Chapter 52: A Classic Comeback (1)

At this moment, someone who had been lingering near them suddenly struck out with a fierce palm toward their direction.

Feng Shang, who had remained as steady as a mountain, furrowed his brow, only to see Shangguan Cheng yank Chang Ge's hand and instantly meet the attack head-on.

Chang Ge's gaze shifted slightly as she replayed the positioning between Shangguan Cheng and herself just moments before, alongside that seemingly chivalrous pull of his.

A coldness settled deep within her heart.

Shangguan Cheng's pull had appeared to be an act of rescue, but in reality, it carried a hidden palm force. If the attacker had intensified the blow, she wouldn't merely have been pulled aside; she would have been propelled directly into the path of that deadly force.

Chang Ge's eyes flashed with a frosty glint, while Feng Shang narrowed his eyes, casting his gaze upon Shangguan Cheng for the very first time.

Having served by Feng Shang's side for a long time, Steward Qin was adept at reading expressions and could naturally tell that the Prince was currently displeased. Yet, try as he might, he could not fathom where the issue lay.

At that moment, Bimo walked in. "Young Master, someone outside the Nine Gardens is looking for Steward Qin."

Steward Qin was momentarily stunned, then immediately associated it with some business matters concerning the Nine Gardens.

Feng Shang waved his hand casually, and Steward Qin, accompanied by Qin Qi and the others, stepped outside.

Shangguan Cheng engaged those individuals directly, every stroke of his sword viciously ruthless yet holding its ground effortlessly.

Chang Ge frowned slightly. Shangguan Cheng was indeed worthy of being Zongzheng Moyin's confidant; his scheming and martial prowess were both formidable.

She flicked her slender hands, preparing to strike, when she suddenly felt the very aura of the heavens and earth undergo a drastic shift.

Even enclosed within the stone chamber, the chill of the moon could be distinctly felt.

Her brows knitted together slightly, while a spark of joyous surprise flashed in Shangguan Cheng's eyes.

With a sweeping glance, the two white-haired elders who had just been fighting Shangguan Cheng abruptly shifted their palm force directly toward Feng Shang.

Chang Ge was momentarily startled before letting out a soft hum of disdain, while Feng Shang remained unmoving, sitting as steadfastly as a mountain in his chair.

Elated, Shangguan Cheng leaped into the air and rushed toward Feng Shang as well.

Yet, contrary to expectations, the first person to charge at Feng Shang lashed out with a vicious palm strike, only to be violently repelled within three feet of Feng Shang's body.

"There's poison!" The old man glanced at his blackened palm, his vision swimming as he barely managed to keep his footing. Had he not been an expert in poisons, that toxic aura alone would have been enough to claim his life.

Shangguan Cheng gritted his teeth fiercely. "Today is a once-in-a-decade full moon; he is already at the end of his tether. Attack!"

At that moment, two more figures broke away from the ongoing melee within the room and soared toward Feng Shang.

A flash of mockery crossed Feng Shang's eyes as he leaped into the air, the soft sword at his waist unfurling like a venomous serpent—bloodthirsty and lethal.

Chang Ge frowned slightly, sensing inexplicably that something was amiss with Feng Shang's aura.

Observing Feng Shang's unchanging expression, Shangguan Cheng hesitated for a moment before declaring, "Everyone, you have been imprisoned by the Master of the Nine Gardens for over a decade. The day of vengeance is today!"

As he spoke, the previously open stone door slammed shut instantly, sealing the entire secret chamber airtight.

Those who had been fighting halted their movements, their eyes lighting up upon hearing Shangguan Cheng's words.

Imprisoned for more than a decade, their yearning for freedom matched their burning desire for revenge.

In the past, with no hope of retribution, they could only drag out their existence; but now, rising together in a joint assault, what was there to fear from a single man?

"We'll follow your lead!"

"Vengeance!"

Countless voices responded in unison. Relishing the thrill of being revered, Shangguan Cheng finally fixed his gaze upon Chang Ge. "And you?" he asked, his tone flippant and entirely devoid of his previous conciliatory facade.