The Woman Disguised Herself as a Man and Abolished the Prince, Married a Princess and called the Empress - Chapter 3

“Who?” Xiong Shaoqing’s heart jumped, her recently settled mind now filled with anxiety again. Seeing Lu Minghao stop his retreat, she couldn’t help but frown.

What is this Lu Minghao up to now? Does he have another trick up his sleeve? Her heart was in turmoil, and a sense of unease spread through her.

Su Xianfeng looked calm and spoke with a detached air:

“Who are you? State your name. I don’t kill nameless people.”

The white-haired elder laughed, his voice making Xiong Shaoqing’s eardrums hurt slightly. “I’ve roamed the martial world for decades without a single defeat, earning the title of the Undefeated. In the rest of my life, my only wish is to be defeated.”

Seeing that her master did not respond, the white-haired elder continued:

“You are the strongest person I’ve met in decades. You exude an aura that even I find dangerous. Truly, the younger generation is formidable.”

Su Xianfeng carefully studied the white-haired elder and asked, “Are you with them?”

The white-haired elder turned to look at Lu Minghao, a flicker of disdain in his eyes.

“Imperial lackeys, scram! You bunch of small fry aren’t worthy of my serious attention.”

With that, the white-haired elder’s figure moved, seemingly slow but in fact incredibly fast. He flicked a finger, and an invisible surge of energy shot straight at Lu Minghao.

Lu Minghao’s face changed drastically. Sensing danger, he dodged frantically. The energy grazed past him, leaving a deep, bloody hole in his body.

“Ah!” Lu Minghao screamed, “Retreat, quick!”

The guards followed Lu Minghao, fleeing in a panic. As they ran, scarlet flowers of blood bloomed on the bluestone pavement.

Xiong Shaoqing watched the white-haired elder’s move and frowned slightly, her heart filled with doubt.

This white-haired elder is so powerful. Can Master handle him? Her gaze at Su Xianfeng was full of worry.

Su Xianfeng gave Xiong Shaoqing a firm look. “Step aside and observe my moves carefully. You might gain some insight.”

Xiong Shaoqing nodded and did as she was told, watching her master walk toward the white-haired elder.

“Make your move,” Su Xianfeng said, drawing a folding fan from her waist. She casually fanned herself, and the gentle breeze stirred her hair, giving her a transcendent appearance.

The white-haired elder drew his long sword and stood against the wind, bowing slightly to Su Xianfeng. “I am many years your senior. How can I make the first move? Please, you teach me.”

Su Xianfeng nodded at his words. The folding fan opened lightly, her movements as graceful as a fluttering butterfly.

Xiong Shaoqing watched her master use the fan as a sword. Her wrist flickered, and the fan’s surface rippled outward, creating a gust of wind that rushed toward the white-haired elder. The white-haired elder’s gaze was firm, his sword energy soaring as he met the attack head-on.

Two streaks of light quickly intertwined. The fan and the sword blade clashed, producing a crisp clang. Xiong Shaoqing carefully observed her master using her opponent’s strength against him, the fan’s ribs instantly forming a chain-like defense to skillfully block the white-haired elder’s fierce attacks.

The white-haired elder’s sword light flowed, and every swing carried an endless killing intent. Su Xianfeng, holding her folding fan, continuously danced through the air like a venomous snake, defending and attacking in turn.

Xiong Shaoqing started to gain some insight from her master’s flexible and ever-changing moves. Although the white-haired elder’s footwork was steady and his swordsmanship was fierce, with every move aimed at her master’s vitals, her master’s posture was ethereal, and her fan techniques, while seemingly effortless, hid deadly intent.

Suddenly, the white-haired elder changed his sword’s momentum, thrusting directly at Su Xianfeng’s heart. Xiong Shaoqing’s heart clenched, and she couldn’t help but gasp.

At that critical moment, Su Xianfeng’s expression remained unchanged. Her folding fan snapped shut instantly, transforming into an impenetrable shield.

The two powerful forces collided, and the ground immediately cracked with fissures, sending paving stones flying.

“Thrilling! What a thrill! It’s been a long time since I fought so seriously!” The white-haired elder’s hearty laugh echoed through the street like a booming bell.

The white-haired elder did not continue his attack. Instead, he looked at Su Xianfeng, his eyes full of admiration.

“Though my attacks were fierce, you handled them with ease. We have no grudges, and I have no intention of fighting you to the death. Although I still haven’t met defeat tonight, this battle was exhilarating.”

The white-haired elder leaped up, looking down at Su Xianfeng from above. He pulled a manual from his robe. “I am getting old. This is some of my experience from decades of combat. Take it as my thanks to you.”

The white-haired elder tossed down the manual and flew away. Su Xianfeng caught it and thanked the elder’s retreating back. She then handed the manual to Xiong Shaoqing.

“Hold on to this. Can you still walk? This place is not safe to stay.”

Xiong Shaoqing nodded. “Master, I’m much better. Let’s go.”

The two left Shangyang County that very night and arrived at Hui’an Town.

It was around the Chen hour (7-9 a.m.), still early, but the streets were already bustling with people of all ages and walks of life.

Xiong Shaoqing followed Su Xianfeng into a tailor shop, where she changed out of her worn-out coarse cloth clothes into a set of green action-wear to make movement easier.

She also put on a simple bamboo hat to cover half her face and tied up her long hair with a plain wooden hairpin.

“Master, I’m ready.”

Su Xianfeng nodded slightly, and the two walked out of the shop and headed to the Yunlai Inn.

Xiong Shaoqing asked the waiter for a suite with two rooms and two beds. After the ordeal of the previous night, Xiong Shaoqing felt utterly exhausted.

Su Xianfeng sensed her poor condition and quickly took her pulse.

“You should get some sleep. I’ll go to the pharmacy to get you some medicine.”

Xiong Shaoqing nodded, took off her hat, and lay down on the bed, fully clothed, and fell asleep.

Two hours later, Xiong Shaoqing faintly smelled a medicinal aroma. Drowsy and groggy, she was half-asleep.

“Shaoqing, wake up and drink your medicine.” Su Xianfeng carefully tested the temperature, spooned up a portion, and brought it to Xiong Shaoqing’s lips.

Xiong Shaoqing didn’t open her mouth. She just looked at the steaming medicine and frowned slightly.

It looks so bitter. I don’t even eat bitter melon, so this medicine must be even worse.

“Drink it while it’s hot. It’ll be more effective. I know you’re afraid of bitterness, so I prepared this.”

As Su Xianfeng spoke, she took a packet of candied fruit from her sleeve. Seeing this, Xiong Shaoqing took the bowl, pinched her nose, and downed the medicine in one gulp. Then, with lightning speed, she grabbed a piece of candied fruit and popped it into her mouth.

The rich sweetness spread, dispelling the medicine’s bitterness. It was a perfect blend of bitter and sweet.

Xiong Shaoqing’s expression cleared, her complexion gradually became rosy, and her body, weakened by blood loss, was slowly recovering. Luckily, the injuries from the previous night’s siege were mostly superficial and hadn’t broken any bones. Thanks to her quick dodging, the wounds weren’t very deep.

Thankfully, I’ve been practicing martial arts since I was a child. Although my father’s demands were strict, it helped me develop a tough constitution.

Xiong Shaoqing inwardly rejoiced, then collected her thoughts and looked at Su Xianfeng.

“Master, it’s a good thing I have you. Otherwise, I…” She paused, a sense of helplessness in her voice. “Your prophecy was right. I truly faced a great calamity in my coming-of-age year.”

Su Xianfeng spoke slowly, “Fate is determined by heaven, but action is up to us. Calamities can’t be avoided, but there are ways to face them. As long as I am here, I will protect you.” As she spoke, she moved closer to Xiong Shaoqing.

At her words, Xiong Shaoqing’s confusion vanished, and she let out a sigh of relief.

Su Xianfeng asked with concern, “What do you plan to do now?”

What can I plan? Naturally, I’ll kill the bastard emperor, Xiong Yishan. But there’s no place for me in the State of Yu anymore. I can only go to the State of Shu. I’ve heard that women can hold office there.

Once there, I can slowly build my own power and make a comeback.

Xiong Shaoqing thought this to herself and then shared her ideas. The hatred in her eyes was like a burning fire, impossible to hide.

Su Xianfeng understood. The deaths of Xiong Shaoqing’s parents had been a huge blow. The old Xiong Shaoqing was a smooth talker, always playful, and acting like a frivolous young noble.

The current Xiong Shaoqing had lost her old cheerfulness. She was now shrouded in gloom, spoke little, and whenever Xiong Yishan was mentioned, the deep-seated hatred became obvious.

“Going to the State of Shu, have you thought about how to cross Goumang Peak?”

Hearing Su Xianfeng’s question, Xiong Shaoqing fell into deep thought. The states of Yu and Shu were once one country hundreds of years ago. Later, Goumang Peak suddenly rose, severing their connection and gradually splitting them into two nations.

Goumang Peak was mysterious and unpredictable. In recent years, many people had tried to climb the mountain to explore it, but they were all poisoned by the mountain’s miasma. Few survived, and those who did were left insane and delirious.

After a long time, Xiong Shaoqing looked up at Su Xianfeng, her eyes exceptionally firm:

“I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it. I have no way out.”

She paused and continued, “The State of Yu has no place for me. Going to the State of Shu is my only choice.”

Su Xianfeng’s gaze at Xiong Shaoqing was filled with a little more admiration. Her disciple had finally grown up and was no longer the weak, playful, young noble she once was.

Su Xianfeng remembered the first time she met Xiong Shaoqing. At that time, she was sent down from her master to assist the destined one. She used a secret technique to cleverly deceive the imperial physicians who came to check Xiong Shaoqing’s pulse.

Xiong Shaoqing had just been born, with a delicate, jade-like face, two distinct dimples, and a pair of bright, intelligent eyes.

At that time, Xiong Shaoqing did not yet know about the prophecy that would influence her life: “The State of Yu will fall after three generations, and a woman of the Xiong clan will take power.” Because of this prophecy, Xiong Yishan had secretly slaughtered Xiong women, not even sparing those in the imperial family.

Only Xiong Yujie was an exception, as Xiong Yishan had not yet been cruel enough to harm his own daughter.

Su Xianfeng had given Xiong Yichuan a pendant, instructed by her master, and seriously told him that it must stay with Xiong Shaoqing at all times, not even removed for bathing, or the consequences would be unimaginable.

Xiong Yichuan had great trust in Su Xianfeng. After all, if not for her intervention, Xiong Shaoqing’s female identity would have been exposed, and they would all have met a certain death.

Years passed, and Su Xianfeng roamed the lands. Six years later, she returned to the State of Yu. Xiong Shaoqing was six years old then and was somewhat resistant to the lessons arranged by her father, especially martial arts. Her mind wasn’t on it; she just wanted to play, for which she was punished often.

Su Xianfeng entered the residence of Prince Kang and saw Xiong Yichuan punishing Xiong Shaoqing.

Six-year-old Xiong Shaoqing had tears streaming down her face, and a rattan cane was mercilessly whipping her small back, a sight as desolate as rain-beaten lotus leaves.

Unable to bear the sight, Su Xianfeng offered to take Xiong Shaoqing as her disciple and teach her martial arts. Xiong Yichuan was more than happy to agree, as without Su Xianfeng’s help, his family might not have been safe.

Su Xianfeng lived in the Prince’s residence for three years. During this time, she meticulously taught Xiong Shaoqing top-tier internal energy techniques and her own unique sword moves. Xiong Shaoqing grew quickly, gradually becoming one of the most outstanding among her peers.

“Master, what are you thinking about?” Xiong Shaoqing’s voice broke Su Xianfeng’s reverie.

Xiong Shaoqing was filled with curiosity. What is Master pondering about with that thoughtful expression? It looks like she’s hiding a lot.

Su Xianfeng shook her head. “Nothing, just some old memories.”

Hearing this, Xiong Shaoqing’s curiosity grew even stronger, and she wanted to press for more details.

Su Xianfeng sensed Xiong Shaoqing’s thoughts and, not wanting to stir up sad emotions, quickly changed the subject:

“You don’t have to worry about crossing Goumang Peak. I previously refined some pills to ward off miasma poison, which should be useful.”

“Really?” Xiong Shaoqing’s eyes lit up, and her voice held a hint of surprise.

Her tense nerves instantly relaxed. She was filled with a sense of relief. Thank goodness Master is here. If I didn’t have these pills, I wouldn’t know how to face the terrifying miasma of Goumang Peak.

“Master’s medical skills are truly divine. She’s worthy of the name Medical Immortal.” Xiong Shaoqing praised her sincerely, her voice full of admiration.

Su Xianfeng’s lips curved into a slight smile, and she teased, “You brat, stop flattering me. Get some rest after we eat. We have a long journey tomorrow.” With that, Su Xianfeng stood up.

Xiong Shaoqing nodded obediently and personally escorted her master back to her room.

She hadn’t even realized that her master’s choice of address was a little off. Since she had been cross-dressing as a boy her entire life, and was raised as one, her master had gotten used to calling her “brat.”

The slow-witted Xiong Shaoqing didn’t notice the subtle smile on Su Xianfeng’s face, a smile that seemed to hide an unspoken secret.

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