“What’s going on? Did you find a way to break the barrier?” Yun Qingxue quickly asked.
Qian Dai shook her head and pulled Yun Qingxue directly out through the window, flying as she spoke, “It’s an emergency. The only option now is to force our way through.”
As soon as Liu Ying saw Qian Dai pulling Yun Qingxue away on the wind, she didn’t hesitate—she transformed back into her original form and fluttered her wings, chasing after them.
The group flew straight toward the outermost barrier of the Ten Thousand Blossoms Palace.
Just moments after they left, the tightly shut doors of the Flower Queen’s Hall were violently forced open from the outside. Dressed in resplendent red, Tong Yun strode in with an air of arrogance, surrounded by guards and maidservants.
“Elder, no one’s here!” The first guard to enter searched the room before bowing and reporting.
Tong Yun’s sharp gaze swept coldly across the hall before she commanded, “Search!”
“Yes!” The guards spread out in an orderly fashion, radiating outward from the Flower Queen’s Hall.
**Boom!**
At that moment, a deafening explosion erupted.
“Elder, it’s coming from the barrier!” Fen Yao, her right index finger wrapped in cloth, shouted with wide eyes, earning a displeased glare from Tong Yun.
“This servant was out of line.” Fen Yao quickly apologized, but Tong Yun had already taken flight, transforming into a streak of red light as she shot out through the window. The others hurriedly followed, and Fen Yao, having lost her cultivation, grabbed the nearest guard to carry her out.
**At the outer protective barrier of the Ten Thousand Blossoms Palace…**
Qian Dai had exhausted all her strength but failed to break the barrier. Instead, she was thrown back a step, coughing up blood.
Yun Qingxue quickly steadied her.
“I’m fine.”
Frowning, Qian Dai stared at the unyielding barrier before her, her beautiful face unusually solemn. If she couldn’t force it open and escape with her young mistress, then… after tonight, they might never see the sun again.
Her own life meant nothing, but Yun Qingxue couldn’t die. She was the future of the entire Flora Tribe, carrying the hopes of so many. Though weak now, Qian Dai knew that given time, her mistress would grow into a worthy ruler.
But time was running out. Her full-powered strike hadn’t even shaken the barrier. With the first explosion, Tong Yun—that treacherous woman—would soon arrive with reinforcements. Then, escape would be impossible.
Suddenly, Qian Dai turned to Liu Ying.
“Liu Ying, the Flora Tribe is in turmoil. This is a matter of life and death. Will you join me in trying to break this barrier?”
“Yes.” Liu Ying agreed without hesitation. Though Qian Dai had dragged her and Yun Qingxue here without explanation, she knew Qian Dai wouldn’t recklessly risk her mistress’s safety unless it was truly dire.
“Ready.” Qian Dai gathered her magic, her almond-shaped eyes locked onto the barrier. Then, with a roar—
“Break!”
Two surges of power shot from Qian Dai and Liu Ying, striking the shimmering, bubble-like barrier.
Halfway there, Tong Yun heard another explosion and sped up.
Though she hadn’t seen the barrier yet, she was certain it was Qian Dai’s doing.
*Hmph! Who would’ve thought that stubborn Ning Zi left such a loyal fool for Yun Qingxue?* Qian Dai wouldn’t dare charge the barrier unless she’d learned of tonight’s meeting with the elders.
The two attacks struck the same spot, but the barrier remained unmoved, rebounding the force back at them. They barely dodged, but not without some difficulty.
Seeing no effect, Qian Dai’s eyes reddened with desperation. Without waiting for Liu Ying, she unleashed another blast.
Again, it was deflected.
“Ah!”
With a furious cry, Qian Dai began relentlessly striking the barrier, each attack bouncing back.
Yun Qingxue couldn’t bear it—Qian Dai was on the verge of madness.
“Qian Dai!” Risking the rebounding force, Yun Qingxue stepped forward and grabbed her arm. “Calm down!”
“My lady!” Qian Dai stopped, her face filled with anguish. “If we don’t get you out tonight, we’ll all die by Tong Yun’s schemes!”
“But this is pointless—you’re just wasting your strength.”
Qian Dai’s hands fell limply. The wind howled fiercely, and a bolt of lightning split the dark sky, followed by thunder. In the distance, a streak of red light raced toward them.
“She’s coming…!” The dying fire in Qian Dai’s eyes flared with hatred as she glared at the approaching light.
Yun Qingxue watched it too, then suddenly smiled—radiant and untroubled.
She took Qian Dai’s hand, her voice steady.
“If we can’t escape this danger, then let us face it with our heads held high.”
“My lady… I’ve failed you. I’ve betrayed Elder Ning Zi’s dying wish and your trust!”
Qian Dai knelt, her beautiful face twisted with guilt.
“You’ve done nothing wrong. If anything, I should thank you.” Yun Qingxue helped her up.
“Serving you is my honor.”
The sorrow faded from Qian Dai’s face, replaced by steely resolve. She turned to the nearing red light and gritted her teeth. “My lady, even if I die, I’ll make sure Tong Yun suffers!”
“Wait!” Liu Ying suddenly exclaimed.
Yun Qingxue looked at her. “Liu Ying, you should leave. Don’t let us drag you down.”
“Don’t lose hope yet.” Liu Ying’s expression was uncharacteristically serious. She removed a beautiful red feather from her neck and held it in her palm. “There’s one more thing we can try—it might break your barrier.”
“What is it?” The glimmer of hope reignited in Qian Dai’s eyes.
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