Chapter Seventy-Two: Encountering the Assassin Once More

As they moved forward, they were about to pass through the checkpoint. Suddenly, dust billowed ahead, and the thunder of hooves rose, as if a formidable enemy were approaching, their murderous intent palpable.

“Your Highness, assassins!”

Lie Chang’an pulled tight on the reins. The fierce horse reared and neighed, and just ahead, a swarm of masked figures clad in black surged toward them, swords drawn, ready to kill.

“Brother!”

Gu Li tensed, surprised that after a peaceful journey, just as they neared the capital, assassins appeared.

“Stay inside the carriage, do not come out!”

Wei Chu seized the sword by his side, flung aside the curtain, and charged out. It was clear the mastermind behind this attack was determined to see them dead.

The assassins were not only skilled fighters, but their numbers were nearly double that of their group. Even the soldiers, hardened veterans, were exhausted from days of travel; faced with so many killers, they struggled to resist.

Outside, the sounds of battle grew ever more desperate. Gu Li’s heart clenched tightly. Suddenly, Jasmine’s urgent cry echoed from outside: “Princess!”

Gu Li was about to lift the curtain when, with a thunderous crash, the carriage was cleaved apart, splintered and shattered by a blow from above. A masked assassin raised his blade, intent on striking Gu Li. Terrified, her mind went blank, but Jasmine yanked her from the wreckage, dragging her away at a run.

“Princess, run!”

Gu Li knew their chances were slim. All around, black-clad figures clashed with the soldiers; the Crown Prince and Lie Chang’an were each beset by several assassins and could not break free.

Death’s scent hung in the air. The ground was strewn with fallen soldiers, the sight harrowing and bloody.

Gu Li’s eyes reddened.

“Princess, hurry!”

Jasmine gripped Gu Li’s hand, urging her to flee, but the assassins had come for the Crown Prince and Gu Li; they would not let them leave so easily.

Spotting Gu Li, the assassins raised their swords and rushed at her.

Though fear threatened to overwhelm her, Gu Li’s survival instinct took over. She lunged for a battered bundle lying trampled on the ground.

“Princess, your life comes first!”

Jasmine, seeing Gu Li reach for the bundle, broke out in a sweat from anxiety.

Just then, the assassins raised their swords and lunged at Gu Li—

“Princess!”

“Gu Li!”

Several anguished cries pierced the chaos, but the expected bloodshed did not follow. Gu Li had seized a handful of rouge and powder from the bundle and flung it at the assassins.

“Ah—”

The assassins cried out in pain, blinded by the fragrant powder, their eyes streaming as they struggled to see.

“Princess!”

Jasmine wept with joy, overjoyed at Gu Li’s cleverness.

Indeed! The princess was sharp as ice and snow.

“Princess!”

Lie Chang’an, frantic, cleaved down another assassin, then dashed to Gu Li’s side, shielding her behind him as he faced the relentless swarm.

The assassins were well-trained, highly skilled, their attacks precise and deadly.

“Chang’an, take Gu Li and go! I’ll hold them here! Get her out!”

The Crown Prince knew things could not go on this way. The enemy had the advantage in numbers; their own forces were dwindling and exhausted. They were outmatched.

This battle, with just himself and Lie Chang’an, could not be sustained for long.