Lost Little Woodwood

Yun Feiyue made a soft sound of assent, her gaze shifting toward the activation point of the formation.

The ground trembled ceaselessly beneath her feet.

A trace of unease crept into her heart—she did not know whether Mo Feiyuan would be all right.

“Yun Huang, what do you think?”

“I think we should go see for ourselves.”

“Agreed!”

The group stepped out of the cell, only to trigger a formation the moment they set foot outside.

It was then that Yun Feiyue realized the ground was etched with the lines of an array. Clearly, Ye Heng was well-versed in the art of formations—or, at least, had someone in his employ with a deep knowledge of them.

Fortunately, during her days in the Mo household, the Lady of Internal Affairs had made Yun Feiyue study many books on the subject. This formation, not particularly complex, was not difficult for her to unravel.

With a wave of her hand, she shattered the stone beneath her. The patterns inscribed upon it faded at once.

Letting out a cold snort, Yun Feiyue deftly avoided the traps as she made her way to the heart of the formation.

There she saw Ye Qi—but Mo Feiyuan was nowhere to be found.

At that moment, Ye Qi was grievously wounded, surrounded by several guards brandishing iron hooks that tore into his flesh. Blood streamed from his ribs.

Yun Feiyue shuddered involuntarily, her grip tightening with renewed force.

A whip of fire lashed out, coiling around one of the guards. At the same instant, she sprang forward, leaping into the center of the array and yanking Ye Qi to safety.

Her sudden appearance sent alarm through the guards, who immediately triggered the emergency alarm.

In that moment, every formation in the underground palace activated in unison.

“Hey, are you all right?” Yun Feiyue quickly examined Ye Qi’s injuries.

She found him gravely wounded, his meridians destroyed.

It seemed Ye Heng was truly ruthless.

“Yun Huang, we must go.”

She slung Ye Qi onto her back. Practiced in the martial arts, she bore his weight with little effort.

Luo Yunhuang responded, “This place is riddled with formations. It won’t be easy to get out. Since Ye Qi escaped, Ye Heng must be prepared.”

Yun Feiyue understood—they needed to leave, and swiftly.

They retreated the way they came, avoiding the main entrance, which would certainly be heavily guarded.

The old Chancellor waited for them at the original rendezvous.

Seeing Yun Feiyue return with Ye Qi, he was overcome with excitement.

“Princess… Princess…”

“No time for that—let’s go. If they catch up, escape will be impossible.”

The old Chancellor nodded emphatically. “Indeed. We must leave at once.”

Yun Feiyue pressed her lips together and handed Ye Qi over to Luo Yunhuang.

Little Mumu tugged at her sleeve. “Mother, what are you doing?”

“I’m going to find Mo Feiyuan. He must still be inside; the underground palace is a labyrinth, and one misstep could lead to disaster. Ye Heng’s mastery of formations is profound—many of these are straight from the ancient texts.”

Little Mumu nodded, suddenly enlightened. “I see. So, what should we do now?”

“You go back with your master. I’ll find Mo Feiyuan. Hurry!”

There was no time for further discussion.

Though reluctant to leave, Little Mumu saw her urgency and could only nod. “All right, Mother. Take care. I’ll wait for you outside.”

Yun Feiyue ruffled his hair and nudged him toward the tunnel.

Luo Yunhuang carried Ye Qi inside.

But as they prepared to enter, more guards appeared.

The guards swept forward like a storm, their movements and formations betraying the mark of rigorous training—seamlessly merging with the arrays beneath their feet.

Though not formidable on their own, with the formation’s aid they were as powerful as martial artists of the eighth tier.

“Halt!” the guards roared in unison, striking at Yun Feiyue with the combined force of many.

The ground seemed to heave. Yun Feiyue spun, shrouding herself in true fire.

Her jade hands formed a seal, and fire whirled like a dragon to meet the blow.

Little Mumu turned back. “Mother, let me help you!”

“Go!” The battle left no room for hesitation.

Luo Yunhuang darted back, dragging Little Mumu away.

Knowing her child’s concern, Yun Feiyue felt reassured once he was gone.

But more and more guards were converging—if this continued, things could go awry.

No choice now but to fight.

Yun Feiyue struck out swiftly, leaping high and kicking off with explosive force. Her figure flitted through the air like a butterfly, propelled by each rebound, until at last she broke free from the formation.

Now, escape was the only option—breaking the formation would be too slow.

She had to find Mo Feiyuan, but which level was he on?

Sometimes, intuition proved invaluable—like now.

Yun Feiyue sensed that Mo Feiyuan was deeper within the underground palace. He, too, must have felt the tremors and was heading toward her.

At last, they met.

The journey through the corridors felt endless, though in truth little time had passed.

Behind both of them, guards gave chase.

“We must go—Ye Qi is out, but I can’t guarantee her safety. The guards have discovered them and are likely in pursuit.”

Mo Feiyuan nodded, gripping his sword, power surging from his hand.

The guards fought desperately, bolstered by the formation.

But before Mo Feiyuan’s onslaught, they stood no chance.

Too weak.

Mo Feiyuan’s eyes were cold, his sword slick with bloodlust—a killing aura thick enough to suffocate the palace itself.

Yun Feiyue took his hand.

His body was wavering again.

“Let’s go,” she murmured softly, rousing him from his trance.

He nodded, holding her hand tightly as they navigated the array.

They took the main exit—for Mo Feiyuan would never stoop to side doors, let alone crawl through a dog hole.

Emerging from the underground palace, they found themselves in a vast royal tomb—resting place of the House of Jing.

Upon the altar stood a middle-aged man, pallid as death, holding a horsetail whisk, surrounded by countless experts.

“So it’s you—our Lord of Divine Shadow. No wonder! You’ve always been a bold one, stubborn as a mule,” Ye Heng sneered, the only man in all the Golden Spear Continent who dared to point at Mo Feiyuan’s nose and curse him.

Mo Feiyuan’s sword gleamed with ice, a chill radiating fiercely from his body. “Tired of living?”

Ye Heng laughed lightly, unconcerned, but the array had already been activated.

“I knew you wouldn’t let me go, so instead of waiting to be hunted, I chose to strike first. Smart, don’t you think?”

He chuckled, clearly pleased with his own cunning, watching as black wind and razor-sharp ice fragments rained down within the formation.

Mo Feiyuan and Yun Feiyue both drew their swords, resisting fiercely.

Ye Heng snorted. “Your resistance is futile. This formation is special—any energy you unleash will reflect back on you, wounding you instead. The greater your strength, the stronger the backlash.”

Yun Feiyue recalled reading of such an array.

“The Mirror Formation.”

Like a mirror, it reflected all harm back to its source—a deadly snare for the powerful.

And the way to break it was something few experts would consider.

Do not fight.

Yun Feiyue withdrew her martial aura and stood still.

Mo Feiyuan did the same.

Had Ye Heng not spoken, they might not have realized it. But now, hearing his own words, the answer was obvious.

Ye Heng, only then realizing his error, felt a twinge of regret—he had been too smug.

“My lord, what now?” someone nearby whispered, sensing something amiss.

Ye Heng grunted. “Loose arrows!”

“If you dare not use your martial power, know that my arrows are merciless!”

Yun Feiyue smiled sweetly at Ye Heng.

Who said martial power was necessary?

All they needed was speed to escape the formation.

She took Mo Feiyuan’s hand, and together they dodged the rain of arrows.

The barrage grew ever denser, but Ye Heng had not anticipated their swiftness; they outpaced the arrows with ease.

His face paled and he bellowed, “Withdraw!”

This time, Ye Heng knew he had made a grave mistake—he had let Yun Feiyue and Mo Feiyuan escape.

“Leave? So easily?” Mo Feiyuan’s sword thrust toward Ye Heng.

Ye Heng dodged nimbly, revealing the strength of an eighth-tier martial artist—unexpected, even to Yun Feiyue.

No wonder he dared challenge Mo Feiyuan and so brazenly capture Ye Qi.

After evading the attack, Ye Heng fled.

Mo Feiyuan wanted to pursue, but Yun Feiyue stopped him.

Ye Heng was no simple foe; who knew what power lurked behind him, or what traps awaited? It was best not to give chase.

Yet one thing nagged at Yun Feiyue.

How had Ye Heng mastered such complex formations?

“What sect is Ye Heng from?” she asked.

Mo Feiyuan shook his head. He did not know; these matters were handled by You Tong.

“Let’s find Ye Qi,” he said.

The two set off together.

But when they reached the tunnel, the others were already gone—no sign of them remained.

Mo Feiyuan frowned. Yun Feiyue noticed blood stains in the earth—was it Ye Qi’s, or someone else’s?

The trail of blood dripped steadily along the path.

Little Mumu and the others must be in a dire situation. Yun Feiyue’s brow creased.

Sensing her unease, Mo Feiyuan squeezed her hand. “Don’t worry. They’ll be all right. Trust Little Mumu.”

Yun Feiyue did trust her son—but she still worried.

Following the blood, they soon found the trail ended abruptly—no more stains, no footprints left behind.

“How could this be?” Yun Feiyue asked anxiously.

Mo Feiyuan shook his head. “Don’t worry. It will be fine.”

He knelt, picking up a handful of dirt and sniffing it carefully, as if catching a scent.

He pulled Yun Feiyue along. “Let’s return to the General’s estate. Ye Heng will be searching everywhere for Ye Qi. We must find her first.”

Yun Feiyue agreed—anxiety would do them no good.

At the General’s estate, a conversation drifted lazily through the halls.

“General, what are you angry about? If Ye Heng really seizes Jing, our days won’t be any better. We have to choose a side. If you refuse to act, what are you thinking?” Lady Wei’s gentle voice seemed to seep into one’s very bones.

The General did not reply.

“I say we should seek out the Princess. If we find her, it will bring great merit. If we don’t, it will reflect poorly on us.”

Still he was silent.

At last, Lady Wei snorted, her tone hardening. “Fine! If you won’t help, let’s split up! Divorce!”

That got his attention. “Let me think.”

As this was being discussed, Yun Feiyue and Mo Feiyuan burst in, urgent knocks at the door interrupting the couple’s quarrel.

Lady Wei went to open the door, her smile faltering only a moment before softening again.

“What's the matter?”

Seeing Mo Feiyuan and Yun Feiyue, her expression shifted.

“Has the Seventh Princess returned after her escape?”

Lady Wei’s eyes flickered evasively. “No! The Seventh Princess escaped?”

Feigning ignorance.

Yun Feiyue sighed, looking at her helplessly. “Madam, there’s no need for pretenses. None of us are fools. Let’s speak plainly. Ye Qi escaped from Ye Heng’s underground palace today, but now we can’t find her. Little Mumu and Luo Yunhuang are with her.”

At that moment, a soft, delicate child emerged from behind a screen. Hearing that Little Mumu and Luo Yunhuang were together, her hand trembled.

“Is big brother with them too?” Her voice was as gentle as her mother’s, though hers was truly sweet, not feigned.

Yun Feiyue—rarely speaking to children—answered, “Yes, he is. But they’re in danger. I must find them. If the General’s estate is willing to help, I’ll pay handsomely.”

Money makes all things malleable.

Yun Feiyue was used to weighing matters with gold—save, of course, for matters of the heart.

She knew from the General’s prior conversation with Mo Feiyuan that he cared deeply for the people. Such a man understood the value of money.

Sure enough, the General’s expression changed. “Money? How much?”

“Don’t forget—I’m from the Yun family.” And the Yun family was the very symbol of wealth across the continent.

Standing before him, Yun Feiyue seemed a fattened golden pig, waiting to be slaughtered.

His face softened, lips pursed, and with a wave of his hand, he ordered a search.

Mo Feiyuan had not even spoken yet.

He had to admit—his woman was formidable indeed. She could buy a general’s assistance with money alone!

Lady Wei hurried to follow her husband.

“My lord, why not send the household staff? There’s no need for you to go personally.” Her concern was genuine—Ye Heng was too dangerous.

Yun Feiyue moved to follow, but Mo Feiyuan stopped her.

“Tomorrow is Little Mumu’s birthday. Will you prepare a present for him?”

Yun Feiyue pouted, but said nothing more.

A birthday gift?

Very well.

She exhaled softly and turned to look at Wei Ziyou.

Wei Ziyou gazed at Yun Feiyue, worry etched in her eyes. “Auntie, will my brother be all right?”

Yun Feiyue shook her head gently. “He’ll be fine. His father is very powerful.”

Wei Ziyou nodded, reassured. “I believe you, Auntie. But big brother said he’s a hero—he can defeat a whole group alone. He’ll be all right, won’t he?”

Yun Feiyue’s lips twitched. Her son’s bravado in winning girls’ hearts had clearly reached new heights.

She did not doubt Little Mumu could outwit a crowd, but boasting to impress a girl was another matter.

“Isn’t that true?” Wei Ziyou asked, disappointed.

Yun Feiyue shook her head, patting her on the head. “Of course not. But I have something to tell you, Little Youyou.”

Wei Ziyou perked up. “What is it?”

Yun Feiyue grew solemn. “Tomorrow is your brother’s birthday. Would you like to spend a little world—just the two of you?”

Wei Ziyou blinked. “What is a ‘little world’?”

Yun Feiyue narrowed her eyes, explaining seriously, “A little world is one where only you and Little Mumu exist.”

Wei Ziyou nodded, utterly sincere. “Of course, I’d like that. We’re good friends.”

Done! The birthday present was arranged.

Now she had to find her son.

She had barely taken two steps when Wei Ziyou caught her by the hem.

“Big sister, where are you going?”

Big—sister—

Yun Feiyue liked the title, but to clarify their relationship, she decided to set things straight.

“You can’t call me big sister. I’m Little Mumu’s mother, so you have to call me…” Aunt? Madam?

For a moment, she could not settle on a suitable term.

Wei Ziyou gazed up at her, full of expectation.

Yun Feiyue, a bit flustered, finally decided: “Call me Aunt Yun.”

Wei Ziyou nodded vigorously. “All right, Aunt Yun.”

Her small hands waved in delight as she looked happily at Yun Feiyue.

Pinching her cheek, Yun Feiyue thought the little girl was at an age where she understood nothing. If they left Jing, the two children would likely forget each other soon enough.

But that was beside the point. The main thing was, she had arranged for the little girl to give her son a special day.

A bit sly, perhaps, but so be it.

“Little You, if your brother gets hurt, will you be sad?” She scooped Wei Ziyou into her arms.

The child thought carefully, then nodded. “Yes. Big brother promised to take me to see the world!”

Yun Feiyue nearly laughed aloud.

See the world?

“Ahem, do you really believe him? I’m going to find your brother now. Stay here and play, all right?”

She knew she could not wait idly in the courtyard—her son might be in danger.

There was no sense in lingering to chat with a child.

Wei Ziyou seemed to sense the gravity of Little Mumu’s situation. Smiling, she waved at Yun Feiyue. “Go on, Aunt Yun. I’ll wait for big brother here at home.”

With a wave of farewell, Yun Feiyue left the General’s estate.

By then, the General had already departed, and Lady Wei stood at the gate to see her off.

When she saw Yun Feiyue, she pulled her aside. “Let’s have a proper chat.”

Yun Feiyue paled. “What is there to discuss? I have to go. Don’t block my way.”

Lady Wei laughed softly, unhurried. “Madam Mo, there’s no point in rushing. As women, we should concern ourselves with women’s matters—household affairs, children. I think your Little Mumu and our Ziyou might have a future together. Why not arrange a childhood betrothal?”

What? Yun Feiyue was startled. Such things were not something a responsible mother would do.

“Ahem, let’s discuss it later. I must go find my son.”

But Lady Wei did not yield, stepping in front of her. “That won’t do. I need an answer now. My Little You said she likes your Little Mumu. As her mother, I must fight for her.”