The Phoenix Reborn Book II

Chapter 82 Their Journey

From the long and narrow passageway that was only lit by torch fire, the sound of footsteps resounded loudly. It made the temple of a man with both hands and feet tied to the chain pulsate. The man moved his head slightly, sending vibrations on the chain which then produced a loud sound.

The longer, the sound of footsteps becomes louder, indicating the visitor is getting closer. When the figure of the uninvited visitor stopped in front of the iron door of the dungeon, a loud scream could be heard from the prison door that was pushed open.

“Greetings to His Majesty the Emperor,” said the visitor as he stepped into the human cage. A smile was plastered on his face, not to show his respect, but rather to mock the condition of his interlocutor.

Wu Huatai—the chained man—didn't give a reaction. He just fell silent, not intending to ignore his guest. After all that happened, the man felt so tired of this world.

Being ignored, Li Changsheng clicked his tongue. He grumbled, “Wu Huatai, I've been so distasteful to you, but you didn't heed it. I was so hurt.”

Being still ignored, the man finally grabbed the whip that was on the side of his waist. Then, without holding back in the slightest, he floated the whip towards Wu Huatai's shoulder.

With a wisp of cloth on his mouth, only a groan of pain came out from Wu Huatai. The pain of his skin being torn from the whip made Emperor Wu's body pulled back. Her eyes that were reddened by the unending sleep were visibly teary, perhaps because of the wounds on her body.

Successfully getting the reaction he wanted, Li Changsheng smiled vilely. “Hah! A son of the heavens is ultimately still a human being. Just one little whip and you'll howl in pain,” he said as he pulled back his whip, preparing to wave a second whip. “Do you know that the same thing was also felt Rong’er!?”

After repeatedly lashing out for the sake of lashing, a hand stopped Li Changsheng. This made the former King An look back.

“If you continue to do so, then he will die,” Hudie said with a smile on her face. “Didn't you say we need it to force Premier Liang to cooperate, also for the sake of obtaining a dragon stamp and a military plaque?”

Li Changsheng pulled his hand out of Hudie's grasp. “I said I wouldn't kill him, but that doesn't mean I won't torture him,” replied the man as he glared at Wu Huatai who had almost lost his consciousness. Li Changsheng's hand clasped tightly the whip in his hand, then he snorted, “Agrease,” and walked away.

Hudie was silent in her place, but her gaze continued to sway over the figure of Li Changsheng who walked away from the prison cell. His fingers were tapped on his sides, indicating that he was thinking.

‘It seems, His Majesty's plan went well,’ Inner Hudie in silence. He turned to the figure of Wu Huatai whose body was covered in wounds, ‘Should I just kill him?’ The man snorted mockingly, ‘However, it was unpleasant, wasn't it?’ Hudie said, “Obati wound, make sure she can survive until the day Prime Minister Liang's troops arrive in the capital.”

Two warriors who had been out of jail cell since sometime replied in unison, “Good!”

From a distance, Li Changsheng who could hear faintly Hudie's orders clenched his free hand. ‘Rong’er ...,’ one tear grain down his face, ‘give me strength.’

*About a month ago*

“Changchang, take a look at that!” a girl with her long hair tied in two pointed in one direction, right at the fruit candy booth by the side of the road. “I want it!” Even with her seedy clothes, the beauty of the girl shone and was able to attract the attention of some men.

The man who walked not far behind the girl wore a helpless expression, he pulled the veil so that it covered his face. “Rong’er, keep attitude and stop attracting attention,” reprimand it with soft tone.

Those two people were none other than Li Changsheng and Wu Rongya.

Hearing Li Changsheng's reprimand, Wu Rongya clicked his tongue. “How many days have it been since we left the capital, and you're still worried that someone recognized us?” tanyanya while advancing the lips. “If it is like that, what is the difference with us staying in the palace?” muttered.

A smile puffed up on Li Changsheng's face, feeling funny with the girl's misunderstanding. “Rong’er, that's not what I'm worried about.” The man brought his face closer to Wu Rongya, trying to whisper something, “Don't you know your beauty is dangerous?”

Surprised by Li Changsheng's remark, Wu Rongya instantly pegged on the spot. Slowly, hues crept on both sides of his face. “Pengodas ulung,” makinya while continuing his steps towards the sweets seller.

Seeing the girl's reaction, Li Changsheng smiled faintly as he chuckled. Without him realizing it, himself attracted the attention of several women who had landed a look on his face.

Li Changsheng and Wu Rongya had left the capital, and now they were on their way to the Wu-Xu border. Compared to Shi and Zhou, the Xu Kingdom was said to be a prosperous and warless small kingdom. That was the reason the former King An and Zhanggongzhu of Wu's Kingdom decided to dock into the country.

“It will take at least half a month to reach Xu Kingdom,” Li Changsheng said as he tied his horse strap to the restraining wood. He had just found an inn that was not too flashy, but good enough to live in. “Sorry for having to make you tormented.”

Wrinkles adorned Wu Rongya's forehead. “Changchang,” the new nickname the princess gave her always tickled the corner of Li Changsheng's heart, “what are you talking about?” wu Rongya's tone sounded displeased. “You're underestimating me?”

Li Changsheng's eyes blinked, and he quickly said, “Not so.”

“Then, don't say ‘maaf’ because I don't need it,” explained Wu Rongya. The girl lowered her head, “To be with you is a blessing from the sky, and I am willing to trade everything for it.”

Wu Rongya's confession made Li Changsheng's heart beat fast, matchless happiness enveloping him. The man took one step forward and then pulled his girlfriend into his arms.

“Rong’er, you are the most beautiful gift from the sky for me.” Li Changsheng's whole heart felt warm, he felt very lively. The man let go of his embrace and stared fixedly at Wu Rongya.

Wu Rongya returned Li Changsheng's gaze, hypnotized with his beautiful dark brown bead. When he saw the man bring his face closer, the girl's heart skipped a beat. ‘What does he finally dare?!’ Expectations filled Wu Rongya's mind, and the princess's eyes were tightly shut.

The cup!

‘Hah?’ Wu Rongya opened his eyes quickly and realized Li Changsheng was kissing his forehead.

“That's good what I did in the past life, so the sky blessed me with your presence,” Li Changsheng said with a gentle smile.

On the other hand, Wu Rongya felt his face heat up, ashamed of what he had just expected. The princess then stomped on Li Changsheng's feet tightly, causing the man to groan in pain. “Don't you think being sweet can make me forgive you after underestimating me!” he shouted as he walked into the inn. ‘Basic brain tortoise!’

***

The sound of crisp horse footsteps filled the silence. Li Changsheng stared at the streets in front of him while occasionally trying to glance back. Days had changed and several hours had passed since he and Wu Rongya had continued on the journey. However, the princess sitting behind him still did not make the slightest sound, even when she was spoken to.

“Rong’er, aren't you going to talk to me until we get to Xu?” li Changsheng asked helplessly.

There's no answer.

Silently, Li Changsheng sighed. Why did it seem like Wu Rongya's attitude became a little more complicated than when in the palace?

As Li Changsheng thought about it, Wu Rongya was busy struggling with his own thoughts. She was so embarrassed by her actions last night, how she expected the man by her side to kiss her.

‘You're crazy, Rongya! Where is your pride?!’ maki Wu Rongya to himself. Then, his forehead creased. ‘Enak only, remember the word Ling’er! Fuck*n with pride! Most importantly, I am happy!’ It was followed by stretching out the eyebrows of the princess Wu who had linked. ‘No, no, but my reaction after doing so was so overwhelming. Changchang must think I'm weird!’ Finally, the princess put on a face to cry, ‘Yes, Sky, what should I do?!’

As Wu Rongya was busy conversing with his own mind, he was surprised by Li Changsheng's sudden shouts of horse racing. Were it not for his grip on his lover's waist, Wu Rongya was sure that he had slipped backwards and ended up with a broken neck.

“What's up?! Why are you suddenly racing so fast?!” wu Rongya shouted, worried that his voice was not heard.

Without looking back, Li Changsheng said in a serious tone, “There are those who follow us.”

Hearing that, Wu Rongya's expression instantly turned worried. “Maybe it's Brother's errand?” ask him innocently.

“No,” reply Li Changsheng. “First Brother's branch can't possibly sneak around like a thief,” he explained. His eyes were fixed on the street in front of him. ‘It has not been long since we entered the forest, it means the distance to the next city is still quite far.’ The man's heart raced, as if following the galloping of a horse's legs. ‘As long as there is no attack—!’ Not yet had Li Changsheng finished his mind, he shouted, “Subject!”

Without a second thought, Wu Rongya ducked down. Just at that moment, a single arrow shot fiercely past his head, slashing the ribbon that tied his hair up.

Shocked, Wu Rongya shouted, “Ah!” She could feel her hair falling down her waist.

Realizing that their stalker was intending to get rid of and not just visit, Li Changsheng immediately pulled the reins of his horse. The man directed his horse to leave the main street, aware that the main street was so open and made it easier for the enemy to aim at him and Wu Rongya.

“Rong’er, keep ducking! You understand?!” shouted Li Changsheng.

“Yes! Yes!” wu Rongya countered while strengthening his embrace at Li Changsheng. ‘Who is really chasing us?! Bandit?!’

Li Changsheng looked back, finding three figures of people dressed in black with straw hats on their heads. This made the former King An cursing in his heart, unable to recognize his pursuers.

This time, a dagger shot towards them, but it tipped through the thigh of the horse. As a result, the horse that Li Changsheng and Wu Rongya roared out loud before faltering to the side.

Before meeting the ground, Li Changsheng grabbed Wu Rongya's body to then jump off the horse. However, the action was taken without sufficient preparation. The left elbow of the former King An hit the ground violently, coupled with the weight of Wu Rongya's body, the sound of fractured bones could be heard.

‘Argh!’ indignant Li Changsheng in heart, did not want to let out a sound of pain that could make the enemy know about his injuries. Then, he hurriedly glanced at the girl in his arms. “You okay?!” he shouted while making sure Wu Rongya was fine.

Wu Rongya's eyes were shrouded in worry, and his tone trembled, “A-I'm fine, but you—" His gaze was directed at Li Changsheng's limp-looking left arm.

“I'm fine,” cut Li Changsheng. “We have to go immediately!” he shouted while lifting Wu Rongya up and immediately pulled him away.

Ordinary man against horse, no longer need to be asked who will win. There was no time for Wu Rongya and Li Changsheng to run far, and their enemies had already surrounded. Unlike the previous one, they did not attack directly.

Now, in a lower position than his opponent, Li Changsheng could see that other than wearing straw hats, the three black-clothed men were wearing face coverings. However, his eyes were not blind to not being able to recognize the unique characteristics of the eyes of his three pursuers.

“K-you guys Tubo!” Li Changsheng gritted his teeth, those blue eyes were not something that just anyone could have. “What's your goal?!” it was boldly shouting while trying to protect Wu Rongya—a really futile effort as the three men surrounded them with horses.

“Give Mr Princess Wu!” reply one of Tubo's men. “So, we will give you a quick death!”

Hearing this, Wu Rongya widened his eyes. He certainly did not intend to obey this order. “Changchang,” Wu Rongya tightly grasps the sleeves of Li Changsheng's clothes.

“In your dreams!” li Changsheng shouted as he swung his sword at the horse of one of the Tubo men.

Li Changsheng's actions made the poor horse neigh and move wildly, making its rider plummet back and fall. On the other hand, in between his shock, the horse kicked another horse and caused chaos.

Li Changsheng also took this opportunity to run out of the siege of his pursuers. “Come!” his screams while pulling Wu Rongya, paying no heed to the pain that pierced his left hand.

“Si*lan!” maki was one of the Tubo people who fell to the ground. With his remaining strength, he grabbed the crossbow by his side. Then, he started aiming, “Feel this!”