Chapter 12: I Simply Enjoy Doing Good Deeds

Yang Zhan finished speaking and stood up.

A tyrannical aura of blood erupted instantly, causing everyone in the Moon-Gazing Tower to feel a fear that reached deep into their souls.

In that very moment!

"Commander, be careful!"

"Bang! Bang..."

Amidst the sound of collisions, Yang Zhan charged forward with overwhelming force, sending anyone who stood in his path flying. Having cleared the obstacles, he was now within arm's reach of Qin Yin. Qin Yin held a dagger, pointed directly at Yang Zhan's heart.

"You aren't poisoned? You clearly drank the poisoned wine."

Yang Zhan chuckled and spat out a mouthful of wine. "If I drank it, does that mean I can't spit it out?"

Qin Yin sighed. "You saw through it all along. I should have guessed; you are General Yang, after all. I admire you!"

Seeing that Qin Yin showed no fear at this moment, Yang Zhan nodded. "You still resemble a Blood Moon Commander of the Night-Hanging Division. That courage is not bad."

"To receive affirmation from General Yang, I am deeply honored." Although Qin Yin appeared calm, her voice trembled slightly, betraying her true state of mind. So much so that, faced with the terrifying pressure of Yang Zhan's presence, the hand holding the dagger shook faintly. Because she knew... she was no match for him!

Yang Zhan laughed, "Come now, don't be afraid!"

"I'm not afraid!" Qin Yin gritted her teeth.

"Then why are you shaking?"

"It's the killing intent coming from you!"

Yang Zhan grinned, "My apologies. I've killed so many people that even the stray dogs don't care to bother with me anymore!"

Qin Yin's pretty face darkened. This... was that supposed to be an insult?

Yang Zhan glanced at the few people he had knocked unconscious. Now, only he and Qin Yin remained standing. He pointed to the table and chairs behind him. "Sit. Let's talk."

Qin Yin took a deep breath, suppressing the turbulent emotions within her. "What is there for us to talk about? If you want me to betray the Fenglin Kingdom, you might as well kill me now. I respect you, General, and if my death can add another merit to your record, then it is a death well-deserved!"

"We haven't even talked yet; how do you know we can't?"

With that, Yang Zhan turned, pulled out a chair, and sat down.

Qin Yin did not run; she seemingly realized she could not escape. She simply walked back and sat opposite Yang Zhan. She placed her dagger on the table, as if it were useless now.

Yang Zhan leaned back in his chair and looked at Qin Yin. "Is your mission this time merely to rescue those three, or are there other objectives?"

Qin Yin remained silent, clearly unwilling to cooperate. Yang Zhan did not mind; he took out his flask and had a drink. He smiled and said, "No need to be so guarded. I'm here to talk about a collaboration."

"Collaboration?" Qin Yin's forehead beaded with sweat, and a look of slight surprise appeared on her face. "We serve different masters; what could we possibly collaborate on?"

Yang Zhan set down the flask. "I can ensure that those three return safely to the Fenglin Kingdom."

"Why would you help us?"

"Then tell me, why do you think I am a prison warden?"

Qin Yin recalled some of the information she had gathered. Her eyes flickered. "You must have offended your Emperor and are now being viewed with suspicion."

Yang Zhan laughed, "Exactly. And I don't intend to be a prison warden for the rest of my life, do I?"

Qin Yin stared at Yang Zhan and asked, "Then what do you want?"

"I want to leave the Celestial Prison, and I want to leave with my head held high."

"That is something your Emperor decides. How could we possibly help you?"

"I mean, if you do as I say, I can guarantee that those three return safely to the Fenglin Kingdom, and I can leave the Celestial Prison—and even the Capital City—in broad daylight."

"How?"

Yang Zhan smiled. "I thought you would ask how you could trust me. I didn't expect you to ask for the plan directly."

"We all know General Yang's capabilities. Even though you are a great enemy of our Fenglin Kingdom, I hold your name in high regard."

"Good. First, stop trying to break into the prison, and stop all surveillance and reconnaissance!"

Qin Yin did not speak, simply watching Yang Zhan quietly.

Yang Zhan continued, "Secondly, notify the Emperor of your Fenglin Kingdom to send an envoy to negotiate. Use diplomatic channels to secure their release."

Qin Yin frowned. "Won't your Emperor just make exorbitant demands?"

Yang Zhan spread his hands. "That depends on the capability of your kingdom's envoys."

By now, the sweat on Qin Yin's forehead had increased, and she seemed restless. Her tone grew urgent. "I can submit a report, but I don't know if it will work."

"Just submit the report. Once you have a result, send someone to inform me. You don't need to worry about anything else!"

"And the Princess and the others..."

"The imperial court won't touch them for now. Besides, who else has the ability to harm them in the Celestial Prison?"

"With you guarding it, General, we truly have no chance. However, I have noticed that others are also keeping an eye on the prison. It's not that I don't believe in your abilities, but you should be more vigilant."

"Very well. I'm leaving. Thanks for the poisoned wine!"

Yang Zhan stood up. Qin Yin stood up as well, but her body seemed to undergo some sort of change, trembling violently. Sweat dripped down her forehead. She forced out two words: "No escort!"

Yang Zhan glanced at her and laughed. "Holding it in is very difficult, isn't it? You'll suffer a backlash!"

As he spoke, Yang Zhan walked behind Qin Yin!

Suddenly, he reached out!

*Slap!*

A loud, sharp sound echoed through the Moon-Gazing Tower, strangely accompanied by a sense of lingering ecstasy.

Qin Yin's body stiffened, and then a terrifying surge of energy poured out from her. *Puff!* A mouthful of blood sprayed out as the energy dissipated.

Yang Zhan had already descended the stairs, his laughter trailing behind him: "If you don't release the power you've been storing for so long, it will hurt your body. No need to thank me; I just love doing good deeds!"

"You!" Qin Yin suddenly turned, gritting her teeth. "How could you do that!"

Yang Zhan didn't look back, waving his hand. "There are only a few places where I could make you release your tension in an instant. Which place would you have preferred I touched?"

"I don't need your concern!"

Qin Yin's face was flushed, but she gritted her teeth, clenching her fists in anger. However, Yang Zhan’s figure was already out of sight.

Qin Yin remained furious, her eyes glaring, the fabric of her dress fluttering. Suddenly! A shadow flashed into view. "Commander, are you injured?"

"I was merely storing power and hadn't released it, resulting in a slight backlash!"

The shadow bowed its head. "Your subordinate arrived late."

Qin Yin wiped the blood from the corner of her mouth and looked at the shadow. "What good would it have done to arrive earlier?"

"Forget it. Take them away, then burn this place to the ground. Pass the order: everyone is to go into hiding. Without my command, no one is to take any action!"

"Yes, Commander!"

Qin Yin stood up and donned a black veil, covering her peerless face.

"Yang Zhan, I will remember you!"