In order not to rouse Xi Rei’s attention, the fugitives didn’t rush day and night to their destination.

　　After an evening’s rest, a camp fire was lit. Smoke danced in the air as the servants prepared breakfast.

　　Inside a tent, Miao Guang personally exchanged Feng Ming’s outfit for a new one. She flattered him with cheeky comments.

　　‘You’re becoming more beautiful each time I take a look at you. How can a man be so alluring! I wish I could keep you for myself.’

　　Feng Ming’s heart thumped.

　　This was something he could take advantage of. If Miao Guang fell in love with him, then he won’t fall into Ruo Yan’s hands. It was a possible spark.

　　Miao Guang used her finger to gently tap him on the nose. As if she could see what was going on inside his head. She teased, ‘Don’t daydream! I won’t betray my brother. Even if you were a hundred times more attractive I won’t release you back to Xi Rei!

　　Does she have telepathy too?

　　The Princess had quickly revealed his plans. He stared at her grudgingly.

　　Spring had finally arrived in Xi Rei. The plains were now blanketed with fragrant and lush gra.s.s. Feng Ming recalled Rong Tian’s words as they’d rode White Cloud during winter.

　　The King had spoken of bright greenery that stretched as far as the eyes could see and it was truly a sight to behold.

　　With the change of seasons, he was kidnapped by Miao Guang and well on his way out of Xi Rei completely undetected. 

　　He was crushed.

　　After their morning meal, the group set out again.

　　Miao Guang ordered her attendants to carry Feng Ming back into the carriage. Once inside she spoke to him sternly, ‘I’m advising you to quash any plans for escaping. To tell you the truth, my brother has secretly staked out near the Xi Rei border for a while now. We will be able to meet him within a day. When you tried to escape on my watch, I introduced you to my needles. However, if you try to pull anything in front of my brother you will suffer worst consequences.’  

　　Seeing no timid reaction from Feng Ming, Miao Guang snorted and stuck out her tongue childishly before helping him with his daily make-up routine. 

　　Just as she was placing the finis.h.i.+ng touches the driver abruptly reined in their horse. The momentum was so sudden that it nearly knocked both Miao Guang and Feng Ming out of the carriage.

　　Miao Guang picked herself up from the ground and stuck out her head between the curtains. ‘What happened?’ She shouted out.

　　Hooves beating the ground neared the carriage. It was Cai Si who had rushed over.

　　Lifting his clasped hands to greet her he quickly advised, ‘Princess, we have encountered bandits! Please stay inside the carriage. Cai Si will take men to fend them off.’

　　Miao Guang’s expression soured, ‘Could they be the renowned ‘Whirlwind’ bandits that ransack between the borders of Tong and Xi Rei?’ 

　　‘It appears so. They’ve been rumored to be people of Tong, whom specifically target travelers leaving the borders of Xi Rei. Xi Rei has been on the brink of war with Tong over this issue. I’d not expect us to run into them.’

　　Miao Guang nodded, ‘The carriage is vulnerable to attacks, King Ming’s safety is foremost. Take him on your horse and have the others on defense. As for our belongings, they aren’t important. Let them have it.’ She turned back into the enclosed room and supported Feng Ming up onto his feet. She then pa.s.sed him into Cai Si’s reach. Shortly after they mounted the King, violent screams could be heard in the distance.

　　On top of the mountains surrounding the entourage, silhouettes could be made out. Nearly a hundred men belonging to the Whirlwind gang were ready to charge at their victims. Each man’s face was obscured by a dark veil.

　　One thief barked out his orders, ‘Brothers, go forth! Spare any beautiful women and save them for your big brother!’

　　The men stormed towards the travelers, rus.h.i.+ng in for the kill.

　　Cai Si held onto Feng Ming with one arm and brandished a sword in the other, he was prepared to meet with the enemy.

　　These bandits were a force to be reckoned with. They have been able to evade their enemies whilst thriving on their lucrative business between the two countries.

　　As the wind howled, a tall figure mounted on a horse galloped towards the pair. The figure swung at Cai Si who just managed to deflect the attack with his sword. He barely could keep his grip on his sword from the sheer force of his enemy’s strike.

　　It was unbelievable, a skilled swordsman in the ranks of thieves?

　　His opponents face was well concealed, only a pair of deep-set eyes was exposed. Locking gaze alone, one could easily be captivated by their aura.

　　There was a dignified air around the mysterious person. There was no doubt he was the ringleader of these sc.u.m!

　　Another two swings, Cai Si could only focus on defense, dodging and avoiding the blows.

　　The bandit changed targets, instead of Cai Si he aimed for his horse.

　　Three quick slashes!

　　Cai Si’s steed couldn’t withstand the pain, the animal’s legs buckled after releasing a painful whimper. The beast was grounded.

　　Cai Si cursed loudly and quickly dismounted. Before he even had the change to set foot on the ground, the swordsman issued his abdomen a brutal kick.

　　Suddenly, Cai Si’s right arm was lighter! The powerless body of their precious hostage was s.n.a.t.c.hed away!

　　Alarm was blaring as he scrambled to recapture Feng Ming. The ringleader switched to the blunt side of his blade and knocked Cai Si out cold. He steered his horse back to the safety of his men and signaled to them by raising his sword high into the air.

　　Upon seeing this action, the original voice that that lead the pack shouted to the others, ‘Brothers, a beauty has been captured! Don’t hold back, eradicate them all!’

　　With the instructions to kill, the masked men didn’t hold back. Blood curdling screams echoed each other. The slain were all Miao Guang’s men.

　　While his couldn’t voice himself, Feng Ming could clearly see everything. He whined inside.

　　Why!? The first wave hasn’t even subsided and I get hit with a second! 

　　Being marked by Ruo Yan was already bad luck, now he was going to be forced into the position of Mrs. Bandit.

　　His captor held his tighter in his arms before staring down at him for a moment. The man chuckled. 

　　‘Indeed, what a beauty. Once we return to the palace, I must have you adorn lady’s clothing all the time so I can admire you.’

　　His hand reached to tug off his mask, exposing a handsome chiseled face.

　　It was one of the two infamous heroes across the plains, the dignified King of Xi Rei…

　　Rong Tian!

　　Once Rong Tian exposed his true ident.i.ty, a horn was blown and its distinct sound permeated every direction. With that signal the men removed their covers and all were in Xi Rei’s military colors. The King’s banner was erected behind Rong Tian, the material fluttered with the wind. It was a majestic storybook scene. 

　　Feng Ming’s heartbeat was erratic. If it wasn’t for Miao Guang’s incapacitating gold needles he would have mustered all his strength and socked Rong Tian.

　　b.a.s.t.a.r.d! You scoundrel! You scared the living daylights out of me!

　　Still without his voice, Feng Ming’s wild eyes already said enough. They s.h.i.+mmered on the verge of crying.

　　Rong Tian lowered his head and gave him a quick kiss before breaking into the smile that Feng Ming loved best.

　　‘Don’t cry. I feel bad.’

　　The thief that had led the charge galloped towards the pair, ripping off his mask as he reached them.

　　‘I knew King Ming would be scared! All of this was the King’s idea.’ It was Li Er. 

　　The fighting had come to an end. Men continued to gush out from the hills. All of them were personnel from Xi Rei’s army. The mere sight of them crumpled their enemy’s will to fight

　　Miao Guang and Cai Si were roughed up with small cuts and bruises. Their arms were bound by rope and soldiers pushed them in front of Rong Tian’s horse.

　　Rong Tian cradled Feng Ming, this power couple had high and mighty appearance. Looking down at their dirt covered faces the King grinned. ‘Princess has underestimated Rong Tian, how could I allow anyone to s.n.a.t.c.h my beloved away from right under my nose?’ 

　　Miao Guang had resigned in defeat. She gave the king a cold glance and didn’t reply.

　　Cai Si bellowed with rage, ‘Rong Tian, you’re despicable sc.u.m! You delved so low to feed the one you love moon fruit to quicken his death! You exploited our Princess’s kind heart by forcing her to give mercy. You cheated her for the antidote!’

　　The King laughed out loud.

　　‘If you want despicable, I fall short of Ruo Yan.’ He snorted.

　　‘Ruo Yan sure has guts, concealing his absence in Li from my intelligence to sneak upon Xi Rei’s borders. This time, I will let him have a taste of my power.’    

　　Miao Guang and Cai Si were startled with those words. They shot each other a quick glance. Both deeply concerned for Ruo Yan.