Chapter 35: Threatening with One’s Own Life

Cloudshade had already guessed that the one who had been abducted was Shen Qianmo, and with Meng Yuanheng's order, he naturally would not allow the members of the Infinity Sect to leave. He led the guards of Woyun Manor, surrounding the sect tightly. Meanwhile, Lu Ziqing dispersed the soldiers to protect the Xie family, who had rushed outside, as well as the others present.

The chaotic melee suddenly reached a stalemate.

“Hey, could you put me down first?” Shen Qianmo could no longer stand being carried over the man's shoulder. She poked his back, helplessly saying, “If you don’t put me down soon, I’ll vomit all over you.”

The man carrying Shen Qianmo was the Third Protector of the Infinity Sect, named Wuhen.

Among the sect’s four Protectors, the burly man was the Second Protector, Wugu, while the woman in green ranked fourth, called Wuxia. Tonight, except for the First Protector Wuchen, who had not appeared, the other three Protectors had come in person, showing how much importance Infinity Sect attached to this operation.

Wuhen’s mouth twitched at Shen Qianmo’s words. He considered himself, aside from Wuxia, as someone who cared about his appearance—how could he tolerate someone vomiting on him in public?

After a brief hesitation, Wuhen set Shen Qianmo down, though he did not relax his grip, keeping a tight hold on the back of her neck, as if ready to snap it at the slightest provocation.

Finally standing upright, Shen Qianmo exhaled, feeling much lighter. Though the Third Protector still gripped her neck, it was far better than being slung like a sack over his shoulder.

“Miss!”

“Mo’er!”

“Qianmo!”

Voices calling her name rang out one after another, the crowd watching her anxiously.

Mister Ethereal, his white beard fluttering, stood before the crowd, gazing at Shen Qianmo with concern.

“I’ve startled Grandfather,” Shen Qianmo thought apologetically. To have his eightieth birthday celebration ruined like this—Infinity Sect was truly despicable!

Mister Ethereal nodded approvingly at Shen Qianmo’s calm composure. He gently shook his head, speaking kindly, “Mo’er, don’t be afraid.”

“Grandfather, don’t worry. I’m unharmed,” Shen Qianmo replied with a faint smile.

Seeing the symptoms of poisoning in the crowd, Shen Qianmo turned to Situ Gong, asking, “Master Situ, what’s the situation?”

“I was unable to help,” Situ Gong replied, his body weak and unsteady. He had already given the antidote pills he carried to everyone, but they could only suppress the poison temporarily, not eradicate it. He could not identify the poison’s components, let alone formulate a cure.

“Though Master Situ is famed as a miracle doctor, I doubt he could develop an antidote so quickly—or else, how could I keep the title ‘Thousand-Handed Poison Maiden’?” Wuxia laughed smugly.

“Fourth Sister is indeed formidable,” the Second Protector, Wugu, flattered Wuxia with a grin.

Wuhen, however, impatiently pressed, “Prince Xuan, your beloved is in our hands—have everyone stand down.”

Meng Yuanheng’s face was grim, his eyes brimming with murderous intent. He fought to control his emotions, speaking coldly, “Release her, and I’ll go with you.”

He had come south to Suzhou with the intention to risk himself, lure the enemy out, and probe their strength. He had not expected Infinity Sect to target Shen Qianmo.

“Hmph, our leader foresaw your plans, Prince Xuan, which is why he ordered us to find your weakness and exploit it. Seems we guessed correctly.”

Since when had she become Meng Yuanheng’s weakness? Shen Qianmo thought irritably. She was hardly fragile—a forensic expert skilled both in autopsy and in tracking criminals. How could she be anyone’s weakness?

Her right hand moved, and in the next instant, a gleaming dagger appeared. Before anyone could react, she pressed the blade to her throat, addressing the three Protectors, “Since you’ve finally found such a weakness, I doubt your leader would want it lost so soon, would he?”

This scalpel had always been carried for autopsies, but today, she wielded it against herself.

“What are you doing?” Wuhen’s face changed, ready to snatch the blade.

“Stop!” Shen Qianmo barked sharply, “Unless you want to return with a corpse for your report.”

“What do you want?” Wuxia’s pretty face turned pale. She knew Shen Qianmo’s temperament—though she appeared gentle, her nature was resolute and cold. It was entirely possible she might really take her own life.

“Simple,” Shen Qianmo said, word by word, “Hand over the antidote and ensure their safety, and I’ll agree to go with you.”

She had guessed the sect leader’s motive—to find Meng Yuanheng’s weakness and use it for blackmail. Though she did not understand why they considered her his weakness, she chose to gamble on it.

“Impossible. I poison, I never cure,” Wuxia refused flatly. “Prince Xuan’s consort, you’re like a clay idol crossing the river—hardly in a position to worry about others. How unreasonable.”

“In that case, I cannot cooperate. The strength of Prince Xuan’s residence and Woyun Manor is known to you. If I refuse to go, I doubt you can escape unscathed.” Shen Qianmo’s expression was cold, almost pitying them. Her grip tightened, the sharp blade breaking her delicate skin, drawing a thin line of blood.

Meng Yuanheng’s eyes darkened, fists clenched, his whole body poised for action.

“Wait!” Wuhen cried urgently, glaring at Wuxia. “Fourth Sister, we cannot defy the leader’s orders. Whether the others live or die is not our concern.”

If Shen Qianmo died now, Prince Xuan’s residence, Woyun Manor, the Ministry of Justice, and General Wuwei would all hunt them. With only the few of them, escape would be impossible.

Under Wuhen’s glare, Wuxia looked aggrieved, unwillingly took a small porcelain vial from her robe, and threw it to Shen Qianmo, shooting her a resentful look.

Shen Qianmo caught the vial and immediately tossed it to Situ Gong.

“Master Situ, please examine it first.” Wuxia was famed as the “Thousand-Handed Poison Maiden”—Shen Qianmo suspected she might try to trick her with a false antidote.

Situ Gong understood, opened the vial, poured out a small pill, inspected it carefully, and said, “This medicine is non-toxic, but I cannot guarantee it is the antidote.” After all, he did not know the poison’s composition, so how could he confirm the cure?

“Hmph, you people of the Central Plains are always so suspicious,” Wuxia snorted coldly. “Since I’ve agreed, I’ll keep my word. Believe it or not, it’s your choice.”

Shen Qianmo observed Wuxia’s expression and body language, confirming she was not lying. She turned to Lu Ziqing. “Lord Lu, please have them take the antidote.”

Lu Ziqing, having remained outside to command the soldiers, was unaffected by the poison, so Shen Qianmo entrusted him with the task.

Watching Shen Qianmo, calm and composed despite being held hostage, risking herself to secure the antidote for everyone—her demeanor and courage stirred something in Lu Ziqing’s heart, making his gaze toward her increasingly complex.

“The poison is cured. Is Prince Xuan’s consort ready to leave with us?” Wuhen tightened his hold on Shen Qianmo’s neck, face dark and grim. It was best to leave quickly before complications arose; the leader’s order was to capture her alive, and as long as she went willingly, their mission would be fulfilled.

“I have given my word and will keep it,” Shen Qianmo replied coolly.

“I do not consent,” Meng Yuanheng said sternly. “Men, kill them all!”

The dark guards of Prince Xuan’s residence and Woyun Manor responded, instantly clashing with the Infinity Sect in fierce combat.

Meng Yuanheng’s eyes saw only Shen Qianmo, as if she alone existed in the world. As long as Mo’er was safe, he cared not for others’ fate. Step by step, he pressed toward Wuhen, his gaze fierce, his tone icy.

“Release her, and I will let you die with your body intact.”

Wuhen, facing Meng Yuanheng’s palpable murderous aura, grew visibly uneasy, tightening his grip on Shen Qianmo’s neck. “Does Prince Xuan care nothing for his consort’s life? Have them stop, or I’ll break her neck.”

The forces were evenly matched; after a brutal fight, both sides suffered heavy casualties—dead and wounded littered the ground, blood pooling everywhere, a grisly sight.

Shen Qianmo noticed the violence in Meng Yuanheng’s eyes. Remembering Mister Ethereal’s warning, she frowned slightly and said, “Meng Yuanheng, I promised to go with them—I won’t break my word. Have them stop; don’t let needless sacrifices be made for me.”

I believe you will come to rescue me, so I will wait for you in Infinity Sect.

Meng Yuanheng gazed at her deeply; the ferocity in his eyes gradually faded. In that moment, he seemed to understand Shen Qianmo’s trust.

“Stop. Let them leave,” he ordered, raising his hand.

“Meng Yuanheng, keep this safe for me,” Shen Qianmo tossed her scalpel in his direction.

Meng Yuanheng caught it steadily. Their eyes met, exchanging a silent understanding that belonged only to them.

Seeing this, Wuhen grabbed Shen Qianmo’s arm and, together with Wugu and Wuxia, vanished into the night. The members of Infinity Sect quickly dispersed as well.