected by it. Beads of sweat formed on Qingfeng's nose, his body tensing nervously. The fact that the master was displaying such anger indicated the severity of the situation, something Qingfeng had never witnessed before.

"Qingfeng, you did indeed fail to protect me this time. However, since the opposing party belongs to Tianmen, I won't pursue it further. But if there is another instance in the future, you know the consequences," a soft, chilly voice resounded, exuding an aura of authority.

Qingfeng lowered his head, loosening his tightly clenched fists. "Master, Qingfeng understands," he replied.

Mu Yunxuan's piercing gaze, capable of seeing through everything, remained fixed on Qingfeng. "Where has Qier been taken?" Muer was anxious; he needed to find Qier as soon as possible.

"Master, Qier was personally captured by the leader of Tianmen and is being held in a secluded courtyard outside the city," Qingfeng informed.

"Hmph! So the leader of Tianmen finally couldn't resist anymore? Dreaming of obtaining the Eight Profound Artifacts! Take some men with us and infiltrate the place. With Qier's intelligence, he will collaborate with us from the inside," Mu Yunxuan expressed his confidence in his son, knowing him to be clever.

"Yes, Master," Qingfeng acknowledged, turning around and gesturing towards the forest. Several dark figures disappeared into the shadows.

Mu Yunxuan and Qingfeng mounted the Nine-Winged Divine Beasts and headed straight for the outskirts of the city.

In an inconspicuous courtyard outside the city, which served as Tianmen's newly established stronghold, Su Qi was happily enjoying some pastries, engaging in conversation with Yang Qingqing.

"Wow, Sister Beauty, the pastries here are delicious! They're the best I've ever had," Su Qi mumbled while taking small bites, his words slightly muffled. In reality, the pastries were horribly tasteless, nowhere near as delicious as those made by Aunt Qinglian.

Upon hearing this, Yang Qingqing couldn't help but burst into laughter. "You have quite the eloquent mouth, don't you? Especially calling me Sister Beauty. It's been a while since someone addressed me that way," Yang Qingqing thought for a moment; it had been many, many years.

"But you're the one who captured me, and here I am, not crying or making a fuss, just happily indulging in good food. Isn't that right?" Su Qi raised an eyebrow, his thoughts leaving Yang Qingqing somewhat puzzled.

"Tsk, Sister Beauty must have deceived Qier. Sister Beauty must have found Qier cute and brought him home. Just like Sister Beauty said, if it were Sister Beauty who captured Qier, would he be treated so well with delicious food and drinks?" Su Qi innocently remarked, his innocent smile captivating on his delicately sculpted face.

In reality, he felt a chill in his heart. Calling this old witch "Sister Beauty" was truly difficult for him. However, for the sake of his plan, he forced himself to endure."

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