Chapter 76: Master Qin’s Reckless Demise, Phoenix Linglong’s Ruthless Blossom Crushing

A Qin Daofei who didn’t recognize them—heh... Linglong felt increasingly exhausted.

“Are they manipulating our master to seize Xiaoyao Manor?” Jifeng grew anxious.

Linglong remained silent. To her, the most pressing matter was what had truly happened to Qin Daofei and whether he could still remember her.

“I want to see him alone,” Linglong said.

Mo Li shook her head. “That seems unlikely. He’s with Princess Nuanxier every day now; they never part. Outside, we can’t guarantee you’ll meet him, let alone since he’s always inside the palace.”

Linglong said nothing, gazing quietly out the window with an empty look in her eyes. Seeing this, Aifei understood what Linglong intended.

“Linglong, don’t act rashly. This place is unlike anywhere else. Emperor Cangmo has dealings with Lord Xiang. If you’re caught, you’ll only become Lord Xiang’s captive... Mo Li, find a way to arrange another meeting with Qin Daofei,” Aifei urged, then turned to Mo Li for solutions.

After a moment of silence, Mo Li said calmly, “The only way for now is to prepare another piece of fabric to show Qin Daofei and Princess Nuanxier. Of course, we must avoid Nuanxier.”

“Then do it. Prepare the fabric first. I can hide Nuanxier for a while, but not too long,” Aifei said.

Mo Li moved her lips but said nothing. She left, and Aifei glanced at Linglong before following Mo Li out.

At the corridor entrance, Mo Li folded her arms and waited quietly. When Aifei came out, Mo Li bowed. “Sect Leader, in order for Feng Linglong to see Qin Daofei, our long-standing fabric shop may be exposed. If that happens, we’ll never infiltrate Great Demon City again. The risk is too great.”

“Linglong saved me from a pile of corpses once. My life has belonged to her ever since. It’s just a small outpost. Besides, the Second Prince has his eyes set on this kingdom; their arrogance won’t last long!” The Second Prince was famed as a war god.

Mo Li knew arguing was useless. She nodded obediently. “I’ll prepare the fabric immediately. Sect Leader, please go hide first.”

She didn’t keep them waiting long. An hour later, she returned with many bolts of fabric. “Sect Leader, I want Linglong to disguise herself as my maid and enter the palace with me. Once you infiltrate, give me a signal. We can only stay with Qin Daofei for about twenty minutes; any longer and it will arouse suspicion.”

“All right!” Linglong stood, took the demon city woman’s attire from Mo Li, and went inside to change. Her silky hair was simply braided into two thick plaits interwoven with colorful ribbons, hanging over her chest.

In this new guise, Linglong exuded the unrestrained spirit of a foreign woman, yet her clear, watery eyes remained captivating.

The two carried the fabric to the palace. At the gate, Mo Li was stopped by guards. One asked sharply, “Who goes there?”

“I’m Mo Li from Mo Li’s Fabric Shop. The fabric for Princess Nuanxier’s wedding is being prepared by me. The princess and prince consort visited my shop earlier. After they left, I adjusted some colors and want to show them again. Please notify the palace,” Mo Li replied calmly.

The guard glanced at Linglong and asked coldly, “Why bring a maid inside? You usually go alone.”

“This maid is skilled with colors. She wasn’t here when the prince consort and princess visited earlier. I want her to come along to observe and record, to create different fabrics for the princess. If you think it’s inappropriate, she can wait outside while I go in alone,” Mo Li smiled.

The guard examined Linglong a few times, then said, “Wait while I report to the princess.”

“Thank you,” Mo Li said quietly.

They didn’t wait long before the guard returned and bowed. “The princess permits Miss Mo Li to enter.”

“May my maid enter as well?” Mo Li asked.

The guard nodded. “You may.”

Linglong lowered her head and followed Mo Li into the palace, silent and cautious, her heart tense at the thought of soon seeing Qin Daofei.

Soon, they arrived at the princess’s palace.

The vast hall was empty, silent except for faint laughter from the back garden.

“Oh, Brother Qin, you’re so mean. Didn’t you say my move was correct? Why isn’t it now?” That must be Nuanxier’s voice.

Linglong listened intently. When she heard Qin Daofei’s voice, her heart trembled, and she felt unwell.

“You’re always distracted. The skill you practice loses its essence,” Qin Daofei said coolly. His voice was as pleasant as ever, but his tenderness now flowed easily to another.

Linglong clenched her gown tightly, telling herself, “Linglong, he’s just a patient now. Don’t argue with him. Don’t.”

A maid informed Nuanxier, “Your Highness, Miss Mo Li has arrived.”

“Good. I’m drenched in sweat from practice. Let them wait a moment. I’ll bathe and change,” Nuanxier said, then left for the bath.

With Nuanxier gone, Qin Daofei left the garden and entered the hall alone.

Seeing him approach through the gauze curtains, Linglong felt each step press upon her heart. Her pulse thundered in