Allure of a Country Maiden
Chapter 1029 - 1027_1

Chapter 1029: Chapter 1027_1

Xiao’er and Shangguan Xuanyi walked through all the entrances to the secret passages, discerning which ones were real and which ones were illusions. They exchanged a few words.

Then, Shangguan Xuanyi pulled out a thin piece of paper and a charcoal pencil from his pocket. He swiftly sketched out the map of the secret passages.

Xiao’er watched from the side, observing Shangguan Xuanyi as he drew and pondering from the perspective of the person who had constructed the formation.

Where would the collapse of the secret passages begin?

The goal of the person who arranged the formation must have been to kill anyone daring enough to intrude. If someone could find the exit, they should absolutely be killed!

Anyone able to find the exit of the formation is undoubtedly more capable. If they are not eliminated, they could potentially trap the person who placed the formation, don’t you think?

No matter from which direction the tunnel collapses, there is a one percent chance that the people inside could escape.

If the collapse starts from the exit of the formation and continues inward, then death is inevitable!

"Here!" Xiao’er thought up to this point and was just about to point at Shangguan Xuanyi’s map.

But Shangguan Xuanyi’s pencil was already a step ahead and had circled out a spot: "Let’s collapse this area first!"

Xiao’er nodded: "Only by collapsing this area and installing two walls here, effectively switching the positions of the two formation gates, can we control the order of the tunnel collapse. Our chances of escape will increase significantly!"

"Hmm," Shangguan Xuanyi nodded.

Eighteen gazed at Xiao’er in admiration after hearing this. His master was usually very formidable, but he hadn’t expected the Princess and his master to reach the same conclusion. It was a match made in heaven. Although he wasn’t sure how difficult it would be to construct two additional walls to alter the position of the two formation gates, the fact that both of them had proposed the same strategy simply showed how perfect they were for each other!

Shangguan Xuanyi led a few hidden guards to collapse the calculated tunnel and then transport the debris towards Xiao’er’s direction. Meanwhile, Xiao’er and Zhao Yong started to set up the formation, using the rubble from the tunnel collapse as materials.

Without tools, Shangguan Xuanyi and Twelve could only use their clothes to scoop and transport dirt and debris to Xiao’er and the others. Xiao’er also directly used her hands to grab the dirt and bricks for wall construction.

Seeing this, Zhao Yong quickly tried to stop her. "Princess, please let me do it. You just need to stand aside and direct me."

Xiao’er shook her head: "It’s okay, the more people working, the more strength we have. Hurry up! You go..."

Thus, everyone was busily working in the secret passage, oblivious to the passage of time. The tunnel was already pitch dark, and all they could faintly hear was the pouring rain outside. They didn’t care, and kept working until the sound of rain had long ceased and the moon had risen halfway into the sky before they stopped.

Everyone’s clothes were soaked with sweat, their faces, and even the tops of their heads were covered with mud.

Xiao’er’s fingernails were filled with yellow dirt. Her soft skin was accidentally scratched in some places, causing great discomfort. Everyone had advised her not to lift a finger, she could simply hold the lamp and direct them from the side. Nevertheless, she didn’t heed their advice and personally lent a hand. She did not do any less work than others!

The sight of a Princess who could enjoy wealth and endure hardship left her subordinates full of admiration. Indeed, their master had excellent taste. His chosen Princess was completely convincing! Although Shangguan Xuanyi was strict with his subordinates and those who made mistakes or failed to fulfill their duties would face stern punishment, he also shared both the good times and hardships with them. If his subordinates risked their lives protecting him, he would not hesitate to risk his own life to save them in return!

"Alright, we have finally completed it. Rest for a bit, then follow Brother Shangguan and my pace. Run as fast as you can forward! Don’t mind the noises of collapse from behind. As long as you keep running and follow my steps, you will be able to get out!"

After their rest, Shangguan Xuanyi stood up: "You all run right behind the Princess. Remember, wherever the Princess sets foot, you set foot. Don’t make any mistakes! I’ll cover the rear!"

Shangguan Xuanyi had marked the escape route on the map of the secret passage he had sketched, because it was winding and a bit long, he was worried they might forget some crucial steps. Therefore, he had Xiao’er lead the way and declared that he would be the last to leave.

Upon hearing this, Twelve immediately disagreed: "Master, let me cover the rear!"

The moment they stepped into the life gate, the tunnel would start to collapse from behind them. The last person to leave would undoubtedly be in the greatest danger!

"No need!" Shangguan Xuanyi responded conclusively in two words.

"But..."

"When did my decisions become subject to your doubt?" Shangguan Xuanyi cast Twelve a cold glance.

Twelve immediately lowered his head: "Your subordinate dares not!"

Xiao’er turned to the others: "I’ll count to three and we run. Get ready, we can’t leave anyone behind!"

The others nodded in agreement. Of course they must stick together, the person at the back was their master. If someone makes a misstep, their master’s life could be at stake!

However, Shangguan Xuanyi wasn’t worried. His people wouldn’t fail to perform such a simple task.

"One, two, three, run!" As soon as Xiao’er finished speaking, she stepped out with her right foot.

Zhao Yong followed behind Xiao’er. The moment her right foot was lifted, his came down on the exact spot where hers had been.

The others did the same.

They didn’t look at the figures ahead, didn’t notice the loud rumbles behind them, they just focused on their own footsteps.

The sound of collapse was very close. Dirt and stones fell from the roof of the tunnel onto their heads, but everyone dared not be distracted and dodge. They all focused on the ground beneath them, waiting for the next footstep of the person in front of them.

Half an hour later, Xiao’er was the first to run out, 0.1 seconds later, Zhao Yong followed. 0.2 seconds later Twelve came out... 0.9 seconds later, it was Shangguan Xuanyi who was the last to exit in a flying leap. Only half his body was out before the exit collapsed, narrowly missing his feet.

Xiao’er quickly reached out a hand to pull him out, saving his feet from being crushed by falling debris.

Immediately after, the entire secret passage collapsed with a rumble, dust soaring high into the sky.

Everyone had managed to escape. They all exhaled deeply, then realized they were all bruised and bleeding.

The only one who escaped unscathed was Xiao’er, who led the way.

Seeing Xiao’er safe and sound, Shangguan Xuanyi heaved a sigh of relief. Even though he was the last one out, because he knew the route and didn’t need to follow the steps of the person in front of him, he was able to spare some attention for the falling rocks from above. As a result, his injuries were minimal, with just a few scratches.

The collapse of the secret passage left a huge hole. Eighteen stared at this hole, which was only about one acre in size: "Damn! Was this small space where we were trapped for a whole day?!" He had assumed that the secret passage that trapped him would be at least half the size of the Imperial City, otherwise, how could there have been so many paths!

"What else did you expect? How big did you think it was?" barked Twelve. Lack of experience was truly terrible. Thankfully, he had previously protected the Princess and had seen formations! Otherwise, he would have been as naive as this imbecile!