Chapter 1712: Chapter 1712: Settlement
He Linghan had been to this "secret place" before, so it was naturally not unfamiliar. Compared to several months ago, it was now quite complete, with accommodations sufficient for hundreds of people, as well as warehouses for storing food and weapons. Outside the residences, a dense array of traps and mechanisms had been set up, even the "safety measures" were "military-grade".
This deep forest was located seventy miles west of Linxiang City. Although there were no convenient means of transport in ancient times, this distance was not too far. The Chu Territory stretched for thousands of miles, spanning over a dozen counties. It could be said that this secret base was right under Mi Wen’s nose, but this was also the "under the lamp is darkness" tactic. Since this location was the best spot detected by Dao Soul using Divine Sense, it suggested that the safety of this place was reliable.
Everyone urged their horses faster, as there were tens of thousands of the Chasing Army behind them. If they were caught, even if they had three heads and six arms, it wouldn’t be enough, especially Mi Wen. Thinking of her, Ye Shikai couldn’t help but shiver; whether she was furious, lost her mind, or was cold-hearted and ruthless, during the encounter just now, that sword was aimed at his heart with no reservation. If Mi Wen could be so ruthless towards Ye Shikai, then anyone present caught by her would probably be dead without a doubt, especially He Linghan.
"Alright, we’ve arrived." Ye Shikai led everyone to a forested area.
"Old Ye, isn’t this just an ordinary forest?" Shangguan Jian asked curiously.
"Step back a bit, all of you." Ye Shikai instructed everyone to step back ten steps, picked up a stone from the ground, and hurled it forcefully into the forest ahead.
Bang.
Swish, swish, swish.
In the blink of an eye, three arrows shot out from deep within the forest, all aimed at his body. Ye Shikai emitted Inner Strength, forming a barrier in front of him to block the arrows.
"There are mechanisms here..." Everyone was surprised, but He Linghan and the Hidden Guards had witnessed it before, so they weren’t shocked. The place was filled with mechanisms, not only crossbow arrows but also ground spikes and pitfalls. If outsiders entered carelessly, they would surely lose their lives here.
"Indeed, I spent over four months building this... fortress, or you can call it a base, as a haven for the future." Ye Shikai said calmly.
"Old Ye, I didn’t expect you were already planning to leave." Shangguan Jian asked in return.
"Yes, if I left, Mi Wen certainly wouldn’t agree. And since Linxiang City is in the heart of Chu Territory, there’s no escape. So the only safe way is to hide in a deep forest where no one can find us."
"Alright, all of you follow me, be careful not to trigger any traps." With that, Ye Shikai took the lead, with everyone following behind him.
After passing through the forest, there was something entirely different—a neat row of buildings, nearby fields, small bridges, and flowing water, presenting a scene of paradise. Many people were stationed inside; of course, they were Ye Shikai’s personal guard, who were recruited during the time of gathering retainers. They were loyal men. Unlike the Hidden Guards, they had Martial Force but no Inner Strength.
"The houses here are enough for everyone to live in. Shangguan, go make yourself comfortable, rest assured, everything you need is inside."
"Alright."
"Ling’er, let me take you to have a look." Ye Shikai led He Linghan to the mountaintop, from where everything below was visible. The base was valley-shaped, with only one entrance and exit, which was the dense forest they had just walked through. Climbing over the back mountain to attack was even more impossible. This place was originally deserted; how could anyone find it?
"Mist shrouds the mountaintop, we can see the outside, but the outsiders can’t see us," Ye Shikai explained.
"Husband, do we have to stay here forever?" Mi Wen leaned against his chest and said plainly.
"Do you want to stay here forever?" Ye Shikai asked in return.
"As long as I’m with you, I would." Mi Wen’s answer made him feel very warm. This was a paradise; Ye Shikai knew very well that according to the course of history, the court would be overthrown in a few years. In this period, the world would fall into chaos, with war and turmoil everywhere, and many people dying every day. But Ye Shikai didn’t want to care anymore; he was tired and wanted to live a peaceful life without disturbance.
"Alright, then we’ll stay here, never go out again." Ye Shikai smiled faintly, "By the way, I’ll go out later. I’ve arranged for an insider from the city to rescue Grandfather; he should be on the way now."
"What, Grandfather is coming too?" He Linghan showed excitement. When she came, she was worried, mainly because of her grandfather. They left in haste and couldn’t bring him, so Ye Shikai had the shopkeeper of the pastry shop secretly protect Sir He and send him out of the city.
"Yes, speaking of which, he’s of such an old age, having to run around like this, it’s kind of my fault." Ye Shikai sighed.
"It’s not your fault; I know many things are beyond your control."
"Alright, stay here; I think... Grandfather should already be on the way." Ye Shikai personally went out of the forest. He had fled the city that night; Mi Wen must be furious and would surely dispatch an army to search for him. The city should be in chaos now, which was advantageous for the insider to bring people out.
"Strange..." Ye Shikai murmured, as an hour had already passed, but no one had arrived yet, which made him a little anxious, could it be...
"Old Ye, look, there’s a carriage in the distance." Just as he was getting nervous, Shangguan Jian patted his shoulder repeatedly, pointing not far away.
"Great, let’s hurry to see." The two of them ran forward; the carriage slowly stopped in front of them. Besides the shopkeeper of the pastry shop, there was also a driver in front of the carriage.
"Mr. Ye, I’ve brought Sir He," the shopkeeper said repeatedly, lifting the curtain of the carriage and cautiously helping the old man out.
"Grandfather, I’m sorry for your hardship." Ye Shikai first apologized, after all, it was ultimately his doing.
"Alas, it’s fine, it’s fine, I’ve heard from Manager Chen about everything. This is not your fault; how is Ling’er?"
"Rest assured, she’s safe. I’ll take you to her now."
"Manager Chen, thank you again, for not only helping me convey the secret message last time but also taking such a big risk to get him out of the city this time."
"Mr. Ye, you’re too kind. Without your help, I wouldn’t be where I am today. However, I must remind you that now with all the soldiers inside and outside the city mobilized, I’m afraid it’s chaos for miles around. Please take extra care of your safety."
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