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

Chapter 379, Lao Ai Under the Shadow
The next day, outside Xianyang City.

Dozens of cavalrymen escorted a carriage away from Xianyang. Inside the carriage, Xu Qing wiped the Qin envoy's staff. Several pairs of eyes were watching from the rear of the procession. After the carriage left Xianyang, a few people returned to Xianyang, while the rest secretly followed.

One of the spies quickly returned to the Changxin Marquis's residence and reported to Lao Ai that Xu Qing had already left Xianyang.

"My lord, Grand Master Xu Qing's entourage has set off for Mount Taiyi," the scout said, kneeling on one knee.

A red glint flashed in Lao Ai's eyes as he sat on the throne. His face was so dark it seemed like it could drip water. He spoke to the screen beside him.
"I'm entrusting him to you. Don't let him return to Xianyang alive."

A black figure emerged from behind the screen, holding two sharp blades, one black and one white, at his waist. The rope on his forehead fluttered without wind. It was none other than Hei Bai Xuan Jian, who had returned empty-handed from Xinzheng.

"I understand. After noon today, Hei Bai Xuan Jian will advance further in the rankings on the sword manual," Hei Bai Xuan Jian said coldly.

Upon hearing this, Lao Ai frowned, his eyes flashing with coldness. He glared at Hei Bai Xuan Jian and said in an icy voice.
"What I want is for you to kill him, not to duel him. I hope you will keep your promise. I don't want you to kill him now. If he dies right after leaving Xianyang, everyone will know it was me."

He didn't want Hei Bai Xuan Jian and Xu Qing to fight each other with swords; he wanted them to kill each other.

The humiliation Xu Qing inflicted on him yesterday was something he could never forget; only by killing him could he wash away this shame.

Originally, he wanted Xu Qing to die on the way to Taiyi Mountain, but after being advised by his retainers, he decided to wait until Xu Qing returned before coming back to deal with Xiong Qi as well.

He currently has no military power, and if he kills Xu Qing and incurs public wrath, even Zhao Ji might not be able to protect him. However, once he seizes control of the Imperial Guard and reaches an agreement with the people in Qin, he will have no more reservations.

“I understand. I will go to Mount Taiyi to keep an eye on him. There are rumors that he is a member of the Taoist Tianzong sect, and I hope to have some helpers to assist him,” Hei Bai Xuan Jian nodded and said.

His failure to kill Ying Zheng and Xu Qing in Xinzheng was the only time he had failed since joining the Luo Wang organization, and he was determined to make up for it this time.

"Daoist Heavenly Sect? Even if he is a member of the Daoist Heavenly Sect, he must be killed. We must kill him by any means necessary. I will arrange for Yan Ri to help you."

Lao Ai's face suddenly turned ferocious. He clenched his fists tightly, stared at Hei Bai Xuan Jian with bloodshot eyes, and said angrily.

Regardless of whether Xu Qing was a disciple of the Heavenly Sect or even the sect leader or elder of the Daoist Heavenly Sect, he would still kill him. He had a reason to kill Xu Qing at all costs.

Looking at Lao Ai's appearance, a strange look flashed in Hei Bai Xuan Jian's eyes. He thought of how Lao Ai had suddenly summoned the Luo Wang organization in the latter half of last night, ordering people to secretly search for a doctor who could treat male sexual dysfunction.

Almost everyone knows how Lao Ai rose to the position of Marquis of Changxin.

Now that Lao Ai is telling him to find a doctor specializing in this area, he can't help but suspect that Lao Ai might have a problem in that area, and that it might very well be caused by Xu Qing.

"Don't forget your vow," Lao Ai said in a deep voice, looking at Hei Bai Xuan Jian.

“I know that Yan Ri is quite strong, but he is not reliable,” Hei Bai Xuan Jian said with a slight frown.

"A fence-sitter, is that it? Even though I was humiliated by Xu Qing yesterday, with the Empress Dowager's support, my power remains unshaken. A fence-sitter like him will naturally side with me," Lao Ai said, waving his hand.

Lao Ai had long understood Yan Ri's personality, so he didn't suspect anything when Yan Ri turned to him. After all, too many people had turned to him because of his power over the years, and Lao Ai had long been used to it.

Seeing Lao Ai's appearance, Hei Bai Xuan Jian said nothing more. He was an assassin, not a politician. He reminded Lao Ai because he remembered the other party's kindness.

"I understand."

After nodding, Hei Bai Xuan Jian turned and walked out of the hall, preparing to lead his men to Taiyi Mountain to keep an eye on Xu Qing.

After Hei Bai Xuan Jian left, Yan Ri glanced at the scouts kneeling below and asked in a deep voice.
"Have I found the doctor I need?"

"We've been searching in secret, and we should have news soon," the scout whispered.

"ASAP."

Lao Ai's expression was gloomy, his eyes flashed with cold light, and his fists were clenched tightly.

The reason he was so eager to kill Xu Qing was not only because Xu Qing supported Ying Zheng and disrupted his plans, but also because Xu Qing had left a shadow on him during the court meeting yesterday.

Yesterday, while serving Zhao Ji, she mentioned Xu Qing. He immediately recalled Xu Qing's upright and incorruptible demeanor during the court assembly, and he felt fear and the humiliation of being looked at by the court officials.

Out of fear and shame, Lao Ai immediately went limp, which greatly displeased Zhao Ji.

He knew very well how he gained his current power. If the shadow cast by Xu Qing prevented him from using his unique skill of spinning wheels, then his fall from favor was not far off.

Therefore, he was determined to kill Xu Qing, regardless of the other party's identity or who was behind him.

This is not only about his power, but also about his dignity as a man!

Meanwhile, in the entourage that had already left Xianyang, Xu Qing lifted the carriage curtain and glanced at the young general at the head of the cavalry. "The King actually sent Wang Jian's son, Wang Ben, to be my bodyguard. It seems Wang Jian is not to be outdone."

After drawing the curtains, Xu Qing leaned his cane against the seat and said with a light laugh.

"Since you are now the most loyal minister of Qin and the pillar of the Qin King's faction, it's only natural that others would want to befriend you."

Yan Lingji lay half-reclined in the carriage, her long, beautiful legs casually crossed. She propped her head up with one hand and flipped through the bamboo slips in front of her with the other, speaking without looking up.

Xu Qing turned slightly to look at Yan Lingji behind her. This time, Yan Lingji did not dress as sexy and hot as usual. Instead, she chose a dark blue long dress, and her fair shoulders were faintly visible under the lace.

Her ample breasts were completely covered by the strapless top. Although the long dress was somewhat conservative, it still couldn't hide her curvaceous figure with its prominent curves. Her slender waist and full, rounded buttocks outlined a perfect arc.

Long, slender legs encased in flesh-colored stockings, delicate feet resting on a luxurious carpet, a pair of crystal high heels neatly arranged.

Xu Qing paid no attention to what Yan Lingji said. The affairs of the court, once explained, were all the same: cooperation was intertwined with competition.

Wang Jian's decision to send Wang Ben as his bodyguard was clearly intended to foster good relations, and Ying Zheng's arrangement was also aimed at helping him build good relationships with other members of the Qin King's faction.

After all, he is now the most loyal minister of Qin, the king's right-hand man, and the second-in-command of the king's faction. He needs to maintain good relations with his insiders.

“You’re dressed rather conservatively this time. The Heavenly Sect doesn’t care that much about these things, so don’t make things difficult for yourself,” Xu Qing said to Yan Lingji.

Yan Lingji slightly raised her head to look at Xu Qing, a hint of a smile flashing in her icy blue eyes, and said softly.

"You're overthinking it. I just think this outfit is more suitable for going out. Why don't you think it looks good?"

"You look beautiful. No matter what you look like, you are my favorite side."

Seeing Yan Lingji's stubbornness, Xu Qing smiled helplessly and tried to coax her.

Yan Lingji raised her small face with a hint of pride, her icy blue eyes sparkling with joy. She was indeed dressed so formally and elegantly because she was going to Taiyi Mountain.

After all, Xu Qing was going to the Guanmiao Terrace to compete in swordsmanship, and as Xu Qing's wife, if she dressed too casually, it would definitely make Xu Qing lose face in front of the Hundred Schools and the envoys of various countries. Therefore, she chose this outfit.

"I wonder who South Korea will send this time? Will that lady from Zilanxuan come?" Yan Lingji asked Xu Qing with a sly glint in her eyes.

Mentioning Zi Nu, Xu Qing was slightly moved. He did hope that Zi Nu could come, but in the letter Zi Nu had given him before, she mentioned that the Quicksand was looking for opportunities to target Emerald Tiger, and that Zi Lan Xuan was also under reconstruction.

Zi Nu is also preoccupied with trivial matters, so it's probably not easy for her to come to Taiyi Mountain.

"I don't know. You continue reading. I need to continue practicing." Xu Qing changed the subject. If Yan Lingji continued, she would probably explode with jealousy.

"What about those people following behind? Did I go and take care of them for you?"

Yan Lingji also stopped joking, a flame ignited in her palm, and she revealed a playful smile.

"Don't worry, we'll be at Mount Taiyi before dark. No matter how much Lao Ai hates me, he can't possibly attack me now."

Xu Qing shook his head and said.

Xu Qing had already spotted the spies following behind him when they left Xianyang City, but they were all minor figures and not worth his time.

"Ok."

Upon hearing this, Yan Lingji said nothing more, stretched her long, beautiful legs, and continued reading. Xu Qing also calmed his mind, closed his eyes, and began to cultivate the Evergreen Technique.

Xianyang is not far from Mount Taiyi, and with the straight road built by the Qin state, Xu Qing and his group arrived at Mount Taiyi at dusk.

At the foot of Mount Taiyi, a dozen or so disciples of the Taoist Tianzong sect stood at the mountain gate, waiting solemnly, and the one in the lead was Qing Xiaozi.

Soon Xu Qing's group arrived at the mountain gate. Wang Ben reined in his horse, dismounted, and walked to Xu Qing's carriage.

"Great Master, we've arrived at Mount Taiyi. The masters of the Heavenly Sect are waiting ahead," Wang Ben said, bowing to the carriage.

Upon hearing this, Xu Qing opened his eyes, got up and stepped out of the carriage. He looked at the dozen or so disciples and Qing Xiaozi below the mountain gate, smiled, and then used his Wind Riding ability to leap off the carriage.

Yan Lingji also stepped down from the carriage and walked gracefully to Xu Qing's side, showing no trace of the former Baiyue demoness.

"Senior brother, thank you for waiting. This is my wife, Yan Lingji," Xu Qing said, cupping his fists to Qing Xiaozi.

(End of this chapter)