Chapter 53

er.Yun Qianyue saw Ye Qingran's handsome face smiling at her and couldn’t help but sigh—besides being beautiful, why did she have to smile like that Smiling was okay, but it didn't need to be so close...Chapter 53

Upon seeing Rong Jing agree, Yun Qianyue took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and began focusing entirely on the task at hand.

Rong Jing’s expression remained calm and composed as usual, but if one looked closely, they could see a hint of determination hidden between his eyebrows.

"First, I will transfer half of my true energy into your heart meridian internally to form a cluster, while the other half remains externally. Then, we’ll use this dual pressure to break through the seal that Master Lingyin reinforced for you. Afterwards, I will use my true energy to heal ten years’ worth of injuries within your body. All you need to do is envelop all my true energy once it breaks through Master Lingyin’s seal, like building a wall. You must complete this step or else if my true energy disperses inside and outside your body before the seal is broken, your body could explode. This is the most difficult part. As long as we pass this stage, I believe that our combined true energies will surely expel the cold poison from your body and drive it out externally." Yun Qianyue spoke clearly, emphasizing each word: "What do you think"

"Agreed!" Rong Jing nodded.

"I have a habit of always saying I’m only 50% sure when in fact I’m 70% confident. So, please believe me. Don’t adopt a fatalistic attitude. You should maintain the mindset that either this works or you die trying. In any case, eighteen years later, you’ll still be a great hero." Yun Qianyue’s serious tone suddenly turned playful.

"Understood!" Rong Jing smiled lightly.

"Shall we begin" Yun Qianyue asked.

“Yes!” Rong Jing nodded.

The two stopped talking and focused entirely on the task at hand.

Yun Qianyue knew that her intention to help Rong Jing stemmed from a momentary impulse, but after their earlier battle, even though she wasn’t tired, he was. She realized it wasn’t the ideal time for him to break through his old injuries and diseases, yet she decided to proceed anyway because she believed in the power of determination and focus. Some things couldn't be accomplished even with favorable timing, location, and human effort. This momentary impulse and their unwavering dedication were what they relied on. Great disaster brings great fortune; this was a truth she always believed in. Therefore, it had to succeed.

Rong Jing’s thoughts mirrored hers. Master Lingyin twice attempted to help with favorable timing, location, and human effort but failed both times. Over the past decade, he tried every possible way but to no avail. When he was about to give up entirely, she suddenly wanted to cure him in this poor situation. Since their inner energy came from the same source, it might indeed work. Looking at Yun Qianyue’s determined eyes, his confidence returned. Regardless of success or failure, they had to try. Perhaps… there really is a chance

This time, Yun Qianyue didn’t rush and was extremely cautious, slowly channeling her inner energy into Rong Jing’s heart meridian through the gaps in Master Lingyin’s seal, drop by drop, until each bit of true energy fused with his meager amount in his heart meridian. She then proceeded to the next step. Recalling the patience she exhibited while dealing with an international drug trafficking group for five years, gradually infiltrating and dismantling it without a single mistake, she believed this effort would also succeed.

Rong Jing remained still as Yun Qianyue worked on him, his eyes half-closed as if he were sleeping.

The time ticked by slowly.

About two hours later, Yun Qianyue spoke softly: "Have you rested enough Let’s start!"

“Yes!” Rong Jing nodded. Instantly, all his true energy enveloped Yun Qianyue’s, forming a tight vacuum cage without any gaps.

Yun Qianyue was stunned and couldn’t help but praise him: "You’re amazing! Your inner energy recovered so quickly within such a short time It’s twice as much as before."

Rong Jing smiled, remaining silent.

Without speaking further, Yun Qianyue focused all her effort on breaking the seal with dual true energy. After hours of trying, the seal was still tightly sealed; beads of sweat formed on her forehead but she couldn’t wipe them away, and she cursed: "This monk’s seal is too solid!"

"Master used the Vajra technique which can’t be broken directly. You need to find its weak spots step by step. He set three barriers; once you break through one barrier, the seal will naturally open. There’s no need for such effort," Rong Jing spoke calmly. Sweat dripped from his forehead.

"Why didn’t you say so earlier" Yun Qianyue glared at him.

"I thought you knew," Rong Jing replied.

Yun Qianyue was speechless, as she truly had no idea. She wasn’t the old Yun Qianyue; this body and strength belonged to someone else, so how could she understand Her ability to use true energy stemmed from hints given by Ye Qingran during their mountain trip and a sudden increase in her inner energy while practicing Tai Chi on that day. Rong Jing’s guidance had also helped her grasp the basics of inner energy manipulation, but this didn’t mean she truly understood.

Rong Jing seemed to smile and said softly: "Try again; you can do it!"

"I definitely can," Yun Qianyue spoke confidently. She refused to give up. It was just a monk’s seal; today, she’d break through it no matter what.

Rong Jing remained silent, his lips curling into a smile as he watched Yun Qianyue.

Learning from her past mistakes, Yun Qianyue circled the seal in search of weak spots. After another half hour, she found the method to break it and was delighted. She focused her true energy at the spot and picked up a ring formed with condensed true energy as Rong Jing had said; it split open instantly. The second and third seals also opened immediately. "Success!" Yun Qianyue exclaimed happily.

“Yes! You did well,” Rong Jing praised her without reservation.

"Of course," Yun Qianyue proudly raised an eyebrow.

Rong Jing remained silent once more.

The moment Yun Qianyue felt triumphant, a massive wave of cold energy surged within her, threatening to overwhelm her. Though it was Rong Jing’s body, she sensed the intense coldness as if it were in her own body. She quickly wrapped her true energy around it and contained it, but sweat poured down her forehead as the cold energy from the cold poison pills was extremely strong.

"I’ll gradually melt it; you must endure," Yun Qianyue’s expression turned more serious than ever before.

"Good!" Rong Jing nodded.

"When you can't bear the pain, just shout it out. No one will laugh at you," Yun Qianyue said again.

"Good!" Rong Jing nodded once more.

Yun Qianyue tightly pursed her lips as she slowly moved her true energy, being extra cautious, like walking on thin ice. She started to melt the icy coldness in Rong Jing's body bit by bit and drop by drop. Just moments into it, her heart sank, realizing that what she had thought was too simple. Even the spiritual monk could not achieve this; how could she, a novice, succeed It seemed like a wild fantasy now. However, once embarked on a journey, there is no turning back. If they couldn’t accomplish their goal, she would surely die as Rong Jing said, shortly after being saved from the brink of death. But since she had already died once before, she didn't find it particularly scary.

Rong Jing seemed to understand Yun Qianyue's thoughts and whispered, "Rest assured, even if we fail, I will protect you at the very last moment. If I die, you won’t die either."

"Stop talking nonsense! Focus!" Yun Qianyue scolded.

Rong Jing remained silent.

Yun Qianyue felt that though her true energy was melting the formidable ice mountain around Rong Jing's heart, it was also rapidly depleting. If this continued, not only would she fail to save Rong Jing, but she herself might die due to the depletion of her true energy and being counterattacked by the cold poison. Hence, without hesitation, she immediately changed tactics: she used part of her true energy to protect half of the ice while gradually melting the other half in a meticulous manner. This slowed down their progress but reduced the rate at which her true energy was consumed, allowing her to replenish her strength as needed. At least this way, they could avoid dying too soon.

Time passed second by second.

All around Yun Qianyue seemed non-existent; she focused solely on melting the seemingly insurmountable ice mountain with her true energy until it was completely melted.

Rong Jing also felt that everything around him did not exist. His sole focus was to protect Yun Qianyue’s true energy, quickly replenishing it when it weakened.

The two of them seemed to have turned into ice statues, their minds wholly concentrated with no distractions.

The Buddha figures in the temple stood solemnly or compassionately watching the pair. This place was quiet and peaceful, devoid of day and night, bustling sounds, or worldly affairs. It felt as if it had been prepared specifically for this event.

Through the millennia's cycle of time, their firm and unyielding resolve remained unchanged.

Judging from Yun Qianyue’s and Rong Jing’s unwavering determination!

The two were both resolute individuals!

When Yun Qianyue had used up half of her strength, it seemed that the ice mountain in Rong Jing's body had also melted halfway. Her confidence soared; this method was effective! As long as it worked, she wouldn’t worry about the moment the ice would melt completely. Her expression became even more resolute.

Rong Jing’s moon white brocade robe was thoroughly soaked through and freezing from inside out. Every time an icy layer melted away, another took its place; this cycle seemed endless. His jade face had become even whiter, a result of being repeatedly washed by the coldness. Despite such hardship, he did not utter a sound, his expression remaining calm and composed, his gaze piercing through the thin frost to reveal a warm glow like hot spring water.

Unknown time passed. Yun Qianyue's true energy gradually weakened, yet the powerful ice mountain around Rong Jing’s heart had only melted one corner, which was the most stubborn part. Despite her efforts, it remained completely unmoved.

"It seems I don't have enough true energy left!" Yun Qianyue gritted her teeth and said out loud.

"Step back, let me use my own true energy to dissolve it."

"That won’t work. You still have less true energy than I do," Yun Qianyue shook her head, pursing her lips in thought but not giving up: "There must be another way; as long as we can find more true energy, we will surely manage to melt it."

"But where could we possibly get more" Rong Jing sighed softly. "Perhaps this is the will of heaven."

"Bull** about the will of heaven! I never believed in such nonsense. What I believe is: ‘With determination, anything can be achieved; even breaking one’s own ship and crossing the river to capture Qin, or suffering hardship with perseverance, and eventually swallowing Wu with three thousand Yue soldiers.’” Yun Qianyue scoffed, determined.

"What's that saying from" Rong Jing asked.

"I'll tell you when we get out of here alive," Yun Qianyue said spiritedly. She believed her greatest strength was her tenacity; the more difficult something was, the more she would face it head-on. There were no unsolvable problems in this world as long as one had a goal and determination.

"Alright!" Rong Jing nodded without further questioning.

"I sense my energy is starting to run out, but there seems to be endless power within me that I can't access. Do you have any ideas" Yun Qianyue thought one mind was clever, two minds were wiser. As a first-rate genius of the Heavens, Rong Jing wasn’t just eating for nothing!

"Have you been practicing the Phoenix True Scripture" Rong Jing asked.

"Yes!" Yun Qianyue nodded.

"Then try activating your inner energy technique," Rong Jing suggested after a moment's thought.

"I don't know how to activate an inner energy technique. How can I start it" Yun Qianyue felt like crying. She wasn’t the real Yun Qianyue! How could she know the inner energy techniques of the Phoenix True Scripture At that time, when searching for the scriptures in her room, why hadn’t she dug up the floor or torn down her roof to find them Where would they even look now

"If you’ve been practicing the Phoenix True Scripture, how could you not know your inner energy technique" Rong Jing asked with confusion.

"How should I know Forget it!" Yun Qianyue said irritably.

Rong Jing slowly replied, "Since you've forgotten, there might be no way out. I cultivate the Heavenly Earth True Scripture, which has a connection with your Phoenix True Scripture. But now it's unlikely to help you. Although they share the same origin, they are two different methods and won't work together. Moreover, I can't activate the original source of the Heavenly Earth True Scripture anymore; otherwise, this icy corner in my body might grow along with the increase of inner strength from the Heavenly Earth True Scripture because it encompasses all things in heaven and earth, including coldness."

Yun Qianyue bit her lips tightly. "Think harder! There's no dead end in life!"

"Mm." Rong Jing nodded.

As they spoke, neither of them let their guard down and used all their strength to withstand the stubborn icy corner. However, after driving away the arousal charm from Yun Qianyue's body and then dealing with the cold in Rong Jing’s body, both were gradually running out of stamina. If no solution was found, when their true qi vanished, that would be the moment for the ice to counterattack; they could lose their lives. The best outcome might just be that Yun Qianyue survives while Rong Jing dies.

"Forget it then, let go!" Once Rong Jing finished speaking, he was about to release his grip.

"Don't move! Although I don't know the heart method of Phoenix True Scripture, I do know another kind. But I'm not sure if it works. Anyway, there's no harm in trying. Let’s see if it will work," Yun Qianyue said.

Rong Jing shook his head and firmly tried to pull Yun Qianyue out of the situation. "No, once you try it and fail, you can't retreat anymore. If it doesn't succeed, you'll die or be injured."

"I said don’t move! Didn’t I Don’t think you’re being a great hero by saving me. This lady is not afraid to die. At most, I lose my life, but there will still be someone on the Yellow Springs Road to keep me company!" Yun Qianyue was angry and shouted as Rong Jing tried to drive her away forcefully; she could do nothing about it.

Rong Jing paused with his hand.

"Just wait for a moment, I’ll try," Yun Qianyue said in a low voice.

"Alright!" Rong Jing raised his eyes to look at the row of Buddha statues and slowly nodded.

Yun Qianyue had been sitting cross-legged with her hands interlocked with Rong Jing's. Now that she couldn't stand or walk, she was afraid he would be swallowed if she pulled back her hands. She could only try to use her mind to visualize and practice Tai Chi in her imagination, hoping it might help them get through this crisis. This was their last hope.

She never thought of abandoning him to save herself. It was impossible for her; without his full effort to assist her, she would have died long ago. If not for her persistence in breaking the seal and curing his illness, he might still be alive for a few more years at least. Now it seemed that once they started, there was no turning back.

Even if Rong Jing were replaced by another person today, she would find it hard to watch indifferently while someone else died. This wasn't about innate justice but rather the kindness ingrained in her soul from years of military training and life lessons before this reincarnation. "The thirteen movements shouldn’t be belittled, for the source of intention is located at the waist. The change between solid and void should be noted; let qi circulate throughout your body without pausing. When you’re still, movement starts; when moving, remain silent. Pay attention to each move and its purpose, and don’t feel it’s too much work. Always pay attention to the waist, looseness in the abdomen lets qi rise, maintain a straight spine with spirit reaching the top of your head, making your body light and suspended at the crown. Deliberately ponder on every movement and let joints freely extend and retract; when you enter the path, oral instruction is necessary. No rest can be taken, cultivate diligently without pause. If one asks about the principle of using intention, intent leads while bones and flesh follow. Carefully consider the purpose of this use: longevity for old age. Sing it a hundred times, every word sincere with no ambiguity; if not pondered deeply, effort is wasted in vain."

Yun Qianyue slowly recited the thirteen movements' formula of Tai Chi and began practicing from the first move in her mind.

Rong Jing paused for a moment as well, silently following Yun Qianyue’s formula in his mind. He felt it was full of mystery and wonder.

Several moves passed, but there was no reaction in her dantian. Yun Qianyue's heart sank with disappointment but she didn’t stop; she wouldn't give up until the very end.

Rong Jing sensed his true qi almost depleted along with hers and said clearly: "Seems like it won’t work, let’s release!" He wanted to grasp this last chance to save Yun Qianyue.

Was there really no way out

Suddenly, Yun Qianyue regretted acting impulsively without preparation. Perhaps if she hadn't acted on impulse and looked for an opportunity later, with the right timing, place, and people, or had Ling Yin’s shaman nearby to assist her, it might have succeeded…

Yun Qianyue bit her lips and shook her head. "Impossible! If I die, in eighteen years, I'll still be a hero. There's nothing tragic about that. With you there on the Yellow Springs Road, I won't feel lonely."

"Alright," Rong Jing no longer had strength to push Yun Qianyue away.

Yun Qianyue finished performing Tai Chi’s last move in her mind and began waiting for death.

The moment the last movement concluded in her thoughts, a fountain-like warmth suddenly sprang up from her dantian, spreading through her meridians instantly. The warm qi flowed through her palm into Rong Jing's body, rescuing their nearly depleted true qi.

A miracle happened!

Yun Qianyue opened her eyes wide and gaped at Rong Jing in disbelief.

Rong Jing was equally surprised, staring back with shock and disbelief.

The two stared at each other speechlessly for a moment. At this time and place, words seemed inadequate.

"We're saved!" Yun Qianyue finally said after some time.

“Yes! We’re saved!” Rong Jing nodded.

Yun Qianyue burst into laughter. "Indeed, there's always a way out for people! Haha..." It seemed that her true qi flowed spontaneously through her body and into his dantian via his hand, enveloping the stubborn icy corner with warmth, causing it to melt rapidly.

A faint smile appeared on Rong Jing’s lips. His beautifully drawn brows seemed to regain their vitality, like a lotus flower blooming.

"Thank goodness I insisted!" You would have ruined us if I had given in to your unpleasantness or my own doubts even for a moment.," Cloud Qianyue immediately became smug and reverted to her usual self.

"Yes, thank goodness you did." Rong Jing smiled and nodded.

Cloud Qianyue raised an eyebrow proudly and didn’t say another word. She began mobilizing her true essence; she was afraid that if she got too excited and lost control over it, causing Rong Jing to be overwhelmed, all would be in vain.

Rong Jing naturally knew what she was thinking and remained silent as well. At the moment of success, one must remain cautious. He didn’t know what lay ahead for him; he couldn’t let his guard down until the very last moment.

In關鍵時刻，最能展現一個人的本色。

At critical moments, a person's true character is revealed most.

Just as with Rong Jing and Cloud Qianyue; both were tenacious and cautious individuals.

About half an hour later, the stubborn ice finally began to melt. After it melted, Cloud Qianyue seemed to see a vast expanse of scorched ash and desert where once there was a severe wound that had left no grass growing in its wake.

She thought this must be the aftermath of the arousal poison burning her flesh and being dealt a fatal blow. It was so serious. If she hadn’t been assisted by Rong Jing to eliminate the toxins, who knew how much worse off she would have been Not only would it not have just been blood pouring from every orifice; she might well have burned to ashes.

Those who plotted against her—wait until I’m out of here! This lady will take swift vengeance!

"I’ll try and see if I can restore life to this place." Although Cloud Qianyue said it in words, she was determined. She felt that the true essence within her was like warm water; if it were indeed of the nature of water, could it really heal wounds and bring life back to barren land

"Mm!" Rong Jing nodded. He also sensed that this time Cloud Qianyue’s true essence was different from before—it seemed to be her true inner power, the real Phoenix True Scripture, while everything else had merely been an illusion.

Cloud Qianyue continued to control her true essence and slowly soothe the scorched area as she had done earlier. It might have been due to the passage of time or the severity of the injury, but there was no movement for a long while. Yet she remained calm, increasingly gentle and soothing, like a small stream nourishing parched fields.

Rong Jing closed his eyes; the excruciating pain that had felt like being cut alive earlier had receded, leaving him feeling warm all over. He savored this warmth. For many years now, he had been ice-cold every day and assumed he would remain so until death came for him; yet despite what he thought was a determined spirit, he could not endure the long decades of coldness. It appeared that heaven hadn’t abandoned him after all.

After about a hundred rounds back and forth, Cloud Qianyue suddenly exclaimed happily, "It’s really working! Do you feel it Your dead heart meridian is reviving! This is real; I can sense it."

"Mm, yes, I feel it too." Rong Jing opened his eyes with a smile and nodded.

Cloud Qianyue’s confidence soared. She was more excited by this than when she first entered the National Security Bureau; in that world, no matter what you did, such wonders of martial arts and inner power healing wounds would never happen. Yet here it could truly occur. Although she didn’t understand how yet, if it worked, that was enough.

She smiled happily like a child who had found candy, focused intently on her soothing movements.

Rong Jing watched with a smile; his eyes contained an unprecedented warmth—not the fiery heat of the sun but the gentle warmth of spring sunshine. Like melting spring water.

Time passed second by second as Rong Jing’s damaged heart meridian began to recover halfway.

Both Cloud Qianyue and Rong Jing had long forgotten how much time they’d spent here; it was the same for each of them.

The two of them were focused, one on giving him back a healthy body while the other felt the warmth he hadn’t known in so long.

At this moment, voices suddenly came from outside, breaking the silence.

Cloud Qianyue froze; Rong Jing also opened his eyes. Both turned to look towards where the sound was coming from—behind them. The voice was very clear and seemed only a wall away.

"This Crown Prince has ordered you to break this mechanism with all your might! If you fail, I’ll have your head!" Night Tianqiong’s voice came through, stern but also urgent.

"Yes, Your Highness the Crown Prince!" A middle-aged man outside replied respectfully, his voice trembling slightly.

Cloud Qianyue’s expression darkened; it was that persistent ghost again!

Rong Jing frowned slightly.

"Amen!" An old voice rang out with conviction from outside.

"Crown Prince Brother, do you think Young Master Jing and Little Sister Yue are here It’s been three days already; could they still be alive" Night Tianyu’s familiar voice followed, seemingly doubtful.

“They won’t die.” Cloud Muhuan’s voice was stern. “It's only been three days,” said Night Tianqiong in a low tone. "We have to try."

Cloud Qianyue was taken aback again, looking at Rong Jing—had it already been three days since they entered here Could it be that fast

"About right," Rong Jing nodded.

Yun Qianyue thought about how they had been fighting to expel the poison without stopping since their arrival. Considering all the twists and turns, it seemed that a lot of time would be spent on every small detail. Now she realized that three days might indeed be enough time. She asked softly, "Who was the person Night Tianqiong ordered earlier Can you tell by his voice"

"He is the head of the first-ranked mechanical device and hidden weapon family in the world. His name is Qian Yan," Rong Jing said quietly.

"In your opinion, can he crack this mechanism" Yun Qianyue asked again.

"The Qian family specializes in solving odd doors and secret passages. As a century-old family, the current head is exceptionally talented. All information about hidden weapons and mechanisms in the world are closely related to the Qian family. So it shouldn’t be a problem. It’s just a matter of time before he cracks it," Rong Jing said.

Yun Qianyue frowned, "No way, I can't let him crack it."

"If he does, so what We will be able to get out." Rong Jing replied.

"That’s not possible! These gold Buddha statues would all be discovered. If they were found, wouldn’t they have to be turned over to the imperial treasury by Night Tianqiong Then I won’t be able to spend money anymore! There’s no way I can let him crack it," Yun Qianyue immediately said.

Rong Jing was taken aback and couldn’t help but laugh. "Are you still thinking about smashing these gold Buddha statues for spending"

"Of course! Why not spend if the opportunity presents itself I don’t give things to others that are in my mouth!" Yun Qianyue said without hesitation.

"We might not be able to control it. Qian Yan can definitely crack it. At that time, we won’t be able to hide these objects either, so it’s likely they’ll have to be turned over to the imperial treasury. Perhaps the emperor will allow these Buddha statues to remain here too. After all, how many people would dare smash Buddha statues" Rong Jing said.

"That’s not for certain. The treasury might currently be empty, and the old emperor wouldn’t care either," Yun Qianyue shook her head.

Rong Jing didn’t say anything more.

“Could it really be that the treasury is now in a state of emptiness” Yun Qianyue asked.

"Hn!" Rong Jing nodded, seemingly sighing.

"Damn! If that old emperor finds out about this, he’ll definitely take over these Buddha statues. The imperial treasury isn’t my home; if it were, I might let them off lightly. Since they belong to the old emperor and will eventually be passed on to Night Tianqiong, the annoying guy, there’s no way I can allow these gold statues to fall into their hands," Yun Qianyue said.

"Do you have a way to stop Qian Yan from cracking it I’m not very familiar with mechanisms and hidden passages, so I might be unable to prevent him," Rong Jing looked at Yun Qianyue. Seeing her frown as she seemed to be in deep thought, he asked.

"Don’t worry about him for now. This secret room is so precise that it’s unlikely he’ll crack it anytime soon. Let’s continue treating your injuries," Yun Qianyue said.

Rong Jing shook his head. "That should be enough! Your energy expenditure has been considerable; I fear I might not withstand such consumption any longer. Since I’ve already recovered half from you, the rest can be done by myself slowly. After all, this time around I won’t die. It’s a case of turning misfortune into blessing."

"I feel I can still do more. No need to talk about it; let's continue!" Yun Qianyue shook her head and continued treating Rong Jing, no longer paying attention to the sounds outside or occasional voices being transmitted. This was based on her principle of never giving up halfway once she decided to accomplish something.

Rong Jing saw that she insisted, so he didn’t say anything more. From their several days together, he understood quite well about her nature: some people might be tenacious when they needed to be and carefree at other times, whereas others would struggle throughout life even if they were highly learned.

Time slowly passed.

About half a day later, Rong Jing’s injuries had recovered by eighty percent. Yun Qianyue finally revealed a satisfied smile on her lips.

Rong Jing didn’t show any joy but instead deeply stared at Yun Qianyue with unwavering eyes.

"Just a little bit more, and we’ll have completed our task! Indeed, perseverance pays off," Yun Qianyue couldn’t hide her excitement. She was extremely tired now, feeling that the true energy in her dantian was weak and no longer flowing out. It could be imagined how much had been consumed, like a huge mountain left empty by her. But she didn't regret it; instead, she felt fulfilled for breaking through something impossible to achieve.

"Yes, we can stop now," Rong Jing said.

"Wait just a moment longer. It’s not my character to leave the remainder untouched," Yun Qianyue shook her head and continued working.

"Really, I can do it myself from here on out," Rong Jing pushed her away.

"Don’t move! Why don’t you listen when I tell you not to" Yun Qianyue glared at Rong Jing.

Child Rong Jing couldn't help but laugh.

At that moment, there was an impatient shout from outside: "Qian Yan, how long will it take for you to crack this mechanism" "Prince, please be patient. This mechanism is highly intricate; I need some more time," Qian Yan’s voice echoed back.

"Please remain calm, Prince. Master Yi says that Master Qian should soon manage to crack the mechanism," said Venerable Lingyin.

“Then we’ll wait a little longer! Hurry up!” Night Tianqiong suppressed his anger.

No more voices were heard from outside, but now there was a creaking sound being transmitted.

"It seems that you'll have to rely on yourself for this last part." Yun Qianyue withdrew her hand, and the remaining true energy flowed back into her body.

Rong Jing nodded. "Hmph!" He was already very satisfied with what he had achieved so far. After suffering from a chronic illness for years, it felt like he had awoken from a dream upon finally finding a cure. Seeing Yun Qianyue withdraw her hand, he also slowly withdrew his.

Yun Qianyue moved her stiff body and stood up. As soon as she rose, her limbs became weak, making her collapse again onto the ground. Rong Jing immediately reached out to support her, but even he lacked strength; Yun Qianyue fell down, dragging him along with her.

The two of them fell heavily on the ground. With Yun Qianyue pressing against Rong Jing, she was better off than him. He stifled a groan.

"Indeed, you're just a weak beauty who can't even catch a weak woman." Yun Qianyue didn’t blush and teased Rong Jing with a smile.

"You're heavier than other women. I guess you’re too fat. You should eat less and sleep less in the future!" Rong Jing said.

"Indeed, your tongue is venomous. It’s hard to change one's nature," Yun Qianyue struggled to get up from on top of Rong Jing, straightening her body. She glanced at him before limping towards the Buddha statue where they had entered earlier. If she was correct in her guess, there should be two doors here: one that Night Tianqiong ordered Qian Yan to open and another through which she and Rong Jing had rolled.

Rong Jing chuckled and brushed off the dust on him before standing up as well. His legs were equally wobbly.

At this moment, there came two more clicks from outside, causing the wall to shake slightly.

Night Tianqiong's joyful voice rang out: "Have you solved it"

"Your Highness, please wait for a little longer. It should be solved soon," Qian Yan’s voice was also excited.

"Hey, go tell him to keep that wall door from opening for just a moment." Yun Qianyue had already walked up to the Buddha statue and looked back at Rong Jing, telling him this.

"I can’t!" Rong Jing shook his head.

"You’re not a genius What a waste!" Yun Qianyue glared at him.

"Even geniuses aren’t good at everything," Rong Jing said unperturbed.

"Then, open this mechanism! We just entered through here. You should be able to do it!" Yun Qianyue turned towards the wall and walked over to see if she could hold off for a moment.

“Yes.” Rong Jing nodded, heading toward the Buddha statue.

The two switched positions. Yun Qianyue came up to the wall where Night Tianqiong was waiting outside and closely examined it before suddenly exclaiming, "It's actually this simple! It took Qian Yan half a day to open it; he’s useless! He’s just a fake family of first-rate secret weapons and mechanisms!"

With that said, she lightly tapped the wall twice. The clicks from outside immediately stopped, and the shaking wall became still again. She turned around and went towards the Buddha statue.

Rong Jing stood in front of the Buddha statue watching her. He didn’t seem to be surprised at all by Yun Qianyue’s ability and smiled slightly: "It's not that they’re powerless but rather, you are more proficient."

“Of course! I’ve always told you I’m a genius. My talent is innate; I don't need to learn.” Yun Qianyue proudly raised her eyebrows as she began studying the row of Buddha statues before her and quickly found a way in. After all, there had been traces of dust scraped off when they rolled in earlier, making it easier for her to spot them. She walked over to two statues and pressed their bases repeatedly until a door silently opened behind one of them. She waved at Rong Jing: "Quickly! Move these Buddha statues inside and hide them."

Rong Jing looked at the Buddha statues then back at Yun Qianyue and shook his head, "I can’t move them!"

"You have to even if you can't," Yun Qianyue gritted her teeth. Each statue was about a few hundred pounds in weight, with twelve of them in total – it would definitely be hard work. But they had no choice but to do so as this was money.

“I’ve lost my strength; I can’t move them.” Rong Jing shook his head again: "Let’s just give up!"

"Are you a man You have to," Yun Qianyue snarled at him, “Quickly! Let's move these statues together."

Rong Jing couldn’t help but walk over to the Buddha statues and extend his hands. He felt as if every part of his body was limp; he could hardly walk let alone lift a hundred pounds. Putting his hand on a statue, he stared at it for half a moment without moving.

"You’re really useless!" Yun Qianyue snorted and walked to another statue, trying to move it as well. She thought that she should at least have some remaining inner energy left so that she could still show off. But she was wrong; there wasn’t even half a bit of true energy left in her dantian now. The little bit of true energy left had sunk like a stone and couldn't be raised again, leaving her to immediately start practicing Tai Chi’s thirteen forms. However, after completing an entire set, nothing happened within her dantian. She dropped her face, "Oh no, I’ve lost all my strength."

“Indeed, we’re the same.” Rong Jing nodded. His phoenix eyes seemed to contain a hint of amusement.

"Oh dear, this can’t be done! I must have these golds; otherwise, I’ll think about them and not sleep well for days to come. If Night Tianqiong takes them and presents them to the old emperor and he stores them in the imperial treasury, I won't resist going there to retrieve them." Yun Qianyue paced back and forth before the Buddha statues.

“I really didn’t expect you to be so money-hungry!” Rong Jing shook his head helplessly as he looked at a row of Buddha statues and reminded her, “Why don't you try figuring out how to activate this mechanism and get these Buddha statues to enter the door on their own”

“Right!” Yun Qianyue regained spirit again.

—— Extra ——

Infinite gratitude for everyone who has boosted our votes, but the competition is fierce and we're on edge. Everyone, can you please continue to give it your best shot I'll keep typing diligently...

Thank you below!ognizable face with disbelief. After a moment, he looked up at the Empress and asked solemnly, "Empress, what's going on Why is Cold Concubine like this"Yun Qianyue glanced at Wenlai, who lowered his...