After the Scorpion’s main force fled in panic, Clan Leader Arhun imdiately implented Xiao Lingqiu’s plan: he redirected the main troops to circle around Moon Sky Lake and ambush the more than six hundred soldiers of the Fourth Prince Wanyan Tianyou who had been preparing their own sneak attack.
With the advantage of geography and the soaring morale from successfully repelling the Scorpion army earlier, the soldiers of the Heshan Tribe charged forward like tigers descending a mountain, unstoppable in their ferocity.
This sudden assault left the Fourth Prince’s forces completely unprepared.
Under the onslaught of the Heshan warriors, they were pushed back ti and again, with only a few dozen managing to escape.
In the end, this crisis for the Heshan Tribe was miraculously resolved.
Previously, upon learning of the arrival of the Scorpion army and the Nanjin Country’s troops, almost everyone had harbored pessimistic thoughts—and many soldiers had even bid their families a final farewell.
But no one expected that at this mont, they had survived.
When they saw the Nanjin soldiers fleeing, the people of the Heshan Tribe could hardly believe it. Only when they glanced at the corpses scattered across the battlefield did they truly realize they had chased the enemy away.
The joy of surviving a calamity spread through every heart, and the crowd erupted into cheers, imrsing themselves in jubilant celebration.
Clan Leader Arhun, his face glowing with delight, strode quickly to Xiao Lingqiu and said earnestly:
"This ti it is thanks to Jiang and Ms. Jiang that our Heshan Tribe turned peril into safety. You two are the greatest benefactors of our clan. From now on, no matter what difficulties the two of you may encounter, as long as it is within our power, the Heshan Tribe will spare no effort in providing assistance."
The Clan Leader was shrewd.
Realizing the mysterious nature of Jiang Shouzhong and Xiao Lingqiu, he sought to forge a connection while maintaining caution.
Yet uncertain of their full identity and wary of inviting trouble, his words intentionally left room for adjustnt—offering promises without committing absolutely.
Regardless, the Clan Leader’s gratitude toward Jiang Shouzhong and Xiao Lingqiu was genuine. Especially now, after securing a wealth of rich spoils, the Heshan Tribe’s military strength could be significantly enhanced.
Jiang Shouzhong rubbed his nose, slightly embarrassed.
He hadn’t really done anything.
Young Master Liefeng’s fiery gaze fixed on the coldly elegant Xiao Lingqiu, then shifted to Jiang Shouzhong, who was holding her close. The jealousy burning within him grew harder to suppress.
To marry such an extraordinary woman—even if it ant enduring Hell for ten lifetis—so be it! What kind of absurd luck did this fellow have to win her heart?
Xiao Lingqiu tightened her reins, her graceful figure—round and alluring like a gourd—glowed beneath the newborn sunlight, as though encased in a divine halo. She spoke softly:
"We mustn’t rejoice prematurely. The Heshan Tribe is, at the end of the day, just a tempting piece of at on the carving board. Without sufficient powers of self-defense, it will inevitably be devoured sooner or later."
Arhun sighed, glancing apologetically at his daughter. With a serious tone, he said:
"Ms. Jiang, rest assured. In a couple of days, Lei Tian will station his main force here. By then, no one will dare to trouble us."
Xiao Lingqiu pursed her rosy lips and said nothing.
To celebrate the victory, the Clan Leader gathered the tribe’s senior mbers and planned a banquet, extending an invitation to Jiang Shouzhong and Xiao Lingqiu.
Originally, Jiang Shouzhong didn’t want to join in the revelry, but Xiao Lingqiu’s persistence persuaded him to attend.
At the banquet, the Clan Leader once again expressed his gratitude to Jiang Shouzhong and Xiao Lingqiu, gifting them piles of gold and silver treasures, along with a luxurious courtyard for their residence, complete with assigned maidservants.
The Clan Leader’s excessive goodwill clearly aid to encourage the couple to stay.
Even a longer stay would suffice.
Aside from accepting the residence, Xiao Lingqiu took everything else without hesitation.
During the banquet, many people approached Jiang Shouzhong to toast him, and he was too polite to refuse.
Xiao Lingqiu, anwhile, ticulously observed the tribe’s various senior figures.
She paid close attention to the dynamics of their interactions—whether warm or distant, noting their seating arrangents and identifying who was positioned next to whom.
She particularly focused on individuals with close connections to Young Master Liefeng.
Every detail was carefully cataloged in her mind, enabling her to better understand the tribe’s internal relationships and power hierarchy.
After the banquet, Xiao Lingqiu requested a list of the tribe’s senior mbers from Liao Feihu.
...
Back in their quarters, Xiao Lingqiu imdiately spread the list across the table, taking out paper and pen to thodically analyze.
Reeking of alcohol, Jiang Shouzhong poured himself a cup of tea to sober up and sat across from her, sipping thoughtfully.
Gazing at her delicate profile under the lamp’s light, Jiang Shouzhong montarily lost himself and chuckled softly: "You’re truly different from any of the other won I’ve t."
"How so?"
Still imrsed in her recollections of the banquet, Xiao Lingqiu crossed out two nas on the list and asked casually.
Seeing a few strands of her hair fall across her forehead, Jiang Shouzhong hesitated before gently brushing them behind her ear.
Xiao Lingqiu’s jade-like hand holding the pen paused briefly, then she continued marking the list.
Reflecting on the bitter-smooth taste of the tea sliding down his throat, Jiang Shouzhong murmured: "I used to think you and Miaomiao were similar, but now I realize you’re more like... a boss."
"A boss?"
Xiao Lingqiu looked up, her expression strange.
Noticing the dimming candlelight, Jiang Shouzhong casually adjusted the wick and chuckled: "Honestly, I’m not even sure how to describe it. I just feel like being part of the Ghost Guard doesn’t suit you."
Xiao Lingqiu’s long, fan-like lashes fluttered a few tis. Her lips curved into a faint smile as she replied cryptically: "You haven’t t the better version of ."
Worried her words might lead him to overthink, Xiao Lingqiu swiftly changed the subject: "How’s your back injury recovering?"
Jiang Shouzhong nodded: "It’s alright."
He gestured toward her feet: "I rember your foot injury was pretty severe. Is it feeling better?"
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