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Before Ouyang Mingjing departed, he approached Gu Chaoyan’s carriage and spoke urgently, “Snow Territory’s guards—two-thirds of them—have set off in search of him. We were ambushed, indicating that the internal conflict within Snow Territory is escalating. I don’t have time to waste here with you.”

“….”

“From this point onward, we will travel directly to the towns of Snow Territory. Once there, we will dispatch additional troops to continue the search. Accompany me to the town, and I will fulfill my promise by giving you the Fire Lotus. Don’t break your word, Phoenix Girl.”

With those words, Ouyang Mingjing returned to his own carriage and departed without further inquiry or delay.

The hidden guards from Shadow Door contemplated intervening, but the Snow Territory guards stepped forward, creating an insurmountable obstacle.

Gu Chaoyan spoke from within the carriage, “We should heed their instructions.”

The hidden guards ceased their advance.

The group pressed onward, sensing a palpable s.h.i.+ft in the atmosphere.

The troops, once marching in a single file, now found themselves flanked by numerous Snow Territory guards positioned outside the carriage. Meanwhile, the hidden guards from Shadow Door and the maids were escorted far away.

Soon, Gu Chaoyan pieced together the unfolding situation.

It appeared that there was more to the situation than meets the eye. There were underlying complexities at play, and the casual injuries might not be as innocent as they seemed. Gu Chaoyan needed to carefully consider these factors.

Furthermore, Ouyang Mingjing’s sudden change in demeanor signaled that their agreement might not be as stable as initially promised. They had been too complacent and had underestimated the potential risks involved.

The fate of finding Huaijin now relied on their own luck, and Gu Chaoyan couldn’t afford to let anything happen to him.

Lost in her thoughts, Gu Chaoyan suddenly felt as if she had descended into a frigid dungeon, with the warmth inside the carriage failing to alleviate her discomfort. She curled up, trembling.

Sword One was taken aback. “Please, allow me to fetch the City Lord.”

Gu Chaoyan halted her, shaking her head.

The people from Snow Territory were treating them differently now. If Ouyang Mingjing were to discover the change in her condition, those from Snow Territory would likely become even more callous towards them.

She would never allow him to learn of her predicament.

As the heat overwhelmed her once again, Gu Chaoyan instinctively reached for Sword One’s a.s.sistance. The sudden and intense heat made her feel as if she were being grilled alive.

She quickly began removing the layers of blankets and thick clothing that covered her, seeking relief from the scorching sensation.

“Elder Miss, what is happening?” Sword One inquired with concern.

“I feel extremely hot. Sword One, please step outside the wagon and fetch some snow,” Gu Chaoyan requested, removing the blanket and explaining her discomfort.

Sword One hurriedly complied, venturing outside the moving wagon to gather the snow.

Inside the wagon, Gu Chaoyan eagerly took handfuls of snow and applied them to her face, finding some relief in the cooling sensation.

Outside, Lingyun and the hidden guards engaged in conversation.

Lingyun was torn about what to do. She should have informed Gu Chaoyan about the hidden guards’ situation when they first experienced their difficulties.

However…

Lingyun helplessly relayed, “Elder Miss is not feeling well. She may not be able to handle it.”

Understanding the predicament, the hidden guards made the decision to withdraw.

Gu Chaoyan questioned, “What is happening?”