Lu Chengfeng used a rag in his hand to wipe the blood-soaked short sword, then said, "A great war is about to break out in the Northern Lands. It's not safe there."

"Though the southern kings are contending for supremacy, the situation hasn't deteriorated yet. You should head to Han State, where someone will support you, and it's far from the Central Capital and the Northern Lands. There, you can live the life you want."

Zhao Tianyou only felt darkness before his eyes; the man in front of him was too ruthless, slaughtering everyone in the mountain stronghold without hesitation. More than twenty people lay dead.

Up until now, he had completely lost the ability to understand what the other's true intentions were. Generally speaking, even if Han State were safe, could it be safer than Youdu?

Yet he dared not ask further, and even started to have an ominous suspicion about the Handsome Yama's identity.

"Could it be that the other is not from Youdu?"

"But every move he makes is entirely in service of Youdu! Moreover, those people from the Celestial Patrol Department previously feared Youdu, so they dared not touch him."

Zhao Tianyou could only follow like a puppet, his mind in disarray.

Lu Chengfeng led Zhao Tianyou and Su Wanqing on a mountain trail escape, meticulously erasing all traces to prevent pursuit by enemies.

They left by water multiple times, changed clothes, bathed and dressed, eliminated scents, and switched routes several times until they finally reached the Han River, from where they could take a boat directly to Han State.

By a deserted straw hut on the Han River's shore, Lu Chengfeng, Su Wanqing, and Zhao Tianyou gathered.

"When you arrive, you must honestly explain your background to the contact person; he will help you settle in."

"Whether you want to stay with him or start your life anew is entirely up to you."

Listening to Lu Chengfeng's instructions, Zhao Tianyou finally breathed a sigh of relief; regardless, the other was not intending to kill him to silence him.

"Thank you. I clung on merely to continue the Zhao Family's legacy."

"Though my grudge remains unavenged, as long as the Zhao Family's line continues, I can face my ancestors."

Speaking thus, he knelt directly on the ground, respectfully kowtowing three times.

"No matter what your identity or purpose, Zhao Tianyou owes you a great debt. After continuing my family's line, I would repay you with my life without hesitation."

Lu Chengfeng helped him up: "As long as you never return to the Central Capital in this life, consider it repaid."

Zhao Tianyou paused but agreed heartily, "Alright, I promise you, I'll never return to the Central Capital."

Lu Chengfeng said, "Close your eyes."

Though slightly puzzled, Zhao Tianyou complied, knowing if the other wanted to kill him, it wouldn't require such elaborate means.

Lu Chengfeng pointed at his forehead, rendering him unconscious, then laid him flat on the ground.

Glancing at Su Wanqing, he retrieved a potion from his sleeve bag and rubbed it on his face.

Moments later, Su Wanqing's face revealed a look of surprise and joy, "This... Senior Brother... I, I can finally see you again..."

Lu Chengfeng revealed his true face, holding a thin human skin mask in his hand, chuckling lightly, "Haven't I always been by your side?"

"It's different. Before, you always had that unfamiliar face, and I didn't even dare look at you." Su Wanqing couldn't help but approach, gently caressing that handsome face she had yearned for.

"I, I miss you so much..."

Lu Chengfeng sighed, extending his left hand to gently embrace her. For the first time, they were this close and intimate, and Su Wanqing almost wished they could remain like this forever.

But after a while, Lu Chengfeng reluctantly separated from her, "Wanqing, the boat is departing soon, we must hurry."

Su Wanqing's gaze lingered on his face, unwilling to break away for a moment.

"Can you let me stay? I want to be with you. Wherever you go, I'll go. No matter what you ask of me, I'm willing."

Lu Chengfeng sighed, "Wanqing, everyone knows you were taken by the Handsome Yama. If you appear again in Central State and are discovered, it will bring unpredictable risks and trouble."

"It might even expose my new identity."

"Moreover, the Lord of Youdu is about to head to Yun Cang. If the sect is destroyed, neither you nor I would have a place to stay."

"I remain in the Central Capital to fight for the sect's chance, but I know very well that hope is slim."

"So, I want you to head to Han State; Li Mo, Junior Brother, is already there. You should go and prepare things ahead of time."

"If things reach an irrevocable point, you'll be our fallback."

Lu Chengfeng stared into Su Wanqing's eyes, speaking earnestly, "Thus, this matter is crucial for us, concerning the future. Over there might be the place we stay for a long time, our new home."

Perhaps the added word moved Su Wanqing, her eyes reddened slightly, her voice choked as she said, "I understand, I will go to Han State."

Lu Chengfeng gently wiped the tear stains from her cheeks with his finger, "Don't cry. In a turbulent world, just surviving isn't easy; we all struggle in these chaotic times."

"But rest assured, once things here are settled, I'll surely come find you."

Su Wanqing nodded vigorously, "I believe you. I'll wait for you, no matter how long it takes, I'll always wait for you."

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