People in the Qin Dynasty sought good fortune and avoided misfortune.

Chapter 299, The Net? We'll make sure it never returns!
"How can you appreciate the breathtaking view from the top without climbing the cliff? Besides, taking a little risk is worthwhile."

Ying Zheng chuckled lightly, seemingly unconcerned about his current situation. He then glanced at Han Fei and Xu Qing, his eyes gleaming.

His goal in coming to Korea was to meet Xu Qing and Han Fei. Previously, Han Fei held a higher place in his heart than Xu Qing, but after a long night of conversation with Xu Qing, Xu Qing's importance in his heart had increased compared to Han Fei.

There was no other reason than that Xu Qing was too learned and had a deep understanding of the situation in the Qin state, and what he said was exactly what Xu Qing needed.

As for Han Fei, Ying Zheng greatly admired Han Fei's books, especially Han Fei's understanding of law, which coincided with his own.

Shang Yang's laws were suitable for the Qin state in the past, but not for the Qin state in the future.

Ying Zheng knew this well, but he had no clue how to change it, so he needed Han Fei.

Unfortunately, Han Fei had already made his choice. Even though it was only their first meeting, he could sense that the meaning behind Han Fei's words was already very clear.

However, he believed that Xu Qing also had a way to solve Qin's problems and work with him to lead Qin to a better future.

"There's no time to lose. Now that Young Master Shang and Brother Han Fei have met, let's leave the city as soon as possible," Xu Qing said, looking at Han Fei and Ying Zheng.

“Brother Xu is right. There are quite a few people with ill intentions in Xinzheng. Young Master Shang should leave the city as soon as possible.”

Han Fei also bowed slightly to Ying Zheng and said.

The murder of the Qin envoy had already put the state of Han on high alert, keeping Han extremely busy. If something were to happen to Ying Zheng, it would be advantageous for Han at present.

But once the power struggle within Qin subsides, whoever ascends to the throne, Han will become the target of the new king's retaliation.

There is no other reason than to convince the public and uphold legality.

"It's probably too late."

On the roof, Wei Zhuang looked down at the three people below and said coldly.

Gai Nie stood on the other side. The two were indeed worthy of being fellow disciples, with extremely similar temperaments. The only difference was that their standing postures were not quite right, and they seemed to be at odds with each other.

"The Net and Nightfall have already begun their operations; the Imperial Guards have started clearing the streets and sealing the city gates."

Gai Nie looked at the imperial guards running in the streets outside and the hurried flow of people and said.

Upon hearing this, Xu Qing climbed onto the roof and scanned the situation on the street outside. Looking at the flow of people and the imperial guards, a glint of shrewdness flashed in his eyes.

"Your old friend has arrived."

Xu Qing looked at the eight figures of different shapes in the crowd and said, although he saw eight figures, his intuition told him that it was one person.

"Are you referring to the Eight Linglong? The Eight Linglong are elusive, but they always leave traces when they travel the martial world. It's been a long time since they last made a move." Wei Zhuang asked Xu Qing, his brows slightly furrowed.

Although the Eight Linglong are the top assassin group in Qin, they have no connection with him or Gai Nie. How could Xu Qing say they are old friends?

“Mr. Xu, what do you mean by that? Although the Eight Linglongs are from the Qin Kingdom, they have never had any connection with me or Young Master Shang,” Gai Nie said in a deep voice.

It cannot be said that there is no connection whatsoever. The assassination of Chang'an Jun Chengjiao was carried out by Ba Linglong.

Behind this was Lü Buwei's scheme and Ying Zheng's tacit approval.

"Let's go downstairs and talk. This enemy won't be easy to deal with."

After sighing, Xu Qing climbed over the wall.

Gai Nie and Wei Zhuang exchanged a glance, and then the two of them came down from the wall and came to Ying Zheng and Han Fei's side.

"Sir, what is the situation outside?" Ying Zheng asked calmly.

“Nightfall has already begun its operation. The movements of the Luo Wang are unclear, but this time the Luo Wang is the real main force. According to the information I have, the Eight Linglong are not actually eight people, but one person,” Xu Qing said in a deep voice.

"one person!?"

Ying Zheng, Han Fei, Wei Zhuang, and Gai Nie all looked surprised.

“Different minds, one body; one body, eight faces; form inseparable from shadow, shadow inseparable from form; exquisitely versatile,” Wei Zhuang said coldly.

"It seems this isn't a description of the unity of the Eight Linglong, but rather a veiled reference," Han Fei said in a deep voice.

Xu Qing glanced at the four people with solemn expressions and slowly spoke.

“They used to be eight people, but when the Eight Linglong carried out an assassination mission last time, one of them had a problem. He killed the others and took over the Eight Linglong.”

"And this person is an old friend of Brother Gai Nie and Brother Wei Zhuang, a top-tier assassin of the Luo Wang organization, Hei Bai Xuan Jian."

"What!? It's him, Hei Bai Xuan Jian?" Gai Nie exclaimed in surprise.

Wei Zhuang didn't speak, but surprise flashed in his eyes. He tightened his grip on Shark Tooth involuntarily, and his other hand trembled slightly.

"Teacher, are you very familiar with this Black and White Xuanjian?" Ying Zheng asked, looking at the surprised Gai Nie.

Since Gai Nie started following him, he had always maintained a calm and composed demeanor. This was the first time he had ever seen Gai Nie's emotions fluctuate so greatly.

“He is very strong. Three years ago, Xiao Zhuang and I fought him. At that time, he only had a sword left in his hand, but it was still not something that Xiao Zhuang and I could defeat,” Gai Nie said in a deep voice.

Hearing Gai Nie's words, Wei Zhuang couldn't help but recall the events of Wei Family Village back then.

Hei Bai Xuan Jian is the most powerful enemy the two have encountered so far. The sense of oppression he brings is something that no one else has ever felt. Last time in Weijiazhuang, they also defeated Xuan Jian by means of strategy. If it were really a matter of strength, the two would have a hard time defeating him.

"Moreover, this time the Luo Wang (Net of Heaven) also sent Yan Ri, Jing Ni, and many assassins. Apart from Jing Ni, the others' targets are me and Young Master Shang, while Jing Ni is..." Xu Qing recounted the details of the Luo Wang mission he had obtained from Jing Ni.

Gai Nie and Ying Zheng were aware of these matters, while Han Fei and Wei Zhuang revealed amused smiles upon hearing the two orders from within the Luo Wang (Net of Heaven).

"It seems that the situation in Xinzheng is far more complicated than it appears on the surface. Some people want to kill Young Master Shang and Brother Xu, while others want to protect Brother Xu. And Brother Xu, with the help of the people behind the scenes, persuaded Jing Ni to turn against him."

"And Ji Wuye's Nightfall not only cooperated with Luo Wang to kill Young Master Shang and Brother Xu, but also wanted to take the opportunity to get rid of me as well."

After synthesizing all the intelligence, Han Fei analyzed the situation they faced and then looked at Xu Qing and said...

"In comparison, Brother Xu must already have a plan to defeat the enemy, right?"

Ying Zheng, Gai Nie, and Wei Zhuang looked at Xu Qing, their eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"As expected, nothing can be hidden from you. Currently, we only have two real enemies: Nightfall and Black and White Xuanjian. The best strategy is to attack them separately, distracting them from two directions to protect Young Master Shang as he leaves the city."

Xu Qing glanced at Ying Zheng and continued...

"As long as Young Master Shang leaves Xinzheng safely, the danger we face will be reduced by more than half. As for Brother Han Fei, Ji Wuye will not dare to kill you openly. We just need to be careful of his underhanded tricks."

"As for me? Unless Hei Bai Xuan Jian abandons Young Master Shang and makes me his primary target, Ji Wu Ye and the others simply cannot harm me."

Upon hearing Xu Qing's plan, Han Fei and the others naturally understood who Xu Qing meant by being responsible for restraining Luo Wang and Ye Mu: Liu Sha and Xu Qing.

As for Ying Zheng, this King of Qin, who only knew how to put on a show, was waiting for an opportunity to leave Xinzheng.

Seeing Xu Qing's confidence, Ying Zheng felt a little nervous; he didn't want anything to happen to Xu Qing.

"Sir, a wise man does not stand under a dangerous wall. Perhaps we can let others restrain Nightfall and the Net," Ying Zheng said.

"Young Master Shang need not worry. Since I dared to formulate this plan, I naturally have made thorough preparations," Xu Qing said with a light laugh.

It wasn't that he was arrogant; after their conversation last night, Bai Yifei would certainly not lay a hand on him, so any attack would just be for show.

As for Hei Bai Xuan Jian, he was restrained by Wei Zhuang and Jing Ni. As for Ji Wu Ye, as a Grand General, he certainly wouldn't take action personally.

With the assistance of the God-Slaying Swordsman, Xu Qing was confident that the remaining people would not return alive!

"I have no problem with that either, but Brother Xu's plan is a bit rudimentary. Perhaps we could refine it a bit more." Han Fei revealed a confident smile and began to share his thoughts.

Just as Xu Qing and the others were listening attentively, a few bees flapped their wings and flew over the eaves toward the flowers in the yard.

"Whoosh~"

A silver needle shot out, pinning three bees to the courtyard wall, and everyone looked at Xu Qing.

“This is a bee from the Xun Bee, one of the Eight Exquisite Bees, specifically used to track down targets. The Ninth Prince’s residence has been exposed, and Young Master Shang must relocate as soon as possible.” Xu Qing’s fingers flicked slightly, and the silver needle, controlled by Wan Chuan Qiu Shui, flew back into Xu Qing’s hand.

“Right now, the safest place in the city is probably only Zilan Pavilion,” Han Fei said.

"My idea is also Zilan Pavilion. I have already informed Situ Wanli and Boss Han, and asked them to secretly send people to lie in ambush around Zilan Pavilion," Xu Qing said after putting the silver needles back into his belt.

"Purple Orchid Pavilion? Then I'll trouble you, sir and sir Han Fei," Ying Zheng nodded and said.

Although Zilan Pavilion was a place of pleasure and it was inappropriate for him, as the King of Qin, to go to such a place, with life and death at stake, he couldn't care less about such things.

"it is good."

Just as Xu Qing and his entourage were about to leave after speaking, a eunuch walked to the courtyard gate and called out to them.
"Ninth Prince, someone from the palace has come. They say they want to invite the Imperial Physician back to the palace to examine your pulse."

Upon hearing this, Han Fei and the other three looked at Xu Qing.

Night had already begun to fall when Xu Qing was summoned to the palace. Han Fei and Wei Zhuang immediately suspected it was the work of the Tide Demoness, who intended to take action against Xu Qing.

Xu Qing was taken aback at first, then smiled helplessly and said to the four people.

"It seems that even if it's a dragon's den or a tiger's lair, I'll still have to go."

Although he spoke of it as a dragon's den and a tiger's lair, Xu Qing understood that it was neither a dragon's den nor a tiger's lair, but a threat from the laws of the dark forest.

After pondering for a moment, Han Fei addressed Ying Zheng, Wei Zhuang, Gai Nie, and the other two.
“Brother Xu, it’s too risky for you to go to the palace alone right now. Why don’t I go with him so we can look after each other? Besides, the court assembly is about to begin, and Father and the ministers are waiting for me.”

"As for Young Master Shang, I'll trouble Brother Wei Zhuang and Brother Gai Nie to protect him."

"Since Brother Han Fei is willing to accompany me on this trip, then of course it's fine," Xu Qing said with a light smile after giving Han Fei a deep look.

Han Fei's goal was too straightforward; his desire to spend time with him privately was simply to see if he could keep him around.

But Han Fei didn't understand. Even Zi Nu and the others couldn't keep him here, let alone Han Fei.

"it is good."

Ying Zheng glanced at Han Fei, then at Xu Qing, and finally nodded.

He wasn't worried about whether Gai Nie and Wei Zhuang could protect him, but rather that Han Fei was deliberately spending time alone with Xu Qing in order to bring Xu Qing back.

However, since Xu Qing had agreed, he naturally had no more worries.

Soon the group split up. Gai Nie and Wei Zhuang covered Ying Zheng's continued hiding in the Ninth Prince's residence until dark, when they headed to the Purple Orchid Pavilion. Xu Qing and Han Fei, on the other hand, headed towards the Han King's Palace.

(End of this chapter)