[Fulong Battalion]
At dawn, the morning mist in the Fulong Battalion had not yet dispersed when a piece of news explosive enough to shake the entire camp spread like it had grown wings—flying from the east wing to the west training ground, and into every corner of the camp.
“Li Xuan’s injuries have worsened—he’s at death’s door!”
The rumor sounded disturbingly real: it was said the medical elder had exhausted his lifelong spiritual energy and could barely keep him breathing for a final thread of life.
Commander Zhao, heartbroken and red-eyed, personally moved him into his private quarters. The doors and windows were sealed tightly—so tightly that not even a fly could get in. All visits were refused, with only the medical elder and a close attendant allowed inside.
For a moment, panic spread through the entire camp. No one had the mind to train. Groups gathered in hushed whispers, anxiety thick in the air as if the sky itself might collapse.
[Good Canteen]
As the unofficial “gossip hub” of the Fulong Battalion, the Good Canteen was especially noisy today.
The clatter of chopsticks against bowls couldn’t drown out the constant chatter.
“You heard? That Li Changgeng… he might really be done for!”
“He was fine a few days ago! Training like a beast! How did it get this bad so fast?”
“Do you even know how terrifying the Sky-Rending Wolf is? That thing—”
The conversation spiraled into fear, admiration, regret, and praise. Some mourned his talent, others admired his beauty, and many worried about the loss of his healing abilities. The entire hall was a chaotic mix of speculation and emotion.
Shen Qingci sat eating, biting his chopsticks with obvious disdain.
“Instead of gossiping, you should be improving your strength. That would actually help Li Changgeng more.”
Across from him, Yan Chiyu’s eyes reddened immediately.
“I’m sorry… it’s all my fault…”
A’Man bluntly cut in:
“Not your fault. Eat.”
Shen Qingci sighed, reassuring them while casually eating chicken leg after chicken leg, claiming Li Xuan was “being taken care of extremely well.”
Su Mo also joined in, worried that things had gone too far, but Shen Qingci only brushed it off, saying the situation would stabilize with the right people in charge.
[East Wing]
Shen Qingci walked lazily along the path, complaining to himself about boredom.
“Wonder how Li Xuan and Commander Zhao are doing… probably still glued together somewhere.”
He casually slashed the wall, opening a faint spatial crack, then stepped through—
Reappearing directly on the bed in the east wing.
He pulled the blanket over himself and immediately fell asleep.
(Note: Shen Qingci’s ability is “Copy,” allowing him to replicate others’ abilities and appearances at half strength. He was assigned to impersonate Li Xuan due to his ability to mimic spatial movement and remain undetected.)
What Shen Qingci did not know was that the camp’s security had not loosened at all.
Three rotating guard shifts still patrolled outside the room.
That night, two unfamiliar guards appeared for duty.
After a brief exchange with the existing guards—who joked lightly and then left—the “new guards” were confirmed without suspicion.
After waiting about fifteen minutes, the two guards’ expressions changed.
Their earlier friendliness vanished.
One took out a smoking pipe, lit it, and blew a faint purple mist into the room. After waiting, they entered.
“Sleeping,” one confirmed.
“Bind him. Take him,” the other ordered coldly.
They tied up the unconscious “Li Xuan,” covered his head, and carried him out through the window with practiced ease.
Inside the bundle:
Shen Qingci: “???”
In his mind:
I was just here to lie down and sleep—why am I being kidnapped?!
Outside, they moved swiftly through rooftops and streets toward the north gate.
Soon, Shen Qingci woke inside the sack.
“Hey! Let me down! At least show some professional ethics if you’re kidnapping someone!”
The kidnappers were annoyed.
“He woke up too fast.”
“Just knock him out again.”
“Wait, wait, don’t hit me!” Shen Qingci immediately surrendered. “I’m cooperative! Very cooperative!”
Surprisingly, his smooth talking worked. They decided not to knock him out again and instead revealed their destination:
“Yanyang City.”
Half an hour later, they reached a roadside station where a black carriage was already waiting.
Shen Qingci was transferred into it like cargo.
At the city gate, a golden token marked “Prime Minister Li’s Residence” allowed them to pass without inspection.
Inside the carriage, he was forcibly made to swallow a sleeping pill.
“Damn it… I regret everything… I should’ve never taken this job…”
Three days passed.
He woke again.
A luxurious room. Soft bedding. The scent of sandalwood.
Before he could react, a servant told him:
“The young master will come see you.”
Moments later—
A young man in fine robes entered: Li Yunpeng.
He looked at Shen Qingci with overwhelming joy.
“Yunshu, you’re finally awake!”
Shen Qingci blinked.
“…Who are you?”
The man froze.
“You’re my younger brother. This is your home.”
Shen Qingci sat up in confusion.
“I think you have the wrong person. I’m Li Xuan from Yaowang Valley.”
Li Yunpeng’s expression darkened slightly.
“You are Li Yunshu. My brother.”
Shen Qingci tried again, insisting he had no memory at all. Li Yunpeng only softened slightly, then changed tone:
“You can stay here. I’ll hire you. Name your price.”
Shen Qingci froze.
“…Huh?”
This was not how kidnapping stories were supposed to go.
A moment later, Shen Qingci cautiously raised a hand.
“Before the doctor comes… can I get something to eat first?”
His stomach immediately growled loudly.
Silence.
Then Li Yunpeng laughed helplessly.
“Of course. What do you want?”
Shen Qingci’s eyes lit up instantly.
“Braised pork! Osmanthus cakes! Sweet and sour fish! Noodles! Everything!”
He had not eaten in six days.
And now, all he wanted was to eat his way back to life.