Chapter 1003: So Many Guards

Xiao Xiao pondered for a moment, then finally nodded. "Alright, young master, I'll listen to you. We'll act together, and we absolutely can't let Jiang Qi keep forcing us like this."

Ye Qingchen looked at Xiao Xiao, a trace of approval flashing in his eyes. "Good. Let's start moving. But remember, caution above all. We must not act rashly. We only get one chance; we have to hit our mark in a single strike."

Xiao Xiao nodded heavily. The hesitation from just now had vanished from her eyes, replaced by the same resolve and conviction as Ye Qingchen's.

The two exchanged a look, tacit understanding already formed between them.

Next, they would no longer be passive prey, but hunters taking the initiative.

Jiang Qi probably still had no idea that he had already become Ye Qingchen's target.

Just as the two were about to move, Xiao Xiao suddenly stopped in her tracks, her brows slightly furrowed, a trace of worry in her eyes.

She hesitated for a moment, then still asked, "Young master, what about Sister Qin Yue? If we end up enraging Jiang Qi, what if he makes a move against Sister Qin Yue?"

When Ye Qingchen heard Xiao Xiao mention Qin Yue, the chill in his eyes instantly condensed into a killing intent.

He let out a cold snort, his gaze as sharp as a blade, his tone carrying unquestionable firmness. "He wouldn't dare! If he so much as lays a finger on Qin Yue, I, Ye Qingchen, will make him pay a hundredfold!"

Seeing the resolute look on Ye Qingchen's face, Xiao Xiao felt slightly reassured, but she still couldn't let go of her worry. She spoke softly, "But, young master, Jiang Qi is insidious and cunning after all. If he's driven into a corner and uses Sister Qin Yue to threaten us, what then? Since we're moving, we still need to consider everything thoroughly."

After hearing this, Ye Qingchen's expression eased slightly, realizing that Xiao Xiao's concern was not without reason.

He then nodded faintly and said in a low voice, "You're right. Jiang Qi is vicious and ruthless; we can't afford to take him lightly." He paused, then continued, "So this time, we not only have to capture Jiang Qi, we also have to ensure Qin Yue's safety."

"Here's what we'll do, Xiao Xiao." Ye Qingchen looked at her with a firm gaze, his tone carrying a sense of trust. "Once we slip into Jiang Qi's palace, you'll need to help scout around and see if you can find any trace of Qin Yue. Jiang Qi harbors ill intentions toward her; there's no way he'd let her go easily. We must first confirm she's safe before deciding our next move."

A glint of resolve flashed in Xiao Xiao's eyes, and she nodded heavily. "Young master, don't worry. I will definitely find Sister Qin Yue. As long as she's inside the palace, I'll find her. I won't let her suffer the slightest harm!"

Ye Qingchen showed a faint smile, his gaze tinged with gentleness and gratitude. "Thank you, Xiao Xiao. I know this isn't easy for you, but Qin Yue means more to me than anything. This operation must be flawless."

Xiao Xiao looked at Ye Qingchen intently, her eyes shining with a firm light.

"Young master, since you trust me so much, I definitely won't let you down. We'll rescue Sister Qin Yue together, and then make Jiang Qi pay the price!"

Ye Qingchen gave a slight nod, the resolve in his eyes growing even firmer. "Alright, then we'll move according to plan. Remember, be extremely careful. Qin Yue's safety depends entirely on us."

The two wandered along the street, strolling through the Jiang Ancient Clan's city. Their steps were unhurried, and on the surface they seemed to be doing nothing in particular, but in reality they were quietly observing every movement around them.

The flow of people on the street gradually thinned out, and the luxurious yet solemn buildings began to exude a heavy sense of oppression.

Not long after, they arrived outside the Jiang Ancient Clan's palace city.

The Jiang Ancient Clan's palace city stood at the most eye-catching spot in the city. The towering, majestic walls shimmered with a faint Golden Light under the sun, appearing especially solemn and awe-inspiring.

The overall architectural style of the palace city was grand and elegant. The stone walls were carved with ancient patterns, as if recounting the long history of this land.

The city gate stood tall and unmoving, with towering stone pillars on either side. Various god-beast statues coiled around the stone pillars, as though they might revive at any moment to guard this ancient palace.

Outside the main gate of the palace city stood two stone lions several zhang high, their eyes wide open, their ferocious faces giving off a sense of deterrence.

Every brick and stone carried an ancient, weighty aura, symbolizing the unshakable status and authority of the Jiang Ancient Clan.

However, what truly sent a chill down one's spine was the flawless defense outside the palace city.

Before the gate, squads of fully armed soldiers stood in strict formation. Their armor glinted coldly in the sunlight, and the long halberds in their hands pointed straight at the sky, exuding an oppressive sense that brooked no trespass.

Each soldier wore a solemn expression and had a sharp gaze, as if no movement of wind or grass could escape their eyes.

Ye Qingchen and Xiao Xiao noticed that the deployment of these soldiers was extremely tight, with almost no gaps at all.

On the city walls, an archer stood every few steps. Their eyes were as sharp as eagles, continually sweeping their surroundings, not letting even subtle changes in the distance escape their notice.

Not only that, there were also several guards in black armor on both sides of the gate, clearly the elite warriors of the Jiang Ancient Clan.

Their expressions were cold and stern, and the aura on their bodies carried a powerful sense of oppression, clearly marking them as formidable experts.

The vigilance inside and outside the palace city was as tight as copper walls and iron bastions; not even a fly could hope to get in.

Ye Qingchen and Xiao Xiao observed in hiding from a distance, and both of their hearts sank.

Such strict defenses were clearly meant to guard against any possible sudden incident.

Ye Qingchen's gaze swept a circle around the gate, his brows slightly furrowed as he pondered silently.

"Looks like Jiang Qi was prepared in advance," Ye Qingchen said in a low voice, his tone tinged with gravity. "With defenses this tight, trying to slip in through the main gate is nearly impossible."

Xiao Xiao also nodded, a trace of worry flashing in her eyes. "With so many soldiers guarding here, there isn't the slightest flaw. It really is hard to move without being discovered."

Ye Qingchen pondered for a moment, his gaze gradually turning deep. "Since a frontal breakthrough won't work, we'll find another way. If Jiang Qi thinks this is enough to block me, he's underestimating us far too much."

His eyes shifted slightly as he surveyed the surrounding structures, already beginning to devise other ways to infiltrate.

The palace city was solid as a fortress, but he had no intention of giving up easily.

Outside the palace city there had to be other paths leading inside. As long as they found a hidden passage, they could slip in quietly without alerting the guards.

"Let's scout around first and see if we can find another entrance," Ye Qingchen said softly, a trace of resolve in his tone. "No matter how Jiang Qi fortifies this place, we'll find a breach."

Xiao Xiao nodded and followed behind Ye Qingchen, a stubborn, unyielding spirit gradually igniting in her heart as well.