Chapter 648.1: Concocting a ploy
Li Zikang glanced at Yun Ruofeng after Du Ling spoke. He had initially wanted to use this chance to capture Pei Qianhao, but he never expected for his plan to be spoiled by the appearance of the King of the Western Region.
If he had known that the latter would show up to interrupt, Li Zikang wouldn’t have mobilised all of his men in this attempt. As for Yun Ruofeng, he had already embarked on the path of no return. Charging forth or retreating back now would be akin to suicide, so he had no choice but to take a gamble.
Coming up with a new plan, Yun Ruofeng put on a calm facade and spoke up in a threatening tone. “Since a general of Xiliu came all the way here, why don’t Prince Hao and the Western Region King drop by Xiliu for a visit? The news of your refusal would cause chaos among your people, would it not?”
Du Ling and Pei Qianhao continued watching Yun Ruofeng with silent amusement.
Yu Xiao scoffed, “That’s funny, isn’t public chaos what you’re wishing for?”
There was a minute change in Yun Ruofeng’s expression before he put his poker face back on.
“You’re nothing but a lowly subordinate. How dare you speak?” Li Zikang stared daggers at Yu Xiao.
He then turned to Pei Qianhao and mocked, “This general had previously heard about how Prince Hao was strict towards his men, but I guess those are nothing but rumours.”
Yu Xiao’s immediately raised his bow, but slowly lowered it when Pei Qianhao shot him a cold glare. Despite his anger, he understood that now was not the time.
Pei Qianhao knew that Su Xi-er was still in Yun Ruofeng’s hands, but he still might have been able to continue the fight if Li Zikang wasn’t here. Now that he was, the matter had escalated to one between nations. If word broke out, those with malicious intent would be able to use it to sow discord among the four nations. As such, Pei Qianhao was acutely aware of the potential repercussions.
As for Du Ling, he also saw through Yun Ruofeng’s thinly veiled act. However, the only way to prevent things from escalating further was to do as Yun Ruofeng said.
“Since Prince Yun says so, I’ll drop by Xiliu for a while. I believe General Li will make me feel at home!”
Yun Ruofeng smirked at this. “As expected of the Western Region King, you’re really someone born with noble blood. I believe Prince Hao wouldn’t mind dropping by either, would you?”
He then turned to look at Pei Qianhao.
“This Prince gladly accepts Prince Yun’s sincere invitation.” Pei Qianhao answered with a hint of sarcasm.
Li Zikang and Yun Ruofeng exchanged a satisfied look. They would not allow the two men to leave once they entered Xiliu.
Yu Xiao caught their exchange and immediately understood their plot. Although Du Ling and Pei Qianhao were intelligent, it would be difficult to defend against any enemy who was able to strike from the dark, much less someone as despicable as Yun Ruofeng.
Though concerned, Yu Xiao was able to hide his worry as he put on a calm facade.
“This way please.” Li Zikang said as he glanced at Du Ling and Pei Qianhao. The soldiers from Xiliu followed closely behind.
Seeing them move, the soldiers from the Western Region did the same and followed Du Ling.
“General Li, this isn’t how you’re supposed to treat guests.” Du Ling said in a mocking tone.