Volume One, Chapter 18: A Hero Rescues a Beauty—Timeless and Everlasting

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Lu Yunduan turned his head upon hearing the sound and saw a man clad in white armor, carrying a long spear on his back—none other than the invincible General Zhao Yun.

In an instant, Lu Yunduan emerged from his sorrow, his face lighting up with a joyous smile.

"Zilong, no need for formalities. On this journey to the frontier, I entrust you with the task," he said.

Zhao Yun cupped his hands in thanks, then stood upright, his voice resolute.

"My lord, fear not. With Zhao Zilong of Changshan here, no one will harm you."

"With Zilong present, my heart is at ease."

Lu Yunduan knew well that Zhao Yun was the premier bodyguard of the Three Kingdoms, his fame immortalized by the Battle of Changban.

With him here, the journey to the frontier was assured safety.

Thus, the two proceeded and soon arrived at the fief of the Prince of Yan, Pingzhou.

Outside the city, a group of riders pursued a carriage. The driver in front was desperately urging the horses forward, trying to evade their attackers and reach the city gates.

“Do not let the carriage enter the city! Stop them!”

The black-clad figures behind drew bows, aiming at the horses. An arrow pierced a horse, killing it instantly.

A scream echoed to Lu Yunduan’s ears, and he hurried toward the direction of the sound.

Upon arrival, he saw shadows encircling the carriage, within which seemed to be a woman.

“Who are you? I am the daughter of the Prince of Yan. How dare you ambush me?”

“Miss Liufeng, you need not know so much. Just come with us.”

Hearing the mention of the Prince’s daughter, a plan instantly formed in Lu Yunduan’s mind.

As they closed in, blades raised to her throat, suddenly a spear—the iconic Fangtian Huaji—pierced one of the men through the body.

Then a voice echoed from the woods.

“So many against a lone girl—what kind of hero are you? If you want to fight, take it up with me.”

Lu Yunduan’s figure gradually emerged into view.

“Who’s this brat? Coming here to play hero? I think you’re just courting death.”

Lu Yunduan paid them no mind; nothing was more important than the safety of the woman behind him.

His gaze was sharp and deadly as he stepped forward.

“Three breaths. Disappear from before me, or die.”

“Hahaha...”

They laughed loudly, their derision unmistakable.

[Mockery +10]
[Mockery +10]
[Mockery +10]

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...

“Boy, have you lost your mind? Acting crazy before us will get you killed.”

Lu Yunduan ignored their words, a faint smile playing at his lips.

“One breath.”

“Two breaths.”

The black-clad men laughed thrice, pointing at him.

“This guy must have read too many juvenile novels, thinking he’s Wang Lin.”

“Three breaths.”

Lu Yunduan’s eyes snapped open and he said,

“Zhao Yun, take them all down.”

They still hadn’t noticed Zhao Yun, who was laughing to himself nearby.

A man wielding a gleaming silver spear charged forward, the spear piercing through an assailant.

“Ah—”

Only then did the attackers realize and rushed to kill Zhao Yun. But a mere few dozen men were no match for him.

Moments later, all lay dead.

“I am Zhao Yun. All enemies present have been slain.”

Lu Yunduan slowly approached, a joyful expression on his face.

“Well done, very well done.”

Liufeng Shuang stood, stepping before Lu Yunduan, her tone sincere.

“Thank you, young master, for saving my life. I have no way to repay you except...”

Those words were familiar; Lu Yunduan could not help but say,

“Miss, could it be you’re about to offer yourself in gratitude?”

She blushed deeply, flustered, silently cursing him in her heart: How could he say such a thing?

For a moment, she was at a loss for words, and an awkward silence fell.

Lu Yunduan laughed heartily, breaking the tension.

“Miss, please don’t misunderstand; I was merely joking.”

Liufeng Shuang waved her hand quickly, but the blush on her cheeks remained.

“It’s alright. You saved my life; I will repay you. Though I have neither wealth nor precious gifts now, please accompany me into the city, and I will reward you handsomely.”

A slight smile curved Lu Yunduan’s lips. This time, he could enter the city with confidence.

“Very well. I am heading to Pingzhou as well. Miss, you may accompany me.”

Upon hearing this, a hint of joy appeared on her face.

“Excellent. Then I trouble you, young master.”

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Pingzhou, Residence of the Prince of Yan.

In the main hall sat a formidable and vigorous general—none other than Li Di, the Prince of Yan.

“Any news of the young lady?”

“None yet, my lord. Our men have not returned.”

Li Di’s fury burst forth; he smashed the cup in his hand, his eyes blazing with anger.

“Damn it! Find out who has harmed my daughter—I want them torn to pieces.”

“Yes, my lord. I will investigate immediately.”

Before the man left, a servant rushed in hastily, kneeling.

“My lord, the young lady has returned.”

At these words, like a rainbow after the rain, Li Di could no longer contain his joy and stood at once.

“Where is she? Take me to her quickly.”

Just then, Liufeng Shuang and Lu Yunduan entered. Liufeng Shuang ran to Li Di, her face filled with sorrow, tears welling in her eyes. Li Di anxiously asked,

“Daughter, what happened? Who bullied you? I will avenge you.”

He hurried to comfort her, fearful she had suffered any harm.

“I don’t know. We had just left the capital when a group of black-clad men began to follow us. Near Bingzhou, they attacked. All my guards were killed in battle. If not for this young master, I wouldn’t have made it back.”

Hearing this, Li Di looked at Lu Yunduan, feeling a strange familiarity but unable to place where they had met before.

“Do not fear. I will find out the truth and avenge you.”

Seeing Liufeng Shuang’s dirty appearance, he called out loudly,

“Someone, take the young lady to rest.”

Liufeng Shuang was then escorted away, leaving only Lu Yunduan and Li Di.

“Young master, thank you for saving my daughter’s life.”

Lu Yunduan waved off the thanks politely.

“When one witnesses injustice, one must draw the sword to help—that is our duty.”

Though he said this, Li Di remained suspicious; who would save someone without reason? He chose not to probe further.

“Young master, if you desire anything, speak openly. The Prince of Yan’s residence will fulfill your request.”

Lu Yunduan gave a sly smile. Indeed, experience is a sharp blade—the Prince of Yan was intriguing.

But as a royal scion, his true identity must remain hidden for now.